bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reverse transcription-PCR using a Primer Set Targeting the 3D Region Detects Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus with High Sensitivity
Authors: Nishi Tatsuya , Kanno Toru , Shimada Nobuaki , Morioka Kazuki , Yamakawa Makoto , Fukai Katsuhiko 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBecause foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) has the potential to spread extensively, methods used for its diagnosis must be rapid and accurate. Therefore, reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) plays an important diagnostic role. Here we designed the primer set FM8/9 to amplify 644 bases of the conserved 3D region of all seven serotypes of FMD virus (FMDV). We compared the performance of RT-PCR assays using FM8/9 with that using the primer set 1F/R targeting the 5’-UTR described in the manual of the World Organization for Animal Health. The detection limits of the RT-PCR assays were determined for 14 strains representing all serotypes. Compared with the sensitivities of the RT-PCR assay using 1F/R, those using FM8/9 were 101-to 104-fold higher for eight strains. To assess the validity of the methods for analyzing clinical samples, sera and saliva samples from pigs and cows infected with FMDV were collected daily and analyzed using the two PCR assays. The FM8/9 assay detected FMDV from all infected pigs and cows for longer times compared with the 1F/R assay, therefore revealing higher sensitivity for the clinical samples. Our results suggest that the FM8/9 RT-PCR assay is highly sensitive and is therefore suitable for the diagnosis of FMD.
Interferon lambda 4 impacts broadly on hepatitis C virus diversity
Authors: Ansari M Azim , Aranday-Cortes Elihu , Ip Camilla LC , Filipe Ana da Silva , Hin Lau Siu , Bamford Connor G G , Bonsall David , Trebes Amy , Piazza Paolo , Sreenu Vattipally , Cowton Vanessa M ,   STOP-HCV Consortium, Hudson Emma , Bowden Rory , Patel Arvind H , Foster Graham R , Irving William L , Agarwal Kosh , Thomson Emma C , Simmonds Peter , Klenerman Paul , Holmes Chris , Barnes Eleanor , Spencer Chris CA , McLauchlan John , Pedergnana Vincent 
Published: April 2018

AbstractType III interferons (IFN-λ) are part of the innate immune response to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection however the specific role of IFN-λ4 and the nature of the viral adaption to this pressure have not been defined. Here we use paired genome-wide human and viral genetic data in 485 patients infected with HCV genotype 3a to explore the role of IFN-λ4 on HCV evolution during chronic infection. We show that genetic variations within the host IFNL4 locus have a broad and systematic impact on HCV amino acid diversity. We also demonstrate that this impact is larger in patients producing a more active form of IFN-λ4 protein compared to the less active form. A similar observation was noted for viral load. We conclude that IFN-λ4 protein is a likely causal agent driving widespread HCV amino acid changes and associated with viral load and possibly other clinical and biological outcomes of HCV infection.
Destabilization of Ran C-terminus promotes GTP loading and occurs in multiple Ran cancer mutations
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Zhou Jinhan , Tan Yuping , Zhou Qiao , Tong Aiping , Shen Xiaofei , Jia Da , Sun Xiaodong , Sun Qingxiang 
Published: April 2018

