bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Purine salvage in Methanocaldococcus jannaschii: Elucidating the role of a conserved cysteine in adenine deaminase
Authors: Miller Danielle V. , Brown Anne M. , Xu Huimin , Bevan David R. , White Robert H. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTAdenine deaminases (Ade) and hypoxanthine/guanine phosphoribosyltransferases (Hpt) are widely distributed enzymes involved in purine salvage. Characterization of the previously uncharacterized Ade (MJ1459 gene product) and Hpt (MJ1655 gene product) are discussed here and provide insight into purine salvage in Methanocaldococcus jannaschii. Ade was demonstrated to use either Fe(II) and/or Mn(II) as the catalytic metal. Hpt demonstrated no detectable activity with adenine, but was equally specific for hypoxanthine and guanine with a kcat/KM of 3.2 × 107 and 3.0 × 107 s− 1M− 1, respectively. These results demonstrate that hypoxanthine and IMP are the central metabolites in purine salvage in M. jannaschii for AMP and GMP production. A conserved cysteine (C127, M. jannaschii numbering) was examined due to its high conservation in bacterial and archaeal homologues. To assess the role of this highly conserved cysteine in M. jannaschii Ade, site‐directed mutagenesis was performed. It was determined that mutation to serine (C127S) completely abolished Ade activity and mutation to alanine (C127A) exhibited 10‐fold decrease in kcat over the wild type Ade. To further investigate the role of C127, detailed molecular docking and dynamics studies were performed and revealed adenine was unable to properly orient in the active site in the C127A and C127S Ade model structures due to distinct differences in active site conformation and rotation of D261. Together this work illuminates purine salvage in M. jannaschii and the critical role of a cysteine residue in maintaining active site conformation of Ade. Proteins 2016; 84:828–840. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of strontium concentration on structural, electronic, optical and thermodynamic properties of Pb1‐xSrxS
Authors: Zeroual Jazia , Labidi Salima , Labidi Malika , Bensalem Rachid 
Published: March 2016

AbstractTheoretical investigations of structural, electronic, optical and thermodynamic properties of Pb1‐xSrxS with rocksalt crystal structure are reported, theoretical calculations are mainly based on the full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP‐LAPW) method within the density functional theory (DFT) the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) of Perdew et al. The dependence of the lattice parameters, band gaps, dielectric constants, refractive indices, and mixing entropies on the composition x were analyzed mainly for x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1. The lattice constant for Pb1‐xSrxS exhibits a marginal deviation from the Vegard’s law. A significant deviation of the bulk modulus from linear concentration dependence was observed for the alloy. The microscopic origins of the gap bowing were detailed and explained. The composition dependence of the dielectric constant and refractive index was studied using different models. Besides, a regular‐solution model is used to investigate the thermodynamic stability of the alloys, which mainly indicates a phase miscibility gap. In fact and since there is a good agreement between our main results and the available experimental data for the binary compounds which may be a support for the results of the ternary alloys reported here for the first time. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Investigation of yellow/green II‐VI compound semiconductor laser diode structures on InP substrates
Authors: Kobayashi Ryohei , Takamatsu Shingo , Fukushima Koji , Kishino Katsumi , Nomura Ichirou 
Published: March 2016

AbstractII‐VI‐compound‐semiconductor laser diode (LD) structures on InP substrates were investigated using device simulations and waveguide analysis. Our simulations showed that electron injection from the n‐cladding into the active layer is hindered by the n‐side barrier layer between the n‐cladding and active layer. Consequently, holes are not injected into the active layer but instead leak to the n‐side layers. It was shown that carrier injection efficiency can be improved by removing the n‐barrier. On the contrary, no large differences were observed between the optical confinement factors of the LD structures with and without the n‐barrier layer. In experiments, we have fabricated the LD structures with and without the n‐barrier layer on InP substrates using molecular beam epitaxy. The turn‐on voltage of the device without the n‐barrier was smaller than that for the device with the n‐barrier by about 5 V. Spontaneous orange emissions around 603 nm were observed for the devices without the n‐barrier. In contrast, no emission was observed for the devices with the n‐barrier. These results prove that the carrier injection into the active layer is enhanced by the removal of the n‐barrier, leading to improved the device performances. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of Al doping in the Ag layer of MgZnO/Ag/MgZnO dielectric/metal/dielectric UV–visible transparent conductive films
Authors: Sugimoto Yukiko , Igarashi Kanae , Shirasaki Shinya , Kikuchi Akihiko 
Published: March 2016

