bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The genome sequence of the European harvest mouse, Micromys minutus (Pallas, 1771)
Authors: O'Brien Michelle F. , Lopez Colom Rosa ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: July 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Micromys minutus (the European harvest mouse; Chordata; Mammalia; Rodentia; Muridae). The genome sequence spans 2,651.80 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 34 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.24 kilobases in length.
The Role of the Student Council in the Management of the Educational Organization
Authors: Basanova E.
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this research is to study the role of the Student Council in the management of the educational organization. The article analyzes the main tasks, the place in the structure of the educational organization, the formation and functionality of the Student Council, as well as interaction with representatives of the administration of the educational organization. The possibilities of improving the work of the Council of Students and increasing its effectiveness in the management of an educational organization are being determined. The impact of membership in the Council of Students on the personal qualities of students is revealed. The results of a survey of students on the importance of the Student Council and their possible role in it are presented. The possibilities of practical application of this research are to conduct seminars or trainings for members of the Student Council in order to increase their competencies and effective work, raise awareness among the administration of the educational organization, as well as create recommendations for improving the work of the Student Council.
Teaching Mathematics in a Digital Educational Environment
Authors: Kozlov O. , Bochkova E.
Published: July 2024

Currently, ICT technologies are widely used in the learning process. In practice, it turned out that it is not so easy to introduce these innovations into the educational process. This article provides an analysis of the use of modern technologies in mathematics lessons. The main areas of application of ICT technologies in education are the construction of individual learning routes, automation of control, the construction of various graphs and three-dimensional geometric shapes. Based on the above, the question arises about the possibility of improving the effectiveness and accessibility of education. Is it possible to increase students' interest in the subject, as well as the quality of education, with the help of a digital educational environment?
Formation of Creative Experience of a Choreographer in the System of Professional Education
Authors: Go Chzhizho
Published: July 2024

The modern system of training specialists in the field of choreography prepares a creative person who constantly strives for professional self-improvement and strives to teach and train others (children and adults). Since choreographic art is the art of beauty and health of the human body. Therefore, many teachers around the world strive to study, analyze and develop their own innovative teaching methods. Since they have a positive effect on (1) the manifestation of creative abilities in future specialists; (2) development of various forms of thinking; (3) expand worldviews in general, and (4) help to see the interconnectedness of dance art with biology and other sciences. It is precisely these qualities that future teachers and choreography teachers need and must be developed in the learning process. Therefore, in many educational institutions, the development of art education is noted through updating its content, associated with rethinking the social purpose of the profession of a choreography teacher, since it is he who is able to creatively introduce socially significant innovations and flexibly respond to the cultural demands of the time. The necessity is substantiated not only for the teacher to develop the subject and practical skills of a dancer, but also for the synthesis of knowledge, abilities and skills that allow the effective implementation of professional training of future choreographers with relevant competencies.

The article emphasizes that the formation of artistic and creative experience is associated (1) with the need to get acquainted with works of art through perception and performing interpretation; (2) with the motivation to acquire knowledge in the field of expressive means as the basis for creating choreographic images; (3) with the development of the ability to perceive artistic images in the field of choreographic art for in-depth mastery of the art of reproducing choreographic works. Taking into account the listed features requires the effective use of creative tasks in the educational process through means of improving and optimizing educational activities. It has been proven that professional training in modern choreography requires the teacher’s ability to integrate his knowledge when teaching specific disciplines in order to appropriately update the educational process.
The Influence of Anti-Russian Sanctions on World Economic Relations Between Germany and the United States
Authors: Basovskaya Elena
Published: July 2024

This paper assesses the impact of anti-Russian sanctions on global economic relations between the United States and Germany by changes in the relationship between the economic growth rates of the United States and Germany and the economic growth rates of the countries of the modern world. The correlations between economic growth rates are assessed for the periods before and after the introduction of most anti-Russian sanctions, for 2005–2012, and for 20142022. The results obtained from assessing the closeness of world economic ties indicate that anti-Russian sanctions imposed by the United States and its partners, including Germany, had a significant impact on international economic relations. At the same time, despite the anti-Russian nature of the sanctions, which were initiated by the United States, they practically did not disrupt Russia’s ties with the United States. Despite their anti-Russian orientation, sanctions have significantly weakened Germany’s world economic ties. This suggests that the sanctions were introduced with the expectation that they would strike not only the Russian economy, but also the German economy, which could contribute to the development of the US economy competing with the German economy. Sanctions have changed the structure of world economic ties and increased the closeness of ties between the economies of Germany and Iran, whose world economic ties the United States and its partners are seeking to limit.
Estimation of Significance of Adjustment and Execution of City Budget on Indices of Structural Differences
Authors: Ogarkova T. , Urodovskih V.
Published: July 2024

This article analyzes and evaluates the significance of the structural differences between the original and updated budgets of the city of Lipetsk for 2022, as well as between the budgets of the city of Lipetsk for 2015 and 2022. Factors such as the linear coefficient of structural differences, the quadratic coefficient of structural differences, and the indices K. Gatev, A. Salai and V. M. Ryabtsev were used to estimate structural differences.
Efectos de la meteorología extrema en Sevilla durante el siglo XVIII: mecanismos de defensa ante sequías e inundaciones del Guadalquivir.
Authors: García-Barrón Leoncio , García-Cuadri Mª Rocío , García-Cuadri Luis Antonio
Published: July 2024

