bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ANALYSIS OF THE CURRENT STATE OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND MOTIVATION SYSTEMS OF NATIONAL GUARD OF UKRAINE OFFICERS
Authors:   The National academy of hte National Guard of Ukraine, Holovnia А. , Bielai S. ,   The National academy of hte National Guard of Ukraine
Published: February 2023

There are issues that require a complete and integral adequate model for solving the problem in developing components of security and defense sectors. The level of professionalism of military experts is conditioned by the state of professional development first, that equals to the level of professional development and motivation. These components are the basis of the high level of professionalism provided the criteria of moral and psychological level, strong-willed qualities, personal characteristics. During the research process a structural analysis of the professional growth of law enforcement officers is carried out to determine the factors that have a positive and negative impact that will allow to adjust, make changes completely restructure the process to achieve the results we need. For solving the problems of research the questionnaire was developed to study the state of training and motivation systems for officers and the general level of professional development of officers of military formations. The comparison of the professional development processes of National Guard of Ukraine and Armed Forces of Ukraine made it possible to identify the most successful areas of development of systems and determine the impact of resonating factors. Reviewed the practical component of motivation systems, professional growth of officers, their significance in the general system of National Guard of Ukraine functioning. The features of the influence of professional development in the context of officer's activities as a self-doer and the element of the system. Considered the compatibility of motivation systems, professional development of officers with the need for implementing the correct support of the professional growth of officers as an expert of the elected direction of activities with definitions of potential achievements in the career to grow. The influence of professional development on the officer as an individual personality, requiring self-actualization has been analyzed. The active involvement of motivation and professional development systems in this process is determined by the dominating, determining further line of the research. It has been substantiated the need of improvement motivation systems, professional development, professional growth of officers by developing up-to-date motivation models and professional development that will be acceptable in terms of resource costs.
METHODS OF WORK OF THE COMMANDER AND HEADQUARTERS OF THE MILITARY UNIT OF THE NATIONAL GUARD OF UKRAINE AND THEIR FORMALIZATION
Authors:   Ivan Kozhedub Kharkiv National Air Force University, Yermoshyn M. , Poberezhnyi A. ,   The National academy of hte National Guard of Ukraine, Morozov I. ,   The National academy of hte National Guard of Ukraine
Published: February 2023

The governing bodies of the military units of the National Guard of Ukraine objectively or subjectively take into account the system of basic methods of military-scientific knowledge in the performance of combat missions during daily service, emergencies and martial law. According to the authors, there are the following scientific methods-approaches: historical, logical, qualitative, quantitative, natural, model, systemic, conceptual, individual and collective work, complex, program-target, sequential and parallel work; methods-techniques: analysis and synthesis, comparison and analogy, generalization, abstraction, induction and deduction, intuition, prediction of modeling of combat options, forecasting of options, planning, research of combat, briefing, assessment of the situation on the elements of design service and combat operations of the guard and its elements, deception of the enemy, concealment of the plan of service and combat operations of the guard, operational and tactical analysis, qualitative and quantitative justification and military experiment. When formalizing the methods of work of the commander and staff of the military unit of the National Guard of Ukraine, it is advisable to distinguish the following forms: depiction of methods of work in the state space (work schedule); depiction of methods of work by reducing tasks to subtasks (algorithm or program of logical-analytical activity); comprehensive depiction of methods of work (network schedule or mathematical network model to support decision-making or design of combat operations of the guard); depiction of methods of work of combat operations of the commander and staff in the form of theorems, artificial intelligence. New methods of work of combat operations of the guard (first of all, operational level) in the operations of the security and defense sector of the state, can be put into practice after their scientific and theoretical justification. Such a substantiation is currently the subject of a separate research work with the participation of the authors of this article. In the future, these methods may form the basis of a system of basic methods of work of the commander and staff of the military unit during the preparation and conduct of combat operations of the National Guard of Ukraine. In practice, the approach to determining the methods of work of the commander and staff can be implemented during exercises and during their preparation in order to justify the simultaneous or sequential performance of combat (operational) tasks of the guard by appointment, concentration or dispersal of guards, etc.
OPPORTUNITIES AND PROBLEMS IN IMPROVING THE PROTECTION OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE OBJECTS IN MODERN CONDITIONS
Authors:   The National academy of hte National Guard of Ukraine, Pavlov D. , Sukonko S. ,   The National academy of hte National Guard of Ukraine, Salna N. ,   Kharkiv National University of the Air Force named after Ivan Kozhedub
Published: February 2023

