bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Katechon as a Theologo-political Paradigm of the World Order
Authors: Yarkeev Aleksey
Published: May 2024

The article is devoted to the study of the possibility of representing the world order in theologo-political optics based on the doctrine of the katechon as a force restraining the onset of the end of the world. The heuristic potential of this approach is expressed, firstly, in the demonstration of the world order as a spatio-political projection of katechonic temporality, and secondly, in the reception of political realism in the guise of “political katechonism”. For this purpose, a brief historical and hermeneutic digression into the problem of interpretation of the Second Epistle of the Apostle Paul to the Thessalonians was first carried out and a sketch of conceptual reconstruction was proposed, presenting it as the quintessence of New Testament political realism. The culmination of this tradition is C. Schmitt’s idea of the katechon as a historical force that produces the spatio-temporal order of the Christian empire, the collapse of which led to the transformation of the katechon into a secular security state. The influence of C. Schmitt on the realistic approach to the world order can be traced, in particular, in H. Morgenthau’s perception of the international balance of power systems through the prism of the concept of “the holder of the balance”, which is in reality traced from the concept of “katechon”. The conclusion asserts the idea that there is no alternative in the foreseeable future to the idea of a historical force restraining political anomie on a global scale and delaying the final catastrophe. From this point of view, differing variants of the architecture of the world order do not fundamentally affect its theological (katechonic) foundations.
From Bodily Ontology to the Ethics of Nonviolence: the Role of Vulnerability as Interdependence in J. Butler’s Ethical-Political Thought
Authors: Nenadyshchuk Eugene
Published: May 2024

In the first decades of the XXI century, the problem of vulnerability has become the subject of social sciences, including social and political theory in connection with the “affective turn” and the growth of social, political and economic instability. Representatives of feminist moral and political philosophy, revealing vulnerability as a universal and fundamental human trait, have played a significant role in its comprehension. The article explicates the concept of vulnerability as an ontological state of interdependence in the bodily ontology proposed by American philosopher Judith Butler and critically analyzes the relevance of deducing ethical and political obligations from this ontology. To solve this problem, the method of conceptual analysis is used, which allows to reveal the conceptual content of the key categories of Butler’s bodily ontology. The first part of the article is devoted to the consideration of Butler’s relational bodily ontology and its connection with the ethical and political reflections of the philosopher, for which two levels are distinguished: ontological and social. The second part analyzes three key categories of Butler’s proposed ontology: interdependence, vulnerability and precariousness. The application of these concepts in the philosopher’s criticism of liberal ideas about the subject as an autonomous, sovereign and independent individual is described. Finally, the third part analyzes Butler’s arguments on the justification of the ethics of nonviolence through an appeal to states of vulnerability and interdependence. Based on the analysis, the author comes to the conclusion that the ethics of nonviolence for Butler is a means of problematizing these ontological states in order to support political egalitarianism and refute liberal views about man as an individual; The bodily ontology developed by Butler can become a successful theoretical tool both for the criticism of established ideas about social subjectivity and for the study of the fundamental foundations of the existence of society, which remain invisible from the standpoint of individualistic views on man.
Origins and Meaning of Jacob Taubes’ “Occidental Eschatology”
Authors: Rezvykh Tatyana , Soloviev Artem
Published: May 2024

The translation of Jacob Taubes’ “Occidental Eschatology” into Russian is a worthy occasion to clarify for Russian-speaking readers the origins and significance of this book. Among the philosophical roots and foundations of Taubes’ text, there is the “pantheistic-immanent representation” of Baader and Schelling about time as the time of “salvation”, which is directed both towards the eschaton, towards future eternity, and the past, towards creation. Time turns out to be that which connects two eternities, and God unites time and eternity. On the other hand, Taubes develops Hans Jonas’ research on Gnosticism and discovers the Gnostic character of modernity. Three contextual moments allow the reader to understand the deeper meaning of “Occidental Eschatology”: 1) the rethinking and synthesis of Jonas’ and Karl Löwith’s ideas in Taubes’ work, 2) the discussions between Taubes, Hans Blumenberg, and Odo Marquard on the role of Gnosticism in modernity, and 3) the connection of Taubes’ ideas with the understanding of secularization as a continuation of religion “by other means”, which was characteristic of C. Schmitt and K. Löwith. These narratives are enhanced by the readers’ grasp of the fact that Taubes perceives himself as living in a Gnostic world of total alienation, which must disappear. “No spiritual investments” can be made in this world. This position is considered opposite to Schmitt, who asserted the necessity of delaying the apocalypse. In addition, it is necessary to understand the complexities of the wonderful translation, which has long been necessary for the Russian-speaking reader of “Occidental Eschatology”, who permanently resides in a gnostically interpreted world.
I that is We and We that is I: A Defense of Methodological Holism and the Primacy of Collective Agency
Authors: Maslov Denis
Published: May 2024

