bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associations of centrally acting ACE inhibitors with cognitive decline and survival in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Fazal Karim , Perera Gayan , Khondoker Mizanur , Howard Robert , Stewart Robert 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundCognitive improvement has been reported in patients receiving centrally acting angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (C-ACEIs).AimsTo compare cognitive decline and survival after diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease between people receiving C-ACEIs, non-centrally acting angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (NC-ACEIs), and neither.MethodRoutine Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores were extracted in 5260 patients receiving acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and analysed against C-/NC-ACEI exposure at the time of Alzheimer's disease diagnosis.ResultsIn the 9 months after Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, MMSE scores significantly increased by 0.72 and 0.19 points per year in patients on C-ACEIs and neither respectively, but deteriorated by 0.61 points per year in those on NC-ACEIs. There were no significant group differences in score trajectories from 9 to 36 months and no differences in survival.ConclusionsIn people with Alzheimer's disease receiving acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, those also taking C-ACEIs had stronger initial improvement in cognitive function, but there was no evidence of longer-lasting influence on dementia progression.
Psoriasiform skin disease in transgenic pigs with high-copy ectopic expression of human integrins α2 and β1
Authors: Staunstrup Nicklas Heine , Stenderup Karin , Mortensen Sidsel , Primo Maria Nascimento , Rosada Cecilia , Steiniche Torben , Liu Ying , Li Rong , Schmidt Mette , Purup Stig , Dagnæs-Hansen Frederik , Schrøder Lisbeth Dahl , Svensson Lars , Petersen Thomas Kongstad , Callesen Henrik , Bolund Lars , Mikkelsen Jacob Giehm 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT
Psoriasis is a complex human-specific disease characterized by perturbed keratinocyte proliferation and a pro-inflammatory environment in the skin. Porcine skin architecture and immunity are very similar to that in humans, rendering the pig a suitable animal model for studying the biology and treatment of psoriasis. Expression of integrins, which is normally confined to the basal layer of the epidermis, is maintained in suprabasal keratinocytes in psoriatic skin, modulating proliferation and differentiation as well as leukocyte infiltration. Here, we generated minipigs co-expressing integrins α2 and β1 in suprabasal epidermal layers. Integrin-transgenic minipigs born into the project displayed skin phenotypes that correlated with the number of inserted transgenes. Molecular analyses were in good concordance with histological observations of psoriatic hallmarks, including hypogranulosis and T-lymphocyte infiltration. These findings mark the first creation of minipigs with a psoriasiform phenotype resembling human psoriasis and demonstrate that integrin signaling plays a key role in psoriasis pathology.
Lifespan extension by peroxidase and dual oxidase-mediated ROS signaling through pyrroloquinoline quinone in C. elegans
Authors: Sasakura Hiroyuki , Moribe Hiroki , Nakano Masahiko , Ikemoto Kazuto , Takeuchi Kosei , Mori Ikue 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT
Reactive oxygen species (ROS), originally characterized based on their harmful effects on cells or organisms, are now recognized as important signal molecules regulating various biological processes. In particular, low levels of ROS released from mitochondria extend lifespan. Here, we identified a novel mechanism of generating appropriate levels of ROS at the plasma membrane through a peroxidase and dual oxidase (DUOX) system, which could extend lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans. A redox co-factor, pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), activates the C. elegans DUOX protein BLI-3 to produce the ROS H2O2 at the plasma membrane, which is subsequently degraded by peroxidase (MLT-7), eventually ensuring adequate levels of ROS. These ROS signals are transduced mainly by the oxidative stress transcriptional factors SKN-1 (Nrf2 or NFE2L2 in mammals) and JUN-1, and partially by DAF-16 (a FOXO protein homolog). Cell biology experiments demonstrated a similarity between the mechanisms of PQQ-induced activation of human DUOX1 and DUOX2 and that of C. elegans BLI-3, suggesting that DUOXs are potential targets of intervention for lifespan extension. We propose that low levels of ROS, fine-tuned by the peroxidase and dual oxidase system at the plasma membrane, act as second messengers to extend lifespan by the effect of hormesis.
The predator and prey behaviors of crabs: from ecology to neural adaptations
Authors: Tomsic Daniel , Sztarker Julieta , Berón de Astrada Martín , Oliva Damián , Lanza Estela 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT
Predator avoidance and prey capture are among the most vital of animal behaviors. They require fast reactions controlled by comparatively straightforward neural circuits often containing giant neurons, which facilitates their study with electrophysiological techniques. Naturally occurring avoidance behaviors, in particular, can be easily and reliably evoked in the laboratory, enabling their neurophysiological investigation. Studies in the laboratory alone, however, can lead to a biased interpretation of an animal's behavior in its natural environment. In this Review, we describe current knowledge – acquired through both laboratory and field studies – on the visually guided escape behavior of the crab Neohelice granulata. Analyses of the behavioral responses to visual stimuli in the laboratory have revealed the main characteristics of the crab's performance, such as the continuous regulation of the speed and direction of the escape run, or the enduring changes in the strength of escape induced by learning and memory. This work, in combination with neuroanatomical and electrophysiological studies, has allowed the identification of various giant neurons, the activity of which reflects most essential aspects of the crabs' avoidance performance. In addition, behavioral analyses performed in the natural environment reveal a more complex picture: crabs make use of much more information than is usually available in laboratory studies. Moreover, field studies have led to the discovery of a robust visually guided chasing behavior in Neohelice. Here, we describe similarities and differences in the results obtained between the field and the laboratory, discuss the sources of any differences and highlight the importance of combining the two approaches.
Modeling the costs and benefits associated with the evolution of endothermy using a robotic python
Authors: Brashears J. Alex , Hoffman Ty C. M. , DeNardo Dale F. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT
Endothermy provides considerable benefits to an organism but requires large energy investment. To understand potential driving forces that would lead to the evolution of endothermy, it is important to understand the energy costs and potential benefits of intermediate steps between ectothermy and homeothermic endothermy as well as the influences of environmental conditions on energetic costs. However, efforts to examine intermediate conditions are greatly limited by the predominant natural dichotomy between ectothermy and endothermy. Facultative endothermy by brooding pythons provides a fortunate study system where endothermy is beneficial but not essential. As one cannot control the extent of energy investment in heat production by a female python, we created an artificial snake with controllable heating capability. This enabled us to determine the energetic costs of maintaining a clutch at a preferred temperature, and to determine the relative thermal benefit of limited energy-producing capability (i.e. 50% of the required energy to maintain the preferred developmental temperature). We manipulated the pseudoserpent's clutch size (5, 10, 15 eggs), diel ambient temperature cycle (2, 4, 6°C) and insulation (with and without) at each of these power levels: unlimited power, half required power and no power. We found no significant effect of clutch size on either power requirements or developmental temperature. Energy requirements increased with the amplitude of the diel cycle and decreased with the addition of insulation, while the quality of the thermal environment decreased with the amplitude of the diel cycle. Interestingly, the quality of the thermal environment also decreased with the addition of insulation. We discuss these results within the context of the reproductive model of the evolution of endothermy.
The Ol1mpiad: concordance of behavioural faculties of stage 1 and stage 3Drosophilalarvae
Authors: Almeida-Carvalho Maria J. , Berh Dimitri , Braun Andreas , Chen Yi-chun , Eichler Katharina , Eschbach Claire , Fritsch Pauline M. J. , Gerber Bertram , Hoyer Nina , Jiang Xiaoyi , Kleber Jörg , Klämbt Christian , König Christian , Louis Matthieu , Michels Birgit , Miroschnikow Anton , Mirth Christen , Miura Daisuke , Niewalda Thomas , Otto Nils , Paisios Emmanouil , Pankratz Michael J. , Petersen Meike , Ramsperger Noel , Randel Nadine , Risse Benjamin , Saumweber Timo , Schlegel Philipp , Schleyer Michael , Soba Peter , Sprecher Simon G. , Tanimura Teiichi , Thum Andreas S. , Toshima Naoko , Truman Jim W. , Yarali Ayse , Zlatic Marta 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTMapping brain function to brain structure is a fundamental task for neuroscience. For such an endeavour, the Drosophila larva is simple enough to be tractable, yet complex enough to be interesting. It features about 10,000 neurons and is capable of various taxes, kineses and Pavlovian conditioning. All its neurons are currently being mapped into a light-microscopical atlas, and Gal4 strains are being generated to experimentally access neurons one at a time. In addition, an electron microscopic reconstruction of its nervous system seems within reach. Notably, this electron microscope-based connectome is being drafted for a stage 1 larva – because stage 1 larvae are much smaller than stage 3 larvae. However, most behaviour analyses have been performed for stage 3 larvae because their larger size makes them easier to handle and observe. It is therefore warranted to either redo the electron microscopic reconstruction for a stage 3 larva or to survey the behavioural faculties of stage 1 larvae. We provide the latter. In a community-based approach we called the Ol1mpiad, we probed stage 1 Drosophila larvae for free locomotion, feeding, responsiveness to substrate vibration, gentle and nociceptive touch, burrowing, olfactory preference and thermotaxis, light avoidance, gustatory choice of various tastants plus odour–taste associative learning, as well as light/dark–electric shock associative learning. Quantitatively, stage 1 larvae show lower scores in most tasks, arguably because of their smaller size and lower speed. Qualitatively, however, stage 1 larvae perform strikingly similar to stage 3 larvae in almost all cases. These results bolster confidence in mapping brain structure and behaviour across developmental stages.
The Value of “Bespoke”: Demand Learning, Preference Learning, and Customer Behavior
Authors: Huang Tingliang , Liang Chao , Wang Jingqi 
Published: July 2017

