bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
QUAL A AUTONOMIA DOS POVOS ÍNDIGENAS NA ERA DO NEOLIBERALISMO GLOBAL?
Authors: Duarte Reis Maria Theresa , Machado-Araújo Marinella
Published: December 2024

Does the territorial demarcation policy ensure the autonomy of indigenous peoples? The present study starts from the observation of a dissonance between fact, norm and discourse, because, despite the existence of a normative complex for the protection of indigenous rights that materializes, above all, from the demarcation policy, which is inserted in an international model in For the sake of sustainable development, these demarcated territories are subject to administrative authorization for mineral exploration in violation of the right to prior consultation. Therefore, based on the Theory of Encryption of Power, we sought to decrypt the simulacrum of autonomy produced by the territorial demarcation policy, using the documentary analysis of PET 3388/STF, the Indian Statute, the Civil Code and the Constitution Brazilian, as they highlight the non-recognition of the civil capacity of indigenous people, thus removing from them a base attribute for the exercise of autonomy and for the validity of the exercise of the right to consultation within the modeling of the nation-state, which neutralizes the multicultural dimension, as its main condition is the recognition of the autonomous subject within the parameters of individualism, private property and legality, and whose sovereignty, despite being porous, is only permeable to centers of power linked to neoliberal rationality, which confers a unique purpose on the territory focused on economic exploitation. It was concluded that the demarcation of indigenous lands is a policy that aims to “open” to cultural diversity, from a multicultural perspective, but, at the same time, reinforces mechanisms of control and dominance of the national State and the interests of global capitalism over the territories.
DOSSIER ¿Qué Estado y políticas públicas en los escenarios actuales?
Authors: Echevarri Leticia , Ase Iván , Rey Maximiliano
Published: December 2024

Introducción al Dossier temático organizado en ocasión de la distinción con el Título de Doctor Honoris Causa de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba al Dr. Oscar Oszlak por sus fundamentales contribuciones teóricas y empíricas en el desarrollo de la investigación politológica en el campo de lo estatal.
THE REALITY OF 4TH INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY ON HIGHER EDUCATION LEARNING
Authors: Muthoka Kagwaini , Mwangi William
Published: December 2024

The fourth industrial technology describes a world where the use of digital technology is ubiquitous in all spheres of human life. The higher education sector has faced its challenges in terms of transformation impact, which seems to be a two edged sword. on one hand, as the faculty is struggling on how best to maintain quality of education with the demand to adopt and use technology in class. On the other hand, students seem to struggle in concentration if the faculty does not give due attention to them whether on online or blended learning. This knowledge gap needed an address, not to jeopardize higher education learning in bid to attain the fourth industrial technology. The purpose of the paper was to evaluate the reality of the fourth industrial technology on higher education learning with the objective  to identify the major realities of the technology, and explore those realities on higher education learning. The foundation of the paper was based on technological singularity theory that anticipated the evolvement of artificial intelligence. Qualitative research approach with multi-stage sampling was conducted and interpretative phenomenological analysis. Times series experiential data employed in 2003-2023 and 2016-2023 systematic non-random review. The findings showed that there are three technological trends of physical, digital and biological are becoming a reality. Artificial intelligence was found to be unlike any other technology but not a fundamental competitor. Further, fourth industrial technologies that enhance learning. In conclusion, higher education learning is the stimuli and an incubator of the fourth industrial technology. Therefore, the paper contributes to knowledge, with suggested ways that could be useful to policy makers, governing councils, faculty and students to harness the fourth industrial technology.
Tidlig indsats mod ordblindhed – en effektundersøgelse med elever i 1. klasse
Authors: Gellert Anna Steenberg , Petersen Dorthe Klint , Borstrøm Ina , Poulsen Mads , Elbro Carsten
Published: December 2024

Artiklen beskriver indhold og afprøvning af et nyudviklet, forskningsbaseret undervisningsprogram rettet mod elever i 1. klasse med forøget risiko for ordblindhed. Undervisningsprogrammet bestod af 76 lektioner og fokuserede på at udvikle børnenes opmærksomhed på sproglyde, kendskab til bogstavlyd- forbindelser og færdigheder i at danne lydlig syntese, så børnene kunne knække læsekoden og lære at læse korte ord og efterhånden små tekster. 111 elever med bekymrende testresultater, der indikerede markant forøget risiko for ordblindhed, deltog hen over 1. klasse som forsøgsgruppe i afprøvningen af dette undervisningsprogram. 96 andre elever med bekymrende testresultater indgik i undersøgelsen som kontrolgruppe og modtog den undervisning, som de normalt ville få i 1. klasse på deres skoler (herunder disse skolers eventuelle særlige indsatser). Eleverne fra begge grupper blev testet i slutningen af hhv. børnehaveklassen og 1. klasse. Umiddelbart efter afslutningen kunne der påvises mellemstærke til stærke effekter af deltagelse i det nye undervisningsprogram på elevernes kendskab til bogstavernes lyde og færdigheder i at læse ord og nonord. Deltagelse i dette undervisningsprogram var forbundet med mere end en halvering af andelen af elever, der ikke var kommet i gang med at læse i slutningen af 1. klasse samt en signifikant reduktion af risikoen for ordblindhed.
POLICY MODELLING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEM INDUSTRY IN INDONESIA USING SYSTEM DYNAMICS METHOD
Authors: Ramadian Aries Asrianto , Setiawan Andri D.
Published: December 2024

