bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural network–based optimal fault compensation control of the nonlinear multi-agent system and its application to UAVs formation flight
Authors: Duan Dandan , Liu Chunsheng , Dai Jiao , Sun Jingliang
Published: April 2023

This article investigates the optimal consensus problem for unmanned aerial vehicle formation systems with actuator faults based on nonlinear multi-agent systems. Initially, for fault-free multi-agent system, the distributed optimal controllers are constructed based on the adaptive dynamic programming technique. A critic neural network is applied to approximate the solution of the nonlinear Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equations, in which the weight updating laws are built to guarantee the weight vectors of the critic neural network convergence. Second, the fault compensators and corresponding tuning laws are proposed to compensate for actuator faults. Through a combination of optimal controllers and fault compensators, the distributed optimal fault-tolerant controllers are obtained. Then, according to Lyapunov extension theorem, some stability criteria for ensuring the stability of the aircraft and the normal flight of the unmanned aerial vehicle formation are established in the event of an actuator failure. Finally, an example of an unmanned aerial vehicle formation system is introduced to verify the efficiency and reliability of the designed optimal fault-tolerant control scheme.
The role of fire disturbances, human activities and climate change for long-term forest dynamics in upper-montane forests of the central Dinaric Alps
Authors: Cagliero Eleonora , Paradis Laure , Marchi Niccolò , Lisztes-Szabó Zsuzsa , Braun Mihály , Hubay Katalin , Sabatier Pierre , Čurović Milić , Spalevic Velibor , Motta Renzo , Lingua Emanuele , Finsinger Walter
Published: April 2023

We present the first high-resolution Holocene pollen, plant-macrofossil, and charcoal records from the upper-montane zone in the central Dinaric Alps. Drawing on these new records from well-dated lacustrine sediments of Zminje Jezero (ca. 1500 m a.s.l.; Montenegro) and on independent chironomid-inferred summer temperatures, we explore long-term ecosystem responses to variations in climate, fire disturbances and land use, as well as legacy effects of past environmental changes. A mixed spruce-fir forest established in the upper-montane zone around 9500 cal BP, and Fagus sylvatica became co-dominant with the two conifers after 5000 cal BP. Prehistoric land-use pressure was overall remarkably low, but increased since 2000 cal BP and was highest after the Middle Ages. We found a significant positive relationship between biomass burning and summer temperature, indicating that fires were mostly climate driven. Picea abies was insensitive to summer temperature, biomass burning and human impact, which supports the view that spruce forests may not be significantly impacted by fire. In contrast, Abies alba and other disturbance-sensitive trees ( Tilia, Ulmus, Fraxinus excelsior-type) show significant negative responses to land-use pressure and positive responses to summer temperature. This supports the notion that these species may be well-adapted to warmer-than present summer temperatures and that their populations declined in recent millennia due to land-use activities. Conversely, F. sylvatica was sensitive to summer temperatures but was promoted by low biomass burning, indicating that its expansion in the spruce-fir dominated forest was enhanced by the onset of cooler and possibly also moister climatic conditions as well as by fire disturbances.
Rethinking prison visitation for children with incarcerated parents: Lessons from the Australian Capital Territory
Authors: Cui Joanna , Doyle Caroline , Carey Lukas
Published: April 2023

Children of incarcerated parents experience a range of vulnerabilities which have led to them being dubbed the ‘invisible victims’ of the criminal justice system. This article discusses the needs of children with incarcerated parents using recent literature describing children’s experiences during prison visitation suspensions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. We then critically examine the human rights-based communications framework, as well as the challenges faced by children of incarcerated parents, in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). We recommend corrective services around Australia retain alternative contact methods and consider introducing in-cell communication technology.
Paradoxical autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy-like phenotypes shown in an autosomal dominant pedigree
Authors: Hu Feng , Li Qian , Shi Jie , Wang Ru , Zhang Yongpeng , Cao Xinyang , Zhang Xin , Ma Ya , Wang Ge , Peng Xiaoyan
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and genetic characteristics of eight members from a Chinese Han family who displayed autosomal recessive bestrophinopathy (ARB)-like retinal changes in autosomal dominant (AD) inheritance pattern.

Methods

Clinical investigations included slit-lamp, tonometry, fundus photography, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, electrooculography, and ultrasound biomicroscopy. Ocular axial length measurements were collected retrospectively. The targeted exome sequencing (TES) was applied for the genetic analysis of the proband. PCR-based Sanger sequencing was performed on the family for validation and co-segregation analysis.

Results

Eight members in the three-generation pedigree complained about vision loss and seven of them had detailed clinical assessments, demonstrating ocular phenotypes including extramacular and vascular arcades subretinal deposits and Arden ratio decline on electrooculography that resembled ARB. Bilateral anterior chamber structure abnormalities were observed in seven cases and three patients were diagnosed with angle-closure glaucoma. Despite clinical phenotypes supporting ARB, there was only a single heterozygous mutation of c.227T > C (p.Ile76Thr) in the BEST1 gene detected in all eight patients, which showcased AD inheritance.

