bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microglia modulation with 1070-nm light attenuates Aβ burden and cognitive impairment in Alzheimer’s disease mouse model
Authors: Tao Lechan , Liu Qi , Zhang Fuli , Fu Yuting , Zhu Xi , Weng Xiaofu , Han Hongbin , Huang Yong , Suo Yuanzhen , Chen Liang , Gao Xiaoling , Wei Xunbin
Published: September 2021

Photobiomodulation, by utilizing low-power light in the visible and near-infrared spectra to trigger biological responses in cells and tissues, has been considered as a possible therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), while its specific mechanisms have remained elusive. Here, we demonstrate that cognitive and memory impairment in an AD mouse model can be ameliorated by 1070-nm light via reducing cerebral β-amyloid (Aβ) burden, the hallmark of AD. The glial cells, including microglia and astrocytes, play important roles in Aβ clearance. Our results show that 1070-nm light pulsed at 10 Hz triggers microglia rather than astrocyte responses in AD mice. The 1070-nm light-induced microglia responses with alteration in morphology and increased colocalization with Aβ are sufficient to reduce Aβ load in AD mice. Moreover, 1070-nm light pulsed at 10 Hz can reduce perivascular microglia and promote angiogenesis to further enhance Aβ clearance. Our study confirms the important roles of microglia and cerebral vessels in the use of 1070-nm light for the treatment of AD mice and provides a framework for developing a novel therapeutic approach for AD.
Analysis of a Casimir-driven parametric amplifier with resilience to Casimir pull-in for MEMS single-point magnetic gradiometry
Authors: Javor Josh , Yao Zhancheng , Imboden Matthias , Campbell David K. , Bishop David J.
Published: September 2021

The Casimir force, a quantum mechanical effect, has been observed in several microelectromechanical system (MEMS) platforms. Due to its extreme sensitivity to the separation of two objects, the Casimir force has been proposed as an excellent avenue for quantum metrology. Practical application, however, is challenging due to attractive forces leading to stiction and device failure, called Casimir pull-in. In this work, we design and simulate a Casimir-driven metrology platform, where a time-delay-based parametric amplification technique is developed to achieve a steady-state and avoid pull-in. We apply the design to the detection of weak, low-frequency, gradient magnetic fields similar to those emanating from ionic currents in the heart and brain. Simulation parameters are selected from recent experimental platforms developed for Casimir metrology and magnetic gradiometry, both on MEMS platforms. While a MEMS offers many advantages to such an application, the detected signal must typically be at the resonant frequency of the device, with diminished sensitivity in the low frequency regime of biomagnetic fields. Using a Casimir-driven parametric amplifier, we report a 10,000-fold improvement in the best-case resolution of MEMS single-point gradiometers, with a maximum sensitivity of 6 Hz/(pT/cm) at 1 Hz. Further development of the proposed design has the potential to revolutionize metrology and may specifically enable the unshielded monitoring of biomagnetic fields in ambient conditions.
Pharmacometric approach to assist dosage regimen design in neonates undergoing therapeutic hypothermia
Authors: Matcha Saikumar , Raj Elstin Anbu , Mahadevan Ramya , Raju Arun Prasath , Rajesh V , Lewis Leslie Edward , Mallayasamy Surulivelrajan
Published: September 2021

Background

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the treatment of choice for neonates diagnosed with perinatal asphyxia (PA). Dosing recommendations of various therapeutic agents including antimicrobials were not specifically available for the neonates undergoing TH.

Methods

A systematic search methodology was used to identify pharmacokinetic (PK) studies of antimicrobials during TH. Antimicrobials with multiple PK studies were identified to create a generalizable PK model. Pharmacometric simulations were performed using the PUMAS software platform to reproduce the results of published studies. A suitable model that could reproduce the results of all other published studies was identified. With the help of a generalizable model, an optimal dosage regimen was designed considering the important covariates of the identified model.

Results

With the systematic search, only gentamicin had multiple PK reports during TH. A generalizable model was identified and the model predictions could match the reported/observed concentrations of publications. Birth weight and serum creatinine were the significant covariates influencing the PK of gentamicin in neonates. A dosage nomogram was designed using pharmacometric simulations to maintain gentamicin concentrations below 10 μg/mL at peak and below 2 μg/mL at trough.

Conclusions

A generalizable PK model for gentamicin during TH in neonates was identified. Using the model, a dosing nomogram for gentamicin was designed.

Impact

Dosing guidelines for antimicrobials during TH in neonates is lacking.

This is the first study to identify the generalizable model for gentamicin during TH in neonates.

