bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Implication of the New CBN Cashless Economy Policy on Nigerian Banking Stocks: GARCH Models Approach
Authors: Torsen Emmanuel , Vaaka Shiena J. , Mbaga Yohana V.
Published: June 2024

The importance of the banking sector to any nation's economy cannot be overemphasized. An efficient banking system enhances effective resource allocation and therefore promotes economic growth. Since this sector is important to any economy, the central bank in every nation plays a leading role in formulating policies aimed at regulating and stabilizing the banking system with the ultimate aim of achieving macroeconomic stability. The Cashless policy was first introduced in Nigeria in January 2012 to ease the difficulty inherent in cash-related transactions. However, at the time the policy was introduced, deposit banks were not prepared to ensure a smooth working cashless economy system. The policy was thus suspended in August 2015 and consequently re-introduced in January 2023. This study investigated the effect of this cashless policy on Nigerian banking stocks using GARCH and tGARCH models. The study reveals that banks’ stocks return was affected at the time under review by the cashless economy policy. The study further shows that it will take about a month and nine days for the conditional variance in the series to revert halfway. The convergence of the parameters based on Monte Carlo simulations indicates that both the models can capture the volatility in the stock returns, except that tGARCH seems to be skewed to the right as is expected.
Effect of Scrap Tyre Crumb Rubber (STCR) and Lime on the California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of Non-Lateritic Soil
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammed Tasiu , Abimiku Joshua , Claudius Konitufe
Published: June 2024

Nigeria is one of the countries generating many used tyres with only small quantity utilized for different local use and the remaining large quantity dumped in different areas as waste. In this study non – laterite soil was stabilized with 3 % Scrap Tyre Crumb Rubber (STCR) and 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5 and 15.0 % lime for use as road construction material. Atterberg limit tests, compaction (using West African Standard energy) and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) tests were carried out using standard methods, on the natural non-lateritic soil and the treated soil specimens. Preliminary test on the soil was carried out which classified the soil as A-6 (9) and CL in accordance with ASHTO and USCS classification systems respectively.  Compaction and California Bearing Ratio (CBR) parameters of the treated non-lateritic showed a great improvement as the MDD increased from 1.68 Mg/m3 to 1.88 Mg/m3 while the OMC reduced from 17.1 % to 14 %. Both soaked and unsoaked CBR values equally increased to 109 % and 103 % respectively with the addition of lime up to 15% plus 3% STCR waste. Based on results obtained from the study, the use of a mixture of 15% lime and 3% STCR waste, are recommended for the treatment of non-lateritic soil for road construction purposes.
El ensayo y el latir de América Latina. A propósito de Los silencios y las voces o del pensamiento como práctica
Authors: Giavedoni José Gabriel
Published: June 2024

En el presente trabajo pretendo reflexionar en torno al ensayo en América Latina como el modo de discurso para pensar el continente y los problemas del mismo. La ocasión es la celebración de los treinta años de publicación en 1993 de Los silencios y las voces en América Latina de Alcira Argumedo.Se trata de un libro que fue escrito a la luz de la experiencia de las Cátedras Nacionales y el devenir de los ’70 y los ’80, publicado al comienzo de una década arrasada y que hoy volvemos a exhumar en un momento que nos exige volver a pensar en lo que parece tener de común con aquella década y, también, nos obliga a pensarlo a partir de la formulación de nuevos interrogantes.No se trata de una simple celebración de un viejo texto, sino de un ejercicio de exhumación, reflexionar sobre el ensayo como el modo para pensar América Latina. En esta misma tarea reflexiva sobre el ensayo se impone pensar las maneras en que esos viejos textos se los hace jugar en un presente, a la manera de restos que componen una figura nunca acaba del todo y de rastros que han dejado en un presente que los vuelve a la vida.
A propósito de González y el problema del archivo
Authors: Fox Mailén
Published: June 2024

El siguiente manuscrito se propone indagar sobre los principales aportes del sociólogo, docente y ensayista, Horacio González, en relación al archivo como uno de los problemas fundantes de las ciencias sociales y humanas. Sus reflexiones al respecto le sirven de puntapié para un proyecto más ambicioso que el autor elabora en su propuesta de una “Teoría de la Cultura Nacional”,  donde gravita el ensayo como una actitud, un género y un método de hacer teoría social. A propósito del archivo, se calibran algunos aportes de la disciplina archivística en nuestro país y las principales indagaciones del filósofo Jacques Derrida, que nos ayudan a delinear la singularidad del pensamiento gonzaliano sobre el modo en que tramitamos nuestra distancia irremediable con el pasado y ejercitamos la memoria colectiva en la actualización de nuestro presente y sus anacronismos.  No sin antes establecer ciertas tensiones en relación a su estilo de trabajo y su filiación disciplinar, para arriesgar otra clave de lectura sobre el universo del autor.
A EXPERIÊNCIA DO USUÁRIO IDOSO NO USO DO APLICATIVO WHATSAPP: Análise da Importância do Design Gráfico
Authors: Maestrelli Marina Kiyomi Hashiba , Barbosa Valéria Cilene
Published: June 2024

