bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional production and reconstitution of the human equilibrative nucleoside transporter (hENT1) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: VICKERS Mark F. , MANI Rajam S. , SUNDARAM Manickavasagam , HOGUE Douglas L. , YOUNG James D. , BALDWIN Stephen A. , CASS Carol E. 
Published: August 2015

We have produced recombinant human equilibrative nucleoside transporter (hENT1) in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and have compared the binding of inhibitors of equilibrative nucleoside transport with the wild-type transporter and a N-glycosylation-defective mutant transporter. Equilibrium binding of 3H-labelled nitrobenzylmercaptopurine ribonucleoside {6-[(4-nitrobenzyl)thio]-9-β-d-ribofuranosyl purine; NBMPR} to hENT1-producing yeast revealed a single class of high-affinity sites that were shown to be in membrane fractions by (1) equilibrium binding (means±S.D.) of [3H]NBMPR to intact yeast (Kd 1.2±0.2 nM; Bmax 5.0±0.5 pmol/mg of protein) and membranes (Kd 0.7±0.2 nM; Bmax 6.5±1 pmol/mg of protein), and (2) reconstitution of hENT1-mediated [3H]thymidine transport into proteoliposomes that was potently inhibited by NBMPR. Dilazep and dipyridamole inhibited NBMPR binding to hENT1 with IC50 values of 130±10 and 380±20 nM respectively. The role of N-linked glycosylation in the interaction of NBMPR with hENT1 was examined by the quantification of binding of [3H]NBMPR to yeast producing either wild-type hENT1 or a glycosylation-defective mutant (hENT1/N48Q) in which Asn-48 was converted into Gln. The Kd for binding of NBMPR to hENT1/N48Q was 10.5±1.6 nM, indicating that the replacement of an Asn residue with Gln decreased the affinity of hENT1 for NBMPR. The decreased affinity of hENT1/N48Q for NBMPR was due to an increased rate of dissociation (koff) and a decreased rate of association (kon) of specifically bound [3H]NBMPR because the values for hENT1-producing and hENT1/N48Q-producing yeast were respectively 0.14±0.02 and 0.36±0.05 min-1 for koff, and (1.2±0.1)×108 and (0.40±0.04)×108 M-1·min-1 for kon. These results indicated that the conservative conversion of an Asn residue into Gln at position 48 of hENT1 and/or the loss of N-linked glycosylation capability altered the binding characteristics of the transporter for NBMPR, dilazep and dipyridamole.
Electron transfer reactions in the alkene mono-oxygenase complex from Nocardia corallina B-276
Authors: GALLAGHER Stephen C. , CAMMACK Richard , DALTON Howard 
Published: August 2015

Nocardia corallina B-276 possesses a multi-component enzyme, alkene mono-oxygenase (AMO), that catalyses the stereoselective epoxygenation of alkenes. The reductase component of this system has been shown by EPR and fluorescence spectroscopy to contain two prosthetic groups, an FAD centre and a [2Fe–2S] cluster. The role of these centres in the epoxygenation reaction was determined by midpoint potential measurements and electron transfer kinetics. The order of potentials of the prosthetic groups of the reductase were FAD/FAD• = -216 mV, [2Fe–2S]/[2Fe–2S]• = -160 mV and FAD•/FAD•• = -134 mV. Combined, these data implied that the reductase component supplied the energy required for the epoxygenation reaction and allowed a prediction of the mechanism of electron transfer within the AMO complex. The FAD moiety was reduced by bound NADH in a two-electron reaction. The electrons were then transported to the [2Fe–2S] centre one at a time, which in turn reduced the di-iron centre of the epoxygenase. Reduction of the di-iron centre is required for oxygen binding and substrate oxidation.
