bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What grades are needed to study Classical subjects at UK universities?
Authors: Holmes-Henderson Arlene , Watts Bella
Published: June 2021

At a time when Classical subjects are in a perilous position in both the school and university curriculum, it is vital that Classics educators in the secondary and tertiary sectors work together to share information effectively. One such area requiring careful and coordinated partnership is the setting of entry requirements to undergraduate courses. Doing this well necessitates the communication of which types of qualifications meet these requirements and the promotion of inclusive and alternative pathways to widen access to the study of Classical (and related) subjects in Higher Education.
Towards a Communicative Test of Reading and Language Use for Classical Greek
Authors: Poupounaki-Lappa Polyxeni , Peristeri Tzortzina , Coniam David
Published: June 2021

This paper describes the development of a communicative test of Reading and Language Use for Classical Greek, aimed at students at CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) levels A1 and A2. A discussion is first provided of traditional pedagogical approaches which have for many decades dominated the teaching of classical languages, followed by suggestions why these may be supplanted with more modern communicative approaches. Focus then moves to assessment, where, it is suggested, methods are equally rooted in traditional, form-focused methods. If teaching is to become more communicative, it is argued, so should assessment. Against this backdrop, the development of a test of Reading and Language Use for students of Classical Greek at CEFR levels A1 and A2 is described.
Classics for the Future: A Time for Reflection
Authors: Hodgkinson David
Published: June 2021

Classics as a discipline was the bedrock of an elite education in the UK for some time. To some minds, it still holds on to that position, not least because there is a certain mystique and aura around the two dominant languages of early Europe and their literature. The discipline of learning these languages, so the argument went, could improve our ability to analyse questions, and think about our own language, thereby increasing our potential in future life. This sort of intellectual exercise was said to be valuable: by learning a language which we could not actually use in day-to-day life, we could also learn other, modern languages more effectively, and we could sharpen our minds to face the challenges of the world in front of us.
Implizite Einstellungen von Kindern im Grundschulalter gegenüber Menschen mit Migrationshintergrund
Authors: Stang Justine , König Sabrina , McElvany Nele
Published: June 2021

Zusammenfassung. Erwachsene und Jugendliche ohne Migrationshintergrund (MIG) schreiben Personen mit türkischem MIG, der größten Migrationsgruppe in Deutschland, geringere Kompetenzen und Leistungen zu. Inwiefern bereits bei Kindern solche (negativen) impliziten Einstellungen gegenüber Menschen mit türkischem MIG vorliegen, ist bislang ungeklärt und wurde daher in dieser Studie überprüft. Auch wurde analysiert, ob sich Grundschulkinder mit türkischem und ohne MIG in ihren Einstellungen unterscheiden. Zudem wurde geprüft, ob die soziale Integration, die wahrgenommene Diskriminierung sowie die Identifikation mit der Aufnahme- und Herkunftskultur mit impliziten Einstellungen in Zusammenhang standen. Datengrundlage bildeten Angaben von 240 Viertklässlerinnen und -klässlern (44.6% weiblich, 18.3% mit türkischem MIG). Zur Messung impliziter Einstellungen bearbeiteten die Kinder einen Impliziten Assoziationstest. Des Weiteren beantworteten sie Fragen zu den interessierenden Variablen. Bei den Grundschulkindern lagen negative implizite Einstellungen vor ( d = 0.21). Konkret verfügten Kinder ohne MIG im Gegensatz zu Kindern mit türkischem MIG im Mittel über negative implizite Einstellungen ( d = 0.39). Für die Gesamtstichprobe zeigte sich, dass eine stärkere Identifikation mit Deutschland (ß = .14), der Aufnahmekultur, in Zusammenhang mit negativen impliziten Einstellungen stand ( R2 = .03). Die Ergebnisse werden sowohl inhaltlich als auch hinsichtlich methodischer Gesichtspunkte diskutiert. Implikationen für Forschung und Praxis werden vorgestellt.
Correlation Based Time Evolution of the Archeomagnetic Field
Authors: Schanner M. , Mauerberger S. , Korte M. , Holschneider M.
Published: June 2021

In a previous study, a new snapshot modeling concept for the archeomagnetic field was introduced (Mauerberger et al., 2020, https://doi.org/10.1093/gji/ggaa336). By assuming a Gaussian process for the geomagnetic potential, a correlation‐based algorithm was presented, which incorporates a closed‐form spatial correlation function. This work extends the suggested modeling strategy to the temporal domain. A space‐time correlation kernel is constructed from the tensor product of the closed‐form spatial correlation kernel with a squared exponential kernel in time. Dating uncertainties are incorporated into the modeling concept using a noisy input Gaussian process. All but one modeling hyperparameters are marginalized, to reduce their influence on the outcome and to translate their variability to the posterior variance. The resulting distribution incorporates uncertainties related to dating, measurement and modeling process. Results from application to archeomagnetic data show less variation in the dipole than comparable models, but are in general agreement with previous findings.
The Relationship Between TGF Production in Thunderstorms and Lightning Flash Rates and Amplitudes
Authors: Larkey R. K. , Sample J. G. , Smith D. M. , Lapierre J. L. , DiGangi E. , Holzworth R. H.
Published: June 2021

