bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual emission and its λ-ratiometric detection in analytical fluorimetry Pt. II. Exploration in sensing and imaging
Authors: Demchenko Alexander P 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The wavelength-ratiometric techniques demonstrate strong advantages in fluorescence sensing and imaging over techniques employing variations of intensity at single wavelength. We present different possibilities for realization of these advantages in different simplified, miniaturized and multiplexing devices. They include the smartphone-based detection systems and strips, in which the color changes are observed with naked eye. The array-based techniques and different immunoassays with λ-ratiometric detection demonstrate strongly increased stability and sensitivity. The application areas extend from on-site monitoring of environment and point-of-care diagnostics to testing in personal need. Selected examples of sensing different analytes in chemical and biological systems demonstrate multiple possibilities of coupling the analyte-sensor interaction with the generation of λ-ratiometric output signal. Among them, simultaneous detection of several analytes and performing logical operations that can be useful in analysis. Finally, the benefits of multicolor ratiometric fluorescence imaging are demonstrated by visualization the functionally important parameters of biological membranes.
Factors Associated With Discontinuation of Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment: Post Hoc Analysis of 2 Randomized, Controlled Trials
Authors: Allard-Gray Alex , Boakye Isaac , Camara Alioune , Eisenbeis Lisa , Guimarães-Teixeira Eleny , Sow Oumou , Zielinski David , Campbell Jonathon R , Menzies Dick 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundAdherence to tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) is an important determinant of clinical benefit. We assessed the association of participant behaviors early in TPT with subsequent discontinuation.MethodsWe used data from a phase 3 randomized trial and the preceding phase 2 trial to compare 4 months of rifampin to 9 months of isoniazid for TPT. We excluded participants whose providers discontinued TPT due to adverse events or tuberculosis disease. We analyzed 4 outcomes: discontinuing TPT within the first month of treatment, discontinuing TPT between the first and second month, discontinuing TPT after the second month, and completing treatment but not per protocol. We analyzed the association of outcomes with regimen and participant characteristics and 4 behavioral predictors of discontinuation recorded at the month 1 and month 2 follow-up visits: reporting symptoms of intolerance, missing &gt;20% of doses, rescheduling appointments, and not bringing their medication bottle.ResultsOverall, 6656 participants were included (phase 3, 5848; phase 2, 808), of whom 4318 (64.9%) completed treatment per protocol. Participant characteristics were inconsistently associated with discontinuation. Phase 3 trial participants with 1, 2, or 3–4 behavioral predictors at the month 1 follow-up had 5.0 (95% confidence interval, 3.6–6.7), 18.6 (13.3–26.1), and 79.4 (38.2–165.0), respectively, higher odds of discontinuing before the second month. The corresponding number of predictors at the month 2 follow-up had 1.8 (1.4–2.2), 4.7 (3.6–6.2), and 7.4 (4.6–11.9) higher odds of discontinuing before completing treatment; phase 2 findings were similar.ConclusionsFour behavioral predictors recorded early in therapy were more strongly associated with subsequent discontinuation than participant characteristics, particularly when more than 1 behavioral predictor was recorded.Clinical Trials Registration. NCT00170209; NCT00931736.
Smart city, eco city, world city, creative city, et cetera et cetera: a Marxian interpretation of urban discourses’ short lifecycles
Authors: Sonn Jung Won , Park Joon 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Concepts like ‘creative city’, ‘world city’ and ‘eco city’ arrive with loud celebration, but fade in just a few years. In recent years, ‘smart city’ has been a buzzword. As each fad emerges, urbanists debate its meaning and implications. However, why so many urban concepts circulate at all is rarely focused on. This study attempts to answer this question based on the Marxian view of the built environment as a fixed capital. We focus on the differences between the built environment and other types of fixed capital, and show how these differences render capital circulation in the built environment sector more fragile. We claim that such fragility cannot be fixed within the circuit of capital, so external intervention is necessary and deployment of catchy urban concepts is a resorted method of such intervention.