Glucose and thyroid hormone co-regulate the expression of the intestinal fructose transporter GLUT5
Authors: MATOSIN-MATEKALO Miriam , MESONERO José E. , LAROCHE Thibaut J. , LACASA Michel , BROT-LAROCHE Edith 
Published: August 2015

Expression of the fructose transporter GLUT5 in Caco-2 cells is controlled by the carbohydrate content of the culture media [Mesonero, Matosin, Cambier, Rodriguez-Yoldi and Brot-Laroche (1995) Biochem. J. 312, 757–762] and by the metabolic status of the cells [Mahraoui, Takeda, Mesonero, Chantret, Dussaulx, Bell, and Brot-Laroche (1994) Biochem. J. 301, 169–175]. In this study we show that, in fully differentiated Caco-2/TC7 cells, thyroid hormone and glucose increase GLUT5 mRNA abundance in a dose-dependent manner. Using Caco-2/TC7 cells stably transformed with various fragments of the GLUT5 promoter inserted upstream of the luciferase reporter gene, we localized the sequences that confer 3,3´,5-l-tri-iodothyronine (T3)- and/or glucose-sensitivity to the gene. Glucose responsiveness is conferred by the -272/+41 fragment of the promoter, but it is only with the -338/+41 region that transcription of the luciferase reporter gene is stimulated by T3. This 70 bp fragment from position -338 to -272 of the GLUT5 gene is able to confer T3/glucose-responsiveness to the heterologous thymidine kinase promoter. Electrophoretic-mobility-shift assays demonstrate that thyroid hormone receptors α and β are expressed in Caco-2/TC7 cells. They further show that the -308/-290 region of the GLUT5 promoter binds thyroid hormone receptor/retinoid X receptor heterodimers, and that glucose and/or T3 exert a deleterious effect on the binding of the nuclear protein complex.
Calcium-binding protein S100A7 and epidermal-type fatty acid-binding protein are associated in the cytosol of human keratinocytes
Authors: HAGENS Gerry , MASOUYÉ Isabelle , AUGSBURGER Eric , HOTZ Raymonde , SAURAT Jean-Hilaire , SIEGENTHALER Georges 
Published: August 2015

Expression of epidermal-type fatty acid-binding protein (E-FABP) and S100A7 has previously been shown to be elevated in psoriatic skin, a disease characterized by abnormal keratinocyte differentiation. However, no causal relationship between the up-regulation of these proteins and the disease has been shown. E-FABP is thought to be involved in cytosolic fatty acid (FA) transport, whereas the role of S100A7 is still unknown. In this report, we show by overlay assays that E-FABP, immobilized on nitrocellulose, is able to capture S100A7 from cytosolic psoriatic protein extracts and vice versa, suggesting the formation of a complex between the two proteins. Using purified E-FABP and S100A7, the complex can be reconstituted only in presence of EDTA. Moreover, we show that increased EDTA concentrations in psoriatic cytosolic protein extracts enhance complex formation. Partial complex disruption was obtained by the addition of physiological concentrations of Zn2+ (0.1 mM), whereas Ca2+ at 5 mM and Mg2+ at 30 mM had no effect. On the other hand, high Ca2+ concentrations (30 mM) resulted in partial complex disruption. Oleic acid-binding properties were observed for free E-FABP and the complex E-FABP–S100A7, but not for free S100A7. By using confocal microscopy we show that S100A7 and E-FABP are co-localized in the cytoplasm of differentiating keratinocytes from lesional psoriatic skin. These data indicate that formation of the E-FABP–S100A7 complex and its FA-binding function might be regulated at least by bivalent cations.
‘Folk’ understandings of quality in UK higher hospitality education
Authors: Wood Roy 
Published: August 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the evolution of “folk” understandings of quality in higher hospitality education and the consequent implications of these understandings for current quality concerns in the field.Design/methodology/approach– The paper combines a historical survey of the stated topic together with an analysis of how the evolution of higher hospitality education provides insight into current issues and problems in the subject area.Findings– The paper suggests that only by thoroughly comprehending the past development of higher hospitality education is it possible to accurately map the field’s current travails and diagnose likely future trends.Practical implications– The paper outlines the implications of current understandings of quality in hospitality education for its future development and provision.Originality/value– The originality and value of this paper lie in its identification of the principal trends that contribute to understanding of current perceptions of the quality of higher hospitality education.
Elemental Characterization and Discrimination of Nontoxic Ammunition Using Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Analysis and Principal Components Analysis
Authors: Hogg Seth R. , Hunter Brian C. , Waddell Smith Ruth 
Published: August 2015

AbstractConcerns over the toxic by‐products produced by traditional ammunition have led to an increase in popularity of nontoxic ammunition. In this work, the chemical composition of six brands of nontoxic ammunition was investigated and compared to that of a road flare, which served as an environmental source with similar composition. Five rounds of each brand were fired while a further five were disassembled and the primer alone was fired. Particles collected from all samples, including the road flare, were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X‐ray analysis. Common elements among the different ammunition brands included aluminum, potassium, silicon, calcium, and strontium. Spectra were then subjected to principal components analysis in which association of the primer to the intact ammunition sample was generally possible, with distinction among brands and from the road flare sample. Further, PCA loadings plots indicated the elements responsible for the association and discrimination observed.
