bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Availability of Haematopoietic Niches for Transplanted Stem Cells
Authors: Forgáčová Katarína , Nečas E.
Published: August 2024

Following transplantation, donor haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) must reach specific parts of haematopoietic stroma tissue known as stem cell niches to become engrafted and to start blood cell production. Regularly, they have to compete with the host’s HSCs for a limited number of niches. The exact mechanisms of HSC engraftment as well as of niche “opening” to incoming HSCs by conditioning treatments are not well-known yet. Significant and stable engraftment of syngeneic donor HSCs can be achieved in untreated mice only after transplantation of very large numbers of marrow cells. Engraftment can be largely facilitated by the stem cell mutations reducing numbers of the host HSCs. Pre-transplantation manipulations of the host haematopoietic tissue enhance engraftment depending on how much they damage HSCs. Ionizing radiation appears to be the most effective in this respect despite proliferative quiescence of a majority of HSCs. The review summarizes major achievements in deciphering biological principles of the HSCs and their engraftment after transplantation obtained in experimental research studying murine haematopoiesis.
Galantamine as a Preventive of Diisopropylphosphorofluoridate Toxicity Effects in Rat Brain
Authors: Saghafi M. M. , Živin M. , Pregelj Peter
Published: August 2024

Diisopropylfluorophosphate exerts its toxic effect by irreversibly inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. This results in over-stimulation of central and peripheral cholinergic activity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possible preventive effects of acute treatment with reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor galantamine against the signs of cholinergic toxic syndrome provoked by diisopropylfluorophosphate, such as hypothermia, muscular fasciculations, oral dyskinesia and decreased locomotor performance in a rat model of intoxication. The effects of these two anticholinesterases on acetylcholinesterase activity and on the expression of mRNA of the immediate early response genec-fosin the brain were assessed by histochemical acetylcholinesterase staining and byin situhybridization, respectively. Diisopropylfluorophosphate induced rapidly progressing hypothermia, muscular fasciculations, oral dyskinesia and decreased locomotor performance. The increased cholinergic cortical and hippocampal activity due to irreversible acetylcholinerase inhibition were indicated by the increasedc-fosmRNA autoradiographic signal and by the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase staining, respectively. Galantamine by itself provoked transient and relatively weak inhibition of the acetylcholinesterase staining, while it did not induce increasedc-fosmRNA expression or significant behavioural signs of cholinergic toxicity. Galantamine significantly reduced the rate of the onset, but not the maximal hypothermia induced by diisopropylfluorophosphate. Importantly, all the above-mentioned behavioural and neurochemical effects of diisopropylfluorophosphate were significantly reduced by galantamine. These results indicate that the acute pre-treatment with galantamine may have prophylactic effects against the intoxication by diisopropylfluorophosphate.
Some applications and maximum principles for multi-term time-space fractional parabolic Monge-Ampère equation
Authors: Guan Tingting , Wang Guotao , Araci Serkan
Published: August 2024

This study first establishes several maximum and minimum principles involving the nonlocal Monge-Ampère operator and the multi-term time-space fractional Caputo-Fabrizio derivative. Based on the maximum principle established above, on the one hand, we show that a family of multi-term time-space fractional parabolic Monge-Ampère equations has at most one solution; on the other hand, we establish some comparison principles of linear and nonlinear multi-term time-space fractional parabolic Monge-Ampère equations.
An AMC-based low-RCS conformal phased array design
Authors: Guan Yangyang , Xin Hui , Cui Jiahe , Zhang Peng
Published: August 2024

In this article, an integrated radiation and scattering performance array conformed with the cylinder is presented. Wideband RCS reduction can be achieved and the radiating performance is maintained without loading any other structures. Two different antenna units with similar radiation performances and different reflection phases are designed to form a 6 × 6 conformal array. To verify the simulation results, a prototype of a 6 × 6 units integrated conformal array was fabricated and measured. The experimental results show that the proposed conformal array has better scanning performance above ±40° in the range of 8.2–11.3 GHz. In addition, the monostatic RCS reduction of the proposed array is more than 5 dB covering the working band of the array antenna with a maximum reduction value of 24.2 dB. The measured results agree well with the simulation results.
Determinants influencing tourists’ willingness to visit Türkiye – Impact of earthquake hazards on Serbian visitors’ preferences
Authors: Blešić Ivana , Ivkov Milan , Gajić Tamara , Petrović Marko D. , Radovanović Milan M. , Valjarević Aleksandar , Malinović-Milićević Slavica , Vukin Marina , Raljić Jovanka Popov , Puhar Dušan , Lukić Tin
Published: August 2024

