bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessing high-throughput environmental DNA extraction methods for meta-barcode characterization of aquatic microbial communities
Authors: Shahraki Abdolrazagh Hashemi , Chaganti Subba Rao , Heath Daniel 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe characterization of microbial community dynamics using genomic methods is rapidly expanding, impacting many fields including medical, ecological, and environmental research and applications. One of the biggest challenges for such studies is the isolation of environmental DNA (eDNA) from a variety of samples, diverse microbes, and widely variable community compositions. The current study developed environmentally friendly, user safe, economical, and high throughput eDNA extraction methods for mixed aquatic microbial communities and tested them using 16 s rRNA gene meta-barcoding. Five different lysis buffers including (1) cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), (2) digestion buffer (DB), (3) guanidinium isothiocyanate (GITC), (4) sucrose lysis (SL), and (5) SL-CTAB, coupled with four different purification methods: (1) phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol (PCI), (2) magnetic Bead-Robotic, (3) magnetic Bead-Manual, and (4) membrane-filtration were tested for their efficacy in extracting eDNA from recreational freshwater samples. Results indicated that the CTAB-PCI and SL-Bead-Robotic methods yielded the highest genomic eDNA concentrations and succeeded in detecting the core microbial community including the rare microbes. However, our study recommends the SL-Bead-Robotic eDNA extraction protocol because this method is safe, environmentally friendly, rapid, high-throughput and inexpensive.
Nutrients removal performance of a denitrifying phosphorus removal process in alternate anaerobic/anoxic–aerobic double membrane bioreactors (A2N-DMBR)
Authors: Zhang Chuanyi , Qian Yunkun , Yuan Limei , He Shilong , Wang Ying , Wang Liping 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
An alternate anaerobic/anoxic–aerobic double membrane bioreactors process (A2N-DMBR) was proposed to improve denitrifying phosphorus removal efficiency. The system was operated for 70 d under different nitrogen/phosphorus (N/P) ratios with synthetic wastewater to present the performance evaluation of nutrients removal and microbial community structure in the A2N-DMBR process. The results showed that when the influent total phosphorus (TP) was 6.4 mg/L, the corresponding N/P ratio of 8.8, the high removal capacity of nitrogen and phosphorus could be achieved with the average effluent TP and total nitrogen (TN) concentration of 0.8 mg/L and 12.0 mg/L, respectively. Periodical test showed that pH and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) could be used as control parameters for anaerobic phosphate release, and ORP was also closely related with the phosphate uptake in anoxic phase. The high-throughput sequencing analysis revealed that the Proteobacteria and Xanthomonadales-nobank related to biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal was domination bacteria at phylum and genus level in A2N-DMBR system, with the proportion of 42.5% and 39.1%, respectively. Furthermore, Dechloromonas, which was further detected as putative denitrifying phosphorus accumulating organisms (DPAOs), was enriched (9.9%) in the system.
A Novel Approach Based on Point Cut Set to Predict Associations of Diseases and LncRNAs
Authors: Kuang Linai , Zhao Haochen , Wang Lei , Xuan Zhanwei , Pei Tingrui 
Published: October 2018

Background:In recent years, more evidence have progressively indicated that Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play vital roles in wide-ranging human diseases, which can serve as potential biomarkers and drug targets. Comparing with vast lncRNAs being found, the relationships between lncRNAs and diseases remain largely unknown.Objective:The prediction of novel and potential associations between lncRNAs and diseases would contribute to dissect the complex mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. associations while known disease-lncRNA associations are required only.Method:In this paper, a new computational method based on Point Cut Set is proposed to predict LncRNA-Disease Associations (PCSLDA) based on known lncRNA-disease associations. Compared with the existing state-of-the-art methods, the major novelty of PCSLDA lies in the incorporation of distance difference matrix and point cut set to set the distance correlation coefficient of nodes in the lncRNA-disease interaction network. Hence, PCSLDA can be applied to forecast potential lncRNAdisease associations while known disease-lncRNA associations are required only.Results:Simulation results show that PCSLDA can significantly outperform previous state-of-the-art methods with reliable AUC of 0.8902 in the leave-one-out cross-validation and AUCs of 0.7634 and 0.8317 in 5-fold cross-validation and 10-fold cross-validation respectively. And additionally, 70% of top 10 predicted cancer-lncRNA associations can be confirmed.Conclusion:It is anticipated that our proposed model can be a great addition to the biomedical research field.
Validation of a Clinical Instrument for Measuring the Severity of Acute Bronchitis in Children – The BSS-ped
Authors: Lehrl Siegfried , Kardos Peter , Matthys Heinrich , Kamin Wolfgang 
Published: October 2018

