bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loss of function of Arabidopsis NADP‐malic enzyme 1 results in enhanced tolerance to aluminum stress
Authors: Badia Mariana Beatriz , Maurino Verónica Graciela , Pavlovic Tatiana , Arias Cintia Lucía , Pagani María Ayelén , Andreo Carlos Santiago , Saigo Mariana , Drincovich María Fabiana , Gerrard Wheeler Mariel Claudia 
Published: October 2019

SummaryIn acidic soils, aluminum (Al) toxicity is a significant limitation to crop production worldwide. Given its Al‐binding capacity, malate allows internal as well as external detoxification strategies to cope with Al stress, but little is known about the metabolic processes involved in this response. Here, we analyzed the relevance of NADP‐dependent malic enzyme (NADP‐ME), which catalyzes the oxidative decarboxylation of malate, in Al tolerance. Plants lacking NADP‐ME1 (nadp‐me1) display reduced inhibition of root elongation along Al treatment compared with the wild type (wt). Moreover, wt roots exposed to Al show a drastic decrease in NADP‐ME1 transcript levels. Although malate levels in seedlings and root exudates are similar in nadp‐me1 and wt, a significant increase in intracellular malate is observed in roots of nadp‐me1 after long exposure to Al. The nadp‐me1 plants also show a lower H2O2 content in root apices treated with Al and no inhibition of root elongation when exposed to glutamate, an amino acid implicated in Al signaling. Proteomic studies showed several differentially expressed proteins involved in signal transduction, primary metabolism and protection against biotic and other abiotic stimuli and redox processes in nadp‐me1, which may participate directly or indirectly in Al tolerance. The results indicate that NADP‐ME1 is involved in adjusting the malate levels in the root apex, and its loss results in an increased content of this organic acid. Furthermore, the results suggest that NADP‐ME1 affects signaling processes, such as the generation of reactive oxygen species and those that involve glutamate, which could lead to inhibition of root growth.
The impact of patient blood management on blood utilization and clinical outcomes in complex spine surgery
Authors: Visagie Mereze , Qin Caroline X. , Cho Brian C. , Merkel Kevin R. , Kajstura Tymoteusz J. , Amin Raj M. , Purvis Taylor E. , Kebaish Khaled M. , Frank Steven M. 
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUNDPatient blood management (PBM) is especially applicable in major spine surgery, during which bleeding and transfusion are common. What remains unclear in this setting is the overall impact of bundled PBM measures on transfusion requirements and clinical outcomes. We compared these outcomes before and after implementing a PBM program.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe conducted a retrospective review of 928 adult complex spine surgery patients performed by a single surgeon between January 2009 and June 2016. Although PBM measures were phased in over time, tranexamic acid (TXA) administration became standard protocol in July 2013, which defined our pre‐ and post‐PBM periods. Transfusion rates for all blood components before and after PBM implementation were compared, as were morbid event rates and mortality.RESULTSBaseline characteristics were similar before and after PBM. Before PBM, the mean number of units/patient decreased for red blood cells (RBCs; by 19.5%; p = 0.0057) and plasma (by 33%; p = 0.0008), but not for platelets (p = 0.15). After risk adjustment by multivariable analyses, the composite outcome of morbidity or mortality showed a nonsignificant trend toward improvement after PBM (odds ratio [OR], 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.39‐1.01; p = 0.055), and the risk of thrombotic events was unchanged (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.42‐2.58; p = 0.80).CONCLUSIONIn complex spine surgery, a multifaceted PBM program that includes TXA can be advantageous by reducing transfusion requirements without changing clinical outcomes.
Acute mesenteric ischemia–like syndrome associated with suspected Spirocerca lupi aberrant migration in dogs
Authors: Lerman Omer , Israeli Inbar , Weingram Tomer , Benzioni‐Bar Hadas , Milgram Josh , Shipov Anna 
Published: October 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo describe acute mesenteric infarction due to suspected Spirocerca lupi aberrant migration in 5 dogs.Case Series SummaryAll dogs were large breed, none of which exhibited typical clinical signs associated with spirocercosis. All dogs were eventually diagnosed with septic peritonitis. On exploratory laparotomy, thickening of the jejunal arteries, surrounding mesojejunum, and segmental necrosis were identified. Similar thickening and hematoma formation were found in other regions of the mesentery. In 4 of the cases, the necrotic segment was located in the distal jejunum. Histology revealed thrombotic mesenteric vessels with intralesional S. lupi nematode larvae. Resection and anastomosis of the necrosed section was performed and all but 1 dog survived and were discharged within 1–6 days.New or Unique Information ProvidedSpirocerca lupi is a potential cause of mesenteric infarction in endemic areas when no other obvious etiology is identified.
Toxic elements in packed red blood cells from smoker donors: a risk for paediatric transfusion?
Authors: Boehm Renata , Cohen Carolina , Pulcinelli Rianne , Caletti Greice , Balsan Almeri , Nascimento Sabrina , Rocha Rafael , Calderon Enrique , Saint’Pierre Tatiana , Garcia Solange , Sekine Leo , Onsten Tor , Gioda Adriana , Gomez Rosane 
Published: October 2019

