bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High Triglyceride Variability Increases the Risk of First Attack of Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Tung Ying-Chang , Hsiao Fu-Chih , Lin Chia-Pin , Ho Chien-Te , Hsu Tzyy-Jer , Chiang Hou-Yu , Chu Pao-Hsien
Published: January 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Hypertriglyceridemia is the third most common etiology of acute pancreatitis. Whether triglyceride variability, independent of absolute triglyceride levels, is a predictor of acute pancreatitis is unknown.

METHODS:

We identified 98,819 patients who were diagnosed with hyperlipidemia between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2013, and had at least 1 triglyceride measurement annually for 4 consecutive years from the Chang Gung Research Database in Taiwan. Triglyceride variability, defined as variability independent of the mean, was calculated in the 4-year run-in period. The patients were stratified according to the quartiles of triglyceride variability and were followed until December 31, 2019, for first attack of acute pancreatitis.

RESULTS:

During a mean follow-up of 5.9 years, 825 (0.83%) patients were newly diagnosed with acute pancreatitis (14.1 events per 10,000 person-years; 95% confidence interval 13.2–15.1). Triglyceride variability was significantly associated with an increased risk of acute pancreatitis, independent of baseline triglyceride and mean triglyceride levels (hazard ratio, 1.28 [95% confidence interval 1.05–1.57] for the highest vs the lowest quartiles of triglyceride variability;Pfor trend = 0.006 over the quartiles of triglyceride variability). Subgroup analysis showed that this association was more pronounced among the patients with a higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (Pfor trend = 0.022).

DISCUSSION:

In this multi-institutional cohort study, high triglyceride variability was associated with an increased risk of first attack of acute pancreatitis, independent of baseline and mean triglyceride levels. The association between triglyceride variability and acute pancreatitis may be partly mediated by subclinical inflammation.
Yield of Repeat Endoscopy for Barrett's Esophagus After Normal Index Endoscopy
Authors: Rubenstein Joel H. , Burns Jennifer A. , Arasim Maria E. , Firsht Elizabeth M. , Harbrecht Matthew , Widerquist Marilla , Evans Richard R. , Inadomi John M. , Chang Joy W. , Hazelton William D. , Hur Chin , Kurlander Jacob E. , Lim Francesca , Luebeck Georg , Macdonald Peter W. , Reddy Chanakyaram A. , Saini Sameer D. , Tan Sarah Xinhui , Waljee Akbar K. , Lansdorp-Vogelaar Iris
Published: January 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Guidelines suggest 1-time screening with esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) for Barrett's esophagus (BE) in individuals at an increased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). We aimed to estimate the yield of repeat EGD performed at prolonged intervals after a normal index EGD.

METHODS:

We conducted a national retrospective analysis within the U S Veterans Health Administration, identifying patients with a normal index EGD between 2003 and 2009 who subsequently had a repeat EGD. We tabulated the proportion with a new diagnosis of BE, EAC, or esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma (EGJAC) and conducted manual chart review of a sample. We fitted logistic regression models for the odds of a new diagnosis of BE/EAC/EGJAC.

RESULTS:

We identified 71,216 individuals who had a repeat EGD between 1 and 16 years after an index EGD without billing or cancer registry codes for BE/EAC/EGJAC. Of them, 4,088 had a new billing or cancer registry code for BE/EAC/EGJAC after the repeat EGD. On manual review of a stratified sample, most did not truly have new BE/EAC/EGJAC. A longer duration between EGD was associated with greater odds of a new diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] for each 5 years 1.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19–1.44), particularly among those who were younger during the index EGD (ages 19–29 years: aOR 3.92; 95% CI 1.24–12.4; ages 60–69 years: aOR 1.19; 95% CI 1.01–1.40).

DISCUSSION:

The yield of repeat EGD for BE/EAC/EGJAC seems to increase with time after a normal index EGD, particularly for younger individuals. Prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Pasture management and greenhouse gases emissions
Authors: Cardoso Abmael da Silva , Longhini Vanessa Zirondi , Berça Andressa Scholz , Ongaratto Fernando , Siniscalchi Debora , Reis Ricardo Andrade , Ruggieri Ana Cláudia
Published: January 2023

Pastures are important environments worldwide because they offer many ecosystem services and sustain meat and milk production. However, pastures ecosystems are responsible for greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. The major GHGs include CO2, CH4, and N2O. The present review summarizes GHG emission from pasture ecosystems and discusses strategies to mitigate this problem. In pastures, emissions originate from animal excretion, fertilization, and organic matter decomposition. Emissions of specific gases can be measured based on certain factors that were recently updated by the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in 2019. Urine is the main source of N2O emission. Forage structure is an important factor driving GHG transport. Forage fiber content and animal intake are the key drivers of enteric CH4 emission, and the introduction of forage legumes in pasture systems is one of the most promising strategy to mitigate GHG emission.
Synergistic effect of sorafenib with Platycladus orientalis (L) leaf extract on cervical cancer
Authors: Samuel Elvis , Wilson D. David , Tomy Catherene , Nallakannu D. Jerome Inder , Siddikuzzaman  , Aavany Balasubramanian  , V. M. Berlin Grace
Published: January 2023

