bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Control of hearing sensitivity by tectorial membrane calcium
Authors: Strimbu Clark Elliott , Prasad Sonal , Hakizimana Pierre , Fridberger Anders 
Published: March 2019

Significance
A new mechanism that contributes to control of hearing sensitivity is described here. We show that an accessory structure in the hearing organ, the tectorial membrane, affects the function of inner ear sensory cells by storing calcium ions. When the calcium store is depleted, by brief exposure to rock concert-level sounds or by the introduction of calcium chelators, the sound-evoked responses of the sensory cells decrease. Upon restoration of tectorial membrane calcium, sensory cell function returns. This previously unknown mechanism contributes to explaining the temporary numbness in the ear that follows from listening to sounds that are too loud, a phenomenon that most people experience at some point in their lives.
Renal reabsorption in 3D vascularized proximal tubule models
Authors: Lin Neil Y. C. , Homan Kimberly A. , Robinson Sanlin S. , Kolesky David B. , Duarte Nathan , Moisan Annie , Lewis Jennifer A. 
Published: March 2019

Significance
Current kidney-on-chip models lack the 3D geometry, complexity, and functionality vital for recapitulating in vivo renal tissue. We report the fabrication and perfusion of 3D vascularized proximal tubules embedded within an engineered ECM that exhibit active reabsorption of solutes via tubular–vascular exchange. Using this model, we quantified albumin and glucose reabsorption over time. We also studied hyperglycemic effects in the absence and presence of a glucose transport inhibitor. Our 3D kidney tissue provides a platform for in vitro studies of kidney function, disease modeling, and pharmacology.
Evolution of nitric oxide regulation of gut function
Authors: Yaguchi Junko , Yaguchi Shunsuke 
Published: March 2019

Significance
In vertebrate digestive tracts, pyloric sphincters play an important role in controlling the passage of food from stomach to intestine. A major regulator of sphincter relaxation is nitric oxide (NO). However, it is unknown when and how this important means of control was acquired, in part because we lack information on how nonvertebrate deuterostome sphincters are regulated. Here, we show that a NO-dependent regulatory system is present in the pyloric sphincters of sea urchin larvae. Our data suggest that NO-dependent regulation of the pyloric sphincter was present in deuterostome stem groups, and the common deuterostome ancestor had endodermally derived cells that regulated gut function.
Spastin is a dual-function enzyme that severs microtubules and promotes their regrowth to increase the number and mass of microtubules
Authors: Kuo Yin-Wei , Trottier Olivier , Mahamdeh Mohammed , Howard Jonathon 
Published: March 2019

