bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kif1a and intact microtubules maintain synaptic‐vesicle populations at ribbon synapses in zebrafish hair cells
Authors: David Sandeep , Pinter Katherine , Nguyen Keziah‐Khue , Lee David S. , Lei Zhengchang , Sokolova Yuliya , Sheets Lavinia , Kindt Katie S.
Published: October 2024

Sensory hair cells of the inner ear utilize specialized ribbon synapses to transmit sensory stimuli to the central nervous system. This transmission necessitates rapid and sustained neurotransmitter release, which depends on a large pool of synaptic vesicles at the hair‐cell presynapse. While previous work in neurons has shown that kinesin motor proteins traffic synaptic material along microtubules to the presynapse, the mechanisms of this process in hair cells remain unclear. Our study demonstrates that the kinesin motor protein Kif1a, along with an intact microtubule network, is essential for enriching synaptic vesicles at the presynapse in hair cells. Through genetic and pharmacological approaches, we disrupt Kif1a function and impair microtubule networks in hair cells of the zebrafish lateral‐line system. These manipulations led to a significant reduction in synaptic‐vesicle populations at the presynapse in hair cells. Using electron microscopy, in vivo calcium imaging, and electrophysiology, we show that a diminished supply of synaptic vesicles adversely affects ribbon‐synapse function. Kif1aa mutants exhibit dramatic reductions in spontaneous vesicle release and evoked postsynaptic calcium responses. Furthermore, kif1aa mutants exhibit impaired rheotaxis, a behaviour reliant on the ability of hair cells in the lateral line to respond to sustained flow stimuli. Overall, our results demonstrate that Kif1a‐mediated microtubule transport is critical to enrich synaptic vesicles at the active zone, a process that is vital for proper ribbon‐synapse function in hair cells.

image

Key points

Kif1a mRNAs are present in zebrafish hair cells.

Loss of Kif1a disrupts the enrichment of synaptic vesicles at ribbon synapses.

Disruption of microtubules depletes synaptic vesicles at ribbon synapses.

Kif1aa  mutants have impaired ribbon‐synapse and sensory‐system function.
CD4 downregulation precedes Env expression and protects HIV-1-infected cells from ADCC mediated by non-neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Richard Jonathan , Sannier Gérémy , Zhu Li , Prévost Jérémie , Marchitto Lorie , Benlarbi Mehdi , Beaudoin-Bussières Guillaume , Kim Hongil , Sun Yaping , Chatterjee Debashree , Medjahed Halima , Bourassa Catherine , Delgado Gloria-Gabrielle , Dubé Mathieu , Kirchhoff Frank , Hahn Beatrice H. , Kumar Priti , Kaufmann Daniel E. , Finzi Andrés
Published: October 2024

HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) conformation substantially impacts antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Envs from primary HIV-1 isolates adopt a prefusion “closed” conformation, which is targeted by broadly neutralizing antibodies (bnAbs). CD4 binding drives Env into more “open” conformations, which are recognized by non-neutralizing Abs (nnAbs). To better understand Env–Ab and Env–CD4 interaction in CD4+ T cells infected with HIV-1, we simultaneously measured antibody binding and HIV-1 mRNA expression using multiparametric flow cytometry and RNA flow fluorescent
in situ
hybridization (FISH) techniques. We observed that
env
mRNA is almost exclusively expressed by HIV-1 productively infected cells that already downmodulated CD4. This suggests that CD4 downmodulation precedes
env
mRNA expression. Consequently, productively infected cells express “closed” Envs on their surface, which renders them resistant to nnAbs. Cells recognized by nnAbs were all
env
mRNA negative, indicating Ab binding through shed gp120 or virions attached to their surface. Consistent with these findings, treatment of HIV-1-infected humanized mice with the ADCC-mediating nnAb A32 failed to lower viral replication or reduce the size of the viral reservoir. These findings confirm the resistance of productively infected CD4+ T cells to nnAbs-mediated ADCC and question the rationale of immunotherapy approaches using this strategy.

IMPORTANCE

Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) represents an effective immune response for clearing virally infected cells, making ADCC-mediating antibodies promising therapeutic candidates for HIV-1 cure strategies. Broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) target epitopes present on the native "closed" envelope glycoprotein (Env), while non-neutralizing antibodies (nnAbs) recognize epitopes exposed upon Env–CD4 interaction. Here, we provide evidence that
env
mRNA is predominantly expressed by productively infected cells that have already downmodulated cell-surface CD4. This indicates that CD4 downmodulation by HIV-1 precedes Env expression, making productively infected cells resistant to ADCC mediated by nnAbs but sensitive to those mediated by bnAbs. These findings offer critical insights for the development of immunotherapy-based strategies aimed at targeting and eliminating productively infected cells in people living with HIV.
Membership robustness but structural change of the native gut microbiota of bumble bees upon systemic immune induction
Authors: Sauers Logan A. , Bassingthwaite Toby , Sierra-Rivera Bryan , Hampton Kylie J. , Duffield Kristin R. , Gore Haley , Ramirez José L. , Sadd Ben M.
Published: October 2024