We provide evidence that Terrestrial Gamma‐Ray Flashes (TGFs), in well isolated thunderstorms, tend to occur during periods of low and declining flash rates, and when the flash amplitudes are larger than average. This conclusion comes from examining the results of 371 manually tracked TGF‐producing thunderstorms. Fermi‐GBM identified TGFs are used for this analysis and lightning data come from both World Wide Lightning Location Network and Earth Networks Total Lightning Network. The data from these storms suggest that TGFs are likely to occur in almost every phase of storms that last longer than an hour, but tend to occur later on in shorter storms. We also note that, in short storms, TGFs are more likely to accompany a flash when the flash rates of the storm are lower than average, and they are less likely per flash during the peak flash rate periods of the storms. We find that the tendency for TGFs to occur while the flash rate is falling and when the amplitudes of flashes (the sum of the absolute values of peak currents of all constituent sferics in the flash) are larger than average, does not depend strongly on the duration of the storms. This implies that not just any lightning flash can or even will produce a TGF, but that the electrical conditions of the storm play a crucial role in TGF production.
Physics‐Informed Neural Network Method for Forward and Backward Advection‐Dispersion Equations
Authors: He QiZhi , Tartakovsky Alexandre M.
Published: June 2021

We propose a discretization‐free approach based on the physics‐informed neural network (PINN) method for solving the coupled advection‐dispersion equation (ADE) and Darcy flow equation with space‐dependent hydraulic conductivity . In this approach, , hydraulic head, and concentration fields are approximated with deep neural networks (DNNs). We assume that K(x) is given by its values on a grid, and we use these values to train the K DNN. The head and concentration DNNs are trained by minimizing the residuals of the flow equation and ADE and using the initial and boundary conditions as additional constraints. The PINN method is applied to one‐ and two‐dimensional forward ADEs, where its performance for various Péclet numbers (Pe) is compared with the analytical and numerical solutions. We find that the PINN method is accurate with errors of less than 1% and outperforms some conventional discretization‐based methods for large Pe. Next, we demonstrate that the PINN method remains accurate for the backward ADEs, with the relative errors in most cases staying under 5% compared to the reference concentration field. Finally, we show that when available, the concentration measurements can be easily incorporated in the PINN method and significantly improve (by more than 50% in the considered cases) the accuracy of the PINN solution of the backward ADE.
Cutting to the Core
Authors: Goss Heather
Published: June 2021

In our July issue, Eos looks at the collection, study, and storage of cores—from sediment drilled up from the age of the dinosaurs to tree rings as big as a house.
Podcast: Standing Up for Science During an Epidemic
Authors: Hanlon Shane
Published: June 2021

A virologist overcame smears and adversity to stand up for science.
Sub‐Seasonal Forecasting With a Large Ensemble of Deep‐Learning Weather Prediction Models
Authors: Weyn Jonathan A. , Durran Dale R. , Caruana Rich , Cresswell‐Clay Nathaniel
Published: June 2021

We present an ensemble prediction system using a Deep Learning Weather Prediction (DLWP) model that recursively predicts six key atmospheric variables with six‐hour time resolution. This computationally efficient model uses convolutional neural networks (CNNs) on a cubed sphere grid to produce global forecasts. The trained model requires just three minutes on a single GPU to produce a 320‐member set of six‐week forecasts at 1.4° resolution. Ensemble spread is primarily produced by randomizing the CNN training process to create a set of 32 DLWP models with slightly different learned weights. Although our DLWP model does not forecast precipitation, it does forecast total column water vapor and gives a reasonable 4.5‐day deterministic forecast of Hurricane Irma. In addition to simulating mid‐latitude weather systems, it spontaneously generates tropical cyclones in a one‐year free‐running simulation. Averaged globally and over a two‐year test set, the ensemble mean RMSE retains skill relative to climatology beyond two‐weeks, with anomaly correlation coefficients remaining above 0.6 through six days. Our primary application is to subseasonal‐to‐seasonal (S2S) forecasting at lead times from two to six weeks. Current forecast systems have low skill in predicting one‐ or 2‐week‐average weather patterns at S2S time scales. The continuous ranked probability score (CRPS) and the ranked probability skill score (RPSS) show that the DLWP ensemble is only modestly inferior in performance to the European Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) S2S ensemble over land at lead times of 4 and 5–6 weeks. At shorter lead times, the ECMWF ensemble performs better than DLWP.
Towards the End of Drying of Granular Materials: Enhanced Evaporation and Drying‐Induced Collapse
Authors: Wang Zhongzheng , Maillet Benjamin , Pereira Jean‐Michel , Gan Yixiang
Published: June 2021

We experimentally study the drying of loosely packed wet glass beads at low initial water content. The drying rate is found to decrease at the start, corresponding to the decreasing rate period controlled by vapor diffusion, followed by a deviation in drying rate from the diffusion limited evaporation. The propagation of drying front associated with a sharp saturation gradient is identified through both image analysis and magnetic resonance imaging technique. The drying‐induced collapse of granular medium is observed and quantified. The concentrated collapse at the end of drying suggests the existence of liquid in the form of liquid bridges in the apparent dry region until the end of drying process. Collapse event is found to be local, that is, a clear boundary can be identified for each collapse event, below which the loosely packed medium remains intact. This indicates the existence of a saturation gradient in the apparent dry region. The drying dynamics and collapse statistics suggest that the observed transition of drying regimes is due to Kelvin effect. This work demonstrates for the first time the drying enhancement phenomenon due to Kelvin effect even for grains with size of hundreds of micrometers, and provides insights on the drying process of partially saturated granular materials, especially near the final period of evaporation.
Clinical efficacy of nanohydroxyapatite-containing toothpaste at relieving dentin hypersensitivity: an 8 weeks randomized control trial
Authors: Amaechi Bennett Tochukwu , Lemke Kelly C. , Saha Shyamali , Luong Minh N. , Gelfond Jonathan
Published: June 2021

