bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends and associated factors in HIV testing among heterosexual men and women in Melbourne, Australia, 2011–2020
Authors: Tieosapjaroen Warittha , Ong Jason J. , Fairley Christopher K. , Saleem Kanwal , Phillips Tiffany R. , Tran Julien , Bradshaw Catriona S. , Chen Marcus Y. , Chow Eric P. F. 
Published: July 2023

Background Despite the increase in the proportion of HIV notifications attributed to heterosexuals in Australia, little is known about their HIV testing behaviours. We investigated the trends and factors associated with HIV testing behaviours among heterosexuals. Methods We analysed the trend and proportion of heterosexuals attending the centre for the first time between 2011 and 2020, who had ever tested and tested for HIV in the past 12 months and the median number of months since their last HIV test. We identified factors associated with HIV testing behaviours using univariable and multivariable logistic regressions. Results Of the 78 652 heterosexuals included, 53.1% were men and 46.9% were women. Overall, the proportion of heterosexuals who had ever tested for HIV was 40.8%, with a declining testing trend from 40.2% in 2011 to 36.5% in 2020 (Ptrend < 0.001). Overall, the proportion of heterosexuals tested for HIV in the past 12 months was 15.7%, with no significant change from 15.3% in 2011 to 14.7% in 2020 (Ptrend = 0.489). The median number of months since the last HIV test decreased from 18.0 (IQR 6.9–37.3) in 2011 to 15.0 (IQR 6.4–32.5) in 2020 (Ptrend < 0.001). Individuals who had condomless sex with casual partners (aOR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88–0.96) and who were diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (aOR 0.88, 95% CI 0.84–0.93) were less likely to have ever tested for HIV. Conclusions HIV testing was low among heterosexuals, and individuals who engaged in condomless sex and had another sexually transmitted infection were less likely to be tested. To reduce HIV transmission, strategies to improve HIV testing among heterosexuals are needed.
Dynamic edge transport investigations at ASDEX Upgrade using gas puff modulation
Authors: Schuster C.U. , Wolfrum E. , Görler T. , Fable E. , Fischer R. , Griener M. , Tal B. , Angioni C. , Manz P. , Stroth U. ,   the ASDEX Upgrade Team
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Gas puff modulation experiments are performed at ASDEX Upgrade in L-mode, EDA H-mode and quasi-continuous exhaust discharges. Plasma density and temperatures are measured and their temporal development is analyzed simultaneously, revealing that both heat and particle transport are strongly influenced by the modulation. As a consequence, the particle transport coefficients are underdetermined. In the transport modelling, the pedestal cannot be treated as a single region, but the pedestal foot must be allowed to increase its transport with gas puff modulation independently. The analysis of the temporal behaviours of the heat and particle diffusivities shows that they are strongly correlated. Considering the heat diffusivity as a proxy for the particle diffusivity, allows interpretation of the density evolution: a pinch is not required for any of the discharges. An analysis with the gyrokinetic turbulence code GENE identifies dominant instabilities and reproduces several experimentally found trends. Despite all uncertainties concerning particle transport, one can expect a future reactor featuring a weak edge density gradient even with purely diffusive transport.