Understanding factors influencing the composition and maintenance of beneficial host-associated microbial communities is central to understanding their ecological, evolutionary, and health consequences for hosts. Host immunity is often implicated as a regulator of these microbiota, but immunity may also play a disruptive role, with responses to infection perturbing beneficial communities. Such effects may be more prominent from innate immune responses, with more rapid-acting and often non-specific components, compared to adaptive responses. We investigated how upregulation of antibacterial immunity in the bumble bee
Bombus impatiens
affects its core gut microbiota, testing the hypothesis that immunity-induced perturbation impacts the microbiota structure. Freshly emerged adult bees were fed a microbiota inoculum before receiving a non-pathogenic immune stimulation injection. We quantified microbial communities using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and targeted quantitative PCR. Coarse community membership shows apparent robustness, but we find that immune stimulation alters the abundance of two core community members,
Gilliamella
and
Snodgrassella
. Moreover, a positive association in communities between these bacteria is perturbed following a Gram-negative challenge. The observed changes in the gut microbial community are suggestive of immune response-induced dysbiosis, linking ecological interactions across levels between hosts, their pathogens, and their beneficial gut microbiota. The potential for collateral perturbation of the natural gut microbiota following an innate immune response may contribute to immune costs, shaping the evolutionary optimization of immune investment depending on the ecological context.

IMPORTANCE

Our work demonstrates how innate immunity may influence the host-associated microbiota. While previous work has demonstrated the role of adaptive immunity in regulating the microbiota, we show that stimulation of an innate immune response in bumble bees may disrupt the native gut microbial community by shifting individual abundances of some members and pairwise associations. This work builds upon previous work in bumble bees demonstrating factors determining microbe colonization of hosts and microbiota membership, implicating immune response-induced changes as a factor shaping these important gut communities. While some microbiota members appear unaffected, changes in others and the community overall suggests that collateral perturbation of the native gut microbiota upon an innate immune response may serve as an additional selective pressure that shapes the evolution of host innate immunity.
DoubleTES detectors to investigate the CRESST low energy background: results from above-ground prototypes
Authors: Angloher G. , Banik S. , Benato G. , Bento A. , Bertolini A. , Breier R. , Bucci C. , Burkhart J. , Canonica L. , D’Addabbo A. , Lorenzo S. Di , Einfalt L. , Erb A. , Feilitzsch F. v. , Fichtinger S. , Fuchs D. , Garai A. , Ghete V. M. , Gorla P. , Guillaumon P. V. , Gupta S. , Hauff D. , Ješkovský M. , Jochum J. , Kaznacheeva M. , Kinast A. , Kluck H. , Kraus H. , Kuckuk S. , Langenkämper A. , Mancuso M. , Marini L. , Mauri B. , Meyer L. , Mokina V. , Olmi M. , Ortmann T. , Pagliarone C. , Pattavina L. , Petricca F. , Potzel W. , Povinec P. , Pröbst F. , Pucci F. , Reindl F. , Rothe J. , Schäffner K. , Schieck J. , Schönert S. , Schwertner C. , Stahlberg M. , Stodolsky L. , Strandhagen C. , Strauss R. , Usherov I. , Wagner F. , Wagner V. , Zema V. ,   CRESST Collaboration
Published: October 2024

In recent times, the sensitivity of low-mass direct dark matter searches has been limited by unknown low energy backgrounds close to the energy threshold of the experiments known as the low energy excess (LEE). The CRESST experiment utilises advanced cryogenic detectors constructed with different types of crystals equipped with Transition Edge Sensors (TESs) to measure signals of nuclear recoils induced by the scattering of dark matter particles in the detector. In CRESST, this low energy background manifests itself as a steeply rising population of events below 200 eV. A novel detector design named doubleTES using two identical TESs on the target crystal was studied to investigate the hypothesis that the events are sensor-related. We present the first results from two such modules, demonstrating their ability to differentiate between events originating from the crystal’s bulk and those occurring in the sensor or in its close proximity.
Unsupervised detection of coordinated fake-follower campaigns on social media
Authors: Zouzou Yasser , Varol Onur
Published: October 2024

Automated social media accounts, known as bots, are increasingly recognized as key tools for manipulative online activities. These activities can stem from coordination among several accounts and these automated campaigns can manipulate social network structure by following other accounts, amplifying their content, and posting messages to spam online discourse. In this study, we present a novel unsupervised detection method designed to target a specific category of malicious accounts designed to manipulate user metrics such as online popularity. Our framework identifies anomalous following patterns among all the followers of a social media account. Through the analysis of a large number of accounts on the Twitter platform (rebranded as X after the acquisition of Elon Musk), we demonstrated that irregular following patterns are prevalent and are indicative of automated fake accounts. Notably, we found that these detected groups of anomalous followers exhibited consistent behavior across multiple accounts. This observation, combined with the computational efficiency of our proposed approach, makes it a valuable tool for investigating large-scale coordinated manipulation campaigns on social media platforms.
Synthesis of porphyrin triads chelated with thallium(III) for studies of ground-state hole/electron transfer
Authors: Wang Jieqi , Taniguchi Masahiko , Bocian David F. , Lindsey Jonathan S.
Published: October 2024