In a Hegelian spirit, this paper advances a methodological holism based on the ontological primacy of collective agency. The first section sketches the general problematic of methodological and ontological individualism and shows critical points. Two core components are discerned: an atom-like view of individuals as separate and independent from society and a mechanistic pattern of explanation that reduces institutions to interactions of singular individuals. In the second section, I argue in favor of methodological holism by showing that singular individuals are the product of the community in which they are raised. The section demonstrates methodological primacy of the whole through its ‘normative’ causality on individuals’ existence, identity, attitudes and actions. Singular individuals and their actions are rendered possible within and through the whole, taken as a set of institutions and structures. The third part presents a short account of a general individual (We-agent) that is causally effective in a normative and rational way. General individuals have intentionality, mind, personality, interests, etc. of their own that manifest in actions, thoughts and attitudes of singular individuals. General individuals differ from singular individuals by the scope of their interests and goals. General individuals possess intrinsic rationality and normativity that shows a pattern of valid explanation in the manner of methodological holism.
WATER PRODUCTION FOR AQUAPONICS v1
Authors: Manaia Celia
Published: May 2024

The protocol summarises the procedures used for analytical control – detailed protocols are annexed to this protocol.
Breast Conserving Surgery Post Neo-Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Breast Carcinoma in a Developing Country: Is It Safe?
Authors:   Department of Surgery, M. Kandiah Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, 31, ss22/27, Damansara Jaya, Petaling Jaya. Selangor, Malaysia.
Published: May 2024

Breast conserving surgery (BCS) is the standard treatment for early breast cancer and has similar survival with mastectomy. The role of BCS in locally advanced breast cancer (LABC), post neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), is controversial. Surgeons, especially in developing countries, fear higher margin involvement and local recurrence (LR) in BCS. The aim of this study was to determine the LR in BCS compared to mastectomy in LABC post NACT and to ascertain the percentage of involved surgical margins following both methods of surgery. This was a retrospective study of breast cancer patients seen in Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC). All patients had NACT followed by either mastectomy or BCS. The patients with Her2 enriched carcinomas did not have access to targeted therapy (Trastuzumab or Pertuzumab). The patients with ill-defined tumours underwent ultrasound assessment in the surgical clinics. All had post-operative radiotherapy. All with ER or PR positive cancers were given Tamoxifen for a minimum of 5 years. This study demonstrated that BCS post NACT was safe to be performed in selected patients with LABC in a developing country.
Spontaneous Large Renal Pelvis Haematoma in Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction: A Rare Case Report
Authors:   Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Abdul Hamid Hamzaini
Published: May 2024

Spontaneous renal haemorrhage is a rare occurrence with potentially serious consequences. This presented case was an even rarer form of ureteropelvic obstruction (UPJO), which was spontaneous bleeding into the renal pelvis in a patient who was not previously investigated for UPJO. We presented a 17-year-old gentleman who presented with lower abdominal pain for one week and painless haematuria for two days. Initial computed tomography angiography (CTA) renal revealed haematoma with a grossly dilated pelvicalyceal system. The patient was initially treated conservatively. However, in the ward, he suddenly developed severe left-sided back pain, decreased haemoglobin level and persistent gross haematuria. Repeated CTA renal revealed worsening left renal haematoma with a grossly dilated pelvicalyceal system, and he was panned for nephrectomy. A review of the literature followed with a discussion of the case were done in this study.
Successful Expectant Management of Multiple Spoons Ingestion in a Psychiatric Patient. An Unusual Case Report
Authors:   Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia., Mohammad Azmi Nabil
Published: May 2024

The management of foreign body ingestion is a clinical dilemma that is often encountered, and 80% of these cases do not require intervention as they will pass out spontaneously. We presented a case of multiple spoon ingestion in a 32-year-old psychiatric patient who had previous abdominal surgery for a similar problem. This case report attempted to elucidate the option and considerations in managing foreign body ingestion.
Don’t Take It Personally: An Empirical Investigation of Consumer Responses to Explicit Targeting
Authors: Tsekouras Dimitrios ,   Erasmus University, Li Ting ,   Erasmus University, Frick Thomas W. ,   Secomea A/S
Published: May 2024

