bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of pre-breeding diploid potato germplasm displaying wide phenotypic variations as induced by ethyl methane sulfonate mutagenesis
Authors: Somalraju Ashok , Ghose Kaushik , Main David , Bizimungu Benoit , Fofana Bourlaye 
Published: October 2018

Mutations are the key drivers for evolution and diversification in plants. In varietal selection, sources for variation are always sought as starting breeding materials. Thus, in the absence of desired natural variations in breeding populations, targeted or random mutagenesis is applied to induce variations. Cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is autotetraploid crop species with a narrow and highly heterozygous genetic base, and the complexity of its genome makes its genetic studies more difficult. In the current study, induced mutagenesis was performed in diploid potato using ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) to enlarge the genetic variability for its use as pre-breeding materials in both polyploid and diploid potato breeding. As starting materials, true potato seeds were treated with 1.2% EMS for 4–6 h along with untreated seeds as controls. A large variation in terms of germination rate, plant, flower, and tuber phenotype was observed in EMS-treated plants compared with their untreated counterparts. In particular, abnormal phenotypes including twisted stem, partial and (or) completely chlorotic leaves and stems, variations in stem colour and weak-stemmed plants with lateral growth habit as well as plants with determinate growth habit were observed along with normal plant characteristics. Moreover, variations in flower colour and tuber colour, shape, and size, as well as yield potential, were observed in EMS-treated lines. The reported phenotypic characterization of EMS mutagenized diploid potato collection is to our knowledge the first in its kind and represents a premium genetic resource for potato breeding programs and plant biologists for genes functional characterization in potato.
EXPLORING EMERGING ECOSYSTEM BOUNDARIES: DEFINING ‘THE GAME’
Authors: PHILLIPS MARK A. , SRAI JAGJIT SINGH 
Published: October 2018

The issue of boundary determination in ecosystems remains problematic which is exaggerated in a dynamic, emerging innovation context, with actors joining and leaving. As part of wider research, on how firms innovate in emerging ecosystems, the boundaries of several early innovation ecosystems were explored. Using evolutionary approaches, with extensive interviews and mapping, the wider ecosystem was initially researched. Then, five in-depth firm-focussed case studies were undertaken, and specific innovation ecosystem boundaries were mapped as they emerged and evolved. The findings point to ‘identity’, a common early approach, being limited as the ecosystem evolves. The influence of competence and relationships play an increasing role. It is suggested that as the innovation ecosystem develops through its lifecycle, different approaches aligned to Santos and Eisenhardt’s (2005) four foci can be employed, starting with identity, then competence, then power and finally issues of efficiency.
The influence of input excitation on the inter- and intra-day reliability of the motor unit firing rate versus recruitment threshold relationship
Authors: Colquhoun Ryan J. , Tomko Patrick M. , Magrini Mitchel A. , Muddle Tyler W. D. , Jenkins Nathaniel D. M. 
Published: October 2018

Decomposition of the surface electromyographic (sEMG) signal is commonly used to examine motor unit (MU) firing behavior. However, the intra- and inter-day reliability of these measurements has yet to be quantified or reported. This investigation 1) examined the effect of input excitation on the mean firing rate (MFR) vs. recruitment threshold (RT) relationship and 2) determined the inter- and intra-day reliability of the MFR vs. RT relationship at 30%, 50%, and 70% of maximum voluntary isometric strength (MVIC). Twenty-eight healthy males (23 ± 3 yr) completed two experimental visits, during which they performed MVIC testing and isometric ramp contractions at 30%, 50%, and 70% MVIC. sEMG signals were recorded from the vastus lateralis during the ramp contractions and decomposed to establish the MFR vs. RT relationship for the detected MUs. Intra- and inter-day reliability was then established for the slopes and y-intercepts of the MFR vs. RT relationship at each contraction intensity. All participants displayed significant MFR vs. RT relationships ( r range: −0.662 to −0.999; P ≤ 0.001–0.006). Intra- and inter-day intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) ranged from 0.766–0.824 and 0.867–0.919 for the slopes and from 0.780–0.915 and 0.804–0.927 for the y-intercepts, respectively. Furthermore, the slope coefficient was significantly greater at 70% than at 30% MVIC, and the y-intercepts increased with increasing contraction intensities. Changes in input excitation to the MU pool alter the magnitude, but not the reliability, of the slopes and y-intercepts of the MFR vs. RT relationship. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The firing behavior of the motor unit (MU) pool is often characterized using the mean firing rate vs. recruitment threshold relationship of the active MUs. Although this relationship has been widely used, this is the first study to report the effects of input excitation (contraction intensity) on the intra- and inter-day reliability of this relationship. The criteria used for MU analysis and the model utilized in this study allow for generalization to outside investigators and laboratories.
Comparison of the Efficacy of Ultra-Mini PCNL, Flexible Ureteroscopy, and Shock Wave Lithotripsy on the Treatment of 1–2 cm Lower Pole Renal Calculi
Authors: Zhang He , Hong Tian yu , Li Gang , Jiang Ning , Hu Chuanyi , Cui Xingang , Chu Chuanmin , Zhao Jun Long 
Published: October 2018

