bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural insight into antibody-mediated antagonism of the Glucagon-like peptide-1 Receptor
Authors: Hennen Stephanie , Kodra János T. , Soroka Vladyslav , Krogh Berit O. , Wu Xiaoai , Kaastrup Peter , Ørskov Cathrine , Rønn Sif G. , Schluckebier Gerd , Barbateskovic Silvia , Gandhi Prafull S. , Reedtz-Runge Steffen 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is a member of the class B G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family and a well-established target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The N-terminal extracellular domain (ECD) of GLP-1R is important for GLP-1 binding and the crystal structure of the GLP-1/ECD complex was reported previously. The first structure of a class B GPCR transmembrane (TM) domain was solved recently, but the full length receptor structure is still not well understood. Here we describe the molecular details of antibody-mediated antagonism of the GLP-1R using both in vitro pharmacology and x-ray crystallography. We showed that the antibody Fab fragment (Fab 3F52) blocked the GLP-1 binding site of the ECD directly and thereby acts as a competitive antagonist of native GLP-1. Interestingly, Fab 3F52 also blocked a short peptide agonist believed to engage primarily the transmembrane and extracellular loop region of GLP-1R, whereas functionality of an allosteric small-molecule agonist was not inhibited. This study has implications for the structural understanding of the GLP-1R and related class B GPCRs, which is important for the development of new and improved therapeutics targeting these receptors.
Transcriptional repression of p27 is essential for murine embryonic development
Authors: Teratake Youichi , Kuga Chisa , Hasegawa Yuta , Sato Yoshiharu , Kitahashi Masayasu , Fujimura Lisa , Watanabe-Takano Haruko , Sakamoto Akemi , Arima Masafumi , Tokuhisa Takeshi , Hatano Masahiko 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe Nczf gene has been identified as one of Ncx target genes and encodes a novel KRAB zinc-finger protein, which functions as a sequence specific transcriptional repressor. In order to elucidate Nczf functions, we generated Nczf knockout (Nczf−/−) mice. Nczf−/− mice died around embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5) with small body size and impairment of axial rotation. Histopathological analysis revealed that the cell number decreased and pyknotic cells were occasionally observed. We examined the expression of cell cycle related genes in Nczf−/− mice. p27 expression was increased in E8.0 Nczf−/− mice compared to that of wild type mice. Nczf knockdown by siRNA resulted in increased expression of p27 in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Furthermore, p27 promoter luciferase reporter gene analysis confirmed the regulation of p27 mRNA expression by Nczf. Nczf−/−; p27−/− double knockout mice survived until E11.5 and the defect of axial rotation was restored. These data suggest that p27 repression by Nczf is essential in the developing embryo.
Efficient synthesis of triarylamine-based dyes for p-type dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Wild Martin , Griebel Jan , Hajduk Anna , Friedrich Dirk , Stark Annegret , Abel Bernd , Siefermann Katrin R. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe class of triarylamine-based dyes has proven great potential as efficient light absorbers in inverse (p-type) dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). However, detailed investigation and further improvement of p-type DSSCs is strongly hindered by the fact that available synthesis routes of triarylamine-based dyes are inefficient and particularly demanding with regard to time and costs. Here, we report on an efficient synthesis strategy for triarylamine-based dyes for p-type DSSCs. A protocol for the synthesis of the dye-precursor (4-(bis(4-bromophenyl)amino)benzoic acid) is presented along with its X-ray crystal structure. The dye precursor is obtained from the commercially available 4(diphenylamino)benzaldehyde in a yield of 87% and serves as a starting point for the synthesis of various triarylamine-based dyes. Starting from the precursor we further describe a synthesis protocol for the dye 4-{bis[4′-(2,2-dicyanovinyl)-[1,1′-biphenyl]-4-yl]amino}benzoic acid (also known as dye P4) in a yield of 74%. All synthesis steps are characterized by high yields and high purities without the need for laborious purification steps and thus fulfill essential requirements for scale-up.
An in vivo invertebrate evaluation system for identifying substances that suppress sucrose-induced postprandial hyperglycemia
Authors: Matsumoto Yasuhiko , Ishii Masaki , Sekimizu Kazuhisa 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSucrose is a major sweetener added to various foods and beverages. Excessive intake of sucrose leads to increases in blood glucose levels, which can result in the development and exacerbation of lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity and diabetes. In this study, we established an in vivo evaluation system using silkworms to explore substances that suppress the increase in blood glucose levels caused by dietary intake of sucrose. Silkworm hemolymph glucose levels rapidly increased after intake of a sucrose-containing diet. Addition of acarbose or voglibose, α-glycosidase inhibitors clinically used for diabetic patients, suppressed the dietary sucrose-induced increase in the silkworm hemolymph glucose levels. Screening performed using the sucrose-induced postprandial hyperglycemic silkworm model allowed us to identify some lactic acid bacteria that inhibit the increase in silkworm hemolymph glucose levels caused by dietary intake of sucrose. The inhibitory effects of the Lactococcus lactis #Ll-1 bacterial strain were significantly greater than those of different strains of lactic acid bacteria. No effect of the Lactococcus lactis #Ll-1 strain was observed in silkworms fed a glucose diet. These results suggest that the sucrose diet-induced postprandial hyperglycemic silkworm is a useful model for evaluating chemicals and lactic acid bacteria that suppress increases in blood glucose levels.