Firms increasingly use consumer information to target and personalize communication with consumers. This paper focuses on explicit targeting, a practice where firms saliently (yet subtly) reveal the information used to target consumers in their advertisement text. How to craft ad messages to convey product benefits without triggering privacy concerns is a nontrivial task. Results from a field experiment reveal that consumers respond negatively to explicit targeting, yet such a negative effect can be partially alleviated by using hedonic instead of utilitarian information framing. In a controlled online experiment, we show that explicit targeting increases consumers’ privacy concerns relative to the perceived benefits of personalization, leading to less positive consumer responses. Interestingly, an extension of the online experiment suggests that providing consumers with a clear description of why they are targeted seems to offset the negative effects of explicit targeting. This study offers important academic implications for the personalization literature and valuable practical insights for firms and policymakers.
Analysis of the prevalence and structure of dental morbidity among applicants to the Military Medical Academy named after S.M. Kirov
Authors: Morozova Ekaterina V. , Latif Irina I. , Vorobieva Yulia B. , Zheleznyak Vladimir A. , Kozlova Ivanna V.
Published: May 2024

AIM: To determine the qualitative structure of dental diseases and pathological conditions of the maxillofacial region and the level of their prevalence among young individuals entering higher military educational institutions in Russia.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data obtained during the dental examination of applicants to the Military Medical Academy named after S.M. Kirov as part of a military medical examination to provide admission to a higher educational institution was comprehensively analyzed.
RESULTS: The results showed a moderately high level of prevalence of diseases and pathological conditions of the oral cavity in the surveyed population. Among 589 applicants aged 16–25 years who arrived from different regions in Russia, the percentage of those in need of oral sanitation was 51.95%. The most common nosological form among the examined young people was dental caries, including recurrent and secondary forms, which ranged from 19 to 44% in various groups of examined people. Additionally, a low level of oral hygiene was identified, noted in more than 45% of applicants.
CONCLUSION: The peculiarities of the obtained research results should be explained by unsatisfactory knowledge and skills in matters of individual oral hygiene (hereinafter referred to as IHPR), insufficient medical education, low level of compliance, and readiness to carry out activities to maintain dental health among young people.
Treatment of gum recession by the method of a coronally displaced flap and application of phytoextract
Authors: Khaibullina Rasima R. , Lopatina Natalya V , Gerasimova Larisa P. , Tukhvatullina Damira N. , Bashirova Tat’jana V. , Khaibullina Al’fija R. , Shchekin Vlas S. , Vlasova Angelina O. , Habibullina Regina R.
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND: Owing to the widespread prevalence of gum recession in the morbidity structure of the population, the search for optimal treatment tactics for patients with this pathology is crucial in dentistry.
AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment of patients with gum recession using the coronally displaced flap method and application of a phytoextract.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 123 patients diagnosed with gum recession were clinically examined. During examination, all patients revealed a defect such as exposed roots in the area of the frontal group of teeth. Moreover, the size of the defect was measured, and the Miller class was determined. Then, complex treatment was performed, including conservative treatment and, if required, surgical intervention, as well as orthopedic treatment.
RESULTS: In the surgical treatment of gum recession, flap operations were performed. On postoperative day 2, to achieve the best healing and regeneration of the gums, a phytoextract was applied. Over a 3-year period after treatment of patients with gum recession, the effectiveness of treatment was monitored, and relapses of the disease were detected. The following complications were identified after treatment of patients diagnosed with gum recession: transition from class I to II to Miller, 15% of cases; class II to III according to Miller, 19.5%; temporomandibular joint diseases during recession, 16.5%; and occlusal deformation during recession, 19.8%. Stabilization in class I recession occurred in 45.0% of patients, class II in 33.4%, and class III in 8.5%.
CONCLUSION: The etiology and pathogenesis of gum recession requires long term treatment and observation and early diagnosis and an integrated approach. Therefore, new treatment methods that will be most effective and can be used in all age groups are required. One of these methods is the method developed by the authors for the treatment of gum recession using a coronally displaced flap and the application of a phytoextract, which has shown high effectiveness in the long term.
Effect of long-term social isolation on behavior and brain plasticity in mice with tumor necrosis factor gene knockout
Authors: Bazovkina D. V. , Ustinova U. S. , Adonina S. N. , Komleva P. D. , Arefieva A. B. , Moskaliuk V. S. , Kulikova E. A.
Published: May 2024

