bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genomic Mechanisms Governing Mineral Homeostasis and the Regulation and Maintenance of Vitamin D Metabolism
Authors: Pike J Wesley , Lee Seong Min , Benkusky Nancy A , Meyer Mark B 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACTOur recent genomic studies identified a complex kidney‐specific enhancer module located within the introns of adjacent Mettl1 (M1) and Mettl21b (M21) genes that mediate basal and PTH induction of Cyp27b1, as well as suppression by FGF23 and 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3]. The tissue specificity for this regulatory module appears to be localized exclusively to renal proximal tubules. Gross deletion of these segments in mice has severe consequences on skeletal health, and directly affects Cyp27b1 expression in the kidney. Deletion of both the M1 and M21 submodules together almost completely eliminates basal Cyp27b1 expression in the kidney, creating a renal specific pseudo‐null mouse, resulting in a systemic and skeletal phenotype similar to that of the Cyp27b1‐KO mouse caused by high levels of both 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] and PTH and depletion of 1,25(OH)2D3. Cyp24a1 levels in the double KO mouse also decrease because of compensatory downregulation of the gene by elevated PTH and reduced FGF23 that is mediated by an intergenic module located downstream of the Cyp24a1 gene. Outside of the kidney in nonrenal target cells (NRTCs), expression of Cyp27b1 in these mutant mice was unaffected. Dietary normalization of calcium, phosphate, PTH, and FGF23 rescues the aberrant phenotype of this mouse and normalizes the skeleton. In addition, both the high levels of 25(OH)D3 were reduced and the low levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 were fully eliminated in these mutant mice as a result of the rescue‐induced normalization of renal Cyp24a1. Thus, these hormone‐regulated enhancers for both Cyp27b1 and Cyp24a1 in the kidney are responsible for the circulating levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 in the blood. The retention of Cyp27b1 and Cyp24a1 expression in NRTCs of these endocrine 1,25(OH)2D3‐deficient mice suggests that this Cyp27b1 pseudo‐null mouse will provide a model for the future exploration of the role of NRTC‐produced 1,25(OH)2D3 in the hormone's diverse noncalcemic actions in both health and disease. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Risk for Incident Vertebral and Hip Fracture in Women
Authors: Huang Tianyi , Tworoger Shelley S , Redline Susan , Curhan Gary C , Paik Julie M 
Published: November 2020

ABSTRACT
Recent studies suggest a positive association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a disorder associated with intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation, and derangements in bone metabolism. However, no prospective study to date has investigated the association between OSA and fracture risk in women. We conducted a prospective study examining the relation between OSA and risk of incident vertebral fracture (VF) and hip fracture (HF) in the Nurses' Health Study. History of physician-diagnosed OSA was assessed by self-reported questionnaires. A previous validation study demonstrated high concordance between self-reports and medical record identification of OSA. OSA severity was further categorized according to the presence or absence of self-reported sleepiness. Self-reports of VF were confirmed by medical record review. Self-reported HF was assessed by biennial questionnaires. Cox proportional-hazards models estimated the hazard ratio for fracture according to OSA status, adjusted for potential confounders, including BMI, physical activity, calcium intake, history of osteoporosis, and falls, and use of sleep medications. Among 55,264 women without prior history of fracture, physician-diagnosed OSA was self-reported in 1.3% in 2002 and increased to 3.3% by 2012. Between 2002 and 2014, 461 incident VF cases and 921 incident HF cases were documented. The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for confirmed VF for women with history of OSA was 2.00 (95% CI, 1.29–3.12) compared with no OSA history, with the strongest association observed for OSA with daytime sleepiness (HR 2.86; 95% CI, 1.31–6.21). No association was observed between OSA history and self-reported HF risk (HR 0.83; 95% CI, 0.49–1.43). History of OSA is independently associated with higher risk of confirmed VF but did not have a statistically significant association with self-reported HF in women. Further research is warranted in understanding the role of OSA and intermittent hypoxia in bone metabolism and health that may differ by fracture site. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