Who said or what said? Estimating ideological bias in views among economists
Authors: Javdani Mohsen , Chang Ha-Joon 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
There exists a long-standing debate about the influence of ideology in economics. Surprisingly, however, there are very few studies that provide systematic empirical evidence on this critical issue. Using an online randomised controlled experiment involving 2,425 economists in 19 countries, we examine the effect of ideological bias among economists. Participants were asked to evaluate statements from prominent economists on different topics, while source attribution for each statement was randomised without participants’ knowledge. For each statement, participants either received a mainstream source, an ideologically different less-/non-mainstream source, or no source. We find that changing source attributions from mainstream to less-/non-mainstream, or removing them, significantly reduces economists’ reported agreement with statements. This contradicts the image economists have/report of themselves, with 82% of participants reporting that in evaluating a statement one should only pay attention to its content. Our analysis provides clear evidence for the existence of ideological bias as well as of authority bias among economists. We also find significant heterogeneity in our results by gender, country, PhD completion country, research area and undergraduate major, with patterns consistent with the existence of ideological bias.
Theory of Mind and Parental Mental-State Talk in Children with CIs
Authors: Pluta Agnieszka , Krysztofiak Magdalena , Zgoda Małgorzata , Wysocka Joanna , Golec Karolina , Gajos Katarzyna , Dołyk Tadeusz , Wolak Tomasz , Haman Maciej 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPrevious studies have suggested that parents may support the development of theory of mind (ToM) in their child by talking about mental states (mental state talk; MST). However, MST has not been sufficiently explored in deaf children with cochlear implants (CIs). This study investigated ToM and availability of parental MST in deaf children with CIs (n = 39, Mage = 62.92, SD = 15.23) in comparison with their peers with typical hearing (TH; n = 52, Mage = 52.48, SD = 1.07). MST was measured during shared storybook reading. Parents’ narratives were coded for cognitive, emotional, literal, and non-mental references. ToM was measured with a parental questionnaire. Children with CIs had lower ToM scores than their peers with TH, and their parents used more literal references during shared storybook reading. There were no significant differences in the frequencies of cognitive and emotional references between groups. Parental emotional references contributed positively to children’s ToM scores when controlling for the child’s age and receptive grammar only in the CI group. These results indicated some distinctive features in parents of deaf children with CIs’ MST and highlighted the role of MST in the development of ToM abilities in this group.
On the Origin and Evolution of Microbial Mercury Methylation
Authors: Lin Heyu , Moody Edmund R R , Williams Tom A , Moreau John W 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe origin of microbial mercury methylation has long been a mystery. Here, we employed genome-resolved phylogenetic analyses to decipher the evolution of the mercury-methylating gene, hgcAB, constrain the ancestral origin of the hgc operon, and explain the distribution of hgc in Bacteria and Archaea. We infer the extent to which vertical inheritance and horizontal gene transfer have influenced the evolution of mercury methylators and hypothesize that evolution of this trait bestowed the ability to produce an antimicrobial compound (MeHg+) on a potentially resource-limited early Earth. We speculate that, in response, the evolution of MeHg+-detoxifying alkylmercury lyase (encoded by merB) reduced a selective advantage for mercury methylators and resulted in widespread loss of hgc in Bacteria and Archaea.
Longitudinal Dyadic Associations Between Loneliness and Cognition Among Older Couples in the United States
Authors: Stokes Jeffrey E , Prasad Anyah , Barooah Adrita , Stam Elisabeth J 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Loneliness is associated with diminished health and cognition for older individuals. However, little research has examined dyadic loneliness—that is, loneliness of both partners in a relationship—and its potential consequences for cognitive functioning among both spouses, nor whether one partner’s cognition may affect both partners’ loneliness over time.