Prolonged social isolation can disrupt the functional activity of the serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmitter system and neurotrophic support of the brain, activate neuroinflammatory processes, and cause various behavioral disorders [1]. On the contrary, the pro-inflammatory cytokine, specifically tumor necrosis factor (TNF), affects the synthesis of serotonin and the expression of neurotrophins in the brain [2]. Additionally, TNF gene knockout alters the severity of depression-like behavior and cognitive functions in rodents [3].
The objective of this study was to examine the impact of prolonged social isolation on the 5-HT system in the brain as well as the expression of the neurotrophic factors BDNF and NGF in Tnf gene knockout (TNF KO) mice and wild-type C57BL/6 mice. Mice from each strain were divided into two groups: “control”, which were kept in groups, and “experimental”, which were isolated in cages for six weeks. The mice were subjected to a battery of tests including the “open field”, “three-chamber”, and “forced swimming” tests. The expression of genes was gauged in the brain structure of mice through real-time RT-PCR and protein content was analyzed through Western blotting. Serotonin and its metabolite 5-HIAA were quantified using HPLC. The results were analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance followed by Fisher’s multiple comparisons.
The animals’ locomotor activity did not differ between groups. Social isolation in TNF KO mice led to reduced exploratory activity and increased anxiety (p 0.05) in the open field test. In isolated wild-type mice, social object preference in the three-chamber test decreased (p 0.01). Isolation had no effect on depression-like freezing in the “forced swimming” test and cognitive functions in the “new object” test in animals of both strains. Social isolation resulted in decreased expression of the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 gene (synthesizes 5-HT) in the midbrain of wild-type mice (p 0.05) and increased expression of the 5-HT1A receptor gene in this structure in knockout animals (p 0.05). Only the knockout mice exhibited a reduction in 5-HT levels in the hippocampus due to isolation (p 0.05). However, there were no differences observed in the levels of the neurotransmitter and its metabolite 5-HIAA in the frontal cortex and midbrain between groups of both strains of mice. In TNF KO mice exposed to isolation, the mRNA level of the nerve growth factor gene NGF increased in the frontal cortex (p 0.01); additionally, the content of proBDNF protein (a precursor of the BDNF factor) increased in both the hippocampus and frontal cortex (p 0.05). Our findings indicate that Tnf gene knockout modifies the influence of long-term social isolation on behavior, the 5-HT system, and the expression of neurotrophic factors in the brain.
Characteristics of murine phenotypes with signs of epilepsy obtained through ENU mutagenesis
Authors: Rybakova V. P. , Mitina N. N. , Babaev A. A. , Tarabykin V. S.
Published: May 2024

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder marked by recurring seizures and associated dysfunctions of motor, sensory, autonomic, and mental functions resulting from excessive electrical activity of neurons. Identification and characterization of the mutations that cause this pathology are essential for understanding the mechanisms that control epileptogenesis.
The aim of the study is to characterize the S8-3 mutant mice strain, which shows induced epileptiform activity in response to audiogenic stimulation.
Mutant strains of mice were acquired through induced chemical mutagenesis using N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU). Twenty-nine male mice were administered three rounds of ENU injections at a dose of 90 mg/kg during the study. On day 21 after birth (P21), identification and selection of mouse mutants with an elevated inclination towards epileptic seizures were conducted using the Krushinsky scale, which considered the intensity of audiogenic seizures. Strains with a recessive mutation were created by selecting animals that exhibited the aberrant phenotype for the second time. The abnormal phenotype was confirmed in the G5 generation, and basic behavioral phenotyping was performed to characterize the resulting epileptic lines. Correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. This included assessing memory, learning ability, motor reactions, and emotional status. In vitro experiments assessed spontaneous calcium activity with primary neuronal cultures of the cerebral cortex isolated from newborn mice. The Ca2+ indicator used was Oregon Green 488 BAPTA-1 AM.
Upon screening 60 strains of mice for sensitivity to audiogenic stimulation, 12 strains exhibiting epileptiform activity were observed. Subsequently, the S8-3 group was selected for further research, as its offspring (G3) showed a higher frequency of the aberrant phenotype in comparison to the other groups. Results from behavioral studies comparing S5-1 mice to the control hybrid animal group displayed a higher intensity of the acoustic startle response. The open field tests revealed that the motor activity of S8-3 strain mice was higher than that of the control group, based on the average distance traveled, and their anxiety level was lower, as indicated by fewer rears, urinary points, and boluses. When assessing cognitive functions through the CPAR test, mutant individuals exhibited high learning ability.
In vitro experiments showed an increase in the frequency of spontaneous calcium events in primary cell cultures of the cerebral cortex isolated from S8-3 mice.
Life after transcription: control of the fate of neurons
Authors: Tarabykin V. S. , Borisova E. B.
Published: May 2024

