bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oncogenic Product HMGA1a Might Function as an Aberrant Splicing Inducer of Estrogen Receptor [alpha] in Breast Cancer
Authors: Ohe Kenji , Utsumi Toshiaki , Mayeda Akila 
Published: December 2009

AbstractEstrogen receptor (ER)-[alpha]46 is known as an important isoform for ER[alpha]. It inhibits the function of full length ER[alpha] in MCF-7 mammary carcinoma cells and associated with cell cycle arrest. On the other hand, the oncogene HMGA1 (formally HMG I/Y) is known to have increased expression in mammary carcinoma correlating with the degree of malignancy. We present here that HMGA1a (HMG I) induces the exon skipped product, ER[alpha]46 mRNA, by tethering U1 snRNP to an upstream pseudo 5' splice site, which is quite analogous to the PSI-mediated splicing regulation of Drosophila P-element.
PTOMSM: A modified version of Topological Overlap Measure used for predicting Protein-Protein Interaction Network
Authors: Huang Xun 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA variety of methods are developed to integrating diverse biological data to predict novel interaction relationship between proteins. However, traditional integration can only generate protein interaction pairs within existing relationships. Therefore, we propose a modified version of Topological Overlap Measure to identify not only extant direct PPIs links, but also novel protein interactions that can be indirectly inferred from various relationships between proteins. Our method is more powerful than a naïve Bayesian-network-based integration in PPI prediction, and could generate more reliable candidate PPIs. Furthermore, we examined the influence of the sizes of training and test datasets on prediction, and further demonstrated the effectiveness of PTOMSM in predicting PPI. More importantly, this method can be extended naturally to predict other types of biological networks, and may be combined with Bayesian method to further improve the prediction.
Recent Advancements in Understanding the Ecology of Soil Extracellular Enzymes
Authors: Wallenstein Matthew , Steinweg J. Megan , McMahon Shawna 
Published: December 2009

AbstractExtracellular enzymes are the agents of detritus decomposition, and are critical for biogeochemical cycling in soils. Despite decades of research, we have only a rudimentary understanding of the controls on enzyme production, stabilization, turnover, and in-situ activity. This limits our ability to interpret measured enzyme activities in an ecological framework. We will present several recent innovations that are advancing our understanding of how soil microbial community interactions with their abiotic environment affect in-situ enzyme activity. In Arctic tundra soils, we developed a model for in-situ Β-glucosidase activity by extrapolating from enzyme activities measured in the lab at a range of temperatures to actual field temperatures. The results of this model suggest that enzyme activity is limited by temperature in the winter and by nitrogen limitation to enzyme production in the summer. In a climate warming and precipitation manipulation experiment in a Boston old field, we found increased enzyme activities in drought plots despite a decrease in microbial biomass. Evidence from the temperature sensitivity of enzyme activity suggests that drought decreased the degradation rate of enzymes, resulting in larger enzyme pools. We will also discuss the importance of tannin inhibition of enzymes, which an often overlooked control on in-situ enzyme activities. We have found that different enzymes are not equivalently affected by increasing tannin concentrations, suggesting that changes in plant litter tannin chemistry in response to climate change could alter soil nutrient stoichiometry. By focusing on controls on in-situ enzyme activity, we hope to advance our understanding of the ecology of soil extracellular enzymes.
Origin and temperature dependence of radiation damage in biological samples at cryogenic temperatures
Authors: Meents Alke , Gutmann Sascha , Wagner Armin , Schulze-Briese Clemens 
Published: December 2009

Radiation damage is the major impediment for obtaining structural information from biological samples by using ionizing radiation such as x-rays or electrons. The knowledge of underlying processes especially at cryogenic temperatures is still fragmentary, and a consistent mechanism has not been found yet. By using a combination of single-crystal x-ray diffraction, small-angle scattering, and qualitative and quantitative radiolysis experiments, we show that hydrogen gas, formed inside the sample during irradiation, rather than intramolecular bond cleavage between non-hydrogen atoms, is mainly responsible for the loss of high-resolution information and contrast in diffraction experiments and microscopy. The experiments that are presented in this paper cover a temperature range between 5 and 160 K and reveal that the commonly used temperature in x-ray crystallography of 100 K is not optimal in terms of minimizing radiation damage and thereby increasing the structural information obtainable in a single experiment. At 50 K, specific radiation damage to disulfide bridges is reduced by a factor of 4 compared to 100 K, and samples can tolerate a factor of 2.6 and 3.9 higher dose, as judged by the increase of
R
free
values of elastase and cubic insulin crystals, respectively.
Model of human low-density lipoprotein and bound receptor based on CryoEM
Authors: Ren Gang , Rudenko Gabby , Ludtke Steven J. , Deisenhofer Johann , Chiu Wah , Pownall Henry J. 