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate and compare the effectiveness of several toothpastes containing nanohydroxyapatite (nano-HAP) to relieve dentin hypersensitivity (DHS) with that of a commercial desensitizing dentifrice containing calcium sodium phosphosilicate (CSPS).

Materials and methods

In this double-blind, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial, patients diagnosed with DHS and qualified to participate were randomized into four groups: toothpaste containing 10% nano-HAP (10%nano-HAP), 15% nano-HAP (15%nano-HAP), 10% nano-HAP supplemented with potassium nitrate (KNO3) (10%nano-HAPKN), or CSPS. Subjects’ baseline and post-treatment sensitivities were assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) after the application of ice-cold and air stimuli. Subjects used their assigned toothpaste for routine toothbrushing twice daily. Post-treatment sensitivity was assessed every 2 or 8 weeks. Mean change in VAS (mm) from baseline at each time point were compared using random-intercept, mixed-model analysis and Duncan test (P < 0.05).

Results

With either air or cold stimulus, VAS indicated a significant (P < 0.001) reduction from baseline DHS at each time point with all test toothpastes. Among the nano-HAP toothpastes, 15%nano-HAP and 10%nano-HAPKN were consistent in DHS reduction with both stimuli. With either stimuli, the CSPS did not significantly differ from 15%nano-HAP and 10%nano-HAPKN at any time point.

Conclusions

Toothpaste containing nano-HAP (10 or 15%) alone or supplemented with KNO3 was as effective as CSPS for relief of DHS symptoms when used at least twice daily.
Rationalisation and 'McDonaldisation' in dental care: private dentists' experiences working in corporate dentistry
Authors: Holden Alexander C. L. , Adam Lee , Thomson William M.
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Introduction This study examines how dentists experience the corporatisation of dentistry and the impacts of rationalisation. The emergence of corporate dentistry in the early twenty-first century has introduced greater competition into the dental marketplace. Ritzer's theory of 'McDonaldisation' explores the rationalisation of services through corporatisation and provides an apt framework with which to understand the qualitative insights gathered through this project.

Methods Semi-structured interviews and reflective journals were used to collect insights from dentists who were working in private practice. Data were then subjected to thematic analysis.

Results A total of 20 private dentist participants provided 22 separate interviews and multiple reflective accounts. Following analysis, three key themes emerged: 1) opportunities provided by corporate dentistry; 2) balance between professionalism and commercialism in corporate dentistry; and 3) competition between independent and corporate dentistry.

Conclusions The participants' insights demonstrate how Ritzer's four dimensions of rationalisation - efficiency, predictability, calculability and control - have been encapsulated by corporate dentistry in Australia. Corporate interests in Australian dentistry are perceived to improve competition and offer opportunities for younger and less experienced dentists, but the findings also suggest that those leading corporate dentistry need to ensure that rationalisation does not diminish the caring relationship between dentists and patients.
Microglial﻿ signalling pathway deficits associated with the patient derived R47H TREM2 variants linked to AD indicate inability to activate inflammasome
Authors: Cosker Katharina , Mallach Anna , Limaye Janhavi , Piers Thomas M. , Staddon James , Neame Stephen J. , Hardy John , Pocock Jennifer M.
Published: June 2021

The R47H variant of the microglial membrane receptor TREM2 is linked to increased risk of late onset Alzheimer’s disease. Human induced pluripotent stem cell derived microglia (iPS-Mg) from patient iPSC lines expressing the AD-linked R47Hhet TREM2 variant, common variant (Cv) or an R47Hhom CRISPR edited line and its isogeneic control, demonstrated that R47H-expressing iPS-Mg expressed a deficit in signal transduction in response to the TREM2 endogenous ligand phosphatidylserine with reduced pSYK-pERK1/2 signalling and a reduced NLRP3 inflammasome response, (including ASC speck formation, Caspase-1 activation and IL-1beta secretion). Apoptotic cell phagocytosis and soluble TREM2 shedding were unaltered, suggesting a disjoint between these pathways and the signalling cascades downstream of TREM2 in R47H-expressing iPS-Mg, whilst metabolic deficits in glycolytic capacity and maximum respiration were reversed when R47H expressing iPS-Mg were exposed to PS+ expressing cells. These findings suggest that R47H-expressing microglia are unable to respond fully to cell damage signals such as phosphatidylserine, which may contribute to the progression of neurodegeneration in late-onset AD.
Inter-provincial disparity of COVID-19 transmission and control in Nepal
Authors: Pantha Buddhi , Acharya Subas , Joshi Hem Raj , Vaidya Naveen K.
Published: June 2021

