bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prospective comparison of (1,3)-beta-D-glucan detection using colorimetric and turbidimetric assays for diagnosing invasive fungal disease
Authors: Alanio Alexandre , Gits-Muselli Maud , Guigue Nicolas , Denis Blandine , Bergeron Anne , Touratier Sophie , Hamane Samia , Bretagne Stéphane 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Serum (1→3)-β-D-glucan (BDG), an pan fungal antigen, is detected in some invasive fungal diseases (IFDs). We compared two commercial kits, the Fungitell assay (FA) (colorimetric) and the Wako assay (WA) (turbidimetric) over a 4-month period to prospectively test 171 patients who mainly had hematological conditions (62%) and experienced episodes (n = 175) of suspected invasive fungal infection. Twenty-three episodes due to BDG-producing fungi were diagnosed (pneumocystosis, n = 12; invasive aspergillosis, n = 5; candidemia, n = 3; invasive fusariosis, n = 2; hepato-splenic candidiasis, n = 1).
Both assays provided similar areas under the curves (AUC = 0.9). Using the optimized positivity thresholds (≥120 pg/ml for FA and ≥ 4 pg/ml for WA), the sensitivity and specificity were 81.8% (CI95: 61.5–92.7), 94.8% (90.1–97.3) for FA and 81.8% (61.5–92.7), 95.4% (90.9–97.8) for WA. Negative predictive value was 97.3% (93.3–99.0) for both tests. If the manufacturer's positivity threshold (≥11 pg/ml) was applied, the WA sensitivity decreased to 50%. Among 71 patients with bacterial infections, 21.1% were FA-positive and 5.6% were WA-positive (p &lt; 10−2).
The WA performed similarly as compared to the FA with an optimized cutoff value. The WA is a single sample test that is clinically relevant when a prompt therapeutic decision is required.

Lay Summary
Serum (1→3)-β-D-glucan testing is dominated by two kits including Fungitell colorimetric assay (FA) and the Wako turbidimetric assay (WA). We compared them prospectively and observed that they both perform similarly when selecting their optimal threshold (≥120 pg/ml for FA and ≥ 4 pg/ml for WA).
Observational constraints on complex quintessence with attractive self-interaction
Authors: Carvente Belen , Jaramillo Víctor , Escamilla-Rivera Celia , Núñez Darío 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
In this paper, we consider that dark energy could be described solely by a complex scalar field with a Bose–Einstein condensate-like potential (denoted as CSFDE), that is, with a self-interaction and a mass term. In particular, we analyse a solution that in a fast oscillation regime at late times behaves as a cosmological constant. Our proposal adequately describes the standard homogeneous and flat Fridman dynamics. Furthermore, in this quintessence–complex scalar field scenario, it is possible to mimic the dynamics related to dark energy. However, when the precision cosmological tests are implemented in this landscape, the generic equation of state derived for this model in a restricted regime of ai (which corresponds to the scale factor at which the scalar field turns on) cannot be constrained by late-time current observations, since the analysis constraints solely the scalar field parameters within values ruled out by the theoretical model. This result is a clear hint to consider future CSFDE models with, for instance, two scalar fields in order to study the early-time dynamics of the Universe.