The extracts of Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco leaves have shown promising anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potency with the traditional knowledge of healing HPV associated warts. The purpose of this research is to assess the synergistic activity of sorafenib and Platycladus orientalis (L) leaf extraction on cervical cancer cells. The cytotoxicity efficiency of different concentrations of Sorafenib and ethanol extract of Platycladus orientalis (L.) leaves were tested on HeLa cells by MTT and Trypan blue assays. The synergistic effect of the IC50 concentrations of Sorafenib and Platycladus orientalis (L.) on HeLa cell by MTT assay, and mRNA expression levels of tumor suppressor tazarotene-induced gene 3 (TIG3), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) gene and apoptosis modulator (Bcl-2) gene by RT-PCR were evaluated with individual treatments. Combination treatment showed a relatively more expression of TIG3 and less expression of Bcl-2 and PCNA was observed. Growth factor-induced MAPKP activation was arrested by compound combination treatment, which and suppression of proliferation-induced apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. Based on the our results, the combination of sorafenib and crude leaf extract from Platycladus orientalis (L.) can effectively suppress cervical cancer cell growth, thereby providing an interesting rationale for further clinical trials and in-vivo studies.
Anthropic Changes in the River Landscape of São João Del-Rei City – Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Ferreira André Barbosa Ribeiro , Zacharias Andréa Aparecida , Cardozo Francielle Silva , Fonseca Bráulio Magalhães
Published: January 2023

Anthropogenic interventions in the natural landscape became recurrent from the expansion of nuclei and population increase, causing the relationship established between human beings and nature to move away from the naturalist model and assume an interventionist premise. Among the various interferences in the natural environment, this work establishes a spatial cut in the urban river landscape changes, in particular, those caused by processes of rectification, canalization and plugging of urban rivers. The denaturalization and mischaracterization of this system means that the existence of urban rivers have been ignored, acquiring notoriety only when natural processes, intensified by human beings, cause damage or disaster to the population that usually occupies the floodplain areas. Thus, recognizing these changes and rescuing the relationship of belonging to this environment, which initially supported the formation of most urban centers, becomes essential for local landscape and urban planning. Based on this understanding, this study aimed to carry out a survey of the changes in the river landscape of the São João del-Rei city - Minas Gerais. For this purpose, the descriptive investigative method was used, which made possible the elaboration of a case study. The results obtained by the research indicate that the river landscape has been significantly altered, especially by rectifications, canalizations and plugging of urban rivers, which are presented in a historical context and related to the processes and dynamics of urban waters.
How brain diseases affect the lower urinary tract function?
Authors: Sakakibara Ryuji , Yamamoto Tatsuya , Sekido Noritoshi , Sawai Setsu
Published: January 2023

This article reviewed brain mechanism of the lower urinary tract (LUT). Among autonomic nervous systems, LUT is unique in terms of afferent pathophysiology; bladder sensation is perceived soon after the storage phase and throughout the voiding phase. Within the brain, this is measured in experimental animals by the firing of single neurons and in humans by evoked potentials/functional neuroimaging. The evidence indicates that sphincter information goes up to the precentral motor cortex and other brain areas, and bladder information goes up to the insular cortex (IC)/anterior cingulate (ACG) and further to the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Another LUT-specific phenomenon is efferent pathophysiology: detrusor overactivity (exaggerated micturition reflex) occurs in brain diseases such as stroke (focal disease) and dementia with Lewy bodies (diffuse diseases, may overlap with each other). With the turning off and on of the brain-switch of mictu-rition (at the periaqueductal gray [PAG]), there is a bladder-inhibitory PFC-IC/ACG-hypothalamus-PAG pathway, with interconnections via the PFC with a PFC-nigrostriatal D1 dopaminergic pathway and a PFC-cerebellar pathway. Brain diseases that affect these areas may cause a loss of the brain's inhibition of the micturition reflex, leading to detrusor overactivity. This has a significant clinical impact on patients and requires appropriate management.
Mitral Valve Surgery in Patients With an Implanted Amplatzer Septal Occluder: A Review of 2 Cases
Authors: Sayar Ufuk , Ertürk Nurel
Published: January 2023