Methods
We analyze 3-wave dyadic Health and Retirement Study data (2010–2020; N = 1,061 dyads) to determine (a) whether loneliness predicts participants’ own and/or their partners’ episodic memory and verbal fluency over 8 years, and (b) whether cognitive functioning predicts older spouses’ own or their partners’ loneliness over the same period.

Results
Loneliness predicted participants’ own and their partners’ loneliness at follow-up, at both time points. Loneliness was also associated with own episodic memory at follow-up, but not with verbal fluency. Episodic memory and verbal fluency predicted one another over time. Neither episodic memory nor verbal fluency predicted loneliness at follow-up. Significant dyadic mediation was established such that Time 1 loneliness was linked with partner’s Time 3 episodic memory via that partner’s Time 2 loneliness.

Discussion
Lonelier older adults displayed worse trajectories of episodic memory over time, yet poor memory did not precede changes to loneliness. Further, having a lonely partner was linked with poorer episodic memory 8 years later, indicating that both one’s own and—to a lesser extent—a partner’s emotional well-being may be consequential for maintaining cognitive functioning with age. Associations were more clearly established with episodic memory than with verbal fluency, suggesting potential domain-specific effects of loneliness.
Income Pooling in Midlife: A Comparison of Remarried and Cohabiting Relationships
Authors: Wright Matthew R , Schwartz Tatum A , Brown Susan L , Manning Wendy D 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Objectives
The share of adults cohabiting at later ages has risen in the past few decades, though little is known about income pooling among midlife cohabitors. Cohabitation could be an attractive option because partners may be able to preserve their economic autonomy and maintain assets for the next generation. Conversely, cohabitation may operate as an alternative to marriage, allowing midlife adults to combine their resources to achieve economies of scale without the legal obligations of marriage. This study compared income pooling among middle-aged remarried and cohabiting adults in the United States.

Methods
Data were from the nationally representative 2013 Families and Relationships Survey. The analytic sample included adults aged 50–65 who were cohabiting or remarried (N = 888). Logistic regression models were used to predict the likelihood of income pooling among cohabiting and remarried midlife adults, net of relationship, demographic, and economic characteristics.

Results
Aligning with the hypothesis that cohabitation and remarriage are distinct in middle age, the odds of income pooling were lower for cohabitors than remarrieds. However, the gap between cohabitors and remarrieds narrowed by later ages.

Discussion
This study provides insight into the economic organization of midlife cohabiting relationships, which may have implications for individual well-being and relationship decision-making among middle-aged couples.
Effects of engaging in mass participation sporting events on physical activity behaviour,: a systematic review
Authors: McVinnie Zoe , Plateau Carolyn R , Lane Aoife , Murphy Niamh , Stevinson Clare 
Published: March 2023