Grafting zwitterionic brushes from the surface of an epoxy-based transparent hydrogel for antifouling performance
Authors: Han Jiandong , Zhang Kexin , Cai Qixing , Dong Peng , Quan Daping , Bai Ying 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Non-specific biofilm formation (biofouling) commonly occurs to the surface of biomedical devices, which causes infection to the human tissues and function loss after implantation. To enhance the antifouling properties on the bioinert hydrogel-based biomaterials, a novel surface grafting approach was developed using surface radical chain-transfer reaction mediated by DL-dithiothreitol (DTT), rather than catalyzed by cytotoxic metal ions. Zwitterionic poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) (PMPC) brushes were grafted on the surface of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (PHG) to obtain PHG-graft-PMPC (PHG-g-PMPC) hydrogel, which were shown to have tunable surface hydrophilicity while maintaining high water content and transparency. Elemental composition analysis and micromorphology demonstrated the success of surface grafting. Protein adhesion assays were carried out, showing the reduction of bovine serum albumin, lactoferrin, and lysozyme adhesion by ∼90%, 80%, and 70%, respectively, compared to the pristine hydrogels. Significant resistance of bacterial attachment was observed on the surface-modified hydrogels using gram-negative Escherichia. coli and gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The PHG-g-PMPC hydrogel is potentially feasible in various biomedical applications, especially for preventing surface biofouling of ophthalmic implants and devices. Furthermore, this de novo approach provides a universal platform for surface functionalization via thiol-epoxy click chemistry and surface radical chain-transfer reaction.
Lysosome-targeted silicon quantum dots theranostics for simultaneous fluorescent imaging and photodynamic therapy
Authors: Kong Lin , Wang Jian , Zhang Yunxiu , Liang Ke , Li Jian , Xue Xiaokuang , Chen Tiejin , Ge Jiechao , Wang Pengfei 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
As an emerging treatment method, photodynamic therapy (PDT) has attracted considerable interest due to the characteristics of non-invasiveness, repeatable treatment, high spatiotemporal resolution and few side effects. However, the life span (<40 ns) and diffusion distance (<20 nm) of reactive oxygen species such as singlet oxygen (1O2) in tumor cells are extremely short, which has seriously limited therapeutic efficacy of PDT. The enrichment site of photosensitizers in cancer cells is usually the first site of PDT action, which will not only affect the biological signaling pathway of cancer cell death, but also is closely related to the final therapeutic effect. Therefore, the design and preparation of photosensitizers targeting specific subcellular organelles can directly break the biological function of the organelle and trigger the corresponding cell death signaling pathway, which can significantly improve the efficacy of PDT. Herein, a lysosome-targeted silicon quantum dots (L-Si QDs) was first made by diethylene glycol-mediated synthetic route as a multicolor fluorescent imaging reagents and a new photosensitizer. The as-prepared L-Si QDs exhibit bright fluorescence with excellent pH stability and time stability, excitation-dependent emission, and good biocompatibility. Furthermore, the results of cell experiments showed that L-Si QDs was accumulated in lysosomes after being taken up by cancer cells, and can efficiently produce 1O2 upon 635 nm laser irradiation, which can damage lysosomes, up-regulate cleavage caspase-3, increase Bax release, down-regulate Bcl-2 and induce cell apoptosis finally. This study significantly broadens the biomedical applications of silicon quantum dots and provides excellent nanomaterials candidates for tumor phototherapy.
Cross-validation of the peppermint benchmarking experiment across three analytical platforms
Authors: Pham Y Lan , Yu Ruyi , Beauchamp Jonathan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The Peppermint Experiment is a breath analysis benchmarking initiative that seeks to address the lack of inter-comparability of outcomes across independent breath biomarker studies. In this experiment, the washout profiles of volatile terpene constituents of encapsulated peppermint oil (mainly α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene and 1,8-cineole) in exhaled breath are characterized through a series of measurements at defined sampling intervals up to 6 h after ingestion of the capsule. In the present work, the Peppermint Experiment was carried out on a cohort of volunteers (n= 11) that provided breath samples in three sittings on different days (i.e. triplicates per volunteer) for concurrent analysis by three different analytical platforms. These platforms were proton transfer reaction-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (PTR-TOFMS) interfaced with a buffered end-tidal (BET) breath sampler, gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS) in conjunction with a compatible handheld direct breath sampler, and thermal desorption comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (TD-GC×GC-TOFMS) with a Respiration Collection for in-vitro Analysis (ReCIVA) system for trapping breath volatiles onto adsorbent tubes. Regression analysis yielded mean washout times across the cohort of 448 min (PTR-TOFMS and GC-IMS) and 372 min (TD-GC×GC-TOFMS), which are in good alignment with published benchmark values. Large variations in washout profiles were observed at the individuals level, both between (inter-individual) and within (intra-individual) participants, indicating high variability in the degree of absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion of volatile terpenes in the body within individuals and across the cohort. The comparably low inter-instrument variability indicates that differences in benchmark values from independent studies reported in the literature are driven by biological variability rather than different performances between sampling methods or analytical platforms.
