bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of gaming technologies in foreign language classes as a way to prevent and correct language anxiety
Authors: Sorokoumova Galina V. , Shurygina Olga V. , Egorova Tatyana E. , Burova Irina V. , Pospelova Yulia Y.
Published: July 2021

The paper looks into the problem of finding methods and educational technologies that reveal the creative potential of students, ensure their involvement in the educational process, and ensure the prevention and correction of psychological problems the students might have. The authors review the value of gaming technologies, the peculiarities of their use in teaching foreign languages, especially in connection with the emergence of language anxiety of students, and analyze the types of language anxiety and the role of gaming technologies in the prevention and correction of language anxiety of students. The paper focuses on the causes of language anxiety in teenage students. The study aimed to look into the influence of game forms of education on the reduction of language anxiety of school students learning foreign languages. To achieve the goal and confirm the hypothesis put forward, the authors used the method of measuring language anxiety during the study of a foreign language by Horwitz (Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale). At the formative stage, a set of games was developed, which was used in German lessons with students of the experimental group for one month. Further, the paper analyzes the results of the study of the influence of game forms of learning on the reduction of language anxiety in the study of foreign languages. The paper has not only theoretical significance in terms of considering language anxiety, but also practical significance and novelty because the results of the study showed the high efficiency of gaming technologies and confirmed the fundamental possibility of prevention and psychocorrection of language anxiety with their help.
Competitive behavior as a condition for realizing the personal potential of teachers
Authors: Lukyanova Margarita Ivanovna , Shustova Lyubov Porfiryevna , Danilov Sergey Vyacheslavovich , Zarubina Valentina Viktorovna
Published: July 2021

The article considers the personal potential of teachers realized through their participation in competitions. The analysis of sources, diagnostic tools, formats and means of additional professional education presents professional competitions as a condition for realizing one’s personal potential. Its components are as follows: personal meanings, activity, reflexive abilities and pedagogical experience, values, motives, striving for the embodiment of creative ideas and intentions, openness to innovations. The teacher’s participation in competitions encourages activities, increases the level of innovative solutions to professional problems, manifests creative individuality and recognizes professional achievements. At the same time, the influence of competitions on the professional creativity of a teacher has not been sufficiently studied. The article aims at studying the competitive behavior of a teacher from the perspective of realizing their personal potential. The research utilized the methods of analyzing scientific sources, regulatory documents; diagnostic techniques to study the personal potential of a teacher; forms of developing the competitive behavior of teachers to participate in professional skills competitions; synthesis; logical generalization. In the course of the study, the authors obtained results that are notable for their novelty. They have presented the concept of “competitive behavior” of a teacher as an activity characterized by a complex system of motivation aimed at overcoming competitions and developing personal potential. The authors have characterized the motivational, emotional-volitional and personal levels of mental regulation of the teacher’s competitive behavior. They have also determined methods for studying personal potential and developing the teacher’s competitive behavior.
Methods for developing the creative potential of future teacher-linguists in their studies
Authors: Sorokoumova Galina V.
Published: July 2021

The paper reveals the need to solve the problem of improving the quality of training of a future teacher at a university in the context of state requirements for the modernization of national education. The object of consideration in the paper is the quality of preparation of a future teacher of a foreign language at a university, the subject is the development of the creative potential of the teacher’s personality through the use of active methods, among which creativity training is of primary importance. The content of the paper is based on the analysis and generalization of scientific publications that reveal the issues of the quality of education, requirements for the professional personality and activities of the teacher, characterizing active teaching methods in teacher training. To diagnose the creative potential of students willing to become teachers of a foreign language, the study used the test developed by H. Sievert. At the formative stage, the students of the experimental group, in addition to traditional training, participated in creativity training. The paper presents the results of diagnostics of indicators of the creative potential of future foreign language teachers as a result of the use of creativity training. The participants in the experimental training had an understanding of their capabilities, the development of the skills and abilities necessary for introducing creative activity in the future profession, the adaptation of new knowledge, skills, and abilities to their psychological characteristics (interiorization). The practical significance of the study lies in the introduction of creativity training into the system of training a future foreign language teacher at a university to improve the quality of the curriculum by influencing the psychological mechanisms of the professional and personal development of students.
COVID-19 as a Potential Trigger for Immune Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura and Reason for an Unusual Treatment: A Case Report
Authors: Schwaegermann Marie-Kristin , Hobohm Lukas , Rausch Johanna , Reuter Michael , Griemert Thomas-Friedrich , Sivanathan Visvakanth , Falter Tanja , Sprinzl Martin F. , Lackner Karl J. , Galle Peter R. , Konstantinides Stavros , Theobald Matthias , von Auer Charis
Published: July 2021

Immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by severely reduced activity of the von Willebrand factor (VWF)-cleaving protease ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) due to autoantibodies. This leads to the development of pathogenic multimers of VWF, causing a thrombotic microangiopathy with decreased number of platelets, hemolysis, and life-threatening tissue ischemia of mostly brain, heart, and kidneys. Standard treatment of iTTP involves daily plasma exchange to remove ultra large multimers of VWF, inhibitors, substituting ADAMTS13, and the accompaniment of an immunosuppressive treatment with steroids. Recently, caplacizumab was approved for iTTP. Caplacizumab is a nanobody binding the A1 domain of VWF, blocking its interaction with glycoprotein Ib–IX–V platelet receptor and therefore preventing platelet aggregation. VWF activities may serve as therapeutic drug monitoring of caplacizumab, whereas ADAMTS13 activities may be used for biomarkers to guide caplacizumab treatment modalities and overall treatment duration. Additional immunosuppressive treatment by inhibiting autoantibody formation (e.g., the use of Rituximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody directed against the B-cell antigen CD20) is a further treatment option. Infections are well-known causes for an acute episode for patients with iTTP. The novel SARS-CoV-2 virus is mainly associated with acute respiratory distress as well as diffuse endothelial inflammation and increased coagulopathy. However, little is known about an infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus triggering iTTP relapses. We herein report the case of an acute iTTP episode accompanying a SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Longitudinally Extensive Transverse Myelitis (LETM) and Myopericarditis in a 7-Month-Old Child with SARs-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Brisca Giacomo , Sotgiu Stefano , Pirlo Daniela , Tubino Barbara , Siri Laura , Chianucci Benedetta , Carta Alessandra , Rossi Andrea , Mallamaci Marisa , Cataldi Matteo , Mancardi Maria Margherita
Published: July 2021

Introduction In the last few months, some pediatric cases with neurological and neuroradiological pictures related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections have been reported, often associated with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). The most frequently encountered pediatric neurological complications seem to be postinfectious immune-mediated acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)-like changes of the brain, myelitis, neural enhancement, and splenial lesions. Concomitant neurological and cardiac involvement has been reported only in MIS-C, although specific clinical details are often not fully available.

Methods In this case report, a very young child infected with SARs-CoV-2 and diagnosed as longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis with concomitant myo-pericarditis is presented.

Results A previously healthy 7-month-old girl presented with abrupt onset of generalized weakness with inability to sit up. She had had mild respiratory symptoms 1 week earlier. Spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a T2-hyperintense intramedullary lesion extending from C4 to T2, compatible with acute longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM). Cerebrospinal fluid analysis was negative.

Echocardiography and blood tests were suggestive for myo-pericarditis. Real time polymerase chain reaction for SARS-CoV-2 on nasopharyngeal swab sample tested positive. She was promptly treated with high dose of steroids and immunoglobulin with satisfactory clinical response.

Conclusion To the evolving literature of neurological complications of SARs-CoV-2 infection, we add the youngest patient described to date with isolated LETM and concomitant cardiac involvement. Our case suggests that clinicians should be aware of this association, although difficult to recognize in infants. Practitioners are encouraged to consider aggressive first-line immunotherapies with the final aim to prevent permanent disability.
Care of the Postpartum Patient in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review with Implications for Maternal Mortality
Authors: Mitchell Kellie A. , Haddock Alison J. , Husainy Hamad , Walter Lauren A. , Rajapreyar Indranee , Wingate Martha , Smith Catherine H. , Tita Alan , Sinkey Rachel
Published: July 2021

Objective Approximately one-third of maternal deaths occur postpartum. Little is known about the intersection between the postpartum period, emergency department (ED) use, and opportunities to reduce maternal mortality. The primary objectives of this systematic review are to explore the incidence of postpartum ED use, identify postpartum disease states that are evaluated in the ED, and summarize postpartum ED use by race/ethnicity and payor source.

Study Design We searched PubMed, Embase, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane CENTRAL, Social Services Abstracts, and Scopus from inception to September 19, 2019. Each identified abstract was screened by two authors; the full-text manuscripts of all studies deemed to be potential candidates were then reviewed by the same two authors and included if they were full-text, peer-reviewed articles in the English language with primary patient data reporting care of a female in the ED in the postpartum period, defined as up to 1 year after the end of pregnancy.

Results A total of 620 were screened, 354 records were excluded and 266 full-text articles were reviewed. Of the 266 full-text articles, 178 were included in the systematic review; of these, 108 were case reports. Incidence of ED use by postpartum females varied from 4.8 to 12.2% in the general population. Infection was the most common reason for postpartum ED evaluation. Young females of minority race and those with public insurance were more likely than whites and those with private insurance to use the ED.

Conclusion As many as 12% of postpartum women seek care in the ED. Young minority women of lower socioeconomic status are more likely to use the ED. Since approximately one-third of maternal deaths occur in the postpartum period, successful efforts to reduce maternal mortality must include ED stakeholders. This study is registered with the Systematic Review Registration (identifier: CRD42020151126).