AbstractRan (Ras-related nuclear protein) plays several important roles in nucleo-cytoplasmic transport, mitotic spindle formation, nuclear envelope/nuclear pore complex assembly, and other diverse functions in the cytoplasm, as well as in cellular transformation when activated. Unlike other Ras superfamily proteins, Ran contains an auto-inhibitory C-terminal tail, which packs against its G domain and bias Ran towards binding GDP over GTP. The biological importance of this C-terminal tail is not well understood. By disrupting the interaction between the C-terminus and the G domain, we were able to generate Ran mutants that are innately active and potently bind to RanBP1 (Ran Binding Protein 1), nuclear export factor CRM1 and nuclear import factor KPNB1. In contrast to previously reported activated Ran mutants, the C-terminus destabilized mutants are hydrolysis competent in cells, support nuclear transport, and do not form nuclear rim staining. Crystal structures show that one of these C-terminal mutations slightly changes its mode of binding to RanBP1. Finally, a high percentage of Ran C-terminus mutations from cancer patients were found to be destabilizing and hyperactivating, suggesting that Ran C-destabilization might be an unprecedented cellular transformation mechanism in affected cancers. This study also highlights a new drug design strategy towards treating patients with hyperactivated Ras proteins including K-Ras.
Changes in neuronal immunofluorescence in the C- versus N-terminal domains of hnRNP H following D1 dopamine receptor activation
Authors: Ruan Qiu T. , Yazdani Neema , Beierle Jacob A. , Hixson Kathryn M. , Hokenson Kristen E. , Apicco Daniel J. , Luttik Kimberly P. , Zheng Karen , Maziuk Brandon F. , Ash Peter E. A. , Szumlinski Karen K. , Russek Shelley J. , Wolozin Benjamin , Bryant Camron D. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractRNA binding proteins are a diverse class of proteins that regulate all aspects of RNA metabolism. Accumulating studies indicate that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins are associated with cellular adaptations in response to drugs of abuse. We recently mapped and validated heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein H1 (Hnrnph1) as a quantitative trait gene underlying differential behavioral sensitivity to methamphetamine. The molecular mechanisms by which hnRNP H1 alters methamphetamine behaviors are unknown but could involve preand/or post-synaptic changes in protein localization and function. Methamphetamine initiates post-synaptic D1 dopamine receptor signaling indirectly by binding to pre-synaptic dopamine transporters and vesicular monoamine transporters of midbrain dopaminergic neurons which triggers revers e transport and accumulation of dopamine at the synapse. Here, we examined changes in neuronal localization of hnRNP H in primary rat cortical neurons that express dopamine receptors that can be modulated by the D1 or D2 dopamine receptor agonists SKF38393 and (-)-Quinpirole HCl, respectively. Basal immunostaining of hnRNP H was localized primarily to the nucleus. D1 dopamine receptor activation induced an increase in hnRNP H nuclear immunostaining as detected by immunocytochemistry with a C-domain directed antibody containing epitope near the glycine-rich domain but not with an N-domain specific antibody. Although there was no change in hnRNP H protein in the nucleus or cytoplasm, there was a decrease in Hnrnph1 transcript following D1 receptor stimulation. Taken together, these results suggest that D1 receptor activation increases availability of the hnRNP H C-terminal epitope, which could potentially reflect changes in protein-protein interactions. Thus, D1 receptor signaling could represent a key molecular post-synaptic event linking Hnrnph1 polymorphisms to drug-induced behavior.HighlightsWe investigated immunofluorescence and localization of hnRNP H following dopamine receptor activation in primary rat cortical neurons.Activation of D1 dopamine receptor increased nuclear immunofluorescence of the C-terminal domain but not the N-terminal domain of hnRNP H with no change in either nuclear or cytoplasmic levels of hnRNP H protein.D1 dopamine signaling could alter interaction of hnRNP H with other proteins.
R&D and non-R&D in the innovation process among firms in ASEAN countries
Authors: Tsuji Masatsugu , Ueki Yasushi , Shigeno Hidenori , Idota Hiroki , Bunno Teruyuki 
Published: April 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify factors promoting innovation in the framework of R&D based on surveys conducted on firms in five ASEAN countries, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam.Design/methodology/approachThe analytical method divided sample firms into two categories, namely, “the R&D group” and “non-R&D group.” The analysis attempts to identify which of the internal capabilities, consisting of technology, human factors and organization factors, promote innovation. Ordered probit analysis is employed.FindingsFindings from the estimations indicate that the two groups pursue product innovation differently. The R&D group promotes innovation by cross-functional teams of production, engineering, and marketing and IT use, whereas the non-R&D group promote product innovation by HRD programs for workers, group awards for suggestions or QC, and ISO9000 series.Research limitations/implicationsThe number of samples related to the non-R&D group is too small to conduct statistical analysis. External linkages played an important role in the authors’ previous studies. The introduction of external linkages into the model may yield different results, though the analysis would become more complex.Practical implicationsThe results of this paper provide the solid basis of policy to promote innovation and upgrading SMEs in the region.Social implicationsMany ASEAN SMEs successfully achieve innovation without owning specified in-house departments or sections to conduct R&D.Originality/valueThe features of this paper lie in the original firm-level survey data and rigorous estimation method using ordered probit analysis, which are new to this literature.
Project and processes: a convenient but simplistic dichotomy
Authors: Harvey Jean , Aubry Monique 
Published: April 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore commonalities and differences between projects and processes, and between project management (PjM) and process management (PcM), with a view to challenge this dichotomic typology, clarify the gray areas in between and propose better ways to classify and manage different endeavors.