AbstractTransparent conductive films (TCFs) with dielectric/metal/dielectric (DMD) structure covering the UVA (λ = 315–380 nm) and visible wavelength region (380–780 nm) were fabricated using Al‐doped Mg0.4Zn0.6O (AMZO) dielectric and 1.7 at% Al‐doped Ag (Ag(Al)) metal layers. The AMZO/Ag(Al)/AMZO‐DMD film with a 7 nm thick Ag(Al) layer after annealing in vacuum at 400 °C showed superior performance as a TCF, i.e., average transmittance from UVA to visible region (315–780 nm) of 88.2% and sheet resistance of 7.6 Ω/sq. The effect of Al doping on optical transmission, sheet resistance, surface morphology, and thermal durability of the AMZO/Ag(Al)/AMZO‐DMD films were also investigated. The 1.7 at% Al doping suppressed the initial island growth of the thin Ag layer and the plasmon resonance absorption dipped in the optical transmission spectra. Al doping in the Ag layer also improved the thermal durability of AMZO/Ag/AMZO‐DMD films. The threshold temperature for Ag void formation caused by metal segregation increased from 300 °C (DMD with a pure Ag layer) to 400 °C (DMD with an Al‐doped Ag layer). (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Recruitment Sources of Channel and Blue Catfishes Inhabiting the Middle Mississippi River
Authors: Laughlin T. W. , Whitledge G. W. , Oliver D. C. , Rude N. P. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractInsight into environments that contribute recruits to adult fish stocks in riverine systems is vital for effective population management and conservation. Catfishes are an important recreational species in the Mississippi River and are commercially harvested. However, contributions of main channel and tributary habitats to catfish recruitment in large rivers are unknown. Stable isotope and trace elemental signatures in otoliths are useful for determining environmental history of fishes in a variety of aquatic systems, including the Mississippi River. The objectives of this study were to identify the principal natal environments of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus and blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus in the Middle Mississippi River (MMR) using otolith stable oxygen isotopic composition (δ18O) and strontium : calcium ratios (Sr : Ca). Catfishes were sampled during July–October 2013–2014, and lapilli otoliths were analysed for δ18O and Sr : Ca. Water samples from the MMR and tributaries were collected seasonally from 2006 to 2014 to characterize site‐specific signatures. Persistent differences in water δ18O and Sr : Ca among the MMR and tributaries (including the upper Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri rivers as well as smaller tributaries) were evident, enabling identification of natal environment for individual fish. Blue and channel catfish stocks in the MMR were primarily recruited from the large rivers (Missouri and Mississippi) in our study area, with minimal contributions from smaller tributaries. Recruitment and year class strength investigations and efforts to enhance spawning and nursery habitats should be focused on in large rivers with less emphasis on smaller tributaries. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nicotine regulates cocaine‐amphetamine‐Regulated Transcript (Cart) in the mesocorticolimbic system
Authors: Kaya Egemen , Gozen Oguz , Ugur Muzeyyen , Koylu Ersin O. , Kanit Lutfiye , Balkan Burcu 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTCocaine‐and‐Amphetamine Regulated Transcript (CART) mRNA and peptides are intensely expressed in the brain regions comprising mesocorticolimbic system. Studies suggest that CART peptides may have a role in the regulation of reward circuitry. The present study aimed to examine the effect of nicotine on CART expression in the mesocorticolimbic system. Three different doses of nicotine (0.2, 0.4, 0.6 mg/kg free base) were injected subcutaneously for 5 days, and on day 6, rats were decapitated following a challenge dose. CART mRNA and peptide levels in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), dorsal striatum (DST), amygdala (AMG), lateral hypothalamic area (LHA), and ventral tegmental area (VTA) were measured by quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) and Western Blot analysis, respectively. In the mPFC, 0.4 and 0.6 mg/kg nicotine, decreased CART peptide levels whereas there was no effect on CART mRNA levels. In the VTA, a down‐regulation of CART peptide expression was observed with 0.2 and 0.6 mg/kg nicotine. Conversely, 0.4 and 0.6 mg/kg nicotine increased CART mRNA levels in the AMG without affecting the CART peptide expression. Nicotine did not regulate CART mRNA or CART peptide expression in the NAc, DST, and LHA. We conclude that nicotine regulates CART expression in the mesocorticolimbic system and this regulation may play an important role in nicotine reward.Synapse 70:283–292, 2016.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hydrogen sulfide alleviates uranium‐induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats: Role of antioxidant and antiapoptotic signaling