Earthquakes are a rather complex natural phenomenon that cannot be prevented, and their effects can be catastrophic and have profound implications on various economic sectors (especially tourism). This study investigates the relationships between subjective factors (gender, age, education, previous experience, and disaster anxiety), the perceived travel risk, and the travel intention of tourists from Serbia to destinations in Türkiye. The pilot study was done in March 2023 with 110 respondents from the Faculty of Science, Department of Geography, Tourism, and Hotel Management, Novi Sad. After the validation of the instruments, the main survey was conducted in the period from March to June 2023. The subjects of interest were residents of Serbia over the age of 18. The data from this study are analyzed using the confirmatory factor analysis and path analyses. This study aims to enhance the understanding of perceived risk and travel intention, specifically focusing on Türkiye. The assessed outcome relates to how tourists perceive three specific categories of risk when traveling to destinations with a high risk of natural disasters, such as earthquake-prone areas. The findings suggest that older respondents tend to perceive lower physical and financial travel risks, even though the influence of age on the perception of socio-psychological risks was inconclusive. Further results reveal that individuals with prior experience tend to hold a heightened perception of physical, financial, and socio-psychological risks. An examination of the relationship between disaster anxiety and perceived travel risks indicates that physical, financial, and socio-psychological risks exert a negative influence on travel intention. Thus, this study may provide a conceptual foundation for both theoretical and practical implications for the improvement of risk management techniques at a specific travel destination in areas prone to earthquake hazards.
Activating sustainability in the design process
Authors: Miquel Andrea
Published: August 2024

Design decisions have an impact on societies and the environment. Making the impact of design tangible facilitates the mitigation of its negative consequences. The purpose of this paper is to outline what methods and actions a User Experience (UX) practitioner could use in order to support sustainable development. At Ergosign GmbH, an agency creating digital experiences, we conducted a review of existing guidelines and principles to determine the relevance and usefulness of those frameworks in the User Experience Design (UXD) context. The analysis resulted in the creation of six guiding principles to introduce sustainability concerns into the design process. Additionally, we mapped related UX methods and heuristics to each principle. Each of the six principles, as well as an exemplary method, are described in detail in this article. A first practical evaluation of the principles suggests that assessing impact and identifying preventive actions is possible at all stages of the design process. Furthermore, there is no strict correlation of a principle with a particular project phase. While an early analysis generates a more holistic action plan, a later assessment provides more concrete advice. Both approaches can deliver notable improvements in the reduction of resource usage.
The Riemann Hilbert dressing method and wave breaking for two (2 + 1)-dimensional integrable equations
Authors: Lu Huanhuan , Ren Xinan , Zhang Yufeng , Zhang Hongyi
Published: August 2024

In this article, we present a method for generating (2 + 1)-dimensional integrable equations, resulting in the generalized Pavlov equation and dispersionless Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (dKP) equation, which can further be reduced to the standard Pavlov equation and dKP equation. Inspired by the inverse spectral transform presented in existing literature, we introduce the Riemann–Hilbert (RH) dressing method to construct the formal solutions of the Cauchy problems for the generalized Pavlov equation and dKP equation, providing a spectral representation of the solutions. Subsequently, we also extensively investigate the longtime behavior of solutions to these two equations in specific space regions. In particular, for the generalized dKP equation, we conduct a dedicated study on its implicit solutions expressed by arbitrary differential function through linearizing their RH problems. In the final section, we elaborate in detail on the analytic aspects of the wave breaking of a localized two-dimensional wave evolving according to the Hopf equation. With the assistance of a transformation, the longtime breaking of solutions to the generalized dKP equation can then be further characterized.
Synergizing intelligent signal processing with wavelength-division multiplexing for enhanced efficiency and speed in photonic network communications
Authors: Saiyyed Riyaz , Sindhwani Manoj , Mishra Neeraj Kumar , Pahuja Hunny , Sachdeva Shippu , Shukla Manoj Kumar
Published: August 2024

The explosive growth of worldwide mobile data traffic seeks innovations in communication technology to cater to the mounting need for rapid connectivity, high-capacity connections. The mainstreaming of 5G technologies for communication is a dramatic step towards meeting the aforementioned goals, with the ability for reshaping IoT (Internet of things), D2D (device-to-Device) communications, and the smart grids. This work conveys an in-depth study of the fundamental innovations that underlie 5G, including full-duplex distribution, huge multiple-input-multiple-output, ultra-dense connections, the phenomenon of beamforming and millimeter-wave approaches. A special emphasis is focused on the integration of photonic technologies, or microwave photonics, which serves as a critical multidisciplinary study topic. Optical fibers, with their tremendous bandwidth and capacity, have been determined as the best medium for backhaul and fronthaul amenities, outpacing conventional copper cables to accommodate tiny cells and next-generation networks. The synergy between optical and wireless access technologies is analyzed with the emphasis on the central role of wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) for improving network efficiency and speed. The investigation additionally explores the possibility of intelligent signal processing methods combined with WDM to optimize photonic network communications. The mingling of these technologies anticipates producing unrivaled levels of performance, rupturing the path for an additional intelligent, interconnected era.
Within the Range of the Watchtowers: Nature and Purpose of Late Bronze Age Hilltop Buildings in the Blagoevgrad Basin, Southwestern Bulgaria
Authors: Bahyrycz Cezary , Kulov Ilia , Hristov Pavel
Published: August 2024