El suroeste de la península Ibérica está sometido a la irregularidad del régimen pluviométrico con recurrentes sucesos opuestos, periodos de sequías o de lluvias intensas. A partir de fuentes documentales, en el contexto de las particulares condiciones hidrológicas de la ciudad y de su sistema de protección urbana, se examinan los correspondientes impactos del río Guadalquivir en Sevilla durante el siglo XVIII. Se describen los sucesos que ponen de manifiesto la vulnerabilidad frente a fenómenos meteorológicos extremos. Esto nos ha permitido elaborar el índice anual de riesgo hídrico. De su cuantificación se obtiene la evolución temporal a lo largo del siglo XVIII. Distribuidos irregularmente se observa la variabilidad, en que los efectos de la sequía son más frecuentes en la primera mitad de siglo y los de las inundaciones en las décadas finales.
Cómo eliminar los xenobióticos, dilema para el metabolismo
Authors: Méndez-Rodríguez Lia Celina , Álvarez-Castañeda Sergio Ticul
Published: July 2024

Un contaminante puede causar graves síntomas en la salud de una especie mientras que en otra no represente ningún peligro. Esta respuesta diferencial entre especies de mamíferos se debe a que en cada organismo se llevan a cabo diferentes reacciones químicas para facilitar la eliminación de las sustancias que no le son necesarias, y se conoce como biotransformación.
Lord Jim Knight
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: July 2024

Derren Hayes speaks to the former MP and chair of an independent review of Ofsted
Legal Update: Illegal Migration Act – an update
Authors: MacLachlan Stewart
Published: July 2024

Stewart MacLachlan, legal and policy manager at Coram Children's Legal Centre, assesses the final version of the controversial legislation and its potential impact on children and agencies
Inspections Clinic: New SEND inspections
Authors: Stephenson Jo
Published: July 2024

Provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities has been subject to a new inspection regime this year. Jo Stephenson speaks to Ofsted about progress so far
Cycle products and efficient vectors in reciprocal matrices
Authors: Furtado Susana , Johnson Charles R.
Published: July 2024

We focus on the relationship between Hamiltonian cycle products and efficient vectors for a reciprocal matrix $A$, to more deeply understand the latter. This facilitates a new description of the set of efficient vectors (as a union of convex subsets), greater understanding of convexity within this set and of order reversals in efficient vectors. A straightforward description of all efficient vectors for an $n$-by-$n$, column perturbed consistent matrix is given; it is the union of at most $(n-1)(n-2)/2$ convex sets.
Clarifying Several Misjudgments regarding China’s Economic Trends
Authors: Jian Xinhua , Nie Changfei
Published: July 2024

China’s economic growth rate has shown a general downward trend since 2010, and in unadjusted figures, the difference between the economic aggregates of China and the United States widened during 2022 and 2023. Consequently, misinformation concerning China’s economic trends has appeared both in China and abroad. This study aims to refute the misinformation by demonstrating that China’s economy has not fallen into a prolonged recession, and that the downward trend of China’s economic growth is not a result of suppressing private enterprises while privileging state-owned firms. The gap between the economic aggregates of the United States and China has not begun to widen, and it is wrong to suggest that China can achieve sustained high-quality development through further privatization, marketization, and liberalization.
Servicization and the Limits of the Mainstream: Structural Change in Developing Countries
Authors: Fforde Adam
Published: July 2024

The article examines prospects for policy to enhance contemporary economic development. Shortcomings of mainstream economic analyses are evident since the Cold War, with failure to establish policy doctrines engaging with developing countries’ structural transformation: on average, not industrialisation, but servicization: capital and labour moving from agriculture to services. Faster-growing countries show greater servicization, yet overtly services-focused strategies are rare, and policy doctrine and economic analysis focuses on industrialisation. Literature searches show that servicization is largely ignored, reducing possibilities for policy-supported growth. Demonstrating this, the article argues that “internal” aspects of mainstream data and theory create severe confirmation bias, explaining this failure. If the “state” is there to support capitalism, in this area it seems to be doing rather badly.
Diffractive optical elements on non-planar surfaces for the formation of color 3D images
Authors: Goncharsky Alexander , Goncharsky Anton , Durlevich Svyatoslav
Published: July 2024

This paper is dedicated to the development of synthesis methods for diffractive optical elements (DOEs) on non-planar surfaces. To form 3D images, a set of color 2D frames is used, visible to an observer from different observation points. The developed DOEs can be called a stereogram with a 360-deg view when the DOE is illuminated with white light. Methods are developed for computing the phase function of the DOE and are applicable to a wide range of convex surfaces. However, the manufacturing technology used limits this range to conical and cylindrical surfaces. The microrelief of the flat DOE is produced using electron-beam lithography. A video recorded using optical elements produced demonstrates the capabilities of the technologies developed. These DOEs can be used to protect brands against counterfeit.
Cross-wavelength calibrating method for real-time imaging of tissue optical properties using frequency-domain diffuse optical spectroscopy
Authors: Pham Thao , Wei Lina Lin , Roblyer Darren
Published: July 2024