Surgical approaches for mitral valve exploration vary, with the preferred approach being via the interatrial groove. Data on whether the interatrial groove approach can be used for mitral valve surgery in patients with a previously implanted Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO) (St Jude Medical, an Abbott company) are extremely limited. The authors performed mitral valve surgery using the transatrial septal approach on 2 patients following explantation of an ASO, which significantly impedes the interatrial groove approach. Concomitant surgical procedures with mitral valve replacement, removal of the ASO, and closure of an atrial septal defect with a patch significantly prolonged the cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass durations, which is the reason for intraoperative low cardiac output syndrome. An intra-aortic balloon pump and venoarterial extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation were used in these 2 patients because of low cardiac output syndrome. When planning mitral valve surgery in patients with a previously implanted ASO, the device precludes the interatrial groove approach and can produce an unpredictable clinical scenario.
"Schreiben aus der Migrationserfahrung" – Zu narrativen Strategien und Identitätsmustern in den Texten polnisch(sprachig)er (E)Migrationsliteratur in Deutschland
Authors: Szymańska Eliza
Published: January 2023

Im folgenden Beitrag werden mehrere Texte der polnisch(sprachig)en (E)Migra- tionsliteratur in Deutschland in Bezug auf die von den Autor*innen verwendeten narrativen Strategien und die in ihnen dargestellten Identitätsmuster analysiert. Dabei wird die Narration nicht als Gattung, die auf Sprachlichkeit beschränkt ist, sondern als ein Modus zur Organisation des individuellen und kollektiven Gedächt- nisses und zur Bestimmung der eigenen Identität aufgefasst. Mithilfe ausgewählter Kategorien (Exotisierung, interkulturelle (doppelte) Vermittlung, Alterisierung, transkulturelle Universalisierung, Transkulturalisierung) wird eine breite Palette (deren zwei Enden der Partikularismus und der Universalismus markieren) des möglichen Umgangs mit dem eigenen Migrant*innen-Status dargeboten. Allen hier zur Analyse ausgewählten Texten ist ihre autobiographische Identitätsnarration gemeinsam. Das Ziel des Beitrags liegt darin, aufzuzeigen, welche unterschiedlichen Formen sie annehmen kann.
Highly sensitive temperature sensor using one-dimensional Bragg Reflector for biomedical applications
Authors: Gowda Ranjith B. , Sharan Preeta , Saara K.
Published: January 2023

A theoretical investigation of multi-layer Bragg Reflector (BR) structure to design highly sensitive temperature sensor is proposed to measure the temperature over a wide range. Characteristic-Matrix (CM) mathematical tool is used to design and analyse the proposed temperature sensor. A 1D Distributed Bragg Reflector multi-layer structure is used to design and analyse the sensing characteristics of the proposed sensor. Periodic modulation in the Refractive-Index (RI) of the two materials, high and low, forms DBR multi-layer structure. Germanium and air are used as the two alternate materials of BR for high and low dielectric layers respectively. Parameters of many semiconductor materials, including germanium, varies with temperature. Here we have considered RI variation of germanium with the temperature to model and design the proposed sensor. A defect layer is introduced at the center of multi-layer structure to obtain the resonating mode for an incident electromagnetic wave. The sensor can detect temperature over a wide range from 100 to 550 K. A resonating mode, shifting towards different wavelength region is observed for the temperature variations. The influence of increase in the DBR layers (N) and defect cavity geometrical length (lD) is studied. The obtained results conclude that the cavity defect length and BR layers affects the sensing parameters of the designed sensor. The obtained RI sensitivity, Q-factor, temperature sensitivity and detection limit of the sensor are 2.323 μm/RIU, 115,000, 1.18 nm/K and 9.024 × 10−6 RIU respectively. Theoretically obtained transmission spectrum was validated using Monte Carlo simulation.
Analysis of the evolution law of oxide inclusions in U75V heavy rail steel during the LF–RH refining process
Authors: Liu Hongbo , Xie Rongyuan , Li Min , Zhang Caidong , Yao Hongyong , Tian Zhiqiang , Yang Haibin , Liu Zhanli , Wang Qiang , Kang Ju
Published: January 2023

The number density, size and composition of inclusions in U75V heavy rail steel during ladle furnace (LF)–RH refining process were studied by an Aztec-Feature inclusion automatic software which equipped with a field emission microscope. The results showed that the MnO–SiO2–Al2O3-type inclusions were the main inclusions at LF start. The MnO–SiO2–Al2O3-type inclusions were transformed into the CaO–SiO2–Al2O3-type inclusions during the LF refining process because of the Ca and Al elements which were brought by ferroalloy. At the RH start stage, the main inclusions were CaO–SiO2–Al2O3-type inclusions with low melting temperature and CaO–MgO–Al2O3-type inclusions with high melting temperature in the sample. And, the CaO–MgO–Al2O3-type inclusions were obviously removed during RH vacuum treatment. The average compositions of CaO–SiO2–Al2O3-type inclusions had no obvious change from RH vacuum holding for 15 min, RH vacuum break to RH soft blowing.
Developing L2 learners’ metaphoric competence: a case study of figurative motion constructions
Authors: Martín-Gascón Beatriz
Published: January 2023

