bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of life from the perspective of the patient with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Buckley Sarah A. , Jimenez‐Sahagun Diana , Othus Megan , Walter Roland B. , Lee Stephanie J. 
Published: September 2017

BACKGROUNDAlthough outcomes for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have improved over time, they remain poor overall, and toxicity from both the disease and its treatment can affect quality of life (QOL). One barrier to including QOL endpoints in clinical trials is the lack of a disease‐specific QOL instrument that can efficiently capture the major QOL deficits in this population.METHODSA cross‐sectional study was performed to elicit concepts for inclusion in a new AML‐specific QOL instrument called the AML‐QOL. Eighty‐two patients at various stages of disease were interviewed about sources of support (positive concepts) and problems and symptoms (negative concepts) experienced over the past week, and they were asked to grade how much each affected their QOL. In addition, patients were asked to complete 2 validated instruments: the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy with the leukemia and transplant modules and the 29‐item Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System questionnaire.RESULTSWith data from the open‐ended and questionnaire‐based portions of the interview, 7 positive concepts and 64 negative concepts were elicited. From these, 5 positive concepts and 21 negative concepts were selected for inclusion in the preliminary AML‐QOL on the basis of concept prevalence and the impact on QOL.CONCLUSIONSThese concepts will form the basis of a new QOL instrument specific to AML. Cancer 2018;124:145‐52. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Drivers of nitrogen transfer in stream food webs across continents
Authors: Norman Beth C. , Whiles Matt R. , Collins Sarah M. , Flecker Alexander S. , Hamilton Steve K. , Johnson Sherri L. , Rosi Emma J. , Ashkenas Linda R. , Bowden William B. , Crenshaw Chelsea L. , Crowl Todd , Dodds Walter K. , Hall Robert O. , El‐Sabaawi Rana , Griffiths Natalie A. , Marti Eugènia , McDowell William H. , Peterson Scot D. , Rantala Heidi M. , Riis Tenna , Simon Kevin S. , Tank Jennifer L. , Thomas Steven A. , von Schiller Daniel , Webster Jackson R. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractStudies of trophic‐level material and energy transfers are central to ecology. The use of isotopic tracers has now made it possible to measure trophic transfer efficiencies of important nutrients and to better understand how these materials move through food webs. We analyzed data from thirteen 15N‐ammonium tracer addition experiments to quantify N transfer from basal resources to animals in headwater streams with varying physical, chemical, and biological features. N transfer efficiencies from primary uptake compartments (PUCs; heterotrophic microorganisms and primary producers) to primary consumers was lower (mean 11.5%, range <1% to 43%) than N transfer efficiencies from primary consumers to predators (mean 80%, range 5% to >100%). Total N transferred (as a rate) was greater in streams with open compared to closed canopies and overall N transfer efficiency generally followed a similar pattern, although was not statistically significant. We used principal component analysis to condense a suite of site characteristics into two environmental components. Total N uptake rates among trophic levels were best predicted by the component that was correlated with latitude, DIN:SRP, GPP:ER, and percent canopy cover. N transfer efficiency did not respond consistently to environmental variables. Our results suggest that canopy cover influences N movement through stream food webs because light availability and primary production facilitate N transfer to higher trophic levels.
