bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the use of instruments to attract savings in Kazakhstan (for example, “BCC Invest” JSC)
Authors: Kassenova Gulmira , Nurgalieva Gulnar , Pukala Ryszard , Agatayeva Aizhan , Syrlybayeva Nazgul
Published: March 2020

The growth of population’s savings, their socio-economic structure, and the efficiency of the use of these resources in a modern market economy - all this is of fundamental importance for the formation of the most important proportions of expanded reproduction. Moreover, savings significantly determining the direction of the investment process, the scale and structure of demand and supply, and affects the cyclical nature economic development, including the emergence of crises. With the development of the financial market, securities began to play a crucial role in the mechanism of formation and use of savings. The stock market is an important element of the mechanism for turning people’s savings into investments. The stock market functioning affects the preservation and enhancement of savings, the growth of the welfare of the population and the strengthening of socio-economic stability in society. In modern economic theory, the category of savings occupies one of the leading places. The economic interests of all classes of society, social strata intersect in solving a variety of socio-economic issues related to the functioning of the category of savings. In the system of economic relations, consumption, savings and investments are both the result and condition of the reproduction process.
The issue of a competitive national innovative system formation in Uzbekistan
Authors: Kurpayanidi Konstantin , Abdullaev Alisher , Ashurov Mahammadjanov , Tukhtasinova Mukhayyo , Shakirova Yulduzkhon
Published: March 2020

The target article analyzed some issues of the formation of a modern competitive national innovative system in the Republic of Uzbekistan. The effective and methodical tools of the research are based on the application, in the framework of a systematic approach of general scientific research methods: logical and situational analysis, expert assessments, questionnaires, observation, interviewing, groupings, and comparison. The article specified and supplemented the theoretical and methodological provisions of the theory of the formation of the innovative national model. The authors proved that the existing mechanism for managing the scientific-research and innovative activity in the country does not meet the requirements of competitiveness based on the systematic analysis of the NIS elements of Uzbekistan and innovative development and its relationships. It is crucial to formulate an entirely universal and effective national innovative system that is adequate to the growing demand for innovations necessary for areas of the national economy, offering support for the innovative activity at each phases of the innovative cycle. Anticipated increase in demand and cost escalation of innovations, incorporating extra actions to encourage foreign direct investments, will stimulate the processes of structural change of the economy in the domain of high-technological sectors increase.
Possible ways to attract private investment in a knowledge-based economy
Authors: Goryainova Liudmila , Maksimova Tatiana , Zhdanova Olga , Ermilova Mariia
Published: March 2020

The article substantiates the role of education, puts forward and confirms the hypothesis of the importance and necessity of social partnership for financing and developing education in a knowledge-based economy. To confirm the hypotheses put forward, the evolution of the concepts of social interaction and social responsibility is studied, the laws of social partnership in a knowledge-based economy are substantiated, which allows using the triple helix model to show the need for interaction between the state, universities and corporations to advance along the path of innovative development. The lack of budget funds for the development of education requires the search for other sources of financing of infrastructure facilities for education. The article discusses the use of concessions as a form of public-private partnership in preschool education, which has recently found application in Russia. Based on the study of international best practices, the authors propose using investment funds, in particular, the mechanism of the impact of investment in education as a promising technology.. One of the solutions to these problems is the mutual investment of funds in intellectual property. The formation of endowment funds for financing education and innovation in the knowledge-based economy is also widespread.
Comprehensive assessment of the Aral Sea region children’s health conditions
Authors: Tashenova Gulnara , Issayeva Raushan , Aliakparova Aigerim , Boranbayeva Riza , Sarsenova Lyazzat
Published: March 2020

A comprehensive assessment of the health status of 757 children in the Aral Sea region was performed, by assesing the direction of their pathology based on the results of medical, clinical, laboratory, instrumental and socio-psychological studies. The distribution by health groups showed a predominance of functional abnormalities among children (group II (50.0%), group III (28.7%), and chronic diseases at the age of 11-15 years. Healthy children accounted for only 9.2%. According to the structure of morbidity, vegeto-vascular dystonia dominated in 55.2%, 52.2% showed functional disorders of the digestive system and iron-deficient anemia (19.7%). The revealed psychological features manifested by a high level of anxiety in children of the Aktobe region (57, 0%). Studies have indicated low children’s health in environmentally depressed areas, which may be one of the significant factors contributing to the formation of various forms of chronic pathology.
Prospects for creating a digital service E-Lean-Hub in a lean university model
Authors: Maslova Irina , Aetdinova Rasulya , Koskin Aleksandr , Dudina Kristina
Published: March 2020

