bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global evidence of inequality in well‐being among older adults
Authors: Smith Michael D. , Wesselbaum Dennis 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundBy 2030, the UN expects 1.4 billion older adults and 2.1 billion by 2050. By 2050, 80 percent of older persons will live in developing nations. This demographic shift will present new challenges and opportunities in several areas, including health, migration, employment, and social safety nets. This study's aims were to: (1) present novel evidence on the trends and determinants of well‐being and well‐being inequality among older people around the world; and (2) highlight variation across World Bank development groups.MethodsThe study utilizes individual‐level survey data from nine waves of the Gallup World Poll (2009–2017), which is representative of about 99.5% of the global population. First, we report country‐level panel evidence on well‐being and well‐being inequality for adults over 60 years of age. Second, we estimate regressions to identify the individual‐level determinants of well‐being and well‐being inequality.ResultsOur results indicate that average levels of happiness vary little over time. This holds for all World Bank development groups. In contrast, we show that inequality in well‐being increases for all categories except in high‐income countries. Examining the factors that influence well‐being and well‐being inequality reveals the particular importance of income, social ties, and health. We also reveal gender differences in global well‐being; women tend to be happier than men. Lastly, whereas variations in inequity‐causing factors are minimal when comparing older to younger individuals, they vary substantially when comparing across development groups.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that rather than focusing on the average level of well‐being among older people, governments should consider the full distribution of well‐being. This requires a special emphasis on health, social networks, and education, as well as the assessment of distributional impacts in policy proposals.
Achieving compliance in the use of force: the production and maintenance of an imminent threat in an aerial targeting operation
Authors: HOLDER ALEXANDER 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis article provides a socio‐legal analysis of the ways in which military personnel orient to the laws of war as they seek to produce and maintain lawful targets for the use of force. In order to further empiricize debates surrounding the United States’ (US) controversial interpretations of core concepts in the laws of war, the article takes up the concept of ‘imminence’ – which is fundamental to the doctrine of anticipatory self‐defence – and details its consequential role within a civilian casualty incident that occurred in Afghanistan in 2010. By analysing the talk of personnel involved in that operation, the article details the ways in which a drone crew and Special Forces team constructed the ‘here‐and‐now’ meaning and relevance of imminence in order to ensure the lawfulness of the strike. In doing so, the article demonstrates that the US’ contemporary orientations to the laws of war expand the scope for lawful violence.
Are pro‐productivity policies fit for purpose?
Authors: van Ark Bart , de Vries Klaas , Pilat Dirk 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this paper we examine productivity trends, drivers of productivity growth and pro‐productivity policies across the G‐20 economies since 1970. While we find distinctly different productivity growth dynamics between G‐20 economies and over time, one common observation is a widely shared slowdown in labour productivity growth since the 2010s underpinned by lower (or even negative) total factor productivity growth. Moreover, the growth in capital per worker hour has also begun to level off. We develop a typology of pro‐productivity policies and argue that policies for investment and technological change need strengthening to support a revival of productivity growth. Such policies should include a balanced approach to stronger technological progress and more rapid diffusion; a strengthening of investment, especially in intangibles and public services; and greater attention for human capital. We also argue for stronger institutions and capabilities that allow for dynamic learning about pro‐productivity policies across countries and over time.
The divalent metal ion exporter IhpABC is required to maintain iron homeostasis under low to moderate environmental iron conditions in the bacterium Bradyrhizobium japonicum
Authors: Zhang Fengyue , O'Brian Mark R. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBacterial iron export mitigates high iron stress, but a role for it under lower iron conditions has not been established. MbfA is the high iron stress exporter in Bradyrhizobium japonicum. Here, we identify the ihpABC genes in a selection for secondary site mutations that suppress the poor growth phenotype of feoAB mutants defective in iron acquisition. IhpABC belongs to the RND tripartite efflux pump family. High iron conditions that derepress the mbfA gene partially rescued the growth of an ihpC mutant but reverted the feoB ihpC mutant to the feoB growth phenotype. The ihpA mutant grown under low iron conditions accumulated higher levels of iron compared to the wild type, and it displayed aberrant iron‐responsive gene expression. The mbfA mutant was more sensitive than the wild type to H2O2, but the ihpA mutant was not sensitive. The ihpA mutant accumulated more Zn, Co and Cd than was found in the wild type, and growth of the mutant was more sensitive to inhibition by ZnCl2, CoCl2 and CdCl2. The findings suggest that IhpABC is a divalent metal ion exporter that helps maintain iron homeostasis under low to moderate environmental iron levels. Thus, iron export is not limited to managing high iron stress.