SummaryMass participation sports event (MPSE)s have been identified as a potential referral pathway for engaging inactive patients in regular physical activity. This study aimed to review evidence of physical activity behaviour and associated health-related outcomes of engaging in MPSEs among the general population. A systematic review was performed of quantitative studies that examined the relationship between MPSEs and physical activity behaviour or secondary outcomes (e.g. physical activity motivation or confidence, physical or mental health) or any intervention to maintain physical activity following MPSEs. Search methods included searching five electronic databases and checking reference lists. Methodological quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. A total of 2079 papers were identified, 142 were independently assessed for eligibility and 39 were included. Data from prospective cohort studies suggested that levels of physical activity achieved in training for MPSEs tended to drop in the months after, but increases were reported in some studies of novice participants. Interventions involving health promotion materials provided post-event led to small increases in physical activity. Perceived benefits of participating in MPSEs included physical and mental health, fitness, self-efficacy and social connections. Existing evidence suggests that MPSEs can act as a motivator to initiate exercise in preparation for the event, but there is limited evidence on how best to sustain physical activity post-event. Given the short duration of most studies, longer prospective analyses are needed to delineate patterns of habitual and event-related activity and account for seasonal effects.
Natural disease history of a canine model of oligogenic RPGRIP1-cone-rod dystrophy establishes variable effects of previously and newly mapped modifier loci
Authors: Ripolles-Garcia Ana , Murgiano Leonardo , Ziolkowska Natalia , Marinho Felipe Pompeo , Roszak Karolina , Iffrig Sommer , Aguirre Gustavo D , Miyadera Keiko 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Canine RPGRIP1-cone-rod dystrophy (CRD), a model for human inherited retinal diseases (IRDs), was originally identified as autosomal recessive early-onset blindness. However, later studies revealed extensive phenotypic variability among RPGRIP1 mutants. This led to the identification of a homozygous MAP9 variant as a modifier associated with early-onset disease. Based on further phenotypic variation affecting cone photoreceptor function, we report mapping of L3 as an additional modifier locus, within a 4.1-Mb locus on canine chromosome 30. We establish the natural disease history of RPGRIP1-CRD based on up to 9-year long-term functional and structural retinal data from 58 dogs including 44 RPGRIP1 mutants grouped according to the modifier status. RPGRIP1 mutants affected by both MAP9 and L3 modifiers exhibited the most severe phenotypes with rapid disease progression. MAP9 alone was found to act as an overall accelerator of rod and cone diseases, while L3 had a cone-specific effect. Ultrastructural analysis of photoreceptors revealed varying degrees of rod and cone damage, while the connecting cilia appeared structurally preserved in all groups. We conclude that RPGRIP1-CRD is an oligogenic disease with at least three loci contributing to the pathogenesis. While the RPGRIP1 variant is required for developing the disease, MAP9 and L3 modifiers exacerbate the phenotype, individually and cumulatively. Oligogenic canine RPGRIP1-CRD illustrates the impact of multiple genetic modifiers on disease phenotype and thus has the potential to reveal new targets for broad-spectrum therapies for oligogenic or polygenic forms of human IRDs.
Prisoner Lives Cut Short: The Need to Address Structural, Societal and Environmental Factors to Reduce Preventable Prisoner Deaths
Authors: Mulgrew Róisín 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The State duty to prevent preventable prisoner deaths is easy to state and substantiate. Yet prisoner death rates are increasing around the world and are often much higher than those in the community. To understand why this is happening, the findings and recommendations of the country reports of international oversight bodies and thematic reports from international rapporteurs are synthesised with contemporary rights-informed penal standards, multi-disciplinary scholarship, non-governmental organization reports and media extracts. On the basis of this knowledge, this reform-oriented article explores the impact of structural, societal and environmental factors on natural and violent prisoner deaths and how these factors operate cumulatively to create dangerous and life-threatening custodial environments. The paper makes recommendations to reaffirm and enumerate the positive obligation to protect prisoners’ lives, develop specialist standards, adopt a broader approach to prison oversight and create a specific United Nations mandate on prisoner rights.
Maximizing Curves Viewed as Free Curves
Authors: Dimca Alexandru , Pokora Piotr 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to provide a direct link between maximizing curves that occur in the construction of smooth algebraic surfaces having the maximal possible Picard numbers and reduced free plane curves with simple singularities. We also investigate odd degree plane curves with simple singularities having maximal total Tjurina number.
On the Automorphism Group of Non-Necessarily Normal Affine Toric Varieties
Authors: Díaz Roberto , Liendo Alvaro 
Published: March 2023

Abstract
Our main result is the following: let $X$ be a normal affine toric surface without torus factor. Then there exists a non-normal affine toric surface $X^{\prime}$ with automorphism group isomorphic to the automorphism group of $X$ if and only if $X$ is different from the affine plane. As a tool, we first provide a classification of normalized additive group actions on a non-necessarily normal affine toric variety $X$ of any dimension. Recall that normalized additive group actions on $X$ are in correspondence with homogeneous locally nilpotent derivations on the algebra of regular functions of $X$. More generally, we provide a classification of homogeneous locally nilpotent derivations on the semigroup algebra of a commutative cancellative monoid.
Natural Antibodies Mediate Protection Against Acinetobacter baumannii Respiratory Infections
Authors: Islam Aminul , Actis Luis A , Wilson Timothy J 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
Acinetobacter baumannii causes a wide range of dangerous infections due to the emergence of pandrug-resistant strains. Therefore, there is a need for alternative therapeutics to treat these infections, including those targeting the host immune responses. However, immune responses, especially the humoral response against this pathogen, are poorly understood.