Modern universities are small cities. They have libraries, sports complexes, swimming pools, dormitories, catering, auditoriums, payment centres, and payment terminals. There are residents in them - students, teachers and employees, there are guests - applicants, parents, employers, and partners. In order to let all these work, the proper and effective management system is to be developed. Each resident and guest of the university should have an appropriate access to the resources and services according to their role. The development of digital technologies in a single university is not yet an indicator of quality of education since such technologies are just a tool. Universities are implementing a non-profit mission, but processes are becoming more and more business units, which involves the use of business management technologies in education to increase its effectiveness in the digital economy. In order to learn how to use it in a most effective way, experience of the foreign universities where such a model is already well applied and developed is crucial. In this regard, the article considers the mechanism of implementation of this system.
Features and problems of implementation of trilingual system in the secondary school in Kazakhstan
Authors: Tlemissov Ulan , Mamyrbekov Arafat , Kadyrov Aibar , Oralkanova Indira , Yessenov Syrym , Tlemissova Zhansaya
Published: March 2020

This project considers a question implementing trilingual system in secondary school in Kazakhstan. There is background information how historical and political situation have effected to language situation in the Kazakhstan, before and after independence. The special attention has been posted on the features and problems of the implementing of a trilingual system in secondary school in Kazakhstan. Several problems were highlighted such as insufficient well-educated teachers and methodological and teaching materials, a low level of English knowledge of pupils and inadequate English environment which is obstacle to implementing trilingual system. Hence, there were given some possible solutions and implications of these challenges. This paper have also studied and analysed international experience where also implemented bilingual system.
Is dyslexia real or simply a myth in education context?
Authors: Tlemissov Ulan , Saparova Gulnara , Abilmazhinov Ermek , Karimova Saltanat , Tlemissova Zhansaya
Published: March 2020

This paper considers a hot debate ensues in attempt to find a satisfactory answer to the question, ‘Is dyslexia real or simply a myth? This especially comes after remarks from a prominent member in the modern society, the Labour Backbench MP, Mr. Graham Stringer, who asserted that dyslexia was a myth brought forth by education practitioners as cover up for their poor methods of teaching. To a similar extent, the attempt to equally provide a yielding definition for the term dyslexia has also been vain, according to different researchers, the strings of meaning and concepts attached to the term appear to fit their own descriptions and past experiences. The end result of most consequential arguments and debates leave the matter unresolved, this is despite the fact that dyslexia, a type of disorder to many, is a term that has remained quite relevant in most social contexts in recent times. This paper discusses the various arguments that are put forward by main opponents and proponents to the existence of dyslexia, and concludes that dyslexia is a myth, and it is simply a term used broadly to describe the difficulties or limited abilities in demonstrating literary skills, as identified in different people, especially leaners in education contexts
Modern trends in the formation of the quality system of higher education
Authors: Minazheva Gulsharat
Published: March 2020

The trеnds in the formation, dеvеlopmеnt of the quality assurance systеm of еducation, rеvеals the prеrequisites for the creation and theoretic-pedagogical basis of the formation of the quality assurance system of education, and the history of the development of mechanisms to ensure the quality of higher education are considered in the article. The world integration processes, the international practice of forming a national system for ensuring the quality of higher education are considered. The chronology of reforms and transformations taking place in the field of education is also given. Based on a comparative-historical analysis of the formation of the quality assurance system of higher education in European countries, two periods are identified and characterized: the period before the Bologna processes; period - after the Bologna processes. Based on the analysis of world experience, the division of the existing systems of assessment of higher education into different types is shown.
Actions conduites et souhaitées pour la responsabilité sociale dans les facultés de médecine : une étude multicentrique internationale dans 20 facultés de médecine francophones
Authors: Pierre Nicolas , Offermans Anne-Marie , Huberland Vincent , Roland Michel , Pestiaux Dominique , Ladner Joel
Published: March 2020

Contexte : Le Consensus mondial sur la responsabilité sociale (RS) des facultés de médecine a été validé en 2010. L’applicabilité des concepts de RS a été très peu investiguée. But : L’objectif était d’abord d’évaluer la perception des concepts de RS chez les participants et ensuite d’évaluer les actions de RS conduites et celles souhaitées dans les facultés de médecine. Cet article analyse les résultats concernant les actions de RS. Sujets et méthodes : Un auto-questionnaire anonyme en ligne a été adressé à différents acteurs dans 20 facultés francophones de dix pays : doyens et équipes décanales, enseignants, étudiants et acteurs de la société civile. Le questionnaire ouvert identifiait les actions conduites de RS et celles souhaitées. Les occurrences des actions regroupées en thématiques ont été calculées. Elles ont été comparées aux occurrences du Consensus mondial. Les verbatim ont été analysés. Résultats : Au total, 425 participants ont été inclus, dont 41,5 % d’enseignants et 28,0 % d’étudiants. Pour les actions conduites, les principales occurrences retrouvées étaient « enseignements » et « acteurs d’enseignements » ; les principaux verbatim rapportaient la révision des curricula de formation et l’enseignement de la médecine de famille. Quant aux actions souhaitées, les « mesures d’impact des actions de RS », la révision des enseignements pour mieux répondre aux besoins de santé et le développement des stages dans la communauté étaient retrouvés. Conclusion : L’importante participation, notamment des étudiants, confirme l’intérêt, mais aussi l’avancée des concepts de RS dans les facultés des différents pays. De nombreuses innovations sont proposées par les différents acteurs. Des approches adaptées de formation et de stratégies répondant aux attentes des différents acteurs sont à mettre en œuvre.
Rate of concurrent augmented auditory feedback in postural control learning in adolescents
Authors: Sánchez-Tormo Alexis , Marco-Ahulló Adrià , Estevan Isaac , Monfort-Torres Gonzalo , García-Massó Xavier
Published: March 2020