O envelhecimento é um processo em que ocorrem mudanças físicas e comportamentais no ser humano, como a perda de percepção e motora, e problemas de visão. Grande número de aplicações são criadas tendo o usuário jovem em mente. O aplicativo WhatsApp é o aplicativo mais usado pela terceira idade para se comunicar. Mesmo sendo muito popular entre este público, esse grupo ainda apresenta dificuldades em usá-lo. Foram conduzidas 11 entrevistas com usuários idosos, para analisar suas experiências ao navegar pelo WhatsApp. Os resultados encontrados foram problemas na interação entre a interface do aplicativo e o usuário.
Technologies of information and psychological influence on people in modern wars
Authors: Chepkov Ihor , Dovhopoly Anatoly , Biloborodov Oleh , Panteleiev Serhii
Published: June 2024

The article analyzes trends in the development of methods and means of informationpsychological warfare in the world and in Russia. The types, principles of operation and features of the use of information and psychological weapons, as well as the technical means and technologies on which they rely, are considered. Information is provided on existing models of informationpsychological weapons and examples of their use by different countries. The possibility of Russia using information and psychological weapons against the defense forces and citizens of Ukraine is considered as a real threat to the national security of the state. The risks of transformation of the consciousness and subconscious of the population under the influence of information and psychological weapons are analyzed. The mechanisms of influence of television and the Internet on human consciousness are indicated, as well as the principles of their use by the enemy during psychological operations against Ukraine. The need for Ukraine to take preventive measures to protect military personnel and citizens of Ukraine from the effects of information and psychological weapons is pointed out.
Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Pemilihan Karyawan Terbaik Dengan Menggunakan Metode MABAC
Authors: Waruwu Toni Aman
Published: June 2024

1001 Mart is a minimarket which is engaged in selling basic daily needs such as rice, sugar, cooking oil, milk, baby diapers and others. The leadership of 1001 Mart always holds the best employee selection every year, the selection of the best employees is done to increase motivation or morale for employees to work even harder. The problem that occurs in this case is that it is difficult for 1001 Mart to make decisions in selecting the best employees. In this research, to solve the problems experienced by the 1001 Mart, the author designed a decision support system for selecting the best employees at 1001 Mart using the MABAC method. The design of this application uses the php programming language and the MySQL database as data storage media into the system. This decision support system will later assist 1001 Mart in determining the best employees based on predetermined criteria. The MABAC method is also expected to give accurate decision results so that no more mistakes will occur in selecting the best employees at 1001 Mart.
Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Pemilihan Pengrajin Ulos Ragi Hotang Terbaik Di Desa Meat Menerapkan Metode Maut
Authors: Siahaan Irvan
Published: June 2024

Meat Village is a center for making hotang yeast ulos which is carried out by women. The Meat Village Office selects the best yeast hotang ulos craftsmen every year to improve the community's economy and provide enthusiasm for hotang yeast ulos craftsmen who aim to improve the quality of hotang yeast ulos which has criteria for neatness, motifs, and color combinations. The problem faced by the Meat Village office is still using the manual method, especially in determining the best hotang yeast ulos craftsmen in Meat Village. On this occasion the author proposes the selection of hotang yeast ulos craftsmen using a decision support system using the MAUT Method, programming in Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 with Visual Basic language and MySQL as a database. From the results of my research I want to help the Meat Village office in determining the best hotang yeast ulos craftsmen in Meat Village by using a Decision Support System using the multi attribute utility theory (MAUT) method. Those who got the best score in selecting hotang yeast ulos craftsmen were A8 on behalf of Ester Simanjuntak with a score of 0.427 as the first rank, A9 with the name Oni Siahaan the value of 0.363 in the second rank and A4 with the name Herbeslina Maharaja the value of 0.344 in the third rank.
THE INFLUENCE OF FINANCIAL RATIO ON FIRM VALUE IN CHEMICAL SUB SECTOR COMPANIES LISTED ON IDX (2020-2022)THE INFLUENCE OF FINANCIAL RATIO ON FIRM VALUE IN CHEMICAL SUB SECTOR COMPANIES LISTED ON IDX (2020-2022)
Authors: Herlina Nur Rahmasari  , Nilmawati  , Sri Dwi Ari Ambarwati
Published: June 2024

The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of return on equity, current assets, debt to assets ratio and total asset turnover ratio on the value of the company with a price to book value ratio measurement tool. The research was carried out on sub-sector companies Chemicals 2020-2023 which are listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange. This research uses quantitative methods. The research population is a chemical sub-sector companies listed on the Indonesian Stock Exchange. Purposive sampling is the selection of samples using certain criteria of the research carried out. The analytical tool used in this study is double linear regression using SPSS 26. Debt to assets ratio has a significant and positive effect on the price to book value ratio, whereas current ratio and total assets turnover ratio have no significant effect on price to book value ratios.
Germinated VD20 rice – a local rice variety in Vietnam: Effect of process conditions
Authors: Loan Le Thi Kim , Tat Truong Quoc , Minh Pham Do Trang , Hoang Pham Thi Minh , Thao Vo Thi Thu , Nhi Tran Thi Yen , Giang Bach Long , Phat Dao Tan
Published: June 2024

