bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microfluidic cell isolation technology for drug testing of single tumor cells and their clusters
Authors: Bithi Swastika S. , Vanapalli Siva A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDrug assays with patient-derived cells such as circulating tumor cells requires manipulating small sample volumes without loss of rare disease-causing cells. Here, we report an effective technology for isolating and analyzing individual tumor cells and their clusters from minute sample volumes using an optimized microfluidic device integrated with pipettes. The method involves using hand pipetting to create an array of cell-laden nanoliter-sized droplets immobilized in a microfluidic device without loss of tumor cells during the pipetting process. Using this technology, we demonstrate single-cell analysis of tumor cell response to the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin. We find that even though individual tumor cells display diverse uptake profiles of the drug, the onset of apoptosis is determined by accumulation of a critical intracellular concentration of doxorubicin. Experiments with clusters of tumor cells compartmentalized in microfluidic drops reveal that cells within a cluster have higher viability than their single-cell counterparts when exposed to doxorubicin. This result suggests that circulating tumor cell clusters might be able to better survive chemotherapy drug treatment. Our technology is a promising tool for understanding tumor cell-drug interactions in patient-derived samples including rare cells.
Short-term monocular occlusion produces changes in ocular dominance by a reciprocal modulation of interocular inhibition
Authors: Chadnova Eva , Reynaud Alexandre , Clavagnier Simon , Hess Robert F. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractOcular dominance can be modulated by short-term monocular deprivation. This changes the contribution that each eye makes to binocular vision, an example of adult cortical neuroplasticity. Optical imaging in primates and psychophysics in humans suggest these neuroplastic changes occur in V1. Here we use brain imaging (MEG) in normal adults to better understand the nature of these neuroplastic changes. The results suggest that short-term monocular deprivation, whether it be by an opaque or translucent patch, modulates dichoptic inhibitory interactions in a reciprocal fashion; the unpatched eye is inhibited, the patched eye is released from inhibition. These observations locate the neuroplastic changes to a level of visual processing where there are interocular inhibitory interactions prior to binocular combination and help to explain why both binocular rivalry and fusional tasks reveal them.
Efficient N-tailing of blunt DNA ends by Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase
Authors: Ohtsubo Yoshiyuki , Nagata Yuji , Tsuda Masataka 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMoloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase (MMLV-RT) is a widely used enzyme for cDNA synthesis. Here we show that MMLV-RT has a strong template-independent polymerase activity using blunt DNA ends as substrate that generates 3′ overhangs of A, C, G, or T. Nucleotides were appended efficiently in the order A > G > T > C, and tail lengths varied from 4 to 5, 2 to 7, 2 to 4, and 2 to 3 for A, C, G, and T, respectively. The activity was so strong that nearly all our test DNA ends were appended with at least one A, C, G, or T. The N-tailing activity of MMLV-RT was enhanced in the presence of Mn2+, and the G-, C-, and T-tailing activities were further enhanced by dCMP, dGMP, and dAMP, respectively. This is the first report of an enzymatic activity that almost thoroughly appends two or more As, or one or more Cs, Gs, or Ts to the 3′ end of double-stranded DNA, which would enable exhaustive analysis of DNA samples. The N-tailing activity of MMLV-RT is potentially useful in many biotechnological applications.
Discovering missing reactions of metabolic networks by using gene co-expression data
Authors: Hosseini Zhaleh , Marashi Sayed-Amir 
Published: February 2017

AbstractFlux coupling analysis is a computational method which is able to explain co-expression of metabolic genes by analyzing the topological structure of a metabolic network. It has been suggested that if genes in two seemingly fully-coupled reactions are not highly co-expressed, then these two reactions are not fully coupled in reality, and hence, there is a gap or missing reaction in the network. Here, we present GAUGE as a novel approach for gap filling of metabolic networks, which is a two-step algorithm based on a mixed integer linear programming formulation. In GAUGE, the discrepancies between experimental co-expression data and predicted flux coupling relations is minimized by adding a minimum number of reactions to the network. We show that GAUGE is able to predict missing reactions of E. coli metabolism that are not detectable by other popular gap filling approaches. We propose that our algorithm may be used as a complementary strategy for the gap filling problem of metabolic networks. Since GAUGE relies only on gene expression data, it can be potentially useful for exploring missing reactions in the metabolism of non-model organisms, which are often poorly characterized, cannot grow in the laboratory, and lack genetic tools for generating knockouts.
Agent causation as a solution to the problem of action
Authors: Brent Michael 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMy primary aim is to defend a nonreductive solution to the problem of action. I argue that when you are performing an overt bodily action, you are playing an irreducible causal role in bringing about, sustaining, and controlling the movements of your body, a causal role best understood as an instance of agent causation. Thus, the solution that I defend employs a notion of agent causation, though emphatically not in defence of an account of free will, as most theories of agent causation are. Rather, I argue that the notion of agent causation introduced here best explainshow it isthat you are making your body move during an action, thereby providing a satisfactory solution to the problem of action.
Bilateral comparison on the calibration of a set of F1 mass standards between IBMETRO (Bolivia) and INTI (Argentina)
Authors: Quille Ruben , Sanchez Jorge , Escalante Boris 
Published: February 2017

