bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
α‐Crystallin does not require temperature activation for its chaperone‐like activity
Authors: Bhattacharyya Jaya , Das Kali P. 
Published: July 2007

Abstractα‐crystallin acts as a molecular chaperone by preventing the aggregation of proteins. Although the mechanism for this activity is not understood there is a proposition that temperature activation at or above 30°C of α‐crystallin is an absolute requirement, thereby suggesting a conformational transition as a trigger for the activity. In an attempt to unravel the putative temperature‐activity relationship, the chaperone‐like activity of α‐crystallin was studied at a number of temperatures above and below 30°C. Chaperone activity was monitored against aggregation of the insulin‐B chain induced by cleavage of disulfide bond of insulin and also against photo‐aggregation of γ‐crystallin. Contrary to the above notion, the results indicate that α‐crystallin does not require thermal activation for its chaperone function and that it can efficiently function as a molecular chaperone even at temperatures below the previously reported transition temperature.
Amino acid residues in third intracellular loop of melanocortin 1 receptor are involved in G‐protein coupling
Authors: Frändberg Per‐Anders , Doufexis Marina , Kapas Supriya , Chhajlani Vijay 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTo delineate domains essential for G‐protein coupling in melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), we mutated polar and basic residues to alanine at eleven positions in the putative third intracellular loop and determined consequent changes in the ligand binding and generation of second messenger cAMP. Results demonstrate that ligand binding affinity was not affected by any of the mutations. However, every mutant displayed reduced functional response as compared to the wild type receptor. Replacement of residues (K226, R227, Q228, R229, H232, Q233 and K238) present in
Induction of caspase‐3 and nitric oxide synthase‐2 during gastric mucosal inflammatory reaction to Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Slomiany B. L. , Piotrowski J. , Slomiany A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractHelicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide is recognized as a primary virulence factor evoking acute mucosal inflammatory reaction associated with H. pylori infection. We investigated the activity of a key apoptotic protease, caspase‐3, and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS‐2) during H. pylori lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute gastritis. The assays conducted 4 days following intragastric dose of the lipopolysaccharide revealed a pattern of acute mucosal responses characterized by an 11.2‐fold increase in epithelial cells apoptosis, inflammatory infiltration of the lamina propria, hyperemia, and epithelial hemorrhage. This was accompanied by a 5.4‐fold increase in caspase‐3 activity, while the mucosal expression of NOS‐2 showed a 6.5‐fold induction. The results implicate H. pylori lipopolysaccharide in the induction of NOS‐2 expression, and point to its effect on activation of the signaling cascade involving caspase‐3 in the process gastric epithelial cells apoptosis.
Anti‐tumor polysaccharide from the mycelium of liquid‐cultured Agaricus blazei mill
Authors: Mizuno Masashi , Minato Ken‐ichiro , Ito Hitoshi , Kawade Mitsuo , Terai Hirofumi , Tsuchida Hironobu 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAnti‐tumor active polysaccharide against Sarcoma 180 was isolated by DEAE‐Sepharose CL‐6B and Sepharose 4B column chromatography from the hot‐water soluble fraction of the mycelium of liquid‐cultured Agaricus blazei mill. This polysaccharide did not react with antibodies of anti‐tumor polysaccharides such as lentinan, gliforan, and FIII‐2‐b which is one of anti‐tumor polysaccharides from Agaricus blazei. Moreover, the analyses of 13C‐NMR and GC‐MS suggested that this polysaccharide was preliminarily glucomannan with a main chain of β‐1,2‐linked D‐mannopyranosyl residues and β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl residues as a side chain. This polysaccharide was completely different from the anti‐tumor polysaccharide from fruiting body of Agaricus blazei, β‐1,6‐glucan.