Cryptic bacterial pathogens of diatoms peak during senescence of a winter diatom bloom
Authors: Branscombe Laura , Harrison Ellen L. , Choong Zhi Yi Daniel , Swink Courtney , Keys Matthew , Widdicombe Claire , Wilson William H. , Cunliffe Michael , Helliwell Katherine 
Published: December 2023

Summary

Diatoms are globally abundant microalgae that form extensive blooms in aquatic ecosystems. Certain bacteria behave antagonistically towards diatoms, killing or inhibiting their growth. Despite their crucial implications to diatom blooms and population health, knowledge of diatom antagonists in the environment is fundamentally lacking.

We report systematic characterisation of the diversity and seasonal dynamics of bacterial antagonists of diatoms via plaque assay sampling in the Western English Channel (WEC), where diatoms frequently bloom. Unexpectedly, peaks in detection did not occur during characteristic spring diatom blooms, but coincided with a winter bloom of Coscinodiscus, suggesting that these bacteria likely influence distinct diatom host populations.

We isolated multiple bacterial antagonists, spanning 4 classes and 10 bacterial orders. Notably, a diatom attaching Roseobacter Ponticoccus alexandrii was isolated multiple times, indicative of a persistent environmental presence. Moreover, many isolates had no prior reports of antagonistic activity towards diatoms. We verified diatom growth inhibitory effects of eight isolates. In all cases tested, these effects were activated by pre‐exposure to diatom organic matter. Discovery of widespread ‘cryptic’ antagonistic activity indicates that bacterial pathogenicity towards diatoms is more prevalent than previously recognised.

Finally, examination of the global biogeography of WEC antagonists revealed co‐occurrence patterns with diatom host populations in marine waters globally.
Craniofacial features of adult obese obstructive sleep apnoea patients in relation to the obesity onset – A pilot study
Authors: Alfuriji Samah , Chen Yanlong , Ahmed Iqbal Hussein , Yen Edwin H. , Pliska Benjamin T. , Almeida Fernanda R. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIntroductionObesity and craniofacial structures are aetiologies of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). The effect of obesity onset on the craniofacial development and growth of obese OSA subjects has been suggested, but supporting data were lacking. This study aimed to assess the craniofacial features of adult obese OSA patients in relation to their obesity onset.Materials and MethodsA total of 62 adult OSA patients were included in the study, consisting of 12 early‐onset (i.e. before puberty), 21 late‐onset (i.e. after puberty) and 29 non‐obese. All participants underwent a sleep study and cephalometric radiograph. Cephalometric analysis was conducted to measure the craniofacial features among the groups.ResultsThe early obesity onset group (n = 12) showed a more prognathic mandible, longer lower facial height, protrusive incisors, a more caudal position of the hyoid bone and a wider lower airway. The late‐onset group (n = 21) had more proclined and protrusive upper incisors, a shallower overbite, a more inferiorly positioned hyoid bone and an obtuse craniocervical angle. The overall obese group showed a combination of the findings above, plus a shorter soft palate and shorter airway length.There was no significant difference between early and late obesity onset groups. However, the early group showed a tendency for a shallower or decreased mandibular plane angle and deeper overbite.ConclusionsThe current pilot study had many limitations but holds important information as a hypothesis generator. Craniofacial features of OSA patients with different obesity onset showed discrepancies and were distinguished from non‐obese controls. Adult OSA patients with an early obesity onset showed a tendency for a more hypodivergent growth pattern than those with a late obesity onset.