Unveiling the nature of 11 dusty star-forming galaxies at the peak of cosmic star formation history
Authors: Pantoni L , Lapi A , Massardi M , Donevski D , Bressan A , Silva L , Pozzi F , Vignali C , Talia M , Cimatti A , Ronconi T , Danese L 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
We present a panchromatic study of 11 (sub-)millimetre selected DSFGs with spectroscopically confirmed redshift (1.5 &lt; zspec &lt; 3) in the GOODS-S field, with the aim of constraining their astrophysical properties (e.g. age, stellar mass, dust, and gas content) and characterizing their role in the context of galaxy evolution. The multiwavelength coverage of GOODS-S, from X-rays to radio band, allow us to model galaxy SED by using cigale z with a novel approach, based on a physical motivated modelling of stellar light attenuation by dust. Median stellar mass (≃ 6.5 × 1010 M⊙) and SFR (≃ 241 M⊙ yr−1) are consistent with galaxy main sequence at z ∼ 2. The galaxies are experiencing an intense and dusty burst of star formation (medianLIR ≃ 2 × 1012L⊙), with a median age of 750 Myr. The high median content of interstellar dust (Mdust ≃ 5 × 108 M⊙) suggests a rapid enrichment of the ISM (on time-scales ∼108 yr). We derived galaxy total and molecular gas content from CO spectroscopy and/or Rayleigh–Jeans dust continuum (1010 ≲Mgas/M⊙ ≲ 1011), depleted over a typical time-scale τdepl ∼ 200 Myr. X-ray and radio luminosities (LX = 1042–1044 erg s−1,L$_{1.5\, {\rm GHz}}=10^{30}\!-\!10^{31}$ erg s−1,L$_{6\, {\rm GHz}}=10^{29}\!-\!10^{30}$ erg s−1) suggest that most of the galaxies hosts an accreting radio-silent/quiet SMBH. This evidence, along with their compact multiwavelength sizes (median rALMA ∼ rVLA = 1.8 kpc, rHST = 2.3 kpc) measured from high-resolution imaging (θres ≲ 1 arcsec), indicates these objects as the high-z star-forming counterparts of massive quiescent galaxies, as predicted e.g. by the in situ scenario. Four objects show some signatures of a forthcoming/ongoing AGN feedback, which is thought to trigger the morphological transition from star-forming discs to ETGs.
SALT observations of the supernova remnant MCSNR J0127−7332 and its associated Be X-ray binary SXP 1062 in the SMC
Authors: Gvaramadze V V , Kniazev A Y , Gallagher J S , Oskinova L M , Chu Y-H , Gruendl R A , Katkov I Y 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
We report the results of optical spectroscopy of the Small Magellanic Cloud supernova remnant (SNR) MCSNR J0127−7332 and the mass donor Be star, 2dFS 3831, in its associated high-mass X-ray binary SXP 1062 carried out with the Southern African Large Telescope. Using high-resolution long-slit spectra, we measured the expansion velocity of the SNR shell of ${\approx} 140 \, {\rm \, km\, s^{-1}}$, indicating that MCSNR J0127−7332 is in the radiative phase. We found that the observed line ratios in the SNR spectrum can be understood if the local interstellar medium is ionized by 2dFS 3831 and/or OB stars around the SNR. We propose that MCSNR J0127−7332 is the result of supernova explosion within a bubble produced by the stellar wind of the supernova progenitor and that the bubble was surrounded by a massive shell at the moment of supernova explosion. We estimated the age of MCSNR J0127−7332 to be ${\lesssim} 10\, 000$ yr. We found that the spectrum of 2dFS 3831 changes with orbital phase. Namely, the equivalent width of the H α emission line decreased by ≈40 per cent in ≈130 d after periastron passage of the neutron star and then almost returned to its original value in the next ≈100 d. Also, the spectrum of 2dFS 3831 obtained closest to the periastron epoch (about 3 weeks after the periastron) shows a noticeable emission line of He ii λ4686, which disappeared in the next 2 weeks. We interpret these changes as a result of the temporary perturbation and heating of the disc as the neutron star passes through it.
Tofacitinib alters STAT3 signaling and leads to endometriosis lesion regression
Authors: Kotlyar Alexander M , Mamillapalli Ramanaiah , Flores Valerie A , Taylor Hugh S 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Endometriosis is a widespread gynecologic condition affecting up to 15% of women of reproductive age. The Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT3) pathway is upregulated in endometriosis and is a therapeutic target. Here we sought to determine the effect of Tofacitinib, a JAK inhibitor in widespread clinical use, on JAK/STAT signaling in endometriosis and lesion growth. Endometriosis was surgically induced in C57BL/6 mice using homologous uterine horn transplantation. Lesions were allowed to form over 4 weeks followed by Tofacitinib (10 mg/kg) or vehicle administered by oral gavage over 4 weeks. Tofacitinib treatment in vivo led to endometriosis lesion regression and reduced adhesion burden compared to vehicle treatment. In vitro studies on Ishikawa cells showed that Tofacitinib reduced hypoxia-inducible factor 1α and vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA levels at 12 and 24 h. Western blot analysis showed that Tofacitinib effectively reduced STAT3 phosphorylation in Ishikawa cells and human primary stromal and epithelial cells from eutopic endometrium of patients with and without endometriosis. This study suggests that the inhibition of JAK/STAT signaling using Tofacitinib may be a viable method for the treatment of endometriosis.