This study compares two instruction methods (cognitive and traditional) for teaching complex metaphorical motion constructions in Spanish and developing A2+ learners’ metaphoric competence in the L2. The cognitive instruction combined insights from the Conceptual Metaphor Theory with multimodal content and cognitive parameters, whereas the traditional package followed a communicative and formalist approach to language based on most current L2 textbooks. A group of 33 university students from a North American-based College participated in the experiment. Assessment tests were designed inspired by cognitive linguistics tenets and measured learners’ general metaphor comprehension (Task 1) and original production (Task 2), as well as performance in the comprehension (Task 3) and production (Task 4) of change-of-state constructions, thus breaking with the pervading assessment typology for empirical studies in applied cognitive linguistics. The cognitive methodology proved to be significantly more beneficial for all four tasks. Although students who received a traditional instruction improved over time, those from the cognitive group showed statistically higher performance in metaphoric competence and in the comprehension and production of the target constructions. These findings clearly suggest that a cognitive-based instruction, when followed by a consistent assessment, is an effective approach to teaching and learning difficult constructions in the L2.
The Somatechnics of Transcultural Communication: Transcending Boundaries and Borders inAll in My FamilyandThe Farewell
Authors: Bruining Dennis , Diao Mingming
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we stage a critical discussion between somatechnics and transcultural communication studies to push the latter field beyond existing paradigms and illustrate the usefulness of somatechnics to think through (embodied) transculturality. By means of example, we analyze Hao Wu’s short documentaryAll in My Family(2019) and Lulu Wang’s feature filmThe Farewell(2019) through the lens of somatechnics and argue that these films offer an important opportunity to consider their protagonists’ contextually specific lived experiences in relation to both Western and Chinese idea(l)s of the family, parenthood, and sexuality. This is not to suggest that we juxtapose the global with the local or the West with the non-West in our analysis as two separate, identifiable categories. Rather, following Natalie Oswin (2006), we wish to examine how these films, as contemporary popular forms of transcultural communication, enable a critical discussion of “the West and non-West in all their complexity as the transnational, transcultural spaces that they are” (2006, p. 788). Approached this way, we hope to show how the films under discussion exemplify a range of somatechnologies; that is, bodies, which in the process of transcultural (un)becoming-with, materialize in a glocalized space where the global and local, West and East mutually (in)form each other and have become inextricable. In other words, our analysis of these films demonstrates how somatechnics may provide a novel way to think through the varied ways in which transculturality is both embodied and bodied forth.
Crystal structure of dimethyl 4,4′-((4R, 5R)-4,5-diphenylimidazolidine-1,3-diyl)dibenzoate, C31H28N2O4
Authors: Zhang Kui , Shi Da-Bin
Published: January 2023

C31H28N2O4, monoclinic, P21 (no. 4), a = 10.2166(2) Å, b = 11.5327(2) Å, c = 11.6484(2) Å, β = 109.637(2)°, V = 1292.65(5) Å3, Z = 2, R

gt
(F) = 0.0502, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1312, T = 149.9(5) K.
Effect of multi-hole trench cooling on an adiabatic flat plate for gas turbine application
Authors: Prakash Ved , Chandel Sunil , Thakur Dineshsingh G. , Mishra Ranjan K.
Published: January 2023

A 3D numerical analysis on an adiabatic flat plate for multi-hole trench cooling with forward, backward and mixed injection holes is performed in the current investigation. The numerical setup is validated before the performances of different cooling configurations are compared. The effect of three different multi-hole trench arrangements, square-diamond, long-diamond, and super-long-diamond with constant perforated percentage (3.27%), on film cooling performance is studied at blowing ratio 1.0. The row-to-row interaction between coolant jets and mainstream is analysed, and lateral film cooling effectiveness is calculated downstream. The dimensionless temperature contour overlaid with streamlines concluded that the SLD trench hole arrangement with forward injection forms a developed effusion layer due to counter-rotating vortex pairs, which helps in proper mixing of coolant jets into the mainstream and improves film cooling effectiveness in lateral as well as in longitudinal direction. It is observed that super-long-diamond arrangement with forward injection provides the highest film cooling effectiveness than square-diamond and long-diamond arrangements and favours early development of the coolant film layer.
Optimal place specification, element headedness and surface velar palatalization in Polish
Authors: Zdziebko Sławomir
Published: January 2023

The paper postulates that the propensity of Polish velar consonants to undergo palatalization is the consequence of the activity of a violable constraint which requires autosegmental place nodes to be associated with one and only one element. Since velars are the only consonants which lack place specification, the spreading of the palatality element |I| onto velars leads to the avoidance of the violation of the relevant constraint. As the palatalizing element |I| must entertain the status of the head, the underapplication of Surface Velar Palatalization before the front mid nasal vowel /ɛ̃/, headed by element |L|, and the vowel /ɛ/ found in some borrowings and headed by element |A|, is enforced by the constraint punishing representations in which more than one element plays the role of the head.
CROATIAN PARTY OF RIGHTS AS AN ACTOR OF THE BOSNIAN CRISIS
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Eremin Denis
Published: January 2023