Background and ObjectivesSmokers currently have no defined restrictions for blood donation. However, cigarette smoke contains toxic substances such as carbon monoxide (CO) and trace elements that can affect the packed red blood cells (PRBCs) quality and safety of transfusion. This study evaluated the effects of smoking on the concentration of essential and trace elements and on carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels in PRBCs from smoker donors.Materials and MethodsA matched case–control study was conducted to compare COHb levels, determined by the CO‐oximetry method, and levels of trace (Cd, Pb, Cr, Ni, As and Hg) and essential (Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Se and Zn) elements evaluated by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, in PRBCs from smoker (n = 36) and non‐smoker (n = 36) donors at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Brazil.ResultsMean COHb level was 14 times higher in the PRBCs obtained from smoker donors (5·9 [4·0–9·1] vs. 0·4 [0·2–0·8]%). Cadmium (1·0 [1·0‐1·8] μg/l vs. undetectable) and lead (27 [21–36] vs. 19 [14–26] μg/l) levels were significantly higher in the PRBCs from smokers. Moreover, except for molybdenum, levels of all essential elements were lower in smoker PRBCs.ConclusionThe PRBCs donated by smokers contain toxic elements that are probably not safe for transfusion in children. Our results might support changes in the current guidelines of blood banks to improve the transfusion safety through inclusion of inquiry about smoking in the clinical screening, labelling and reserve PRBCs from smoker donors for adults or less critical recipients.
Fabrication and Experiment of an Automatic Continuum Robot System Using Image Recognition
Authors: Na Yeong-min , Lee Hyun-seok , Park Jong-kyu 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
This paper proposes a continuum robot that can be controlled automatically using image recognition. The proposed robot can operate in narrower spaces than the existing robots composed of links and joints. In addition, because it is automatically controlled through image recognition, the robot can be operated irrespective of the human controller's skill level. The manipulator is divided into two stages, with three wires connected to each stage to minimize the energy used to control the manipulator posture. The manipulator's posture is controlled by adjusting the length of the wire, similar to the relaxation and contraction of the muscles. Denavit–Hartenberg transformation and the Monte Carlo method were used to analyze the robot's kinematics and workspace. In a performance test, an experimental plate with nine targets was fabricated and the manipulator speed was adjusted to 5, 10, and 20 mm/s. Experimental results show that the manipulator was automatically controlled and reached all targets, with errors of 2.58, 3.28, and 9.18 mm.
The Influence of Hip Structure on Functional Valgus Collapse During a Single-Leg Forward Landing in Females
Authors: Hogg Jennifer A. , Schmitz Randy J. , Shultz Sandra J. 
Published: October 2019

