bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Buffering Effect of Parent-Adolescent Communication in the Relation between Stress and Suicidal Ideation for Korean Adolescents
Authors: Park Hyun Sook , Koo Hyun Young
Published: September 2024

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to investigate among stress, parent-adolescent communication, and suicidal ideation, to identify the predictors of suicidal ideation, and to assess the buffering effect of parent-adoles cent communication in the relationship between stress and suicidal ideation for adolescents. Methods: The partic ipants were 1,033 adolescents. Data was collected through self-report questionnaires, which were constructed to include demographic-environmental factors and psychosocial variables. The data was analyzed using the SPSS/WIN program. Results: Stress positively related to suicidal ideation, while stress negatively related to parent-adolescent communication for adolescents. Parent-adolescent communication significantly related to suici dal ideation for adolescents. The predictors of suicidal ideation for adolescents were stress, parent-adolescent communication, economic status, and religion, explaining 26.1% of the variance in suicidal ideation. Parent- ado lescent communication partially mediated the effect of stress on suicidal ideation for adolescents. Conclusion: The result indicated that parent-adolescent communication partially buffered the effect of stress on suicidal ideation for adolescents. Based on the outcomes of this study, it is necessary to design an intervention program that em phasizes increasing parent-adolescent communication in order to decrease adolescent suicidal ideation.
Association of Anger and Anger Expression, Social Support, Self-Esteem, and Depression in Elderly
Authors: Jang Mi-Heui , Won Jeong-Sook
Published: September 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between anger, anger expression, social support, self-esteem, and depression in community-ciwelling elderly. Methods: The subjects were 233 elderly who were community-dwelling inSorJ City. Spielbergers STAXI for anger, Park's social support scale, Rosenberg's self-esteem scale, and Kee's GDSSF-K for depression were used. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Pearson's correlation coefficients, t-test, and stepwise multiple regression with SPSS/WIN 12.0. Results: Elderiy with depression reported higher trait anger, state anger, anger-in, and anger-out and lower anger-control, social support, and selfesteem than elderly without depression. The depression of elderiy showed significantly positive correlations to trait anger (r=.33, p< .001), state anger (r = .21, p< .001), anger-in (r = .28, p < .001), and anger-out (r = .21, p< .001), and a significantly negative correlations to anger-control(r =-.20, p<.002), social supports =-.52, p<.001), and selfesteem (r = -.72, p< .001). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that 56% of the depression was significantly accounted for by self-esteem (B = -.61, t = -10.71, p<.001), social support (B = -.18, t = -3.30, p< .001), trait anger (3 = .13, t = 2.88, p< .004), and anger-control (0 = .11，t = 2.20, p< .029). Conclusion: These results suggest that trait anger and anger-control with self-esteem and social support can be potential risk factors for depression in the elderly.Therefore, these findings will give useful information for constructing an intervening and preventative program focused on anger and depression in the elderiy.
Influencing Factors on Military Adaptation among Korean Soldiers
Authors: Hyun Myung-Sun , Cho Chung Hyang-ln , Kang Hee Sun
Published: September 2024

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the influencing factors on military adaptation among Korean military soldiers. Methods: The participants were 232 military soldiers in the four platoons. The data was collected from May, 10 to 22,2006 by using self-report questionnaires. The instruments used were military personnel adaptation scale, stress in military life scale, beck depression inventory, and self-esteem inventory. The data was analyzed by using the SPSSA/Vin 12.0 program. Results: Military adaptation negatively correlated to military stress and depression, while it positively correlated to self-esteem. Military adaptation differed by educational level and negatively correlated to the duration of military service. Military stress, depression, self-esteem, and educational level accounted for 54% of the variance in military adaptation. Conclusion: The influencing factors on military adaptation were military stress, depression, self-esteem, and educational level. Programs which focus on stress management and relaxation techniques, and problem solving abilities should be developed and provided. Soldiers at risk should be identified at an early stage and referred to clinical professionals.
The Effects of a School Violence Prevention Program on School Violence Attitudes, Anger, and Aggression in Middle School Students
Authors: Yang Ya Ki , Lee Chung Sook
Published: September 2024

Purpose: This study was to examine the effects of a school violence prevention program on school violence attitudes, anger and aggression in adolescents. Methods: This research design was a quasi-experimental pre-and-post test control and experimental group methodological comparison study. The total subjects were 139 middle school students in G-city. The data were collected by self-reported structured questionnaires from August 31st to December 12th, 2008, and analysed by frequency, percentage, χ2 test, and t-test using SPSS/WIN. Results: There was a significant difference (t = 2.45, p = .016) in the score of school violence attitudes between groups. The score of anger (t =-2.12, p = .018) and aggression (t = -3.77, p < .001) were significantly different between groups. Conclusion: Based on the above findings, the author suggests that this program could be used in various care settings for the prevention of school violence.
Equine squamous gastric disease: an update on treatment and management
Authors: Busechian Sara , Orvieto Simona , Rueca Fabrizio
Published: September 2024