Background:There are no validated standardised clinical procedures for severity measurement of acute bronchitis in children. The “BSS-ped”, a short version of the physician-rated assessment scale BSS (Bronchitis Severity Scale), can fill this gap, if it is valid.Objective:To examine the scale´s validity.Methods:Investigations were planned according to classical clinical-psychometric validity criteria including a formal competence evaluation of the scale´s authors and statistical analyses of data from 78 patients aged 1-6 and diagnosed with “acute bronchitis”. Cross-validation was provided by analysis of data from 70 children with matching age, sex and diagnosis. All children were examined three times (day 0, 3-5 and 7) using the BSS-ped in addition to other clinical and psychometric monitoring procedures.Results:The evidently high level of expertise of the scale’s authors substantiates pronounced content validity and relevance of the BSS-ped and its items. The validity criterion,i.e. to reflect the unidimensional severity of acute bronchitis and its change using the BSS-ped score, was fulfilled. There were substantial correlations with other scales measuring the current health-related quality of life, as well as satisfaction and success of treatment. Severity change prognoses for acute bronchitis under placebo and an active substance were correct. The BSS-ped was found to be a feasible instrument because it can be repeated at short intervals (minute range) without any special technical aids or extended training.Conclusion:The BSS-ped is a valid procedure for measuring the severity of acute bronchitis in children.
Response of Selected Maize Inbred Germplasm to Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease and Its Causative Viruses (Sugarcane Mosaic Virus and Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus) in Kenya
Authors: Karanja James , Derera John , Gubba Augustine , Mugo Stephen , Wangai Ann 
Published: October 2018

Background:
Maize lethal necrosis (MLN) disease continues to reduce the productivity of maize drastically threatening food security in the affected regions. It continues to cause yield loss of 30–100 percent in farmers’ fields, depending on the time of infestation which is valued at $198 million in Kenya. This has not only threatened regional trade, but also seed industry. It has been reported in the major maize belts of Uasin Gishu, Trans-Nzoia, Bomet, Narok and Nandi Counties. MLN is caused by the synergistic interaction between Sugarcane Mosaic Virus (SCMV) and Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus (MCMV). The disease has then spread to other Eastern and Central African countries with devastating food security and economic consequences.

Objectives:
This study highlights result after screening selected maize inbred lines for resistance to MLN, SCMV and MCMV in identifying promising lines for integration into the breeding program for MLN resistance.

Methods:
Sixty-five (65) maize genotypes were artificially inoculated using virus strains collected from Bomet County in Kenya at 3-4 leaf stage. Data on disease severity and incidence, AUDPC and flowering were recorded.

Results:
From the result, the inbred lines had significant differences for SCMV, MCMV and MLN reactions. Based on Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC) score and ELISA analysis, genotypes MLN001 and MLN006 have the lowest score of 270, whereas OH28 had a maximum at 1259 under MCMV. Genotypes MLN042 and MLN041 were identified as the most promising sources of resistant against SCMV. However, no genotype was identified to have acceptable levels of tolerance to MLN, but MLN001 and MLN013 were identified as the best performers under MLN. This study also validated the presence of MLN tolerance in MLN013 (CKDHL120312) and MLN001 (CKDHL120918) as earlier reported by CIMMYT. These tolerant genotypes are now serving as donors in the introgression of the tolerance into the Kenyan adapted maize backgrounds and development of improved MLN tolerant varieties. This will go a long way in restoring and ensuring sustainable maize productivity in improving the livelihoods of the smallholder farmers who form 75% of the major maize producers in Kenya.