Nomogram, proposed in the study, will aid the clinicians to individualize gentamicin dosing regimen for neonates considering the birth weight and serum creatinine.
Association between cytomegalovirus infection, reduced gray matter volume, and resting-state functional hypoconnectivity in major depressive disorder: a replication and extension
Authors: Zheng Haixia , Ford Bart N. , Kuplicki Rayus , Burrows Kaiping , Hunt Peter W. , Bodurka Jerzy , Kent Teague T. , Irwin Michael R. , Yolken Robert H. , Paulus Martin P. , Savitz Jonathan
Published: September 2021

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a neurotropic herpes virus known to cause neuropathology in patients with impaired immunity. Previously, we reported a reduction in the gray matter volume (GMV) of several brain regions in two independent samples of participants who were seropositive for HCMV (HCMV+) compared to matched participants who were seronegative for HCMV (HCMV−). In addition to an independent replication of the GMV findings, this study aimed to examine whether HCMV+ was associated with differences in resting-state functional connectivity (rsfMRI-FC). After balancing on 11 clinical/demographic variables using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW), GMV and rsfMRI-FC were obtained from 99 participants with major depressive disorder (MDD) who were classified into 42 HCMV+ and 57 HCMV− individuals. Relative to the HCMV− group, the HCMV+ group showed a significant reduction of GMV in nine cortical regions. Volume reduction in the right lateral orbitofrontal cortex (standardized beta coefficient (SBC) = −0.32, [95%CI, −0.62 to −0.02]) and the left pars orbitalis (SBC = −0.34, [95%CI, −0.63 to −0.05]) in the HCMV+ group was also observed in the previous study. Regardless of the parcellation method or analytical approach, relative to the HCMV− group, the HCMV+ group showed hypoconnectivity between the hubs of the sensorimotor network (bilateral postcentral gyrus) and the hubs of the salience network (bilateral insula) with effect sizes ranging from SBC = −0.57 to −0.99. These findings support the hypothesis that a positive HCMV serostatus is associated with altered connectivity of regions that are important for stress and affective processing and further supports a possible etiological role of HCMV in depression.
Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitor sitagliptin alleviates liver inflammation of diabetic mice by acting as a ROS scavenger and inhibiting the NFκB pathway
Authors: Wang Xin , Ke Jing , Zhu Ying-jun , Cao Bin , Yin Rui-li , Wang Yan , Wei Ling-ling , Zhang Li-jie , Yang Long-yan , Zhao Dong
Published: September 2021

As a common chronic metabolic disease, the development of diabetes mellitus (DM) may also be accompanied by liver damage and inflammatory disorders. Sitagliptin is an inhibitor of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4, also known as CD26), which is clinically used for DM treatment. However, the mechanism of sitagliptin’s efficiency in liver diseases is largely unknown. In this study, mice suffering from streptozotocin (STZ) exhibit elevated liver DPP4 expression and activity, as well as inflammatory and chronic liver injury phenotype, whereas specifically inhibiting the activity of DPP4 in mouse liver tissues and hepatocytes by sitagliptin contributes to decreased cytokines, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and inflammation in STZ-induced diabetic mice. Moreover, sitagliptin reduced TNFα or LPS-induced cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, cell apoptosis, and protein expression in the NFκB signaling pathway in HepG2 cells or primary mouse hepatocytes. Altogether, our study confirms that sitagliptin may protect liver tissue by alleviating ROS production and NFκB signaling activation, providing a putative mechanism for preventing the development of diabetic liver disease.
Generation of human blastocyst-like structures from pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Fan Yong , Min Zheying , Alsolami Samhan , Ma Zhenglai , Zhang E. , Chen Wei , Zhong Ke , Pei Wendi , Kang Xiangjin , Zhang Puyao , Wang Yongliang , Zhang Yingying , Zhan Linfeng , Zhu Haiying , An Chenrui , Li Rong , Qiao Jie , Tan Tao , Li Mo , Yu Yang
Published: September 2021

Human blastocysts are comprised of the first three cell lineages of the embryo: trophectoderm, epiblast and primitive endoderm, all of which are essential for early development and organ formation. However, due to ethical concerns and restricted access to human blastocysts, a comprehensive understanding of early human embryogenesis is still lacking. To bridge this knowledge gap, a reliable model system that recapitulates early stages of human embryogenesis is needed. Here we developed a three-dimensional (3D), two-step induction protocol for generating blastocyst-like structures (EPS-blastoids) from human extended pluripotent stem (EPS) cells. Morphological and single-cell transcriptomic analyses revealed that EPS-blastoids contain key cell lineages and are transcriptionally similar to human blastocysts. Furthermore, EPS-blastoids are similar with human embryos that were cultured for 8 or 10 days in vitro, in terms of embryonic structures, cell lineages and transcriptomic profiles. In conclusion, we developed a scalable system to mimic human blastocyst development, which can potentially facilitate the study of early implantation failure that induced by developmental defects at early stage.
Network mapping of root–microbe interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: He Xiaoqing , Zhang Qi , Li Beibei , Jin Yi , Jiang Libo , Wu Rongling
Published: September 2021

