bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Valorização docente e carreira do magistério no município de Guarulhos
Authors: Jacomini Márcia Aparecida , Penna Marieta Gouvêa de Oliveira , Bello Isabel Melero 
Published: June 2023

Este artigo apresenta alguns resultados de pesquisa mais ampla, intitulada “Condições de trabalho e relações de classe dos docentes da rede básica de ensino no município de Guarulhos-SP”, realizada entre 2013 e 2014.A pesquisa teve como objetivo investigar aspectos da carreira do magistério desse município, a partir de legislações nacional e municipal que regulamentam os Planos de Carreira Docente; de dados educacionais do município; de dados do banco GEPECSO (2014), sobre a percepção dos professores em relação à carreira; e de entrevistas realizadas com seis professoras de três escolas escolhidas por seu porte e localização. Observou-se que o Plano de Carreira está em conformidade com a legislação nacional e que o vencimento base em 2015 era superior ao Piso Salarial Profissional Nacional (PSPN). Contudo, questões previstas no Plano, ainda não regulamentadas, como avaliação de desempenho, têm atrasado e prejudicado a melhoria dos salários e das condições de trabalho dos professores guarulhenses.
Semaphorin-6D and Plexin-A1 Act in a Non–Cell-Autonomous Manner to Position and Target Retinal Ganglion Cell Axons
Authors: Prieur Delphine S. , Francius Cédric , Gaspar Patricia , Mason Carol A. , Rebsam Alexandra 
Published: June 2023

Semaphorins and Plexins form ligand/receptor pairs that are crucial for a wide range of developmental processes from cell proliferation to axon guidance. The ability of semaphorins to act both as signaling receptors and ligands yields a multitude of responses. Here, we describe a novel role for Semaphorin-6D (Sema6D) and Plexin-A1 in the positioning and targeting of retinogeniculate axons. InPlexin-A1orSema6Dmutant mice of either sex, the optic tract courses through, rather than along, the border of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN), and some retinal axons ectopically arborize adjacent and lateral to the optic tract rather than defasciculating and entering the target region. We find that Sema6D and Plexin-A1 act together in a dose-dependent manner, as the number of the ectopic retinal projections is altered in proportion to the level of Sema6D or Plexin-A1 expression. Moreover, using retinalin uteroelectroporation of Sema6D or Plexin-A1 shRNA, we show that Sema6D and Plexin-A1 are both required in retinal ganglion cells for axon positioning and targeting. Strikingly, nonelectroporated retinal ganglion cell axons also mistarget in the tract region, indicating that Sema6D and Plexin-A1 can act non–cell-autonomously, potentially through axon–axon interactions. These data provide novel evidence for a dose-dependent and non–cell-autonomous role for Sema6D and Plexin-A1 in retinal axon organization in the optic tract and dLGN.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTBefore innervating their central brain targets, retinal ganglion cell axons fasciculate in the optic tract and then branch and arborize in their target areas. Upon deletion of the guidance molecules Plexin-A1 or Semaphorin-6D, the optic tract becomes disorganized near and extends within the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus. In addition, some retinal axons form ectopic aggregates within the defasciculated tract. Sema6D and Plexin-A1 act together as a receptor-ligand pair in a dose-dependent manner, and non–cell-autonomously, to produce this developmental aberration. Such a phenotype highlights an underappreciated role for axon guidance molecules in tract cohesion and appropriate defasciculation near, and arborization within, targets.
Visual Information Is Predictively Encoded in Occipital Alpha/Low-Beta Oscillations
Authors: Turner William , Blom Tessel , Hogendoorn Hinze 
Published: June 2023

