bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Les rapports d’un film avec le territoire qu’il met en scène. Le cas du film Detroit
Authors: Renoir Simon
Published: April 2024

Cette contribution s’intéresse à la mise en scène et la représentation de la ville de Détroit par le film Detroit (Bigelow, 2017), lequel traite du racisme et de la violence policiers au cours des révoltes urbaines de 1967. Alors qu’un nouveau régime urbain local tente de construire une image apaisée de la ville par la promotion d’une marque territoriale autour du design, l’auteur interroge la façon dont ce film se situe dans le contexte local de construction d’une marque territoriale et la nature des médiations qu’il établit avec des acteurs territoriaux. À partir de l’hypothèse selon laquelle le film réactive l’« image héritée » du territoire et entre en dissonance avec l’« image recherchée », un premier point analyse la construction de la marque territoriale en tant que mythe, lequel à la fois rassemble autour de valeurs intégrées au nouveau mode d’accumulation du capitalisme (image recherchée) et divise car il invisibilise la culture de la communauté noire. Un deuxième point montre que, même s’il porte une reconnaissance de l’image héritée de la ville, le film échoue à en donner une représentation pleinement satisfaisante et établit en définitive des médiations assez faibles avec les acteurs territoriaux.
Study of kinematic and kinetic aspects of mechanisms using tools of CAD solid modelers
Authors: McDonald Blair J. , Ravikumar Prathivadi , Shin Il-Seop , Zbeeb Khaled , N. Puneeth
Published: April 2024

In engineering education, the kinematic and kinetic study of mechanisms is a subject that is as challenging to teach as it is to learn. Modern computer aided design (CAD) and solid modeling software, such as SolidWorks, enables the synthesis, analysis and evaluation of mechanisms throughout the design process and in greater detail than has ever been available. In the past, a designer carefully selected a limited number of instants in time where position, velocity, acceleration, force and torque were painstakingly determined to evaluate performance. This was a complex process that required skill and attention to detail. Now, using solid modeler tools such as Sketch, Assembly and Motion Study, these parameters can be continuously evaluated throughout the cycle of a mechanism whether it be simple or complex. As an example, a relatively simple rocker linkage is modeled. The results of motion parameters at specific stages of the cycle are determined theoretically and compared to those obtained using the solid modeler.
Electric vehicles routing problem with variable speed and time windows
Authors: Abdallah Khaled S. , Adel Yasmin
Published: April 2024

Vehicle routing is a major concern for a distribution channel of any supply chain. It plays a crucial role in attaining a competitive advantage for a company by being cost efficient or responsive. Transportation as a key logistics activity represents a relevant component (generally from 10% to 20%) of the final cost of goods, and one third to two thirds of the cost of logistics. The literature recently shifted towards the use of more energy efficient vehicles. Electric vehicles are characterized by being energy efficient, and do not produce polluting gas emissions such as carbon dioxide. However, the electric vehicles suffer from the limited capacity of the battery and the large charging time. In this paper, the dispatching and routing of battery-operated electric vehicles is considered. The vehicles can move at variable speeds when moving from a customer to another. When the speed is fast, the charge is depleted fast and small number of customers are served in a route. While when the speed is slow, the charge is depleted slowly, and more customers can be accommodated in a route. A genetic algorithm is developed to solve the problem. A piece linear range function based on finite speeds is proposed, as the average speed is used in planning for a given route in real life. A proposed genetic algorithm is proposed and applied on many cases from the literature. The results show that the model is able to optimize the performance and that the model behavior is consistent.
Developing a decision support tool for quantification and reduction of construction material waste
Authors: Moynihan Gary P. , Lyu Qingchen , Nnaji Chuma
Published: April 2024

The construction industry has a major impact on the environment, both in terms of resource consumption and waste production. Given the high rate of raw materials wastage and ineffective waste management frequently conducted on construction sites, waste minimization strategies have become an important area of concern in the construction industry. However, the knowledge of origins and distribution of construction waste is very limited. This gap in knowledge limits the effectiveness of decisions made to reduce construction waste at the design and planning phase. The University of Alabama Construction Administration department (UACA) provides management and support for construction projects on campus. In this paper, the application of decision support system (DSS) technology is investigated to support UACA interest in construction material waste management. DSS are software systems that utilize sophisticated algorithmic approaches to solve problems. The utilization of technologies, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), in construction has allowed for more efficient, better designed structures that limit the waste of resources, optimize energy use, and promote passive design strategies. The objectives of this research are to quantify construction waste, determine its causes, and lead to methods to minimize this waste. A prototype DSS was designed utilizing historical data at the University of Alabama. The design proposes a framework that integrates BIM with advanced analytical methods, within the DSS, to reduce the impact of construction waste materials. The current status of development of the prototype DSS, and future path forward, are discussed.
Critical factors affecting enrollment, performance, and retention & graduation rates of construction management undergraduate students
Authors: Mani Nirajan
Published: April 2024