The Struma/Strymon River valley, due to its key geographical position, carving a corridor in mountain massifs, served as a natural communication route between the north: south-eastern and central Balkans and further on – Central Europe, and the south: the coast of the Aegean Sea. The lack of detailed studies of the settlement pattern have not allowed for complete characterization of its role in the cultural contacts of prehistoric communities. Fortunately, this state of research is changing, due to the carrying out intensive field surveying, and recording of archaeological sites. As a result of it, evidence of the flourishing of settlements in the Late Bronze Age and the transition period between the Bronze Age and the Iron Age were recorded. In addition to flat settlements, “atypical” sites were also identified – called the Kamenska Chuka-type, named after the first discovered site of this type, located in naturally defensive and hard-to-reach places with a wide observation views. From the very moment of discovery, researchers have been speculating about the functions of these archaeological sites. The aim of this article is to attempt to explain some issues – nature and purpose related to Kamenska Chuka-type sites and verify the theses put forward by researchers of the topic, using geographic information system (GIS) technology and freely available spatial data, combining them with traditional archaeological data.
Mudança de código por parte do professor e dos alunos na sala de aula de Inglês como Língua Estrangeira: um estudo qualitativo
Authors: Greggio Saionara , Gil Glória
Published: August 2024

Desde os anos 90, pesquisadores têm investigado vários aspectos relacionados ao uso da língua estrangeira e da língua materna na sala de aula de língua estrangeira. Estudos mostram que a língua materna pode ter funções importantes na sala de aula de língua estrangeira. O objetivo principal deste artigo é mostrar os resultados de um estudo qualitativo que investigou o uso alternado de inglês e de português na interação professor – aluno(s) na sala de aula de inglês como língua estrangeira. Os dados foram coletados em uma turma iniciante e em uma turma de nível pré-intermediário. Doze aulas foram observadas, gravadas em áudio e analisadas em cada um dos grupos. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que o uso alternado de inglês e português na sala de aula de língua estrangeira pode ter um papel importante ao facilitar a interação entre os participantes e facilitar aprendizagem da língua estrangeira.
Estudo das interações mediadas por um serviço de tutoria pela Internet
Authors: Giordan Marcelo , Dotta Silvia
Published: August 2024

Este trabalho analisa aspectos do discurso escrito em interações virtuais, de sua aplicação em atividades educacionais, das características da linguagem utilizada em comunicação mediada por computadores, dos aspectos sociais e tecnológicos que interferem nessa comunicação. Partimos das hipóteses de que o pensamento se constitui em situações mediadas por linguagens diversificadas e que um processo de tutoria pela Internet, fundado na dialogia, amplia a qualidade e a quantidade dos enunciados de professores e alunos.Desenvolvemos um sistema de tutoria on-line que permitiu o registro de interações virtuais em atividades de ensino a distância. Analisamos dois episódios de interação mantidos nesse sistema e examinamos como a alternância e a mutação dos gêneros discursivos podem interferir na atuação de alunos e professores.
Interação e interdisciplinaridade na produção de textos poéticos no ensino fundamental
Authors: Silva Marilice Pompeu da , Menegassi Renilson José
Published: August 2024

A pesquisa aborda a produção textual de poesias desenvolvida em uma sala de aula de 4ª série do ensino fundamental, na região Noroeste do Paraná, enfocando a interação e a interdisciplinaridade como princípios teórico-metodológicos. Apresentamse a análise das condições de produção dos textos, bem como as poesias obtidas, à luz da Lingüística Aplicada, com subsídios também da Literatura e da Educação. As análises dos textos evidenciaram que a interação e a interdisciplinaridade atuaram no processo de construção de textos, no ambiente escolar, em diferentes níveis.
Internet e ensino de línguas: uma proposta de atividade utilizando vídeo disponibilizado pelo YouTube®
Authors: Carini Anderson , Macagnan Maria Júlia Padilha , Kurtz Fabiana Diniz
Published: August 2024

Este artigo é fruto do trabalho desenvolvido pelo projeto de extensão O Ensino de Línguas e a Ressignificação da Prática Docente, realizado por um grupo de professoras do Curso de Letras da UNIJUI, desde o ano de 2006. Trata-se de uma reflexão teórico-metodológica acerca do uso de novas tecnologias da informação e comunicação (TICs) em sala de aula de línguas, uma vez que o acesso aos bens tecnológicos pode representar inclusão social e profissional. Tal reflexão desenvolve-se a partir de uma proposta didática elaborada para uma oficina com alunos de ensino médio utilizando um vídeo disponibilizado no site YouTube®. É importante que, enquanto professores de línguas e educadores, entendamos e exploremos junto a nossos alunos a forma como a tecnologia pode ser explorada também como elemento que facilita ou dificulta o acesso ao conhecimento e ao poder social. Acreditamos que o resultado será a aprendizagem significativa dos educandos e de todos os envolvidos no processo, pois quem ensina também aprende, desde que se predisponha a tal.
O Lingüísta aplicado: de um aplicador de saberes a um ativista político
Authors: Cristina Damianovic Maria
Published: August 2024

Este artigo objetiva, inicialmente, traçar um panorama histórico da Lingüística Aplicada desde a década de 40. A seguir, eventos marcantes para a evolução e aprofundamento dos estudos da Lingüística Aplicada serão destacados. Finalmente, será discutida a necessidade do lingüista aplicado envolver-se como um ativista político.
Utilizando corpora de aprendizes para a investigação de aspectos discursivos, metodologias de ensino e design de materiais pedagógicos
Authors: Recsky Leonardo
Published: August 2024

