bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MEP Responses to Democratic Backsliding in Hungary and Poland. An Analysis of Agenda‐Setting and Voting Behaviour
Authors: Meijers Maurits J. , van der Veer Harmen 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe governments of Hungary and Poland have been accused of sliding toward semi‐authoritarianism. Systematic analyses of the responses of political actors at the EU level to these instances of alleged democratic backsliding are scarce, however. This article therefore investigates the responses of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to the issue of the quality of democracy and the rule of law in Hungary and Poland. On the basis of data on parliamentary questions and motions for resolutions, we analyse who puts these issues on the European Parliament's (EP's) internal agenda and what positions legislators subsequently take in votes on resolutions. We find that both ideological preferences and strategic interests determine MEPs’ responses to democratic backsliding. Our findings are important for research on EU responses to democratic backsliding in EU member states as well as for the literature on party competition in the EP.
Polyphasic characterization of Enterococcus strains isolated from traditional Moghan cheese in Iran
Authors: Hejazi Mohammad Amin , Ghafouri‐Fard Soudeh , Eslami Solat , Afshar Davoud , Barzegari Abolfazl , Khorshidian Nasim 
Published: March 2019

AbstractTraditional Moghan cheese is made from unpasteurized milk in the rural areas and nomadic tribes of Moghan region in Iran. In this study, we used a simple and rapid method for isolation of acid resistant lactic acid bacteria from traditional Moghan cheese. The six distinct isolates differentiated based on RAPD‐PCR were identified as members of Enterococcus faecium, E. faecalis, and E.durans species using classical phenotypic and biochemical tests as well as molecular methods. Based on the antibiotic susceptibility, the isolates were classified as resistant, intermediate, and sensitive. Cell‐free culture supernatants of isolates showed different antagonistic activity against the growth of some spoilage and food‐borne pathogens at two natural and neutralized pH conditions. Considering their tolerance to acid and bile, antagonistic effects on some spoilage and food‐borne pathogens and susceptibility to vancomycin, E. faecium strain ABRIINW.M (isolate IE2) and E. faecium strain ABRIINW.N (isolate FE1) are proposed as adjunct cultures to prevent the growth of spoilage and food‐borne pathogens.Practical applicationsThis study aimed to provide the first data on prevalence, acquired antibiotic‐resistance, and probiotic potential of Enterococcus spp. isolated from Moghan cheese in Iran. Such observations contribute to understanding the functional characteristics of Enterococci isolated from Moghan cheese. We also showed that polyphasic characterization of Enterococci provides significant information for species assignment and could be used as a strategy to differentiate between strains of isolates. The results of our study provide a useful setting for further investigations on antibiotic‐resistance and antimicrobial activity of Moghan cheese Enterococci as well as evaluation of their technological activities and probiotic potential.
Self‐Reported Hearing Loss and Nonfatal Fall‐Related Injury in a Nationally Representative Sample
Authors: Heitz Elizabeth R. , Gianattasio Kan Z. , Prather Christina , Talegawkar Sameera A. , Power Melinda C. 
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVETo evaluate the relationship between self‐reported hearing loss and nonfatal fall‐related injury in a nationally representative sample of community‐dwelling adults living in the United States.DESIGNCross‐sectional analysis of national survey data.SETTINGNational Health Interview Survey (2016).PARTICIPANTSA total of 30 994 community‐dwelling adults in the United States, aged 18 years and older.MEASUREMENTSWe evaluated the association between self‐reported hearing loss and nonfatal injury resulting from a fall in the previous 3 months. We used multivariate logistic regression to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and evaluated effect measure modification by age.RESULTSThe odds of nonfatal fall‐related injury were 1.60 times higher among respondents with hearing loss compared to respondents without hearing loss (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20‐2.12; P = .0012). Results were unchanged when adjusting for demographics (OR = 1.59; 95% CI = 1.18‐2.15; P = .002). After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, cardiovascular disease, visual impairment, and limitation caused by nervous system/sensory organ conditions and depression, anxiety, or another emotional problem, the OR fell to 1.27 (95% CI = 0.92‐1.74; P = .14). In the fully adjusted model, including adjustment for vestibular vertigo, there was little support to link hearing loss and fall‐related injury (OR = 1.16; 95% CI = 0.84‐1.60; P = .36). Effect modification by age was not observed.CONCLUSIONSSelf‐reported hearing loss may be a clinically useful indicator of increased fall risk, but treatment for hearing loss is unlikely to mitigate this risk, given that there is no independent association between self‐reported hearing loss and nonfatal falls after accounting for vestibular function and other potential confounders.
Successful implementation of intestinal endoscopy in non‐human primates prompts the possibility of achieving AIDS longitudinal intestinal research
Authors: Song Tian‐Zhang , Zhang Han‐Dan , Zuo Zan , Zheng Yong‐Tang 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHIV infection induces pathological changes in the intestinal mucosa. Here, a successful endoscopy was performed on the colon of a Chinese rhesus macaque by using Olympus CV170 gastroscope. The stability on postoperative recovery and the integrity of biopsy tissue implied a possibility of achieving AIDS longitudinal intestinal research on macaques.
The physiological response of marine diatoms to ocean acidification: differential roles of seawater pCO2 and pH
Authors: Shi Dalin , Hong Haizheng , Su Xi , Liao Lirong , Chang Siwei , Lin Wenfang 
Published: March 2019