Hierarchical predictive coding networks are a general model of sensory processing in the brain. Under neural delays, these networks have been suggested to naturally generate oscillatory activity in approximately the α frequency range (∼8-12 Hz). This suggests that α oscillations, a prominent feature of EEG recordings, may be a spectral “fingerprint” of predictive sensory processing. Here, we probed this possibility by investigating whether oscillations over the visual cortex predictively encode visual information. Specifically, we examined whether their power carries information about the position of a moving stimulus, in a temporally predictive fashion. In two experiments (N= 32, 18 female;N= 34, 17 female), participants viewed an apparent-motion stimulus moving along a circular path while EEG was recorded. To investigate the encoding of stimulus-position information, we developed a method of deriving probabilistic spatial maps from oscillatory power estimates. With this method, we demonstrate that it is possible to reconstruct the trajectory of a moving stimulus from α/low-β oscillations, tracking its position even across unexpected motion reversals. We also show that future position representations are activated in the absence of direct visual input, demonstrating that temporally predictive mechanisms manifest in α/β band oscillations. In a second experiment, we replicate these findings and show that the encoding of information in this range is not driven by visual entrainment. By demonstrating that occipital α/β oscillations carry stimulus-related information, in a temporally predictive fashion, we provide empirical evidence of these rhythms as a spectral “fingerprint” of hierarchical predictive processing in the human visual system.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT“Hierarchical predictive coding” is a general model of sensory information processing in the brain. Whenin silicopredictive coding models are constrained by neural transmission delays, their activity naturally oscillates in roughly the α range (∼8-12 Hz). Using time-resolved EEG decoding, we show that neural rhythms in this approximate range (α/low-β) over the human visual cortex predictively encode the position of a moving stimulus. From the amplitude of these oscillations, we are able to reconstruct the stimulus' trajectory, revealing signatures of temporally predictive processing. This provides direct neural evidence linking occipital α/β rhythms to predictive visual processing, supporting the emerging view of such oscillations as a potential spectral “fingerprint” of hierarchical predictive processing in the human visual system.
McKittrick–Wheelock syndrome presenting with presumed paraneoplastic syndrome extra-ocular muscle enlargement masquerading as thyroid eye disease
Authors: Ahmad Waqar , Hartley Matthew , Singh Shweta , Motohashi Kenzo , Tee Su Ann , Dallal Helen , Kamali Dariush , Matthews Christopher , Kamaruddin Shafie 
Published: June 2023

Summary
Paraneoplastic syndromes (PS) are uncommon and are known to mimic other clinical entities, often carrying significant morbidity and mortality. The commonest cause of extra-ocular muscle enlargement (EOME) is thyroid eye disease (TED). Rarely, PS can cause EOME and masquerade as TED. We describe a 52-year-old female who presented with diarrhoea, acute kidney injury and electrolyte imbalance. An ophthalmic review identified right upper lid retraction. MRI orbits showed increased thickness of the inferior and medial recti bilaterally, presumed as TED. Whilst investigating her diarrhoea, imaging revealed a large rectosigmoid tumour which required surgical excision. In the context of electrolyte disturbance and acute kidney injury, a diagnosis of McKittrick–Wheelock syndrome (MWS) was made. Following successful surgery, electrolyte imbalance, diarrhoea and eyelid retraction improved. Repeat MRI orbits displayed complete resolution of EOME. To our knowledge, this is the first case of MWS presenting with PS-EOME masquerading as TED.

Learning points

McKittrick–Wheelock syndrome (MWS) is a rare disorder, although likely under-recognised, which is characterised by diarrhoea, dehydration and electrolyte depletion that results from a hypersecretory colorectal neoplasm.

Definitive treatment of MWS involves the resection of the colorectal neoplasm.

Bilateral ophthalmopathy that appears to be Graves’ ophthalmopathy on imaging, though clinical and biochemical evidence fails to identify a thyroid pathology, has been associated with malignancy on rare occasions. Such patients should be investigated for potential malignant causes of their ophthalmopathy.
Metabolomic profile of patients on levothyroxine treatment for hypothyroidism
Authors: Benabdelkamel Hicham , Jaber Malak A , Dahabiyeh Lina A , Masood Afshan , Almalki Reem H , Musambil Mohthash , Abdel Rahman Anas M , Alfadda Assim A 
Published: June 2023

Background
Hypothyroidism is clinically characterized by a decrease in levels of the circulating thyroid hormones namely thyroxine and triiodothyronine. The main treatment for hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement using levothyroxine to normalize serum thyroid hormone levels.