The neocortex is a complex structure responsible for higher-order cognitive abilities in mammals. It consists of six cell layers, each comprised of various subtypes of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. These neurons project their axons to specific targets within each layer. All neocortical projection neurons are generated by neural progenitor cells located in the proliferative ventricular zone. In recent decades, significant strides have been made in comprehending the transcriptional programs governing neuronal cell fate specification. Nonetheless, posttranscriptional mechanisms involved in this process remain largely unexplored.
Recently, we found that TrkC-T1, an isoform of the TrkC receptor lacking the kinase domain, determines the fate of corticofugal projection neurons (CFuPN). Our study reveals that the balance between TrkC-T1 and TrkC-TK+, a more widely recognized isoform containing the kinase domain, depends on the type of cell within the developing cortex. Additionally, we demonstrate that two RNA-binding proteins, Srsf1 and Elavl1, work in opposition to establish this balance. Additionally, our data suggests that Srsf1 stimulates the CFuPN fate while Elavl1 stimulates the callosal projection neuron (CPN) fate in vivo by regulating the different TrkC-T1 to TrkC-TK+ ratios.
In this study, we identified a protein translation-dependent mechanism that governs the cell fate switch in the developing neocortex. Our results demonstrate that Ire1α, the Inositol-Requiring Enzyme 1α, regulates global translation rates in the developing neocortex through its dynamic interaction with the ribosome, as well as the regulation of expression of translation elongation factors eIF4A1 and eEF-2. Inactivation of Ire1α leads to decreased protein synthesis rates that are associated with stalled ribosomes and a reduced number of sites for translation initiation. We demonstrate the distinctive sensitivity of neurons determined for the upper layer to translation rates. While eEF-2 is necessary for cortical lamination, eIF4A1 regulates the attainment of upper layer fate in a mechanism of translational control that is dependent on structural elements embedded in the 5’UTR of genes responsible for determining fate downstream of Ire1α. Our findings reveal the developmental control of ribosome dynamics as post-transcriptional mechanisms that coordinate the establishment of neuronal diversity and the assembly of cortical layers.
Infragranular excitatory projection to granular neurons in neonatal rodent somatosensory neocortex
Authors: Idzhilova O. S. , Simonova N. A. , Minlebaev M. G. , Malyshev A. Yu.
Published: May 2024

Though the principles of central nervous system development are genetically encoded, the cortical activity is also critically involved in these processes. While this question is quite important, up to now we are limited in our understanding of the role that neuronal activity plays in formation of functionally linked cellular ensembles in the developing cortex. Recently, transient inhibitory neuronal projections were shown in the barrel cortex during the critical period of its development. Expression of interneuronal connections from infragranular to other cortical layers exactly during the period of barrel formation suggests their critical role in establishment of adult-like columnar organization of the barrel cortex. While the inhibitory connections were demonstrated, the question remains, whether the transient connectivity is restricted by emergence of inhibitory projections, or both types (including excitatory connections) could be expressed during the critical period of the barrel cortex development.
Here, we aimed to answer this question using in vitro optogenetic stimulation of the neurons in the infragranular layers of the neonatal mouse barrel cortex. A viral vector of serotype AAV.PHP.eB containing channelrhodopsin-2 along with a fluorescent Venus tag sequence under the hSyn promoter was delivered via intraventricular injection into the neonatal mouse brain at P0. This transduction protocol resulted in neuron-specific expression of the construct primarily in the L2/3, L5 and L6 cortical layers at P7. At P7, acute coronal brain slices containing the barrel cortical field were prepared. For a given cortical column, the infragranular layers were optogenetically mapped while simultaneous whole-cell electrophysiological registration of a pyramidal cell in the barrel was performed. Holding potential was varied to discriminate between light-evoked EPSCs and IPSCs.
The results of our preliminary recordings in the neonatal somatosensory cortex showed presence of neuronal projections from infra- to granular layer, which is in agreement with the already demonstrated data. However, L4 EPSCs evoked by infragranular layer stimulation were also recorded, suggesting the expression of the excitatory connections from infra- to granular layers early in development. Though we require to continue our recordings, our findings suggest an even more complex network interactions that shape the barrel cortex L4 during the early postnatal stages.
Principles of analog neuromorphic computing: from components to systems and algorithms
Authors: Demin V. A. , Emelyanov A. V. , Nikiruy K. E. , Surazhevsky I. A. , Sitnikov A. V. , Rylkov V. V. , Kashkarov P. K. , Kovalchuk M. V.
Published: May 2024

