bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of breast cancer stem cell‐like phenotype by Oct4 promoter‐mediated activity
Authors: Ghanei Zahra , Jamshidizad Abbas , Joupari Morteza Daliri , Shamsara Mehdi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subset of cancer cells responsible for self‐renewal activity, drug resistance, and tumor recurrence. CSCs have been derived from diverse tumors and cell lines. The expression of stemness markers has been identified in CSCs. Oct4 is a well‐established transcription factor expressed in stem cells and CSCs. In this study, we isolated and characterized breast CSC‐like cells from murine MC4‐L2 cells by Oct4 promoter‐mediated activity. The MC4‐L2 cells were electroporated by a plasmid expressing puromycin resistance (PuroR) gene from the Oct4 promoter and then selected by puromycin. The isolated cells were named as the MC4‐L2puro cells and characterized for CSCs properties. Immunostaining indicated CD44high and CD24high phenotype for the MC4‐L2 and MC4‐L2puro cells. The enhanced expression of stem cell markers was detected in the puromycin‐selected cells compared with the parental cells. Moreover, the isolated cells only grew up in sphere‐formed shape in low attachment plates. Serial dilution transplantation in syngeneic mouse models showed increased tumorigenicity of the MC4‐L2puro cells, as they induced new tumors when injected into the mammary fat pad as few as 104 cells. In conclusion, we designed a novel genetic construct, which allows the isolation of Oct4‐positive cells in a cancer population by a simple selection step in a puromycin‐containing medium. Transfection of this construct into the MC4‐L2 cells resulted in growing a subpopulation of cells having tumor‐initiating cell characteristics. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the isolation of CSC‐like cells from the mouse breast cancer MC4‐L2 cells.
Microscopic investigation of pollen morphology of Brassicaceae from Central Punjab‐Pakistan
Authors: Amina Hafiza , Ahmad Mushtaq , Bhatti Ghulam Raza , Zafar Muhammad , Sultana Shazia , Butt Maryam Akram , Bahadur Saraj , Haq Ihsan‐Ul , Ghufran Muhammad Asad , Lubna  , Ahmad Shafiq , Ashfaq Shomaila 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe intention of the current study is to provide an account on the palynological features of Brassicaceae from Central Punjab‐Pakistan as a basis for future studies. Different morpho‐palynological characteristics both qualitative and quantitative were analyzed during this research which includes shape of pollen, diameter of pollen, P/E ratio, exine sculpturing, thickness of exine, type of pollen, shape and size of lumens, and thickness of murus. Taxonomic keys were also constructed based on pollen morphological characters for correct identification of species. This study aims to provide detailed information of pollen diversity and their exine structure based on both qualitative and quantitative characters by using Light microscopy and Scanning electron microscopy. Shape of pollen is mostly prolate, but some species also have sub‐prolate to spheroidal prolate types. Exine ornamentation in most species was reticulate, whereas micro reticulate (one species) and coarsely reticulate (one species) exine also observed in some pollen. All the pollen mentioned in this study have tricolpate apertures. Variation found in thickness of exine and other characters proved to be helpful at generic and specific level. The results reinforced the significance of pollen morphological features of family Brassicaceae and aid for valuable taxonomic tool in plant systematics.
Trading‐off innovation novelty and information protection in supplier selection for a new product development project: Supplier ties as signals
Authors: Yan Tingting , Yang Yang , Dooley Kevin , Chae Sangho 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA supplier's interorganizational ties can be a source of novelty as well as information leakage risk when a buyer involves suppliers in a new product development project. We use signaling theory to explain how supplier ties affect a purchasing manager's perception of suppliers. Three types of supplier ties are considered: ties with external innovation partners, with customers outside the buying firm's industry, and with the buying firm's competitors. We posit that managers use supplier ties as signals to indicate a supplier's potential in contributing to innovation novelty or information protection. Results from two scenario‐based experiments with practicing managers support most of our hypotheses. When innovation novelty is the goal, managers perceive other‐industry customer ties and external innovation ties as positive signals, while competitor ties as a negative signal. When information protection is the goal, all three types of ties are perceived negatively. When both goals are considered, information protection has a greater influence than innovation novelty on the final supplier selection likelihood.