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> To compare the efficacy of new percutaneous technique (“ultra-mini PCNL”, UMP), shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) on the treatment of 1–2 cm lower pole kidney stones, and to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each method. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> This prospective study was based on data collected from the files of patients between March 2015 and March 2017. This study recruited a total of 180 patients with single radio-opaque lower caliceal calculi of 1–2 cm. All patients were randomly divided into 3 groups: group A was treated with UMP, group B was treated with FURS by using holmium laser and group C was treated with SWL by using the electromagnetic lithotripter. The average age, sex, size of the stone, the time of operation, the rate of no stone, the time of hospitalization, the rate of retreatment, the cost and the complications of the 3 groups were compared. The success of the operation was defined as no residual stone or &#x3c; 0.3 cm on computed tomography at 3 months postoperatively. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The stone burdens of the groups were equivalent. The re-treatment rate in group C was significantly higher than that in group A and B (30 vs. 1.6%, 5%). The average operating time in group B (93.35 ± 21.64 min) was statistically significantly longer than that in group A and C (68.58 ± 15.82 min, 46.33 ± 5.81 min). Although the time of hospitalization of group A (5.32 ± 1.20 day) was longer than that of group B (3.22 ± 0.52 day) and C (1.08 ± 0.28 day; <i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). The stone-free rate (SFR) in UMP, FURS, SWL were 98, 92, and 73% respectively; the highest SFR was in the UMP group (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). The complication rates were evaluated by using the Clavien grading system, which were determined to be 16.67% in UMP, 6.67% in SWL and 8.33% in FURS. In particular, the complications of GI and GII were more common in group A (<i>p</i> &#x3c; 0.05). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> UMP, FURS, and SWL are all safe and effective in the treatment of 1–2 cm lower pole kidney stones. UMP and FURS had a better SFR than SWL, but the time of hospitalization in UMP group was longer and there were more complications in the UMP group. In addition, the operation time of FURS is longer as compared to UMP and SWL, and there is a higher rate of postoperative fever. The invasiveness and cost of SWL were lower than that of UMP and FURS, but the re-treatment rate was higher.
Physiological markers and multimorbidity
Authors: Ferreira Gustavo Dias , Simões José Augusto , Senaratna Chamara , Pati Sanghamitra , Timm Pierre Fernando , Batista Sandro Rodrigues , Nunes Bruno Pereira 
Published: October 2018