The aggressive war against Ukraine makes it clear that the hopes of mankind that future wars will take place in the form of low-intensity conflicts, but rather in the economic, informational spheres without the use of military force, turned out to be in vain. Russia has demonstrated that such seemingly wild actions for the modern civilized world as the seizure of territories, the destruction of cities, attempts to destroy the statehood and self-consciousness of nations will remain relevant as long as autocratic regimes exist and there are no effective international mechanisms that would make any armed aggression impossible. Consequently, the issue of protecting territories and infrastructure in the face of large-scale aggression using the entire list of available types of means of armed struggle will, unfortunately, be relevant in the near future. The article analyzes the recent massive attacks on infrastructure facilities and modern technologies of air defense weapons. As a result of the analysis, possible directions for improving the protection of critical infrastructure facilities were proposed, the main of which is the use of a wide range of systems and complexes of very short-range weapons. In addition, a number of problematic issues and tasks were identified that need to be considered in order to improve the protection of critical infrastructure facilities, the main of which are: safety providing of using the proposed systems directly in populated areas or near them; ensuring the rational use of the resource of weapons, ammunition and other equipment and materiel associated with the functioning of the protection systems of objects; determination of the military formation which will be responsible for infrastructure facilities protecting.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX OF UKRAINE TO THE FORMATION OF STATE SECURITY
Authors:   The National academy of hte National Guard of Ukraine, Yemanov V.
Published: February 2023

The article analyzes the challenges and threats of the defense-industrial complex of Ukraine under martial law. The contribution of the defense-industrial complex of Ukraine to the formation of state security has been studied. The military aggression of the Russian Federation requires an objective assessment of the state of technical equipment of the security and defense forces of Ukraine, a rethinking of the main approaches to the formation of an effective military-technical and defense-industrial policy of the state. Along with the key challenges, in the conditions of martial law for the defense-industrial complex of Ukraine, key opportunities for its development have appeared. Taking into account the number of threats that the defense-industrial complex of Ukraine faces at the current stage, it is necessary to form long-term goals for the development of the defense industry. It is possible to involve the private sector in the creation of the necessary products of the chemical industry, necessary for the needs of the defense industry. One of the most important ways to improve the process of rearmament is to create a consistent strategy that will take into account all the above-mentioned threats, as well as the economic capabilities of our state. It is necessary to clearly define which weapons and military equipment Ukraine will purchase, and which will be produced in cooperation with foreign partners. In the conditions of the continuation of the war of attrition in Ukraine, the development of the defense industry opens up significant opportunities to increase the production/repair of ATS to meet the needs of the security and defense forces in the context of the transfer of defense enterprises to the safe territories of Ukraine and beyond, including creation of service and repair centers for the main range of equipment with subsequent organization of licensed production of new types of weapons and equipment on the territory of Ukraine (localization of production), joint ventures, etc. In the perspective of the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine, the development of the defense industry (high-tech products, defense technologies, weapons export) is capable of providing the prospective needs of the security and defense forces.
INDICATORS AND CRITERIA OF COMBAT SURVIVAL OF ARMORED WHEELED VEHICLES
Authors:   The National academy of hte National Guard of Ukraine, Kaidalov R. , Bilenko O. ,   The National academy of hte National Guard of Ukraine, Kudimov S. ,   The National academy of hte National Guard of Ukraine
Published: February 2023

Armored wheeled vehicles (AWVs) are widely used by the security forces for combat and service-combat tasks. Under the influence of the enemy's means of destruction, there is a need to ensure a certain level of survivability of light armored wheeled vehicles in order to preserve its combat capability, save the lives of servicemen and ensure the performance of tasks assigned by units of the forces of the security and defense sector. The methods of using combat wheeled vehicles, their role and place in the performance of combat and service-combat tasks have undergone significant changes in recent times, therefore the list of indicators and criteria of the combat survivability of armored wheeled vehicles needs to be clarified. It is not possible to use the scientific and methodical apparatus, which was developed for other types of weapons and military equipment, in particular, heavy armored vehicles. This is due to the presence of significant restrictions regarding the maximum mass at a given vehicle mobility, the possibility of increasing the angles of inclination of the armor to the expected direction of fire due to their feedback with the useful volume of the vehicle, factors of the acceptable cost of the sample, etc. On the basis of the conducted analysis, the main factors affecting the probability of combat damage of an armored wheeled vehicle were determined, and a set of indicators of combat survivability of BCM was developed. Such indicators are: frontal speed of movement, frontal acceleration, speed of distance from the enemy's fire means, detection distance, degree of duplication. In accordance with the developed indicators of combat survivability, a list of criteria for the combat survivability of armored wheeled vehicles is proposed, which includes: the minimum permissible frontal speed of movement, the minimum permissible frontal acceleration, the minimum permissible speed of moving away from the enemy's means of destruction, the minimum permissible degree of duplication and the maximum permissible distance of BKM detection . The direction of further research is to determine the impact of the combat survivability indicators of BCM on the combat survivability of armored wheeled vehicles under the specified conditions of combat (service-combat tasks).
The Role of Mutations Genes NPM1, FLT3, DNMT3A, CEBPA, IDH1& IDH2 in Cytogenetically Normal Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Heidarisani Saeed , Yazdani Mohammad , Hosseini Hediyeh , Asadi Shahin
Published: February 2023

Cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) is a type of hematopoietic tissue (bone marrow) cancer called acute myeloid leukemia. In normal bone marrow, early blood cells called hematopoietic stem cells develop into several types of blood cells: white blood cells (leukocytes) that protect the body against infection, red blood cells (erythrocytes) that carry oxygen and platelets (thrombocytes) play a role in blood coagulation, in acute myeloid leukemia, the bone marrow produces a large number of abnormal and immature white blood cells called myeloid blasts. Instead of becoming normal white blood cells, myeloid blasts turn into blood cancer cells.
The Role of Nanomaterials and Macrophage Polarization in Inflammation and Cancer Treatment
Authors: Chakraborty Ashok , Diwan Anil
Published: February 2023

Macrophages (MΦs) are functionally plastic and can rapidly adopt different phenotypes based on the stimuli they received from their surroundings. For instance, (MΦs) can differentiate into pro-inflammatory M1-type secreting various pro-inflammatory cytokines, e.g., IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α. This is an essential defensive mechanism against invading pathogens, but also contributes to tissue destruction. On the other hand, M2-type MΦs have immunosuppressive activity, produces high level of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and mediates tissue repair. Their unique plasticity and the balance in between different phenotypes maintain the immune homeostasis in the lung under healthy conditions. The role of these two forms of MΦs are also evident in cancer biology. While tissue resident MΦs those who are of M1 type are exerting the immune challenge to the tumor cells, the M2 type from the tumor microenvironment (TME) are supporting the growth and progression of cancer cells. Nanodevices are thought to be an ideal agent targeting macrophages owing to their intrinsic nanoscale property suitable for phagocytosis. The induction of MΦs polarization has been employed in various studies, where administration of IL-4 could reprogram the endogenous inflammatory macrophages (M1-type) to anti-inflammatory ones (M2-type), and accelerate resolution of inflammation and lung repair in a STAT6-dependent manner in both LPS and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterial pathogen-induced ALI (Acute Lung Injury) mouse models.
Clasificación del tipo de sonrisa y fenotipo gingival en pacientes de la Clínica Odontológica de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca
Authors: Álvarez Aguilar Jose Daniel , Pérez Mora Andrea Paola
Published: February 2023

Objetivo: Relacionar el tipo de sonrisa con el fenotipo gingival en pacientes de la clínica odontológica de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca. Métodos: El estudio es descriptivo observacional de tipo transversal, contiene una ficha clínica elaborada por el investigador principal, basada en parámetros observacionales y clínicos. Se determinó el tipo de sonrisa, si era alta, media o baja. Se aplicó el método de transparencia de la sonda, utilizando una sonda periodontal Carolina del Norte. Se realizó en todos los pacientes mayores a 18 años que posean en boca los incisivos superiores y que ingresen a la clínica de odontología No.1 de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca en el horario de atención de 14h00 a 16h00 durante el mes de noviembre del 2022, seleccionados según los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Resultados: El total de pacientes que asistió a la atención odontológica durante el mes de noviembre fue de 83, de los cuales 32 presentaron sonrisa alta, 36 presentaron una sonrisa media y 15 pacientes sonrisa baja, por otro lado, 66 pacientes presentaron un fenotipo grueso, de estos 34 presentaron sonrisa media y 17 fenotipo delgado. Conclusiones: Predominó la sonrisa media en la mayoría de pacientes con el 43,3%, y el fenotipo gingival grueso con el 79,5%. Presentándose el 40,9% ambos factores en el mismo paciente. Por lo que este estudio nos ayudó a determinar la correlación existente entre el tipo de sonrisa media y el fenotipo gingival grueso.
Cunhagem digital de criptomoeda derivada da ethereum com ênfase na redução do consumo energético na criação, verificação e transação de blockchain
Authors: Andrade Lucas Moscatel de , Madureira Ana Caroline Rodrigues , Santos Wilker José Caminha dos , Conte Thiago Nicolau Magalhães de Sousa
Published: February 2023

O artigo visa analisar o processo de cunhagem de forma digital de uma criptomoeda derivada da Ethereum, este trabalho tem como objetivo evidenciar a redução do consumo de energia na criação dessa criptomoeda. O presente artigo contribui também para o crescimento de trabalhos que serão futuramente realizados no segmento de cripto ativos. Posto isso, este estudo aborda todas as etapas relativas à criação, que teve as seguintes fases desde a abertura de uma carteira digital para o armazenamento, até a cunhagem definindo a quantidade e a rede como base para a constituição de uma criptomoeda. A metodologia utilizada foi a do método qualitativo, este método descreve o conhecimento empírico que envolve o conceito e definições das novas tecnologias de cripto ativos. Foi possível concluir que, das redes analisadas no processo de cunhagem e consumo energético a Ethereum contribui de forma mais benéfica para seus usuários e meio ambiente. Para concluir tais benefícios a Ethereum passará a suportar 100 mil transações por segundo na versão 2.0, ademais, precisará de menor poder computacional para a validação, também visa eficiência na energia necessária para validação das operações, o que ocasiona menos energia elétrica gasta, logo, há muito menos consumo energético, além disso de forma mais concreta, descentralização e valorização de preço.
Siete v teórii verejnej politiky. Prehľadová štúdia
Authors:   Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Konečný Stanislav
Published: February 2023