Despite the global efforts to mitigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the disease transmission and the effective controls still remain uncertain as the outcome of the epidemic varies from place to place. In this regard, the province-wise data from Nepal provides a unique opportunity to study the effective control strategies. This is because (a) some provinces of Nepal share an open-border with India, resulting in a significantly high inflow of COVID-19 cases from India; (b) despite the inflow of a considerable number of cases, the local spread was quite controlled until mid-June of 2020, presumably due to control policies implemented; and (c) the relaxation of policies caused a rapid surge of the COVID-19 cases, providing a multi-phasic trend of disease dynamics. In this study, we used this unique data set to explore the inter-provincial disparities of the important indicators, such as epidemic trend, epidemic growth rate, and reproduction numbers. Furthermore, we extended our analysis to identify prevention and control policies that are effective in altering these indicators. Our analysis identified a noticeable inter-province variation in the epidemic trend (3 per day to 104 per day linear increase during third surge period), the median daily growth rate (1 to 4% per day exponential growth), the basic reproduction number (0.71 to 1.21), and the effective reproduction number (maximum values ranging from 1.20 to 2.86). Importantly, results from our modeling show that the type and number of control strategies that are effective in altering the indicators vary among provinces, underscoring the need for province-focused strategies along with the national-level strategy in order to ensure the control of a local spread.
Solid fuels use for cooking and sleep health in adults aged 45 years and older in China
Authors: Yu Haiqing , Luo Jiajun , Chen Kai , Pollitt Krystal J. Godri , Liew Zeyan
Published: June 2021

Outdoor air pollution has been linked to poor sleep health, but limited studies have investigated the relationship between solid cooking fuels and sleep health in adults. Therefore, we analyzed data from the China Health and Retirement Survey (CHARLS), a national survey of about 17,000 residents aged over 45. Participants were restricted to those who participated in CHARLS 2011, 2013 and 2015 (n = 8,668). Sleep health was indicated by self-reported average sleep hours at night and the numbers of unrested days/week in CHARLS 2015. We analyzed cooking fuel types reported and assessed the duration of solid fuels usage as consistent (indicated use in all three surveys or 6 + years) or inconsistent use (indicated use in one or two surveys or 1–4 years). We found consistent use of solid fuels was associated with a shorter sleep duration (OR = 1.17 95% CI 1.01, 1.35 for ≤ 6 h vs. 7–9 h/day) and higher frequencies of feeling unrested (OR = 1.32 95% CI 1.12, 1.55 for ≥ 5 days/week vs. none) compared with cleaner fuels use. The associations for inconsistent solid fuels use and sleep health were in the similar direction but smaller in magnitude. Further research is needed to confirm our findings and evaluate the exposure impact of specific fuel types to inform intervention strategies.
A gain-of-function NLRP3 3′-UTR polymorphism causes miR-146a-mediated suppression of NLRP3 expression and confers protection against sepsis progression
Authors: Lu Furong , Chen Hongpeng , Hong Yuan , Lin Yao , Liu Lizhen , Wei Ning , Wu Qinyan , Liao Shuanglin , Yang Shuai , He Junbing , Shao Yiming
Published: June 2021

Nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat (LRR)-containing family protein 3 (NLRP3) regulated the maturation of inflammation-related cytokines by forming NLRP3 inflammasome, which plays pivotal roles in sepsis pathogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the genetic association of NLRP3 polymorphisms with sepsis (640 patients and 769 controls) and characterized the impact of NLRP3 polymorphisms on NLRP3 expression and inflammatory responses. No significant differences were observed in genotype/allelic frequencies of NLRP3 29940G>C between sepsis cases and controls. The G allele was significantly overrepresented in patients with septic shock than those in sepsis subgroup, and the GC/GG genetypes were related to the 28-day mortality of sepsis. Lipopolysaccharide challenge to peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed a significant suppression of NLRP3 mRNA expression and release of IL-1β and TNF-α in CC compared with the GC/GG genotype category. Functional experiments with luciferase reporter vectors containing the NLRP3 3′-UTR with the 29940 G-to-C variation in HUVECs and THP-1 cells showed a potential suppressive effect of miR-146a on NLRP3 transcription in the presence of the C allele. Taken together, these results demonstrated that the 29940 G-to-C mutation within the NLRP3 3′-UTR was a gain-of-function alteration that caused the suppression of NLRP3 expression and downstream inflammatory cytokine production via binding with miR-146a, which ultimately protected patients against susceptibility to sepsis progression and poor clinical outcome.
Seasonal influence on the bathymetric distribution of an endangered fish within a marine protected area
Authors: Brazo A. , Marques R. , Zimmermann M. , Aspillaga E. , Hereu B. , Saragoni G. , Mercière A. , Crec’Hriou R. , Mercader M. , Verdoit-Jarraya M. , Cadène F. , Lenfant P.
Published: June 2021