Published: December 2009

Human plasma low-density lipoproteins (LDL), a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, transfer cholesterol from plasma to liver cells via the LDL receptor (LDLr). Here, we report the structures of LDL and its complex with the LDL receptor extracellular domain (LDL·LDLr) at extracellular pH determined by cryoEM. Difference imaging between LDL·LDLr and LDL localizes the site of LDLr bound to its ligand. The structural features revealed from the cryoEM map lead to a juxtaposed stacking model of cholesteryl esters (CEs). High density in the outer shell identifies protein-rich regions that can be accounted for by a single apolipoprotein (apo B-100, 500 kDa) leading to a model for the distribution of its α-helix and
β
-sheet rich domains across the surface. The structural relationship between the apo B-100 and CEs appears to dictate the structural stability and function of normal LDL.
Improving women's representation in senior positions in universities
Authors: Doherty Liz , Manfredi Simonetta 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe overall purpose of the paper is to understand the barriers to women's progression to senior positions in universities. It aims to explore similarities and differences between the career experiences and leadership styles of men and women in middle‐ and senior‐level positions at one university. The ultimate aim is to identify interventions to help create a more equal gender balance at senior levels.Design/methodology/approachA mixed methods approach was adopted. In‐depth interviews were conducted with a quota sample of 53 men and women in order to explore their lived career experiences. In addition, 50 questionnaires were received from the same sample in order to compare factual data about the participants' life histories and biographical circumstances.FindingsThe findings show that women's human capital and career progression to date are at least equal to those of men and that this has been achieved without women sacrificing a holistic family life. They also show that there are still some important differences between men and women in the way they plan and manage their careers and the leadership style that they adopt.Practical implicationsA five‐level framework is proposed which sets down the types of intervention that are required to create a more equal gender balance in senior positions. It is argued that this should be used to shape the gender equality schemes developed in universities under the Gender Equality Duty.Originality/valueThe paper provides new evidence about the residual differences between men's and women's career experiences, even in an employment context, which is particularly supportive of women. It also makes a significant contribution to the debate about the gendered nature of leadership.
The information professional of the future: polymath or dinosaur?
Authors: Broady‐Preston Judith 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the contemporary theories of professionalism, together with an assessment of the complex factors resulting in a fundamental re‐examination of the nature and role of the information profession (IP) in contemporary society.Design/methodology/approachA combination of strong structuration and social identity theories is suggested as a suitable methodological framework for determining the meaning of “professionalism” within the context of the contemporary IP.FindingsThe future of the IP is by no means assured, and further empirical studies need to be undertaken to map the extent of change and the degree to which this is a matter of concern.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper outlines a suitable methodological approach for future studies, together with a review of key factors impinging on the contemporary IP.Originality/valueThis methodological framework has been utilised in related studies of cognate professions, but not thus far applied to IP.
Speed sensorless DTC control of the induction motor using FPGA implementation
Authors: Kowalski Czeslaw T. , Lis Jacek D. 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a fixed‐point implementation of a complete direct torque control (DTC) algorithm connected with a rotor speed estimation algorithm for the induction motor drive, using field‐programmable gate array (FPGA).Design/methodology/approachThe parallel processing approach is described, which requires a decomposition of the control and estimation algorithms for the converter‐fed induction motor to several tasks, realised in parallel. The advanced data processing techniques are described, like PIPELINE technique for data streams design, coordinate rotation digital computer algorithm for transformation of stator flux vector components from Cartesian to polar coordinates. Moreover, the method for the qualitative analysis of the full‐order state observer's sensitivity to the variations of the induction motor equivalent circuit parameters is presented.FindingsIt is shown that the developed FPGA‐based DTC structure enables designing an efficient application for the induction motor control. Owing to the high‐processing frequency, the digital FPGA‐based DTC application is similar in its features to the analogue realisation based on the comparators. Yet all the advantages of the digital structure, i.e. high flexibility, parameterization capability, etc. remain unchanged. Furthermore, FPGA is hardware realisation of a digital data processing algorithm; hence the reliability of the control system is improved.Research limitations/implicationsThe investigations are performed in the developing prototype setup, based on PXI‐1042 Industrial PC equipped with Xilinx Virtex‐II FPGA matrix, programmed with LabVIEW.Practical implicationsThe experimental tests of the FPGA‐based implementation of the whole control structure of the sensorless DTC drive system are demonstrated. It is also shown, that the full‐order state observer with the speed adaptation loop is significantly sensitive to motor parameter variations in the low‐speed region, which must be taken into account while designing the adaptation algorithm for speed estimation in real application.Originality/valueThe paper's value lies in the overall, FPGA‐based design of the speed sensorless DTC structure for the induction motor including motor speed, torque and stator flux control loops, stator flux and rotor speed estimation.