Papaverine ameliorates prenatal alcohol‐induced experimental attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by regulating neuronal function, inflammation, and oxidative stress
Authors: Sharma Niti , Dhiman Neerupma , Golani Lalit K. , Sharma Bhupesh 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with complex aetiology and phenotypes. Phosphodiesterase10A (PDE10A) has been shown to provide benefits in various brain conditions. We investigated the role of papaverine, a selective PDE10A inhibitor on core phenotypes in prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) model of ADHD. In order to identify probable mechanisms involved, the effects on several protein markers of neuronal function such as, neuronal survival‐BDNF, neuronal transcription factor‐pCREB, brain inflammation (IL‐6, IL‐10, and TNF‐α), and brain oxidative stress (TBARS and GSH) were studied in frontal cortex, cerebellum, and striatum. PAE resulting hyper‐locomotion, inattention, and anxiety were studied by the use of open‐field, y‐maze, and elevated plus maze, respectively. Administration of papaverine (15/30 mg kg−1) to PAE group of animals resulted in amelioration of hyperactivity, inattention, and anxiety. Also, papaverine resulted in significant increase of the levels in BDNF, pCREB, IL‐10, and GSH along with significant decrease of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and TBARS in different brain areas of PAE group. Papaverine, a selective PDE10A inhibitor rectified behavioural phenotypes associated with ADHD, possibly by altering the protein markers associated with neuronal survival, neuronal transcription factor, brain inflammation, and brain oxidative stress. Implicating PDE10A as a possible target for furthering our understanding of ADHD phenotypes.
Tuning the Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Stretchable PEDOT:PSS/Ionic Liquid Conductors
Authors: Kee Seyoung , Kim Nara , Park Hyunmin , Kim Bong Seong , Teo Mei Ying , Lee Seongyu , Kim Jehan , Lee Kwanghee 
Published: November 2020

AbstractConducting polymers (CPs) constitute a promising building block to establish next‐generation stretchable electronics. However, achieving CPs with both high electrical conductivity and outstanding mechanical stretchability beyond flexibility is still a major challenge. Therefore, understanding the key factors controlling such characteristics of CPs is required. Herein, a method to simultaneously manipulate the mechanical and electrical properties of a representative CP, PEDOT:PSS, by modifying ionic liquid (IL) additives is reported. The cation/anion modification of ILs distinctly improves the electrical conductivity of PEDOT:PSS up to ≈1075 S cm−1, and the PEDOT:PSS/IL films showing higher conductivity also exhibit superior electromechanical stretchability, enabling them to maintain their initial conductivity under a tensile strain of 80%. Based on grazing incidence wide angle X‐ray scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses, it is found that the cation/anion‐modified ILs control the crystallinity and π–π stacking density of conjugated PEDOT chains and the growth of amorphous PSS domains via IL‐induced phase separation between PEDOT and PSS, which can be the origin of the significant conductivity and stretchability improvements in PEDOT:PSS/IL composites. This study provides guidance to develop highly stretchable CP‐based conductors/electrodes.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell‐conditioned medium facilitates fluid resolution via miR‐214‐activating epithelial sodium channels
Authors: Ding Yan , Cui Yong , Hou Yapeng , Nie Hongguang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAcute lung injury (ALI) is featured with severe lung edema at the early exudative phase, resulting from the imbalance of alveolar fluid turnover and clearance. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) belong to multipotent stem cells, which have shown potential therapeutic effects during ALI. Of note, MSC‐conditioned medium (MSC‐CM) improved alveolar fluid clearance (AFC) in vivo, whereas the involvement of miRNAs is seldom known. We thus aim to explore the roles of miR‐214 in facilitating MSC‐CM mediated fluid resolution of impaired AFC. In this study, AFC was increased significantly by intratracheally administrated MSC‐CM in lipopolysaccharide‐treated mice. MSC‐CM augmented amiloride‐sensitive currents in intact H441 monolayers, and increased α‐epithelial sodium channel (α‐ENaC) expression level in H441 and mouse alveolar type 2 epithelial cells. Meanwhile, MSC‐CM increased the expression of miR‐214, which may participate in regulating ENaC expression and function. Our results suggested that MSC‐CM enhanced AFC in ALI mice in vivo through a novel mechanism, involving miR‐214 regulation of ENaC.
