bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distinct roles of the methylcytosine oxidases Tet1 and Tet2 in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Huang Yun , Chavez Lukas , Chang Xing , Wang Xue , Pastor William A. , Kang Jinsuk , Zepeda-Martínez Jorge A. , Pape Utz J. , Jacobsen Steven E. , Peters Bjoern , Rao Anjana 
Published: January 2014

Significance
Methylation of cytosine bases in DNA is an epigenetic modification that influences gene expression. TET (Ten-Eleven Translocation) enzymes regulate DNA methylation status and facilitate DNA demethylation by converting 5-methylcytosine (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and further oxidation products in mammalian genomes. Of the three mammalian TET proteins, Tet1 and Tet2 are the major regulators of 5hmC levels in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. We show that Tet1 and Tet2 have distinct roles in mouse ES cells: Tet1 primarily regulates 5hmC levels at gene promoters and transcription start sites, whereas Tet2 mainly regulates 5hmC levels in gene bodies and exon boundaries of highly-expressed genes and exons respectively. Our results suggest a complex interplay between the functions of Tet1 and Tet2 proteins in mESC.
RIG-I–like receptor LGP2 protects tumor cells from ionizing radiation
Authors: Widau Ryan C. , Parekh Akash D. , Ranck Mark C. , Golden Daniel W. , Kumar Kiran A. , Sood Ravi F. , Pitroda Sean P. , Liao Zhengkai , Huang Xiaona , Darga Thomas E. , Xu David , Huang Lei , Andrade Jorge , Roizman Bernard , Weichselbaum Ralph R. , Khodarev Nikolai N. 
Published: January 2014