Four target all-porphyrin triads have been prepared for fundamental studies of ground-state hole/electron transfer. Each triad contains thallium(III) porphyrins as bookends, which bear mesityl groups at the three non-linking meso-positions. The central porphyrin is a free base or thallium(III) porphyrin bearing mesityl or pentafluorophenyl groups at the two non-linking meso-positions. The linker is a 4,4′-diphenylethyne unit joined at the porphyrin meso-positions. The net spacer between the two bookend thallium(III) porphyrins thus consists of diphenylethyne–porphyrin–diphenylethyne and is designed as a superexchange element for through-bond hole/electron transfer. The energetics of the superexchange element are tunable given the nature of the substituents and metalation state of the central porphyrin. The synthesis entailed Sonogashira coupling of two building blocks, a free base bis(4-iodophenyl)porphyrin and a mono-ethynylporphinato thallium(III) chloride. Two benchmark porphyrins also were prepared. Absorption spectral comparisons are provided including of the all-thallium(III) monomer, dimer, and triad.
Empowering Digital Civility with an NLP Approach for Detecting 𝕏 (Formerly Known as Twitter) Cyberbullying through Boosted Ensembles
Authors: Prabakaran Senthil , Muthunambu Navaneetha Krishnan , Jeyaraman Nagarajan
Published: October 2024

As the number of social networking sites grows, so do cyber dangers. Cyberbullying is harmful behavior that uses technology to intimidate, harass, or harm someone, often on social media platforms like 𝕏 (formerly known as Twitter). Machine learning is the optimal approach for cyberbullying detection on 𝕏 to process large amounts of data, identify patterns of offensive behavior, and automate the detection process for corpus of tweets. To identify cyber threats using a trained model, the boosted ensemble (BE) technique is assessed with various machine learning algorithms such as the convolutional neural network (CNN), long short-term memory (LSTM), naive Bayes (NB), decision tree (DT), support vector machine (SVM), bidirectional LSTM (BILSTM), recurrent neural network LSTM (RNN-LSTM), multi-modal cyberbullying detection (MMCD), and random forest (RF). These classifiers are trained on the vectorized data to classify the tweets to identify cyberbullying threats. The proposed framework can detect cyberbullying cases precisely on tweets. The significance of the work lies in detecting and mitigating cyber threats in real time, and it impacts in enhancing the safety and well-being of social media users by reducing instances of cyberbullying and other cyber threats. The comparative analysis is done using metrics like accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, and the comparison results show that the BE technique outperforms other compared algorithms with its overall performance. Respectively, the accuracy rates of CNN, LSTM, NB, DT, SVM, RF, BILSTM, and BE are 92.5%, 93.5%, 84.6%, 88%, 89.3%, 92%, 93.75%, and 96%; precision rates of CNN, LSTM, NB, DT, SVM, RF, RNN-LSTM, and BE are 90.2%, 91.3%, 88%, 85%, 86%, 91.6%, 92.1%, and 94%; recall rates of CNN, LSTM, NB, DT, SVM, RF, BILSTM, and BE are 89.8%, 90.7%, 90%, 82%, 88.67%, 89%, 91.04%, and 93.7%; and F1-scores of CNN, LSTM, NB, DT, SVM, RF, MMCD, and BE are 90.6%, 91.8%, 85%, 84.56% 87.2%, 90%, 84.6%, and 94.89%.
Agricultural Productivity and Climate Mitigation
Authors: Fuglie Keith O. , Hertel Thomas W. , Lobell David B. , Villoria Nelson B.
Published: October 2024

Agriculture will play a central role in meeting greenhouse gas (GHG) emission targets, as the sector currently contributes ∼22% of global emissions. Because emissions are directly tied to resources employed in farm production, such as land, fertilizer, and ruminant animals, the productivity of input use tends to be inversely related to emissions intensity. We review evidence on how productivity gains in agriculture have contributed to historical changes in emissions, how they affect land use emissions both locally and globally, and how investments in research and development (R&D) affect productivity and therefore emissions. The world average agricultural emissions intensity fell by more than half since 1990, with a strong correlation between a region's agricultural productivity growth and reduction in emissions intensity. Additional investment in agricultural R&D offers an opportunity for cost-effective (<US$30 per ton carbon dioxide) and large-scale emissions reductions. Innovations that target specific commodities or inputs could even further reduce the cost of climate mitigation in agriculture.
Maternal Satisfaction With Children’s Vaccination and Its Contributing Factors in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Assimamaw Nega Tezera , Endalamaw Aklilu , Kelkay Mengistu Makonnen , Gonete Almaz Tefera , Terefe Bewuketu , Zeleke Kassaye Ahmed
Published: October 2024

Background: Various initiatives are underway to improve maternal satisfaction with the vaccination of children in developing nations. Governments, international organizations, and nongovernmental organizations are actively working to improve healthcare infrastructure, expand service accessibility, improve communication, and foster community engagement. However, despite these efforts, maternal satisfaction with child vaccination services continues to be a significant issue.