The New Freezing of Gait Questionnaire: Unsuitable as an Outcome in Clinical Trials?
Authors: Hulzinga Femke , Nieuwboer Alice , Dijkstra Bauke W. , Mancini Martina , Strouwen Carolien , Bloem Bastiaan R. , Ginis Pieter 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTBackgroundFreezing of gait (FOG) is a common gait deficit in Parkinson's disease. The New Freezing of Gait Questionnaire (NFOG‐Q) is a widely used and valid tool to quantify freezing of gait severity. However, its test‐retest reliability and minimal detectable change remain unknown.ObjectiveTo determine the test‐retest reliability and responsiveness of the NFOG‐Q.MethodsTwo groups of freezers, involved in 2 previous rehabilitation trials, completed the NFOG‐Q at 2 time points (T1 and T2), separated by a 6‐week control period without active intervention. Sample 1 (N = 57) was measured in ON and sample 2 (N = 14) in OFF. We calculated various reliability statistics for the NFOG‐Q scores between T1 and T2 as well as correlation coefficients with clinical descriptors to explain the variability between time points.ResultsIn sample 1 the NFOG‐Q showed modest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.68 [0.52–0.80]) without differences between T1 and T2. However, a minimal detectable change of 9.95 (7.90–12.27) points emerged for the total score (range 28 points, relative minimal detectable change of 35.5%). Sample 2 showed largely similar results. We found no associations between cognitive‐related or disease severity–related outcomes and variability in NFOG‐Q scores.ConclusionsWe conclude that the NFOG‐Q is insufficiently reliable or responsive to detect small effect sizes, as changes need to go beyond 35% to surpass measurement error. Therefore, we warrant caution in using the NFOG‐Q as a primary outcome in clinical trials. These results emphasize the need for robust and objective freezing of gait outcome measures.
Pluggable SDN framework for managing heterogeneous SDN networks
Authors: Moeyersons Jerico , Maenhaut Pieter‐Jan , Turck Filip , Volckaert Bruno 
Published: January 2020

SummarySoftware‐defined networking (SDN) is a new network paradigm that is separating the data plane and the control plane of the network, making one or more centralized controllers to supervise the behaviour of the entire network. Different types of SDN controller software exist, and research dealing with the difficulties of consistently integrating these different controller types has mostly been declared future work. In this paper, the Domino framework is proposed, a pluggable SDN framework for managing heterogeneous SDN networks. In contrast to related work, the proposed framework allows research into SDN networks controlled by different types of SDN controllers attempting to standardize the northbound API of them. Domino implements a microservice plugin architecture where users can link different SDN networks to a processing algorithm. Such an algorithm allows for, eg, adapting the flows by building a pipeline using plugins that either invoke other SDN operations or generic data processing algorithms. The Domino framework is evaluated by implementing a proof‐of‐concept implementation, which is tested on the initial requirements. It achieves the modifiability and the interoperability with an average successful exchange ratio of 99.99%. The performance requirements are met for the frequently used commands with an average response time of 0.26 seconds, and the framework can handle at least 72 plugins simultaneously depending on the available amount of RAM. The proposed framework is evaluated by means of the implementation of a shortest path routing algorithm between heterogeneous SDN networks.
Characteristic of Langerhans cell histiocytosis in oral and maxillofacial regions
Authors: Shiiba Masashi , Baba Takao , Eizuka Keitaro , Kasamatsu Atsushi , Uzawa Katsuhiro , Takiguchi Yuichi , Tanzawa Hideki 
Published: January 2020

AbstractLangerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH） is a rare disease caused by excessive proliferation of Langerhans cells in various regions of the body. Previous studies have reported that 10% of LCH occurs in the oral and maxillofacial regions. In the oral and maxillofacial regions, swelling and pain are the typical symptoms, and jaw fracture and tooth loss are often seen in advanced cases. In this study, we present the results of a literature review of LCH that developed in the oral and maxillofacial regions. The history, pathological conditions, diagnosis, treatment, and progress of LCH are discussed.
