bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Listener’s personality traits predict changes in pupil size during auditory language comprehension
Authors: Hubert Lyall Isabell , Järvikivi Juhani
Published: March 2021

Research suggests that listeners’ comprehension of spoken language is concurrently affected by linguistic and non-linguistic factors, including individual difference factors. However, there is no systematic research on whether general personality traits affect language processing. We correlated 88 native English-speaking participants’ Big-5 traits with their pupillary responses to spoken sentences that included grammatical errors, "He frequently have burgers for dinner"; semantic anomalies, "Dogs sometimes chase teas"; and statements incongruent with gender stereotyped expectations, such as "I sometimes buy my bras at Hudson's Bay", spoken by a male speaker. Generalized additive mixed models showed that the listener's Openness, Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Neuroticism traits modulated resource allocation to the three different types of unexpected stimuli. No personality trait affected changes in pupil size across the board: less open participants showed greater pupil dilation when processing sentences with grammatical errors; and more introverted listeners showed greater pupil dilation in response to both semantic anomalies and socio-cultural clashes. Our study is the first one demonstrating that personality traits systematically modulate listeners’ online language processing. Our results suggest that individuals with different personality profiles exhibit different patterns of the allocation of cognitive resources during real-time language comprehension.
Slc1a3-2A-CreERT2 mice reveal unique features of Bergmann glia and augment a growing collection of Cre drivers and effectors in the 129S4 genetic background
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Lech , Reichenbach Nicole , Blank Nelli , Jonson Maria , Dittrich Lars , Petzold Gabor C. , Jackson Walker S.
Published: March 2021

Genetic variation is a primary determinant of phenotypic diversity. In laboratory mice, genetic variation can be a serious experimental confounder, and thus minimized through inbreeding. However, generalizations of results obtained with inbred strains must be made with caution, especially when working with complex phenotypes and disease models. Here we compared behavioral characteristics of C57Bl/6—the strain most widely used in biomedical research—with those of 129S4. In contrast to 129S4, C57Bl/6 demonstrated high within-strain and intra-litter behavioral hyperactivity. Although high consistency would be advantageous, the majority of disease models and transgenic tools are in C57Bl/6. We recently established six Cre driver lines and two Cre effector lines in 129S4. To augment this collection, we genetically engineered a Cre line to study astrocytes in 129S4. It was validated with two Cre effector lines: calcium indicator gCaMP5g-tdTomato and RiboTag—a tool widely used to study cell type-specific translatomes. These reporters are in different genomic loci, and in both the Cre was functional and astrocyte-specific. We found that calcium signals lasted longer and had a higher amplitude in cortical compared to hippocampal astrocytes, genes linked to a single neurodegenerative disease have highly divergent expression patterns, and that ribosome proteins are non-uniformly expressed across brain regions and cell types.
Decreased amygdala volume in adults after premature birth
Authors: Schmitz-Koep Benita , Zimmermann Juliana , Menegaux Aurore , Nuttall Rachel , Bäuml Josef G. , Schneider Sebastian C. , Daamen Marcel , Boecker Henning , Zimmer Claus , Wolke Dieter , Bartmann Peter , Hedderich Dennis M. , Sorg Christian
Published: March 2021

Premature-born infants have impaired amygdala structure, presumably due to increased stress levels of premature birth mediated by the amygdala. However, accounting for lifelong plasticity of amygdala, it is unclear whether such structural changes persist into adulthood. To address this problem, we stated the following questions: first, are whole amygdala volumes reduced in premature-born adults? And second, as adult anxiety traits are often increased after prematurity and linked with amygdala structure, are alterations in amygdala associated with adults’ anxiety traits after premature birth? We addressed these questions by automated amygdala segmentation of MRI volumes in 101 very premature-born adults (< 32 weeks of gestation and/or birth weight below 1500 g) and 108 full-term controls at 26 years of age of a prospectively and longitudinally collected cohort. We found significantly lower whole amygdala volumes in premature-born adults. While premature-born adults had significantly higher T score for avoidant personality reflecting increased social anxiety trait, this trait was not correlated with amygdala volume alterations. Results demonstrate reduced amygdala volumes in premature born adults. Data suggest lasting effects of prematurity on amygdala structure.
Gene expression profile association with poor prognosis in epithelial ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Oliveira Douglas V. N. P. , Prahm Kira P. , Christensen Ib J. , Hansen Anker , Høgdall Claus K. , Høgdall Estrid V.
Published: March 2021

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the eighth most common type of cancer for women worldwide. The current diagnostic and prognostic routine available for OC management either lack specificity or are very costly. Gene expression profiling has shown to be a very effective tool in exploring new molecular markers for patients with OC, although association of such markers with patient survival and clinical outcome is still elusive. Here, we performed gene expression profiling of different subtypes of OC to evaluate its association with patient overall survival (OS) and aggressive forms of the disease. By global mRNA microarray profiling in a total of 196 epithelial OC patients (161 serous, 15 endometrioid, 11 mucinous, and 9 clear cell carcinomas), we found four candidates—HSPA1A, CD99, RAB3A and POM121L9P, which associated with OS and poor clinicopathological features. The overexpression of all combined was correlated with shorter OS and progression-free survival (PFS). Furthermore, the combination of at least two markers were further associated with advanced grade, chemotherapy resistance, and progressive disease. These results indicate that a panel comprised of a few predictors that associates with a more aggressive form of OC may be clinically relevant, presenting a better performance than one marker alone.
Palmitic acid promotes resistin-induced insulin resistance and inflammation in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma
Authors: Amine Hamza , Benomar Yacir , Taouis Mohammed
Published: March 2021

Saturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid promote inflammation and insulin resistance in peripheral tissues, contrasting with the protective action of polyunsaturated fatty acids such docosahexaenoic acid. Palmitic acid effects have been in part attributed to its potential action through Toll-like receptor 4. Beside, resistin, an adipokine, also promotes inflammation and insulin resistance via TLR4. In the brain, palmitic acid and resistin trigger neuroinflammation and insulin resistance, but their link at the neuronal level is unknown. Using human SH-SY5Yneuroblastoma cell line we show that palmitic acid treatment impaired insulin-dependent Akt and Erk phosphorylation whereas DHA preserved insulin action. Palmitic acid up-regulated TLR4 as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines IL6 and TNFα contrasting with DHA effect. Similarly to palmitic acid, resistin treatment induced the up-regulation of IL6 and TNFα as well as NFκB activation. Importantly, palmitic acid potentiated the resistin-dependent NFkB activation whereas DHA abolished it. The recruitment of TLR4 to membrane lipid rafts was increased by palmitic acid treatment; this is concomitant with the augmentation of resistin-induced TLR4/MYD88/TIRAP complex formation mandatory for TLR4 signaling. In conclusion, palmitic acid increased TLR4 expression promoting resistin signaling through TLR4 up-regulation and its recruitment to membrane lipid rafts.
Initial stages of hand osteoarthritis do not affect the extrinsic muscles of the hand: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Tossini Natália Barbosa , Zacharias André Luis Simões , Abrantes Luiza Souza Seraphim , da Silva Serrão Paula Regina Mendes
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study was to verify whether women in the initial stages of hand osteoarthritis (HOA) already have impaired grip strength and flexor and extensor torque of the wrist compared to healthy women. It also aimed to correlate these variables with pain, stiffness, and function of the hand. Twenty-six women were divided into a control group [CG, n = 13; 56 (51–61) years old] and a hand osteoarthritis group [HOAG, n = 13; 58 (53–63) years old]. Grades II and III were included in the HOA group according to the criteria of Kellgren and Lawrence. All volunteers answered an initial assessment form, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Australian/Canadian Hand Osteoarthritis Index (AUSCAN). The grip strength and isometric wrist flexor and extensor torque were evaluated by a hydraulic dynamometer. Comparisons between groups used Student’s t test for independent samples and the Mann–Whitney test. Spearman's correlation was used to correlate grip strength and flexor and extensor wrist torque to the degree of disease and DASH and AUSCAN scores. There were no differences between the groups in grip strength or flexor and extensor torque values. In terms of the DASH and the AUSCAN, the HOA group had higher scores, indicating worse hand function. A strong negative correlation was found between grip strength and the degree of HOA (r =  − 0.70, p = 0.008), and a moderate positive correlation was found between flexor torque and the degree of HOA (r = 0.53, p = 0.05). The pain (r =  − 0.61, p = 0.02) and function (r =  − 0.66, p = 0.01) sections of the AUSCAN correlated negatively with grip strength. Pain can be an important feature in the HOA rehabilitation process, as it can influence handgrip strength and function. It is important that rehabilitation is implemented as soon as possible to guarantee the maintenance of strength and function since with the severity of the disease, patients tend to have deficits in grip strength and function.
The impact of pharmacist oriented mode on risk control in a Chinese centralized intravenous admixture service centre
Authors: Chen Hongxia , Guo Yanrong , Wei Hualing , Chen Xiaoyu
Published: March 2021

Centralized intravenous admixture service (CIVAS) centres, which are pharmaceutical departments found in Chinese hospitals, provide high-quality intravenous fluids and pharmaceutical services for patients, and errors in their working procedures can lead to adverse consequences. Pharmacists, the primary CIVAS centre personnel, play a role in risk control; however, to date, the effect of pharmacists’ participation in risk management has not been reported. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacist’s role in risk control and evaluate its impact. A retrospective observational study was designed to assess the principal working process in the CIVAS centre of a provincial healthcare setting. Errors in the main working process were identified, and intervention measures were formulated. The pharmacist intervention effect was evaluated by assessing the identification rate of improper prescriptions; the incidence rate of drug preparation, compounding, packaging and delivery process errors; and expenditures on wasteful drugs. There was a higher identification rate for improper prescriptions after the intervention (P < 0.05), while the incidence of drug preparation (P < 0.05), admixture (P < 0.05), and packaging and delivery errors (P < 0.01) was significantly lower; the total wasteful medication expenditure was also dramatically reduced. The potential creativity of pharmacists in error control can provide dependable intravenous drugs for patients and reduce the running expenditures for CIVAS.
A flat embedding method for transmission electron microscopy reveals an unknown mechanism of tetracycline
Authors: Wenzel Michaela , Dekker Marien P. , Wang Biwen , Burggraaf Maroeska J. , Bitter Wilbert , van Weering Jan R. T. , Hamoen Leendert W.
Published: March 2021

