bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Delta Neutrophil Index for the Prediction of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients With St-Elevation Myocardial Infarction Followed By Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Kong Taeyoung , Park Yoo Seok , Lee Hye Sun , Kim Sinae , Han Sehee , Eun Claire H. , Lee Jong Wook , You Je Sung , Chung Hyun Soo , Park Incheol , Chung Sung Phil 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACT

Purpose:
We assessed the usefulness of the delta neutrophil index (DNI), reflecting immature granulocytes, to stratify risk for developing contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in a clinical setting.

Methods:
This study retrospectively analyzed prospective data of eligible adult patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) with STEMI followed by PCI. We determined DNI at multiple time points and analyzed the development of CIN and in-hospital mortality according to CIN incidence.

Results:
Overall, 564 patients with STEMI followed by PCI were included. Of these, 58 patients (10.3%) had CIN. Areas under the curve for predictability of CIN using the DNI within 2 h after PCI (I) and 24 h on ED admission (24) among patients with CIN were 0.775 (P < 0.001) and 0.751 (P < 0.001), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that increased DNI values at time I (odds ratio [OR], 1.632; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.357–1.964; P < 0.001) and time 24 (OR, 1.503; 95% CI, 1.272–1.777; P < 0.001) were strong independent factors for predicting CIN among patients with STEMI who underwent PCI. Increasing predictability of CIN was closely associated with DNI more than 1.8% on ED admission (OR, 12.494; 95% CI, 6.540–23.87; P < 0.001) and more than 1.9% at time 24 (OR, 10.45; 95% CI, 5.769–18.928; P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
The DNI is easily obtained as part of the complete blood count measurement without requiring additional cost or time. High DNI independently predicts the development of CIN in patients with acute STEMI followed by PCI.
Machine-learning Support to Individual Diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment Using Multimodal MRI and Cognitive Assessments
Authors: De Marco Matteo , Beltrachini Leandro , Biancardi Alberto , Frangi Alejandro F. , Venneri Annalena 
Published: September 2017

Background:
Understanding whether the cognitive profile of a patient indicates mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or performance levels within normality is often a clinical challenge. The use of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI) and machine learning may represent valid aids in clinical settings for the identification of MCI patients.

Methods:
Machine-learning models were computed to test the classificatory accuracy of cognitive, volumetric [structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI)] and blood oxygen level dependent-connectivity (extracted from RS-fMRI) features, in single-modality and mixed classifiers.

Results:
The best and most significant classifier was the RS-fMRI+Cognitive mixed classifier (94% accuracy), whereas the worst performing was the sMRI classifier (∼80%). The mixed global (sMRI+RS-fMRI+Cognitive) had a slightly lower accuracy (∼90%), although not statistically different from the mixed RS-fMRI+Cognitive classifier. The most important cognitive features were indices of declarative memory and semantic processing. The crucial volumetric feature was the hippocampus. The RS-fMRI features selected by the algorithms were heavily based on the connectivity of mediotemporal, left temporal, and other neocortical regions.

Conclusion:
Feature selection was profoundly driven by statistical independence. Some features showed no between-group differences, or showed a trend in either direction. This indicates that clinically relevant brain alterations typical of MCI might be subtle and not inferable from group analysis.
Visual Structure and Function in Collision Sport Athletes
Authors: Leong Danielle , Morettin Christina , Messner Leonard V. , Steinmetz Robert J. , Pang Yi , Galetta Steven L. , Balcer Laura J. 
Published: September 2017

Background:
Vision-based measures have been shown to be useful markers in multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer and Parkinson disease. Therefore, these testing paradigms may have applications to populations explaining repetitive head trauma that has been associated with long-term neurodegenerative sequelae. We investigated retinal structure and visual function in professional collision sport athletes compared to age- and race-matched control participants.

Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, participants underwent spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular ganglion cell complex (GCC = ganglion cell + inner plexiform layers) thickness. High-contrast visual acuity (100% level), low-contrast letter acuity (LCLA) (1.25% and 2.5% levels), and King–Devick Test of rapid number naming performance were administered. Vision-specific quality of life (QOL) measures were assessed.

Results:
Among 46 collision sport athletes (boxing, n = 14; football, n = 29; ice hockey, n = 3) and 104 control participants, average RNFL thickness was a significant predictor of athlete vs control status with athletes demonstrating 4.8-μm of thinning compared to controls (P = 0.01, generalized estimating equation [GEE] models accounting for age and within-subject, intereye correlations). Athlete vs control status was not a predictor of RNFL thickness for the subgroup of football players in this cohort (P = 0.60). Binocular (P = 0.001) and monocular (P = 0.02) LCLA at 2.5% contrast and vision-specific QOL (P = 0.04) were significant predictors of athlete vs control status (GEE models accounting for age and within-subject, intereye correlations). Rapid number naming performance times were not significantly different between the control and athlete groups.

Conclusions:
This study showed that retinal axonal and neuronal loss is present among collision sport athletes, with most notable differences seen in boxers. These findings are accompanied by reductions in visual function and QOL, similar to patterns observed in multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. Vision-based changes associated with head trauma exposure that have the potential to be detected in vivo represent a unique opportunity for further study to determine if these changes in collision sport athletes are predictive of future neurodegeneration.
Ectopic Expression of DNA Repair Enzymes Modulates Survival following Ultraviolet Irradiation Challenge
Authors: Garg Stuti P. , Minko Irina G. , Coskun Erdem , Erdem Onur , Jaruga Pawel , Dizdaroglu Miral , Lloyd R. Stephen 
Published: September 2017

AbstractInEscherichia coli, the nucleotide excision repair (NER) pathway removes ultraviolet (UV) light-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and 6-4 dipyrimidine photoproducts (6-4 PPs). Activation of alternative repair pathways, such as base excision repair (BER) and nucleotide incision repair (NIR), is inoperative because this organism lacks both the necessary BER DNA glycosylase and NIR UV endonuclease to initiate repair of these lesions. To determine if initiation of either pathway would enhance survival to biologically-relevant UV irradiation, the BER and NIR pathways were activated by expression ofChlorellavirus-1 pyrimidine dimer glycosylase (cv-pdg) andSchizosaccharomyces pombeUV endonuclease (UVDE), respectively. The substrate specificity of cv-pdg includes CPDs and ring-fragmented purines, 4,6-diamino-5-formamidopyrimidine and 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine, but not 6-4 PPs. In contrast, while UVDE incises DNA containing CPDs and 6-4 PPs, it was not previously known if the substrate specificity of UVDE included DNA containing ring-fragmented purines. Mass spectrometry was used to establish that these oxidatively-induced lesions were not substrates for UVDE. Expression of either cv-pdg or UVDE in NER-deficientE. colisignificantly enhanced survival following UVB irradiation, but not to the levels of wild type (WT) cells. Survival of NER-proficient, homologous recombination-deficient cells could also be significantly enhanced by expression of either enzyme, suggesting that in response to UVB exposure, interactions between NER and activated BER or NIR pathways could be additive. Further, expression of cv-pdg or UVDE in WTE. colienhanced survival following solar-simulated light (SSL) exposures.
BacilloFlex: A modular DNA assembly toolkit forBacillus subtilissynthetic biology
Authors: Wicke Niels , Radford David , Verrone Valeria , Wipat Anil , French Christopher E. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBacillus subtilisis a valuable industrial production platform for proteins, a bacterial model for cellular differentiation and its endospores have been proposed as a vehicle for vaccine delivery. As suchB. subtilisis a major synthetic biology chassis but, unlikeEscherichia coli, lacks a standardized toolbox for genetic manipulation. EcoFlex is a versatile modular DNA assembly toolkit forE. colisynthetic biology based on Golden Gate cloning. Here we introduce BacilloFlex, an extension of the EcoFlex assembly standard toB. subtilis. Transcription units flanked by sequences homologous to loci in theB. subtilisgenome were rapidly assembled by the EcoFlex standard and subsequently chromosomally integrated. At present, BacilloFlex includes a range of multi-functionalB. subtilisspecific parts with applications including metabolic engineering, biosensors and spore surface display. We hope this work will form the foundation of a widely adopted cloning standard forB. subtilisfacilitating collaboration and the sharing of parts.
FACT sets a barrier for cell fate reprogramming inC. elegansand Human
Authors: Kolundzic Ena , Ofenbauer Andreas , Uyar Bora , Sommermeier Anne , Seelk Stefanie , He Mei , Baytek Gülkiz , Akalin Altuna , Diecke Sebastian , Lacadie Scott A. , Tursun Baris 
Published: September 2017