Objectives
In this study, we explored the metabolic changes in the plasma of patients with hypothyroidism after reaching a euthyroid state with levothyroxine treatment.

Methods
Plasma samples from 18 patients diagnosed as overt hypothyroidism were collected before and after levothyroxine treatment upon reaching a euthyroid state and were analyzed by high-resolution mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. Multivariate and univariate analyses evaluated data to highlight potential metabolic biomarkers.

Results
Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics revealed a significant decrease in the levels of ceramide, phosphatidylcholine, triglycerides, acylcarnitine, and peptides after levothyroxine treatment; this could indicate a change in the fatty acid transportation system and an enhanced β-oxidation, compared with a hypothyroid state. At the same time, the decrease in the peptides suggested a shift in protein synthesis. In addition, there was a considerable rise in glycocholic acid following therapy, suggesting the involvement of thyroid hormones in stimulating bile acid production and secretion.

Conclusions
A metabolomic analysis of patients with hypothyroidism revealed significant changes in several metabolites and lipids after treatment. This study showed the value of the metabolomics technique in providing a complementary understanding of the pathophysiology of hypothyroidism and as a crucial tool for examining the molecular impact of levothyroxine treatment on hypothyroidism. It was an important tool for investigating the therapeutic effects of levothyroxine on hypothyroidism at the molecular level.
University Students’ Perspectives on Online Learning via the Microsoft Teams Platform
Authors: Stramkale Ligita 
Published: June 2023

Aim. The aim of the study was to determine students’ perspectives on collaboration, the study process and motivation while using the Microsoft Teams (MS Teams) platform for online learning.
Methods. The study involved 124 (N=124) students of 1st-level higher professional education, bachelor’s and master’s study programmes, who studied in full-time and part-time study forms. The study addressed three research questions. RQ1: What are students’ perspectives on collaboration while learning online via the MS Teams platform and whether their opinions depend on age, study level, form of study and course? RQ2: What are students’ perspectives on the study process via the MS Teams platform, and whether their views influenced by age, study level, study form and course? RQ3: What is the students’ motivation to study online on the MS Teams platform, and does it depend on age, level of study, study form and course? The study used statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 22.0) for quantitative data analysis.
Results. The students believe that they can easily collaborate on the MS Teams platform. Students' perspectives on collaboration are not related to study form, the level of study, or the course, but in some instances, are connected with the age of the students. The majority of students evaluate the study process on MS Teams positively. Their views are not related to study form, the course or the age, but in some cases, connected with the level of study. The students’ motivation to study online using MS Teams is grown by reducing time consumption, the convenience of learning in their environment and the ability to complete the tasks easier, but their motivation could decrease because this form of study is less exciting compared with face-to-face and does not create satisfaction.
Conclusion. The study concluded that: Firstly, with increasing age, student satisfaction with mutual collaboration on the MS Team platform declines, secondly students of the lower-level programme believe they are more likely to ask questions, receive feedback, and understand information than those who study in the higher-level programme, thirdly young students and those who study in the lower-level programme find learning online via the MS Teams platform more exciting than older students and those who study in the higher-level programme. Further research needs to find out why students of the lower-level study programmes believe they are more likely to ask questions, receive feedback and understand information while learning online on MS Teams, and it is also essential to investigate what factors determine whether or not studies are exciting.
Learning by Playing. A Case Study of the Education in Photography by Digital Games
Authors: Mago Zdenko , Wojciechowski Łukasz P. , Balážiková Magdaléna , Shelton Amiee J. 
Published: June 2023