Transmission electron microscopy of cell sample sections is a popular technique in microbiology. Currently, ultrathin sectioning is done on resin-embedded cell pellets, which consumes milli- to deciliters of culture and results in sections of randomly orientated cells. This is problematic for rod-shaped bacteria and often precludes large-scale quantification of morphological phenotypes due to the lack of sufficient numbers of longitudinally cut cells. Here we report a flat embedding method that enables observation of thousands of longitudinally cut cells per single section and only requires microliter culture volumes. We successfully applied this technique to Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium bovis, and Acholeplasma laidlawii. To assess the potential of the technique to quantify morphological phenotypes, we monitored antibiotic-induced changes in B. subtilis cells. Surprisingly, we found that the ribosome inhibitor tetracycline causes membrane deformations. Further investigations showed that tetracycline disturbs membrane organization and localization of the peripheral membrane proteins MinD, MinC, and MreB. These observations are not the result of ribosome inhibition but constitute a secondary antibacterial activity of tetracycline that so far has defied discovery.
The Fennoscandian Shield deep terrestrial virosphere suggests slow motion ‘boom and burst’ cycles
Authors: Holmfeldt Karin , Nilsson Emelie , Simone Domenico , Lopez-Fernandez Margarita , Wu Xiaofen , de Bruijn Ino , Lundin Daniel , Andersson Anders F. , Bertilsson Stefan , Dopson Mark
Published: March 2021

The deep biosphere contains members from all three domains of life along with viruses. Here we investigate the deep terrestrial virosphere by sequencing community nucleic acids from three groundwaters of contrasting chemistries, origins, and ages. These viromes constitute a highly unique community compared to other environmental viromes and sequenced viral isolates. Viral host prediction suggests that many of the viruses are associated with Firmicutes and Patescibacteria, a superphylum lacking previously described active viruses. RNA transcript-based activity implies viral predation in the shallower marine water-fed groundwater, while the deeper and more oligotrophic waters appear to be in ‘metabolic standby’. Viral encoded antibiotic production and resistance systems suggest competition and antagonistic interactions. The data demonstrate a viral community with a wide range of predicted hosts that mediates nutrient recycling to support a higher microbial turnover than previously anticipated. This suggests the presence of ‘kill-the-winner’ oscillations creating slow motion ‘boom and burst’ cycles.
Forward dynamic simulation of Japanese macaque bipedal locomotion demonstrates better energetic economy in a virtualised plantigrade posture
Authors: Oku Hideki , Ide Naohiko , Ogihara Naomichi
Published: March 2021

A plantigrade foot with a large robust calcaneus is regarded as a distinctive morphological feature of the human foot; it is presumably the result of adaptation for habitual bipedal locomotion. The foot of the Japanese macaque, on the other hand, does not have such a feature, which hampers it from making foot–ground contact at the heel during bipedal locomotion. Understanding how this morphological difference functionally affects the generation of bipedal locomotion is crucial for elucidating the evolution of human bipedalism. In this study, we constructed a forward dynamic simulation of bipedal locomotion in the Japanese macaque based on a neuromusculoskeletal model to evaluate how virtual manipulation of the foot structure from digitigrade to plantigrade affects the kinematics, dynamics, and energetics of bipedal locomotion in a nonhuman primate whose musculoskeletal anatomy is not adapted to bipedalism. The normal bipedal locomotion generated was in good agreement with that of actual Japanese macaques. If, as in human walking, the foot morphology was altered to allow heel contact, the vertical ground reaction force profile became double-peaked and the cost of transport decreased. These results suggest that evolutionary changes in the foot structure were important for the acquisition of human-like efficient bipedal locomotion.
Overcoming barriers to the registration of new plant varieties under the DUS system
Authors: Yang Chin Jian , Russell Joanne , Ramsay Luke , Thomas William , Powell Wayne , Mackay Ian
Published: March 2021

Distinctness, Uniformity and Stability (DUS) is an intellectual property system introduced in 1961 by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) for safeguarding the investment and rewarding innovation in developing new plant varieties. Despite the rapid advancement in our understanding of crop biology over the past 60 years, the DUS system has changed little and is still largely dependent upon a set of morphological traits for testing candidate varieties. As the demand for more plant varieties increases, the barriers to registration of new varieties become more acute and thus require urgent review to the system. To highlight the challenges and remedies in the current system, we evaluated a comprehensive panel of 805 UK barley varieties that span the entire history of DUS testing. Our findings reveal the system deficiencies such as inconsistencies in DUS traits across environments, limitations in DUS trait combinatorial space, and inadequacies in currently available DUS markers. We advocate the concept of genomic DUS and provide evidence for a shift towards a robust genomics-enabled registration system for new crop varieties.
Vortices as fractons
Authors: Doshi Darshil , Gromov Andrey
Published: March 2021