The article explores the function of the Croatian Party of Rights at the time of the collapse of Yugoslavia, secession of Croatia and the Bosnian crisis. The disintegration of the federation along the republican borders presupposed Croats to become a divided nation. This fact determined an active involvement of the Croatian Party of Rights in the events of the Bosnian crisis as a rightwing movement, which considers Independent State of Croatia as an institutional reflection of the Croatian common aspiration to create independent nation-state. The Croatian Party of Rights proposed «Great Croatia» programme to create independent Croatia providing existence of the whole Croat population of the former Yugoslavia within one state. Consequently, The Croatian Party of Rights became a political competitor for the leading force of the Croatian national movement – The Croatian Democratic Union, giving rise to their political struggle. The Croatian Democratic Union, as more popular and moderate movement in comparison with the Croatian Party of Rights, prevailed. It proposed more pragmatic and realistic «Small Croatia» programme in the context of the internationalization of political processes on the whole territory of the former Yugoslavia, considering leading role of the external Great powers in determining the future of the entire region.
ON THE INNTERACTION OF EURO PARTIES WITH PARTIES FROM THE EASTERN PARTNERSHIP COUNTRIES. PART 4
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Guseletov Boris
Published: January 2023

The article analyzes the cooperation of one of the leading pan–European political organizations – the Alliance of European Conservatives and Reformists (AECR) – with its partners in the countries participating in the Eastern Partnership program (Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova). Since 2014, European conservatives and reformists have sought to establish partnerships with the conservative parties of these countries and even accepted them into their ranks as full members. The profiles of these organizations and their leaders, the results of participation in national parliamentary, presidential and local elections, interaction with other political forces of their countries on the formation of electoral and ruling coalitions were studied. The main provisions of their program documents, which reflect the pro-European choice, as well as press releases and statements by the leaders of the AECR concerning the situation in the countries participating in the Eastern Partnership, are given. It is shown that the AECR actively supported this program and its partners, regardless of their electoral results. It was noted that in Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia and Moldova, local AECR member parties initially achieved good results in elections, including in national parliaments, but in recent years some of them have found themselves on the political periphery. The reasons for this phenomenon vary from country to country. Nevertheless, European conservatives and reformists are confident that as the situation stabilizes, the issues of strengthening sovereignty and preserving traditional values will return to the political agenda and become in demand again.
SPECIFICS OF WORK OF ORTHODOX CHURCHES OF THE EU WITH UKRAINIAN REFUGEES
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Shimanskaya Olga
Published: January 2023

The article analyzes the role of the Orthodox Churches of the border countries of the European Union in resolving the humanitarian crisis associated with the movement in the shortest possible time (February – April 2022) of large masses of refugees from the territory of Ukraine to nearby Western countries as a result of the special military operation by the Russian Federation to liberate Donbass. The purpose of the article is to show the effectiveness, methods of work and target groups of non-state actors in world politics, which are religious organizations, in this case Orthodox, and non-governmental organizations interconnected with it, in the context of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in 2022. The research methodology involves an event-based chronological analysis based on the content analysis of an array of news coming from national Orthodox churches: the Autocephalous Polish Orthodox Church, the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, the Budapest-Hungarian Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, the Romanian Orthodox Church. It is shown that the Orthodox Churches, their social and charitable departments and non-governmental organizations affiliated with them acted as reliable partners of the central and local executive authorities in the reception of refugees and the settlement of issues of their livelihood, information, transportation and adaptation in the host country. They called for a healing of the conflict, appealing to the warring parties, a mission of compassion and consolation for the refugees. With their authority, they helped the horizontal complex interaction of local Orthodox communities to receive refugees and collect humanitarian aid, distribute it and send it to Ukraine.
CURRENT CLIMATE POLICY OF GERMANY
Authors:   Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations, Russian Academy of Sciences, Khorolskaya Maria
Published: January 2023

The article is deals with the German policy aimed at reducing greenhouse gases emission. The author analyses the way current measures correspond with «Klimaschutzprogramm 2030» adopted in 2019. The paper pays special attention to theoretical provisions as well as practical decisions. The author also examines the contribution of the European Emissions Trading System to the German climate actions, as well as the adoption of the national system. In addition, the article concentrates on the amendments to the Renewable Energy Law (EEG) as well as the establishment of new construction standards and the experiment in paying for public transport. The study revealed that current German political steps redistribute the financial burden on the consumers, with the support measures for green energy being changed. The conclusions are important for understanding the further development of the German climate policy influencing the economy and foreign trade of the nation.
EUROPEAN EXPERIENCE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF REGIONAL AIR TRANSPORTATION AND THE POSSIBILITY OF ITS APPLICATION IN RUSSIA
Authors:   Ural State University of Economics, Lyashenko Elena , Zhukovskii Andrei ,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
Published: January 2023