SignificanceAn undesirable outcome of radiotherapy (ionizing radiation, IR) of cancer is the emergence of radioresistant cells. We report that Laboratory of Genetics and Physiology 2 (LGP2), a resident RIG-I (retinoic acid inducible gene I)–like receptor protein, can induce radioresistance. IR induces interferon and stimulates accumulation of LGP2. In turn, LGP2 shuts off the synthesis of interferon and blocks its cytotoxic effects. Ectopic expression of LGP2 enhances resistance to IR, whereas depletion enhances cytotoxic effects of IR. Here we show that LGP2 is associated with radioresistance in numerous diverse cancer cell lines. Examination of available databases links expression of LGP2 with poor prognosis in cancer patients.
Social Networks and New Product Choice
Authors: Richards Timothy J. , Hamilton Stephen F. , Allender William J. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractTo successfully market new products in a social network it is essential to identify influential individuals whose product recommendations influence the consumption choices of their peers. In this study, we use spatial econometric methods to determine how individuals revise their preferences for product attributes when exposed to product recommendations from peers, and how different individuals who vary in their degree of network connectedness exert influence on the product choices of others. We find evidence that consumers look to others for guidance from peers in their preference for subjective, taste‐specific parameters, but tend not to respond to peer price choices. Our spatial methods allow us to empirically determine the influence exerted by individual members on the consumption choices of other members of the social network. We find that connected members of the social network are not always the most influential in revising the consumption choices of others. Our estimates reveal that network proximity explains only 8.8% of influence.
PanGP: A tool for quickly analyzing bacterial pan-genome profile
Authors: Zhao Yongbing , Jia Xinmiao , Yang Junhui , Ling Yunchao , Zhang Zhang , Yu Jun , Wu Jiayan , Xiao Jingfa 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Summary: Pan-genome analyses have shed light on the dynamics and evolution of bacterial genome from the point of population. The explosive growth of bacterial genome sequence also brought an extremely big challenge to pan-genome profile analysis. We developed a tool, named PanGP, to complete pan-genome profile analysis for large-scale strains efficiently. PanGP has integrated two sampling algorithms, totally random (TR) and distance guide (DG). The DG algorithm drew sample strain combinations on the basis of genome diversity of bacterial population. The performance of these two algorithms have been evaluated on four bacteria populations with strain numbers varying from 30 to 200, and the DG algorithm exhibited overwhelming advantage on accuracy and stability than the TR algorithm.
Availability: PanGP was developed with a user-friendly graphic interface and it was available at http://PanGP.big.ac.cn.
Contact: xiaojingfa@big.ac.cn or wujy@big.ac.cn
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Evaluation of Modified Amaranth Starch as Shell Material for Encapsulation of Probiotics
Authors: Cortés Reyna Nallely Falfán , Martínez Marcela Gaytán , Guzmán Iñigo Verdalet , Llano Silvia Lorena Amaya , Grosso Carlos Raimundo Ferreira , Bustos Fernando Martínez 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to develop with thermoplastic extrusion amaranth starch derivatives and to characterize and evaluate their functionality as encapsulating agents of Bifidobacterium breve ATCC 15700 and Lactobacillus casei ATCC 334 during spray drying. The survival of both probiotics during storage at different water activities and at two storage temperatures, their viability in a food model system, and their tolerance to a simulated gastrointestinal tract were determined. Native amaranth starch was chemically modified to obtain phosphorylated, acetylated, and succinylated starch. Starch derivatives were reduced in viscosity, and the solubility in water was increased. In general, the modified amaranth starches and control corn starch did not provide good protection to both probiotics during storage at 25°C. However, there was excellent viability during storage at 4°C for both probiotics. Microcapsules showed a uniform coverage of the cells. Storage for 35 days at 25°C of blends of oat with succinylated amaranth microcapsules with probiotics had a lower reduction. Also, this succinylated amaranth starch containing probiotics showed a higher resistance to simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The results with food model systems supported the applicability of the modified starches.
Zinc Blotting Assay for Detection of Zinc‐Binding Prolamin in Barley (Hordeum vulgare) Grain
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Nasir , Nielsen Ane Langkilde‐Lauesen , Vincze Eva 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTIn plants, zinc is commonly found bound to proteins. In barley (Hordeum vulgare), major storage proteins are alcohol‐soluble prolamins known as hordeins, and some of them have the potential to bind or store zinc. 65Zn overlay and blotting techniques have been widely used for detecting zinc‐binding protein. However, to our knowledge so far this zinc blotting assay has never been applied to detect a prolamin fraction in barley grains. A radioactive zinc (65ZnCl2) blotting technique was optimized to detect zinc‐binding prolamins, followed by development of an easy‐to‐follow nonradioactive colorimetric zinc blotting method with a zinc‐sensing dye, dithizone. Hordeins were extracted from mature barley grain, separated by SDS‐PAGE, blotted on a membrane, renatured, overlaid, and probed with zinc; subsequently, zinc‐binding specificity of certain proteins was detected either by autoradiography or color formation. The dithizone staining method gave similar reproducibility to the radioactive blotting. The detected zinc‐binding protein was identified as B‐hordein by Western blotting.
Patient Blood Management in Elective Total Hip- and Knee-replacement Surgery (Part 1)
Authors: So-Osman Cynthia , Nelissen Rob G. H. H. , Koopman-van Gemert Ankie W. M. M. , Kluyver Ewoud , Pöll Ruud G. , Onstenk Ron , Van Hilten Joost A. , Jansen-Werkhoven Thekla M. , van den Hout Wilbert B. , Brand Ronald , Brand Anneke 
Published: January 2014

Abstract

Background:
Patient blood management combines the use of several transfusion alternatives. Integrated use of erythropoietin, cell saver, and/or postoperative drain reinfusion devices on allogeneic erythrocyte use was evaluated using a restrictive transfusion threshold.

Methods:
In a factorial design, adult elective hip- and knee-surgery patients with hemoglobin levels 10 to 13 g/dl (n = 683) were randomized for erythropoietin or not, and subsequently for autologous reinfusion by cell saver or postoperative drain reinfusion devices or for no blood salvage device. Primary outcomes were mean allogeneic intra- and postoperative erythrocyte use and proportion of transfused patients (transfusion rate). Secondary outcome was cost-effectiveness.