Numerical study on rubber compounds made of reactivated ethylene propylene diene monomer for fiber reinforced elastomeric isolators
Authors: Habieb Ahmad Basshofi , Milani Gabriele , Cerchiaro Renato , Quaglini Virginio , Milani Federico 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA huge amount of rubber waste coming from tire industry or other sources (eg, weather strips producers) has attracted interest from researchers to investigate the possibility of recycling used rubber for various products, particularly in construction sector. This article presents a series of experimental and numerical investigations to evaluate the feasibility of regenerated synthetic rubber ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) for production of a building seismic isolation system. Four rubber blends using two different sources of regenerated EPDM are considered in this study. The mechanical properties of the recycled rubber under study are evaluated through uniaxial tensile and relaxation tests, considering the accelerated aging effect. Based on several hyperelasticity and viscosity models of rubber available in the literature, several numerical test simulations on rubber compounds and on a prototype of fiber reinforced elastomeric isolators (FREIs) are performed. The test results reveal that the proposed regenerated EPDM compounds can be particularly suitable for the production of unbonded FREIs, especially because they are able to exhibit low/moderate tensile stresses at high‐shear strain. The results also show that not all regenerated rubber blends fulfill the durability requirements of rubber for seismic isolation after accelerated aging tests. The durability of the specimens seems to be mainly affected by the choice of the regenerated rubber source.
Metabolic changes in the developing sugarcane culm associated with high yield and early high sugar content
Authors: Perlo Virginie , Botha Frederik C. , Furtado Agnelo , Hodgson‐Kratky Katrina , Henry Robert J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSugarcane, with its exceptional biomass and sugar yield, has a high potential for the production of bioenergy, biomaterials, and high‐value products. Currently, the link between metabolic changes in the developing internodes in sugarcane and final yield and sugar characteristics is not well understood. In order to investigate these correlations, 1,440 internodes were collected and combined to generate a set of 360 samples across 24 sugarcane cultivars at five different developmental stages. A combination of metabolome profiling and trait co‐expression analyses were conducted to reveal the interaction between the metabolome and essential agronomic traits, including Brix (total sugar), polarity (sucrose content), purity (sucrose purity), commercially extractable sucrose, fiber, and tons of cane per hectare (TCH). Metabolomic analysis revealed significant differences in metabolic patterns mainly correlated with developmental stage. Hierarchical clustering of genotypes and traits revealed clear partitioning of groups of early‐, mid‐ and late‐season sugar content, with secondary segregation by the yield trait, TCH, and fiber content. The study identified co‐expression and specific metabolites associated with metabolic pathways correlated with Brix and fiber content. Knowledge of the correlation between co‐expressed metabolites and diverse agronomic traits will allow more deliberate selection of genotypes for early or late sugar development and fiber content and biomass yield.
Managing soil nutrient buildup by rotating crops and fertilizers following repeated poultry litter applications
Authors: Tewolde Haile , Buehring Normie , Feng Gary , Way Thomas R. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractApplying poultry litter (PL) to meet a crop's P need is the most recommended PL management practice but may not be the most ideal. In this study, alternative management strategies that included the rotations of crops and fertilizers were tested. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), corn (Zea mays L.), and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] were grown in rotation and fertilized with five fertility treatments, which included an unfertilized control, a standard fertilization with conventional synthetic fertilizers (Std), P‐based PL application every year for 5 yr (P5L), N‐based PL application every year for 5 yr (N5L), and N‐based PL application each of the first 2 yr and a synthetic N application at the same rate as the Std in the last 3 yr (N2L). The level of residual soil mineral elements was assessed after 5 yr of imposing these treatments. The results showed that, relative to the Std, the N5L treatment elevated extractable soil P, Cu, and Zn by >100% and soil K and Mg by ≈90%. After 5 yr, soil nutrient levels in the N2L treatment were comparable to the P5L treatment, which did not lead to any nutrient buildup. Rotating crops was not a reliable practice for purposes of managing soil nutrient buildup. The results overall show that applying PL at a relatively high rate to meet the N need of cotton for a few years and suspending the application for 2–3 yr during which only synthetic N fertilizer is applied offers an effective and sustainable PL management strategy in row crop production systems.