Introduction: The main objective of this study was to determine the rate of auditory concurrent feedback that best enhanced the learning of a continuous postural task in adolescents. Material and methods: A sample of thirty adolescents (13 to 14-years old) was used, who were assigned to three groups: i) control group (CG); ii) 100% auditory feedback group and iii) 67% auditory feedback group. The subjects performed a pre-test, practice, post-test and a retention (24 hours after the practice). In the postural control task subjects were instructed to remain on a seesaw (unstable in anteroposterior position) and keeping it as level as possible. Results: The results demonstrated that concurrent auditory feedback did not enhance the performance of the continuous postural task, although concurrent auditory feedback (both 100% and 67% rates) caused changes to the postural control strategies. Conclusions: From this it was concluded that 100% and 67% concurrent auditory feedback are more recommendable than no-feedback in adolescents’ postural control learning.
Ist die Hormontherapie bei Hodenhochstand noch zeitgemäß?
Authors: Schröder Annette
Published: March 2020

Die Hormontherapie wurde über Jahrzehnte (zumindest in Europa) als integraler Bestandteil der Behandlung des Hodenhochstandes angesehen. Die Datenlage ist jedoch ausgesprochen kontrovers. Die Induktion des Deszensus gelang in vielen Studien und laut einer großen Metaanalyse nur in ca. 20 % der Fälle, einzelne kleinere Studien beschreiben bessere Ergebnisse. Auch die potenzielle Verbesserung der Fertilität wird in einigen Studien als erwiesen angegeben, andere beschreiben gegenteilige Ergebnisse.

Inzwischen wurde die Hormontherapie aus den meisten internationalen Leitlinien vollends entfernt und wird auch in Deutschland nur noch für wenige Indikationen empfohlen. Bez. der Induktion des Deszensus hat die Hormontherapie aufgrund der vielfach dokumentierten unzureichenden Wirksamkeit keinen hohen Stellenwert mehr, lediglich mit dem Ziel der potenziellen Fertilitätsverbesserung bei bilateralem Hodenhochstand wird sie noch mit einer gewissen Zurückhaltung empfohlen.

In Anbetracht der widersprüchlichen Datenlage fällt es schwer, die Hormontherapie aktuell noch zu empfehlen.
Femtosecond laser filament guided negative coronas
Authors: Wang Tie-Jun , Zhang Jianhao , Zhu Zhongbin , Liu Yaoxiang , Chen Na , Guo Hao , Sun Haiyi , Leng Yuxin , Chin See Leang , Li Ruxin
Published: March 2020

We report on the experimental investigation of femtosecond laser filament guided negative coronas. When the coupling between the filament and negative corona was weak, the side fluorescence spectral analysis confirmed the existence of impact ionization although less effect on the filament length was observed. When the coupling was strong so that the negative corona was well connected with the filament, the filament guided coronas at the ends of laser filaments were observed. The newly generated negative coronas were confined around the filament axis, and no streamer-type of coronas guided by the filament was observed under conditions similar to those reported in the work of Wang et al. [Sci. Rep. 5, 18681 (2015)] although both could give rise to an elongation of the filament. A physical picture was proposed to understand the processes of the laser filament guided coronas.
Crystal structures and electron-density distributions of Y(Fe, M)12 (M = Si, Ti, V, Cr, Mo, and W) determined by Rietveld and MEM analyses
Authors: Suzuki Hiroyuki
Published: March 2020

The crystal structures of Y(Fe, M)12 (where M = Si, Ti, V, Cr, Mo, and W) were investigated by Rietveld analyses, and electron-density distributions were estimated by the maximum entropy method. There were no substituting elements to distort the lattice similarly. While the sites arranged selectively according to the element did not move necessarily, the distance between two atoms in the 8i site (an iron dumbbell) could change freely. Electron-density distributions revealed isolated iron dumbbells and a bonding network between Y, 8f, and 8j sites. Moreover, the connection in an iron dumbbell was much stronger than any other connection. As the substituting amount of the tungsten element increases, the electron density at interstitial positions increases. However, the high electron density disappears by over-substitution. It was suggested that the network of 22-hedrons, which configured the Y, 8f, and 8j sites, correlates with the thermal stability of the ThMn12 structure.
Acoustic computational metamaterials for dispersion Fourier transform in time domain
Authors: Lv Zengyao , Ding Yuanshuai , Pei Yongmao
Published: March 2020