The shortage of construction manager and skilled construction workers is becoming one of the country's great-unsolved problems as the economic expansion has continued in USA because of various reasons, such as low students' enrollment in the construction management and related programs, poor academic performance of students, and low retention and graduation rates of students in US universities. Therefore, it is essential to identify possible factors that directly and indirectly influence students' enrollment, academic performance, and retention and graduation rates of students. By conducting an extensive literature review, this paper reports various factors that influence students' enrollment, academic performance, retention & graduation rates, and classifies these factors in the relevant clusters, such as university factors (academic & organizational factors), student factors, and family & social factors. In addition, this paper maps those factors in various clusters by applying the affinity grouping technique. Revelation of such factors can provide valuable insights to educators and students. It also helps to educators to formulate effective teaching strategies to achieve maximum outcomes. Moreover, the finding of this research not only contributes to the body of knowledge but also develop a foundation for designing the systematic strategy for effective educational policy in the country and addresses the lack of policy or strategy to resolve the skilled workforce shortage issues.
Sustainable redevelopment in Fitchburg: A collaborative faculty-students-community engaged project
Authors: Mani Nirajan , Chenot D. Keith
Published: April 2024

Collaborative faculty-students-community engaged (FSCE) projects with strong pedagogical and innovative service-learning approaches can dramatically transform and expand higher education and curriculum outcomes. FSCE projects provide a platform for concerned stakeholders to share knowledge and learning opportunities by integrating community serving, which in many cases improves the quality and productivity of instruction. These projects focus on issues and can ultimately contribute to the wellbeing of the community. This paper focuses on a pilot study of the City of Fitchburg in Massachusetts, a 19th century industrial center that has now, like many other New England early mill towns, lost manufacturing and its base economy to other states and countries with lower labor costs. The infrastructure built over the last two centuries has stayed the same or is deteriorating and now needs to be repurposed and given a thoughtful upgrade. There are many critical factors that can be analyzed and addressed to make this city a better community to live, study, and work in. By conducting a pilot study, this paper identifies major issues and analyzes existing scenario of community connectivity involving concerned local stakeholders. The authors propose a research framework to conduct a FSCE project by collaborating with concerned stakeholders and community design experts. This paper presents three case studies where Fitchburg State University's faculty and undergraduate students were actively involved in the redesign of various city related projects that represent the significance of this type of collaborative and integrative faculty-students-community engaged project for enhancing community-engaged learning opportunities for undergraduate students.
Engaging upper elementary students in activities aimed to increase female inclusion in STEM
Authors: Schonning Alexandra , Perez Susan
Published: April 2024

This paper discusses efforts by the Center for the Advancement of Women in Engineering (CAWE) at the University of North Florida (UNF) to increase the inclusion in STEM by engaging 3rd through 5th grade students in outreach activities in the form of field trips. The UNF-CAWE field trips are designed to educate and inspire students in 3rd through 5th grade about engineering using a hands-on approach. The learning materials were designed to be inclusive to a diverse population. The materials included a conversational presentation of what engineering is and how it has helped shape the world we live in today and how engineering is needed to solve some of the biggest challenges our society is facing. The presentation was followed by engineering activities during which the students learned basics of programming a robot and building a hydraulic system capable of lifting heavy weights. The presentation and activities were designed by engineering students and faculty in the engineering and psychology programs and were delivered by engineering, computing, and psychology students with the oversight of the directors of CAWE. A total of six field trips were conducted. Three of the field trips received an additional presentation on unconscious gender biases. For all the six field trips, children with parental consent, participated in an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved research study to determine if their interest in pursuing a STEM career was affected by the unconscious gender bias discussion. Results from the pilot study reveal that children benefit from participating in outreach activities which provide exposure to engineering, hands-on activities, role models, discussions on how engineering makes the world better, and discussions of unconscious gender biases.
Drivers and barriers of advanced manufacturing technology implementation in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Fatais Abdullah , Almuflih Ali
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic literature review to identify opportunities and challenges that face Advanced Manufacturing Technology (AMT) adoption in Saudi industrial sector. It also highlights the critical factors behind those opportunities and challenges, which need to be taken into consideration when it comes to AMT implementation. This study uses a systematic review of the literature contained in the two databases ProQuest, and Compendex and on the search engine Google Scholar. Moreover, the study highlights a gap in the research efforts for identifying the need for effective integration and interaction between the eight different categories mentioned previously for both developed and developing economies. For that reason, it is recommended that researchers adopt a broader view that includes the role of integration and interaction between critical factors in each category and their impact on AMT adoption. The systematic literature review in this study used to review all vital elements of adopting AMT and identifies new research avenues and different approaches to implementing AMT, focusing on the integration between the different categories that can be used for AMT adoption in Saudi Arabia.
Effects of verbal versus graphical weather information on a pilot's decision-making during preflight
Authors: Pittorie Warren , Carstens Deborah S. , Carroll Meredith
Published: April 2024

