bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of locus specific sub‐clone separation by fluorescence in situ hybridization in suspension in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Do Cuc H. , Bailey Sheree , Macardle Cindy , Thurgood Lauren A. , Lower Karen M. , Kuss Bryone J. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIntra‐tumor genetic heterogeneity is a hallmark of cancer. The ability to monitor and analyze these sub‐clonal cell populations can be considered key to successful treatment, particularly in the modern era of targeted therapies. Although advances in sequencing technologies have significantly improved our ability to analyze the mutational landscape of tumors, this utility is reduced when considering small, but clinically significant sub‐clones, that is, those representing <10% of the tumor burden. We have developed a high‐throughput method that utilizes a 17‐probe labeled bacterial artificial chromosome contig to quantify sub‐clonal populations of cells based on deletion of a single locus. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells harboring deletion of the short arm of chromosome 17 (del17p), an important prognostic marker for CLL were used to demonstrate the technique. Sub‐clones of del17p cells were quantified and isolated from heterogeneous CLL populations using fluorescence in situ hybridization in suspension (FISH‐IS) and the locus specific probe set. Using the combination of FISH‐IS with the locus‐specific probe set enables automated analysis of tens of thousands of cells, accurately quantifying and isolating cells carrying a del17p. Based on the fluorescence intensity of 17p probes, 17p (TP53) deleted cells were identified and sorted using flow cytometric techniques, and enrichment was demonstrated using single nucleotide polymorphism analysis. The ability to separate sub‐clones of cells based on genetic heterogeneity, independent of the clone size, highlights the potential application of this method not only in the diagnostic and prognostic setting, but also as an unbiased approach to enable further detailed genetic analysis of the sub‐clone with deep sequencing approaches. © 2017 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Short‐term cytokine stimulation reveals regulatory T cells with down‐regulated Foxp3 expression in human peripheral blood
Authors: Tabares Paula , Berr Susanne , Langenhorst Daniela , Sawitzki Birgit , ten Berge Ineke , Tony Hans‐Peter , Hünig Thomas 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe identification of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) in human peripheral blood is an important tool in diagnosis, research, and therapeutic intervention. As compared to lymphoid tissues, the frequencies of circulating Treg cells identified as CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ are, however, low. We here show that many of these cells remain undetected due to transient down regulation of Foxp3, which rapidly decays in the absence of cytokine‐mediated STAT5 signals. Short‐term incubation of PBMCs or isolated CD4+ T cells, but not of lymph node cells, with IL‐2, ‐7, or ‐15 more than doubles the frequency of Foxp3+CD25+ among CD4+ T cells detectable by flow cytometry. This increase is not due to cell division but to upregulation of both proteins. At the same time, the uncovered Treg cells up‐regulate CD25 and down‐regulate CD127, making them accessible to viable cell sorting. “Latent” Treg cells have a demethylated FOXP3 TSDR sequence, are enriched in naïve, non‐cycling cells, and are functional. The confirmation of our findings in RA and SLE patients shows the feasibility of uncovering latent Treg cells for immune monitoring in clinical settings. Finally, our results suggest that unmasking of latent Treg cells contributes to the increase in circulating CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ cells reported in IL‐2 treated patients.
γ‐Aminobutyric acid (GABA) oral rinse reduces capsaicin‐induced burning mouth pain sensation: An experimental quantitative sensory testing study in healthy subjects
Authors: Zhang Y. , Wang K. , Arendt‐Nielsen L. , Cairns B.E. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundIn burning mouth patients, analgesia after oral administration of clonazepam may result from modulation of peripheral γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors.MethodsThe effect of oral administration of test solutions (water, 0.5 mol/L or 0.05 mol/L GABA, 1% lidocaine) was investigated for the amelioration of pain and sensitivity induced by application of capsaicin (1%, 2 min) to the tongue of thirty healthy male and female subjects in this four‐session, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded, cross‐over study. Intra‐oral quantitative sensory testing was used to assess cold (CDT), warm (WDT) and mechanical (MDT) detection thresholds as well as mechanical (MPT) and heat (HPT) pain thresholds. Capsaicin‐induced pain intensity was continuously rated on a 0–10 electronic visual analogue scale (VAS). The area under the VAS curve (VASAUC) after rinsing was calculated for each solution.ResultsCapsaicin application on the tongue evoked burning pain with a peak of 4.8/10, and significantly increased CDT and MDT while significantly decreasing WDT, HPT, and MPT. The VASAUC was significantly smaller after oral rinse with 0.05 mol/L GABA, 0.5 mol/L GABA, and 1% lidocaine than after oral rinse with water. Rinse with 0.5 mol/L or 0.05 mol/L GABA were similarly effective in decreasing VASAUC. Rinsing with either 1% lidocaine, 0.5 mol/L or 0.05 mol/L GABA also significantly attenuated the effects of capsaicin on WDT and HPT in a treatment independent manner. There were no sex‐related differences in these effects of GABA.ConclusionsCapsaicin‐induced burning tongue pain and decreases in WDT and HPT can be ameliorated by rinsing the mouth with lidocaine and GABA solutions.SignificanceRinsing the mouth with an oral GABA containing solution ameliorated burning pain and increased heat sensitivity produced by application of capsaicin to the tongue. This finding suggests that GABA can act as a local analgesic agent in the oral cavity.