Conclusions

An ARB-like phenotype could be caused by a heterozygous mutation of the BEST1 gene and inherited in an AD fashion.
Serous macular detachment in ocular toxoplasmosis: A review
Authors: Cirone Daniele , Pellegrini Francesco , Cuna Alessandra , Caruso Ettore , Cimino Luca , Leonardi Francesca
Published: April 2023

Ocular toxoplasmosis, a disease of the eye caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, represents a common cause of posterior uveitis. The Authors review the current Literature regarding the uncommon presentation of ocular toxoplasmosis as macular serous retinal detachment (SRD). It is imperative to keep in mind that inflammatory SRD is a possible presentation of toxoplasmic retinochoroiditis. Underestimation of this clinical scenario and treatment with steroids alone without appropriate antiparasitic drugs, could lead to devastating consequences.
Invisible minds: The dominant wellbeing discourse, mental health, bio-power and chameleon resistance
Authors: Elraz Hadar , McCabe Darren
Published: April 2023

The dominant wellbeing discourse (DWD) in neoliberal economies can be understood as a form of bio-power that presupposes healthy individuals. It seeks to produce subjects who take responsibility for their wellbeing and, in this way, render themselves productive. Drawing on interviews with individuals who volunteered a diagnosed mental health condition (MHC), we explore how they resisted the negative associations with MHCs through making their conditions invisible. Hence they sought to blend in and make themselves visible as ‘normal’, well, healthy, responsible, productive subjects. Although we call this chameleon resistance it is bound up with consent and compliance as it reproduces the DWD and negative associations with MHCs.
Construct-related validity of the strengths and difficulties questionnaires with three and five dimensions: A multitrait-multimethod analysis
Authors: Carneiro Francis Anne , Costa Pedro A , Leal Isabel
Published: April 2023

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is one of the most broadly used questionnaires to evaluate children’s psychological adjustment, however its internal structure has been a target of ongoing controversy. Recent studies suggested a three-factor structure of the SDQ, however data is still scarce. The present study used the Multitrait-Multimethod analysis to examine SDQ construct related-validity with three and five dimensions, provided by children, their parents and teachers. A total of 415 participants were recruited from a Portuguese community sample. Both SDQ versions presented good convergence-related validity, with higher values for the five version. Findings from this study suggest that the SDQ with three dimensions could be more suitable as a screening measure of children’s psychological adjustment in a community low-risk sample. Nevertheless, the SDQ still needs further psychometric improvements in order to properly collect information from multi-source samples about the prevalence of children’s psychological adjustment.
Child maltreatment and pediatric pain: A survey of healthcare professionals’ pain knowledge and pain management techniques
Authors: Campbell Sarah , Baker Matthew , McWilliams Kelly , Williams Shanna
Published: April 2023

Children who have been maltreated are at an increased risk of having their pain under-recognized and undertreated by healthcare professionals, and thus, are more susceptible to adverse outcomes associated with undertreated pain. This study’s aims were to examine: ( 1) if healthcare professionals’ pediatric pain knowledge is associated with their pain assessment methods, ( 2) if maltreatment-specific pain knowledge is associated with consideration of child maltreatment when deciding on a pain management strategy, and ( 3) if pediatric pain knowledge would relate to maltreatment-specific pain knowledge. A sample ( N = 108) of healthcare professionals responded to a survey designed to examine their current knowledge and utilization of pediatric pain assessment and management with emphasis on the effects of child maltreatment. Findings revealed healthcare professionals’ knowledge of pediatric pain is independent of their pain assessment and management practices. However, general pain knowledge was associated with maltreatment-specific pain knowledge and generally, healthcare professionals were knowledgeable of child maltreatment’s impact on pediatric pain. Participants who considered a history of maltreatment were also more likely to employ sensitive questioning strategies when asking children about their pain.
Effect of curing regimes on the dynamic modulus of entirely RAP cold recycled asphalt mixture
Authors: Nguyen Lan Ngoc , Nguyen May Huu , Dao Dong Van , Nguyen Phuc Quang , Thi Nguyen Tra Mi , Tran Trung Duc
Published: April 2023

Curing condition plays a vital role in the performance of cold recycled asphalt concrete technology using cement and emulsion, that is, cement asphalt emulsion mixture (CAEM). Therefore, this article aimed to investigate the changes in the dynamic modulus evaluation (|E*|) of CAEM utilizing 100% reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) at different curing conditions. The changes in |E*| of 100% RAP CAEM at curing temperatures of 25°C, 40°C, and 60°C cured at 1, 3, 7, and 28 days were investigated. The results indicated that both curing temperature and curing time influence the test results of |E*|. Accordingly, the value of |E*| increases with the increase of the curing temperature and curing time; however, the rate of increase tends to slow down after seven days. In addition, |E*| values at different temperatures and frequencies showed that the CAEM exhibits the same viscoelastic properties as the traditional asphalt mixture.
Slogans as an integral part of educational discourse: Two examples
Authors: Kodelja Zdenko
Published: April 2023