This study focused on the older technology of a verbal preflight weather briefing compared with the newer and emerging technology of digital textual and graphical weather pertinent to the flight route the pilot has chosen. The target population for this study was aviation students and instructors at Part 61 and 141 flight schools across the country. The accessible population for this study was flight students at a Florida university that had at least a private pilot's license through being employed as flight instructors. The 36 participants were selected from the accessible population based upon their availability and willingness to participate in the study. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained from the university before conducting trials with human subjects. Two weather scenarios were selected for the trials. Participants were assigned to one of four groups based on the order of the two formats, verbal or visual (graphical/textual), for the two different scenarios. Four open-ended questions for the two weather scenarios were given to participants, which resulted in a total of eight open-ended questions per participant. The open-ended questions designed and included in the instrument captured the "why" behind pilots' decision to "go" or "no-go." The qualitative analysis software, Nvivo®, was used to analyze the four open-ended questions for each of the two weather scenarios. To visualize this data, a diagram was formed. The study results, discussion, and future research are presented in the paper.
Estrategias para fomentar el compromiso familiar en el aprendizaje de los niños en instituciones educativas colombianas
Authors: Cujia Oñate Kenia Yelin , De la Hoz Velásquez Soledad María , Campo Amaya Mónica Patricia
Published: April 2024

El objetivo de este artículo fue proponer estrategias para el compromiso familiar en el aprendizaje de los niños de primaria en las instituciones educativas Juan Jacobo Aragón y José Eduardo Guerra en Colombia. Metodológicamente, se orientó bajo el paradigma positivista, con un enfoque cuantitativo y de tipo proyectiva, el diseño fue no experimental. La muestra estuvo representada por 125 padres y representantes de la Institución Educativa Juan Jacobo Aragón, 125 de la Institución Educativa Distrital Jacqueline Kennedy y 125 padres y representantes de la Institución Educativa José Eduardo Guerra. La técnica para la recopilación de datos fue la encuesta con alternativas de respuestas nivel bajo, medio y alto, así mismo, el instrumento fue el cuestionario. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó el esquema descriptivo, con ayuda de Microsoft Excel. Además, se utilizará la herramienta SPSS 26. Se tuvo como resultado que existe un bajo nivel de tanto en el compromiso Familiar, corresponsabilidad y participación de los padres en el proceso educativo, así como en la relación familia e institución educativa. Se concluye que, los padres de familia no trabajen en conjunto para alcanzar los objetivos educativos de las instituciones abordadas en el estudio y existe la falta de asociarse de los padres en los entornos de aprendizaje del niño, así mismo la carencia de interés por el aprendizaje en casa
Eliminar exámenes como forma de evaluación. Estudio cuantitativo al profesorado de estudios creativos
Authors: Urcid Puga Rodrigo
Published: April 2024

El siguiente artículo tiene por objetivo mostrar que evaluar al estudiantado por medio de exámenes no solo es un estilo pedagógico que se basa en un sistema rígido y poco flexible, sino que ya no es una vía para fortalecer el aprendizaje a nivel pregrado; en particular para quienes estudian carreras enfocadas en la esfera creativa, las cuales van desde Comunicación hasta Arquitectura, Diseño Industrial, Producción Musical, entre otras. La metodología empleada fue bajo el enfoque cuantitativo; y se encuestó a una muestra poblacional de 113 personas; todas ellas, pertenecen al claustro docente de una universidad privada en México. El profesorado -tanto de tiempo completo como medio tiempo-, imparte clases relacionadas a las disciplinas enfocadas en la creatividad y la industria del entretenimiento. Como principal hallazgo, el claustro académico se decanta por evaluar sus cursos mediante distintas herramientas que se enfocan en elementos cualitativos y no cuantitativos; además, se encuentra que los exámenes son instrumentos rígidos que, lejos de fomentar el aprendizaje, propician la memorización de conceptos; sumado a esto, en ocasiones, en aras de alcanzar indicadores los institutos educativos aplican dichas formas de evaluación. La aplicación que puede detonarse a partir de este estudio se ven plasmadas en las sesiones que tiene el profesorado, mientras que las implicaciones se ven plasmadas en cómo el alumnado incrementa su conocimiento como consecuencia de una evaluación más flexible. Finalmente, se recomienda que este tipo de análisis pueda ser vinculado a otros planes educativos o que se realicen estudios comparativos entre ingenierías o licenciaturas para evidenciar el impacto que tienen las pruebas cuantitativas.
Behind the scenes of a crowdmapping tool design and implementation: Guidelines for participatory mapping practices in a multicultural environment
Authors: Rzeszewski Michał , Kaczmarek Patryk , Lupa Piotr , Herodowicz Tomasz , Fagiewicz Katarzyna , Morawska Joanna , Churski Paweł
Published: April 2024