Rice is one of important staple foods, which mainly consumed by human in daily life. One of the methods which could enhance the nutritional profile as well as functional of rice is germination process. VD20 rice, a local rice from Tien Giang province (Vietnam), was used in this study. This investigation was aimed to study the effect of ratio of rice to soaking solution (1:1-1:3), pH of soaking solution (distilled water, pH = 3-5), and time of soaking (3-6 hours) on the germination rate, moisture content of grain and total polyphenol content of germinated rice. Besides that, the impact of germination conditions, including incubation time (16-22 hours) and temperature (31-37oC), on the quality of germinated rice was also elucidated. The obtained results showed the ratio of soaking water to rice is 2.5:1 for the highest polyphenol content and germination rate. The longer the soaking time, the polyphenol content gradually decreases but the germination rate gradually increases over time. Soaking solutions with a pH of 4 for 6 hours were the most apporiate conditions for soaking VD20 rice. During the germination process, temperature and incubation time significant affected the polyphenol content and germination rate. At a temperature of 37℃ for 20 hours, the polyphenol content was highest (33.85 mgGAE/100 g) and gradually decreases with incubation time, but the germination rate gradually increases. Germination process of VD20 enhance the nutrional quality of rice, which could be seen in the increasing of phenolic compounds content. However, it also affected by various factors, as know as, soaking conditions and incubation conditions, which could further study to ultilize and optimize. The obtained product also have the promising application as the nutraceutical food.
SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF CALCIUM-ALUMINOFERRITE CEMENT USING MAN-MADE MATERIALS
Authors: Borisov Ivan , Novosyolov Alexey , Nikitina Mariya , Manuilov Vladimir
Published: June 2024

The article discusses the production of calcium-aluminoferrite clinker (cement) from a three-component mixture (by sin-tering), where 56.2-57.4 wt.% of the mixture consists of aluminum– and iron-containing man-made waste. It was found that the use of man-made waste as a component of the raw material mixture leads to a decrease in the amount of waste generat-ed by 4.9-5.4%, based on the production of 300,000 tons of calcium-alumoferrite cement per year. The results of qualitative and quantitative X–ray phase analysis of the clinkers obtained are presented, which indicate the formation of calcium aluminates (CA,C3A,C12A7), calcium aluminoferrite(Ca2(Al,Fe)2O5) and calcium silicate (α-, β-C2S) as the main clinker phases in all samples. Clinker phases of aluminate and calcium aluminoferrite are formed not in pure form, but with the introduction of impurity elements (Mg2+, Ti4+). Determination of the hydration activity of CAFC showed that the quantitative ratio of clinker phases CA:Ca2(Al,Fe)2O5 = 38.8:33.8 (CAFC I) and CA:Ca2(Al,Fe)2O5 = 27.6:23.9 (CAFC II) leads to an increase in the strength of cement stone in the initial periods of hardening by 48 and 32 MPa, and in later periods (28 days) - to an increase in strength by 28 and 8 MPa, respectively.
Similarities and differences between phonological phenomena in Arabic and Tamil languages: syllable-focused study
Authors: MCS. Shathifa  , Asem Shehadeh Ali
Published: June 2024

Phonological phenomena mean the rules and phonetic characteristics that help to build words and vocabulary, create and use speech, and differentiate between them according to context. Accordingly, in a language there are phonetic units that are studied at non-structual level and structual level. They have an impact on teaching the Arabic language to native speakers in general and to non-native speakers in particular. Errors in phonetic phenomena lead to linguistic errors. The research problem is defined by the question: “Is there a similarity in the syllable system of phonological phenomena between the Arabic and Tamil languages, which are from two different language families? This research aims to clarify the syllabic system of phonological phenomena between Arabic and Tamil languages, and to identify the similarities and differences in syllabic system of phonological phenomena between them. This research relies on qualitative methodology under contrastive descriptive analysis to identify similarities and differences in phonological phenomena between the languages. Secondary data were gathered from books, researches and literary studies. This research titled “Similarities and differences between phonological phenomena in Arabic and Tamil languages: syllable-focused study” finds that the syllables are divided based on length and the closing and opening in the two languages are in the same form. There are no two consecutive consonants at the beginning of the word in them. In terms of differences, the Arabic syllable begins with a consonant only, and there is no Arabic syllable that begins with a vowel, while the Tamil syllable begins with a consonant and a vowel. More than two consonants can not exceed in the middle of the Arabic word, meanwhile can exceed in Tamil. The places where the syllables occur in the two languages are differed according to characteristics of both languages. The Arabic syllable system is very similar to Tamil language.
Attempts to Unravel and to Overcome The Educational Issues of Nahwu (A Multi-Site Descriptive Study at UINSI Samarinda and UNSIQ Wonosobo)
Authors: Ahmad Fadhel Syakir Hidayat  , Rifqi Aulia Rahman  , Bakri Mohammad Bkheet Ahmed  , Wildana Wargadinata
Published: June 2024

Nahwu is an integral part of the curriculum in teaching Arabic in all Islamic educational institutions in the world, either in the form of a separate subject or part of the study of the Arabic language. But when studying it, he found some problems, whether linguistic or non-linguistic, that needed ways to be overcome. Therefore, this research aims to describe and analyze the problems related to teaching science and their solutions. This research is a qualitative research and descriptive multiplicity of sites in Sultan Aji Muhammad Idris Islamic State University Samarinda and the Central Java Quranic Sciences University in Wonosobo in the Department of Arabic Language Teaching, and the research sample of intermediate students in the proficiency of the Arabic language sitting in the fourth level in the subject about 2 and the subject towards developmental. The sources of data in this research are interviews, observation, and documentation, and the data is analyzed using the data analysis method of Miles and Huberman. The results of the research indicate that there are linguistic and non-linguistic problems, and the problems revolve around vocabulary, lack of exercise, short lecture hours, lack of motivation and awareness, lack of diversity of strategies, educational facilities, and students' academic backgrounds. Solutions to these problems are: creating educational programs to memorize vocabulary; improving communication; reviewing the curriculum; directing efforts towards enhancing motivation and awareness; adopting cooperative learning strategies; providing materials using the concept of mind maps or tables; staying on key points identified; providing additional lessons; and improving classroom facilities.
Integration of Character Education Values from Imam Al-Ghazali's Perspective in Arabic Language Learning at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 1 Samarinda
Authors: Edy Rizki Molyono  , Edy Murdani Z
Published: June 2024