Frequency-domain diffuse optical spectroscopy (FD-DOS) is a powerful non-invasive technique for assessing tissue optical properties, with applications ranging from basic research to clinical diagnosis. In this study, we introduce and validate a novel approach termed the cross-wavelength calibrating (CWC) method within the framework of TrackDOSI, a real-time FD-DOS imaging system for tissue characterization. The CWC method aims to mitigate the effects of changing optical coupling and motion artifacts encountered during probe scanning, thus enhancing the accuracy and reliability of optical property measurements. Notably, the CWC method also allows for a simpler geometry with fewer sources than traditional self-calibrating (SC) methods, reducing instrumental complexity and cost while maintaining robustness in estimating optical properties. We first validate the CWC method on solid silicone phantoms, demonstrating strong agreement with the gold standard SC method with an error of -10% and 1% for absorption and reduced scattering coefficients, respectively. Furthermore, experiments on phantom and human tissue reveal the CWC approach's ability to suppress motion artifacts and optical coupling variations, thereby improving measurement repeatability, signal fidelity, and artifact correction in dynamic imaging scenarios. Our findings underscore the potential of the CWC method to enhance the clinical utility of DOSI techniques by enabling real-time artifact correction and improving the accuracy of tissue optical property measurements.
Design of tunable selective light-absorbing metasurfaces driven by intrinsically chiral quasi-bound states in the continuum
Authors: Lv Shuyuan , Hu Fei , Luo Wenfeng , Xu Haifeng , An Lan
Published: July 2024

Chiral metasurfaces with high quality factors (Q-factors) and strong circular dichroism (CD) are excellent platforms for studying chiral optical response. Here, a design is proposed of an intrinsic chiral silicon metasurface driven by bound states in the continuum (BIC), with ultra-high Q-factor (Q = 3722) and chirality response close to the unit CD (CD > 0.99). By breaking the in-plane and out-of-plane symmetry of the structure, the intrinsic chirality based on BIC can be precisely controlled. In addition to studying intrinsic chirality, we have also achieved extrinsic chirality by obliquely incident circularly polarized light without introducing out-of-plane asymmetry. Moreover, we introduce graphene into the intrinsically chiral metasurface to form a graphene-Si hybridized metasurface. Selective absorption of intensity-controlled right-handed/left-handed circularly polarized light (RCP/LCP) was achieved by actively tuning the Fermi level and out-of-plane tilt angle of the graphene structure based on coupled-mode theory. Our research provides another insight into the application of intrinsic optical chirality, which is expected to be widely used in the fields of optical filters, polarization detectors, and chiral imaging.
Strain coupling of a single exciton to a nano-optomechanical resonator
Authors: Lodde Matteo , van Veldhoven René P. J. , Verhagen Ewold , Fiore Andrea
Published: July 2024

We demonstrate the coupling of a semiconductor quantum dot (QD) to an optomechanical cavity, mediated by the strain of a nano-mechanical mode. The device comprises an optomechanical photonic crystal nanobeam in GaAs with embedded In(Ga)As QDs. The flexural mechanical mode of the device can be optically driven exploiting the large optomechanical coupling rate of the cavity. The vibrations generate a time-modulated strain field that shifts the quantum dot transition energy. We observe that optical driving of the mechanical mode induces a shift in an excitonic line corresponding to an estimated vacuum strain coupling rate of 214 kHz. Our approach represents an important step towards the use of phonons to couple different on-chip quantum systems.
Optics Continuum recognizes the 2023 Best Paper Prize winners: editorial
Authors: Dawes Judith , Conti Gualtiero Nunzi
Published: July 2024

The Editor-in-Chief and Deputy Editor of Optics Continuum announce the recipients of the 2023 Best Paper Prize.
Eight-wavelength-switchable single-frequency fiber laser with scattering-enhanced fiber-based wavelength self-adaptive linewidth compression
Authors: Yan Fengping , Wang Pengfei , Guo Wenya , Feng Ting , Guo Shaoheng
Published: July 2024

We demonstrate an eight-wavelength-switchable single-frequency (SF) ultra-narrow linewidth erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL). A switchable polarization-dependent eight-channel filter (S-PDECF), fabricated using femtosecond laser direct-writing technology, determines the eight wavelengths of the laser output, with four channels concentrated near 1530 nm and the other four near 1550 nm. A dual-coupler ring-based compound-cavity filter is utilized to achieve single-longitudinal-mode selection for the EDFL. The introduction of a femtosecond laser direct-written scattering-enhanced fiber (SEF) effectively narrows the laser linewidth, enabling ultra-narrow linewidth outputs lasing at all eight wavelengths, and the wavelength self-adaptive linewidth compression of the SEF is verified for the first time. Furthermore, the incorporation of SEF significantly enhances the overall performance of the EDFL. The eight switchable single-wavelength laser outputs all exhibit exceptional characteristics, including spectral wavelength fluctuations of ≤0.011 nm, spectral peak power fluctuations of ≤0.54 dB, optical signal-to-noise ratios of ≥71 dB, linewidths of ≤248 Hz, output power fluctuations of ≤0.252 dB over a 10-min measurement period, and relative intensity noise of ≤-150.17 dB/Hz @≥ 3 MHz.
miR-203 secreted in extracellular vesicles mediates the communication between neural crest and placode cells required for trigeminal ganglia formation
Authors: Bernardi Yanel E. , Sanchez-Vasquez Estefania , Márquez Rocío Belén , Piacentino Michael L. , Urrutia Hugo , Rossi Izadora , Alcântara Saraiva Karina L. , Pereira-Neves Antonio , Ramirez Marcel I. , Bronner Marianne E. , de Miguel Natalia , Strobl-Mazzulla Pablo H.
Published: July 2024