Diversified pulse generation from frequency shifted feedback Tm-doped fibre lasers
Authors: Chen He , Chen Sheng-Ping , Jiang Zong-Fu , Hou Jing 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPulsed fibre lasers operating in the eye-safe 2 μm spectral region have numerous potential applications in areas such as remote sensing, medicine, mid-infrared frequency conversion and free-space communication. Here, for the first time, we demonstrate versatile 2 μm ps-ns pulses generation from Tm-based fibre lasers based on frequency shifted feedback and provide a comprehensive report of their special behaviors. The lasers are featured with elegant construction and the unparalleled capacity of generating versatile pulses. The self-starting mode-locking is initiated by an intra-cavity acousto-optical frequency shifter. Diversified mode-locked pulse dynamics were observed by altering the pump power, intra-cavity polarization state and cavity structure, including as short as 8 ps single pulse sequence, pulse bundle state and up to 12 nJ, 3 ns nanosecond rectangular pulse. A reflective nonlinear optical loop mirror was introduced to successfully shorten the pulses from 24 ps to 8 ps. Beside the mode-locking operation, flexible Q-switching and Q-switched mode-locking operation can also be readily achieved in the same cavity. Up to 78 μJ high energy nanosecond pulse can be generated in this regime. Several intriguing pulse dynamics are characterized and discussed.
Suzaku spectra of a Type-II supernova remnant, Kes 79
Authors: Sato Tamotsu , Koyama Katsuji , Lee Shiu-Hang , Takahashi Tadayuki 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
This paper reports on results of a Suzaku observation of the supernova remnant (SNR) Kes 79 (G33.6+0.1). The X-ray spectrum is best fitted by a two-temperature model: a non-equilibrium ionization (NEI) plasma and a collisional ionization equilibrium (CIE) plasma. The NEI plasma is spatially confined within the inner radio shell with kT ∼ 0.8 keV, while the CIE plasma is found in more spatially extended regions associated with the outer radio shell with kT ∼0.2 keV and solar abundance. Therefore, the NEI plasma is attributable to the SN ejecta, and the CIE plasma is the forward shocked interstellar medium. In the NEI plasma, we discovered K-shell lines of Al, Ar, and Ca for the first time. The abundance pattern and estimated mass of the ejecta are consistent with a core-collapse supernova explosion of a ∼30–40M⊙ progenitor star. An Fe line with a center energy of ∼6.4 keV is also found in the southeast (SE) portion of the SNR, a close peripheral region around dense molecular clouds. One possibility is that the line is associated with the ejecta. However, the centroid energy of ∼6.4 keV and the spatial distribution of enhancement near the SE peripheral do not favor this scenario. Since the ∼6.4 keV emitting region coincides with the molecular clouds, we propose another possibility, that the Fe line is due to K-shell ionization of neutral Fe by the interaction of locally accelerated protons (LECRp) with the surrounding molecular cloud. Both of these possibilities, heated ejecta or LECRp origin, are discussed based on the observational facts.
The desired learning outcomes of school-based nutrition/physical activity health education
Authors: Ormshaw Michael James , Kokko Sami Petteri , Villberg Jari , Kannas Lasse 
Published: May 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to utilise the collective opinion of a group of Finnish experts to identify the most important learning outcomes of secondary-level school-based health education, in the specific domains of physical activity and nutrition.Design/methodology/approach– The study uses a Delphi survey technique to collect the opinions of a group (panel) of Finnish experts. A list of learning outcomes was compiled via an extensive literature review of documents from all levels of health education (physical activity and nutrition) policy development and implementation. A general inductive analysis method was conducted, resulting in education themes which were then compiled into health literacy-constructed learning outcomes to present to the panel in the two Delphi rounds.Findings– The study question is answered in the form of a ranked list of the 24 most important learning outcomes of physical activity and nutrition education in Finnish schools. The analysis of variance pair-wise comparisons with Bonferroni indicated that six items were statistically possibly more important than the 18 others. The three most important items being: first, understand the importance of a varied and balanced diet; second, the ability to analyse their own lifestyle; third, understand the link between physical activity and health. The study also identified topics/themes which could be either under-represented or over-represented in the current literature and teaching.Originality/value– This study is the only one of its type, and researches an as yet unknown area of health education. The value of this study lies in its role in the further development of school health education, in terms of identifying the “most important” contemporary issues to teach in the classroom, and may also be used as a topic prioritisation and curriculum planning tool.