This report presents the current state of affairs in the implementation of artificial intelligence hardware accelerators based on practically successful neural network algorithms of the first and second generations based on formal artificial neural networks (ANNs). The shortcomings of existing solutions are noted and ways to overcome them using analog neuromorphic architectures are outlined.
The latter are created on the principles of the structuring and functioning of a living nervous system, using artificial neurons and models of synaptic contacts - the so–called memristors, electrically rewritable nanoscale elements of non-volatile memory [1-3]. With the use of these elements, it is possible to significantly increase the performance and energy efficiency of algorithm accelerators based on the ANNs [4-6], as well as the formation of promising computing systems based on bioplausible 3rd generation neural network algorithms - Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs) [7-9].
The original method of substantiating the optimal rules for local tuning SNNs with frequency encoding and the possibility of their implementation in the form of the Spike-Timing-Dependent Plasicity (STDP) are discussed [10]. The results of SNN learning stability to a variability of analog memristors, as well as the use of noise as a constructive factor in the fine-tuning and maintenance of SNN memristive weights are demonstrated [7, 11].
Also, approaches to the implementation of local plasticity rules with dopamine-like modulation as a type of SNN reinforcement learning are discussed. The latter is necessary for the formation of imitative "needs" of an agent in the process of its autonomous functioning [12, 13, 14]. The first results on the creation of a prototype of a memristive implantable neuroprosthesis of the motor activity are considered [15, 16].
Finally, possible hardware solutions for both neuronal elements and synaptic connections based on suitable memristive devices are demonstrated. The concept and first results on the creation of an analog neuromorphic computing system based on the above components are presented.
Thus, an attempt is made to systematize the existing and original methods of implementing energy-efficient and compact analog neuromorphic computing systems for real-time and life-learning artificial intelligence.
Current strategies for regenerative therapy of spinal cord injury
Authors: Baklaushev V. P.
Published: May 2024

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a leading cause of death and severe disability amongst young people. The incidence of SCI is 0.6–1.0 per 10,000 individuals. Unfortunately, there are no effective methods of restoring locomotor function for individuals with severe SCI. To address this issue, exoskeleton technology controlled using BCI is actively being developed for prosthetic locomotion. Despite the lack of encouraging data for severe spinal cord injuries, regenerative technologies continue to hold promise for spinal cord repair. The limited options for regenerating the central nervous system in humans necessitate creating new sources of neural stem cells for regeneration. Reprogramming autologous somatic cells neurologically can effectively serve as such a source [1]. Nevertheless, the constitution of neuroglial progenitors, which are necessary for regenerating damaged axons of the pyramidal tract, still requires clarification [2]. Some interesting efforts are underway to directly reprogram glial cells in situ using a variety of biotechnological approaches [3]. Overcoming or preventing the formation of a harsh scar tissue at the injury site is the key obstacle to successful regeneration therapy for SCI. Various scaffolds are being developed to facilitate axon regeneration, and several gene therapy agents are being tested to either knock down scar formation factors or activate extracellular matrix remodeling and reparative regeneration.
Neuromodulation shows promise for SCI treatment. Studies indicate that epidural stimulation of the L2-S1 spinal cord in humans and mammals activates SPG neurons, aiding spinal walking generator functions. A potentially successful treatment approach involves scaffolds with reprogrammed cells and neuromodulation [4].
Investigation of the functioning of a neurohybrid system based on the FitzHugh–Nagumo radio generator and mouse hippocampal neurons
Authors: Matveeva M. V. , Fedulina A. A. , Beltyukova A. V. , Maltseva K. E. , Gerasimova S. A. , Mishchenko M. A. , Mikhaylov A. N. , Kazantsev V. B. , Lebedeva A. V.
Published: May 2024

Currently, in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases that are difficult to respond to drug therapy, electrical stimulation of the brain is performed through invasive intervention in damaged structures of the nervous tissue. The development and development of invasive technologies of closed-loop neural interfaces have made it possible to achieve great success in restoring neural connections, since they have finer and more precise stimulation settings that respond to changes in the physiological state, which is important in the process of restoring the functions of the nervous tissue. Advances in these areas open up prospects for the treatment of a wide range of diseases of the motor system and neurodegenerative diseases of the brain.
In this study, a neurohybrid closed system was used, consisting of a FitzHugh-Nagumo radio generator and live surviving slices of the mouse brain hippocampus. For the preparation of surviving slices of the hippocampus, sexually mature males aged 2-3 months of the C57BL/6 mouse line were used. For the preparation and incubation of slices of the hippocampus, a solution of artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) was used, composition in (mM): 126 NaCl; 3.5 KCl; 1.2 KH2PO4; 26 NaHCO3; 1.3 MgCl * 6H2O; 2 CaCl2 * 6H2O; 10 D-glucose at constant carbogen saturation (95% O2 and 5% CO2). Registration of the electrical activity of brain neurons was carried out using optical and electrophysiological methods.
In experiments on pairing a neuron-like FitzHugh-Nagumo generator and biological nerve cells in a closed circuit, an effect was obtained when the activity of brain nerve cells switched the generator to a self-oscillating mode. The evoked oscillations in the neuron-like generator provided an effective stimulus for the activation of nerve fibers in the perforant pathway of the hippocampus. As a result, it was possible to fix a decrease in the frequency of the generator impulses, which was provoked by the responses of living neurons to the incoming stimulus from the neuron-like generator. These results show the ability of live neural networks to control an artificial signal by adjusting its parameters by changing their own activity and confirm the efficiency of using closed loop systems when combining live and artificial neurons. The present study requires further experiments to create more physiological conditions for the functioning of the proposed neurohybrid system. In addition, this neurohybrid system will be improved and have adaptive properties through the use of memristive devices. Advances in this direction will help solve the urgent problem of restoring lost brain functions at the cellular and network levels.
Cyclops states in repulsive theta-neuron networks
Authors: Bolotov M. I. , Munyayev V. O. , Smirnov L. A. , Osipov G. V. , Belykh I.
Published: May 2024

