bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neural FFA3 activation inversely regulates anion secretion evoked by nicotinic ACh receptor activation in rat proximal colon
Authors: Kaji Izumi , Akiba Yasutada , Konno Kohtarou , Watanabe Masahiko , Kimura Shunsuke , Iwanaga Toshihiko , Kuri Ayaka , Iwamoto Ken‐ichi , Kuwahara Atsukazu , Kaunitz Jonathan D. 
Published: February 2016

Key points
Luminal short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) influence gut physiological function via SCFA receptors and transporters.
The contribution of an SCFA receptor, free fatty acid receptor (FFA)3, to the enteric nervous system is unknown.
FFA3 is expressed in enteric cholinergic neurons.
Activation of neural FFA3 suppresses Cl− secretion induced by nicotinic ACh receptor activation via a Gi/o pathway.
Neural FFA3 may have an anti‐secretory function by modulating cholinergic neural reflexes in the enteric nervous system.
AbstractThe proximal colonic mucosa is constantly exposed to high concentrations of microbially‐produced short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Although luminal SCFAs evoke electrogenic anion secretion and smooth muscle contractility via neural and non‐neural cholinergic pathways in the colon, the involvement of the SCFA receptor free fatty acid receptor (FFA)3, one of the free fatty acid receptor family members, has not been clarified. We investigated the contribution of FFA3 to cholinergic‐mediated secretory responses in rat proximal colon. FFA3 was immunolocalized to enteroendocrine cells and to the enteric neural plexuses. Most FFA3‐immunoreactive nerve fibres and nerve endings were cholinergic, colocalized with protein gene product (PGP)9.5, the vesicular ACh transporter, and the high‐affinity choline transporter CHT1. In Ussing chambered mucosa–submucosa preparations (including the submucosal plexus) of rat proximal colon, carbachol (CCh)‐induced Cl− secretion was decreased by TTX, hexamethonium, and the serosal FFA3 agonists acetate or propionate, although not by an inactive analogue 3‐chloropropionate. Serosal application of a selective FFA3 agonist (N‐[2‐methylphenyl]‐[4‐furan‐3‐yl]‐2‐methyl‐5‐oxo‐1,4,5,6,7,8‐hexahydro‐quinoline‐3‐carboxamide; MQC) dose‐dependently suppressed the response to CCh but not to forskolin, with an IC50 of 13 μm. Pretreatment with MQC inhibited nicotine‐evoked but not bethanechol‐evoked secretion. The inhibitory effect of MQC was reversed by pretreatment with pertussis toxin, indicating that FFA3 acts via the Gi/o pathway. Luminal propionate induced Cl− secretion via the cholinergic pathway, which was reduced by MQC, as well as by TTX, hexamethonium or removal of the submucosal plexus. These results suggest that the SCFA‐FFA3 pathway has a novel anti‐secretory function in that it inhibits cholinergic neural reflexes in the enteric nervous system.
High-Resolution Simulations of the 2010 Pakistan Flood Event: Sensitivity to Parameterizations and Initialization Time
Authors: Viterbo Francesca , von Hardenberg Jost , Provenzale Antonello , Molini Luca , Parodi Antonio , Sy Ousmane O. , Tanelli Simone 
Published: February 2016