Clinical femoral anteversion (Craig test) and hip range of motion (ROM) have been associated with valgus collapse, but their clinical usefulness in predicting biomechanics is unknown. Our purpose was to determine the individual and combined predictive power of femoral anteversion and passive hip ROM on 3-dimensional valgus collapse (hip internal rotation and adduction, knee rotation, and abduction) during a single-leg forward landing in females. Femoral anteversion and passive hip ROM were measured on 20 females (24.9 [4.1] y, 168.7 [8.0] cm, 63.8 [11.6] kg). Three-dimensional kinematics and kinetics were collected over 5 trials of the task. Each variable was averaged across trials. Backward, stepwise regressions determined the extent to which our independent variables were associated with valgus collapse. The combination of greater hip internal and external rotation ROM (partial r = .52 and .56) predicted greater peak knee internal rotation moment (R2 = .38, P = .02). Less hip internal rotation ROM (partial r = −.44) predicted greater peak knee abduction moments (R2 = .20, P = .05). Greater total hip ROM (internal and external rotation ROM) was not consistently associated with combined motions of valgus collapse but was indicative of isolated knee moments. Passive hip ROM is more associated with knee moments than is femoral anteversion as measured with Craig test.
Understanding the Relationship Between Pet Ownership and Physical Activity Among Older Community-Dwelling Adults—A Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Peacock Mandy , Netto Julie , Yeung Polly , McVeigh Joanne , Hill Anne-Marie 
Published: October 2019

Pet ownership is associated with increased levels of physical activity (PA) in older adults. Studies have mainly focused on the association between PA and dog walking; however, broader aspects of pet ownership may influence PA. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between pet ownership and incidental and purposeful PA using a mixed methods approach. Participants’ (N = 15) PA was measured for 7 days using accelerometers and diaries. Semistructured interviews explored participants’ perspectives regarding pet-related activities. Participants’ mean (SD) daily step count was 14,204 (5,061) steps, and mean (SD) sedentary time per day was 8.76 (1.18) hr. Participants strongly concurred that their pets were an integral part of their daily lives. Incidental and purposeful PA resulted from participants undertaking pet care and socially interacting with their pets. Pets may interrupt sedentary behaviors by nudging older adults to engage in PA as part of their daily lived experience.
Predictor Selection Using Lasso to Examine the Association of Motor Proficiency, Postural Control, Visual Efficiency, and Behavior With the Academic Skills of Elementary School-Aged Children
Authors: Immekus Jason C. , Muntis Franklin , Terson de Paleville Daniela 
Published: October 2019

The associations between motor proficiency, postural control, and visual efficiency with teacher and parent ratings of children’s behavior and academic skills were examined among a sample of elementary school-aged children (N = 50). Teacher and parent ratings of students’ academic skills were analyzed separately to examine the predictive nature of measures of motor proficiency. Spearman rank order correlations reported low to moderate relationships between motor proficiency, postural control, and children’s behavior (e.g., ADHD inattention) and academic skills. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) procedure is demonstrated as an approach for variable selection of measures of children’s motor proficiency, postural control, and visual efficiency to predict academic skills. For teacher and parent ratings of academic skills, ADHD symptom of inattention was the strongest model predictor, whereas directional control (postural control) was also a predictor for parent ratings. Study findings shed light on practical and methodological factors associated with motor skills in educational contexts.
A Mathematical Model to Examine Issues Associated With Using Portable Force-Measurement Technologies to Collect Infant Postural Data
Authors: Chagdes James R. , Liddy Joshua J. , Arnold Amanda J. , Claxton Laura J. , Haddad Jeffrey M. 
Published: October 2019

Portable force-measurement technologies are becoming increasingly popular tools to examine the maturation of postural motor milestones, such as sitting and standing, in infants. These convenient, low-cost devices provide numerous opportunities to characterize postural development outside of the laboratory. However, it is important to understand the unique challenges and technical limitations associated with collecting center of pressure (CoP) data using portable force-measurement technologies in infant populations. This study uses a mathematical model to examine issues that emerge when using portable force-measurement technologies to collect sitting and standing postural data in infants. The results of our mathematical simulations demonstrate that the CoP errors from portable force-measurement technologies depend on the posture examined (e.g., sitting vs. standing), the anthropometrics of the person (e.g., height and weight), the frequency of body sway, and the experimental setup (e.g., an additional support surface being placed on top of the device). Recommendations are provided for developmental researchers interested in adopting these technologies in infant populations.
Serum biomarkers in patients suspected of transient ischaemic attack in primary care: a diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Dolmans Louis Servaas , Rutten Frans , Bartelink Marie-Louise E L , van Dijk Ewoud J , Nederkoorn Paul J , Kappelle Jaap , Hoes Arno W 
Published: October 2019

