bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and functional characterisation of 5-HT4 receptor in sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (Selenka)
Authors: Wang Tianming , Yang Zhen , Zhou Naiming , Sun Lina , Lv Zhenming , Wu Changwen 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSerotonin (5-HT) is an important neurotransmitter and neuromodulator that controls a variety of sensory and motor functions through 5-HT receptors (5-HTRs). The 5-HT4R subfamily is linked to Gs proteins, which activate adenylyl cyclases (ACs), and is involved in many responses in peripheral organs. In this study, the 5-HT4R fromApostichopus japonicus (Aj5-HT4R) was identified and characterised. The cloned full-lengthAj5-HT4R cDNA is 1,544 bp long and contains an open reading frame 1,011 bp in length encoding 336 amino acid proteins. Bioinformatics analysis of theAj5-HT4R protein indicated this receptor was a member of class A G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family. Further experiments usingAj5-HT4R-transfected HEK293 cells demonstrated that treatment with 5-HT triggered a significant increase in intracellular cAMP level in a dose-dependent manner and induced a rapid internalisation ofAj5-HT4R fused with enhanced green fluorescent protein (Aj5-HT4R-EGFP) from the cell surface into the cytoplasm. In addition, the transcriptional profiles ofAj5-HT4Rin aestivatingA. japonicasand phosphofructokinase (AjPFK) in 5-HT administratedA. japonicushave been analysed by real-time PCR assays. Results have led to a basic understanding ofAj5-HT4R inA. japonicus, and provide a foundation for further exploration of the cell signaling and regulatory functions of this receptor.
Influenza virus exploits tunneling nanotubes for cell-to-cell spread
Authors: Kumar Amrita , Kim Jin Hyang , Ranjan Priya , Metcalfe Maureen G. , Cao Weiping , Mishina Margarita , Gangappa Shivaprakash , Guo Zhu , Boyden Edward S. , Zaki Sherif , York Ian , García-Sastre Adolfo , Shaw Michael , Sambhara Suryaprakash 
Published: January 2017

AbstractTunneling nanotubes (TNTs) represent a novel route of intercellular communication. While previous work has shown that TNTs facilitate the exchange of viral or prion proteins from infected to naïve cells, it is not clear whether the viral genome is also transferred via this mechanism and further, whether transfer via this route can result in productive replication of the infectious agents in the recipient cell. Here we present evidence that lung epithelial cells are connected by TNTs, and in spite of the presence of neutralizing antibodies and an antiviral agent, Oseltamivir, influenza virus can exploit these networks to transfer viral proteins and genome from the infected to naïve cell, resulting in productive viral replication in the naïve cells. These observations indicate that influenza viruses can spread using these intercellular networks that connect epithelial cells, evading immune and antiviral defenses and provide an explanation for the incidence of influenza infections even in influenza-immune individuals and vaccine failures.
Single‐ended 2 ch. × 3.4 Gbit/s dual‐mode near‐ground transmitter IO driver in 45 nm CMOS process
Authors: Kim E. , Oh T. 
Published: January 2017

A smart dual‐mode IO driver and termination scheme is proposed and power is efficiently consumed for both low‐speed data transmission under 500 Mbit/s and high‐speed data transmission up to 3.4 Gbit/s. During high speed data transmission, the driver uses near‐ground signalling and pre‐emphasis weight can be controlled for inter symbol interference (ISI) mitigation. The measured eye shows 17.8% vertically and 19.5% horizontally with finite impulse response (FIR) tap control for 15.75″ FR4 channel. The proto‐type 2 channel single‐ended driver has been implemented in 45 nm CMOS process and occupies 0.022 mm2 chip area.
Quality of Life after Surgical Treatment for Esophageal Atresia: Long-Term Outcome of 154 Patients
Authors: Laschat Michael , Choinitzki Vera , Zwink Nadine , Jenetzky Ekkehart , Münsterer Oliver , Kurz Ralf , Pauly Marcus , Brokmeier Ulrike , Leutner Andreas , Ure Benno , Lacher Martin , Schumacher Johannes , Reutter Heiko , Boemers Thomas , Hölscher Alice 
Published: January 2017