The antioxidant status of patients subjected to today body irradiation
Authors: Chevion Shlomit , Or Reuven , Berry Elliot M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackground and Purpose: Total body irradiation (TBI) is a routine preconditioning procedure for the treatment of leukemia and aplastic anemia, prior to bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Ionizing radiation generates reactive oxygen derived species (ROS) that can be removed by antioxidants. Our purpose is to determine the antioxidant status of patients undergoing TBI by evaluating the oxidant stress and their antioxidant capacity.Material and Methods: We evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in plasma of 14 patients undergoing TBI prior to BMT. The levels of the antioxidants ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA) were determined by HPLC‐ECD. The oxidant stress level was calculated by the ratio [dehydro ascorbic acid]/total ascorbic acid].Results: TAC was reduced by 36% (p<0.02) but after 4 months recovered to a level 22% higher than before the treatment (p<0.05). Both, AA and UA, decreased following irradiation by 84% (p<0.02) and 24% (p<0.05) respectively, but returned to a level of 21% and 320% after 4 months compared to baseline values. The changes in [UA] were affected by Allopurinol (xanthine oxidase inhibitor), given as a routine pretransplant therapy until day ‐1. The [dehydroascorcbic acid]/[total ascorbic acid] (%) was 45% (range of normal controls=13.2±1.5%) and increased by 69% following TBI. In order to obtain a decrease in the TAC of plasma in vitro, comparable to that in vivo, a 1000 fold higher dose of irradiation was required.Conclusions: TBI caused a pronounced decrease in antioxidant capacity and an excessive increase in oxidant stress. We assume that TBI alters antioxidant homeostasis greatly enhancing the stress damage. CV measurements may lead to a better understanding of the balance between oxidant stress and antioxidant utilization, and to a reconsideration of the routine use of Allopurinol as pretreatment for TBI, and antioxidant support before and/or after TBI.
Proteomic Strategies in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Celis Julio E. , Wolf Hans , Ostergaard Morten 
Published: July 2007

AbstractHere we review our current strategy for identifying phenotypic changes in the urothelium of bladder cancer patients with invasive disease, using a combination of proteomic technologies and immunowalking. This approach, which in principle can be applied to the study of any type of bladder cancer, makes use of proteomic technologies (for more information see http//:biobase.dk/cgi‐bin/celis) to reveal and identify proteins that are differentially expressed in fresh tumors and normal urothelium. Thereafter, specific antibodies against the differentially expressed proteins are used (immunowalking) to stain serial cryostat sections of cystectomies obtained from tumor‐bearing patients who have undergone removal of the bladder for invasive disease. Since bladder cancer is a field disease‐that is, a large part of the bladder lining is involved‐the urothelium of these patients is expected to exhibit a spectrum of abnormalities, ranging from early stages of transformation to invasive disease. Besides highlighting the problems one faces when applying powerful proteomic technologies to the study of heterogeneous biopsy material, these studies show that it is feasible to study bladder cancer under experimental conditions that closely resemble the in vivo situation.
Is the HemK Family of Putative S‐Adenosylmethionine‐Dependent Methyltransferases a “Missing” zeta Subfamily of Adenine Methyltransferases? A Hypothesis
Authors: Bujnicki Janusz M. , Radlinska Monika 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPrevious comparative studies revealed close similarity among various groups of S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine (AdoMet)‐dependent methyltransferases (MTases), indicating their common evolutionary origin. We present evidence for a remarkable similarity between the sequence and predicted structure of HemK (a widespread family of putative proteins encoded in genomes from bacteria to humans) and the catalytic domain of the gamma‐subfamily of adenine‐specific DNA MTases (N6mA MTases). We predict the structure and function of the putative catalytic domain of HemK proteins and speculate that the target‐recognizing function may be conferred by the N‐terminal variable region.