Equine squamous gastric disease describes the presence of lesions in the squamous mucosa of the stomach. It is a worldwide disease with high prevalence in various categories of horses, especially those in heavy training. Current recommendations for its management include pharmacological treatment with gastroprotective medications (particularly omeprazole) and feed supplements at the end of the pharmacological treatment period. It is of the utmost importance to reduce or mitigate possible risk factors. Feeding small amounts of roughage and reducing trotting and cantering to less than 40 minutes per day helps to reduce the incidence of squamous gastric disease in horses where a change in management is not possible. This review describes current literature trends in the treatment and management of squamous gastric disease in adult horses.
Renal function in horses
Authors: Wilson Katherine E
Published: September 2024

The kidneys are essential in excreting the waste products of metabolism and exogenous substances, and controlling the volume and composition of body fluids. The functional unit of the kidney is the nephron, composed of the glomerulus and renal tubules. Multiple assays and methods are available for assessing equine renal function, and understanding the advantages and limitations of each is important for accurate clinical assessment.
Reflections on Teaching New Soviet History and Russian Imperial History from a Multiethnic Perspective
Authors: Kasimova Zukhra
Published: September 2024

SUMMARY: Contributing to the series "New Curricula for New Histories of Northern Eurasia," Zukhra Kasimova reflects on her experience of teaching survey courses in Russian imperial and Soviet history from a multiethnic perspective. She also introduces the syllabus of her course "HIST 248: The Multiethnic Soviet Union." Резюме: В рамках серии материалов "Новые университетские курсы по новой истории Северной Евразии" Зухра Касимова размышляет о своем опыте преподавания обзорных курсов по российской имперской и советской истории с точки зрения многоэтнической перспективы. Она также представляет программу своего курса "HIST 248: Многоэтнический Советский Союз".
Cicero, Eloquentia , and Justifying Rhetoric in Republican Rome ( Inv . 1.1–5)
Authors: Helms Kyle
Published: September 2024

Abstract: I argue that in De inventione 1.1–5, Cicero reconciles technical rhetoric with Roman culture by crafting a justificatory narrative for rhetoric’s place at Rome. Cicero employs a calculated lexical strategy and redefines eloquentia in a way that shifts the meaning of the word to embrace ἡ τέχνη ῥητορική. Cicero further justifies rhetoric by emphasizing its utility for the Roman aristocracy and for the Republic. In the final analysis, Cicero argues for the value of technical rhetoric by demonstrating its compatibility with the values that underpinned Republican political culture.
Simulation of polar mesospheric cloud measurements via spaceborne LiDAR and detection efficiency analysis
Authors: Ren Ke , Gao Haiyang , Niu Shuqi , Kou Leilei , Zhang Liguo , Xie Yanqing , Bu Lingbing
Published: September 2024

This study introduces a spaceborne LiDAR model designed for polar mesospheric clouds (PMCs) detection for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. A three-dimensional PMCs field is reconstructed as the detection target of the proposed model. The detector signal is simulated by integrating optical properties, atmospheric radiative transfer calculations, and parameters from both Cloud-Aerosol LiDAR with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) and atmospheric LiDAR (ATLID). A comparative analysis revealed a positive correlation between the detection efficiency and ice water content. CALIOP demonstrated a higher detection efficiency compared to ATLID. Moreover, both CALIOP and ATLID can detect the vertical structure of PMCs.
Effects of systematic polarization errors on the retrieval of high-spectral-resolution lidar
Authors: Wu Lingyun , Chen Chuxiao , Chen Feitong , Jiang Chengchong , Liang YuChen , Sun Wenbo , Wan Xueping , Chen Wentai , Wu Lan , Liu Chong , Liu Dong
Published: September 2024

High-spectral-resolution lidar (HSRL) can obtain vertical profile optical properties of clouds and aerosols with high accuracy, serving as a potent tool for studying the impact of aerosols on the environment. However, the optical properties such as particle linear depolarization ratio and lidar ratio detected by polarized HSRL are all subject to systematic polarization errors. In this paper, we focus on the polarization-related optimization of the polarized HSRL system developed at Zhejiang University. Simulation analysis based on Mueller–Stokes formalism shows that the errors of particle linear depolarization ratio and lidar ratio of typical aerosols caused by polarization systematic errors are less than 2% after optimization. To validate the accuracy of the HSRL detection results, observational experiments were conducted. Satisfactory consistency was achieved in comparison with the in-situ instrument and the sunphotometer. During the observations in Beijing, a dust aerosol stratification event was record and analyzed, furthering our understanding of the contribution of dust aerosol to the environment.
Multimodal photoacoustic microscopy and optical coherence tomography ocular biomarker imaging in Alzheimer's disease in mice
Authors: Zhai Tianqu , Qian Wei , Paulus Yannis M. , Wang Xueding , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by amyloid beta (Aβ)-containing extracellular plaques and tau-containing intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. Reliable and more accessible biomarkers along with associated imaging methods are essential for early diagnosis and to develop effective therapeutic interventions. Described here is an integrated photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) dual-modality imaging system for multiple ocular biomarker imaging in an AD mouse model. Anti-Aβ-conjugated Au nanochains (AuNCs) were engineered and administered to the mice to provide molecular contrast of Aβ. The retinal vasculature structure and Aβ deposition in AD mice and wild-type (WT) mice were imaged simultaneously by dual-wavelength PAM. OCT distinguished significant differences in retinal layer thickness between AD and WT animals. With the unique ability of imaging the multiple ocular biomarkers via a coaxial multimodality imaging system, the proposed system provides a new tool for investigating the progression of AD in animal models, which could contribute to preclinical studies of AD.
Design of very-large area photonic crystal surface emitting lasers with an all-semiconductor photonic crystal
Authors: King Ben , Wenzel Hans , Kuhn Eduard , Radziunas Mindaugas , Crump Paul
Published: September 2024