Understanding how plants interact with their colonizing microbiota to determine plant phenotypes is a fundamental question in modern plant science. Existing approaches for genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are often focused on the association analysis between host genes and the abundance of individual microbes, failing to characterize the genetic bases of microbial interactions that are thought to be important for microbiota structure, organization, and function. Here, we implement a behavioral model to quantify various patterns of microbe-microbe interactions, i.e., mutualism, antagonism, aggression, and altruism, and map host genes that modulate microbial networks constituted by these interaction types. We reanalyze a root-microbiome data involving 179 accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana and find that the four networks differ structurally in the pattern of bacterial-fungal interactions and microbiome complexity. We identify several fungus and bacterial hubs that play a central role in mediating microbial community assembly surrounding A. thaliana root systems. We detect 1142 significant host genetic variants throughout the plant genome and then implement Bayesian networks (BN) to reconstruct epistatic networks involving all significant SNPs, of which 91 are identified as hub QTLs. Results from gene annotation analysis suggest that most of the hub QTLs detected are in proximity to candidate genes, executing a variety of biological functions in plant growth and development, resilience against pathogens, root development, and abiotic stress resistance. This study provides a new gateway to understand how genetic variation in host plants influences microbial communities and our results could help improve crops by harnessing soil microbes.
Materials informatics platform with three dimensional structures, workflow and thermoelectric applications
Authors: Yao Mingjia , Wang Yuxiang , Li Xin , Sheng Ye , Huo Haiyang , Xi Lili , Yang Jiong , Zhang Wenqing
Published: September 2021

Since the proposal of the “Materials Genome Initiative”, several material databases have emerged and advanced many materials fields. In this work, we present the Materials Informatics Platform with Three-Dimensional Structures (MIP-3d). More than 80,000 structural entries, mainly from the inorganic crystal structural database, are included in MIP-3d. Density functional theory calculations are carried out for over 30,000 entries in the database, which contain the relaxed crystal structures, density of states, and band structures. The calculation of the equations of state and sound velocities is performed for over 12,000 entries. Notably, for entries with band gap values larger than 0.3 eV, the band degeneracies for the valence band maxima and the conduction band minima are analysed. The electrical transport properties for approximately 4,400 entries are also calculated and presented in MIP-3d under the constant electron-phonon coupling approximation. The calculations of the band degeneracies and electrical transport properties make MIP-3d a database specifically designed for thermoelectric applications.
Dynamics of dipole in a stationary non-homogeneous electromagnetic field
Authors: Przybylska Maria , Maciejewski Andrzej J.
Published: September 2021

The non-relativistic equations of motion for a dipole in a stationary non-homogeneous electromagnetic field are derived and analysed. It is shown that they are Hamiltonian with respect to a certain degenerated Poisson structure. Described by them dynamics is complex because the motion of the centre of mass of the dipole is coupled with its rotational motion. The problem of the existence of linear in momenta first integrals which can be useful for the separation of rotational motion is discussed. The presence of such first integral appears to be related with a linear symmetry of electric and magnetic fields. Also results of search of quadratic in momenta first integrals for uniform and stationary electromagnetic fields are reported. Deriving equations of motion of a dipole in arbitrary stationary electromagnetic fields and analysis of described by them dynamics is important for the construction of electromagnetic traps for polar particles.
SARS-CoV2 infection: functional and morphological cardiopulmonary changes in elite handball players
Authors: Fikenzer S. , Kogel A. , Pietsch C. , Lavall D. , Stöbe St. , Rudolph U. , Laufs U. , Hepp P. , Hagendorff A.
Published: September 2021

There is increasing evidence of cardiac involvement post-SARS-CoV-2 infections in symptomatic as well as in oligo- and asymptomatic athletes. This study aimed to characterize the possible early effects of SARS-CoV-2 infections on myocardial morphology and cardiopulmonary function in athletes. Eight male elite handball players (27 ± 3.5 y) with past SARS-CoV-2 infection were compared with four uninfected teammates (22 ± 2.6 y). Infected athletes were examined 19 ± 7 days after the first positive PCR test. Echocardiographic assessment of the global longitudinal strain under resting conditions was not significantly changed (− 17.7% vs. − 18.1%). However, magnetic resonance imaging showed minor signs of acute inflammation/oedema in all infected athletes (T2-mapping: + 4.1 ms, p = 0.034) without reaching the Lake-Louis criteria. Spiroergometric analysis showed a significant reduction in VO2max (− 292 ml/min, − 7.0%), oxygen pulse (− 2.4 ml/beat, − 10.4%), and respiratory minute volume (VE) (− 18.9 l/min, − 13.8%) in athletes with a history of SARS-CoV2 infection (p < 0.05, respectively). The parameters were unchanged in the uninfected teammates. SARS-CoV2 infection caused impairment of cardiopulmonary performance during physical effort in elite athletes. It seems reasonable to screen athletes after SARS-CoV2 infection with spiroergometry to identify performance limitations and to guide the return to competition.
Targeting of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli papG gene using CRISPR-dot nanocomplex reduced virulence of UPEC
Authors: Gupta Surbhi , Kumar Parveen , Rathi Bhawna , Verma Vivek , Dhanda Rakesh Singh , Devi Pooja , Yadav Manisha
Published: September 2021