Accounting for needs? Formula funding in the UK schools sector
Authors: Agyemang Gloria 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse whether the development of a needs‐based funding formula for resource allocation incorporates the needs of funders or the needs of the service providers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses interview data and documentary evidence gathered from a UK local education authority about the creation of a “needs‐based” formula for sharing resources to schools. It employs and extends a framework developed by Levačić and Ross to evaluate needs‐based formula funding.FindingsAlthough formula funding is purported to be a more objective method of resource allocation, the paper finds that as with other resource allocation methods the power relations between the funder and the service provider impacts on the extent to which service provider needs are incorporated into the funding formula.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper considers only the funding of schools. Further work is needed to investigate formula funding for other public services.Practical implicationsDebates between funders and service providers should be encouraged by policy makers to ensure that allocations based on the funding formula are acceptable to service providers.Originality/valueThe paper provides a useful analysis of a needs‐based funding formula for resource allocation in schools and whether this incorporates the needs of funders or the needs of the service providers.
“Measuring” sustainable living agendas
Authors: Hurley Louise , Ashley Richard , Molyneux‐Hodgson Susan , Moug Peter , Schiessel Nicki 
Published: December 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce an approach for dynamically assessing the transition from partition to integration within a multi‐disciplinary research/urban regeneration project and its effect on the relative sustainability of interventions proposed.Design/methodology/approachStated sustainability aims of the research project are deconstructed in discussion with the multi‐disciplinary teams and stakeholders involved to give transparency to values held. Indicators are defined separately by the teams and then collectively. A framework for assessment is developed from a combination of ideas in research and practice and from a social science perspective. The thesis of the project that there are “significant social, economic and environmental gains to be made by integrated and innovative interventions in urban river corridors” is iteratively tested against the framework in open discussions enabling the framework's continual refinement.FindingsThe dynamics of sustainability assessment as a process rather than a product are captured. A means of mapping the transition from multi‐disciplinary to inter‐ (or even trans‐) disciplinary research is proposed, which enables assessment of the effect of integrative working on the sustainability of interventions in complex systems of urban living.Research limitations/implicationsFrameworks of assessment are self‐limiting because they lack the ability to truly describe context, yet they are needed by assessors of sustainability in order to provide structure to discussions.Practical implicationsProposed visual representation of this technique using up‐to‐date models will support a deliberative, discussion‐led dialogue between stakeholders.Originality/valueThe paper presents a new approach to sustainability assessment capturing the dynamics of shared learning and progress towards greater sustainability, whilst retaining the flexibility to include issues of transitory importance.
Fibronectin‐binding proteins of Clostridium perfringens recognize the III1‐C fragment of fibronectin
Authors: Yamasaki Tsutomu , Hitsumoto Yasuo , Katayama Seiichi , Nogami Yusaku 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTThe Clostridium perfringens strain 13 genome contains two genes (fbpA, fbpB) that encode putative Fbp. Both rFbpA and rFbpB were purified and their reactivity with human serum Fn was analyzed. To determine the region of the Fn molecule recognized by rFbp, a plate binding assay using N‐terminal 70‐kDa peptide, III1‐C peptide, and 110‐kDa peptide containing III2–10 of Fn was performed. Both rFbp bound to the III1‐C peptide of Fn but not to the other peptides. However, the III1‐C fragment of Fn is known to be cryptic in serum Fn. Then, rFbp‐BP from Fn were purified by rFbp‐affinity chromatography. The yield of purified proteins was approximately 1% of the applied Fn on a protein basis. Western blotting analysis of the rFbp‐BP, using four different anti‐Fn monoclonal antibodies, revealed that the rFbp‐BP carried partial Fn antigenicity. Bindings of rFbp to rFbp‐BP were inhibited by the presence of the III1‐C peptide, suggesting that rFbp‐BP express the III1‐C fragment. The binding of Fn to III1‐C was inhibited by the presence of either rFbpA or rFbpB. This result that suggests C. perfringens Fbps may inhibit the formation of Fn‐matrix in vivo.
The effects of a vegetable‐derived probiotic lactic acid bacterium on the immune response
Authors: Chon Heeson , Choi Byungryul 
Published: December 2009

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to investigate the probiotic properties of the fermented vegetable derived lactic acid bacterium, L. plantarum. L. plantarum 10hk2 showed antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria and immunomodulating effects on murine macrophage cell lines. RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with viable cells of this probiotic strain increased the amounts of pro‐inflammatory mediators such as IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α, as well as the anti‐inflammatory mediator, IL‐10. ICR mice fed with viable cells of L. plantarum 10hk2 had reduced numbers of enteric Salmonella and Shigella species in comparison to controls from 2 weeks after supplementation, and this effect was observed for up to 4 weeks. The findings of this study suggest that this specific lactic acid bacterial strain, which is derived from vegetable fermentation, holds great promise for use in probiotics and as a food additive since it can reduce the number of some pathogenic bacteria through production of lactic acids.