The article presents the European experience in the development of regional air transportation and the possibility of its application in the Russian Federation. The evolutionary development of European international air transportation is analyzed and the forecast of European air transportation distribution dynamics by range until 2034 is given. The best practices of the European air transportation market on the example of Switzerland before the pandemic and under COVID-19 conditions are considered, and an overview of the air transportation market in Russia at its current stage of development is given. The article proves that the presence of quality infrastructure and transparent rules of the market are necessary conditions for the European airlines in managing their business. It is concluded that the Russian market of regional air transportation still requires improvement and attention from the government. Consolidation of the efforts of all interested actors with the simultaneous involvement of state structures will make it possible to implement the strategic priorities in this direction. Achieving an effective and balanced restart of the industry in question is possible on the basis of a global approach, including analysis and assessment of risk reduction measures that accompany the process of air transportation recovery, taking into account the factors of economic unblocking and ensuring the possibility of passenger air travel.
REFORM OF THE TREATY ON THE EUROPEAN UNION: IMPLEMENT IMPOSSIBLE ABANDON
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Potemkina Olga
Published: January 2023

The article addresses the discussions in the European Union that broke out after closing of the Conference on the future of Europe. The author consistently analyzes the positions of the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission, while identifying differences between both EU institutions and Member States. The stumbling block is the prospects for the EU institutional reform, which can be carried out both by changing the Treaty on the European Union and without convening the Convention, but only by applying the «passerelle» clause, which provides an opportunity to move from unanimity to voting by qualified majority in the Council on a number of important issues. The author emphasizes that an additional motivation for the European Parliament to call for cancelling of unanimity was the threat of blocking sanctions against Russia by certain countries. The second part of the article examines the development of European Political Community (EPC), the idea, which was put forward by French President Macron at the end of the Conference. The author argues that the plans to create the EPC as a «light legal structure with decisionmaking powers» are directly related to implementation of institutional reform, namely, unanimity cancelling. Thus, scientific and political discussions are conducted around fundamental directions – the ratio of deepening and expanding European integration.
CZECHIA-2022: AUTUMN ELECTIONS ON THE BACKGROUND OF THE GLOBAL CRISIS
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vedernikov Mikhail
Published: January 2023

The article considers the elections to local governments and the Senate, which were held in the Czech Republic in late September – early October 2022. Results, despite insignificant influence on the formation of national policy, demonstrate the trends of Czech electoral behavior and indicate the processes of the country’s party-political development on background of the global crisis. Firstly, it is necessary to indicate it’s a little influence on the position of political forces within the country; the traditional liberal electorate has not been convinced of its adherence to value ideals due to the worsening socio-economic situation in the country. Secondly, the political forces that form the current government have become convinced of the need to preserve the coalition in order to defeat the opposition forces (ANO, SPD). The duels in the second round of the senatorial elections demonstrated a great potential for mobilizing voters who sympathize with cabinet parties. At the same time, the ANO electorate turned out to be inert and incapable of activating its potential in an emergency situation («elections as a referendum of government confidence»). Thirdly, political analysts record the transformation of the ANO movement, which began to get rid of the reputation of the «party of one person» in the direction of a party consisting of many charismatic politicians. The author of the work states that a combination of these factors shows that the brainchild of A. Babiš will face great difficulties in nominating his candidate for the presidency of the country, whose elections will be held in January 2023.
GERMANY’S ECONOMY AMID INCREASING ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL CHALLENGES
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Belov Vladislav
Published: January 2023

October 3 this year Germany celebrated the 32nd anniversary of the unification of the two German states. Three decades after the historic events of 1990, the state faced a number of extremely difficult economic and political problems, which escalated significantly in the fall of 2022. The large-scale measures taken in the first half of the year to support business and the population turned out to be insufficient to solve them. Inflation in September reached 10%, the German economy was on the verge of recession. In autumn, the government was forced to nationalize the leading gas importer Uniper SE, provide state support to the energy company Verbundnetz Gas AG, cancel the planned special surcharge on the price of gas, extend the operation of the nuclear power plant, accept a third aid package, and create a special economic fund of 200 billion euros, which caused a sharp criticism of the leadership of a number of EU countries. The development and discussion of anti-crisis tools reflected the existing disagreements and conflict potential of the «traffic light» coalition. Against this background, there was a further aggravation of German-Russian relations in the oil and gas sector. The author analyzes the content and possible effectiveness of the autumn anticrisis measures of the government, pays special attention to state intervention in the activities of the main players in the German energy market.
ENERGY POLICY OF FRANCE UNDER E. MACRON: IMPERATIVES AND CHALLENGES
Authors:   Primakov National Research Institute of World Economy and International Relations, Russian Academy of Sciences, Timofeyev Pavel
Published: January 2023