RNA trafficking and subcellular localization—a review of mechanisms, experimental and predictive methodologies
Authors: Wang Jun , Horlacher Marc , Cheng Lixin , Winther Ole 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
RNA localization is essential for regulating spatial translation, where RNAs are trafficked to their target locations via various biological mechanisms. In this review, we discuss RNA localization in the context of molecular mechanisms, experimental techniques and machine learning-based prediction tools. Three main types of molecular mechanisms that control the localization of RNA to distinct cellular compartments are reviewed, including directed transport, protection from mRNA degradation, as well as diffusion and local entrapment. Advances in experimental methods, both image and sequence based, provide substantial data resources, which allow for the design of powerful machine learning models to predict RNA localizations. We review the publicly available predictive tools to serve as a guide for users and inspire developers to build more effective prediction models. Finally, we provide an overview of multimodal learning, which may provide a new avenue for the prediction of RNA localization.
A snapshot of the transcriptome ofMedicago truncatula(Fabales: Fabaceae) shoots and roots in response to an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus and the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Gomez Susana K , Maurya Abhinav K , Irvin Lani , Kelly Michael P , Schoenherr Andrew P , Huguet-Tapia Jose C , Bombarely Aureliano 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPlants simultaneously interact with belowground symbionts such as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and aboveground antagonists such as aphids. Generally, plants gain access to valuable resources including nutrients and water through the AM symbiosis and are more resistant to pests. Nevertheless, aphids’ performance improves on mycorrhizal plants, and it remains unclear whether a more nutritious food source and/or attenuated defenses are the contributing factors. This study examined the shoot and root transcriptome of barrel medic (Medicago truncatula Gaertn.) plants highly colonized by the AM fungus Rhizophagus irregularis (Blaszk., Wubet, Renker, and Buscot) C. Walker and A. Schüßler (Glomerales: Glomeraceae) and exposed to 7 days of mixed age pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris)) herbivory. The RNA-seq samples chosen for this study showed that aphids were heavier when fed mycorrhizal plants compared to nonmycorrhizal plants. We hypothesized that (i) insect-related plant defense pathways will be downregulated in shoots of mycorrhizal plants with aphids compared to nonmycorrhizal plants with aphids; (ii) pathways involved in nutrient acquisition, carbohydrate-related and amino acid transport will be upregulated in shoots of mycorrhizal plants with aphids compared to nonmycorrhizal plants with aphids; and (iii) roots of mycorrhizal plants with aphids will exhibit mycorrhiza-induced resistance. The transcriptome data revealed that the gene repertoire related to defenses, nutrient transport, and carbohydrates differs between nonmycorrhizal and mycorrhizal plants with aphids, which could explain the weight gain in aphids. We also identified novel candidate genes that are differentially expressed in nonmycorrhizal plants with aphids, thus setting the stage for future functional studies.