Competition between bridged dinucleotides and activated mononucleotides determines the error frequency of nonenzymatic RNA primer extension
Authors: Duzdevich Daniel , Carr Christopher E , Ding Dian , Zhang Stephanie J , Walton Travis S , Szostak Jack W 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Nonenzymatic copying of RNA templates with activated nucleotides is a useful model for studying the emergence of heredity at the origin of life. Previous experiments with defined-sequence templates have pointed to the poor fidelity of primer extension as a major problem. Here we examine the origin of mismatches during primer extension on random templates in the simultaneous presence of all four 2-aminoimidazole-activated nucleotides. Using a deep sequencing approach that reports on millions of individual template-product pairs, we are able to examine correct and incorrect polymerization as a function of sequence context. We have previously shown that the predominant pathway for primer extension involves reaction with imidazolium-bridged dinucleotides, which form spontaneously by the reaction of two mononucleotides with each other. We now show that the sequences of correctly paired products reveal patterns that are expected from the bridged dinucleotide mechanism, whereas those associated with mismatches are consistent with direct reaction of the primer with activated mononucleotides. Increasing the ratio of bridged dinucleotides to activated mononucleotides, either by using purified components or by using isocyanide-based activation chemistry, reduces the error frequency. Our results point to testable strategies for the accurate nonenzymatic copying of arbitrary RNA sequences.
An RNA-binding protein complex regulates the purine-dependent expression of a nucleobase transporter in trypanosomes
Authors: Rico-Jiménez Miriam , Ceballos-Pérez Gloria , Gómez-Liñán Claudia , Estévez Antonio M 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPost-transcriptional regulation of gene expression is particularly important in trypanosomatid protozoa. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) regulate mRNA stability and translation, yet information about how RBPs are able to link environmental cues to post-transcriptional control is scarce. In Trypanosoma brucei, we have previously characterized a short RNA stem-loop cis-element (PuRE, Purine Responsive Element) within the 3′-UTR of the NT8 nucleobase transporter mRNA that is necessary and sufficient to confer a strong repression of gene expression in response to purines. In this study, we have identified a protein complex composed of two RNA-binding proteins (PuREBP1 and PuREBP2) that binds to the PuRE in vitro and to NT8 mRNA in vivo. Depletion of PuREBP1 by RNA interference results in the upregulation of just NT8 and the mRNAs encoding the amino acid transporter AATP6 paralogues. Moreover, we found that the PuREBP1/2 complex is associated with only a handful of mRNAs, and that it is responsible for the observed purine-dependent regulation of NT8 expression.
Prevalence and Distribution of Electronic Cigarette Use Before and During Pregnancy Among Women in 38 States of the United States
Authors: Liu Buyun , Du Yang , Wu Yuxiao , Sun Yangbo , Santillan Mark K , Santillan Donna A , Bao Wei 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Introduction
To examine the prevalence and the changing pattern of e-cigarette use from preconception to pregnancy.

Aims and Methods
This is a cross-sectional study using data from the multi-site Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System in the United States, 2016–2017. All participating mothers with information on e-cigarette use before and during pregnancy were included. Self-reported information about e-cigarette use were assessed using questionnaires. Weighted prevalences of e-cigarette use before and during pregnancy were calculated. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to examine the association between various demographic characteristics and e-cigarette use before or during pregnancy.