Este trabalho faz uma resenha de estudos sobre lingüística de corpus que foram conduzidos usandocorpora de aprendizes e suas aplicações para a compilação e elaboração de materiais didáticos para aprendizes de inglês como língua estrangeira. O texto descreve como os resultados obtidos de pesquisa sobre corpora de aprendizes em três áreas específicas, ou seja, características discursivas, padrões de co-ocorrência (colocações) e o tom interpessoal adequado, podem ser empregados com corpora especializados para criar materiais didáticos. Os impactos da área para a metodologia de ensino do inglês como língua estrangeira também são discutidos. Embora se defenda aqui o uso de corpora e programas de concordancing, no ensino da língua estrangeira, algumas restrições também são apresentadas.
Narrativas, crenças e experiência de aprender inglês
Authors: Barcelos Ana Maria Ferreira
Published: August 2024

Este artigo traz os resultados de uma pesquisa realizada com alunos universitários de inglês que teve por objetivo investigar suas experiências e crenças a respeito dos lugares onde se aprende línguas no Brasil. Através da análise de narrativas de aprendizagem foi possível perceber que os alunos vêem a escola regular e o curso de idiomas como lugares dicotômicos. Naquela, acreditam que não aprendem inglês e não têm boas experiências promotoras de aprendizagem da língua. Neste, visto como um investimento em sua aprendizagem, suas experiências são caracterizadas como boas e como causa da aprendizagem de Inglês. Para alguns alunos, entretanto, as experiências adversas na escola os motivou a se tornarem mais responsáveis por sua aprendizagem. As implicações deste estudo apontam para a necessidade de discussões mais aprofundadas em lingüística aplicada a respeito das crenças vigentes sobre a escola regular e o curso de idiomas como lugares de aprendizagem de línguas no Brasil.
Convergent Comodulation Reduces Interindividual Variability of Circuit Output
Authors: Schneider Anna C. , Cronin Elizabeth , Daur Nelly , Bucher Dirk , Nadim Farzan
Published: August 2024

Ionic current levels of identified neurons vary substantially across individual animals. Yet, under similar conditions, neural circuit output can be remarkably similar, as evidenced in many motor systems. All neural circuits are influenced by multiple neuromodulators, which provide flexibility to their output. These neuromodulators often overlap in their actions by modulating the same channel type or synapse, yet have neuron-specific actions resulting from distinct receptor expression. Because of this different receptor expression pattern, in the presence of multiple convergent neuromodulators, a common downstream target would be activated more uniformly in circuit neurons across individuals. We therefore propose that a baseline tonic (non-saturating) level of comodulation by convergent neuromodulators can reduce interindividual variability of circuit output. We tested this hypothesis in the pyloric circuit of the crab,Cancer borealis. Multiple excitatory neuropeptides converge to activate the same voltage-gated current in this circuit, but different subsets of pyloric neurons have receptors for each peptide. We quantified the interindividual variability of the unmodulated pyloric circuit output by measuring the activity phases, cycle frequency, and intraburst spike number and frequency. We then examined the variability in the presence of different combinations and concentrations of three neuropeptides. We found that at mid-level concentration (30 nM) but not at near-threshold (1 nM) or saturating (1 µM) concentrations, comodulation by multiple neuropeptides reduced the circuit output variability. Notably, the interindividual variability of response properties of an isolated neuron was not reduced by comodulation, suggesting that the reduction of output variability may emerge as a network effect.
Adolescent Thalamoprefrontal Inhibition Leads to Changes in Intrinsic Prefrontal Network Connectivity
Authors: Petersen David , Raudales Ricardo , Silva Ariadna Kim , Kellendonk Christoph , Canetta Sarah
Published: August 2024

Adolescent inhibition of thalamocortical projections from postnatal days P20 to 50 leads to long-lasting deficits in prefrontal cortex function and cognition in the adult mouse. While this suggests a role of thalamic activity in prefrontal cortex maturation, it is unclear how inhibition of these projections affects prefrontal circuitry during adolescence. Here, we used chemogenetic tools to inhibit thalamoprefrontal projections in male/female mice from P20 to P35 and measured synaptic inputs to prefrontal pyramidal neurons by layer (either II/III or V/VI) and projection target (mediodorsal thalamus (MD), nucleus accumbens (NAc), or callosal prefrontal projections) 24 h later using slice physiology. We found a decrease in the frequency of excitatory and inhibitory currents in layer II/III NAc and layer V/VI MD-projecting neurons while layer V/VI NAc-projecting neurons showed an increase in the amplitude of excitatory and inhibitory currents. Regarding cortical projections, the frequency of inhibitory but not excitatory currents was enhanced in contralateral mPFC-projecting neurons. Notably, despite these complex changes in individual levels of excitation and inhibition, the overall balance between excitation and inhibition in each cell was only altered in the contralateral mPFC projections. This finding suggests homeostatic regulation occurs within subcortically but not intracortical callosal-projecting neurons. Increased inhibition of intraprefrontal connectivity may therefore be particularly important for prefrontal cortex circuit maturation. Finally, we observed cognitive deficits in the adult mouse using this narrowed window of thalamocortical inhibition.
A Multidimensional Neural Representation of Face Impressions
Authors: Chwe John Andrew H. , Vartiainen Henna I. , Freeman Jonathan B.
Published: August 2024