While interactions between neural crest and placode cells are critical for the proper formation of the trigeminal ganglion, the mechanisms underlying this process remain largely uncharacterized. Here, by using chick embryos, we show that the microRNA (miR)-203, whose epigenetic repression is required for neural crest migration, is reactivated in coalescing and condensing trigeminal ganglion cells. Overexpression of miR-203 induces ectopic coalescence of neural crest cells and increases ganglion size. By employing cell-specific electroporations for either miR-203 sponging or genomic editing using CRISPR/Cas9, we elucidated that neural crest cells serve as the source, while placode cells serve as the site of action for miR-203 in trigeminal ganglion condensation. Demonstrating intercellular communication, overexpression of miR-203 in the neural crest in vitro or in vivo represses an miR-responsive sensor in placode cells. Moreover, neural crest-secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs), visualized using pHluorin-CD63 vector, become incorporated into the cytoplasm of placode cells. Finally, RT-PCR analysis shows that small EVs isolated from condensing trigeminal ganglia are selectively loaded with miR-203. Together, our findings reveal a critical role in vivo for neural crest-placode communication mediated by sEVs and their selective microRNA cargo for proper trigeminal ganglion formation.
Association between depression and infertility based on the PHQ-9 score: Analyses of NHANES 2013–2018
Authors: Wan Li , He Sijie
Published: July 2024

Background

Over the past decade, nationally representative research elucidating the association between depression and infertility has been notably lacking. Our study aimed to investigate the association between depression and infertility among women of childbearing age.

Methods

Our study encompassed 3,654 women aged 18 to 45 years from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2018. Infertility was defined as a positive response to the query: “Have you attempted to conceive for a minimum of one year without achieving pregnancy?” Depression was evaluated by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score (range, 0–27). Multiple logistic regression analyses and subgroup analyses stratified by age and race/ethnicity were conducted to investigate the association between depression and infertility. Furthermore, fitted smoothing curves and threshold effect analysis were utilized to depict the nonlinear relationship.

Results

Total PHQ-9 score was associated with infertility in the fully adjusted model (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.01–1.07, P = 0.010), and this relationship exhibited a non-linear pattern, reaching a saturation point at 13, as substantiated by the fitting of smoothed curves. Additionally, the association remained robust when stratified by age but not by race/ethnicity.

Limitations

Cross-sectional design and recall biases.

Conclusions

In this cross-sectional study, depression was associated with infertility among women of childbearing age in the fully adjusted models. This observed association holds potential relevance for clinicians tasked with enhancing psychological well-being during infertility management strategies.
Endurance training volume cannot entirely substitute for the lack of intensity
Authors: Matomäki Pekka , Heinonen Olli J. , Nummela Ari , Kyröläinen Heikki
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Very low intensity endurance training (LIT) does not seem to improve maximal oxygen uptake. The purpose of the present study was to investigate if very high volume of LIT could compensate the lack of intensity and is LIT affecting differently low and high intensity performances.

Methods

Recreationally active untrained participants (n = 35; 21 females) cycled either LIT (mean training time 6.7 ± 0.7 h / week at 63% of maximal heart rate, n = 16) or high intensity training (HIT) (1.6 ± 0.2 h /week, n = 19) for 10 weeks. Two categories of variables were measured: Low (first lactate threshold, fat oxidation at low intensity exercise, post-exercise recovery) and high (aerobic capacity, second lactate threshold, sprinting power, maximal stroke volume) intensity performance.

Results

Only LIT enhanced pooled low intensity performance (LIT: p = 0.01, ES = 0.49, HIT: p = 0.20, ES = 0.20) and HIT pooled high intensity performance (LIT: p = 0.34, ES = 0.05, HIT: p = 0.007, ES = 0.48).

Conclusions

Overall, very low endurance training intensity cannot fully be compensated by high training volume in adaptations to high intensity performance, but it nevertheless improved low intensity performance. Therefore, the intensity threshold for improving low intensity performance is lower than that for improving high intensity performance. Consequently, evaluating the effectiveness of LIT on endurance performance cannot be solely determined by high intensity performance tests.
Acaricidal activity of Egyptian crude plant extracts against Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks
Authors: Abdou Ahmed M. , Arifeta Nanang R. , Seddek Abdel-latif S. , Morad Samy Abdel-Raouf Fahim , Abdelmageed Noha , Badry Mohamed O. , Umemiya-Shirafuji Rika , Nishikawa Yoshifumi
Published: July 2024