“Bespoke,” or mass customization strategy, combines demand learning and preference learning. We develop an analytical framework to study the economic value of bespoke systems and investigate the interaction between demand learning and preference learning. We find that it is possible for demand learning and preference learning to be either complements or substitutes, depending on the customization cost and the demand uncertainty profile. They are generally complements when the personalization cost is low and the probability of having high demand is large. Contrary to usual belief, we show that higher demand uncertainty does not necessarily yield more complementarity benefits. Our numerical study shows that the complementarity benefit becomes weaker when customers are more strategic. Interestingly, the substitute loss can occur when the personalization cost is small and the probability of having high demand is large, when customers are strategic. The online supplement is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2017.2771 . This paper was accepted by Serguei Netessine, operations management.
Multiplexed Elimination of Wild-Type DNA and High-Resolution Melting Prior to Targeted Resequencing of Liquid Biopsies
Authors: Ladas Ioannis , Fitarelli-Kiehl Mariana , Song Chen , Adalsteinsson Viktor A , Parsons Heather A , Lin Nancy U , Wagle Nikhil , Makrigiorgos G Mike 
Published: July 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The use of clinical samples and circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) collected from liquid biopsies for diagnostic and prognostic applications in cancer is burgeoning, and improved methods that reduce the influence of excess wild-type (WT) portion of the sample are desirable. Here we present enrichment of mutation-containing sequences using enzymatic degradation of WT DNA. Mutation enrichment is combined with high-resolution melting (HRM) performed in multiplexed closed-tube reactions as a rapid, cost-effective screening tool before targeted resequencing.