Results:
With erythropoietin (n = 339), mean erythrocyte use was 0.50 units (U)/patient and transfusion rate 16% while without (n = 344), these were 0.71 U/patient and 26%, respectively. Consequently, erythropoietin resulted in a nonsignificant 29% mean erythrocyte reduction (ratio, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.42 to 1.13) and 50% reduction of transfused patients (odds ratio, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.35 to 0.75). Erythropoietin increased costs by €785 per patient (95% CI, 262 to 1,309), that is, €7,300 per avoided transfusion (95% CI, 1,900 to 24,000). With autologous reinfusion, mean erythrocyte use was 0.65 U/patient and transfusion rate was 19% with erythropoietin (n = 214) and 0.76 U/patient and 29% without (n = 206). Compared with controls, autologous blood reinfusion did not result in erythrocyte reduction and increased costs by €537 per patient (95% CI, 45 to 1,030).

Conclusions:
In hip- and knee-replacement patients (hemoglobin level, 10 to 13 g/dl), even with a restrictive transfusion trigger, erythropoietin significantly avoids transfusion, however, at unacceptably high costs. Autologous blood salvage devices were not effective.
Evaluation of Aortic Calcification With Lanthanum Carbonate vs. Calcium‐Based Phosphate Binders in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Open‐Label Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wada Kentaro , Wada Yuko 
Published: January 2014

AbstractVascular calcification (VC) contributes to cardiovascular disease in hemodialysis (HD) patients, especially with diabetes mellitus (DM) complications. No randomized studies have been published regarding the effect of lanthanum carbonate (LC) on VC progression in DM patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of lanthanum carbonate on the progression of VC in HD patients with type 2 DM. We conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing LC with calcium carbonate (CC) in 43 HD patients at a single dialysis center. Estimations of aortic calcification index (ACI) by abdominal computed tomography were performed twice for each patient (at baseline and 12 months). Forty‐one patients completed the study (19 LC, 22 CC). When ACI at baseline was ≦0.48 (median of baseline ACI), median change in ACI (Δ%ACI) was 20.44 (11.50–36.80%) in the LC group, and 40.00 (33.30–92.60%) in the CC group (P = 0.026). On the other hand, when ACI at baseline was >0.48, the median change in ACI (Δ%ACI) was 6.42 (3.13–24.40%) in the LC group, and 8.08 (5.68–12.20%) in the CC group (P = 1.000). Serum markers of chronic kidney disease‐mineral and bone disorder (CKD‐MBD), HbA1c, dose of vitamin D analogues, and side‐effects of medications did not change in either group throughout the study except int‐PTH increased in the LC group. This study indicated that administration of LC inhibited the progression of VC in patients receiving HD for type 2 DM, only in cases of slight VC compared with CC.
Layers of the Landscape: Representations and Perceptions of an Ordinary (Shared) Sports Landscape in a Haitian and Dominican Community
Authors: WISE NICHOLAS 
Published: January 2014

AbstractOver the last decade, much research has assessed sport in relation to geographical perspectives of place, landscape, and identity. Using multiple qualitative methods, including mental maps, interviews and conversations, and participant observation, this inductive study attempts to better understand local perceptions of an everyday landscape. This work was conducted in Villa Ascension, a rural community in the Dominican Republic consisting of Haitian and Dominican residents. Football is a strong component of Haitian identity, and baseball is likewise important to Dominicans. Currently, the community has one site where two sports are actively played. Given the community's heterogeneous ethnic composition, Villa Ascension's sports landscape is recognised as having multiple layers of meaning. Knowledge produced in this case study revealed the emergent themes of perceived interpretations of ordinary landscapes, the forging of boundaries, communal relationships and support, and hazards and modification of limited spaces for play. The landscape being a layered one with multiple representations of place and identity, the Haitians' broader perceptions suggest that they view the site as a place of primary importance. Alternatively, the Dominicans are attempting to forge and maintain their sense of sporting identity in the landscape.
Siderophore‐promoted dissolution of smectite by fluorescent Pseudomonas
Authors: Ferret Claire , Sterckeman Thibault , Cornu Jean‐Yves , Gangloff Sophie , Schalk Isabelle J. , Geoffroy Valérie A. 
Published: January 2014