Background: Multimorbidity is the co-occurrence of two or more diseases in the same individual. One method to identify this condition at an early stage is the use of specific markers for various combinations of morbidities. Nonetheless, evidence related to physiological markers in multimorbidity is limited. Objective: The aim was to perform a systematic review to identify physiological markers associated with multimorbidity. Design: Articles available on PubMed, Register of Controlled Trials, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Scopus, SocINDEX, Web of Science, LILACS, and SciELO, from their inception to May 2018, were systematically searched and reviewed. The project was registered in PROSPERO under the number CRD42017055522. Results: The systematic search identified 922 papers. After evaluation, 18 articles were included in the full review reporting at least one physiological marker in coexisting diseases or which are strongly associated with the presence of multimorbidity in the future. Only five of these studies examined multimorbidity in general, identifying five physiological markers associated with multimorbidity, namely, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), interleukin 6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), lipoprotein (Lp), and cystatin C (Cyst-C). Conclusions: There is a paucity of studies related to physiological markers in multimorbidity. DHEAS, IL-6, CRP, Lp, and Cyst-C could be the initial focus for further investigation of physiological markers related to multimorbidity.
Selinexor plus low-dose bortezomib and dexamethasone for patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Bahlis Nizar J. , Sutherland Heather , White Darrell , Sebag Michael , Lentzsch Suzanne , Kotb Rami , Venner Christopher P. , Gasparetto Cristina , Del Col Aldo , Neri Paola , Reece Donna , Kauffman Michael , Shacham Sharon , Unger T. J. , Jeha Jacqueline , Saint-Martin Jean-Richard , Shah Jatin , Chen Christine 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Selinexor is an oral inhibitor of the nuclear export protein exportin 1. Preclinical studies demonstrated synergistic antimyeloma activity between selinexor and proteasome inhibitors (PI) through suppression of NF-κB signaling and nuclear retention of tumor suppressor proteins. We tested selinexor in combination with low-dose bortezomib and dexamethasone (SVd) for the treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM). The primary objectives of this study were to determine the safety profile, overall response rate (ORR), and a recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of SVd. We enrolled 42 patients to receive selinexor (60, 80, or 100 mg orally) plus bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2 subcutaneously) and dexamethasone (20 mg orally) once or twice weekly in 21- or 35-day cycles. Patients had a median of 3 (range 1-11) prior lines of therapy, and 50% were refractory to a PI. Treatment-related grade 3 or 4 adverse events reported in ≥10% of patients were thrombocytopenia (45%), neutropenia (24%), fatigue (14%), and anemia (12%). Incidence (4 patients, 10%) and grade (≤2) of peripheral neuropathy were low. The ORR for the entire population was 63%: 84% ORR for PI nonrefractory and 43% for PI-refractory patients. The median progression-free survival for all patients was 9.0 months; 17.8 months for PI nonrefractory, and 6.1 months for PI refractory. SVd treatment produced high response rates in patients with relapsed or refractory MM, including borezomib-refractory MM, with no unexpected side effects. The RP2D is selinexor (100 mg once weekly), bortezomib (1.3 mg/m2 once weekly for 4 weeks), and dexamethasone (40 mg once weekly) per 35-day cycle. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02343042.
Effect of Substituents on TiO2 Photocatalytic Oxidation of trans-Stilbenes
Authors: Miyake Teruyuki , Hashimoto Yuichiro , Jinnai Seihou , Oketani Ryusei , Higashida Suguru 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Photocatalytic reaction of trans-stilbene on TiO2 particles produces benzaldehyde with high selectivity in acetonitrile-water mixed solvent. Introduction of electron-donating substituents to the benzene rings accelerated the reaction. On the other hand, the rate was decelerated by electron-withdrawing substituents. These results suggest that the reaction proceeds by hydroperoxo or hydroperoxy, which were formed on TiO2 surface by UV irradiation, rather than free OH radicals.
Lipödem – Mythen und Fakten Teil 1
Authors: Erbacher G. , Bertsch T. 
Published: October 2018

ZusammenfassungDas Lipödem ist weit mehr als einfach nur dickere und schmerzhafte Beine! Die Erkrankung Lipödem ist mit zahlreichen Mythen behaftet. Im ersten Teil dieser Übersicht werfen wir einen kritischen Blick auf zwei populäre Statements zum Lipödem; Statements, die vor Jahrzehnten schon Eingang in wissenschaftliche Publikationen gefunden haben und seither unkritisch und stetig wiederholt werden; Statements, die inzwischen zum selbstverständlichen Wissensallgemeingut von Lipödempatientinnen und vor allem auch von Lipödem-Selbsthilfegruppen geworden sind. In unserer Darstellung über die Mythen des Lipödems fokussieren wir uns in diesem Beitrag vor allem auf zwei Aspekte, die aufs Engste mit dem Lipödem verbunden sind: auf die Adipositas sowie auf die psychische Situation von Lipödempatientinnen – die wiederum eng mit der Adipositas in Zusammenhang steht. Dabei überprüfen wir zwei häufig publizierte Statements auf wissenschaftliche Evidenz: 1. „Das Lipödem ist eine progrediente Erkrankung”, 2. „Ein Lipödem macht psychisch krank”. Beide Statements widersprechen in hohem Maße unserer seit Jahren bestehenden täglichen klinischen Erfahrung mit diesem speziellen Patientengut. Gleichzeitig haben wir im Rahmen unserer umfangreichen Literaturrecherche festgestellt, dass es auch keine Evidenz für diese in den „Lipödemsprachgebrauch” eingegangenen Behauptungen gibt. Tatsachlich ist das Lipödem in der Regel keine progrediente Erkrankung! Vielmehr liegt bei Lipödempatientinnen häufig eine Gewichtsprogredienz (meist eine Adipositasprogredienz) vor, in deren Folge sich auch das Lipödem verschlechtern kann. Unsere Pilotstudie zum 2. Statement macht deutlich, dass in der Regel nicht das Lipödem Ursache von psychischen Erkrankungen ist. Hier weisen unsere Ergebnisse in die umgekehrte Richtung: Eine – vorbestehende – psychische Vulnerabilität kann ganz wesentlich zum Krankheitsbild Lipödem beitragen. Um das Lipödem in seiner ganzen Komplexität und Vielfalt zu erfassen, braucht es mehr als nur Medizin. Psychosoziale Therapieansätze sollten integraler Bestandteil eines wirksamen multimodalen Behandlungskonzepts sein. Neben den beiden dargestellten Mythen gibt es weitere, die sich um das Lipödem ranken. Diese werden in weiteren Ausgaben dieser Zeitschrift diskutiert werden.
Auszug aus der S1-Leitlinie Intermittierende pneumatische Kompression (IPK, AIK)
Authors: Schwahn-Schreiber C. , Reich-Schupke S. 
Published: October 2018