This study addresses the gap in knowledge regarding effective design practices for crowdmapping in participatory mapping, considering the diverse agendas, expectations, and needs of stakeholders. Through interviews and analysis of a crowdmapping project, we developed a roadmap and guidelines to inform the design process of a web-based crowdmapping tool. Unlike traditional approaches that focus on end-user evaluation, our paper explores the perspectives of facilitators and developers involved in the participatory process. By understanding their motivations and perceptions, we can plan and design user-friendly tools that meet the requirements of all stakeholders in participatory mapping.
Urban governance systems in autonomous territories of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy: The cases of Croatia-Slavonia and Austrian Galicia (1867-1918)
Authors: Hilbert Balint
Published: April 2024

There is still no consensus on the definition of urban governance, which can be attributed to gaps in its empirical foundation across both time and space. The Austro-Hungarian Monarchy (1867-1918), with its complex state structure, serves as an ideal historical and geographical subject for unveiling aspects related to the birth of modern urban governance within a Central European context. To conduct comparative research, this study examines selected cities from two territorial autonomies of the empire: Zagreb, Osijek, Varaždin, and Zemun from Croatia-Slavonia, and Lviv and Cracow (Krakow) from Galicia. Urban governance within territorial autonomy, particularly from a historical standpoint, is a unique subject that lacks a substantial presence int he literature of urban studies and territorial autonomy. In this paper, an analytical framework was developed based on the key components of the transformation thesis of urban governance and metagovernance theory. The findings of the study indicate that the process of designating territorial autonomies and the various political factors behind them significantly shaped the formation of urban governance systems.
¿A más democracia interna, mayor éxito electoral? La selección de candidaturas presidenciales de los partidos en el Gobierno en América Latina
Authors: Barrientos del Monte Fernando , Pantoja López Edgar Everardo
Published: April 2024

Objective/context: This article analyzes the efficiency level of candidate selection methods for presidential elections in Latin America by governing parties, according to the degree of openness and internal fractionalization. The guiding hypothesis is that methods with greater openness generate greater internal fractionalization and, consequently, offer worse electoral outcomes; whereas more exclusionary methods generate less fractionalization and better electoral outcomes. Methodology: Twenty-three candidate selection processes for the presidency by ruling parties, and an equal number of presidential elections in Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay between 1990 and 2020, under conditions of electoral integrity, are comparatively reviewed, and the degrees of openness are analyzed based on the proposal of an internal cohesion index and its effects on electoral success. Conclusions: From the cases analyzed, it can be concluded that there is no relationship between the openness of the selection methods and the fractionalization of the parties and electoral success, in this case, of those in government; and that while there is the idea that more internal democracy increases the probability of winning elections, this actually depends on other variables. Originality: The article aims to contribute to the literature on presidential candidate selection processes, particularly of governing parties, since elections are also an evaluation of the government, and the continuity or change is at stake. The selection method has effects on the parties and can define their efficiency or lack thereof in maintaining power.
A formação continuada sob análise do professor escolar
Authors: Rossi Fernanda , Hunger Dagmar Aparecida Cynthia França
Published: April 2024

Os debates nacionais e internacionais sobre o trabalho docente cada vez mais destacam a formação continuada dos professores como um dos fatores fundamentais para a atividade. Além de preparar e qualificar os profissionais do ensino, a formação continuada produz a profissão e a profissionalidade. Mas o que tal formação representa para os próprios professores e o que significa de fato para seu desenvolvimento profissional e a prática pedagógica? Estas são as principais questões avaliadas neste estudo, desenvolvido com base em depoimentos de professores da educação básica da rede pública de ensino de Bauru, no interior paulista. As autoras verificaram que, apesar de sua importância, a formação continuada não tem trazido os benefícios esperados para o desempenho em sala de aula ou para o desenvolvimento profissional do docente. Um dos motivos, afirmam elas, é o fato do professor não ser considerado no processo “como um sujeito ativo de seu próprio desenvolvimento, suas experiências adquiridas no exercício da profissão docente e seus conhecimentos construídos nas suas histórias de vida”. O livro reúne material para reflexões em torno de questões diversas, como a visão dos professores a respeito do papel da escola na formação continuada dos professores, sua participação nas etapas de construção e implementação dessas ações e as necessidades e expectativas relacionadas à prática.
Three-dimensional numerical simulation of particle separation using a dusty plasma ratchet
Authors: Tian Miao , Yao Ting-Yu , Cai Zhi-Min , Liu Fu-Cheng , He Ya-Feng ,   College of Physics Science and Technology, Hebei University, Baoding 071002, China,   Hebei Research Center of the Basic Discipline for Computational Physics, Baoding 071002, China,   Key Laboratory of High-Precision Computation and Application of Quantum Field Theory of Hebei Province, Baoding 071002, China
Published: April 2024