Slogans in education have been the subject of critical analysis – at least in the context of philosophy of education – for more than half a century. Some of these slogans are no longer relevant or frequently used, while their analyses and explanations are still an appropriate theoretical basis for understanding new educational slogans. One of these theoretical findings – given by the French philosopher Reboul – that still holds true is that educational slogans almost always try to conceal themselves in educational discourse, that is, to present themselves not as slogans but as something else: educational principles, evidence, factual or rational obviousness. They are mostly words or expressions with ambiguous meaning. Although they can contain an informative element, their abressence is not to inform or explain but rather to persuade or to make us act in a specific way. Usually, they serve the cause of different educational theories. Yet they do so in a rather specific way, as the hidden goal or function of educational slogans in educational discourse is to legitimise or disqualify a certain educational doctrine or practice. The more effective and persuasive the slogans are in this regard, the greater the danger is that they will increasingly replace thinking. The only way that slogans will not determine our thinking is to think about slogans, to take them as an incentive to think and not as a substitute for it. In this article, after a very brief review of the theoretical explanations of the slogans and a mention of some well-known slogans in education, some elements for an analysis of two less known and interlinked contemporary slogans (‘We are the university’ and ‘The university is not an enterprise, knowledge is not a commodity’) related to the critique of the still influential neoliberal ideology in higher education are given.
A note on creating inset plots using graph twoway
Authors: Tibbles Matthew , Melse Eric
Published: April 2023

Inset plots can be used to “zoom in” on densely populated areas of a graph or to add extra relevant data in the form of, for example, distribution plots. However, the standard Stata command for combining plots, graph combine, does not permit this type of seamless integration. Each plot within a graph combine object is allocated a grid cell that cannot be placed within another grid cell— at least not without certain (invariably unwanted) graphical complications. We present a fairly simple work-around to this issue using reproducible examples. The main idea is to plot insets along a second axis and then artificially modify the range of this axis to constrain the inset plot within a specified area of the main graph. Additional tips are included for producing more intricate, multilayered inset graphs.
Improved tests for Granger noncausality in panel data
Authors: Xiao Jiaqi , Karavias Yiannis , Juodis Artūras , Sarafidis Vasilis , Ditzen Jan
Published: April 2023

In this article, we introduce the xtgrangert command, which implements the panel Granger noncausality testing approach developed by Juodis, Karavias, and Sarafidis (2021, Empirical Economics 60: 93–112). This test offers superior size and power performance to existing tests, which stem from the use of a pooled estimator that has a faster [Formula: see text] convergence rate. The test has several other useful properties: it can be used in multivariate systems; it has power against both homogeneous and heterogeneous alternatives; and it allows for cross-section dependence and cross-section heteroskedasticity.
Open-source intelligence and research on online terrorist communication: Identifying ethical and security dilemmas
Authors: Lakomy Miron
Published: April 2023

This article explores key ethical and security challenges related to exploitation of open-source intelligence (OSINT) in research on online terrorist propaganda. In order to reach this objective, the most common approaches to OSINT-based projects are analysed through the lens of some of the most recognized ethical guidelines in science, which allowed several core dilemmas to be identified. First of all, this study discusses how personal data protection rules are applicable to investigations of potentially dangerous subjects, such as members and followers of Violent Extremist Organizations (VEOs). In addition, the author examines potential threats to the safety of researchers and the scientific infrastructure used in OSINT-based projects. He also discusses the risks of incidental findings and malevolent use of research results. Finally, drawing from existing legal regulations and good practices in other fields, as well as the author’s previous experience in OSINT-based analyses of online terrorist activities, this article explores basic means of tackling these dilemmas.
Phytochemical Analysis of the Essential Oils From the Rhizomes of Three Vietnamese Curcuma Species and Their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Tran-Trung Hieu , Dau Xuan Duc , Nguyen Thi Chung , Nguyen-Thi-Thu Hien , Nguyen-Ngoc Hieu , Nguyen Thi Giang An , Hoang Van Trung , Nguyen Dang-Khoa , Nguyen Danh Duc , Tran Van Chen , Duc Giang Le
Published: April 2023

Objective/Background

The essential oils (EOs) of Curcuma species contain various volatile compounds with bioactivity. However, the phytochemical profile of Curcuma thorelii and the antimicrobial activities of Curcuma rhabdota, and Curcuma petiolata have received limited attention. This study aims to characterize and compare the major compounds and the antimicrobial activities of EOs extracted from the rhizomes of C. rhabdota, C. thorelii, and C. petiolata collected in Vietnam .

