bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Political Economy of Liberal Democracy
Authors: Mukand Sharun W , Rodrik Dani 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis paper develops a taxonomy of political regimes that distinguishes between three sets of rights—property rights, political rights and civil rights. The truly distinctive nature of liberal democracy is the protection of civil rights (equal treatment by the state for all groups) in addition to the other two. The paper shows how democratic transitions that are the product of a settlement between the elite (who care mostly about property rights) and the majority (who care about political rights), generically fail to produce liberal democracy. Instead, the emergence of liberal democracy requires low levels of inequality and weak identity cleavages.
Age- and Sex-Specific Changes in Lower-Limb Muscle Power Throughout the Lifespan
Authors: Alcazar Julian , Aagaard Per , Haddock Bryan , Kamper Rikke S , Hansen Sofie K , Prescott Eva , Alegre Luis M , Frandsen Ulrik , Suetta Charlotte 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Our main goal was to evaluate the pattern and time course of changes in relative muscle power and its constituting components throughout the life span.

Methods
A total of 1,305 subjects (729 women and 576 men; aged 20–93 years) participating in the Copenhagen Sarcopenia Study took part. Body mass index (BMI), leg lean mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and leg extension muscle power (LEP) assessed by the Nottingham power rig were recorded. Relative muscle power (normalized to body mass) and specific muscle power (normalized to leg lean mass) were calculated. Segmented regression analyses were used to identify the onset and pattern of age-related changes in the recorded variables.

Results
Relative muscle power began to decline above the age of 40 in both women and men, with women showing an attenuation of the decline above 75 years. Relative muscle power decreased with age due to (i) the loss of absolute LEP after the fourth decade of life and (ii) the increase in BMI up to the age of 75 years in women and 65 years in men. The decline in absolute LEP was caused by a decline in specific LEP up to the age of 75 in women and 65 in men, above which the loss in relative leg lean mass also contributed.

Conclusions
Relative power decreased (i) above 40 years by the loss in absolute power (specific power only) and the increase in body mass, and (ii) above ~70 years by the loss in absolute power (both specific power and leg lean mass).
Relationship Between Changes in Sedative-Hypnotic Medications Burden and Cognitive Outcomes in Hospitalized Older Adults
Authors: Smichenko Juliana , Gil Efrat , Zisberg Anna 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundSedative-hypnotic medications (SHMs) are frequently used in hospitalized older patients, despite undesirable effects on cognitive status. Although previous studies found a significant number of patients experience changes in SHM use during hospitalization, it is unclear which pattern of change leads to hospital-associated cognitive decline (HACD). This study tested the association between patterns of SHM change and HACD.MethodsThis secondary analysis study included 550 patients age 70+ who were cognitively intact at admission (Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire [SPMSQ] ≥8). HACD was defined as at least 1-point decline in SPMSQ between admission and discharge. Changes in sedative burden (SB) before and during hospitalization (average SB of all hospitalization days) were coded using the Drug Burden Index sorting study participants into four groups: without SB (n = 254), without SB changes (n = 132), increased SB (n = 82), and decreased SB (n = 82).ResultsIncidence of HACD was 233/550 (42.4%). In multivariate logistic analysis controlling for demographic characteristics, length of stay, severity of acute illness, comorbidity, SB score at home, pain on admission and depression, the odds of HACD were 2.45 (95% CI: 1.16 to 5.13) among participants with increased SB, 2.10 (95% CI: 1.13 to 3.91) among participants without SB changes, compared with participants with decreased SB.ConclusionOlder patients whose SB is increased or does not change are at higher risk for acquired cognitive decline than are those whose SB is reduced. Identifying patients with a potential increase in SB and intervening to reduce it may help to fight HACD.
Cholinergic White Matter Lesions, AD-Signature Cortical Thickness, and Change in Cognition: The Northern Manhattan Study
Authors: Caunca Michelle R , Siedlecki Karen , Cheung Ying Kuen , Alperin Noam , Lee Sang H , Elkind Mitchell S V , Sacco Ralph L , Wright Clinton B , Rundek Tatjana 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
How cerebrovascular disease and neurodegeneration affect each other to impact cognition is not yet known. We aimed to test whether Alzheimer’s disease-signature (AD) cortical thickness mediates the association between cholinergic white matter lesion load and change in domain-specific cognition.

