bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using DNA-based stable isotope probing to reveal novel propionate- and acetate-oxidizing bacteria in propionate-fed mesophilic anaerobic chemostats
Authors: Wang Hui-Zhong , Lv Xiao-Meng , Yi Yue , Zheng Dan , Gou Min , Nie Yong , Hu Bing , Nobu Masaru K. , Narihiro Takashi , Tang Yue-Qin
Published: November 2019

Propionate is one of the most important intermediates of anaerobic fermentation. Its oxidation performed by syntrophic propionate-oxidizing bacteria coupled with hydrogenotrophic methanogens is considered to be a rate-limiting step for methane production. However, the current understanding of SPOB is limited due to the difficulty of pure culture isolation. In the present study, two anaerobic chemostats fed with propionate as the sole carbon source were operated at different dilution rates (0.05 d−1 and 0.15 d−1). The propionate- and acetate-oxidizing bacteria in the two methanogenic chemostats were investigated combining DNA-stable isotope probing (DNA-SIP) and 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing. The results of DNA-SIP with 13C-propionate/acetate suggested that, Smithella, Syntrophobacter, Cryptanaerobacter, and unclassified Rhodospirillaceae may be putative propionate-oxidizing bacteria; unclassified Spirochaetaceae, unclassified Synergistaceae, unclassified Elusimicrobia, Mesotoga, and Gracilibacter may contribute to acetate oxidation; unclassified Syntrophaceae and Syntrophomonas may be butyrate oxidizers. By DNA-SIP, unclassified OTUs with 16S rRNA gene abundance higher than 62% of total Bacteria in the PL chemostat and 38% in the PH chemostat were revealed to be related to the degradation of propionate. These results suggest that a variety of uncultured bacteria contribute to propionate degradation during anaerobic digestion. The functions and metabolic characteristics of these bacteria require further investigation.
Pyrrothiogatain acts as an inhibitor of GATA family proteins and inhibits Th2 cell differentiation in vitro
Authors: Nomura Shunsuke , Takahashi Hirotaka , Suzuki Junpei , Kuwahara Makoto , Yamashita Masakatsu , Sawasaki Tatsuya
Published: November 2019

The transcription factor GATA3 is a master regulator that modulates T helper 2 (Th2) cell differentiation and induces expression of Th2 cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13. Th2 cytokines are involved in the protective immune response against foreign pathogens, such as parasites. However, excessive production of Th2 cytokines results in type-2 allergic inflammation. Therefore, the application of a GATA3 inhibitor provides a new therapeutic strategy to regulate Th2 cytokine production. Here, we established a novel high-throughput screening system for an inhibitor of a DNA-binding protein, such as a transcription factor, and identified pyrrothiogatain as a novel inhibitor of GATA3 DNA-binding activity. Pyrrothiogatain inhibited the DNA-binding activity of GATA3 and other members of the GATA family. Pyrrothiogatain also inhibited the interaction between GATA3 and SOX4, suggesting that it interacts with the DNA-binding region of GATA3. Furthermore, pyrrothiogatain significantly suppressed Th2 cell differentiation, without impairing Th1 cell differentiation, and inhibited the expression and production of Th2 cytokines. Our results suggest that pyrrothiogatain regulates the differentiation and function of Th2 cells via inhibition of GATA3 DNA binding activity, which demonstrates the efficiency of our drug screening system for the development of novel small compounds that inhibit the DNA-binding activity of transcription factors.
VEGF/Flk1 Mechanism is Involved in Roxarsone Promotion of Rat Endothelial Cell Growth and B16F10 Xenograft Tumor Angiogenesis
Authors: Chen Shihao , Xu Jinge , Wei Qianhan , Zhao Zeting , Chen Xin , Cui Hengmi , Zhang Yumei
Published: November 2019

The potential angiogenic effect of roxarsone, a feed additive widely used to promote animal growth worldwide, was demonstrated recently. We explored the mechanism of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR) in roxarsone promotion of rat vascular endothelial cells (ECs) and B16F10 mouse xenografts. ECs were treated with 0.1–50 μM roxarsone or with roxarsone plus 10 ng/mL VEGF, VEGFR1 (Flt1), or VEGFR2 (Flk1) antibodies for 12–48 h to examine their role in cell growth promotion. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting Vegf, Flt1, and Flk1 were transfected in the ECs, and we measured the expression level, cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation ability. The siRNA targeting Vegf or Flk1 were injected intratumorally in the B16F10 xenografts of mice that received 25 mg/kg roxarsone orally. Cell viability and VEGF expression following roxarsone treatment were significantly higher than that of the control (P < 0.05), peaking following treatment with 1.0 μM roxarsone. Compared to roxarsone alone, the VEGF antibody decreased cell promotion by roxarsone (P < 0.05), and the Flk1 antibody greatly reduced cell viability compared to the Flt1 antibody (P < 0.01). Roxarsone and Flk1 antibody co-treatment increased supernatant VEGF significantly, while cellular VEGF was obviously decreased (P < 0.01), whereas there was no significant difference following Flt1 antibody blockade. The siRNA against Vegf or Flk1 significantly attenuated the roxarsone promotion effects on EC proliferation, migration, and tube-like formation (P < 0.01), whereas the siRNA against Flt1 effected no obvious differences. Furthermore, the RNA interference significantly weakened the roxarsone-induced increase in xenograft weight and volume, and VEGF and Flk1 expression. Roxarsone promotion of rat EC growth, migration, and tube-like formation in vitro and of B16F10 mouse xenograft model tumor growth and angiogenesis involves a VEGF/Flk1 mechanism.
Automated detection and quantification of breast cancer brain metastases in an animal model using democratized machine learning tools
Authors: Sikpa Dina , Fouquet Jérémie P. , Lebel Réjean , Diamandis Phedias , Richer Maxime , Lepage Martin
Published: November 2019