The Immigration-Emigration Nexus in Non-EU Sending States: A Focus on Welfare Entitlements, Consular Services, and Diaspora Policies
Authors: Vintila Daniela , Lafleur Jean-Michel 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMigrants’ access to social benefits has been intensively studied in the European Union, but less scholarly attention has been dedicated to the way in which non-EU welfare regimes adapt to international mobility. This chapter introduces a volume that aims to address this research gap by taking the perspective of non-EU states on migrant social protection. To do so, our analysis focuses on 13 countries: Argentina, China, Ecuador, India, Lebanon, Morocco, Serbia, Senegal, Switzerland, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, Tunisia, and Turkey. These countries represent relevant sending states for migrants coming to the EU, with some of them also hosting sizeable immigrant populations. We argue that their different migration characteristics (including the size and main features of their immigrant and diaspora populations) as well as the peculiarity of their welfare regimes (which often followed a quite distinctive historical path of development compared to their EU counterparts) may shape their responsiveness in terms of ensuring migrants’ access to domestic welfare systems.
Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Moroccan Citizens Abroad
Authors: Mahieu Rilke 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis chapter sheds light on the ways in which Morocco, country of origin of a five million expatriate population centered in Europe, promotes the social protection of its expatriate citizens. Within Moroccan diaspora policies, which are long-standing, extensive and promoted by a range of diaspora institutions, the social protection of nationals abroad does not take a central position. Rather, Moroccan diaspora policies prioritize the mobilization of expatriate human and financial capital for Moroccan development interests. However, a number of initiatives have been taken to facilitate non-resident citizens’ access to social rights, such as the conclusion of bilateral conventions with major destination countries and the creation of social programs by Moroccan diaspora institutions.
Access to Social Protection by Immigrants, Emigrants and Resident Nationals in Switzerland
Authors: Hummer Bettina Kahil-Wolff 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFrom a Swiss perspective, migration and transnational social protection is a subject of great importance because more than 30% of all the people working in Switzerland are migrants. This chapter shows that the Swiss social security provides protection for nationals and non-nationals, by granting access to health care and compensating the loss of income due to old age, disability, accidents, unemployment and other social risks. In some areas, the Swiss law contains rules that require domicile in Switzerland or Swiss citizenship, but for a majority of migrants, international agreements as well as EU Regulation n° 883/2004 waive such rules.
Access to Social Protection by Immigrants, Emigrants and Resident Nationals in the UK
Authors: Bertolini Alessio , Clegg Daniel 
Published: November 2020

AbstractImmigration policies and immigrants’ rights to social protection in the UK have evolved dramatically over the past few decades, due to changing immigration flows, the UK’s membership of the European Union (EU) and participation in the European Single Market, and increasing anti-immigration sentiment, which culminated with the decision to leave the EU in January 2020. In this chapter, we argue that, at present, access to social protection is hierarchically structured depending on the interplay of three key variables: benefit type, immigration status and residency status. British citizens residing in the UK and immigrants with a permanent leave to remain have access to full social protection. So do generally European Economic Area (EEA) immigrants with the right to reside, though the precise basis of the right to reside is important in determining the types of benefits the person is entitled to. Migrants with a temporary leave to remain are excluded from most non-contributory benefits, as generally are British citizens living abroad, though those residing in EEA countries and those residing in a country with which the UK has a social security agreement are still entitled to a limited range of benefits. Many changes in access to social protection, especially as regards EEA immigrants in the UK and British nationals living in the EEA, are likely to stem from the UK leaving the EU, though these changes are currently being negotiated and, at present, no definitive post-Brexit regulatory framework is available.