Design/methodology/approach
The research compares different tools and techniques used in both fields, explores the respective literatures and uses various examples to bring out similarities and differences.

Findings
The current paradigms engender a number of organizational endeavors, which are actually complex processes being managed as projects, using the PjM body of knowledge. Because each instantiation takes a somewhat different form, it is treated as a one-of-a-kind undertaking; whereby many of the opportunities for learning and continuous improvement associated with PcM are lost. A reframing and typology is proposed to clarify the central notions involved.

Research limitations/implications
The proposed model has not been tested empirically and the authors could not agree on all aspects of the paper, though existing differences are more about degrees, nuances and wording than about the basic findings of the paper.

Practical implications
The research makes the case that two research and practice communities that are evolving independently have much to gain by adopting a unified model and integrating their respective bodies of knowledge. Practitioners would thus access resources that are better adapted to the management challenges they are facing and gain a sustainable source of strategic advantage.

Originality/value
The paper challenges long-established paradigms between two distinct research streams. A new typology and classification criteria are proposed.
Enhancing information impact: how do we make the most of our information senses?
Authors: Smedley Jo 
Published: April 2018

Purpose
This paper discusses the importance of effectively using senses in sharing information and managing the opportunities they individually and collaboratively offer.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper considers how information is best portrayed by each sense, individually and collaboratively.

Findings
How information takes account of senses to ensure that information engagement is maximised through its entertainment and education value.

Research limitations/implications
As the value and importance of information continues to grow, so will the urgency of information engagement and ensuring that its portrayal is appropriate, effective and efficient through a variety of sensory approaches – whether individual or collaborative.

Practical implications
One sensory size does not fit all. It is important that the dimensions and flexibility of information are reflected to ensure that it can adapt to suit various audiences. These flexible approaches will ensure that learner engagement is maximised.

Social implications
All information methods are of equal value. By ensuring that learners are able to access the information method that is most appropriate to them, then learning potential can be maximised. There is a growing urgency to move away from a status quo information approach and thereby enhance variety and enable potential.

Originality/value
Information is power. Each person is unique. How they learn combines these two qualities. A flexible approach to information engagement will encourage and enable information and learning sharing to maximise achievement and contribute to ongoing information entrepreneurship, resilience and sustainability.
Technical and economic modelling and evaluation of a water distribution system equipped with an autoclave for industrial production applications
Authors: Faccio Maurizio , Gamberi Mauro , Nedaei Mojtaba , Pilati Francesco 
Published: April 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the autoclave-pump pressured water distribution system. Pressured water is used in many manufacturing processes, as a raw material or as a service fluid for different applications.

Design/methodology/approach
The performances and the total installation costs of such systems are strongly related to its design and to its decision variables definition. The authors first identify the independent variables (i.e. the decision variables) and the dependent variables of the system and, second, propose a techno-economic mathematical method able to determine its minimum installation cost with an integrated approach.

Findings
The trade-off between the autoclave installation costs versus the pump installation costs is demonstrated. A sensitive analysis of the cost of the system as function of its decision variables has been performed to propose a practical graphical analysis tools to proper design the integrated pump-autoclave pressured water distribution system.