Acoustic computational metamaterials have enabled the realization of mathematical operations in the spatial domain. Here, we design acoustic computational metamaterials for performing a dispersion Fourier transform in a real-time domain. We proceed with our design using a “U” shape runway acoustic tube metamaterial with an almost linear group delay and flat amplitude with respect to acoustic frequency at around 4.45 kHz. We demonstrate our design by testing the real-time performance of three different types of pulse responses of the metamaterial, compared to the exact solutions of the Fourier transform of input signals. The simulated output results show a good fit to the exact solutions. We expect that acoustic computational metamaterials will enable new capabilities in signal acquisition and processing, network computing, and drive new applications of sound waves.
Experimental and computational analysis of thermal environment in the operation of HfO2 memristors
Authors: Pahinkar Darshan G. , Basnet Pradip , West Matthew P. , Zivasatienraj Bill , Weidenbach Alex , Doolittle W. Alan , Vogel Eric , Graham Samuel
Published: March 2020

Neuromorphic computation using nanoscale adaptive oxide devices or memristors is a very promising alternative to the conventional digital computing framework. Oxides of transition metals, such as hafnium (HfOx), have been proven to be excellent candidate materials for these devices, because they show non-volatile memory and analog switching characteristics. This work presents a comprehensive study of the transport phenomena in HfOx based memristors and involves the development of a fully coupled electrothermal and mass transport model that is validated with electrical and thermal metrology experiments. The fundamental transport mechanisms in HfOx devices were analyzed together with the local and temporal variation of voltage, current, and temperature. The effect of thermal conductivity of substrate materials on the filament temperature, voltage ramp rate, and set/reset characteristics was investigated. These analyses provide insight into the switching mechanisms of these oxides and allow for the prediction of the effect of device architecture on switching behavior.
Large eddy simulation of the separated flow transition on the suction surface of a high subsonic compressor airfoil
Authors: Wang Mingyang , Li Ziliang , Yang Chengwu , Zhao Shengfeng , Zhang Yanfeng , Lu Xingen
Published: March 2020

A large eddy simulation (LES) was conducted to investigate the separated flow transition on the suction surface of a high subsonic compressor airfoil at two Reynolds number (Re) conditions (1.5 × 105 and 0.8 × 105). The detailed vortex evolution in the separated shear layer was revealed. The instability amplification in the transition process and the associated loss mechanism were clarified. At Re = 1.5 × 105, the two-dimensional spanwise vortices shed periodically and were further distorted with the interaction of the streamwise evolving vortices, and then, small vortices were generated in the streamwise pairing of the neighboring spanwise vortices. Finally, three-dimensional hairpin vortices broke down into small-scale turbulent structures near the reattachment, along with the “ejection-sweeping” process near the wall. When the Reynolds number decreased to 0.8 × 105, the initial vortex shedding was not periodic, but the subsequent vortex evolution process was very similar to the case of Re = 1.5 × 105. The results have demonstrated the importance of the Tollmien–Schlichting (T–S) mechanism for the initial growth of disturbances in the attached boundary layer, but the transition process that occurred in the separated shear layer was dominated by the inviscid Kelvin–Helmholtz (K–H) instability. Moreover, a secondary instability observed in the vortex pairing process was supposed to have a great impact on the onset of transition. With the decrease in Re, the shear layer instability declined to a lower level, leading to a delayed transition. In addition, the deformation works associated with the Reynolds shear stress was found to be mainly responsible for the loss generation in the transitional flow. Compared with the traditional Reynolds average Navier–Stokes method, the LES was more accurate in predicting the profile loss at a low Re.
Separative extended-gate AlGaAs/GaAs HEMT biosensors based on capacitance change strategy
Authors: Yu Jiahuan , Xu Mengke , Liang Lingyan , Guan Min , Zhang Yang , Yan Feng , Cao Hongtao
Published: March 2020

Separative extended-gate AlGaAs/GaAs high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) biosensors based on the capacitance change strategy are proposed and fabricated. The working mechanism underlying this strategy is clearly clarified via examining the capacitance evolution on biorecognition and the capacitance matching issue between the HEMT and the sensing pad. The fabricated biosensors demonstrate a good linear current/voltage response to a label-free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) target over a broad concentration range of 100 fg/ml to 10 ng/ml in both 0.1× and 1× phosphate buffered saline solutions. Specifically, the sensitivity variation approaches 8.7% dec−1 at the critical concentration level of 2–8 ng/ml that enters the normal PSA region in the human body. The advantages of high sensitivity, low-cost, and convenience of usage make the proposed HEMT biosensors potential candidates for prostate cancer diagnosis.
On the direct measurement of the adiabatic temperature change of magnetocaloric materials
Authors: Cugini F. , Solzi M.
Published: March 2020

Direct measurement of an adiabatic temperature change in magnetocaloric materials is fundamental to design efficient and eco-friendly magnetocooling devices. This work reports an overview of the measurement principle and the main experimental issues that have to be considered to obtain a reliable characterization of materials. The effect of non-ideal adiabatic conditions, the role of the temperature sensor, and the influence of specific properties of the material are discussed on the basis of finite-difference thermal simulations and specially designed experiments. Two cases are considered in detail: the characterization of thin samples and the measurement of caloric response to fast field changes. Finally, the impact of different measurement protocols is discussed in the case of materials with first-order transitions.
Controlled doping of graphene by impurity charge compensation via a polarized ferroelectric polymer
Authors: Figueroa Kelotchi S. , Pinto Nicholas J. , Mandyam Srinivas V. , Zhao Meng-Qiang , Wen Chengyu , Masih Das Paul , Gao Zhaoli , Drndić Marija , Charlie Johnson A. T.
Published: March 2020