Fracton phases of matter feature local excitations with restricted mobility. Despite the substantial theoretical progress they lack conclusive experimental evidence. We discuss a simple and experimentally available realization of fracton physics. We note that superfluid vortices form a Hamiltonian system that conserves total dipole moment and trace of the quadrupole moment of vorticity; thereby establishing a relation to a traceless scalar charge theory in two spatial dimensions. Next we consider the limit where the number of vortices is large and show that emergent vortex hydrodynamics also conserves these moments. Finally, we show that on curved surfaces, the motion of vortices and that of fractons agree; thereby opening a route to experimental study of the interplay between fracton physics and curved space. Our conclusions also apply to charged particles in a strong magnetic field.
Drug -driven self-assembly of pH-sensitive nano-vesicles with high loading capacity and anti-tumor efficacy
Authors: Zhai Yaomin , Wang Juan , Qiu Liyan
Published: March 2021

A pH-sensitive nano-vesicle was constructed by the drug-driven self-assembly of the amphiphilic copolymer PAP, which displayed a high drug loading capability of 35.77 wt% DOX·HCl and high tumor growth inhibition rate of up to 82.4% in mice.
A signal-on fluorescent aptasensor based on gold nanoparticles for kanamycin detection
Authors: Sun Yimeng , Qi Tong , Jin Yan , Liang Lijuan , Zhao Jianlong
Published: March 2021

This study describes the development, verification and practical application of an aptasensor for the fluorometric detection of kanamycin.
In situ dual growth of graphitic structures in biomass carbon to yield a potassium-ion battery anode with high initial coulombic efficiency
Authors: Tang Zheren , Wang Yan , Zheng Zheng , Luo Xingzhang
Published: March 2021

A biomass carbon with graphitic structures is prepared by a recyclable template method. The unique hybrid framework can increase the reversible storage sites and transportation channels, which further lead to a high ICE and capacity as a KIB anode.
Fire extinguishing performance and mechanism for several typical dry water extinguishing agents
Authors: Wang Quan , Wang Fengqi , Li Chengxiao , Li Zhimin , Li Rui
Published: March 2021

Four new dry water fire extinguishing agents (FEAs) were developed by hydrophobic SiO2 and aqueous solution. Among them, dry water FEA with ammonium dihydrogen phosphate has the best extinguishing effect via temperature changes by thermocouples.
Effects of morphology and pore size of mesoporous silicas on the efficiency of an immobilized enzyme
Authors: Kuo Ping-Chung , Lin Zhi-Xun , Wu Tzi-Yi , Hsu Chun-Han , Lin Hong-Ping , Wu Tian-Shung
Published: March 2021

Mesoporous silica films were used as supports with high loading capacity and enzyme activity.
Role of transition metals on MoS2-based supported catalysts for hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of propylguaiacol
Authors: Cheah You Wayne , Salam Muhammad Abdus , Arora Prakhar , Öhrman Olov , Creaser Derek , Olsson Louise
Published: March 2021

Role of transition metals (Ni, Cu, Fe, and Zn) on MoS2 supported alumina was studied for the HDO of propylguaiacol (PG) to produce aromatics, cycloalkanes, and phenolics. A kinetic model was proposed elucidating the reaction pathway for HDO of PG.
Ion-gating synaptic transistors with long-term synaptic weight modulation
Authors: Park Youngjun , Kim Min-Kyu , Lee Jang-Sik
Published: March 2021

This paper presents synaptic transistors that show long-term synaptic weight modulation via injection of ions. Linear and symmetric weight update is achieved, which enables high recognition accuracy in artificial neural networks.
Self-powered broadband hybrid organic–inorganic photodetectors based on PEDOT:PSS and silicon micro-nanostructures
Authors: Ramadan Rehab , Torres-Costa Vicente , Martín-Palma Raúl J.
Published: March 2021

Structural modifications to the surface of the active layer of hybrid organic-inorganic self-powered broadband photodetectors lead to a remarkable enhancement in their photoresponse.
Flexibility‐based operational management of a microgrid considering interaction with gas grid
Authors: Kamrani Farshid , Fattaheian‐Dehkordi Sajjad , Abbaspour Ali , Fotuhi‐Firuzabad Mahmud , Lehtonen Matti
Published: March 2021

Power systems have been undergoing significant restructuring as a result of increasing independently operated local resources. Consequently, new entities, i.e. microgrids (MGs), are developed, which facilitate the integration of local resources, specifically renewable energy sources (RESs), into the operation of power systems. Despite many benefits, the integration of RESs could cause severe rampings in the net‐load, which would challenge the reliable operation of the system. Therefore, it seems essential that flexible local resources in an MG should be employed to provide flexibility services to the main grid, thus ensuring that ramping in the MG's net‐load would meet the ramping capability in the upper‐level system. Accordingly, this study aims to develop an energy management framework to schedule local resources in an MG considering system's ramping limits. In this regard, the interaction between electricity and gas grid as a potential future flexible resource for energy systems is considered in the developed scheme. Moreover, the chance‐constrained methodology is employed to address the uncertainty associated with the operational management of RESs. Finally, the proposed energy management model is analysed from different perspectives to show the importance of the contribution of flexible local resources to the efficient improvement of the power system flexibility.
A study on the high-efficiency mixer of the SCR system
Authors: Lu Kai , Liu Dewen , Wu Yan , Liu Shusen , Bai Shuzhan
Published: March 2021

