bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly Dispersed Fullerenols Hamper Osteoclast Ruffled Border Formation by Perturbing Ca2+ Bundles
Authors: Gu Weihong , Chen Kui , Zhao Xiaoyi , Geng Huan , Li Juan , Qin Yanxia , Bai Xue , Chang Ya‐Nan , Xia Shibo , Zhang Jiaxin , Ma Sihan , Wu Zhonghua , Xing Gengyan , Xing Gengmei 
Published: October 2018

AbstractOsteoporosis, a common and serious bone disorder affecting aged people and postmenopausal women, is characterized by osteoclast overactivity. One therapeutic strategy is suppressing the bone resorption function of hyperactive osteoclasts, but there is no effective drug in clinical practice so far. Herein, it is demonstrated that fullerenols suppress the bone resorption of osteoclasts by inhibiting ruffled borders (RBs) formation. The RBs formation, which is supported by well‐aligned actin bundles (B‐actins), is a critical event for osteoclast bone resorption. To facilitate this function, osteoclast RBs dynamics is regulated by variable microenvironments to bundle F‐actins, protrude cell membrane, and so on. B‐actin perturbation by fullerenols is determined here, offering an opportunity to regulate osteoclast function by destroying RBs. In vivo, the therapeutic effect of fullerenols on overactive osteoclasts is confirmed in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide‐induced bone erosion. Collectively, the findings suggest that fullerenols adhere to F‐actin surfaces and inhibit RBs formation in osteoclasts, mainly through hampering Ca2+ from bundling F‐actins, and this is likely due to the stereo‐hindrance effect caused by adherent fullerenols.
Microparticle Delivery of Protein Markers for Single‐Cell Western Blotting from Microwells
Authors: Kim John J. , Chan Peggy P. Y. , Vlassakis Julea , Geldert Alisha , Herr Amy E. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractImmunoblotting confers protein identification specificity beyond that of immunoassays by prepending protein electrophoresis (sizing) to immunoprobing. To accurately size protein targets, sample analysis includes concurrent analysis of protein markers with known molecular masses. To incorporate protein markers in single‐cell western blotting, microwells are used to isolate individual cells and protein marker‐coated microparticles. A magnetic field directs protein‐coated microparticles to >75% of microwells, so as to 1) deliver a quantum of protein marker to each cell‐laden microwell and 2) synchronize protein marker solubilization with cell lysis. Nickel‐coated microparticles are designed, fabricated, and characterized, each conjugated with a mixture of histidine‐tagged proteins (42.3–100 kDa). Imidazole in the cell lysis buffer solubilizes protein markers during a 30 s cell lysis step, with an observed protein marker release half‐life of 4.46 s. Across hundreds of individual microwells and different microdevices, robust log‐linear regression fits (R2 > 0.97) of protein molecular mass and electrophoretic mobility are observed. The protein marker and microparticle system is applied to determine the molecular masses of five endogenous proteins in breast cancer cells (GAPDH, β‐TUB, CK8, STAT3, ER‐α), with <20% mass error. Microparticle‐delivered protein standards underpin robust, reproducible electrophoretic cytometry that complements single‐cell genomics and transcriptomics.
Evaluating filter fuzzy analogy homogenous ensembles for software development effort estimation
Authors: Hosni Mohamed , Idri Ali , Abran Alain 
Published: October 2018