Methods

EOs were obtained by hydrodistillation of the rhizomes of three Curcuma species. The chemical profiles were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antimicrobial activities against bacteria and a pathogenic fungus were determined through the broth dilution method.

Results

The volatile profiles of C. rhabdota, C. thorelii, and C. petiolata EOs included 63 (97.1%), 47 (98.0%), and 50 (95.6%) compounds, respectively. The major compound in the EO of C. rhabdota rhizomes was 3-carene (16.6%), followed by camphene (9.8%), α-copaene (7.4%), γ-terpinene (7.3%), camphor (5.9%), and β-curcumene (5.7%). The predominant compounds of the EO extracted from C. thorelii rhizome were xanthorrhizol (40.7%), β-curcumene (20.7%), and α-curcumene (8.9%), while camphene (17.0%), ( E)- β-elemenone (16.8%), (E)-β-farnesene (13.6%), germacrone (8.9%), 1,8-cineole (7.2%), and camphor (6.0%) were the most abundant components in C. petiolata rhizomes. Except for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which was less susceptible to the EOs with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 128 μg/mL, the three oil samples exhibited potent antimicrobial activities against all investigated strains with MIC values in the range of 2-32 μg/mL. Especially, the EO of C. thorelii rhizomes showed intense activity against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans with a MIC value of 2 µg/mL.

Conclusion

The results showed the chemical variability of EOs from three Curcuma species and the prepared EO samples showed potent antimicrobial activities against several microbial strains, indicating a high potential application as a food preservative and in the pharmaceutical industry.
The Effect of Moral Foundations on Intergroup Relations: The Salience of Fairness Promotes the Acceptance of Minority Groups
Authors: Argüello-Gutiérrez Catalina , López-Rodríguez Lucía , Vázquez Alexandra
Published: April 2023

Previous research suggests that moral foundations have consequences for intergroup relations, but the evidence is mostly correlational and gathered mainly in north American countries. This work aimed to replicate the conceptual findings in the European context and test the effects of manipulating a moral framing on the perceived (im)morality of minority groups, willingness to defend their rights collectively and support for anti-immigration policies. A correlational study showed that binding and individualizing foundations contributed to predict support for anti-immigration policies and willingness to participate in collective actions for immigrants’ rights. A follow-up experiment suggested that emphasizing the benefits for society of fairness—an individualizing foundation—(vs. authority—a binding foundation) may improve intergroup evaluations, increase collective action intentions, and reduce support for anti-immigration policies. Although a second preregistered experiment could not replicate the results, complementary analyses suggested some positive effects of fairness compared with the control and authority conditions. These results open a path to investigate whether a fairness moral reasoning might improve attitudes toward immigrants.
Flucytosine and its clinical usage
Authors: Sigera L. Shamithra M. , Denning David W.
Published: April 2023

Flucytosine is an antifungal agent first licensed in the 1970’s. However, its clinical value has long been overlooked and its availability across the globe is limited. This review highlights the important clinical and pharmacological aspects of flucytosine. This a narrative review of the clinical and in vitro susceptibility literature, with a focus on clinical uses for flucytosine. Detailed literature review including early literature related to primary and acquired resistance to flucytosine. Flucytosine has good antifungal activity against Cryptococcus species, Candida species, and dematiaceous fungi. Its water solubility enables good penetration into the eye, urinary tract, central nervous system (CNS), cardiac vegetations and fungal biofilms. In combination with amphotericin B, it shows early fungicidal activity against Cryptococcus species, and this translates to ~20% improved survival in cryptococcal meningitis. Combination therapy also reduces the mortality of Candida meningitis, and should be used in neonatal candidiasis because of the high frequency of CNS infection. Monotherapy for urinary candidiasis is under-studied, but is usually effective. It is probably valuable in the treatment of Candida endocarditis and endophthalmitis: there are few data. It is not effective for aspergillosis or mucormycosis. Flucytosine monotherapy of urinary candidiasis resulted in 22% developing resistance on therapy and failing therapy, and in 29% of 21 patients with cryptococcosis. Certain regions of the world still do not have access to flucytosine compromising the management of certain severe fungal infections. Flucytosine has an important role in combination therapy for yeast and dematiaceous infections and probably as monotherapy for urinary candidiasis, with a modest risk of resistance emergence. Facilitating access to flucytosine in those regions (especially low-income countries) might alleviate the mortality of invasive fungal diseases
Preserved T cell but attenuated antibody response in MS patients on fingolimod and ocrelizumab following 2nd and 3rd SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine
Authors: Conway Sarah , Saxena Shrishti , Baecher-Allan Clare , Krishnan Rajesh , Houtchens Maria , Glanz Bonnie , Saraceno Taylor J , Polgar-Turcsanyi Mariann , Bose Gauruv , Bakshi Rohit , Bhattacharyya Shamik , Galetta Kristin , Kaplan Tamara , Severson Christopher , Singhal Tarun , Stazzone Lynn , Zurawski Jonathan , Paul Anu , Weiner Howard L , Healy Brian C , Chitnis Tanuja
Published: April 2023

Background

There is limited knowledge about T cell responses in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) after 3 doses of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) mRNA vaccine.