Methods
Clinically stroke-free participants from the Northern Manhattan Study with both regional white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) and gray matter measurements were included (N = 894). Tract-specific WMHVs were quantified through FSL using the Johns Hopkins University white matter tract atlas. We used Freesurfer 5.1 to estimate regional cortical thickness. We fit structural equation models, including multiple indicator latent change score models, to examine associations between white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV) in cholinergic tracts, AD-signature region cortical thickness (CT), and domain-specific cognition.

Results
Our sample (N = 894) had a mean (SD) age = 70 (9) years, years of education = 10 (5), 63% women, and 67% Hispanics/Latinos. Greater cholinergic WMHV was significantly related to worse processing speed at baseline (standardized β = −0.17, SE = 0.05, p = .001) and over time (standardized β = −0.28, SE = 0.09, p = .003), with a significant indirect effect of AD-signature region CT (baseline: standardized β = −0.02, SE = 0.01, p = .023; change: standardized β = −0.03, SE = 0.02, p = .040).

Conclusions
Cholinergic tract WMHV is associated with worse processing speed, both directly and indirectly through its effect on AD-signature region CT.
A draft genome sequence of the elusive giant squid, Architeuthis dux
Authors: da Fonseca Rute R , Couto Alvarina , Machado Andre M , Brejova Brona , Albertin Carolin B , Silva Filipe , Gardner Paul , Baril Tobias , Hayward Alex , Campos Alexandre , Ribeiro Ângela M , Barrio-Hernandez Inigo , Hoving Henk-Jan , Tafur-Jimenez Ricardo , Chu Chong , Frazão Barbara , Petersen Bent , Peñaloza Fernando , Musacchia Francesco , Alexander Graham C , Osório Hugo , Winkelmann Inger , Simakov Oleg , Rasmussen Simon , Rahman M Ziaur , Pisani Davide , Vinther Jakob , Jarvis Erich , Zhang Guojie , Strugnell Jan M , Castro L Filipe C , Fedrigo Olivier , Patricio Mateus , Li Qiye , Rocha Sara , Antunes Agostinho , Wu Yufeng , Ma Bin , Sanges Remo , Vinar Tomas , Blagoev Blagoy , Sicheritz-Ponten Thomas , Nielsen Rasmus , Gilbert M Thomas P 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT

Background
The giant squid (Architeuthis dux; Steenstrup, 1857) is an enigmatic giant mollusc with a circumglobal distribution in the deep ocean, except in the high Arctic and Antarctic waters. The elusiveness of the species makes it difficult to study. Thus, having a genome assembled for this deep-sea–dwelling species will allow several pending evolutionary questions to be unlocked.

Findings
We present a draft genome assembly that includes 200 Gb of Illumina reads, 4 Gb of Moleculo synthetic long reads, and 108 Gb of Chicago libraries, with a final size matching the estimated genome size of 2.7 Gb, and a scaffold N50 of 4.8 Mb. We also present an alternative assembly including 27 Gb raw reads generated using the Pacific Biosciences platform. In addition, we sequenced the proteome of the same individual and RNA from 3 different tissue types from 3 other species of squid (Onychoteuthis banksii, Dosidicus gigas, and Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis) to assist genome annotation. We annotated 33,406 protein-coding genes supported by evidence, and the genome completeness estimated by BUSCO reached 92%. Repetitive regions cover 49.17% of the genome.

Conclusions
This annotated draft genome of A. dux provides a critical resource to investigate the unique traits of this species, including its gigantism and key adaptations to deep-sea environments.
A high-quality chromosomal genome assembly of Diospyros oleifera Cheng
Authors: Suo Yujing , Sun Peng , Cheng Huihui , Han Weijuan , Diao Songfeng , Li Huawei , Mai Yini , Zhao Xing , Li Fangdong , Fu Jianmin 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Diospyros oleifera Cheng, of the family Ebenaceae, is an economically important tree. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that D. oleifera is closely related to Diospyros kaki Thunb. and could be used as a model plant for studies of D. kaki. Therefore, development of genomic resources of D. oleifera will facilitate auxiliary assembly of the hexaploid persimmon genome and elucidate the molecular mechanisms of important traits.

