bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of soybean crop structure on large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) growth and seed dormancy
Authors: Oreja Fernando H. , Batlla Diego , de la Fuente Elba B. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCrop–weed interactions are affected by environmental alterations resulting from a crop’s presence, such as modifications in temperature, light quality and quantity, and moisture conditions that could modify weed performance. The objectives of this work were to study (1) how soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] crop structure modifies the environment under the canopy and large crabgrass [Digitaria sanguinalis(L.) Scop.] plant structure, biomass, and seed production and dormancy; and (2) the relative importance of these environmental changes on the weed’s characteristics. A field experiment in a completely randomized block design with five replicates was performed to evaluate narrow and wide interrow spacing and soybean maturity groups 3 and 4. Measured variables were intercepted solar radiation (RAD); red–far red (R-FR) ratio; humidity; minimum, maximum, and alternating temperatures; and weed biomass, tillers per plant, height, and seed dormancy. Crop canopy reduced solar radiation, R-FR ratio, and daily average maximum and alternating temperatures. Soybean presence reduced the weed biomass, tillers and seeds per plant, and seed dormancy. High solar radiation intercepted by the crop during the reproductive phase was the main environmental variable related to reductions in weed biomass, tillers per plant, and fecundity. The combination of low temperature and solar radiation received by developing seeds was more related to seed dormancy than the rest of the variables. Crop management decisions focused on the fact that keeping the crop canopy alive for a longer time at the end of the season would not only reduce the weed growth but also seed dormancy.
The Self-Concept and Identity Measure in Adolescents
Authors: Bogaerts Annabel , Claes Laurence , Buelens Tinne , Gandhi Amarendra , Kiekens Glenn , Bastiaens Tim , Luyckx Koen 
Published: March 2021

Abstract. Identity difficulties have been associated with various psychiatric conditions and are considered a central issue in personality pathology. Following the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders, measures of self- and interpersonal functioning have been developed. Although these measures were intended to be separate ratings of self-other deficits, only a global rating was obtained. Moreover, these measures fall short in bridging the gap between developmental and clinical identity work. To capture both adaptive and disturbed identity dimensions, Kaufman et al. (2015) developed the Self-Concept and Identity Measure (SCIM) that assesses consolidated identity, disturbed identity, and lack of identity. Using two-wave longitudinal data (2,150 adolescents; 54.2% girls; age range = 12–19), this study investigated the factor structure and reliability of the Dutch SCIM, its measurement invariance across time, its longitudinal measurement invariance across gender and age groups, and associations of the SCIM with identity synthesis and confusion, Big-Five personality traits, and borderline personality disorder features. Consolidated identity scores were positively related to identity synthesis and adaptive Big-Five traits, whereas negatively related to identity confusion, neuroticism, and borderline features. Opposite associations were obtained for disturbed identity and lack of identity scores. The Dutch SCIM appeared to produce valid and reliable scores and seemed suited to assess longitudinal identity functioning in Belgian adolescents.
The role of miR-200b/c in balancing EMT and proliferation revealed by an activity reporter
Authors: Gollavilli Paradesi Naidu , Parma Beatrice , Siddiqui Aarif , Yang Hai , Ramesh Vignesh , Napoli Francesca , Schwab Annemarie , Natesan Ramakrishnan , Mielenz Dirk , Asangani Irfan Ahmed , Brabletz Thomas , Pilarsky Christian , Ceppi Paolo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSince their discovery, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been widely studied in almost every aspect of biology and medicine, leading to the identification of important gene regulation circuits and cellular mechanisms. However, investigations are generally focused on the analysis of their downstream targets and biological functions in overexpression and knockdown approaches, while miRNAs endogenous levels and activity remain poorly understood. Here, we used the cellular plasticity-regulating process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a model to show the efficacy of a fluorescent sensor to separate cells with distinct EMT signatures, based on miR-200b/c activity. The system was further combined with a CRISPR-Cas9 screening platform to unbiasedly identify miR-200b/c upstream regulating genes. The sensor allows to infer miRNAs fundamental biological properties, as profiling of sorted cells indicated miR-200b/c as a molecular switch between EMT differentiation and proliferation, and suggested a role for metabolic enzymes in miR-200/EMT regulation. Analysis of miRNAs endogenous levels and activity for in vitro and in vivo applications could lead to a better understanding of their biological role in physiology and disease.