A ratchet can be employed to rectify randomly moving particles, generating directional transport. Taking advantage of the distinct responses of particles with different sizes to the system, bi-dispersed particles can be effectively separated. Based on previous experiments demonstrating the rectification and separation of dust particles in gas-phase plasma, a three-dimensional model is constructed to reveal the physical mechanism behind the separation of bi-dispersed dust particles here. Utilizing plasma fluid simulation and double sine function interpolation, the distribution of plasma parameters in the asymmetric ratchet channel is obtained, which is challenging to measure experimentally. Subsequently, a numerical simulation of the directional transport process of bi-dispersed dust particles in a dusty plasma ratchet is conducted by solving the Langevin equation. The results analyze the forces acting on micro-sized dust particles in the sheath and reproduce the experimental phenomenon of particle separation. The numerical simulation reveals that the bi-dispersed dust particles, suspended at different heights within the sheath, experience asymmetric potentials with opposite orientations, leading to their distinct transport and subsequent separation.
Statin-mediated reduction in mitochondrial cholesterol primes an anti-inflammatory response in macrophages by upregulating Jmjd3
Authors: Salloum Zeina , Dauner Kristin , Li Yun-feng , Verma Neha , Valdivieso-González David , Almendro-Vedia Víctor , Zhang John D , Nakka Kiran , Chen Mei Xi , McDonald Jeffrey , Corley Chase D , Sorisky Alexander , Song Bao-Liang , López-Montero Iván , Luo Jie , Dilworth Jeffrey F , Zha Xiaohui
Published: April 2024

Statins are known to be anti-inflammatory, but the mechanism remains poorly understood. Here, we show that macrophages, either treated with statin in vitro or from statin-treated mice, have reduced cholesterol levels and higher expression of Jmjd3, a H3K27me3 demethylase. We provide evidence that lowering cholesterol levels in macrophages suppresses the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase in the inner mitochondrial membrane and changes the proton gradient in the mitochondria. This activates nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) and Jmjd3 expression, which removes the repressive marker H3K27me3. Accordingly, the epigenome is altered by the cholesterol reduction. When subsequently challenged by the inflammatory stimulus lipopolysaccharide (M1), macrophages, either treated with statins in vitro or isolated from statin-fed mice, express lower levels proinflammatory cytokines than controls, while augmenting anti-inflammatory Il10 expression. On the other hand, when macrophages are alternatively activated by IL-4 (M2), statins promote the expression of Arg1, Ym1, and Mrc1. The enhanced expression is correlated with the statin-induced removal of H3K27me3 from these genes prior to activation. In addition, Jmjd3 and its demethylase activity are necessary for cholesterol to modulate both M1 and M2 activation. We conclude that upregulation of Jmjd3 is a key event for the anti-inflammatory function of statins on macrophages.
Representational drift as a result of implicit regularization
Authors: Ratzon Aviv , Derdikman Dori , Barak Omri
Published: April 2024

Recent studies show that, even in constant environments, the tuning of single neurons changes over time in a variety of brain regions. This representational drift has been suggested to be a consequence of continuous learning under noise, but its properties are still not fully understood. To investigate the underlying mechanism, we trained an artificial network on a simplified navigational task. The network quickly reached a state of high performance, and many units exhibited spatial tuning. We then continued training the network and noticed that the activity became sparser with time. Initial learning was orders of magnitude faster than ensuing sparsification. This sparsification is consistent with recent results in machine learning, in which networks slowly move within their solution space until they reach a flat area of the loss function. We analyzed four datasets from different labs, all demonstrating that CA1 neurons become sparser and more spatially informative with exposure to the same environment. We conclude that learning is divided into three overlapping phases: (i) Fast familiarity with the environment; (ii) slow implicit regularization; (iii) a steady state of null drift. The variability in drift dynamics opens the possibility of inferring learning algorithms from observations of drift statistics.
Associations of Combined Phenotypic Aging and Genetic Risk with Incident Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bian Lijun , Ma Zhimin , Fu Xiangjin , Ji Chen , Wang Tianpei , Yan Caiwang , Dai Juncheng , Ma Hongxia , Hu Zhibin , Shen Hongbing , Wang Lu , Zhu Meng , Jin Guangfu
Published: April 2024