The learning process in Arabic language subjects, especially in its implementation, has many children who have quite good morals amid rampant cases of intolerance and cases of juvenile delinquency due to the moral degradation of the nation's children. This study aims to determine whether Arabic Language Learning contains character values relevant to Imam Al-Ghazali's perspective in his book Ayuhal Walad and to find out the impact on Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 1 Samarinda students. This type of research is descriptive qualitative using a case study approach. The data collection techniques used are observation, interview, and documentation techniques. Data analysis techniques using Miles and Huberman interactive analysis. The results showed that the values of the Character Education Perspective of Imam Al-Ghazali Relevant to Arabic Language Learning at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 1 Samarinda. This can be seen in the learning process, such as planning. There are character values of Religion and Hard work, and in the implementation of learning as well, namely Religious, Honest, Hard Work, and Tolerance characters and in the Evaluation also has character values, namely responsibility. Applying these character values also has a good impact on the character and attitude of students after learning.
لحظة إبرام العقد الإداري (دراسة مقارنة)
Authors: ا. م.د. بشار رشيد حسين المزوري
Published: June 2024

المستخلص:
          استقر القضاء الإداري على أنّ إعلان الإدارة عن المناقصة ليس إلا دعوة إلى التعاقد, وأنّ التقدم بالعطاء من قبل المناقص هو الإيجاب الذي ينبغي أن يلتقي مع قبول الإدارة لينعقد العقد, والإيجاب في العقد الإداري يكون خاضع لجملة من الشكليات لا يستقيم وجوده القانوني دونها, بل أن التشريعات تحدد شكل الإيجاب والإطار الزمني الذي يجب أن يقدم خلاله, أما القبول في العقود الإدارية فهو اعتماد قرار الإرساء على صاحب العطاء من قبل السلطة الإدارية المختصة, فاعتماد الإرساء هو إفصاح عن إرادة الإدارة في إبرام العقد.
الكلمات المفتاحية: إبرام العقد الإداري، القانون الإداري، المناقصة، الإيجاب، القبول، الشكليات، الإطار الزمني، الإرساء.
تأثير البرلمان على سلطة الدولة في اصدار لوائح الضرورة
Authors: د. لمياء شاكر احمد
Published: June 2024

المستخلص
يتناول هذا البحث أهمية وضوح القواعد المحيطة بإصدار لوائح الضرورة من قبل رئيس الدولة وكيفية تأثير الرقابة البرلمانية عليها في فرنسا ومصر والعراق. يركز البحث على تحليل النصوص القانونية في دساتير هذه البلدان لفهم المفاهيم والضوابط المحيطة بلوائح الضرورة. يقدم البحث فرضية حول تأثير استخدام لوائح الضرورة في مجالات لا تستدعيها حقيقة الأمور، ويناقش كيفية تعامل الدساتير المقارنة مع هذا الأمر. يعتمد البحث على المنهج التحليلي والاستقرائي، ويقدم مقارنة بين الدساتير الفرنسية والمصرية والعراقية. يهدف البحث إلى توضيح مفهوم لوائح الضرورة وضوابط إصدارها، بالإضافة إلى دور الرقابة البرلمانية في ضبط سلوك رئيس الدولة في هذا الصدد.
كلمات مفتاحية: لوائح الضرورة، رئيس الدولة، الرقابة البرلمانية، الدساتير، فرنسا، مصر، العراق.
Материалы к познанию фауны трипсов (Thysanoptera) Вьетнама по результатам экспедиции ФГБУ «ВНИИКР»
Authors: Поушкова С.В. , Касаткин Д.Г.
Published: June 2024

В ходе научно-исследовательской экспедиции в Социалистическую Республику Вьетнам, предпринятой с целью сбора коллекционного и справочного материала по карантинным и прочим вредным видам насекомых и растений, был собран материал, включающий 14 видов трипсов. Приведены данные о распространении, биологии обнаруженных видов трипсов, их краткая морфологическая характеристика. Выявлены 5 видов трипсов, имеющих фитосанитарное значение для РФ, а также 6 видов, ранее не регистрировавшихся в фауне Вьетнама.
Tune-out wavelengths of Rydberg atoms
Authors: Liu Zhi-Hui , Liu Xiao-Na , He Jun , Liu Yao , Su Nan , Cai Ting , Du Yi-Jie , Wang Jie-Ying , Pei Dong-Liang , Wang Jun-Min ,   State Key Laboratory of Quantum Optics and Quantum Optics Devices, Institute S1 Opto-Electronics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China,   School of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China,   Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan 030006, China,   State Key Laboratory of Space-Ground Integrated Information Technology, Space Star Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing 100095, China,   Laboratory of Science and Technology on Marine Navigation and Control, China State Shipbuilding Corporation, Tianjin 300131, China,   Tianjin Key Laboratory of Quantum Precision Measurement Technology, Tianjin 300131, China
Published: June 2024