From a glimpse of a face, people form trait impressions that operate as facial stereotypes, which are largely inaccurate yet nevertheless drive social behavior. Behavioral studies have long pointed to dimensions of trustworthiness and dominance that are thought to underlie face impressions due to their evolutionarily adaptive nature. Using human neuroimaging (N = 26, 19 female, 7 male), we identify a two-dimensional representation of faces’ inferred traits in the middle temporal gyrus (MTG), a region involved in domain-general conceptual processing including the activation of social concepts. The similarity of neural-response patterns for any given pair of faces in the bilateral MTG was predicted by their proximity in trustworthiness–dominance space, an effect that could not be explained by mere visual similarity. This MTG trait-space representation occurred automatically, was relatively invariant across participants, and did not depend on the explicit endorsement of face impressions (i.e., beliefs that face impressions are valid and accurate). In contrast, regions involved in high-level social reasoning (the bilateral temporoparietal junction and posterior superior temporal sulcus; TPJ–pSTS) and entity-specific social knowledge (the left anterior temporal lobe; ATL) also exhibited this trait-space representation but only among participants who explicitly endorsed forming these impressions. Together, the findings identify a two-dimensional neural representation of face impressions and suggest that multiple implicit and explicit mechanisms give rise to biases based on facial appearance. While the MTG implicitly represents a multidimensional trait space for faces, the TPJ–pSTS and ATL are involved in the explicit application of this trait space for social evaluation and behavior.
Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia that required immediate surgery after a long-term asymptomatic state: recommendation for early intervention
Authors: Kurihara Takashi , Fujimoto Kanta , Iwakura Toshio , Hataya Yuji , Yamashita Daisuke , Matsuoka Naoki
Published: August 2024

An 82-year-old woman with a 60-year history of a lung tumor presented with hypoglycemia. Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH) was suspected; however, her hypoglycemia stabilized with supplemental food. She was discharged, based on her wishes, and planned to undergo surgery later. After discharge, the hypoglycemia worsened rapidly and required immediate resection. Postoperatively, the hypoglycemia resolved. Western immunoblot analysis confirmed the presence of big insulin-like growth factor 2, confirming NICTH. This patient experienced the rapid progression of symptoms after an unprecedentedly long-term asymptomatic state. Therefore, when NICTH is suspected, early intervention is recommended regardless of the presence of asymptomatic state.

Learning points

In patients with NICTH, the onset of hypoglycemia is usually within a year of tumor detection, and few reports regarding long-term asymptomatic NICTH have been documented.

NICTH can cause rapidly progressive symptoms after a long-term asymptomatic state, as in this case, and an asymptomatic state does not preclude the necessity for intervention, especially when patients are at risk for malnutrition.

Tumor resection is the only curative treatment for patients with NICTH, but there is no consensus regarding the timing of surgery. However, considering the possibility of rapid symptom progression, patients should be examined and treated in a timely manner.
Insulinoma presenting with anti-insulin antibodies
Authors: Nakajima Rikako , Sato Daisuke , Togashi Ichirota , Idesawa Hiroto , Ito Jun , Ito Kei , Fujii Masanao , Yagyu Hiroaki
Published: August 2024

An 89-year-old woman presented with a 6-year history of occasional episodes of impaired consciousness that were relieved by ingestion of a snack. Three months before presenting to our hospital, she had been hospitalized in a local hospital with subdural hematoma caused by a head contusion, where previously unrecognized hypoglycemia was discovered. Fasting plasma glucose concentration was 37 mg/dL, with a relatively high serum level of insulin (34.9 µU/mL). Computed tomography showed a 14 mm hyperenhancing tumor in the tail of the pancreas and she was referred to our hospital for further investigation. A prolonged fasting test revealed the plasma glucose concentration reduced to 43 mg/dL (2.4 mmol/L) at 8 h after the last meal. Serum insulin, proinsulin, and C-peptide concentrations were 21.1 µU/mL, 16.9 pmol/L, and 2.72 ng/mL, respectively. Subsequent intravenous administration of 1 mg of glucagon increased the plasma glucose concentration to 76 mg/dL (4.2 mmol/L). Moreover, the insulin-to-C-peptide molar ratio was 0.14. These data indicated the presence of insulinoma. Interestingly, serum anti-insulin antibodies were elevated (21.1 U/mL), although she had no history of taking exogenous insulin injection, alpha lipoic acid, or sulfhydryl group-containing agents. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing revealed HLA-DRB1*0407 and HLA-DRB1*1405 alleles. Treatment with diazoxide prevented hypoglycemia, but was discontinued due to weight gain and leg edema. Elevated serum anti-insulin antibodies persisted almost 1 year after the diagnosis of insulinoma. We present a rare case of insulinoma concomitant with serum anti-insulin antibodies.

Learning points

Insulinoma presenting with concomitant anti-insulin antibodies appears rare.

Insulin/C-peptide molar ratio and serum insulin concentration are useful for differentiating insulinoma and autoimmune syndrome.