A simple technique of doping graphene by manipulating adsorbed impurity charges is presented. Using a field effect transistor configuration, controlled polarization of a ferroelectric polymer gate is used to compensate and neutralize charges of one type. The uncompensated charges of the opposite type then dope graphene. Both n- and p-type doping are possible by this method, which is non-destructive and reversible. We observe a change in n-type dopant concentration of 8 × 1012 cm−2 and a change in electron mobility of 650%. The electron and hole mobilities are inversely proportional to the impurity concentration, as predicted by theory. Selective doping of graphene can be achieved using this method by patterning gate electrodes at strategic locations and programming them independently. Such charge control without introducing hard junctions, therefore, permits seamless integration of multiple devices on a continuous graphene film.
Electroosmosis of a viscoelastic fluid over non-uniformly charged surfaces: Effect of fluid relaxation and retardation time
Authors: Mahapatra Bimalendu , Bandopadhyay Aditya
Published: March 2020

We investigate the electroosmotic flow of a quasi-linear viscoelastic fluid over a surface having charge modulation in narrow confinements. We obtain analytical solutions using a combination of regular and matched asymptotic expansions in order to describe the viscoelastic flow field and apparent slip velocity besides pinpointing variations of the flow rate and ionic currents due to the surface charge modulation. We demonstrate excellent agreement between the asymptotic analytical solution for the flow field and the full numerical solution in the limiting condition of a thin electrical double layer and weakly viscoelastic fluid. For a wide range of flow governing parameters, we analyze the flow velocity, vortex dynamics, flow rates, and streaming current. We demonstrate that the magnitude of the observed electroosmotic slip velocity is more sensitive to the thickness of the electrical double layer rather than the viscoelasticity of the fluid. We have observed that the contribution of fluid elasticity is prominent in breaking the axial symmetry in the electroosmotic flow with the presence of periodic charge distributions, which is in contrast to the symmetric electroosmotic flow field of a Newtonian fluid over the same charge modulated walls. The results hold the key toward understanding the flow of biological fluids in microfluidic flows by leveraging electrokinetic transport over charge modulated surfaces. We believe that the results of net throughput, streaming current, and vortex dynamics will aid our understanding of the complex fluid behavior and microfluidic mixers.
The
TMEM189
gene encodes plasmanylethanolamine desaturase which introduces the characteristic vinyl ether double bond into plasmalogens
Authors: Werner Ernst R. , Keller Markus A. , Sailer Sabrina , Lackner Katharina , Koch Jakob , Hermann Martin , Coassin Stefan , Golderer Georg , Werner-Felmayer Gabriele , Zoeller Raphael A. , Hulo Nicolas , Berger Johannes , Watschinger Katrin
Published: March 2020

Significance

Although sequencing of the human genome was completed years ago, we still do not know about the physiological significance of thousands of predicted proteins, particularly of predicted membrane proteins. On the other hand, for approximately 100 human enzymes, no coding gene is known even though their enzymatic reaction has been well characterized. In this work, we assign one of those predicted membrane proteins (transmembrane protein 189; TMEM189) to one of the enzymatic reactions with an uncharacterized gene (plasmanylethanolamine desaturase). This enzyme catalyzes the final step in the biosynthesis of plasmalogens, an abundant class of glycerophospholipids that is depleted in such diseases as Alzheimer’s. Our findings enable interpretation of the previously characterized impaired growth phenotype of
Tmem189
-deficient mice.
Superconductivity found in meteorites
Authors: Wampler James , Thiemens Mark , Cheng Shaobo , Zhu Yimei , Schuller Ivan K.
Published: March 2020

Meteorites can contain a wide range of material phases due to the extreme environments found in space and are ideal candidates to search for natural superconductivity. However, meteorites are chemically inhomogeneous, and superconducting phases in them could potentially be minute, rendering detection of these phases difficult. To alleviate this difficulty, we have studied meteorite samples with the ultrasensitive magnetic field modulated microwave spectroscopy (MFMMS) technique [J. G. Ramírez, A. C. Basaran, J. de la Venta, J. Pereiro, I. K. Schuller,
Rep. Prog. Phys.
77, 093902 (2014)]. Here, we report the identification of superconducting phases in two meteorites, Mundrabilla, a group IAB iron meteorite [R. Wilson, A. Cooney,
Nature
213, 274–275 (1967)] and GRA 95205, a ureilite [J. N. Grossman,
Meteorit. Planet. Sci.
33, A221–A239 (1998)]. MFMMS measurements detected superconducting transitions in samples from each, above 5 K. By subdividing and remeasuring individual samples, grains containing the largest superconducting fraction were isolated. The superconducting grains were then characterized with a series of complementary techniques, including vibrating-sample magnetometry (VSM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and numerical methods. These measurements and analysis identified the likely phases as alloys of lead, indium, and tin.
Mixed lineage kinase 3 inhibition induces T cell activation and cytotoxicity
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Singh Sunil Kumar , Viswakarma Navin , Sondarva Gautam , Nair Rakesh Sathish , Sethupathi Periannan , Sinha Subhash C. , Emmadi Rajyasree , Hoskins Kent , Danciu Oana , Thatcher Gregory R. J. , Rana Basabi , Rana Ajay
Published: March 2020