Background The short- and long-term surgical results in patients with esophageal atresia (EA) with or without tracheoesophageal fistula (TEF) have been described in depth from a physician's perspective. Contrarily, the perception and coping strategies of affected patients and their parents have rarely been reported. The aim of this study was to generate data on this matter.
Patients and Methods A total of 154 patients who had operative reconstruction for EA between 1971 and 2012 were evaluated for demographic data, surgical technique, affection of daily life, and coping strategies.
Results Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) symptoms were reported in 59% of cases with 33% requiring fundoplication. Regular bougienages of anastomotic strictures were necessary in 68% with 36% requiring repeated dilatations in the first postoperative year. Enteral nutrition via a nasogastric tube was performed in 66% after surgery. In 40%, the tube was needed until their sixth week of life. In 25%, nutritional support was necessary more than 1 year out of surgery. Quality of life in general was felt to be impaired according to the patients' parents in 50%. Regarding medical advice about long-term morbidities, more than 50% of the parents felt insufficiently advised. There were no statistical differences between the EA/TEF subtypes regarding GER symptoms, frequency of esophageal dilatations, eating behaviors, or support of the parents in feeding management.
Conclusion Our observations indicate that a high percentage of EA/TEF patients and families require more intensive aftercare and support during the first year following primary reconstruction than previously thought. We observed a higher need for adequate parental information on long-term complications of their children compared with current practice.
Antiinflammatory actions of inorganic nitrate stabilize the atherosclerotic plaque
Authors: Khambata Rayomand S. , Ghosh Suborno M. , Rathod Krishnaraj S. , Thevathasan Tharssana , Filomena Federica , Xiao Qingzhong , Ahluwalia Amrita 
Published: January 2017

Significance
Reduced bioavailable nitric oxide generated within the vascular wall is a key pathogenic mechanism involved in the formation and rupture of an atheromatous plaque, the latter leading to myocardial infarction or stroke. We show that inorganic nitrate supplementation through delivery of nitric oxide reduces systemic leukocyte rolling and adherence, circulating neutrophil numbers, and monocyte activation through direct repression of neutrophil activation and up-regulation of interleukin-10–dependent antiinflammatory pathways in athero-prone mice. These antiinflammatory effects of inorganic nitrate result in reduced macrophage content of atherosclerotic plaques coupled with an elevation of smooth muscle content, resulting in a stable plaque phenotype. Our data suggest that inorganic nitrate supplementation has antiinflammatory effects, which may have clinical utility in the prophylaxis of atheroma development.
Mutational landscape of antibody variable domains reveals a switch modulating the interdomain conformational dynamics and antigen binding
Authors: Koenig Patrick , Lee Chingwei V. , Walters Benjamin T. , Janakiraman Vasantharajan , Stinson Jeremy , Patapoff Thomas W. , Fuh Germaine 
Published: January 2017