The article touches the development of the French energy policy in 2017–2022 under the presidency of Emmanuel Macron. The author analyzed the dynamics of the energy mix change during 2017–2021 period in the context of the Energy transition act of 2015 and the plans of the French authorities concerning the management of five main types of the energy sources (atomic power stations, oil, gas, RES and coal). The paper highlights the tasks of E. Macron in this field and main steps of his administration to achieve them, structured into three stages – the first, relatively calm one – the beginning of Macron’s presidential term (2017–2019), the second – the COVID-19 pandmic (2020–2021) and the third – an escalation of the Ukrainian crisis (2022) in the time of Macron’s re-election for a second presidential term. It is shown that the French authorities had to adjust their original plans under the influence of a number of events, especially in the second and third stages. The article concludes that the majority of Macron's election promises in the energy sector were not fulfilled, but French authorities made a number of significant steps aimed at further adjustments to the French energy mix announced by Macron in 2017.
VISEGRAD COUNTRIES IN 2022
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Shishelina Lyubov
Published: January 2023

In this article, the author analyzes the situation inside the Visegrad countries and the Visegrad group against the background of the rapid deterioration of the international situation and the unfolding military actions in Ukraine. The international crisis contributed to an increase in inflation in the countries, the growth of discontent among the population, which resulted almost everywhere in full-scale strikes and manifestations. Against this background, predictions about contradictions within the Visegrad Four – the oldest of the modern regional structures on the continent – and about its possible imminent collapse have intensified in the European press. Indeed, the long absence of meetings in the first half of the year and the demarches of the chairmen of the Czech Parliament gave ground to such conclusions, but politicians of another level – prime ministers and presidents – continued their meetings, joint consultations and exchange of views, that eventually helped them to clarify positions and contributed to the preservation of regional unity of the Visegrad countries. Especially important from this point of view was the November meeting of Prime Ministers Viktor Orban, Mateusz Morawiecki, Piotr Fiala and Eduard Heger in Kosice.
GENERAL ELECTIONS IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Authors:   Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences, Kandel Pavel
Published: January 2023

This article discusses the regular general election hold in Bosnia and Herzegovina (02.10.2022), the course of their electioneering, and the voting results. The analysis reveals the same main actors flashed on the political scene, the same principle collisions repeated, and even the methods of winning victory with the help of nationalist rhetoric remaining unchanged. However, the realignment of political forces has led to a new formula of power both in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and at the national level. The loser was the leading Islamist-nationalist Party of Democratic Action of the Bosniaks, which already bored its Western patrons with its destructive activity. Keeping up with these developments, an assessment of the prospects of the coalition government of Bosnia and Herzegovina formed by 21 political actors is suggested. Among them are the Croatian Democratic Union and the parties blocking with it, the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats with their partners from Republika Srpska and also eight secular Bosnian parties. A significant factor in maintaining the cabinet cohesion is the need to demonstrate to the EU its «cooperation», a sine qua non for Western support and funding. The Federation theoretically could face problems with the losers being able to block the process of authorities formation. However, according to the common understanding, Christian Schmidt, the High Representative of the international community in the country, will not allow this. It can be assumed that under the current international climate (when the Russian Federation is absorbed by the conflict in Ukraine, and Serbia is barely able to withstand Western pressure and the aggravation of the situation in Kosovo), even the allegedly pro-Russian President of the Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik will be forced to take into account new political realities. If Brussels and Washington are smart enough to not push the Serbs «to the limit», the new Bosnia and Herzegovina government will finally have a chance to get down to business and do something useful for their citizens.
Noncoding RNAcircBtnl1 suppresses self‐renewal of intestinal stem cells via disruption of Atf4 mRNA stability
Authors: Guo Hui , Zhang Jiahang , Jiang Zhimin , Zhu Xiaoxiao , Yang Jing , Mu Rui , Du Ying , Tian Yong , Zhu Pingping , Fan Zusen
Published: January 2023

Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) at the crypt base are responsible for the regeneration of the intestinal epithelium. However, how ISC self‐renewal is regulated still remains unclear. Here we identified a circular RNA, circBtnl1, that is highly expressed in ISCs. Loss of circBtnl1 in mice enhanced ISC self‐renewal capacity and epithelial regeneration, without changes in mRNA and protein levels of its parental gene Btnl1. Mechanistically, circBtnl1 and Atf4 mRNA competitively bound the ATP‐dependent RNA helicase Ddx3y to impair the stability of Atf4 mRNA in wild‐type ISCs. Furthermore, ATF4 activated Sox9 transcription by binding to its promoter via a unique motif, to enhance the self‐renewal capacity and epithelial regeneration of ISCs. In contrast, circBtnl1 knockout promoted Atf4 mRNA stability and enhanced ATF4 expression, which caused Sox9 transcription to potentiate ISC stemness. These data indicate that circBtnl1‐mediated Atf4 mRNA decay suppresses Sox9 transcription that negatively modulates self‐renewal maintenance of ISCs.
Efficient plasmid transfer via natural competence in a microbial co‐culture
Authors: Cheng Yu‐Yu , Zhou Zhichao , Papadopoulos James M , Zuke Jason D , Falbel Tanya G , Anantharaman Karthik , Burton Briana M , Venturelli Ophelia S
Published: January 2023