Key Points
Iron Rod Penetrating Head Injury in a Child
Authors: Diyora Batuk , Gawali Sagar , Patel Mehool , Dhall Gagan
Published: July 2021

Civilian penetrating brain injury (PBI) is a rare form of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is rarer in the pediatric population. Pediatric PBI due to various objects has been reported in the literature. Pediatric PBI with an iron rod has not been previously described. We reported a case of civilian penetrating injury in a 6-year-old girl child patient who fell over a projecting iron rod at a construction site from a height of 6 to 8 feet. She was lifted off from the iron rod and taken to the emergency medical services. CT scan of the brain revealed linear intracerebral hemorrhage along the iron rod’s track with a depressed fracture. She underwent emergency surgery because of a compound depressed fracture. She recovered well from his injury without neurological deficit with an excellent clinical outcome.
Secondary Tumors of the Ampulla of Vater: A Tale of Two Cases
Authors: Ali Jafer , Khan Asad , Ahmed Mohamed H. , Madhotra Ravi
Published: July 2021

We report two cases of women with metastatic cancers to ampulla of Vater. The first was 91 years old and presented with severe anemia, due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding. She had history of renal cell cancer treated with nephrectomy 8 years ago and diagnosis confirmed to be metastasis of renal cell cancer to ampulla of Vater. The second patient was 54 years old with breast cancer, metastasis and developed obstructive jaundice; diagnosis confirmed to be breast metastasis in the ampulla of Vater. Secondary tumors of the ampulla of Vater due to breast cancer and renal cell cancer are rare findings and prognosis can be poor.
Prosthodontic Management of Single Anterior Missing Tooth with Immediate Loading Implant Using Leukocyte-Platelet-Rich Fibrin
Authors: Wahengbam Prashanti , Kalra Tarun , Kumar Manjit , Bansal Ajay , Singh Ramandeep
Published: July 2021

Immediate loading of dental implant in the anterior tooth region has been a growing trend and eliminates the compromised esthetics, function, discomfort, and inconvenience associated with traditional two-stage implant procedures. This case report presents the clinical application of implant placement with immediate loading using leukocyte-platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) in the anterior esthetic region.The implant was planned to rehabilitate in the anterior missing tooth region. As per the patient's desire, the implant was immediately loaded and L-PRF membrane was placed around the implant under local anesthesia on the day of surgery.The use of L-PRF for the maintenance of crestal bone and soft tissue at the implant sites provided an adequate clinical condition for better esthetics.
FDG-PET/CT in lymphoma
Authors: D′souza Maria M , Jaimini Abhinav , Bansal Abhishek , Tripathi Madhavi , Sharma Rajnish , Mondal Anupam , Tripathi Rajendra Prashad
Published: July 2021

Lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of diseases that arise from the constituent cells of the immune system or from their precursors. 18F-fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ( 18 F-FDG PET/CT) is now the cornerstone of staging procedures in the state-of-the-art management of Hodgkin′s disease and aggressive non-Hodgkin′s lymphoma. It plays an important role in staging, restaging, prognostication, planning appropriate treatment strategies, monitoring therapy, and detecting recurrence. However, its role in indolent lymphomas is still unclear and calls for further investigational trials. The protean PET/CT manifestations of lymphoma necessitate a familiarity with the spectrum of imaging findings to enable accurate diagnosis. A meticulous evaluation of PET/CT findings, an understanding of its role in the management of lymphomas, and knowledge of its limitations are mandatory for the optimal utilization of this technique.
Main ion charge exchange recombination spectroscopy on C-2W FRC plasmas
Authors: Gupta Deepak K. , Nations Marcel , Sweeney James , Aviles Juan , Leinweber Hannes , Marshall Ryan S. ,   TAE Team
Published: July 2021

A main ion charge exchange recombination spectroscopy (mChERS) diagnostic has been developed to measure the velocity and temperature of the main deuterium ions in the C-2W (also called Norman) field-reversed configuration (FRC) device. A modulated diagnostic neutral beam (DNB) of hydrogen with 40 keV full energy and a nominal current of 8.5 A provides the charge exchange signal. The DNB can achieve a fast modulation frequency of up to 10 kHz, a rare attribute to find on other fusion devices, which defines the time resolution of mChERS. Currently, the mChERS diagnostic provides simultaneous measurements at five spatial locations in the FRC plasma using a high-speed camera. The design and capabilities of the mChERS system are presented along with first experimental data.
Artificial spiking neuron based on a single-photon avalanche diode and a microcavity laser
Authors: Chizhevsky V. N. , Kulchitsky V. A. , Kilin S. Ya.
Published: July 2021

We present an experimental realization and characterization of artificial spiking neuron based on an optoelectronic pair “microcavity laser-single photon avalanche diode” operating in few photon regime. We show that basic properties of biological neurons, such as an existence of the threshold and the refractory period, the insensitivity to the effect of the stimuli strength above the threshold, and the dependence of the neuron fire rate of the stimuli strength, can be realized with such a type of artificial neuron. To compare, we present corresponding results of the numerical simulation in the framework of the FitzHugh–Nagumo neuron model.
Mapping quantitative trait loci for drought tolerance/susceptibility indices and estimation of breeding values of doubled haploid lines in wheat (
Authors: Salarpour Mahdiyeh , Abdolshahi Roohollah , Pakniyat Hassan , Heidari Bahram , Aminizadeh Somayeh
Published: July 2021