Articulating and Evaluating Validity Arguments for the TOEIC® Tests
Authors: Schmidgall Jonathan E. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis report provides a brief overview of how the TOEIC® program has adopted an argument‐based approach to validity in order to support the use of the TOEIC tests. This approach emphasizes the need to explicitly state claims about the measurement quality and intended use of a test and to support those claims with evidence. This report briefly summarizes how the assessment use argument (AUA) exemplifies this approach and was used to construct validity arguments for the TOEIC tests. After highlighting the practical applications of the validity arguments that were constructed, it highlights challenges associated with this work and proposes several extensions. Overall, this process demonstrates how TOEIC research takes a broad, critical, and rigorous approach to support the use of the TOEIC tests.
Sox8 and Sox10 jointly maintain myelin gene expression in oligodendrocytes
Authors: Turnescu Tanja , Arter Juliane , Reiprich Simone , Tamm Ernst R. , Waisman Ari , Wegner Michael 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn Schwann cells of the vertebrate peripheral nervous system, induction of myelination and myelin maintenance both depend on the HMG‐domain‐containing transcription factor Sox10. In oligodendrocytes of the central nervous system, Sox10 is also essential for the induction of myelination. Its role in late phases of myelination and myelin maintenance has not been studied so far. Here, we show that these processes are largely unaffected in mice that lack Sox10 in mature oligodendrocytes. As Sox10 is co‐expressed with the related Sox8, we also analyzed oligodendrocytes and myelination in Sox8‐deficient mice. Again, we could not detect any major abnormalities. Expression of many myelin genes was only modestly reduced in both mouse mutants. Dramatic reductions in expression levels and phenotypic disturbances became only apparent once Sox8 and Sox10 were both absent. This argues that Sox8 and Sox10 are jointly required for myelin maintenance and impact myelin gene expression. One direct target gene of both Sox proteins is the late myelin gene Mog. Our results point to at least partial functional redundancy between both related Sox proteins in mature oligodendrocytes and are the first report of a substantial function of Sox8 in the oligodendroglial lineage.
Familial clustering of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in the Utah population
Authors: Monroe Marcus M. , Hashibe Mia , Orb Quinn , Alt Jeremiah , Buchmann Luke , Hunt Jason , Cannon‐Albright Lisa A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe main purpose of the current study was to define the familial aggregation of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and risk to relatives of patients with oropharyngeal SCC.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study utilizing linked population‐based genealogy and state cancer registry databases between 1966 and 2012. Relative risks for oropharyngeal SCC and other malignancies among patients with oropharyngeal SCC and their relatives were estimated.ResultsSignificant excess pairwise relatedness was observed for oropharyngeal SCC diagnosed before age 65 years. Significant excess risk for oropharyngeal SCC was observed for first‐degree relatives of patients. Relatives of oropharyngeal SCC patients also demonstrated elevated rates of multiple other malignancies, including both lung and cervical cancers.ConclusionRelatives of patients with oropharyngeal SCC display elevated risks of oropharyngeal, lung, and cervical cancers among others, suggesting a possible shared genetic etiology involving tobacco‐related and human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related malignancies.
