Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/19
Outputs
Target Audience:We have performed farm-fieldand greenhouse trials and evaluations for 5 new germplasm:Ground JewelTMandGround DewTM, MTX851, MTX956-1 and MTX232. We have reached out to the target audiences - growers and researchers:1) We providedGround JewelTMandGround DewTM, MTX851, MTX956-1 and MTX232germplasm to growers from 5 locations, including Duluth, Minnesota.2) We providedGround JewelTMandGround DewTM, MTX851and MTX956-6germplasm to NASA researchers for trials to evaluate the possibility of using them in the space farming. 3). We supplied fresh tomatoes from AES farm lot to 2 food shelf distribution groups. 4) We have integrated teaching and training programs with this research project. Our tomato breeding field and greenhouse have been places for student and visitors to practice and learn crop improvement. Anumber of students and visitors have been practicing in the field and greenhouse for trait selection and grafting, in 2019,including David Moline, Quinn Johnson, and Cody Lachinski. Part of the findings from this research has alsocontributed to classroom teaching lectures of HORT 4401 (Plant Genetics and Breeding) and HORT 5058 (PlantCytogenetics lectures and labs). Changes/Problems:Obj. 1: For bothGround JewelTMandGround DewTM, we have performed low tunnel trials, which suggested that low tunnel would not work well for early spring at Minnesota. The test showed that if seedlings transplanted too early, at late April, deep frost would still kill the top branches. In the early summer (Late May and early June), because the plants produced abundant flowers, low tunnel needs to be removed, otherwise, ~40% of the flowers/flower buds might be failed to set fruits due to the high temperature and moisture trapped in the low tunnel. We have not tested for the later fall for extending their growing time, assuming it would work better for later season. As a result, we would not recommend growingGround JewelTMandGround DewTMat the early season under low tunnel. Some beautiful white tomatoes grown in the field are apparently due to the photo bleaching response (Ground DewTMand MTX232). We tested MTX232 that produces white fruits while young in the field, which demonstrated regular green color (or turning back to green fruits) under low light. That is to say, some new Minnesota tomato lines, such as MTX232 would grow well under low light to regular light as potted plants. For ornamental purpose, growing the potted plants under regular light to full sun would produce beautiful white young tomato fruits. Obj. 2 &3: Anther culture for aneuploid tomato lines was very challenged due to the limited viable anther sources from triploid plants. To test the hypothesis that abundant materials would change/prove this approach. We have collaborated with Northeast Forestry University to work on the popular anthers (thousands of anthers collected), we found one cell line that showed vigorous cell growth rate with challenging in regenerating shoots. An alternative approachwas done by growing and testing all currently available aneuploid tomato lines from UC Davis and U Florida for measuring growth rate, yield and shelf time. A total of 32 assumed aneuploid lines were tested. Additional pair of chromosome 7 may be responsible for extended shelf-time after harvesting. Obj. 4. In stead of generating RNAi lines, we employed the CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing method for future breeding to improve the quality of tomato with enrichment of nutritional value or flavor. For bothGround JewelTMandGround DewTM, we have performed low tunnel trials, which suggested that low tunnel would not work well for early spring at Minnesota. The test showed that if seedlings transplanted too early, at late April, deep frost would still kill the top branches. In the early summer (Late May and early June), because the plants produced abundant flowers, low tunnel needs to be removed, otherwise, ~40% of the flowers/flower buds might be failed to set fruits due to the high temperature and moisture trapped in the low tunnel. We have not tested for the later fall for extending their growing time, assuming it would work better for later season. As a result, we would not recommend growingGround JewelTMandGround DewTMat the early season under low tunnel. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? The materials generated from this project including new germplasm; field trials and selection of new varieties; demonstration of large farm field breeding selection and evaluation using a drone imaging system, havebecome an important sourcefor classroom teaching in Plant Cytogenetics, and Medicinal plants (HORT 5058 and HORT 4011). Atotal of 25 students have gained knowledge about vegetable breeding in Minnesota. We have collected some responses from the growers across Minnesota regarding how the new bred lines perform in their gardens, which become important information for us as breedings to determine new varieties of growers' interest. Here are some of the response quote received in 2019: How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? We have distributed new germplasm to 5 growers in 2019 for