Water shortage and drought stress in the reproductive stage of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) considerably affect grain yield (GY). Mapping genes for drought tolerance assists in selection for drought improvement. In the present study, we evaluated breeding values based on best linear unbiased predictions (BLUPs) and drought tolerance/susceptibility indices (DT/SIs), and identified marker–phenotype associations in 220 doubled haploid (DH) lines. The DH lines were evaluated for GY and 1000-grain weight (TGW) under drought stress and well-watered conditions at the heading stage in 2015 and 2016. The linkage map comprised 1333 SSR, DArT and SNP markers with an average density of 2.18 markers per cM. The BLUPs were significantly correlated with GY of the lines. Significant correlations were found between stress tolerance score (STS) and drought response index, yield index, yield stability index, geometric mean productivity and stress tolerance index. The lines DH_R295 and DH_R360 had the highest breeding values for GY and STS. Major QTLs, one main effect and eight epistatic, were identified for the DT/SIs. A major QTL was identified for STS-GY, which explained 11.39% of the STS-GY variation in 2015. This QTL was co-located with QTLs for yield index-GY and yield stability index-GY within the BS00066932_51–gwm0314b marker interval (48 cM on 3B). The search for gene annotation showed that BS00066932_51 overlapped with protein-encoding genes. In conclusion, the QTL-linked markers help genotype selection for the improvement of drought tolerance, and they are good candidates for use in genomic selection.
Fli1
+
cells transcriptional analysis reveals an Lmo2–Prdm16 axis in angiogenesis
Authors: Matrone Gianfranco , Xia Bo , Chen Kaifu , Denvir Martin A. , Baker Andrew H. , Cooke John P.
Published: July 2021

Significance

Understanding the molecular signals driving the development of vascular endothelium is important in seeking therapies for human disease. This work highlights the role of an epigenetic modifier and oncogene in the development of the vascular endothelium and angiogenesis in zebrafish. In particular, we show that the expression of the histone methyltransferase
prdm16
is high in endothelial cells and that
prdm16
is necessary for the endothelial differentiation and migration in vivo and in vitro in iPSC-derived endothelial cells. Moreover,
prdm16
expression is mediated by Lmo2, a well-known oncogene implicated in angiogenesis and leukemogenesis. We hence unveil a role of
prdm16
in endothelial development and angiogenesis and therefore propose that PRDM16 could be a target for therapeutic modulation of angiogenesis.
PolyG-DS: An ultrasensitive polyguanine tract–profiling method to detect clonal expansions and trace cell lineage
Authors: Zhang Yuezheng , Kohrn Brendan F. , Yang Ming , Nachmanson Daniela , Soong T. Rinda , Lee I-Hsiu , Tao Yong , Clevers Hans , Swisher Elizabeth M. , Brentnall Teresa A. , Loeb Lawrence A. , Kennedy Scott R. , Salk Jesse J. , Naxerova Kamila , Risques Rosa Ana
Published: July 2021

Significance

The ability to detect precancerous clones and reconstruct cancer evolution is important for early cancer detection and improving prevention and treatment strategies. We present PolyG-DS, a sequencing method that combines the unique properties of polyguanine tracts (PolyGs) for cell lineage tracing with ultrahighaccuracy duplex sequencing (DS). PolyG-DS enables accurate and reproducible PolyG genotyping, providing high sensitivity for the detection of low-frequency alleles in mixed populations. This translates into an improved ability to identify clonal expansions within normal tissue, with potential application to detect cancer progression in preneoplastic diseases such as ulcerative colitis. Because PolyG-DS is driver mutation agnostic, it provides a universal, cost-effective approach for assessing tumor evolution across cancer types.
Alternating the population and control neural networks to solve high-dimensional stochastic mean-field games
Authors: Lin Alex Tong , Fung Samy Wu , Li Wuchen , Nurbekyan Levon , Osher Stanley J.
Published: July 2021

Significance

Mean-field games (MFGs) is an emerging field that models large populations of agents. They play a central role in many disciplines, such as economics, data science, and engineering. Since many applications come in the form of high-dimensional stochastic MFGs, numerical methods that use spatial grids are prone to the curse of dimensionality. To this end, we exploit the variational structure of potential MFGs and reformulate it as a generative adversarial network (GAN) training problem. This reformulation allays a bit the curse of dimensionality when solving high-dimensional MFGs in the stochastic setting, by avoiding spatial grids or uniform sampling in high dimensions, and instead utilizes the structure of the MFG and its connection with GANs.
The effects of graded calorie restriction XVII: Multitissue metabolomics reveals synthesis of carnitine and NAD, and tRNA charging as key pathways
Authors: García-Flores Libia Alejandra , Green Cara L. , Mitchell Sharon E. , Promislow Daniel E. L. , Lusseau David , Douglas Alex , Speakman John R.
Published: July 2021