Advances in digital whole-slide imaging and machine learning (ML) provide new opportunities for automated examination and quantification of histopathological slides to support pathologists and biologists. However, implementation of ML tools often requires advanced skills in computer science that may not be immediately available in the traditional wet-lab environment. Here, we propose a simple and accessible workflow to automate detection and quantification of brain epithelial metastases on digitized histological slides. We leverage 100 Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E)-stained whole slide images (WSIs) from 25 Balb/c mice with various level of brain metastatic tumor burden. A supervised training of the Trainable Weka Segmentation (TWS) from Fiji was achieved from annotated WSIs. Upon comparison with manually drawn regions, it is apparent that the algorithm learned to identify and segment cancer cell-specific nuclei and normal brain tissue. Our approach resulted in a robust and highly concordant correlation between automated metastases quantification of brain metastases and manual human assessment (R2 = 0.8783; P < 0.0001). This simple approach is amenable to other similar analyses, including that of human tissues. Widespread adoption of these tools aims to democratize ML and improve precision in traditionally qualitative tasks in histopathology-based research.
Volatile DMNT systemically induces jasmonate-independent direct anti-herbivore defense in leaves of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) plants
Authors: Meents Anja K. , Chen Shi-Peng , Reichelt Michael , Lu Hsueh-Han , Bartram Stefan , Yeh Kai-Wun , Mithöfer Axel
Published: November 2019

Plants perceive and respond to volatile signals in their environment. Herbivore-infested plants release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can initiate systemic defense reactions within the plant and contribute to plant-plant communication. Here, for Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato) leaves we show that among various herbivory-induced plant volatiles, (E)-4,8–dimethyl–1,3,7-nonatriene (DMNT) had the highest abundance of all emitted compounds. This homoterpene was found being sufficient for a volatile-mediated systemic induction of defensive Sporamin protease inhibitor activity in neighboring sweet potato plants. The systemic induction is jasmonate independent and does not need any priming-related challenge. Induced emission and responsiveness to DMNT is restricted to a herbivory-resistant cultivar (Tainong 57), while a susceptible cultivar, Tainong 66, neither emitted amounts comparable to Tainong 57, nor showed reaction to DMNT. This is consistent with the finding that Spodoptera larvae feeding on DMNT-exposed cultivars gain significantly less weight on Tainong 57 compared to Tainong 66. Our results indicate a highly specific, single volatile-mediated plant-plant communication in sweet potato.
Gas-Phase Synthesis for Label-Free Biosensors: Zinc-Oxide Nanowires Functionalized with Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Danielson E. , Dhamodharan V. , Porkovich A. , Kumar P. , Jian N. , Ziadi Z. , Grammatikopoulos P. , Sontakke V. A. , Yokobayashi Y. , Sowwan M.
Published: November 2019

Metal oxide semiconductor nanowires have important applications in label-free biosensing due to their ease of fabrication and ultralow detection limits. Typically, chemical functionalization of the oxide surface is necessary for specific biological analyte detection. We instead demonstrate the use of gas-phase synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) to decorate zinc oxide nanowire (ZnO NW) devices for biosensing applications. Uniform ZnO NW devices were fabricated using a vapor-solid-liquid method in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) furnace. Magnetron-sputtering of a Au target combined with a quadrupole mass filter for cluster size selection was used to deposit Au NPs on the ZnO NWs. Without additional functionalization, we electrically detect DNA binding on the nanowire at sub-nanomolar concentrations and visualize individual DNA strands using atomic force microscopy (AFM). By attaching a DNA aptamer for streptavidin to the biosensor, we detect both streptavidin and the complementary DNA strand at sub-nanomolar concentrations. Au NP decoration also enables sub-nanomolar DNA detection in passivated ZnO NWs that are resilient to dissolution in aqueous solutions. This novel method of biosensor functionalization can be applied to many semiconductor materials for highly sensitive and label-free detection of a wide range of biomolecules.
Integrated Transcriptomics, Proteomics, and Glycomics Reveals the Association between Up-regulation of Sialylated N-glycans/Integrin and Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis
Authors: Peng Wenjing , zhu Rui , Zhou Shiyue , Mirzaei Parvin , Mechref Yehia
Published: November 2019