Influencing dynamics of culture and employee factors on retail banks’ performances in a developing country context
Authors: Sanda Mohammed-Aminu , Kuada John 
Published: May 2016

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the influencing dynamics of culture (national and organizational), employee characteristics, employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment in determining the organizational performances of firms in the retail banking sector in a developing country such as Ghana.Design/methodology/approachA conceptual framework linking national and organizational cultures to employees’ job satisfaction, job characteristics, organizational commitment and organizational performance was developed, and their measurement scales were adapted to guide the empirical investigation. Data were collected using a questionnaire filled in by 300 employees in nine retail banks in Ghana. The results were first analyzed by carrying out data reduction of the measured scales by using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences-based factor analysis approach. The reduced data obtained from the factor analysis were then analyzed for model goodness fit by using the Analysis of Moment Structures-based structural equation modeling approach.FindingsEffective organizational performance of retail banks in Ghana is directly influenced by the relationships among organizational culture, employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment.Research limitations/implicationsThe study sample was drawn from a single sub-sector of the Ghanaian economy. Replications and extensions of the study in different sectors that are experiencing high growth will help test the robustness and generalizability of the findings.Practical implicationsThe study provides empirical knowledge that could be used to understand the influencing interrelationships among organizational culture, employee job satisfaction and organizational commitment on the organizational performances of retail banking firms in a developing country context.Originality/valueThe study adds to the literature as one of the most comprehensive studies of the links between culture, job satisfaction, employee characteristics and organizational commitment toward organizational performance within the banking sector in Ghana to date.
Multiplex polymerase chain reaction‐based prognostic models in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma patients treated with R‐CHOP
Authors: Green Tina M. , Jensen Andreas K. , Holst René , Falgreen Steffen , Bøgsted Martin , de Stricker Karin , Plesner Torben , Mourits‐Andersen Torben , Frederiksen Mikael , Johnsen Hans E. , Pedersen Lars M. , Møller Michael B. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryWe present a multiplex analysis for genes known to have prognostic value in an attempt to design a clinically useful classification model in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure transcript levels of 28 relevant genes in 194de novoDLBCL patients treated with R‐CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone). Including International Prognostic Index (IPI) as a variable in a penalized Cox regression, we investigated the association with disease progression for single genes or gene combinations in four models. The best model was validated in data from an online available R‐CHOP treated cohort. With progression‐free survival (PFS) as primary endpoint, the best performing IPI independent model incorporated theLMO2andHLADQA1as well as gene interactions forGCSAMxMIB1,GCSAMxCTGFandFOXP1xPDE4B. This model assigned 33% of patients (n = 60) to poor outcome with an estimated 3‐year PFS of 40% vs. 87% for low risk (n = 61) and intermediate (n = 60) risk groups (P < 0·001). However, a simpler, IPI independent model incorporatedLMO2andBCL2and assigned 33% of the patients with a 3‐year PFS of 35% vs. 82% for low risk group (P < 0·001). We have documented the impact of a few single genes added to IPI for assignment in new drug trials.
Comparative study of disability‐free life expectancy across six low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Chirinda Witness , Chen He 
Published: May 2016

AimThere is a knowledge gap about the disability‐free life expectancy (DFLE) in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The present study aimed to compute and compare DFLE in six such countries, and examine sex differences in DFLE in each country.MethodsBased on data from the World Health Organization Study on Global Aging and Adult Health wave 1 survey, we used the Sullivan method to estimate DFLE among persons aged years 50 years and older. Disability was divided into moderate disability and severe disability during the calculation.ResultsOf the six countries, China had the highest DFLE and lowest expected average lifetime with disability. India had the lowest DFLE and highest life years with moderate and severe disability. In each country, women live longer than men, but with more disabilities in both absolute and proportional terms. The huge sex difference in Russia requires special attention. In addition, most of the life expectancy lived with disability was spent with severe disability, rather than moderate disability.ConclusionsThe study has shed some light on the disparities across the six countries with regard to DFLE at old ages. The low percentage of DFLE in life expectancy in some countries, such as India, calls for effective policies on healthy aging. The “sex disability‐survival paradox” in DFLE is supported by our results. To differentiate the severity of disability should be routine in calculating DFLE. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 637–644.