Conclusion:
The identified inbred lines would be recommended for use in varietal development, MLN management and to enhance maize productivity, in the MLN endemic regions and further research in understanding the mode of gene action for MLN tolerance.
Fungicidal Activities and Characterization of Novel Biodegradable Cu (II) Surfactants Derived from Lauric Acid
Authors: Sharma Arun Kumar , Saxena Meenakshi , Sharma Rashmi 
Published: October 2018

Introduction:
Colloidal systems are extremely widespread in nature and are of great practical importance in our daily life. Surfactants are very important in modern engineering and pharmaceutical soap and the complexes of soaps with different ligands are used in almost all sectors of national economy due to the formation of micelles in solutions and high surface activity i.e. the ability of their molecules to form surface adsorption layers. For this purpose, first time we thought about the synthesis of copper surfactants/soaps and their complexation by N/S donor ligands.

Methods and Materials:
In this paper, we report the synthesis of copper laurate thiourea by conventional methods and its characterization by elemental analysis, IR, NMR, ESR spectral studies. In order to understand their biological aspects and application of these surfactants/complexes as antifungal agents, astudy has also been conducted in the field of biochemistry. In order to understand their biological aspects with special reference to fungicidal activities, three different fungi namely Aspergillus alternaria, Aspergillus Fumigatus and Aspergillus niger were taken and tested by different concentrations of copper laurate soap and its thiourea complex by P.D.A. (Potato dextrose agar) technique.

Conclusion:
Biological studies of these compounds will also provide an important account of information about their industrial utilization.
EFEKTIVITAS PROMOSI MELALUI INSTAGRAM PADA UMKM SEKTOR MAKANAN DAN MINUMAN DI KOTA PEKANBARU
Authors: Khairani Zulia , Soviyant Efrita , Aznuriyandi Aznuriyandi 
Published: October 2018

<p><em>SME in the midst of globalization and high competition makes SME must be able to face global challenges, such as improving product and service innovation, To foster consumer interest to try and buy products, required the efforts of various effective marketing strategy one of them with promotional activities. One of the media including the internet media is social media. This study aims to analized effectiveness of product promotion of SMEs in the media Instagram. Promotion effectiveness is measured by the concept of AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action). The sample in this study was 100 people active instagram account owner and at least one account SMEs memfollow food and beverage sector in Pekanbaru, promoted in the media Instagram. Methods of data analysis using validity and reliability of data, and one sample t test. Results revealed that the effectiveness of the promotion of SME food and beverage Instagram media Pekanbaru city in the high category. This indicates that the sale via instagram media useful to attract consumers to buy SME products food and beverage sector.</em></p><p> </p><p>Pemberdayaan UMKM di tengah arus globalisasi dan tingginya persaingan membuat UMKM harus mampu menghadapi tantangan global, seperti meningkatkan inovasi produk dan jasa, Untuk menumbuhkan minat konsumen mencoba dan membeli produk yang dijual UMKM, diperlukan upaya, berbagai strategi pemasaran yang efektif salah satunya dengan kegiatan promosi. Salah satu media yang termasuk media internet adalah media sosial. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganilisis efektivitas promosi produk UMKM di media Instagram. Efektivitas promosi diukur dengan konsep AIDA (Attention, Interest, Desire, Action). Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah 100 orang pemilik akun instagram aktif dan memfollow minimal satu akun UMKM sektor makanan dan minuman di pekanbaru yang berpromosi di media Instagram.Metode analisis data menggunakan uji validitas dan reliabilitas data, dan uji t satu sampel. Hasil Penelitian mengungkapkan bahwa efektivitas promosi UMKM makanan dan minuman kota Pekanbaru di media Instagram pada kategori tinggi. Hal ini mengindikasikan bahwa promosi melalui media instagram bermanfaat untuk menarik minat konsumen membeli produk UMKM sektor makanan dan minuman.</p>
ACTIVITIES OF THE PAN-CANADIAN PHARMACEUTICAL ALLIANCE: AN OBSERVATIONAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Rocchi Angela , Mills Fergal 
Published: October 2018