We report on the design of a photonic crystal surface emitting laser (PCSEL) with an all-semiconductor (InGaP/GaAs) photonic crystal suitable for very-large-area emission and high-power operation. Using coupled-wave theory for PCSELs we model infinite- and finite-size cavity PCSELs and show that a photonic crystal unit cell with square lattice periodicity and a rotated and stretched triangular feature is suitable for the realization of PCSELs with very large areas (1 mm<L < 3 mm for a square cavity of size L × L) while maintaining high mode discrimination between the fundamental laser mode and higher order cavity modes as well as high external efficiency. This was achieved by exploiting a single-lattice photonic crystal unit cell design that minimizes one-dimensional coupling in the photonic crystal, providing a promising alternative to double-lattice PCSELs.
Phase imaging through a single multimode fiber
Authors: Li Quanzhi , Wen Zhong , Deng Qilin , Huang Liangliang , Hu Zhixiong , Liu Xu , Yang Qing
Published: September 2024

Phase imaging techniques are pivotal for achieving high-contrast visualization of unstained biological specimens in vitro, which is typically not applicable in narrow spaces. Recently, multimode fiber (MMF) has shown promise in enabling high-resolution in vivo endoscopy in biological research. Herein, we introduce a novel, to the best of our knowledge, phase imaging microscopy technique employing a single multimode fiber, showcasing remarkable capabilities in high-contrast imaging and quantitative shape reconstruction through frequency-domain modulation. Our method, validated through comparisons with reflection and phase-contrast results, demonstrates exceptional ability in imaging diverse samples, including microspheres, semiconductor chips, and oral epithelial cells. Notably, the quantitative reconstruction of surface shape achieves a sensitivity of less than 100 nm, enabling the extraction of three-dimensional information from single focal plane images. Moreover, our technique excels in contrast enhancement and defocused background suppression, presenting a promising avenue for minimally invasive, high-contrast, label-free in vivo phase imaging.
Optical evidence of domain wall pinning in iron-garnet films by regular arrays of ferromagnetic particles
Authors: Kolmychek Irina A. , Zhaboev Evgeny I. , Novikov Vladimir B. , Maydykovskiy Anton I. , Gusev Nikita S. , Skorokhodov Evgeny V. , Murzina Tatiana V.
Published: September 2024

Control over the magnetic domain structure of garnet films is an important task that is attractive for a wide range of applications. One of the possible approaches here is based on the introduction of additional structured magnetic coverages interacting with the garnet layer. In this study, we demonstrate that arrays of asymmetric ferromagnetic cobalt particles regularly arranged on the surface of Lu,Bi-substituted iron garnet film influence the orientation and width of the stripe domains, as stems from the optical microscopy, magneto-optical and diffraction studies. We also show that triangular-shaped Co particles induce the asymmetry of the magnetic field dependence on the magneto-optical Kerr effect of the composite structure. We assert that the key effect here is the interaction of the residual magnetic moments of Co particles with the surface closure domains.
Fully programmable holographic diffraction grating for NIR synthetic spectra generation in correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Chiarini M. , Bellettato M. , Bentini G. G. , Bonafè F. , Elmi I. , Morandi V. , Pizzochero G. , Tamarri F.
Published: September 2024

Correlation spectroscopy is a powerful analytical tool for gaseous species detection, with improved sensitivity and enhanced selectivity. The application in the field of this spectroscopic technique, for remote sensing purposes, has long been prevented due to the necessity to equip the instrument with a reference ‘cell’ containing an actual sample of the target molecules to perform correlation measurements. A new photonic chip, based on LNOI (lithium niobate on insulator) substrates, has been developed and tested by applying MEOS (micro electro optical system) micromachining techniques. The novel photonic chip allows to dynamically generate synthetic spectra of in principle any chemical species detectable in the transparency range of LNOI (350 nm – 5500 nm wavelength). The synthetic spectrum is generated by producing a well-defined holographic phase map in the active layer of the LNOI substrate, by applying through an array of driving electrodes a calculated voltage distribution, thus rendering the photonic chip fully programmable even in real-time. The developed photonic chip is therefore able to replace the classical sample cell and can be also used to act as a reference signal modulator, as requested in a correlation spectrometer. In this work, a description of the developed technology is reported together with some preliminary results obtained in different experimental conditions.
Evolutionary rate covariation is pervasive between glycosylation pathways and points to potential disease modifiers
Authors: Thorpe Holly J. , Partha Raghavendran , Little Jordan , Clark Nathan L. , Chow Clement Y.
Published: September 2024