Significance

Caloric restriction (CR) increases life and health span, but our understanding of the evolutionary basis of the effect remains unclear. For many years, the disposable soma hypothesis provided the main evolutionary explanation, suggesting animals under restriction divert resources away from reproduction toward somatic maintenance. This idea was recently challenged by the “clean cupboards” hypothesis, suggesting life extension under CR is a coincidental by-product of energy conservation. This paper tests between these ideas by looking for common signatures in the metabolomic response across multiple tissues to graded CR levels in mice. There was no evidence for widespread increases in somatic protection but instead largely idiosyncratic responses in individual tissues. The common pathways identified appeared more consistent with the clean cupboards hypothesis.
Cell-free reconstitution reveals the molecular mechanisms for the initiation of secondary siRNA biogenesis in plants
Authors: Sakurai Yuriki , Baeg Kyungmin , Lam Andy Y. W. , Shoji Keisuke , Tomari Yukihide , Iwakawa Hiro-oki
Published: July 2021

Significance

Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) synthesis by RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RDR) is a critical step in secondary small interfering RNA (siRNA) biogenesis. However, how RDR specifically converts the targets of primary small RNAs into dsRNA intermediates remains unclear. Here, we developed an in vitro system that recapitulates the production of secondary siRNAs that are physiologically important in plants. Leveraging this system, we showed that a combination of four plant factors promotes physical recruitment of RDR6 to the target RNA. Moreover, we found that dsRNA synthesis by RDR6 is enhanced by the removal of the poly(A) tail, which is achieved by cleavage at another small RNA-binding site bearing appropriate mismatches. Our data elucidate the molecular events necessary for secondary siRNA biogenesis in plants.
Microbiota-derived metabolites inhibit
Salmonella
virulent subpopulation development by acting on single-cell behaviors
Authors: Hockenberry Alyson M. , Micali Gabriele , Takács Gabriella , Weng Jessica , Hardt Wolf-Dietrich , Ackermann Martin
Published: July 2021

Significance

Emergence of distinct cell types in populations of genetically identical bacteria is common. Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly clear that cooperation between cell types can be beneficial. This is the case during
Salmonella
infection, in which cooperation between inflammation-inducing virulent and fast-growing avirulent cell types occurs during infection to aid in colonization of the host gut. Here, we show gut microbiota–derived metabolites slow growth of the virulent cell type. Our study implies microbial metabolites shape cooperative interactions between the virulent and avirulent cell types, a finding that can help explain the wide array of clinical manifestations of
Salmonella
infection.
UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase 2, a regulator of glycogen synthesis and glycosylation, is critical for pancreatic cancer growth
Authors: Wolfe Andrew L. , Zhou Qingwen , Toska Eneda , Galeas Jacqueline , Ku Angel A. , Koche Richard P. , Bandyopadhyay Sourav , Scaltriti Maurizio , Lebrilla Carlito B. , McCormick Frank , Kim Sung Eun
Published: July 2021

Significance

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common form of pancreatic cancer and is one of the most deadly cancer types, with a 5-y survival rate below 10%. One reason for this high mortality rate is that PDAC cells have an enhanced ability to survive and proliferate despite existing in nutrient-deprived environments. Understanding the metabolic rewiring that enables nutrient scavenging and rapid metabolic processing of PDAC cells can provide new strategies to develop effective treatment options for this intractable disease. In this study, convergent findings reveal that UGP2 has a central role in the growth and metabolism of PDAC cells through the regulation of glycogen synthesis and protein N-glycosylation, highlighting therapeutic possibilities for this deadly cancer.
GHB analogs confer neuroprotection through specific interaction with the CaMKIIα hub domain
Authors: Leurs Ulrike , Klein Anders B. , McSpadden Ethan D. , Griem-Krey Nane , Solbak Sara M. Ø. , Houlton Josh , Villumsen Inge S. , Vogensen Stine B. , Hamborg Louise , Gauger Stine J. , Palmelund Line B. , Larsen Anne Sofie G. , Shehata Mohamed A. , Kelstrup Christian D. , Olsen Jesper V. , Bach Anders , Burnie Robert O. , Kerr D. Steven , Gowing Emma K. , Teurlings Selina M. W. , Chi Chris C. , Gee Christine L. , Frølund Bente , Kornum Birgitte R. , van Woerden Geeske M. , Clausen Rasmus P. , Kuriyan John , Clarkson Andrew N. , Wellendorph Petrine
Published: July 2021

Significance

GHB is a natural brain metabolite of GABA, previously reported to be neuroprotective. However, the high-affinity binding site for GHB has remained elusive for almost 40 y. We here unveil CaMKIIα, a highly important neuronal kinase, as the long-sought-after GHB high-affinity target. Via a specific interaction within the central hub domain of CaMKIIα, GHB analogs act to stabilize the hub oligomer complex. This interaction potentially explains pronounced neuroprotective effects of GHB analogs in cultured neurons exposed to a chemical insult and in mice exposed to ischemia. The postischemic treatment effects of GHB analogs underline these compounds as selective and high-affinity potential drug candidates and CaMKIIα as a relevant pharmacological target for stroke therapy.
Current issues and controversies in assessing the environmental impacts of livestock production
Authors: Capper Judith L.
Published: July 2021