Results
This study included 69 508 pregnant women from 38 states in the United States. The weighted prevalence of e-cigarette use before pregnancy and during the last 3 months of pregnancy was 3.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.4%–3.9%) and 1.1% (0.9%–1.2%), respectively. The prevalence varied across states, ranging from 1.3% to 8.3% for e-cigarette use before pregnancy and from 0.1% to 3.4% for e-cigarette use during the last 3 months of pregnancy. Among women who used e-cigarettes before pregnancy, 24.4% (21.7%–27.1%) continued to use e-cigarettes during pregnancy. Among women who used e-cigarettes during pregnancy, 62.3% (56.5%–68.0%) were dual users. In multivariable analyses, cigarette smoking was most strongly associated with e-cigarette use. The adjusted odds ratio comparing smokers with nonsmokers before pregnancy was 11.10 (95% CI 9.34–13.20) for e-cigarette use before pregnancy and 6.72 (95% CI 4.38–10.31) for e-cigarette use during pregnancy.

Conclusions
Using data from 38 states in the United States, we showed geographical variations in the prevalence of e-cigarette use before and during pregnancy. Among women who used e-cigarettes before pregnancy, a quarter of them continued to use e-cigarettes during pregnancy. Conventional cigarette use is a strong risk factor for e-cigarette use before and during pregnancy. The prevalence of e-cigarette use needs to be monitored continuously.

Implications
This study provides important information to understand the status and changing patterns of e-cigarette use in pregnant women in the United States. Among pregnant women in 38 states in the United States, 3.6% of them used e-cigarettes during the 3 months before pregnancy and 1.1% used them during the last 3 months of pregnancy. The prevalence varied across states. A quarter of women who used e-cigarettes before pregnancy continued to use e-cigarettes during pregnancy. Cigarette smoking is the strongest predictor of e-cigarette use. Future research about health effects of e-cigarette use during pregnancy is in urgent need.
How Young People in Scotland Experience the Right to Vote at 16: Evidence on ‘Votes-at-16’ in Scotland from Qualitative Work with Young People
Authors: Huebner Christine 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Within the UK, Scotland offers a unique case study of ‘Votes-at-16’ in practice. Research provided evidence on the immediate effects of voting age reform on young people’s engagement with politics, but little is known about how young people experienced being allowed to vote from the age of 16 years. This article analyses qualitative evidence about young people’s experiences with the right to vote at 16 since the voting age reform in Scotland. Drawing on data from interviews with young people, we find that ‘Votes-at-16’ brought about a mix of experiences. In combination with the experience of the 2014 Scottish independence referendum it marked a uniquely mobilising life event that boosted confidence in youth voice and led to a perceived increase in political efficacy. It also raised frustrations with young people, however, about their lack of voting rights in other elections and about a perceived gap between expectations and reality regarding the role of schools. By examining young people’s experiences with ‘Votes-at-16’ in Scotland, this article contributes to debates about the implications of voting age reform in the Scotland and beyond.
Public Support for Votes at 16 in the UK: The Effects of Framing on Rights and Policy Change
Authors: Greenwood-Hau Joe , Gutting Raynee S 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
With votes at 16 implemented for local and devolved assembly elections in Scotland and Wales, the debate on the issue continues amongst politicians in England and Northern Ireland. Testing arguments that are often made in that debate, we analyse two survey experiments and show that framing on extending rights prompts higher support, whilst framing on policy change depresses support. These effects hold when priming on consistency of legal ages and are particularly strong amongst the very right-wing. A majority of the public remains opposed to votes at 16, but our results indicate the malleability of public opinion on the issue.
Phytochrome regulates cellular response plasticity and the basic molecular machinery of leaf development
Authors: Romanowski Andrés , Furniss James J , Hussain Ejaz , Halliday Karen J 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Plants are plastic organisms that optimize growth in response to a changing environment. This adaptive capability is regulated by external cues, including light, which provides vital information about the habitat. Phytochrome photoreceptors detect far-red light, indicative of nearby vegetation, and elicit the adaptive shade-avoidance syndrome (SAS), which is critical for plant survival. Plants exhibiting SAS are typically more elongated, with distinctive, small, narrow leaf blades. By applying SAS-inducing end-of-day far-red (EoD FR) treatments at different times during Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaf 3 development, we have shown that SAS restricts leaf blade size through two distinct cellular strategies. Early SAS induction limits cell division, while later exposure limits cell expansion. This flexible strategy enables phytochromes to maintain control of leaf size through the proliferative and expansion phases of leaf growth. mRNAseq time course data, accessible through a community resource, coupled to a bioinformatics pipeline, identified pathways that underlie these dramatic changes in leaf growth. Phytochrome regulates a suite of major development pathways that control cell division, expansion, and cell fate. Further, phytochromes control cell proliferation through synchronous regulation of the cell cycle, DNA replication, DNA repair, and cytokinesis, and play an important role in sustaining ribosome biogenesis and translation throughout leaf development.