Aim. The study aims to explore the current state of digital game-based learning to reflect the extent, possibilities, opportunities, and limitations of its implementation in the specific field of education as visual art, especially photography.
Method. The explorative study employed the method of theoretical analysis of available literature and other secondary sources related to the issue, and subsequently applied the method of an illustrative (descriptive) case study.
Results. Photo modes of commercially available digital games, originally intended to increase the players’ retention and participation, have led to the birth of a new art form, virtual photography. The technology of photo modes in a larger variety of recent games has made virtual photography available to significantly more players. Photo modes provide artistic control and creative options alongside a whole catalogue of lenses, camera parameters, and other features, reducing the financial burden associated with the purchase of photographic equipment. Furthermore, photo modes offer more than just a substitutable alternative to traditional photography, as added artistic value is found within virtual worlds.
Conclusions. Despite some limitations regarding the overall implementation of digital game-based learning in photography classrooms, photo modes of commercially available digital games are a suitable tool for educational efforts in photography through both self-development and measurement of outcome-based learning.
Do Adult Learners Who Engage in Torah Study as a Leisure Activity Report Higher Levels of Meaning in Life than Learners of General Enrichment Studies?
Authors: Alkan Ora , Davidovitch Nitza , Kushnir Talma 
Published: June 2023

Aim. The aim of the research is to assess whether adult learners engaged in Torah/Bible studies report higher levels of psycho-social resources, specifically spirituality, meaning in life, hope, and social support, than learners who attend general enrichment courses, and whether psycho-social resources contribute to their meaning in life.
Methods. Participants were 234 men and women over age 55 who study regularly in their leisure time: 56 Torah students in the hevruta (communal learning) method, 50 Torah students who participated in frontal Torah lectures, and 128 adults who attended lectures on various enrichment subjects. Participants completed self-report questionnaires that included demographic information and characteristics of the course, evaluations of the learning experience, the Spiritual Health and Life-Orientation Measure, the Snyder Hope Questionnaire, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the PIL – Purpose in Life questionnaire.
Results. Torah and enrichment learners did not differ in meaning of life and hope. Torah learners reported a stronger learning experience, higher levels of transcendentality (an aspect of spirituality), and more social support from their peer group. For all learners, social support from the family was the strongest contributor to meaning in life, followed by hope and finally the communality aspect of spirituality.
Conclusions. Findings confirm the importance of the human need for relatedness in determining meaning and suggest that the social milieu in which the leisure activity is held may be more important for cultivating meaning in life than the discipline studied.
Polish and European Union economy in 2011–2019 and under the Covid pandemic: Application of macroeconomic condition index
Authors: Błaszczyk Paweł , Stępień Sebastian , Polcyn Jan 
Published: June 2023