SummaryAbstract FigureThe chromatin regulator FACT (Facilitates Chromatin Transcription) is essential for ensuring stable gene expression by promoting transcription. In a genetic screen usingC. eleganswe identified that FACT maintains cell identities and acts as a barrier for transcription factor-mediated cell fate reprogramming. Strikingly, FACT’s role as a reprogramming barrier is conserved in humans as we show that FACT depletion enhances reprogramming of fibroblasts into stem cells and neurons. Such activity of FACT is unexpected since known reprogramming barriers typically repress gene expression by silencing chromatin. In contrast, FACT is a positive regulator of gene expression suggesting an unprecedented link of cell fate maintenance with counteracting alternative cell identities. This notion is supported by ATAC-seq analysis showing that FACT depletion results in decreased but also increased chromatin accessibility for transcription factors. Our findings identify FACT as a cellular reprogramming barrier inC. elegansand humans, revealing an evolutionarily conserved mechanism for cell fate protection.
Heart-brain interactions in the MR environment: characterization of the ballistocardiogram in EEG signals collected during simultaneous fMRI
Authors: Marino Marco , Liu Quanying , Del Castello Mariangela , Corsi Cristiana , Wenderoth Nicole , Mantini Dante 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe ballistocardiographic (BCG) artifact is linked to cardiac activity and occurs in electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings acquired inside the magnetic resonance (MR) environment. Its variability in terms of amplitude, waveform shape and spatial distribution over subject’s scalp makes its attenuation a challenging task. In this study, we aimed to provide a detailed characterization of the BCG properties, including its temporal dependency on cardiac events and its spatio-temporal dynamics. To this end, we used high-density EEG data acquired during simultaneous functional MR imaging in six healthy volunteers. First, we investigated the relationship between cardiac activity and BCG occurrences in the EEG recordings. We observed large variability in the delay between ECG and subsequent BCG events (ECG-BCG delay) across subjects and non-negligible epoch-by-epoch variations at the single subject level. Also, we found positive correlations between heart rate variability and ECG-BCG delay. The inspection of spatial-temporal variations revealed a prominent non-stationarity of the BCG signal. We identified five main BCG waves, which were common across subjects. Principal component analysis revealed two spatially distinct patterns to explain most of the variance (85% in total). These components are possibly related to head rotation and pulse-driven scalp expansion, respectively. Our results may inspire the development of novel, more effective methods for the removal of the BCG, capable of isolating and attenuating artifact occurrences while preserving true neuronal activity.
Exploring the process of workplace bullying in Indian organizations
Authors: Rai Arpana , Agarwal Upasna A. 
Published: September 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the process of workplace bullying in Indian organizations from the victims’ perspective.

Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted the grounded theory approach and centered on the participants’ experiences, interpretations, and reactions toward bullying. In total, 23 self-reported victims formed the sample of the study. Data from interviews were analyzed using the coding procedure of grounded theory methodology. To enhance the validity of results, in addition to interviews, member checking technique was also used.