A new mixer for a diesel engine after-treatment system is developed to meet the requirements of China VI emission regulation. As for the structure of the mixer, it is surrounded by spiral blades, and the center is staggered with small blades, which is conducive to the crushing of urea droplets and can make the droplets fully mixed with air, improve the conversion efficiency of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and reduce ammonia leakage. The numerical analysis, engine bench test, and vehicle road test were carried out on the after-treatment system equipped with the new mixer. The numerical calculation results show that the velocity uniformity index of the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) carrier can reach 0.98, as well as the ammonia uniformity can reach 0.95, meanwhile, the low wall film height shows excellent anti-crystallization properties. engine bench test results are consistent with numerical results. The crystallization status of the mixer after the vehicle durability test is acceptable and well performed.
Model characterization and mechanical property analysis of bimetallic functionally graded turbine discs
Authors: Dong Yiwei , Yan Weiguo , Liao Tao , Ye Qianwen , You Yancheng
Published: March 2021

In advanced propulsive systems, a turbine disc bears vast mechanical and thermal loads under its working conditions of high-temperature gradients and high rotational velocity.The complex working conditions of aero-engine turbine discs place stringent performance requirements on the materials used. With dual organizations and superior composite performances, bimetallic functionally graded turbine discs have become a focus in the research of high thrust-to-weight ratio aero-engines. To study the mechanical properties of new bimetallic functionally graded materials under service conditions, we propose a volumetric fraction expression and adjustable composition distribution parameters that are suitable for simulating the composition distribution of bimetallic functionally graded turbine discs. On this basis, a characterization model for functionally graded materials based on the analysis of the internal thermodynamic properties of bimetallic turbine discs is established. The thermodynamic properties and fatigue performances of functionally graded materials under service conditions are analysed. Mechanical property simulations of functionally graded turbine discs are performed using different composition distribution parameters, and reasonable ranges are determined for the various composition distribution parameters. The results show that bimetallic functionally graded turbine discs are suitable for high-stress-gradient and high-temperature-gradient environments with lower weights than those of current GH4169 alloy turbine discs.
A type of symmetrical differential lever displacement amplification mechanism
Authors: Fan Wei , Jin Huaxue , Fu Yuchen , Lin Yuyang
Published: March 2021

The paper proposes a type of symmetrical flexure hinge displacement amplification mechanism, which is based on the differential lever to effectively improve the displacement output stroke of the PZT and reduce the additional displacement. In addition to describes the working principle of the differential displacement amplification, it establishes the semi-model of the micro-displacement amplification mechanism according to the symmetrical structure. The stiffness, displacement loss, and natural frequency of the amplification mechanism are simulated by finite element analysis (FEA). Simultaneously, build the mathematical model of amplification ratio to obtain the optimal driving frequency when the natural frequency is 930.58 Hz. The maximum output displacement of the designed mechanism is 313.05 µm and the amplification ratio is 6.50. Due to the symmetrical structure, the output additional displacement of the whole amplification mechanism is small.It provides a scientific basis for further improving the positioning accuracy of the micro/nano drive control system.
On the way to fault detection method in moving load dynamics problem by modified recurrent neural networks approach
Authors: Jena Shakti P. , Parhi Dayal R.
Published: March 2021

Parameters identification on structure subjected to moving load can be predicted by using the accurate and reliable data. The concepts of recurrent neural networks (RNNs) approach have been used in parameters (crack locations and severities) identifications in structure subjected to moving load in the present methodology. This methodology has incorporated the knowledge based Elman's recurrent neural networks (ERNNs) and Jordan's recurrent neural networks (JRNNs) jointly for the identification of parameters. This approach has been addressed as the inverse problem for predicting the locations and quantification of cracks in the structure in a supervised manner. The Levenberg-Marquardt's back propagation algorithm is implemented to train the proposed networks. To check the robustness of the present method, Numerical studies followed by Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and experimental verifications (Forward problems) are presented as a case study by considering a multi-cracked simply supported structure under a moving mass. The estimated crack locations and severities obtained from the proposed RNNs model converge well with those of FEA and experiments. From the demonstration of the case study, it concludes that the proposed analogy can identify and quantify the crack locations and severities effectively.
Development of creative intercultural and communicative competence of USMU international students at the lessons of Russian as a Foreign Language
Authors: Sadygova Arzu , Yusupova Lyalya , Agababaev Mushfig
Published: March 2021

