bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence for effective structure‐based neuromodulatory effects of new analogues of neurosteroid allopregnanolone
Authors: Taleb O. , Patte‐Mensah C. , Meyer L. , Kemmel V. , Geoffroy P. , Miesch M. , Mensah‐Nyagan A.‐G. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe neurosteroid allopregnanolone (AP) modulates neuroendocrine/neurobiological processes, including hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenocortical activities, pain, anxiety, neurogenesis and neuroprotection. These observations raised the hope of developing AP‐based therapies against neuroendocrine and/or neurodegenerative disorders. However, the pleiotropic actions of AP, particularly its cell‐proliferation‐promoting effects, hamper the development of selective/targeted therapies. For example, although AP‐induced neurogenesis may serve to compensate neuronal loss in degenerative brains, AP‐evoked cell‐proliferation is contraindicated for steroid‐sensitive cancer patients. To foster progress, we synthesised 4 novel AP analogues of neurosteroids (ANS) designated BR053 (12‐oxo‐epi‐AP), BR297 (O‐allyl‐epi‐AP), BR351 (O‐allyl‐AP) and BR338 (12‐oxo‐AP). First, because AP is well‐known as allosteric modulator of GABAA receptors (GABAA‐R), we used the electrophysiological patch‐clamp technique to determine the structure‐activity relationship of our ANS on GABAA‐activated current in NCB20 cells expressing functional GABAA‐R. We found that the addition of 12‐oxo‐group did not significantly change the respective positive or negative allosteric effects of 3α‐AP or 3β‐(epi)‐AP analogues. Importantly, substitution of the 3α‐hydroxyl‐group by 3α‐O‐allyl highly modified the ANS activities. Unlike AP, BR351 induced a long‐lasting desensitisation/inhibition of GABAA‐R. Interestingly, replacement of the 3β‐hydroxyl by 3β‐O‐allyl (BR297) completely reversed the activity from negative to positive allosteric action. In a second step, we compared the actions of AP and ANS on SH‐SY5Y neuronal cell viability/proliferation using MTT‐reduction assays. Different dose‐response curves were demonstrated for AP and the ANS. By contrast to AP, BR297 was totally devoid of cell‐proliferative effect. Finally, we compared AP and ANS abilities to protect against oxidative stress‐induced neuronal death pivotally involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Both BR351 and BR297 had notable advantages over AP in protecting SH‐SY5Y cells against oxidative stress‐induced death. Thus, BR297 appears to be a potent neuroprotective compound devoid of cell‐proliferative activity. Altogether, our results suggest promising perspectives for the development of neurosteroid‐based selective and effective strategies against neuroendocrine and/or neurodegenerative disorders.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus and bone
Authors: Compston J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractType 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a rapidly growing public health problem. It is associated with an increased risk of fracture, particularly of the hip, despite normal or high bone mineral density. Longer duration of disease and poor glycaemic control are both associated with higher fracture risk. The factors underlying increased fracture risk have not been clearly established, but increased falls risk, obesity, sarcopenia and co‐morbidities are likely to contribute. The basis for reduced bone strength despite higher bone mineral density remains to be fully elucidated. Bone turnover is reduced in individuals with T2DM, with evidence of impaired bone formation. Most studies indicate normal or superior trabecular bone structure although reduced lumbar spine trabecular bone score (TBS) has been reported. Deficits in cortical bone structure have been demonstrated in some, but not all, studies whilst reduced bone material strength index (BMSi), as assessed by microindentation, has been a consistent finding. Accumulation of advanced glycation end products in bone may also contribute to reduced bone strength. The use of FRAX in individuals with T2DM underestimates fracture probability. Clinical management should focus on falls prevention strategies, avoidance of known risk factors, maintenance of good glycaemic control and bone protective intervention in individuals at high risk of fracture. Dietary and surgical strategies to reduce weight have beneficial effects on diabetes but may have adverse effects on skeletal health. Future research priorities include better definition of the mechanisms underlying increased fracture risk in T2DM and optimal strategies for identifying and treating those at high risk.