Transposable elements cause the loss of self‐incompatibility in citrus
Authors: Hu Jianbing , Liu Chenchen , Du Zezhen , Guo Furong , Song Dan , Wang Nan , Wei Zhuangmin , Jiang Jingdong , Cao Zonghong , Shi Chunmei , Zhang Siqi , Zhu Chenqiao , Chen Peng , Larkin Robert M. , Lin Zongcheng , Xu Qiang , Ye Junli , Deng Xiuxin , Bosch Maurice , Franklin‐Tong Vernonica E. , Chai Lijun 
Published: December 2023

SummarySelf‐incompatibility (SI) is a widespread prezygotic mechanism for flowering plants to avoid inbreeding depression and promote genetic diversity. Citrus has an S‐RNase‐based SI system, which was frequently lost during evolution. We previously identified a single nucleotide mutation in Sm‐RNase, which is responsible for the loss of SI in mandarin and its hybrids. However, little is known about other mechanisms responsible for conversion of SI to self‐compatibility (SC) and we identify a completely different mechanism widely utilized by citrus. Here, we found a 786‐bp miniature inverted‐repeat transposable element (MITE) insertion in the promoter region of the FhiS2‐RNase in Fortunella hindsii Swingle (a model plant for citrus gene function), which does not contain the Sm‐RNase allele but are still SC. We demonstrate that this MITE plays a pivotal role in the loss of SI in citrus, providing evidence that this MITE insertion prevents expression of the S‐RNase; moreover, transgenic experiments show that deletion of this 786‐bp MITE insertion recovers the expression of FhiS2‐RNase and restores SI. This study identifies the first evidence for a role for MITEs at the S‐locus affecting the SI phenotype. A family‐wide survey of the S‐locus revealed that MITE insertions occur frequently adjacent to S‐RNase alleles in different citrus genera, but only certain MITEs appear to be responsible for the loss of SI. Our study provides evidence that insertion of MITEs into a promoter region can alter a breeding strategy and suggests that this phenomenon may be broadly responsible for SC in species with the S‐RNase system.
Microbiota in human breast milk: Noninfectious mastitis versus without mastitis
Authors: Ito Mizuho , Tanaka Miori , Date Midori , Nagao Saeko , Miura Kumiko , Mizuno Katsumi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundLong‐term breastfeeding is beneficial for both mothers and infants and mastitis is associated with the premature interruption of breastfeeding. Mastitis can be infectious or noninfectious. However, the effect of noninfectious mastitis on milk microbiota is not well‐understood. In this study, we aimed to clarify the relationship between noninfectious mastitis and the microbiota by conducting breast milk culture tests.MethodsWe compared the milk microbiota between women with noninfectious mastitis and without mastitis. Bacterial cultures were compared in 143 milk samples from January to November 2022, and bacterial diversity was evaluated based on the total number of bacterial species and bacterial species found per specimen.ResultsWomen with noninfectious mastitis provided samples at a significantly later stage postpartum (p < 0.01). The total bacterial count was significantly lower in samples from participants with noninfectious mastitis (p < 0.01). The bacterial diversity of milk from participants with noninfectious mastitis was lower than that without mastitis: nine bacterial species identified in the former and 21 in the latter. The number of Rothia spp. was significantly higher, whereas the number of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas fluorescens was significantly lower in samples from women with mastitis. There was no correlation between postpartum week and the number of bacterial species or presence of Rothia spp.ConclusionsNoninfectious mastitis is associated with a decrease in the diversity of human milk microbiota, indicating impaired immune, metabolic, and neuroendocrine development functions in infants. Rothia spp. may also be associated with noninfectious mastitis, suggesting a possible target for future research.