METHODS
We developed a homogeneous, closed-tube approach to use a double-stranded DNA-specific nuclease for degradation of WT DNA at multiple targets simultaneously. The No Denaturation Nuclease-assisted Minor Allele Enrichment with Probe Overlap (ND-NaME-PrO) uses WT oligonucleotides overlapping both strands on putative DNA targets. Under conditions of partial denaturation (DNA breathing), the oligonucleotide probes enhance double-stranded DNA-specific nuclease digestion at the selected targets, with high preference toward WT over mutant DNA. To validate ND-NaME-PrO, we used multiplexed HRM, digital PCR, and MiSeq targeted resequencing of mutated genomic DNA and cfDNA.

RESULTS
Serial dilution of KRAS mutation-containing DNA shows mutation enrichment by 10- to 120-fold and detection of allelic fractions down to 0.01%. Multiplexed ND-NaME-PrO combined with multiplexed PCR-HRM showed mutation scanning of 10–20 DNA amplicons simultaneously. ND-NaME-PrO applied on cfDNA from clinical samples enables mutation enrichment and HRM scanning over 10 DNA targets. cfDNA mutations were enriched up to approximately 100-fold (average approximately 25-fold) and identified via targeted resequencing.

CONCLUSIONS
Closed-tube homogeneous ND-NaME-PrO combined with multiplexed HRM is a convenient approach to efficiently enrich for mutations on multiple DNA targets and to enable prescreening before targeted resequencing.
Composite utterances in a signed language: Topic constructions and perspective-taking in ASL
Authors: Janzen Terry 
Published: July 2017

AbstractComposite utterances are utterances that are built from multiple signs of multiple types, meaning that in any conversational “move” speech, gestures, eye-gaze, intonation patterns, physical stance, etc. all participate in the utterance, and the meaning derived from it is constructed by the composite of these participant types. likewise considers utterances as multimodal ensembles. The present study investigates how the notion of composite utterance plays out in a signed language such as ASL. Articulated in the same modality as are gestures, the distinction between language and gesture has seemed less clear, leading some to ask whether signers even gesture at all and some to suggest that gestures and formal signed language are substantively different systems. On the other hand, others have posited a continuity approach to gesture and signed language especially in light of grammaticalization studies. Here I examine topic-comment constructions and perspectivized clauses in ASL through the lens of Enfield’s composite utterances proposal, looking at component parts and how they function to ground elements in the discourse and guide the interlocutor through the textual structure. I use Enfield’s conventional versus non-conventional type categories in examining lexical and prosodic elements in topic and perspective-taking constructions.
Influence of reactive POSS and DDP on thermal stability and flame retardance of UPR nanocomposites
Authors: Nie Yongqian , Leng Xuanxi , Jiang Yixue , Chai Shigan , Zhang Jinzhi , Zou Qichao 
Published: July 2017

AbstractUnsaturated polyester resins (UPR) were prepared by the melt condensation method based on adipic acid, o-phthalic anhydride, maleic anhydride and ethylene glycol in the presence of PSS-(2,3-propanediol)propoxy-heptaisobutyl substituted (PSS-POSS) or/and 9 wt% [(6-oxide-6H-dibenz(c,e)(1,2)oxaphosphorin-6-yl)methyl]butanedioic (DDP). We synthesized UPR containing DDP (DDP-UPR) and UPR containing both DDP and PSS-POSS (DDP-PSS-POSS-UPR series). The chemical structures of the modified polyesters were characterized and confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (31P NMR). The thermal stability and flammability behaviors of UPR were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and limited oxygen index (LOI) and the vertical burning test. The morphology of residual char of UPR was shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that the incorporation of PSS-POSS has little influence on the thermal stability of DDP-UPR, but enhances the flame retardance of DDP-UPR, and when the PSS-POSS content reaches 10 wt%, the DDP-PSS-POSS-UPR has better flame retardance.
Constructing the stereotype: Indexes and performance of a stigmatised local dialect in Egypt
Authors: Bassiouney Reem 
Published: July 2017

Abstract‘Saʿidi dialect’ is a general phrase used by Egyptians to refer to a group of dialects spoken in an area that stretches from the south of Cairo to the border of the Sudan. Of all the dialects found throughout Egypt and the Arab world, Saʿidi Arabic is one of the most ridiculed, stigmatised and stereotyped in the media. Salient phonological and semantic features of Saʿidi are associated with undesirable attributes such as ignorance, stupidity and a lack of sophistication. These negative indexes are often emphasised by the media. However, some Saʿidi intellectuals and public figures employ these very features to perform their identity, thus creating a positive stance and highlighting the favourable traits of Saʿidis.This article examines data from the media, including soap operas, poetry – both written and performed – postcards and songs. It utilises the concepts of indexicality and stance-taking to explore the metalinguistic discourse of Saʿidis and non-Saʿidis in the media. In addition, the article examines indexes of Saʿidi features that are considered second order indexes, but that are used by performers who employ a Saʿidi dialect to create a stance that is remarkably distinct from the rest of Egypt.
Finding Nema: The National Environmental Management Act, the De Hoop Dam, Conflict Resolution and Alternative Dispute Resolution in Environmental Disputes
Authors: Couzens E , Dent M 
Published: July 2017