Flash glucose monitoring systems appear suitable for evaluating treatment outcomes.
SDHA related phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma: review and clinical management
Authors: Kaplan Adam I , Dwight Trisha , Luxford Catherine , Benn Diana E , Clifton-Bligh Roderick J.
Published: August 2024

Phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (collectively termed PPGLs) are rare yet highly heritable neuroendocrine tumours, with over one third of cases associated with germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in numerous genes. PVs in succinate dehydrogenase subunit-A gene (SDHA) were initially implicated in hereditary PPGL in 2010 and SDHA has since become an important susceptibility gene accounting for up to 2.8 % of cases. However, it remains poorly understood, particularly regarding the clinical nature of SDHA PPGL, rates of recurrence and metastasis, and nature of metastatic disease. We present a narrative review of SDHA-related PPGL, covering pathophysiology, relevance to current clinical practice, and considerations for clinical genetics. We analyse a pool of 107 previously reported cases of SDHA-associated PPGL to highlight the spectrum of SDHA-related PPGL. Our analysis demonstrates SDHA PPGL occurs across a wide age-range (11-81 y) and affects men and women equally. SDHA PPGL typically present as single tumours (91%), usually occurring in the head and neck (46%) or abdomen (43%, including 15% with phaeochromocytomas). Metastatic disease was reported in 25.5% cases with bone (82%) and lymph nodes (71%) being the most common sites of metastasis, often identified many years after initial diagnosis. Family history of SDHA-related neoplasia was rare, reported in only 4% of cases. Understanding the clinical nature and risks associated with SDHA PVs is essential for facilitating optimal management of patients and their families.
DEVELOPMENT OF DIESEL FUEL PROCESSOR AND OPTIMISATION OF THE THERMAL CIRCUIT OF A POWER PLANT BASED ON SOFC WITH A POWER OF 1 KW
Authors: SHILOV V A. , POTEMKIN D I. , BURMATOVA M A. , SNYTNIKOV P V.
Published: August 2024

A fuel processor for autothermal reforming of diesel fuel into synthesis gas is developed and tested. The developed reactor is demonstrated to possess a fast start-up and high efficiency. During the tests, complete conversion of diesel fuel and the composition of reaction products close to equilibrium values were achieved. The thermal circuit of a power plant based on a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with the electrical power of 1 kW was optimized. The results obtained are the basis for the further development of a real prototype of a power plant based on planar SOFC with an integrated diesel fuel processor, opening up the prospects in the area of making low-power electrochemical generators.
EXPERIMENTAL MODELLING OF HYPERGENE PROCESSES FOR BALEY ORE FIELD AS AN EXAMPLE
Authors: EPOVA E.S. , YURGENSON G.A. , EREMIN O.V.
Published: August 2024

Samples of primary low-sulphide gold-quartz ore and oxidised host rock containing up to 10 wt% sulphides and 5 wt% their oxidation products were investigated to reveal the relationship between the migration of elements during the hypergenic transformation of ores and rocks and their mineral composition. Mineralogical studies employed optical and electron microscopy to identify the shapes and sizes of mineral individuals and aggregates and to determine their chemical composition. It is determined for major element content that the oxidised host rocks contain significantly more iron, sulphur, aluminium, potassium and phosphorus than primary low-sulphide quartz gold ores, while silicon and calcium content is lower. This is due to the removal of sulphur and iron into the near-vein rocks with the formation of primarily pyrite and arsenopyrite, and the presence of aluminosilicates (feldspars and layered silicates) in them. The same applies to arsenic and antimony, as their concentrations are higher in the host rocks than in the ores. The rates of lithophile elements recovery from primary gold-quartz ores are much higher than those from oxidised host rocks. Сhalcophile elements, on the contrary, are more intensively transferred to the solution from host rocks. Thus, the complex of elements extracted from ore suspensions is directly determined by their mineral composition. The main carrier of gold is native gold and its tellurides. Silver is associated with low-grade gold, copper and silver sulphosalts, and also tellurides.
CATALYTIC PROCESSING OF COAL MINE METHANE INTO HYDROGEN-CONTAINING GAS: INFLUENCE OF TRI-REFORMING PROCESS CONDITIONS
Authors: SALNIKOV A V. , MATUS E V. , KERZHENTSEV M A. , KHAIRULIN S R.
Published: August 2024

In order to develop a catalytic technology for processing coal mine methane into hydrogen-containing gas, thermodynamic analysis of methane tri-reforming (TRM) was carried out, and the influence of temperature (600-850 °C), contact time (0.04-0.15 s), linear feed rate (80-240 cm/min) and composition (CH4 / CO2 / H2O / O2 / He = 1: (0.3-0.5) : (0.2-0.5) : (0.1-0.3) : (2.9-3.2)) of the reaction mixture on the conversion of the initial reagents and target products in the TRM process in the presence of a supported Ni catalyst was studied. It has been shown that with an increase in the temperature of the TRM reaction from 600 to 800 °C the process performance improves (methane conversion: 36 → 94 %, carbon dioxide conversion: 57 → 97 %, hydrogen yield: 37→91 %, carbon monoxide yield: 44→ 94 %, molar ratio H2/CO: 1.5 → 1.7), and at a reaction temperature of 850 °C the process indicators are close to equilibrium values. It has been established that varying the O/C value and the composition of oxidants makes it possible to regulate the performance of TRM process. The optimal conditions for the TRM process were identified to achieve maximum efficiency of the catalytic processing of coal mine methane into hydrogen-containing gas: temperature - in the range of 800-850 °C, contact time - 0.15 s, linear feed rate - 160 cm/min and molar ratio of reagents in the initial feed - CH4 / CO2 / H2O / O2 = 1: 0.5 : 0.2 : 0.25.
Becoming a Climate Change Educator: First-grade Pupils’ Action Research
Authors: Kairė Sandra , Vaivadaitė Jovita , Kundrotaitė Augustina
Published: August 2024