Objectives

Assess the SARS-CoV-2 spike antibody and T cell responses in MS patients and healthy controls (HCs) after 2 doses (2-vax) and 3 doses (3-vax) of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination.

Methods

We studied seroconversion rates and T cell responses by flow cytometry in HC and MS patients on fingolimod or ocrelizumab.

Results

After 2-vax, 8/33 (24.2%) patients in ocrelizumab group, 5/7 (71.4%) in fingolimod group, and 29/29 (100%) in HC group ( P = 5.7 × 10−11) seroconverted. After 3-vax, 9/22 (40.9%) patients in ocrelizumab group, 19/21 (90.5%) in fingolimod group, and 7/7 (100%) in HC group seroconverted ( P = 0.0003). The percentage of SARS-CoV-2 peptide reactive total CD4+ T cells increased in HC and ocrelizumab group but not in fingolimod group after 2-vax and 3-vax ( P < 0.0001). The percentage of IFNγ and TNFα producing total CD4+ and CD8+ T cells increased in fingolimod group as compared to HC and ocrelizumab group after 2-vax and 3-vax ( P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

MS patients on ocrelizumab and fingolimod had attenuated humoral responses, but preserved cytokine producing T cell responses compared to HCs after SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT05060354.
Relationship Matters in Dementia Caregiving: A Comparative Study in West Bengal, India
Authors: Basu Ipsita , Mukhopadhyay Susmita
Published: April 2023

Numerous studies have revealed that adverse health issues are common in demented caregivers; however, less is known about the health consequences of spouse caregivers. The purpose of this study was to compare the psychological health of spousal and non-spousal caregivers of demented individuals. In addition, it also examined the association and strength of the relationship between spouse and non-spousal caregivers’ socio-economic condition. This was a cross-sectional study that included 136 caregivers of demented individuals. Among them, 55.89% ( n = 76) were a spouse. The findings suggest that spousal caregivers who care for their demented spouse feel higher anxiety and depressive symptoms as compared with non-spousal caregivers. Socio-demographic factors were shown to be an important predictor of spousal caregivers’ mental health condition. The findings of this study have major policy implications owing to the predicted increase in demand for caregivers, especially spousal caregivers, as the incidence rate of dementia rises over time. It is essential that we endorse not only the health of the care-recipient but also the spousal caregiver as well. We believe that improving access to caregivers’ respite programs would benefit spousal caregivers.
Efficacy of Intra-articular Versus Extra-articular Bupivacaine Injection in Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Lindner Dror , Gilat Ron , Smorgick Yossi , Avisar Erez , Agar Gabriel , Beer Yiftah
Published: April 2023

Background:

Immediate postoperative pain relief following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy remains a critical contributor to improved patient experience, early recovery of range of motion, and enhanced rehabilitation.

Purpose:

To evaluate the effect of intra-articular versus extra-articular bupivacaine on pain intensity and analgesic intake after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

This was a prospective double-blind, randomized clinical trial. All patients included underwent arthroscopic partial meniscectomy under general anesthesia. Patients were randomized into 2 groups, with 20 patients in each group. At the conclusion of the arthroscopic procedure, the intra-articular group received 10 mL 0.5% bupivacaine introduced intra-articularly and 10 mL isotonic saline 0.9% infiltrated subcutaneously around the portals. The extra-articular group received the isotonic saline intra-articularly and the bupivacaine around the portals. The primary outcome was the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. Assessments were performed 0 to 0.5, 1 to 2, 2 to 4, and at 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. In addition, analgesic and narcotic consumption was monitored.

Results:

There were no differences between the groups in terms of patient demographics. VAS scores for the intra-articular group were 6, 8, 3.25, 4.3, and 4.5 at 0 to 0.5, 1 to 2, 2 to 4, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively, respectively. VAS scores for the extra-articular group were 3.8, 5, 2.9, 5.2, and 5.25, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed between the 2 groups regarding pain intensity at all time points. There was also no statistically significant difference in analgesic consumption. Dipyrone was the preferred drug by patients from the intra-articular group, while the extra-articular group preferred to use opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Conclusion:

There were no differences in pain severity and analgesic intake between intra- or extra-articular bupivacaine administration after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy.
Unsettling Experiences: Factors That Discourage International Students From Desiring Research and Teaching Careers
Authors: Katsumoto Shinji , Stroup Nicholas R. , Barnhardt Cassie L.
Published: April 2023