AbstractEstimating the risk of flood-generating precipitation events in high-mountain regions with complex orography is a difficult but crucial task. Quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) at fine resolution are an essential ingredient to address this issue. Along these lines, the ability of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model, operated at 3.5-km grid spacing, to reproduce the extreme meteorological event that led to the 2010 Pakistan flood and produced heavy monsoonal rain in the Indus basin is explored. The model results are compared with Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) rainfall estimates, the available ground measurements, and radar observations from the CloudSat mission. In particular, the sensitivity of the WRF simulations to the use of different convective closures (explicit and Kain–Fritsch) and microphysical parameterizations (WRF single-moment 6-class microphysics scheme and Thompson) is analyzed. The impact of using different initial conditions, associated with a different initialization day, is also examined. The use of the new-generation Distributed Simulation and Stimulation System NASA Earth Observing System Simulators Suite radar simulator allows a more accurate and extensive representation of the mesoscale processes and of the interaction with the complex orography. The results reported here indicate that the quality of the large-scale initial conditions is a prominent factor affecting the possibility of retrieving a realistic representation of this event when using a nonhydrostatic regional model.
An Assessment of the Seasonal Salinity Budget for the Upper Bay of Bengal
Authors: Wilson Earle A. , Riser Stephen C. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDuring each summer monsoon, the Bay of Bengal is inundated by a large amount of rain and river discharge. The effects of this freshening are gradually reversed over the course of the year, with near-surface salinities typically returning to their presummer monsoon levels before the start of the next rainy season. While the forcing responsible for the summertime freshening is clear, the processes that act to restore the bay’s salinity are not well understood. To examine these processes, the authors construct a basin-integrated, near-surface, seasonal salinity budget using data-assimilated output from the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM). From this salinity budget, it is deduced that vertical salt fluxes are primarily responsible for counterbalancing the near-surface freshening caused by the summertime freshwater fluxes. These vertical salt fluxes are largest during the months that immediately follow the summer monsoon, when the near-surface halocline is strongest. These results must be tempered with the knowledge that HYCOM misrepresents some key features of the bay’s salinity field. In particular, the model tends to overestimate salinity along the East Indian Coastal Current during its equatorward phase. Notwithstanding these biases, these results still suggest that vertical processes have a prominent role in the bay’s near-surface salinity budget.
Agulhas Current Influence on the Shelf Dynamics of the KwaZulu-Natal Bight
Authors: Lamont T. , van den Berg M. A. , Barlow R. G. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe Agulhas Current is a fast western boundary current flowing along the South African east coast, strongly influencing oceanographic variability on the adjacent KwaZulu-Natal shelf. Hydrographic observations in January 2010, July 2010, and July 1989 have been used to describe variations in geostrophic currents and water masses and to elucidate mechanisms of change in circulation and thermohaline structure. Differences in wind forcing, precipitation, and solar insolation caused modifications in stratification and mixing that resulted in seasonal changes in surface temperature, salinity, and mixed layer depth ZMLD between the austral summer and winter surveys. During January 2010, surface temperatures were elevated and there was a large range in salinity as the upper 10 m was influenced by river outflow and rainfall. In July 2010 and 1989, surface temperatures were lower and the salinity range was significantly less. The ZMLD in January 2010 was much shallower, varying between 5 and 40 m, while deeper ZMLD, from 9 to 107 m, was found in July 2010 and 1989. Cross-shelf, alongshore, and vertical variations in water masses during July 2010 and July 1989 were driven by deviations in the position of the inshore edge of the Agulhas Current and the influence of offshore cyclonic eddies. In January 2010, the close proximity of the current to the coast and shelf break caused increased Ekman veering in the bottom layers along the shelf edge and slope in the north and recirculation in the south.
People-Technology-Ecosystem Integration
Authors: Meshkati Najmedin , Tabibzadeh Maryam , Farshid Ali , Rahimi Mansour , Alhanaee Ghena 
Published: February 2016

Objective: The aim of this study is to identify the interdependencies of human and organizational subsystems of multiple complex, safety-sensitive technological systems and their interoperability in the context of sustainability and resilience of an ecosystem. Background: Recent technological disasters with severe environmental impact are attributed to human factors and safety culture causes. One of the most populous and environmentally sensitive regions in the world, the (Persian) Gulf, is on the confluence of an exponentially growing number of two industries—nuclear power and seawater desalination plants—that is changing its land- and seascape. Method: Building upon Rasmussen’s model, a macrosystem integrative framework, based on the broader context of human factors, is developed, which can be considered in this context as a “meta-ergonomics” paradigm, for the analysis of interactions, design of interoperability, and integration of decisions of major actors whose actions can affect safety and sustainability of the focused industries during routine and nonroutine (emergency) operations. Conclusion: Based on the emerging realities in the Gulf region, it is concluded that without such systematic approach toward addressing the interdependencies of water and energy sources, sustainability will be only a short-lived dream and prosperity will be a disappearing mirage for millions of people in the region. Application: This multilayered framework for the integration of people, technology, and ecosystem—which has been applied to the (Persian) Gulf—offers a viable and vital approach to the design and operation of large-scale complex systems wherever the nexus of water, energy, and food sources are concerned, such as the Black Sea.
The applied research of MRI with ASSET-EPI-FLAIR combined with 3D TOF MRA sequences in the assessment of patients with acute cerebral infarction
Authors: Lin Zhichao , Guo Zexiong , Qiu Lin , Yang Wanyoug , Lin Mingxia 
Published: February 2016