Lymph node metastasis-derived gastric cancer cells educate bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells via YAP signaling activation by exosomal Wnt5a
Authors: Wang Mei , Zhao Xinxin , Qiu Rong , Gong Zheng , Huang Feng , Yu Wanjun , Shen Bo , Sha Xin , Dong Haibo , Huang Jiaying , Wang Lin , Zhu Wei , Xu Wenrong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLymph node metastasis (LNM), a common metastatic gastric-cancer (GC) route, is closely related to poor prognosis in GC patients. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) preferentially engraft at metastatic lesions. Whether BM-MSCs are specifically reprogrammed by LNM-derived GC cells (LNM-GCs) and incorporated into metastatic LN microenvironment to prompt GC malignant progression remains unknown. Herein, we found that LNM-GCs specifically educated BM-MSCs via secretory exosomes. Exosomal Wnt5a was identified as key protein mediating LNM-GCs education of BM-MSCs, which was verified by analysis of serum exosomes collected from GC patients with LNM. Wnt5a-enriched exosomes induced YAP dephosphorylation in BM-MSCs, whereas Wnt5a-deficient exosomes exerted the opposite effect. Inhibition of YAP signaling by verteporfin blocked LNM-GC exosome- and serum exosome-mediated reprogramming in BM-MSCs. Analysis of MSC-like cells obtained from metastatic LN tissues of GC patients (GLN-MSCs) confirmed that BM-MSCs incorporated into metastatic LN microenvironment, and that YAP activation participated in maintaining their tumor-promoting phenotype and function. Collectively, our results show that LNM-GCs specifically educated BM-MSCs via exosomal Wnt5a-elicited activation of YAP signaling. This study provides new insights into the mechanisms of LNM in GC and BM-MSC reprogramming, and will provide potential therapeutic targets and detection indicators for GC patients with LNM.
Germline FFPE inherited cancer panel testing in deceased family members: implications for clinical management of unaffected relatives
Authors: Bennett Sarah , Alexander Elizabeth , Fraser Harry , Bowers Naomi , Wallace Andrew , Woodward Emma R. , Lalloo Fiona , Quinn Anne Marie , Huang Shuwen , Schlecht Helene , Evans D. Gareth 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWhere previously, germline genetic testing in deceased affected relatives was not possible due to the absence of lymphocytic DNA, the North-West-Genomic-Laboratory Hub (NWGLH) has developed and validated next-generation sequencing based gene panels utilising formalin-fixed-paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue DNA from deceased individuals. This technology has been utilised in the clinical setting for the management of unaffected relatives seen in the Clinical Genetics Service (CGS). Here we assess the clinical impact. At the time of data collection, the NWGLH had analysed 180 FFPE tissue samples from deceased affected individuals: 134 from breast and/or ovarian cancer cases for germline variants in the BRCA1/BRCA2 genes and 46 from colorectal, gastric, ovarian and endometrial cancer cases for germline variants in a panel of 13 genes implicated in inherited colorectal cancer and gastric cancer conditions. Successful analysis was achieved in 140/180 cases (78%). In total, 29 germline pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants were identified in autosomal dominant cancer predisposition genes where the gene was pertinent to the cancer family history (including BRCA1/BRCA2, the mismatch-repair genes and APC). Of the 180 cases, the impact of the result on clinical management of unaffected relatives was known in 143 cases. Of these, the results in 54 cases (38%) directly impacted the clinical management of relatives seen by the CGS. This included changes to risk assessments, screening recommendations and the availability of predictive genetic testing to unaffected relatives. Our data demonstrate how FFPE testing in deceased relatives is an accurate and informative tool in the clinical management of patients referred to the CGS.