Age is the most important risk factor for cancer, but aging rates are heterogeneous across individuals. We explored a new measure of aging-Phenotypic Age (PhenoAge)-in the risk prediction of site-specific and overall cancer.Using Cox regression models, we examined the association of Phenotypic Age Acceleration (PhenoAgeAccel) with cancer incidence by genetic risk group among 374,463 participants from the UK Biobank. We generated PhenoAge using chronological age and 9 biomarkers, PhenoAgeAccel after subtracting the effect of chronological age by regression residual, and an incidence weighted overall cancer polygenic risk score (CPRS) based on 20 cancer site-specific polygenic risk scores (PRSs).Compared with biologically younger participants, those older had a significantly higher risk of overall cancer, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.22 (95% confidence interval, 1.18-1.27) in men, 1.26 (1.22-1.31) in women, respectively. A joint effect of genetic risk and PhenoAgeAccel was observed on overall cancer risk, with HRs of 2.29 (2.10-2.51) for men and 1.94 (1.78-2.11) for women with high genetic risk and older PhenoAge compared with those with low genetic risk and younger PhenoAge. PhenoAgeAccel was negatively associated with the number of healthy lifestyle factors (Beta = -1.01 in men,
P
< 0.001; Beta = -0.98 in women,
P
< 0.001).Within and across genetic risk groups, older PhenoAge was consistently related to an increased risk of incident cancer with adjustment for chronological age and the aging process could be retarded by adherence to a healthy lifestyle.
Astrocyte aquaporin mediates a tonic water efflux maintaining brain homeostasis
Authors: Pham Cuong , Komaki Yuji , Deàs-Just Anna , Le Gac Benjamin , Mouffle Christine , Franco Clara , Chaperon Agnès , Vialou Vincent , Tsurugizawa Tomokazu , Cauli Bruno , Li Dongdong
Published: April 2024

Brain water homeostasis not only provides a physical protection, but also determines the diffusion of chemical molecules key for information processing and metabolic stability. As a major type of glia in brain parenchyma, astrocytes are the dominant cell type expressing aquaporin water channel. How astrocyte aquaporin contributes to brain water homeostasis in basal physiology remains to be understood. We report that astrocyte aquaporin 4 (AQP4) mediates a tonic water efflux in basal conditions. Acute inhibition of astrocyte AQP4 leads to intracellular water accumulation as optically resolved by fluorescence-translated imaging in acute brain slices, and in vivo by fiber photometry in mobile mice. We then show that aquaporin-mediated constant water efflux maintains astrocyte volume and osmotic equilibrium, astrocyte and neuron Ca2+ signaling, and extracellular space remodeling during optogenetically induced cortical spreading depression. Using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI), we observed that in vivo inhibition of AQP4 water efflux heterogeneously disturbs brain water homeostasis in a region-dependent manner. Our data suggest that astrocyte aquaporin, though bidirectional in nature, mediates a tonic water outflow to sustain cellular and environmental equilibrium in brain parenchyma.
RNA polymerase III is involved in regulating Plasmodium falciparum virulence
Authors: Diffendall Gretchen , Claës Aurélie , Barcons-Simon Anna , Nyarko Prince , Dingli Florent , Santos Miguel , Loew Damarys , Claessens Antoine , Scherf Artur
Published: April 2024

While often undetected and untreated, persistent seasonal asymptomatic malaria infections remain a global public health problem. Despite the presence of parasites in the peripheral blood, no symptoms develop. Disease severity is correlated with the levels of infected red blood cells (iRBCs) adhering within blood vessels. Changes in iRBC adhesion capacity have been linked to seasonal asymptomatic malaria infections, however how this is occurring is still unknown. Here we present evidence that RNA polymerase III (RNA Pol III) transcription in
Plasmodium falciparum
is downregulated in field isolates obtained from asymptomatic individuals during the dry season. Through experiments with in vitro cultured parasites, we have uncovered an RNA Pol III-dependent mechanism that controls pathogen proliferation and expression of a major virulence factor in response to external stimuli. Our findings establish a connection between
P. falciparum
cytoadhesion and a non-coding RNA family transcribed by Pol III. Additionally, we have identified
P. falciparum
Maf1 as a pivotal regulator of Pol III transcription, both for maintaining cellular homeostasis and responding adaptively to external signals. These results introduce a novel perspective that contributes to our understanding of
P. falciparum
virulence. Furthermore, they establish a connection between this regulatory process and the occurrence of seasonal asymptomatic malaria infections.
A novel framework for three-dimensional electrical impedance tomography reconstruction of maize ear via feature reconfiguration and residual networks
Authors: Zheng Hai-Ying , Li Yang , Wang Nan , Xiang Yang , Liu Jin-Hang , Zhang Liu-Deng , Huang Lan , Wang Zhong-Yi
Published: April 2024