Mutations in glycosylation pathways, such as N-linked glycosylation, O-linked glycosylation, and GPI anchor synthesis, lead to Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG). CDG typically present with seizures, hypotonia, and developmental delay but display large clinical variability with symptoms affecting every system in the body. This variability suggests modifier genes might influence the phenotypes. Because of the similar physiology and clinical symptoms, there are likely common genetic modifiers between CDG. Here, we use evolution as a tool to identify common modifiers between CDG and glycosylation genes. Protein glycosylation is evolutionarily conserved from yeast to mammals. Evolutionary rate covariation (ERC) identifies proteins with similar evolutionary rates that indicate shared biological functions and pathways. Using ERC, we identified strong evolutionary rate signatures between proteins in the same and different glycosylation pathways. Genome-wide analysis of proteins showing significant ERC with GPI anchor synthesis proteins revealed strong signatures with ncRNA modification proteins and DNA repair proteins. We also identified strong patterns of ERC based on cellular sub-localization of the GPI anchor synthesis enzymes. Functional testing of the highest scoring candidates validated genetic interactions and identified novel genetic modifiers of CDG genes. ERC analysis of disease genes and biological pathways allows for rapid prioritization of potential genetic modifiers, which can provide a better understanding of disease pathophysiology and novel therapeutic targets.
A regional One Health approach to the risk of invasion by Anopheles stephensi in Mauritius
Authors: Iyaloo Diana P. , Zohdy Sarah , Carney Ryan M. , Mosawa Varina Ramdonee , Elahee Khouaildi B. , Munglee Nabiihah , Latchooman Nilesh , Puryag Surendra , Bheecarry Ambicadutt , Bhoobun Hemant , Rasamoelina-Andriamanivo Harena , Bedja Saïd Ahmed , Spear Joseph , Baldet Thierry , Carter Tamar E.
Published: September 2024

Background

Anopheles stephensi is an invasive malaria vector in Africa that threatens to put an additional 126 million people at risk of malaria if it continues to spread. The island nation of Mauritius is highly connected to Asia and Africa and is at risk of introduction due to this connectivity. For early detection of An. stephensi, the Vector Biology and Control Division under the Ministry of Health in Mauritius, leveraged a well-established Aedes program, as An. stephensi is known to share Aedes habitats. These efforts triggered multisectoral coordination and cascading benefits of integrated vector and One Health approaches.

Methods

Beginning June 2021, entomological surveys were conducted at points of entry (seaport, airport) and on ships transporting livestock in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Department, the Mauritian Port Authority and National Veterinary Services.

A total of 18, 39, 723 mosquito larval surveys were respectively conducted in the airport, seaport, and other localities in Mauritius while two, 20, and 26 adult mosquito surveys were respectively conducted in the airport, seaport, and twenty-six animal assembly points. Alongside adult mosquito surveys, surveillance of vectors of veterinary importance (e.g.- Culicoides spp.) was also carried out in collaboration with National Parks and Conservation Service and land owners.

Results

A total of 8,428 adult mosquitoes were collected and 1,844 larval habitats were positive for mosquitoes. All collected mosquitoes were morphologically identified and 151 Anopheles and 339 Aedes mosquitoes were also molecularly characterized. Mosquito species detected were Aedes albopictus, Anopheles arabiensis, An. coustani, An. merus, Culex quinquefasciatus, Cx. thalassius and Lutzia tigripes. Anopheles stephensi was not detected. The One Health approach was shared with the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), strengthening collaboration between Mauritius and Réunion Island on vector surveillance at entry points and insecticide resistance monitoring. The Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) was also alerted to the risk of An. stephensi, leading to regional efforts supporting trainings and development of a response strategy to An. stephensi bringing together stakeholders from Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Réunion Island and Seychelles.

Conclusions

Mauritius is a model system showing how existing public health entomology capabilities can be used to enhance vector surveillance and control and create multisectoral networks to respond to any emerging public and veterinary health vector-borne disease threat.
Police violence reduces trust in the police among Black residents
Authors: Ben-Menachem Jonathan , Torrats-Espinosa Gerard
Published: September 2024

Recent high-profile incidents involving the shooting or killing of unarmed Black men have intensified the debate about how police violence affects trust in the criminal justice system, particularly among communities of color. In this article, we propose a quasi-experimental design that leverages the timing of the shooting of Jacob Blake by the Kenosha Police Department relative to when a large survey was fielded in the city of Chicago. We demonstrate that individuals interviewed 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after the shooting are comparable across a large set of observed characteristics, thus approximating an experimental setting. We find that Blake’s shooting caused substantial reductions in Black respondents’ trust in the police, concentrated among younger residents and criminalized residents. These results suggest that police violence against racial minorities may lead to lower civic engagement and cooperation with law enforcement in those communities, exacerbating issues of public safety and community well-being. The pronounced distrust among younger Black residents suggests a generational rift that could risk further entrenching systemic biases and inequalities within the criminal justice system. Additionally, the higher levels of distrust among criminalized respondents could have implications for research detailing this population’s decreased willingness to engage with public institutions more broadly.
A twin-driven analysis on early aging biomarkers and associations with sitting-time and physical activity
Authors: Bruellman Ryan , Pahlen Shandell , Ellingson Jarrod M. , Corley Robin P. , Wadsworth Sally J. , Reynolds Chandra A.
Published: September 2024