Objective: This systematic review and meta‐analysis is aimed at assessing the pooled prevalence of maternal satisfaction with the child’s vaccination service and its predictors in Ethiopia.

Methods: Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, African Journals Online, and Semantic Scholar were searched to access the included articles. A weighted inverse‐variance random effect model was used to estimate the prevalence of maternal satisfaction with vaccination of children. Variations in pooled prevalence estimates were adjusted by subgroup analysis according to the specific region where the study was conducted. Funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were used to check publication bias. STATA version 14 statistical software was used for meta‐analysis.

Results: The combined prevalence of maternal satisfaction with vaccination of children was found to be 73% (95% CI: 72–75; I2 = 0.00%, p value < 0.001). Based on the subgroup analysis, the result revealed that the prevalence of maternal satisfaction with vaccination of children was 63% in SNNPR, 79% in Oromia, and 74% in Amhara.

Conclusions: A meta‐analysis of mothers’ satisfaction with vaccination services for their children in Ethiopia found a low level of satisfaction. Therefore, provide regular training and capacity‐building programs for healthcare workers involved in the delivery of vaccination services.
The Nexus Between Medical Care Policy Alienation and Career Success: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Xu Jia , Xia Chun , Zhu Hui , Ding Xiuzhen
Published: October 2024

Aim: This study examines the interrelationship between medical staff’s sense of medical care policy alienation (SPA) and their subjective career success and the potential mediating roles of occupational calling (OC) and job satisfaction.

Background: Medical staff’s pivotal role in medical care policy implementation outcomes underscores their approach to career success, which affects work efficiency, and willingness to implement medical care policy. Effective policy is anticipated to be positively and rationally implemented, fostering favorable perceptions and career success among policy executors such as medical staff. However, limited research examines the relationship between career outcomes and medical staff′s SPA.

Methods: A cross‐sectional study conducted from May to June 2023 collected data from 521 medical staff in 14 hospitals in northern, western, and southern China through questionnaire surveys. The questionnaire measured their SPA, OC, job satisfaction, and career success. A chain multiple mediation model was constructed to explore SPA’s relationship with medical staff’s OC and job satisfaction, resulting in less career success, and whether work overload moderated this relationship.

Results: Medical staff’s SPA was negatively related to career success via a chain mediation mechanism involving OC and job satisfaction. Work overload did not moderate SPA’s negative association with OC; however, it moderated its association with job satisfaction. High workload intensified SPA’s association with job satisfaction, increasing the mediating effect on career success compared to those with lower workloads.

Conclusion: Medical staff’s SPA was significantly negatively related to career success, reflected in a weakened OC, and decreased job satisfaction. Work overload somewhat moderated the relationship between SPA and job satisfaction. Policymakers and medical stakeholders should emphasize improved communication between medical institutions and staff, which is essential for crafting and disseminating medical care policies. Medical care policy implementation should be enhanced in diverse Chinese contexts to enrich the understanding of medical policy management.
Characterization of Acid Activation of Bentonite Clay of Hadar, Afar, Ethiopia
Authors: Berhe Mulubrhan Tsegabruk , Berhe Goitom Gebreyohannes , Cheru Mulugeta Sisay , Weldehans Mebrahtom Gebresemati
Published: October 2024

The applications of various clay minerals are related to their structural, physical, and chemical characteristics. These properties of the clay minerals dictate their utilization in the industries and beneficiation required before usage. The study aimed at establishing the potentiality of acid‐activated clay mineral from Hadar, Afar, Ethiopia. XRD, SEM, energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (EDXRF), and FT‐IR spectroscopies were employed to characterize the chemical compositions and interaction in the bentonite samples. The XRD results revealed that the native and activated bentonite clay contains similar minerals, such as montmorillonite (MMT) ([Ca, Na]0.33 [Al, Mg]2[Si4O10][OH]2.nH2O), quartz (SiO2), albite (NaAl2SiO6), zeolite (CaAl2O3.SiO2.nH2O), and aluminum silicate. Thus, attributes of the bentonite clay was composed of SiO2 and Al2O3 indicating that it is an aluminosilicate mineral, and the morphology of bentonite was supported by SEM. The chemical analysis by EDXRF revealed that the native bentonite (NB) consisting of 58.18 wt% (SiO2), 14.28 wt% (Al2O3), and Na2O > CaO are the major constituents of the clay with other oxides present in low amount. There was an increase in the SiO2 content in activated bentonites, and the Al2O3, Fe2O3, and MgO contents have decreased by 48.56%, 66.36%, and 84.42%, respectively. The FT‐IR spectra bands at 1627 cm−1 and 1027 cm−1 were attributed to Al–Mg–OH, Al–Al–OH, and Al–OH–O–Si stretching vibration, and the reduction of the content of the octahedral cations is accompanied by a decrease of both OH bending vibrations at 1627 and 3401 cm−1. The FT‐IR result is in clear agreement with the SEM, XRD, and EDXRF studies which indicate sequential degradation of the clay sheet upon acid treatment. Hence, rendering the activated bentonite clay of Hadar has accounted for their demand for different industrial applications such as its use as detoxifier, sealant, binder, fillers for paper, pharmaceutical products, absorbent, adsorbent, catalyst, and nanoclays.
Table S3 from The Tumor Microbiome as a Predictor of Outcomes in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Dravillas Caroline E. , Coleman Samuel S. , Hoyd Rebecca , Caryotakis Griffin , Denko Louis , Chan Carlos H.F. , Churchman Michelle L. , Denko Nicholas , Dodd Rebecca D. , Eljilany Islam , Hardikar Sheetal , Husain Marium , Ikeguchi Alexandra P. , Jin Ning , Ma Qin , McCarter Martin D. , Osman Afaf E.G. , Robinson Lary A. , Singer Eric A. , Tinoco Gabriel , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Zakharia Yousef , Spakowicz Daniel , Tarhini Ahmad A. , Tan Aik Choon
Published: October 2024