Networks of phase oscillators have become a widely established paradigmatic model for studying emergent collective behavior across several real-world systems, including neuronal networks, populations of chemical oscillators, and power grids. The Kuramoto model, involving one-dimensional or two-dimensional phase oscillators, demonstrates the potential for networks to showcase exceptional collective dynamics. This encompasses various outcomes such as full, partial, explosive, and asymmetry-induced synchronization, clusters, chimeras, solitary states, and generalized splay states. Notably, increasing all-to-all coupling in the classical Kuramoto model induces full synchronization as the most probable outcome and dominant rhythm. Kuramoto networks with repulsive coupling usually display splay, generalized, and cluster splay states, but the conditions under which a certain rhythm can arise and prevail are not entirely understood.
Equally important for connecting Kuramoto networks to practical physical systems is understanding the function of higher-order coupling terms. These terms display a Fourier decomposition of a general 2π-periodic interaction function [1]. Previous studies have demonstrated that the inclusion of higher-order terms in the classical Kuramoto model of oscillators with all-to-all attractive coupling can lead to multiple synchronous states and switching between synchronization clusters. However, the impact of higher-order coupling modes on rhythm generation in repulsive networks remains unexplored.
In this work, we present significant progress in addressing the critical issue related to repulsive Kuramoto–Sakaguchi networks of phase oscillators with phase-lagged first-order and higher-order coupling. We demonstrate that weakly repulsive networks of even and odd numbers of oscillators with first-order coupling are dominated by two-cluster and three-cluster splay states, respectively. The three-cluster splay states consist of two distinct coherent clusters and one solitary oscillator. These tripod states can be considered a fusion of a two-body chimera and a solitary state. We have dubbed these patterns of three oscillators as “Cyclops states” in reference to the Greek mythological giant with a single eye. The solitary oscillator and synchronous clusters respectively represent the Cyclops’ eye and shoulders. We present a remarkable discovery that the inclusion of higher-order coupling modes leads to worldwide stability of cyclops states across almost the entire range of the phase-lag parameter controlling repulsion [2].
Beyond the Kuramoto oscillators, we demonstrate the robust presence of this effect in networks of canonical theta-neurons with adaptive coupling. Furthermore, our results provide insight into identifying dominant rhythms within repulsive physical and biological networks.
WaveNet vocoder for prediction of time series with extreme events
Authors: Gromov N. V. , Levanova T. A.
Published: May 2024

Extreme events are typically defined as rare or unpredictable events that deviate significantly from typical behavior. Despite this, objective criteria for extreme events have yet to be established. Rareness may be characterized by certain scales or spatial and temporal boundaries, while intensity is an indication of an event’s potential to cause a significant change. One of the most prominent occurrences of extreme events in both neuroscience and medicine is in the case of epileptic seizures [1].
In speech synthesis, vocoder networks like WaveNet [2] generate audio. The model is a multi-layer convolutional neural network that functions as a causal filter and doesn’t predict the future. Due to this quality, the vocoder may have potential in time series prediction. Audio time series can be regarded as a dynamic system characterized by unpredictable switching regimes. For instance, transitioning from one letter to another can result in significant deviations in amplitude, similar to extreme events. This network receives r previous input counts known as a receptive field, and uses them to predict the next sample. The network is tree-like in structure, with exponentially increasing distances between subsequent layers of inputs. This is a necessary feature since the receptive field r is usually quite large, on the order of one or two thousand. Without this exponential increase in distance, the number of layers would depend linearly on r. Recurrent neural networks pose a challenge in optimizing the loss function when predicting time series sequences, as they tend to predict samples very similar to the previous one, causing the network to converge towards the mode. However, in a convolutional network, the output to the model will be longer due to the large receptive field. In the case of sound analysis, for instance, multiple oscillations occur within a given timeframe and the network does not elevate any specific sample.
The study used artificial data generated from two coupled Hidmarsh–Rose neurons with chemical synaptic couplings. The observed variable was determined by the biological significance of the system, specifically the total membrane potential. The results exhibited extreme events across various coupling parameter values. Based on prior research [3], a numerical standard was selected for the events. The WaveNet vocoder model exhibits a 91% accuracy rate and 82% recall rate when forecasting extreme events of the same width as the prediction. It is noteworthy that recall is crucial in the forecast of extreme events since it identifies instances where the model predicted falsely that an extreme event would not occur.
Associations of neuro-glial network calcium activity with mice movements in vivo
Authors: Krivonosov M. I. , Varekhina A. V. , Anokhin K. V. , Ivanchenko M. V.
Published: May 2024