Findings
The study revealed that the process of workplace bullying in Indian organizations can be broadly explained in four sequential phases: exposure and confusion over mistreatment; making attributions; utilizing options within the organization; and adjustment with the current situation. The findings highlight the importance of sense-making, the social support network, complexity of coping behaviors, silence motives of employees as well as negative and nourishing effects of workplace bullying. The role of culture is visible in the bullying dynamics.

Research limitations/implications
The study examined bullying from the victims’ perspective; however, perpetrator and bystanders’ perspective would have added interesting insights into the findings.

Practical implications
The findings point toward the rhetoric of HRM practices in Indian organizations. A well formulated and implemented anti-bullying policy will reduce the rhetoric of HRM practices in Indian organizations.

Originality/value
The present study contributes to the limited literature on the process of workplace bullying by exploring the process in a new national context (India).
Prevalence of Earlobe Creases and Their Association With History of Cardiovascular Disease in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Wakasugi Minako , Kazama Junichiro James , Kawamura Kazuko , Yamamoto Suguru , Nagai Masaaki , Omori Kentaro , Yokota Saori , Fujikawa Hirokazu , Aoike Ikuo , Omori Tsukasa , Narita Ichiei 
Published: September 2017

AbstractEarlobe creases are surrogate markers for high risk of cardiovascular disease. There is no data concerning earlobe creases among hemodialysis patients, who have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A cross‐sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of earlobe creases and their association with prevalent cardiovascular disease among hemodialysis patients. Patients undergoing hemodialysis were recruited from five outpatient hemodialysis centers. Both earlobes were photographed during a dialysis session with the patient in a supine position and the photos evaluated independently by two experienced nephrologists blinded to the participants' clinical characteristics. Prevalent cardiovascular diseases were defined as a history of myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, or peripheral vascular disease. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for detection of prevalent cardiovascular disease were calculated. Logistic analysis was used to examine the association between earlobe creases and prevalent cardiovascular disease. Earlobe creases were identified in 24.5% of 330 hemodialysis patients (200 men; mean age, 67.8 years). The prevalence of earlobe creases increased with age for men (P for trend <0.0001), but not for women (P for trend = 0.07). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 30.9% (95% confidence interval, 21.9–41.6), 77.5% (71.9–82.3), 30.9% (21.9–41.6), and 77.5% (71.9–82.3), respectively. Multivariate logistic analyses indicated the prevalence of earlobe crease was not associated with prevalent cardiovascular diseases. The prevalence is similar to that previously reported for Japanese individuals not undergoing dialysis. No association between earlobe creases and prevalent cardiovascular diseases was identified.
Human Leukocyte Antigen Sensitization in Solid Organ Transplantation: A Primer on Terminology, Testing, and Clinical Significance for the Apheresis Practitioner
Authors: Abbes Sarah , Metjian Ara , Gray Alice , Martinu Tereza , Snyder Laurie , Chen Dong‐feng , Ellis Matthew , Arepally Gowthami M. , Onwuemene Oluwatoyosi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system is an important immunologic barrier that must be considered for successful solid organ transplantation. Formation of donor‐specific HLA antibodies in solid organ transplantation is an important cause of allograft injury and may contribute to recipient morbidity and mortality. Therapeutic plasma exchange is often requested to lower HLA antibody levels prior to or after transplantation and for management of HLA antibodies in the context of organ rejection. In this review, we summarize the current terminology, laboratory testing, and clinical significance of HLA sensitization in the solid organ transplant population. Furthermore, to illustrate applications of HLA testing in clinical practice, we summarize our own lung and kidney institutional protocols for managing HLA antibodies in the peri‐transplant setting.
Evaluating the BANCS Streambank Erosion Framework on the Northern Gulf of Mexico Coastal Plain
Authors: McMillan Mitchell , Liebens Johan , Metcalf Christopher 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe Bank Assessment of Nonpoint source Consequences of Sediment (BANCS) framework allows river scientists to predict annual sediment yield from eroding streambanks within a hydrophysiographic region. BANCS involves field data collection and the calibration of an empirical model incorporating a bank erodibility hazard index (BEHI) and near‐bank shear stress (NBS) estimate. Here we evaluate the applicability of BANCS to the northern Gulf of Mexico coastal plain, a region that has not been previously studied in this context. Erosion rates averaged over two years expressed the highest variability of any existing BANCS study. As a result, four standard BANCS models did not yield statistically significant correlations to measured erosion rates. Modifications to two widely used NBS estimates improved their correlations (r2 = 0.31 and r2 = 0.33), but further grouping of the data by BEHI weakened these correlations. The high variability in measured erosion rates is partly due to the regional hydrologic and climatic characteristics of the Gulf coastal plains, which include large, infrequent precipitation events. Other sources of variability include variations in bank vegetation and the complex hydro‐ and morphodynamics of meandering, sand bed channels. We discuss directions for future research in developing a streambank erosion model for this and similar regions.
Performance of multistate mark–recapture models for temporary emigration in the presence of survival costs
Authors: Henle Klaus , Gruber Bernd 
Published: September 2017