Model performance of 31 published gene expression signatures for predicting immunotherapy treatment response
Table S1 from The Tumor Microbiome as a Predictor of Outcomes in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Dravillas Caroline E. , Coleman Samuel S. , Hoyd Rebecca , Caryotakis Griffin , Denko Louis , Chan Carlos H.F. , Churchman Michelle L. , Denko Nicholas , Dodd Rebecca D. , Eljilany Islam , Hardikar Sheetal , Husain Marium , Ikeguchi Alexandra P. , Jin Ning , Ma Qin , McCarter Martin D. , Osman Afaf E.G. , Robinson Lary A. , Singer Eric A. , Tinoco Gabriel , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Zakharia Yousef , Spakowicz Daniel , Tarhini Ahmad A. , Tan Aik Choon
Published: October 2024

The list of published gene signatures compared between treatment responders and non-responders and to tumor microbe abundances.
Figure S5 from The Tumor Microbiome as a Predictor of Outcomes in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Dravillas Caroline E. , Coleman Samuel S. , Hoyd Rebecca , Caryotakis Griffin , Denko Louis , Chan Carlos H.F. , Churchman Michelle L. , Denko Nicholas , Dodd Rebecca D. , Eljilany Islam , Hardikar Sheetal , Husain Marium , Ikeguchi Alexandra P. , Jin Ning , Ma Qin , McCarter Martin D. , Osman Afaf E.G. , Robinson Lary A. , Singer Eric A. , Tinoco Gabriel , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Zakharia Yousef , Spakowicz Daniel , Tarhini Ahmad A. , Tan Aik Choon
Published: October 2024

Comparison of alternate machine learning methods
Long-Term Observation of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis after Treatment of Renal Parenchymal Malakoplakia: A Case Report
Authors: Takami Reiji , Nagayama Yoshikuni , Nishiwaki Hiroki , Ueno Toshiharu , Iwasaki Shigeki , Yoshimura Ashio , Koiwa Fumihiko
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Malakoplakia is a rare and chronic granulomatous disease that is pathologically characterized by the presence of Michaelis-Gutmann bodies and large macrophage clusters. Malakoplakia of the renal parenchyma is especially rare. In this report, we describe the long-term prognosis of a patient who was diagnosed with and treated for renal parenchymal malakoplakia in infancy. Case Presentation: Seventeen years after malakoplakia onset, the patient presented to us with worsening proteinuria. Computed tomography revealed structural abnormalities in the kidney, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) was diagnosed based on renal biopsy findings. No Michaelis-Gutmann bodies were observed in von Kossa-stained biopsy specimens. Regular outpatient monitoring during the next 9 years showed gradual deterioration of renal function and a moderately high protein/creatinine ratio. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that structural changes due to malakoplakia can cause FSGS. Moreover, structural changes indicate the healing of malakoplakia in infancy and the disappearance of its characteristic lesions over time. Owing to its long-term observation period, this unique case provides new insights into the outcomes of patients with renal parenchymal malakoplakia.
Natural Law, Free Choice, and Moral Responsibility in the Anthropology of John Chrysostom
Authors: Stenger Jan R.
Published: October 2024

In his discussion of virtue and sin, John Chrysostom makes frequent reference to the law of nature. He defines it as a moral norm given by God at the time of creation and argues that on account of it humans know what must be done and what must not be done. This article examines the role of natural law in Chrysostom’s conception of human action, focusing on the relationship between the law and human freedom. It argues that Chrysostom draws on the philosophical idea of natural law in order to explain human moral responsibility and the capacity for good deeds. By clarifying the interplay between natural law and free choice he rejects the doctrine of determinism. It is shown that the concept of natural law is also fundamental for Chrysostom’s instruction as it provides a basis for the moral reformation of the believers’ actions and behaviour.
Making Memories: Countercultural Memory in Irenaeus, Martyrdom of Polycarp, and Apocryphon of James
Authors: Abbott Philip
Published: October 2024