The spatio-temporal variability of fish distribution is important to better manage and protect the populations of endangered species. In this sense, the vertical movements of a vulnerable and protected species,Sciaena umbra, were assessed in a marine protected area (theRéserve Naturelle Marine de Cerbère-Banyuls, south of France) to study the variability of their bathymetric distribution at different time scales. Twenty adults were marked with acoustic transmitters and acoustically monitored over 2.5 years. This revealed that some individuals remained at shallow waters (< 8 m) all year round, while others presented vertical segregation at deeper waters during the cold months (mean depth of 22.5 ± 0.04 m) and all aggregated in shallow waters during the warm months. The brown meagre was more active during the night, except in June and July when peaks of activity were observed at dusk. These patterns are likely associated with foraging and reproductive behavior during the cold and warm periods, respectively, and likely regulated by water temperature and the depth of the thermocline. Here, we provide valuable information on when and where in the water column critical periods ofS. umbralife cycle are expected to occur, which should be considered in management and protection plans.
The severity of glomerular endothelial cell injury is associated with infiltrating macrophage heterogeneity in endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis
Authors: Arai Momoko , Mii Akiko , Kashiwagi Tetsuya , Shimizu Akira , Sakai Yukinao
Published: June 2021

Endocapillary proliferation occurs in various types of glomerulonephritis (GN), with varying prognoses. We examined 42 renal biopsy samples representing endocapillary proliferative lesions from post-streptococcal acute GN (PSAGN), Henoch–Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN), and lupus nephritis (LN). In PSAGN, the glomerular capillary network was maintained, although severe lesions displayed dots or short, curved lines, indicating CD34-positive capillaries and suggesting capillary obstruction. Conversely, patients with LN and HSPN displayed obstruction of CD34-positive capillaries with dissociation from the glomerular basement membrane even in mild lesions. According to computer-assisted morphologic analysis, the cell density did not differ between the diseases. However, in PSAGN, the number of capillary loops was significantly increased, with a larger glomerular capillary luminal area than in the other groups. In addition, the number and frequency of CD163-positive cells (M2 macrophages) tended to be higher in PSAGN, while there were no significant differences in the number of CD68-positive (total) macrophages. These results indicate that in PSAGN, endothelial cell damage is less severe, and angiogenesis may be promoted. The severity of endothelial cell injury in each disease may be associated with differences in infiltrating inflammatory cell phenotypes.
Exposures associated with the onset of Kawasaki disease in infancy from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Fukuda Sayaka , Tanaka Shiro , Kawakami Chihiro , Kobayashi Tohru , Ito Shuichi ,   the Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) Group, Kamijima Michihiro , Yamazaki Shin , Ohya Yukihiro , Kishi Reiko , Yaegashi Nobuo , Hashimoto Koichi , Mori Chisato , Yamagata Zentaro , Inadera Hidekuni , Nakayama Takeo , Iso Hiroyasu , Shima Masayuki , Kurozawa Youichi , Suganuma Narufumi , Kusuhara Koichi , Katoh Takahiko
Published: June 2021

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis that mainly affects infants and young children. The etiology of KD has been discussed for several decades; however, no reproducible risk factors have yet been proven. We used the Japan Environment and Children’s Study data to explore the association between the causal effects of exposure during the fetal and neonatal periods and KD onset. The Japan Environment and Children’s Study, a nationwide birth cohort study, has followed approximately 100,000 children since 2011. We obtained data on exposures and outcomes from the first trimester to 12 months after birth. Finally, we included 90,486 children who were followed for 12 months. Among them, 343 children developed KD. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that insufficient intake of folic acid during pregnancy (odds ratio [OR], 1.37; 95% CI 1.08–1.74), maternal thyroid disease during pregnancy (OR, 2.03; 95% CI 1.04–3.94), and presence of siblings (OR, 1.33; 95% CI 1.06–1.67) were associated with KD onset in infancy. In this study, we identified three exposures as risk factors for KD. Further well-designed studies are needed to confirm a causal relationship between these exposures and KD onset.
Scale free is not rare in international trade networks
Authors: Liu Linqing , Shen Mengyun , Tan Chang
Published: June 2021

Failing to consider the strong correlations between weights and topological properties in capacity-weighted networks renders test results on the scale-free property unreliable. According to the preferential attachment mechanism, existing high-degree nodes normally attract new nodes. However, in capacity-weighted networks, the weights of existing edges increase as the network grows. We propose an optimized simplification method and apply it to international trade networks. Our study covers more than 1200 product categories annually from 1995 to 2018. We find that, on average, 38%, 38% and 69% of product networks in export, import and total trade are scale-free. Furthermore, the scale-free characteristics differ depending on the technology. Counter to expectations, the exports of high-technology products are distributed worldwide rather than concentrated in a few developed countries. Our research extends the scale-free exploration of capacity-weighted networks and demonstrates that choosing appropriate filtering methods can clarify the properties of complex networks.
MCT4 is induced by metastasis-enhancing pathogenic mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase gene mutations and can be a therapeutic target
Authors: Takenaga Keizo , Koshikawa Nobuko , Akimoto Miho , Tatsumi Yasutoshi , Lin Jason , Itami Makiko , Nagase Hiroki
Published: June 2021