SummarySiderophores are organic chelators produced by microorganisms to fulfil their iron requirements. Siderophore‐promoted dissolution of iron‐bearing minerals has been clearly documented for some siderophores, but few studies have addressed metabolizing siderophore‐producing bacteria. We investigated iron acquisition from clays by fluorescent Pseudomonads, bacteria that are ubiquitous in the environment. We focused on the interactions between smectite and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium producing two structurally different siderophores: pyoverdine and pyochelin. The presence of smectite in iron‐limited growth media promoted planktonic growth of P. aeruginosa and biofilm surrounding the smectite aggregates. Chemical analysis of the culture media indicated increases in the dissolved silicon, iron and aluminium concentrations following smectite supplementation. The use of P. aeruginosa mutants unable to produce either one or both of the two siderophores indicated that pyoverdine, the siderophore with the higher affinity for iron, was involved in iron and aluminium solubilization by the wild‐type strain. However, in the absence of pyoverdine, pyochelin was also able to solubilize iron but with a twofold lower efficiency. In conclusion, pyoverdine and pyochelin, two structurally different siderophores, can solubilize structural iron from smectite and thereby make it available for bacterial growth.
Acute localised exanthematous pustulosis (ALEP) induced by clindamycin in pregnancy
Authors: De Cruz Ryan , Ferguson John , Wee Jamie S , Akhras Victoria 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAcute generalised exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP) or toxic pustuloderma (TP) is an uncommon though well‐recognised cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction that is usually drug‐induced. It presents with a triad of scattered sterile pustules, fever and malaise. Acute localised exanthematous pustulosis (ALEP) is a rare and unusual variant of AGEP. We describe a case of ALEP triggered by oral clindamycin that occurred during pregnancy.
Therapeutic potential of pterostilbene against pancreatic beta‐cell apoptosis mediated through Nrf2
Authors: Bhakkiyalakshmi Elango , Shalini Devibalan , Sekar Thillai Veerapazham , Rajaguru Palanisamy , Paulmurugan Ramasamy , Ramkumar Kunka Mohanram 
Published: January 2014

Background and PurposeNuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) is considered to be a ‘master regulator’ of the antioxidant response as it regulates the expression of several genes including phase II metabolic and antioxidant enzymes and thus plays an important role in preventing oxidative stress‐mediated disorders, including diabetes. In this study, for the first time, we investigated the protective properties of a naturally available antioxidant, pterostilbene (PTS), against pancreatic beta‐cell apoptosis and the involvement of Nrf2 in its mechanism of action.Experimental ApproachImmunoblotting and quantitative reverse transcriptase (qRT)‐PCR analysis were performed to identify PTS‐mediated nuclear translocation of Nrf2 protein and the following activation of target gene expression, respectively, in INS‐1E cells. In addition, an annexin‐V binding assay was carried out to identify the apoptotic status of PTS‐treated INS‐1E cells, while confirming the anti‐apoptotic potential of Nrf2 by qRT‐PCR analysis of the expressions of both pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic genes.Key ResultsPTS induced significant activation of Nrf2, in dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, in streptozotocin‐treated INS‐1E rat pancreatic beta‐cells. Furthermore, PTS increased the expression of target genes downstream of Nrf2, such as heme oxygenase 1 (HO1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), that confer cellular protection. PTS also up‐regulated the expression of anti‐apoptotic gene, Bcl‐2, with a concomitant reduction in pro‐apoptotic Bax and caspase‐3 expression.Conclusion and ImplicationsCollectively, our findings indicate the therapeutic potential of Nrf2 activation by PTS as a promising approach to safeguard pancreatic beta‐cells against oxidative damage in diabetes.
Chronic nicotine improves short‐term memory selectively in a G72 mouse model of schizophrenia
Authors: Hambsch B , Keyworth H , Lind J , Otte D M , Racz I , Kitchen I , Bailey A , Zimmer A 
Published: January 2014