Cultures define themselves largely by how they remember the past; the commemoration of history provides a link to bygone eras that helps determine social dynamics in the present. But not everyone remembers the past in the same manner. Not only do people champion competing historical narratives, but they also memorialize the past in different ways, such as erecting monuments, glorifying a specific person, constructing and honoring an archive, revering a symbol, holding an event that repeats periodically, maintaining an institution, and more. These various hubs of memory creation and preservation are often called “sites of memory.” This article explores how various Christian groups in the second century invested their social memory in divergent sites. These sites not only propagated differing forms of Christian expression, but also diverse notions of what it means to remember. While some championed preservation of the past, others believed that memory entailed radical innovation.
An Early Ofan for Hanukkah, the Temple Menorah, and the Visual Culture of Late Antique Synagogues
Authors: Lieber Laura Suzanne
Published: October 2024

This contribution focuses on an anonymous poem for Hanukkah and its wealth of visual imagery as a window on the interrelationship between liturgical texts and the art of the ancient synagogue. It sets this poem in conversation with the image of the menorah in synagogues excavated in the Land of Israel, as both reflect Jewish liturgical creativity during late antiquity, between the fourth and seventh or eighth centuries. It explores how the visual culture of Jewish late antiquity provided an early medieval payyetan (synagogue poet) with a rich library of objects, symbols, and metaphors for a composition celebrating the Festival of Lights; the poetic synthesis, in turn, yields a richly resonant symbolic matrix of meaning. Attention to light sources (lamps) and the symbolism of light more generally reveals how the material and visual culture of antiquity – particularly the menorah – suffused the piyyut, and how the piyyut could have colored perceptions of familiar experiences and objects. After examining lamps (and particularly menorahs) from a variety of perspectives, we will return to the poem to consider more closely the role that illumination plays in the short, festive lyric.
A Short Note on Agricultural Household’s Farm Income: Evidence from the National Sample Survey 77th Round
Authors: Shukla Vachaspati
Published: October 2024

An examination of monthly farm income obtained by agricultural households in India presents a very dismal picture of these households. Only a small percentage of agricultural households in India receive a monthly farm income greater than ₹10,000. Furthermore, nearly 70 per cent of agricultural households in India earn a farm income of less than ₹5,000 per month. Agricultural households in several states are too poor even after accounting for income from non-farm sources. A large proportion of agricultural households in Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh are unable to obtain a subsistence level of income.

JEL Codes: Q12, D31, R20
Death of a Parent, Racial Inequities, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Early to Mid-adulthood
Authors: Garcia Michael A. , Needham Belinda L. , Goosby Bridget J. , Hummer Robert A. , Liu Hui , Umberson Debra
Published: October 2024

Black Americans experience the death of a parent much earlier in the life course than White Americans on average. However, studies have not considered whether the cardiovascular health consequences of early parental death vary by race. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health, we explore associations between early parental death and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in early to mid-adulthood (N = 4,193). We find that the death of a parent during childhood or adolescence (ages 0–17) or the transition to adulthood (ages 18–27) is associated with increased CVD risk for Black Americans, whereas parental death following the transition to adulthood (ages 28+) undermines cardiovascular health for both Black Americans and White Americans. These findings illustrate how a stress and life course perspective can help inform strategies aimed at addressing both the unequal burden of bereavement and high cardiovascular risk faced by Black Americans.
Estimation of SAM for India: An Application for India’s Energy Transition Targets
Authors: Chaudhuri Chetana , Pratap Devender , Pohit Sanjib
Published: October 2024

The social accounting matrix (SAM) for India was historically constructed based on the input–output table (IOT). However, since 2011–2012, the Government of India has been publishing the supply–use table, instead of the IOT. While the erstwhile IOT, published by the Government of India, had the same number of products and industries, the supply–use table provides one ‘supply matrix’ and one ‘use matrix’, each of which is a rectangular table with 140 products and 66 industries (for 2018–2019). Converting the supply–use table to a square IOT and subsequently extending it to SAM require the utilisation of various data sources, numerous steps and adjustments. Despite the usefulness of both IO and SAM matrices in macroeconomic policy design, not much literature is available on these. This study aims to bridge the gap by constructing IOT and SAM for India from the supply–use table incorporating information from many other sources and describing the method of construction of the matrices. Our IO and SAM also focus on various energy sectors, including different sources of power generation, biomass and so on, and disaggregate energy-intensive sectors like cement or aluminium, considering the immense usefulness of the energy-extended macro-structure to the research of energy and environment policies. The study focuses on the construction of a 59 × 59 SAM for India, with the base year of 2021–2022 incorporating three factors of production and ten categories of households. As an application of the newly constructed SAM, we have analysed the employment implication of India’s Nationally Determined Contribution emission commitments.