It is estimated that one-third of students completing their doctoral study in the United States are international. This is notable because the higher education socialization processes for international students are uniquely challenging, yet little scholarship has addressed how these challenges influence doctoral students’ pursuits of faculty careers. Employing multi-institutional data from the U.S. research-intensive universities, this study examined how interpersonal socialization difficulties (based in linguistic challenges, cultural differences, and identity-based bias/discrimination) with peers, faculty, and staff were associated with declined interest in pursuing faculty positions at research-oriented universities and teaching-oriented universities. The results indicated that international doctoral students who experienced interpersonal challenges due to cultural conflicts were more likely to lose interest in faculty positions. U.S. higher education is recommended to help both international doctoral students and people around them to minimize communication difficulties of cultural differences to retain international talents who can be future international faculty.
Imaginaries of place in territorialization processes: Transforming the Oyacachi páramos through nature conservation and water transfers in the Ecuadorian highlands
Authors: Manosalvas Rossana , Hoogesteger Jaime , Boelens Rutgerd
Published: April 2023

How Ecuadorian páramos are perceived has drastically changed over the last five decades. From cold, hostile, and unproductive hinterlands, páramos have changed to become areas for biodiversity conservation and ‘water towers’ that ought to be protected to provide clean and abundant water for cities and irrigation. To understand how these changing perceptions of páramos relate to interventions and their on-the-ground negotiation by local communities, we develop the notion of imaginaries of place and explore its relations to notions of governmentality and territorialization. We show how, based on changing imaginaries of what páramos are, state and non-state interventions have tried to control the Oyacachi páramos in the Northern Ecuadorian Highlands for the specific purpose of nature and water conservation. At the same time, we show that these interventions are highly contested on-the-ground. This leads to confrontations, negotiations, and a re-definition of the imaginaries of place there exist. Our analysis expounds the relevance of understanding imaginaries of place and its close relations to interventions and their negotiation.
Head and Neck Manifestations of Necrotizing Fasciitis: A Case Series and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yan Derek , Holan Cole , Padilla Pablo L. , Ramtin Sina , Shah Darsh , Hancock Ellen , Thyagarajan Rama , Combs Patrick , Harshbarger Raymond
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

Plastic surgeons frequently take facial trauma calls, and their responsibilities may include infection care. The head and neck is a site of presentation for necrotizing fasciitis which requires a high level of suspicion and prompt acti2on for diagnosis and treatment. We performed a meta-analysis of the literature on necrotizing fasciitis of the head and neck (HNnf) to summarize clinical factors, causative organisms, and treatment, and included 2 cases presenting to our institution.

Methods:

A meta-analysis of the literature from 1990 to 2021 was completed on HNnf. After institutional review board approval, medical records of 2 patients presenting with a diagnosis of HNnf to an academic plastic surgery center between July and September 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Systematic reviews and articles without comprehensive individualized patient data were excluded.

Results:

A systematic review was performed including 2 cases presenting to our institution. A total of 149 individual cases of HNnf spanning a 30-year period were included. The most common associated comorbidity was diabetes mellitus. The most frequent source of infection was odontogenic. Most patients required serial debridements in addition to IV antibiotics. Streptococcus pyogenes was the most frequent pathogen; however, most infections were polymicrobial. Infections in the periorbital region were significantly monomicrobial ( P = .011). Acute reconstructive surgery requirements: 27 patients had skin grafting, 9 had flap reconstruction. Mortality rate was 12.3%. Increasing age was a significant predictor of mortality ( P = .01). Patients with diabetes were significantly more likely to die from HNnf (52.6%, P = .039) and require multiple debridements ( P = .001) for HNnf as compared to patients without diabetes. Infections initially arising from the submandibular region were found to be an independent negative predictor of mortality ( P = .029).

Conclusion:

Our experience with HNnf along with meta-analysis of the literature revealed trends in demographics, presentation, organisms, and outcomes, increasing the collective knowledge of this rare entity.
Evolution of interpreting as a social practice in China during the past four decades. An analysis of Chinese discourse on interpreting through the lens of social practice theory
Authors: Wang Binhua
Published: April 2023

This article examines how interpreting has evolved as a social practice in China and how it has been shaped by the changing social environment during the past four decades. Viewing interpreting as a social practice, the study employs an adapted three-element model from the social practice theory as the analytic framework. Through a qualitative thematic and content analysis of about 50 relevant articles representing the three sets of elements, which are selected from a database of Chinese articles on interpreting, and published in quality journals of Chinese Social Sciences Citation Index/Core Journals of China in the past four decades, the “competences,” “meanings,” and “materials” of the social practice of interpreting are identified and their evolution in different periods are analysed. Through an examination of the economic, socio-political, and technological developments in China during the past four decades, the evolution of interpreting in three periods (late 1970s to early 1990s, the mid-1990s to early 2000s, and 2007 to present) are identified, and the role of the changing environment in shaping the social practice of interpreting is revealed.
Licence to inform: Norwegian sign language interpreters in a bureaucratic organisation
Authors: Haualand Hilde
Published: April 2023