Selection of reference genes for gene expression analysis in Liriodendron hybrids’ somatic embryogenesis and germinative tissues
Authors: Li Tingting , Yuan Weigao , Qiu Shuai , Shi Jisen 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe differential expression of genes is crucial for plant somatic embryogenesis (SE), and the accurate quantification of gene expression levels relies on choosing appropriate reference genes. To select the most suitable reference genes for SE studies, 10 commonly used reference genes were examined in synchronized somatic embryogenic and subsequent germinative cultures of Liriodendron hybrids by using quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR. Four popular normalization algorithms: geNorm, NormFinder, Bestkeeper and Delta-Ct were used to select and validate the suitable reference genes. The results showed that elongation factor 1-gamma, histone H1 linker protein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and α-tubulin were suitable for SE tissues, while elongation factor 1-gamma and actin were best for the germinative organ tissues. Our work will benefit future studies of gene expression and functional analyses of SE in Liriodendron hybrids. It is also serves as a guide of reference gene selection in early embryonic gene expression analyses for other woody plant species.
Physical fitness reference standards for Chinese children and adolescents
Authors: Zhang Feng , Bi Cunjian , Yin Xiaojian , Chen Qi , Li Yuqiang , Liu Yuan , Zhang Ting , Li Ming , Sun Yi , Yang Xiaofang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTo develop age- and sex-specific physical fitness reference standards and express the age- and sex-related differences using standardized effect sizes for Chinese children and adolescents. A total of 85,535 children and adolescents (48.7% girls) aged 7–18 years were recruited from six geographical divisions of China using a stratified randomized cluster sampling method. Seven physical fitness items including grip strength, standing long jump, 30-s sit-ups, sit and reach, 50-m dash, 20-s repeated straddling, and 20-m SRT were measured following a standardized procedure. Percentile curves for each physical fitness test were calculated using the LMS. Age- and sex-related differences were expressed as standardized effect sizes. We observed that the performance improved with age along with the analyzed percentiles in all tests. Boys had higher values compared to girls in all the physical fitness items except for sit and reach test, where girls showed better performance in all analyzed percentiles. Also, the sex differences increased with ages except sit and reach. There is a need for a differentiated approach in the physical education class in terms of adjustment of physical activity based on sex, level of fitness abilities in China.
Quantifying the effects of medium voltage–low voltage distribution network constraints and distributed energy resource reactive power capabilities on aggregators
Authors: Gutierrez‐Lagos Luis , Petrou Kyriacos , Ochoa Luis Fernando 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDistributed energy resources (DER), such as, photovoltaic systems and batteries, are becoming common among households. Although the main objective is reducing electricity imports (bills), they could also provide system‐level services via an aggregator. However, the more DER provide services, the more important is ensuring that the corresponding operation does not result in network issues. To help DER aggregators understand the implications of network constraints, an AC optimal power flow‐based methodology is proposed to quantify the effects that three‐phase low voltage (LV) and medium voltage (MV) network constraints can have on the volume of services that can be provided for a given horizon, and the potential benefits from using DER reactive power capabilities. Using a convex multi‐period formulation that avoids binary variables for batteries and incorporates voltage‐dependent load models, the methodology maximizes DER exports (services) for service‐related periods and household self‐consumption for other periods (reducing bills). Different service periods are assessed to explore the extent of services throughout the day. Results using a realistic UK MV‐LV network with 2400+ households, show that aggregator services can be highly overestimated when neglecting MV‐LV network constraints, are influenced by voltage‐demand load characteristics, and that exploiting DER reactive power capabilities can significantly unlock further services.