ERK/MAPK Pathway Is Required for Changes of Cyclin D1 and B1 During Phorbol 12‐Myristate 13‐Acetate‐Induced Differentiation of K562 Cells
Authors: Lee Chang Hoon , Yun Hee Jeong , Kang Ho Sung , Kim Han Do 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPhorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA)‐induced differentiation of human erythroleukemic K562 cells is characterized by growth arrest, morphological change, and expression of megakaryocyte‐specific proteins. We examined the possible involvement of cell cycle regulators with PMA‐induced growth arrest and megakaryocytic differentiation of K562 cells. The concentrations of cyclin D1 and p21Waf1/Cip1 were dramatically increased, whereas those of cyclin B1 and cdc2 were decreased, by PMA treatment. The concentrations of most cyclin‐dependent kinases (Cdk2, Cdk4, and Cdk6), however, were unchanged by PMA treatment. PD98059, a specific inhibitior of MEK1, partially prevented the increase in cyclin D1 caused by PMA and fully reversed the down‐regulation of cyclin B1 protein seen in response to PMA treatment. Thus, it is demonstrated here that the PMA‐mediated changes of cyclin D1 and B1 are the result of a persistent increase in extracellular signal‐regulated kinase/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) activity.
Tyrosine Phosphorylation of a 34‐kDa Protein Induced by Cross‐Linking a Novel Glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐Anchored Glycoprotein (GPI‐80) on Human Neutrophils That May Regulate Their Adherence and Migration
Authors: Yu Yan , Araki Yoshihiko , Sendo Fujiro 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe previously found a novel glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)‐ anchored glycoprotein designated GPI‐80 that modulates complement receptor 3 integrin‐dependent adhesion and in vitro transendothelial migration of neutrophils. In this study, we show that antibody‐mediated cross‐linking of GPI‐80 led to rapid tyrosine phosphorylation mainly of a 34‐kDa protein (pp34). Chemical inhibitors, such as genistein, sodium orthovanadate, wortmannin, cytochalasin B, Ro 31‐8220, and 1,2‐bis(2‐aminophenoxy)ethane‐ N, N, N, N,‐tetraacetic acid inhibited this response, whereas pertussis toxin had no effect. These findings demonstrate that the tyrosine phosphorylation of pp34 by cross‐linking GPI‐80 in human neutrophils involves tyrosine kinases, tyrosine phosphatases, phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase, cytoskeleton reorganization, protein kinase C, and cytoplasmic calcium, but not heterotrimeric G proteins.
Cloning and Characterization of Two cDNAs Encoding Sulfatases in the Roman Snail, Helix pomatia
Authors: Wittstock Ute , Fischer Morten , Svendsen Ib , Halkier Barbara Ann 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe sulfatase from the snail Helix pomatia is widely used for analytical applications. We have investigated the content of sulfatases in H. pomatia, using a biochemical and a molecular approach. A 112‐ kDa protein from the intestinal juice of H. pomatia comigrated with sulfatase activity when chromatographed on Sephacryl S300 and concanavalin A‐Sepharose. The N‐terminal amino acid sequence of the protein was similar to one of three sulfatase motifs defined by sequence alignment of known sulfatases. Degenerate primers designed from the motifs and the N‐terminal amino acid sequence obtained were used to generate PCR fragments and to isolate both a full‐length and a 3′‐truncated cDNA encoding H. pomatia sulfatases, designated SULF1 and SULF2. SULF1 consists of 503 amino acids and shows 53‐55% identity to the mammalian arylsulfatase B. The amino acid sequence deduced from the 878‐bp SULF2 cDNA fragment is 55% identical with SULF1. Both SULF1 and SULF2 contain the cysteine residue conserved in the active site of many sulfatases, which is known to be posttranslationally modified into formylglycine in eukaryotic sulfatases. However, the SULF1 and SULF2 cDNAs do not code for the protein purified. This indicates the presence of at least three sulfatase genes in H. pomatia.