garden trials, including Ground DewTM,Ground DewTM,MTX851, MTX232. The breeding results from this project was reported in the Horticultural Science departmental weekly seminar. New variety of MTX851 was selected to furtherenhance its Vitamin D3 content for being beneficial to human health, which was presented in 2019 ASHS annual meeting in Las Vegas, NV. To explore the possibility of using the new breeding lineGround JewelTM,Ground DewTM, MTX851, MTX956 for future space farming, we have distributed seeds to NASA scientists, who are doing trials on various vegetable species. We reached out to two food shelf groups for distribution of the vegetables to support them to fight hunger. We plan to publish and release Ground Jewel, Ground Dew, MTX851, MTX956, and MTX232 to the public. We plan to continue to work with gardeners state-wide for further trials. (Two manuscripts are under writing). We are still working on a solution for propagating and distributing seeds to growers. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
1)develop economically valuable dwarf, short-season, and high-yield tomato cultivars with improved nutritional qualities; We have developed 5 new tomato cultivars: Ground Jewel, Ground Dew, MTX851, MTX956-06, MTX232, and MTX956-05 (a hybrid line that segregates flowerless line in its offspring population). MTX956-05 has great potential for being commercialized due to its characteristics--high yield, excellent fruit appearance, and great flavor. 2) establish anther culture assay for breeding of haploid, and aneuploid breeding lines; The anther culture assay wasestablished, no aneuploid breeding lines generated through this project. This method has been used to test different plant species and results from the popular anther culture (in collaborating with Northeast Forestry University) indicated one cell line that showed vigorous cell growth rate with challenging in regenerating shoots. An alternative approachwas done by growing and testing all currently available aneuploid tomato lines from UC Davis for measuring growth rate, yield and shelf time. A line with one extra pair of chromosome 7 demonstrated significantly extended shelf-time after harvesting. 3) create triploid breeding lines to maximize chromosome rearrangements for trait introgression; Triploid tomato lines were generated by crossing Ground Jewel(2N) to Red Cherry (4N) or Ground Jewel (4N). Those lines demonstrated significantly varied fruit size. More selection is needed to evaluate the performance of F2 or beyond. 4) construct inducible RNAi lines to generate chromosome rearrangement by means of genetic modification (GM). In stead of generating RNAi lines, we employed the CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing method for future breeding to improve the quality of tomato with enrichment of nutritional value or flavor.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2019
Citation:
Averello, V., Murphy, R., Chen, C (2019). Altering the Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Cholesterol Synthesis Pathway to Produce Vitamin D3. ASHS 2019 annual meeting presentations, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
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Progress 10/01/17 to 09/30/18
Outputs
Target Audience:We have distributed Ground JewelTM and Groun DewTM and MTX851 to home gardeners state-wide and four breeding lines (Ground JewelTM and Groun DewTM, MTX851 and MTX956) for growing in the NASA's facilities as trials for space farming. We have taken great efforts to reach the target audiences: 1) We provided plants of Ground JewelTM, Groun DewTM, and MNX851 out to over 13 home gardeners and one farmer this year for trial from Duluth to Northfield. 2) We gave one talk at the ASHS annual conference. 3) We have integrated teaching and training programs with this research project. Our tomato breeding field and greenhouse have been places for student and visitors to practice and learn crop improvement. A number of students and visitors have been practicing in the field and greenhouse for trait selection and grafting, in 2018, including Noah Hendricks, Samuel Revolinski, John Hiebel. Part of the findings from this research has also contributed to classroom teaching lectures of HORT 4401 (Plant Genetics and Breeding) and HORT 5058/9 (Plant Cytogenetics lectures and labs). Changes/Problems:We have been facingextremechallenges to regenerate plantlets from anther cultures. While we continue improving the method, we have been usingcurrent new lines that showpromise for growers in the short season locations to NASA for potential candidates in space farming. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project has provided opportunities to train scientists, graduate students, undergraduate students, and visiting scholars. Ryan Murphy has been supported for his professional development through this project and did instruct 13 home gardeners for a state-wide garden trial. Undergraduate student Eric Branch, Noah Hendricks, Samuel Revolinski, visiting scholars Nida Firdous and Fakhar Imam were all trained through this project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results have been disseminated to communities of interest through the following efforts taken by our breeding team: 1) We have provided plants to 13 Minnesota home gardeners and one farmer for field and small garden trials. 