Pathogenic mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase (ND) gene mutations enhance the invasion and metastasis of various cancer cells, and they are associated with metastasis in human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Moreover, monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) is overexpressed in solid cancers and plays a role in cancer cell proliferation and survival. Here, we report that MCT4 is exclusively expressed in mouse transmitochondrial cybrids with metastasis-enhancing pathogenic ND6 mutations. A high level of MCT4 is also detected in human NSCLC cell lines and tissues predicted to carry pathogenic ND mutations and is associated with poor prognosis in NSCLC patients. MCT4 expression in the cell lines is suppressed by N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) are involved in the regulation of MCT4 expression in the transmitochondrial cybrid cells. An MCT1/4 inhibitor effectively kills NSCLC cells with predicted pathogenic ND mutations, but an MCT1/2 inhibitor does not have the same effect. Thus, MCT4 expression is augmented by pathogenic ND mutations and could be a biomarker and a therapeutic target in pathogenic ND mutation-harbouring metastatic tumours.
Persistent elevation of plasma vitamin B12 is strongly associated with solid cancer
Authors: Lacombe Valentin , Chabrun Floris , Lacout Carole , Ghali Alaa , Capitain Olivier , Patsouris Anne , Lavigne Christian , Urbanski Geoffrey
Published: June 2021

Elevated plasma vitamin B12 has been associated with solid cancers, based on a single B12 measurement. We evaluated the incidence of solid cancers following B12 measurement in patients with persistent elevated B12, compared to patients without elevated B12 and to patients with non-persistent elevated B12. The study population included patients with at least two plasma B12 measurements without already known elevated-B12-related causes. Patients with elevated plasma B12 (≥ 1000 ng/L) at first measurement (n = 344) were matched for age and sex with patients having 2 normal B12 measurements (< 1000 ng/L) (NN group, n = 344). The patients with elevated plasma B12 at first measurement were split into 2 groups, according to the presence (EE group, n = 144) or the absence (EN group, n = 200) of persistent elevated plasma B12 at second measurement. We compared the cancer-free survival during 60 months between the groups after adjustment for the other elevated-B12-related causes in a survival competing risk model. Compared to the NN group, a persistent elevated plasma B12 ≥ 1000 ng/mL was strongly associated with the occurrence of solid cancer (HR 5.90 [95% CI 2.79–12.45], p < 0.001), contrary to non-persistent plasma B12 elevation (p = 0.29). These results could help to select patients in whom the screening for solid cancers would be of interest.
Crystal phases of charged interlayer excitons in van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Bondarev Igor V. , Berman Oleg L. , Kezerashvili Roman Ya. , Lozovik Yurii E.
Published: June 2021

Throughout the years, strongly correlated coherent states of excitons have been the subject of intense theoretical and experimental studies. This topic has recently boomed due to new emerging quantum materials such as van der Waals (vdW) bound atomically thin layers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs). We analyze the collective properties of charged interlayer excitons observed recently in bilayer TMD heterostructures. We predict strongly correlated phases—crystal and Wigner crystal—that can be selectively realized with TMD bilayers of properly chosen electron-hole effective masses by just varying their interlayer separation distance. Our results can be used for nonlinear coherent control, charge transport and spinoptronics application development with quantum vdW heterostuctures.
Asiaticoside-laden silk nanofiber hydrogels to regulate inflammation and angiogenesis for scarless skin regeneration
Authors: Liu Lutong , Ding Zhaozhao , Yang Yan , Zhang Zhen , Lu Qiang , Kaplan David L.
Published: June 2021

Asiaticoside-laden silk nanofiber hydrogels regulated inflammation and angiogenesis dynamically in the inflammation and remodeling states, achieving scarless skin regeneration.
A catalytic and solvent-free approach for the synthesis of diverse functionalized dipyrromethanes (DPMs) and calix[4]pyrroles (C4Ps)
Authors: Rather Ishfaq Ahmad , Ali Rashid
Published: June 2021

A catalytic and solvent-free method utilizing a low melting mixture of DMU:l-(+)-TA (7:3) at 70 oC has been developed and described in detail for the construction of diverse functionalized DPMs and C4Ps under mild reaction conditions.
Template-synthesis of a poly(ionic liquid)-derived Fe1−xS/nitrogen-doped porous carbon membrane and its electrode application in lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Saeedi Garakani Sadaf , Xie Dongjiu , Kheirabad Atefeh Khorsand , Lu Yan , Yuan Jiayin
Published: June 2021

We designed a novel Fe1−xS/N-doped porous carbon membrane and applied it as a sulfur host material to moderate the shuttle effect in lithium–sulfur batteries.
A two-dimensional multiferroic metal with voltage-tunable magnetization and metallicity
Authors: Duan Xu , Huang Jiawei , Xu Bin , Liu Shi
Published: June 2021

We design a multiferroic metal that combines seemingly incompatible ferromagnetism, ferroelectricity, and metallicity by asymmetrically doping a two-dimensional ferroelectric.
Mechanisms of sodiation in anatase TiO2 in terms of equilibrium thermodynamics and kinetics
Authors: Tong Zhongqiu , Kang Tianxing , Wu Jianming , Yang Rui , Wu Yan , Lian Ruqian , Wang Hui , Tang Yongbing , Lee Chun Sing
Published: June 2021

Initial near-equilibrium sodiation in anatase TiO2 sequentially includes: (1) irreversible phase transition; (2) structural relaxation into amorphous and low-crystallinity products; (3) generation of metallic titanium and sodium plating.
Application of polyoxometalates in photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants
Authors: Lan Jin , Wang Yu , Huang Bo , Xiao Zicheng , Wu Pingfan
Published: June 2021

