bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impaired Aortic Contractility to Uridine Adenosine Tetraphosphate in Angiotensin II-Induced Hypertensive Mice: Receptor Desensitization?
Authors: Zhou Zhichao , Yadav Vishal R. , Sun Changyan , Teng Bunyen , Mustafa Jamal S. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
We previously showed that uridine adenosine tetraphosphate (Up4A)-mediated aortic contraction is partly mediated through purinergic P2X1 receptors (P2X1R). It has been reported that the plasma level of Up4A is elevated in hypertensive patients, implying a potential role for Up4A-P2X1R signaling in hypertension. This study investigated the vasoactive effect of Up4A in aortas isolated from angiotensin (Ang) II-infused (21 days) hypertensive mice.

METHODS
Blood pressure was measured by tail cuff plethysmography. Aortas were isolated for isometric tension measurements, and protein expression was analyzed by western blot.

RESULTS
Mean and systolic arterial pressures were elevated by ~50% in Ang II-infused mice. Protein levels of both AT1R and P2X1R were upregulated in Ang II-infused aortas. Surprisingly, Up4A (10−9–10−5 M)-induced concentration-dependent contraction was significantly impaired in Ang II-infused mice. Studies in control mice revealed that both P2X1R (MRS2159) and AT1R (losartan) antagonists significantly attenuated Up4A-induced aortic contraction. In addition, desensitization of AT1R by prior Ang II (100 nM) exposure had no effect on Up4A-induced aortic contraction. However, subsequent serial exposure responses to Up4A-induced aortic contraction were markedly reduced, suggesting a desensitization of purinergic receptors. This desensitization was further confirmed in control mice by prior exposure of aortas to the P2X1R desensitizer α, β-methylene ATP (10 μM).

CONCLUSION
Despite upregulation of AT1R and P2X1R in hypertension, Up4A-mediated aortic contraction was impaired in Ang II-infused mice, likely through the desensitization of P2X1R but not AT1R. This implies that vascular P2X1R activity, rather than plasma Up4A level, may determine the role of Up4A in hypertension.
Edlib: a C/C ++ library for fast, exact sequence alignment using edit distance
Authors: Šošić Martin , Šikić Mile 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Summary
We present Edlib, an open-source C/C ++ library for exact pairwise sequence alignment using edit distance. We compare Edlib to other libraries and show that it is the fastest while not lacking in functionality and can also easily handle very large sequences. Being easy to use, flexible, fast and low on memory usage, we expect it to be easily adopted as a building block for future bioinformatics tools.

Availability and Implementation
Source code, installation instructions and test data are freely available for download at https://github.com/Martinsos/edlib, under the MIT licence. Edlib is implemented in C/C ++ and supported on Linux, MS Windows, and Mac OS.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Arterial Pressure Variation in Elective Noncardiac Surgery: Identifying Reference Distributions and Modifying Factors
Authors: Mathis Michael R. , Schechtman Samuel A. , Engoren Milo C. , Shanks Amy M. , Thompson Aleda , Kheterpal Sachin , Tremper Kevin K. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Background
Assessment of need for intravascular volume resuscitation remains challenging for anesthesiologists. Dynamic waveform indices, including systolic and pulse pressure variation, are demonstrated as reliable measures of fluid responsiveness for mechanically ventilated patients. Despite widespread use, real-world reference distributions for systolic and pulse pressure variation values have not been established for euvolemic intraoperative patients. The authors sought to establish systolic and pulse pressure variation reference distributions and assess the impact of modifying factors.

Methods
The authors evaluated adult patients undergoing general anesthetics for elective noncardiac surgery. Median systolic and pulse pressure variations during a 50-min postinduction period were noted for each case. Modifying factors including body mass index, age, ventilator settings, positioning, and hemodynamic management were studied via univariate and multivariable analyses. For systolic pressure variation values, effects of data entry method (manually entered vs. automated recorded) were similarly studied.

Results
Among 1,791 cases, per-case median systolic and pulse pressure variation values formed nonparametric distributions. For each distribution, median values, interquartile ranges, and reference intervals (2.5th to 97.5th percentile) were, respectively, noted: these included manually entered systolic pressure variation (6.0, 5.0 to 7.0, and 3.0 to 11.0 mmHg), automated systolic pressure variation (4.7, 3.9 to 6.0, and 2.2 to 10.4 mmHg), and automated pulse pressure variation (7.0, 5.0 to 9.0, and 2.0 to 16.0%). Nonsupine positioning and preoperative β blocker were independently associated with altered systolic and pulse pressure variations, whereas ventilator tidal volume more than 8 ml/kg ideal body weight and peak inspiratory pressure more than 16 cm H2O demonstrated independent associations for systolic pressure variation only.