Influence of deterioration modelling on the seismic response of steel moment frames designed to Eurocode 8
Authors: Tsitos Antonios , Bravo‐Haro Miguel A. , Elghazouli Ahmed Y. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThis paper assesses the influence of cyclic and in‐cycle degradation on seismic drift demands in moment‐resisting steel frames (MRF) designed to Eurocode 8. The structural characteristics, ground motion frequency content, and level of inelasticity are the primary parameters considered. A set of single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) systems, subjected to varying levels of inelastic demands, is initially investigated followed by an extensive study on multi‐storey frames. The latter comprises a large number of incremental dynamic analyses (IDA) on 12 frames modelled with or without consideration of degradation effects. A suite of 56 far‐field ground motion records, appropriately scaled to simulate 4 levels of inelastic demand, is employed for the IDA. Characteristic results from a detailed parametric investigation show that maximum response in terms of global and inter‐storey drifts is notably affected by degradation phenomena, in addition to the earthquake frequency content and the scaled inelastic demands. Consistently, both SDOF and frame systems with fundamental periods shorter than the mean period of ground motion can experience higher lateral strength demands and seismic drifts than those of non‐degrading counterparts in the same period range. Also, degrading multi‐storey frames can exhibit distinctly different plastic mechanisms with concentration of drifts at lower levels. Importantly, degrading systems might reach a “near‐collapse” limit state at ductility demand levels comparable to or lower than the assumed design behaviour factor, a result with direct consequences on optimised design situations where over‐strength would be minimal. Finally, the implications of the findings with respect to design‐level limit states are discussed.
Soil erosion in the Anthropocene: Research needs
Authors: Poesen Jean 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSoil erosion is a geomorphological and, at the same time, a land degradation process that may cause environmental and property damage, loss of livelihoods and services as well as social and economic disruption. Erosion not only lowers soil quality on‐site, but causes also significant sediment‐related problems off‐site. Given the large number of research papers on this topic, one might therefore conclude that we know now almost everything about soil erosion and its control so that little new knowledge can be added. This conclusion can be refuted by pointing to some major research gaps. There is a need for more research attention to (1) improved understanding of both natural and anthropogenic soil erosion processes and their interactions, (2) scaling up soil erosion processes and rates in space and time, and (3) innovative techniques and strategies to prevent soil erosion or reduce erosion rates. This is illustrated with various case studies from around the world. If future research addresses these research gaps, we will (1) better understand processes and their interactions operating at a range of spatial and temporal scales, predict their rates as well as their on‐site and off‐site impacts, which is academically spoken rewarding but also crucial for better targeting erosion control measures, and (2) we will be in a better position to select the most appropriate and effective soil erosion control techniques and strategies which are highly necessary for a sustainable use of soils in the Anthropocene. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Central and non‐central networks, cognition, clinical symptoms, and polygenic risk scores in schizophrenia
Authors: Alloza Clara , Bastin Mark E. , Cox Simon R. , Gibson Jude , Duff Barbara , Semple Scott I. , Whalley Heather C. , Lawrie Stephen M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSchizophrenia is a complex disorder that may be the result of aberrant connections between specific brain regions rather than focal brain abnormalities. Here, we investigate the relationships between brain structural connectivity as described by network analysis, intelligence, symptoms, and polygenic risk scores (PGRS) for schizophrenia in a group of patients with schizophrenia and a group of healthy controls. Recently, researchers have shown an interest in the role of high centrality networks in the disorder. However, the importance of non‐central networks still remains unclear. Thus, we specifically examined network‐averaged fractional anisotropy (mean edge weight) in central and non‐central subnetworks. Connections with the highest betweenness centrality within the average network (>75% of centrality values) were selected to represent the central subnetwork. The remaining connections were assigned to the non‐central subnetwork. Additionally, we calculated graph theory measures from the average network (connections that occur in at least 2/3 of participants). Density, strength, global efficiency, and clustering coefficient were significantly lower in patients compared with healthy controls for the average network (pFDR < 0.05). All metrics across networks were significantly associated with intelligence (pFDR < 0.05). There was a tendency towards significance for a correlation between intelligence and PGRS for schizophrenia (r = −0.508, p = 0.052) that was significantly mediated by central and non‐central mean edge weight and every graph metric from the average network. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that intelligence deficits are associated with a genetic risk for schizophrenia, which is mediated via the disruption of distributed brain networks. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5919–5930, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
List randomization for soliciting experience of intimate partner violence: Application to the evaluation of Zambia's unconditional child grant program
Authors: Peterman Amber , Palermo Tia M. , Handa Sudhanshu , Seidenfeld David ,   on behalf of the Zambia Child Grant Program Evaluation Team
Published: September 2017

AbstractSocial scientists have increasingly invested in understanding how to improve data quality and measurement of sensitive topics in household surveys. We utilize the technique of list randomization to collect measures of physical intimate partner violence in an experimental impact evaluation of the Government of Zambia's Child Grant Program. The Child Grant Program is an unconditional cash transfer, which targeted female caregivers of children under the age of 5 in rural areas to receive the equivalent of US $24 as a bimonthly stipend. The implementation results show that the list randomization methodology functioned as planned, with approximately 15% of the sample identifying 12‐month prevalence of physical intimate partner violence. According to this measure, after 4 years, the program had no measurable effect on partner violence. List randomization is a promising approach to incorporate sensitive measures into multitopic evaluations; however, more research is needed to improve upon methodology for application to measurement of violence.
