bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ebola Virus Sequesters IRF3 in Viral Inclusion Bodies to Evade Host Antiviral Immunity
Authors: Zhu Lin , Jin Jing , Wang Tingting , Hu Yong , Liu Hainan , Gao Ting , Dong Qincai , Jin Yanwen , Li Ping , Liu Zijing , Huang Yi , Liu Xuan , Cao Cheng
Published: January 2024

Viral inclusion bodies (IBs) commonly form during the replication of Ebola virus (EBOV) in infected cells, but their role in viral immune evasion has rarely been explored. Here, we found that interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), but not TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK-1) or IκB kinase epsilon (IKKε), was recruited and sequestered in viral IBs when the cells were infected by EBOV transcription- and replication-competent virus-like particles (trVLPs). NP/VP35-induced IBs formation was critical for IRF3 recruitment and sequestration, probably through interaction with STING. Consequently, the association of TBK1 and IRF3, which plays a vital role in type I interferon (IFN-I) induction, was blocked by EBOV trVLPs infection. Additionally, IRF3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation induced by Sendai virus (SeV) or poly(I:C) stimulation were suppressed by EBOV trVLPs. Furthermore, downregulation of STING significantly attenuated VP35-induced IRF3 accumulation in IBs. Coexpression of the viral proteins by which IBs-like structures formed was much more potent in antagonizing IFN-I than expression of the IFN-I antagonist VP35 alone. These results suggested a novel immune evasion mechanism by which EBOV evades host innate immunity.Ebola virus VP35 protein evades host antiviral immunity by interacting with STING to sequester IRF3 into inclusion bodies and inhibit type-I interferon production.
Correlated signatures of social behavior in cerebellum and anterior cingulate cortex
Authors: Hur Sung Won , Safaryan Karen , Yang Long , Blair Hugh T , Masmanidis Sotiris C , Mathews Paul J , Aharoni Daniel , Golshani Peyman
Published: January 2024

The cerebellum has been implicated in the regulation of social behavior. Its influence is thought to arise from communication, via the thalamus, to forebrain regions integral in the expression of social interactions, including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). However, the signals encoded or the nature of the communication between the cerebellum and these brain regions is poorly understood. Here, we describe an approach that overcomes technical challenges in exploring the coordination of distant brain regions at high temporal and spatial resolution during social behavior. We developed the E-Scope, an electrophysiology-integrated miniature microscope, to synchronously measure extracellular electrical activity in the cerebellum along with calcium imaging of the ACC. This single coaxial cable device combined these data streams to provide a powerful tool to monitor the activity of distant brain regions in freely behaving animals. During social behavior, we recorded the spike timing of multiple single units in cerebellar right Crus I (RCrus I) Purkinje cells (PCs) or dentate nucleus (DN) neurons while synchronously imaging calcium transients in contralateral ACC neurons. We found that during social interactions a significant subpopulation of cerebellar PCs were robustly inhibited, while most modulated neurons in the DN were activated, and their activity was correlated with positively modulated ACC neurons. These distinctions largely disappeared when only non-social epochs were analyzed suggesting that cerebellar-cortical interactions were behaviorally specific. Our work provides new insights into the complexity of cerebellar activation and co-modulation of the ACC during social behavior and a valuable open-source tool for simultaneous, multimodal recordings in freely behaving mice.
Automated cell annotation in multi-cell images using an improved CRF_ID algorithm
Authors: Lee Hyun Jee , Liang Jingting , Chaudhary Shivesh , Moon Sihoon , Yu Zikai , Wu Taihong , Liu He , Choi Myung-Kyu , Zhang Yun , Lu Hang
Published: January 2024

Cell identification is an important yet difficult process in data analysis of biological images. Previously, we developed an automated cell identification method called CRF_ID and demonstrated its high performance in
C. elegans
whole-brain images (Chaudhary et al, 2021). However, because the method was optimized for whole-brain imaging, comparable performance could not be guaranteed for application in commonly used
C. elegans
multi-cell images that display a subpopulation of cells. Here, we present an advance CRF_ID 2.0 that expands the generalizability of the method to multi-cell imaging beyond whole-brain imaging. To illustrate the application of the advance, we show the characterization of CRF_ID 2.0 in multi-cell imaging and cell-specific gene expression analysis in
C. elegans
. This work demonstrates that high accuracy automated cell annotation in multi-cell imaging can expedite cell identification and reduce its subjectivity in
C. elegans
and potentially other biological images of various origins.
The Na+ leak channel NALCN controls spontaneous activity and mediates synaptic modulation by α2-adrenergic receptors in auditory neurons
Authors: Ngodup Tenzin , Irie Tomohiko , Elkins Seán P , Trussell Laurence O
Published: January 2024