Protein biomarkers for incident deep venous thrombosis in critically ill adolescents: An exploratory study
Authors: Tala Joana A. , Polikoff Lee A. , Pinto Matthew G. , Li Simon , Trakas Erin , Miksa Michael , Gertz Shira , Faustino Edward Vincent S. ,   for the THEIA Study Investigators
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere are no tests to identify critically ill children at high risk of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). In this exploratory study, we aimed to identify proteins that are associated with incident DVT in critically ill adolescents.ProcedurePlasma samples were obtained from critically ill adolescents within 24 hours after initiation of cardiopulmonary support. The adolescents were followed with ultrasound to detect the development of DVT of the lower extremity and clinically for bleeding. Thrombin‐antithrombin complex and prothrombin fragment 1+2 were measured using immunosorbent assays, whereas procoagulation and anticoagulation factors were measured using multiplex assays. Plasma samples were also analyzed using SOMAscan, an aptamer‐based capture assay. The associations between DVT and the log‐transformed level of the proteins were assessed using logistic regression adjusting for the presence of femoral venous catheter and severity of illness. Associations were expressed as odds ratio (OR) for every log‐fold increase in level of the protein with 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsPlasma from 59 critically ill adolescents, of whom 9 developed incident DVT, was analyzed. The median age of the adolescents was 15.1 years (interquartile range, 14.0‐16.7 years). Higher levels of thrombin‐antithrombin complex (OR: 31.54; 95% CI: 2.09‐475.92) and lower levels of factor XIII (OR: 0.03; 95% CI: 0.002‐0.44) were associated with DVT. CD36, MIC‐1, and EpoR were marginally associated with DVT. Only factor XIII was associated with clinically relevant bleeding (OR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.08‐0.97).ConclusionsWe identified candidate protein biomarkers for incident DVT. We plan to validate our findings in adequately powered studies.
Telehealth delivery of adherence and medication management system improves outcomes in inner‐city children with asthma
Authors: Lin Nancy Y. , Ramsey Rachelle R. , Miller James L. , McDowell Karen M. , Zhang Nanhua , Hommel Kevin , Guilbert Theresa W. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractHealthcare disparities exist in pediatric asthma in the United States. Children from minority, low‐income families in inner‐city areas encounter barriers to healthcare, leading to greater rates of poorly controlled asthma and healthcare utilization. Finding an effective way to deliver high‐quality healthcare to this underserved population to improve outcomes, reduce morbidity and mortality, and reduce healthcare utilization is of the utmost importance. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of a novel school‐based care delivery model that incorporates video‐based telehealth (VBT) medical and self‐management visits with electronic inhaler monitoring to improve asthma outcomes. Over a 6‐month period, children from inner‐city, low‐income schools with uncontrolled asthma completed seven scheduled medical visits with an asthma specialist and five self‐management visits with an adherence psychologist at school using VBT. Composite Asthma Severity Index (CASI) scores and electronic inhaler monitor data were recorded and analyzed. A total of 21 patients were enrolled in the study. Study subjects with higher baseline severity (CASI ≥ 4 at visit 1) demonstrated a greater reduction in their score than those with lower baseline severity (CASI < 4 at visit 1). The CASI domains showed improvement in daytime symptoms, nighttime symptoms, and exacerbations. Adherence results demonstrated a significant improvement in adherence from baseline to postintervention. Study retention was 100%. This study demonstrates that a multicomponent medical and behavioral interventional program delivered by VBT to a school‐based setting is feasible and can significantly improve asthma outcomes and care in a challenging population.