Originality/value
Many previous researches focus only on the pump system optimization or in the tank system optimization without an integrated approach. The wide utilization in industry of the autoclave-pump pressured water distribution system together with the lack of similar contributions in this area enforces the value of this research.
Criminal Justice Statistics—An Evolution
Authors: Wormeli Paul 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe origins of the Bureau of Justice Statistics and criminal justice statistics in general go back 150 years, but the U.S. President's Commission on Law Enforcement and Administration of Justice in 1967, along with subsequent panels and commissions, added urgency and specificity to the work to be done to improve our understanding of the operation of the criminal justice system and of crime. Criminal justice statistics have the potential to be used to shape and evaluate specific policies and programs when the statistics are timely, accurate, and relevant to the decisions being made for policy formulation or evaluation. The full development of effective criminal justice statistics on crime and the administration of the justice system can provide for informed decision making and more insightful resource allocation. In this article, I summarize the historical progressions and evolution of criminal justice statistics in light of the changes affecting the justice environment and propose future work.
Challenges and Opportunities for Creating Intelligent Hazard Alerts: The “FloodHippo” Prototype
Authors: Johnson J. Michael , Coll Jim M. , Ruess Paul J. , Hastings Jordan T. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDisasters evolving from hazards are a persistent and deadly occurrence in the United States. Despite this, hazard alerts have remained spatially vague, temporally imprecise, and lack actionable information. These deficiencies indicate a divide between the status quo and what is possible given modern environmental models, geographic information systems (GIS), and smartphone capabilities. This work describes an alternative, prototype system, “FloodHippo,” which integrates operational model outputs, cloud‐based GIS, and expanded communication channels to provide personal and interactive disaster alerts for floods. The precepts and methods underpinning FloodHippo apply equally to other disasters that evolve over space and time, presenting the opportunity for a more intelligent disaster response system. The development of such a system would not only minimize current shortcomings in disaster alerts but also improve resilience through individual action, along with community, academic, and federal cooperation.
Nrf2 and Keap1 abnormalities in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and association with the effect of chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Zhang Jingze , Jiao Qinghua , Kong Li , Yu Jing , Fang Aiju , Li Minghuan , Yu Jinming 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundThe Keap1‐Nrf2 pathway is a key antioxidant and redox signaling cascade. Pathway abnormalities enhance the reactive oxygen species scavenging ability of cancer cells; thus the pathway is involved in carcinogenesis and resistance to chemoradiotherapy (CRT). This retrospective study was conducted to examine the status of the Keap1‐Nrf2 pathway in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and to analyze its prognostic value in patients receiving CRT.MethodsNrf2 and Keap1 expression were immunohistochemically examined in 152 ESCC and 31 normal esophageal mucosae. All ESCC specimens were obtained from patients with locally advanced ESCC who underwent CRT.ResultsStrong staining of nuclear and cytoplasmic Nrf2 and limited or absent Keap1 expression was uncommon in normal tissues, but frequently observed in ESCC. Interaction between Nrf2 and Keap1 in normal mucosae is negatively correlated, while in tumors there is no negative correlation, indicating that there is little to no interaction between Nrf2 and Keap1 in ESCC. Positive Nrf2 expression in the nucleus was of diagnostic value for predicting ESCC from normal esophageal mucosae, and was significantly associated with poorer clinical response and poor progression‐free survival after CRT. The value of Keap1 expression for diagnosis and predicting CRT outcomes was marginal. These different influences of Keap1 and Nrf2 on ESCC indicated that the signaling of this pathway was disturbed and displayed a Keap1‐independent pattern.ConclusionAberrant signaling via the Keap1‐Nrf2 pathway was common in ESCC and was associated with response and survival after CRT.
Nerve entrapment syndromes in dermatology: Review and practical approach to treatment
Authors: Zagarella Samuel 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA good understanding of cutaneous nerve entrapment syndromes is important for physicians to provide early and accurate diagnosis and treatment. These syndromes have traditionally been managed with analgesics, antidepressants or antiepileptic medication but this approach is often inadequate and causes frequent adverse medication effects. With early diagnosis and treatment, many nerve entrapment syndromes can be successfully managed with physical, non‐pharmacological approaches including stretches, exercises and physiotherapy.
Use of fragmented QRS in prognosticating clinical deterioration and mortality in pulmonary embolism: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Qaddoura Amro , Digby Geneviève C. , Kabali Conrad , Kukla Piotr , Tse Gary , Glover Benedict , Baranchuk Adrian M. 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundFragmented QRS (fQRS) on electrocardiography is potentially valuable in prognosticating acute pulmonary embolism (PE). ECG is one of the first tests performed in the emergency department, quickly interpretable, noninvasive, inexpensive, and available in remote areas. We aimed to review fQRS's role in PE prognostication.MethodsWe searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Web of Science, abstracts, conference proceedings, and reference lists until October 2017. Eligible studies used fQRS to prognosticate patients for the main outcomes of death and clinical deterioration or escalation of therapy. Two authors independently selected studies, with disagreement resolved by consensus. Ad hoc piloted forms were used to extract data and assess risk of bias. We used a random‐effects model to pool relevant data in meta‐analysis with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), while all other data were synthesized qualitatively. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 index.ResultsWe included five studies (1,165 patients). There was complete agreement in study selection. fQRS significantly predicted in‐hospital mortality (OR [95% CI], 2.92 [1.73–4.91]; p < .001), cardiogenic shock (OR [95% CI], 4.71 [1.61–13.70]; p = .005), and total mortality at 2‐year follow‐up (OR [95% CI], 4.42 [2.57–7.60]; p < .001). Adjusted analyses were generally consistent with these results.ConclusionAlthough few studies have explored the current study's question, they showed that fQRS is potentially valuable in PE prognostication. fQRS should be considered as an entry, along with other clinical and ECG findings, in a PE risk score.
Senescent cells re‐engineered to express soluble programmed death receptor‐1 for inhibiting programmed death receptor‐1/programmed death ligand‐1 as a vaccination approach against breast cancer
Authors: Chen Zehong , Hu Kang , Feng Lieting , Su Ruxiong , Lai Nan , Yang Zike , Kang Shijun 
Published: April 2018