Significance
On encountering antigens, antibody’s variable domains evolve and mature through multiple rounds of somatic mutation. By surveying the effects of all possible single mutations of an antibody’s variable domains on folding stability and antigen binding, we showed that even for a high-affinity antibody such as the one used in our study, beneficial mutations can be found both near and far from the antigen-binding site. Furthermore, our mutational scan revealed an antigen-distal framework position working as a structural switch whereby a mutation can allow the variable domains to sample different conformational spaces and thus potentially different binding functions. This understanding of the mechanism of somatic mutation in human antibodies illustrates how antibodies efficiently use somatic mutation for evolving diversity in immune recognition.
Impact of climate change on medically important ticks in Europe and their control.
Authors: Gliniewicz A. , Karbowiak G. , Mikulak E. , Supergan-Marwicz M. , Królasik A. , Myślewicz J. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter reviews the occurrence and distribution of medically important ticks (such as Ixodes ricinus, Dermacentor reticulatus and Haemaphysalis punctata) in Europe, and discusses how these have been affected by climate change. It presents evidence of the impact of climate change on tick behaviour and biology, and on the incidence of tickborne diseases in Europe such as Lyme disease and tickborne encephalitis. Challenges and potential strategies for the management of tick populations are also discussed.
Climate change and vectorborne diseases in the urban ecosystem in India.
Authors: Dhiman R. C. , Poonam Singh Poonam Singh 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter explores the impact of climate change on the ecology and breeding behaviour of mosquito vectors and on the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases (MBDs) in urban areas of India. These MBDs include malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and lymphatic filariasis. The different climatic zones in India, and trends in temperature and relative humidity are described.
Rhetoric versus the realities of sustainable tourism: the case of Cyprus.
Authors: Farmaki A. , Altinay L. , Yascedilla˜arata M. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter offers insights into the paradigm of sustainable tourism by drawing on empirical evidence from the island of Cyprus. Discussion centres on the interplay of destination competitiveness, seasonality and quality of life. The chapter begins by presenting the theoretical background necessary in framing discussion into the relevant context. Further on, a synopsis of empirical research on the sustainability of island tourism is provided before the chapter introduces the case of Cyprus. Conclusions from selected examples of sustainable tourism practices on Cyprus are given and the chapter ends with recommendations on how sustainable tourism in Cyprus can be better implemented to serve the goals of improved destination competitiveness, seasonality and quality of life.
Island tourism competitiveness and sustainability in the Maldives.
Authors: Carlsen J. , Zulfa M. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter investigates the evolution of destination competitiveness factors in the Maldives tourism sector in an era when market sensitivity and volatility have increased in response to economic, political, social and environmental changes and new sources of competition are emerging. It first reviews previous studies and synthesizes that literature into a matrix of variables, survey instruments and units of analysis previously employed to measure competitiveness. From this synthesis, six groups comprising 48 competitiveness factors were tested on a range of tourism experts in the Maldives to assess both the importance and performance of each variable. Importance-performance analysis (IPA) grids provide a summary of findings and a means of identifying and assessing the factors that make the Maldives competitive and that therefore should provide the focus of sustainable competitive advantage. IPA also identifies areas where the Maldives could improve its competitive performance and these should be priority areas that are addressed in future policy, planning and management activities.
Quality of life, the tourism area life cycle and sustainability: a case of Cuba.
Authors: Beardsley M. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