Findings
The D. oleifera genome was assembled with 443.6 Gb of raw reads using the Pacific Bioscience Sequel and Illumina HiSeq X Ten platforms. The final draft genome was ~812.3 Mb and had a high level of continuity with N50 of 3.36 Mb. Fifteen scaffolds corresponding to the 15 chromosomes were assembled to a final size of 721.5 Mb using 332 scaffolds, accounting for 88.81% of the genome. Repeat sequences accounted for 54.8% of the genome. By de novo sequencing and analysis of homology with other plant species, 30,530 protein-coding genes with an average transcript size of 7,105.40 bp were annotated; of these, 28,580 protein-coding genes (93.61%) had conserved functional motifs or terms. In addition, 171 candidate genes involved in tannin synthesis and deastringency in persimmon were identified; of these chalcone synthase (CHS) genes were expanded in the D. oleifera genome compared with Diospyros lotus, Camellia sinensis, and Vitis vinifera. Moreover, 186 positively selected genes were identified, including chalcone isomerase (CHI) gene, a key enzyme in the flavonoid-anthocyanin pathway. Phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that the split of D. oleifera and D. lotus likely occurred 9.0 million years ago. In addition to the ancient γ event, a second whole-genome duplication event occurred in D. oleifera and D. lotus.

Conclusions
We generated a high-quality chromosome-level draft genome for D. oleifera, which will facilitate assembly of the hexaploid persimmon genome and further studies of major economic traits in the genus Diospyros.
The signaling pathways implicated in impairment of hepatic autophagy in glycogen storage disease type Ia
Authors: Gautam Sudeep , Zhang Lisa , Arnaoutova Irina , Lee Cheol , Mansfield Brian C , Chou Janice Y 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Glucose-6-phosphatase-α (G6Pase-α or G6PC) deficiency in glycogen storage disease type-Ia (GSD-Ia) leads to impaired hepatic autophagy, a recycling process important for cellular metabolism and homeostasis. Autophagy can be regulated by several energy sensing pathways, including sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), forkhead box O (FoxO), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Using 10-day old global G6pc-deficient (G6pc−/−) mice, hepatic autophagy impairment was attributed to activation of mTOR and inhibition of AMPK signaling. In other studies, using adult liver-specific G6pc-deficient mice at both pre-tumor and tumor stages, hepatic autophagy impairment was attributed to downregulation of SIRT1 signaling and mTOR was not implicated. In this study, we provide a detailed analysis of the major autophagy pathways in young G6pc−/− mice over the first 4 weeks of life. We show that impaired SIRT1, FoxO3a, AMPK, and PPAR-α signaling are responsible for autophagy impairment but mTOR is involved minimally. Hepatic SIRT1 overexpression corrects defective autophagy, restores the expression of FoxO3a and liver kinase B1 but fails to normalize impaired PPAR-α expression or metabolic abnormalities associated with GSD-Ia. Importantly, restoration of hepatic G6Pase-α expression in G6pc−/− mice corrects defective autophagy, restores SIRT1/FoxO3a/AMPK/PPAR-α signaling and rectifies metabolic abnormalities. Taken together, these data show that hepatic autophagy impairment in GSD-Ia is mediated by downregulation of SIRT1/FoxO3a/AMPK/PPAR-α signaling.
From Interlaken to Copenhagen: What Has Become of the Proposals Aiming to Reform the Functioning of the European Court of Human Rights?
Authors: Glas Lize R 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
The States Parties to the European Convention on Human Rights have adopted five declarations on the future of the European Court of Human Rights since 2010. These declarations identified problems surrounding the Convention system and proposed reform measures. This article examines what has become of the proposals aiming to reform the Court’s functioning, which will lead to insight into the problems surrounding the system, the type of solutions proposed and whether the declarations have led to change. The article also discusses the background to the conferences and characterises the focus of each declaration. The conclusion is that most proposals have not been implemented, mainly due to principled or practical opposition of the Court, and that the implemented proposals have not led to profound change. The influence of the declarations should not be overstated therefore, although they can be of political significance by offering support to or criticising the Court.
Increased Colonic Epithelial Permeability and Mucosal Eosinophilia in Ulcerative Colitis in Remission Compared With Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Health
Authors: Katinios Georgios , Casado-Bedmar Maite , Walter Susanna A , Vicario Maria , González-Castro Ana M , Bednarska Olga , Söderholm Johan D , Hjortswang Henrik , Keita Åsa V 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Barrier dysfunction is recognized as a pathogenic factor in ulcerative colitis (UC) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but it is unclear to what extent the factors related to barrier dysfunction are disease-specific. The aim of this study was to compare these aspects in UC patients in remission, IBS patients, and healthy controls (HCs).