Although increasing the pCO2 for diatoms will presumably down‐regulate the CO2‐concentrating mechanism (CCM) to save energy for growth, different species have been reported to respond differently to ocean acidification (OA). To better understand their growth responses to OA, we acclimated the diatoms Thalassiosira pseudonana, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and Chaetoceros muelleri to ambient (pCO2 400 μatm, pH 8.1), carbonated (pCO2 800 μatm, pH 8.1), acidified (pCO2 400 μatm, pH 7.8), and OA (pCO2 800 μatm, pH 7.8) conditions and investigated how seawater pCO2 and pH affect their CCMs, photosynthesis, and respiration both individually and jointly. In all three diatoms, carbonation down‐regulated the CCMs, while acidification increased both the photosynthetic carbon fixation rate and the fraction of CO2 as the inorganic carbon source. The positive OA effect on photosynthetic carbon fixation was more pronounced in C. muelleri, which had a relatively lower photosynthetic affinity for CO2, than in either T. pseudonana or P. tricornutum. In response to OA, T. pseudonana increased respiration for active disposal of H+ to maintain its intracellular pH, whereas P. tricornutum and C. muelleri retained their respiration rate but lowered the intracellular pH to maintain the cross‐membrane electrochemical gradient for H+ efflux. As the net result of changes in photosynthesis and respiration, growth enhancement to OA of the three diatoms followed the order of C. muelleri > P. tricornutum > T. pseudonana. This study demonstrates that elucidating the separate and joint impacts of increased pCO2 and decreased pH aids the mechanistic understanding of OA effects on diatoms in the future, acidified oceans.
Phase‐amplitude coupling of sleep slow oscillatory and spindle activity correlates with overnight memory consolidation
Authors: Mikutta Christian , Feige Bernd , Maier Jonathan G. , Hertenstein Elisabeth , Holz Johannes , Riemann Dieter , Nissen Christoph 
Published: March 2019