Urinary tract infections (UTI) are the most common infectious diseases in the world. It is becoming increasingly tough to treat because of emergence of antibiotic resistance. So, there is an exigency to develop novel anti-virulence therapeutics to combat multi-drug resistance pathogenic strains. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) discovery has revolutionized the gene editing technology for targeted approach. The greatest obstacle for CRISPR/Cas9 is cargo delivery systems and both viral and plasmid methods have disadvantages. Here, we report a highly efficient novel CRISPR based gene editing strategy, CRISPR-dots for targeting virulence factor Fimbrial Adhesion (papG gene), the bacterial adhesion molecule. Carbon quantum dots (CQD) were used as a delivery vehicle for Cas9 and gRNA into CFT073, a UPEC strain. CQDs were covalently conjugated to cas9 and papG-targeted guide RNA (gRNA) forming a nanocomplex CRISPR-dots (Cri-dots) as confirmed by DLS and transmission electron microscopy. Cri-dots-papG significantly targeted papG as demonstrated by decrease in the expression of papG.Further papG deficient UPEC had significantly reduced adherence ability and biofilm forming ability as demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Also, papG deficient UPEC had reduced virulence as shown by significantly increased survival of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) worms compared to UPEC. Our findings suggest that targeting of papG gene using Cri-dots nanocomplexes significantly reduced the pathogenicity of UPEC. Thus, Cri-dots nanocomplex offer a novel anti-bacterial strategy against multi-drug resistant UPEC.
Increased NKX6.1 expression and decreased ARX expression in alpha cells accompany reduced beta-cell volume in human subjects
Authors: Fujita Yukari , Kozawa Junji , Fukui Kenji , Iwahashi Hiromi , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Shimomura Iichiro
Published: September 2021

Pancreatic islet cells have plasticity, such as the abilities to dedifferentiate and transdifferentiate. Islet cell conversion to other characteristic cell is largely determined by transcription factors, but significance of expression patterns of these transcription factors in human islet cells remained unclear. Here, we present the NKX6.1-positive ratio of glucagon-positive cells (NKX6.1+/GCG+ ratio) and the ARX-negative ratio of glucagon-positive cells (ARX−/GCG+ ratio) in 34 patients who were not administered antidiabetic agents. Both of NKX6.1+/GCG+ ratio and ARX−/GCG+ ratio negatively associated with relative beta cell area. And these ratios did not have significant correlation with other parameters including age, body mass index, hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose level or relative alpha-cell area. Our data demonstrate that these expression ratios of transcription factors in glucagon-positive cells closely correlate with the reduction of beta-cell volume in human pancreas.
Phase transformation and subsurface damage formation in the ultrafine machining process of a diamond substrate through atomistic simulation
Authors: Nguyen Van-Thuc , Fang Te-Hua
Published: September 2021

This report explores the effects of machining depth, velocity, temperature, multi-machining, and grain size on the tribological properties of a diamond substrate. The results show that the appearance of graphite atoms can assist the machining process as it reduces the force. Moreover, the number of graphite atoms relies on the machining speed and substrate temperature improvement caused by the friction force. Besides, machining in a machined surface for multi-time is affected by its rough, amorphous, and deformed surface. Therefore, machining in the vertical direction for multi-time leads to a higher rate of deformation but a reduction in the rate of graphite atoms generation. Increasing the grain size could produce a larger graphite cluster, a higher elastic recovery rate, and a higher temperature but a lower force and pile-up height. Because the existence of the grain boundaries hinders the force transformation process, and the reduction in the grain size can soften the diamond substrate material.
Probiotic Bifidobacterium longum supplied with methimazole improved the thyroid function of Graves’ disease patients through the gut-thyroid axis
Authors: Huo Dongxue , Cen Chaoping , Chang Haibo , Ou Qianying , Jiang Shuaiming , Pan Yonggui , Chen Kaining , Zhang Jiachao
Published: September 2021

Graves’ disease (GD) is an autoimmune disorder that frequently results in hyperthyroidism and other symptoms. Here, we designed a 6-month study with patients divided into three treatment groups, namely, methimazole (MI, n = 8), MI + black bean (n = 9) and MI + probiotic Bifidobacterium longum (n = 9), to evaluate the curative effects of probiotics supplied with MI on thyroid function of patients with GD through clinical index determination and intestinal microbiota metagenomic sequencing. Unsurprisingly, MI intake significantly improved several thyroid indexes but not the most important thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb), which is an indicator of the GD recurrence rate. Furthermore, we observed a dramatic response of indigenous microbiota to MI intake, which was reflected in the ecological and evolutionary scale of the intestinal microbiota. In contrast, we did not observe any significant changes in the microbiome in the MI + black bean group. Similarly, the clinical thyroid indexes of patients with GD in the probiotic supplied with MI treatment group continued to improve. Dramatically, the concentration of TRAb recovered to the healthy level. Further mechanistic exploration implied that the consumed probiotic regulated the intestinal microbiota and metabolites. These metabolites impacted neurotransmitter and blood trace elements through the gut-brain axis and gut-thyroid axis, which finally improved the host’s thyroid function.
Burkholderia PglL enzymes are Serine preferring oligosaccharyltransferases which target conserved proteins across the Burkholderia genus
Authors: Hayes Andrew J. , Lewis Jessica M. , Davies Mark R. , Scott Nichollas E.
Published: September 2021