JEL Codes: E16, C67, D57
Unpacking Technological Risks: Different Sources of Concern and Policy Preferences
Authors: Bicchi Nicolas , Kuo Alexander , Gallego Aina
Published: October 2024

How concerned are workers about the impact of technological changes on employment, and what policies do they prefer to mitigate potential negative effects of these changes? We address these questions by presenting new analytical distinctions among different types of labour market concerns. We differentiate among the risk of job substitution, ‘technostress’ and general apprehension about the impact of technology in the workplace. In terms of policy responses, we distinguish between worker preferences for job loss compensation, retraining and distinct measures of ‘technological protectionism’. Using survey data from Spain and innovative measures of these concepts, our findings reveal that concern about job substitution is modestly correlated with support for some redistribution policies. By contrast, both technostress and general concerns about the impact of technology significantly increase support for protectionist policies but not redistribution. These results contribute to understanding how workers might respond to the labour market effects of new technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Coinfections and In-Hospital Mortality in a Group of Patients With HIV/AIDS: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Valladales-Restrepo Luis Fernando , Oyuela-Gutiérrez María Camila , Díaz-Arteaga Catalina , Torres-Campo María Alejandra , Rengifo-Montes Allyson , Erazo-De Los Ríos Alfonso Sebastián , Sabogal-Ortiz Alejandra , Machado-Duque Manuel Enrique , Gaviria-Mendoza Andrés , Machado-Alba Jorge Enrique
Published: October 2024

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a global public health problem. Coinfections in HIV patients are frequent complications that increase their mortality. The aim of this study was to assess coinfections and in-hospital mortality in a group of patients infected with HIV in Colombia. A retrospective longitudinal study was carried out. Patients treated in 4 highly complex clinics in Colombia between 2015 and 2023 were included. The cases were identified from International Classification of Diseases codes related to HIV. Sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory and pharmacological variables were collected. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable analyses were performed. Of the 249 patients identified, 79.1% were men, and the median age was 38.0 years. Approximately 81.1% had a diagnosis of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Coinfections caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (24.1%) and Treponema pallidum (20.5%) were the most frequent. A total of 20.5% of the patients had sepsis, 12.4% had septic shock, and the fatality rate was 15.7%. Antibiotics and antifungals were used in 88.8% and 53.8%, respectively, of the patients. Patients with a diagnosis of HIV before admission, those infected with M. tuberculosis, and those who presented with sepsis were more likely to die, whereas patients who received antiretroviral agent treatment before admission presented a lower risk. In this study, most HIV patients were in an advanced stage of the disease. Coinfection with M. tuberculosis was common and was associated with an increased risk of death. Previous HIV diagnosis and sepsis also increased the risk. Approximately half of the patients with a previous HIV diagnosis were receiving antiretroviral therapy and had a better prognosis.
Kimura Disease of the Head and Neck Region
Authors: Lee Dae-Neung , Yeom Sujung , Lee Dong Hoon , Lim Sang Chul
Published: October 2024

Objective: We analyzed the clinical characteristics and treatment results in surgical patients with a final diagnosis of Kimura disease. Patients and Methods: A total of 8 patients with a final diagnosis of Kimura disease of the head and neck region after surgery from January 2007 to December 2022 were enrolled. Results: The most common symptom was a mass in the head and neck region (n = 7), followed by incidental detection (n = 1). Multiple head and neck lesions were observed except for 1 patient with Kimura disease in the buccal space. Kimura disease could not be diagnosed in 5 patients who underwent preoperative fine-needle aspiration cytology. All patients underwent surgical resection. No major complications after surgery occurred. Six patients received steroids after surgery, with 1 patient undergoing radiotherapy as a side effect of steroid treatment. During the follow-up period, 5 patients relapsed. Of the parameters assessed, only longer symptom duration was statistically significant with relapse of Kimura disease. Conclusion: Clinicians should suspect Kimura disease based on asymptomatic masses, peripheral blood eosinophilia, and imaging examinations and make a definitive diagnosis via surgery.
Correlates of Lifestyle Physical Activity Among Young Arab American Women
Authors: Mansuri Sudaba , Daniel Manju N. , Halloway Shannon , Abboud Sarah , Schoeny Michael E. , Buchholz Susan W.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Young Arab American women are at risk for cardiovascular disease, but there is limited data on their physical activity (PA) engagement.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between PA and its correlates in young Arab American women. The objectives of this study were to: (1) describe self-reported lifestyle PA behaviors of young Arab American women and (2) examine the relationship between their self-reported lifestyle PA, device-measured lifestyle PA (combined moderate /vigorous and steps), and potentially associated factors (demographics, physical measures, individual factors, and behavior cognition factors).

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted with women 18 to 35 years of age and Arab American (n = 50) in the Midwest Region of the United States. Participants wore ActiGraph GT3X-BT monitors for 7 days; self-report measures included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, demographics, acculturation, discrimination, religiosity, self-efficacy, and social support.

Results:

The mean age of participants was 25.5 years ( SD: 5.5; range: 18-35). Per ActiGraph, the average daily steps were 5946 ( SD: 2783); only 24% met the moderate-intensity PA guidelines. Self-efficacy was significantly associated with increased moderate-to-vigorous PA ( B = 0.37; P = .012).