Methods
Colonic biopsies were collected from 13 patients with UC in remission, 15 patients with IBS-mixed, and 15 HCs. Ulcerative colitis patients had recently been treated for relapse, and biopsies were taken from earlier inflamed areas. Biopsies were mounted in Ussing chambers for measurements of intestinal paracellular permeability to 51chromium (Cr)-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). In addition, biopsies were analyzed for mast cells and eosinophils by histological procedures, and plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α was assessed by ELISA.

Results
Ussing chamber experiments revealed an increased 51Cr-EDTA permeability in UC and IBS (P &lt; 0.05). The 51Cr-EDTA permeability was higher in UC compared with IBS (P &lt; 0.005). There were increased numbers of mucosal mast cells and eosinophils in UC and IBS and more eosinophils in UC compared with IBS (P &lt; 0.05). Also, increased extracellular granule content was found in UC compared with HCs (P &lt; 0.05). The 51Cr-EDTA permeability correlated significantly with eosinophils in all groups. Plasma TNF-α concentration was higher in UC compared with IBS and HCs (P &lt; 0.0005).

Conclusions
Results indicate a more permeable intestinal epithelium in inactive UC and IBS compared with HCs. Ulcerative colitis patients, even during remission, demonstrate a leakier barrier compared with IBS. Both eosinophil numbers and activation state might be involved in the increased barrier function seen in UC patients in remission.
Murine Precision-cut Intestinal Slices as a Potential Screening Tool for Antifibrotic Drugs
Authors: Iswandana Raditya , Pham Bao Tung , Suriguga Su , Luangmonkong Theerut , van Wijk Louise A , Jansen Yvette J M , Oosterhuis Dorenda , Maria Mutsaers Henricus Antonius , Olinga Peter 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Intestinal fibrosis is a hallmark of Crohn’s disease. Here, we investigated the impact of several putative antifibrotic compounds on the expression of fibrosis markers using murine precision-cut intestinal slices.

Methods
Murine precision-cut intestinal slices were cultured for 48 hours in the presence of profibrotic and/or antifibrotic compounds. The fibrotic process was studied on gene and protein level using procollagen 1a1 (Col1α1), heat shock protein 47 (Hsp47), fibronectin (Fn2), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (Pai-1). The effects of potential antifibrotic drugs mainly inhibiting the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) pathway (eg, valproic acid, tetrandrine, pirfenidone, SB203580, and LY2109761) and compounds mainly acting on the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) pathway (eg, imatinib, sorafenib, and sunitinib) were assessed in the model at nontoxic concentrations.

Results
Murine precision-cut intestinal slices remained viable for 48 hours, and an increased expression of fibrosis markers was observed during culture, including Hsp47, Fn2, and Pai-1. Furthermore, TGF-β1 stimulated fibrogenesis, whereas PDGF did not have an effect. Regarding the tested antifibrotics, pirfenidone, LY2109761, and sunitinib had the most pronounced impact on the expression of fibrosis markers, both in the absence and presence of profibrotic factors, as illustrated by reduced levels of Col1α1, Hsp47, Fn2, and Pai-1 after treatment. Moreover, sunitinib significantly reduced Hsp47 and Fn2 protein expression and the excretion of procollagen 1.