Cartwheel interneurons of the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) potently suppress multisensory signals that converge with primary auditory afferent input, and thus regulate auditory processing. Noradrenergic fibers from locus coeruleus project to the DCN, and α2-adrenergic receptors inhibit spontaneous spike activity but simultaneously enhance synaptic strength in cartwheel cells, a dual effect leading to enhanced signal-to-noise for inhibition. However, the ionic mechanism of this striking modulation is unknown. We generated a glycinergic neuron-specific knockout of the Na+ leak channel NALCN in mice and found that its presence was required for spontaneous firing in cartwheel cells. Activation of α2-adrenergic receptors inhibited both NALCN and spike generation, and this modulation was absent in the NALCN knockout. Moreover, α2-dependent enhancement of synaptic strength was also absent in the knockout. GABAB receptors mediated inhibition through NALCN as well, acting on the same population of channels as α2 receptors, suggesting close apposition of both receptor subtypes with NALCN. Thus, multiple neuromodulatory systems determine the impact of synaptic inhibition by suppressing the excitatory leak channel, NALCN.
Heterozygous expression of a Kcnt1 gain-of-function variant has differential effects on somatostatin- and parvalbumin-expressing cortical GABAergic neurons
Authors: Shore Amy N , Li Keyong , Safari Mona , Qunies Alshaima'a M , Spitznagel Brittany D , Weaver C David , Emmitte Kyle , Frankel Wayne , Weston Matthew C
Published: January 2024

More than 20 recurrent missense gain-of-function (GOF) mutations have been identified in the sodium-activated potassium (KNa) channel gene KCNT1 in patients with severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs), most of which are resistant to current therapies. Defining the neuron types most vulnerable to KCNT1 GOF will advance our understanding of disease mechanisms and provide refined targets for precision therapy efforts. Here, we assessed the effects of heterozygous expression of a Kcnt1 GOF variant (Kcnt1Y777H) on KNa currents and neuronal physiology among cortical glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons in mice, including those expressing vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), somatostatin (SST), and parvalbumin (PV), to identify and model the pathogenic mechanisms of autosomal dominant KCNT1 GOF variants in DEEs. Although the Kcnt1Y777H variant had no effects on glutamatergic or VIP neuron function, it increased subthreshold KNa currents in both SST and PV neurons but with opposite effects on neuronal output; SST neurons became hypoexcitable with a higher rheobase current and lower action potential (AP) firing frequency, whereas PV neurons became hyperexcitable with a lower rheobase current and higher AP firing frequency. Further neurophysiological and computational modeling experiments showed that the differential effects of the Kcnt1Y777H variant on SST and PV neurons are not likely due to inherent differences in these neuron types, but to an increased persistent sodium current in PV, but not SST, neurons. The Kcnt1Y777H variant also increased excitatory input onto, and chemical and electrical synaptic connectivity between, SST neurons. Together, these data suggest differential pathogenic mechanisms, both direct and compensatory, contribute to disease phenotypes, and provide a salient example of how a pathogenic ion channel variant can cause opposite functional effects in closely related neuron subtypes due to interactions with other ionic conductances.
Stochastic parabolic growth promotes coexistence and a relaxed error threshold in RNA-like replicator populations
Authors: Paczkó Mátyás , Szathmáry Eörs , Szilágyi András
Published: January 2024

The RNA world hypothesis proposes that during the early evolution of life, primordial genomes of the first self-propagating evolutionary units existed in the form of RNA-like polymers. Autonomous, non-enzymatic, and sustained replication of such information carriers presents a problem, because product formation and hybridization between template and copy strands reduces replication speed. Kinetics of growth is then parabolic with the benefit of entailing competitive coexistence, thereby maintaining diversity. Here, we test the information-maintaining ability of parabolic growth in stochastic multispecies population models under the constraints of constant total population size and chemostat conditions. We find that large population sizes and small differences in the replication rates favor the stable coexistence of the vast majority of replicator species (‘genes’), while the error threshold problem is alleviated relative to exponential amplification. In addition, sequence properties (GC content) and the strength of resource competition mediated by the rate of resource inflow determine the number of coexisting variants, suggesting that fluctuations in building block availability favored repeated cycles of exploration and exploitation. Stochastic parabolic growth could thus have played a pivotal role in preserving viable sequences generated by random abiotic synthesis and providing diverse genetic raw material to the early evolution of functional ribozymes.
Adaptation of CD4 in gorillas and chimpanzees conveyed resistance to simian immunodeficiency viruses
Authors: Warren Cody J. , Barbachano-Guerrero Arturo , Bauer Vanessa L. , Stabell Alex C. , Dirasantha Obaiah , Yang Qing , Sawyer Sara L.
Published: January 2024

Simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIVs) comprise a large group of primate lentiviruses that endemically infect African monkeys. HIV-1 spilled over to humans from this viral reservoir, but the spillover did not occur directly from monkeys to humans. Instead, a key event was the introduction of SIVs into great apes, which then set the stage for infection of humans. Here, we investigate the role of the lentiviral entry receptor, CD4, in this key and fateful event in the history of SIV/HIV emergence. First, we reconstructed and tested ancient forms of CD4 at two important nodes in ape speciation, both prior to the infection of chimpanzees and gorillas with these viruses. These ancestral CD4s fully supported entry of diverse SIV isolates related to the viruses that made this initial jump to apes. In stark contrast, modern chimpanzee and gorilla CD4 orthologs are more resistant to these viruses. To investigate how this resistance in CD4 was gained, we acquired
CD4
gene sequences from 32 gorilla individuals of two species, and identified alleles that encode 8 unique CD4 protein variants. Functional testing of these identified variant-specific differences in susceptibility to virus entry. By engineering single point mutations from resistant gorilla CD4 variants into the permissive human CD4 receptor, we demonstrate that acquired substitutions in gorilla CD4 did convey resistance to virus entry. We provide a population genetic analysis to support the theory that selection is acting in favor of more and more resistant
CD4
alleles in ape species harboring SIV endemically (gorillas and chimpanzees), but not in other ape species that lack SIV infections (bonobos and orangutans). Taken together, our results show that SIV has placed intense selective pressure on ape
CD4
, acting to propagate SIV-resistant alleles in chimpanzee and gorilla populations.
Visual routines for detecting causal interactions are tuned to motion direction
Authors: Ohl Sven , Rolfs Martin
Published: January 2024

Detecting causal relations structures our perception of events in the world. Here, we determined whether generalized or specialized visual routines underly the perception of causality by assessing the adaptability of specific features in launching events of simple geometric shapes. After prolonged exposure to causal launch events (the adaptor) defined by a particular set of features (i.e., a particular motion direction, motion speed, or feature conjunction), observers were less likely to see causal interactions in subsequent ambiguous test events. We assessed whether this negative aftereffect transfers to test events with a new set of feature values that were not presented during adaptation. Processing in specialized (as opposed to generalized) visual routines predicts that the transfer of adaptation depends on the feature-similarity of the adaptor and the test event. We show that negative aftereffects do not transfer to unadapted launch directions. Crucially, adaptation was contingent on the causal impression in launches as demonstrated by a lack of adaptation in non-causal control events. In contrast, adaptation to launches with a particular motion speed transferred also to a different speed. Moreover, adaptation based on feature conjunctions (color and launch direction) revealed that launch direction trumps the feature identity of the object for causal perception; the adaptation transferred across colors if the test event had the same motion direction as the adaptor. In summary, visual adaptation allowed us to carve out a visual feature space underlying the perception of causality and revealed specialized visual routines that are tuned to a launch’s motion direction.We used visual adaptation to carve out a visual feature space that is critical for detecting collisions in launching events. Observers were less likely to report perceiving a collision after the repeated viewing of launches. Importantly, observers’ perception of collisions in the opposite direction as the adaptor were not affected by the adaptation. However, provided the test stimulus had the adapted direction of motion, the speed or the color of the objects involved in the launching event did not need to be the same as during adaptation to show the negative aftereffect. Thus, visual routines underlying the detection of causal interactions are selective for motion direction, therefore providing evidence that the perception of causality relies on low-level perceptual processes.
Gendered hiring and attrition on the path to parity for academic faculty
Authors: LaBerge Nicholas , Wapman Kenneth Hunter , Clauset Aaron , Larremore Daniel B
Published: January 2024

Despite long-running efforts to increase gender diversity among tenured and tenure-track faculty in the U.S., women remain underrepresented in most academic fields, sometimes dramatically so. Here, we quantify the relative importance of faculty hiring and faculty attrition for both past and future faculty gender diversity using comprehensive data on the training and employment of 268,769 tenured and tenure-track faculty rostered at 12,112U.S. PhD-granting departments, spanning 111 academic fields between 2011 and 2020. Over this time, we find that hiring had a far greater impact on women’s representation among faculty than attrition in the majority (90.1%) of academic fields, even as academia loses a higher share of women faculty relative to men at every career stage. Finally, we model the impact of five specific policy interventions on women’s representation, and project that eliminating attrition differences between women and men only leads to a marginal increase in women’s overall representation—in most fields, successful interventions will need to make substantial and sustained changes to hiring in order to reach gender parity.
Gendered hiring and attrition on the path to parity for academic faculty
Authors: LaBerge Nicholas , Wapman K. Hunter , Clauset Aaron , Larremore Daniel B.
Published: January 2024

Despite long-running efforts to increase gender diversity among tenured and tenure track faculty in the U.S., women remain underrepresented in most academic fields, sometimes dramatically so. Here we quantify the relative importance of faculty hiring and faculty attrition for both past and future faculty gender diversity using comprehensive data on the training and employment of 268,769 tenured and tenure-track faculty rostered at 12,112 U.S. PhD-granting departments, spanning 111 academic fields between 2011–2020. Over this time, we find that hiring had a far greater impact on women’s representation among faculty than attrition in the majority (90.1%) of academic fields, even as academia loses a higher share of women faculty relative to men at every career stage. Finally, we model the impact of five specific policy interventions on women’s representation, and project that eliminating attrition differences between women and men only leads to a marginal increase in women’s overall representation—in most fields, successful interventions will need to make substantial and sustained changes to hiring in order to reach gender parity.
The potassium channel subunit KV1.8 (Kcna10) is essential for the distinctive outwardly rectifying conductances of type I and II vestibular hair cells
Authors: Martin Hannah R , Lysakowski Anna , Eatock Ruth Anne
Published: January 2024