This article deals with the topical issues related to the development of creative intercultural and communicative competence of international students of the Ural State Mining University (USMU) in the process of their learning Russian as a Foreign Language. The article suggests the possibility to use various methods and techniques for the presentation of educational material in order to increase the level of formation and development of speaking skills, creative intercultural and communicative competence of the USMU international students at the lessons of Russian as a Foreign Language. The necessity to improve teaching methods for the development of grammar skills alongside with the formation and development of the communicative skills of the USMU foreign students is viewed as the key thing. Special attention is given to the importance of the methodology used to provide the pedagogical conditions necessary for a creative approach to the educational process, which, in its turn, results in the development of creative intercultural and communicative competence of the international students acquiring knowledge and skills in the field of both speech and intercultural communication at the lessons of Russian as a Foreign Language. Particular emphasis is made on the development of oral and written communication skills of the USMU international students at the Russian lessons under paradigm of the development of creative intercultural and communicative competence. Finally, the formation and development of the speech activity of the USMU international students at the lessons of Russian as a Foreign Language is considered to be an integral part of the overall educational process.
Diversification of teaching cognitive styles in higher school as a factor of enhancing the quality of teaching accounting the best European practices
Authors: Kats Alexandra
Published: March 2021

In the modern conditions, one of the teacher’s leading tasks is achievement of high quality of teaching based on the analysis and accounting of the best European practices, which can be actualized in the context of a research on teaching cognitive styles. The relevance of a research is as follows: teaching cognitive style causes features of an individual style of teacher’s professional activity. The purpose of the article is in determination of inter-relation between the research on teachers’ cognitive styles and realization of practical aspects of teaching accounting the best European practices. It is formulated that the research of teaching cognitive styles is one of the priority directions of the research which is caused by the need for enhancing the quality of teaching in higher school within achievement of high level of pedagogical mastery. It is proved that inter-disciplinary study of Russian and foreign researchers is aimed to establish individual differences in the ways of teacher’s work with information, to model variable situations of pedagogical interaction accounting diversification in models of teachers’ intellectual behavior in higher school. The article is intended for the researchers, and teachers-practitioners.
Financing the development of the regional vocational training system: qualitative changes
Authors: Dvoryadkina Elena , Efimova Elena , Prostova Dina
Published: March 2021

Innovative development of the national economy is Russia's main strategic aim in a globally competitive environment. In general, innovation processes should start with transformations within regions, as it is the regions in Russia that form the basis of the national economic system. The purpose of this paper is to identify prospective directions for qualitative changes in the development of the regional vocational education system, which is the object of the study. The authors focus on the financing of regional vocational education system development, since this system is considered one of the most important factors of economic competitiveness, national security, and at the same time, vocational training is the basis for human capital accumulation and development. Regional programs, which are one of the instruments for financing education systems at regional level, are analyzed.
Perspectives of authentic assessment and professional practice interventions in teaching and learning
Authors: Royce M. , Jariwala J. , Petzer M. , Turner J.
Published: March 2021

Higher Education is seen as having an expanding responsibility to prepare students for employment. Many of the subject areas taught are linked with particular professions, such as in law, business, engineering and health, and academics may have experience working in the profession before teaching. Professional bodies have input into the curriculum and assessment design, and academic research supports the developing of practice in all areas. This paper draws together and reviews some of the practice and theoretical perspectives of this merging of worlds. The practice elements of the paper reflect work embedded in module development in Liverpool John Moores University in the North West of England. The focus will be situated in the area of authentic assessment and its role within professional practice. The paper will first explore the meaning of professional practice, then use activity theory, in particular boundary crossing, as a framework for a discussion of practice implications.
Teachers’ professional growth as a condition for improving the quality of higher education in the context of global and Bologna dimensions
Authors: Zabelina Tatiana , Spiryagina Ekaterina
Published: March 2021

The main factor of competitiveness and attractiveness of Russian higher education is its quality. Currently, the most relevant trend in the development of education is globalization. One of the central figures of this process is the teacher. It should be noted that the system of professional growth of the teacher is focused on the main goal-improving the quality of education. The global trends of globalization impose new requirements on the personality of the teacher, who must be a creative individual, have original, problem-pedagogical and critical thinking, be able to create multi-variant programs, relying on the best world experience and new teaching technologies, applying them in practice. In this article, a study will be conducted to identify the attitude of teachers of one of the educational organizations to the above-mentioned changes; conclusions are drawn about the impact of innovations on the professional growth of teachers; the main directions of development in the future are outlined.
The experience of distance learning in the bologna process countries during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Bitieva Zarina R. , Bulavina Maria A. , Bitieva Zalina R.
Published: March 2021

In this article, the authors analyze various aspects of the distance learning discourse of the countries participating in the Bologna Process from the point of view of the impact of the pandemic on the development of higher education. The author pays special attention to the practical aspects of the activities of Russian universities during the pandemic, their interaction with each other and the problems of cooperation in the context of distance learning. Naturally, the stress caused by the epidemic and the transition to distance learning, especially for senior teachers, could not but affect the quality of training, but competently and professionally selected materials provided students with an educational result, and teachers with positive feedback and opportunities for self - development. The aim of the article is to demonstrate the experience of distance learning in the context of the pandemic and its impact on the higher education system. The author used the following methods: comparative research; methods of collecting empirical information; conceptual and terminological analysis; a method for solving problems. The results of the study can certainly be considered as revealing the positive dynamics of the development of the Bologna process in the higher education system, especially in the context of the pandemic.
Potentiell inadäquate Medikation bei Heimbewohnern: Eine Analyse von Risikofaktoren anhand bundesweiter GKV-Routinedaten der AOK für das Jahr 2017
Authors: Weinand Sina , Thürmann Petra A. , Dröge Patrik , Koetsenruijter Jan , Klora Mike , Grobe Thomas G.
Published: March 2021

Ziel der Studie Primäres Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, Risikofaktoren für die Verordnung potentiell inadäquater Medikamente (PIM) anhand der PRISCUS-Liste bei stationären Heimbewohnern im Jahr 2017 zu identifizieren.