Haemaphysalis longicornis is a common Ixodida tick species found in temperate areas of Asian countries. An anti-tick assay was conducted on adult female H. longicornis ticks. Plant extract solutions were prepared at concentrations of 50, 25, and 10 mg/mL. Tick survival and mortality were assessed by counting the number of dead and live ticks at 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h posttreatment. Out of 11 plant extracts screened, Artemisia judaica extract exhibited the highest potency with 100% mortality (5/5) at 48 h when applied at high and moderate concentrations (50 and 25 mg/mL). Similar results were observed at 96 h for the 10 mg/mL group compared to the untreated ticks. Cleome droserifolia extract demonstrated partial activity with 60% (3/5) and 20% (1/5) mortality at 96 h posttreatment at concentrations of 50 and 25 mg/mL, respectively. Forsskaolea tenacissima extract showed a weak effect with 100% tick mortality (5/5) only at the highest treatment concentration after 96 h. To confirm the activity of A. judaica, trial 2 was conducted. A. judaica demonstrated potency within 48 h in high dose and 72 h in moderate dose, with 100% mortality (15/15) at 96 h posttreatment compared to untreated ticks. The median lethal time 50 (LT50) values were 30.37 h for the high and 55.08 h for the moderate doses. Liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry was performed on the most potent candidate (A. judaica) to identify its phytochemical components. The results revealed the presence of 9 compounds identified through manual annotation and 74 compounds from the Global Natural Products Social library. These compounds included terpenoids, steroids, phenylpropanoids, flavonoid glycosides, flavonoids, and benzenoids. Camphor was identified as the major component via both approaches. These findings suggest the potential use of A. judaica extract in the future development of acaricidal therapeutics.
Prochlorococcus marinus responses to light and oxygen
Authors: Savoie Mireille , Mattison Aurora , Genge Laurel , Nadeau Julie , Śliwińska-Wilczewska Sylwia , Berthold Maximilian , Omar Naaman M. , Prášil Ondřej , Cockshutt Amanda M. , Campbell Douglas A.
Published: July 2024

Prochlorococcus marinus, the smallest picocyanobacterium, comprises multiple clades occupying distinct niches, currently across tropical and sub-tropical oligotrophic ocean regions, including Oxygen Minimum Zones. Ocean warming may open growth-permissive temperatures in new, poleward photic regimes, along with expanded Oxygen Minimum Zones. We used ocean metaproteomic data on current Prochlorococcus marinus niches, to guide testing of Prochlorococcus marinus growth across a matrix of peak irradiances, photoperiods, spectral bands and dissolved oxygen. MED4 from Clade HLI requires greater than 4 h photoperiod, grows at 25 μmol O2 L-1 and above, and exploits high cumulative diel photon doses. MED4, however, relies upon an alternative oxidase to balance electron transport, which may exclude it from growth under our lowest, 2.5 μmol O2 L-1, condition. SS120 from clade LLII/III is restricted to low light under full 250 μmol O2 L-1, shows expanded light exploitation under 25 μmol O2 L-1, but is excluded from growth under 2.5 μmol O2 L-1. Intermediate oxygen suppresses the cost of PSII photoinactivation, and possibly the enzymatic production of H2O2 in SS120, which has limitations on genomic capacity for PSII and DNA repair. MIT9313 from Clade LLIV is restricted to low blue irradiance under 250 μmol O2 L-1, but exploits much higher irradiance under red light, or under lower O2 concentrations, conditions which slow photoinactivation of PSII and production of reactive oxygen species. In warming oceans, range expansions and competition among clades will be governed not only by light levels. Short photoperiods governed by latitude, temperate winters, and depth attenuation of light, will exclude clade HLI (including MED4) from some habitats. In contrast, clade LLII/III (including SS120), and particularly clade LLIV (including MIT9313), may exploit higher light niches nearer the surface, under expanding OMZ conditions, where low O2 relieves the stresses of oxidation stress and PSII photoinhibition.
Regulation of H9C2 cell hypertrophy by 14-3-3η via inhibiting glycolysis
Authors: Wan Sha , Wang Songhao , Yang Xianfei , Cui Yalan , Guan Heng , Xiao Wenping , Liu Fang
Published: July 2024

It has been reported that Ywhah (14-3-3η) reduces glycolysis. However, it remains unclear about the downstream mechanism by which glycolysis is regulated by 14-3-3η in cardiac hypertrophy. As an important regulator, Yes-associated protein (YAP) interacts with 14-3-3η to participate in the initiation and progression of various diseases in vivo. In this study, the model of H9C2 cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was established by triiodothyronine (T3) or rotenone stimulation to probe into the action mechanism of 14-3-3η. Interestingly, the overexpression of 14-3-3η attenuated T3 or rotenone induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and decreased glycolysis in H9C2 cardiomyocytes, whereas the knockdown of 14-3-3η had an opposite effect. Mechanistically, 14-3-3η can reduce the expression level of YAP and bind to it to reduce its nuclear translocation. In addition, changing YAP may affect the expression of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), a glycolysis-related protein. Meanwhile, LDHA is also a possible target for 14-3-3η to mediate glycolysis based on changes in pyruvate, a substrate of LDHA. Collectively, 14-3-3η can suppress cardiomyocyte hypertrophy via decreasing the nucleus translocation of YAP and glycolysis, which indicates that 14-3-3η could be a promising target for inhibiting cardiac hypertrophy.
Species-specific IL-1β is an inflammatory sensor of Seneca Valley Virus 3C Protease
Authors: Huang Xiangyu , Zhao Zhenchao , Zhu Cheng , Chai Lvye , Yan Ya , Yuan Ye , Wu Lei , Li Minjie , Jiang Xiaohan , Wang Haiwei , Liu Zheng , Li Pingwei , Li Xin
Published: July 2024

