bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound‐Guided Intratumoral Radiofrequency Ablation Coagulation to Facilitate Meningioma Resection: Preliminary Experience
Authors: Yan Li , Yang Junle , Zhou Xiaodong , He Guangbin , Zheng Yu , Zhu Yali , Liu Weiping , Luo Wen , Qin Haiying , Liu Haijing , Yi Xicai , Zhou Yin 
Published: September 2017

ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore the feasibility and safety of intratumoral radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in meningioma resection.MethodsThis study was approved by the Xijing Ethics Committee, and informed consent was obtained from all of the patients. Thirteen patients with meningiomas were recruited in the Neurosurgery Department of Xijing Hospital. These patients were treated with intratumoral RFA and surgery. We also chose 13 patients with meningiomas treated with traditional surgery as the control group. Two‐dimensional ultrasound, color Doppler flow imaging, contrast‐enhanced ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging were used to identify the location, border, and blood supply of the meningiomas preoperatively and to assess the therapeutic effect intraoperatively. Finally, the meningiomas were dissected and removed by surgery.ResultsAll procedures were technically successful without serious complications. Intraoperative ultrasound was able to provide a clear display of the location, shape, size, and boundary of the tumor and its relationship with other tissues and reveal the vascular distribution in and around the tumors. With intratumoral RFA, coagulative necrosis was induced, and the meningiomas became hard in texture with a decreased blood supply. Blood loss was significantly lower in the RFA group versus control group (320.0 ± 24.8 versus 390.4 ± 36.8 mL; P < .001). The RFA group spent fewer days in the hospital (6.0 ± 0.9 versus 7.0 ± 1.2 days; P = .022). However, the surgical time of the RFA group was relatively longer (3.5 ± 0.5 versus 3.0 ± 0.3 hours, P = .007).ConclusionsThe application of intratumoral RFA in meningioma resection is effective and safe. It may be a useful adjunct for meningioma treatment.
Determinants of HDL Cholesterol Efflux Capacity after Virgin Olive Oil Ingestion: Interrelationships with Fluidity of HDL Monolayer
Authors: Fernández‐Castillejo Sara , Rubió Laura , Hernáez Álvaro , Catalán Úrsula , Pedret Anna , Valls Rosa‐M , Mosele Juana I. , Covas Maria‐Isabel , Remaley Alan T. , Castañer Olga , Motilva Maria‐José , Solá Rosa 
Published: September 2017