FGF Receptor Mutations: Dimerization Syndromes, Cell Growth Suppression, and Animal Models
Authors: Kannan Karuppiah , Givol David 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis review describes recent progress in the field of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) with an emphasis on the role of FGFR mutants in skeletal malformations. This family of four receptors contains the most frequent germline mutations in humans. More than 75 mutations have been recorded, which account for more than seven skeletal syndromes. The common cause for all the mutant phenotypes is gain‐of‐function by receptor activation through three major mechanisms: receptor dimerization, kinase activation, and increased affinity for FGF. The severity of the disease is correlated with both the extent of receptor activation and the specific tissue in which the mutant receptor form is expressed. Paradoxically, the consequence of receptor activation is inhibition of chondrocyte cell growth through signaling pathways that are cell‐type specific. The structure of the FGFR?FGF complex and its possible ternary complex with heparin explain the mechanism of receptor dimerization in the ectodomain and the possible contribution by some of the mutations to this process. Analysis of FGFR3 mutant mice produced by gene targeting as models for human disease, and studies in cell lines, have begun to delineate the novel signaling pathways of FGFR3 and to define possible targets for therapy.
Genetic Instabilities of Triplet Repeat Sequences by Recombination
Authors: Jakupciak John P. , Wells Robert D. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe expansion of triplet repeat sequences is an initial step in the disease etiology of a number of hereditary neurological disorders in humans. Diseases such as myotonic dystrophy, Huntington's, several spinocerebellar ataxias, fragile X syndrome, and Friedreich's ataxia are caused by the expansions of CTG.CAG, CGG.CCG, or GAA.TTC repeats. The mechanisms of the expansion process have been investigated intensely in E. coli, yeast, transgenic mice, mammalian cell culture, and in human clinical cases. Whereas studies from 1994?1999 have implicated DNA replication and repair at the paused synthesis sites due to the unusual conformations of the triplet repeat sequences, recent work has shown that homologous recombination (gene conversion) is a powerful mechanism for generating massive expansions, in addition to, or in concert with, replication and repair.
Touching the intangible? An analysis of The Equality Standard: A Framework for Sport
Authors: Shaw Sally 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to investigate equality policy development through an examination of The Equality Standard: A Framework for Sport and consider implications for practitioners and research‐based alternatives.Design/methodology/approachA textual analysis of The Equality Standard: A Framework for Sport.FindingsThe Equality Standard represents a shift from historic “one suit fits all” versions of equality policy creation in sports organisations. It is limited, however, by a reliance on formalised audit measures, limited encouragement of organisational involvement in creating equality policies, a reluctance to acknowledge powerful, taken‐for‐granted assumptions about equality, and an inability to encourage organisations to reflect on their history and culture.Research limitations/implicationsCalls for future research into the further critique of audit‐based approaches to equality implementation and stronger links between academic research and practitioner experience.Practical implicationsTo encourage individuals to critically examine equality within sports organisations with a view to adopting a more reflective framework of equality in which to address organisational processes.Originality/valueThis research contributes an analysis of recent equality policy development in UK sport. It uses textual analysis to examine policy in order to offer alternative avenues for policy development.
Electronic Resources & Libraries, 2nd Annual Conference 2007
Authors: Jackson Millie , Gider Ayse , Feather Celeste , Smith Kelly , Fry Amy , Brooks‐Kieffer Jamene , Vidas Christopher D. , Nelson Rose 
Published: July 2007

PurposeTo keep librarians and colleagues informed about the issues and programs of the Electronic Resources & Libraries (ER&L) Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia on the Georgia Institute of Technology campus in February 2007.Design/methodology/approachProvides a review of the conference.FindingsAcquisitions staff, catalogers, public service staff, administrators, IT personnel, information providers from the vendor side, content managers, and others all came together to assess what needs to be done to continue high servicing of both born digital and electronically available resources in a hybrid environment that continues to describe all library settings today. As the percentage of electronic resources quickly grows, there are new challenges in acquiring, caring for, servicing, preserving, using and citing them that keep librarians up at night to consider short‐and long‐term solutions in how they should be organized bibliometrically and how we can re‐engineer some of our procedures to best treat the wide range of e‐Resources now common in all libraries.Originality valueThe program blended services with processing reinforcing the importance of electronic resources for the “total” library environment. It seemed like there was nothing left out.