The comparison of COVID‐19 vs seasonal influenza in children
Authors: Yayla Burcu Ceylan Cura , Aykac Kubra , Boluk Oguz , Fidanci Ilknur , Tasar Medine Aysin , Pamuk Utku , Karakoc Ayse Esra , Karakaya Jale , Ozsurekci Yasemin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundInfluenza in children has been well described, whereas there has been a paucity of pediatric data regarding COVID‐19. It is crucial for clinicians to differentiate cases of COVID‐19 from cases of influenza because of the upcoming influenza season in the new pandemic era.MethodsThis retrospective study included pediatric patients who were diagnosed with laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 between March and September 2020, or seasonal influenza between October 2019 and March 2020.ResultsA total of 315 children were included in this study; 151 were diagnosed with influenza and 164 had confirmed COVID‐19. The median age of patients with COVID‐19 was 10 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 3–15 years), whereas the median age of patients with influenza was 4 years (IQR: 1–6 years) (p = 0.001). In the COVID‐19 group, 6.3% of patients had underlying diseases, the most frequent being neurological conditions (3%). In the influenza group, 20.9% of patients had an underlying disease, the most frequent being asthma (14.5%). Fever (odds ratio [OR]: 20.476; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.438–171.995; p = 0.005), dyspnea/tachypnea (OR 13.950; 95% CI: 2.607–74.634; p = 0.002), and increased C‐reactive protein (CRP) (OR: 7.650; 95% CI: 2.094–27.955; p = 0.002) were main predictors of influenza diagnosis in comparison to COVID‐19. Lymphopenia was detected in 43.2% of patients with influenza and 19.9% of patients with COVID‐19 (p = 0.001).ConclusionsThe accurate differentiation between “influenza or COVID‐19” seems possible by evaluating a combination of factors including cough, fever, vomiting, leucopenia, lymphopenia, pneumonia, in pediatric patients with high CRP as well as age.
Immunoglobulin for hemolytic jaundice in Japan: A retrospective survey
Authors: Ono Hideko , Kakiuchi Satsuki , Kusuda Satoshi 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundIntravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG) is used to treat blood‐type incompatibility hemolytic disease of newborns (BTHDN). Although IVIG's efficacy for treating BTHDN has been challenged, as an updated systematic review suggests, IVIG could significantly reduce exchange transfusions. We conducted a mail‐in questionnaire survey to ascertain actual use of IVIG for BTHDN in Japan.MethodsThe survey, conducted in 2014, included infants born between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2013. Questionnaires were sent to the heads of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) at perinatal centers of the Japan Neonatologist Association.ResultsA total of 195 centers (64.6%) responded to the questionnaire. During the study period, 170 centers (87.2%) reported incidences of BTHDN. Among these centers, there were 1726 diagnosed cases of BTHDN in neonates. Of these cases, 419 infants were treated with IVIG in 127 centers, representing approximately 74.7% of all centers. After the exclusion of cases with missing data and those where consent for data usage was not obtained, a total 916 infants were included in this study. Of these, 219 (23.9%) were treated with IVIG after phototherapy, and 187 (20.4%) of these infants did not require further blood exchange transfusion. The IVIG dosages ranged from 40 to 1200 mg/kg/dose, but the majority were between 500 and 1000 mg/kg/dose, with a median of 800 mg/kg/dose. About 20% of the infants treated with IVIG showed late‐onset anemia and required treatment. Adverse events were reported in less than 1% of infants.ConclusionsFor the treatment of BTHDN, IVIG administration was widely used in NICUs in Japan without severe adverse events.