Networks in public policy theory. An overview study The overview study in the introduction highlights the role that methodology has in the constitution of public policy theory as a science. In the first part, the study identifies the place of networks among other public policy methods, In the second part, it then summarizes the types of networks that most often appear and are used in public policy theory, such as issue networks, producer networks, intergovernmental networks, professional networks, policy communities, and others. Finally, the study summarizes the role that networks play in collectivizing various group interests in particular. URL: https://vsas.fvs.upjs.sk/
ПРАВОВАЯ ОЦЕНКА ВВЕДЕНИЯ САНКЦИЙ ЗА ЗЛОНАМЕРЕННЫЕ ДЕЙСТВИЯ В ИНФОРМАЦИОННОМ ПРОСТРАНСТВЕ
Authors: Довгань Елена Фёдоровна
Published: February 2023

Настоящая статья посвящена правовой оценке возможности применения санкций Советом Безопасности ООН и в одностороннем порядке государствами и региональными международными организациями в ответ на злонамеренные действия в информационном пространстве. Проанализированы основные случаи введения санкций в ответ на такую деятельность (атаки в отношении критической инфраструктуры; атаки, достигающие уровня вооруженного нападения; распространение враждебной либо злонамеренной информации; подрыв безопасности государства с использованием информационных технологий; совершение киберпреступлений) и дана их правовая оценка с точки зрения международного права.
Effects of Obesity and Negative Attitude about Obesity on Obese Body Image and Body Esteem: Focusing on Upper Elementary School Students
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Hwang Jisuk , Kwon Euna , Nam Sujeong
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of obesity and negative attitudes toward obesity on obese body image and body esteem. 419 elementary school students in the 5th and 6th grades participated in the survey (208 males and 211 females). As a result of correlation and multiple regression analysis, both obesity and negative attitude toward obesity showed significant effects on obese body image, and the effect of obesity on obese body image was greater than the negative attitude toward obesity. As a result of the analysis of the structural equation model, the overall fit indexes were all good. It was found that obesity and negative attitudes toward obesity had a positive effect on obese body image, and obese body image had a negative effect on body esteem. Contrary to the hypothesis, obesity was found to have a positive effect on body esteem, and the reason for this was discussed.
Characterization of Electronic Transport Properties of Narrow-Band Gap Fe(Se1-xTex)2 Alloys via the Two-Band Model
Authors: Hwang Seong-Mee , Kim Sang-il , Heo Min-Su , Lee Kiyoung , Yang Heesun , Seo Won-Seon , Kim Hyun-Sik
Published: February 2023

Environmentally sustainable thermoelectric technologies can be more broadly applied in industries once the performance of thermoelectric materials is improved. Several approaches have been proposed to improve the electronic transport properties of thermoelectric materials. The effects of each approach on the electronic properties can be evaluated by changes in the band parameters. The Single Parabolic Band (SPB) model has been widely used to determine the effect of different materials engineering strategies on band parameters, such as the density-of-states effective mass and deformation potential. However, when the material has a narrow band gap, the Two-Band (TB) model better describes the changes in band parameters, as it includes the bipolar conduction from the minority carrier band. Here, the band parameters of previously reported Fe(Se1-xTex)2 (x/i> = 0, 0.2, 0.6, 0.8, 1) alloys, whose band gap significantly decreases with x/i>, have been estimated using the SPB and TB models. While the x-dependent band parameters obtained via the SPB model varied abruptly with x/i>, all the band parameters estimated by the TB model changed linearly with x/i>. The abruptness observed in the band parameters of the SPB model can be attributed to artifacts reflected in the single band, which occurs when the minority carrier band and band gap change are not included. The bipolar thermal conductivity of Fe(Se1-xTex)2 alloys was also calculated using the TB model, and is understood in terms of changes in the weighted mobility ratio, Hall carrier concentration, and band gap in terms of alloy composition, x/i>.
Role of Media in Addressing the Challenges of Climate Change in the Rice-Wheat Cropping Zone in the Punjab Province, Pakistan
Authors: Akhtar Mohammad S. , Ahmad Shabbir , Tarar Mohammad A. , Akhtar Saira , Imran Shakeel , Akhtar Naeem
Published: February 2023