Glycosylation is increasingly recognised as a common protein modification within bacterial proteomes. While great strides have been made in identifying species that contain glycosylation systems, our understanding of the proteins and sites targeted by these systems is far more limited. Within this work we explore the conservation of glycoproteins and glycosylation sites across the pan-Burkholderia glycoproteome. Using a multi-protease glycoproteomic approach, we generate high-confidence glycoproteomes in two widely utilized B. cenocepacia strains, K56-2 and H111. This resource reveals glycosylation occurs exclusively at Serine residues and that glycoproteins/glycosylation sites are highly conserved across B. cenocepacia isolates. This preference for glycosylation at Serine residues is observed across at least 9 Burkholderia glycoproteomes, supporting that Serine is the dominant residue targeted by PglL-mediated glycosylation across the Burkholderia genus. Combined, this work demonstrates that PglL enzymes of the Burkholderia genus are Serine-preferring oligosaccharyltransferases that target conserved and shared protein substrates.
Immunological detection of thymine dimers in indigenous genomic DNA from pre-disinfection drinking water as an ultraviolet disinfection dosimeter
Authors: Blyth James , Hazell Lucinda , Templeton Michael R.
Published: September 2021

A linear UV dose response is demonstrated using an ELISA assay that measures thymine dimers formed in the genomic DNA extracted from the mixed species of microorganisms filtered from UV treated pre-disinfection drinking water.
peri-Adventitial delivery of smooth muscle cells in porous collagen scaffolds for treatment of experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Mulorz Joscha , Shayan Mahdis , Hu Caroline , Alcazar Cynthia , Chan Alex H. P. , Briggs Mason , Wen Yan , Walvekar Ankita P. , Ramasubramanian Anand K. , Spin Joshua M. , Chen Bertha , Tsao Philip S. , Huang Ngan F.
Published: September 2021

Delivery of therapeutic smooth muscle cell-seeded scaffolds abrogates aneurysmal thinning in a murine model of abdominal aortic aneurysm.
Cellular response of freshwater algae to halloysite nanotubes: alteration of oxidative stress and membrane function
Authors: Huang Xiaochen , Huang Yichao , Wang Dali , Liu Mingxian , Li Jing , Chen Da
Published: September 2021

We investigate algal cellular response to halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and provide new insights into the environmental implications of HNTs in aquatic ecosystems from two perspectives.
Optical and electronic properties of transparent conducting Ta:TiO2 thin and ultra-thin films: the effect of doping and thickness
Authors: Bricchi Beatrice R. , Sygletou Maria , Ornago Luca , Terraneo Giancarlo , Bisio Francesco , Mancarella Cristina , Stasi Lorenzo , Rusconi Francesco , Mogni Erika , Ghidelli Matteo , Biagioni Paolo , Li Bassi Andrea
Published: September 2021

The evolution of optical and electronic properties of Ta-doped TiO2 films is investigated as thickness is decreased to 5 nm and as a function of Ta doping. The correlation with structural properties is discussed, showing a high degree of tunability.
Preparation of flower-like iron phosphate materials as a novel anode for dual-ion batteries
Authors: Yao Wenbiao , Che Xueyin , Li Jiahui , Zhao LiLi , Yang Hua , Wang Yongdong , Li Chao , Liao Wenbo
Published: September 2021

Dual-ion batteries (DIBs) have exceptional advantages over other electrochemical energy storage devices.
Design and optimisation of a small-molecule TLR2/4 antagonist for anti-tumour therapy
Authors: Xu Qun , Li Tian , Chen Hekai , Kong Jun , Zhang Liwei , Yin Hang
Published: September 2021

A novel anti-tumour strategy by optimising a promising molecule targeting the TLR2/4 pathway simultaneously, which inhibits proliferation of multiple cancer cells.
Synthesis of low-molecular weight fucoidan derivatives and their binding abilities to SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins
Authors: Koike Tatsuki , Sugimoto Aoi , Kosono Shuhei , Komaba Sumika , Kanno Yuko , Kitamura Takashi , Anzai Itsuki , Watanabe Tokiko , Takahashi Daisuke , Toshima Kazunobu
Published: September 2021

Synthesized fucoidan derivative 10 exhibited inhibitory activities against the binding of heparin with several SARS-Cov-2 spike proteins, but did not inhibit factor Xa activity that could otherwise lead to undesirable anticoagulant activity.
CsPbBr3 and CsPbI3 rhombic dodecahedra and nanocubes displaying facet-dependent optical properties
Authors: Yang Ya-Chu , Peng Yun-Wen , Lee An-Ting , Kumar Gautam , Huang Michael H.
Published: September 2021

Novel CsPbBr3 octahedra and size-tunable rhombic dodecahedra have been synthesized. Halide exchange shows CsPbBr3 and CsPbI3 rhombic dodecahedra and cubes exhibit large optical facet dependence.
Phosphine-catalyzed γ-addition of nitroacetates to allenoates for enantioselective creation of α,α-disubstituted α-amino acid precursors
Authors: Li Kaizhi , Lu Yixin
Published: September 2021

Enantioselective γ-addition of readily available α-substituted nitroacetates to allenoates has been achieved.
Engineered tungsten oxide-based photocatalysts for CO2reduction: categories and roles
Authors: Yang Ge , Zhu Xueteng , Cheng Gang , Chen Rong , Xiong Jinyan , Li Weijie , Wei Yuechang
Published: September 2021