Promoting physical activity within breast cancer survivors using behavior change techniques: N-of-1 randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sequeira Margarida , Pereira Cícero , Alvarez Maria-João 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Survivors of breast cancer are an important target for health promotion interventions, and physical activity (PA) is recommended with benefits being well established. More and more behavior theory guided interventions are planned and tailored to the individuals, targeting specifics needs and personal characteristics. We aimed to test the effectiveness of two behavior change techniques [coping planning (CP) and self-monitoring (SM)] for promoting PA in survivors of breast cancer, using a single-case design. In a powerful multiple sample N-of-1 RCT, 10 women post-breast cancer (M = 52.8 years) were randomly assigned to four experimental conditions (CP and/or SM, control) for 60 days and their daily step count was observed. The overall effects were analyzed using multilevel time-series with random intercepts. Time-series regression models and supplementary pairwise analyses were conducted for individuals. Multilevel analyses showed significant effects of CP and SM. Single-case analyses showed that six participants walked significantly more on the intervention days, that combined interventions were effective for five participants, but two participants had better results with the other two conditions. Combined self-regulatory techniques were more effective in promoting PA however, individual variability should be considered in future studies with survivors of breast cancer.
Retrospectively registered: https://osf.io/eakjy/?view_only=81bf3dc084a0410a8ea28265e0f3c360, 31-01-2023.(raise query)
Adapting the centred simplex gradient to compensate for misaligned sample points
Authors: Chen Yiwen , Hare Warren 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The centred simplex gradient (CSG) is a popular gradient approximation technique in derivative-free optimization. Its computation requires a perfectly symmetric set of sample points and is known to provide an accuracy of $\mathcal {O}(\varDelta ^2)$, where $\varDelta $ is the radius of the sampling set. In this paper, we consider the situation where the set of sample points is not perfectly symmetric. By adapting the formula for the CSG to compensate for the misaligned points, we define a new Adapted-CSG. We study the error bounds and the numerical stability of the Adapted-CSG. We also present numerical examples to demonstrate its properties relative to each new parameter and make a comparison to an alternative method.
Strongly Isomorphic Symbolic Extensions for Expansive Topological Flows
Authors: Gutman Yonatan , Shi Ruxi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we prove that finite-dimensional topological flows without fixed points and having a countable number of periodic orbits, have the small flow boundary property. This enables us to answer positively a question of Bowen and Walters from 1972: Any expansive topological flow has a strongly isomorphic symbolic flow extension, that is, an extension by a suspension flow over a subshift. Previously Burguet had shown this is true if the flow is assumed to be $C^{2}$-smooth.
Changes in methylation-based aging in women who do and do not develop breast cancer
Authors: Kresovich Jacob K , O’Brien Katie M , Xu Zongli , Weinberg Clarice R , Sandler Dale P , Taylor Jack A 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
Breast cancer survivors have increased incidence of age-related diseases, suggesting that some survivors may experience faster biological aging.

Methods
Among 417 women enrolled in the prospective Sister Study cohort, DNA methylation data were generated on paired blood samples collected an average of 7.7 years apart and used to calculate 3 epigenetic metrics of biological aging (PhenoAgeAccel, GrimAgeAccel, and Dunedin Pace of Aging Calculated from the Epigenome [DunedinPACE]). Approximately half (n = 190) the women sampled were diagnosed and treated for breast cancer between blood draws, whereas the other half (n = 227) remained breast cancer–free. Breast tumor characteristics and treatment information were abstracted from medical records.

Results
Among women who developed breast cancer, diagnoses occurred an average of 3.5 years after the initial blood draw and 4 years before the second draw. After accounting for covariates and biological aging metrics measured at baseline, women diagnosed and treated for breast cancer had higher biological aging at the second blood draw than women who remained cancer-free as measured by PhenoAgeAccel (standardized mean difference [β] = 0.13, 95% confidence interval [CI) = 0.00 to 0.26), GrimAgeAccel (β = 0.14, 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.25), and DunedinPACE (β = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.24 to 0.50). In case-only analyses assessing associations with different breast cancer therapies, radiation had strong positive associations with biological aging (PhenoAgeAccel: β = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.19 to 0.59; GrimAgeAccel: β = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.47; DunedinPACE: β = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.48).

Conclusions
Biological aging is accelerated following a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Breast cancer treatment modalities appear to differentially contribute to biological aging.