The environmental impact of livestock production is one of the most significant issues within agriculture. Global concerns over climate change, resource use, pollution and other environmental indicators means that producers must implement practices and systems to reduce environmental impacts, yet this may only be achieved through assessments that allow impacts to be quantified, benchmarked and improved over time.  Although environmental indicators are widely accepted, the metrics by which these are assessed continue to evolve over time as assessment objectives gain clarity and focus, and as the science relating to controversial topics (e.g. global warming or carbon sequestration) becomes more refined. However, significant negative trade-offs may occur between different metrics and denominators such that a specific practice or system may appear to have greater or lesser impacts, depending on assessment methodology. A number of tools and models have been developed to empower producers in quantifying environmental impacts, which will be increasingly important in satisfying future consumers’ hunger for information as well as food. These tools must be supplied in tandem with information as to the potential consequences of changing management practices and systems. At present however, tools available are based on differing methodologies, are often opaque in their background calculations and do not necessarily account for all the factors that influence environmental impacts from livestock. There is a clear need for robust tools that can be used as standards for assessing environmental impacts from the global livestock industry and that go beyond GHG emissions to produce a more rounded holistic assessment.
Exercise in school Physical Education increase bone mineral content and density: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mello Júlio B. , Pedretti Augusto , García‐Hermoso Antonio , Martins Clarice M. L. , Gaya Anelise R. , Duncan Michael J. , Gaya Adroaldo C. A.
Published: July 2021

This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions through Physical Education (PE) exercises on bone mineral content (BMC) and density (BMD) of children and adolescents. The research was conducted using the online electronic databases PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science and Scopus (March 2021). The analysis was restricted to school‐based studies that examined the effect of PE interventions on BMC and BMD in schoolchildren (<18 years old). Standardised mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and random‐effects models were calculated. The heterogeneity and inconsistency of the studies were estimated using Cochran's Q‐statistic and I 2, respectively. Twenty‐two studies with 2,556 participants were selected. PE interventions were associated with a significant increase in BMC (SMD = 1.348; 95% CI, 1.053–1.643) and BMD (SMD = 0.640; 95% CI, 0.417–0.862). Femoral neck subgroup analysis indicate an increase in BMC for boys (SMD = 1.527; 95% CI, 0.990–2.065) and girls (SMD = 1.27; 95% CI, 0.782–1.767), and in BMD for boys (SMD = 0.518; 95% CI, 0.064–0.972) and girls (SMD = 0.817; 95% CI, 0.349–1.284). Finally, increases are reported in the lumbar spine BMC for boys (SMD = 1.860; 95% CI, 1.018–2.700) and girls (SMD = 1.275; 95% CI, 0.782–1.767). This meta‐analysis provides insights into the effectiveness of interventions aimed at including physical exercise in PE on bone mass, suggesting that increasing the proportion of curriculum time allocated to PE may improve students’ BMD and BMC, especially in the femoral neck and lumbar spine.
The Teukolsky–Starobinsky constants: facts and fictions
Authors: Casals Marc , Teixeira da Costa Rita
Published: July 2021

The Teukolsky master equation describes the dynamics of massless fields with spin on a Kerr black hole. Under separation of variables, spin-reversal for this equation is accomplished through the so-called Teukolsky–Starobinsky identities. These identities are associated to the so-called Teukolsky–Starobinsky constants, which are spin-dependent. We collect some properties of the Teukolsky–Starobinsky constants and dispel some myths present in the literature. We show that, contrary to popular belief, these constants can be negative for spin larger than 2. Such fields thus exhibit a novel form of energy amplification which occurs for non-superradiant frequencies.
Fabrication of photothermally actuated microheater with SU-8/Cu composite
Authors: Nakahara Tasuku , Ise Kazuki , Minami Kazuyuki
Published: July 2021

The photothermally actuated microheaters have been studied for various applications. In particular, microheaters using composites mixed with polymer and particles were developed for a microrobot and thermally responsive structures. However, the structures have been fabricated by soft lithography process, which needs multiple steps. Here, we propose a microheater fabricated using a photosensitive composite, which is a mixture of the photosensitive resin SU-8 and Cu microparticles. The composite structures fabricated by one step photolithography exhibited a rise of temperature due to the photothermal effect, which was induced by the observation system of an inverted fluorescent microscope. In evaluating the patterning accuracy of the composite, although the line-and-space pattern formed was a minimum of 30 µm, the fabricated patterns involved a dimensional error of 5%–25%. The composite with 50 wt% Cu particles of 1 µm showed a maximum temperature of 55.7 °C in our experiments. The micropatterns of the microheater were fabricated and showed a rise of temperature of 16 °C–46 °C. In addition, the time response of the rising temperature was approximately 1 s. Thus, the proposed microheater could be useful for applications in which a change of temperature in the range of 10 °C–40 °C.
Activating caspase-8/Bid/ROS signaling to promote apoptosis of breast cancer cells by folate-modified albumin baicalin-loaded nanoparticles
Authors: Lan Meng , Kong Zhaodi , Liu Fengjie , Zou Tengteng , Li Lihong , Cai Tiange , Tian Huaqin , Cai Yu
Published: July 2021