This review focuses on the categories and roles of tungsten oxide-based photocatalysts in CO2photoreduction.
Solution-processable nickel–chromium ternary oxide as an efficient hole transport layer for inverted planar perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zheng Yichu , Ge Bing , Zheng Li Rong , Hou Yu , Yang Shuang , Yang Hua Gui
Published: September 2021

Solution-processed ternary metal oxide NiCrO3 films were developed as competitive hole transport layers in inverted perovskite solar cells with an efficiency of 19.93%.
Realizing nondestructive luminescence readout in photochromic ceramics via deep ultraviolet excitation for optical information storage
Authors: Yang Zetian , Hu Jieqi , Martin Lisa I. D. J. , Van der Heggen David , Poelman Dirk
Published: September 2021

Through selecting deep UV light for excitation, a nondestructive luminescence readout together with a large luminescence modulation degree is achieved in Ca2SnO4:Eu photochromic ceramics, demonstrating great promise in optical information storage.
Quality in the Time of Chaos: Reflections From Teaching, Learning and Practice
Authors: Kearns Áine , Gallagher Aoife , Cronin Jena
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The global pandemic has significantly disrupted clinical practice and health professional education. In this commentary article, we describe our experiences from the perspectives of a student, a practice educator, and a lecturer in the Republic of Ireland as we adapted to online clinical practice, teaching, and learning. We outline the challenges as well as the shared learning that we experienced during this time of significant change.

Conclusions

The global pandemic has necessitated a significant change in practice and health education. Our struggles and successes during this challenging time have highlighted the importance of relationships and peer support in professional education and practice. Going forward, we must find a new balance in order to optimize in-person and online interactions as we attempt to navigate a post-COVID educational environment.
Fuzzy adaptive super‐twisting algorithm based sliding‐mode observer for sensorless control of permanent magnet synchronous motor
Authors: Wang Yongwei , Wu Jingbo , Guo Zhijun , Xie Chengwei , Liu Junjie , Jin Xin , Wang Zhifu
Published: September 2021

Aiming at the issues of slow convergence, phase delay, and chattering in the sensorless vector control system of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) controlled by sliding mode observer (SMO), a fuzzy adaptive super‐twisting (ST) SMO sensorless control algorithm is proposed. The fuzzy adaptive algorithm is used to estimate the uncertain boundary and adaptively adjust sliding mode gain, which is used in the ST algorithm to accelerate the convergence speed of sliding mode gain, and eliminate the system delay caused by phase locked loop and phase compensation, and improve the estimation accuracy of speed and rotor position. In this algorithm, the sigmoid function is used instead of the signum function in the traditional SMO to suppress system chattering. Lyapunov stability theorem is used to obtain the stable conditions of position and speed observer at motoring mode. The saturated ST‐SMO algorithm is verified by Matlab/Simulink. The simulation results show that compared with the traditional SMO, the fuzzy ST‐SMO algorithm proposed in this paper has faster convergence speed in the variable speed and the variable load of PMSM sensorless control system, which has significantly reduced chattering, obtained more accurate speed and rotor position and has better dynamic response and robustness.
Laplace-like resonances with tidal effects
Authors: Celletti A. , Karampotsiou E. , Lhotka C. , Pucacco G. , Volpi M.
Published: September 2021

The first three Galilean satellites of Jupiter, Io, Europa, and Ganymede, move in a dynamical configuration known as the Laplace resonance, which is characterized by a 2:1 ratio of the rates of variation in the mean longitudes of Io-Europa and a 2:1 ratio of Europa-Ganymede. We refer to this configuration as a 2:1&2:1 resonance. We generalize the Laplace resonance among three satellites, S1, S2, and S3, by considering different ratios of the mean-longitude variations. These resonances, which we call Laplace-like, are classified as first order in the cases of the 2:1&2:1, 3:2&3:2, and 2:1&3:2 resonances, second order in the case of the 3:1&3:1 resonance, and mixed order in the case of the 2:1&3:1 resonance. We consider a model that includes the gravitational interaction with the central body together with the effect due to its oblateness, the mutual gravitational influence of the satellites S1, S2, and S3 and the secular gravitational effect of a fourth satellite S4, which plays the role of Callisto in the Galilean system. In addition, we consider the dissipative effect due to the tidal torque between the inner satellite and the central body. We investigate these Laplace-like resonances by studying different aspects: (i) we study the survival of the resonances when the dissipation is included, taking two different expressions for the dissipative effect in the case of a fast- or a slowly rotating central body, (ii) we investigate the behavior of the Laplace-like resonances when some parameters are varied, specifically, the oblateness coefficient, the semimajor axes, and the eccentricities of the satellites, (iii) we analyze the linear stability of first-order resonances for different values of the parameters, and (iv) we also include the full gravitational interaction with S4 to analyze its possible capture into resonance. The results show a marked difference between first-, second-, and mixed-order resonances, which might find applications when the evolutionary history of the satellites in the Solar System are studied, and also in possible actual configurations of extrasolar planetary systems.
Les granules de stress, des acteurs émergents en cancérologie
Authors: Chavrier Pauline , Mamessier Émilie , Aulas Anaïs
Published: September 2021