In amniotes, head motions and tilt are detected by two types of vestibular hair cells (HCs) with strikingly different morphology and physiology. Mature type I HCs express a large and very unusual potassium conductance, gK,L, which activates negative to resting potential, confers very negative resting potentials and low input resistances, and enhances an unusual non-quantal transmission from type I cells onto their calyceal afferent terminals. Following clues pointing to KV1.8 (Kcna10) in the Shaker K channel family as a candidate gK,L subunit, we compared whole-cell voltage-dependent currents from utricular HCs of KV1.8-null mice and littermate controls. We found that KV1.8 is necessary not just for gK,L but also for fast-inactivating and delayed rectifier currents in type II HCs, which activate positive to resting potential. The distinct properties of the three KV1.8-dependent conductances may reflect different mixing with other KV subunits that are reported to be differentially expressed in type I and II HCs. In KV1.8-null HCs of both types, residual outwardly rectifying conductances include KV7 (Knq) channels. Current clamp records show that in both HC types, KV1.8-dependent conductances increase the speed and damping of voltage responses. Features that speed up vestibular receptor potentials and non-quantal afferent transmission may have helped stabilize locomotion as tetrapods moved from water to land.
A SUMO E3 ligase promotes long non-coding RNA transcription to regulate small RNA-directed DNA elimination
Authors: Shehzada Salman , Noto Tomoko , Saksouk Julie , Mochizuki Kazufumi
Published: January 2024

Small RNAs target their complementary chromatin regions for gene silencing through nascent long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). In the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena, the interaction between Piwi-associated small RNAs (scnRNAs) and the nascent lncRNA transcripts from the somatic genome has been proposed to induce target-directed small RNA degradation (TDSD), and scnRNAs not targeted for TDSD later target the germline-limited sequences for programmed DNA elimination. In this study, we show that the SUMO E3 ligase Ema2 is required for the accumulation of lncRNAs from the somatic genome and thus for TDSD and completing DNA elimination to make viable sexual progeny. Ema2 interacts with the SUMO E2 conjugating enzyme Ubc9 and enhances SUMOylation of the transcription regulator Spt6. We further show that Ema2 promotes the association of Spt6 and RNA polymerase II with chromatin. These results suggest that Ema2-directed SUMOylation actively promotes lncRNA transcription, which is a prerequisite for communication between the genome and small RNAs.
Named entity recognition and emotional viewpoint monitoring in online news using artificial intelligence
Authors: Tu Manzi
Published: January 2024

Network news is an important way for netizens to get social information. Massive news information hinders netizens to get key information. Named entity recognition technology under artificial background can realize the classification of place, date and other information in text information. This article combines named entity recognition and deep learning technology. Specifically, the proposed method introduces an automatic annotation approach for Chinese entity triggers and a Named Entity Recognition (NER) model that can achieve high accuracy with a small number of training data sets. The method jointly trains sentence and trigger vectors through a trigger-matching network, utilizing the trigger vectors as attention queries for subsequent sequence annotation models. Furthermore, the proposed method employs entity labels to effectively recognize neologisms in web news, enabling the customization of the set of sensitive words and the number of words within the set to be detected, as well as extending the web news word sentiment lexicon for sentiment observation. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model outperforms the traditional BiLSTM-CRF model, achieving superior performance with only a 20% proportional training data set compared to the 40% proportional training data set required by the conventional model. Moreover, the loss function curve shows that my model exhibits better accuracy and faster convergence speed than the compared model. Finally, my model achieves an average accuracy rate of 97.88% in sentiment viewpoint detection.
Chromatin accessibility complex subunit 1 enhances tumor growth by regulating the oncogenic transcription of YAP in breast and cervical cancer
Authors: Li Shasha , Wang Lulu , Shi Jing , Chen Yi , Xiao Ang , Huo Bingyue , Tian Wenjing , Zhang Shilu , Yang Gang , Gong Wensheng , Zhang Huixia
Published: January 2024

Background

As a component of chromatin remodeling complex, chromatin accessibility complex subunit 1 (CHRAC1) is critical in transcription and DNA replication. However, the significance of CHRAC1 in cancer progression has not been investigated extensively. This research aimed to determine the function of CHRAC1 in breast and cervical cancer and elucidate the molecular mechanism.

Methods

The Bio-ID method was used to identify the interactome of transcriptional activator Yes-associated protein (YAP) and the binding between YAP and CHRAC1 was verified by immunofluorescence. CCK8, colony formation and subcutaneous xenograft assays were conducted to explore the function of CHRAC1 in cancer cell proliferation. RNA-seq analysis and RT-PCR were used to analyze the transcription program change after CHRAC1 ablation. The diagnostic value of CHRAC1 was analyzed by TCGA database and further validated by immunohistochemistry staining.