2) We gave one talk in 2018 in ASHS annual conference. 3) We presented findings and strategies through lecturing HORT 5058/9 and HORT 4401. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Next report will be our project final report, we plan to: 1) release Ground JewelTM and Ground DewTM through a publication; 2) submit Plant Variety Protection (PVP) application for MTX851 and MTX 956; 3) establish tomato CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing system using MTX851; 4) collecting data from the NASA trials; 5) work with Office of Intellectual Commercialization to introduce the new varieties to growers within Minnesota and across the nation.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During the project year four, we have made progress on objective: 1), 3) and 4). Obj. 1) we have grown over 70 lines of crosses made in previous years, from which we have identified a number of new lines for future development of elite tomato cultivars. We made 110 unique plant collections during the 2018 growing season. Some of those lines have shown promises for Minnesota home gardeners, especially for edible landscape design and potted ornamental plants. We have completed field trial for two new varieties: MTX232, and MTX 910 for potting and field on campus. Obj. 3) Four potential aneuploid hybrids have been created and completed the second field trial. Obj.4) we have established collaborations to construct CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing system using MTX851 for further improvement of tomato quality and property for disease resistance. We are currently working on one manuscript to release Ground JewelTM and Ground DewTM and seeking mechanisms for germplasm distribution to growers. We have expanded Ground JewelTM and Ground DewTM, MTX 851, MTX 956 trials for potential space farming due to the dwarf, short season and high yield features.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2018
Citation:
Audio and video presentation are available at:
https://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2018/meetingapp.cgi/Session/8746
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Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:In addition to Ground JewelTM and Groun DewTM , we have also brought MTX851 and MTX956-1 for growing in both farm field and greenhouses. We have taken great efforts to reach the target audiences:1) We provided plants of Ground JewelTM and Groun DewTM out to over 15 home gardeners and one farmer this year for trial. 2). We gave two talks at the Minnesota State Fair on the DIRT Stage. Through this event over 50 home gardeners were reached with 20 people signing up to participate in future home garden trials. 3) We have integrated teaching and triaing programs with this research project. Our tomato breeding field and greenhouse have been places for student and visitors to practice and learn crop improvement. A number of students and visitors have been practicing in the field and greenhouse for trait selection and grafting, in 2017, including John Hiebel,, Eric Branch, Nida Firdous, and Fakhar Imam. Part of the findings from this research has also contributed to classroom teaching lectures of HORT 4401 (Plant Genetics and Breeding) and HORT 5058/9 (Plant Cytogenetics lectures and labs). Changes/Problems:We have modified the initial RNA-interference approach for Obj. 4 to the much more advanced CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing system. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project has provided opportunities to train scientists, graduate students, undergraduate students, and visiting scholars. Ryan Murphy has been supported for his professional development through this project and did two workshops in 2017 Minnesta State Fair. Ben Fink, a former high school student (now a freshman at UMN) has been working on this project for three summers. Undergraduate student John Hiebel, Eric Branch, visiting scholars Nida Firdous and Fakhar Imam were all trained through this project in 2017. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results have been disseminated to communities of interest through the following efforts taken by our breeding team: 1) We have provided plants to 15 Minnesota home gardeners and one farmer for field and small garden trials. 2) We gave two talks in 2017 Minnesota State Fair events with approximated 50 attendees and 20 of them signed for future updates. 3) We have created a website ( (https://northerntomatoes.wordpress.com/) and also provided information at the University of Minnesota website to reach a broad audience. 4) We presented findings and strategies through lecturing HORT 5058/9 and HORT 4401. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Next report will be our project final report, we plan to: 1) publish one paper to release Ground JewelTM and Ground DewTM; 2) submit Plant Variety Protection (PVP) application for 4-6 novel varieties, including Ground JewelTM and Ground DewTM, MTX851, and MTX956; 3) establish tomato CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing system using MTX851; 4) continue the farm trial for triploid and aneuploid hybrids; 5) work with Office of Intellectual Comercialization to introduce the new varieties to growers within Minnesota and across the nation.