Methoden Es erfolgte eine Analyse von GKV-Routinedaten zu versicherten Heimbewohnern ab 65 Jahren der Allgemeinen Ortskrankenkassen (AOKen) aus dem Jahr 2017. PIMs wurden anhand der PRISCUS-Liste identifiziert. Einflüsse von Risikofaktoren wurden in einer multivariaten logistischen Regression ermittelt.

Ergebnisse Die Untersuchungspopulation im Jahr 2017 umfasste 259 328 Heimbewohner, von denen 25,5% mindestens ein PIM erhielten (Frauen: 25,6%; Männer: 24,9%). Weibliche sowie jüngere Heimbewohner wiesen ein erhöhtes Risiko für mindestens eine PRISCUS-Verordnung auf. Multimedikation, eine steigende Anzahl an ambulant behandelnden Ärzten und an Krankenhausaufenthalten stellten weitere Risikofaktoren dar. Zudem zeigen sich deutliche Verordnungsunterschiede zwischen den einzelnen Bundesländern.

Schlussfolgerung PIM-Verordnungen sind bei Heimbewohnern häufig und insofern ein relevantes Thema im Hinblick auf die Arzneimitteltherapiesicherheit. Nicht auf Bewohnermerkmale zurückzuführende, sondern auch regionale Unterschiede verweisen auf Modifikationsmöglichkeiten und einen weiteren Forschungsbedarf.
Investigating crime scenes with blood droplet analysis
Authors: Bandari Anashe
Published: March 2021

A fabric’s physical properties, such as its wettability and porosity, affect the stain left behind by an impacting droplet.
Numerical simulation of particle fracture and surface erosion due to single particle impact
Authors: Du Mingchao , Li Zengliang , Feng Long , Dong Xiangwei , Che Jiaqi , Zhang Yanwen
Published: March 2021

Particle fracture can influence material failure and removal mechanisms in high velocity impact progress. In this paper, a coupled finite element method-smooth particle hydrodynamics numerical model of a single irregularly shaped particle erode metal surface was established to investigate the particle fracture and metal surface erosion. The Johnson–Cook model and Johnson–Holmquist-II model were introduced to describe the deformation of ductile materials and the fracture of brittle materials, respectively. Subsequently, the erosion process of a single irregularly shaped particle impacting different material properties of metal was studied. The results showed the following: (1) The JH-2 constitutive model can simulate the fracture of brittle particles accurately, and the results between simulations and experiments were in reasonable agreement. (2) The extent of particle fracture was lower on softer substrates than on the harder ones. (3) The orientation angle was a key factor affecting secondary impacts of brittle particles. (4) The rigid particle made more damage on the substrate than the brittle one under the same condition.
Maturation system affects lipid accumulation in bovine oocytes
Authors: Faria O. A. C. , Kawamoto T. S. , Dias L. R. O. , Fidelis A. A. G. , Leme L. O. , Caixeta F. M. C. , Gomes A. C. M. M. , Sprícigo J. F. W. , Dode M. A. N.
Published: March 2021

This study evaluated the effects of three maturation systems, namely invitro (MatV) and invivo (MatS) systems, as well as intrafollicular transfer of immature oocytes (IFIOT; MatT), on the accumulation of lipid droplets in bovine oocytes. Lipids were evaluated using confocal microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The expression of genes related to lipid metabolism, namely acyl-CoA synthetase short chain family member 2 (ACSS2), ELOVL fatty acid elongase 1 (ELOVL1) and fatty acid binding protein 3 (FABP3), was quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The mean (±s.d.) area occupied by lipids in immature oocytes (13±2%) was similar to those matured invivo (MatS, 16±2%; MatT, 12±2%). However, there was a significant increase in lipids in oocytes in the MatV group (24±2%) compared with all other groups (P<0.001). In the ultrastructural evaluations, MatV oocytes also showed the highest lipid content. The expression of ELOVL1 and FABP3 was similar in the MatS and IFIOT groups. However, transcript levels of ACSS2 were lower in IFIOT than MatV oocytes. These results indicate, for the first time, that oocytes matured by IFIOT are similar to those matured invivo with regard to lipid accumulation, which indicates better quality than those matured invitro.
Legume–microbiome interactions unlock mineral nutrients in regrowing tropical forests
Authors: Epihov Dimitar Z. , Saltonstall Kristin , Batterman Sarah A. , Hedin Lars O. , Hall Jefferson S. , van Breugel Michiel , Leake Jonathan R. , Beerling David J.
Published: March 2021