Significance
Microtubule-severing enzymes are ATPases that utilize ATP hydrolysis to fragment microtubules. These enzymes play central roles in various cellular functions, including cell growth and division and neural development. In vivo studies have shown that severing enzymes can lead to an increase in microtubule mass, but how severing activity and microtubule dynamics collectively expand the microtubule network remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that the severing enzyme spastin is a dual-microtubule regulator: in addition to its severing activity, it promotes microtubule regrowth through an ATP-independent mechanism. Using a mathematical model, we show that the modulation of dynamics is essential for increasing microtubule mass and identify quantitative criteria that must be satisfied if severing is to expand the microtubule network.
The effects of land grabs on peasant households: The case of the floriculture sector in Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Abate Abebe Gizachew 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
This article investigates how appropriation of land for flower farm developments in Walmara district and Holeta town in Ethiopia’s Oromia region affected smallholders’ livelihoods. Between 1996 and 2018, the state expropriated 1487 hectares from Oromo farming communities for the flower industry with little or no compensation through the ‘eminent domain’ principle. This article demonstrates the effects of these actions on the rural poor in Oromia including threats to common property resources and farming plots, which constitute their basic livelihood units and intergenerational assets. By focusing on cases of land expropriation in the central highlands of Ethiopia, it challenges a common misconception that land grabs are occurring only on the periphery of the state. In this case, the entanglements of the export-oriented flower industry in global capitalism and the centralized state administration have led to destitution for most smallholders within 100 kilometres of the capital city. The study shows how policies associated with the Ethiopian developmental state accord priority to investors and state interests over local concerns, reinforcing wider concerns with dominant models of development.
The immunometabolic role of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: immune homeostatic mechanisms in the artery wall
Authors: Ketelhuth Daniel F J 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCoronary heart disease and stroke, the two most common cardiovascular diseases worldwide, are triggered by complications of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerotic plaques are initiated by a maladaptive immune response triggered by accumulation of lipids in the artery wall. Hence, disease is influenced by several non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors, including dyslipidaemia, hypertension, smoking, and diabetes. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the rate-limiting enzyme in the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan (Trp) degradation, is modulated by inflammation and regarded as a key molecule driving immunotolerance and immunosuppressive mechanisms. A large body of evidence indicates that IDO-mediated Trp metabolism is involved directly or indirectly in atherogenesis. This review summarizes evidence from basic and clinical research showing that IDO is a major regulatory enzyme involved in the maintenance of immunohomeostasis in the vascular wall, as well as current knowledge about promising targets for the development of new anti-atherosclerotic drugs.
Vitamin D Decreases Hepcidin and Inflammatory Markers in Newly Diagnosed Inflammatory Bowel Disease Paediatric Patients: A Prospective Study
Authors: Moran-Lev Hadar , Galai Tut , Yerushalmy-Feler Anat , Weisman Yosef , Anafy Adi , Deutsch Varda , Cipok Michal , Lubetzky Ronit , Cohen Shlomi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackground and AimsThe role of hepcidin in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] in children with anaemia is poorly understood. However, it has been shown that vitamin D suppresses hepcidin expression. We aimed to assess serum hepcidin levels and the effect of vitamin D treatment on those levels in newly diagnosed IBD paediatric patients.MethodsEighty-five children were prospectively recruited in the Dana-Dwek Children’s Hospital [40 newly diagnosed IBD, 45 healthy controls, 47% female, mean age 13.5 ± 3.4 years]. Blood samples for measurement of interleukin 6 [IL-6], C-reactive protein [CRP], hepcidin, iron parameters and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25-(OH)-D] levels were obtained at baseline. Patients with mild-to-moderate signs and symptoms of IBD were treated with 4000 units of vitamin D daily for 2 weeks, after which the blood tests were repeated.ResultsBasal hepcidin, IL-6, CRP and platelet counts were significantly higher, and haemoglobin, serum iron and transferrin levels were significantly lower in the IBD children compared to controls [p < 0.001]. Eighteen patients completed 2 weeks of treatment with vitamin D. Following treatment, serum 25-(OH)-D concentrations increased by 40% [from 22.5 to 32.5 ng/mL], and serum hepcidin, CRP and ferritin levels decreased by 81%, 81% and 40% [from 33.9 to 6.7 ng/mL, from 23.9 to 4.7 mg/L, and from 27 to 16 ng/mL, respectively] [p ≤ 0.001].ConclusionSerum hepcidin levels were significantly higher in IBD paediatric patients compared to controls. Following vitamin D treatment, serum hepcidin concentration decreased significantly. These findings suggest a potential role for vitamin D in treating anaemia in IBD children.ClinicalTrials.gov numberNCT03145896
An analysis of general practitioners’ perspectives on patient safety incidents using critical incident technique interviews
Authors: Curran Ciara , Lydon Sinéad , Kelly Maureen E , Murphy Andrew W , O’Connor Paul 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Background
General practitioners report difficulty in knowing how to improve patient safety.

Objectives
To analyse general practitioners’ perspectives of contributing factors to patient safety incidents by collecting accounts of incidents, identifying the contributory factors to these incidents, assessing the impact and likelihood of occurrence of these incidents and examining whether certain categories of contributory factors were associated with the occurrence of high-risk incidents.