The atomic polarizability represents the response characteristics of atoms to externally applied electro-magnetic fields. The wavelength (or frequency) at which the dynamic polarizability of an atom is equal to zero is referred to as the tune-out wavelength (or frequency). Spectroscopy technology based on the tune-out effect has potential applications in quantum precision measurement, quantum computation and quantum communication. Related research topics include the measurement of fundamental physical constants and strong interactions. The tune-out wavelengths of atoms in low-lying states primarily fall within the optical band, where the theoretical calculations and experimental measurements have significant progress. However, for Rydberg atoms in highly excited states, theoretical calculations are challenging due to their high density of atomic states. The difficulty of experimental measurement arises from small splitting of adjacent atomic energy levels. In this paper, we demonstrate the tune-out wavelengths measurement for Rydberg atoms in a cesium vapor cell at room temperature. We utilize a two-photon cascade excitation to prepare Rydberg states and employ amplitude-modulation electromagnetically-induced transparency (AM-EIT) spectroscopy to measure the tune-out wavelength. By continuously scanning the microwave frequencies, we obtain AM-EIT signals of Rydberg atoms. At near-resonant microwave transition wavelengths, strong AM-EIT signals are observed due to microwave-atom coupling. Conversely, at tune-out wavelengths, the dynamically polarization-induced destructive interference in neighboring energy states occurs which leads to the weak AM-EIT signals. The AM-EIT provides a spectral resolution of about 10 MHz. We have developed a simplified three-level model to calculate the tune-out wavelength. The results of our theoretical calculations are consistent with the experimental findings within a range of ±90 MHz.
Styxl2 regulates de novo sarcomere assembly by binding to non-muscle myosin IIs and promoting their degradation
Authors: Chen Xianwei , Li Yanfeng , Xu Jin , Cui Yong , Wu Qian , Yin Haidi , Li Yuying , Gao Chuan , Jiang Liwen , Wang Huating , Wen Zilong , Yao Zhongping , Wu Zhenguo
Published: June 2024

Styxl2, a poorly characterized pseudophosphatase, was identified as a transcriptional target of the Jak1-Stat1 pathway during myoblast differentiation in culture. Styxl2 is specifically expressed in vertebrate striated muscles. By gene knockdown in zebrafish or genetic knockout in mice, we found that Styxl2 plays an essential role in maintaining sarcomere integrity in developing muscles. To further reveal the functions of Styxl2 in adult muscles, we generated two inducible knockout mouse models: one with Styxl2 being deleted in mature myofibers to assess its role in sarcomere maintenance, and the other in adult muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) to assess its role in de novo sarcomere assembly. We find that Styxl2 is not required for sarcomere maintenance but functions in de novo sarcomere assembly during injury-induced muscle regeneration. Mechanistically, Styxl2 interacts with non-muscle myosin IIs, enhances their ubiquitination, and targets them for autophagy-dependent degradation. Without Styxl2, the degradation of non-muscle myosin IIs is delayed, which leads to defective sarcomere assembly and force generation. Thus, Styxl2 promotes de novo sarcomere assembly by interacting with non-muscle myosin IIs and facilitating their autophagic degradation.
Glutamatergic supramammillary nucleus neurons respond to threatening stressors and promote active coping
Authors: Escobedo Abraham , Holloway Salli-Ann , Votoupal Megan , Cone Aaron L , Skelton Hannah , Legaria Alex A , Ndiokho Imeh , Floyd Tasheia , Kravitz Alexxai V , Bruchas Michael R , Norris Aaron J
Published: June 2024

Threat-response neural circuits are conserved across species and play roles in normal behavior and psychiatric diseases. Maladaptive changes in these neural circuits contribute to stress, mood, and anxiety disorders. Active coping in response to stressors is a psychosocial factor associated with resilience against stress-induced mood and anxiety disorders. The neural circuitry underlying active coping is poorly understood, but the functioning of these circuits could be key for overcoming anxiety and related disorders. The supramammillary nucleus (SuM) has been suggested to be engaged by threat. SuM has many projections and a poorly understood diversity of neural populations. In studies using mice, we identified a unique population of glutamatergic SuM neurons (SuMVGLUT2+::POA) based on projection to the preoptic area of the hypothalamus (POA) and found SuMVGLUT2+::POA neurons have extensive arborizations. SuMVGLUT2+::POA neurons project to brain areas that mediate features of the stress and threat responses including the paraventricular nucleus thalamus (PVT), periaqueductal gray (PAG), and habenula (Hb). Thus, SuMVGLUT2+::POA neurons are positioned as a hub, connecting to areas implicated in regulating stress responses. Here we report SuMVGLUT2+::POA neurons are recruited by diverse threatening stressors, and recruitment correlated with active coping behaviors. We found that selective photoactivation of the SuMVGLUT2+::POA population drove aversion but not anxiety like behaviors. Activation of SuMVGLUT2+::POA neurons in the absence of acute stressors evoked active coping like behaviors and drove instrumental behavior. Also, activation of SuMVGLUT2+::POA neurons was sufficient to convert passive coping strategies to active behaviors during acute stress. In contrast, we found activation of GABAergic (VGAT+) SuM neurons (SuMVGAT+) neurons did not alter drive aversion or active coping, but termination of photostimulation was followed by increased mobility in the forced swim test. These findings establish a new node in stress response circuitry that has projections to many brain areas and evokes flexible active coping behaviors.
Agent-based model demonstrates the impact of nonlinear, complex interactions between cytokines on muscle regeneration
Authors: Haase Megan , Comlekoglu Tien , Petrucciani Alexa , Peirce Shayn M , Blemker Silvia S
Published: June 2024