Questions and Controversies in the Clinical Application of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors to Treat Patients with Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma: Expert Perspectives
Authors: Verburg Frederik A. , Amthauer Holger , Binse Ina , Brink Ingo , Buck Andreas , Darr Andreas , Dierks Christine , Koch Christine , König Ute , Kreissl Michael C. , Luster Markus , Reuter Christoph , Scheidhauer Klemens , Willenberg Holger Sven , Zielke Andreas , Schott Matthias 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNotwithstanding regulatory approval of lenvatinib and sorafenib to treat
radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma (RAI-R DTC),
important questions and controversies persist regarding this use of these
tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). RAI-R DTC experts from German tertiary
referral centers convened to identify and explore such issues; this paper
summarizes their discussions. One challenge is determining when to start TKI
therapy. Decision-making should be shared between patients and
multidisciplinary caregivers, and should consider tumor size/burden,
growth rate, and site(s), the key drivers of RAI-R DTC morbidity and
mortality, along with current and projected tumor-related symptomatology,
co-morbidities, and performance status. Another question involves choice of
first-line TKIs. Currently, lenvatinib is generally preferred, due to
greater increase in progression-free survival versus placebo treatment and
higher response rate in its pivotal trial versus that of sorafenib;
additionally, in those studies, lenvatinib but not sorafenib showed overall
survival benefit in subgroup analysis. Whether recommended maximum or lower
TKI starting doses better balance anti-tumor effects versus tolerability is
also unresolved. Exploratory analyses of lenvatinib pivotal study data
suggest dose-response effects, possibly favoring higher dosing; however,
results are awaited of a prospective comparison of lenvatinib starting
regimens. Some controversy surrounds determination of net therapeutic
benefit, the key criterion for continuing TKI therapy: if tolerability is
acceptable, overall disease control may justify further treatment despite
limited but manageable progression. Future research should assess potential
guideposts for starting TKIs; fine-tune dosing strategies and further
characterize antitumor efficacy; and evaluate interventions to prevent
and/or treat TKI toxicity, particularly palmar-plantar
erythrodysesthesia and fatigue.
Pathogenic LRRK2 regulates ciliation probability upstream of tau tubulin kinase 2 via Rab10 and RILPL1 proteins
Authors: Sobu Yuriko , Wawro Paulina S. , Dhekne Herschel S. , Yeshaw Wondwossen M. , Pfeffer Suzanne R. 
Published: March 2021

Significance
Mutations that activate LRRK2 protein kinase cause Parkinson's disease. LRRK2 phosphorylates a subset of Rab GTPases, in particular Rab8 and Rab10. We show here details related to the mechanism by which Rab10 phosphorylation blocks initiation of cilia formation, fundamental information related to how pathogenic LRRK2 interferes with normal cell physiology.
Local induction of bladder Th1 responses to combat urinary tract infections
Authors: Wu Jianxuan , Bao Chunjing , Reinhardt R. Lee , Abraham Soman N. 
Published: March 2021

SignificanceUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common bacterial infections. Caring for UTI patients is very difficult and often perplexing. We typically view our immune system as an adaptive line of defense that becomes more responsive to specific pathogens after episodes of infection. However, the opposite is seen in these patients, in whom each infection actually increases the risk of a subsequent infection. Our group recently identified the underlying basis as a highly Th2-biased response in bladder that inhibits Th1-mediated bacterial clearance. To resolve this situation, we investigated whether immunizing mice intravesically with bacterial antigens combined with a Th1-skewing adjuvant (CpG) would evoke a more balanced and protective immune response.
Advancing ambulatory pharmacy practice through a crisis: Objectives and strategies used in an ambulatory care action team’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Do Tina , Luon Steph , Boothe Kimberly , Stutsky Martha , Renauer Marie 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Purpose
The objectives and strategies used by an ambulatory care action team operating within a large health system’s pharmacy incident command structure during the initial response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic are discussed.