Methods
Critical incident technique interviews were carried out with 30 general practitioners in Ireland about a patient safety incident they had experienced. The Yorkshire Contributory Factors Framework was used to classify the contributory factors to incidents. Seven subject matter experts rated the impact and likelihood of occurrence of each incident.

Results
A total of 26 interviews were analysed. Almost two-thirds of the patient safety incidents were rated as having a major-to-extreme impact on the patient, and over a third were judged as having at least a bimonthly likelihood of occurrence. The most commonly described active failures were ‘Medication Error’ (34.6%) and ‘Diagnostic Error’ (30.8%). ‘Situational Domain’ was identified as a contributory domain in all patient safety incidents. ‘Communication’ breakdown at both practice and other healthcare-provider interfaces (69.2%) was also a commonly cited contributory factor. There were no significant differences in the levels of risk associated with the contributory factors.

Conclusions
Critical incident technique interviews support the identification of contributory factors to patient safety incidents. There is a need to explore the use of the resulting data for quality and safety improvement in general practice.
A NS1-binding monoclonal antibody interacts with two residues that are highly conserved in seasonal as well as newly emerged influenza A virus
Authors: Teo Su Hui Catherine , Wu Jian-Ping , Mok Chee-Keng , Tan Yee-Joo 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
The non-structural protein 1 (NS1) of influenza A virus (IAV) is a multifunctional protein that antagonizes host antiviral responses, modulating virus pathogenesis. As such, it serves as a good target for research and diagnostic assay development. In this study, we have generated a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb) 19H9 and epitope mapping revealed that two residues, P85 and Y89, of NS1 are essential for interacting with this mAb. Furthermore, residues P85 and Y89 are found to be highly conserved across different IAV subtypes, namely seasonal H1N1 and H3N2, as well as the highly pathogenic H5N1 and H5N6 avian strains. Indeed, mAb 19H9 exhibits broad cross-reactivity with IAV strains of different subtypes. The binding of mAb 19H9 to residue Y89 was further confirmed by the abrogation of interaction between NS1 and p85β. Additionally, mAb 19H9 also detected NS1 proteins expressed in IAV-infected cells, showing NS1 intracellular localization in the cytoplasm and nucleolus. To our knowledge, mAb 19H9 is the first murine mAb to bind at the juxtaposition between the N-terminal RNA-binding domain and C-terminal effector domain of NS1. It could serve as a useful research tool for studying the conformational plasticity and dynamic changes in NS1.
Role Dissonance in Foreign Policy: Russia, Power, and Intercountry Adoption
Authors: Breuning Marijke , Pechenina Anna 
Published: March 2019

AbstractStates often play multiple roles on the world stage, which need not fit together coherently. Moreover, foreign policy roles may be dissonant with one another: auxiliary roles may detract from the state's master role or status. What prompts decision makers to address role dissonance and role conflict?Building on earlier role theory research, we develop a framework that theorizes when and how role dissonance turns into conflict between a state's master and auxiliary foreign policy roles. We theorize that role conflict may be addressed through modification rather than abandonment of an auxiliary role.The theory is illustrated with a case study that traces Russia's attempt to reconcile dissonance between its major-power role and its auxiliary role as a sending country (in intercountry adoption). We show that the interplay between master and auxiliary roles is complex. States care about status but also address dissonant auxiliary roles and role conflict pragmatically.
Mapping health workforce development strategies across key global health agencies: an assessment of objectives and key interventions
Authors: Farrenkopf Brooke A , Lee Chung-Won 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
The political and financial commitment to addressing the global shortage of health workers is stronger than ever before. Therefore, the global effort to strengthen human resources for health (HRH) must be co-ordinated and aligned to strategically utilize the current momentum and create sustainable impact. This paper assesses HRH strategies to (1) create greater understanding on the collective global action towards improving HRH, and (2) identify opportunities for greater co-ordination to improve sustainable health workforce development. We searched published and grey literature to identify the HRH strategies of select large-scale global health organizations. The most common approaches were increasing the supply of health workers, facilitating training and education and improving health worker management capacities. Overall, our analysis shows there is a need to (1) improve co-ordination among development partners, (2) ensure strong engagement and leadership of national governments and (3) generate scientific evidence on the best approaches for sustainable workforce development.
Evolution of Sexual Dimorphism in Tube Blennies (Teleostei: Chaenopsidae)
Authors: Hastings Philip A 
Published: March 2019