AbstractResearchers have developed and evaluated many techniques to deliver accurate estimates of the effort required to complete a new software program. Among these, analogy has emerged as a very promising technique, in particular the fuzzy analogy estimation technique that uses the fuzzy logic concepts in order to deal with both categorical and numerical data. The aim of this paper is twofold: (1) evaluate the impact of 3 filters on the predictive ability of single and ensemble fuzzy analogy techniques and (2) assess whether filters could be a source of diversity for fuzzy analogy ensembles. Moreover, it compares the filter single and ensemble fuzzy analogy techniques with fuzzy analogy ensembles built without using feature selection over 6 datasets. The overall results suggest that (1) more accurate estimates are generated when filters were used with single and ensemble fuzzy analogy techniques, (2) filter single fuzzy analogy techniques outperformed filter fuzzy analogy ensembles, and (3) fuzzy analogy ensembles without feature selection were more accurate than filter single and ensemble techniques. Therefore, though the use of feature selection techniques led single and ensemble fuzzy analogy to generate accurate estimations, they failed to be a source of diversity for fuzzy analogy ensembles. Hence, constructing fuzzy analogy homogenous ensembles that combine single fuzzy analogy techniques with different parameter configurations still generate better accuracy than filter fuzzy analogy ensembles. However, further empirical evaluations of filter/wrappers fuzzy analogy ensembles are required in order to confirm or refute these findings.
Molecular cloning and characterization of two ARNT (ARNT‐1 and ARNT‐2) genes in Atlantic croaker and their expression during coexposure to hypoxia and PCB77
Authors: Rahman Md Saydur , Thomas Peter 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT) is an important transcriptions factor that binds/coactivates drug‐metabolizing genes in vertebrates. In this study, we report the cloning and characterization of two ARNT (ARNT‐1 and ARNT‐2) genes and their mRNA and protein expression in liver tissues of Atlantic croaker after co‐exposure to hypoxia and 3,3′,4,4′‐tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB77). The full‐length croaker ARNT‐1 and ARNT‐2 genes encode proteins of 537 and 530 amino acids, respectively, and are highly homologous to ARNT‐1 and ARNT‐2 genes of other vertebrates. ARNT mRNAs are ubiquitously expressed in all tissues. Hypoxia (dissolved oxygen: 1.7 mg/L) exposure (1‐4 weeks) did not affect hepatic ARNTs mRNA levels. Dietary PCB77 treatment (2 and 8 μg/g body weight/day for 4 weeks) caused marked increases in ARNTs mRNA and protein levels in normoxic fish. However, coexposure to hypoxia and PCB77 for 4 weeks significantly blunted the increase in ARNTs mRNA and protein levels in response to PCB77 exposure. These results suggest that ARNT activity and functions induced by exposure to PCB aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists could be compromised in croaker inhabiting hypoxic coastal regions.
Heraeus cytomat® 6000 Series Incubators and Storage Systems from Kendro Laboratory Products
Authors: Engler Randall 
Published: October 2018

There are a number of cases in high throughput screening systems where a controlled environment is desired. These include incubation periods for cell-based assays, incubation for protein detection assays such as ELISA or fluorescence assays, and branching assays for mRNA detection. In addition, as the density of wells in microplates increases and well volumes become smaller, evaporation becomes a concern in all assays. The cytomat® 6000 is a robot accessible, automated CO2 incubator used for cell-based High Throughput Screening systems. The incubator provides superior environmental conditions, due to the unique access door at the back of the instrument, the PlateShuttle (see Figure 3 ). This small access opening insures that the environment inside the system (temperature, humidity and CO2) is undisturbed as microplates are accessed ( Figure 2 ). The system provides high speed, random (bar-coded) access to all microplate formats for 24, 96, 384 and 1536 well microplates (up to 261-microplate capacity). Other cytomat configurations offer refrigerated and low humidity environments.
Qualification of a Zymark® Multidose® Automated Dissolution Workstation for Dissolution Testing of Fexofenadine HCL Capsules
Authors: Steinman Tom A. 
Published: October 2018

A manual, multi-point dissolution test for powder filled capsules was transferred to an automated dissolution method utilizing a Zymark® Multidose® Automated Dissolution Workstation, a MultiFill® station, and a Distek 2100B dissolution bath system. Both methods require a final HPLC analysis of the sample solutions. Several MultiDose system parameters were evaluated to ensure product result integrity and equivalency. These included carryover studies, line flush studies, vessel wash studies, filter studies, and sample evaporation studies. The most critical evaluation was the statistical analyses (equivalence) of the product results from both methods.
Polymer Microfabrication for Microarrays, Microreactors and Microfluidics
Authors: Alonso-Amigo M. Goretty 
Published: October 2018