AbstractTemporary emigration is widespread in animals and plants and has important implications for ecological processes, evolution and the conservation of species. It is increasingly studied with capture–mark–recapture (CMR) models. Temporary emigration provides particular challenges to CMR analyses if it involves movement to an unobservable state. A multistate model in which individuals may move between an “observable” and an “unobservable” state (called TE model) was developed for such cases. The model assumes equal survival probability in both states. This assumption may be violated, especially if temporary emigration involves trade‐offs between survival and reproduction. A comprehensive assessment of the effects of unequal survival probability on power to detect temporary emigration and on bias and precision of estimates is still needed to understand the applicability and limits of the model.We assessed power to detect temporary emigration for four goodness‐of‐fit tests and evaluated bias and precision of estimates for the TE model and for its combination with a robust design.Our simulation study, based on 16,650 parameter combinations, shows that temporary emigration is more challenging than currently usually acknowledged. The Tests 2.CT and 2.C are largely independent of the difference in survival probability between the states. In contrast, Test 3.SR is sensitive to the difference in survival probability but also to emigration probability. Tests 2.C and 2.CT have high power if a large part of the population temporarily emigrates and a large fraction of the individuals return on the next capture occasion. Under this condition, bias is low and precision adequate even if the assumption of equal survival probability is violated. Bias and precision are also satisfactory if the assumption is met but unsatisfactory or unreliable for the remaining parameter space.We conclude that the uncertainties whether an appropriate model was selected and whether the estimates from the selected model may be biased should be clearly communicated and that every endeavour should be made to make the unobservable state observable.
Aspects in oat breeding: nutrition quality, nakedness and disease resistance, challenges and perspectives
Authors: Gorash A. , Armonienė R. , Mitchell Fetch J. , Liatukas Ž. , Danytė V. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractTraditionally, the oat crop (Avena sativa) has been neglected in a number of respects, cultivated in cropping areas not optimal for wheat, barley or maize. In recent years the interest in oats has increased, particularly because of its dietary benefits and therapeutic potential for human health. The uniqueness and advantages of naked oats over other popular cereals, due to its potentially valuable nutritional composition, have been well studied and reported, opening new market “niches” for oats. Despite the well‐documented benefits, the status of the oat crop is still fragile, due to many reasons. The area cultivated for the oat crop is much less compared with other cereals, and therefore commercial efforts in oat breeding are less. Oat groat yield is lower than other cereals such as wheat and the nutritious uniqueness has not been reflected in agreeable market prices. The same price still exists for both naked and conventional/covered oats in the world grain market. The absence of visible market competitiveness, and some of the oat biological drawbacks, including low grain yield, keeps the oat crop as a lower profitability minor crop. This review is intended to analyse and summarise main achievements and challenges in oat genetics, agronomy and phytopathology to find possible ways of oat improvement and future perspectives for oat breeding.