Inflammasomes play pivotal roles in inflammation by processing and promoting the secretion of IL-1β. Caspase-1 is involved in the maturation of IL-1β and IL-18, while human caspase-4 specifically processes IL-18. Recent structural studies of caspase-4 bound to Pro-IL-18 reveal the molecular basis of Pro-IL-18 activation by caspase-4. However, the mechanism of caspase-1 processing of pro-IL-1β and other IL-1β-converting enzymes remains elusive. Here, we observed that swine Pro-IL-1β (sPro-IL-1β) exists as an oligomeric precursor unlike monomeric human Pro-IL-1β (hPro-IL-1β). Interestingly, Seneca Valley Virus (SVV) 3C protease cleaves sPro-IL-1β to produce mature IL-1β, while it cleaves hPro-IL-1β but does not produce mature IL-1β in a specific manner. When the inflammasome is blocked, SVV 3C continues to activate IL-1β through direct cleavage in porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs). Through molecular modeling and mutagenesis studies, we discovered that the pro-domain of sPro-IL-1β serves as an ’exosite’ with its hydrophobic residues docking into a positively charged 3C protease pocket, thereby directing the substrate to the active site. The cleavage of sPro-IL-1β generates a monomeric and active form of IL-1β, initiating the downstream signaling. Thus, these studies provide IL-1β is an inflammatory sensor that directly detects viral protease through an independent pathway operating in parallel with host inflammasomes.
What are the skills, attributes and knowledge for group singing facilitators? A systematic review
Authors: Irons J. Yoon , Bonshor Michael , Tip Liesbeth , Boyd Sophie , Wydenbach Nicola , Sheffield David
Published: July 2024

Community-based open-to-all choirs or singing groups are popular internationally and associated with multiple health and well-being benefits. Facilitators of such groups require specific skills, attributes and knowledge. Therefore, we examined literature to identify key characteristics of group singing facilitators (GSFs) using a systematic review approach. Eighteen studies are included in the current review. These studies utilized qualitative research methods to illustrate GSFs’ roles within the community context. Narrative synthesis revealed two meta-themes, namely music-related and group facilitation-related. Within both meta-themes, there were various skills, attributes and knowledge specific to GSFs, which appear to be intertwined. This analysis also revealed the complexity of group singing facilitation along with a lack of opportunities for training and support for GSFs. Further research is needed to develop and evaluate holistic learning to support GSFs with essential skills, attributes and knowledge to promote group singing in the community setting.
From instrumentalism to embracing the other: An analysis of Mahasweta Devi’s ‘Rudali’ and Kalpana Lajmi’s Rudaali
Authors: Kathpalia Jyoti
Published: July 2024

This article examines Mahasweta Devi’s literary work ‘Rudali’ alongside Kalpana Lajmi’s cinematic adaptation Rudaali from the perspective of Derek Attridge’s views on literary instrumentalism and literariness. It attempts to tease out the literary elements and explore the shifting dynamic of the instrumental and the literary. The article looks at how the focus on the literariness in the two works facilitates an opening out towards the ‘other’ and an inclusivity that an instrumental approach may negate. The article also analyses the representation of the stereotype of the sex worker as prostitute and whore in the story and the film vis-à-vis the dynamics of openness to otherness and alterity. As a comparative analysis of the text and its adaptation in film, the article studies the contrast and complementarity of these works in text and film and finally examines how the features particular to the specific medium bring to bear on the instrumental approach, literariness, stereotypes and inclusivity.
Performing (in) The Maltese Falcon
Authors: Leitch Thomas
Published: July 2024

This article uses the self-performances of characters in Dashiell Hammett’s novel The Maltese Falcon to advance four propositions about the novel and its three screen adaptations: that Brigid O’Shaughnessy, the novel’s most often remarked role-player, is joined by Sam Spade and most of its other characters in self-performance; that the novel and its first two screen adaptations, Dangerous Female and Satan Met a Lady, treat Spade’s self-performance in three different ways; that Spade’s theatricality in the first two of these adaptations cannot be attributed to Brigid’s behaviour because it predates his first meeting with her; and that the characters’ inveterate habit of self-performance in all versions of Hammett’s story have important implications for the status of adaptations as performances of the texts they adapt.
The exile returns as conquering soldier: Collisions of past and future in Konrad Wolf’s Ich war neunzehn and Axel Corti’s Welcome in Vienna
Authors: Wickham Christopher J.
Published: July 2024

A young exile from fascist Germany returns to his homeland with the conquering army in 1945 and must grapple with questions of identity, belonging, conscience and ideology. This is the premise of both Konrad Wolf’s East German film Ich war neunzehn (1968) and Axel Corti’s Austrian production Welcome in Vienna (1986). The differences between the two films are, however, striking. Wolf’s protagonist Gregor returns with the Soviet forces, while Corti’s Freddy is an American GI; however this is merely the starting point. This article probes the narratives as well as the production and reception contexts that determine this stark contrast and examines the two films in terms of aesthetics, national politics and as ideological statements by their directors and documents of the Cold War.
Romantikus diskurzuselemek Ernst Moritz Arndt Briefe an Psychidion oder: Ueber weibliche Erziehung című pedagógiai témájú művében
Authors: Nádudvari Gabriella
Published: July 2024