This chapter intends to use the case of Cuba and its tourism status to provide preliminary support for the contention that the constructs of quality of life (QOL), the tourism area life cycle (TALC) and sustainability are intertwined. After briefly exploring the background of each construct and any past linkages identified by researchers in the field, a case study of Cuba is utilized to substantiate the notion that these constructs are interrelated. The case starts by first establishing the historical, political, economic and tourism setting of the nation. Following this, the positive and negative attributes of past efforts, present environment and future intentions for inbound Cuban tourism are explored. Applying Cuba's compounded background and tourism environment, warning signs are derived that could impact the three aforementioned constructs in the future.
A portable defense of the Procreation Asymmetry
Authors: Earl Jake 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe Procreation Asymmetry holds that we have strong moral reasons not to create miserable people for their own sakes, but no moral reasons to create happy people for their own sakes. To defend this conjunction against an argument that it leads to inconsistency, I show how recognizing ‘creation’ as a temporally extended process allows us to revise the conjuncts in a way that preserves their intuitive force. This defense of the Procreation Asymmetry is preferable to others because it does not require us to take on controversial metaphysical or metaethical commitments – in other words, it has the theoretical virtue of portability.
Isolation and spectral characterization of thermally generated multi-Z-isomers of lycopene and the theoretically preferred pathway to di-Z-isomers
Authors: Honda Masaki , Kudo Tatsuya , Kuwa Takahiro , Higashiura Takuma , Fukaya Tetsuya , Inoue Yoshinori , Kitamura Chitoshi , Takehara Munenori 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Lycopene has a large number of geometric isomers caused by E/Z isomerization at arbitrary sites within the 11 conjugated double bonds, offering varying characteristics related to features such as antioxidant capacity and bioavailability. However, the geometric structures of only a few lycopene Z-isomers have been thoroughly identified from natural sources. In this study, seven multi-Z-isomers of lycopene, (9Z,13′Z)-, (5Z,13Z,9′Z)-, (9Z,9′Z)-, (5Z,13′Z)-, (5Z,9′Z)-, (5Z,9Z,5′Z)-, and (5Z,9Z)-lycopene, were obtained from tomato samples by thermal isomerization, and then isolated by elaborate chromatography, and fully assigned using proton nuclear magnetic resonance. Moreover, the theoretically preferred pathway from (all-E)-lycopene to di-Z-isomers was examined with a computational approach using a Gaussian program. Fine-tuning of the HPLC separation conditions led to the discovery of novel multi-Z-isomers, and whose formation was supported by advanced theoretical calculations.
ORCAN—a web-based meta-server for real-time detection and functional annotation of orthologs
Authors: Zielezinski Andrzej , Dziubek Michal , Sliski Jan , Karlowski Wojciech M 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Summary
ORCAN (ORtholog sCANner) is a web-based meta-server for one-click evolutionary and functional annotation of protein sequences. The server combines information from the most popular orthology-prediction resources, including four tools and four online databases. Functional annotation utilizes five additional comparisons between the query and identified homologs, including: sequence similarity, protein domain architectures, functional motifs, Gene Ontology term assignments and a list of associated articles. Furthermore, the server uses a plurality-based rating system to evaluate the orthology relationships and to rank the reference proteins by their evolutionary and functional relevance to the query. Using a dataset of ∼1 million true yeast orthologs as a sample reference set, we show that combining multiple orthology-prediction tools in ORCAN increases the sensitivity and precision by 1–2 percent points.

Availability and Implementation
The service is available for free at http://www.combio.pl/orcan/.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Chainy: an universal tool for standardized relative quantification in real-time PCR
Authors: Mallona Izaskun , Díez-Villanueva Anna , Martín Berta , Peinado Miguel A 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Summary
Chainy is a cross-platform web tool providing systematic pipelines and steady criteria to process real-time PCR data, including the calculation of efficiencies from raw data by kinetic methods, evaluation of the suitability of multiple references, standardized normalization using one or more references, and group-wise relative quantification statistical testing. We illustrate the utility of Chainy for differential expression and chromatin immunoprecipitation enrichment (ChIP-QPCR) analysis.

Availability and Implementation
Chainy is open source and freely available at http://maplab.cat/chainy

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Complications, Risk Factors, and Staffing Patterns for Noncardiac Surgery in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices
Authors: Mathis Michael R. , Sathishkumar Subramanian , Kheterpal Sachin , Caldwell Matthew D. , Pagani Francis D. , Jewell Elizabeth S. , Engoren Milo C. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Background
Patients with left ventricular assist devices presenting for noncardiac surgery are increasingly commonplace; however, little is known about their outcomes. Accordingly, the authors sought to determine the frequency of complications, risk factors, and staffing patterns.

Methods
The authors performed a retrospective study at their academic tertiary care center, investigating all adult left ventricular assist device patients undergoing noncardiac surgery from 2006 to 2015. The authors described perioperative profiles of noncardiac surgery cases, including patient, left ventricular assist device, surgical case, and anesthetic characteristics, as well as staffing by cardiac/noncardiac anesthesiologists. Through univariate and multivariable analyses, the authors studied acute kidney injury as a primary outcome; secondary outcomes included elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase suggestive of left ventricular assist device thrombosis, intraoperative bleeding complication, and intraoperative hypotension. The authors additionally studied major perioperative complications and mortality.