Transcriptomic analysis of gingival mesenchymal stem cells cultured on 3D bioprinted scaffold: A promising strategy for neuroregeneration
Authors: Gugliandolo Agnese , Diomede Francesca , Cardelli Paolo , Bramanti Alessia , Scionti Domenico , Bramanti Placido , Trubiani Oriana , Mazzon Emanuela 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe combined approach of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and scaffolds has been proposed as a potential therapeutic tool for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, even if MSCs can promote neuronal regeneration, replacing lost neurons or secreting neurotrophic factors, many limitations still exist for their application in regenerative medicine, including the low survival and differentiation rate. The scaffolds, by mimicking the endogenous microenvironment, have shown to promote cell survival, proliferation, and differentiation. In this work, gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs), isolated from healthy donors, were expanded in vitro, by culturing them adherent in plastic dishes (CTR‐GMSCs) or on a poly(lactic acid) scaffold (SC‐GMSCs). In order to evaluate the survival and the neurogenic differentiation potential, we performed a comparative transcriptomic analysis between CTR‐GMSCs and SC‐GMSCs by next generation sequencing. We found that SC‐GMSCs showed an increased expression of neurogenic and prosurvival genes. In particular, genes involved in neurotrophin signaling and PI3K/Akt pathways were upregulated. On the contrary, proapoptotic and negative regulator of neuronal growth genes were downregulated. Moreover, nestin and GAP‐43 protein levels increased in SC‐GMSCs, confirming the neurogenic commitment of these cells. In conclusion, the scaffold, providing a trophic support for MSCs, may promote GMSCs differentiation toward a neuronal phenotype and survival. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 126–137, 2018.
Extracellular matrix particle–glycosaminoglycan composite hydrogels for regenerative medicine applications
Authors: Beachley Vince , Ma Garret , Papadimitriou Chris , Gibson Matt , Corvelli Michael , Elisseeff Jennifer 
Published: September 2017

AbstractTissue extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex material made up of fibrous proteins and ground substance (glycosaminoglycans, GAGs) that are secreted by cells. ECM contains important biological cues that modulate cell behaviors, and it also serves as a structural scaffold to which cells can adhere. For clinical applications, where immune rejection is a constraint, ECM can be processed using decellularization methods intended to remove cells and donor antigens from tissue or organs, while preserving native biological cues essential for cell growth and differentiation. In this study, a decellularized ECM‐based composite hydrogel was formulated by using modified GAGs that covalently bind tissue particles. These GAG–ECM composite hydrogels combine the advantages of solid decellularized ECM scaffolds and pepsin‐digested ECM hydrogels by facilitating ECM hydrogel formation without a disruptive enzymatic digestion process. Additionally, engineered hydrogels can contain more than one type of ECM (from bone, fat, liver, lung, spleen, cartilage, or brain), at various concentrations. These hydrogels demonstrated tunable gelation kinetics and mechanical properties, offering the possibility of numerous in vivo and in vitro applications with different property requirements. Retained bioactivity of ECM particles crosslinked into this hydrogel platform was confirmed by the variable response of stem cells to different types of ECM particles with respect to osteogenic differentiation in vitro, and bone regeneration in vivo. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 147–159, 2018.