Exit, Voice, or Loyalty? An Investigation Into Mandated Portability of Front‐Loaded Private Health Plans
Authors: Atal Juan Pablo , Fang Hanming , Karlsson Martin , Ziebarth Nicolas R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe study theoretically and empirically how consumers in an individual private long‐term health insurance market with front‐loaded contracts respond to a newly mandated portability requirement of their old‐age provisions. To foster competition, effective 2009, the German legislature made the portability of standardized old‐age provisions mandatory. Our theoretical model predicts that the portability reform will increase internal plan switching. However, under plausible assumptions, it will not increase external insurer switching. Moreover, the portability reform will enable unhealthier enrollees to reoptimize their plans. We find confirmatory evidence for the theoretical predictions using claims panel data from a big private insurer.
Perspectives on the motivations for phonetic convergence
Authors: Coles‐Harris Evan Hugh 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe motivations for spontaneous phonetic convergence have implications for theories of memory, speech production and perception, social cognition, contact‐induced language change, and any number of other phenomena. Thus, this paper examines two distinct but related theoretical positions commonly taken on the motivations for spontaneous phonetic convergence: the Automatist stance and the Interventionist stance. Automatists argue that phonetic convergence is the automatic result of the unmediated action of a perception‐production link; of the action of general psychological processes such as priming and simulation effects on linguistic representations in the brain. Interventionists, on the other hand, argue that convergence is the product of the very mediation of the perception‐production link, be it linguistic or social mediation, typically for the purpose of managing the social distance between interlocutors. I argue that these seemingly diametrically opposed stances are in fact complementary, not contradictory—having been developed to describe data at various points along a continuum of sociality—and that it is most productive to understand one's own position on the issue from this standpoint. Topics such as exemplar theory, gestural drift, entrainment, and communication accommodation theory are discussed for their relevance to the question at hand.
Auxin molecular field maps define AUX1 selectivity: many auxin herbicides are not substrates
Authors: Hoyerova Klara , Hosek Petr , Quareshy Mussa , Li Jun , Klima Petr , Kubes Martin , Yemm Antony A. , Neve Paul , Tripathi Ashutosh , Bennett Malcolm J. , Napier Richard M. 
Published: December 2017

Summary

Developmental responses to auxin are regulated by facilitated uptake and efflux, but detailed molecular understanding of the carrier proteins is incomplete.

We have used pharmacological tools to explore the chemical space that defines substrate preferences for the auxin uptake carrier AUX1. Total and partial loss‐of‐function aux1 mutants were assessed against wild‐type for dose‐dependent resistance to a range of auxins and analogues. We then developed an auxin accumulation assay with associated mathematical modelling to enumerate accurate IC50 values for a small library of auxin analogues. The structure activity relationship data were analysed using molecular field analyses to create a pharmacophoric atlas of AUX1 substrates.

The uptake carrier exhibits a very high level of selectivity towards small substrates including the natural indole‐3‐acetic acid, and the synthetic auxin 2,4‐dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. No AUX1 activity was observed for herbicides based on benzoic acid (dicamba), pyridinyloxyacetic acid (triclopyr) or the 6‐arylpicolinates (halauxifen), and very low affinity was found for picolinic acid‐based auxins (picloram) and quinolinecarboxylic acids (quinclorac).

The atlas demonstrates why some widely used auxin herbicides are not, or are very poor substrates. We list molecular descriptors for AUX1 substrates and discuss our findings in terms of herbicide resistance management.