Distinct cellular strategies determine sensitivity to mild drought of Arabidopsis natural accessions
Authors: Chen Ying , Dubois Marieke , Vermeersch Mattias , Inzé Dirk , Vanhaeren Hannes 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The worldwide distribution of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) accessions imposes different types of evolutionary pressures, which contributes to various responses of these accessions to environmental stresses. Responses to drought stress have mostly been studied in the Columbia accession, which is predominantly used in plant research. However, the reactions to drought stress are complex and our understanding of the responses that contribute to maintaining plant growth during mild drought (MD) is very limited. Here, we studied the mechanisms with which natural accessions react to MD at a physiological and molecular level during early leaf development. We documented variations in MD responses among natural accessions and used transcriptome sequencing of a drought-sensitive accession, ICE163, and a drought-insensitive accession, Yeg-1, to gain insights into the mechanisms underlying this discrepancy. This revealed that ICE163 preferentially induces jasmonate- and anthocyanin-related pathways, which are beneficial in biotic stress defense, whereas Yeg-1 has a more pronounced activation of abscisic acid signaling, the classical abiotic stress response. Related physiological traits, including the content of proline, anthocyanins, and reactive oxygen species, stomatal closure, and cellular leaf parameters, were investigated and linked to the transcriptional responses. We can conclude that most of these processes constitute general drought response mechanisms that are regulated similarly in drought-insensitive and -sensitive accessions. However, the capacity to close stomata and maintain cell expansion under MD appeared to be major factors that allow to better sustain leaf growth under MD.
A Panel Regression Approach to Holdings-Based Fund Performance Measures
Authors: Ferson Wayne , Wang Junbo L 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Portfolio performance measures using holdings data are panel regressions. The returns of a fund’s stocks are regressed on its lagged portfolio weights. Stock fixed effects isolate average performance from time-series predictive ability. Control variables condition for fund performance on the characteristics of the stocks held. The long-term performance of average holdings drives some of the classical measures, while predictive ability drives others. A “buy-and-hold drift,” where portfolio weights increase over time in the higher alpha stocks, affects performance measures. Investor flows respond to average performance net of the buy-and-hold drift. (JEL G11, G14, G23, G29).
The effects of transcranial direct current stimulation on attention and inhibitory control of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Authors: Guimarães Rachel Silvany Quadros , Bandeira Igor D. , Barretto Bianca Lima , Barretto Thiago Lima , Wanke Thamires , Alves Clara Oliveira Carvalho , de Carvalho Chrissie Ferreira , Lucena Pedro H. , Rodrigues-Silva Luciana , Lucena Rita 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. Despite the proven efficacy of pharmacological treatment, many individuals continue to suffer socially and academically and some experience significant side effects that negate the use psychotropic drugs. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a cortical neuromodulation feature that has shown positive results in the treatment of various neuropsychiatric conditions.

Objectives:
To investigate the effect of tDCS on the performance of children and adolescents with ADHD in the neuropsychological tests of visual attention, verbal, and inhibitory control.

Methodology:
Triple blind, randomized, sham-controlled, cross-over trial involving tDCS in children and adolescents with ADHD. Initial screening will be performed using Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham – IVand Wechsler intelligence scale for children fourth edition vocabulary and cube subtests. Individuals will be evaluated pre-tDCS and post-tDCS with the Wechsler intelligence scale for children fourth edition Digitus subtest, neuropsychological assessment battery second edition inhibiting responses subtest, Corsi cubes, and visual attention test-4.