Synopsis
The study of sexual differences provides insights into selective factors operating on males and females, especially for clades exhibiting varied levels of dimorphism. Sexual differences in morphology and coloration (melanophores) were compiled for 66 of the 89 species of tube blennies (Blenniiformes, Chaenopsidae) from the systematic literature and examination of preserved specimens. Chaenopsids include essentially monomorphic species and those in which males and females differ in as many as 17 morphological and 14 coloration features. While the sexes of most species differ in coloration (at least at the time of breeding), they are morphologically similar in Acanthemblemaria, Hemiemblemaria, and Lucayablennius. While other genera exhibit an intermediate level of dimorphism, species of Coralliozetus, Cirriemblemaria, and Emblemaria are dramatically dimorphic. Character maps on a phylogenetic hypothesis indicate that this extreme level of dimorphism evolved independently in these genera. A complex history of evolution is implied by examination of jaw length with both increases and decreases in one or both sexes leading to either dimorphism or monomorphism. Several features related to shelter defense are monomorphic in species where both sexes inhabit shelters, but dimorphic where only males occupy shelters. Other dimorphic features increase the conspicuousness of male courtship and aggressive displays.
Ignorance, Debt, and Cryptocurrencies: The Old and the New in the Law and Economics of Concurrent Currencies*
Authors: Nabilou Hossein , Prüm André 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Cryptocurrencies are expected to have a significant impact on banking, finance, and monetary systems. Due to the uncertainty as to the possible future trajectories of the evolving cryptocurrency ecosystem, governments have taken a relatively hands-off approach to regulating such currencies. This approach may be justified within the theoretical information-economics framework of this paper, which draws parallels between the information economics of money and quasi-money creation within the current central banking, commercial banking, and shadow banking systems with that of the cryptocurrency ecosystem. In particular, drawing lessons from the literature on the role of information in creating ‘safe assets’, in this paper the authors find that by building on symmetric (common) knowledge as to the inner workings of the Bitcoin Blockchain—though in a different way—bitcoin possesses a degree of endogenous information insensitivity typical of safe assets. This endogenous information insensitivity could support bitcoin’s promise of maturing into a viable store of value and a niche medium of exchange. This finding should not be overlooked in the policy discussions for potential future regulatory interventions in the cryptocurrency ecosystem.
Long-term outcome, relapse patterns, and toxicity after radiotherapy for orbital mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma: implications for radiotherapy optimization
Authors: Lee Jeongshim , Yoon Jin Sook , Kim Jin-Seok , Koom Woong Sub , Cho Jaeho , Suh Chang-Ok 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Although mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALToma) is sensitive to radiation therapy (RT), the optimal RT dose and treatment volumes have not been established. This study aimed to assess the relapse patterns and outcomes of patients with orbital MALToma who underwent RT and to suggest implications for optimized RT.

Methods
We reviewed 212 patients (246 orbits) diagnosed with orbital MALToma who received RT between 1993 and 2013. Median RT dose was 25.2 Gy. Generally, conjunctival and eyelid lesions were irradiated with electrons, whereas retrobulbar and lacrimal gland lesions with photons. Lens shielding was used for 70% of treated eyes, mainly conjunctival and eyelid tumors.