Conclusions
This study establishes real-world systolic and pulse pressure variation reference distributions absent in the current literature. Through a consideration of reference distributions and modifying factors, the authors’ study provides further evidence for assessing intraoperative volume status and fluid management therapies.
Acute respiratory distress syndrome mimics: the role of lung biopsy
Authors: Aublanc Mylène , Perinel Sophie , Guérin Claude 
Published: December 2016

Purpose of review
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) mimics is a condition looking like ARDS but that does not fulfill every criterion according to the recent Berlin definition. The purpose of this review is to better delineate ARDS mimics, to discuss why the complete diagnosis of ARDS is important, and to make a brief overview on the role of open lung biopsy in this setting.

Recent findings
Recent autopsy and lung biopsy data from ARDS patients compared lung histologic findings with the new Berlin definition of ARDS. Among them, there are some limited data about two niches, namely open lung biopsy and ARDS mimics suggesting that lung histology is important for making the diagnosis and offering the accurate management. This includes specific new treatments or stopping some medications toxic to the lung. Finally, ARDS with diffuse alveolar damage could be a specific subphenotype of ARDS with poor prognosis.

Summary
An ARDS mimic enhances the need of making ARDS diagnosis as comprehensive as possible. In some limited cases, open lung biopsy in skilled hands may have implications for management.
The NCA-1 and NCA-2 ion channels function downstream of Gq and Rho to regulate locomotion inC. elegans
Authors: Topalidou Irini , Chen Pin-An , Cooper Kirsten , Watanabe Shigeki , Jorgensen Erik M. , Ailion Michael 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe heterotrimeric G protein Gqpositively regulates neuronal activity and synaptic transmission. Previously, the Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor Trio was identified as a direct effector of Gqthat acts in parallel to the canonical Gqeffector phospholipase C. Here we examine how Trio and Rho act to stimulate neuronal activity downstream of Gqin the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans. Through two forward genetic screens, we identify the cation channels NCA-1 and NCA-2, orthologs of mammalian NALCN, as downstream targets of the Gq/Rho pathway. By performing genetic epistasis analysis using dominant activating mutations and recessive loss-of-function mutations in the members of this pathway, we show that NCA-1 and NCA-2 act downstream of Gqin a linear pathway. Through cell-specific rescue experiments, we show that function of these channels in head acetylcholine neurons is sufficient for normal locomotion inC. elegans. Our results suggest that NCA-1 and NCA-2 are physiologically relevant targets of neuronal Gq-Rho signaling inC. elegans.
Clinical metagenomics of bone and joint infections: a proof of concept study
Authors: Ruppé Etienne , Lazarevic Vladimir , Girard Myriam , Mouton William , Ferry Tristan , Laurent Frédéric , Schrenzel Jacques 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundBone and joint infections (BJI) are severe infections that require a tailored and protracted antibiotic treatment. The diagnostic of BJI relies on the culture of surgical specimens, yet some bacteria would not grow because of extreme oxygen sensitivity or fastidious growth. Hence, metagenomic sequencing could potentially address those limitations. In this study, we assessed the performances of metagenomic sequencing of BJI samples for the identification of pathogens and the prediction of antibiotic susceptibility.MethodsA total of 179 samples were considered. The DNA was extracted with a kit aiming to decrease the amount of human DNA (Molzym), and sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq2500 in 2x250 paired-end reads. The taxonomy was obtained by MetaPhlAn2, the bacterial reads assembled with MetaSPAdes and the antibiotic resistance determinants (ARDs) identified using a database made of Resfinder+ARDs from functional metagenomic studies.ResultsWe could sequence the DNA from 24 out of 179 samples. For monomicrobial samples (n=8), the presence of the pathogen was confirmed by metagenomics in all cases. For polymicrobial samples (n=16), 32/55 bacteria (58.2%) were found at the species level (41/55 [74.5%] at the genus level). Conversely, a total of 273 bacteria not found in culture were identified, 182 being possible pathogens undetected in culture and 91 contaminants. A correct antibiotic susceptibility could be inferred in 94.1% cases for monomicrobial samples and in 76.5% cases in polymicrobial samples.ConclusionsWhen sufficient amounts of DNA can be extracted from samples, we found that clinical metagenomics is a potential tool to support conventional culture.
Fine-scale variation in microclimate across an urban landscape changes the capacity ofAedes albopictusto vector arbovirus
Authors: Murdock C. C. , Evans M. V. , McClanahan T. , Miazgowicz K. , Tesla B. 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTMost statistical and mechanistic models used to predict mosquito borne disease transmission incorporate climate drivers of disease transmission by utilizing environmental data collected at scales that are potentially coarser than what mosquito vectors actually experience. Temperature and relative humidity can vary greatly between indoor and outdoor environments, and can be influenced strongly by variation in landscape features. In theAedes albopictussystem, we conducted a proof-of-concept study in the vicinity of the University of Georgia to explore the effects of fine-scale microclimate variation on mosquito life history and vectorial capacity (VC). We placedAe. albopictuslarvae in artificial pots distributed across three replicate sites within three different land uses – urban, suburban, and rural, which were characterized by high, intermediate, and low proportions of impervious surfaces. Data loggers were placed into each larval environment and in nearby vegetation to record daily variation in water and ambient temperature and relative humidity. The number of adults emerging from each pot and their body size and sex were recorded daily. We found mosquito microclimate to significantly vary across the season as well as with land use. Urban sites were in general warmer and less humid than suburban and rural sites, translating into decreased larval survival, smaller body sizes, and lower per capita growth rates of mosquitoes on urban sites. Dengue transmission potential was predicted to be higher in the summer than the fall. Additionally, the effects of land use on dengue transmission potential varied by season. Warm summers resulted in a higher predicted VC on the cooler, rural sites, while warmer, urban sites had a higher predicted VC during the cooler fall season.
Blended learning for building student-teachers’ capacity to learn and teach science-related interdisciplinary subjects
Authors: Lee Yeung Chung , Lau Kwok-chi , Yip Valerie Wing Yan 
Published: December 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report the design and evaluation of an inter-university collaborative project entitled “Blended learning for building student-teachers’ capacity to learn and teach science-related interdisciplinary subjects.” The project is a response of the science education faculty of three Hong Kong tertiary institutes to the challenge of catering to the diversity of academic backgrounds among student-teachers.