Les stress induits au sein des tumeurs en cours de développement (hypoxie, stress oxydant, etc.) sont connus depuis de nombreuses années. Cependant, l’implication de la réponse au stress dans le processus tumoral est un concept récent. Les granules de stress (GS) sont des structures cytoplasmiques qui se forment à la suite d’une exposition à un stress et qui ont des effets cytoprotecteurs. De nombreuses données sont en faveur de l’implication de ces granules dans l’évolution tumorale et métastatique, mais aussi dans le développement de la chimiorésistance des tumeurs. Nous abordons dans cet article le rôle particulier des granules de stress en cancérologie et, plus spécifiquement, celui des protéines qui contrôlent leur formation.
The influence of theoretical concepts on the practice of assessing the quality of knowledge in the 1920-1930s
Authors: Vladykina Irina Vladimirovna , Dyukina Natalia Gennadievna , Leontyeva Natalia Vladimirovna , Yugova Natalia Leonidovna , Kutyavina Lyubov Leonidovna
Published: September 2021

A significant component of higher education didactics is the assessment of the quality of students’ knowledge, which allows determining the effectiveness of the work of the participants in the educational process. Assessment of the quality of students’ knowledge, considered at various levels, is of interest not only from the standpoint of modern didactics, but also in the historical aspect. Theoretical representations of teachers of the 1920-1930s on the assessment had an impact on the practice of organizing the work of universities. The selected chronological framework (1917-1939) is characterized by active transformations in the educational sphere, significant development of pedagogical thought. The study aims to substantiate the development trend of the practice of assessing the quality of students’ knowledge on the basis of theoretical ideas of teachers of the period under review. The work employs a general theoretical modeling method aimed at building basic models for assessing the quality of students’ knowledge. In addition, special historical and pedagogical methods were used: historical-structural, historical-comparative and constructive-genetic ones. The employment of these methods makes it possible to describe the main structural components of assessment that occur during the studied period of change and identify the main trends. The result of the work was the identification of the main models for assessing the quality of students’ knowledge at various stages of the period under consideration: authoritarian control, control based on the “teacher-student” interaction and self-control, as well as control based on the “teacher-student” interaction with the leading role of the teacher. The representations described in the pedagogical literature of that period, which posed the basis for building these models, had a significant impact on the practice of higher education. The novelty of the work consists in identifying the main tendency of strengthening the teacher’s priority when assessing the quality of students’ knowledge in the “teacher-student” interaction.
Implementation of the Bologna system in higher education in Russia: problems and results
Authors: Nabilkina Larisa Nikolaevna , Nikolaeva Ekaterina Aleksandrovna , Chelyukanova Olga Nikolaevna
Published: September 2021

The article is devoted to the analysis of the problems and prospects of Russia’s innvolement in a single European area of higher education, better known as the Bologna process, its purpose being to create an unlimited scientific environment in the field of education and scientific activity. The study aims to consider the features of Russia’s entry into the Bologna system, analyze the advantages and disadvantages of this process, and outline the importance of higher education in the formation of national identity and national mentality. The main research methods are system-analytical, comparative and axiological ones. Also, the study employs other methods relevant to the objectives of the work: the method of sociological observation, description, linguoculturological analysis. The problem of higher education integration is debated a lot in the pedagogical community. Our teachers, methodologists, culturologists also participate in scientific discussions. Despite a number of advantages, Russian education does not quite fit into the context of Western culture: the unification of the educational process leads to the destruction of scholarly traditions, the ideas of “educational tourism” and “double” diplomas cannot be fully implemented, especially in provincial universities, Russian universities fail to take their worthy place in international rankings. As a result, the authors of the article come to the reasonable conclusion that the task of the cultural and educational community is to preserve national identity, basic values, traditions of elite imperial education and their integration into European educational space. The main mission of university education is the formation of a universal educational idea based on the priority of the humanities. This is what scientists and educators should strive for, regardless of nationality and linguistic affiliation.
Game technologies in education as a way to enhance the cognitive activity of students
Authors: Korshunova Lyudmila Nikolaevna , Boychenko Daniil Sergeevich
Published: September 2021

A specific feature of the modern educational services market is a high degree of global competition. In this regard, the use of the most advanced technologies and teaching methods is becoming one of the main competitive advantages of an educational organization. Games are one of the modern interactive teaching methods. The feasibility of using educational games in the educational process is analyzed in the article. The lack of application of an exclusively traditional teaching model in modern conditions has been substantiated. The need to apply new approaches is determined both in terms of enhancing the cognitive activity of students, and from the standpoint of updating the human capital of the academic environment, professional growth of the teaching staff. This fully applies to business education, where the ability to respond to various challenges and new trends is imperative for successful development. The study aimed to study the possibility of using educational games in the preparation of students studying economic disciplines. The task was to develop a version of the game. The methods of abstraction, observation, comparison, experiment were used in the course of research. This article describes an educational game developed by the authors for students majoring in “Microeconomics”, analyzes a number of characteristics of the developed game by examining it through “lenses”. Highlighted competencies, the formation of which is facilitated by participation in this game. The mphasis is made on a number of limitations inherent in the game method of teaching. The main results of the developed game with students majoring in “Economics” and “Management” are described. The prospect of using the game approach in the practice of education is grounded.
Formation of life-purpose identity in adolescent and junior age
Authors: Chukhin Stepan Gennadievich , Cherkevich Elena Anatolyevna , Chukhina Elena Viktorovna
Published: September 2021