Significance

Symbiotic dinitrogen (N
2
)-fixing trees fulfill a critical function in tropical forests by bringing in new nitrogen, yet it remains unclear how they overcome constraints by highly weathered, nutrient-poor tropical soils. We advance forest biogeochemistry and microbial ecology with the discovery from field trials in Panama that fast-growing N
2
-fixing trees in tropical forests exhibit accelerated mineral weathering and distinctive soil metagenomes that improve their access to inorganic nutrients in nutrient-poor soils. Furthermore, we show that N
2
-fixing trees exert similar effects on non-N
2
–fixing trees nearby thus having previously overlooked community-wide effects on tropical forest nutrient cycling. These results offer insights into the role of N
2
-fixing trees and their associated microbiomes in safeguarding the function of tropical forests within the global biosphere.
“I AM HERE AND I MATTER”
Authors: Zentz Lauren
Published: March 2021

In this article I operationalize the term “virtue signaling”, a term generally pejoratively used towards people’s assertions of values on social media platforms, as “moral-political stancetaking”, an activity that is actually quite common on- and offline and that works to exert peer pressure toward onlookers and addressees so that they will adopt certain values. Using analytical frameworks of small stories and stance, I examine a narrative sequence from one political activist, demonstrating how she situates long-term aspects of her biography in relation to present moral-political crises in order to make assertions that culminate in the construction of a moral-political framework for the progressive grassroots organizations that she leads. Through this analysis I assert that the notion of virtue signaling, while new to the social media era, fits well within repertoires of communicative behavior that long pre-date the rise of social media.
UV curable hyperbranched polyester polyurethane acrylate for hydraulic machinery coating
Authors: Yuan Mengjie , Wang Shuai , Li Guixun , He Suqin , Liu Wentao , Liu Hao , Huang Miaoming , Zhu Chengshen
Published: March 2021

The content of river cement and sand in our country is relatively high, and the surface of hydraulic machinery in hydropower stations is often subject to fatigue damage and erosion. This topic is mainly used to solve the problem of abrasion and corrosion of hydraulic machinery coatings. UV curable polyurethane acrylate (PUA) can be quickly solidified into film and directly coated on the surface of hydraulic machinery with excellent anti-wear, adhesion properties and low cost. In this work, a hyperbranched polyester synthesized by the stepwise reaction of trimethylolpropane (TMP) and dimethylolpropionic acid (DMPA) was as a ‘nucleus’, and the polyurethane prepolymer was obtained by grafting IPDI and PTMG (C Schüll, H Frey, 2013 Grafting of hyperbranched polymers: from unusual complex polymer topologies to multivalent surface functionalization, Polymer, 54, 5443–5455). The UV-curing hyperbranched polyester polyurethane acrylate (PUA-1) was prepared by capping with HEA (Xu, W, Wang, W, Hao, L, Zhao, W, Liu, H, Wang, X 2020 Effect of generation number on properties of fluoroalkyl‐terminated hyperbranched polyurethane latexs and its films. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., e49215). Another UV-curing hyperbranched polyester polyurethane acrylate (PUA-2) was prepared as comparison by using TDI and PTMG as the main raw materials. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer,1H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Gel Permeation Chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis and dynamic thermomechanical analysis were used to characterize its structure and properties. The wear rate of the two hyperbranched polyesters measured by the underwater steel ball method is below 3%, The swelling rate of PUA-1 is between 250%–300%, and the swelling rate of PUA-2 is around 260%, indicating that PUA-2 has better solvent resistance than PUA-1, and the internal structure of the film is more dense. TG analysis showed that the thermal stability of the two materials was good.
Parental Migration and Children’s Problem Behaviours in Rural China: Testing an Integrative Theoretical Model
Authors: Chen Xiaojin
Published: March 2021

This study aims to investigate the social mechanism underlying the associations between parental migration and left-behind children’s delinquent and deviant behaviours in rural China. Using a middle school student sample, our results reveal that the effects of parental migration on children’s delinquency differ across caretaking arrangements. Specifically, compared with children living with non-migrant parents, those cared for by a remaining father (with a mother migrated) or by one grandparent (with both parents migrated) had weaker bonding with primary caretakers and schools, which led to delinquency and deviance directly or indirectly through more frequent association with deviant peers. In contrast, children living with a remaining mother or with two grandparents did not differ significantly from those living with non-migrant parents.
Modeling the thermomechanical behavior of a shape memory polymer Timoshenko beam
Authors: Zhao Fei , Zhou Ziyu , Zhou Bo , Xue Shifeng
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a new constitutive model that can model the thermomechanical behavior of a shape memory polymer (SMP) Timoshenko beam is established. Based on previous work, the SMP constitutive model is introduced and extended. According to Timoshenko beam theory and the SMP constitutive model, the constitutive model of an SMP beam was established using the Hamiltonian principle and energy principle. The simply supported beam was taken as an example to be solved and simulated. The results give the deflection and rotation properties, viscosity properties and shape memory properties of the SMP beam, and some conclusions are drawn. This work describes the thermomechanical behavior of an SMP Timoshenko beam, and it provides a theoretical basis for the practical application of SMP beams.