Conclusion:

The average daily steps for the young Arab American women in this study were of low active classification. More than 75% of the women failed to meet the recommended weekly moderate /vigorous PA guidelines. Our study supports the importance of targeting and tailoring PA interventions on young Arab American women who have low self-efficacy for overcoming barriers to lifestyle PA.
A Study of the Impact of Crypto Assets on Portfolio Risk Management (2019–2022)
Authors: Jotaki Hiroaki , Liu Mengyao , Takahashi Hiroshi
Published: October 2024

In this study, we examined the impact of crypto assets on the risk-return characteristics of portfolios consisting of traditional assets. First, we examined the optimal portfolio for maximising the Sharpe ratio and found that the Sharpe ratio improves when CMC Crypto 200 Index (CMC) are incorporated to a certain extent into a portfolio consisting of traditional stocks, bonds and commodity indices. In addition, we focused on individual assets comprising crypto assets instead of CMC and incorporated individual crypto assets into a portfolio of conventional traditional assets and found that the Sharpe ratio improved for the majority of individual crypto assets. This is an interesting result as it indicates that crypto assets may contribute to improving the risk-return characteristics of the portfolio. Second, we examined the optimal portfolio for minimising volatility and found that the percentage of crypto assets held was small. This may be due to the fact that the volatility of crypto assets is higher than that of other assets. In this sense, investing in cryptocurrencies is not suitable for investors who want to keep volatility low.

JEL Codes: G10, G11, G12
Relationship-induced self-concept change and the malleability of attachment security
Authors: McIntyre Kevin P. , Mattingly Brent A. , Judis Michaela
Published: October 2024

Romantic relationships have the potential to shape individuals’ self-concepts for better or worse. Because these changes to the self have the potential to modify working models of self and other, they may also be associated with individuals’ levels of attachment security. The current research sought to examine whether relationship-induced self-concept improvement and degradation is associated with attachment security. Across three correlational studies (Studies 1a-1c; overall N = 579) and one experiment (Study 2; N = 196), we found that relationship-induced concept improvement (vs. degradation) is associated with greater state attachment security and lower state attachment avoidance (but not state anxiety). Further, state attachment security and avoidance mediated the association between overall self-concept improvement and relationship quality. Overall, relationship-induced changes to the self-concept appear to modify attachment systems, which cultivate relationship quality.
“They’re Going Through Something, Too”: The Challenges and Opportunities of Empathy and Prosocial Behavior in Middle School
Authors: Pfister Theresa A. , Deutsch Nancy L. , Rimm-Kaufman Sara E. , Sandilos Lia E.
Published: October 2024

Despite the volume of research on empathy and prosocial behavior, there is a dearth of studies exploring early adolescents’ experiences of practicing cognitive empathy and prosocial behavior. Without understanding both the challenges and opportunities of these two skills, we cannot effectively support their growth during this critical developmental period. This study aims to fill this gap. Sixteen sixth-grade students from two middle schools in a small Northeastern city in the United States participated in semi-structured interviews about their experiences of practicing cognitive empathy. Three themes appeared in student responses: preparing, cognitively empathizing, and responding. Youth experienced unique challenges in each of these components, including masking, relational distance, emotional awareness and regulation, capacity, misunderstanding, and negative peer pressure. The authors suggest a three-pronged approach—focusing on skills, relationships, and the social environment—to address these challenges and bolster adolescents’ unique strengths to promote cognitive empathy and prosocial behavior in middle schools.
Examining Teacher Feedback, Perceived Competencies, Interests, and Achievement in Fourth-Grade Students in Portugal
Authors: Laranjeira Márcia , Teixeira Maria Odília
Published: October 2024

In a social cognitive framework, teacher feedback is a relational influence that is particularly significant in shaping learners’ vocational self-concept during childhood—a critical stage for career development. This study examines the relationships among perceived teacher feedback, children’s competence perceptions, interests, and achievement in two core curriculum subjects: native language (Portuguese) and mathematics. The sample comprises 409 fourth-grade students (51% male), aged between 9 and 13 years, who completed self-report questionnaires. Structural equation modeling analysis revealed that positive feedback in reading and mathematics is significantly associated with children’s perceived competencies in Portuguese language and mathematics, respectively. Furthermore, perceived competencies accounted for the indirect effects of feedback on both interests and grades. Conversely, negative feedback had a detrimental effect on all variables. Implications, limitations, and future directions for children’s career development will be discussed.
Building relationships: A perspective on how to achieve teaching success in study abroad programs
Authors: Bauer Steven
Published: October 2024

Study abroad programs have become increasingly popular in recent years as vehicles to prepare students for the global work environment. This paper describes a perspective on how to maximize teaching effectiveness in these programs via developing personal relationships. Based on the teaching of a Principles of Marketing course in Florence, Italy, the author discusses how the special characteristics of the study abroad program enabled the formation of deep faculty-student and peer relationships. Key faculty-student relationship factors were connections outside the classroom, career discussions, and assignment/exam reviews, while key peer relationship factors were interactions between students outside of class and field trips. The author notes how the importance of these factors is supported by current theory and research. He also describes how the factors led to higher teaching performance in Florence than in the U.S. as measured by student evaluations, marketing core question ratings, grades and attendance. Ideas for future research on the impact of relationship variables in study abroad programs are suggested.