Research background: the concept of “identity” is defined as a property of the human psyche to express in a concentrated form how one perceives his/her affiliation to various social, economic, national, professional, linguistic, political, religious, racial and other groups or other communities, or a person’s acceptance of the properties inherent in these groups or communities. The life-purpose identity is a fundamental parameter for defining one’s place in life, one’s value orientations and, above all, for affiliating oneself with the major social values of the modern society. Purpose of the research: theoretical justification, experimental representation and technological support of the process of life-purpose identity formation in adolescent and junior age. Methods: theoretical analysis and study of psychological literature on the problem under discussion, which included generalisation, comparison and systematisation of the obtained data. Empirical data collecting methods (testing). Methods of mathematical statistics (λ-Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Student t-test, Pearson linear correlation r-coefficient), Leontyev’s life-purpose orientation test, Karpov’s methods for determining the individual measure of reflexivity, Stolin’s and Pantileev’s self-attitude method, Sharov’s ontology of personal myth of life. Results and novelty: the article makes an attempt to delineate the problem-plagued field of one’s life-purpose identity; gives a representation of diagnostic results, substantiates and develops the technological support for the formation of life-purpose identity in adolescent and junior age. The technology of commemorative practices is used as a framework (reading of authentic texts; practice of commemorative speeches; family saga; legendisation of hero’s image; “School is my home”; “Time machine”; “Memory dialogue”; “Planets of childhood”; background commemorative practices; calendar-specific commemorative practices and others).
Strategies for distance support of advanced professional training for teachers of Russian as the second language
Authors: Pozdnyakova Alina Aleksandrovna , Kuznetsova Galina Vasilievna , Kolyadina Tatiana Evgenievna , Dmitrieva Daria Aleksandrovna , Morozova Larisa Yurievna
Published: September 2021

The effectiveness of advanced professional training for a teacher of Russian as the second language is possible only based on the complex use of modern distance learning technologies that are aimed at usage in a specific subject area and reflect its specifics as adequately as possible. This article summarizes the results of project activities on the formation of a system of advanced professional education for teachers of Russian as the second language, carried out at the premises of The Kosygin State University of Russia. The project aimed to develop strategies for creating an integrated system of distance support, including 1) a model of an electronic educational environment based on cloud technologies and representing a secure solution in a controlled segment of the Internet, capable of accumulating resources for teaching the Russian language in Russia and abroad; 2) a system of diagnostic measures to identify the competence gaps of RSL (Russian as the Second Language) teachers in the subject, organizational, methodological, psychological spheres; 3) recommendations for the creation of advanced training programs (modules) capable of eliminating the identified competence deficiency in these areas. The following can be considered as objectives of the project: 1) selection of distance technologies (elements of distance technologies), relevant for use in the process of professional training of an RSL teacher; 2) formation of a cluster of diagnostic measures; 3) modeling educational content; 4) determination of cognitive strategies for teaching and self-education of an RSL teacher in the system of advanced professional training. The system of diagnostic measures described in the work assumed the assessment (measurement) of the teacher’s activities in three aspects: 1) from the standpoint of subject knowledge, 2) from the organizational and methodological standpoint, 3) from the psychological standpoint. This approach made it possible to single out the components of professional competencies and form a methodology for expert assessment of the educational environment, including the Russian-speaking educational environment abroad. In this case, the instrument of pedagogical measurement was testing carried out remotely on the constantly operating platform of The Kosygin State University of Russia athttps://edu.rguk.ru.
Problems of informatization of higher school in the perception of subjects of the educational process
Authors: Tsvetkova Irina Viktorovna , Bezgina Olga Anatolevna , Evchenko Olga Sergeevna , Gurov Vladimir Alekseevich , Vasileva Svetlana Yurevna
Published: September 2021

The relevance of the topic is due to the widespread use of information technology in higher educational institutions. This trend has conflicting and ambiguous consequences. On the one hand, the use of information technology increases the accessibility of education, makes the educational process flexible, and expands the possibilities of using visual materials. On the other hand, problems arise in the development of teaching methods that are necessary to stimulate the learning activity of students. To study the attitude of teachers and students to the problems of using information technology in higher education, the scientific publications of foreign and Russian scientists were analyzed. The purpose of the research is to study the peculiarities of perceiving the problems of informatization of the educational process by teachers and students of higher educational institutions. The empirical basis of the study was the materials of a sociological survey conducted among students of Togliatti State University in 2014 (N=359) and in 2019 (N=353). Comparative analysis of the results shows that within five years the number of students who are interested in using information resources in the educational process has significantly increased. A similar trend can be traced in the interest in using educational programs and simulators. From 2014 to 2019, the number of students who would like to receive supplementary training in information technology has doubled. The growing interest of students in the use of information technology necessitates the development of modern teaching methods, changes in the forms of interaction between students and teachers in the educational process. The solution to these problems at the present stage is associated with the search for the optimal combination of information and interactive technologies in the educational process.