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During the project year three, we have made progress on each objective: 1) we have grown 56 unique lines of crosses made in previous years, from which we have identified a number of new lines for future development of elite tomato cultivars. We made 245 unique plant collections during the 2017 growing season. Some of those lines have shown promises for Minnesota home gardeners, especially for edible landscape design and potted ornamental plants. We have completed field trial for two new varieties: MTX232 (previously also called MNX232) and MTX 910 (previously called MNX910). 2) tomato anther culture system using MTX910 and MTX851 is being established. 3) two triploid tomato lines and 4 aneuploid hybrids have been created and completed the first field trial. 4) we have established collaborations to construct CRISPR/CAS9 gene editing system using MTX851 for futher improvement of tomato quality and property for disease resistence. We are currently working on one manuscript to releaseGround JewelTM and Ground DewTM and seeking plant variety protection (PVP) for new bred lines of Ground JewelTM, Ground DewTM (Previously named MTX97 and MTX104, respectively), MTX851, MTX956, MTX232, and MTX910.
Publications
- Type:
Websites
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
https://northerntomatoes.wordpress.com/
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Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:In addition to previously selected Ground Jewel and Ground Dew, two new dwarf inbred tomato lines with potential for Minnesota vegetable growers and home gardeners were selected and on our way to bring them to growers for field testing. Our efforts to reachthe target audiences include: 1) displaying Ground Jewel and Ground Dew in 2016 state fair; 2) guest lecture to the plant genetics and breeding class (Hort 4401) and bringing the new varieties to Plant Cytogenetics class (Hort 5059), and integrating the materials into course lectures and laboratory practices; 3) supporting 2 student workers (one of them is a minority student), one graduate volunteer, and 3 high school volunteers; 4) working with Minnesota growers (for example, Hegan's Specialty Growers) for both field and greenhouse testing; 5) establishing a joint effort with extension education and master gardeners for potential statewide test growing. Changes/Problems:We have modified the project objectives slightly to meet the needs for commercialization and growers' interest. We have been constantly asked with two questions: 1) Are those tomato lines inbreds or hybrids? 2) Are those dwarf tomato lines transgenic lines? The original proposal we planned to make RNAi for aneuploid breeding and to provide inbred cultivars to growers. Now we have made some modification, including to generate more hybrid lines and avoid transgenic tomatoes, which is why we plan to remove the RANi approach with replacement of CRISPR-CAS9 method. CRISPR-CAS9 will take a much longer time, we may not able to complete the analysis of CRISPR-CAS9 results by the end of this project on September 30th, 2017. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project provide opportunities to train scientists, graduate students and undergraduate students. Ryan Murphy has been supported for his professional development toward a career of horticulture and urban forestry; Kenneth Jombwe, an African American undergraduate student, and John Hiebel, a student in thecivil engineering major, are trained through thisproject. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results have been disseminated to communities of interest through the following effort taken by our research team: 1) tested growing in both greenhouse and field in Hegan's specialty growers--a starter farm operation in the southern Minnesota. 2) displayed new inbred lines in Minneapolis Farmer's markets for the workshops of Markets and Science. 3) Exhibited new varieties in Minnesota state fair for visitors from all over the state of Minnesota. 4) Introduced Ground Jewel and Ground Dew to the national audience by presenting in American Society of Horticultural Science. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We plan to: 1) continue working on anther culture of triploid lines and select for aneuploid tomato varieties; 2) grow MTX851 and MTX956 in MAES farm field and Hegans' specialty growers' farm for field evaluation; 3) evaluate potentials of aneuploid hybrids between Ground Jewel/Ground Dew and the Florida lines; 4) change the RNAi strategy to CRISPR-CAS9 approach for new breeding lines that can be used for both conventional and organic farms in Minnesota. Due to the concern that growers have regarding transgenic involvement during the tomato breeding process, we decided to move the project to a new level with CRISPR-CAS9 gene editing approach. In other words, we plan to no longer pursue the RNAi modification as initially proposed.?