The objective of this research was to analyze the role of media information in addressing the challenges of climate change in the rice-wheat cropping zone in the Punjab province, Pakistan. The study specifically analyzed the relationship between information sources and the impact of climate change. The study was conducted in the central region of the Punjab province, Pakistan. Data collection was done by multi-stage sampling from the rice-wheat crop zone of Punjab. In the 1st stage, three districts i.e., Narowal, Gujranwala, and Sialkot were selected randomly from the central Punjab region. One tehsil was randomly selected at the 2nd stage from each district. Six union councils (UCs) at the 3rd stage were picked at random; two from each tehsil. In the 4th stage, four villages from each UC were selected by systematic random sampling. At the 5th stage, 17 farmers were selected randomly from each village (480 farmers in total). Data were collected by the face-to-face administration of a structured questionnaire and were analysed by SPSS version 21. The outcome of the present investigation has revealed that the fellow farmers (x̅=2.24 ± 0.54), private companies (dealers of fertilizer pesticides) (x̅ =1.70 ± 0.74), burji /wall chalking (x̅ =1.53±0.66), TV (x̅=1.47±0.72), field assistant/Agri. officer of the dept. of Agriculture (x̅=1.43 ± 0.52) and mobile phone (x̅=1.42 ± 0.64) was ranked 1st to 6th, respectively, as sources of information concerning climate change. Moreover, the results of the logistic regression model showed that the sources of information, i.e., TV, mobile, Zarai digest, fellow farmers, and private companies, had a positive and significant role (P0.05) in adopting the coping strategies to cope with the climate changes while radio had a non-significant influence. The study concludes that credible and need-based information sources are the core priority of climate-affected areas. It is a dire need to address these challenges through rapid implementation of cost-effective resources to minimize the loss of climate change
Seed Coated by Boric Acid Enhances Growth, Yield and Kernel quality of both Fine and Coarse Rice (Oryza sativa L.) under Semi-Arid Environmental Condition
Authors: Mehmood Shahid , Awais Muhammad , Shaheen Summia , Ahsan Muhammad Tahir , Ghafoor Iqra , Khan Atika , Mehmood Maria , Abdi Hassan Mohamed , Muzamil Muhammad , Waqas Muhammad
Published: February 2023

Currently, more than half of the world's population relies on rice as a primary crop, making it a crucial cereal crop in the struggle against food security. Sustainable rice production is under great threat because of poor soil productivity and fertility because of nutrient losses due to temperature stress under semiarid conditions. Boron (B) is a vital micronutrient and plays an eminent role in plant proliferation and development. The Super Basmati and KS-282 seeds were coated with boric acid at dosages of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 g kg-1 in this experiment. Both rice cultivars exhibited the following traits when boric acid was applied at a rate of 0.75g kg-1 seed: plant height, maximum number of productive tillers, number of kernels per panicle, grain weight in the thousand, biological yield, paddy yield and straw yield. When boric acid was applied at 0.75 g kg-1 seed, the physiological characteristics of Super Basmati and KS-282 rice cultivars, such as crop growth rate, leaf area index, leaf area duration and net absorption rate were significantly greater yielding values of 11.08 gm-2d-1 and 11.96 gm-2 d-1, 4.28 and 4.32, 67.52 and 68.94, 7.33 g m-2 d-1, and 8.93 gm When both the super basmati and KS-282 rice cultivars were treated with boric acid at 0.75 g kg-1 seed, considerably higher paddy yields (3.95 t ha-1) and (5.02 t) were obtained. The kernel quality parameters show maximum results when boric acid applied at 0.75g kg-1 seed. Current research shows that coating seed with micro nano-nutrients are highly effective procedure for increasing rice production and fertilizer use efficiency under semiarid climatic conditions.
Data-to-Deal (D2D): Open Data and Modelling of Long Term Strategies to Financial Resource Mobilization - the case of Costa Rica
Authors: Jaramillo Marcella , Quirs-Torts Jairo , Vogt-Schilb Adrien , Money Alex , Howells Mark
Published: February 2023

Long Term Scenarios (LTSs) of development can be co-created to form a joint vision of a development path. Open approaches help improve, transparency, trust, and accountability. Once a LTS is defined, governments can match financing sources and instruments to deliver the measures and projects defined in the LTS, providing signals to align broader finance flows towards the lower carbon economy. This exercise can increase access to and effectiveness of international climate finance. This is illustrated with a case example of Costa Rica, where the data-driven and stakeholder-codesigned National Decarbonization Plan (the country's LTS) launched in 2019 has been the foundation on which at least US$2.4 billion has been mobilized from international concessional finance sources by the end of 2022. An essential effort underpinning this was a carefully crafted and nationally owned LTS study – together with public-good schools and models – that cost less than US$200k to implement.
Multi-stimuli responsive Cu-MOFs@Keratin drug delivery system for chemodynamic therapy
Authors: Du Jinsong , Chen Guanping , Yuan Xinyi , Yuan Jiang , Li Li
Published: February 2023

Although the potential of metal-organic framework (MOF) nanoparticles as drug delivery systems (DDS) for cancer treatment has been established by numerous studies, their clinical applications are still limited due to relatively poor biocompatibility. We fabricated a multifunctional Cu-MOFs@Keratin DDS for loaded drug and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) against tumor cells. The Cu-MOFs core was prepared using a hydrothermal method, and then loaded with the anticancer drug DOX and wrapped in human hair keratin. The Cu-MOFs@Keratin was well characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Characterization and pharmacokinetic studies of Cu-MOFs@Keratin were performed in vitro and in vivo. The keratin shell reduced the cytotoxicity and potential leakage of Cu-MOFs to normal cells, and allowed the drug-loaded nanoparticles to accumulate in the tumor tissues through enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR). The particles entered the tumor cells via endocytosis and disintegrated under the stimulation of intracellular environment, thereby releasing DOX in a controlled manner. In addition, the Cu-MOFs produced hydroxyl radicals (·OH) by consuming presence of high intracellular levels of glutathione (GSH) and H2O2, which decreased the viability of the tumor cells.
Applications of functionally-adapted hydrogels in tendon repair
Authors: Hu Jiacheng , Liu Shen , Fan Cunyi
Published: February 2023