At a time when it is recognised that large dams have potentially serious environmental consequences; it appears that a dam, the De Hoop dam, is to be constructed in Mpumalanga Province. The dam may seriously disrupt ecosystems in the Kruger National Park. Authorisation for the dam was granted by the Minister: Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, based on a badly flawed environmental impact assessment (EIA) process; the Record of Decision (ROD) from the Minister was equally inadequate. Following objections and appeals, the Minister released a revised RoD in which important changes were made. The flawed EIA and approval processes, however, may come back to haunt the decision-maker; yet value lies in the lessons to be drawn from the initial failure to consider the views of interested and affected parties. In the end, an abridged form of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is to be followed; but much harm could have been avoided had this been done from the beginning.
The ‘de hoop’ must be that these errors will be avoided in future in such disputes and a culture of ADR fostered.
Editorial
Authors: Venter Francois 
Published: July 2017

Issues of environmental law in the South African context once more characterise this final issue of 2006.
Couzens and Dent, both from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, extensively discuss shortcomings that occurred in the process of authorization of the building of a dam that will have implications for some ecosystems in the Kruger National Park. Alternative dispute resolution, as provided for in the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) emerges as a likely means for the resolution of the difficulties and under the creative title "Finding NEMA", the authors express the hope that much will in future be learnt from the errors that occurred in this case.
Unraveling the Legal Knots around Inter-country Adoptions in De Gree v Webb
Authors: Moodley P 
Published: July 2017

With reference to the case of De Gree v Webb 2007 SCA 87 (RSA) and developments in the field of international and South African child law, this contribution examines some challenges posed to the judiciary in particular with regard to inter-country adoptions and the application of the best interests of the child principle in this context. In traversing the area of inter-country adoption law against the background of provisions from related international treaties, the author alludes to some key aspects that may require attention in South Africa in years to come. Pending the promulgation of regulations in terms of the Children’s Act the author furthermore comments on the role that co-operative governance and implementation of the 2006 Guidelines for Inter-Country Adoption may play.
Editorial
Authors: Venter Francois 
Published: July 2017

The enforcement of socio-economic rights, the protection of biodiversity, inter-country adoptions, matrimonial property and Roman property law are the diverse, though highly engaging themes of this last issue of the year.
In their article focusing on the process of the implementation of socio-economic rights by means of court orders in South Africa, Advocate Renier de Beer of Johannesburg and Professor Stella Vettori of the University of Pretoria urge the courts to become more adventurous in their methods of enforcement of their orders.
Местные СМИ о проблемах муниципальных кладбищ
Authors: Моляренко Ольга Андреевна 
Published: July 2017

Ольга Андреевна Моляренко – кандидат социологических наук, преподаватель, кафедра Местного самоуправления департамента Государственного и муниципального управления факультета социальных наук, Национальный исследовательский университет «Высшая школа экономики». Адрес: 101000, Москва, ул. Мясницкая, 20. E-mail: omolyarenko@hse.ru
Цитирование: Моляренко О.А. (2017) Местные СМИ о проблемах муниципальных кладбищ // Мир России. Т. 26. № 3. С. 142–164. DOI: 10.17323/1811-038Х-2017-26-3-142-164
В постсоветской России вопросам содержания кладбищ и организации ритуальных услуг практически не уделялось внимания: еще в начале 1990-х гг. большая часть погостов вместе с соответствующими полномочиями была передана в ведение органов местного самоуправления, а разработка основного массива нормативных правовых актов, регулирующих данную сферу, была предоставлена регионам, при этом федеральные власти обошлись принятием рамочного закона (8-ФЗ) и ряда технических требований к местам захоронения (ГОСТы и СанПиНы), оставив без должного внимания вопрос легализации уже имеющихся кладбищ. В связи с этим к настоящему времени анализируемая сфера в больших городах превратилась в довольно коррумпированный рынок, а в сельской местности – в обветшавшую, финансируемую по остаточному принципу (если вообще финансируемую) отрасль. При этом комплексные исследования, посвященные экономико-управленческим аспектам похоронного дела в Российской Федерации, отсутствуют.
Целью данной статьи является определение основных проблемных мест (юридического, экономического и организационного характера) в указанной сфере посредством анализа нормативных правовых актов, научных статей и представленных в локальных средствах массовой информации кейсов. На базе описанных дисфункций сформулирован ряд рекомендаций, основной из которых является проведение кладбищенской амнистии, т.е. создание максимально благоприятных условий для легализации кладбищ.