Muscle regeneration is a complex process due to dynamic and multiscale biochemical and cellular interactions, making it difficult to identify microenvironmental conditions that are beneficial to muscle recovery from injury using experimental approaches alone. To understand the degree to which individual cellular behaviors impact endogenous mechanisms of muscle recovery, we developed an agent-based model (ABM) using the Cellular-Potts framework to simulate the dynamic microenvironment of a cross-section of murine skeletal muscle tissue. We referenced more than 100 published studies to define over 100 parameters and rules that dictate the behavior of muscle fibers, satellite stem cells (SSCs), fibroblasts, neutrophils, macrophages, microvessels, and lymphatic vessels, as well as their interactions with each other and the microenvironment. We utilized parameter density estimation to calibrate the model to temporal biological datasets describing cross-sectional area (CSA) recovery, SSC, and fibroblast cell counts at multiple timepoints following injury. The calibrated model was validated by comparison of other model outputs (macrophage, neutrophil, and capillaries counts) to experimental observations. Predictions for eight model perturbations that varied cell or cytokine input conditions were compared to published experimental studies to validate model predictive capabilities. We used Latin hypercube sampling and partial rank correlation coefficient to identify in silico perturbations of cytokine diffusion coefficients and decay rates to enhance CSA recovery. This analysis suggests that combined alterations of specific cytokine decay and diffusion parameters result in greater fibroblast and SSC proliferation compared to individual perturbations with a 13% increase in CSA recovery compared to unaltered regeneration at 28 days. These results enable guided development of therapeutic strategies that similarly alter muscle physiology (i.e. converting extracellular matrix [ECM]-bound cytokines into freely diffusible forms as studied in cancer therapeutics or delivery of exogenous cytokines) during regeneration to enhance muscle recovery after injury.
Structures of wild-type and a constitutively closed mutant of connexin26 shed light on channel regulation by CO2
Authors: Brotherton Deborah H , Nijjar Sarbjit , Savva Christos G , Dale Nicholas , Cameron Alexander David
Published: June 2024

Connexins allow intercellular communication by forming gap junction channels (GJCs) between juxtaposed cells. Connexin26 (Cx26) can be regulated directly by CO2. This is proposed to be mediated through carbamylation of K125. We show that mutating K125 to glutamate, mimicking the negative charge of carbamylation, causes Cx26 GJCs to be constitutively closed. Through cryo-EM we observe that the K125E mutation pushes a conformational equilibrium towards the channel having a constricted pore entrance, similar to effects seen on raising the partial pressure of CO2. In previous structures of connexins, the cytoplasmic loop, important in regulation and where K125 is located, is disordered. Through further cryo-EM studies we trap distinct states of Cx26 and observe density for the cytoplasmic loop. The interplay between the position of this loop, the conformations of the transmembrane helices and the position of the N-terminal helix, which controls the aperture to the pore, provides a mechanism for regulation.
Ligand Response of Guanidine-IV riboswitch at Single-molecule Level
Authors: Gao Lingzhi , Chen Dian , Liu Yu
Published: June 2024

Riboswitches represent a class of non-coding RNA that possess the unique ability to specifically bind ligands and, in response, regulate gene expression. A recent report unveiled a type of riboswitch, known as the guanidine-IV riboswitch, which responds to guanidine levels to regulate downstream genetic transcription. However, the precise molecular mechanism through which the riboswitch senses its target ligand and undergoes conformational changes remain elusive. This gap in understanding has impeded the potential applications of this riboswitch. To bridge this knowledge gap, our study investigated the conformational dynamics of the guanidine-IV riboswitch RNA upon ligand binding. We employed single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) to dissect the behaviors of the aptamer, terminator, and full-length riboswitch. Our findings indicated that the aptamer portion exhibited higher sensitivity to guanidine compared to the terminator and full-length constructs. Additionally, we utilized Position-specific Labelling of RNA (PLOR) combined with smFRET to observe, at the single-nucleotide and single-molecule level, the structural transitions experienced by the guanidine-IV riboswitch during transcription. Notably, we discovered that the influence of guanidine on the riboswitch RNA’s conformations was significantly reduced after the transcription of 88 nucleotides. Furthermore, we proposed a folding model for the guanidine-IV riboswitch in the absence and presence of guanidine, thereby providing insights into its ligand-response mechanism.
Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) activity is modulated by light and gates rapid phase shifts of the circadian clock
Authors: Brenna Andrea , Borsa Micaela , Saro Gabriella , Ripperger Jürgen A , Glauser Dominique A , Yang Zhihong , Adamantidis Antoine , Albrecht Urs
Published: June 2024

The circadian clock enables organisms to synchronize biochemical and physiological processes over a 24 hr period. Natural changes in lighting conditions, as well as artificial disruptions like jet lag or shift work, can advance or delay the clock phase to align physiology with the environment. Within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus, circadian timekeeping and resetting rely on both membrane depolarization and intracellular second-messenger signaling. Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) facilitate calcium influx in both processes, activating intracellular signaling pathways that trigger Period (Per) gene expression. However, the precise mechanism by which these processes are concertedly gated remains unknown. Our study in mice demonstrates that cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) activity is modulated by light and regulates phase shifts of the circadian clock. We observed that knocking down Cdk5 in the SCN of mice affects phase delays but not phase advances. This is linked to uncontrolled calcium influx into SCN neurons and an unregulated protein kinase A (PKA)-calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase (CaMK)-cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway. Consequently, genes such as Per1 are not induced by light in the SCN of Cdk5 knock-down mice. Our experiments identified Cdk5 as a crucial light-modulated kinase that influences rapid clock phase adaptation. This finding elucidates how light responsiveness and clock phase coordination adapt activity onset to seasonal changes, jet lag, and shift work.
TAK1-mediated phosphorylation of PLCE1 represses PIP2 hydrolysis to impede esophageal squamous cancer metastasis
Authors: Ju Qianqian , Sheng Wenjing , Zhang Meichen , Chen Jing , Wu Liucheng , Liu Xiaoyu , Fang Wentao , Shi Hui , Sun Cheng
Published: June 2024