The molecular and ecological factors shaping horizontal gene transfer (HGT) via natural transformation in microbial communities are largely unknown, which is critical for understanding the emergence of antibiotic‐resistant pathogens. We investigate key factors shaping HGT in a microbial co‐culture by quantifying extracellular DNA release, species growth, and HGT efficiency over time. In the co‐culture, plasmid release and HGT efficiency are significantly enhanced than in the respective monocultures. The donor is a key determinant of HGT efficiency as plasmids induce the SOS response, enter a multimerized state, and are released in high concentrations, enabling efficient HGT. However, HGT is reduced in response to high donor lysis rates. HGT is independent of the donor viability state as both live and dead cells transfer the plasmid with high efficiency. In sum, plasmid HGT via natural transformation depends on the interplay of plasmid properties, donor stress responses and lysis rates, and interspecies interactions.
Thyroid hormone as a temporal switch in mouse development
Authors: Ren Juan , Flamant Frédéric
Published: January 2023

Thyroid hormones are known to trigger metamorphosis in an amphibian. This review discusses the hypothesis according to which they act in a similar manner to synchronize the post-natal development of mice, using brain, brown adipose tissue, and heart as examples.
Look Forward 2023
Authors: Zhou Longjun
Published: January 2023

The year of 2022 was an extremely difficult year. In 2022, we have experienced a succession of challenges: The world has become more volatile because of escalated geopolitical conflicts, the deteriorated global security, and the aggravated division of camps; the global economic growth has slowed down, and most of the world’s major economies have been in the downturn trajectory; people’s production and life have been severely affected by food, energy, inflation, supply chain crises; the global temperature continued to rise and reached a new high by 2022 which was 1.15 ºC above the average temperature before the industrial revolution; the COVID-19 epidemic has been plaguing the world, threatening people’s health and life. However, hard times will pass, as they always do. As Romain Rolland stated, “there should be two lights in everyone’s heart: the light of hope and the light of courage; with them, we will not be afraid of the deepest darkness and most fierce storms at sea,” with perseverance and determination, we have started a new year.
Barrier-Free Science Education for Visually Impaired Students: An Activity for Life Cycle in Plants
Authors: Keleş Özgül , Uzun Naim , Yalçin Gülistan
Published: January 2023

This research aims to design and apply a lesson plan to satisfy 3rd-grade inclusive education students’ individual learning needs on the subject of plant life cycle, and to develop three instruction materials based on this lesson plan. In the first stage of this three-staged research, visually impaired students’ individual learning needs were determined by conducting workshops with science teachers, elementary school teachers, and special education teachers. Then, the learning outcomes of science education programs were determined. In the second stage, teaching materials suitable for students’ personal characteristics were designed by the teachers after assessing the students’ needs. Visually impaired students also participated in the process of developing the educational material. In the last stage, students were taught according to the lesson plan with the materials prepared according to the 5E learning model. After the lessons, data were collected through semi-structured interview forms to determine the students’ opinions on the lessons and materials. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data obtained. The research results showed that the teaching material responded to the needs of the students and contributed positively to their conceptual learning.
Evaluation of Parents’ Views on An Early Childhood Science Program Including Activities in Out-of-School Learning Environments
Authors: Uludağ Gonca , Erkan Nefise Semra
Published: January 2023

Young children’s instinctive curiosity is essential in early childhood science education. Efficacious science education is associated with the characteristics of a qualified science program and an effective learning environment. The out-of-school learning environments make it easier to achieve the aims of science education in early childhood with their opportunities and advantages. This single case study aimed to reveal the views of the parents of children aged 60-72 months who participated in an early childhood science program that included science activities in out-of-school learning environments, in the classroom, and at home. The Program, which included parent involvement activities in the classroom, out-of-school learning environments and at home, was implemented for seven weeks. After completing all activities of the Program, the data obtained from the interviews with the parents were analyzed. The findings showed that parents were interested in science and supported their children regarding science subjects, spent time at home on science activities, and visited out-of-school learning environments with their children. It was determined that the out-of-school learning activities of the Program contributed a lot to the child, and the studies of parent involvement at home contributed variously for both the child and the parents. The Program was effective as a whole and parents requested its implementation throughout the school year. Based on these findings, in this research, we discussed the importance of frequently including science activities in out-of-school learning environments and classroom activities in early childhood and the parents’ involvement in the science education process as valuable stakeholders.