Breast cancer brain metastasis has been recognized as one of the central issues in breast cancer research. The elucidation of the processes and pathways that mediate this step will provide important clues for a better understanding of breast cancer metastasis. Increasing evidence suggests that aberrant glycosylation patterns greatly contribute to cell invasion and cancer metastasis. Herein, we combined next-generation RNA sequencing with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry-based proteomic and N-glycomic analysis from five breast cancer cell lines and one brain cancer cell line to investigate the possible mechanisms of breast cancer brain metastasis. The genes/proteins associated with cell movement were highlighted in breast cancer brain metastasis. The integrin signaling pathway and the up-regulation of α-integrin (ITGA2, ITGA3) were associated with the brain metastatic process. 12 glycogenes showed unique expression in 231BR, which could result in an increase of sialylation during brain metastasis. In agreement with the changes of glycogenes, 60 out of 63 N-glycans that were identified exhibited differential expression among cell lines. The correlation between glycogenes and glycans revealed the importance of sialylation and sialylated glycans in breast cancer brain metastasis. Highly sialylated N-glycans, which were up-regulated in brain-seeking cell line 231BR, likely play a role in brain metastasis.
Mechanochemical synthesis of carbon-stabilized Cu/C, Co/C and Ni/C nanocomposites with prolonged resistance to oxidation
Authors: Galaburda Mariia , Kovalska Evgeniya , Hogan Benjamin T. , Baldycheva Anna , Nikolenko Andrii , Dovbeshko Galina I. , Oranska Olena I. , Bogatyrov Viktor M.
Published: November 2019

Metal-carbon nanocomposites possess attractive physical-chemical properties compared to their macroscopic counterparts. They are important and unique nanosystems with applications including in the future development of nanomaterial enabled sensors, polymer fillers for electromagnetic radiation shields, and catalysts for various chemical reactions. However, synthesis of these nanocomposites typically employs toxic solvents and hazardous precursors, leading to environmental and health concerns. Together with the complexity of the synthetic processes involved, it is clear that a new synthesis route is required. Herein, Cu/C, Ni/C and Co/C nanocomposites were synthesized using a two-step method including mechanochemical treatment of polyethylene glycol and acetates of copper, nickel and cobalt, followed by pyrolysis of the mixtures in an argon flow at 700 °C. Morphological and structural analysis of the synthesized nanocomposites show their core-shell nature with average crystallite sizes of 50 (Cu/C), 18 (Co/C) and 20 nm (Ni/C) respectively. The carbon shell originates from disordered sp2 carbon (5.2–17.2 wt.%) with a low graphitization degree. The stability and prolonged resistance of composites to oxidation in air arise from the complete embedding of the metal core into the carbon shell together with the presence of surface oxide layer of metal nanoparticles. This approach demonstrates an environmentally friendly method of mechanochemistry for controllable synthesis of metal-carbon nanocomposites.
Behavioural and dopaminergic changes in double mutated human A30P*A53T alpha-synuclein transgenic mouse model of Parkinson´s disease
Authors: Kilpeläinen Tommi , Julku Ulrika H. , Svarcbahs Reinis , Myöhänen Timo T.
Published: November 2019

Alpha-synuclein (aSyn) is the main component of Lewy bodies, the histopathological marker in Parkinson’s disease (PD), and point mutations and multiplications of the aSyn codingSNCAgene correlate with early onset PD. Therefore, various transgenic mouse models overexpressing native or point-mutated aSyn have been developed. Although these models show highly increased aSyn expression they rarely capture dopaminergic cell loss and show a behavioural phenotype only at old age, whereasSNCAmutations are risk factors for PD with earlier onset. The aim of our study was to re-characterize a transgenic mouse strain carrying both A30P and A53T mutated human aSyn. Our study revealed decreased locomotor activity for homozygous transgenic mice starting from 3 months of age which was different from previous studies with this mouse strain that had behavioural deficits starting only after 7–9 months. Additionally, we found a decreased amphetamine response in locomotor activity and decreased extracellular dopaminergic markers in the striatum and substantia nigra with significantly elevated levels of aSyn oligomers. In conclusion, homozygous transgenic A30P*A53T aSyn mice capture several phenotypes of PD with early onset and could be a useful tool for aSyn studies.
A simple, sensitive, high-resolution, customized, reverse phase ultra-high performance liquid chromatographic method for related substances of a therapeutic peptide (bivalirudin trifluoroacetate) using the quality by design approach
Authors: Kumar K. Y. Kiran , Dama Venugopala Rao , Suchitra Ch. , Maringanti Thirumala Chary
Published: November 2019

Among all chemical sameness characterization tests of Therapeutic Peptides (TPs), one of the most significant and challenging aspects is to demonstrate comparable impurity profiles (both qualitative & quantitative) between a generic product and reference listed drug (RLD).
Spectral feature extraction based on continuous wavelet transform and image segmentation for peak detection
Authors: Yang Guofeng , Dai Jiacai , Liu Xiangjun , Chen Meng , Wu Xiaolong
Published: November 2019

Peak detection is a crucial step in spectral signal pre-processing.
A novel method for simultaneously screening superoxide anion scavengers and xanthine oxidase inhibitors using hydroethidine as a fluorescent probe coupled with high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Hongxia , Zhang Wen , Fu Yu , Li Ping , Liu Wenhua , Chen Jun
Published: November 2019