Mass calibration is an important activity for National Metrology Institutes (NMIs), due to the amount of measurements on scientific, industrial and legal activities that have traceability to the national mass standards of each country.
In order to evaluate the stated uncertainty and degree of equivalence between INTI-Argentina and IBMETRO-Bolivia on mass calibration a bilateral comparison was agreed between both laboratories.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.
The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Letter: can addition of an immunomodulator really reverse antibody formation and loss of response in patients treated with adalimumab?
Authors: Bendtzen K. , Steenholdt C. 
Published: February 2017

Linked ContentThis article is linked to Ungar et al and Ben‐Horin et al papers. To view these articles visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13862 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13932.
Radiolabeling, quality control, and biological characterization of 177Lu‐labeled kanamycin
Authors: Akbar Muhammad Usman , Bokhari Tanveer Hussain , Khalid Muhammad , Ahmad Muhammad Razeen , Roohi Samina , Hina Saira , Mehmood Sajid , Sohaib Muhammad , Jabbar Tania 
Published: February 2017

Kanamycin is an antibiotic, isolated from Streptomyces kanamyceticus, which is used to treat serious bacterial infections. The fact that the present radioligand 99mTc‐kanamycin used for diagnosis is short‐lived, raised a need to label and study kanamycin with one of the most important beta (β) radiation emitting isotope 177Lu. Labeling yield of 177Lu‐kanamycin was confirmed by different chromatography techniques such as paper chromatography, TLC, HPLC. Several experiments were performed to optimize labeling with changing reaction conditions such as pH, temperature, amount of ligand, and reaction time. In vitro stability analysis was performed incubation with human serum. Electrophoresis analysis was also conducted to determine the charge on 177Lu‐kanamycin. The biodistribution and scintigraphy were performed in normal mice and rabbit, respectively, at different time intervals of postinjection. 177Lu‐kanamycin was prepared with very high yield (~100%), with excellent stability in vivo and in vitro (>99% 6 hr postprep.), at pH 7. Maximum labeling was achieved at less reaction time (15 min), with maximum conjugation of the ligand (12.5 mg) with 177Lu. Electrophoresis analysis showed net neutral charge. The radioligand showed rapid clearance from body in biodistribution and scintigraphy studies. The preparation 177Lu‐kanamycin could be used as a radio‐pharmaceutical for infection imaging purpose, especially when transporting the radioligand to long‐range distances.
Effects of pore diameters on phase, oxidation resistance, and thermal shock resistance of the porous Si2N2O ceramics
Authors: Lin Shaojie , Ye Feng , Ding Junjie , Yang Chunping , Ma Jie , Dong Shangli , Liu Qiang 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPorous silicon oxynitride (Si2N2O) ceramics were prepared by gas pressure sintering at 1650°C for 2 hour under 1.5 MPa N2 in two different powder beds, that is, h‐BN/Si3N4 or h‐BN/(Si3N4 + SiO2). Effects of the gaseous atmosphere in the powder bed and the pore diameter in the ceramics on formation of the Si2N2O phase and the oxidation resistance of the sintered porous ceramics were investigated. Results showed that presence of the gaseous SiO in the powder bed played a crucial role in suppressing decomposition of the Si2N2O phase at the outer surface of the material. Permeability of the gaseous substances was decreased when the pore diameter was small, to affect the phase composition and the oxidation behavior of the porous Si2N2O ceramics. The oxidation weight gain curves of the porous Si2N2O ceramics fitted the asymptotic law. No significant changes in the dielectric constant of the Si2N2O ceramics were observed after oxidation at 1000°C‐1200°C for up to 30 minutes, whereas the dielectric loss tangent was reduced by oxidation due to formation of SiO2. The as‐obtained porous Si2N2O ceramics could withstand a highest thermal shock of 1200°C when the outer surface could be sealed by the oxidation‐derived SiO2 layer.
Superinfection interference between dengue‐2 and dengue‐4 viruses in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
Authors: Muturi Ephantus J. , Buckner Eva , Bara Jeffrey 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectiveDengue virus consists of four antigenically distinct serotypes (DENV 1‐4) that are transmitted to humans by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. In many dengue‐endemic regions, co‐circulation of two or more DENV serotypes is fairly common increasing the likelihood for exposure of the two vectors to multiple serotypes. We used a model system of DENV‐2 and DENV‐4 to investigate how prior exposure of Aedes aegypti to one DENV serotype affects its susceptibility to another serotype.MethodsAedes aegypti mosquitoes were sequentially infected with DENV‐2 and DENV‐4 and the infection and dissemination rates for each virus determined.ResultsWe found that prior infection of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes with DENV‐4 rendered them significantly less susceptible to secondary infection with DENV‐2. Although the results were not statistically significant, mosquitoes infected with DENV‐2 were also less susceptible to secondary infection with DENV‐4. The midgut dissemination and population dissemination rates for DENV‐2 were significantly higher than those of DENV‐4 when either virus was administered 7 days after administration of either a non‐infectious blood meal or a blood meal containing a heterologous dengue serotype.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that superinfection interference between DENV serotypes is possible within Ae. aegypti mosquitoes, but its effect on DENV epidemiology may be dependent on the fitness of interacting serotypes.
M Gene Reassortment in H9N2 Influenza Virus Promotes Early Infection and Replication: Contribution to Rising Virus Prevalence in Chickens in China
Authors: Pu Juan , Sun Honglei , Qu Yi , Wang Chenxi , Gao Weihua , Zhu Junda , Sun Yipeng , Bi Yuhai , Huang Yinhua , Chang Kin-Chow , Cui Jie , Liu Jinhua 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT
Segment reassortment and base mutagenesis of influenza A viruses are the primary routes to the rapid evolution of high-fitness virus genotypes. We recently described a predominant G57 genotype of avian H9N2 viruses that caused countrywide outbreaks in chickens in China during 2010 to 2013, which led to the zoonotic emergence of H7N9 viruses. One of the key features of the G57 genotype is the replacement of the earlier A/chicken/Beijing/1/1994 (BJ/94)-like M gene with the A/quail/Hong Kong/G1/1997 (G1)-like M gene of quail origin. We report here the functional significance of the G1-like M gene in H9N2 viruses in conferring increased infection severity and infectivity in primary chicken embryonic fibroblasts and chickens. H9N2 virus housing the G1-like M gene, in place of the BJ/94-like M gene, showed an early surge in viral mRNA and viral RNA (vRNA) transcription that was associated with enhanced viral protein production and with an early elevated release of progeny virus comprising largely spherical rather than filamentous virions. Importantly, H9N2 virus with the G1-like M gene conferred extrapulmonary virus spread in chickens. Five highly represented signature amino acid residues (37A, 95K, 224N, and 242N in the M1 protein and 21G in the M2 protein) encoded by the prevalent G1-like M gene were demonstrated to be prime contributors to enhanced infectivity. Therefore, the genetic evolution of the M gene in H9N2 virus increases reproductive virus fitness, indicating its contribution to the rising virus prevalence in chickens in China.