Background

Current physical activity guidelines may be insufficient to address health consequences in a world increasing in sedentary behavior. Physical activity is a key lifestyle factor to promote healthy aging, but few studies examine activity in conjunction with sitting. We examine how activity intensity and sitting behavior influence health and the extent to which physical activity might counter sitting.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Colorado Adoption/Twin Study of Lifespan behavioral development and cognitive aging (CATSLife) in adults aged 28–49 years (M = 33.16, SD = 4.93). We fit a linear mixed-effect model for body mass index (BMI) and total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein ratio (TC/HDL). Leveraging the co-twin control approach, we explore the trade-off between sitting and physical activity.

Results

Across established adulthood, TC/HDL and BMI demonstrated increasing age trends with prolonged sitting and vigorous activity inversely associated. Moreover, after considering sitting time, we found an age-equivalent benefit of vigorous exercise where those performing 30 minutes daily had expected TC/HDL and BMI estimates that mirrored sedentary individuals 5 and 10 years younger, respectively. Co-twin control analysis suggests partial exposure effects for TC/HDL, indicating greater vigorous activity may counter sitting-health effects but with diminishing returns.

Conclusions

Our findings support the counteracting influence of prolonged sitting and physical activity on indicators of cardiovascular and metabolic health. A compensating role of vigorous activity on sitting health links is indicated while reducing sitting time appears paramount. Public health initiatives should consider sitting and vigorous activity in tandem in guidelines to promote health maintenance and combat accelerated aging.
A hybrid Transformer-LSTM model apply to glucose prediction
Authors: Bian QingXiang , As’arry Azizan , Cong XiangGuo , Rezali Khairil Anas bin Md , Raja Ahmad Raja Mohd Kamil bin
Published: September 2024

The global prevalence of diabetes is escalating, with estimates indicating that over 536.6 million individuals were afflicted by 2021, accounting for approximately 10.5% of the world’s population. Effective management of diabetes, particularly monitoring and prediction of blood glucose levels, remains a significant challenge due to the severe health risks associated with inaccuracies, such as hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia. This study addresses this critical issue by employing a hybrid Transformer-LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) model designed to enhance the accuracy of future glucose level predictions based on data from Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems. This innovative approach aims to reduce the risk of diabetic complications and improve patient outcomes. We utilized a dataset which contain more than 32000 data points comprising CGM data from eight patients collected by Suzhou Municipal Hospital in Jiangsu Province, China. This dataset includes historical glucose readings and equipment calibration values, making it highly suitable for developing predictive models due to its richness and real-time applicability. Our findings demonstrate that the hybrid Transformer-LSTM model significantly outperforms the standard LSTM model, achieving Mean Square Error (MSE) values of 1.18, 1.70, and 2.00 at forecasting intervals of 15, 30, and 45 minutes, respectively. This research underscores the potential of advanced machine learning techniques in the proactive management of diabetes, a critical step toward mitigating its impact.
Comparative analysis of the complete chloroplast genomes of thirteen Bougainvillea cultivars from South China with implications for their genome structures and phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Wu Xiao-Ye , Wang He-Fa , Zou Shui-Ping , Wang Lan , Zhu Gen-Fa , Li Dong-Mei
Published: September 2024