Excess reactive oxygen species can cause cellular damage, and are involved in many pathological processes such as inflammation, atherosclerosis and cancer.
Amorphous CoFe(OH)x hollow hierarchical structure: an efficient and durable electrocatalyst for oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Yue Xiaoyang , Ke Wentao , Xie Minghua , Shen Xiaoping , Yan Zhenyu , Ji Zhenyuan , Zhu Guoxing , Xu Keqiang , Zhou Hu
Published: November 2019

Amorphous CoFe(OH)x hollow hierarchical microspheres are fabricated by using a polyhedral Cu2O template. CoFe(OH)x shows excellent OER activity and long-term durability due to its unique hollow hierarchical structure and composition.
Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) couscous breaks down faster than wheat couscous in the Human Gastric Simulator, though has slower starch hydrolysis
Authors: Hayes Anna M. R. , Swackhamer Clay , Mennah-Govela Yamile A. , Martinez Mario M. , Diatta Aminata , Bornhorst Gail M. , Hamaker Bruce R.
Published: November 2019

Pearl millet couscous broke down into smaller, more numerous particles that had slower starch hydrolysis compared to wheat couscous.
Selenium nanoparticles alleviate hyperlipidemia and vascular injury in ApoE-deficient mice by regulating cholesterol metabolism and reducing oxidative stress
Authors: Guo Leilei , Xiao Junying , Liu Haijuan , Liu Hongmei
Published: November 2019

Atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular diseases represent the greatest threats to human health worldwide. This study was designed to investigate the anti-atherosclerotic activity of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in apolipoprotein E deficient (ApoE−/−) mice fed a high-cholesterol, high-fat diet. The results demonstrated that animals either treated with SeNPs (50 μg Se per kg per day) or with atorvastatin (10 mg per kg per day) alone showed significant relief of vascular injury after 8 weeks of treatment. SeNPs could obviously decrease the level of serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, whereas increase serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. At the same time, SeNPs regulated the expression levels of key genes associated with cholesterol metabolism in the liver. Furthermore, SeNPs significantly reduced the lipid peroxidation level, but increased the NO level and the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase in the serum and liver. SeNPs also increased the expression levels of antioxidant selenoenzymes or selenoproteins in the liver. In addition, SeNPs could alleviate H2O2-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress by upregulating the activities of SOD and GPx in endothelial cells cultured in vitro. These results suggested that SeNPs could significantly alleviate hyperlipidemia and vascular injury in ApoE−/− mice, possibly by regulating cholesterol metabolism and reducing oxidative stress through antioxidant selenoenzymes/selenoproteins. SeNPs might be a potential candidate for the prevention of atherosclerosis.
Tunable physical properties in BiAl1−xMnxO3 thin films with novel layered supercell structures
Authors: Misra Shikhar , Li Leigang , Gao Xingyao , Jian Jie , Qi Zhimin , Zemlyanov Dmitry , Wang Haiyan
Published: November 2019

Morphology tuning of Bi-based layered structures by varying the Al : Mn molar ratio leads to tunable magnetic and optical properties.
Effective replacement of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) by mercaptoalkanoic acids on gold nanorod (AuNR) surfaces in aqueous solutions
Authors: del Caño Rafael , Gisbert-González Jose M. , González-Rodríguez Jose , Sánchez-Obrero Guadalupe , Madueño Rafael , Blázquez Manuel , Pineda Teresa
Published: November 2019

The highly packed cetyltrimethylammonium bromide bilayer on the surface of gold nanorods synthesized by the seed-mediated procedure hampers the complete ligand exchange under experimental conditions that preserves the stability of the dispersions.
Electronic effects of asymmetric and meta-alkoxy substituents on the polymerization behavior of bis-benzoxazines
Authors: Lyu Ya , Rachita Eric , Pogharian Nicholas , Froimowicz Pablo , Ishida Hatsuo
Published: November 2019

Three isomers of benzoxazine monomers based on m-alkoxyphenol and 4,4′-methylenedianiline were synthesized and successfully isolated by column chromatography.
Wettability of zinc oxide nanorod surfaces
Authors: Ghannam Hajar , Chahboun Adil , Turmine Mireille
Published: November 2019

We have studied the wettability of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods grown on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) by highlighting the effect of polar and non-polar ZnO facets on contact angle (CA) results.
Green synthesis of palladium nanoparticles using lentinan for catalytic activity and biological applications
Authors: Han Zengsheng , Dong Le , Zhang Jin , Cui Tianming , Chen Shengfu , Ma Guanglong , Guo Xiaolei , Wang Longgang
Published: November 2019

Lentinan stabilized palladium nanoparticles had high catalytic activity, negligible cytotoxicity and good antioxidant activity.
An efficient multicomponent synthesis of 2,4,5-trisubstituted and 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazoles catalyzed by a magnetic nanoparticle supported Lewis acidic deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Thi , Thi Le Ngoc-Phuong , Nguyen The Thai , Tran Phuong Hoang
Published: November 2019