AbstractInitially independent lines of research suggest that sleep‐specific brain activity patterns, observed as electroencephalographic slow oscillatory and sleep spindle activity, promote memory consolidation and underlying synaptic refinements. Here, we further tested the emerging concept that specifically the coordinated interplay of slow oscillations and spindle activity (phase‐amplitude coupling) support memory consolidation. Particularly, we associated indices of the interplay between slow oscillatory (0.16–1.25 Hz) and spindle activity (12–16 Hz) during non‐rapid eye movement sleep (strength [modulation index] and phase degree of coupling) in 20 healthy adults with parameters of overnight declarative (word‐list task) and procedural (mirror‐tracing task) memory consolidation. The pattern of results supports the notion that the interplay between oscillations facilitates memory consolidation. The coincidence of the spindle amplitude maximum with the up‐state of the slow oscillation (phase degree) was significantly associated with declarative memory consolidation (r = .65, p = .013), whereas the overall strength of coupling (modulation index) correlated with procedural memory consolidation (r = .45, p = .04). Future studies are needed to test for potential causal effects of the observed association between neural oscillations during sleep and memory consolidation, and to elucidate ways of modulating these processes, for instance through non‐invasive brain‐stimulation techniques.
Detection of Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella spp. in Ctenocephalides felis fleas from free‐ranging crab‐eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous)
Authors: Schott D. , Souza U. A. , Dall'Agnol B. , Webster A. , Doyle R. , Peters F. , Favarini M. , Mazim F. , Rosa A. O. , Jardim M. M. A. , Trigo T. C. , Reck J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractFleas are insects with a worldwide distribution that have been implicated in the transmission of several pathogens. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of Rickettsia spp. (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae) and Bartonella spp. (Rhizobiales: Bartonellaceae) in fleas from free‐ranging crab‐eating foxes Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766) (Carnivora: Canidae) from Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Fleas were collected manually from animals and used for the molecular detection of Rickettsia spp. and Bartonella spp. Twenty‐nine C. thous were sampled in six municipalities. Four foxes were parasitized by 10 fleas, all of which were identified as Ctenocephalides felis (Bouché, 1935) (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae). DNA from Rickettsia felis Bouyer et al., 2001 and Rickettsia asembonensis Maina et al., 2016 were found in three and eight fleas, respectively. In four fleas, DNA of Bartonella sp. was identified. Phylogenetic analysis grouped Bartonella sp. together with other genotypes previously reported in C. felis worldwide. The scenario described in the present study highlights a Neotropical canid parasitized by the invasive cosmopolitan cat flea, which in turn, is carrying potentially invasive vector‐borne microorganisms. These findings suggest that C. felis is adapted to wild hosts in wilderness areas in southern Brazil, hypothetically exposing the Neotropical fauna to unknown ecological and health disturbances.
Positional upbeat nystagmus on uprighting due to uvulo‐nodular infarction presenting as persistent vertigo and ataxia
Authors: Yamaguchi Nanaka , Shimada Ryuichi , Kajimoto Yasuyuki , Sugimoto Izumi , Sakurai Yasuhisa 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe report a patient with severe and prolonged vertigo and ataxia caused by infarction of the bilateral cerebellar nodulus and uvula. Vertigo and nausea persisted for 2 weeks, causing the patient to remain bedridden. The patient showed upbeat nystagmus (UBN) on upward gaze and upon uprighting from the supine position and did not exhibit apogeotropic nystagmus characteristic of central paroxysmal positional nystagmus. Isolated positional UBN may be specific to an uvulo‐nodular lesion, and persistent and marked vertigo suggests extensive damage to the bilateral nodulus and uvula.
RNA‐guided endonuclease – in situ labelling (RGEN‐ISL): a fast CRISPR/Cas9‐based method to label genomic sequences in various species
Authors: Ishii Takayoshi , Schubert Veit , Khosravi Solmaz , Dreissig Steven , Metje‐Sprink Janina , Sprink Thorben , Fuchs Jörg , Meister Armin , Houben Andreas 
Published: March 2019

Summary

Visualising the spatio‐temporal organisation of the genome will improve our understanding of how chromatin structure and function are intertwined.

We developed a tool to visualise defined genomic sequences in fixed nuclei and chromosomes based on a two‐part guide RNA with a recombinant Cas9 endonuclease complex. This method does not require any special construct or transformation method.

In contrast to classical fluorescence in situ hybridiaztion, RGEN‐ISL (RNA‐guided endonuclease – in situ labelling) does not require DNA denaturation, and therefore permits a better structural chromatin preservation. The application of differentially labelled trans‐activating crRNAs allows the multiplexing of RGEN‐ISL. Moreover, this technique is combinable with immunohistochemistry. Real‐time visualisation of the CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated DNA labelling process revealed the kinetics of the reaction.