Bougainvillea spp., belonging to the Nyctaginaceae family, have high economic and horticultural value in South China. Despite the high similarity in terms of leaf appearance and hybridization among Bougainvillea species, especially Bougainvillea × buttiana, their phylogenetic relationships are very complicated and controversial. In this study, we sequenced, assembled and analyzed thirteen complete chloroplast genomes of Bougainvillea cultivars from South China, including ten B. × buttiana cultivars and three other Bougainvillea cultivars, and identified their phylogenetic relationships within the Bougainvillea genus and other species of the Nyctaginaceae family for the first time. These 13 chloroplast genomes had typical quadripartite structures, comprising a large single-copy (LSC) region (85,169–85,695 bp), a small single-copy (SSC) region (18,050–21,789 bp), and a pair of inverted-repeat (IR) regions (25,377–25,426 bp). These genomes each contained 112 different genes, including 79 protein-coding genes, 29 tRNAs and 4 rRNAs. The gene content, codon usage, simple sequence repeats (SSRs), and long repeats were essentially conserved among these 13 genomes. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions/deletions (indels) were detected among these 13 genomes. Four divergent regions, namely, trnH-GUG_psbA, trnS-GCU_trnG-UCC-exon1, trnS-GGA_rps4, and ccsA_ndhD, were identified from the comparative analysis of 16 Bougainvillea cultivar genomes. Among the 46 chloroplast genomes of the Nyctaginaceae family, nine genes, namely, rps12, rbcL, ndhF, rpoB, rpoC2, ndhI, psbT, ycf2, and ycf3, were found to be under positive selection at the amino acid site level. Phylogenetic relationships within the Bougainvillea genus and other species of the Nyctaginaceae family based on complete chloroplast genomes and protein-coding genes revealed that the Bougainvillea genus was a sister to the Belemia genus with strong support and that 35 Bougainvillea individuals were divided into 4 strongly supported clades, namely, Clades Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ. Clade Ⅰ included 6 individuals, which contained 2 cultivars, namely, B. × buttiana ‘Gautama’s Red’ and B. spectabilis ‘Flame’. Clades Ⅱ only contained Bougainvillea spinosa. Clade Ⅲ comprised 7 individuals of wild species. Clade Ⅳ included 21 individuals and contained 11 cultivars, namely, B. × buttiana ‘Mahara’, B. × buttiana ‘California Gold’, B. × buttiana ‘Double Salmon’, B. × buttiana ‘Double Yellow’, B. × buttiana ‘Los Banos Beauty’, B. × buttiana ‘Big Chitra’, B. × buttiana ‘San Diego Red’, B. × buttiana ‘Barbara Karst’, B. glabra ‘White Stripe’, B. spectabilis ‘Splendens’ and B. × buttiana ‘Miss Manila’ sp. 1. In conclusion, this study not only provided valuable genome resources but also helped to identify Bougainvillea cultivars and understand the chloroplast genome evolution of the Nyctaginaceae family.
A decline in tuberculosis diagnosis, treatment initiation and success during the COVID-19 pandemic, using routine health data in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Jennings Karen , Lembani Martina , Hesseling Anneke C. , Mbula Nyameka , Mohr-Holland Erika , Mudaly Vanessa , Smith Mariette , Osman Muhammad , Meehan Sue-Ann
Published: September 2024

Background

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) negatively impacted tuberculosis (TB) programs which were already struggling to meet End-TB targets globally. We aimed to quantify and compare diagnosis, treatment initiation, treatment success, and losses along this TB care cascade for drug-susceptible TB in Cape Town, South Africa, prior to and during COVID-19.

Methods

This observational study used routine TB data within two predefined cohorts: pre-COVID-19 (1 October 2018–30 September 2019) and during-COVID-19 (1 April 2020–31 March 2021). The numbers of people diagnosed, treated for TB and successfully treated were received from the Western Cape Provincial Health Data Centre. Pre and post treatment loss to follow up and cascade success rates (proportion of individuals diagnosed with an outcome of treatment success) were calculated and compared across cohorts, disaggregated by sex, age, HIV status, TB treatment history and mode of diagnosis.

Results

There were 27,481 and 19,800 individuals diagnosed with drug-susceptible TB in the pre- and during-COVID-19 cohorts respectively, a relative reduction of 28% (95% CI [27.4% - 28.5%]). Initial loss to follow up increased from 13.4% to 15.2% (p<0.001), while post treatment loss increased from 25.2% to 26.1% (p < 0.033). The overall cascade success rate dropped by 2.1%, from 64.8% to 62.7% (p< 0.001). Pre- and during-COVID-19 cascade success rates were negatively associated with living with HIV and having recurrent TB.

Conclusions

An already poorly performing TB program in Cape Town was negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a substantial reduction in the number of individuals diagnosed with drug-susceptible. Increases in pre-and post-treatment losses resulted in a decline in TB cascade success rates. Strengthened implementation of TB recovery plans is vital, as health services now face an even greater gap between achievements and targets and will need to become more resilient to possible future public health disruptions.
NEDD4 family ubiquitin ligase AIP4 interacts with Alix to enable HBV naked capsid egress in an Alix ubiquitination-independent manner
Authors: Shen Sheng , Cai Dawei , Liang Hongyan , Zeng Ge , Liu Wendong , Yan Ran , Yu Xiaoyang , Zhang Hu , Liu Shi , Li Wanying , Deng Rui , Lu Xingyu , Liu Yuanjie , Sun Jian , Guo Haitao
Published: September 2024

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) exploits the endosomal sorting complexes required for transport (ESCRT)/multivesicular body (MVB) pathway for virion budding. In addition to enveloped virions, HBV-replicating cells nonlytically release non-enveloped (naked) capsids independent of the integral ESCRT machinery, but the exact secretory mechanism remains elusive. Here, we provide more detailed information about the existence and characteristics of naked capsid, as well as the viral and host regulations of naked capsid egress. HBV capsid/core protein has two highly conserved Lysine residues (K7/K96) that potentially undergo various types of posttranslational modifications for subsequent biological events. Mutagenesis study revealed that the K96 residue is critical for naked capsid egress, and the intracellular egress-competent capsids are associated with ubiquitinated host proteins. Consistent with a previous report, the ESCRT-III-binding protein Alix and its Bro1 domain are required for naked capsid secretion through binding to intracellular capsid, and we further found that the ubiquitinated Alix binds to wild type capsid but not K96R mutant. Moreover, screening of NEDD4 E3 ubiquitin ligase family members revealed that AIP4 stimulates the release of naked capsid, which relies on AIP4 protein integrity and E3 ligase activity. We further demonstrated that AIP4 interacts with Alix and promotes its ubiquitination, and AIP4 is essential for Alix-mediated naked capsid secretion. However, the Bro1 domain of Alix is non-ubiquitinated, indicating that Alix ubiquitination is not absolutely required for AIP4-induced naked capsid secretion. Taken together, our study sheds new light on the mechanism of HBV naked capsid egress in viral life cycle.
The unique Legionella longbeachae capsule favors intracellular replication and immune evasion
Authors: Schmidt Silke , Mondino Sonia , Gomez-Valero Laura , Escoll Pedro , Mascarenhas Danielle P. A. , Gonçalves Augusto , Camara Pedro H. M. , Garcia Rodriguez Francisco J. , Rusniok Christophe , Sachse Martin , Moya-Nilges Maryse , Fontaine Thierry , Zamboni Dario S. , Buchrieser Carmen
Published: September 2024