Charitable giving role-modeling: parent transmission frequency and adolescent reception
Authors: Ottoni-Wilhelm Mark , Osili Una , Han Xiao 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Experiments indicate that adult role-modeling of giving has a causal effect on giving done by children, but a previous investigation using data from a natural setting suggests zero causal effect of parent role-modeling on their adolescents’ giving. This article presents new evidence about the divergent findings: (i) parent giving does not automatically translate into adolescents knowing that their parents give, and (ii) adolescents are much less likely to know that their parents give if parents give from time-to-time. The results suggest new experimental designs that randomize (a) the frequency of role-modeling, (b) communication approaches that explain role-modeling actions to children, and (c) whether the receiving organization is in-group or out-group. The practical implications of the results are that frequent giving by a parent is necessary for adolescents to successfully ‘receive’ the role model, but may not be sufficient. Purposeful communication is needed to ensure that adolescents know that their parents are giving.
Reserve Accumulation, Macroeconomic Stabilization, and Sovereign Risk
Authors: Bianchi Javier , Sosa-Padilla César 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In the past three decades, governments in emerging markets have accumulated large amounts of international reserves, especially those with fixed exchange rates. This article proposes a theory of reserve accumulation that can account for these facts. Using a model of endogenous sovereign default with nominal rigidities, we argue that the interaction between sovereign risk and aggregate demand amplification generates a macroeconomic-stabilization hedging role for international reserves. We show that issuing debt to purchase reserves during good times allows the government to stabilize aggregate demand when sovereign spreads rise and rolling over the debt becomes more expensive. We provide empirical evidence consistent with the model’s predictions.
Outcomes of COVID-19 Omicron variant in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a nationwide Greek cohort study
Authors: Bournia Vasiliki-Kalliopi , Fragoulis George E , Mitrou Panagiota , Mathioudakis Konstantinos , Konstantonis George , Tektonidou Maria G , Tsolakidis Anastasios , Paraskevis Dimitrios , Sfikakis Petros P 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Objectives
Patients with RA were at increased risk for COVID-19-associated hospitalization and death during the first year of the pandemic in Greece. We aimed to examine their outcomes after the SARS-Cov-2 Omicron, a more contagious but with milder clinical impacts variant, prevailed.

Methods
A retrospective, nationwide study was conducted between 1 January 2022 and 30 June 2022 in all RA patients under treatment and matched (1:5) on age, sex and region of domicile random general population comparators. Confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections, hospitalizations and deaths, anti-rheumatic medications, prior COVID-19, vaccinations and anti-viral medications were recorded.

Results
Among 34 182 RA patients, infections (n = 5569, 16.29%), hospitalizations (n = 489, 1.43%) and deaths (n = 106, 0.31%) were more frequent than among comparators. Incidence rates per 1000 person/years of infection [IRR (95% CI):1.19 (1.16, 1.23)], hospitalization [IRR (95% CI):2.0 (1.82, 2.24)], and death [IRR (95% CI):1.81 (1.44, 2.27)] were increased in RA despite better vaccination coverage (89% vs 84%) and more frequent use of anti-viral medications (2.37% vs 1.08). Logistic regression analysis after correcting for age, sex, vaccinations, prior COVID-19, and anti-viral medications in SARS-CoV-2 infected RA patients and comparators revealed increased risk of hospitalization (OR: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.79, 2.27) and death [OR: 1.73, (95% CI: 1.36, 2.20)] in RA. Among infected RA patients, rituximab treatment conferred increased risks for hospitalization [OR: 6.12, (95% CI: 2.89, 12.92)] and death [OR: 12.06 (95% CI: 3.90, 37.31)], while JAK inhibitors increased only hospitalization risk [OR: 2.18 (95% CI: 1.56, 3.06)].

Conclusion
RA remains a risk factor for hospitalization and death in an era of a relatively low COVID-19 fatality rate, pointing to the need of perseverance in vaccination programs and wider use of anti-viral medications.