‘Career and Money Aside, What's the Point of University?’ A Comparison of Students’ Non‐economic Entry Motives in Three European Countries
Authors: Bartram Brendan 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis paper explores students’ non‐economic motives for attending university. Drawing on the results of a tri‐national survey involving online questionnaires and email interviews with education students at English, German and Portuguese universities, it compares and discusses the extent to which the participants are motivated by a number of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. In contrast to certain other studies, the findings reveal a strong consensus across all three settings in relation to certain motivational elements—strong intrinsic desires for self‐improvement and low motivations driven by social pressures or seeing university as a default option. More pronounced national differences emerge, however, regarding motives to contribute to society and the appeal of the social dimension of university life. The paper interprets the similarities and differences revealed and considers a number of conclusions.
Individualized volume‐corrected maximum flow rate correlates with outcome from bladder outlet surgery in men with lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Bray Alison , Harding Chris , Pickard Robert , Drinnan Michael 
Published: May 2016

ObjectivesTo develop a per‐patient volume correction for maximum flow rate using multiple home uroflowmetry, and to carry out a pilot study to determine the most prognostically useful volume at which to evaluate this measurement and estimate its relationship with outcome from disobstructive bladder outlet surgery.MethodsA total of 30 men carried out home uroflowmetry using a portable device and completed symptom scores before surgery. This was repeated at least 4 months after surgery. For each man's presurgery flow data, voided volume was plotted against maximum flow rate, and a line of best fit with logarithmic form calculated. This allowed maximum flow rate to be corrected for any volume. Percentage reduction in symptom score and increase in mean maximum flow rate were correlated with volume‐corrected maximum flow rates.ResultsCorrected maximum flow rate at all volumes showed the expected negative correlation with both outcome measures. A statistically significant correlation occurred for volumes >190 mL, with the best performance at volumes >300 mL.ConclusionsWe have devised a novel method allowing estimation of maximum flow rate at any volume, which is a step forward for non‐invasive diagnostics. We found this volume‐corrected maximum flow rate to correlate significantly with treatment outcome at sufficiently high volumes.
Long‐term care for patients with coeliac disease in the UK: a review of the literature and future directions
Authors: Kurien M. , Trott N. , Sanders D. S. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractCoeliac disease is a common digestive disorder that affects 1% of adults. It is characterised by mucosal damage of the small intestine caused by dietary gluten. The main treatment for coeliac disease is a lifelong gluten‐free diet, which can reduce morbidity and mortality and also improve quality of life. Despite the benefits, adhering to this diet is often challenging, with patients often struggling to sustain dietary restriction. Structured follow‐up for coeliac disease is recommended in international guidelines for improving adherence and for detecting complications;however, uncertainty exists concerning exactly who should be administering this follow‐up care. Here, we undertake a review of the current approaches described in the literature to follow‐up patients with coeliac disease, and assess the efficacy of these differing models. We also explore future directions for the care of these patients in the context of the UK National Health Service (a publicly funded healthcare system). Although the focus of this review pertains to follow‐up within the UK healthcare system, these problems are recognised to be international, and so the findings of our review are likely to be of interest to all healthcare professionals seeing and managing patients with coeliac disease.
Development of the Arabic Spiritual Care Intervention‐Provision Scale
Authors: Musa Ahmad S , Pevalin David J 
Published: May 2016

Aims and objectivesThis study develops a new instrument, the Spiritual Care Intervention‐Provision Scale, and assesses its psychometric properties in an Arab Muslim nurse sample. The Spiritual Care Intervention‐Provision Scale was developed to measure the frequency with which nurses provided aspects of spiritual care.BackgroundMost of the available spiritual care instruments were developed in the West and reflect a predominantly Christian tradition. A review of the literature on spiritual care in nursing revealed that no instrument exists for measuring spiritual care interventions provided by nurses to Arab Muslim patients.DesignA cross‐sectional descriptive and correlational design.MethodsFollowing an extensive literature search, review by an expert panel and a pilot study which included patients' views regarding aspects of spiritual care provided by nurses, the final version of the Spiritual Care Intervention‐Provision Scale was tested in a convenience sample of 360 Jordanian Arab Muslim nurses. Correlational and factor analysis were used.ResultsThe internal consistency of the Spiritual Care Intervention‐Provision Scale was high, with α coefficient of 0·85. The exploratory factor analysis supported a two‐factor structure for the Spiritual Care Intervention‐Provision Scale as hypothesised. A significant positive correlation between the Spiritual Care Intervention‐Provision Scale and religiosity was in the expected direction though small in magnitude.ConclusionsThis study initiates the development of an instrument for the provision of spiritual care intervention by nurses that balances the religious and existential dimensions of spirituality. The Spiritual Care Intervention‐Provision Scale exhibited acceptable evidence of internal consistency and validity among Jordanian Arab Muslim nurses. Further work was suggested to firmly establish all aspects of this new scale.Relevance to clinical practiceThis culturally specific instrument contributes to the evaluation of the provision of spiritual care by Jordanian Muslim nurses to their patients, to guide them in providing a comprehensive and appropriate spiritual care interventions and to examine the effect of spiritual care on various aspects of patient's quality of life.