ScopeCholesterol efflux capacity of HDL (CEC) is inversely associated with cardiovascular risk. HDL composition, fluidity, oxidation, and size are related with CEC. We aimed to assess which HDL parameters were CEC determinants after virgin olive oil (VOO) ingestion.Methods and resultsPost‐hoc analyses from the VOHF study, a crossover intervention with three types of VOO. We assessed the relationship of 3‐week changes in HDL‐related variables after intervention periods with independence of the type of VOO. After univariate analyses, mixed linear models were fitted with variables related with CEC and fluidity. Fluidity and Apolipoprotein (Apo)A‐I content in HDL was directly associated, and HDL oxidative status inversely, with CEC. A reduction in free cholesterol, an increase in triglycerides in HDL, and a decrease in small HDL particle number or an increase in HDL mean size, were associated to HDL fluidity.ConclusionsHDL fluidity, ApoA‐I concentration, and oxidative status are major determinants for CEC after VOO. The impact on CEC of changes in free cholesterol and triglycerides in HDL, and those of small HDL or HDL mean size, could be mechanistically linked through HDL fluidity. Our work points out novel therapeutic targets to improve HDL functionality in humans through nutritional or pharmacological interventions.
Development of a patient‐specific atrial phantom model for planning and training of inter‐atrial interventions
Authors: Morais Pedro , Tavares João Manuel R. S. , Queirós Sandro , Veloso Fernando , D'hooge Jan , Vilaça João L. 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundSeveral authors have presented cardiac phantoms to mimic the particularities of the heart, making it suitable for medical training and surgical planning. Although the initial models were mainly focused on the ventricles, personalized phantoms of the atria were recently presented. However, such models are typically rigid, the atrial wall is not realistic and they are not compatible with ultrasound (US), being sub‐optimal for planning/training of several interventions.MethodsIn this work, we propose a strategy to construct a patient‐specific atrial model. Specifically, the target anatomy is generated using a computed tomography (CT) dataset and then constructed using a mold‐cast approach. An accurate representation of the inter‐atrial wall (IAS) was ensured during the model generation, allowing its application for IAS interventions. Two phantoms were constructed using different flexible materials (silicone and polyvinyl alcohol cryogel, PVA‐C), which were then compared to assess their appropriateness for US acquisition and for the generation of complex anatomies.ResultsTwo experiments were set up to validate the proposed methodology. First, the accuracy of the manufacturing approach was assessed through the comparison between a post‐production CT and the virtual references. The results proved that the silicone‐based model was more accurate than the PVA‐C‐based one, with an error of 1.68 ± 0.79, 1.36 ± 0.94, 1.45 ± 0.77 mm for the left (LA) and right atria (RA) and IAS, respectively. Second, an US acquisition of each model was performed and the obtained images quantitatively and qualitatively assessed. Both models showed a similar performance in terms of visual evaluation, with an easy detection of the LA, RA, and the IAS. Furthermore, a moderate accuracy was obtained between the atrial surfaces extracted from the US and the ideal reference, and again a superior performance of the silicone‐based model against the PVA‐C phantom was observed.ConclusionsThe proposed strategy proved to be accurate and feasible for the correct generation of complex personalized atrial models.
A universal parameterized gradient‐based method for photon beam field size determination
Authors: Lebron Sharon , Yan Guanghua , Li Jonathan , Lu Bo , Liu Chihray 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo propose a universal, parameterized gradient‐based method (PGM) for radiation field size determination.MethodsThe PGM locates the beam profile's edge by parameterizing its penumbra region with a modified sigmoid function where the inflection point can be determined in a closed form. The parametrization was validated with filter‐flattened (FF), flattening‐filter‐free (FFF) and wedged profiles measured on two Elekta linac models (Synergy and Versa HD). Gamma analysis with the delta dose function set to zero was used to quantitatively assess the parameterization accuracy. Field sizes of FF beams were calculated with the PGM and the full width at half maximum (FWHM) methods for comparison. To assess the consistency of the PGM and the FWHM method with geometric scaling across different depths, the calculated field size at a reference depth was scaled to other depths and compared with the field sizes calculated from the measured profiles. The method was also validated against a maximum‐slope method (MSM) with wedge and FFF profiles. We also evaluated the robustness of the three methods with respect to measurement noise, varying scanning step sizes, detector characteristics, and beam energy/modality.ResultsSmall distance‐to‐agreement (0.02 ± 0.02 mm) between the measured and parameterized penumbra region was observed for all profiles. The differences between the field sizes calculated with the FWHM method and the PGM were consistent (0.9 ± 0.3 mm), with the FWHM method yielding larger values. With geometrical scaling, the PGM and the FWHM method produced maximum differences of 0.26 and 1.16 mm, respectively. For wedge and FFF beams, the mean differences relative to FF fields were 0.15 ± 0.09 mm and 0.57 ± 0.91 mm for the PGM and the MSM, respectively. The PGM was also found to produce more consistent results than the FWHM method and the MSM when measurement noise, scanning step size, detector characteristics, and beam energy/modality changed.ConclusionThe proposed PGM is universally applicable to all beam modalities (FF, wedge and FFF) for accurate field size determination. Compared to the FWHM and the MSM, it is more robust to variations in measurement condition and detection system.
MYC drives overexpression of telomerase RNA (hTR/TERC) in prostate cancer
Authors: Baena‐Del Valle Javier A , Zheng Qizhi , Esopi David M , Rubenstein Michael , Hubbard Gretchen K , Moncaliano Maria C , Hruszkewycz Andrew , Vaghasia Ajay , Yegnasubramanian Srinivasan , Wheelan Sarah J , Meeker Alan K , Heaphy Christopher M , Graham Mindy K , De Marzo Angelo M 
Published: September 2017