Methods
This study investigated the lymphocyte-mediated innate immune resistance to A. baumannii AB5075 pulmonary infection using B- and T-cell–deficient (Rag2−/−) mice, the protective effect of natural antibodies (NAbs), and the expression of complement-mediated responses using a mouse pneumonia model.

Results
Our results showed that intranasally infected Rag2−/− mice are impaired in clearing bacteria from lung, liver, and spleen at 24 hours postinfection compared to wildtype mice. Animal pretreatment with normal mouse serum or purified antibodies from naive mice rescued Rag2−/− mice from infection. Analysis of C3 complement protein binding demonstrated that NAbs increased C3 protein deposition on A. baumannii cells, indicating the activation of the classical complement pathway by NAbs.

Conclusions
Overall, our study shows that NAbs mediate innate immune resistance against A. baumannii, a finding that may lead to the development of effective therapies against human infections caused by this antibiotic-resistant A. baumannii.
Nitric Oxide-Producing Polymorphonuclear Neutrophils Confer Protection Against Chlamydia psittaci in Mouse Lung Infection
Authors: Luo Ying , Wang Cui , Du Zhaoxiang , Wang Chuan , Wu Yimou , Lei Aihua 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
Whether polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) exert a protective role upon chlamydial infection by expressing inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase (iNOS) and producing NO remains unclear.

Methods
This issue was addressed using BALB/c mice infected with Chlamydia psittaci 6BC strain. Methods included flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and western blot.

Results
The number of PMN was significantly increased during C. psittaci infection, which was accompanied by increased iNOS expression and NO production in the mouse lungs. PMN were the major source of NO during pulmonary C. psittaci infection and inhibited C. psittaci multiplication in an iNOS/NO-dependent manner. Depletion of PMN aggravated C. psittaci-induced disease and increased C. psittaci burden. Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and STAT1 signaling pathways, but not MAPK signaling pathways, were required for the induction of iNOS expression and NO production in PMN by C. psittaci infection. Thus, our findings highlight the protective role of NO-producing PMN in C. psittaci infection.

Conclusions
NO-producing PMN confer a protective role during pulmonary C. psittaci infection in mice, and thus our study sheds new light on PMN function during Chlamydia infection.
Contribution of amino acid substitutions in ParE to quinolone resistance in Haemophilus haemolyticus revealed through a horizontal transfer assay using Haemophilus influenzae
Authors: Tanaka Emi , Wajima Takeaki , Nakaminami Hidemasa , Uchiya Kei-ichi 
Published: March 2023

Abstract

Background
In 2019, a high-level quinolone-resistant Haemophilus haemolyticus strain (levofloxacin MIC = 16 mg/L) was isolated from a paediatric patient. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the quinolone resistance of H. haemolyticus could be transferred to Haemophilus influenzae and to identify the mechanism underlying the high-level quinolone resistance of H. haemolyticus.

Methods
A horizontal gene transfer assay to H. influenzae was performed using genomic DNA or PCR-amplified quinolone-targeting genes from the high-level quinolone-resistant H. haemolyticus 2019-19 strain. The amino acids responsible for conferring quinolone resistance were identified through site-directed mutagenesis.

Results
By adding the genomic DNA of H. haemolyticus 2019-19, resistant colonies were obtained on agar plates containing quinolones. Notably, H. influenzae grown on levofloxacin agar showed the same level of resistance as H. haemolyticus. Sequencing analysis showed that gyrA, parC and parE of H. influenzae were replaced by those of H. haemolyticus, suggesting that horizontal transfer occurred between the two strains. When the quinolone-targeting gene fragments were added sequentially, the addition of parE, as well as gyrA and parC, contributed to high-level resistance. In particular, amino acid substitutions at both the 439th and 502nd residues of ParE were associated with high-level resistance.

Conclusions
These findings indicate that quinolone resistance can be transferred between species and that amino acid substitutions at the 439th and 502nd residues of ParE, in addition to amino acid substitutions in both GyrA and ParC, contribute to high-level quinolone resistance.