Background and PurposeThe prevalence of smoking in schizophrenia patients is exceptionally high; it is not known why but many researchers suggest that smoking constitutes a form of self‐medication. Among the symptoms of schizophrenia that may be improved by nicotine are cognitive deficits. Hence, we studied the effects of long‐term nicotine administration on cognition in a genetic animal model of schizophrenia susceptibility, G72‐transgenic (G72Tg) mice.Experimental ApproachThe effect of long‐term nicotine or saline, administered by osmotic minipumps, on different cognitive domains was assessed in G72Tg mice and controls using a battery of behavioural tests. To investigate the mechanism underlying phenotypic differences, quantitative autoradiographic mapping of nACh receptor subtypes was performed in forebrain structures to explore effects of chronic nicotine exposure on nACh receptor density in wild‐type (WT) and G72Tg mice.Key ResultsGenotype significantly affected the cognitive effects of chronic nicotine administration. Whereas chronic nicotine disrupted cognitive performance in WT mice, it was effective at restoring impaired prepulse inhibition, working memory and social recognition in G72Tg mice. However, long‐term spatial learning was further impaired by nicotine in transgenic animals. In contrast, associative learning was protected by G72‐expression against the adverse nicotine effects seen in WT animals. G72‐expression did not decisively influence nicotine‐induced up‐regulation of the α4β2*subtype, whereas α7nACh receptor density was differentially altered by genotype or by a genotype·treatment interaction in specific brain areas, most notably hippocampal subregions.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur data support the hypothesis that nicotine self‐medication of schizophrenics improves cognitive symptoms, possibly by facilitating nicotine‐induced α7nACh receptor activation in the hippocampus.
Composite Images of Upper Front Teeth—Judgment of Attractiveness and Gender‐Specific Correlation
Authors: Wolfart Stefan , Lawrenz Birger , Schley Jaana‐Sophia , Kern Matthias , Springer Ingo 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe esthetic appearance of upper front teeth strongly depends on color, shape, size, width‐to‐height ratio, and position of teeth. In the past, these single esthetic aspects had been analyzed separately and not as a whole. Thus, the objective of this current study is to investigate the perception of the esthetics of upper front teeth whose image had been manipulated by composite photoimaging. In order to obtain the six composite images, one for each gender and group (“discontent,” “average,” and “content”), 320 students were photographed. Afterwards, the 6 composite images were rated by 128 independent participants (dentists and laymen), concerning attractiveness and gender. The composite images “average” and “content” were rated significantly more attractive than “discontent” images. The composite images rated as “attractive” were attributed to the female gender by the majority of the participants (61–85%); the “unattractive” images were predominantly (85–75%) related to the male gender. The participants were unable to judge the correct gender yet they assigned attractiveness to be a clearly female attribute. This “bias” can be utilized for the reconstruction upper front teeth, to emphasize the gender of the patient.Clinical SignificanceThe presented morphing technique can contribute to further study setups considering dental appearance and attractiveness. In the case of restoring upper front teeth, the parameters tooth shape, size, width‐to‐height ratio, and position of teeth should be individually chosen and can emphasize or dampen the perception of gender.
Molecular mechanisms underlying phosphate sensing, signaling, and adaptation in plants
Authors: Zhang Zhaoliang , Liao Hong , Lucas William J. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAs an essential plant macronutrient, the low availability of phosphorus (P) in most soils imposes serious limitation on crop production. Plants have evolved complex responsive and adaptive mechanisms for acquisition, remobilization and recycling of phosphate (Pi) to maintain P homeostasis. Spatio‐temporal molecular, physiological, and biochemical Pi deficiency responses developed by plants are the consequence of local and systemic sensing and signaling pathways. Pi deficiency is sensed locally by the root system where hormones serve as important signaling components in terms of developmental reprogramming, leading to changes in root system architecture. Root‐to‐shoot and shoot‐to‐root signals, delivered through the xylem and phloem, respectively, involving Pi itself, hormones, miRNAs, mRNAs, and sucrose, serve to coordinate Pi deficiency responses at the whole‐plant level. A combination of chromatin remodeling, transcriptional and posttranslational events contribute to globally regulating a wide range of Pi deficiency responses. In this review, recent advances are evaluated in terms of progress toward developing a comprehensive understanding of the molecular events underlying control over P homeostasis. Application of this knowledge, in terms of developing crop plants having enhanced attributes for P use efficiency, is discussed from the perspective of agricultural sustainability in the face of diminishing global P supplies.