Despite all the efforts made in tissue engineering for tendon repair, the management of tendon injuries still poses a challenge, as current treatments are unable to restore the function of tendons following injuries. Hydrogels, due to their exceptional biocompatibility and plasticity, have been extensively applied and regarded as promising candidate biomaterials in tissue regeneration. Varieties of approaches have designed functionally-adapted hydrogels and combined hydrogels with other factors (e.g., bioactive molecules or drugs) or materials for the enhancement of tendon repair. This review first summarized the current state of knowledge on the mechanisms underlying the process of tendon healing. Afterward, we discussed novel strategies in fabricating hydrogels to overcome the issues frequently encountered during the applications in tendon repair, including poor mechanical properties and undesirable degradation. In addition, we comprehensively summarized the rational design of hydrogels for promoting stem-cell-based tendon tissue engineering via altering biophysical and biochemical factors. Finally, the role of macrophages in tendon repair and how they respond to immunomodulatory hydrogels were highlighted.
Reconciling the cognitive and social approaches to describing teacher talk in second language classrooms: The contribution of systemic functional linguistics
Authors: Xie Min , Tu Binglan
Published: February 2023

Teacher talk plays an important role in second-language classroom interaction. Studies are informed by multiple theories and yet could be classified under two general approaches, i.e., cognitive and social. The two approaches provide different but complementary perspectives on the role of teacher talk in interaction, with a focus on either learners' cognitive change or their social participation. A conversation between them is called for in the academic field to understand their interdependent relationship as well as the loss and gain in the respective approach. However, the conversation is difficult to launch because the cognitive and social approaches have developed distinct perspectives on what constitutes language and how learning evolves, leading to seemingly incompatible descriptive paradigms. With reference to systemic functional linguistics (SFL), this article argues for reconciling the two approaches in the following aspects. First, the meaning-oriented view of language in SFL expands the learning scope beyond language forms and offers both approaches an angle to reconsider the focus of the interaction. Second, the semiotic view of learning in SFL blurs the boundary of cognition and language use and provides a perspective for understanding the mediated role of language in the cognitive and social processes of learning. Finally, the functions of scaffolding in teacher talk revealed by SFL based on a linguistic analysis may not only enrich the description of each approach but also enable findings across the two approaches to be comparable. It is anticipated that SFL would create new spaces for the conversation between the two approaches.
Cardiac copper content and its relationship with heart physiology: Insights based on quantitative genetic and functional analyses using BXD family mice
Authors: Bajpai Akhilesh Kumar , Gu Qingqing , Orgil Buyan-Ochir , Xu Fuyi , Torres-Rojas Carolina , Zhao Wenyuan , Chen Chen , Starlard-Davenport Athena , Jones Byron , Lebeche Djamel , Towbin Jeffrey A. , Purevjav Enkhsaikhan , Lu Lu , Zhang Wenjing
Published: February 2023

Background

Copper (Cu) is essential for the functioning of various enzymes involved in important cellular and physiological processes. Although critical for normal cardiac function, excessive accumulation, or deficiency of Cu in the myocardium is detrimental to the heart. Fluctuations in cardiac Cu content have been shown to cause cardiac pathologies and imbalance in systemic Cu metabolism. However, the genetic basis underlying cardiac Cu levels and their effects on heart traits remain to be understood. Representing the largest murine genetic reference population, BXD strains have been widely used to explore genotype-phenotype associations and identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) and candidate genes.

Methods

Cardiac Cu concentration and heart function in BXD strains were measured, followed by QTL mapping. The candidate genes modulating Cu homeostasis in mice hearts were identified using a multi-criteria scoring/filtering approach.

Results

Significant correlations were identified between cardiac Cu concentration and left ventricular (LV) internal diameter and volumes at end-diastole and end-systole, demonstrating that the BXDs with higher cardiac Cu levels have larger LV chamber. Conversely, cardiac Cu levels negatively correlated with LV posterior wall thickness, suggesting that lower Cu concentration in the heart is associated with LV hypertrophy. Genetic mapping identified six QTLs containing a total of 217 genes, which were further narrowed down to 21 genes that showed a significant association with cardiac Cu content in mice. Among those, Prex1 and Irx3 are the strongest candidates involved in cardiac Cu modulation.

Conclusion

Cardiac Cu level is significantly correlated with heart chamber size and hypertrophy phenotypes in BXD mice, while being regulated by multiple genes in several QTLs. Prex1 and Irx3 may be involved in modulating Cu metabolism and its downstream effects and warrant further experimental and functional validations.
Mechanical injury accentuates lipid deposition in ApoE–/– mice and advance aortic valve stenosis: A novel modified aortic valve stenosis model
Authors: Wen Dezhong , Hu Li , Shan Jianggui , Zhang Hengyuan , Hu Liuhua , Yuan Ancai , Pu Jun , Xue Song
Published: February 2023

Background

Current mouse models still have limitations in studying aortic valve stenosis (AVS). A suitable animal model bearing a close resemblance to the pathophysiological processes of humans needs to be developed. Here, we combined two risk factors to create a mouse model that mimics the pathological features of human AVS.