This paper presents the results of the action research conducted by the research team in 2022-2023 with first-grade pupils at one Vilnius primary school in Lithuania. Primary, the action research aimed to improve the teaching practice of a primary school teacher on the topic of climate change and also develop her professional competence in climate change education; secondary, stimulate the learning process and possible actions for first-grade children on tackling climate change. The study reveals the learning process of the primary school teacher who integrated a series of 14 climate change lessons the research team created, her learning outcomes, and the main challenges she faced during the process. The results highlight specific changes that are taking place in the teacher‘s daily practice that are also undoubtedly leading to an increase in first-grade pupils‘ awareness of climate change topics. The study highlights a key aspect: becoming a climate change educator means developing her professional competence to work on climate change and developing a personal relationship with climate change phenomenon that moves beyond the classroom environment. The development of a personal relationship with climate change brings to the forefront the teacher‘s awareness of the need for climate change education at school to reduce the destructive activities of human beings in relation to the planet and mitigate the effects of human-induced climate change.
The links between the banned Lithuanian press and the national identity
Authors: Merkys Vytautas
Published: August 2024

It is usually written that the ban of Lithuanian press in Latin and Gothic script in 1864–1904 meant the ban of all Lithuanian press. The reason for this is that Lithuanian press in Cyrillic script was monopolized by Russian authorities and focused on the disintegration and assimilation of the Lithuanian nation. As the comparatively literate Lithuanian nation was boycotting these publications, the banned press grew and became more numerous and richer. The publishing was concentrated in Lithuanian Minor (Prussia, Germany) and the USA and secretly disseminated among Lithuanians in the Russian Empire. This press (books and periodicals) was a major factor in Lithuanian national identity. The distribution of the press was not equal; it depended on the cultural level and national consciousness of the inhabitants. In the part of Lithuania which was actively Polonized (Vilnius episcopate), religious literature played a strong role in the development of Lithuanian national identity. The article investigates the problem of national integration of both parts of the nation (in Russia and in Germany) in the light of the ban on Lithuanian press.
Governmental approach to publishing of Latgalian books in 1904-2004
Authors: Klekere Inara
Published: August 2024

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Relations of Estonian exile book to the native country and the world
Authors: Valmas Anne
Published: August 2024

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Freedom of pictorial representation in books
Authors: Komza Małgorzata
Published: August 2024

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History of Lithuanian press of national rennaisance and its creator: a subjective version
Authors: Kaunas Domas
Published: August 2024

This publication includes a letter from a literary worker of the Lithuanian national movement in Lithuania Minor, Martynas Jankus (1858–1946), to a professor of Baltic studies at the University of Göttingen, Eduard Hermann (1869–1950), written in 1929. The letter consists of a reply to a question from the linguist about the state of the Lithuanian press at the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth centuries. The author of the letter characterized the publishing of the illegal press in Lithuania Minor and its secret transportation to Lithuania under the rule of Tsarist Russia. He wrote about the most significant literary and publishing workers and the problems of the publishing trade. The letter provides rich biographical data on Martynas Jankus.
Contrafaction in Lithuanian book publishing during the first half of the XIX century
Authors: Navickienė Aušra
Published: August 2024

Contrafactions or the publications with falsified imprint are not characteristic for the first half of the 19th century in Lithuania. Only one possible case of a contrafaction from the period 1795-1864 is mentioned in the first volume of Lithuanian retrospective bibliography of Lithuanian books (Lietuvos TSR bibliografija. Serija A Knygos lietuvių kalba). These are the repeated editions of the publication About Teetotalers' Brotherhood (Apej brostwą blaiwistes) by Bishop Motiejus Valančius. They appeared in 1860 and 1861 and could have been printed not in Klaipėda as the title page indicates, but in the Vilnius printing house of J. Zawadzkis. There is no one final opinion about this fact, and the article returns to the publishing history of the book by Valančius because it is important for establishing the beginning of the book relations between Great Lithuania and Lithuania Minor. Usually, it is linked to the publishing of the above-mentioned book in Klaipėda.
We agree with the arguments produced by Kazimieras Gečys and dispute other opinions by proving that About Teetotalers' Brotherhood (Apej brostwą blaiwistes) was published in 1860 and 1861 in the Vilnius enterprise owned by J. Zawadzkis, not in Klaipėda's E. Vaikinas company. The new arguments are based on the archival material of J. Zawadzkis' enterprise, published correspondence of book workers, investigation de visu of the remaining copies of the publication, and the analysis of types. The article concludes that there is definite proof that the publications of 1860 and 1861 are contrafactions of the first half of the 19th century. They appeared under conditions and factors that demonstrate opposition to the censorship rules. This opposition served as a model that influenced the behavior of book workers after 1864 and was used from the beginning of the ban on Lithuanian press. If About Teetotalers' Brotherhood (Apej brostwą blaiwistes) repeated editions appeared in Vilnius, then the beginning of book relations between Great Lithuania and Lithuania Minor has to be moved to the later date after the year 1864, when the first contrafacted publications were published in Lithuania Minor for the inhabitants of Great Lithuania.
Traditions of the revived Lithuanian press in Vilnius in 1904-1914
Authors: Černiauskaitė Violeta
Published: August 2024