Extreme reversals in successive winter season precipitation anomalies across the Western United States, 1895–2015
Authors: Marston Michael L. , Ellis Andrew W. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTExtreme precipitation studies commonly link anomalies to specific episodes of drought or flooding, while studies of precipitation volatility typically employ statistical measures of variability. This study addresses the concept of an extreme precipitation reversal (EPR), defined as an unusually wet or dry period that precedes a large precipitation anomaly of opposite sign, or more specifically the difference in the percentiles of precipitation for consecutive periods. The focus of this study is EPRs over the past 121 years for the hydrologically critical winter season across the Western United States. Results show that EPR values are of a greater magnitude during the second half of the historical record than during the first half, indicating increased volatility in extreme winter‐to‐winter precipitation. Historically, the direction of reversals (wet‐to‐dry or dry‐to‐wet) corresponds to a similar reversal in the nature of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, although EPRs are not systematically aligned with extreme ENSO reversals. While a greater frequency and intensity of winter season EPRs in recent years is potentially problematic for water managers, the relationship with ENSO may afford proactive management and mitigation of the impacts.
A multi‐year time‐series of N2O dynamics in a seasonally anoxic fjord: Saanich Inlet, British Columbia
Authors: Capelle David W. , Hawley Alyse K. , Hallam Steven J. , Tortell Philippe D. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe present an 8‐yr time‐series of monthly water column N2O measurements from Saanich Inlet, a seasonally anoxic fjord in southern British Columbia. We document seasonal and inter‐annual variability in N2O concentrations driven by physical and biological forcing, and examine the relationship between N2O and O2 concentrations across the redoxcline in this system. Near‐surface N2O concentrations were typically supersaturated, and increased with depth to a maximum near the oxic‐anoxic transition. Genes associated with both the nitrification and denitrification pathways were widely distributed throughout the water column, suggesting the potential for simultaneous N2O production from nitrification and incomplete denitrification. Maximum N2O concentrations in Saanich Inlet were similar to other anoxic basins, but lower than those previously documented in coastal upwelling and open ocean oxygen minimum zones. N2O and O2 were inversely correlated throughout the water column, except below 10 μmol O2 L−1 where net N2O consumption appears to occur. In surface waters, maximum N2O concentrations and sea–air fluxes occurred during late summer/early fall, when O2 levels in the oxycline were low. Annual deep basin renewals often persisted over multiple months, supplying O2,
, and N2O to the deep basin, with N2O subsequently declining to undetectable levels (< 0.4 nmol N2O L−1) by late spring. An unusually weak renewal was observed during 2009, possibly linked to reduced upwelling off the coast of British Columbia during El Niño. Our results can be used as a baseline to identify the effect of longer‐term changes in Saanich Inlet, such as deoxygenation and its effect on N2O concentrations.
Grazing on cyanobacteria and transfer of diazotrophic nitrogen to zooplankton in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Motwani Nisha H. , Duberg Jon , Svedén Jennie B. , Gorokhova Elena 
Published: September 2017

AbstractNitrogen‐fixing cyanobacteria (NFC) are important primary producers in many freshwater and marine systems, including the Baltic Sea. In this system, NFC circumvent summer nitrogen limitation, while also generating a supply of novel combined nitrogen and thus supporting food webs. Using field observations on zooplankton and phytoplankton development during a growth season in the northern Baltic Proper, we show that cyanobacterial nitrogen is assimilated and transferred to zooplankton via both direct grazing on NFC and indirectly through grazing on picoplankton, such as picocyanobacteria. The key findings supporting these conclusions are: (1) all zooplankton grazers were found to ingest NFC (Nodularia spumigena) and picocyanobacteria (Synechococcus spp.); (2) ingestion of both NFC and picocyanobacteria measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis was highly correlated with ambient stocks of the respective cyanobacteria; (3) consumption of NFC and picocyanobacteria translated into decreased δ15N signature of zooplankton indicative of diazotrophic nitrogen input; (4) growth and reproduction indices in zooplankters were significantly positively related to NFC and picocyanobacteria; and (5) zooplankton biomass was positively related to the increasing nitrogen content of particulate organic matter (POM < 10 μm) and was highest at low POM δ15N values; the latter reflected overlap in zooplankton production and diazotroph seasonal dynamics. These findings provide empirical evidence that both NFC and picoplankton are readily ingested and assimilated by zooplankton, albeit with differential effects on growth and recruitment.