A mild and highly efficient method for the synthesis of 2,4,5-trisubstituted and 1,2,4,5-tetrasubstituted imidazoles catalyzed by a Lewis acidic deep eutectic solvent on magnetic nanoparticles (LADES@MNP).
Remarkably efficient removal of toxic bromate from drinking water with a porphyrin–viologen covalent organic framework
Authors: Skorjanc Tina , Shetty Dinesh , Gándara Felipe , Ali Liaqat , Raya Jesus , Das Gobinda , Olson Mark A. , Trabolsi Ali
Published: November 2019

A cationic COF removes carcinogenic bromate with a remarkable rate constant of 191.45 g mg−1 min−1.
Acoustic cavitation generates molecular mercury(ii) hydroxide, Hg(OH)2, from biphasic water/mercury mixtures
Authors: Yang Minjun , Rasche Bertold , Compton Richard G.
Published: November 2019

Molecular Hg(OH)2and Hg@HgO are formed on insonation of a mercury–water system.
Activatable molecular agents for cancer theranostics
Authors: Zhang Jianjian , Ning Lulu , Huang Jiaguo , Zhang Chi , Pu Kanyi
Published: November 2019

Activatable molecualr agents that intergrate diagnosis and treatment modalities have attracted great attention due to its abilities of personalized therapy and real-time monitoring of therapeutic outcome.
Dense organic molecules/graphene network anodes with superior volumetric and areal performance for asymmetric supercapacitors
Authors: Zhang Lina , Han Daliang , Tao Ying , Cui Changjun , Deng Yaqian , Dong Ximan , Lv Wei , Lin Zifeng , Wu Shichao , Weng Zhe , Yang Quan-Hong
Published: November 2019

A dense but unimpeded electron/ion conductive AQS/graphene network is designed to construct high-volumetric/areal-capacitance thick electrodes.
Ultrathin two-dimensional π–d conjugated coordination polymer Co3(hexaaminobenzene)2 nanosheets for highly efficient oxygen evolution
Authors: Li Chun , Shi Lingling , Zhang Lili , Chen Peng , Zhu Junwu , Wang Xin , Fu Yongsheng
Published: November 2019

Ultrathin 2D conductive cobalt–hexaaminobenzene metal–organic coordination polymer nanosheets (Co–HAB-NSs) exhibit high activity and stability toward the OER.
Water-dispersed semiconductor nanoplatelets with high fluorescence brightness, chemical and colloidal stability
Authors: Halim Henry , Simon Johanna , Lieberwirth Ingo , Mailänder Volker , Koynov Kaloian , Riedinger Andreas
Published: November 2019

Water-dispersed quasi-two dimensional core/shell semiconductor nanoplatelets exhibit high fluorescence brightness, making them promising for various applications including bioimaging.
Short-wavelength infrared self-assessed photothermal agents based on Ho,Tm:KLu(WO4)2 nanocrystals operating in the third biological window (1.45–1.96 μm wavelength range)
Authors: Nexha Albenc , Carvajal Joan J. , Pujol Maria Cinta , Díaz Francesc , Aguiló Magdalena
Published: November 2019

Ho,Tm:KLu(WO4)2 nanoparticles act simultaneously as luminescent nanothermometers and photothermal agents, being self-assessed photothermal agents operating in the third biological window.
Defect properties in Yb3+-doped CaF2 from first-principles calculations: a route to defect engineering for up- and down-conversion photoluminescence
Authors: Kye Yun-Hyok , Yu Chol-Jun , Jong Un-Gi , Sin Chol-Nam , Qin Weiping
Published: November 2019

The formation energy, transition level and binding energy of defects in Yb3+-doped CaF2 were calculated with DFT/HSE06.
A self-healing flexible urea-g-MWCNTs/poly(urethane-sulfide) nanocomposite for sealing electronic devices
Authors: Yan Qiming , Fu Qi , Hu Jianfeng , Fu Heqing
Published: November 2019

With the development of flexible electronic devices, strict requirements for sealing these electronics are put forward.
DNA methylation in the vertebrate germline: balancing memory and erasure
Authors: Ortega-Recalde Oscar , Hore Timothy Alexander
Published: November 2019

Cytosine methylation is a DNA modification that is critical for vertebrate development and provides a plastic yet stable information module in addition to the DNA code. DNA methylation memory establishment, maintenance and erasure is carefully balanced by molecular machinery highly conserved among vertebrates. In mammals, extensive erasure of epigenetic marks, including 5-methylcytosine (5mC), is a hallmark of early embryo and germline development. Conversely, global cytosine methylation patterns are preserved in at least some non-mammalian vertebrates over comparable developmental windows. The evolutionary mechanisms which drove this divergence are unknown, nevertheless a direct consequence of retaining epigenetic memory in the form of 5mC is the enhanced potential for transgenerational epigenetic inheritance (TEI). Given that DNA methylation dynamics remains underexplored in most vertebrate lineages, the extent of information transferred to offspring by epigenetic modification might be underestimated.
Fuzzy observer‐based tracking control of an underactuated underwater vehicle with linear velocity estimation
Authors: Duan Kairong , Fong Simon , Chen C. L. Philip
Published: November 2019