Significance

The agents that inhibit mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are reported to have antineoplastic efficacies; however, their impact on immune cells is not clearly defined. We identified that genetic loss/inhibition of a MAP3K member, MLK3, increases CD8
+
T cell cytotoxicity via inhibition of a prolyl isomerase, Ppia, and nuclear translocation of NFATc1. The MLK3 inhibitor increased the tumor infiltration of cytotoxic T cells in an immune-competent mouse model of breast cancer. Similarly, the MLK3 inhibitor increased the cytotoxic T cell population in pan T cells isolated from breast cancer patients with metastatic disease. These results suggest that small-molecule inhibitor of MLK3 might have clinical usage even in the advanced stage of the disease, where tumor-induced immunosuppression is frequent.
The affordances and challenges of wearable technologies for training public service interpreters
Authors: Eser Oktay , Lai Miranda , Saltan Fatih
Published: March 2020

Interpreter training has evolved from traditional face-to-face classroom settings to alternative modes of delivery such as online and blended learning because of the rise in information and communication technology. The limited body of literature shows that the most documented pedagogical application of interpreter training delivery is via virtual learning environments such as Moodle and Blackboard. To enrich the literature on technology use in interpreter training, a pilot project was conducted in which participant students and trainers accessed a three-dimensional virtual environment using wearable technology (i.e., three-dimensional virtual reality glasses) and students practiced interpreting using a prerecorded animated dialogue. A virtual reality platform was built using Unity 3D and run on Android to host the piloted dialogue, with a view to adding dialogues in the future to develop it into a healthcare interpreting training platform. Qualitative data collected through observations and semi-structured interviews were analyzed. The results show that using wearable devices in interpreter training has the potential to create immersive simulated environments for auto­nomous learning and to improve interpreter training when used with instructional support. However, challenges including physiological effects, level of authenticity, and the need for equipment support warrant further exploration and refinement of its pedagogical application in the future.
Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of 316H weld metal during aging
Authors: Wei Shitong , Zhao Langlang , Gao Dianbao , Lu Shanping
Published: March 2020

A standard 316H welding wire was used to obtain 6% δ-ferrite in the weld metal by the automatic tungsten inert gas welding. The effect of aging time at 750°C on microstructure and mechanical properties of the weld metal were analysed. The results showed that as the aging time increased, the δ-ferrite fraction decreased, and finally, δ-ferrite was no longer seen, the M23C6 fraction first increased and then decreased, and the σ phase fraction increased. Finally, the fractions of M23C6 and σ phase kept stable, but the size increased. Accordingly, as the aging time increased, the yield and tensile strengths first decreased significantly, then increased obviously and finally decreased slightly again, while the elongation and impact energy decreased all the time.
Predictors and Moderators of Response to Brief Interventions among Adolescents with Risky Alcohol and Marijuana Use
Authors: Becker Sara J. , Marceau Kristine , Helseth Sarah A. , Hernandez Lynn , Spirito Anthony
Published: March 2020

Background: Brief interventions have shown promise in reducing adolescent alcohol and marijuana use. This manuscript presents a secondary analysis of a randomized trial that compared a brief parent motivational intervention (Family Check Up; FCU) to brief psychoeducation (PE) condition and found no effect of treatment condition on either binge drinking or marijuana use days. The current analyses explored whether the response to treatment may have varied as a function of six empirically-based baseline moderators and predictors: biological sex, age, race/ethnicity, mental health problems, parent-adolescent communication, and peer deviance. Methods: Data from the parent trial randomizing 102 parents to either the FCU ( n = 51) or PE ( n = 51) interventions were re-analyzed across four time points (baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-months). Moderators and predictors were tested via a series of hierarchical linear models. Results: Parent-adolescent communication and peer deviance emerged as significant predictors of adolescent treatment response. Specifically, low-levels of parent-adolescent communication or peer deviance were associated with worse treatment response (i.e., significant increases in binge drinking days and marijuana use days) in the PE condition, but not in the FCU condition. Non-Hispanic Whites and girls had worse treatment response, regardless of treatment condition. Conclusions: The FCU condition appeared to mitigate risks of poor parent-adolescent communication and affiliation with deviant peers better than the PE condition. Clinical recommendations for decision-making around assignment to brief interventions are discussed.
Availability of information for dosing commonly used medications in special ICU populations
Authors: Eastman Candice , Erstad Brian L
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Medication product labeling was reviewed to determine if sufficient information is available to appropriately calculate dosing regimens for special intensive care unit (ICU) populations, including patients at extremes of body habitus and patients receiving hemodialysis, continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Methods

The labeling of the 100 most commonly used injectable medications in the adult ICUs of an academic medical center in Arizona were evaluated. Any information related to adult weight-based dosing, weight descriptors, dosing of patients at extremes of weight (body mass index of <18.5 or >40 kg/m2), and dosing of patients receiving hemodialysis, CRRT, or ECMO was extracted from Food and Drug Administration–approved product labeling. Information was ranked for dosing usefulness on a scale of 0 to 3; an information usefulness score of 2 or greater was considered minimally adequate for dosing special ICU populations.