Design/methodology/approach
E-learning modules have been produced covering four content domains of science. These modules are designed based on the 5E learning model and are delivered to students using the learning management system provided by Moodle. The design of the modules is iterative, based on the evaluation of three consecutive rounds of trials through student surveys, and focus group interviews with students and course lecturers.

Findings
The evaluation findings indicate positive outcomes for certain attributes such as conceptual understanding, eagerness and confidence in learning science, and metacognitive reflection on students’ own learning. There are challenges to be met in relation to instructional design to cater for the diversity of student abilities, and enhance motivation in self-directed learning.

Practical implications
The project indicates the ways to develop students’ basic science knowledge in a mixed-ability setting through the design of self-directed e-learning modules blended with their major courses and possible measures to address the limitations of such design.

Originality/value
The study represents a conscious effort for the science teacher education faculty of different universities to pull together to tackle a perennial teaching and learning problem. The findings provide important insights into possible ways to blend e-learning with face-to-face learning approaches to better cater to the needs of science learners with mixed abilities to prepare them for interdisciplinary teaching.
Editorial on the international collaboration in Latin American publications on management, vis-à-vis the best papers in Cladea 2015
Authors: Ogliastri Enrique 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
This issue includes five of the best papers, from six different countries, presented in the Cladea Assembly of 2015. This introduction summarises the papers and presents an analysis of Latin American publications on management, and of the advantages and conditions for international collaboration. The first article looks at the positive impact of the decentralization of decision-making processes and the formalisation of work in the innovation of small and medium enterprises. The second studies the fear of failure in work and its relationship to demographic variables. The third analyses the impact of the domestic violence suffered by workers on customer services in Puerto Rican companies. The fourth discusses the relationship between teleworking and the work-family conflict, and finally, the fifth is aimed at optimising the management of dependent demand inventory systems.
This issue includes five articles chosen among the best papers presented at the Cladea Assembly of 2015 organised by Universidad de Valparaíso (Chile). The articles were sent in from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Spain, and Puerto Rico, and were the best assessed in the fields of organisational behaviour, leadership and human capital management, entrepreneurships and SMEs, technology management and innovation, and operations management and value chains.
The selection process began with the evaluation of the works sent to the conference for each topic. The author wish to thank the organisers, those in charge of each topic, and all the evaluators that helped select the best works. In particular, we thank Sergio Olavarrieta, José Ernesto Amorós, Jorge Ayala, Silvio Borrero, Daniel Cabrera, Reinaldo Calvo, Consuelo García, Valeska Geldres, Jorge Gilbert, Olga Pizarro, José Antonio Robles, and Jorge Tarzijan. Authors interested in publishing their articles were asked to send in a revised version. These new versions were then subjected to a double blind evaluation, and subsequent revisions until reaching the current publication. This has been a collective process in which dozens of academics from all the Cladea schools and countries have taken part.
Evolutionary urban climate resilience: assessment of Seoul’s policies
Authors: Lee Taedong , Lee Taehwa 
Published: December 2016