Repurposing MARC Data: Some Pitfalls
Authors: Beall Jeffrey 
Published: July 2007

PurposeOptions to consider when reviewing Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC) data suggest both advantages and disadvantages.Design/methodology/approachThis short piece suggests some issues to ponder that may not be the most advantageous. Opening up the door to perhaps some troubling concerns encourage one to pause and consider the available technologies and the role of the metadata.FindingsEarlier efforts to organize search output from online public access catalog searches retrieved items in reverse chronological order. Commercial indexing efforts were able to retrieve output in relevancy rankings based on search algorithms. This essay suggests that there are reasons for both and MARC contributes some particular nuances that complicate the potential for the most challenging searching.Originality valueProvides information of value to library professionals.
Exploring consumer attitude and behaviour towards green practices in the lodging industry in India
Authors: Manaktola Kamal , Jauhari Vinnie 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe study seeks to explore the factors which influence the consumer attitude and behaviour towards green practices in the lodging industry in India and also to explore the consumers' intentions to pay for these practices.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative and qualitative research methodology using a questionnaire along with secondary research has been proposed. A structured questionnaire has been used using convenience‐sampling techniques from National Capital Region in India. Correlation and factor analysis has been used to explore consumers' attitudes and behaviour towards green practices in the lodging industry.FindingsThe consumers using hotel services are conscious about environmentally friendly practices in India. They patronise the hotels that have adapted green practices though not compromising on service quality. The consumers would prefer to use lodging that follows these practices but are not willing to pay extra for these services. Indian hotels have the competitive advantage over similar products if they follow green practices.Practical implicationsThe hotels would have to invest in environmentally friendly practices and look at long‐term gains. The government needs to acknowledge and institutionalise the practice by instituting rewards and offering benefits in taxes.Originality/valueThe paper attempts to bring out facts regarding customer buying behaviour towards green practices in the Indian hotel industry. The resource scenario in India is grim with regard to the water and sanitation. The tourism industry has a big responsibility in ensuring that business models adopted are sustainable in the long run and hence the need to imbibe green practices as a preferred business model.
Managing reservations through online distribution channels
Authors: Dabas Swati , Manaktola Kamal 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis study aims to evaluate current room inventory distribution strategies of mid‐segment hotels in India, identifying factors that influence the managerial decisions in selecting electronic distribution channel for their property.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative research methodology using structured interviews with senior level managers of five mid‐segment hotels in National Capital Region of India (NCR). Data collected were analysed to generalise the findings of this research.FindingsMid‐segment hotels in NCR rely on traditional distribution channels. Managers do not have sufficient knowledge about electronic distribution. There is a large gap between average room rate of mid‐segment hotels and higher‐level hotels. Demand during the period of study was higher and the trend for higher demand is likely to continue. Repeat business in mid‐segment hotels is nearly 70 percent.Practical implicationsThe present high demand environment demands that the mid‐segment hotels look beyond their existing customer base and distribute inventory through multi‐channels including electronic distribution to achieve higher RevPAR, improved visibility and sustainable customer base for a longer period.Originality/valueThis research attempts to bring out factors that influence managerial decisions while selecting a distribution channel in the context of the Indian hospitality industry.
Supply chain relationships and information capabilities
Authors: Williams Zachary , Moore Robert 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to present a framework depicting the development of information power‐based relationships between firms, and to describe the effect of information power on long‐term relationships between supply chain partners.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual paper combines literature from the field of information sciences regarding information integration with literature addressing traditional power relationships to develop a set of propositions describing how interfirm relationships evolve.FindingsThe conceptual framework introduced indicates that information can be utilized as a coercive and non‐coercive power base in supply chain relationships.Practical implicationsThe need for information may result in a firm utilizing either coercive or non‐coercive power as a means of obtaining it. This research provides interesting findings about the use of information, as a power base, and its role in interfirm relationships.Originality/valueThis paper combines literature from various fields to develop a needed conceptual model of information power roles within supply chain relationships.