The unmanned aircraft system (UAS) industry in Indonesia is lagging behind in market share and innovation. An effective government policy is crucial to make domestic UAS products more innovative and competitive. However, still not enough academic research discusses the system structure of the UAS industry. Considering the complexity of the UAS industry, this study uses system dynamics in combination with a policy analysis framework to capture a broader perspective on the system. The conceptual model showed that a policy structure to shift customers from imported products to domestic products may help the development of the UAS industry and advance UAS technology.
Wprowadzenie programu compliance jako okoliczność łagodząca wymiar kar pieniężnych w świetle wytycznych włoskiego organu ds. konkurencji (Autorita’ Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato)
Authors:   Instytut Nauk Prawnych Polskiej Akademii Nauk, Materna Grzegorz
Published: December 2024

Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie podejścia włoskiego organu ochrony konkurencji (Autorita’ Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato) do stosowanych przez przedsiębiorców programów zgodności z prawem konkurencji. Prezentowane jest aktualne orzecznictwo tego organu oraz nowo przyjęte „Wytyczne w sprawie compliance w sprawach antymonopolowych”. Wdrażającym programy zgodności z prawem antymonopolowym przedsiębiorcom, którzy naruszyli prawo antymonopolowe, włoski organ antymonopolowy zapewnia, pod pewnymi warunkami, możliwość redukcji kary pieniężnej. Tym samym Autorita’ Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato uznaje, że nagradzanie wysiłków na rzecz przestrzegania prawa, nawet jeśli naruszenie nastąpiło, zachęca przedsiębiorców do angażowania zasobów w zapobieganie naruszeniom. Jest to podejście odmienne niż m.in. przyjmowane przez polski organ antymonopolowy. Tym bardziej warto zaprezentować je polskiemu czytelnikowi w ramach dyskusji na temat relacji między programami compliance a publicznym egzekwowaniem zakazu praktyk ograniczających konkurencję.
Oferowanie obligacji jako instrumentu finansowego
Authors:   Uniwersytet Warszawski: Wydział Prawa i Administracji, Katedra Prawa i Postępowania Administracyjnego, Róg-Dyrda Joanna
Published: December 2024

Obligacje są papierami wartościowymi kwalifikowanymi na gruncie przepisów o obrocie jako instrumenty finansowe. Przedmiotem artykułu jest zagadnienie obrotu obligacjami i zmian, jakie zaszły w związku z implementacją MIFID II, zaostrzeniem nadzoru nad emisjami niepublicznymi oraz tych, które wynikają z wejścia w życie nowych przepisów unijnych. Autorka stara się dokonać analizy wprowadzonych zmian w kontekście celu, jaki przyświecał ustawodawcy.
Imaging of brain electric field networks
Authors: Frank Lawrence R , Galinsky Vitaly L , Krigolson Olave , Tapert Susan F , Bickel Stephan , Martinez Antigona
Published: December 2024

We present a method for direct imaging of the electric field networks in the human brain from electroencephalography (EEG) data with much higher temporal and spatial resolution than functional MRI (fMRI), without the concomitant distortions. The method is validated using simultaneous EEG/fMRI data in healthy subjects, intracranial EEG data in epilepsy patients, and in a direct comparison with standard EEG analysis in a well-established attention paradigm. The method is then demonstrated on a very large cohort of subjects performing a standard gambling task designed to activate the brain’s ‘reward circuit’. The technique uses the output from standard EEG systems and thus has potential for immediate benefit to a broad range of important basic scientific and clinical questions concerning brain electrical activity, but also provides an inexpensive and portable alternative to function MRI (fMRI).
Deep learning linking mechanistic models to single-cell transcriptomics data reveals transcriptional bursting in response to DNA damage
Authors: Huang Zhiwei , Luo Songhao , Wang Zihao , Zhang Zhenquan , Jiang Benyuan , Nie Qing , Zhang Jiajun
Published: December 2024

Cells must adopt flexible regulatory strategies to make decisions regarding their fate, including differentiation, apoptosis, or survival in the face of various external stimuli. One key cellular strategy that enables these functions is stochastic gene expression programs. However, understanding how transcriptional bursting, and consequently, cell fate, responds to DNA damage on a genome-wide scale poses a challenge. In this study, we propose an interpretable and scalable inference framework, DeepTX, that leverages deep learning methods to connect mechanistic models and scRNA-seq data, thereby revealing genome-wide transcriptional burst kinetics. This framework enables rapid and accurate solutions to transcription models and the inference of transcriptional burst kinetics from scRNA-seq data. Applying this framework to several scRNA-seq datasets of DNA-damaging drug treatments, we observed that fluctuations in transcriptional bursting induced by different drugs could lead to distinct fate decisions: IdU treatment induces differentiation in mouse embryonic stem cells by increasing the burst size of gene expression, while 5FU treatment with low and high dose increases the burst frequency of gene expression to induce cell apoptosis and survival in human colon cancer cells. Together, these results show that DeepTX can be used to analyze single-cell transcriptomics data and can provide mechanistic insights into cell fate decisions.
Correlated spontaneous activity sets up multi-sensory integration in the developing higher-order cortex
Authors: Dwulet JaeAnn M , Zabouri Nawal , Kirchner Jan H , Wosniack Marina E , Raspanti Alessandra , Kong Deyue , Houwen Gerrit J , Maldonado Paloma P , Lohmann Christian , Gjorgjieva Julijana
Published: December 2024