The broad range of adaptability of RGEN‐ISL to different temperatures and combinations of methods has the potential to advance the field of chromosome biology.
Conformational Dynamics of Sensory Rhodopsin II in Nanolipoprotein and Styrene–Maleic Acid Lipid Particles
Authors: Mosslehy Wageiha , Voskoboynikova Natalia , Colbasevici Alexandr , Ricke Adrian , Klose Daniel , Klare Johann P. , Mulkidjanian Armen Y. , Steinhoff Heinz‐Jürgen 
Published: March 2019

AbstractStyrene–maleic acid lipid particles (SMALPs) provide stable water‐soluble nanocontainers for lipid‐encased membrane proteins. Possible effects of the SMA‐stabilized lipid environment on the interaction dynamics between functionally coupled membrane proteins remain to be elucidated. The photoreceptor sensory rhodopsin II, NpSRII and its cognate transducer, NpHtrII, of Natronomonas pharaonis form a transmembrane complex, NpSRII2/NpHtrII2 that plays a key role in negative phototaxis and provides a unique model system to study the light‐induced transfer of a conformational signal between two integral membrane proteins. Photon absorption induces transient structural changes in NpSRII comprising an outward movement of helix F that cause further conformational alterations in NpHtrII. We applied site‐directed spin labeling and time‐resolved optical and EPR spectroscopy to compare the conformational dynamics of NpSRII2/NpHtrII2 reconstituted in SMALPs with that of nanolipoprotein particle and liposome preparations. NpSRII and NpSRII2/NpHtrII2 show similar photocycles in liposomes and nanolipoprotein particles. An accelerated decay of the M photointermediate found for SMALPs can be explained by a high local proton concentration provided by the carboxylic groups of the SMA polymer. Light‐induced large‐scale conformational changes of NpSRII2/NpHtrII2 observed in liposomes and nanolipoprotein particles are affected in SMALPs, indicating restrictions of the protein's conformational freedom.
Redistributive pensions in the developing world
Authors: Kemmerling Achim , Neugart Michael 
Published: March 2019

AbstractRedistributive so‐called social pension schemes have seen a remarkable surge in developing countries. These schemes often target the rural elderly and correlate with urbanization rates, urban rural‐wage differentials, and family norms. We use this stylized evidence to motivate a political economy model for a Beveridgean pension system with trade‐offs between four groups: the (poorer) rural old and young, and the (richer) urban old and young. We show under which conditions governments will install a pension system and increase its generosity as the share of the urban population rises, productivity differentials between urban and rural workers widen, or the social norm erodes. Our conclusion is that the role of the rural–urban divide in shaping redistribution merits more scholarly attention, as the gap between cities and the countryside widens in many developing countries.
Feminist Philosophy of Disability: A Genealogical Intervention
Authors: Tremain Shelley L. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis article is a feminist intervention into the ways that disability is researched and represented in philosophy at present. Nevertheless, some of the claims that I make over the course of the article are also pertinent to the marginalization in philosophy of other areas of inquiry, including philosophy of race, feminist philosophy more broadly, indigenous philosophies, and LGBTQI philosophy. Although the discipline of philosophy largely continues to operate under the guise of neutrality, rationality, and objectivity, the institutionalized structure of the discipline implicitly and explicitly promotes certain ontologies, epistemologies, and methodologies as bona fide philosophy, while casting the ontologies, epistemologies, and methodologies of marginalized philosophies as mere simulacra of allegedly fundamental ways of knowing and doing philosophy and thus rendering these marginalized philosophies more or less expendable. This article is designed to show that legitimized philosophical discourses are vital mechanisms in the problematization of disability.
Molecular analysis of the RHD pseudogene by duplex real‐time polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Silva‐Malta M. C. F. , Santos C. C. S. , Gonçalves P. C. , Schmidt L. C. , Martins M. L. 
Published: March 2019