Results

In the current study, we found that the chromatin remodeler CHRAC1 was a potential YAP interactor. CHRAC1 depletion suppressed breast and cervical cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth. The potential mechanism may be that CHRAC1 interacts with YAP to facilitate oncogenic transcription of YAP target genes in Hippo pathway, thereby promoting tumorigenesis. CHRAC1 was elevated in cervical and breast cancer biopsies and the upregulation correlated with shorter survival, poor pathological stages and metastasis of cancer patients. Moreover, CHRAC1 expression was statistically associated with YAP in breast and cervical cancer biopsies.

Conclusions

These findings highlight that CHRAC1 contributes to cancer progression through regulating the oncogenic transcription of YAP, which makes it a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
Contribution of Agama Arbitration Council as an Alternative Mode for Conflict Resolution Adopted By Shari’ah Courts in South Central Mindanao
Authors: Bagolong Saidamin
Published: January 2024

Issuing the Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines was a constitutional justification for the free exercise of Religion and cultural communities. This study aimed to ascertain the relationship between the contribution of the Agama Arbitration Council as an alternative mode for conflict resolution adopted by the Shari'ah Courts in South Central Mindanao. The study utilized a descriptive correlation to the 100 respondents composed of judges, clerks of courts, counselors, staff, and asatidz in the cities of Cotabato and Kidapawan, including provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and North Cotabato. The researcher-made survey questionnaire was used and validated by experts, and its reliability was tested on alpha Cronbach. The Pearson r was used to analyze the data. The results found a high positive correlation between the Agama Arbitration Council as an Alternative Mode for Conflict Resolution adopted by the Shari'ah Courts in terms of divorce (talaq), subsequent marriage, and offense against customary law and its attainment of objectives on the proper conduct of arbitration procedure and the speedy disposition of cases. Hence, the Agama Arbitration Council served as a viable process instead of litigation in the regular courts. It is recommended to incorporate them as essential in the legal system of Muslims in the Philippines.
The Administration of Moral Governance in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Government
Authors: Yusof Nasrudin , Bagolong Saidamin
Published: January 2024

The study aimed to analyze the administration of moral governance in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao government. A descriptive case study using interview guide questions to gather the responses from the 14 participants utilizing purposive sampling to members of the parliament, ministers, religious and tribal leaders, and academic and business sector representatives. The data were refined and clarified by grouping ideas or concepts to form clusters using thematic analysis. As analyzed, moral Governance in Islam is based on the Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.). It considers a governance of conscience coupled with good action and right behavior for the day-to-day operations and processes of the Bangsamoro government that must be duly implemented as the general habitual practice of all employees. It is the blend result of correct creed (aqeedah), good character (akhlaq), values (qiyam), integrity (nazaha), accountability (mas’ooliya), transparency (shafaafiya), and excellence (tamyeez). However, participants have confided that traditional politicians, leaders, and some professionals with secular knowledge having no or less background in Islamic laws and philosophies were some challenges they would encounter. Thus, to effectively administer moral governance, leadership should be based on Ibadah (worship), Ikhlas (sincerity), Hamd (praise), Sabr (patience), Taqwa (piety), Shura (consultation), Maslaha (public interest) and Tawakkul (reliance to God).
El derecho a la libertad de cultos desde la perspectiva de las iglesias luteranas en Colombia y Argentina
Authors: Uchima Espinosa Luis Martín
Published: January 2024

La religión ha tenido un papel central en la historia de la humanidad, constituyendo parte fundamental de la vida y las relaciones personales; en este orden de ideas, dada la existente diversidad de creencias, se han generado marcos normativos para su desarrollo, permanencia y preservación. Por ello, la libertad religiosa y de cultos se erige como un derecho, pero también como una necesidad para la sociedad y una responsabilidad jurídica para los Estados, en aras de proteger y salvaguardar los derechos de las personas que practican -o no- una religión. Así, la rama luterana del cristianismo ha hecho presencia en naciones como Colombia y Argentina, donde se abre el debate de la pluralidad y el respeto por la diversidad religiosa, dentro de dos países de tradición católico-romana.
AÇÕES AFIRMATIVAS RELIGIOSAS NO SUPREMO TRIBUNAL FEDERAL
Authors: Queiroz Leonardo , Sales Victor
Published: January 2024

O presente artigo detém como objetivo explorar uma manifestação ainda não analisada do perfeccionismo da Lei Natural: a promoção de uma visão substancial de bem pela autoridade política por meio de ações afirmativas. Para tanto, investiga-se a questão dos adventistas através do julgamento do Recurso Extraordinário 611.874 e do Agravo em Recurso Extraordinário 1.099.099, ambos sobre o dia de guarda religiosa submetidos ao Supremo Tribunal Federal e julgados em 2020. Os precedentes citados reconheceram direitos àqueles que observam o sábado, abrangendo a modificação de datas e horários em concursos públicos e a capacidade de o Estado estabelecer critérios alternativos durante o estágio probatório. Desse modo, indaga-se: seria a visão perfeccionista injusta, como alegam os defensores da neutralidade? Como as ações afirmativas são justificadas e em que consistem? Existem ações afirmativas religiosas? O caso dos adventistas pode ser considerado um exemplo de ação afirmativa religiosa à luz do bem substancial da Nova Teoria da Lei Natural? Este estudo se vale de metodologia bibliográfica para conectar filosofia, política e religião, contribuindo para futuras discussões interdisciplinares mais aprofundadas.
Multiple-Driving Paths of Saving and Investment in Regional Gross Domestic Product of Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Fikru Meja, Merihun , Muhammed Akmel , Awole Mubarek , Tale Almaz , Zassa Zekarias , Abraham Kifle , Taddele Maseresha
Published: January 2024