Background
The pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA) was established in 2010 to negotiate confidential prices for drugs coming forward from Canada’s centralized health technology assessment (HTA) agency reviews, on behalf of the participating public drug plans.
Objective
To analyze the activities of the pCPA, to determine: alignment of HTA agency recommendations and pCPA negotiation decisions; the role of health economics in pCPA activities; and patterns of implicit prioritization.
Methods
The analysis was based on the archive of drugs handled through the pCPA, as posted on its website. The period of observation was from inception to August 31, 2017. HTA recommendations were sourced from the websites of the Common Drug Review (CDR) and the pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review. Descriptive and statistical analyses were conducted.
Results
The dataset contained 206 drug-indication pairings. There was close but imperfect alignment between HTA agency recommendations and the pCPA’s decisions to negotiate; deviations occurred only with CDR-reviewed drugs. The median incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of negotiated drugs was $168K/QALY for oncology drugs, but $70K/QALY for non-oncology drugs. The time to initiate negotiations was dramatically shorter for oncology versus non-oncology drugs (mean 54 versus 263 days) and also differed between therapeutic areas at CDR. The time required for PCPA activity was surprisingly similar for drugs recommended without a price condition and for those conditional on a price reduction.
DESIGN OF 28 GHZ MICROSTRIP MIMO ANTENNAS FOR FUTURE 5G APPLICATIONS
Authors: Rahayu Yusnita , Afif Luthfi , Radhelan Muhammad Rizki , Yasri I. , Candra Feri 
Published: October 2018

The 5G system requires more significant system capacity, more full bandwidth, and higher frequency. One type of antenna that can be used to increase the channel capacity is microstrip MIMO antenna. The Federal Communications Commission of the U.S. has recently designated the frequency band from 27.5 to 28.35 GHz for 5G applications. In this paper, the design of 28 GHz microstrip MIMO antenna for future 5G applications was proposed. The antenna was designed by using RT Duroid 5880 substrate with a dielectric constant of 2.2 and the loss tangent of 0.0009. The antenna operated from 27.10 GHz to 28.88 GHz with 1.78 GHz (6.35%) of bandwidth. The antenna consisted of four elements feeding by a microstrip line. Based on the simulated results, the high gain of 14.8 dBi is obtained with a linear directional pattern. Comparison performance regarding gain, return loss, VSWR and bandwidth are also presented for single, two and four elements. It is shown that the increasing number of elements of antenna increased the gain and the return loss. The antenna meets the 5G requirements.
Impact of Peer Support on Acute Care Visits and Hospitalizations for Individuals With Diabetes and Depressive Symptoms: A Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cherrington Andrea L. , Khodneva Yulia , Richman Joshua S. , Andreae Susan J. , Gamboa Christopher , Safford Monika M. 
Published: October 2018

OBJECTIVE
Comorbid depression is associated with increased health care utilization and cost. We examined the effects of peer support on acute care (AC) and hospital utilization in individuals with diabetes with or without depressive symptoms.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This was a cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted in 2010–2012, with the clusters being practices and their surrounding communities. Adults with type 2 diabetes who wanted help with self-management were eligible to participate. Those without a doctor, with limited life expectancy, with plans to move within the next year, and with an unwillingness to work with a peer advisor were excluded. Intervention participants received 1 year of peer support. Control participants received usual care. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) (range 0–24; 5 indicates mild and 10 indicates moderate depressive symptoms) assessed depressive symptoms. AC and hospital utilization were measured by self-report. Data were collected at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Quasi-Poisson regression using generalized estimating equations examined differences in utilization per year attributable to the intervention for those with and without mild depressive symptoms (and separately, moderate depressive symptoms), controlling for imbalance across treatment arms.

RESULTS
At baseline, half of the sample reported mild depressive symptoms (52% intervention and 48% control, P = 0.37), a quarter reported moderate depressive symptoms (25% intervention and 26% control, P = 1.0), and there were no significant differences in utilization. A total of 168 intervention (six clusters) and 187 control (five clusters) participants had follow-up data. In individuals with mild depressive symptoms, the incident rate ratio (IRR) for hospitalization among intervention compared with control was 0.26 (95% CI 0.08–0.84) per 10 patient-years. The IRR for AC was 0.55 (95% CI 0.28–1.07) per 10 person-years. Findings were similar for individuals with moderate depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS
Peer support lowered AC visits and hospitalizations for individuals with depressive symptoms but not for those without depressive symptoms; these findings can guide resource allocation for population health management.
Cognitive, Neurological, and Behavioral Features in Adults With KCNJ11 Neonatal Diabetes
Authors: Bowman Pamela , Day Jacob , Torrens Lorna , Shepherd Maggie H. , Knight Bridget A. , Ford Tamsin J. , Flanagan Sarah E. , Chakera Ali , Hattersley Andrew T. , Zeman Adam 
Published: October 2018