Boundary‐spanning actors in complex adaptive governance systems: The case of multisectoral nutrition
Authors: Pelletier David , Gervais Suzanne , Hafeez‐ur‐Rehman Hajra , Sanou Dia , Tumwine Jackson 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA growing literature highlights complexity of policy implementation and governance in global health and argues that the processes and outcomes of policies could be improved by explicitly taking this complexity into account. Yet there is a paucity of studies exploring how this can be achieved in everyday practice. This study documents the strategies, tactics, and challenges of boundary‐spanning actors working in 4 Sub‐Saharan Africa countries who supported the implementation of multisectoral nutrition as part of the African Nutrition Security Partnership in Burkina Faso, Mali, Ethiopia, and Uganda. Three action researchers were posted to these countries during the final 2 years of the project to help the government and its partners implement multisectoral nutrition and document the lessons. Prospective data were collected through participant observation, end‐line semistructured interviews, and document analysis. All 4 countries made significant progress despite a wide range of challenges at the individual, organizational, and system levels. The boundary‐spanning actors and their collaborators deployed a wide range of strategies but faced significant challenges in playing these unconventional roles. The study concludes that, under the right conditions, intentional boundary spanning can be a feasible and acceptable practice within a multisectoral, complex adaptive system in low‐ and middle‐income countries.
Spatial distribution and temporal trends of rainfall and erosivity in the Eastern Africa region
Authors: Fenta Ayele Almaw , Yasuda Hiroshi , Shimizu Katsuyuki , Haregeweyn Nigussie , Kawai Takayuki , Sultan Dagnenet , Ebabu Kindiye , Belay Ashebir Sewale 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSoil erosion by water is one of the main environmental concerns in the drought‐prone Eastern Africa region. Understanding factors such as rainfall and erosivity is therefore of utmost importance for soil erosion risk assessment and soil and water conservation planning. In this study, we evaluated the spatial distribution and temporal trends of rainfall and erosivity for the Eastern Africa region during the period 1981–2016. The precipitation concentration index, seasonality index, and modified Fournier index have been analysed using 5 × 5‐km resolution multisource rainfall product (Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Stations). The mean annual rainfall of the region was 810 mm ranging from less than 300 mm in the lowland areas to over 1,200 mm in the highlands being influenced by orography of the Eastern Africa region. The precipitation concentration index and seasonality index revealed a spatial pattern of rainfall seasonality dependent on latitude, with a more pronounced seasonality as we go far from the equator. The modified Fournier index showed high spatial variability with about 55% of the region subject to high to very high rainfall erosivity. The mean annual R‐factor in the study region was calculated at 3,246 ± 1,895 MJ mm ha−1 h−1 yr−1, implying a potentially high water erosion risk in the region. Moreover, both increasing and decreasing trends of annual rainfall and erosivity were observed but spatial variability of these trends was high. This study offers useful information for better soil erosion prediction as well as can support policy development to achieve sustainable regional environmental planning and management of soil and water resources.
Economics blogs sentiment and asset prices
Authors: Farina Vincenzo , Parisi Antonio , Pomante Ugo 
Published: October 2017

AbstractOne of the most important research streams in finance is to understand the determinants of stock market dynamics. Using a large amount of linguistic data regarding 960,808 posts during a 5‐year time period (from March 1, 2008, to August 31, 2013), we develop an economics blogs pessimism indicator (considered as a proxy for either investor sentiment or risk aversion), and we show its validity to build performing trading strategies.
Retracted: MicroRNA‐29a inhibits proliferation and motility of schwannoma cells by targeting CDK6
Authors: Ma Ji , Li Tengfei , Yuan Huifeng , Han Xinwei , Shui Shaofeng , Guo Dong , Yan Lei 
Published: October 2017

AbstractMicroRNA‐29 (miR‐29) family is involved in various types of cancer regulation. Although miR‐29 family was shown to play an inhibitory role in tumorigenesis, the effect of miR‐29a expression on schwannoma cells still remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of miR‐29 family in schwannoma. The expressions of miR‐29a, miR‐29b, and miR‐29c were detected in the Schwann tissues and cell lines using qRT‐PCR. The effect of miR‐29a, miR‐29b, and miR‐29c on cell viability, migration, invasion, and apoptosis was tested. Then, the regulatory relationship between miR‐29a and CKD6 was detected using qRT‐PCR, Western blot, and luciferase assay. Finally, the phosphorylation levels of mainly factors in JNK and p38MAPK/ERK pathways were analyzed by Western blot. The expression of miR‐29a, miR‐29b, and miR‐29c was downregulated in Schwann tissues and cell lines. Cell viability, migration, invasion were decreased, while apoptosis was increased when miR‐29a, miR‐29b, and miR‐29c overexpression. We further found that miR‐29a negatively regulated expression of CDK6. Then, knockdown of miR‐29a promoted cell viability, migration, invasion, and inhibited apoptosis in schwannoma cells by upregulating CDK6 expression. In addition, the overexpression of miR‐29a downregulated CDK6 expression by deactivation of JNK and p38MAPK/ERK pathways. Our data suggested that miR‐29a could play an important role in inhibiting proliferation and motility of cancerous Schwann cells, and may suppress tumor growth through upregulation of CDK6.