Summary
In a time of crisis, a pharmacy ambulatory action team was formed to provide ambulatory clinical pharmacy expertise and meet an immediate and ongoing need to limit nonemergent care during the COVID-19 pandemic. By building a strong communication infrastructure and partnership with ambulatory care providers, clinic medical and operational leaderships, clinical laboratory staff, and infusion centers, the team was able to swiftly execute solutions and respond to new issues and requests. Ambulatory care pharmacy practice continued to advance through provision of services to vulnerable patient populations with chronic conditions that were anticipated to experience gaps in care management during the COVID-19 pandemic. These efforts resulted in expansion of pharmacists’ involvement in collaborative drug therapy management, support of patients’ transition from in-clinic injection to home self-administration, provision of medication assistance support, and management of 1,300 patients via protocol-based warfarin management. Additionally, ambulatory pharmacy services in 15 primary care, anticoagulation, and specialty clinic sites were transitioned to telehealth. The ambulatory action team also implemented several strategies to manage medication therapy associated with COVID-19–related shortages and implemented electronic decision support to guide prescribing of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin.

Conclusion
Building a strong communication infrastructure and a pharmacy ambulatory action team were essential to respond to a crisis and continue ambulatory clinical pharmacy services expansion.
Both Nonsmoking Youth and Smoking Adults Like Sweet and Minty E-liquid Flavors More Than Tobacco Flavor
Authors: Krüsemann Erna J Z , van Tiel Loes , Pennings Jeroen L A , Vaessen Wim , de Graaf Kees , Talhout Reinskje , Boesveldt Sanne 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Smokers may reduce their health risk by switching to electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use. As e-cigarettes are not harmless, concerns exist about e-cigarette use by nonsmokers and youth. E-liquids are available in many different flavors that increase sensory appeal. Flavor preferences may differ between user groups, which could open doors for product regulation. We investigated which e-liquid flavors are attractive to specific user groups by comparing liking between adolescent nonsmokers (n = 41; mean age 16.9 ± 0.8), young adult nonsmokers (n = 42; mean age 22.7 ± 1.7), and adult smokers (n = 56; mean age 39.7 ± 11.1). Participants smelled tobacco- (n = 6) and nontobacco (n = 24)-flavored e-liquids and rated liking on a 9-point labeled hedonic scale, and familiarity, overall intensity, perceived sweetness, perceived bitterness, and irritation of the odors on a 100-unit Visual Analog Scale. Mean liking ranged from 2.3 (whiskey) to 6.7 (peppermint). Within all groups, the typically sweet and minty flavors (e.g., wine gum, watermelon, peppermint, menthol) were liked significantly more than the tobacco-flavored e-liquids. The set of tobacco-flavored e-liquids was significantly, but slightly, less disliked by adult smokers (3.9 ± 0.2) than adolescent (3.1 ± 0.3) and young adult (3.4 ± 0.3) nonsmokers (P &lt; 0.001). No between-group differences were observed for sweet and minty flavors. Liking correlated significantly positively with odor sweetness (R = 0.49) and familiarity (R = 0.48) and negatively with odor bitterness (R = −0.58), irritation (R = −0.47), and overall intensity (R = −0.27). Thus, sweet- and minty-flavored e-liquids are liked equally by young nonsmokers and adult smokers, and more than tobacco flavors. Banning all flavors except tobacco will likely reduce e-cigarette appeal; potentially more for young nonsmokers than adult smokers.
The “Indirect Support” Loophole in the New SOE Norms: An Intentional Choice or Inadvertent Mistake?
Authors: Lee Jaemin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Recent trade agreements contain new norms on SOEs which set forth detailed provisions to regulate a wide range of activities of contracting parties’ governments and their SOEs. Given the increasing global attention to the operation of SOEs in international trade and investment, and their significant influence, the new norms provide important legal guidance and a useful platform for future discussions in this area. These new norms include: restriction of governmental support for SOEs, restriction of SOEs’ support for other SOEs, and prevention of anti-competitive activities of SOEs, among others. While arguably offering a first stride in the right direction, the new norms also include critical ambiguities and uncertainties as regards key concepts and principles, which could potentially render full implementation of the norms elusive and complex. In particular, these new norms contain provisions that could lead to significant circumvention due to its critical “ASCM-minus” approach. This loophole is arguably capable of undermining the basic objectives of the new SOE norms. This approach should be reconsidered in future formulation of SOE norms in trade agreements including a prospective new agreement on this issue at the WTO.