To perceive and navigate complex sensory environments, animals combine sensory information from multiple modalities in specialized brain circuits. Known as multisensory integration, this process typically depends on the existence of co-aligned topographic connections from several sensory areas to downstream circuits exhibiting multimodal representations. How such topographically co-aligned connectivity necessary for multisensory integration gets set up in early stages of development is still unknown. Inspired by the role of spontaneous activity in refining topographic connectivity between early sensory circuits, here we investigated the potential of such spontaneous activity to also guide the co-alignment of multiple sensory modalities in RL, a higher-order associative cortical area rostro-lateral to V1. Analyzing spontaneous activity simultaneously recorded in primary visual and somatosensory cortex and area RL at different developmental ages before sensory experience, we identify candidate features of this activity to guide the emergence of co-aligned topographic multisensory projections with somatosensory leading the visual projection. We confirm this hypothesis using a computational model of activity-dependent circuit refinement, and show that the correlation of spontaneous activity between the visual and somatosensory primary cortex can establish an optimal fraction of multisensory neurons in RL for stimulus decoding. Our model provides an exciting new computational perspective of the role of spontaneous activity in the emergence of topographically co-aligned multimodal sensory representations in downstream circuits, specialized for the processing of rich sensory environments.
Elevated pyramidal cell firing orchestrates arteriolar vasoconstriction through COX-2-derived prostaglandin E2 signaling
Authors: Le Gac Benjamin , Tournissac Marine , Belzic Esther , Picaud Sandrine , Dusart Isabelle , Soula Hédi , Li Dongdong , Charpak Serge , Cauli Bruno
Published: December 2024

Neurovascular coupling, linking neuronal activity to cerebral blood flow, is essential for brain function and underpins functional brain imaging. Whereas mechanisms involved in vasodilation are well-documented, those controlling vasoconstriction remain overlooked. This study unravels the mechanisms by which pyramidal cells elicit arteriole vasoconstriction. Using patch-clamp recording, vascular and Ca
2+
imaging in mouse cortical slices, we show that strong optogenetic activation of layer II/III pyramidal cells induces vasoconstriction, correlating with firing frequency and somatic Ca
2+
increase.
Ex vivo
and
in vivo
pharmacological investigations indicate that this vasoconstriction predominantly recruits prostaglandin E2 through the cyclooxygenase-2 pathway, and activation of EP1 and EP3 receptors. We also present evidence that specific interneurons releasing neuropeptide Y, and astrocytes, through 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid, contribute to this process. By revealing the mechanisms by which pyramidal cells lead to vasoconstriction, our findings shed light on the complex regulation of neurovascular coupling.
Control of pili synthesis and putrescine homeostasis in Escherichia coli
Authors: Mehta Iti , Hogins Jacob , Hall Sydney , Vragel Gabrielle , Ambagaspitiye Sankalya , Zimmern Philippe , Reitzer Larry
Published: December 2024

Polyamines are biologically ubiquitous cations that bind to nucleic acids, ribosomes, and phospholipids and, thereby, modulate numerous processes, including surface motility in
Escherichia coli
. We characterized the metabolic and transcription factors that contribute to polyamine-dependent control of surface motility. Genetic analysis showed that surface motility required type 1 pili and the simultaneous presence of two independent putrescine anabolic pathways and that putrescine transport and catabolism modulated surface motility. The results of an immunological assay for FimA—the major pili subunit, reverse transcription quantitative PCR of
fimA
, and transmission electron microscopy confirmed that pili synthesis required putrescine. RNAseq analysis of a parental and putrescine-deficient mutant and a follow-up genetic analysis suggested that H-NS was the putrescine-responsive regulator of pili synthesis and surface motility. The RNAseq results also showed that low putrescine increased transcripts for genes of arginine synthesis and transport systems for magnesium and phosphate, and decreased transcripts of genes for oxidative energy metabolism and iron transport. We conclude that (a) putrescine controls pili synthesis and surface motility possibly via the transcriptional regulator H-NS, and (b) a complex homeostatic network, which can rewire metabolism, controls putrescine concentrations. During a urinary tract infection, the polyamine putrescine is present in urine and pili are required for the binding of bacteria to the bladder epithelium. Because of its control of pili synthesis and energy metabolism, putrescine is likely to contribute to the establishment and maintenance of urinary tract infections associated with uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
.
Autologous P63+ lung progenitor cell transplantation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: a phase 1 clinical trial
Authors: Zhang Shiyu , Zhou Min , Shao Chi , Zhao Yu , Liu Mingzhe , Ni Lei , Bao Zhiyao , Zhang Qiurui , Zhang Ting , Luo Qun , Qu Jieming , Xu Zuojun , Zuo Wei
Published: December 2024

In idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) patients, alveolar epithelium architectures are persistently lost and lung gas transfer function would decline over time, which cannot be rescued by conventional anti-fibrotic therapy. P63+ airway basal progenitor cells are previously reported to have great potential to repair damaged lung epithelium. Here, we successfully cloned and expanded the autologous P63+ progenitor cells from IPF patients to manufacture the cell therapeutic product REGEND001, which were further characterized by cell morphology and single-cell transcriptomic analysis. Subsequently, an open-label, dose-escalation exploratory clinical trial was conducted (CTR20210349). The primary outcome was the incidence and severity of the cell therapy-related adverse events (AEs); secondary outcome included other safety and efficacy evaluation in each dose groups. We treated 12 patients with ascending doses of cells: 0.6x, 1x, 2x and 3.3x 10
6
cells/kg bodyweight. The data revealed that P63+ basal progenitor cell was safe and well tolerated at all doses, with no dose-limiting toxicity or cell therapy-related severe adverse events observed. Patients in the three higher dose groups showed statistically significant improvement of lung gas transfer function as well as exercise ability after REGEND001 therapy. Resolution of honeycomb lesion was also observed in patients of higher dose groups. Altogether these initial results indicated that REGEND001 has a high safety profile and meanwhile shows preliminary efficacy in IPF patients.
The Role of ATP Synthase Subunit e (ATP5I) in Mediating the Metabolic and Antiproliferative Effects of Biguanides
Authors: Lefrançois Guillaume , Lavallée Emilie , Rowell Marie-Camille , Bourdeau Véronique , Mohebali Farzaneh , Berthomeu Thierry , Tyers Mike , Gravel Simon-Pierre , Schmitzer Andréea R , Ferbeyre Gerardo
Published: December 2024

Here we identify the subunit e of F
1
F
o
-ATP synthase (ATP5I) as a target of medicinal biguanides. ATP5I maintains the stability of F
1
F
o
-ATP synthase dimers which is crucial for shaping cristae morphology. Although its roles have been mainly studied in yeast models, its function in cellular energy metabolism within the context of cancer remains poorly characterized. In this study, we demonstrate that ATP5I interacts with a biguanide analogue
in vitro
and disabling its expression by CRISPR-Cas9 in pancreatic cancer cells leads to the same phenotype as biguanide treated cells including a decrease in the levels of some respiratory complex subunits, mitochondrial morphology alterations, inhibition of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and a compensatory increase in glycolysis. Moreover, ATP5I knockout (KO) cells exhibit resistance to the antiproliferative effects of biguanides, but reintroduction of ATP5I rescues the metabolic and anti-proliferative effects of metformin and phenformin. These findings highlight ATP5I as a significant antineoplastic mitochondrial target of medicinal biguanides, opening new opportunities for the development of mitochondrial-targeted therapies.
Experience shapes the transformation of olfactory representations along the cortico-hippocampal pathway
Authors: Schiltz Eleonore , Broux Martijn , Aydin Cagatay , Goncalves Pedro , Haesler Sebastian
Published: December 2024

Perception relies on the neural representation of sensory stimuli. Primary sensory cortical representations have been extensively studied, but how sensory information propagates to memory-related multisensory areas has not been well described. We studied this question in the olfactory cortico-hippocampal pathway in mice. We recorded single units in the anterior olfactory nucleus (AON), the anterior piriform cortex (aPCx), lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC), the hippocampal CA1 subfield, and the subiculum (SUB) while animals performed a non-associative learning paradigm involving novel and familiar stimuli. Novel stimuli evoked larger responses than familiar stimuli in the AON, whereas in hippocampal areas, novelty was reflected by the number of responsive neurons. In parallel, odorant selectivity increased along the pathway. While both stimulus identity and experience were thus reflected in all regions, their neural representations gradually separated. Our findings provide a potential mechanism for how sensory representations are transformed to support stimulus identification and implicit memories.
Disruption of the Novel Nested Gene Aff3ir Mediates Disturbed Flow-Induced Atherosclerosis in Mice
Authors: He Shuo , Huang Lei , Chen Zhuozheng , Yuan Ze , Zhao Yue , Zeng Lingfang , Zhu Yi , He Jinlong
Published: December 2024

Disturbed shear stress-induced endothelial atherogenic responses are pivotal in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis, contributing to the uneven distribution of atherosclerotic lesions. This study investigates the role of Aff3ir-ORF2, a novel nested gene variant, in disturbed flow-induced endothelial cell activation and atherosclerosis. We demonstrate that disturbed shear stress significantly reduces Aff3ir-ORF2 expression in athero-prone regions. Using three distinct mouse models with manipulated AFF3ir-ORF2 expression, we demonstrate that AFF3ir-ORF2 exerts potent anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects in ApoE
-/-
mice. RNA sequencing revealed that interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5), a key regulator of inflammatory processes, mediates inflammatory responses associated with AFF3ir-ORF2 deficiency. AFF3ir-ORF2 interacts with IRF5, promoting its retention in the cytoplasm, thereby inhibiting the IRF5-dependent inflammatory pathways. Notably, IRF5 knockdown in AFF3ir-ORF2 deficient mice almost completely rescues the aggravated atherosclerotic phenotype. Moreover, endothelial-specific AFF3ir-ORF2 supplementation using the CRISPR/Cas9 system significantly ameliorated endothelial activation and atherosclerosis. These findings elucidate a novel role for AFF3ir-ORF2 in mitigating endothelial inflammation and atherosclerosis by acting as an inhibitor of IRF5, highlighting its potential as a valuable therapeutic approach for treating atherosclerosis.
An evolutionarily conserved Hox-Gbx segmentation code in the rice coral Montipora capitata
Authors: He Shuonan , Rangel-Huerta Emma , Hill Eric , Ellington Lacey , Chen Shiyuan (Cynthia) , Robb Sofia , Majerová Eva , Drury Crawford , Gibson Matthew C
Published: December 2024