The effect of silicon doping on the geometrical structures, stability, and electronic and spectral properties of magnesium clusters: DFT study of SiMgn (n = 1‐12) clusters
Authors: Zhu Ben‐Chao , Zhang Shuai , Zeng Lu 
Published: January 2020

AbstractUsing the density functional theory (DFT) method at the B3LYP /6−311G (D) level, we studied how silicon doping affects the geometrical structure, stability, and electronic and spectral properties of magnesium clusters. The stable isomers of SiMg
n (n = 1‐12) clusters were calculated by searching numerous initial configurations using the CALYPSO program. The geometrical structure optimization shows that most stable SiMg
n (n = 3‐12) clusters are three‐dimensional. In addition, geometrical structure growth patterns show that some structures of SiMg
n clusters can be directly formed by replacing one Mg atom in the corresponding Mg
n + 1 cluster with one silicon atom, such as SiMg8 and Mg9 clusters. The stability of SiMg
n clusters is analyzed by calculating the average binding energy, fragmentation energy, and second‐order energy difference. The results show that SiMg
n clusters with n = 5 and 8 are more stable than others. MO contents analysis show that the Si 3p‐orbitals and Mg 3s‐orbital are mainly responsible for the stability of these two clusters. The results of the natural charge population (NCP) and natural electronic configure (NEC) analysis of the electronic properties reveal that the charges in SiMgn (n = 1‐12) clusters transfer from magnesium atoms to silicon frame, and electronic charge distributions are primarily governed by s‐ and p‐orbital interactions. In addition, the Vertical ionization potential (VIP), vertical electron affinity (VEA), and chemical hardness of ground sates of SiMg
n (n = 1‐12) clusters were studied in detail and compared with the experimental results. The conclusions show that the chemical hardness of most SiMg
n clusters are lower than that of pure Mg
n + 1 (n = 1‐12) clusters, except for n = 1 and 8. This indicates that the doping of silicon atom can always reduce the chemical hardness of pure magnesium clusters. Finally, the infrared and Raman spectral properties of SiMg5 and SiMg8 clusters were calculated and discussed in detail.
Rateless codes with adaptive parity allocation for satellite systems
Authors: Chan Satya , Kim Sooyoung 
Published: January 2020

SummaryIn this paper, we propose efficient parity allocation schemes when rateless codes are used in satellite communication systems in conjunction with an adaptive coding and modulation (ACM) scheme. ACM schemes are widely used in modern satellite communication systems to maintain the required error rate performance under channel impairment (such as rain fading observed in high‐frequency bands). The performance enhancement of ACM can be achieved by providing a good channel prediction and mode allocation method. In the case of a channel prediction or allocation error, rateless codes can be used as an effective means of retransmission to compensate for the performance degradation. After investigating the performance behaviour of rateless codes combined with ACM, we derive a mathematical formula to find the optimum parity length of the rateless code to be retransmitted to satisfy the target performance requirements. Simulation results described in this paper show that the proposed method can be used to enhance the error performance as well as spectral efficiency.
Effect of Group Size and Individual Characteristics on Intergroup Encounters in Primates
Authors: Majolo Bonaventura , deBortoli Vizioli Aurora , Martínez-Íñigo Laura , Lehmann Julia 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIntergroup encounters are common in nonhuman primates and can vary from affiliative to aggressive. We extracted data from the literature to test five different hypotheses: 1) where there are group size differences between opposing groups, whether the larger group is more likely to win an intergroup encounter than the smaller group; 2) whether the likelihood of a group engaging in aggressive intergroup encounters increases with group size; and 3–5) whether dominant, older individuals, and/or males are more likely to participate aggressively in intergroup encounters than subordinate, younger individuals and/or females. Our data set comprised 52 studies on 31 primate species (3 lemur species, 5 New World monkeys, 19 Old World monkeys, and 4 apes). We found that the larger group is more likely to win an encounter against a smaller group than vice versa. We found no significant relationship between group size and propensity to be aggressive during intergroup encounters. We found weak/no support for the effect of age, dominance rank, and sex on the frequency of aggression displayed toward outgroup individuals during intergroup encounters. Species- and population-specific differences in inter- and intragroup competition and in the degree of the unequal distribution of resources across group members may explain why age, dominance rank, and sex are not strong predictors of aggression during intergroup encounters.