ZusammenfassungDie Intermittierende pneumatische Kompressionstherapie (IPK, AIK) besteht in der prophylaktischen und therapeutischen Anwen-dung von pneumatischen Wechseldrücken zur Thromboembolieprophylaxe, Entstauungstherapie bei Ödemerkrankungen, Verbesserung der arteriellen und venösen Durchblutung mit Reduktion der klinischen Symptome sowie zur Förderung der Wundheilung. Die Therapie kann sowohl stationär als auch ambulant in einer medizinischen Einrichtung oder – nach entsprechender Schulung – als Heimtherapie angewendet werden. Die Geräte bestehen aus Generator und Manschetten und unterscheiden sich abhängig von ihrer Indikation und der Ziellokalisation im Aufbau sowie in den technischen Parametern der Therapie. Bei richtiger Indikationsstellung und Anwendung handelt es sich um eine effektive und sichere Therapiemethode. Unerwünschte Ereignisse treten extrem selten auf. Es besteht ein dringender Bedarf an methodisch gut gemachten Studien zur IPK in verschiedenen Indikationen (Ausnahme VTE-Prophylaxe, gute Evidenz). In den Protokollen sollten zwingend genaue Angaben zum verwendeten Gerät (Kompression und Manschette) sowie zum Behandlungsprotokoll (Inflation, Deflation, Plateau, Pausenzeiten, Behandlungsfrequenz pro Tag oder Woche sowie zur Gesamtdauer der Anwendung) gemacht werden.
Price Uncertainty and Market Power in Retail Gasoline: The Case of an Italian Highway
Authors: Rossi Federico , Chintagunta Pradeep K. 
Published: October 2018