Results
Two hundred and forty-six patients underwent 702 procedures. Of 607 index cases, 110 (18%) experienced postoperative acute kidney injury, and 16 (2.6%) had elevated lactate dehydrogenase. Of cases with complete blood pressure data, 176 (27%) experienced intraoperative hypotension. Bleeding complications occurred in 45 cases (6.4%). Thirteen (5.3%) patients died within 30 days of surgery. Independent risk factors associated with acute kidney injury included major surgical procedures (adjusted odds ratio, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.1 to 17.3; P = 0.03) and cases prompting invasive arterial line monitoring (adjusted odds ratio, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.3 to 10.3; P = 0.02) or preoperative fresh frozen plasma transfusion (adjusted odds ratio, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.8; P = 0.02).

Conclusions
Intraoperative hypotension and acute kidney injury were the most common complications in left ventricular assist device patients presenting for noncardiac surgery; perioperative management remains a challenge.
Quantifying Baseline Fixed Charge Density in Healthy Human Cartilage Endplate
Authors: Wu Yongren , Cisewski Sarah E. , Sun Yi , Damon Brooke J. , Sachs Barton L. , Pellegrini Vincent D. , Slate Elizabeth H. , Yao Hai 
Published: January 2017

Study Design.
Regional measurements of fixed charge densities (FCDs) of healthy human cartilage endplate (CEP) using a two-point electrical conductivity approach.

Objective.
The aim of this study was to determine the FCDs at four different regions (central, lateral, anterior, and posterior) of human CEP, and correlate the FCDs with tissue biochemical composition.

Summary of Background Data.
The CEP, a thin layer of hyaline cartilage on the cranial and caudal surfaces of the intervertebral disc, plays an irreplaceable role in maintaining the unique physiological mechano-electrochemical environment inside the disc. FCD, arising from the carboxyl and sulfate groups of the glycosaminoglycans (GAG) in the extracellular matrix of the disc, is a key regulator of the disc ionic and osmotic environment through physicochemical and electrokinetic effects. Although FCDs in the annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP) have been reported, quantitative baseline FCD in healthy human CEP has not been reported.

Methods.
CEP specimens were regionally isolated from human lumbar spines. FCD and ion diffusivity were concurrently investigated using a two-point electrical conductivity method. Biochemical assays were used to quantify regional GAG and water content.

Results.
FCD in healthy human CEP was region-dependent, with FCD lowest in the lateral region (P = 0.044). Cross-region FCD was 30% to 60% smaller than FCD in NP, but similar to the AF and articular cartilage (AC). CEP FCD (average: 0.12 ± 0.03 mEq/g wet tissue) was correlated with GAG content (average: 31.24 ± 5.06 μg/mg wet tissue) (P = 0.005). In addition, the cross-region ion diffusivity in healthy CEP (2.97 ± 1.00 × 10−6 cm2/s) was much smaller than the AF and NP.

Conclusion.
Healthy human CEP acts as a biomechanical interface, distributing loads between the bony vertebral body and soft disc tissues and as a gateway impeding rapid solute diffusion through the disc.

Level of Evidence: N/A
ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Locally Advanced, High-Risk Prostate Cancer
Authors: McLaughlin Patrick W. , Liss Adam L. , Nguyen Paul L. , Assimos Dean G. , D’Amico Anthony V. , Gottschalk Alexander R. , Gustafson Gary S. , Keole Sameer R. , Liauw Stanley L. , Lloyd Shane , Movsas Benjamin , Prestidge Bradley R. , Showalter Timothy N. , Taira Al V. , Vapiwala Neha , Davis Brian J. 
Published: January 2017

Purpose:
To present the most updated American College of Radiology consensus guidelines formed from an expert panel on treatment of locally advanced, high-risk prostate cancer

Methods:
The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Results:
The panel summarized the most recent and relevant literature on the topic and voted on 4 clinical variants illustrating the appropriate management of locally advanced, high-risk cancer. Numerical rating and commentary reflecting the panel consensus was given for each treatment approach in each variant.

Conclusions:
Aggressive local approaches including surgery followed by adjuvant XRT, beam combined with androgen deprivation therapy, and beam combined with brachytherapy have resulted in unpresented success in locally advanced, high-risk prostate cancer. By combining most recent medical literature and expert opinion, this guideline can aid clinicians in the appropriate integration of available therapeutic modalities.