Elimination of cyanobacteria and microcystins in irrigation water—effects of hydrogen peroxide treatment
Authors: Spoof Lisa , Jaakkola Sauli , Važić Tamara , Häggqvist Kerstin , Kirkkala Terhi , Ventelä Anne-Mari , Kirkkala Teija , Svirčev Zorica , Meriluoto Jussi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCyanobacterial blooms pose a risk to wild and domestic animals as well as humans due to the toxins they may produce. Humans may be subjected to cyanobacterial toxins through many routes, e.g., by consuming contaminated drinking water, fish, and crop plants or through recreational activities. In earlier studies, cyanobacterial cells have been shown to accumulate on leafy plants after spray irrigation with cyanobacteria-containing water, and microcystin (MC) has been detected in the plant root system after irrigation with MC-containing water. This paper reports a series of experiments where lysis of cyanobacteria in abstracted lake water was induced by the use of hydrogen peroxide and the fate of released MCs was followed. The hydrogen peroxide–treated water was then used for spray irrigation of cultivated spinach and possible toxin accumulation in the plants was monitored. The water abstracted from Lake Köyliönjärvi, SW Finland, contained fairly low concentrations of intracellular MC prior to the hydrogen peroxide treatment (0.04 μg L−1 in July to 2.4 μg L−1 in September 2014). Hydrogen peroxide at sufficient doses was able to lyse cyanobacteria efficiently but released MCs were still present even after the application of the highest hydrogen peroxide dose of 20 mg L−1. No traces of MC were detected in the spinach leaves. The viability of moving phytoplankton and zooplankton was also monitored after the application of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide at 10 mg L−1 or higher had a detrimental effect on the moving phytoplankton and zooplankton.
The Psychology of Mukbang Watching: A Scoping Review of the Academic and Non-academic Literature
Authors: Kircaburun Kagan , Harris Andrew , Calado Filipa , Griffiths Mark D. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractInternet technology has facilitated the use of a wide variety of different activities and applications in online contexts. Despite a large amount of research regarding these activities including online social networking, online gaming, online shopping, online sex, and online gambling, very little is known regarding online eating shows called ‘mukbang’ (i.e. a portmanteau of the South Korean words for ‘eating’ [‘meokneun’] and ‘broadcast’ [‘bangsong’] that refers to online broadcasts where individuals eat food and interact with the viewers). The present study carried out a scoping review of the academic and non-academic literature (i.e. peer-reviewed publications, academic theses, and the print media) in order to examine the psychological characteristics of mukbang viewers and consequences of mukbang watching. A total of 11 academic outputs from different disciplinary fields (mainly peer-reviewed papers) and 20 articles from national UK newspapers were identified following an extensive literature search. Results from the scoping review indicated that viewers use mukbang watching for social reasons, sexual reasons, entertainment, eating reasons, and/or as an escapist compensatory strategy. Furthermore, mukbang watching appears to have both beneficial consequences (e.g., diminishing feelings of loneliness and social isolation, constructing a virtual social community,) and non-beneficial consequences (e.g., altering food preferences, eating habits, and table manners, promoting disordered eating, potential excess, and ‘addiction’). Implications of the study and directions for future research are also discussed.
Microsatellite instability in Japanese female patients with triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Kurata Kanako , Kubo Makoto , Kai Masaya , Mori Hitomi , Kawaji Hitomi , Kaneshiro Kazuhisa , Yamada Mai , Nishimura Reiki , Osako Tomofumi , Arima Nobuyuki , Okido Masayuki , Oda Yoshinao , Nakamura Masafumi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundIt is important to identify biomarkers for triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs). Recently, pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) for programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), was approved as a treatment strategy for unresectable or metastatic tumor with high-frequency microsatellite instability (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficiency, such as malignant melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell cancer and urothelial cancer. In addition, results from clinical trials suggested that ICI was a promising treatment for TNBCs with accumulated mutations. However, the frequency of MSI in Japanese TNBCs still remains unclear. We aimed to analyze the presence of MSI-H in TNBCs as a biomarker for ICI therapy.MethodsIn this study, we retrospectively evaluated the MSI of 228 TNBCs using an innovative method, MSI Analysis System Version 1.2 (Promega), consisting of 5 microsatellite markers: BAT-26, NR-21, BAT-25, MONO-27 and NR-24 without a normal tissue control.ResultsAmong 228 tumors, 222 (97.4%) were microsatellite stable, 4 (1.7%) low-frequency MSI and 2 (0.9%) MSI-H, respectively. Two MSI-H tumors were potentially aggressive pathologically as indicated by nuclear grade 3 and high Ki-67 (> 30%), and were classified as basal-like and non-BRCA-like, but were not consistent regarding tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, CD8 and PD-L1 expression.ConclusionsAlthough we found that MSI-H was uncommon (0.9%) in TNBCs, potential targets for ICIs exist in TNBCs. Therefore, MSI-H breast cancer patients should be picked up using not only conventional methods but also platforms for comprehensive genomic profiling.