Surviving in the High Arctic: dental variation in a casually introduced population of Microtus rossiaemeridionalis (Arvicolinae, Rodentia) on Svalbard
Authors: Markova Evgenia , Sibiryakov Petr , Ehrich Dorothee 
Published: August 2015

AbstractA human‐mediated invasion of a temperate rodent Microtus rossiaemeridionalis on the High Arctic Archipelago of Svalbard in the first half of the 20th century provides an opportunity to explore extent and rate of morphological divergence over decades of isolation. We studied dental size and morphology in 124 voles captured on Svalbard (Spitsbergen) in 1997–2005 and compared the data to mainland conspecific populations across northern Eurasia. Both dental and cranial sizes in the Svalbard population fall within the limits of natural variation of the species. Dental morphology suggests that the population experiences strong effects of isolation as indicated by the significant increase in the frequency of rare dental morphs, possibly caused by inbreeding. No evidence for directional shift towards increased or decreased complexity of the morphotype dental patterns is revealed. Although the population on Svalbard is phenotypically different from the mainland populations (due to increased frequency of rare morphs), those differences are not enough to support the idea of initial rapid evolution related to colonization. The limited spatial extent and environmental homogeneity of suitable habitats on the island allowed the species to initially multiply but not to diversify so that the species exhibits phenotypic conservatism but suffers the consequences of small population size.
Fast and Exact (Poisson) Solvers on Symmetric Geometries
Authors: Kazhdan M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn computer graphics, numerous geometry processing applications reduce to the solution of a Poisson equation. When considering geometries with symmetry, a natural question to consider is whether and how the symmetry can be leveraged to derive an efficient solver for the underlying system of linear equations. In this work we provide a simple representation‐theoretic analysis that demonstrates how symmetries of the geometry translate into block diagonalization of the linear operators and we show how this results in efficient linear solvers for surfaces of revolution with and without angular boundaries.
Risk of cancer in retransplants compared to primary kidney transplants in the United States
Authors: Kalil Roberto S. , Lynch Charles F. , Engels Eric A. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractRecipients of kidney transplantation have elevated risk of developing cancer. There are limited data on cancer risk in recipients of kidney retransplantation. We used data from the Transplant Cancer Match Study, which links the U.S. transplant registry with 15 cancer registries. Cancer incidence in recipients of kidney retransplantation and primary kidney transplants was compared utilizing Poisson regression, adjusting for demographic and medical characteristics. We assessed 109 224 primary recipients and 6621 retransplants. Compared to primary recipients, retransplants were younger (median age 40 vs. 46 yr), had higher PRA, and more often received induction with polyclonal antibodies (43% vs. 25%). A total of 5757 cancers were observed in primary recipients and 245 in retransplants. Overall cancer risk was similar in retransplants compared with primary recipients (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.06, 95% CI 0.93–1.20, adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, PRA, and use of polyclonal induction). However, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) occurred in excess among retransplants (adjusted IRR 2.03, 95% CI 1.45–2.77), based on 514 cases in primary recipients and 43 cases in retransplants. Overall cancer risk did not differ in retransplants compared to primary recipients. Increased risk of RCC may be explained by the presence of acquired cystic kidney disease, which is more likely to develop with additional time with kidney disease and time spent on dialysis waiting for retransplantation.
Should clinical case definitions of influenza in hospitalized older adults include fever?
Authors: Falsey Ann R. , Baran Andrea , Walsh Edward E. 