Segmentation of the gastric cavity is a synapomorphic trait of cnidarians of the class Anthozoa (corals and sea anemones), with different clades forming distinct numbers of segments. In the starlet sea anemone
Nematostella vectensis
, for example, eight bilaterally positioned gastric segments are generated by the action of a group of Hox-Gbx genes in the developing larval endo-mesoderm. Still, given the range of segment numbers observed in different anthozoans, it remains unclear whether this Hox-Gbx module is evolutionarily conserved and how it might be deployed to generate different numbers of segments. Here, we systematically interrogate the role of Hox-Gbx genes during development of the rice coral
Montipora capitata
. We first characterize the temporal sequence of segmentation in
M. capitata
juveniles and then combine transcriptomic profiling and
in situ
hybridization to identify three conserved homeobox-containing genes,
McAnthox8
,
McAnthox6a.1
and
McGbx
, which are collectively expressed in the developing endo-mesoderm prior to and during segment formation. The expression boundaries of these genes prefigure the positions of the first six segment boundaries, similar to their
Nematostella
homologs. Further, we show that chemical inhibition of BMP activity at the planula stage abolishes the expression of Hox-Gbx genes, leading to the formation of an unsegmented gastric cavity. These findings demonstrate the existence of a functionally conserved Hox-Gbx module in evolutionarily divergent anthozoan species, suggesting that the last common ancestor of all anthozoans likely utilized a similar genetic toolkit to axially pattern the endo-mesoderm into metameric subunits.
Drosophila Hamlet mediates epithelial tissue assembly of the reproductive system
Authors: Wang Huazhen , Bertonnier-Brouty Ludivine , Artner Isabella , Wen Jiayu , Dai Qi
Published: December 2024

Epithelial tissue fusion requires coordinated molecular events at the ends of two epithelial structures. Regulatory mechanisms controlling these events remain largely elusive. In the
Drosophila
reproductive system (RS), this fusion unites the gonad and the genital disc-derived tissues, into a continuous tube. This study unveils the pivotal role of Hamlet (Ham), a
Drosophila
PR-domain containing transcription factor, in orchestrating epithelial tissue fusion in the RS. Loss of
ham
leads to sterility and disconnection between the testes (TE) and seminal vesicles (SV). Systematic analysis of Ham-downstream genes reveals cytoskeletal, metabolic regulators and signaling pathway components. Ham activates genes for epithelial differentiation and remodeling, while repressing genes required for tissue growth and patterning. Using multiplexed in situ hybridization, we demonstrate spatial-temporal gene expression dynamics in contacting epithelia. Key Ham downstream effectors include E-Cadherin (E-Cad), Toll (Tl) and Wnt2 signaling pathways, regulating tissue interaction and fusion. Our findings present a comprehensive gene network crucial for heterotypic epithelial tissue fusion. Mammalian Ham orthologs PRDM3 and PRDM16 are highly expressed in epithelial tissues, suggesting a conserved role across species.
Load-based divergence in the dynamic allostery of two TCRs recognizing the same pMHC
Authors: Chang-Gonzalez Ana C , Akitsu Aoi , Mallis Robert J , Lang Matthew J , Reinherz Ellis L , Hwang Wonmuk
Published: December 2024

Increasing evidence suggests that mechanical load on the
αβ
T cell receptor (TCR) is crucial for recognizing the antigenic peptide-loaded major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) molecule. Our recent all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations revealed that the inter-domain motion of the TCR is responsible for the load-induced catch bond behavior of the TCR-pMHC complex and peptide discrimination. To further examine the generality of the mechanism, we perform all-atom MD simulations of the B7 TCR under different conditions for comparison with our previous simulations of the A6 TCR. The two TCRs recognize the same pMHC and have similar interfaces with pMHC in crystal structures. We find that the B7 TCR-pMHC interface stabilizes under ∼15-pN load using a conserved dynamic allostery mechanism that involves the asymmetric motion of the TCR chassis. However, despite forming comparable contacts with pMHC as A6 in the crystal structure, B7 has fewer high-occupancy contacts with pMHC during the simulation. These results suggest that the dynamic allostery common to the TCR
αβ
chassis can amplify slight differences in interfacial contacts into distinctive mechanical responses and potentially nuanced biological outcomes.
Dynamic reinforcement learning reveals time-dependent shifts in strategy during reward learning
Authors: Venditto Sarah Jo C , Miller Kevin J , Brody Carlos D , Daw Nathaniel D
Published: December 2024

Different brain systems have been hypothesized to subserve multiple “experts” that compete to generate behavior. In reinforcement learning, two general processes, one model-free (MF) and one model-based (MB), are often modeled as a mixture of agents (MoA) and hypothesized to capture differences between automaticity vs. deliberation. However, shifts in strategy cannot be captured by a static MoA. To investigate such dynamics, we present the mixture-of-agents hidden Markov model (MoA-HMM), which simultaneously learns inferred action values from a set of agents and the temporal dynamics of underlying “hidden” states that capture shifts in agent contributions over time. Applying this model to a multi-step, reward-guided task in rats reveals a progression of within-session strategies: a shift from initial MB exploration to MB exploitation, and finally to reduced engagement. The inferred states predict changes in both response time and OFC neural encoding during the task, suggesting that these states are capturing real shifts in dynamics.
«Jeg følte at jeg faktisk ‘var’ der»
Authors: Fuglestad Svein
Published: December 2024