Polymer microfabrication methods are becoming increasingly important as low-cost alternatives to the silicon or glass-based MEMS technologies. Polymer hot embossing and injection molding are replication methods applicable to microreplication of a diversity of materials and microstructures. Equipment with high precision control of pressure and temperature for hot embossing of polymer materials is now available commercially. These systems have made possible the replication of chips containing microchannels for capillary electrophoresis (CE) and microfluidics devices, microoptical components and microreactors. Stable and reproducible polymer microstructures have been demonstrated in several types of materials with structural and optical properties meeting other biocompatibility and detection requirements. The process involves few variable parameters and results in high structural accuracy suited for a wide range of microfabrication applications. After demonstrating equivalent and, in cases, improved performance, the alternative use of plastic as the microdevice material addresses needs for rapid prototyping in product development and provides cost advantages in product commercialization. Thus an increasing number of devices have been reported recently in the literature, fabricated on a variety of polymer substrates and using different fabrication methods such as laser ablation, injection molding, silicone rubber casting or embossing for microfabrication.
Corning® 384 Well Low Volume Microplate Performance in Miniaturized Assays
Authors: Ennis Catherine A. 
Published: October 2018

In response to the ever-increasing demand for microplates that facilitate assay miniaturization without compromising assay integrity, Corning's new 384 well Low Volume (384 LV) microplates were evaluated using a homogenous, fluorescence polarization protease assay. Fluorescently labeled casein substrate was incubated over time with dilutions of protease at working volumes that range from 1 to 20 μL and reagent concentrations that range from 0.125 to 50 pg/μL. Four types of plates were evaluated: Corning 384 well LV black medium bind Corning 384 well LV black non-binding surface (NBS™) Corning 1536 well black medium bind Competitor 384 well small volume Protease activity was detected as a decrease in polarized fluorescence resulting from substrate degradation over time. Following assay miniaturization to 20 μL working volumes and protease concentration reduction from 25 to 0.25 pg/μL, Corning 384 well LV medium bind and NBS coated assay plates maintained superior signal to noise ratios compared to competitor's 384 well small volume assay plates. At even lower 10 μL working volumes, Corning 384 well LV medium bind assay plates maintained signal to noise ratios comparable to the competitor's assay plates. However as the reagent concentrations were further reduced to 2.5 pg/μL, Corning 384 well LV medium bind and NBS coated assay plates had significantly greater signal to noise ratios compared to the competitor's assay plates. As working volumes were reduced even further to 5 μL and 1 μL, Corning 384 well LV medium bind and NBS coated assay plates had significantly greater signal to noise ratios than the competitor's 384 well small volume assay plates. Furthermore, at 1 μL working volumes, Corning 384 well LV NBS coated assay plates had significantly greater signal to noise ratios than the competitor's assay plates and standard 1536 well assay plates. These results suggest that Corning 384 well LV medium bind and NBS coated assay plates facilitate assay miniaturization while maintaining assay integrity. Furthermore, as working volumes were significantly reduced to those typically found in 1536 deep well and standard 1536 well assay plates (5 and 1 μL, respectively), Corning's 384 well LV NBS coated assay plates provided superior assay performance.
Automated High Throughput Screening of Fluorescent Imaging Plate Reader (FLIPR) Assays Using Assay Platform™ Integrated with Activity Base for ‘on the fly’ Compound Reconfirmation
Authors: Allenby Gary , Dodgson Kathy , Harper Paul , Kassam Adel , Leam Michael , Dale Ian , Sullivan Elaine 
Published: October 2018

Advances in the field of automation have meant hitherto complex manual cell-based assays can now be automated. These improvements have brought significant enhancements in throughput, data fidelity and consistency, and allowed a re-allocation of constrained resources. Building upon these improvements, we have linked our automated cell-based screening system, Assay Platform™, to Activity Base (IDBS), a software package designed to automate the analysis of HTS data. Customisation of this package has resulted in software that can identify ‘active’ compounds and re-pick them ‘on the fly’ from the original compound plates for triplicate re-testing without operator intervention. Based on an operator initially defining ‘normal’ parameters for assay activity in Activity Base, combined with an automated quality control software module that checks data fidelity, wells containing ‘active’ compounds can be re-picked and re-tested at the end of an automated screening run. Automating cell-based assays has significantly improved productivity, and, with the synergism of Activity Base, has given us greater power to complete each screening run and report ‘active’ compounds to Chemistry more rapidly. This article presents our approach to the automation of cell-based Fluorescent Imaging Plate Reader (FLIPR) screening together with automated active re-test confirmation using Activity Base.
The Biophile Sample Process Management System — Automated Sample Access at Ultra Low Temperatures
Authors: Davis Alan , Graves Sean , Murray Terry 
Published: October 2018