This review article summarizes polyoxometalate-based photocatalysts and their application in degradation of organic pollutants from the viewpoints of structural design and mechanism study.
A promising route for developing yellow long persistent luminescence and mechanoluminescence in CaGa2O4:Pr3+,Li+
Authors: Wang Yajie , Feng Peng , Ding SongSong , Tian Songlu , Wang Yuhua
Published: June 2021

The crystal structure of CaGa2O4 can be described as [GaO4] tetrahedrons connecting with each other, forming large tunnels at the center, which are filled by Ca2+. Doping with Pr3+ achieves yellow long persistent luminescence and mechanoluminescence.
Gold(iii)-catalyzed bicyclizations of alkylidenecyclopropane-tethered ynones for divergent synthesis of indene and naphthalenone-based polycycles
Authors: Li Jian , Huo Haibo , Yang Fang , Zhou Qianqian , Li Mengxue , Chen Zi-Sheng , Ji Kegong
Published: June 2021

A gold(iii)-catalyzed cascade oxidation/cyclization of alkylidenecyclopropane-tethered ynones for the assembly of indene and naphthalenone-based polycycles by employing different N-oxides is reported.
Ultrasensitive biosensors based on waveguide-coupled long-range surface plasmon resonance (WC-LRSPR) for enhanced fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Thi Tran Nhu Hoa , Phung Viet-Duc , Thi Ta Hanh Kieu , Lam Vu Dinh , Manh Do Hung , Pham Ngoc Kim , Kim Jae Young , Lee Nae Yoon , Phan Bach Thang
Published: June 2021

We investigated the coupling phenomenon between plasmonic resonance and waveguide modes through theoretical and experimental parametric analyses on the bimetallic waveguide-coupled long-range surface plasmon resonance (Bi-WCLRSPR) structure.
Comparison on the immersion corrosion and electrochemical corrosion resistance of WC–Al2O3 composites and WC–Co cemented carbide in NaCl solution
Authors: Han Bin , Dong Weiwei , Fan Bowen , Zhu Shigen
Published: June 2021

WC–Al2O3 composites possess higher corrosion resistance compared with WC–Co cemented carbide. The main corrosion mechanism for WC–Al2O3 composites is the oxidation of the WC phase.
TEMPO allegro: liquid catholyte redoxmers for nonaqueous redox flow batteries
Authors: Zhao Yuyue , Zhang Jingjing , Agarwal Garvit , Yu Zhou , Corman Rebecca E. , Wang Yilin , Robertson Lily A. , Shi Zhangxing , Doan Hieu A. , Ewoldt Randy H. , Shkrob Ilya A. , Assary Rajeev S. , Cheng Lei , Srinivasan Venkat , Babinec Susan J. , Zhang Lu
Published: June 2021

A series of (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl)oxyl (TEMPO)-based high potential liquid redoxmers were developed by incorporating polyethylene glycol (PEG) chains. By using a hybrid flow cell, TEMPO-EG1 demonstrated excellent cyclability at various concentrations.
Enhanced electronic communication through a conjugated bridge in a porphyrin–fullerene donor–acceptor couple
Authors: Caballero Rubén , Calbo Joaquín , Aragó Juan , de la Cruz Pilar , Ortí Enrique , Tkachenko Nikolai V. , Langa Fernando
Published: June 2021

The electronic communication between the terminal electron-donor ZnP and electron-acceptor C60 units is enhanced by the conjugated EDOTV-based spacer leading to photoinduced electron transfer over the distance >2 nm in the picosecond time domain.
Analysis of the surface quality of polycaprolactam 3D prints enriched with carbon and glass fiber
Authors: Dzienniak Damian , Pawlik Jan
Published: June 2021

Additive manufacturing has been gaining popularity and availability year by year, which has resulted in its dynamic development. The most common 3D printing method as of today, FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), owing to its peculiarity, does not always guarantee producing objects with low surface roughness. The authors of the present article have taken on the analysis of the impact of FDM printing on the roughness of the filament thus processed. They also investigate the relationship between the roughness of the unprocessed filament (made of polycaprolactam, that is, polyamide 6 or PA6) with admixtures of other materials (carbon fiber, glass fiber) and the surface quality of the manufactured object. The main subject of the analysis is the side surfaces of 3D prints, as it is their quality that is usually directly dependent on many factors connected with the process of the laying of the consecutive layers. The authors check step by step whether there exists a pronounced relationship between the roughness of the original filament material and the roughness of the obtained surface.
Phase change materials and their use for energy accumulation
Authors: Dzindziora Agnieszka , Cieślik Jacek , Wojciechowski Jerzy
Published: June 2021

Problems with overheating and unstable temperature of industrial equipment are the reasons for generating significant costs that for companies. Solving the problems related to heat removal is a challenge in modern industry. Phase change materials are the solution to these challenges (PCM). These substances can accumulate and release large amounts of thermal energy during the phase change transition. The value of the phase transition enthalpy determines the energy storage capacity. The paper presents the results of phase transitions of selected materials. The measurements were carried out on a stand for testing phase change materials. The laboratory stand made it possible to determine the thermodynamic parameters of the phase transition. The substances analysed are kinds of paraffin of different chemical composition. Due to the diversity of substances, it is possible to analyse the influence of the chemical composition on possible uses in industrial applications for energy storage.
Design of the measuring device of the agricultural tractor´s external hydraulic circuit
Authors: Jablonický Juraj , Kožuch Peter , Nosian Jozef , Tulík Juraj , Kaszkowiak Jerzy , Zastempowski Marcin
Published: June 2021