Legionella longbeachae and Legionella pneumophila are the most common causative agents of Legionnaires’ disease. While the clinical manifestations caused by both species are similar, species-specific differences exist in environmental niches, disease epidemiology, and genomic content. One such difference is the presence of a genomic locus predicted to encode a capsule. Here, we show that L. longbeachae indeed expresses a capsule in post-exponential growth phase as evidenced by electron microscopy analyses, and that capsule expression is abrogated when deleting a capsule transporter gene. Capsule purification and its analysis via HLPC revealed the presence of a highly anionic polysaccharide that is absent in the capsule mutant. The capsule is important for replication and virulence in vivo in a mouse model of infection and in the natural host Acanthamoeba castellanii. It has anti-phagocytic function when encountering innate immune cells such as human macrophages and it is involved in the low cytokine responses in mice and in human monocyte derived macrophages, thus dampening the innate immune response. Thus, the here characterized L. longbeachae capsule is a novel virulence factor, unique among the known Legionella species, which may aid L. longbeachae to survive in its specific niches and which partly confers L. longbeachae its unique infection characteristics.
Elasticity of the HIV-1 core facilitates nuclear entry and infection
Authors: Deshpande Akshay , Bryer Alexander J. , Andino-Moncada Jonathan R. , Shi Jiong , Hong Jun , Torres Cameron , Harel Shimon , Francis Ashwanth C. , Perilla Juan R. , Aiken Christopher , Rousso Itay
Published: September 2024

HIV-1 infection requires passage of the viral core through the nuclear pore of the cell, a process that depends on functions of the viral capsid. Recent studies have shown that HIV-1 cores enter the nucleus prior to capsid disassembly. Interactions of the viral capsid with the nuclear pore complex are necessary but not sufficient for nuclear entry, and the mechanism by which the viral core traverses the comparably sized nuclear pore is unknown. Here we show that the HIV-1 core is highly elastic and that this property is linked to nuclear entry and infectivity. Using atomic force microscopy-based approaches, we found that purified wild type cores rapidly returned to their normal conical morphology following a severe compression. Results from independently performed molecular dynamic simulations of the mature HIV-1 capsid also revealed its elastic property. Analysis of four HIV-1 capsid mutants that exhibit impaired nuclear entry revealed that the mutant viral cores are brittle. Adaptation of two of the mutant viruses in cell culture resulted in additional substitutions that restored elasticity and rescued infectivity and nuclear entry. We also show that capsid-targeting compound PF74 and the antiviral drug Lenacapavir reduce core elasticity and block HIV-1 nuclear entry at concentrations that preserve interactions between the viral core and the nuclear envelope. Our results indicate that elasticity is a fundamental property of the HIV-1 core that enables nuclear entry, thereby facilitating infection. These results provide new insights into the role of the capsid in HIV-1 nuclear entry and the antiviral mechanisms of HIV-1 capsid inhibitors.
Fashion Education: The Systemic Revolution, Ben Barry and Deborah A. Christel (eds) (2023)
Authors: Becker Payton
Published: September 2024

Review of: Fashion Education: The Systemic Revolution, Ben Barry and Deborah A. Christel (eds) (2023)

Bristol: Intellect, 352 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-78938-680-6, p/bk, $47.95
Preamble: Sensing elementality
Authors: Ritts Max , Silcox Nicholas R. , Ruiz Rafico
Published: September 2024

This article introduces ‘sensing elementality’ as an analytic orientation meant to evoke the overlapping potentials of eco-critique and experimental thinking. We highlight the importance of sensing and elementality both as theoretical frameworks and emerging debates within a number of academic fields, including geography, media studies, and Science and Technology Studies (STS). Finally, we overview some of the contributions of the articles featured in this Special Issue, which address such varied topics as electromagnetic disturbances, experimental life sciences, fibre optic cables and cetology.
Análise de questões da parte de Formação Geral (FG) da prova do Exame Nacional de Desempenho dos Estudantes (Enade) e problemas de leitura que impactam o desempenho dos alunos
Authors: Mazur Doi Chirstiane
Published: September 2024