Effectiveness of nickel‐titanium springs vs elastomeric chains in orthodontic space closure: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mohammed H. , Rizk M.Z. , Wafaie K. , Almuzian M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study is to explore the effectiveness of nickel titanium closing springs (NiTi‐CS) and elastomeric power chains (EPC) in orthodontic space closure and to assess the adverse periodontal effects, cost efficiency and patient‐centred outcomes between both of these methods. Methods: An electronic search of online databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, LILACS and Web of Science), reference lists and grey literature as well as hand search were conducted without language restriction up to November/2017. Two authors blindly and in duplicate were involved in study selection, quality assessment and the extraction of data. Only randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool. 95% confidence intervals and mean difference for continuous data were calculated. A meta‐analysis that generated a random‐effect model for the comparable outcomes was conducted, and heterogeneity was measured using I2 statistic. Results: Of 187 records, 4 RCTs met the criteria and were included in the quantitative synthesis featuring 290 test quadrants. Faster space closure with NiTi‐CS was observed with a mean difference of (0.20 mm/month, 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.28). Loss of anchorage appears to be similar within both groups when synthesized qualitatively. With exception to anchorage loss, secondary outcomes could not be investigated in the included trials. Conclusions: There is a moderate quality of evidence suggesting a faster orthodontic space closure with the NiTi‐CS when compared to EPC. A comparable amount of anchorage loss was observed regardless of the utilized method of space closure. Further high‐quality RCTs with parallel‐groups, reporting on the adverse effects and patient‐centred values, are recommended.
Rapid transformation in the braincase of sauropod dinosaurs: integrated evolution of the braincase and neck in early sauropods?
Authors: Bronzati Mario , Benson Roger B. J. , Rauhut Oliver W. M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSauropod dinosaurs were quadrupedal herbivores with a highly specialized body plan that attained the largest masses of any terrestrial vertebrates. Recent discoveries have shown that key traits associated with sauropod gigantism appeared stepwise during the Late Triassic and Early Jurassic in evolutionary ‘cascades’ of associated changes, in which a ‘head and neck’ cascade has been suggested as an important module. Here, we investigate the evolutionary transformation of the sauropodomorph braincase, using discrete anatomical characters, prompted by the reanalysis of a Middle Jurassic (Bathonian) sauropodiform braincase from England. Our analysis shows that sauropod braincases are highly distinct, and occupy a different region of morphospace than their evolutionary relatives. This resulted from anatomical transformations including a set of changes in the surface attachments of craniocervical musculature, which may indicate integrated evolution between neck elongation and transformation in braincase anatomy. Neck elongation in Late Triassic and Early or Middle Jurassic taxa is potentially associated with episodes of skull reduction, indicating that the ‘head and neck’ cascade was activated more than once in the evolutionary history of Sauropodomorpha. The re‐activation of this cascade in the Jurassic may have impacted on the differential survival of sauropodomorph lineages through the Early and Middle Jurassic.
Underdetermination in science: What it is and why we should care
Authors: Turnbull Margaret Greta 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe underdetermination of scientific theory choice by evidence is a familiar but multifaceted concept in the philosophy of science. I answer two pressing questions about underdetermination: “What is underdetermination?” and “Why should we care about underdetermination?” To answer the first question, I provide a general definition of underdetermination, identify four forms of underdetermination, and discuss major criticisms of each form. To answer the second question, I then survey two common uses of underdetermination in broader arguments against scientific realism and in support of the use of values in scientific theory choice. I conclude that philosophers should also care about underdetermination because it impacts scientists in their practice.
Supplemented Morus nigra extract‐based medium associated with FSH enables the survival and growth of isolated ovine secondary ovarian follicles
Authors: Cavalcante AYP , Lins TLBG , Santos JMS , Barros VRP , Monte APO , Barberino RS , Almeida JRGS , Matos MHT 
Published: December 2017

ContentsThe effects of Morus nigra ethanolic extract, without or with addition of supplements associated or not with FSH, on in vitro culture of ovine secondary follicles were evaluated. In experiment 1, isolated secondary follicles were cultured for 12 days in α‐MEM alone (control) or in different concentrations of M. nigra extract (MN 0.025; 0.05 or 0.1 mg/ml). In experiment 2, culture media were α‐MEM supplemented with BSA, insulin, transferrin, selenium, glutamine, hypoxanthine and ascorbic acid (α‐MEM+) or this medium associated with FSH (α‐MEM+ + FSH), or 0.1 mg/ml M. nigra without supplements (MN 0.1) or supplemented (MN 0.1+) without or with FSH (MN 0.1+ + FSH). In experiment 1, 0.1 mg/ml M. nigra showed the highest percentages (p < .05) of normal follicles and fully grown oocytes, besides a higher follicular diameter than α‐MEM and other M. nigra extract concentrations. Moreover, MN 0.1 showed lower (p < .05) glutathione (GSH) levels and similar (p > .05) mitochondrial activity compared to α‐MEM. In experiment 2, MN 0.1+ + FSH showed similar results (p > .05) to α‐MEM+ + FSH for all parameters evaluated, except for the daily growth rate, which was higher (p < .05) in MN 0.1+ + FSH. The GSH levels were higher in MEM+ than all treatments. In addition, oocytes from follicles cultured in MN 0.1+ + FSH showed ability to resume meiosis. In conclusion, M. nigra extract (0.1 mg/ml) added by supplements and FSH can be an efficient medium for ovine secondary follicle development.