Purpose
Ongoing climate risks require all levels of society to be resilient. Urban areas, which are densely developed with huge levels of population and infrastructure, are critical places to develop adaptation and resilience strategies. This study aims to conceptualize evolutionary urban climate resilience strategies with a step-by-step analytic framework that will be called 3R: Recognition–Readiness–Response.

Design/methodology/approach
This analytic framework is then applied to assess whether and to what extent the components of urban climate resilience are incorporated into the pertinent ordinances and policies of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, including climate change, urban planning and disaster management.

Findings
The findings of this study suggest that the climate change ordinances of Seoul have focused on climate mitigation rather than resilience.

Practical implications
Thus, comprehensive efforts are required to incorporate evolutionary urban climate resilience strategies into ordinances and practices.

Originality/value
This paper contributes to build an analytic framework that provides a step-by-step process with check-list questions based on the sub-components of urban climate resilience procedure.
The impact of the Health and Social Care Act, 2012 on the health and wellbeing of rough sleepers
Authors: Fuller James Sebastian 
Published: December 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the Health and Social Care Act, 2012 on London’s rough sleepers as seen from the perspective of one former homeless service user (currently working as a support worker in a day centre providing outreach and “drop in” facilities for people who are street homeless and other vulnerable adults including female sex workers). The discussion centres on some of the unintended impacts of changes to healthcare commissioning; the new arrangements for patient, public representation; and the enhanced role of local councils.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper is grounded in front line practitioner reflection/opinion and draws on practical experience and observation at Spires, as well as research and government papers published by other service providers. The aspirations of the Health and Social Care Act, 2012 are set out before its practical application are examined from the rough sleeper’s dimension.

Findings
Putting clinicians and GPs centre stage in the commissioning and purchasing of healthcare may have some benefits for individual patient choice, but it can also dilute patient public involvement in health and social care with negative effects for vulnerable and excluded groups, including rough sleepers. The terms of reference ascribed to Local Healthwatch Organisations, the official representatives of the people, are narrower than previously and limit their ability to influence official policy. The Act centralises control whilst devolving operational responsibility, especially for public health provision on which rough sleepers often rely. It is suggested that local voluntary organisations and specialist “inclusion” health groups are increasingly being expected to take over responsibility for delivering health and social care and that mainstream collaboration is much reduced rather than enhanced by this fragmentation.

Research limitations/implications
This review is based on the opinion of an “expert by experience” which may not be representative.

Originality/value
This is one of few papers which present a front line service user/practitioner perspective on the impact of clinical commissioning on services for marginalised groups.
The Digital House of Care: information solutions for integrated care
Authors: Muirhead Andrew , Ward Derek George , Howard Brenda 
Published: December 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a digital tool in an English county striving towards a vision of integrated information that is used to underpin an increasingly integrated future of health and social care delivery.

Design/methodology/approach
It discusses the policy context nationally, the origins and implementation of the initiative, the authors’ experiences and viewpoint highlighting key challenges and learning, as well as examples of new work undertaken.

Findings
In all, 12 health and care organisations have participated in this project. The ability for local commissioners and providers of services to now understand “flow” both between and within services at a granular level is unique. Costs are modest, and the opportunities for refining and better targeting as well as validating services are significant, thus demonstrating a return on investment. Key learning includes how organisational development was equally as important as the implementation of innovative new software, that change management from grass roots to strategic leaders is vital, and that the whole system is greater than the sum of its otherwise in-silo parts.

Practical implications
Data linkage initiatives, whether local, regional or national in scale, need to be programme managed. A robust governance and accountability framework must be in place to realise the benefits of such as a solution, and IT infrastructure is paramount.

Social implications
Organisational development, collaborative as well as distributed leadership, and managing a change in culture towards health and care information is critical in order to create a supportive environment that fosters learning across organisational boundaries.

Originality/value
This paper draws on the recent experience of achieving large-scale data integration across the boundaries of health and social care, to help plan and commission services more effectively. This rich, multi-agency intelligence has already begun to change the way in which the system considers service planning, and learning from this county’s approach may assist others considering similar initiatives.