Ernst Moritz Arndt (1769–1860) német író, történész 1805-ben kiadott kétkötetes, pedagógiai témájú műve, a Fragmente über Menschenbildung I-II. és az 1810/11-ben írt Briefe an Psychidion oder: Ueber weibliche Erziehung című írása, mely 1819-ben jelent meg a Fragmente über Menschenbildung harmadik köteteként, a romantikus pedagógia alapművének számít. A vonatkozó szakirodalom (Kölle, 1916; Ballauff és Schaller, 1973; Bollnow, 1987; Pukánszky, 2011) elsősorban Arndt antropológiai szempontú, az egész ember nevelésével kapcsolatos, általános nézeteit értelmezi, nőnevelési koncepciójának nem szentel figyelmet. Kutatásunk célja annak vizsgálata, hogy milyen romantikus diskurzuselemek érhetők tetten Arndt Briefe an Psychidion oder: Ueber weibliche Erziehung című alkotásában. Különösen az érdekelt bennünket, hogy a nőnevelés kontextusában milyen válaszokat ad a szerző a korszellemet jellemző elidegenedés, eldologiasodás és kizsákmányolás problémáira. Vizsgálódásaink alapján megállapíthatjuk, hogy az elemzett műben feltárt, a német romantika értékvilágához kapcsolódó izotópiák közül az emberben lévő, jóra irányuló erő megőrzési lehetőségeit megmutató ’a szív nevelése’ izotópia válasz az elidegenedésre. ’A nő mint isteni (gyermeki) lény’ izotópia ahhoz a romantikus diskurzushoz csatlakozik, mely az eldologiasodásra az Abszolútumhoz való kapcsolódás óhajával válaszol, ami egyfajta morális fejlődés iránti igényt is implikál. A ’szolgálat mint isteni minőség’ a kizsákmányolás ellenszereként értelmezhető. Arndt szerint az ideális nőnevelés a család erkölcsének csendes és derűs tükrében valósulhat meg. Nem tartja helyesnek a leányok túl korai bevezetését a társasági életbe, mert az élet és a világ megismerése során a leánygyermekek elveszíthetik azt az ártatlanságot, amely igaz életre nevelésük feltétele. A kor figyelemre méltó jelenségének tekinti az esztétikai és a misztikus törekvéseket, melyek a nevelésre és a fiatalság életére is hatást gyakorolnak, ugyanakkor úgy véli, a benső romlás veszélye fenyeget, amikor a fenti törekvések társadalmi kontextusba kerülnek, és szent minőségük külsőséggé válik.
The Relationships between Social Capital, Resilience, and Quality of Life of the Elderly Disaster Victims
Authors: Kim Jinhyun , Han Jina ,   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis
Published: July 2024

This study aims to identify the relationships among social capital, resilience and quality of life for older people who experienced disaster. The autoregressive cross-lagged effect model which included social capital variables affecting resilience and quality of life in baseline was conducted with using the data from ‘long-term survey on the change of life of disaster victim(2016~2019)’. Among the total samples of 3,200, 557 individuals aged 65 and older were selected. Results showed that some variables of social capital were significantly associated with resilience and quality of life. In the case of changes in resilience and quality of life from 2017 to 2019, both variables had auto-regressive effects for their owns. However, cross-lagged effects were only significant when the quality of life predicted resilience over time. Based these results, the study suggests policies and services necessary for the elderly to overcome disasters.
Effects of Emotional Labor on Burnout for Mental Health Professional: Moderating Effects of Resilience
Authors: Park Sun Hee , Yoon Myeong Sook ,   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis
Published: July 2024

In South Korea, recent incidents, such as the murder of a mentally ill person and a rampage involving a weapon, have highlighted the national responsibility for mental health service. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between levels of emotional labor caused by exposure to emotional labor by mental health professionals in the process of performing their work, and to verify the moderating effect of resilience in this relationship. The main findings were as follows. First, It was confirmed that higher levels of emotional labor, longer work experience, higher academic backgrounds among mental health professionals, and lower salaries are associated with increased burnout. Second, resilience moderates on the level of emotional labor and exhaustion. In groups with high resilience, there is little difference in burnout levels depending on the level of emotional labor. However, among individuals with low resilience, burnout tends to increase as the level of emotional labor increases. Based on the results of these studies, practical measures were presented to prevent emotional labor and burnout in mental health professionals.
Analysis of Volunteer Firefighters' Effectiveness in the Beehive Issue amid Firefighting Shortages: A System Dynamics-GIS Approach
Authors: Hong Seok Bum , Yun Hong Sik , Han Hak ,   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis
Published: July 2024

This research examines the societal challenges posed by global warming and the proliferation of wasps in urban settings. It also investigates the impact of volunteer firefighters during times of firefighter shortages using a System Dynamics-GIS model. The study employs the Monte Carlo method for simulation, focusing on fire damage, beehive damage with and without volunteer firefighter involvement. After 600 seconds, the simulation revealed that average fire damage was 27.18. Beehive damage averaged at 15.12 without volunteer firefighter assistance, but this figure dropped to 4.88 with their aid. Analysis shows that beehive damage constituted 55.63% of fire damage without volunteer intervention, and only 17.95% with it. This translates to a 67.72% decrease in beehive damage due to volunteer firefighter efforts. These findings provide a quantitative assessment of the role of volunteer firefighters in scenarios of firefighter scarcity and offer critical data for developing relevant firefighting strategies.
The Effectiveness of Online Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Social Workers Who Experienced Client Death
Authors: Ahn Yoon Jeong , Hyun Jinhee , Kim Heeguk ,   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis
Published: July 2024