Effects of an Advisory Brochure on Fish Consumption of Urban Anglers in the Great Lakes Region
Authors: Lauber T. Bruce , Connelly Nancy A. , Niederdeppe Jeff , Knuth Barbara A. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPast research has suggested that urban anglers are a group at high risk of being exposed to contaminants from fish consumption. Fish consumption advisories have been used in many regions to encourage healthy fish‐eating behaviors, but few studies have been designed to assess whether these advisories actually influence behavior as intended. We conducted a large‐scale, randomized experiment to test the influence of an advisory brochure on urban anglers’ fish consumption. We collected detailed information on anglers’ fish consumption in three urban counties in the Great Lakes region in the summers of 2014 and 2015. We provided a treatment group with fish consumption guidelines in an advisory brochure before the summer of 2015 and compared their change in fish consumption to a control group. The brochure led to a reduction in fish consumption for anglers who ate the most fish; these anglers reduced their consumption of high‐contaminant purchased fish (by ≥0.2 meals/summer for those in 72nd percentile of fish consumption or above), high‐contaminant sport‐caught fish (by ≥0.4 meals/summer for those in 87th percentile and above), and low‐contaminant sport‐caught fish (by ≥0.3 meals/summer by those in 76th percentile and above). The brochure also reduced sport‐caught fish consumption among those anglers who exceeded the advisories in 2014 (by 2.0 meals/summer). In addition, the brochure led to small increases in sport‐caught fish consumption (0.4–0.6 meals/summer) in urban anglers who ate very little sport‐caught fish (≤1 meal/summer).
Becoming part of me: Examining when objects, thoughts, goals, and people become fused with the self‐concept
Authors: Hatvany Thomas , Burkley Edward , Curtis Jessica 
Published: December 2017

AbstractFusion refers to the sense that a construct is integrated into the self‐concept. When a person feels fused with a construct, there is a perceived “oneness” with the construct, and as a result, the construct is treated as an extension of the self. This concept of fusion has been explored across a wide range of constructs and within a number of subfields in psychology. The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive view of the fusion process and to connect these disparate areas of literature underneath a single unifying theme. Specifically, we focus on five constructs that researchers have explored in terms of fusion: objects, thoughts, goals, significant others, and groups. In our review, we discuss the ways that fusion is typically measured and highlight the consequences that occur as a result of such fusion. We conclude by highlighting questions that remain unanswered and suggest potential areas of future development.
Ground water radon anomalies in Bodrum Peninsula
Authors: Ülküm Öztürk , Taşköprü Caner , İçhedef Mutlu , Saç Müslim Murat , Kumru Mehmet N. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBodrum Peninsula is located between Hellenic Trench in the west and Gökova Fault Zone in the east which is affected by hundreds of earthquakes every year. Because of its active environment is allowed to monitor tracers/precursors continuously to analyse natural processes. This study focused on the determination of ground water radon (222Rn) concentrations in the Bodrum Peninsula in terms of seismic activities. Radon levels of ten ground water wells were measured periodically throughout the peninsula and these wells were divided into two groups according to the number of earthquakes they are exposed. Radon variations in second group stations are fairly significant as a result of high number of earthquakes. In these stations, radon continuously increased before the seismic storm and then decreased step by step. The results indicated that radon variations in ground waters of Bodrum Peninsula can be a good indicator for seismic storms instead of one specific event.