Despite an increase in overall economy of the country, saving and investment is still low. As the result, this study was undertaken to factor out the contribution of savings and investment on the regional economic growth of the study area. Cross-sectional data was used for analysis. The descriptive analysis, Logistic regression model and Heckman two stage selection model were used to properly examine the investigation. Thus, majority of the households saved their money in the formal sector of finance rather than in the informal sectors like Iqube and Edir. The rate of saving is much lower than the rate of non-saving in the study area. In addition to that households have higher expenditure on food items than non-food items in the study area. Therefore, despite the fact that enhancing production have a significant implication on the value of saving and investment, it has been revealed that there are major differences from people to people in the study area. Therefore, the existing rate of saving and investment has lesser contribution in the regional economic growth in the area. Moreover, sex, age, household size and expenditure were key to determine the level of saving money in the study area. Therefore, Improving the investment climate, particularly those relating to security of property, crime, political instability, and macroeconomic instability should be taken into account by the government.
The Impact of Socio-Economic Status on Social Skills Development in Secondary School Children
Authors: Careemdeen Jalal Deen
Published: January 2024

This comprehensive research investigates the intricate relationship between socio-economic factors and social skills development among secondary school students in Sri Lanka. With a sample size of 1350 participants selected through stratified random sampling, the study employs a quantitative survey design to assess students' socio-economic status and perceptions of social skills enhancement. Statistical analyses, including Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA), reveal significant parental income and education disparities. The findings underscore a positive correlation between higher parental income and augmented social skills, emphasising socioeconomic status's pivotal role in shaping skill acquisition opportunities. Notably, the study identifies the positive influence of fathers' tertiary education on students' social competence. While no significant differences based on mothers' educational qualifications are observed, the study recognises the need for nuanced understanding. Aligning with existing literature, the research emphasises the importance of inclusive classroom climates, cultural diversity, and positive peer relationships in fostering social adaptation. Friendships among students emerge as crucial in shaping social identities, while the study navigates the intricate influence of social media interactions in the contemporary educational landscape. The data highlight elevated social skills among upper-middle-class students, placing emphasis on the pivotal role of parental income. These insights underscore the imperative for inclusive educational environments to foster holistic development and societal contribution. The methodology employs a survey-based approach with a structured questionnaire assessing socioeconomic status and perceptions of social skills. Rigorous statistical analyses, including MANOVA, provide a robust examination of social skill enhancement, revealing disparities associated with parental income and educational backgrounds. The study contributes nuanced insights to the discourse on socio-economic influences on student education in Sri Lanka, informing future research and interventions aimed at creating inclusive and enriching educational environments globally.
Exploring the Role of Phenotypic Plasticity in Plant Adaptation to Changing Climate: A Review
Authors: Bibi Zubaira , Maqsood Muhammad Junaid , Idrees Ayesha , Rafique Hafisa , Butt Aliza Amjad , Ali Rameesha , Arif Zunaira , Nabi Mutie Un
Published: January 2024

Global ecosystems are threatened by climate change, thus understanding plant response is vital. Phenotypic plasticity allows genotypes to produce different phenotypes in response to different environmental conditions, helping plants adapt to changing climates. The reviewsynthesizes molecular, physiological, and morphological data on plant phenotypic plasticity as a dynamic and responsive survival strategy in unpredictable environments. Review analyses how phenotypic plasticity influences plant resilience and persistence under climate change using empirical data from diverse plant species and settings. The study also analyses how phenotypic plasticity influences plant community dynamics, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning. Phenotypic plasticity's potential to attenuate climate change and facilitate range alterations is also explored, showing its importance in plant ranges.  Study reviewsgenetic, genomic, ecological, and climatological research on plant phenotypic plasticity in climate adaptation.  Findings stressplant species' resilience in reducing climate change's impact on global ecosystems and influencing conservation and management.
A Review of Literature on Transferrin: Deciphering its Complex Mechanism in Cellular Iron Regulation and Clinical Implications
Authors: Ajayi Nneka Damola , Ajayi Samson Abidemi , Oladoyinbo Oluseun Babatunde , Olaniyi Oluwaseun Oladeji
Published: January 2024