This article aims to analyze the system of press supervision and control in interwar Lithuania, most often referred to as censorship.
According to the subordination of the controlling authority and the limits of its responsibility, censorship falls into two categories: state (general and/or war) and church censorship. This article analyzes state censorship that existed between 1918 and 1940. This censorship is analyzed first of all bearing in mind war censorship, which was present in interwar Lithuania between 1919 and 1933.
War censorship is established in the country when mobilization or a state of war is announced or during the war. It aims to prohibit the announcement of war-type data, events, etc., which could harm the affairs of the country's armed forces. Though the term "war censorship" has not been mentioned either in the "Particular State Protection Statute" or in Press Laws, war censorship existed in Lithuania from 1919 till 1933. The issues of war censorship were solved by the Ministry of Defence, which had the right to appoint war commandants. When social democrats and peasant populists gained power, the state of war was canceled and censorship was eliminated with it.
The censorship mechanism of the analyzed period was operating on two levels: state and local. At the state level, press supervision and control functions were carried out by the Ministry of Interior. At the local level, censorship was assigned to County Governors and war commandants.
On 1 April 1933, the position of war censor at the Ministry of Defence was repealed. Though war censorship was eliminated, the heads of printing houses still had to submit the first three copies of one-time and periodical printings to war commandants before the publications were issued. This means that censorship remained, but it was functioning in another form—the publication did not contain a seal "Permitted by War Censorship."
In 1938, the Public Work Management, run by the Prime Minister's office, was established. In addition to the supervision of the printings of periodicals, it carried out the control of non-periodical printings. In April 1939, the Public Work Management was liquidated, and its functions were commissioned to the Press and Associations Department under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior. This department registered the publications issued in Lithuania and abroad. This institution had a press supervision archive and a library for storing the printings, which were both prohibited and not prohibited by censorship.
PLANT RAW MATERIAL AS A SOURCE OF METABOLITES FOR WOUND HEALING AND ANTI-SCARRING PRODUCT
Authors:   Department of Technology of Biologically Active Compounds, Pharmacy and Biotechnology Lviv Polytechnic National University, HUTSKO K.I.
Published: August 2024

Cosmeceutical products based on plant raw materials have a complex effect, are available, and low-toxic. The creation of new natural products for wound healing without tissue scarring is topical. For this, the secondary metabolites of the plant must demonstrate antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, and have low cytotoxicity. Aim. To conduct an analysis of literary sources in electronic databases, regarding products on the market with a wound healing effect and plant raw materials that would have a therapeutic effect on wound healing without the formation of scars. Results. The characteristics of four types of scars are described. Plants and secondary metabolites are listed according to their action: antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, collagenstimulating, and anti-scarring. Lupeol, allicin, and cinnamaldehyde show antibacterial effect; quercetin, resveratrol, luteolin, naringenin, gallic acid, and curcumin show antioxidant effect; asiatic acid, pinocembrin, and myricetin show anti-inflammatory effect. Cryptotanshinone, bexarotene, taspine, sesamol, and astragaloside IV contribute to the deposition of fresh collagen in the wound. On the Ukrainian market, there are natural wound healing products in the form of a balm, cream, and gel. They include vegetable oils, essential oils, extracts of Thymus L., Arnica montana, Inula helenium, Aloe vera, Matricaria chamomilla, etc. Wound healing medicinal products of a chemical nature occupy a large part of the Ukrainian market, among them the products with dexapentanol predominate. The use of the cell culture method as an alternative source of plant raw materials for wound and scar treatment is perspective. The biotechnological method helps preserve biodiversity and obtain chemically pure plant raw materials regardless of environmental conditions. Conclusions. The study demonstrates the possibilities of using plant raw materials to create new cosmeceuticals with wound healing and anti-scaring effects for use in combined therapy.
GENERATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLYCLONAL ANTIBODIES SPECIFIC TO HUMAN ESTROGEN RECEPTOR ERα
Authors:   Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of the Natonal Acvademy of Scienes of Ukraine, Kyiv, Mazov A.V.  ,
Published: August 2024

Aim. The purpose of the study was to generate and characterize anti-hERα polyclonal antibodies for elucidation of functional relationships between isoforms of estrogen receptor ERα and isoforms of ribosomal protein S6 kinase — S6K1. Methods. cDNA cloning. Expression of recombinant proteins in bacterial system. Affinity purification of His-tag fused recombinant proteins using Ni-NTA chromatography from bacterial lysates. Generation of polyclonal sera by mice immunization. Western blot analysis and immunoprecipitation. Results. cDNA coding for full length hERα was cloned into expression vector pET28a in frame with His-tag sequence. Recombinant hERα-His protein was expressed in E.Coli and purified by Ni-NTA chromatography. Purified hERα-His was used as antigen for mice immunization and generation of polyclonal antibodies. Specificity of polyclonal antibodies was analyzed by Western blot and immunoprecipitation of hERα from MCf-7 cell lysates. Conclusions. Generated anti-hERα polyclonal antibodies are of conformational type since specifically recognized hERα only in immunoprecipitation but not in Western blot. Created polyclonal antibodies a suitable for detection and analysis of hERα protein complexes.