In the presence of the unmodelled dynamics and external time‐varying disturbances, letting an underactuated underwater vehicle track a reference trajectory correctly without knowledge of the vehicle's linear velocity is a challenging problem. This study reports a solution to this problem by proposing a linear velocity observer that is based on available states. Furthermore, a fuzzy observer‐based tracking controller is designed, where fuzzy logic systems are resorted to approximate the model uncertainties and disturbances. Theoretical analysis demonstrates that the vehicle can converge to a neighbourhood of the reference smooth trajectory, hence achieving a global state that is uniformly and ultimately bounded. In order to validate the performance of the proposed controller, numerical examples are presented. They show that the linear velocity observer can be used to estimate the actual linear velocity and the underwater vehicle is able to track the reference trajectory closely.
Non-gravitational effects change the original 1/a-distribution of near-parabolic comets
Authors: Królikowska Małgorzata
Published: November 2019

Context.The original 1∕a-distribution is the only observational basis for the origin of long-period comets (LPCs) and the dynamical properties of the Oort Cloud. Although they are very subtle in the motion of these comets, non-gravitational effects can cause major changes in the original semimajor axis, 1∕aori.

Aims.We obtained reliable non-gravitational orbits for as many LPCs with small perihelion distances ofq< 3.1 au as possible, and determined the corresponding shape of the Oort spike.

Methods.We determined the osculating orbits of each comet using several data-processing methods, and selected the preferred orbit using a few specific criteria. The distribution of 1∕aorifor the whole comet sample was constructed using the individual Gaussian distribution we obtained for the preferred solution of each comet.

Results.The derived distribution of 1∕aorifor almost all known small-perihelion Oort spike comets was based on 64% of the non-gravitational orbits. This was compared with the distribution based on purely gravitational orbits, as well as with 1∕aoriconstructed earlier for LPCs withq> 3.1 au. We present a statistical analysis of the magnitudes of the non-gravitational acceleration for about 100 LPCs.

Conclusions.The 1∕aori-distribution, which is based mainly on the non-gravitational orbits of small-perihelion Oort spike comets, is shifted by about 10 × 10−6au−1to higher values of 1∕aoricompared with the distribution that is obtained when the non-gravitational effects on comet motion are ignored. We show the differences in the 1∕aori-distributions between LPCs withq< 3.1 au and those withq> 3.1 au. These findings indicate the important role of non-gravitational acceleration in the motion and origin of LPCs and in the formation of the Oort Cloud.
The Application of Optoelectronic Elements to Control the Sowing Process
Authors: Gierz Łukasz , Keska Włodzimierz
Published: November 2019

The article is an overview of scientific and patent literature as well as solutions available on the world market of electronic equipment for seed drills. Recently Dickey-John and Väderstad, which offers the SeedEye system, have been leading companies in this branch. Photoelectric sensors, which do not interfere with the seed flow, are often used to count seeds and control the correctness of sowing. The article describes and presents the results of simulation and laboratory tests of two original innovative concepts of a photoelectric sensor: 1 – with an infrared diode and a centrifugal seed stream concentrator, 2 - laser multi-reflection sensor
The use of information sources and online databases for writing theses by students of selected studies
Authors: Malaga-Toboła Urszula , Kocira Sławomir , Szparaga Agnieszka
Published: November 2019

The paper presents the results of research on the use of electronic publications for writing theses by first and second degree students of two engineering and technical studies: agriculture and forestry technology, and management and production engineering. 53 first-degree and 175 second-degree students were included in the study. It was found that both first and second degree students use electronic publications on a par with printed ones when writing their theses. First-degree students preferred Google Scholar, while second-degree students preferred Polish scientific publishers. The choice of both the Google Scholar database and the pages of Polish scientific publications resulted from the possibility to search for papers in Polish, which was the main language of publication chosen by both groups of students.
The use of vision techniques for the evaluation of selected quality parameters of maize grain during storage
Authors: Szwedziak Katarzyna
Published: November 2019

The paper presents an innovative method based on vision techniques for rapid assessment of contamination in the mass of stored maize grain. The research was carried out in a selected grain warehouse in the Opolskie Province. Maize grain was used in the studies, which was subjected to tests based on computer image analysis. To assess the state of maize grain contamination, a proprietary computer application based on the RGB model was used.
Environmental impact of potato cultivation on plantations covering areas of various sizes
Authors: Kowalczyk Zbigniew
Published: November 2019

The paper contains a comparative analysis of technologies used for potato production on plantations covering areas of various sizes in the context of their impact on the natural environment. The research was conducted for potato plantations in the south of Poland. For its purposes, the “cradle-to-gate” approach was adopted. The type of technological practices applied were taken into account, as well as machines used, duration of their operation, number of seed potatoes, fertilisers, pesticides, used fuel and water. The final results were referred to the area of cultivation (1 ha). In order to determine the environmental correlations of all the inputs and outputs included in the LCA research and estimate their impact on the environment, the SimaPro application was used, ver. 8.1.0.60. It was, for instance, found that the cultivation of potatoes on smaller plantations affects the natural environment more adversely.
Meaning formation in younger schoolchildren with speech disorders in the context of didactic approach
Authors: Matsyuk Elena , Belova Elena
Published: November 2019