Authors: Yuan Yan , Zheng Jifang , Zhao Tingting , Tang Xiaoqing , Hu Nan 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTAs an endogenous gaseous mediator, H2S exerts antioxidative, antiapoptotic, and cytoprotective effects in livers. This study was designed to investigate the protective role of H2S against uranium‐induced hepatotoxicity in adult SD male rats after in vivo effect of uranium on endogenous H2S production was determined in livers. The levels of endogenous H2S and H2S‐producing enzymes (CBS and CSE) were measured in liver homogenates from uranium ‐intoxicated rats. In rats injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with uranyl acetate or NaHS (an H2S donor) alone or in combination, we examined biochemical parameters to assess liver function, revealed hepatic histopathological alteration, investigated oxidative stress markers, and explored apoptotic signaling in liver homogenates. The results suggest that uranium‐intoxication in rats decreased CBS and CSE protein expression, H2S synthesis capacity, and endogenous H2S generation. NaHS administration in uranium‐intoxicated rats produced amelioration in liver biochemical indices and histopathological effects, decreased MDA content, and increased GSH level and antioxidative enzymes activities like SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST. NaHS administration in uranium‐intoxicated rats attenuated uranium‐activated phosphorylation state of JNK. NaHS treatment in uranium‐intoxicated rats increased antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 but decreased pro‐apoptotic Bax, resulting in the rise of Bcl‐2/Bax ratio. NaHS treatment in uranium‐intoxicated rats reduced the apoptosis mediator caspase‐3 and cytochrome c release and elevated ATP contents. Taken together, these data implicate that H2S can afford protection to rat livers against uranium‐induced adverse effects mediated by up‐regulation of antioxidant and antiapoptotic signaling. The anti‐apoptotic property of H2S may be involved, at least in part, in inhibiting JNK signaling. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 32: 581–593, 2017.
Differential performance of first‐trimester screening in predicting small‐for‐gestational‐age neonate or fetal growth restriction
Authors: Crovetto F. , Triunfo S. , Crispi F. , Rodriguez‐Sureda V. , Dominguez C. , Figueras F. , Gratacos E. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo assess the ability of integrated first‐trimester screening, combining maternal characteristics and biophysical and biochemical markers, to predict delivery of a small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) neonate, and compare this with its ability to predict fetal growth restriction (FGR).MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of singleton pregnancies undergoing routine first‐trimester screening. SGA was defined as birth weight (BW) < 10th percentile and FGR was defined as an ultrasound estimated fetal weight < 10th percentile plus Doppler abnormalities, or BW < 3rd percentile. Logistic regression‐based predictive models were developed for predicting SGA and FGR. Models incorporated the a‐priori risk from maternal characteristics, and mean arterial pressure, uterine artery Doppler, placental growth factor and soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1.ResultsIn total, 9150 births were included. Of these, 979 (10.7%) qualified for a postnatal diagnosis of SGA and 462 (5.0%) for a prenatal diagnosis of FGR. For predicting SGA, the model achieved a detection rate of 35% for a false‐positive rate (FPR) of 5% and 42% for a 10% FPR. The model's performance was significantly higher for predicting FGR (P < 0.001), with detection rates of 59% and 67%, for a FPR of 5% and 10%, respectively.ConclusionThe predictive performance of first‐trimester screening for cases with growth impairment by a combination of maternal characteristics and biophysical and biochemical markers is improved significantly when a prenatal and strict definition of FGR is used rather than a postnatal definition based on BW. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Emerging functions of the Quaking RNA‐binding proteins and link to human diseases
Authors: Darbelli Lama , Richard Stéphane 
Published: March 2016

RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) are essential players in RNA metabolism including key cellular processes from pre‐mRNA splicing to mRNA translation. The K homology‐type QUAKING RBP is emerging as a vital factor for oligodendrocytes, monocytes/macrophages, endothelial cell, and myocyte function. Interestingly, the qkI gene has now been identified as the culprit gene for a patient with intellectual disabilities and is translocated in a pediatric ganglioglioma as a fusion protein with MYB. In this review, we will focus on the emerging discoveries of the QKI proteins as well as highlight the recent advances in understanding the role of QKI in human disease pathology including myelin disorders, schizophrenia and cancer. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:399–412. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1344This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
The Cost of Intramedullary Nailing for Femoral Shaft Fractures in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Kramer Erik J. , Shearer David W. , Marseille Elliot , Haonga Billy , Ngahyoma Joshua , Eliezer Edmund , Morshed Saam 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackgroundFemoral shaft fractures are one of the most common injuries seen by surgeons in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). Surgical repair in LMICs is often dismissed as not being cost‐effective or unsafe, though little evidence exists to support this notion. Therefore, the goal of this study is to determine the cost of intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures in Tanzania.MethodsWe used micro‐costing methods to estimate the fixed and variable costs of intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures. Variable costs assessed included medical personnel costs, ward personnel costs, implants, medications, and single‐use supplies. Fixed costs included costs for surgical instruments and administrative and ancillary staff.Results46 adult femoral shaft fracture patients admitted to Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute between June and September 2014 were enrolled and treated with intramedullary fixation. The total cost per patient was $530.87 (SD $129.99). The mean variable cost per patient was $419.87 (SD $129.99), the largest portion coming from ward personnel $144.47 (SD $123.30), followed by implant $134.10 (SD $15.00) medical personnel $106.86 (SD $28.18), and medications/supplies $30.05 (SD $12.28). The mean fixed cost per patient was $111.00, consisting of support staff, $103.50, and surgical instruments, $7.50.ConclusionsOur study provides empirical information on the variable and fixed costs of intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures in LMICs. Importantly, the lack of surgical capacity was the primary driver of the largest cost for this procedure, preoperative ward personnel time. Our results provide the cost data for a formal cost‐effectiveness analysis on this intervention.
Coarse-grained model of the native cellulose $$\hbox {I}\alpha$$ and the transformation pathways to the $$\hbox {I}\beta$$ allomorph
Authors: Poma Adolfo B. , Chwastyk Mateusz , Cieplak Marek 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
All-atom simulations are used to derive effective parameters for a coarse-grained description of the crystalline cellulose