The objective of this study was to develop and validate a group cognitive behavioral therapy based on William Worden's four-stage grief model for social workers who have experienced client death. For this study, both the experimental group and the comparison group completed pre-tests and post-tests to assess their levels of prolonged grief, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. In addition, the experimental group completed SUDs before and after each session. This group cognitive behavioral therapy was conducted online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The study revealed that the experimental group had a significantly lower prolonged grief score. Furthermore, their post-traumatic stress symptoms, anxiety, and depression were found to be lower than their pre-score, although this difference was not statistically significant. The SUDs for the experimental group were measured before and after each session, and a reduction was observed. A plan to assist social workers in their recovery from the death of a client was proposed based on the findings of the study.
Assessment of Systematic Structural Countermeasures for Debris Flow Mitigation Using the Hyper KANAKO System
Authors: Jang Sujin , Lee Jinho , Kim Sukwoo , Chun Kun-Woo ,   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis
Published: July 2024

Understanding the local and regional topography and land use of an area is crucial to prevent debris flow recurrence sites caused by heavy rainfall. Scientific techniques, such as numerical modeling, are available for effective planning of management measures and predicting potential debris flow deposition sites from future rainfall events because they consider topography and land use. Quantitative evaluation results were produced by determining the arrangement, size, and type of check dams and modeling debris flow mitigation in the Hyper KANAKO system. The results revealed the original catchment had an increased vulnerability to soil erosion, transport, and deposition compared to the catchment with check dams. Furthermore, the systemic arrangement of check dams proved to be effective in reducing debris flow deposits when compared to a standalone arrangement. Future research is necessary to improve the erosion control planning, maintenance, and evaluation processes. The numerical model and resulting data from this study will be effectively utilized in decision-making by stakeholders to reduce the risk of future sediment-related disasters.
Why real estate is a smart investment model
Authors: Shaaban Youssef Gamil Masoud
Published: July 2024

Investment is the act of buying an asset, waiting till it increases in value, and then selling it to make a profit that usually increases in value by time and then selling it later to make a profit. Throughout the last decades, many individuals have been seeking a safe way to increase their money safely unlike many other risky ways such as the fluctuating stock market. real estate has emerged as a promising and safe investment in which individuals buy a property and rent it to generate an income or sell it later at a higher price to gain a profit. This paper provides an overview of real estate investment: what its types are and how to invest in it, what are the different investment strategies in it, and what the pros and cons of investing in it are.
Nanotubos de dióxido de titânio melhoram o potencial antimicrobiano e as propriedades químicas das pastas de hidróxido de cálcio?
Authors: Soares Dos-Santos Edilaine , Bridi Enrico Coser , Tarkany Basting Roberta , Humberto Nociti-Jr Francisco , Cristina Oeruzzo Daiane , Mantovani Gomes França Fabiana , Miori Pascon Fernanda , Noronha Lisboa-Filho Paulo , Rosamilia Kantovitz Kamila
Published: July 2024

Objetivos: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o potencial antimicrobiano e as propriedades químicas de pastas à base de hidróxido de cálcio (HC) acrescidas de nanotubos de dióxido de titânio (TiO2 nt) contra Escherichia coli (E. coli) e Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). Métodos: Foram estabelecidos seis grupos: HC; HC + 1% TiO2 nt; HC + 3% TiO2 nt; HC/paramonoclorofenol canforado (PMCC); HC/PMCC + 1% TiO2 nt; e HC/PMCC + 3% TiO2 nt (n=6/grupo). Utilizou-se o método de disco-difusão em ágar para avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana. Adicionalmente, quarenta e dois dentes permanentes foram preparados endodonticamente e obturados com os materiais mencionados. A liberação de cálcio (Ca2+) e íons hidroxila (OH-) foi medida ao longo do tempo por espectrofotometria UV/VIS e testes de pH, respectivamente. Os dados foram analisados pelos testes de Shapiro-Wilk, Levene, Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney, ANOVA, Tukey e Dunnett (α=0,05). Resultados: Os resultados dos halos de inibição mostraram que o TiO2 nt melhorou as propriedades antimicrobianas do HC contra E. coli nos grupos HC + 3% TiO2 nt e HC/PMCC + 3% TiO2 nt. As taxas de liberação de Ca2+ e OH- aumentaram significativamente com a adição de TiO2 nt (p<0,05). Não foi observado efeito antimicrobiano significativo contra E. faecalis nos grupos HC e HC/PMCC (p>0,05). Conclusão: Conclui-se que o TiO2 nt melhorou as propriedades antimicrobianas da pasta à base de HC contra E. coli, sem afetar o crescimento de E. faecalis. Além disso, o aumento na liberação de Ca2+ e OH- devido à adição de TiO2 nt nas pastas à base de HC pode desempenhar um papel relevante em suas propriedades antimicrobianas.