Results

Among the 100 medications evaluated, the labeling of 47 provided information on weight-based dosing, with the labeling of 30% referring to a specific weight descriptor. The labeling of 15 medications had information on dosing for patients at extremes of body habitus: underweight (3 medications), obesity (12 medications), and extreme obesity (2 medications), with the labeling of 8 medications receiving an information usefulness score of ≥2 (2, 6, and 1 medication in the respective categories). Among the 42 medications whose labeling provided hemodialysis-related dosing information, the labeled information of 52% was assigned a usefulness score of ≥2; among the 3 medications with CRRT-related dosing information, the labeling of 1 received a score of ≥2. ECMO-related dosing information was available for 2 medications, with 1 score of ≥2 assigned.

Conclusion

Information in the product labeling of injectable medications commonly used in the ICU is limited and generally inadequate for calculating an appropriate dose for special ICU populations.
PolishEM: image enhancement in FIB–SEM
Authors: Fernandez Jose-Jesus , Torres Teobaldo E , Martin-Solana Eva , Goya Gerardo F , Fernandez-Fernandez Maria-Rosario
Published: March 2020

We have developed a software tool to improve the image quality in focused ion beam–scanning electron microscopy (FIB–SEM) stacks: PolishEM. Based on a Gaussian blur model, it automatically estimates and compensates for the blur affecting each individual image. It also includes correction for artifacts commonly arising in FIB–SEM (e.g. curtaining). PolishEM has been optimized for an efficient processing of huge FIB–SEM stacks on standard computers.

Availability and implementation

PolishEM has been developed in C. GPL source code and binaries for Linux, OSX and Windows are available at http://www.cnb.csic.es/%7ejjfernandez/polishem.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
DHH Students’ Phoneme Repetition Awareness in Sentence Reading
Authors: Li Degao , Lin Kuan
Published: March 2020

To examine deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) students’ awareness of phoneme repetition in Chinese sentence reading, two experiments were conducted in the self-paced, moving-window reading paradigm. The materials comprised sentences in which Chinese characters that sequentially followed each other shared similar spelling initials and finals in Experiments 1 and 2, respectively. In comparison to hearing participants, DHH participants were more likely to find it more time-consuming to read sentences with, as opposed to without, phoneme repetitions. However, their difficulty in phonological processing seemed to be linked to their weakness at syntactic skilfulness, thus having a negative influence on their reading performance. It is concluded that Chinese DHH college students have developed a phoneme repetition awareness which is different from how hearing college students are aware of phoneme repetitions in Chinese sentence reading. It is implicated that DHH students are able to develop their own skills of phonological information processing in sentence reading as a result of many practices.
Correlation of magnetic resonance imaging and post-ablation endoscopy to detect oesophageal thermal injury in patients after atrial fibrillation ablation: MRI-EDEL-study
Authors: Halbfass Philipp , Lehmkuhl Lukas , Foldyna Borek , Berkovitz Artur , Sonne Kai , Nentwich Karin , Ene Elena , Fochler Franziska , Hörning Frank , Matveeva Anna , Lüsebrink Ulrich , Deneke Thomas
Published: March 2020

Aims 

To correlate oesophageal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities with ablation-induced oesophageal injury detected in endoscopy.

Methods and results 

Ablation-naïve patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), who underwent ablation using a contact force sensing irrigated radiofrequency ablation catheter, received a cardiac MRI on the day of ablation, and post-ablation oesophageal endoscopy (OE) 1 day after ablation. Two MRI expert readers recorded presence of abnormal oesophageal tissue signal intensities, defined as increased oesophageal signal in T2-fat-saturated (T2fs), short-tau inversion-recovery (STIR), or late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) sequences. Oesophageal endoscopy was performed by experienced operators. Finally, we correlated the presence of any affection with endoscopically detected oesophageal thermal lesions (EDEL). Among 50 consecutive patients (age 67 ± 7 years, 60% male), who received post-ablation MRI and OE, complete MRI data were available in 44 of 50 (88%) patients. In OE, 7 of 50 (14%) presented with EDEL (Category 1 lesion: erosion n = 3, Category 2 lesion: ulcer n = 4). Among those with EDEL, 6 of 7 (86%) patients presented with increased signal intensities in all three MRI sequences, while only 2 of 37 (5%) showed hyperintensities in all three MRI sequences and negative endoscopy. Correspondingly, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value (NPV) for MRI (increased signal in T2fs, STIR, and LGE) were 86%, 95%, 75%, and 97%, respectively.