SUMMARYObjectivesIn this study, we aimed to present a strategy for the detection of the RHD pseudogene (RHDψ) based on a real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay.BackgroundThe D‐negative phenotype is associated with many genetic alterations. In populations with African ancestry, this phenotype commonly results from the silent variant RHDψ. The evaluation of RHDψ is essential for correct inference of the RhD phenotype in order to avoid false‐positive results.MethodsWe utilised a new method for the simultaneous detection of RHDψ and a fragment from exon 5 of the wild‐type RHD gene based on duplex real‐time PCR assay.ResultsThe PCR assay allowed specific detection of RHDψ. There was complete agreement between the results generated by the new test and the results generated by molecular analysis performed using end‐point PCR methods previously described.ConclusionsThe assay developed is easy to execute and presents the potential for routine use at blood banks and other associated facilities where it is desired to determine the presence of RHDψ.
Challenges in the treatment and prevention of delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions with hyperhemolysis in sickle cell disease patients
Authors: Dean Christina L. , Maier Cheryl L. , Chonat Satheesh , Chang Andres , Carden Marcus A. , El Rassi Fuad , McLemore Morgan L. , Stowell Sean R. , Fasano Ross M. 
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUNDDelayed hemolytic transfusion reactions (DHTRs) are serious complications of RBC transfusion that can occur in previously alloimmunized patients. Patients who require episodic transfusions during heightened inflammatory states, such as patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), are particularly prone to alloimmunization and developing DHTRs with hyperhemolysis. While efforts to mitigate these hemolytic episodes via immunosuppressive drugs can be employed, the relative efficacy of various treatment options remains incompletely understood.CASE REPORTSIn this study, we explored five patients with SCD and multiple RBC alloantibodies who received various forms of immunosuppressive therapy in an attempt to prevent or treat severe DHTRs.RESULTSThe clinical course for these five patients provides insight into the difficulty of effectively treating and preventing DHTRs in patients with SCD with currently available immunosuppressive therapies.CONCLUSIONBased on our experience, and the current literature, it is difficult to predict the potential impact of various immunosuppressive therapies when seeking to prevent or treat DHTRs. Future mechanistic studies are needed to identify the optimal treatment options for DHTRs in the presence or absence of distinct alloantibodies in patients with SCD.
A hands‐on resident umbilical cord blood educational curriculum compared to online education of post‐residency obstetricians: comparison of the volume of collected cord blood units
Authors: Sward Lindsey B. , McKelvey Samantha S. , Pollack Stacy L. , Badger Plummer D. , Ounpraseuth Songthip T. , Cottler‐Fox Michele 
Published: March 2019

BACKGROUNDUmbilical cord blood unit (CBU) volume is a predictor of its later clinical utility. Many studies suggest the need to increase the volume of CBU collected, but most obstetrical providers receive no formal collection training.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSWe designed and implemented an educational curriculum for obstetrics residents aimed at improving collection methods and increasing CBU volumes (CBUV). Residents were required to attend grand rounds and interactive didactic sessions on CBU collection followed by work with a simulated collection kit and then performed training collections under observation by a trained collector. Residents completed a self‐assessment after each collection and received immediate personal feedback. Outside providers (non‐UAMS physicians) received written instructional materials with the collection kits and had access to online training materials. They received feedback regarding their collection via standard mail. CBU donated to Cord Blood Bank of Arkansas for public use from 2014–2016 were analyzed. CBUV from residents were compared to those from outside providers.RESULTSAfter adjusting for maternal age and race, infant gender, gestational age, and birth weight, the least‐squared mean CBUV was 92.1 mL for UAMS collections and 65.5 mL for outside provider collections. The improved CBUV of UAMS providers is statistically significant (p < 0.0001).CONCLUSIONOur educational intervention was successful, and we believe that it can be replicated in other obstetrical residency programs. Cord blood collection education involving hands‐on training with a model and immediate feedback improves CBUV, decreases kit waste, increases likelihood of CBU storage, and, therefore, inventory for transplantation.