Who Works Longer – and Why? Regional and Individual Characteristics in the Timing of Retirement
Authors: Klaesson Johan , Lopez Esteban , Öner Özge 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWho works longer – and why? This paper investigates the characteristics of people that stay longer in the workforce, even beyond the time they are eligible to retire. In our regional analysis, we use an 11‐year balanced panel of 290 Swedish regions. In the individual analysis, we use a large individual level panel to apply Cox proportional hazard estimates on ‘risk’ of entering retirement. Our results show a large gender difference: women tend to retire earlier than men. Between employees and entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs retire later. People in larger regions tend to retire later. Higher house prices, and the share of small firms in a region correlate with a lower likelihood of retirement. The local tax rate and the share of blue‐collar workers in a region is significantly related to lower retirement age. A high average wage, commuting intensity, and high human capital in a region is associated with later retirement.
Know your enemy, embrace your friend: using omics to understand how plants respond differently to pathogenic and mutualistic microorganisms
Authors: Plett Jonathan M. , Martin Francis M. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryMicroorganisms, or ‘microbes’, have formed intimate associations with plants throughout the length of their evolutionary history. In extant plant systems microbes still remain an integral part of the ecological landscape, impacting plant health, productivity and long‐term fitness. Therefore, to properly understand the genetic wiring of plants, we must first determine what perception systems plants have evolved to parse beneficial from commensal from pathogenic microbes. In this review, we consider some of the most recent advances in how plants respond at the molecular level to different microbial lifestyles. Further, we cover some of the means by which microbes are able to manipulate plant signaling pathways through altered destructiveness and nutrient sinks, as well as the use of effector proteins and micro‐RNAs (miRNAs). We conclude by highlighting some of the major questions still to be answered in the field of plant‐microbe research, and suggest some of the key areas that are in greatest need of further research investment. The results of these proposed studies will have impacts in a wide range of plant research disciplines and will, ultimately, translate into stronger agronomic crops and forestry stock, with immune perception and response systems bred to foster beneficial microbial symbioses while repudiating pathogenic symbioses.
Heterogeneous immigrants, exports and foreign direct investment: The role of language skills
Authors: Lücke Matthias , Stöhr Tobias 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe investigate the interplay of language skills and immigrant stocks in determining bilateral FDI outstocks of OECD reporting countries. Applying a Poisson panel estimator to 2004–11 data, we find robust evidence for a positive effect of bilateral immigrants on bilateral FDI‐provided that residents of the two countries have few language skills in common. We find a similar effect for immigrants from third countries that speak the language(s) of the FDI host country, making them potential substitutes for bilateral migrants. Our findings suggest that immigrants facilitate outgoing FDI through their language skills, rather than through other characteristics like cultural familiarity.
Epidemiological study of people living in rural North Carolina for novel respiratory viruses
Authors: Wang X. , Anderson B. D. , Pulscher L. A. , Bailey E. S. , Yondon M. , Gray G. C. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryDuring the last 10 years, scientists have grown increasingly aware that emerging respiratory viruses are often zoonotic in their origin. These infections can originate from or be amplified in livestock. Less commonly recognized are instances when humans have transmitted their respiratory pathogens to animals (reverse zoonoses). Even with this knowledge of viral exchange at the human–livestock interface, few studies have been conducted to understand this cross‐over. In this pilot study, we examined persons with influenza‐like illness at an outpatient clinic for evidence of infection with novel zoonotic respiratory pathogens in rural North Carolina where there are dense swine and poultry farming. Environmental air sampling was also conducted. From July 2016 to March 2017, a total of 14 human subjects were enrolled and sampled, and 192 bioaerosol samples were collected. Of the 14 human subject samples molecularly tested, three (21.4%) were positive for influenza A, one (7.1%) for influenza B and one (7.1%) for human enterovirus. Of the 192 bioaerosol samples collected and tested by real‐time RT‐PCR or PCR, three (1.6%) were positive for influenza A and two (1.0%) for adenovirus. No evidence was found for novel zoonotic respiratory viruses.