Methods and results

We combined WI and hyperlipidemia in ApoE–/– mice to explore the synergistic effect on the stenosis of the aortic valve. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed progressively increased peak velocity with age in ApoE–/– mice to velocities above C57 mice when fed a high-fat diet after wire injury. Moreover, ApoE–/– mice demonstrated lower cusp separation and lower aortic valve area after 8 weeks vs. C57 mice. Gross morphology and MRI showed advanced thickening, sclerosis aortic valve, narrowing of the orifice area, and micro-CT showed obvious calcification in the aortic valves in the hyperlipidemia group after wire injury. Histopathology studies showed thickening and fibrosis of aortic valve leaflets in the hyperlipidemia group after wire injury. Notably, lipid deposition was observed in ApoE–/– mice 8 weeks after wire injury, accompanied by overexpressed apoB and apoA proteins. After wire injury, the hyperlipidemia group exhibited augmented inflammation, ROS production, and apoptosis in the leaflets. Moreover, the combination group exhibited advanced fibro-calcific aortic valves after wire injury.

Conclusion

Overall, we present the synergistic effect of wire injury and hyperlipidemia on lipoproteins deposition in the development of AVS in ApoE–/– mice, this model bear close resemblance to human AVS pathology.
The characteristics of strike-slip faults and their control on hydrocarbon distribution in deep carbonate reservoirs of the central Sichuan Basin
Authors: Liang Shangzi , Li Zhong , Zhang Wang , Gao Yang
Published: February 2023

The past decade has witnessed a breakthrough in the gas exploration of deep marine carbonates of the central Sichuan Basin. Deep faults research has also attracted increasing attention, as faulting plays an important role in reservoir control. Previous studies have suggested a developed series of high-angle strike-slip fault systems in the central Sichuan Basin, but correlated exploration activities are limited, as distribution rules and dynamic mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the spectral decomposition coherence method was used to describe the geometric and kinematic characteristics of these strike-slip faults. Using a comprehensive analysis technique to assess the strike-slip fault tectonic activity history, the formation and evolution processes of strike-slip faults and their control on hydrocarbon distribution were examined. The results showed that the deep strike-slip fault system, mostly distributed in the Dengying Formation, can be divided into four stages, three levels, and three groups of orientation, which controlled the structural framework and shape of the central Sichuan area, as well as the zoning from north to south, and blocking from west to east. The faults showed features of layered deformation and staged evolution in the vertical direction. The segmentation of strike-slip faults strongly controls the quality of fractured vuggy reservoirs. Reservoirs of the hard-linked zone of the strike-slip fault are the most developed, followed by those of soft-linked segments, with translational sections of the strike-slip fault being relatively undeveloped. Strike-slip faults are important hydrocarbon migration paths, and their multistage activities have different controlling effects on hydrocarbon accumulation.
Spatial variations of Rn and CO2 emissions in the Wuzhong–Lingwu region, northwest China
Authors: Li Xinyan , Liu Xiaopeng , Zeng Xianwei , Wang Xiaotao , Luo Hengzhi , Li Mengya , He Jiawei , Shi Haikuo
Published: February 2023

Soil gas Rn and CO2 in surface rupture and deep-seated fault zones are important indicators for tectonic and seismic activities. The spatial distributions of Rn and CO2 concentrations and their relationships with earthquakes and stress state in the Wuzhong–Lingwu area of Ningxia, Northwest China, were investigated through field observations based on 76 measurement points, spatial interpolation and six crossing-fault profiles along Yellow River Fault zone (YRF). Observed results of the soil gas Rn and CO2 in different segments of Yellow River Fault zone illustrated that YRF has features of both strike-slip and certain normal fault characteristics. Moreover, the difference in seismic activity could also account for the differences in gas concentration and relative activity intensity (RAI) in the Yellow River Fault zone. Significant differences in the spatial distributions of Rn and CO2 were identified in gridded observation mode. By comparing these spatial distributions with the surface latent heat flux (SLHF), volumetric soil water layer (SWVL), and lithology, an anomalous high-Rn area was identified in the east and south Qingtongxia, and associated with Permian sandstone and mudstone in a piedmont setting. Away from a strong impact of irrigation in the Yinchuan Basin, CO2 anomalies were identified in the transition area between the Yinchuan Basin and the mountains and coincided with a dramatic negative variation of surface latent heat flux, which was considered to reflect humus accumulation, rich organic matter, and strong soil microorganism activity in loosely accumulated mountain alluvial deposits. After excluding gas anomalies related to shallow soils and surface geology, anomalies of Rn and CO2 in the west of Lingwu were consistent with the distribution of low seismic b-values and frequent seismic activity in plane and profile. According to similar studies in the north-south seismic belts, it is believed that high stress and strong seismic activity increased the permeability of rocks and boosted the gas emission in the west of Lingwu. Base on a crustal thickness variation belt, high-velocity bodies, and in this region, an higher seismic hazard was illustrated. This study offers new insight into combining geochemical characteristics of soil gas and seismological methods to estimate regional seismic hazards.
Modeling and stability analysis of interaction between converters in AC-DC distribution systems
Authors: Chen Tao , Feng Depin , Wu Xiaobin , Lu Changlu , Xu Bing
Published: February 2023