AbstractA set of simple and complex indicators is used to measure the economic condition of economies, and the analysis can be conducted in a static or dynamic approach. This article proposes the author's macroeconomic condition index (MCI), which is based on the popular misery index, supplementing the unemployment and inflation rates with two variables: GDP growth rate and budget deficit. The aim of the study is to assess the macroeconomic situation of Poland against the average for the EU, using the above-mentioned measure. The time scope of the study covers the years 2011–2020, with particular emphasis on the effects of the first year of the Covid crisis. The results indicate that throughout the period the economic situation in Poland in terms of the four variables combined was relatively favourable, although less stable. A sharp downturn occurred in 2020, both domestically and on average in the EU. The main determinants of the worse condition were a decline in the GDP growth rate and an increase in the budget deficit, with relatively steady unemployment and inflation.
Are monetary transmission channels effective under the quantitative and qualitative easing policy?
Authors: Lau Wee-Yeep , Yip Tien-Ming 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis study measures the effectiveness of monetary transmission channels of the Bank of Japan's (BOJ) Quantitative and Qualitative Monetary Easing (QQE) policy in affecting Japan's inflation rate. The monetary transmission channels are interest rate, portfolio rebalancing and foreign exchange rate channels. Based on data from 1 August 2013 to 31 October 2019, the Granger's Causality Test showed that the interest rate channel was vital in transmitting the effect of monetary easing. Specifically, the interest rate channel transmitted the effect of QQE, QQE with a negative interest rate and QQE with yield curve control policy to the domestic price level. Portfolio rebalancing and foreign exchange rate channels did not influence Japan's inflation rate in all the QQE policy periods. The empirical results are robust against different estimation methods. Based on the findings, the study offers some imperative policy recommendations.
Recent advances in nitrogen-doped graphene oxide nanomaterials: Synthesis and applications in energy storage, sensor electrochemical applications and water treatment
Authors: Yokwana Kholiswa , Ntsendwana Bulelwa , Nxumalo Edward N. , Mhlanga Sabelo D. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis review covers recent advances on production techniques, unique properties and novel applications of nitrogen-doped graphene oxide (NGO). The focal point is placed on the evaluation of diverse methods of production for NGO and reduced nitrogen-doped graphene oxide (NrGO) nanosheets using GO and graphite as carbon precursors. Variation in chemical composition of GO with variable N content, C–N bonding configurations and chemical reactive functionalities of NGO allow tuneable properties that render NGO a suitable material for various applications such as lithium-ion batteries, biosensors, supercapacitors and adsorption processes. NGO and NrGO exhibit significantly different performances compared to GO even with small amounts of N-doping. The type of C–N bonding and surface chemistries on the NGO are responsible for their unique electrical, mechanical, adsorption, chemical reactivity, photocatalytic activity, and optical properties. Various investigative techniques used to study NGO nanomaterials are also reviewed. Finally, future perspectives of NGO in this rapidly developing area are discussed.
Graphical abstract
Methods of synthesis of N-doped graphene oxide nanosheets and their advantages and disadvantages.
Fetal Reprogramming of Nutrient Surplus Signaling, O-GlcNAcylation, and the Evolution of CKD
Authors: Packer Milton 
Published: June 2023

ABSTRACT
Fetal kidney development is characterized by increased uptake of glucose, ATP production by glycolysis, and upregulation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), which (acting in concert) promote nephrogenesis in a hypoxic low–tubular-workload environment. By contrast, the healthy adult kidney is characterized by upregulation of sirtuin-1 and adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase, which enhances ATP production through fatty acid oxidation to fulfill the needs of a normoxic high–tubular-workload environment. During stress or injury, the kidney reverts to a fetal signaling program, which is adaptive in the short term, but is deleterious if sustained for prolonged periods when both oxygen tension and tubular workload are heightened. Prolonged increases in glucose uptake in glomerular and proximal tubular cells lead to enhanced flux through the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway; its end product—uridine diphosphate N-acetylglucosamine—drives the rapid and reversible O-GlcNAcylation of thousands of intracellular proteins, typically those that are not membrane-bound or secreted. Both O-GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation act at serine/threonine residues, but whereas phosphorylation is regulated by hundreds of specific kinases and phosphatases, O-GlcNAcylation is regulated only by O-GlcNAc transferase and O-GlcNAcase, which adds or removes N-acetylglucosamine, respectively, from target proteins. Diabetic and nondiabetic CKD is characterized by fetal reprogramming (with upregulation of mTOR and HIF-1α) and increased O-GlcNAcylation, both experimentally and clinically. Augmentation of O-GlcNAcylation in the adult kidney enhances oxidative stress, cell cycle entry, apoptosis, and activation of proinflammatory and profibrotic pathways, and it inhibits megalin-mediated albumin endocytosis in glomerular mesangial and proximal tubular cells—effects that can be aggravated and attenuated by augmentation and muting of O-GlcNAcylation, respectively. In addition, drugs with known nephroprotective effects—angiotensin receptor blockers, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists, and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors—are accompanied by diminished O-GlcNAcylation in the kidney, although the role of such suppression in mediating their benefits has not been explored. The available evidence supports further work on the role of uridine diphosphate N-acetylglucosamine as a critical nutrient surplus sensor (acting in concert with upregulated mTOR and HIF-1α signaling) in the development of diabetic and nondiabetic CKD.