I denne artikkelen tar jeg utgangspunkt i møtet mellom publikum og meg som utøver i min interaktive, musikalske fortelling om en allehelgensmesse jeg var med å arrangere på homodiskoteket Den Sorte Enke i Oslo på starten av nittitallet, en tid da homomiljøet var sterkt rammet av hiv/aids. I møte med en a/r/tografisk tilnærming utforsker jeg begrepene resonans og berørthet, og spør: Hvordan kan min subjektive fortelling fra 30 år tilbake i tid skape resonans og berørthet i andre mennesker i dag? Refleksjoner fra fem ulike publikummere sammen med to videoklipp fra forestillingen er råmaterialet for å diskutere problemstillingen i møte med relevante teoretiske perspektiv. Begrep som tilstedeværelse, sårbarhet, mot og åpenhet, både hos meg som utøver og i relasjon til publikum blir diskutert, sammen med betydningen av min egen historie og bakgrunn som kristen og homofil for å kunne forstå meg selv som a/r/tograf. I artikkelen, som har en essayistisk form, antyder jeg betydningen av åpenhet, tilstedeværelse og vilje til å bli berørt – både hos meg selv og hos publikum – for å kunne skape disse øyeblikkene av resonans og berørthet mellom publikum og meg som utøver.
Foto: Thomas Berbom
Å (sammen)filte(s) med ull og steder gjennom a-r-t-ografiens agenser i undervisning
Authors: Waterhouse Ann-Hege Lorvik , Carlsen Kari , Iversen Trude
Published: December 2024

Artikkelen er skrevet frem med utgangspunkt i en undervisningssituasjon sammen med en gruppe barnehagelærerstudenter og store mengder kassert ull fra norsk villsau. Med a-r-t-ografi som forskningsmetodologi og pedagogisk strategi undersøker vi hvordan vi kan (med)virke forskende, lærende og skapende i egen undervisning med ull, filting, studenter og steder, og på hvilke måter a-r-t-ografien bidrar til å utvide vår tenkning om undervisning når vi flytter verkstedet ut i friluft. Undersøkelsen er forankret i prosessfilosofi, posthumane perspektiver og kunstbasert forskning.
Foto: Ann-Hege Lorvik Waterhouse, Kari Carlsen og Trude Iversen
Multimodal Alzheimer’s disease classification through ensemble deep random vector functional link neural network
Authors: Henríquez Pablo A. , Araya Nicolás
Published: December 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a condition with a complex pathogenesis, sometimes hereditary, characterized by the loss of neurons and synapses, along with the presence of senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Early detection, particularly among individuals at high risk, is critical for effective treatment or prevention, yet remains challenging due to data variability and incompleteness. Most current research relies on single data modalities, potentially limiting comprehensive staging of AD. This study addresses this gap by integrating multimodal data—including clinical and genetic information—using deep learning (DL) models, with a specific focus on random vector functional link (RVFL) networks, to enhance early detection of AD and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Our findings demonstrate that ensemble deep RVFL (edRVFL) models, when combined with effective data imputation techniques such as Winsorized-mean (Wmean), achieve superior performance in detecting early stages of AD. Notably, the edRVFL model achieved an accuracy of 98.8%, precision of 98.3%, recall of 98.4%, and F1-score of 98.2%, outperforming traditional machine learning models like support vector machines, random forests, and decision trees. This underscores the importance of integrating advanced imputation strategies and deep learning techniques in AD diagnosis.
Isolation and identification of serotonin compound from banana hump: a reproductive stimulant for tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon broodstock enhancement
Authors: Parenrengi Andi , Suryati Emma , Syah Rachman , Tenriulo Andi , Lante Samuel , Zainuddin Elmi Nurhaidah , Aliah Ratu Siti , Farizah Nuril , Nawang Agus , Sulaeman Sulaeman , Makmur Makmur , Rosmiati Rosmiati , Gunarto Gunarto , Herlinah Herlinah
Published: December 2024

Background

The banana plant is claimed to contain a serotonin compound that has the potential to stimulate and improve the reproductive performance of crustacean species. This study aimed to isolate and characterize the serotonin compound from the banana hump and its application to enhance the reproductive performance of tiger shrimp broodstock.

Methods

Banana hump as a part of the plant was extracted by using the maceration technique. The chemical structure of the serotonin compound was identified and characterized based on spectroscopic data, including high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, and infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and a comparison was made with the standard compound and the literature. The extract herb in a dose of 50 µg/g body weight was injected into the tiger shrimp broodstock in four-time administrations. During 2 months of broodstock gonadal maturation, the parameters of molting, reproduction, and gene expression related to reproduction were observed.