ObjectiveThe diagnosis of transient ischaemic attack (TIA) based on symptoms and signs can be challenging and would greatly benefit from a rapid serum biomarker of brain ischaemia. We aimed to quantify the added diagnostic value of serum biomarkers in patients suspected of TIA beyond symptoms and signs.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study with a 6-month follow-up period. Participants were patients suspected of TIA by the general practitioner (GP) in whom a blood sample could be collected within 72 hours from symptom onset. A research nurse visited the participant for the blood sample and a standardised interview. The GP referred participants to the regional TIA service. An expert panel of three neurologists classified cases as TIA, minor stroke or any other diagnosis, based on all available diagnostic information including the GP’s and neurologist’s correspondence and the follow-up period. We used multivariable logistic regression analyses to quantify the diagnostic accuracy of clinical predictors and the improvement of accuracy by seven biomarkers (NR2, NR2 antibodies, PARK7, NDKA, UFD1, B-FABP and H-FABP).Results206 patients suspected of TIA participated, of whom 126 (61.2%) were diagnosed with TIA (n=104) or minor stroke (n=22) by the expert panel. The median time from symptom onset to the blood sample collection was 48.0 (IQR 28.3–56.8) hours. None of the seven biomarkers had discriminative value in the diagnosis of TIA, with C-statistics ranging from 0.45 to 0.58. The final multivariable model (C-statistic 0.83 (0.78–0.89)) consisted of eight clinical predictors of TIA/minor stroke: increasing age, a history of coronary artery disease, sudden onset of symptoms, occurrence of symptoms in full intensity, dysarthria, no history of migraine, absence of loss of consciousness and absence of headache. Addition of the individual biomarkers did not further increase the C-statistics.ConclusionsCurrently available blood biomarkers have no added diagnostic value in suspected TIA.Trial registration numberNCT01954329
Sites in the oropharynx reached by different methods of using mouthwash: clinical implication for oropharyngeal gonorrhoea prevention
Authors: Maddaford Kate , Fairley Christopher K , Trumpour Sabrina , Chung Mark , Chow Eric P F 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivesOropharyngeal gonorrhoea is increasing among men who have sex with men and is commonly found in the tonsils and at the posterior pharyngeal wall. To address this rise, investigators are currently trialling mouthwash to prevent oropharyngeal gonorrhoea. We aimed to determine which parts of the oropharynx were reached by different methods of mouthwash use (oral rinse, oral gargle and oral spray).MethodsTwenty staff at Melbourne Sexual Health Centre participated in the study from March to May 2018. Participants were asked to use mouthwash mixed with food dye, by three application methods on three separate days: oral rinse (15 s and 60 s), oral gargle (15 s and 60 s) and oral spray (10 and 20 times). Photographs were taken after using each method. Three authors assessed the photographs of seven anatomical areas (tongue base, soft palate, uvula, anterior tonsillar pillar, posterior tonsillar pillar, tonsil, posterior pharyngeal wall) independently and scored the dye coverage from 0% to 100%. Scores were then averaged.ResultsThe mean coverage at the sites ranged from 2 to 100. At the posterior pharyngeal wall, spraying 10 times had the highest mean coverage (29%) and was higher than a 15 s rinse (2%, p=0.001) or a 15 s gargle (8%, p=0.016). At the tonsils, there was no difference in mean coverage between spray and gargle at any dosage, but spraying 20 times had a higher mean coverage than a 15 s rinse (42% vs 12%, p=0.012).ConclusionOverall, spray is more effective at reaching the tonsils and posterior pharyngeal wall compared with rinse and gargle. If mouthwash is effective in preventing oropharyngeal gonorrhoea, application methods that have greater coverage may be more efficacious.
Energy-efficient Static Task Scheduling on VFI-based NoC-HMPSoCs for Intelligent Edge Devices in Cyber-physical Systems
Authors: Tariq Umair Ullah , Ali Haider , Liu Lu , Panneerselvam John , Zhai Xiaojun 
Published: October 2019