AbstractTelomerase consists of at least two essential elements, an RNA component hTR or TERC that contains the template for telomere DNA addition and a catalytic reverse transcriptase (TERT). While expression of TERT has been considered the key rate‐limiting component for telomerase activity, increasing evidence suggests an important role for the regulation of TERC in telomere maintenance and perhaps other functions in human cancer. By using three orthogonal methods including RNAseq, RT‐qPCR, and an analytically validated chromogenic RNA in situ hybridization assay, we report consistent overexpression of TERC in prostate cancer. This overexpression occurs at the precursor stage (e.g. high‐grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia or PIN) and persists throughout all stages of disease progression. Levels of TERC correlate with levels of MYC (a known driver of prostate cancer) in clinical samples and we also show the following: forced reductions of MYC result in decreased TERC levels in eight cancer cell lines (prostate, lung, breast, and colorectal); forced overexpression of MYC in PCa cell lines, and in the mouse prostate, results in increased TERC levels; human TERC promoter activity is decreased after MYC silencing; and MYC occupies the TERC locus as assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Finally, we show that knockdown of TERC by siRNA results in reduced proliferation of prostate cancer cell lines. These studies indicate that TERC is consistently overexpressed in all stages of prostatic adenocarcinoma and that its expression is regulated by MYC. These findings nominate TERC as a novel prostate cancer biomarker and therapeutic target. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Epigenetic regulation – contribution to herbicide resistance in weeds?
Authors: Markus Catarine , Pecinka Ales , Karan Ratna , Barney Jacob N , Merotto Aldo 
Published: September 2017

AbstractContinuous use of herbicides has resulted in the evolution of resistance to all major herbicide modes of action worldwide. Besides the well‐documented cases of newly acquired resistance through genetic changes, epigenetic regulation may also contribute to herbicide resistance in weeds. Epigenetics involves processes that modify the expression of specific genetic elements without changes in the DNA sequence, and play an important role in re‐programming gene expression. Epigenetic modifications can be induced spontaneously, genetically or environmentally. Stress‐induced epigenetic changes are normally reverted soon after stress exposure, although in specific cases they can also be carried over multiple generations, thereby having a selective benefit. Here, we provide an overview of the basis of epigenetic regulation in plants and discuss the possible effect of epigenetic changes on herbicide resistance. The understanding of these epigenetic changes would add a new perspective to our knowledge of environmental and management stresses and their effects on the evolution of herbicide resistance in weeds. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Safety Profile of Good Manufacturing Practice Manufactured Interferon γ-Primed Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells for Clinical Trials
Authors: Guess Adam J. , Daneault Beth , Wang Rongzhang , Bradbury Hillary , La Perle Krista M. D. , Fitch James , Hedrick Sheri L. , Hamelberg Elizabeth , Astbury Caroline , White Peter , Overolt Kathleen , Rangarajan Hemalatha , Abu-Arja Rolla , Devine Steven M. , Otsuru Satoru , Dominici Massimo , O'Donnell Lynn , Horwitz Edwin M. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are widely studied by both academia and industry for a broad array of clinical indications. The collective body of data provides compelling evidence of the clinical safety of MSC therapy. However, generally accepted proof of therapeutic efficacy has not yet been reported. In an effort to generate a more effective therapeutic cell product, investigators are focused on modifying MSC processing protocols to enhance the intrinsic biologic activity. Here, we report a Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant two-step MSC manufacturing protocol to generate MSCs or interferon γ (IFNγ) primed MSCs which allows freshly expanded cells to be infused in patients on a predetermined schedule. This protocol eliminates the need to infuse cryopreserved, just thawed cells which may reduce the immune modulatory activity. Moreover, using (IFNγ) as a prototypic cytokine, we demonstrate the feasibility of priming the cells with any biologic agent. We then characterized MSCs and IFNγ primed MSCs prepared with our protocol, by karyotype, in vitro potential for malignant transformation, biodistribution, effect on engraftment of transplanted hematopoietic cells, and in vivo toxicity in immune deficient mice including a complete post-mortem examination. We found no evidence of toxicity attributable to the MSC or IFNγ primed MSCs. Our data suggest that the clinical risk of infusing MSCs or IFNγ primed MSCs produced by our two-step protocol is not greater than MSCs currently in practice. While actual proof of safety requires phase I clinical trials, our data support the use of either cell product in new clinical studies.
Digital affordances, spatial affordances, and the genesis of entrepreneurial ecosystems
Authors: Autio Erkko , Nambisan Satish , Thomas Llewellyn D. W. , Wright Mike 
Published: September 2017

Research Summary: Entrepreneurial ecosystems command increasing attention from policy makers, academics, and practitioners, yet the phenomenon itself remains under‐theorized. Specifically, the conceptual similarities and differences of entrepreneurial ecosystems relative to, for instance, clusters, “knowledge clusters,” regional systems of innovation, and “innovative milieus” remain unclear. Drawing on research on industrial districts and agglomerations, clusters, and systems of innovation, we suggest that entrepreneurial ecosystems differ from traditional clusters by their emphasis on the exploitation of digital affordances; by their organization around entrepreneurial opportunity discovery and pursuit; by their emphasis on business model innovation; by voluntary horizontal knowledge spillovers; and by cluster‐external locus of entrepreneurial opportunities. We highlight how these distinctive characteristics set entrepreneurial ecosystems apart from other cluster types, propose a structural model of entrepreneurial ecosystems, summarize the articles in this special issue, and suggest promising avenues for future research.Managerial Summary: Entrepreneurial ecosystems command increasing attention from policy makers, academics, and practitioners. We suggest that entrepreneurial ecosystems differ from traditional clusters by their emphasis on the exploitation of digital affordances; by their organization around entrepreneurial opportunity discovery and pursuit; by their emphasis on business model innovation; by voluntary horizontal knowledge spillovers; and by cluster‐external locus of entrepreneurial opportunities. We highlight how these distinctive characteristics set entrepreneurial ecosystems apart from regional cluster phenomena discussed in received economic geography and innovation literatures. We suggest policy makers need to adopt novel approaches to stimulate entrepreneurial ecosystems that differ from those in place to develop industrial clusters or support already established small‐ and medium‐sized companies.
Fire in the belly? Employee motives and innovative performance in start‐ups versus established firms
Authors: Sauermann Henry 
Published: September 2017

Research Summary: We examine whether start‐ups attract employees with different pecuniary and non‐pecuniary motives than small or large established firms. We then explore whether such differences in employee motives may lead to differences in innovative performance across firm types. Using data on more than 10,000 U.S. R&D employees, we find that start‐up employees (“joiners”) place lower importance on job security and salary but greater importance on independence and responsibility. Start‐up employees have higher patent output than employees in small and large established firms, and this difference is partly mediated by employee motives—especially joiners’ greater willingness to bear risk. We discuss implications for research as well as for managers and policy makers concerned with the supply of human capital to entrepreneurship and innovation.
Managerial Summary: Start‐ups and established firms play different roles in the economy and differ with respect to their organizational features. Recent research has started to also explore differences in their human capital. While prior work focuses on employees’ skills and experience, we broaden the notion of human capital to include motivational characteristics. We find that start‐up employees differ from those working in established firms with respect to their motives, most notably a weaker concern with job security. Moreover, such differences can partly explain higher innovative performance in start‐ups. Our findings suggest that founders may derive significant benefits from hiring “joiners” with entrepreneurial motives. Our findings also have implications for corporate managers who seek to acquire start‐ups or who consider creating entrepreneurial units that replicate features of young and small organizations.
Resource orchestration in start‐ups: Synchronizing human capital investment, leveraging strategy, and founder start‐up experience
Authors: Symeonidou Noni , Nicolaou Nicos 
Published: September 2017