Proton pump inhibitors as a risk factor for paediatric Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: TURCO R. , MARTINELLI M. , MIELE E. , ROSCETTO E. , DEL PEZZO M. , GRECO L. , STAIANO A. 
Published: December 2009

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 754–759SummaryBackground  Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) may play an important role on the onset of Clostridium difficile‐associated disease (CDAD) in adults. The impact of Clostridium difficile on children treated with gastric acid‐suppressing agents remains unknown.Aim  To investigate the relationship between CDAD and exposure to acid suppressive therapy in hospitalized paediatric patients.Methods  We reviewed the medical records of children, with a diagnosis of protracted diarrhoea and abdominal pain, whose stool was analysed for C. difficile toxins. We identified 68 patients with CDAD. For each patient, we randomly selected one control subjects with stool analysis negative for C. difficile. Comorbid illnesses, previous hospitalizations, antibiotics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and gastric acid suppressing exposures were recorded.Results  The use of PPI was significantly higher in C. difficile positive group compared with C. difficile negative group [odds ratio (OR): = 4.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.4–14.4]. We also found a trend for the use of H2RAs in patients infected by C. difficile compared with C. difficile negative comparison group (OR: = 3.8; 95% CI = 0.7–18.9).Conclusions  Children exposed to PPIs therapy seem to be at higher risk for the development of Clostridium difficile‐associated disease.
Screening injured children for physical abuse or neglect in emergency departments: a systematic review
Authors: Woodman J. , Lecky F. , Hodes D. , Pitt M. , Taylor B. , Gilbert R. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground  Screening markers are used in emergency departments (EDs) to identify children who should be assessed for possible physical abuse and neglect. We conducted three systematic reviews evaluating age, repeat attendance and injury type as markers for physical abuse or neglect in injured children attending EDs.Methods  We included studies comparing markers in physically abused or neglected children and non‐abused injured children attending ED or hospital. We calculated likelihood ratios (LRs) for age group, repeat attendance and injury type (head injury, bruises, fractures, burns or other). Given the low prevalence of abuse or neglect, we considered that an LR of 10 or more would be clinically useful.Results  All studies were poor quality. Infancy increased the risk of physical abuse or neglect in severely injured or admitted children (LRs 7.7–13.0, 2 studies) but was not strongly associated in children attending the ED (LR 1.5, 95% CI: 0.9, 2.8; one study). Repeat attendance did not substantially increase the risk of abuse or neglect and may be confounded by chronic disease and socio‐economic status (LRs 0.8–3.9, 3 studies). One study showed no evidence that the type of injury substantially increased the risk of physical abuse or neglect in severely injured children.Conclusions  There was no evidence that any of the markers (infancy, type of injury, repeated attendance) were sufficiently accurate (i.e. LR ≥ 10) to screen injured children in the ED to identify those requiring paediatric assessment for possible physical abuse or neglect. Clinicians should be aware that among injured children at ED a high proportion of abused children will present without these characteristics and a high proportion of non‐abused children will present with them. Information about age, injury type and repeat attendances should be interpreted in this context.
Adverse birth outcomes among pregnancies of teen mothers: age‐specific analysis of national data in Taiwan
Authors: Chen C.‐W. , Tsai C.‐Y. , Sung F.‐C. , Lee Y.‐Y. , Lu T.‐H. , Li C.‐Y. , Ko M.‐C. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground  This study was conducted to evaluate the risks of adverse birth outcomes including low birthweight, preterm and small‐for‐gestational age among teen mothers.Methods  Data were collected from the Taiwan Birth Registry between 1985 and 1997. Among a total of 1 185 597 live births born to mothers aged 24 years or less, 151 259 (12.8%) were born to teen mothers aged 19 years or less. Crude odds ratios (ORs), adjusted ORs (AORs), their 95% confidence intervals and test for linear trend of maternal age‐specific AOR were estimated using logistic regression analysis.Results  After controlling for certain birth characteristics and socio‐economic factors, the age‐specific analysis showed significantly gradient variations in increased risks of adverse birth outcomes among births of teen mothers, where the elevated risk was lessened in older teen mothers. Teen mothers aged 16 years or less were observed to experience particularly high AORs for all adverse birth outcomes of interest.Conclusions  Not all teen mothers experienced the same magnitude of increased risk of adverse birth outcomes in Taiwan. Considering all teen mothers as the same group may have overlooked the particularly high risks of adverse birth outcomes among very young teen mothers (16 years or less), who are especially vulnerable to such elevated risks.