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
During the project year two, our accomplishments include: 1) developing two new dwarf varieties: MTX851 and MTX956, both have potentials for Minnesota growers, especially MTX851. The nutrient analysis suggested that MTX851 is not only a dwarf, high yield variety, but also a variety that produces fruits with better quality. On average, 15% more protein, and 15% more sugar are produced in MTX851 comparing to the same quantity of Ground Jewel; 31% more protein, and 24% more sugar comparing to the same quantity of Ground Dew.Inaddition, MTX851 produces 6.5% and 5.5% more Lycopene, the key antioxidant compound in tomatoes, comparing to Ground Jewel and Ground Dew, respectively. 2) having tested anther culture conditionto prepare next step breeding for aneuploid variation. 3) making more crosses for triploid lines using Ground Jewel and Ground Dew. 4) replacing RNAi strategy with CRISPR-CAS9 gene editing mechanisms
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Ryan M, McDowell D, Chen C (2016). Ground Jewel and Ground Dew are two new tomato inbred lines for growers in the northern and short-season locations. HortScience 51(9) S190.
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Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:Ground Jewel and Ground Dew are dwarf, short season, and high yield varieties for both fresh and processing tomatoes. We expect that the target audiences include home and urban gardeners, organic and conventional gardeners, small farms and possible large scale farms of northern and short season locations. Our efforts to reach the target audiences include: 1) bringing the new varieties to Plant Cytogenetics course Hort 5059, and integrating the materials into course laboratory practices for 15 students (including oneAfrican American student); 2) speaking at Anoka County Master Gardeners' continuing education program with 65 attendees who are local gardeners; 3) supporting 8 student workers (two of them are minority students), one graduate volunteer, and 2 high school volunteers; 4) working with growers and breeders nation-wide, especially for those who come from tomato seed industry, such as H.M. Clause, for field testing; 5) discussing with UMN OIP for plant variety protection and intellectual property disclosure; 6) helping local growers (Green Barn Farm, Hegan's Specialty Plants) and students who work with farmers' markeks for their market science discussion; 7) providing information and live plants for Minnesota State Fair goers. Changes/Problems:There have beenno major changes made. As we approach the Objective 2 to breed for aneuploid tomato varieties with balanced chromosome numbers, we plan to add 1-2 plantspecies that only have2 chromosomes in their germ cells. Those 2 chromosome species can be used to create a full spectrum of aneuploid varieties [only 2 types: 2 (N + Chr1) and 2 (N+Chr2)], which would provide knowledge of full spectrum of tomato aneuploid combinations [expectedthousands of different types due to the 12 chromosomes in each tomato germ cell]. We have recentlyreceived seeds of Zingeria biebersteiniana, a plant species carrys only 2 chromosomes in its germ cells. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project has provided opportunities to train one Junior scientist, Ryan Murphy, who is now applying for the Applied Plant Sciences PhD program at UMN and committed to becoming a plant breeder for his career. Seven (7) undergraduate research assistants (Aidan Shaughessy, John Romens, Eric Berry, Kenneth Jombwe, Bo Dai, Thomas Lake, Musse Hussein), 2 high school volunteers (Ben Fink and Stephanie Li), and one graduate assistant volunteer, Aparna Singh, have been trained through working on this project. The materials generated from this project have also been used in the Hort 5059 class of Plant Cytogenetics; students practiced inducing autotetraploid tomato varieties using Ground Jewel, Ground Dew and MTX137. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results of this project have been disseminated to the communities of interest by the following methods: 1). Radio talk: Changbin Chen was a guest of WTIP North Shore Community Ration on a talk theme of "All About Tomatoes". 2). Lectures: Chen gave talks at the annual meeting of American Society of Horticultural Science, Anoka county Master Gardeners' meeting, and will also speak at 2016 Tomato Breeders Round Table Meeting to introduce the tomato breeding program at University of Minnesota. 3). Displays: The tomato breeding team opened a session of our field plot to local farmers and students to visit, which inspired farmers to grow our new varieties in 2016 season. The team also helped students show our newly bred lines at the Midtown Farm Market in their presentation for Market Science Saturday talk. In addition, we provided live plants of Ground Jewel and Ground Dew to display at the 2015 Minnesota State Fair. 4). Scientific publications and material disclosure to UMN Office for Technology Communication (OTC): We have submitted three documents for New Intellectual property disclosures to OTC, who helps us to reach out to the tomato industry and generate interest in our new varieties. We are also preparing a paper to release Ground Jewel and Ground Dew. 5). Social media: We also disseminated some results through social media, such as Facebook, group webpages, and blogs. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?We plan to work on the following experiments during the next reporting period to accomplish the project goals. 1) Generate triploid Ground Jewel and Ground Dew; 2) establish anther culture system; 3) field and greenhouse trials for Fortune 8 and MTX232; 4) small scale field test of MTX185A and B, and some 4 hybrid lines of Ground Jewel or Ground Dew crossing to FLa 7771, or FLa-A; and 5) generate some more hybrid lines of the new varieties we have and evaluate their potentials for industry and/or home gardeners. In addition, we plan to do some low tunnel test for Ground Jewel and Ground Dew.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Two dwarf tomato varieties (Ground Jewel and Ground Dew) are being released and autotriploids of the new varieties are being created. During the first year of the project, we focused on project Obj. 1 and Obj. 3. To date, we have selected 10 breeding lines with commercial potentials for greenhouse and field trials. Among the 10 lines, we have completed two years of field trials for MTX097 and MTX104. These two lines exhibited high yields in fruit production during both the 2014 and 2015 field trials performed at Green Barn farm in Isanti, MN (2014) and the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station on St. Paul campus (2015). Both MTX097 and MTX104 are dwarf varieties with a short growing season (40-45d); each plant occupies 1 square foot of land and is loaded with fruits. On average, MTX097 produced 104 fruits (1714.2 g) per plant; and MTX104 produced 98 fruits (1651.3g) per plant. Geographical and soil factors might have a greater impact on MTX104 than MTX097, since MTX104 yielded 51 fruits (1007.7g) at Green Barn Farm (sandy soil) and 144 fruits (2294.9g) at the St. Paul Campus field plot (clay soil). We filed new IP disclosure for both MTX097 (OTC Docket No.: 20150100) and MTX104 (OTC Docket No.: 20150101), and named MTX097 "Ground Jewel" and MTX104 "Ground Dew". Both Ground Jewel and Ground Dew were sent to H.M. Clause for further field testing, and are being released to Minnesota growers for the 2016 growing season. One other variety (MTX137, named "Fortune Eight") has also been tested for field and greenhouse growing. We have also generated an autotetraploid line of Ground Jewel toward the creation of autotriploid lines, which will be used for aneuploid breeding. In addition, we have generated hybrids of Ground Jewel and Ground Dew with reported aneuploid varieties as an alternative approach for generating short-season aneuploid varieties.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
https://ashs.confex.com/ashs/2015/webprogram/Paper22037.html
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