Abnormal apoptosis can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, aberrant homeostasis or the accumulation of mutations. Therapeutic agents that re-establish the normal functions of apoptotic signaling pathways offer an attractive strategy for the treatment of breast cancer. Baicalin (BA) is one of the natural compounds with anti-proliferation and pro-apoptosis activities against numerous tumor cells. However, low bioavailability restricts the clinical application of BA. In order to improve its therapeutic efficacy and study the mechanism of actions, active targeting delivery systems were developed for targeting tumor environment and selective cell killing effects. It emphasized on the construction of folate-conjugated albumin nanoparticles loaded with baicalin (FA-BSANPs/BA) and mechanisms of which on the promotion of breast cancer apoptosis. The physicochemical properties and structural characteristics of FA-BSANPs/BA were investigated. Cell experiments were carried out to study the targeted anti-breast cancer effects of FA-BSANPs/BA and its mechanism. The results showed that FA-BSANPs/BA was successfully constructed with stable structural characteristics and sustained release effects. Cellular uptake and MTT showed that it increased targeted uptake efficiency and cytotoxicity. Flow cytometry and western blot confirmed that it promoted apoptosis by increasing the expression of caspase-8 and ROS, and decreasing the level of Bid. It is suggested that the pro-apoptotic mechanism of FA-BSANPs/BA is related to regulation of key proteins in extrinsic apoptotic pathway. In conclusion, FA-BSANPs/BA is a good delivery carrier and significantly inhibits the breast cancer growth compared with free BA. The mechanism of FA-BSANPs/BA promoting apoptosis of breast cancer may be due to its action on the caspase-8/Bid/ROS pathway.
Absolute frequency measurement of the 171Yb optical lattice clock at KRISS using TAI for over a year
Authors: Kim Huidong , Heo Myoung-Sun , Park Chang Yong , Yu Dai-Hyuk , Lee Won-Kyu
Published: July 2021

We report a measurement of the absolute frequency of the 1S0–3P0 transition in the 171Yb optical lattice clock at KRISS (KRISS-Yb1) for 14 months, which was referenced to the SI second by primary and secondary standards worldwide via International Atomic Time. The determined absolute frequency is 518 295 836 590 863.75(14) Hz with the relative frequency uncertainty of 2.6 × 10−16, which agrees well with other reports. This result is expected to contribute to the future update of the CIPM recommendation frequency of the secondary frequency standards.
Neutron Imaging for Intermetallic Alloy using a Delay Line Current-Biased Kinetic-Inductance Detector
Authors: Shishido Hiroaki , Vu The Dang , Aizawa Kazuya , Kojima Kenji M. , Koyama Tomio , Oikawa Kenichi , Harada Masahide , Oku Takayuki , Soyama Kazuhiko , Miyajima Shigeyuki , Hidaka Mutsuo , Suzuki Soh Y. , Tanaka Manobu M. , Kawamata Shuichi , Ishida Takekazu
Published: July 2021

The current-biased kinetic-inductance detector (CB-KID) is a solid-state superconducting neutron detector with high spatial and temporal resolutions, and multi-hit tolerance. We demonstrate high temperature operation of CB-KID at 7.9 K with the delay-line method. High temperature operation reduces imaging pixel size by suppressing signal propagation velocity. High spatial neutron transmission image for a mixed metal alloy consisting of heavy elements Sm and Sn is successfully constructed. We also examine the capability of element discrimination imaging based on the resonance dip analysis.
AC loss calculation in high-temperature superconductor wires and windings with analytical and numerical models: influence of J
c(B) dependence
Authors: Grilli Francesco , Abraham Sunny , Brambilla Roberto
Published: July 2021

Too high loss levels can severely limit the efficiency and the safe operation of several high-temperature superconductor (HTS) AC applications. A reliable estimation of AC losses, which includes the observed field-dependence of the superconductor’s critical current density on the magnetic field, is therefore paramount. In this contribution, we use numerical simulations to evaluate the AC losses of HTS coated conductors in a variety of working scenarios: individual wires carrying AC transport current and/or subjected to AC magnetic fields, and wire assemblies like stacks and arrays carrying AC transport current. Numerical results are compared to the corresponding analytical models and to experimental results. This work presents some general guidelines regarding the extent to which the dependence of the critical current density J
c on the magnetic flux density B modifies the AC loss characteristics with respect to a constant-J
c model based on the superconductor’s self-field critical current.
Design and Implementation of ROV Submarine Cable Inspection Decision Support System
Authors: Peng Lei
Published: July 2021

According to the requirements of field survey and following data management in submarine cable inspection by ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle), this paper analyzes the characteristics of TSS350 cable tracker and underwater video inspection data, designs a reasonable system architecture, implements real-time monitoring and data management of submarine cable inspection based on underwater navigation & positioning, fully integrates various types of data, and improves the management and utilization of submarine cable inspection data and maintenance capability of submarine cable.
Prediction of the Dynamic Response of a Long Flexible Riser under External and Internal Flow: Integral Transform Solution
Authors: Song Zhenhua , Shen Yijun , Duan Menglan , Gu Jijun
Published: July 2021