This article discusses how Norwegian sign language interpreters reflect on the discrepancy between (a) being defined professionally by their impartiality on behalf of all participants in an interpreted event, while they (b) work for a service organisation that ultimately defines sign language interpreting services as a measure to “enhance functioning” for deaf and hard of hearing people. Interviews with sign language interpreters show that their institutional affiliation to a large bureaucratic organisation influences how they reflect on their potential scope of action as interpreters. The article suggests that without a conscious and continuous discussion about the tension between being educated and defined as impartial language workers while also working for an organisation with a mandate to assist deaf or hard of hearing people, sign language interpreters may be caught in a process where they struggle to define their profession and are thus reverted to a preprofessional status as deaf peoples’ “helpers.”
A high-quality chromosome-level Eutrema salsugineum genome, an extremophile plant model
Authors: Xiao Meng , Hao Guoqian , Guo Xinyi , Feng Landi , Lin Hao , Yang Wenjie , Chen Yanyu , Zhao Kexin , Xiang Ling , Jiang Xinyao , Mei Dong , Hu Quanjun
Published: April 2023

Background

Eutrema salsugineum (2n = 14), a halophyte in the family Brassicaceae, is an attractive model to study abiotic stress tolerance in plants. Two versions of E. salsugineum genomes that previously reported were based on relatively short reads; thus, the repetitive regions were difficult to characterize.

Results

We report the sequencing and assembly of the E. salsugineum (Shandong accession) genome using long-read sequencing and chromosome conformation capture data. We generated Oxford Nanopore long reads at high depth (> 60X) of genome coverage with additional short reads for error correction. The new assembly has a total size of 295.5 Mb with 52.8% repetitive sequences, and the karyotype of E. salsugineum is consistent with the ancestral translocation Proto-Calepineae Karyotype structure in both order and orientation. Compared with previous assemblies, this assembly has higher contiguity, especially in the centromere region. Based on this new assembly, we predicted 25,399 protein-coding genes and identified the positively selected genes associated with salt and drought stress responses.

Conclusion

The new genome assembly will provide a valuable resource for future genomic studies and facilitate comparative genomic analysis with other plants.
Analysis and verification of the circRNA regulatory network RNO_CIRCpedia_ 4214/RNO-miR-667-5p/Msr1 axis as a potential ceRNA promoting macrophage M2-like polarization in spinal cord injury
Authors: Cao Jian , Pan Chongzhi , Zhang Jian , Chen Qi , Li Tao , He Dingwen , Cheng Xigao
Published: April 2023

Background

CircRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of several central nervous system diseases. However, their functions and mechanisms in spinal cord injury (SCI) are still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate circRNA and mRNA expression profiles in the pathological setting of SCI and to predict the potential function of circRNA through bioinformatics.

Methods

A microarray-based approach was used for the simultaneous measurement of circRNAs and mRNAs, together with qPCR, fluorescence in situ hybridization, western immunoblotting, and dual-luciferase reporter assays to investigate the associated regulatory mechanisms in a rat SCI model.

Results

SCI was found to be associated with the differential expression of 414 and 5337 circRNAs and mRNAs, respectively. Pathway enrichment analyses were used to predict the primary function of these circRNAs and mRNAs. GSEA analysis showed that differentially expressed mRNAs were primarily associated with inflammatory immune response activity. Further screening of these inflammation-associated genes was used to construct and analyze a competing endogenous RNA network. RNO_CIRCpedia_4214 was knocked down in vitro, resulting in reduced expression of Msr1, while the expression of RNO-miR-667-5p and Arg1 was increased. Dual-luciferase assays demonstrated that RNO_CIRCpedia_4214 bound to RNO-miR-667-5p. The RNO_CIRCpedia_4214/RNO-miR-667-5p/Msr1 axis may be a potential ceRNA that promotes macrophage M2-like polarization in SCI.

Conclusion

Overall, these results highlighted the critical role that circRNAs may play in the pathophysiology of SCI and the discovery of a potential ceRNA mechanism based on novel circRNAs that regulates macrophage polarization, providing new targets for the treatment of SCI.
Metabolic profiles of Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus-infected and healthy cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivars with tolerance and susceptibility phenotypes
Authors: Chaowongdee Somruthai , Malichan Srihunsa , Pongpamorn Pornkanok , Paemanee Atchara , Siriwan Wanwisa
Published: April 2023

Background

Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) has expanded across many continents. Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus (SLCMV; family Geminiviridae), which is the predominant cause of CMD in Thailand, has caused agricultural and economic damage in many Southeast Asia countries such as Vietnam, Loas, and Cambodia. The recent SLCMV epidemic in Thailand was commonly found in cassava plantations. Current understanding of plant–virus interactions for SLCMV and cassava is limited. Accordingly, this study explored the metabolic profiles of SLCMV-infected and healthy groups of tolerant (TME3 and KU50) and susceptible (R11) cultivars of cassava. Findings from the study may help to improve cassava breeding, particularly when combined with future transcriptomic and proteomic research.