IMPORTANCE
We recently described the circulation of a dominant genotype (genotype G57) of H9N2 viruses in countrywide outbreaks in chickens in China, which was responsible, through reassortment, for the emergence of H7N9 viruses that cause severe human infections. A key feature of the genotype G57 H9N2 virus is the presence of the quail-origin G1-like M gene, which had replaced the earlier BJ/94-like M gene. We found that H9N2 virus with the G1-like M gene, but not the BJ/94-like M gene, showed an early surge in progeny virus production and more severe pathology and extrapulmonary virus spread in chickens. Five highly represented amino acid residues in the M1 and M2 proteins derived from the G1-like M gene were shown to mediate enhanced virus infectivity. These observations enhance what we currently know about the roles of reassortment and mutations in virus fitness and have implications for assessing the potential of variant influenza viruses that can cause a rising prevalence in chickens.
Longitudinal Changes in Volumetric Breast Density with Tamoxifen and Aromatase Inhibitors
Authors: Engmann Natalie J. , Scott Christopher G. , Jensen Matthew R. , Ma Lin , Brandt Kathleen R. , Mahmoudzadeh Amir Pasha , Malkov Serghei , Whaley Dana H. , Hruska Carrie B. , Wu Fang Fang , Winham Stacey J. , Miglioretti Diana L. , Norman Aaron D. , Heine John J. , Shepherd John , Pankratz V. Shane , Vachon Celine M. , Kerlikowske Karla 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Background: Reductions in breast density with tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors may be an intermediate marker of treatment response. We compare changes in volumetric breast density among breast cancer cases using tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors (AI) to untreated women without breast cancer.
Methods: Breast cancer cases with a digital mammogram prior to diagnosis and after initiation of tamoxifen (n = 366) or AI (n = 403) and a sample of controls (n = 2170) were identified from the Mayo Clinic Mammography Practice and San Francisco Mammography Registry. Volumetric percent density (VPD) and dense breast volume (DV) were measured using Volpara (Matakina Technology) and Quantra (Hologic) software. Linear regression estimated the effect of treatment on annualized changes in density.
Results: Premenopausal women using tamoxifen experienced annualized declines in VPD of 1.17% to 1.70% compared with 0.30% to 0.56% for controls and declines in DV of 7.43 to 15.13 cm3 compared with 0.28 to 0.63 cm3 in controls, for Volpara and Quantra, respectively. The greatest reductions were observed among women with ≥10% baseline density. Postmenopausal AI users had greater declines in VPD than controls (Volpara P = 0.02; Quantra P = 0.03), and reductions were greatest among women with ≥10% baseline density. Declines in VPD among postmenopausal women using tamoxifen were only statistically greater than controls when measured with Quantra.
Conclusions: Automated software can detect volumetric breast density changes among women on tamoxifen and AI.
Impact: If declines in volumetric density predict breast cancer outcomes, these measures may be used as interim prognostic indicators. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 26(6); 930–7. ©2017 AACR.
A randomized clinical trial of diabetes self-management for Mexican Americans: Are there serendipitous health benefits for supporters of study participants?
Authors: Brown Sharon A , García Alexandra A , Orlander Philip R , Hanis Craig L 
Published: February 2017