Calcium imaging of nerve activity in the mouse hippocampus provides insights into cell-to-cell interactions [1]. Over time, fluctuations in cellular calcium levels encode distinct brain states during mouse brain imaging. Although synapses connect cells and transmit information, it is challenging to detect the spatiotemporal transmission pathway via calcium imaging of multiple cells due to the complexity of the spatial structure and imaging in a separate focal plane [2]. Reconstruction of the dynamic graph of connections between cells was proposed to overcome this problem.
A dynamic graph comprises of individual graphs for each time point. A graph linked to a particular time t is composed of vertices representing cells and edges that depict the transmission of signals between cells at that moment. This paper puts forth 3 approaches for creating networks. The first method considers the overlapping time intervals of calcium events in individual cells [3]. The link is established between the cell with the earlier event and the cell with the later start of the event during the moments when the events occurred simultaneously in separate cells. Alternatively, time intervals between the start of events were taken into account. Potentially connected events that began no later than 2 s were linked, with the edge drawn from the cell depicting the earlier starting event to the second cell. The third technique involved linking sequentially occurring events in distinct cells. The edge is drawn from all active cells at the previous time step to newly activated cells at the subsequent time step.
Data analysis is based on an experiment in which a mouse moved along a circular track while the fluorescence of neuronal calcium activity and the mouse’s position were recorded at a frequency of 20 frames per second [4]. A red dot was marked on the mouse’s head to track its position. The reconstructed dynamic graph was compared to the angular coordinate of the mouse on the ring to look for repeating patterns of activity. The racetrack was divided into 20 overlapping sectors, each spanning 36 degrees. The reconstructed networks were then assigned to sectors that aligned with the mouse’s angular position on the track.
Next, we estimated the frequency of individual edge repetitions within each network group. Only edges that occurred at least three times were chosen for further analysis. We found repeated activations of various cell pairs that corresponded to clockwise and counterclockwise movement within the same sector. Furthermore, we identified the presence of alternating activation, where activity occurred in the first cell, then the second cell, and then again in the first cell. In addition, we identified complex sequences of 5–6 non-sequential activations, represented as a digraph without cycles, which is typical for single sectors.
Synchronization in the two time-scale multiplex network with symplectic interactions
Authors: Laptyeva T. , Jalan S. , Ivanchenko M.
Published: May 2024

Mounting experimental evidence suggests a significant role for glial cells, particularly astrocytes, in shaping neuronal activity in both cell cultures and the brain, driving interest in exploring multi-component network dynamics [1]. These systems are modeled at varying levels of physiological detail, ranging from the Hodgkin-Huxley and Ullah models for neurons and astrocytes, respectively, to simple integrate-and-fire models or phase oscillators. Multiplex networks are commonly used to model generic dynamical phenomena, with an emphasis on network connectivity effects rather than the complexity of an individual cell’s behavior. This model is particularly advantageous due to its use of a two-layer network structure [2]. This structure accurately describes neural connectivity through the long-range random coupling, while glial cells interact locally through the diffusion of mediatory molecules. Furthermore, the oscillatory timescales between neural and glial cells differ by at least one order of magnitude.
In this context, the analysis of synchronization is a focal point as it is a crucial process that underpins information processing, decision making, and movement control in living neural systems [3]. Network topology is known to be essential, where all-to-all coupling and random Erdos–Renyi connectivity support the second-order phase transition to global phase coherence. In contrast, regular local coupling such as a 2D lattice only permits frequency and phase locking. Additionally, symplectic networks are capable of demonstrating a first-order phase transition, which is commonly referred to as “explosive” synchronization [4].
Recently, studies have shown that combining model neural (random) and glial (regular lattice) oscillatory layers can lead to a variety of outcomes [5]. Specifically, this combination was found to induce a second-order phase transition in the regular glial layer. In addition, synchronization in both layers may be preceded by desynchronization as the coupling between the layers becomes stronger.
Here we investigate synchronization in the multiplex neural-glial network, where the neural layer is symplectic and contains triadic interactions. We demonstrate that symplectic coupling in the neural layer can induce the first order transition in the regular (glial) layer. Additionally, we show that such a transition can be induced by strengthening the glial and interlayer coupling, even if the symplectic neural layer alone is below the synchronization threshold. Desynchronization in the neuronal layer, resulting from the moderated coupling to the glial layer, never occurs abruptly.