Diaspora Policies, Consular Services and Social Protection for Argentine Citizens Abroad
Authors: Margheritis Ana 
Published: November 2020

AbstractArgentina has a relatively small diaspora and short experience engaging with it. This study explains the evolution of the institutional framework by which Argentina’s authorities interact with nationals abroad since early 2000s, with a specific focus on social protection. It shows that Argentina’s policies for citizens abroad have not institutionalised yet as a distinct and vibrant sphere of action and most initiatives have waxed and waned over time. As a result, Argentina’s lukewarm approach to diaspora engagement is characterised by ambivalence, intermittent and selective engagement, and relatively little development in terms of responding to social protection needs of nationals abroad. In the last few years, though, there has been an attempt to simplify bureaucratic procedures and improve services via virtual means. In particular, this chapter presents a detailed account of the policies, programmes and services offered by Argentine authorities across five specific policy areas: unemployment, health care, pensions, family-related benefits, and economic hardship. It shows that the area of social security and pensions is the most developed and that Argentines residing in MERCOSUR member states have benefited from the enactment of social and economic rights by regional accords.
Access to Social Protection by Immigrants, Emigrants and Resident Nationals in China
Authors: He Alex Jingwei 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis chapter presents a schematic overview of the Chinese social security system in terms of coverage, financing, service delivery, eligibility, and entitlement. In view of the rapid migration both from and to China, the multitude of social policy challenges have arisen. This chapter pays particular attention to the differential access to social protection across citizens, foreigners residing in China, and Chinese citizens living abroad. Given the continuous reforms in the recent years, this chapter aims to provide an up-to-date overview of social security framework, especially that governing international migration, in the world’s most populous country and the second largest economy.
Access to Social Protection by Immigrants, Emigrants and Resident Nationals in Ecuador
Authors: Minteguiaga Analía , Carmel Valerie 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFormal labour and affiliation to Ecuador’s social security system is the main gateway for access to social protection benefits, especially in the case of migrants. However, a large informal labour market and low levels on inclusion in the social security system forces large sectors of society to rely on family and community arrangements for the management of risk and economic uncertainty. The state provides some non-contributory benefits through cash transfer programs but, with the exception of health care, these only cover people living in conditions of extreme poverty. Universal, non-means tested programs are limited to the public health and education systems. Overall, migrants face several obstacles to access social protection benefits. Gaining the right to work legally is mostly reserved for white-collar and highly educated immigrants, excluding impoverished immigrants. Paired to the inability to access labour-related benefits and government programs for the so-called poor, immigrants lack the safety nets provided by extended family and a community setting. Nationals residing abroad have restricted access to social benefits, having access only to the contributory pension system on a voluntary basis. This chapter discusses the social protection system in Ecuador and focuses on eligibility criteria to show the extent of migrants’ access to the social benefits.
What Can the Insurance Distribution Directive “Offer” the South African Microinsurance Model?
Authors: Huneberg Samantha 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe Insurance Distribution Directive is set to change how insurers and intermediaries design as well as sell insurance products. The provisions of the Directive are far-reaching and are to have a significant impact on consumers. The Directive is heavily pro-consumer and due to its pro-consumer nature, it is to have extensive benefits for consumers. South Africa has recently enacted microinsurance provisions which are now considered formalised insurance products in the country. New legislation has been enacted to regulate microinsurance policies in both life and non-life spheres. Microinsurance is to have a profound impact on a large part of the country’s population. Considering the pro-consumer and extensive nature of the IDD, it is worth considering what the IDD can “offer” the South African microinsurance model, what can South Africa learn from these provisions?