Results
Relapse occurred in 29 patients. Among 11 patients with local relapse (LR), 4 were attributed to insufficient dose (n = 2) and improper RT volume (n = 2). The 10-year LR, contralateral orbit relapse, and distant relapse rates were 8.6%, 12.8% and 4.9%, respectively. Twelve patients died of disease-specific causes (n = 1) and intercurrent diseases (n = 11). The 10-year relapse-free survival, overall survival, and cause-specific survival rates were 69.7%, 88.2% and 98.8%, respectively. Grade 3 cataracts and nasolacrimal duct obstruction were observed in 27 and 4 orbits, respectively.

Conclusion
Low-dose RT with proper lens shielding is an appropriate treatment for orbital MALToma in terms of high disease control rate and acceptable morbidity. However, lower RT dose may be attempted to further reduce toxicity while maintaining excellent outcomes.
Effects of Laboratory Grade Limonene and a Commercial Limonene-Based Insecticide on Haematobia irritans irritans (Muscidae: Diptera): Deterrence, Mortality, and Reproduction
Authors: Showler Allan T , Harlien Jessica L , Perez de Léon Adalberto A 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
The horn fly, Haematobia irritans irritans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), is an important and cosmopolitan blood feeding ectoparasite of cattle. Resistance to conventional insecticides is increasingly problematic and alternative pesticides, including natural products, are being investigated. Limonene is a cyclic monoterpene repellent to some insects that occurs in citrus fruit rinds and in other plants. We assessed laboratory grade limonene and a commercial product, Orange Guard (5.8% AI limonene), against H. irritans irritans in terms of their contact effects upon contact on egg mortality, adults, and larval and pupal development; adult repellency as well as sublethal and fumigation effects. Egg viability declined when they were exposed to Orange Guard at concentrations of 1.45%, 2.9%, and 5.8% whereas laboratory grade limonene at 5.8% and 11.6% was ovicidal. Contact exposure of adult H. irritans irritans to 5.8% laboratory grade limonene and 2.9% Orange Guard caused up to 100 and 88% knockdown (immobilization), respectively. At higher concentrations, laboratory grade limonene and Orange Guard resulted in less, and often shorter periods of knockdown. Although direct contact of 2.9 and 5.8% laboratory grade limonene caused mortality it was negligible when flies were sprayed directly with undiluted Orange Guard. Female H. irritans irritans exposed to sublethal concentrations of Orange Guard did not reduce the numbers of eggs produced, but the undiluted product reduced egg hatchability. Interestingly, limonene and Orange Guard attracted adult H. irritans irritans at concentrations <0.1%. We suggest that the attractancy of unformulated pure limonene might be useful for trapping H. irritans irritans adults.
The Syrian Refugee Crisis and Foreign Policy Decision-Making in Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey
Authors: Tsourapas Gerasimos 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHow does forced migration affect the politics of host states and, in particular, how does it impact states’ foreign policy decision-making? The relevant literature on refugee politics has yet to fully explore how forced migration affects host states’ behavior. One possibility is that they will employ their position in order to extract revenue from other state or nonstate actors for maintaining refugee groups within their borders. This article explores the workings of these refugee rentier states, namely states seeking to leverage their position as host states of displaced communities for material gain. It focuses on the Syrian refugee crisis, examining the foreign policy responses of three major host states—Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey. While all three engaged in post-2011 refugee rent-seeking behavior, Jordan and Lebanon deployed a back-scratching strategy based on bargains, while Turkey deployed a blackmailing strategy based on threats. Drawing upon primary sources in English and Arabic, the article inductively examines the choice of strategy and argues that it depended on the size of the host state's refugee community and domestic elites’ perception of their geostrategic importance vis-à-vis the target. The article concludes with a discussion of these findings’ significance for understanding the international dimension of the Syrian refugee crisis and argues that they also pave the way for future research on the effects of forced displacement on host states’ political development.