The main goal of the presented paper was to design the measuring device of the external hydraulic circuit of the agricultural tractor, with the implementation of verification measurement and functionality of the device. At the same time, based on the device itself, which was verified in practice, a simulation was created in the FluidSim simulation program using the results of operational verification measurements. At the beginning of the structural design, the requirements for the electro-mechanical device were determined. This device is used for loading of the external hydraulic circuit, determination of the measuring object and flow calculation of the hydraulic pump. The verification measurement itself takes place at rated speed, constant and overpressure pressure in the tractor´s hydraulic system.
Estimation of fatigue S-N curves for aluminium based on tensile strength – proposed method
Authors: Strzelecki Przemysław , Correia José António , Sempruch Janusz
Published: June 2021

The paper presents its own proposition of an analytical method for determining the S-N characteristic for aluminium material. The method is based on the value of the slope coefficient of the limited fatigue lifeline, determined based on the equation, which was proposed by analyzing a database of these parameters for a given group of materials. Also, the parameters of the method are tensile strength, yield strength, and the number of load cycles assigned to the knee point of the characteristic. A verification carrying out for three materials (AW-6063 T6, 2017-T4 & 2024 T351) shown that the proposed method gave better results than other methods presented in the literature.
Comparative analysis of the manual and robotic upholstery frame assembly processes. Study based on many years of research
Authors: Turbański Wojciech , Matwiej Łukasz , Wiaderek Krzysztof , Sydor Maciej
Published: June 2021

A robotization of assembly is the real implementation of Industry 4.0 in the furniture industry. The robotization objective is to obtain favorable values of production process parameters (performance, productivity, quality) and to improve human wellbeing at work. Our aim was to present and compare the quality parameters of a selected furniture production process, performed in a very long series, containing more than 30 thousand products. The analysis included the results of the long-term measurements of the quality level of upholstery frames produced by the modified and improved, on the basis of operational conclusions, robotized line for the serial production of upholstery frames and by the simultaneously used nonrobotic line for assembly of frames of the same construction. The results obtained show that robotized assembly leads to a much lower percentage of defective products than in the case of the nonrobotic technology, the causes and types of defects in the products are also different, and it is easier to prevent these defects and remove them. The cognitive findings identified problems and challenges, not found in traditional technologies, caused by the using of manufacturing robots in furniture production.
Features of designing tutors for education master's training
Authors: Goryunova L.V. , Polyakova E.V.
Published: June 2021

The article discusses and details the features of designing the contents of the educational program of tutors’ master's training, implementing the accompaniment of students in the conditions of individualization of the educational process. Separately, factors affecting the content of the training curriculum at the university are considered. In addition, a significant segment of the study is devoted to the identification of topical areas which are "requesting" tutorials for students to implement their individual educational routes. The role of the modular approach in the design of the training curriculum for tutors in the master's degree for the education system has been revealed and updated. A special place in the structure of the study is occupied by the results of the development of professional competences of a tutor, based on professional functions formulated by employers in the professional standard, as well as the designed modular content of the training curriculum for the education system. This modular training design will ensure the formation of a set of professional competencies that ensure the tutor's readiness to implement design, methodical and accompanying activities in the space of modern education, including remote.
Spatial-temporal model of engagement of participants of educational activity in the digital educational environment
Authors: Popov L.M. , Ustin P.N.
Published: June 2021

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the educational process has acquired a virtual character, when the role of technical teaching tools that mediate the real interaction of students with the teacher has sharply increased. The conditions for creating an engagement effect have changed and there is a need to study the phenomenon of engagement and its psychological mechanisms. The main aspects of an engagement manifestation that represent the spatial part of the model are shown: cognitive, emotional, behavioral, activity, motivational, socio-psychological and physical. The novelty of the spatial-temporal model is that it involves all the spatial factors that are included in the main temporal phases of activation of engagement: preparatory, active, evaluation and correction. The long-term and short-term options for using the engagement model with their methods of implementation, expected results and realization mechanisms are proposed. The implementation of the short-term version of the engagement model is carried out through a system of digital monitoring of emotional and cognitive reactions of a person in a digital environment. The possibility of managing and self-managing students' engagement in educational activities in a digital environment is shown.
Attitude of students of general and specialized educational institutions of the Rostov region towards inclusive education
Authors: Guterman L.A. , Detochenko L.S.
Published: June 2021

The paper presents the results of a sociological study conducted in the Rostov region among high school students of general and specialized educational institutions in 2020 (N=11727). The purpose of the study is to identify attitudes towards inclusive and collaborative education. Particular attention is paid to the determinants of the type of educational institution of the respondents, the experience of coeducation, and the presence or absence of disabilities among the respondents. Experience of inclusive education and the type of educational institution is a stronger factor in determining attitudes towards inclusive services than the presence or absence of disability. The highest level of ableism is manifested to children with speech, vision, hearing and mental impairments. All respondents unanimously believe that the mainpositive consequence of inclusion is the ability to communicate, find a common language with different people.