Background To extend the time window for thrombolysis, reducing the time for diagnosis and detection of acute cerebral infarction seems to be warranted. Purpose To evaluate the feasibility of implementing an array spatial sensitivity technique (ASSET)-echo-planar imaging (EPI)-fluid attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) (AE-FLAIR) sequence into an acute cerebral infarction magnetic resonance (MR) evaluation protocol, and to assess the diagnostic value of AE-FLAIR combined with three-dimensional time-of-flight MR angiography (3D TOF MRA). Material and Methods A total of 100 patients (68 men, 32 women; age range, 44–82 years) with acute cerebral infarction, including 50 consecutive uncooperative and 50 cooperative patients, were evaluated with T1-weighted (T1W) imaging, T2-weighted (T2W) imaging, FLAIR, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), 3D TOF, EPI-FLAIR, and AE-FLAIR. Conventional FLAIR, EPI-FLAIR, and AE-FLAIR were assessed by two observers independently for image quality. The optimized group (AE-FLAIR and 3D TOF) and the control group (T1W imaging, T2W imaging, conventional FLAIR, DWI, and 3D TOF) were compared for evaluation time and diagnostic accuracy. Results One hundred and twenty-five lesions were detected and images having adequate diagnostic image quality were in 73% of conventional FLAIR, 62% of EPI-FLAIR, and 89% of AE-FLAIR. The detection time was 12 ± 1 min with 76% accuracy and 4 ± 0.5 min with 100% accuracy in the control and the optimized groups, respectively. Inter-observer agreements of κ = 0.78 and κ = 0.81 were for the optimized group and control group, respectively. Conclusion With reduced acquisition time and better image quality, AE-FLAIR combined with 3D TOF may be used as a rapid diagnosis tool in patients with acute cerebral infarction, especially in uncooperative patients.
Endometriosis and systemic lupus erythematosus: a population-based case–control study
Authors: Harris H R , Simard J F , Arkema E V 
Published: February 2016

Objective To investigate the association between endometriosis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in prospectively collected population-based data. Methods We conducted a case–control study using Swedish registers, identifying female SLE cases from the National Patient Register and female controls sampled from the general population matched on birth year, sex and county during 1964–2011. We identified endometriosis diagnoses from the National Patient Register using ICD codes. We estimated odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals using conditional logistic regression models. Results We identified 2834 cases of SLE and 14,164 controls. Seventy-eight cases were diagnosed with endometriosis prior to their SLE diagnosis and 288 controls were diagnosed prior to the index date. We observed a significant association between endometriosis and subsequent SLE with an odds ratio of 1.39 (95% confidence interval = 1.09–1.78). The association was similar when requiring a laparoscopy/laparotomy within six months of the endometriosis diagnosis (odds ratio = 1.33; 95% confidence interval = 0.84–2.12) while the association was stronger when restricted to endometriosis diagnosed at the same time as hysterectomy (odds ratio = 2.26; 95% confidence interval = 1.47–3.64). Conclusions Our findings suggest an association between endometriosis and SLE. Future prospective studies with extended follow-up will be necessary to clarify whether this association is influenced by the timing and severity of endometriosis diagnosis.
Do same-sex relationships count as family? The effects of personal characteristics, values, and contact on social workers’ definitions of same-sex relationships
Authors: Shilo Guy , Cohen Orna , Gavriel-Fried Belle 
Published: February 2016