We quantify the effect of consumers’ price uncertainty on gasoline prices and margins on an Italian highway. We observe the change in prices triggered by a longitudinal policy-based change in consumers’ price information from one in which drivers on the highway have no information on the prices of stations they encounter to one that allows consumers to observe the prices of four upcoming stations on a single price sign by the side of the highway. Using these data, we estimate a model of consumer search and purchase behavior and a corresponding model of gas station pricing. We then measure the impact of varying degrees of price information on equilibrium prices, including (i) no price information, (ii) the current policy, and (iii) full price information. We also compare the current policy with an alternative policy in which stations’ prices are advertised with individual price signs. We find that when consumers do not have price information, gas stations are able to charge 31% more, in terms of higher price-cost margins, than when prices are known. Our welfare analysis suggests that price information is worth €0.57 to consumers every time they take the highway. Relative to the current mandatory policy, advertising price on individual signs is worth €0.19 more to consumers. The e-companion is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mksc.2018.1105 .
Next-Generation Sequencing for Biodefense: Biothreat Detection, Forensics, and the Clinic
Authors: Minogue Timothy D , Koehler Jeffrey W , Stefan Christopher P , Conrad Turner A 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDNext-generation sequencing (NGS) is revolutionizing a variety of molecular biology fields including bioforensics, biosurveillance, and infectious disease diagnostics. For pathogen detection, the ability to sequence all nucleic acids in a sample allows near limitless multiplexability, free from a priori knowledge regarding an etiologic agent as is typically required for targeted molecular assays such as real-time PCR. Furthermore, sequencing capabilities can generate in depth genomic information, allowing detailed molecular epidemiological studies and bioforensics analysis, which is critical for source agent identification in a biothreat outbreak. However, lack of analytical specificity, inherent to NGS, presents challenges for regulated applications such as clinical diagnostics and molecular attribution.CONTENTHere, we discuss NGS applications in the context of preparedness and biothreat readiness. Specifically, we investigate current and future applications of NGS technologies to affect the fields of biosurveillance, bioforensics, and clinical diagnostics with specific focus on biodefense.SUMMARYOverall, there are many advantages to the implementation of NGS for preparedness and readiness against biowarfare agents, from forensics to diagnostics. However, appropriate caveats must be associated with any technology. This includes NGS. While NGS is not the panacea replacing all molecular techniques, it will greatly enhance the ability to detect, characterize, and diagnose biowarfare agents, thus providing an excellent addition to the biodefense toolbox of biosurveillance, bioforensics, and biothreat diagnosis.
Misclassification of Calcium Status Based on Albumin-Adjusted Calcium: Studies in a Tertiary Hospital Setting
Authors: Smith Joel D , Wilson Scott , Schneider Hans G 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDClinical laboratories measure total calcium and adjust for albumin concentrations to predict calcium status. We compared total and adjusted calcium (Adj-Ca) with ionized calcium (Ca2+) for correct assignment of calcium status. The effect of restriction of Adj-Ca reporting in patients with hypoalbuminemia was determined on the basis of frequency of misclassifications.METHODSExtraction of laboratory results was performed for 24 months. Adj-Ca was calculated from a modified Payne formula. A further prospective data set for 6 months was collected after stopping reporting of Adj-Ca for patients with an albumin &lt;3.0 g/dL. The agreement between Ca2+ and Adj-Ca or total Ca was assessed with Cohen's kappa statistic.RESULTSIn 5553 hospitalized patients, 13604 paired Ca2+ results were analyzed retrospectively. Prospective collection in 1113 paired samples was from 450 patients. Adj-Ca was a poor predictor of calcium status compared to the Ca2+ reference standard in both data sets (agreement 56.9% in the first, 65.6% in the second data set). Renal failure and low albumin concentrations were associated with worse agreement between Adj-Ca and Ca2+. Restriction of reporting of Adj-Ca to albumin concentrations &gt;3.0g/dL improved correct classification of calcium status from 65.6% to 77.6% (P &lt; 0.0001). Total Ca performed better than Adj-Ca for low albumin (&lt;3.0g/dL) and performed similarly in samples with albumin &gt;3.0g/dL.CONCLUSIONSAdj-Ca is unreliable for the classification of calcium status in hospital patients when compared to Ca2+. Adj-Ca overestimates calcium for patients with renal impairment and albumin concentrations &lt;3.0g/dL. Restriction of reporting Adj-Ca for albumin below 3.0 g/dL reduces the number of misclassified patients.
Multiplex Droplet Digital PCR Method Applicable to Newborn Screening, Carrier Status, and Assessment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Vidal-Folch Noemi , Gavrilov Dimitar , Raymond Kimiyo , Rinaldo Piero , Tortorelli Silvia , Matern Dietrich , Oglesbee Devin 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a progressive neuromuscular disorder with neuronal degeneration leading to muscular atrophy and respiratory failure. SMA is frequently caused by homozygous deletions that include exon 7 of the survival motor neuron gene SMN1, and its clinical course is influenced by the copy number of a nearby 5q SMN1 paralog, SMN2. Multiple ligation probe amplification (MLPA) and real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) can detect SMN1 deletions. Yet, qPCR needs normalization or standard curves, and MLPA demands DNA concentrations above those obtainable from dried blood spots (DBSs). We developed a multiplex, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) method for the simultaneous detection of SMN1 deletions and SMN2 copy number variation in DBS and other tissues. An SMN1 Sanger sequencing process for DBS was also developed.

METHODS
SMN1, SMN2, and RPP30 concentrations were simultaneously measured with a Bio-Rad AutoDG and QX200 ddPCR system. A total of 1530 DBSs and 12 SMA patients were tested.

RESULTS
Population studies confirmed 1 to 5 SMN1 exon 7 copies detected in unaffected specimens, whereas patients with SMA revealed 0 SMN1 copies. Intraassay and interassay imprecisions were &lt;7.1% CV for individuals with ≥1 SMN1 copies. Testing 12 SMA-positive samples resulted in 100% sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSIONS
This ddPCR method is sensitive, specific, and applicable to newborn screening and carrier status determination for SMA. It can also be incorporated with a parallel ddPCR T-cell excision circles assay for severe combined immunodeficiencies.