$$\hbox {I}\alpha$$

I
α

. In this description, glucose monomers are represented by the C4 atoms and non-bonded interactions within the cellulose sheets and between the sheets by effective Lennard-Jones interactions. The parameters are determined by two methods: the Boltzmann inversion and through monitoring of the energies associated with changes of the coarse-grained degrees of freedom. We find that the stiffness-related parameters for cellulose

$$\hbox {I}\alpha$$

I
α

are nearly the same as for

$$\hbox {I}\beta$$

I
β

allomorph. However, the non-bonded terms are placed differently and are weaker leading to an overall lower energy, and free energy, of

$$\hbox {I}\beta$$

I
β

compared to

$$\hbox {I}\alpha$$

I
α

. We apply the coarse-grained description to determine amorphous transition states for the room-temperature conversion process between the

$$\hbox {I}\alpha$$

I
α

and

$$\hbox {I}\beta$$

I
β

allomorphs and to characterize the interface between the crystalline forms of the allomorphs.
The Gohberg Lemma, compactness, and essential spectrum of operators on compact Lie groups
Authors: Dasgupta Aparajita , Ruzhansky Michael 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
We prove a version of the Gohberg Lemma on compact Lie groups giving an estimate from below for the distance from a given operator to the set of compact operators. As a consequence, we obtain several results on bounds for the essential spectrum and a criterion for an operator to be compact. The conditions are given in terms of the matrix-valued symbols of operators.
A best practice position statement on pregnancy in chronic kidney disease: the Italian Study Group on Kidney and Pregnancy
Authors: Cabiddu Gianfranca , Castellino Santina , Gernone Giuseppe , Santoro Domenico , Moroni Gabriella , Giannattasio Michele , Gregorini Gina , Giacchino Franca , Attini Rossella , Loi Valentina , Limardo Monica , Gammaro Linda , Todros Tullia , Piccoli Giorgina Barbara 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Pregnancy is increasingly undertaken in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and, conversely, CKD is increasingly diagnosed in pregnancy: up to 3 % of pregnancies are estimated to be complicated by CKD. The heterogeneity of CKD (accounting for stage, hypertension and proteinuria) and the rarity of several kidney diseases make risk assessment difficult and therapeutic strategies are often based upon scattered experiences and small series. In this setting, the aim of this position statement of the Kidney and Pregnancy Study Group of the Italian Society of Nephrology is to review the literature, and discuss the experience in the clinical management of CKD in pregnancy. CKD is associated with an increased risk for adverse pregnancy-related outcomes since its early stage, also in the absence of hypertension and proteinuria, thus supporting the need for a multidisciplinary follow-up in all CKD patients. CKD stage, hypertension and proteinuria are interrelated, but they are also independent risk factors for adverse pregnancy-related outcomes. Among the different kidney diseases, patients with glomerulonephritis and immunologic diseases are at higher risk of developing or increasing proteinuria and hypertension, a picture often difficult to differentiate from preeclampsia. The risk is higher in active immunologic diseases, and in those cases that are detected or flare up during pregnancy. Referral to tertiary care centres for multidisciplinary follow-up and tailored approaches are warranted. The risk of maternal death is, almost exclusively, reported in systemic lupus erythematosus and vasculitis, which share with diabetic nephropathy an increased risk for perinatal death of the babies. Conversely, patients with kidney malformation, autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease, stone disease, and previous upper urinary tract infections are at higher risk for urinary tract infections, in turn associated with prematurity. No risk for malformations other than those related to familiar urinary tract malformations is reported in CKD patients, with the possible exception of diabetic nephropathy. Risks of worsening of the renal function are differently reported, but are higher in advanced CKD. Strict follow-up is needed, also to identify the best balance between maternal and foetal risks. The need for further multicentre studies is underlined.
Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: Perioperative Nursing Considerations
Authors: Nowotny Barbara H. , Boner Dee H. , Maltais Simon 
Published: March 2016

AbstractTreatment for patients in end‐stage heart failure has been revolutionized by the development of the ventricular assist device (VAD), an implantable heart pump used for long‐term mechanical circulatory support. These devices are now small, lightweight, and efficient continuous‐flow pumps that have replaced the larger, heavier, fill‐to‐empty predecessors. Management of the VAD case requires interdisciplinary effort across a diverse continuum of care and an understanding of new implantation techniques. This article describes current advances in VAD technology, indications for use, and perioperative nursing considerations related to patients who have undergone VAD implantation.
Erratum to ‘Inventory record inaccuracy: Causes and labor effects’
Authors: Chuang Howard Hao‐Chun , Oliva Rogelio 
Published: March 2016

AbstractInventory record inaccuracy (IRI) is a pervasive problem in retailing and causes non‐trivial profit loss. In response to retailers’ interest in identifying antecedents and consequences of IRI, we present a study that comprises multiple modeling initiatives. We first develop a dynamic simulation model to compare and contrast impacts of different operational errors in a continuous (Q,R) inventory system through a full‐factorial experimental design. While backroom and shelf shrinkage are found to be predominant drivers of IRI, the other three errors related to recording and shelving have negligible impacts on IRI. Next, we empirically assess the relationships between labor availability and IRI using longitudinal data from five stores in a global retail chain. After deriving a robust measure of IRI through Bayesian computation and estimating panel data models, we find strong evidence that full‐time labor reduces IRI whereas part‐time labor fails to alleviate it. Further, we articulate the reinforcing relationships between labor and IRI by formally assessing the gain of the feedback loop based on our empirical findings and analyzing immediate, intermediate, and long‐term impacts of IRI on labor availability. The feedback modeling effort not only integrates findings from simulation and econometric analysis but also structurally explores the impacts of current practices. We conclude by discussing implications of our findings for practitioners and researchers.