TAK1, a serine/threonine protein kinase, has been identified as a key regulator in a wide variety of cellular processes. However, its function and involved mechanism in cancer metastasis are still not well understood. Here, we found that knockdown of TAK1 promoted esophageal squamous cancer cell (ESCC) migration and invasion, whereas overexpression of TAK1 resulted in an opposite outcome. Moreover, these
in vitro
findings could be recapitulated
in vivo
in a xenograft metastasis mouse model. Mechanistically, co-immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry demonstrated that TAK1 interacted with phospholipase C epsilon 1 (PLCE1), and phosphorylated PLCE1 at serine 1060 (S1060). Functional studies revealed that phosphorylation at S1060 in PLCE1 resulted in decreased enzyme activity, leading to a repression on PIP2 hydrolysis. As a result, the degradation products of PIP2 including DAG and inositol IP3 were reduced, which thereby suppressed signal transduction in the axis of PKC/GSK-3β/β-Catenin. Consequently, cancer metastasis related genes were impeded by TAK1. Overall, our data indicate that TAK1 plays a negative role in ESCC metastasis, which depends on TAK1 induced phosphorylation of PLCE1 at S1060.
SRSF2 is a key player in orchestrating the directional migration and differentiation of MyoD progenitors during skeletal muscle development
Authors: Sha Rula , Guo Ruochen , Duan Huimin , Peng Qian , Yuan Ningyang , Wang Zhenzhen , Li Zhigang , Xie Zhiqin , You Xue , Feng Ying
Published: June 2024

SRSF2 plays a dual role, functioning both as a transcriptional regulator and a key player in alternative splicing. The absence of Srsf2 in MyoD + progenitors resulted in perinatal mortality in mice, accompanied by severe skeletal muscle defects. SRSF2 deficiency disrupts the directional migration of MyoD progenitors, causing them to disperse into both muscle and non-muscle regions. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis revealed significant alterations in Srsf2-deficient myoblasts, including a reduction in extracellular matrix components, diminished expression of genes involved in ameboid-type cell migration and cytoskeleton organization, mitosis irregularities, and premature differentiation. Notably, one of the targets regulated by Srsf2 is the serine/threonine kinase Aurka. Knockdown of Aurka led to reduced cell proliferation, disrupted cytoskeleton, and impaired differentiation, reflecting the effects seen with Srsf2 knockdown. Crucially, the introduction of exogenous Aurka in Srsf2-knockdown cells markedly alleviated the differentiation defects caused by Srsf2 knockdown. Furthermore, our research unveiled the role of Srsf2 in controlling alternative splicing within genes associated with human skeletal muscle diseases, such as BIN1, DMPK, FHL1, and LDB3. Specifically, the precise knockdown of the Bin1 exon17-containing variant, which is excluded following Srsf2 depletion, profoundly disrupted C2C12 cell differentiation. In summary, our study offers valuable insights into the role of SRSF2 in governing MyoD progenitors to specific muscle regions, thereby controlling their differentiation through the regulation of targeted genes and alternative splicing during skeletal muscle development.
SRSF2 is a key player in orchestrating the directional migration and differentiation of MyoD progenitors during skeletal muscle development
Authors: Sha Rula , Guo Ruochen , Duan Huimin , Peng Qian , Yuan Ningyang , Wang Zhenzhen , Li Zhigang , Xie Zhiqin , You Xue , Feng Ying
Published: June 2024

SRSF2 plays a dual role, functioning both as a transcriptional regulator and a key player in alternative splicing. The absence of SRSF2 in MyoD+ progenitors resulted in perinatal mortality in mice, accompanied by severe skeletal muscle defects. SRSF2 deficiency disrupts the directional migration of MyoD progenitors, causing them to disperse into both muscle and non-muscle regions. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis revealed significant alterations in SRSF2-deficient myoblasts, including a reduction in extracellular matrix components, diminished expression of genes involved in ameboid-type cell migration and cytoskeleton organization, mitosis irregularities, and premature differentiation. Notably, one of the targets regulated by SRSF2 is the serine/threonine kinase Aurka. Knockdown of Aurka led to reduced cell proliferation, disrupted cytoskeleton, and impaired differentiation, reflecting the effects seen with SRSF2 knockdown. Crucially, the introduction of exogenous Aurka in SRSF2-knockdown cells markedly alleviated the differentiation defects caused by SRSF2 knockdown. Furthermore, our research unveiled the role of SRSF2 in controlling alternative splicing within genes associated with human skeletal muscle diseases, such as BIN1, DMPK, FHL1, and LDB3. Specifically, the precise knockdown of the Bin1 exon17-containing variant, which is excluded following SRSF2 depletion, profoundly disrupted C2C12 cell differentiation. In summary, our study offers valuable insights into the role of SRSF2 in governing MyoD progenitors to specific muscle regions, thereby controlling their differentiation through the regulation of targeted genes and alternative splicing during skeletal muscle development.
Characteristics and evolution of hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes of Influenza A(H3N2) viruses in Thailand during 2015 to 2018
Authors: Anoma Sasiprapa , Bhattarakosol Parvapan , Kowitdamrong Ekasit
Published: June 2024

Background

Influenza A(H3N2) virus evolves continuously. Its hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes have high genetic variation due to the antigenic drift. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and evolution of HA and NA genes of the influenza A(H3N2) virus in Thailand.