The genomics, proteomics, clinical, and drug discovery laboratories have a growing need to maintain valuable samples at ultra-low (−80°C) temperatures in a validated, secure environment. Automated sample processing systems have until now required manual (off-line) storage of samples at −80°C, reducing system reliability and speed. Both of these important needs are addressed by the Sample Process Management System being introduced by BIOPHILE Inc. Conventional sample management processes, such as storage, retrieval, and cataloging, are increasingly strained by the growing sample populations. There are variable sample types, access requirements and storage requirements. Security and inventory procedures are implemented manually. The evolving technologies present in the laboratory cannot interface with conventional manual storage techniques. Addressing these limitations, the primary benefits of BIOPHILE's solutions are: Fully validated sample management process that coordinates the life-cycles of samples and their related data. Robotic technology to securely store and retrieve samples, improving their accessibility and stability. Thermal shock is reduced, improving sample longevity and quality. The robotic technology allows integration with larger automation systems. A process program to develop a Sample Management Strategy. This strategy is developed by analyzing long-term research goals, current baseline processes, and identification of current sample life cycles. A full validation documentation package can be generated, providing a high level of quality assurance. Improved sample visibility and quality assurance — auto mated sample population cataloging; controlled sample management access and security.
21 CFR Part 11: How Does it Affect Laboratory Automation Software Developers?
Authors: Brown Robert M. 
Published: October 2018

Just what is “21 CFR Part 11”? Do I need to consider it when designing lab automation software? Sure, I store data electronically, but my “official” copy is a signed hardcopy stored in my documentation control system, so Part 11 doesn't apply to me, right? These and similar questions are being asked with increasing frequency during the development process for both off-the-shelf and custom lab automation software. This article presents a brief overview of the FDA regulation concerning the use of electronic records and electronic signatures and a guide for software analysts and developers.
“The Spotting Accelerator™”, Customizable Head Assembly for Advanced Microarraying
Authors: Weibel Curtis 
Published: October 2018

Microarraying technologies have emerged as key tools for determining genomic expression. The quality of gene arrays is reliant on spotting pins for production of uniform spots, which are consistent in volume, shape, size and alignment. Point Technologies, Inc., has developed an advanced spotting technology. Emphasis has been placed on producing the “perfect spots” customized to each microarraying application. Uniform surface texturing such as highly polished or matte finishes, and hydrophilic/hydrophobic zonal coating is produced using Point Technologies' proprietary micro-machining technology. Micro-fabrication also permits the production of advanced pin designs, and high density, high throughput print-head assemblies of 1536 pins and greater. Point Technologies specializes in the micro-electrochemical machining of spotting pins in any size, shape and configuration. Presented data will demonstrate spotting pin design solutions, such as: variety of tip dimensions, surface finishes, specialized coatings, and material options instrumental in producing the ideal spot size, shape and spot density during extended usage.
Applicatons of Ink-Jet Printing Technology to BioMEMS and Microfluidic Systems
Authors: Cooley Patrick , Wallace David , Antohe Bogdan 
Published: October 2018

Applications of microfluidics and MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) technology are emerging in many areas of biological and life sciences. Non-contact microdispensing systems for accurate, high-throughput deposition of bioactive fluids can be an enabling technology for these applications. In addition to bioactive fluid dispensing, ink-jet based microdispensing allows integration of features (electronic, photonic, sensing, structural, etc.) that are not possible, or very difficult, with traditional photolithographic-based MEMS fabrication methods. Our single fluid and multifluid (MatrixJet™) piezoelectric microdispensers have been used for spot synthesis of peptides, production of microspheres to deliver drugs/biological materials, microprinting of biodegradable polymers for cell proliferation in tissue engineering applications, and spot deposition for DNA, diagnostic immunoassay, antibody and protein arrays. We have created optical elements, sensors, and electrical interconnects by microdeposition of polymers and metal alloys. We have also demonstrated the integration of a reversed phase microcolumn within a piezoelectric dispenser for use in the fractionation of peptides for mass spectrometer analysis.
High Throughput Primer Walking of cDNA Clones
Authors: Stewart Claudia , Lum Nicole , Hill Robert , Stephens Robert , Rudnick Paul , Rassmussen Lynn , Munroe David 
Published: October 2018