Seeking a better landscape for therapy development in neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Larkindale Jane , Porter John D. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTAlthough the neuromuscular field has seen accelerated approval of a drug for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and full approval of one for spinal muscular atrophy, these experiences have shown that objective data and an adequate level of effect are essential for drug approval and reimbursement. The appropriateness and validity of biomarkers and clinically meaningful endpoints and an understanding of disease progression rates all played essential roles in the levels of evidence for these drugs. Such tools are best developed through integration of clinical data. The siloing of clinical data for rare neuromuscular diseases represents a considerable barrier to achieving better care and novel therapies for patients living with neuromuscular diseases. We discuss a data‐sharing model implemented for DMD and urge cultural changes in the ways natural history and clinical trial data are collected and shared across all neuromuscular diseases in order to benefit the primary stakeholder, the patient. Muscle Nerve 57: 16–19, 2018
Multimodal quantitative examination of nerve function in colorectal cancer patients prior to chemotherapy
Authors: Kandula Tejaswi , Farrar Michelle A. , Krishnan Arun V. , Murray Jenna , Timmins Hannah C. , Goldstein David , Lin Cindy S‐Y. , Kiernan Matthew C. , Park Susanna B. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Given recent findings of subclinical sensory deficits in colorectal cancer patients before oxaliplatin treatment, in the current study we aimed to identify evidence of subclinical peripheral neuropathy on multimodal testing before chemotherapy commencement. Methods: Clinical, functional, and neurophysiological assessments were undertaken in 93 colorectal cancer patients before chemotherapy. Results: There was no neurophysiological evidence of neuropathy, with 92 of 93 sural sensory values within normative reference values for age and no significant abnormalities detected in nerve conduction or nerve excitability studies. Clinical neurological assessment revealed 75.9% of patients with no signs or symptoms, 10.3% with reduction in distal vibration or pinprick sensitivity, and 6.9% with reduction in ankle reflexes only. There was no difference in manual dexterity (using the 9‐hole peg‐board test) compared with normative data. Discussion: The present study has established a low likelihood of significant distal symmetrical polyneuropathy in colorectal cancer patients before initiation of chemotherapy. Muscle Nerve 57: 615–621, 2018
Autosomal dominant calpainopathy due to heterozygous CAPN3 C.643_663del21
Authors: Martinez‐Thompson Jennifer M. , Niu Zhiyv , Tracy Jennifer A. , Moore Steven A. , Swenson Andrea , Wieben Eric D. , Milone Margherita 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTIntroduction: A calpain‐3 (CAPN3) gene heterozygous deletion (c.643_663del21) was recently linked to autosomal dominant (AD) limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy. However, the possibility of digenic disease was raised. We describe 3 families with AD calpainopathy carrying this isolated mutation. Methods: Probands heterozygous for CAPN3 c.643_663del21 were identified by targeted next generation or whole exome sequencing. Clinical findings were collected for probands and families. Calpain‐3 muscle Western blots were performed in 3 unrelated individuals. Results: Probands reported variable weakness in their 40s or 50s, with myalgia, back pain, or hyperlordosis. Pelvic girdle muscles were affected with adductor and hamstring sparing. Creatine kinase was normal to 1,800 U/L, independent of weakness severity. Imaging demonstrated lumbar paraspinal muscle atrophy. Electromyographic findings and muscle biopsies were normal to mildly myopathic. Muscle calpain‐3 expression was reduced. Discussion: This study provides further evidence for AD calpainopathy associated with CAPN3 c.643_663del21. No pathogenic variants in other genes known to cause myopathy were detected. Muscle Nerve 57: 679–683, 2018