Conclusion 

Increased signal intensity in T2fs, STIR, and LGE represents independent markers of EDEL. In particular, the combination of all three has the highest diagnostic value. Hence, MRI may represent an accurate, non-invasive method to exclude acute oesophageal injury after AF ablation (NPV: 97%).
Cost-effectiveness of remote monitoring of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators in France: a meta-analysis and an integrated economic model derived from randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sequeira Saannya , Jarvis Christopher I , Benchouche Akram , Seymour Jerome , Tadmouri Abir
Published: March 2020

Aims

Cost-effectiveness data on the remote monitoring (RM) of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) compared to the current standard of care (SC) remains limited. This meta-analysis was performed to assess the economic burden, and to develop an integrated economic model evaluating the efficiency of the RM strategy vs. SC in the context of French healthcare.

Methods and results

Randomized controlled trials, comparing RM to SC in patients implanted with ICDs with or without resynchronization therapy (±CRT-D), were identified through a systematic search of scientific literature databases dating from 2005. Seventeen trials (10 229 patients) reporting data on clinical outcomes, quality of life, cost, and/or utility, either as primary or secondary endpoints were identified. Compared to SC, RM resulted in significant reductions in annual costs per patient for direct healthcare costs (seven studies, difference in means −276.1, 95% standard error [SE]: 66.0, I2 = 76.3%) and for labour costs (two studies, difference in means −11.3, 95% SE: 1.4, I2 = 96.3%). A three-state Markov Model showed that RM resulted in cost-savings of €4142 per patient over a 5-year time horizon, with a quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gain of 0.29. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was −14 136 €/QALY, in favour of RM. Furthermore, probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed that the RM strategy was dominant over SC in 70% of cases.

Conclusion

Our economic model demonstrates that once implemented, RM of ICD ± CRT-D patients would result in increased effectiveness for lower costs over a 5-year period, compared to the current SC in France.
Chitinolytic proteins secreted by Cellulosimicrobium sp. NTK2
Authors: Niki Daisuke , Higashitani Akari , Osada Haruki , Bito Tomohiro , Shimizu Katsuhiko , Arima Jiro
Published: March 2020

Cellulosimicrobium sp. NTK2 (NTK2 strain) was isolated as a chitinolytic bacterium from mature compost derived from chitinous waste. The growth of the NTK2 strain was enhanced by supplementation of the culture medium with 2% crystalline chitin. Approximately 70% of the supplemented crystalline chitin was degraded during cultivation. Whole genome analysis of the NTK2 strain identified eight chitinases and two chitin-binding proteins. The NTK2 strain secreted two bacterial extracellular solute-binding proteins, three family 18 glycosyl hydrolases and one lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase specifically in the presence of crystalline chitin. A chitinolytic enzyme with a molecular mass of 29 kDa on SDS-PAGE under native conditions was also secreted. This chitinolytic enzyme exhibited the largest band upon zymography but could not be identified. In an attempt to identify all the chitinases secreted by the NTK2 strain, we expressed recombinant versions of the proteins exhibiting chitinolytic activity in Escherichia coli. Our results suggest that the 29 kDa protein belonging to family 19 glycosyl hydrolase was expressed specifically in the presence of 2% crystalline chitin.
Bordetella pertussis Induces Interferon Gamma Production by Natural Killer Cells, Resulting in Chemoattraction by Respiratory Epithelial Cells
Authors: den Hartog Gerco , Schijf Marcel A , Berbers Guy A M , van der Klis Fiona R M , Buisman Anne-Marie
Published: March 2020

Background

Whooping cough is caused by infection of the airways with Bordetella pertussis (Bp). As interferon gamma (IFN-γ) is essential for protective immunity against Bp, we investigated how IFN-γ is induced by Bp or the virulence antigens filamentous hemagglutinin adhesin, pertactin, or pertussis toxin, and how IFN-γ contributes to local immune responses in humans.

Methods

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors and/or respiratory epithelial cells were stimulated with soluble antigens or inactivated intact Bp and the presence or absence of blocking antibodies or chemokines. Supernatants and cells were analyzed for IFN-γ and chemokine production, and lymphocyte migration was tested using epithelial supernatants.

Results

The soluble antigens failed to induce IFN-γ production, whereas inactivated Bp induced IFN-γ production. Natural killer (NK) cells were the main source of IFN-γ production, which was enhanced by interleukin 15. Epithelial–PBMC co-cultures showed robust IFN-γ–dependent CXCL9 and CXCL10 production by the epithelial cells following stimulation with IFN-γ and Bp. The epithelial-derived chemokines resulted in CXCR3-dependent recruitment of NK and T cells.

Conclusions

Inactivated Bp, but not antigens, induced potent IFN-γ production by NK cells, resulting in chemoattraction of lymphocytes toward the respiratory epithelium. These data provide insight into the requirements for IFN-γ production and how IFN-γ enhances local immune responses to prevent Bp-mediated disease.