Primer walking of cloned DNA is a standard research tool. It has been used in the past to determine the sequence of individual clones of interest. With the expansion of DNA sequencing capacity the need to be able to walk larger numbers of clones has become necessary. Our laboratory is a mid-sized genomics facility. In conjunction with the Advanced Biomedical Computing Center (ABCC) we have developed methods for automating the primer selection, DNA sequencing, contig assembly and sequence analysis for clones arrayed in microtiter format. This approach has allowed us to walk 475 clones (five microtiter plates) selected from a cDNA library.
Optimization of Measurement Parameters and Performance Comparison for Analyst™ GT and Analyst HT or Acquest
Authors: Zhang Yan , McGown Evelyn , Su Michael , Lavis Luke 
Published: October 2018

The new Analyst™ GT is a multi-mode plate reader supporting all five leading technologies: fluorescence polarization (FP), fluorescence intensity, time-resolved fluorescence (TRF), absorbance and luminescence. It can be easily integrated into both workstation and robotic environments for HTS for all major non-radiometric applications. Analyst™ GT is based on second-generation SmartOptics™, a patented system that combines light sources, optical components and detectors together for fast high-precision measurements in 96-, 384-, and 1536-well microplates. Applications include kinase and photophase assays, receptor ligand binding assays, protease assays, cAMP, and cGMP, signal transduction, reporter gene assays and many others. In this study, we not only optimized measurement parameters on Analyst™ GT for all five modalities but also compared instrument settings and performance with the first generation Analyst HT and Acquest.
Sounding Out Pharmaceutical Processes
Authors: Smyth Cormac , Kudriashov Evgeny , O'Driscoll Breda , Buckin Vitaly 
Published: October 2018

High-resolution ultrasonic spectroscopy is a novel technique with enormous potential for analysis of a wide range of samples and processes. This technique is based on precision measurements of velocity and attenuation of acoustical waves at high frequencies propagating through materials. It allows fast at/on line measurements analysis of formulation consistency (composition, structure) of raw materials, ingredients and intermediates, process impurity analysis, particle sizing, batch to batch variation, stability assessment etc in pharmaceutical industry. The technology can be used for static fingerprint measurements or for dynamic analysis of systems. Optical transparency is not required as ultrasonic waves propagate through opaque samples. The analysis is fast and non-destructive. High-resolution ultrasonic spectrometers were developed, patented and brought to the market by Ultrasonic Scientific Ltd. and recognised with various international awards. These instruments require small sample volumes, down to 0.03 ml, and give excellent resolution. They can be used for the analysis of composition, aggregation, particle sizing, gelation, micellisation, crystallisation, sedimentation, enzymatic activity, conformational transitions in polymers, biopolymer-ligand binding and antigen-antibody interactions, etc. This article describes main features of High-Resolution Ultrasonic Spectroscopy and area of applications of new high-resolution HR-US series of ultrasonic spectrometers. Several applications are illustrated including the monitoring of denaturation and aggregation of proteins in antibody solution, the measurements of the particle size in emulsions, precipitation in synthetic blood substitutes and crystallisation.
Connecting Social and Natural Ecologies Through a Curriculum of Giving for Student Wellbeing and Engagement
Authors: Nielsen Thomas W. , Ma Jennifer S. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractUsing hermeneutic phenomenology to aid the reader ‘experience’ the data collected, this study reports on 18 college students, 4 staff members and the author's trip to a remote island on the Great Barrier Reef. It is a story of the (re)discovery of the social and natural ecologies that bind us together, and of how explicit teaching and learning about these ecologies can make a difference to young people's abilities to consciously be part of, contribute to, and sustain these ecologies. A grounded theory of five dimensions of giving (to self, others, communities, environment, and the whole) is offered as a beginning framework from which to imbue teaching and learning with meaning and social concern.