With the development and promotion of AC-DC distribution systems, the stability of multi-terminal systems has drawn much interest. This paper analyzes the instability phenomena in AC-DC distribution systems by considering the interactions between converters. The typical structure and control strategy of double-terminal AC-DC distribution systems under master-slave control is introduced. Then an AC-DC distribution system model is developed taking into account the interaction of the converter control system. The resonant spikes generated by the interaction between the converters are used as the reference object of the interaction to analyze the influence of the converter control parameters and the system electrical parameters on the system stability and interaction. Finally, a double-terminal AC/DC distribution system model is built using PLECS and RTBOX for simulation and semi-physical experimental verification.
Case report: Variants in the ERCC4 gene as a rare cause of cerebellar ataxia with chorea
Authors: Kulikowska Joanna , Jakubiuk-Tomaszuk Anna , Rydzanicz Małgorzata , Płoski Rafał , Kochanowicz Jan , Kulakowska Alina , Kapica-Topczewska Katarzyna
Published: February 2023

Variants in the ERCC4 gene have been described to be associated with the following autosomal recessive diseases: xeroderma pigmentosum group F (XPF), xeroderma pigmentosum type F/Cockayne syndrome (XPF/CS), Fanconi anemia complementation group Q (FANCQ), and XFE progeroid syndrome (XFEPS). In this paper, we present a case of a 53-year-old Caucasian female patient with rare variants in the ERCC4 gene. When she was 42 years old, falls and loss of balance occurred. At the age of 48, involuntary, uncoordinated movements of the upper limbs and head, tongue stereotypes (licking and extending movements), speech problems (dysarthria), memory deterioration, and hearing loss occurred. Since childhood, she has shown hypersensitivity to UV radiation. The neurological examination revealed chorea syndrome, cerebellar ataxia, dysarthria, and bilateral hearing loss. She has numerous pigmented lesions on the skin. Brain MRI demonstrated massive cortico-subcortical atrophy. The neuropsychological examination revealed dysfunctions in the executive domain in terms of attention, working memory, organizing, and planning activities. The genetic diagnostics was performed which excluded spinocerebellar ataxia types 1, 2, 3, 6, and 17, Huntington’s disease, and FMR1 premutation. In the genetic analysis of next-generation sequencing (NGS), two variants: c.2395C > T and c.1349G > A in the ERCC4 gene were identified in a heterozygote configuration. So far, a few cases of ERCC4 gene variants, which are associated with nucleotide excision repair pathways, have been described in connection with symptoms of cerebellar ataxia. In patients with ERCC4 biallelic variants, the adult neurological phenotype can sometimes be the first symptom and reason for access to genetic testing. The aforementioned case highlights the occurrence of rare genetic causes of progressive neurodegenerative diseases in adults, especially with the spectrum of autosomal recessive nucleotide excision repair pathway disorders (NERDs).
Low rates of headache and migraine associated with intravenous immunoglobulin infusion using a 15-minute rate escalation protocol in 123 patients with primary immunodeficiency
Authors: Geng Bob , Clark Kim , Evangelista Mark , Wolford Eric
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Headache and migraine adverse events are common concerns in the administration of intravenous immune globulins (IVIG). Trials of IVIG for primary immunodeficiency (PI) are typically small and have reported headache and migraine data inconsistently.

Methods

We analyzed headache and migraine in pooled data from three pivotal trials of Gammaplex® 5% and 10% in PI (NCT00278954 from January 18, 2006; NCT01289847 from January 27, 2011; NCT01963143 from September 13, 2013). The trials were pooled in a retrospective analysis that included two 12-month open-label non-comparative trials of the 5% IVIG product and one 6-month open-label crossover bioequivalence trial comparing the 5% IVIG and 10% IVIG products. The population included adult and pediatric patients, who received IVIG infusions of 300-800 mg/kg/infusion every 21 or 28 days using a 15-minute rate escalation protocol.

Results

In total, 1482 infusions were administered to 123 patients, with 94.6% of infusions achieving the maximum infusion rate. At least one product-related headache was reported in 6.1% (90/1482) of infusions. At least one product-related migraine was reported in 0.5% (7/1482) of infusions. Headache rates were higher for adults vs pediatric patients, females vs males, and 21-day vs 28-day dosing schedules, but were similar for the 5% and 10% IVIG products. Most headaches and migraines occurred during or within 72 hours of the infusion. Rates decreased after the first few infusions.

Discussion

Patients receiving this IVIG product on a 15-minute rate escalation protocol had low rates of headache and migraine for both the 5% and 10% formulations.