Objectives: Studies of social support in diabetes have focused on the effects of support on the person with type 2 diabetes. We explored diabetes prevention effects of a culturally tailored diabetes self-management intervention in individuals without diabetes who were supporters of intervention participants. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial that involved 256 Mexican Americans with diabetes. Each study participant designated a supporter—spouse, relative, friend—who attended intervention sessions and assisted participants in attaining effective diabetes self-management. Supporter’s glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) data were tracked for 1 year to determine diabetes conversion rates in supporters without diabetes at baseline. Results: Fewer individuals in the intervention group (n = 9) converted to an A1C above the 7% threshold, compared to the 1-year wait-listed control group (n = 16). We found a statistically significant difference (p = .021) at 12 months in the number of individuals whose A1C was ⩽8%, with fewer supporters above threshold in the intervention group (reduction of 48%). Supporters in the intervention group with prediabetes, based on baseline A1C, experienced a slight reduction in A1C, while control group supporters with prediabetes experienced an increase. Discussion: The results suggest that there are potential benefits for family members and other supporters of persons with diabetes who participated in diabetes self-management programs.
Nursing Students’ Perceptions on Characteristics of an Effective Clinical Instructor
Authors: Niederriter Joan E. , Eyth David , Thoman Joan 
Published: February 2017

Purpose To identify characteristics and teaching techniques of effective clinical instructors that can be utilized or implemented to improve the student nurse clinical experience. Background The clinical instructor is an integral part of a quality clinical experience. They help students transfer didactic information to the practice setting. The clinical nursing experience is a vital component in the developmental process of the nursing student. Research has been done on this subject, but gaps remain. The need for a more in-depth understanding of students’ perceptions of the characteristics and teaching techniques that best aid their comprehension and learning will help instructors to maximize student learning experiences in the practice setting. Method This qualitative research study utilized the phenomenological research method. Three open-ended questions were posed to 14 nursing students to identify the characteristics and teaching techniques they believed comprised an effective clinical instructor. Individual interviews were conducted and transcribed interviews were reviewed to identify common themes. Three faculty members provided member checking to prevent bias by reviewing the transcribed interviews for common themes. Findings Participants identified four main themes which include a trusting relationship, experience or knowledge, coach, and role model. The students found that they gained more knowledge, developed more critical thinking, and felt more confident with instructors who utilized characteristics and techniques from these four areas. Conclusion Clinical instructors play an important role in preparing the student nurse in becoming a competent nurse in the practice setting. This information can be used to provide a foundation in creating an educational opportunity to inform nurse educators in the ways to become a more effective clinical instructor.
The trajectory of anti-communism in South Korea
Authors: Shin Kwang-Yeong 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis article deals with the historical trajectory of anti-communism in South Korea since 1945. Anti-communism has been working as a powerful ideological and institutional constraint to suppress political opposition to authoritarian regimes and to hinder development of critical thoughts in South Korea. However, the demise of East European socialist countries and globalization has transformed the nature of anti-communism, by equating non-market ideologies with communism. Even though there have been political and economic change in the 21st century, anti-communism has still played an important role in constraining policy development as well as political discourse.