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) provides an indirect measure of the physiological state and growth of the maize ear by reconstructing the distribution of electrical impedance. However, the two-dimensional (2D) EIT within the electrode plane finds it challenging to comprehensively represent the spatial distribution of conductivity of the intact maize ear, including the husk, kernels, and cob. Therefore, an effective method for 3D conductivity reconstruction is necessary. In practical applications, fluctuations in the contact impedance of the maize ear occur, particularly with the increase in the number of grids and computational workload during the reconstruction of 3D spatial conductivity. These fluctuations may accentuate the ill-conditioning and nonlinearity of the EIT. To address these challenges, we introduce RFNetEIT, a novel computational framework specifically tailored for the absolute imaging of the three-dimensional electrical impedance of maize ear. This strategy transforms the reconstruction of 3D electrical conductivity into a regression process. Initially, a feature map is extracted from measured boundary voltage via a data reconstruction module, thereby enhancing the correlation among different dimensions. Subsequently, a nonlinear mapping model of the 3D spatial distribution of the boundary voltage and conductivity is established, utilizing the residual network. The performance of the proposed framework is assessed through numerical simulation experiments, acrylic model experiments, and maize ear experiments. Our experimental results indicate that our method yields superior reconstruction performance in terms of root-mean-square error (RMSE), correlation coefficient (CC), structural similarity index (SSIM), and inverse problem-solving time (IPST). Furthermore, the reconstruction experiments on maize ears demonstrate that the method can effectively reconstruct the 3D conductivity distribution.
Efficacy of propolis extract and eye drop solutions to suppress encystation and excystation of Acanthamoeba triangularis WU19001-T4 genotype
Authors: Sangkanu Suthinee , Siyadatpanah Abolghasem , Norouzi Roghayeh , Chuprom Julalak , Mitsuwan Watcharapong , Surinkaew Sirirat , Boonhok Rachasak , Paul Alok K. , Mahboob Tooba , Sama-ae Imran , Oliveira Sonia M. R. , Jimoh Tajudeen O. , Pereira Maria de Lourdes , Wilairatana Polrat , Wiart Christophe , Rahmatullah Mohammed , Sakolnapa Monvaris , Nissapatorn Veeranoot
Published: April 2024

Background

Propolis is a natural resinous product from a variety of plants and combines it with beeswax and salivary enzymes to create bee glue. Its potentials have been employed in the treatment of many diseases and conditions for centuries. This study, therefore, aims to determine the anti-Acanthamoeba properties of the propolis extract, eye drops coupled to some mechanisms such as inhibition of encystation and excystation.

Methods

The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the most active propolis extract were assessed in trophozoites and cysts of Acanthamoeba triangularis (A. triangularis) at 0.256 and 1 mg/mL, respectively.

Results

Active eye drops inhibited trophozoites and cysts with a MIC value of 100%. At concentrations lower than their MICs values (1/2–1/16 MIC), propolis and eye drops revealed inhibition of encystation. In addition, at 1/2 MIC, both the propolis extract and eye drops showed potential inhibition of excystation. In combined sets of propolis extract and eye drops, they showed slightly increasing inhibition of encystation and excystation. Surprisingly, the MIC of chlorhexidine decreased when combined with the propolis and eye drops. SEM and TEM images displayed morphological changes in A. triangularis treated with combined sets of propolis extract and eye drops.

Conclusion

From this study, a new combined eye drop solution with propolis extract was found to be helpful in reducing encystation and excystation in A. triangularis. Therefore, this combination is an alternative for the treatment of eye diseases in early stages along with reducing the entry into the cyst stage of Acanthamoeba. The results of this study revealed new anti-Acanthamoeba inhibitors with promising combined alternative therapeutic potential for the treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Riverbank Filtration for Drinking Water Supply
Authors: Ray Chittaranjan , Grischek Thomas , Hubbs Stephen , Drewes Jorg , Haas David , Darnault Christophe
Published: October 2008

Riverbank filtration (RBF) is a low‐cost water treatment/pretreatment technology that is used in many countries around the world for water supply. When wells are situated close to rivers or lakes and pumped, the surface water is induced to flow to these wells. During soil and aquifer passage, chemical, biological, and particulate contaminants are removed. Many European cities have been using RBF as the primary source of drinking water production for over a century. In the United States, RBF is gaining popularity owing to favorable regulatory provisions. In siting and designing RBF systems, the river hydrology and site hydrogeology must be carefully considered so that scouring and clogging are avoided and the aquifer is conductive to produce the desired amount of water. The source water should be of reasonably high quality to avoid the development of anoxic conditions, which ultimately may lead to the reduction of iron, manganese, and other redox‐sensitive species. Three‐dimensional computer models are increasingly being used for the placement and operation of RBF systems. The collection system can be vertical wells, horizontal collector wells, infiltration galleries, or combinations of any two or all three. Site‐specific conditions, pumping needs, and the availability of treatment plants for further treatment of the filtrate dictate the type of collection system. The capital cost is tied to the type of collection system, conveyance system, and land acquisition. Numerous studies have pointed out the benefits of RBF in removing turbidity, pathogens, dissolved chemicals, natural organics (which are regarded as precursors for disinfection by‐products for systems using chlorine as the disinfectant), and a whole host of micropollutants.
Contaminated Sediments: Inorganic Constituents
Authors: Horowitz Arthur J
Published: October 2008