Conclusions
Precision-cut intestinal slices can successfully be used as a potential preclinical screening tool for antifibrotic drugs. We demonstrated that sunitinib reduced the expression of several fibrosis markers, warranting further evaluation of this compound for the treatment of intestinal fibrosis.
Radiotherapy-related skin ulcer communicating with a left ventricular aneurysm
Authors: Takaki Jun , Hosoda Yasuhito , Okamoto Ken , Fukui Toshihiro 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Although radiation therapy is widely used to treat breast cancer, high doses of radiation may cause various complications. We report a case of a left ventricular aneurysm complicated with an intractable skin ulcer caused by radiation therapy for breast cancer. The communication between the aneurysm and skin ulcer caused severe bleeding. An urgent left ventricular repair and chest wall reconstruction with a rectus abdominis flap were performed successfully.
Efficiency evaluation and optimization of rural ecotourism space based on DEA model
Authors: Liang Yezhang , Shi Chunsheng 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Since the reform and opening up, with the development of China’s economy, the demand for tourism has been increased. The traditional agriculture has not been able to satisfy the diversified consumption demand; as a result, the rural ecotourism develops rapidly. Based on such a situation, the data envelopment analysis (DEA) model was used in this study; the relevant data of Guangxi province such as the number of star hotels and number of tourists were referred to. The efficiency of rural ecotourism space was calculated. According to evaluation analysis of spatial dynamic efficiency, it could be found that although the comprehensive technical efficiency of the southeast coastal areas was lower than 1, it was still higher than other regions. The pure technical efficiency of many regions was equal to 1, and the scale benefits were increasing. Regions with moderate political and economic levels had high pure technical efficiency and maintained above the national level, but they were relatively small in scale and needed to increase input indicators. However, the comprehensive technical efficiency of relatively backward areas in northwest China was relatively low, which remained at about 0.3. Therefore, more investment and government support are needed to expand the scale.
Self-Reinforcing Civilian Control: A Measurement-Based Analysis of Civil-Military Relations
Authors: Kenwick Michael R 
Published: January 2020

AbstractHow does the passage of time contribute to the establishment of civilian control of the State? We argue that civilian dominance of politics is achieved once civilianized institutions are adopted and sufficient time has passed to permit: (1) the development of a shared norm of civilian control within the military and (2) learning among military elites that fosters a belief that civilian rule is robust to military challenges. As a result, civilian control is self-reinforcing. We evaluate these claims by developing and validating a latent variable model of self-reinforcing institutional dynamics. We generate estimates of civilian control for all countries, 1945–2010, and find strong evidence that civilian control self-reinforces, but incrementally and over the course of several decades.
A multicomponent mycotoxin deactivator modifies the response of the jejunal mucosal and cecal bacterial community to deoxynivalenol contaminated feed and oral lipopolysaccharide challenge in chickens1
Authors: Metzler-Zebeli Barbara U , Lucke Annegret , Doupovec Barbara , Zebeli Qendrim , Böhm Josef 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Mycotoxin deactivators are a widely used strategy to abrogate negative effects of mycotoxin-contaminated feed. It has not been adequately evaluated whether these deactivators may detoxify bacterial toxins in the intestinal lumen and subsequently lower the inflammatory response in chickens. The present objective was to study the effect of a multicomponent mycotoxin deactivator (B), containing a bentonite and a bacterial strain capable to enzymatically biotransform trichothecenes especially deoxynivalenol (DON), when supplemented to a DON-contaminated feed in combination with an oral lipopolysaccharide challenge on visceral organ size, expression of innate immune genes and mucosal permeability in the small intestine as well as on the cecal bacterial composition and metabolites in broiler chickens. Eighty 1-d-old male chickens were randomly allotted to four treatment groups in two replicate batches (n = 10/treatment/replicate): 1) basal diet without DON (CON), 2) CON diet supplemented with B (2.5 mg B/kg feed) (CON-B), 3) CON diet contaminated with 10 mg DON/kg feed (DON), and 4) DON diet supplemented with 2.5 mg B/kg feed (DON-B). In half of the chickens per treatment, effects were assessed under nonchallenge conditions, whereas in the other half of birds, to increase their intestinal bacterial toxin load, effects were tested after an oral challenge with 1 mg LPS/kg BW from Escherichia coli O55:B5 on the day before sampling. DON reduced (P &lt; 0.05) the weight of bursa fabricii and thymus. DON increased the expression level of intestinal alkaline phosphatase at the duodenal mucosa (P = 0.027) but did not modify jejunal gene expression and mucosal permeability. The LPS challenge decreased the jejunal MUC2 expression but increased ZO1 and IL6 expression compared to the unchallenged animals (P &lt; 0.05). DON × B interactions indicated lower expression of IL10 in duodenum and NFKB in jejunum with the B diet but higher expression with the DON-B diet (P = 0.050). Furthermore, the B lowered jejunal expression of NFKB and IL6 but only in LPS-challenged chickens (P &lt; 0.05). Alterations in the cecal microbiota composition and VFA profile were likely associated with alterations in host physiology in the small intestine caused by DON, B, and LPS. According to the present data, B appeared to have potential to detoxify antigens other than DON in the intestinal lumen of chickens, whereby the toxin load may limit the efficacy of B to modify the intestinal and systemic response as indicated by interactions of DON, B, and LPS.