Published: August 2015

IntroductionInfluenza is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly persons. Fever is included in all standard definitions of influenza‐like illness (ILI), yet older patients may have diminished febrile response to infection. Therefore, we examined the utility of various thresholds to define fever for case definitions of influenza in persons ≥65 years of age.MethodsData from two prospective surveillance studies for respiratory viral infection in adults hospitalized with acute cardiopulmonary illnesses with or without fever were examined. The highest temperature reported prior to admission or measured during the first 24 h after admission was recorded. The diagnosis of influenza was made by a combination of viral culture, reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction, antigen testing, and serology.ResultsA total of 2410 subjects (66% ≥65 years of age) were enrolled; 281 had influenza (261 influenza A, 19 influenza B, and one mixed influenza A and B). The commonly used definition of ILI (fever ≥37·8°C and cough) resulted in 57% sensitivity and 71% specificity in older adults. Receiver operating characteristic curves examining the various temperature thresholds combined with cough and/or sore throat showed the optimal balance between sensitivity and specificity to be 37·9°C (AUC 0·71) and 37·3°C (AUC 0·66), in younger and older persons, respectively.ConclusionClinical decision rules using the presence of cough and fever may be helpful when screening for influenza or empiric antiviral treatment when rapid influenza testing is not available; however, lower fever thresholds may be considered for elderly subjects.
New circulating biomarkers for predicting cardiovascular death in healthy population
Authors: Melander Olle , Modrego Javier , Zamorano‐León Jose J. , Santos‐Sancho Juana M. , Lahera Vicente , López‐Farré Antonio J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThere is interest to analyse newer biomarkers to identify healthy individuals at risk to develop cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidents and death. To determine in healthy individuals new circulating protein biomarkers, whose systemic levels may be associated with the risk of future development of CVD incidents and death. The study was performed in 82 individuals from the Malmö Diet and Cancer study cohort, free from CVD of whom 41 developed CVD and 41 did not. Plasma proteins related to inflammation and thrombo‐coagulating processes were analysed. α1‐antitrypsin isotype 3 plasma levels were significantly higher while apolipoprotein J plasma levels were lower in participants that developed CVD incidents than those that did not develop acute cardiovascular episode. Of 82 participants, 17 died by CVD causes. There were proteins whose expression in plasma was significantly higher in participants suffering CVD death as compared with those that did not die by CVD. These proteins included: fibrinogen β‐chain isotypes 1 and 3, fibrinogen‐γ‐chain isotype 2, vitamin D‐binding protein isotypes 1, 2 and 3, α1‐antitrypsin isotypes 3 and 6, haptoglobin isotypes 3,4,5 and 5, haemopexin isotypes 1 and 2, and Rho/Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor 2. Moreover, apolipoprotein J plasma levels were found lower in participants that died by cardiovascular cause. Association between plasma levels of proteins and CVD death was independent of age, gender, conventional risk factors and plasma C‐reactive protein levels. Several protein plasma levels and protein isotypes related to inflammation and thrombo‐coagulating phenomena were independently associated with the risk of future CVD death.
Benchmarking of flood inundation extent using various dynamically linked one‐ and two‐dimensional approaches
Authors: Ahmadian R. , Falconer R. A. , Wicks J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAn accurate representation of linking processes between one‐dimensional (1‐D) and two‐dimensional (2‐D) models is of particular importance for many flood‐modelling projects. This paper provides a comparison of 1‐D/2‐D linking methods used to simulate a hypothetical embankment failure. Comparisons were made by implementing 1‐D/2‐D linked models using two different 1‐D/2‐D linking methods, namely water levels and discharges, using both the alternating direction implicit (ADI) and total variation diminishing (TVD) 2‐D numerical schemes widely used in flood models such as Flood Modeller Pro (http://www.floodmodeller.com). The flood inundation levels and extent predicted by each numerical scheme were similar when the discharge method was used to link the models, whereas they were dependent on the numerical scheme when the water‐level method was used. Consequently, where decisions affecting public safety are informed by the modelling, such as evacuation following a breach, it is recommended that the discharge‐linking method should be used for linking models.
Portal vein anatomy in the dog: comparison between computed tomographic angiography (CTA) and intraoperative mesenteric portovenography (IOMP)
Authors: Parry A. T. , White R. N. 