Synthesis and evaluation of Tc‐99m and fluorescence‐labeled elastin‐derived peptide, VAPG for multimodal tumor imaging in murine tumor model
Authors: Kim Myoung Hyoun , Kim Chang Guhn , Kim Seul‐Gi , Kim Dae‐Weung 
Published: October 2017

We developed a Tc‐99m and fluorescence‐labeled peptide, Tc‐99m TAMRA‐GHEG‐ECG‐VAPG to target tumor cells and evaluated the diagnostic performance as a dual‐modality imaging agent for tumor in a murine model. TAMRA‐GHEG‐ECG‐VAPG was synthesized by using Fmoc solid‐phase peptide synthesis. Radiolabeling of TAMRA‐GHEG‐ECG‐VAPG with Tc‐99m was done by using ligand exchange via tartrate. Binding affinity and in vitro cellular uptake studies were performed. Gamma camera imaging, biodistribution, and ex vivo imaging studies were performed in murine models with SW620 tumors. Tumor tissue slides were prepared and analyzed with immunohistochemistry by using confocal microscopy. After radiolabeling procedures with Tc‐99m, Tc‐99m TAMRA‐GHEG‐ECG‐VAPG complexes were prepared in high yield (>96%). The Kd of Tc‐99m TAMRA‐GHEG‐ECG‐VAPG determined by saturation binding was 16.8 ± 3.6 nM. Confocal microscopy images of SW620 cells incubated with TAMRA‐GHEG‐ECG‐VAPG showed strong fluorescence in the cytoplasm. Gamma camera imaging revealed substantial uptake of Tc‐99m TAMRA‐GHEG‐ECG‐VAPG in tumors. Tumor uptake was effectively blocked by the coinjection of an excess concentration of VAPG. Specific uptake of Tc‐99m TAMRA‐GHEG‐ECG‐VAPG was confirmed by biodistribution, ex vivo imaging, and immunohistochemistry stain studies. In vivo and in vitro studies revealed substantial uptake of Tc‐99m TAMRA‐GHEG‐ECG‐VAPG in tumor cells. Tc‐99m TAMRA‐GHEG‐ECG‐VAPG has potential as a dual‐modality tumor imaging agent.
Wet and dry extremes in Quito (Ecuador) since the 17th century
Authors: Domínguez‐Castro F. , García‐Herrera R. , Vicente‐Serrano S. M. 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTWet and dry extremes in Quito (Ecuador) over the last 400 years are studied using two sources of information: the longest available instrumental rainfall series in northern South America (1891–2015) and the rogation ceremonies recorded in the Chapter Acts of Quito (1600–1822). The rogation ceremonies present a seasonal distribution that is related to the crops and to the typical distribution of rainfall over the year. August was the month with most pro serenitate rogations because farmers needed dry conditions for harvest, whereas excess rainfall at this time would lead to rotting and loss of the harvest. The pro pluvia rogations were markedly more frequent during January and February when farmers needed rain for sowing. This relationship between climate and farming activities makes Quito's rogations a good proxy for drought and extreme wet conditions during January–February–March (JFM) and wet conditions during June–July–August (JJA). Standardized precipitation index (SPI) was computed for the instrumental period. The 3‐month SPI showed a significant linear trend over the last 125 years (−0.4 per decade, p = 0.009). The five wettest periods were 1651–1657, 1663–1669, 1913–1919, 1950–1956, and 1981–1985. Droughts have intensified in frequency and length since the middle of the 20th century. The most important drought periods were 1692–1701, 1718–1723, 1976–1980, 1990–1993, and 2001–2006. The severest drought during the last 400 years occurred in 1692–1701 when a great famine devastated Quito and affected most of the central Andes.