The article reviews the content and continuity of didactic conceptions of teaching primary school children with disabilities in modern conditions. The authors examine the nature of the reasons for poor performance of students with speech disorders, and reveal the contradictions of the integrative approach in education, as well as the possibilities of resolving these contradictions through the use of meaning pedagogy. The problem of designing an effective teaching model for primary schoolchildren with speech disorders is posed which can contribute to the formation of a positive image of the “Self”, the formation of an emotionand value-related attitude to reality and adequate perception of oneself in the world. The authors suggest that children with speech disorders with potential prerequisites for intellectual development are able to overcome communicative, cognitive and personal barriers to learning much better when provided didactic conditions for triggering the mechanism of meaning initiations in comparison with children with other manifestations of limited health abilities. An attempt has been made to create a meaningful didactic model of teaching primary school children with speech disorders in the context of inclusive education, that allows to increase the efficiency of the educational process and the social adaptability of children with speech disorders in society.
Current problems of patriotic education of future psychologists of education as the constituent of all-professional training
Authors: Molodtzova Tatyana , Efremova Olga , Shalova Svetlana , Kobysheva Larisa
Published: November 2019

The current problems of patriotic education of bachelors and undergraduates of psychology and pedagogical education caused by insufficient formation at students of components of patriotic consciousness (cognitive, emotional, behavioural) are considered on the basis of the conducted empirical research. The author’s technique of projective poll allowing to present a general characteristic of these components and level of patriotic consciousness of students according to stages of moral development (according to L. Kolberg)is used for diagnostics. Special attention is paid to a behavioural component of patriotic consciousness of students. The results presented in article allowed to reveal problems of improvement of patriotic education of future psychologists of education for the purpose of formation of their readiness for realization of spiritual education of children and teenagers on the basis of basic national values.
Analysis of the satisfaction degree of students participating in international educational projects
Authors: Makarova Elena A. , Makarova Elena L. , Hjaltadottir Rannveig E.
Published: November 2019

The article is based on the results of joint project between the University of Southern Denmark, Denmark, Southern Federal University, Russia and University of Østfold, Norway, “Cooperation active student learning, NCM-RU-2015/10060”, an international educational project aimed at intercultural skills development on the basis of a specific discipline “Innovation Management” at higher education level. Project training simulates real professional research situations in order to solve complex tasks. At the final stage of the project a student satisfaction survey was conducted in order to obtain some information about strengths and weaknesses of the present project. Our customized student feedback survey requires Danish, Norwegian and Russian students who have participated in the project to make an overall statement about their satisfaction with the participation in the project. Students’ satisfaction is a multidimensional process which is influenced by different factors, so survey respondents were asked to rate aspects of their educational, research and communication experience, from skill development and personal growth to quality of curriculum and instruction. Determining which features of the student experience in international teamwork are most closely related to satisfaction may provide information about actions that can be taken to maintain high level of project planning and implementation in the future.
Multimodal Training as the Strategy of Human Resources Development in Conditions for Digital Transformation
Authors: Ereshchenko Margarita Vl. , Zubareva Elena G. , Zubareva Svetlana S.
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study was to explore the opportunities and risks associated with the implementation of new educational formats, including project laboratories, hackathons, startup challenge, co-working, microlearning with regard to their social and axiological aspects into training of high-skilled professionals. The article includes the review of priority areas of the modern education meeting the trends of the digital economy and the description of its specific characteristics. The paper also dwells on the models of cluster education developed by the group of tutors, containing problem cases, draft solution to socio-humanistic tasks, prototypes of engineering projects, business cases, and innovative entrepreneurship technologies. The conducted analysis shows that the use of the opportunities provided by modern educational technologies allows designing am individual educational path, selecting principal subjects and optional courses. During studies at the project office the students develop the skills and competences making them competitive in the global market. The work allowed for the analysis of advantages and disadvantages of the innovative forms and technologies of education into the educational process, as well as for the forecast regarding the efficiency of its long-term implementation.
The influence of the effectiveness of teaching at the university on the motivation of the pedagogical career of graduates (Bulgarian example)
Authors: Alexandrova Nataliya , Babakova Liliya
Published: November 2019

One of the main problems nowadays in Bulgaria is the status of teachers. Improving and accentuating the prestige of the teaching profession is one of the main goals in the education policies of Bulgaria. To achieve this goal, a deeper consideration and knowledge of the motivation of students in pedagogical profiles to start a career in the field of school education is needed. The aim of this study is to determine how teaching effectiveness in university influences the motivation of students in pedagogical profiles to become teachers after they have graduated. This article presents a study of the relationship between the teaching effectiveness at university and the attitudes of students who are trained in profiles with a pedagogical focus on the teaching profession. 85 students from pedagogical field of study have been studied and the results of regression and ANOVA analysis are discussed.
Accreditation of educational activities in the aspect of international quality assurance standards
Authors: Tabishev Timur
Published: November 2019