Owing to a variety of physical and chemical factors, in conjunction with aquatic physicochemical conditions, fluvial/lacustrine suspended and bed sediments can act as both sources and carriers of a wide variety of inorganic constituents and nutrients. Many of these constituents reflect local environmental conditions and are derived from both point and nonpoint sources. When sources have an anthropogenic origin, and chemical levels exceed the typical range of local baseline concentrations, sediments can be described as contaminated. Most land‐use categories (e.g. agriculture, forested, and rangeland) do not appear to exert a substantial effect on sediment‐associated inorganic chemical levels. On the other hand, mining and/or mining‐related activities are a major exception, and although this land use can be geographically limited, it can cause extensive local and downstream sediment contamination. Urban centers and urbanization (increasing amounts of impervious surfaces), as a result of industrial and wastewater discharges, power generation, and transportation‐related activities, also can cause extensive sediment contamination. Population density can be related to urbanization and, at levels ≥27 people (p) km−2, also appears to exercise a substantive effect on sediment chemistry. In fact, population density appears to be a more consistent influence than urban percentage, and displays stronger positive correlations with sediment contamination. The most common sediment‐associated inorganic/nutrient contaminants appear to be Pb, Hg, Ag, Zn, Cd, Cu, Sb, S, Ni, Sn, Cr, As, TC (total carbon), Co, Fe, P, and TOC (total organic carbon).
Cardiomyopathic Syrian Hamster as a Model of Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Goineau Sonia , Picard Sandra , Hervé Stéphane , Lacroix Pierre
Published: October 2008

Cardiomyopathic Syrian hamsters (Bio TO‐2 dilated strain) constitute an animal model of congestive heart failure, which progressively develops an alteration of cardiac function leading to decreased arterial blood pressure and musculo‐cutaneous blood flow associated with a complex process of cardiac remodeling including left ventricle dilation, wall thinning, and greater collagen density. The protocols described in this unit are designed to assess the pharmacological effects of new therapeutic strategies on cardiac and systemic hemodynamics, morphometry (body and target organs weight), cardiac remodeling (left ventricle dilation and collagen density), and survival in this model of dilated cardiomyopathy. Examples of results obtained with enalapril, an angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor, are provided for illustrative purposes.Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 42:5.50.1‐5.50.12. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The IND Application
Authors: Ferkany John W. , Williams Michael
Published: October 2008

Translational biomedical research is often directed to the introduction of a new drug or biologic intended to treat unmet medical need in humans. This unit describes the timing and content of the investigational new drug (IND) application, the primary document required by the U.S. FDA for the initiation of clinical trials in humans with any new chemical entity (NCE) or biologic. The IND application contains all the information necessary for the FDA to make an assessment of the risks and benefits of the proposed clinical trials for the NCE/biologic, containing a detailed but succinct description of the biology, safety, toxicology, chemistry and manufacturing process, and the proposed clinical plan. This unit is geared for those with little or no experience with the IND process and is intended as a global introduction to this, the initial stage of the drug development process for drugs used in humans. Curr. Protoc. Pharmacol. 42:9.10.1‐9.10.23. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Thin‐Layer Chromatography
Authors: Meyers C.L.F. , Meyers D.J.
Published: October 2008

TLC is used extensively in nucleic acid chemistry to monitor the progress of chemical reactions, to assay fractions collected from a larger chromatographic separation (e.g., column chromatography), and to determine optimal conditions prior to column chromatography. This unit describes methods for spotting test compounds onto a TLC plate, developing the plate in a suitable solvent system, visualizing the results, and calculating the retention factor (Rf). Candidate compounds can be co‐spotted for identification without relying on Rf values. Curr. Protoc. Nucleic Acid Chem. 34:A.3D.1‐A.3D.13. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Identifying Protein Domains with the Pfam Database
Authors: Coggill Penny , Finn Robert D. , Bateman Alex
Published: October 2008

Pfam is a database of protein domain families, with each family represented by multiple sequence alignments and profile hidden Markov models (HMMs). In addition, each family has associated annotation, literature references, and links to other databases. The entries in Pfam are available via the World Wide Web and in flatfile format. This unit contains detailed information on how to access and utilize the information present in the Pfam database, namely the families, multiple alignments, and annotation. Details on running Pfam, both remotely and locally are presented. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 23:2.5.1‐2.5.17. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Data Storage and Analysis in ArrayExpress and Expression Profiler
Authors: Rustici Gabriella , Kapushesky Misha , Kolesnikov Nikolay , Parkinson Helen , Sarkans Ugis , Brazma Alvis
Published: October 2008

ArrayExpress at the European Bioinformatics Institute is a public database for MIAME‐compliant microarray and transcriptomics data. It consists of two parts: the ArrayExpress Repository, which is a public archive of microarray data, and the ArrayExpress Warehouse of Gene Expression Profiles, which contains additionally curated subsets of data from the Repository. Archived experiments can be queried by experimental attributes, such as keywords, species, array platform, publication details, or accession numbers. Gene expression profiles can be queried by gene names and properties, such as Gene Ontology terms, allowing expression profiles visualization. The data can be exported and analyzed using the online data analysis tool named Expression Profiler. Data analysis components, such as data preprocessing, filtering, differentially expressed gene finding, clustering methods, and ordination‐based techniques, as well as other statistical tools are all available in Expression Profiler, via integration with the statistical package R. Curr. Protoc. Bioinform. 23:7.13.1‐7.13.27. © 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.