Results

Based on the chemical structure analysis, the stimulant component of the banana hump was identified as a serotonin compound (5-hydroxytryptamine) at a concentration of 0.7% of dry weight. The number of spawned broodstock was higher in the serotonin extract treatment (60%) than in the control treatment (40%), and the broodstock injected serotonin spawned up to the second re-maturation. In contrast, no re-maturation was obtained in the control treatment. The egg number was significantly higher using the serotonin extract (286,550 ± 46,402 eggs) than the control shrimp (148,585 ± 23,647 eggs), in which the serotonin extract treatment showed a comparatively larger egg diameter number. The higher expression of the genes related to female and male reproduction was observed in the tiger shrimp injected with serotonin extract than in the control treatment.
Deepfake Regulations and Their Impact on Content Creation in the Entertainment Industry
Authors: Fabuyi Jumai Adedoja , Olaniyi Oluwaseun Oladeji , Olateju Omobolaji Olufunmilayo , Aideyan Nsidibe Taiwo , Selesi-Aina Oluwatosin , Olaniyi Folashade Gloria
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the impact of region-specific regulatory approaches on the use of deepfake technology within the entertainment industry, focusing on the United States, European Union, and China. Using data from the World Bank and OECD on regulatory quality and rule of law, the study employs a quantitative methodology that includes multivariate regression, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Key findings reveal that while U.S. and EU regulations prioritize transparency and individual rights, China adopts a state-centered approach emphasizing social stability. Verification protocols in traditional media significantly enhance public trust (p < 0.001), while compliance costs support economic stability but slightly diminish trust. Social media platforms like YouTube and TikTok demonstrate robust content moderation policies, aligning more closely with regulatory expectations than Facebook and Twitter. The research highlights the influence of public opinion on regulatory effectiveness, noting its critical role in balancing innovation, ethical responsibility, and public trust. By examining the interplay of cultural, ethical, and economic factors, this study underscores the importance of harmonizing international regulations to mitigate the risks associated with deepfake technology. Recommendations include strengthening verification protocols, enhancing public digital literacy, and fostering global regulatory cooperation to create a framework that promotes innovation while safeguarding ethical standards. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, content creators, and media platforms navigating the complexities of AI-driven content in the digital age.
Using GIS or Geo FIS Tools for Decision-support for Precision Agriculture: A Review
Authors: Syed Saniya , Chaubey Anand Kumar , Mishra Suraj , Gupta Devrani , Pandey K.P.
Published: December 2024

Agriculture is a multifaceted discipline, encompassing a vast array of concepts and relationships. Precision farming is an agricultural production approach that acknowledges in-field variability, leveraging technology such as seeding, nutrient replacement, and spraying to local conditions. When practitioners have the means and resources to facilitate this change, the ideas of "precision agriculture" and "smart agriculture" will be completely realized. GeoFIS is an open-source program created with this goal in mind. Satellite-based Global Positioning Systems (GPS) have empowered farmers to address spatial variability, a crucial aspect of precision agriculture. This review aims to clarify the distinctions between two prominent systems, facilitating further research and development. Unfortunately, misunderstandings among researchers and the complexity of the information companies provide have created barriers for potential adopters. This review paper provides a comprehensive examination of the global advancements and current state of precision agriculture technologies, with a specific focus on the integration of GeoFIS and GPS in precision agriculture.
Psicologia Positiva no Manejo da Dor Crônica: Uma Revisão de Literatura
Authors: Domiciano Ana Verônica , R. A. Oliveira Mariana , Longatto Letícia , Costa Heloísa Fernanda de Cássia , Medeiros Priscila
Published: December 2024

Muito tem se discutido sobre diversos aspectos da dor crônica, principalmente quando se leva em con-sideração sua complexidade e sobre suas implicações no cotidiano de uma pessoa acometida por essa condição. A dor é comumente tratada na clínica com terapias farmacológicas, mas percebe-se que não é o sufi ciente para oferecer ao paciente uma melhor qualidade de vida. Assim, o modelo biopsicosso-cial multidimensional se mostra o modelo que apresenta melhores resultados na avaliação e tratamento de pacientes com dores crônicas, uma vez que o componente psicológico é considerado um fator im-portante na dor. Diante disso, este artigo busca explorar os efeitos da integração de métodos baseados na psicologia positiva e no afeto no tratamento de pacientes, por meio de uma revisão da literatura científi ca. Além disso, discutimos a associação entre a psicologia positiva e o afeto, no contexto de uma gestão interdisciplinar, como práticas complementares essenciais para um manejo mais efi ciente da dor crônica. Para isso, realizou-se uma revisão da literatura utilizando três diferentes bases de da-dos, MEDLINE, PubMed e Cochrane Library. Considerando os critérios de inclusão e exclusão, foram selecionados 17 artigos para o presente estudo. Este estudo demonstou que intervenções baseadas na Psicologia Positiva podem ser uma ferramenta adicional no tratamento da dor crônica em adultos. Palavras-chave: Psicologia Positiva, dor crônica, afeto, gestão interdisciplinar.
Synthesis of the first mixed ligand Mn (II) and Cd (II) complexes of 4‐methoxy‐pyridine‐2‐carboxylic acid, molecular docking studies and investigation of their anti‐tumor effects in vitro
Authors: Tamer Ömer , Mahmoody Hayatullah , Feyzioğlu Kağan Fehmi , Kılınç Olca , Avci Davut , Orun Oya , Dege Necmi , Atalay Yusuf
Published: December 2019

The first mixed ligand Mn (II) and Cd (II) complexes containing 4‐methoxy‐pyridine‐2‐carboxylic acid (4‐mpic) and 4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (dmbpy) were synthesized in this study. The geometric structures of [Mn(4‐mpic)2(dmbpy)] (complex 1) and [Cd(4‐mpic)2(dmbpy)] (complex 2) were determined by single crystal X‐Ray diffraction method. FT‐IR and UV–Vis spectra were also recorded to investigate vibrational and electronic properties of complexes 1 and 2. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were also carried out to provide a deep understanding in geometric, spectroscopic, electronic and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of complexes 1 and 2. The first‐order hyperpolarizibility (β) parameter calculated as 332.9736 × 10−30 esu demonstrated that complex 1 is an extremely promising candidate to NLO materials. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis not only verified the distorted octahedral geometries of central metal ions, but also found out the high‐energy interactions responsible for biological activities for complexes 1 and 2. Anti‐cancer activities of complexes 1 and 2 were tested on human breast carcinoma cell line MCF‐7 (ER and PR positive, HER2 negative) and the triple negative breast carcinoma cell line MDA‐MB 231 (ER, PR and HER2 negative). Dose–response relationship derived from MTT assays indicates that complexes 1 and 2 are showing concentration‐dependent effects, which could suggest a potential use for these drug combinations in cancer cell lines.
Creep model for natural fiber polymer composites (NFPCs) based on variable order fractional derivatives: Simulation and parameter study
Authors: Xiang Guangjian , Yin Deshun , Meng Ruifan , Lu Siyu
Published: December 2019