Summary This mixed-methods study examined whether heterosexual social workers define same-sex relationships within the concept of family. A sample of 490 Israeli social workers completed a survey that assessed their definition of same-sex relationships as family, their personal values, level of acquaintance with same-sex relationships, and demographics. The qualitative portion included an open-ended question on the way participants perceived social and professional changes concerning families. Findings Results revealed that religiosity, gender, age, the values of universalism, benevolence and tradition, and level of acquaintance with same-sex relationships were direct predictors of the respondents’ definition of same-sex relationships as family. Level of acquaintance mediated the relationships between most demographic and value variables examined and respondents’ definition of same-sex relationships as family. Qualitative analysis endorsed the quantitative analysis. Applications Theoretical and practice implications are discussed, underlining the central role that personal acquaintance with same-sex families has in reducing heterosexism, and the need to improve knowledge about same-sex families in social work education.
Short-Term Complications of Distal Humerus Fractures in Elderly Patients
Authors: Lovy Andrew J. , Keswani Aakash , Koehler Steven M. , Kim Jaehon , Hausman Michael 
Published: February 2016

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate 30-day postoperative complications of open reduction and internal fixation [ORIF] and total elbow arthroplasty [TEA] for the treatment of distal humerus fractures in elderly patients using a validated national database. Methods: Review of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Database identified all elderly patients (>65 years) who underwent TEA or ORIF for the treatment of closed intra-articular distal humerus fractures from 2007 to 2013. Bivariate and multivariate analyses of risk factors for 30-day adverse events as defined by NSQIP between ORIF and TEA groups were assessed using preoperative and intraoperative variables. Results: Among the 176 patients with distal humerus fractures, there were 33 TEA and 143 ORIF. There was no difference in age, medical comorbidities, or functional status. Total elbow arthroplasty was associated with an increased odds of severe adverse event compared to ORIF (odds ratio = 1.57, P = .16), although it did not achieve statistical significance. Infection rate was 0.7% in ORIF and 0.0% in TEA ( P = .99). Insulin-dependent diabetes and functional status were significant independent predictors of postoperative adverse events. Operative time (165 minutes vs 140 minutes, P = .06) and postoperative length of stay (3.6 days vs 2.3 days, P = 0.03) were longer for TEA compared to ORIF. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation and TEA have similar 30-day postoperative complications for the treatment of distal humerus fractures among elderly patients. Despite favorable trends for TEA in recent studies, additional clinical results are needed to understand complications and limitation of TEA. Level of evidence: Level III, prognostic study.
The long non-coding RNA TUG1 indicates a poor prognosis for colorectal cancer and promotes metastasis by affecting epithelial-mesenchymal transition
Authors: Sun Junfeng , Ding Chaohui , Yang Zhen , Liu Tao , Zhang Xiefu , Zhao Chunlin , Wang Jiaxiang 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Background
Long intergenic non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that are involved in gene expression regulation. Taurine up-regulated gene 1 (TUG1) is a cancer progression related lncRNA in some tumor oncogenesis; however, its role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. In this study, we determined the expression patterns of TUG1 in CRC patients and explored its effect on CRC cell metastasis using cultured representative CRC cell lines.

Methods
The expression levels of TUG1 in 120 CRC patients and CRC cells were determined using quantitative real-time PCR. HDACs and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related gene expression were determined using western blot. CRC cell metastasis was assessed by colony formation, migration assay and invasion assay.

Results
Our data showed that the levels of TUG1 were upregulated in both CRC cell lines and primary CRC clinical samples. TUG1 upregulation was closely correlated with the survival time of CRC patients. Overexpression of TUG1 in CRC cells increased their colony formation, migration, and invasion invitro and promoted their metastatic potential in vivo, whereas knockdown of TUG1 inhibited the colony formation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells invitro. It is also worth pointing out that TUG1 activated EMT-related gene expression.