This paper aimed to analyze the dynamic response of a pinned-pinned riser subject to external and internal flow using the generalized integral technique (GITT). A nonlinear wake oscillator model is used to simulate the drag and lift force on the riser, and coupling with the vibration equation to form the second-order partial Differential Equations (PDEs). The PDEs system can be transformed into Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs) employing the GITT approach. The influence of the internal flow and external flow are evaluated to show that both these two variables should not be negligible in numerical simulation of the dynamic response of a long flexible riser. The vibration amplitude, frequency and mode number are affected by the flow velocities, and mode transformation can be found in the variation of the internal and external flow velocities.
Research and Countermeasures on LNG Ship Port Area Navigation Risk Assessment Based on Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation Method
Authors: Wen-xin Zhuang , Guo-ping Guo
Published: July 2021

As a new energy source, LNG occupies an important position in the energy structure, and it is of great significance to carry out research on the navigation risks of LNG ships as carriers. Through the establishment of an LNG ship port area risk evaluation index system, the an exponential scale method in the analytic hierarchy process is used to calculate the weight value of each index, and the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is used to calculate the navigation risk level of LNG ships. An LNG ship in Lusi port area of Nantong Port is selected for risk assessment, and based on the results of the risk evaluation, a targeted risk control plan is proposed.
Re-engineering Countermeasures of the Industrial Chain Model Based on the Block Chain Technology
Authors: Li Zhihong
Published: July 2021

The transformation & upgrade of the industry is an inevitable trend when it has been evolved to a certain stage of the economic society. In this new trend, the full coordination of the different sections in the industrial chain concerns much to the successful industrial upgrade. The block chain, with its high integration of the data, transmission, precision and its high security, can do many benefits to the industrial upgrade. How is the industrial chain reengineered by way of the block chain technology? It’s worthwhile to be studied. Therefore, the paper first disentangles the traditional industrial chain and analyzes its problems to be solved in the transformation & upgrade of the industry, then explores the new trend of the industrial transformation & upgrade in the new economic situation, and finally proposes some countermeasures to re-engineer the traditional industrial chain model based on the block chain technology.
Techno-economic analysis of a solar tower CSP Plant with thermal energy storage in southern Honduras
Authors: Martel Rivera L , Villatoro Flores H
Published: July 2021

For many years, solar thermal energy has been relegated to second place to photovoltaic solar energy in terms of electricity generation. At the end of the 1980s, an alternative to solar photovoltaic plants emerged, Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technology. This type of technology presents a commercial option for grid-connected solar plants for the utility market due to its high performance and efficiency in energy conversion, as well as its clean generation of electricity without greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, in Honduras the use of solar thermal energy is reduced to heating processes and product sanitation in the industrial sector, wasting the country’s great solar thermal potential. This document focuses on the evaluation of a Solar Tower CSP plant with 10 hours thermal storage in the southern area of Honduras, analyzing the departments of Valle and Choluteca. The methodology used for this research is a quantitative approach based on collecting meteorological data of the solar resource in the area and costs associated with the plant, this to test a hypothesis. This evaluation was carried out from a technical, economic and environmental point of view. The research managed to determine values of Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR) and project recovery period for the different scenarios presented in the two departments analyzed. Putting all the results together, it was found that the department of Valle has the lowest LCOE compared to the department of Choluteca. Likewise, the values of NPV, IRR and recovery period determine that the project is more profitable in the department of Valle.
Dispatchable renewable energy from CSP and CSP+EGS in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Boretti Alberto
Published: July 2021

Renewable energy is part of the national sustainable energy mix for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Relevant contributors are wind, and more importantly solar photovoltaic. Wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) are cheap, but they are suffering from variability, unpredictability, and in the case of solar PV, also intermittency. As the lithium-ion battery energy storage needed to make a stable grid only accepting these supplies is unaffordable, dispatchable renewable energy technologies are under study. Concentrated solar power (CSP) with thermal energy storage (TES) is the most promising opportunity. Requesting significant R&D, but having a large potential, enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) may help in the future, especially if coupled to CSP. Other relevant help may come from waste valorization. A renewable only grid managed by artificial intelligence (AI) operator will have to couple variable, unpredictable, and intermittent renewable energy supplies with battery energy storage and dispatchable renewable energy.
Research on the Hydrogen Production Technology
Authors: Jianghao Niu
Published: July 2021

Hydrogen energy has attracted widespread attention because of its renewable and zero-emission characteristics. It is also a secondary energy source with broad development prospects, so the hydrogen energy industry is an emerging industry of strategic significance. In order to effectively promote the development of hydrogen energy industry, major countries in the world have attached great importance to the research, development and application of hydrogen energy technology, and its development and utilization technology has become an important direction of the new round of world energy technology reform. This paper mainly compares the three widely used methods of hydrogen production, namely, thermochemical recombination, electrolysis of water and photolysis of water, and analyzes the advantages and defects of each method, and lists the solutions to the different defects.