OBJECTIVE
Central nervous system (CNS) features in children with permanent neonatal diabetes (PNDM) due to KCNJ11 mutations have a major impact on affected families. Sulfonylurea therapy achieves outstanding metabolic control but only partial improvement in CNS features. The effects of KCNJ11 mutations on the adult brain and their functional impact are not well understood. We aimed to characterize the CNS features in adults with KCNJ11 PNDM compared with adults with INS PNDM.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Adults with PNDM due to KCNJ11 mutations (n = 8) or INS mutations (n = 4) underwent a neurological examination and completed standardized neuropsychological tests/questionnaires about development/behavior. Four individuals in each group underwent a brain MRI scan. Test scores were converted to Z scores using normative data, and outcomes were compared between groups.

RESULTS
In individuals with KCNJ11 mutations, neurological examination was abnormal in seven of eight; predominant features were subtle deficits in coordination/motor sequencing. All had delayed developmental milestones and/or required learning support/special schooling. Half had features and/or a clinical diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. KCNJ11 mutations were also associated with impaired attention, working memory, and perceptual reasoning and reduced intelligence quotient (IQ) (median IQ KCNJ11 vs. INS mutations 76 vs. 111, respectively; P = 0.02). However, no structural brain abnormalities were noted on MRI. The severity of these features was related to the specific mutation, and they were absent in individuals with INS mutations.

CONCLUSIONS
KCNJ11 PNDM is associated with specific CNS features that are not due to long-standing diabetes, persist into adulthood despite sulfonylurea therapy, and represent the major burden from KCNJ11 mutations.
3D polyelectrolyte scaffolds to mimic exocrine glands: a step towards a prostate-on-chip platform
Authors: Picollet-D’hahan Nathalie , Tollance Axel , Marin Cristina Belda , Liguori Lavinia , Marquette Christophe , Filhol-Cochet Odile , Vilgrain Isabelle , Laffitte Guillaume , Rivera Florence , Alcaraz Jean-Pierre , Thélu Jacques , Nicoud Olivier , Moufle-Milot Thibaud , Legues Maxime , Bouamrani Ali , Mombrun Adrien , Gilquin Benoit , Gerbaud Sophie , Obeid Patricia , Kermarrec Fréderique , Gidrol Xavier , Martin Donald K. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
We report our approach to creating a microfluidic chip (namely UroLOC) that mimics the acinar/tubular structure and the luminal microenvironment of exocrine glands. The chip utilises a nanostructured membrane that is designed to provide a 3-dimensional supporting scaffold for the growth of exocrine acinus epithelial cells. The nanostructured membrane was produced using layer-by-layer assembly of polyelectrolytes, and formed into 3-dimensional hemispherical cavities and “finger-like” structures in order to mimic the natural architecture of acini found in exocrine glands. We utilised normal (PNT2) and cancerous (PC3, LNCaP) prostate epithelial cells to demonstrate the proof-of-concept of using MALDI (Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation) profiling of secretions collected after 48 hours of cell growth, with no concentration or purification steps and without any a priori on the knowledge of targeted proteins. This MALDI profiling analysis of the crude supernatants from 3 different cell lines (PNT2, PC3 and LNCaP) demonstrated the capacity of the MALDI profiling approach to discriminate between the different secretome signatures. The UroLOC concept and secretome profiling that we describe opens new opportunities in terms of liquid-biopsy based diagnosis, particularly for the early stages of carcinogenesis.
Energy Demand for Pálinka Production and some Practical Issues of Waste Treatment
Authors: Harcsa Imre Milán 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Subject and purpose of work: The aim of the article is to demonstrate the two possible way of pálinka distilling, also give a comparison about them regarding to the heating energy consumption. Also byproducts and wastes are presented including their utilization possibilities. Materials and methods: Based on practical experience it was created a model to calculate the difference between the two distiller systems. It has been elaborated the issues of the waste treatment by interviews at ten determinative Hungarian commercial distilleries. Results: The calculations shows that with the newer one-step distilling equipment the owner can reach about 25% energy saving. The results of the interviews shows that the full recycling of wastes is unprecedented in Hungarian distilling plants. Conclusions: The one-step distilling method is more energy efficient. It is recommended in newly built plants and should be considered to replace the traditional two-step ones.