To describe the creep behavior of natural fiber/polymer composites (NFPCs), a novel variable fractional order creep model is proposed in this work. With experimental data of polymer composites obtained from creep tests at different temperatures and with different fiber content, the effectiveness of the proposed model has been demonstrated. With the advantage of only four parameters, the variable order creep model is proved to give accurate descriptions on the creep behaviors of polymer composites by comparing simulated results with experimental data. Furthermore, a parameter study is conducted, which reveals the physical significance of model parameters. It is observed that the order increases linearly with time, which demonstrates the polymer composites softened during creep. Analysis of order indicates that high temperatures can activate the softening of the materials and the variable order is able to depict the change of microstructures of polymer composites. Besides, the relations between fiber content and order curves provide new perspectives on manufacturing NFPCs. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48796.
Anchored block‐copolymer surfactants for the synthesis of redispersible polystyrene latexes
Authors: Keerthika Nagarajan , Jayalakshmi Arumugam , Ramkumar S.G.
Published: December 2019

Redispersible polystyrene (PS) latexes of particle sizes in the range of 200–220 nm was prepared using low‐molecular‐weight amphiphilic block copolymer surfactants. Latex powders were obtained by sun drying of the prepared PS latexes and were reintroduced into the solution by simple mechanical agitation/stirring without any additives. DLS and SEM analysis were carried out for pristine/sun‐dried latexes to compare the size and shape of the particles. A series of block copolymers with 2‐methyl‐2‐oxazoline and 2‐butyl‐2‐oxazoline or 2‐phenyl‐2‐oxazoline with repeat units 30/20, 60/20, 15/30, and 15/45 were synthesized through cationic ring opening polymerization (CROP) and were used as nonionic surfactants (NIS) in the preparation of poly(styrene) latexes by emulsion polymerization. In this work, we investigated the role of anchoring ability of butyl/phenyl groups of the block copolymer in providing stability and redispersibility of the latex by comparing with simply cetyl and stearyl surfactants that are devoid of such functionality. The ready redispersibility and retainment of size and shape as that of original latexes confirmed the role of anchoring groups. PS latexes prepared by block‐copolymer surfactants that are devoid of anchoring units showed lesser stability and no redispersibility compared to anchored surfactants. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48875.
Promotion of Myofibroblast Differentiation and Tissue Fibrosis by the Leukotriene B4–Leukotriene B4 Receptor Axis in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Liang Minrui , Lv Jiaoyan , Jiang Zhixing , He Hang , Chen Chen , Xiong Yinluo , Zhu Xiaoxia , Xue Yu , Yu Yiyun , Yang Sen , Wang Lingbiao , Li Wenjing , Guan Ming , Wan Weiguo , He Rui , Zou Hejian
Published: December 2019

Objective

To investigate the role of the inflammatory lipid mediator leukotriene B4 (LTB4) and its receptor, BLT1, in the development and progression of systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

Serum levels of LTB4 were compared in 64 patients with SSc and 80 healthy controls. Skin and lung tissue sections from patients with SSc and healthy donors were immunostained for leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H), the critical enzyme for LTB4 synthesis, and BLT1, in combination with different cell markers. In mouse models of SSc using bleomycin or angiotensin II challenge or immunization with the DNA topoisomerase I, genetic or pharmacologic interruption of the LTB4–BLT1 axis in mice was carried out to assess its effects on systemic disease features and myofibroblast markers. Immunoblotting was performed to examine the signaling pathway in fibroblasts and endothelial cells following stimulation with LTB4 or with serum from SSc patients.

Results

Serum LTB4 levels were 44.93% higher in patients with SSc than in matched healthy controls (mean ± SD 220.3 ± 74.75 pg/ml versus 152.0 ± 68.05 pg/ml; P < 0.0001), and this was associated with the patient subsets of SSc‐associated interstitial lung disease and diffuse cutaneous SSc. Levels of LTA4H and BLT1 were increased in lesional areas of the skin and lungs of SSc patients, and both were abundant in myofibroblasts and endothelial cells. Interruption of the LTB4–BLT1 axis in mouse models of SSc significantly mitigated dermal and pulmonary fibrosis, with 54.00% and 52.65% fewer α‐smooth muscle actin–positive myofibroblasts accumulating in the skin and lungs of mice, respectively, after bleomycin challenge. Immunoblotting of cultures with recombinant LTB4–stimulated fibroblasts and endothelial cells or with serum from SSc patients showed that fibroblast–myofibroblast and endothelial–mesenchymal transitions were promoted via BLT1, and that this was dependent on activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway but independent of the release of transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) by fibroblasts or endothelial cells.

Conclusion

The LTB4–BLT1 axis may contribute to fibrosis in SSc by directly promoting myofibroblast differentiation via the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, and this appears to operate independently of autocrine secretion of TGFβ.