Research Summary: We examine the performance effects of resource orchestration in start‐ups by investigating three key contingencies of resource orchestration: human capital (HC) investment relative to rivals, leveraging strategy, and founder start‐up experience. We find that deviating from rivals' resource investments (either above or below the industry mean) negatively affects performance, while conforming to the norms set by rivals positively affects performance. However, we also find that a higher investment in HC relative to rivals is less detrimental when aligned with a leveraging strategy focused on innovation. In addition, we find evidence that this relationship is conditioned by the entrepreneurial experience of the founders themselves.Managerial Summary: To create value, entrepreneurs need to assemble and manage various resources and capabilities. We explain how entrepreneurs can manage their resources to achieve higher performance. Using a sample of U.S. start‐ups, we find that deviations in human capital (HC) investments relative to rivals (either below or above) harm the performance of start‐ups. However, we also find that a higher investment in HC relative to rivals is less detrimental when the start‐up is focused on innovation. In addition, we find that experienced founders benefit from actively orchestrating HC investments relative to rivals with a strategy focused on innovation.
Prediction and control: An agent‐based simulation of search processes in the entrepreneurial problem space
Authors: Mauer René , Wuebker Robert , Schlüter Jan , Brettel Malte 
Published: September 2017

Research Summary: This study seeks to understand the boundary conditions and successful application of search processes in the entrepreneurial problem space. To this end, we employ an agent‐based simulation approach to formally investigate the influence of environmental isotropy, unpredictability, and goal ambiguity on two distinct search processes, one prediction‐based and one control‐based. Specifically, we investigate the performance of effectuation as an example of non‐predictive, control‐based search and causation as an example of prediction‐based search. Results enhance theory by revealing a more nuanced relationship between the environment and entrepreneurial search than previous conceptual and empirical work has suggested.Managerial Summary: Historically, entrepreneurship research has tended to view the external environment as given. The guidance for entrepreneurs given an immutable landscape sits on a continuum between “learn to plan better” and “learn to react faster.” These two approaches differ only in their suggestions about what entrepreneurs should do assuming the environment is given. A growing body of theoretical work questions this environment‐as‐given assumption and suggests an alternative entrepreneurial search process that seeks active control of environmental elements. To understand the successful applications as well as limitations of these entrepreneurial search processes, this study runs a simulation in which agents engage in different search processes. Practitioners receive more realistic guidance on how search for value needs a match between the idea, the context, and the search process.
Entrepreneurship in digital platforms: A network‐centric view
Authors: Srinivasan Arati , Venkatraman N. 
Published: September 2017

Research summaryResearch on entrepreneurship has focused primarily on the individual characteristics of founders in driving the success of new ventures offering stand‐alone products and/or services. In recent years, we have seen an increase in entrepreneurship in digital platforms—where success requires positioning products and services within dynamic digital networks that depict complex connections among platforms, complementary modules, and consumers. This article introduces key elements of a theory for settings where entrepreneurship success is intricately connected to the moves of other entrepreneurs and coordinated within and across platforms. We introduce a network‐centric view to understand how entrepreneurs occupying the role of third‐party developers support digital platforms by their choices to link to them. Furthermore, we develop propositions reflecting a dynamic perspective representing two key stages of competition in digital platforms, initial launch, and scale‐up. We hope this work guides further theorizing and empirical research in digital platforms and entrepreneurship in general.Managerial summaryOver the last decade, we have seen a rise in digital entrepreneurs who support platforms such as Apple iOS, Google's Android, Facebook, Twitter, and others. The success of platforms requires support from applications, and entrepreneurs in such settings play a critical role in making some platforms succeed relative to others. Our study provides insight into how digital entrepreneurs can orchestrate strategic moves that allow them to navigate the complex landscape of linking and adapting to different platforms and how these linkage choices can lead to entrepreneurial success.