Este artigo versa sobre a estrutura de enunciados e sobre aleitura de textos expressos na forma de questões de múltiplaescolha. De modo particular, tomando como referenciaisteóricos as concepções de leitura e de texto expressas porAlliende, F. e Condemarín, M. (2002), Amorim, F.S. (2012),Cavalcante, M.M. (2012), Garcez, L.H.C. (2002), Koch, I.V. eElias, V.M. (2006), Orlandi, E.P. (1996), Sweetser, E. (1991)e Soligo I. (2000), analisaremos as duas questões objetivasde Formação Geral (FG) do Exame Nacional de Desempenhodos Estudantes (Enade), realizado em 2021, em que ospercentuais de acertos dos estudantes, em âmbito nacional,foram os menores.
Evolution of FDI Hosting Economies in the Context of the Rapid Worldwide Diffusion of Robotics Technologies – Analysing the Manufacturing Sector of the V4 Countries
Authors:   , Gurály Roland Ferenc
Published: September 2024

The thesis analyses the impact of new automation tendencies on the Visegrad-Four countries. One of the critical sectors affected is manufacturing, where robotisation is already quite advanced and has relatively long traditions. The Visegrad countries are particularly interesting for research due to their “catching-up” status. Therefore, the analysis explores robotisation's impact on the Visegrad region's manufacturing sector. This potential influence was analysed in four ways: foreign direct investment, technological upgrading, upgrading in global value chains, and employment. A complex methodological framework supported the investigation: the potential effect was scrutinised at macro- and micro-levels. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were carried out by building on field and desk research. My findings are the followings: 1. In terms of foreign direct investment, my point of departure was that leading industrial countries are gaining more economic advantages with the recent technological developments than the less developed ones, like the V4. However, during the research, no evidence was found for the negative impact of robotisation on foreign direct investment in manufacturing. Accordingly, the manufacturing sectors of the V4 countries are still attractive destinations for investments from the major FDI-sending countries. 2. Regarding technological upgrading, I revealed a related development in the Visegrad Four region. The robotisation of the local subsidiaries of large multinational companies is a primary source of this progress. 3. However, technological upgrading does not go hand in hand with upgrading global value chains. I did not observe related evidence in the statistics for the region. The reason behind this is the still dominantly assembly and production-oriented focus of activities in the local subsidiaries of large multinationals. Such activities usually possess a lower added value in global cooperation. 4. Finally, I did not unveil a negative impact of robotisation on employment in the V4. On the contrary, this relationship is positive, as the increase in robotisation and automation supports the establishment of new workplaces. Consequently, although the analysis shows a mixed picture, the current economic landscape of the V4 economies in regard to robotisation is promising.
Estado taxonómico, distribución y conservación de la planta en peligro crítico Psychotria angustata (Rubiaceae), endémica de la isla Floreana, Galápagos
Authors: Simbaña Walter , Tye Alan , Motley Timothy J. , Eliasson Uno
Published: September 2024

Dos especies de Psychotria han sido reconocidas en las islas Galápagos, ambas arbustos del sotobosque, endémicas para el archipiélago: P. rufipes Hook. f. está presente en siete islas, incluyendo Floreana, mientras P. angustata Andersson es endémica de Floreana. Desde su descubrimiento a mediados del siglo 19, el estado taxonómico y ecológico de estas especies ha sido dudoso. Para aclarar esto, examinamos las muestras históricas y numerosas colecciones recientes de ambas especies, e investigamos su distribución en Floreana. Un examen de la descripción original de P. angustata permite restringir su material tipo a la muestra Andersson 195, la cual designamos lectotipo. Constatamos diferencias de la venación, indumento, forma y tamaño de las hojas, que confirman la existencia de dos formas claramente diferentes, que originalmente fueron referidas a dos especies. También existen diferencias en el indumento de las ramas pequeñas, de las inflorescencias y de las flores, pero el color de las flores parece ser similar (blanco a color crema) en los dos taxones. Estas diferencias son de un grado comúnmente considerado como de nivel infra-específico en otras especies de Psychotria. Por lo tanto, proporcionamos la nueva combinación necesaria Psychotria rufipes var. angustata W. Simbaña & Tye stat. nov. Los dos taxones están amenazados por la destrucción del bosque húmedo y por los animales y plantas introducidos. La investigación de campo confirma el estado actual de Psychotria rufipes var. angustata en la Lista Roja mundial como En Peligro Crítico. La estructura de edades de las poblaciones sugiere la recuperación de los dos taxones desde la erradicación reciente de los ungulados ferales de Floreana, pero las plantas invasoras siguen amenazándolos.
Environmental Management Accounting: A Tool for Better Management Practice
Authors: Kassim Che Ku Hisam Che Ku , Ariffin Avylin Roziana Mohd , Muhmad Siti Nasuha
Published: September 2024

Over the years, there has been a growing emphasis among organisations on the need to address environmental issues and develop management practices and tools that are useful in improving environmental performance of the organisations.  The deficiency of conventional accounting practices has spurred the infusion of environmental management accounting (EMA) and its adoption has been promoted at international, national and local government levels. The main purpose of this paper is to provide a general discussion on pertinent characteristics of EMA including its supporting tools to enhance its applicability and potential benefits that could be derived from its adoption. The discussion adds to the existing literature and provides a platform for future research intending to examine the extent of EMA development in an organisation.