Conclusion
Our data suggest that tumor expression of lncRNA TUG1 plays a critical role in CRC metastasis. TUG1 may have potential roles as a biomarker and/or a therapeutic target in colorectal cancer.
Scalable linkage-disequilibrium-based selective sweep detection: a performance guide
Authors: Alachiotis Nikolaos , Pavlidis Pavlos 
Published: February 2016

Abstract

Background
Linkage disequilibrium is defined as the non-random associations of alleles at different loci, and it occurs when genotypes at the two loci depend on each other. The model of genetic hitchhiking predicts that strong positive selection affects the patterns of linkage disequilibrium around the site of a beneficial allele, resulting in specific motifs of correlation between neutral polymorphisms that surround the fixed beneficial allele. Increased levels of linkage disequilibrium are observed on the same side of a beneficial allele, and diminish between sites on different sides of a beneficial mutation. This specific pattern of linkage disequilibrium occurs more frequently when positive selection has acted on the population rather than under various neutral models. Thus, detecting such patterns could accurately reveal targets of positive selection along a recombining chromosome or a genome. Calculating linkage disequilibria in whole genomes is computationally expensive because allele correlations need to be evaluated for millions of pairs of sites. To analyze large datasets efficiently, algorithmic implementations used in modern population genetics need to exploit multiple cores of current workstations in a scalable way. However, population genomic datasets come in various types and shapes while typically showing SNP density heterogeneity, which makes the implementation of generally scalable parallel algorithms a challenging task.

Findings
Here we present a series of four parallelization strategies targeting shared-memory systems for the computationally intensive problem of detecting genomic regions that have contributed to the past adaptation of the species, also referred to as regions that have undergone a selective sweep, based on linkage disequilibrium patterns. We provide a thorough performance evaluation of the proposed parallel algorithms for computing linkage disequilibrium, and outline the benefits of each approach. Furthermore, we compare the accuracy of our open-source sweep-detection software OmegaPlus, which implements all four parallelization strategies presented here, with a variety of neutrality tests.

Conclusions
The computational demands of selective sweep detection algorithms depend greatly on the SNP density heterogeneity and the data representation. Choosing the right parallel algorithm for the analysis can lead to significant processing time reduction and major energy savings. However, determining which parallel algorithm will execute more efficiently on a specific processor architecture and number of available cores for a particular dataset is not straightforward.
Income inequality by method of non-weighted average absolute deviation: case study of Central and Eastern European countries
Authors: Tureckova Kamila 
Published: February 2016

The presented article uses the method of non-weighted average absolute deviation for expressing income inequality in 11 selected Central and Eastern European Countries. Specifically, the analysis of income inequality is done for Poland, the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. Based on the determination of income inequality in the article an analysis is made concerning the development of income inequality, including the subsequent inter-regional comparison in the context of the degree of income inequality in a given human society and economy. The text of this article is organized in 4 parts, after Introduction follows the analytic chapter where, primarily, the method of non-weighted average absolute deviation is explained. The third part contains the empirical analysis of income inequality, and the Conclusion highlights some major conclusions of detailed analysis made in Chapter 3. The analysis of income distribution of 11 European households between years 2005-2013 and its order is made in deciles basing on empirical data from the Statistics on Living Conditions and Welfare published by Eurostat.
Research, development and innovations in Czech manufacture of electronic products
Authors: Bockova Nina 
Published: February 2016

The paper deals with the topic of research and development investments and its use in small and medium-sized enterprises SME’s operating in the electronic industry. The aim of the article is to find out the impact of innovation activities on enterprises, especially the influence of the sources of funding for the research activity. The Czech Republic is the geographic segment to be explored. A chapter on theoretical issues is followed by a description of the current situation in the Czech Republic and abroad, and access to legal support for research and development in the business sector. Primary data collected from a survey are analysed in the analytical part. The statistical data processing was done using Statistica 12 software. Some SME’s of chosen group of manufacturing industry focus on research and development performed by their own means, and they searched for the possibility of financing the research from various sources.