Various types of vaccines have been proposed as approaches for prevention or delay of the onset of cancer by boosting the endogenous immune system. We previously developed a senescent‐cell‐based vaccine, induced by radiation and veliparib, as a preventive and therapeutic tool against triple‐negative breast cancer. However, the programmed death receptor‐1/programmed death ligand‐1 (PD‐1/PD‐L1) pathway was found to play an important role in vaccine failure. Hence, we further developed soluble programmed death receptor‐1 (sPD1)‐expressing senescent cells to overcome PD‐L1/PD‐1‐mediated immune suppression while vaccinating to promote dendritic cell (DC) maturity, thereby amplifying T‐cell activation. In the present study, sPD1‐expressing senescent cells showed a particularly active status characterized by growth arrest and modified immunostimulatory cytokine secretion in vitro. As expected, sPD1‐expressing senescent tumor cell vaccine (STCV/sPD‐1) treatment attracted more mature DC and fewer exhausted‐PD1+ T cells in vivo. During the course of the vaccine studies, we observed greater safety and efficacy for STCV/sPD‐1 than for control treatments. STCV/sPD‐1 pre‐injections provided complete protection from 4T1 tumor challenge in mice. Additionally, the in vivo therapeutic study of mice with s.c. 4T1 tumor showed that STCV/sPD‐1 vaccination delayed tumorigenesis and suppressed tumor progression at early stages. These results showed that STCV/sPD‐1 effectively induced a strong antitumor immune response against cancer and suggested that it might be a potential strategy for TNBC prevention.