Iron is a crucial constituent in cellular metabolism, playing a pivotal role in numerous enzymatic activities that are required for the maintenance of life. However, the lack of regulation in iron levels can lead to cellular damage through the Fenton reaction, which produces reactive oxygen species. Transferrin which is a glycoprotein functions crucially in contributing significantly to the movement of iron in biological systems. The polypeptide chain of transferrin, which is made of 700 amino acids, has a crucial role in iron binding and delivery. Transferrin has different N and C lobes that contribute to its exceptional attributes. In this paper, we looked at several aspects of transferrin which were explored, especially its diverse forms, characteristic structures, synthesis mechanisms, and metabolic functions. Various proteins, including lactoferrin, melanotransferrin, serum transferrin, and ovotransferrin, take part in regulating the transportation of iron and the prevention of iron homeostasis in vertebrates. We also explored the role of transferrin in various metabolic processes, which includes its activation of macrophages, antimicrobial attributes, and participation in immunological responses. A detailed assessment of the chemical attributes of transferrin provides useful information about its amino acid constituent, arrangement, and bonds with a broad spectrum of metal ions. This paper delves into taking part in scholarly reviews that address the therapeutic relevance of transferrin, stressing its function as a marker for diagnosing iron deficiency as well as its implications in health conditions such as hemochromatosis and atransferrinemia. This detailed assessment of transferrin that this paper presents makes a renowned development in how we understand its complex mechanisms, thus enhancing how we comprehend iron regulations in cells and how it implies both health and disease.
Influence of Copper Sulphate on Anther Culture for Haploid Production in African Marigold (Tagetes erecta L.)
Authors: Mehraj Uzma , Singh Kanwar Pal , Kumar Gunjeet , Panwar Sapna
Published: January 2024

The present study was carried out to improve the yield of androgenesis in marigold, for which copper sulfate was tested during the pretreatment of anther culture at various concentrations. The best results were obtained when copper sulfate was added at 15 µM and 20 µM. With the addition of copper sulphate at 20 µM, the percent of responding anthers increased from 81.6 to 92.2 %. While. percent caulogenesis increased from 66.8 to 78.4 % with copper sulphate concentration of 15 µM. With the same concentration of copper sulphate (15 µM), the number of shoot buds per anther increased from 7.4 to 9.6 and the number of regenerants per anther increased from 5.8 to 8.6. The positive influence of copper sulphate may be due to an increase in the microspore survival during anther culture.
Standardization of Hydroponic Growing Media and Nutrient Solution Application Intervals for Optimal Growth in Syngonium podophyllum Schott. cv. ‘White Butterfly’
Authors: Anaswara S. J.  , Rafeekher M.  , Mithra V. S. Santhosh , Hari Divya
Published: January 2024

Hydroponics can be said as a way to skip soil. It is the method of growing plants in soilless media along with external supply of nutrient solutions. The selection of plants suitable for cultivation in indoor environments with restricted space is becoming increasingly crucial in contemporary times. Syngonium podophyllum Schott. cv. ‘White Butterfly’ is a very important plant in current scenario with bewitchingly beautiful ornamental foliage. Four types of soil less media were taken for the experiment including, metal jelly (10mm), vermiculite, expanded clay balls and quartz sand. 150% dose of Hoagland solution was applied to plants through drip system till it reach 70% field capacity. The nutrient solution was applied in four levels such as daily, alternate days, two days intervals and three days intervals. Growth parameters like number of leaves per plant, leaf area, plant height and number of roots were observed in every 15 days interval up to four months. Highest mean number of leaves were obtained for vermiculite media when nutrient solution was applied at daily interval basis at 120 DAP (16.8). This treatment was also found on par with alternate days nutrient solution application in combination with vermiculite media (14.6), daily nutrient solution application in metal jelly media (14) and alternate days nutrient solution application in quartz sand media (15.4). While clay ball media with alternate days interval of nutrient solution application was found superior in terms of leaf area (267.60 cm2), plant height (30.56cm) and root length (58.94 cm) characteristics at 120 DAP.
The Cucumber Mosaic Virus: A Review
Authors: Joshi Mukta , Narute T. K. , Sarnobat Dhanashree
Published: January 2024

Cucumber mosaic virus is a member of genus Cucumovirus from the Brommoviridae family known to have a very wide host range and is one of the most prevalent viruses in the globe. The research work of cucumber mosaic virus strains responsible for various diseases in vegetable and pulse crops; ornamentals, medicinal and aromatic plants and weeds reported in world from last 71 years (1951–2022) have been reviewed in this article. It includes historical background, taxonomy and classification, Geographical distribution, Host range and virus propagation, Virus Structure and Genome organization, Replication, Movement, survey, symptomatology, Insect transmission, Evolution and Management. The mode of spread of the diseases in nature through insect vectors, search of alternate hosts/reservoirs and diagnostics methods for sensitive detection of the viruses at early stages of infection in plants and in propagating materials are important factors to study virus and disease epidemiology. These reviews summarised in this article focused on the epidemic nature of CMV, their capability to infect a variety of economically important plants and proper identification and designing the effective management strategies which would help to strengthen the understanding of the researchers and students in particular discipline help to design the management strategies.
Prevalence of Asymptomatic Falciparum Malaria, Risk Factors, and Absence of PfHRP2 Gene Deletion in Makurdi, Nigeria
Authors: Adeka P.  , Imandeh G. N.  , Ikpa T. F.  , Okafor, I. D.
Published: January 2024

Background: Malaria remains a persistent public health challenge, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where asymptomatic falciparum malaria poses a significant threat. Asymptomatic cases serve as a crucial parasite reservoir, contributing to ongoing transmission.