Liver histology and hepatic progenitor cell activity in pediatric acute liver failure: Implications for clinical outcome
Authors: Panda Kalpana , Sood Vikrant , Lal Bikrant Bihari , Khanna Rajeev , Rastogi Archana , Ramakrishna Gayatri , Alam Seema 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundHepatic progenitor cell (HPC) activity and regenerative process that follows pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is still not well understood. This clinicopathological study was thus conducted with an aim to study the correlation of liver histology and HPC activity with outcomes in PALF.MethodsAll PALF patients with available hepatic histological specimens were included and specimens were analyzed for hepatocyte loss, HPC activity [using cytokeratin (CK) 7, CK19, sex‐determining region Y‐related high mobility group box(SOX)9 and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)], hepatocyte proliferation (using Ki67), and hepatocyte senescence (using p53 and p21).ResultsNinety‐four children were included: 22 (23.4%) survived with native liver (SNL) (i.e., the good outcome group) while rest (i.e., the poor outcome group) either died [33%, 35.1%] or received liver transplant (LT) [39%, 41.5%]. When compared to subjects with poor outcomes, those in the SNL group exhibited significantly less severe hepatocyte loss, fewer HPC/hpf, more proliferating hepatocytes, and less senescent hepatocytes (p < .05). Increasing severity of hepatocyte loss (adjusted OR: 9.95, 95% CI: 4.22–23.45, p < .001) was identified as an independent predictor of poor outcome. Eighty percent children with >50% native hepatocyte loss had poor outcome within 10 days of hospitalization.ConclusionIn PALF, more severe hepatocyte loss, higher number of HPC activation, lesser number of proliferating hepatocytes, and greater number of senescent hepatocytes are associated with a poor outcome. Loss of >50% hepatocytes is an independent predictor of poor outcome in PALF.
The divergence of South Korea's Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) from the EU ETS: An institutional complementarity view
Authors: Joo Jihyung , Paavola Jouni , Van Alstine James 
Published: December 2023

AbstractEmissions trading schemes (ETS) have spread across the globe to tackle climate change. However, limited attention has been given to how ETS characteristics and designs differ and why. We use the concept of institutional complementarity to explore how the EU ETS and South Korea's ETS (K‐ETS) adapt to complement established political economy. The EU ETS is characterized as a market with stakeholder ownership, while the K‐ETS is more regulatory in nature with government leadership. The EU ETS complements a decentralized political system with liberalized energy market, and the K‐ETS became compatible with the centralized majoritarian politics and a regulated electricity market. The ETSs have evolved incrementally, and they are not likely to link in the foreseeable future due to divergence. We suggest a strong focus on “how to adapt” an ETS to its own institution rather than adopting the established blueprint model in countries with a strong regulatory style of governance.Related ArticlesCaliskan, Cantay. 2020. “The Influence of Elite Networks on Green Policy Making.” Politics & Policy 48(6): 1104–37. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12382.Tanaka, Yugo, Andrew Chapman, Tetsuo Tezuka, and Shigeki Sakurai. 2020. “Multiple Streams and Power Sector Policy Change: Evidence from the Feed‐In Tariff Policy Process in Japan.” Politics & Policy 48(3): 464–89. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12357.von Malmborg, Fredrik. 2023. “Combining the Advocacy Coalition Framework and Argumentative Discourse Analysis: The Case of the ‘Energy Efficiency First’ Principle in EU Energy and Climate Policy.” Politics & Policy 51(2): 222–41. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12525.
In the shadow of September 11: The roots and ramifications of anti‐Muslim attitudes in the United States
Authors: Lajevardi Nazita , Oskooii Kassra , Saleem Muniba , Docherty Meagan 
Published: December 2023

AbstractWhat are the underpinnings and ramifications of anti‐Muslim attitudes in the United States? While scholars have emphasized the centrality of race and racial attitudes to American politics, examinations of hostility towards Muslim Americans with context‐specific measures are still lacking despite the increasing relevance of this population in the public imagination. Particularly after the tragic 9/11 attacks, Islamophobia emerged as a pervasive force in American social and political life, entangling race, religion, and nationality to further stigmatize and marginalize Muslims. By more systematically examining the relationship between anti‐Muslim attitudes and public support for a range of initiatives that aim to, or already have, further marginalize(d) American Muslims, the research presented herein aims to underscore the limitations of attitudinal measures that lack context specificity. Through two studies that utilize a nationally representative survey and a longitudinal study of public opinion towards Muslims, we make the case for the development and use of more nuanced measures that capture the distinct nature of hostility towards Muslims as encompassing both perceived realistic and symbolic threats. Additionally, we consider the range of social, psychological, and physical consequences that Islamophobia may exert on Muslim individuals themselves, as well as their interactions with the majority population. These have important implications for scholars studying the sociopolitical behavior of Muslims and policymakers seeking to counteract the adverse effects of Islamophobia in the United States or elsewhere.