Published: August 2015

OBJECTIVESTo compare and contrast the findings of intra‐operative mesenteric portovenography (IOMP) and computed tomography angiography (CTA) for the visualisation and identification of the extrahepatic and intrahepatic portal venous system in the normal dog.METHODSRetrospective study of dogs with raised post‐prandial bile acids concentrations, normal portal venous pressures and grossly normal portal vasculature that had undergone both CTA and IOMP was performed. Images and video were compared with the published anatomic literature.RESULTSTen dogs met the inclusion criteria. CTA documented the portal vein and its tributaries in all 10 dogs. IOMP documented the portal vein and the cranial mesenteric vein in all 10 dogs and the splenic vein in 1 dog but failed to show the caudal mesenteric and gastroduodenal veins in any dog. CTA documented more extrahepatic portal venous tributaries than IOMP. Both techniques documented the intrahepatic portal vasculature completely with equal clarity.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThere was a large difference between the ability of the two techniques to delineate the normal portal vasculature; CTA consistently visualised the extrahepatic portal vasculature more completely than the IOMP and, as such, might be considered the modality of choice for imaging the normal portal vasculature in the dog.
Induction and contribution of beta platelet‐derived growth factor signalling by hepatic stellate cells to liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice
Authors: Kocabayoglu Peri , Zhang David Y. , Kojima Kensuke , Hoshida Yujin , Friedman Scott L. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsHepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activate during injury to orchestrate the liver's inflammatory and fibrogenic responses. A critical feature of HSC activation is the rapid induction of beta platelet‐derived growth factor (β‐PDGFR), which drives cellular fibrogenesis and proliferation; in contrast, normal liver has minimal β‐PDGFR expression. While the role of β‐PDGFR is well established in liver injury, its expression and contribution during liver regeneration are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether β‐PDGFR is induced during liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy (pHx), and to define its contribution to the regenerative response.MethodsControl mice or animals with HSC‐specific β‐PDGFR‐depletion underwent two‐thirds pHx followed by assessment of hepatocyte proliferation and expression of β‐PDGFR. RNA‐sequencing from whole liver tissue of both groups after pHx was used to uncover pathways regulated by β‐PDGFR signalling in HSCs.ResultsBeta platelet‐derived growth factor expression on HSCs was up‐regulated within 24 h following pHx in control mice, whereas absence of β‐PDGFR blunted the expansion of HSCs. Mice lacking β‐PDGFR displayed prolonged increases of transaminase levels within 72 h following pHx. Hepatocyte proliferation was impaired within the first 24 h based on Ki‐67 and PCNA expression in β‐PDGFR‐deficient mice. This was associated with dysregulated growth in the β‐PDGFR‐deficient mice based on RNAseq with pathway analysis, and real‐time quantitative PCR, which demonstrated reduced expression of Hgf, Igfbp1, Mapk and Il‐6.ConclusionsBeta platelet‐derived growth factor is induced in HSCs following surgical pHx and its deletion in HSCs leads to prolonged liver injury. However, there is no significant difference in liver regeneration.
The satisfaction of families in the care of their loved ones in CCUs in Lebanon
Authors: Hajj Madeleine , Gulgulian Taline , Haydar Lili , Saab Amali , Dirany Fatima , Badr Lina Kurdahi 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe needs of family members vary among cultures and hospitals. Often, these needs remain unmet increasing their stress and anxiety and decreasing their satisfaction with care, which may negatively impact the quality of patient care.AimsTo assess the satisfaction of families with the care of their loved ones in critical care units (CCUs) in a large university medical centre in Lebanon and to assess the predictors of satisfaction.MethodsA cross‐sectional descriptive design was conducted using the Critical Care Family Satisfaction Survey (CCFSS). The participants were 123 adult relatives or significant others of patients cared for in both adult and paediatric intensive care units for at least 3 days.ResultsThe CCFSS showed acceptable internal reliability and construct validity in a Lebanese population. In general, families were satisfied with the care their loved ones received in the CCUs, and the least satisfaction was in the area of ‘comfort’ and the highest was in ‘assurance’. Younger family members with more education were less satisfied with care and Christian families expressed less satisfaction with informational needs compared with Muslim families. Families of children in the paediatric CCU expressed least satisfaction with care. Gender, residency, relationship to patient, unit, prior experience in a CCU and diagnosis had no effect on satisfaction scores.ConclusionsAssessment of family satisfaction in different cultures is important as each culture has specific needs that are essential to decipher.Implications for practicePatient satisfaction leads to improved quality of care; thus, it behoves nurses to meet the needs of families from different cultures to help them cope and increase their satisfaction, which leads to improve patient outcomes.