Natural vitamin B12 and fucose supplementation of green smoothies with edible algae and related quality changes during their shelf life
Authors: Castillejo Noelia , Martínez‐Hernández Ginés Benito , Goffi Valentina , Gómez Perla A , Aguayo Encarna , Artés Francisco , Artés‐Hernández Francisco 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDSome algae are an excellent sources of vitamin B12, of special interest for vegetarian/vegan consumers, and of fucose to supplement fruit and vegetable beverages such as smoothies. Nevertheless, supplementation of smoothies with algae may lead to possible quality changes during smoothie shelf life that need to be studied. Therefore, the quality changes in fresh green smoothies supplemented (2.2%) with nine edible algae (sea lettuce, kombu, wakame, thongweed, dulse, Irish moss, nori, Spirulina and Chlorella) were studied throughout 24 days at 5 °C.RESULTSThe initial vitamin C content – 238.7–326.0 mg kg−1 fresh weight (FW) – of a 200 g portion of any of the smoothies ensured full coverage of its recommended daily intake, and still supplying 50–60% of the recommended intake after 7 days. Chlorella and Spirulina smoothies showed the highest vitamin B12 content (33.3 and 15.3 µg kg−1 FW, respectively), while brown algae showed fucose content of 141.1–571.3 mg kg−1 FW. These vitamin B12 and fucose contents were highly maintained during shelf life.CONCLUSIONThe Spirulina supplementation of a 200 g smoothie portion ensured full coverage of the recommended vitamin B12 intake, with lower vitamin C degradation, during a shelf life of 17 days. Furthermore, thongweed and kombu are also considered as excellent fucose sources with similar shelf life. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of rape pod sealants to reduce adverse environmental impacts
Authors: Bauša Laimis , Steponavičius Dainius , Jotautienė Eglė , Kemzūraitė Aurelija , Zaleckas Ernestas 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDRape (Brassica napus L.) is a major global oilseed crop characterized by its high potential as an alimentary oil and in biodiesel production. The two most popular pod sealants (PS) used to reduce rape pod shattering are products in the pinolene range (di‐1‐p‐menthene) and latex polymer products. Reports on the effective preservation of seed yield by these products are fairly contradictory. With this in mind, an experimental PS (PS4) that contained the active agents acrylic and trisiloxane was developed.RESULTSComparative experimental trials of the developed PS4 and three other PS (PS1, PS2 and PS3) containing active agents that are generally used for sealant production were conducted. The studies showed that the static and dynamic surface tension of PS4 was the lowest at the same concentration (2.0 g kg−1), consequently demonstrating the lowest spray drift. The chemical substances from PS had not penetrated the rape seeds in any of the PSs.CONCLUSIONThe results indicate that treatment with PS4 exerts a beneficial effect in reducing rape seed yield loss (68–104 kg ha−1 in 2014 and 194–305 kg ha−1 in 2015) compared to other investigated PS. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparative isolation and purification of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin from Capsici Fructus using supercritical fluid extraction combined with high speed countercurrent chromatography
Authors: Yan Rongwei , Zhao Leilei , Tao Junfei , Zou Yong , Xu Xinjun 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDSupercritical fluid extraction with CO2 (SFE‐CO2) was utilized for extraction of capsaicin (CA) and dihydrocapsaicin (DHCA) from Capsici Fructus, and then a two‐step enrichment method for separating capsaicinoids from SFE‐CO2 extracts was developed. The process involved extraction with aqueous methanol and crystallization by alkali extraction and acid precipitation. Finally, a consecutive high‐speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC) separation method was successfully applied in the purification of CA and DHCA from capsaicinoid crystal.RESULTSThe extraction pressure, extraction temperature and volume of co‐solvent were optimized at 33 MPa, 41 °C and 75 mL, respectively, using response surface methodology; the extraction rates of CA and DHCA were about 93.18% and 93.49%, respectively. 407.43 mg capsaicinoid crystal was isolated from the SFE‐CO2 extracts obtained from 100 g capsicum powder by the two‐step enrichment method. About 506 mg and 184 mg CA and DHCA with purities up to 98.31% and 96.68%, respectively, were obtained from 1 g capsaicinoid crystal in one HSCCC of three consecutive sample loadings without exchanging any solvent system.CONCLUSIONSThis method comprising SFE‐CO2, a two‐step enrichment and HSCCC was efficient, powerful and practical for the large‐scale preparation of CA and DHCA from Capsici Fructus with high purity and high yield. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry