bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Amyloid β42 peptide is toxic to non-neural cells inDrosophilayielding a characteristic metabolite profile and the effect can be suppressed by PI3K
Authors: Arnés Mercedes , Casas-Tintó Sergio , Malmendal Anders , Ferrús Alberto 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTThe human Aβ42 peptide is associated with Alzheimer's disease through its deleterious effects in neurons. Expressing the human peptide in adult Drosophila in a tissue- and time-controlled manner, we show that Aβ42 is also toxic in non-neural cells, neurosecretory and epithelial cell types in particular. This form of toxicity includes the aberrant signaling by Wingless morphogen leading to the eventual activation of Caspase 3. Preventing Caspase 3 activation by means of p53 keeps epithelial cells from elimination but maintains the Aβ42 toxicity yielding more severe deleterious effects to the organism. Metabolic profiling by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of adult flies at selected ages post Aβ42 expression onset reveals characteristic changes in metabolites as early markers of the pathological process. All morphological and most metabolic features of Aβ42 toxicity can be suppressed by the joint overexpression of PI3K.
IL-15 enhances cross-reactive antibody recall responses to seasonal H3 influenza viruses in vitro
Authors: Huang Junqiong , Hilchey Shannon P. , Wang Jiong , Gerigan Jessica , Zand Martin S. 
Published: November 2017

Background:Recently, several human monoclonal antibodies that target conserved epitopes on the stalk region of influenza hemagglutinin (HA) have shown broad reactivity to influenza A subtypes. Also, vaccination with recombinant chimeric HA or stem fragments from H3 influenza viruses induce broad immune protection in mice and humans. However, it is unclear whether stalk-binding antibodies can be induced in human memory B cells by seasonal H3N2 viruses.Methods: In this study, we recruited 13 donors previously exposed to H3 viruses, the majority (12 of 13) of which had been immunized with seasonal influenza vaccines. We evaluated plasma baseline strain-specific and stalk-reactive anti-HA antibodies and B cell recall responses to inactivated H3N2 A/Victoria/361/2011 virusin vitrousing a high throughput multiplex (mPlex-Flu) assay.Results:Stalk-reactive IgG was detected in the plasma of 7 of the subjects. Inactivated H3 viral particles rapidly induced clade cross-reactive antibodies in B cell cultures derived from all 13 donors. In addition, H3 stalk-reactive antibodies were detected in culture supernatants from 7 of the 13 donors (53.8%). H3 stalk-reactive antibodies were also induced by H1 and H7 subtypes. Interestingly, broadly cross-reactive antibody recall responses to H3 strains were also enhanced by stimulating B cellsin vitrowith CpG2006ODN in the presence of IL-15. H3 stalk-reactive antibodies were detected in CpG2006ODN + IL-15 stimulated B cell cultures derived from 12 of the 13 donors (92.3%), with high levels detected in cultures from 7 of the 13 donors.Conclusions:Our results demonstrate that stalk-reactive antibody recall responses induced by seasonal H3 viruses and CpG2006ODN can be enhanced by IL-15.
Building Blocks for Effective Strategic Design
Authors: Calabretta Giulia , Gemser Gerda 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
In this article, we discuss an emerging professional design field: strategic design. We define strategic design as a professional field in which designers use their design practices to co-determine strategy formulation and implementation towards innovative outcomes that benefit people and organizations alike. Based on research that is codified in our recent book (Strategic Design: Eight Essential Practices Every Strategic Designer Must Master), we explain core elements of strategic design: that is strategic design being co-created, consisting of effective practices and having impact on multiple stakeholders. In our article, we also describe essential characteristics of strategic designers, in particular their ability to balance diverging and often contrasting goals and to engage in strategizing while operating in multidisciplinary teams. Furthermore, we provide suggestions on how to structure a strategic design project in three core phases: preparing the ground, co-creating the outcome and embedding the outcome. Finally, we indicate future research directions that would result in much needed knowledge on effective strategic design.
Defence by Design: Redesigning the Acquisition Process for the Royal Australian Air Force
Authors: Straker Karla 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This article presents the process undertaken by the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) Plan Jericho team and the Design Innovation Research Centre to redesign the existing procurement process. The implementation of a design-led innovation process led to key results such as early industry engagement in the procurement process to overcome prevailing issues and risks. Key to this process was the sharing of expertise and perspectives (empathy) of stakeholders and allowing industry participants to have input into the tender requirement document and process. Implementing design methods such as prototyping into the procurement aims to lower risks and costs associated in the current process, via co-creation, testing and refining solutions in a shorter time frame. Findings demonstrated why, where and how design can be implemented into an area other than technology innovation within a Defence context, contributing to the ongoing debate regarding design’s role and value in complex problems with multiple stakeholders.
The soluble (Pro) renin receptor does not influence lithium‐induced diabetes insipidus but does provoke beiging of white adipose tissue in mice
Authors: Yang Kevin T. , Wang Fei , Lu Xiaohan , Peng Kexin , Yang Tianxin , David Symons J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractEarlier we reported that the recombinant soluble (pro) renin receptor sPRR‐His upregulates renal aquoporin‐2 (AQP2) expression, and attenuates polyuria associated with nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) induced by vasopressin type 2 receptor (V2R) antagonism. Patients that receive lithium therapy develop polyuria associated NDI that might be secondary to downregulation of renal AQP2. We hypothesized that sPRR‐His attenuates indices of NDI associated with lithium treatment. Eight‐week‐old male C57/BL6 mice consumed chow supplemented with LiCl (40 mmol/kg diets) for 14 days. For the last 7 days mice received either sPRR‐His [30 μg/(kg day), i.v.; sPRR] or vehicle (Veh) via minipump. Control (Con) mice consumed standard chow for 14 days. Compared to Con mice, 14‐d LiCl treatment elevated water intake and urine volume, and decreased urine osmolality, regardless of sPRR‐His or Veh administration. These data indicate that sPRR‐His treatment does not attenuate indices of NDI evoked by lithium. Unexpectedly, epididymal fat mass was lower, adipocyte UCP1 mRNA and protein expression were higher, and multilocular lipid morphology was enhanced, in LiCl‐fed mice treated with sPRR‐His versus vehicle. The beiging of white adipose tissue is a novel metabolic benefit of manipulating the sPRR in the context of lithium‐induced NDI.
Relationship between Attitude Towards Guidance and Counseling Programme and Adjustment of Re-admitted Teenage Mothers in Kenyan Secondary Schools
Authors: Mwajuma Christine , Aloka Peter J.O. , Raburu Pamela A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTeenage motherhood is a worldwide problem with 36.4 million girls giving birth before the age of 18 years in developing world. The present study investigated the relationship between attitude towards guidance and counseling programme and adjustment of re-admitted teenage mothers in selected Kenyan secondary schools. The study employed Ex-post facto Research Design. The target population of the study was 242 readmitted teenage mothers from selected schools in Ugenya Sub County. The sample size comprised 138 readmitted teenage mothers who are integrated back to school after going through the bridge center programmes and 104 readmitted teenage mothers who are integrated back to school without going through the bridge center programmes using Simple random sampling technique. The study used questionnaires for readmitted teenage mothers to collect data. Experts from the Department of Psychology and Educational Foundation in Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology ascertained the face, construct and content validity of the readmitted teenage mothers’ questionnaires. In this study internal consistency reliability of the instruments was obtained by computing Cronbach’s alpha (α) using SPSS and a co-efficient of r= 0.783 was reported. The data from questionnaires was analyzed using inferential statistics such as Pearson correlation, and Regression analysis. The findings indicated that the relationship between readmitted teenage mothers attitude towards Guidance and Counselling and adjustment was positive moderate and significant (r = .550, n=166, p<.05). The study recommended that School principals should be entrusted to provide comprehensive programs to ensure holistic adjustment of the teenage mothers in schools.
Electronic health record for elderly patients
Authors: Michalik Ilona , Kańtoch Anna 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The aim of this article was to show an Electronic Health Record for elderly patients that was prepared for tablets with Android system. The program can be used in case of collecting patient data that comes from the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment – the multidisciplinary diagnostic tool which is performed among older adults in hospital and outpatient settings. The application was designed for devices with Android system using JellyBean, Kitkat or Lollipop system version. The app allowed to perform, save, edit, view and send survey results. Additionally, it had an option of creating an account with different permission levels. The program was created to facilitate and accelerate the work of a physician who is obliged to complete a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment card with the patient. It was intended to replace the filling out of a paper questionnaire, in which the doctor must personally sum up all the results, with a tool that will be available on tablets and which enables to complete and evaluate the results of medical examination faster than during performing the questionnaire in a traditional way.
Informationskompetenzvermittlung gemeinsam gestalten: hochschulinterne Kooperationen anbahnen und durchführen
Authors: Kibler Simone 
Published: November 2017

ZusammenfassungKooperative Informationskompetenzvermittlung ist ein Desiderat zentraler Gremien und Institutionen. Bibliotheken sollen sich zu diesem Zweck mit weiteren wichtigen Akteurinnen und Akteuren vernetzen, die konkrete Anbahnung und Ausgestaltung derartiger Kooperationen wird jedoch bisher nicht ausreichend beleuchtet. Der vorliegende Artikel schließt diese Lücke und rückt Kooperationen als voraussetzungsreiches Konstrukt in den Vordergrund. An Kooperation Interessierte sowie bereits Kooperierende erhalten konkrete Hinweise für Aufnahme bzw. Optimierung bestehender Kooperationen, um auf die skizzierten Erfordernisse angemessen reagieren zu können.
Resistant Hypertension and Cardiorenovascular Risk
Authors: Prkacin Ingrid , Vrdoljak Petra , Cavric Gordana , Vazanic Damir , Pervan Petra , Adam Visnja-Nesek 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Studies have documented independent contribution of sympathetic activation to the cardiovascular disease continuum. Hypertension is one of the leading modifiable factors. Most if not all the benefit of antihypertensive treatment depends on blood pressure lowering, regardless how it is obtained. Resistant hypertension is defined as blood pressure that remains uncontrolled in spite of the concurrent use of three antihypertensive drugs of different classes. Ideally, one of the three drugs should be a diuretic, and all drugs should be prescribed at optimal dose amounts. Poor adherence to antihypertensive therapy, undiscovered secondary causes (e.g. obstructive sleep apnea, primary aldosteronism, renal artery stenosis), and lifestyle factors (e.g. obesity, excessive sodium intake, heavy alcohol intake, various drug interactions) are the most common causes of resistant hypertension. Cardio(reno)vascular morbidity and mortality are significantly higher in resistant hypertensive than in general hypertensive population, as such patients are typically presented with a long-standing history of poorly controlled hypertension. Early diagnosis and treatment is needed to avoid further end-organ damage to prevent cardiorenovascular remodeling. Treatment strategy includes lifestyle changes, adding a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, treatment adherence in cardiovascular prevention and, in case of failure to control blood pressure, renal sympathetic denervation or baroreceptor activation therapy. The comparative outcomes in resistant hypertension deserve better understanding. In this review, the most current approaches to resistant hypertension and cardiovascular risk based on the available literature evidence will be discussed.
Evaluation of Clinical and Pathological Characteristics of Patients with IgA Nephropathy Based on Oxford Classification System: Should Crescents be Included?
Authors: Ersan Sibel , Sevindik Omur Gokmen , Cavdar Caner , Ada Sibel , Sifil Aykut , Celik Ali , Sarioglu Sulen , Camsari Taner 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIntroduction. None of the classification systems in immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy has been widely agreed or implemented by clinicians or pathologists. In order to meet this need, "Oxford Classification System", which is highly reproducible and predictive for clinical course, was developed in 2009. In the present study, we investigated clinical and pathological characteristics of patients with IgA nephropathy based on current classification and the predictivity of crescent presence on prognosis. Methods. The study comprised 40 patients with diagnosis of primary IgA nephropathy on renal biopsy. The biopsy findings and follow-up parameters of patients were retrospectively re-evaluated. Pathological findings were examined based on the Oxford classification system. The presence of crescent formation in the specimens was noted. Results. The presence of crescent formation was predictive of poor prognosis regarding the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the level of proteinuria, and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Conclusion: Considering the importance of crescent formation in prediction of the clinical course and need for immunosuppressive therapy, it is suggested that crescent presence can be included in this classification system.
Natural Monopoly in Russia: State Regulation Problems
Authors: Kirsanov Sergey , Safonov Evgeny , Ramirez Sandra 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The aim of the article is to reveal some aspects state regulation of natural monopoly in Russia, which are of paramount importance in economic and social life of the country. The optimal path to reforming the monopolized industries is currently a very topical question for Russia. The Russian government requires studying the foreign experience in this field and adapting it to the Russian conditions. Almost complete lack of transparency in the pricing of natural monopolies is one of the most important problems in Russia. In this connection, against the background of almost uncontrolled corruption in the country, the decision to increase tariffs for practically all services provided by monopolists, irrespective of the world prices for energy resources, causes distrust and just censures. The inefficient management of the state corporation Gazprom, a significant reduction in taxes transferred to the state budget, has not, until now, been the subject of thorough audit and critical analysis by the relevant government agencies. The Ministry of Energy does not attempt to reform the gas industry, for example, in the likeness of Scandinavian countries, where surprising results have been achieved in the operation of numerous energy suppliers. The increase of tax revenues to the country’s budget and the improvement of the quality of life of the population depend on to the scope of reforms of the industry the state will carry out based on a combination of administrative and economic control measures. Methods of investigation used: analysis, synthesis, comparative analysis.
Greenest Capital of the Baltic States – A Spatial Comparison of Greenery
Authors: Kaveckis Giedrius 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
The meaning of the term “green city” today is more related to sustainability rather than to vegetation or greenery. Therefore, the aim of this research is not to develop another complex green index, but simply to calculate and compare a share of greenery among functional urban areas of three Baltic capitals. Comparison was done using GIS tools and analysing Urban Atlas, CORINE and degree of soil sealing datasets. Although the results of Urban Atlas and CORINE datasets showed slight disagreement, it has been discovered that Tallinn has the highest share of greenery, Vilnius is in the middle and Riga is the last. Analysis of 1990, 2000, 2006 and 2012 CORINE datasets showed the highest relative decrease of greenery in Riga (2.53 %) over time, Tallinn was the second (1.44 %) and the smallest decrease (0.53 %) was in Vilnius. The analysis of degree of soil sealing demonstrated the highest relative share of pervious surfaces in Tallinn (95.5 %) and the smallest share in Vilnius (92.1 %), therefore this research nominates Tallinn as the greenest (literally) capital of the Baltic States.
Determinants of Corruption Perception in a Transition Country: Case of Albania
Authors: Çera Edmond , Sinamati Arta 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
In many aspects, Albania as a transition country has several weaknesses when compared to its neighbor countries. Even though the collapse of the communist regime was reached at almost the same time with other Balkan countries, Albania still remains outside the European Union and has to face an immature government and problematic progress in several areas. Corruption is one of the most problematic issues in Albania. This research paper is based on the data collected by IDRA Research & Consulting and in the course of empirical analysis. It studies the relation between corruption and the microeconomic factors, categorized as demographic and socio-economic factors. In other words, this study aims to examine why some individuals are more willing to accept corruption than other. Based on prominent previous studies in this field, which were discussed to a relatively limited degree, this paper aims to build an empirical model for Albania that helps to explain why some individuals are more tolerant with regard to corruption. As previous studies have shown, such factors as gender, the area of living, region, experience or wrong conception are expected to be listed among the indicators that determine perception of corruption. This study takes into account the findings of literature review when setting up the regression. The results argue that factors such as the area of living, political orientation, the level of trust in institutions, personal experience with corruption, and the right conception of corruption are important factors determining the level of corruption perception.
Stability, Ambiguity and Change in the Discourses of NATO allies in the Black Sea region: The Cases of Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey
Authors: Naumescu Valentin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractShortly after the Crimea crisis of March 2014, NATO started a process of strategic reflection and a series of actions under the umbrella of the ‘Pivot to East’. On the South of its Eastern flank, the Black Sea region looms as one of the most unstable areas, with a number of frozen conflicts in non-NATO countries as well as an increasing unrest overall. This article explores the political discourses, commitments and attitudes towards NATO of the three allies at the Black Sea, namely Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey, as well as exploring their role in regional security. The purpose of the research is to compare NATO’s representation in the mainstream politics of these countries. Based on discourse analysis and the comparative method, the paper examines to what extent stability, ambiguity and change are present in the Southeast allies’ discourses on NATO.
A Relationship in Limbo: Challenges, Dynamics and Perspectives of Kosovo’s Integration into NATO
Authors: Rrecaj Besfort T. 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
Since its declaration of independence Kosovo has clearly postured itself towards Euro-Atlantic integration with NATO, keeping its door open towards Western Balkan states. This integration process faces major challenges stemming from different dimensions: NATO’s internal unity and its stance towards Kosovo’s political status having direct impact in consensual decision making processes; current geopolitical tensions from a global perspective, particularly between the West and Russia; and Kosovo’s ability to fulfil NATO’s standards and criteria. These challenges might prove very difficult to overcome at least in the current global political and security environment. The objective of this paper is to discuss from legal and geopolitical perspectives the relations between Kosovo and NATO and the challenges, dynamics and perspective of NATO opening a formal integration process for Kosovo.
Russia and the Ukrainian Crisis: A Multiperspective Analysis of Russian Behaviour, by Taking into Account NATO’s and the EU’s Enlargement
Authors: Klotz Maximilian 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This article will explain why Russia annexed Crimea and is destabilizing eastern Ukraine. To do this, three different theoretical approaches on various levels of analysis will be used. It will be examined how far the expansion of NATO, as well as that of the European Union (Theory of Neorealism), was a motive for Russia’s action. NATO’s enlargement is analysed predominantly. In addition, politicalpsychological motivations of the Russian leadership are considered. But it is also analysed whether Russia’s pure power interests have played a role (Theory of Realism). The focus here is on the Russian naval base in Crimea. It is necessary to examine whether preserving its fleet in the Black Sea was a motive for Moscow to annex the Crimean peninsula.
Prolegomena to the Romanian Sociology and Historiography of Food
Authors: Bucur Bogdan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis article examines the dietary habits of the predominantly rural (and also urban) population from Romania, in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. In order to access valid data regarding the diet of the local population, we used the analysis of social documents: journals and memoirs of foreign travelers transiting the Romanian Principalities (Wallachia and Moldavia) throughout the nineteenth century, respectively the monographic research of the Sociological School of Bucharest published mainly in the magazine called Sociologie Românească (1936-1942). At various points in time, we employed comparisons between the diet of the people from urban and rural environments, or between the food regimens of adults and children, correlations between the dietary habits and health status of the population, and between the dietary habits from Romania and those from other European and South American countries. A reading of the current article reveals certain a continuity, for hundreds of years, concerning the deficient dietary regimen of the Romanian peasant, who relied heavily on mămăligă, eaten together with several dairy products. Another conclusion is that, in the rural environment, food scarcity was not economically conditioned: even in the relatively prosperous households that were supplied with all the necessary aliments, women prepared plain, tasteless dishes, because they did not know how to cook. And finally, from a theoretical perspective, in this article we aim to address the rural roots of Romanian historiography and sociology of food (which we shall attempt to examine against similar scientific approaches from Western Europe).