Aim: The study investigates the prevalence of asymptomatic falciparum malaria and assesses the occurrence of gene deletion in the Plasmodium falciparum Histidine Rich Protein 2 (Pf HRP2) gene in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September and October 2019, which involved 374 apparently healthy individuals from five communities. Malaria diagnosis utilized Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits, microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Pf HRP2 gene assessment.

Results: The study found a prevalence of 25.4% by RDT and 28.1% by microscopy. Asymptomatic falciparum malaria was significantly influenced by location, proximity to water bodies, bed net usage, and history of malaria treatment, while, age, and insecticide usage showed no significant impact. PCR results revealed amplified fragments with band sizes ranging from 600 to 900 base pairs in 40 positive isolates, eliminating Pf HRP2 gene deletion as a cause for false negatives observed between RDT and microscopy results.

Discussion/Conclusion: The study highlights a high malaria transmission rate in Nigeria, emphasizing the role of location-specific factors and bed net usage in the proliferation of asymptomatic falciparum malaria. Importantly, no gene deletion was identified in the Pf HRP2 gene among the studied Plasmodium falciparum isolates.
Degradation of dibutyltin in sea water by pyoverdins isolated from Pseudomonas chlororaphis
Authors: Yamaoka Yukiho , Inoue Hiroyuki , Takimura Osamu
Published: October 2002

The yellow compounds pyoverdins were isolated from Pseudomonas chlororaphis, which was isolated from mud in Japan. Degradation of tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT), and monobutyltin (MBT) by pyoverdin (20 mg) was carried in sea water (30 ml) containing a 6 µg l−1 concentration of TBT, DBT, and MBT at 24 °C for 24 h in aerobic conditions. TBT, DBT, and MBT in sea water were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry in selected ion monitoring mode. DBT in sea water was degraded to MBT by pyoverdins isolated from P. chlororaphis. However, TBT and MBT in sea water was not degraded by pyoverdins. The optimum degradation of DBT in sea water was at pH 4.8–8.2, at a temperature 25–30 °C. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The promoting effect of organotin compounds upon peroxidation of oleic acid
Authors: Petrosyan V. S. , Milaeva E. R. , Gracheva Yu. A. , Grigoriev E. V. , Tyurin V. Yu. , Pimenov Yu. T. , Berberova N. T.
Published: October 2002

The effect of the organotin compounds R
nSnCl4−n (n = 1–3; where R = Me, Et, n‐Bu and Ph) upon oleic ((Z)‐9‐octadecenoic) acid oxidation by dioxygen has been studied at 25, 37, 65, and 95 °C. The promoting effect of organotins upon the formation of oleic acid hydroperoxides is temperature dependent and is at a maximum at a temperature close to the physiological one, but the impact of organotins upon oleic acid peroxidation decreases in the presence of 2,6‐di‐tert‐butylphenol. The role of organic free radicals derived from the SnC bond cleavage in the oxidation of oleic acid is discussed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Platelet adhesion on laser‐induced acrylic acid–grafted polyethylene terephthalate
Authors: Mirzadeh H. , Dadsetan M. , Sharifi‐Sanjani N.
Published: October 2002

To improve blood compatibility, acrylic acid (AAc) was grafted onto a polyethylene terephtalate (PET) film surface using lasers. The PET surface was irradiated with a CO2 pulsed laser, and then graft copolymerization was carried out in an aqueous solution of AAc in the presence of Mohr's salt. Different techniques such as attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and contact angle measurements were used to characterize the modified PET surface. The ATR‐FTIR spectra confirmed the creation of new functional groups on the PET surface, and contact angle measurements revealed that the hydrophilicity of the PET surface increased as a result of the AAc graft polymerization. The electron micrographs showed that the grafting changed the surface morphology of the PET film. To evaluate the blood compatibility in vitro, the number of platelets adhering to the modified PET surface was determined using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity measurement. The data from LDH method indicated that the extent of platelet adherence on the unmodified PET was much higher than that on the AAc grafted PET. The morphology of adhered platelets on the PET surface was investigated by SEM. The results showed that platelet adhesion and activation onto the PET surface was reduced because of AAc graft polymerization. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 3191–3196, 2002
Ceric ammonium nitrate‐initiated graft copolymerization of acrylamide onto Cassia tora gum
Authors: Raj Sharma Brij , Kumar Vineet , Soni P. L.
Published: October 2002

Graft copolymerization of acrylamide onto Cassia tora gum was studied in an aqueous medium using ceric ammonium nitrate‐nitric acid as the redox initiator. To optimize the reaction conditions for obtaining maximum percent grafting, the concentrations of Cassia tora gum, ceric ammonium nitrate, acrylamide, and nitric acid, time, and temperature were varied. Results are discussed and a reaction mechanism is proposed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 3250–3255, 2002