Results

SLCMV-infected and healthy leaves were subjected to metabolite extraction followed by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS). The resulting data were analyzed using Compound Discoverer software, the mzCloud, mzVault, and ChemSpider databases, and published literature. Of the 85 differential compounds (SLCMV-infected vs healthy groups), 54 were differential compounds in all three cultivars. These compounds were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering dendrogram analysis, heatmap analysis, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway annotation. Chlorogenic acid, DL-carnitine, neochlorogenic acid, (E)-aconitic acid, and ascorbyl glucoside were differentially expressed only in TME3 and KU50, with chlorogenic acid, (E)-aconitic acid, and neochlorogenic acid being downregulated in both SLCMV-infected TME3 and KU50, DL-carnitine being upregulated in both SLCMV-infected TME3 and KU50, and ascorbyl glucoside being downregulated in SLCMV-infected TME3 but upregulated in SLCMV-infected KU50. Furthermore, 7-hydroxycoumarine was differentially expressed only in TME3 and R11, while quercitrin, guanine, N-acetylornithine, uridine, vorinostat, sucrose, and lotaustralin were differentially expressed only in KU50 and R11.

Conclusions

Metabolic profiling of three cassava landrace cultivars (TME3, KU50, and R11) was performed after SLCMV infection and the profiles were compared with those of healthy samples. Certain differential compounds (SLCMV-infected vs healthy groups) in different cultivars of cassava may be involved in plant–virus interactions and could underlie the tolerance and susceptible responses in this important crop.
Development of a risk-tailored approach and dashboard for efficient management and monitoring of investigator-initiated trials
Authors: Klatte Katharina , Subramaniam Suvitha , Benkert Pascal , Schulz Alexandra , Ehrlich Klaus , Rösler Astrid , Deschodt Mieke , Fabbro Thomas , Pauli-Magnus Christiane , Briel Matthias
Published: April 2023

Background

Most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the academic setting have limited resources for clinical trial management and monitoring. Inefficient conduct of trials was identified as an important source of waste even in well-designed studies. Thoroughly identifying trial-specific risks to enable focussing of monitoring and management efforts on these critical areas during trial conduct may allow for the timely initiation of corrective action and to improve the efficiency of trial conduct. We developed a risk-tailored approach with an initial risk assessment of an individual trial that informs the compilation of monitoring and management procedures in a trial dashboard.

Methods

We performed a literature review to identify risk indicators and trial monitoring approaches followed by a contextual analysis involving local, national and international stakeholders. Based on this work we developed a risk-tailored management approach with integrated monitoring for RCTs and including a visualizing trial dashboard. We piloted the approach and refined it in an iterative process based on feedback from stakeholders and performed formal user testing with investigators and staff of two clinical trials.

Results

The developed risk assessment comprises four domains (patient safety and rights, overall trial management, intervention management, trial data). An accompanying manual provides rationales and detailed instructions for the risk assessment. We programmed two trial dashboards tailored to one medical and one surgical RCT to manage identified trial risks based on daily exports of accumulating trial data. We made the code for a generic dashboard available on GitHub that can be adapted to individual trials.

Conclusions

The presented trial management approach with integrated monitoring enables user-friendly, continuous checking of critical elements of trial conduct to support trial teams in the academic setting. Further work is needed in order to show effectiveness of the dashboard in terms of safe trial conduct and successful completion of clinical trials.
Marital status and all-cause mortality rate in older adults: a population-based prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Lei , Yi Zhong
Published: April 2023

Background

Living with a partner and separation is becoming more common among older people. Mortality disparities associated with marital status are significant in increasingly diverse aging populations. The link between marital status and all-cause mortality risk in older adults remains uncertain.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We included NHANES participants ≥ 60 years of age (data from 1999 to 2014). Data for mortality follow-up beginning from the commencement date of survey participation to the last day of December 2015. Univariate- and multivariate-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models for marital status were estimated, and the findings were presented as regression coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Kaplan–Meier curves were reported.

Results

Compared to never married individuals, the risk of all-cause mortality was 0.77 (0.50–1.18), 0.72 (0.56–0.93), 0.56 (0.36–0.88), and 0.84 (0.67–1.07) in those people living with a partner, married, separated, and divorced, respectively, after adjusting for demographics, socioeconomics, behavior, anthropometric variables, and medical history. The risk of all-cause mortality was 1.24 (0.97–1.59) in widowed participants.

Conclusion

This population-based cohort study included a large sample size followed by long-term follow-up. The association between marriage, health, and reduced mortality in older individuals has been illustrated in this study. Being married or separated was associated with a lower risk of mortality.