The interlinked processing units in modern Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) creates a large network of connected computing embedded systems. Network-on-Chip (NoC)-based Multiprocessor System-on-Chip (MPSoC) architecture is becoming a de facto computing platform for real-time applications due to its higher performance and Quality-of-Service (QoS). The number of processors has increased significantly on the multiprocessor systems in CPS; therefore, Voltage Frequency Island (VFI) has been recently adopted for effective energy management mechanism in the large-scale multiprocessor chip designs. In this article, we investigated energy-efficient and contention-aware static scheduling for tasks with precedence and deadline constraints on intelligent edge devices deploying heterogeneous VFI-based NoC-MPSoCs (VFI-NoC-HMPSoC) with DVFS-enabled processors. Unlike the existing population-based optimization algorithms, we proposed a novel population-based algorithm called ARSH-FATI that can dynamically switch between explorative and exploitative search modes at run-time. Our static scheduler ARHS-FATI collectively performs task mapping, scheduling, and voltage scaling. Consequently, its performance is superior to the existing state-of-the-art approach proposed for homogeneous VFI-based NoC-MPSoCs. We also developed a communication contention-aware Earliest Edge Consistent Deadline First (EECDF) scheduling algorithm and gradient descent--inspired voltage scaling algorithm called Energy Gradient Decent (EGD). We introduced a notion of Energy Gradient (EG) that guides EGD in its search for island voltage settings and minimize the total energy consumption.
We conducted the experiments on eight real benchmarks adopted from Embedded Systems Synthesis Benchmarks (E3S). Our static scheduling approach ARSH-FATI outperformed state-of-the-art technique and achieved an average energy-efficiency of ∼24% and ∼30% over CA-TMES-Search and CA-TMES-Quick, respectively.
Supporting Dynamic Workflows with Automatic Extraction of Goals from BPMN
Authors: Sabatucci Luca , Cossentino Massimo 
Published: October 2019

Organizations willing to employ workflow technology have to be prepared to undertake a significant investment of time and effort due to the exceptionally dynamic nature of the business environment. Today, it is unlikely that processes are modeled once to be repeatedly executed without any changes. Goal-oriented dynamic workflows are a promising approach to provide flexibility to the execution of business processes. Many goal-oriented frameworks exist in the literature to be used for the purpose. However, modeling goals is a burden for the business analyst.This work proposes an automatic approach for extracting goals from a business process for supporting adaptive workflows. The approach consists of a static analysis of the global workflow state. Goals derive from individual BPMN elements and their interactions.For validating the theory, we developed the BPMN2Goals tool, which has been used for supporting a middleware for self-adaptation.
Everolimus, Letrozole, and Metformin in Women with Advanced or Recurrent Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer: A Multi-Center, Single Arm, Phase II Study
Authors: Soliman Pamela T. , Westin Shannon N. , Iglesias David A. , Fellman Bryan M. , Yuan Ying , Zhang Qian , Yates Melinda S. , Broaddus Russell R. , Slomovitz Brian M. , Lu Karen H. , Coleman Robert L. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Purpose:
Treatment for patients with recurrent endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) are limited as paclitaxel is the only second-line chemotherapy with a response rate &gt;13%. Targeting PIK3/mTOR in combination with hormonal therapy has shown promise. The addition of metformin may enhance this response. We conducted a phase II study evaluating everolimus, letrozole, and metformin in advanced/recurrent EEC.

Patients and Methods:
A Simon two-stage design was employed. Women with ≤2 prior chemotherapy regimens for recurrence were eligible. Pretreatment biopsy was required, followed by everolimus 10 mg orally, letrozole 2.5 mg orally, and metformin 500 mg orally twice a day on a 4-week cycle. The primary endpoint was clinical benefit (CB), defined as complete response (CR), partial response (PR), or stable disease (SD) confirmed at 16 weeks. Patients were treated until progression or toxicity.

Results:
Sixty-two patients were enrolled. Median age was 62 years (40–77) with 401 cycles completed, median of 6 cycles (1–31). Fifty-four patients were evaluable for response with a CB rate of 50% (27/54). Best overall response (OR) was PR 28% (15/54) and SD 22% (12/54). Thirteen patients received &gt;12 cycles. Median follow-up was 17.9 months (2–47). Median progression-free survival was 5.7 [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.0–8.1] and OS was 19.6 months (95% CI, 14.2–26.3). Positive progesterone receptor expression was associated with CB (89.5% vs. 27.3%, P = 0.001).

Conclusions:
Everolimus, letrozole, and metformin resulted in 50% CB and 28% OR in women with recurrent EEC. Progesterone receptor–positive tumors may have better response; validation studies are needed.
See related commentary by Madariaga et al., p. 523