The article considers the peculiarities of the Russian national educational space and legislation in the aspect of international (European) standards of quality assurance of higher education ESG (European Standards and Guidelines). The official materials and statistical data of the Executive Agency for Educational and Cultural Programs of the European Commission, given in the final report on the realization and implementation of the principles of the Bologna Process “The European Higher Education Area in 2018”, are analyzed. The main points where the procedures of the Russian state accreditation of educational activities in accordance with the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standards of Higher Education (FSES HE) and the European international (professional-public) accreditation of standards and recommendations for quality assurance of higher education in the European space ESG are reflected and their main distinguishing features are indicated.
Students Internet usage: psychological and pedagogical aspects
Authors: Denisova Ekaterina , Kruchkova Anna , Klimova Natalia , Borokhovski Eugene
Published: November 2019

The article presents the results of studying the psychological characteristics of students in connection with their digital behavior. Authors assume that digital behavior of students can be associated with the features of their self-awareness, self-appraisal and value-semantic sphere. In addition, the importance of individual components in the hierarchy of educational values is studied in connection with personality characteristics. The study involved 102 people - students specializing in the social sciences and humanities. As a result, the authors found that students’ digital behavior in terms of the online presence is associated with their self-awareness, self-appraisal and value-semantic sphere. Students who spend online less than three hours a day will be more active, extroverted and confident in their real life (offline) than those who spend more time online. The importance of individual components in the hierarchy of educational values is associated with the features of self-awareness, self-attitude. Self-appraisal, self-confidence, sense of independence and high appreciation of one’s individuality are associated with a greater intellectual need, a more active and conscious desire to improve their own competence.
Rational or emotional: Russian Y generation interpersonal relationships
Authors: Rikel Alexander
Published: November 2019

The results of a two-stage study, in which the socio-psychological portrait of the so-called “Y” generation (born 1982-1999) was studied in terms of ideas about its rationality and pragmatism, is given. The study (N = 80) revealed that the Y generation tends to perceive romantic relationships more rationally than the X generation (Stage II), but at the same time it finds cooperation in interpersonal relationships rather than competition (Stage I). These results generally correspond to the stereotypical image of the Y generation that has developed in public discourse.
Enculturation of the Russian Youth in the Modern Digital Educational Environment
Authors: Zubareva Svetlana S.
Published: November 2019

On the cusp of the 20th and 21st centuries, during the period of progressing globalization processes, all social institutions, including science and education, saw major changes. On the one hand, the transitivity of the modern society has influenced the changes in the system of social values and attitude to the information, a priori knowledge and university as the place of tits production and accumulation. On the other hand, the penetration of digital culture, containing new values and meaning of education has had a massive effect on the formation of certain patterns of subject-subject relations in the educational process. The purpose of this study was to explore the opportunities and risks associated with education of Russian students and to analyze social and axiological aspects of this process. In the course of our study we analyzed the differences between generations that are subjects of the educational process and presented key sociocultural characteristics of the student youth determining their approach to studies. The conducted analysis shows that as digital culture bearers Russian students adapt quickly to ongoing social and technological transformations/ as well as perceive and share the values of the academic community and future profession.
Individual psychological characteristics of personality as correlates of executive activity of university students
Authors: Uzdenova Alana
Published: November 2019

The theory of the executive activity of a personality and the ability to determine its correlates are analyzed. High efficiency executive activity is considered as a predictor of a high quality of life and professional activity of an individual. The results of the study of the individual psychological properties of the personality associated with the characteristics of performing activities are presented. A combination of properties is highlighted: irritability, sociability, extraversion, which positively affect the type of execution. They form a triad closely associated with all the properties of executive activities. Some personality properties that inhibit the development of characteristics necessary for effectiveness are identified. Aggressiveness and high emotional lability are characteristic of students with low responsibility. According to the research results, mutually exclusive properties are organization and openness. The definition of determinants and correlates of performing activities opens up opportunities for psychologists and educators to create spaces for the development of a highly effective personality. Executive activity is a system construct. Understanding its structure allows us to see its flexibility and form individual trajectories of learning and personality development.
Insights of professional activity at the stage of professionalization
Authors: Zholudeva Svetlana , Ulybysheva Irina
Published: November 2019

Specific character of a dynamic development of economy and society place demands on new highly-qualified personnel of any sphere professional activity, especially the sphere connected with interaction with people who have modern high-tech skills. Demands’ changes on the subject of professional activity brings on a qualitative restructuring of professionalization’s process, that facilitates an integration of educational and professional spheres with a conceptional, technological and theoretical supporting. Successful professional activity depends a lot upon a successful period of early professionalization that is impossible without proper provided insights of a profession. This article shows the results of an empirical study regarding the analysis of peculiarities of professional ideas of pre-service teachers. A specific attention is given to the problem of study of professional activity ideas effect at the stage of early professionalization, which changes during the period of ideas’ transformation concerning professional activity and career building that is caused by the changes in the essence of professionalization from a socio normed event into an individual work of professional aimed at self-determination and self-actualization in profession.