Methods

Influenza A positive respiratory samples from 2015 to 2018 were subtyped by multiplex real-time RT-PCR. Full-length HA and NA genes from the positive samples of influenza A(H3N2) were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis with the maximum likelihood method was used to investigate the evolution of the virus compared with the WHO-recommended influenza vaccine strain. Homology modeling and N-glycosylation site prediction were also performed.

Results

Out of 443 samples, 147 (33.18%) were A(H1N1)pdm09 and 296 (66.82%) were A(H3N2). The A(H3N2) viruses circulating in 2015 were clade 3C.2a whereas sub-clade 3C.2a1 and 3C.2a2 dominated in 2016–2017 and 2018, respectively. Amino acid substitutions were found in all antigenic sites A, B, C, D, and E of HA but the majority of the substitutions were located at antigenic sites A and B. The S245N and N329S substitutions in the NA gene affect the N-glycosylation. None of the mutations associated with resistance to NA inhibitors were observed. Mean evolutionary rates of the HA and NA genes were 3.47 × 10−3 and 2.98 × 10−3 substitutions per site per year.

Conclusion

The influenza A(H3N2) virus is very genetically diverse and is always evolving to evade host defenses. The HA and NA gene features including the evolutionary rate of the influenza A(H3N2) viruses that were circulating in Thailand between 2015 and 2018 are described. This information is useful for monitoring the genetic characteristics and evolution in HA and NA genes of influenza A(H3N2) virus in Thailand which is crucial for predicting the influenza vaccine strains resulting in high vaccine effectiveness.
Physics-informed neural networks approach to predict heart displacement field and in-vivo myofiber strain
Authors:   , Solís Paredes Rodrigo Ignacio
Published: June 2024

La deformación en la dirección de las fibras del corazón, llamada myofiber strain ha surgido como una métrica del desempeño mecánico del tejido del corazón que considera su microestructura, a diferencia de las métricas tradicionales: deformación longitudinal, circunferencial y radial, que son calculadas de una forma meramente geométrica. Predicciones certeras del myofiber strain entrega resultados prometedores para predecir fallas cardíacas. Combinándolo con un campo de desplazamiento continuo del corazón, se abren oportunidades para una mejor predicción de la función cardíaca y posibles diagnósticos. Esta tesis analiza el desempeño y la implementación de una red neuronal informada por modelos físicos considerando una descripción de la topología de los datos dada por las funciones propias del operador de Laplace y una descripción de la energía hiperelástica del tejido cardíaco del ventrículo izquierdo mediante un modelo de active strain para predecir un campo de desplazamiento continuo y myofiber strain. Esto usualmente se ha logrado usando el método de elementos finitos, pero en este trabajo se va a demostrar que las redes neuronales tienen mejores resultados. Este trabajo usa un campo de desplazamiento obtenido con imágenes DENSE y las direcciones de las fibras del corazón obtenidas con cDTI, las cuales son imágenes de resonancia magnética. Los resultados experimentales prueban que la red neural informada por un modelo físico entrega mejores resultados que los obtenido con elementos finitos. Adicionalmente es capaz de predecir valores para la deformación en la dirección de las fibras del corazón dentro de los valores presentes en la literatura. Las imágenes de DENSE tienen un tiempo largo de adquisición, haciéndolo un procedimiento clínicamente poco aplicable, sin embargo, la red neuronal propuesta entrega excelentes resultados considerando una cantidad reducida de datos de DENSE, permitiendo bajar el tiempo de adquisición para estas imágenes y entregando resultados prometedores para su aplicabilidad clínica.
Importance of considering testosterone–cortisol interactions in predicting human aggression and dominance
Authors: Carré Justin M. , Mehta Pranjal H.
Published: August 2011

A novel “field” study recently published in Aggressive Behavior found that individual differences in baseline testosterone concentrations were positively correlated with endorsement of political aggression and that baseline cortisol concentrations were negatively correlated with self‐reported aggression among Palestinian boys living in Gaza. Here, we discuss recent evidence indicating that testosterone and cortisol interact to predict competitive, aggressive, and dominant behaviors and urge researchers collecting both hormones to perform and report analyses that formally test for such interaction effects. Aggr. Behav. 37:489–491, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cyano‐Substituted Oligo(p‐phenylene vinylene) Single Crystals: A Promising Laser Material
Authors: Wang Huan , Li Feng , Ravia Israel , Gao Bingrong , Li Yupeng , Medvedev Vlad , Sun Hongbo , Tessler Nir , Ma Yuguang
Published: August 2011

Organic crystals that combine high charge‐carrier mobility and excellent light‐emission characteristics are expected to be of interest for light‐emitting transistors and diodes, and may offer renewed hope for electrically pumped laser action. High‐luminescence‐efficiency cyano‐substituted oligo(p‐ phenylene vinylene) (CN‐DPDSB) crystals (η ≈ 95%) grown by the physical vapor transport method is reported here, with high mobilities (at ≈10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1 order of magnitude) as measured by time‐of‐flight. The CN‐DPDSB crystals have well‐balanced bipolar carrier‐transport characteristics (μhole≈ 2.5–5.5 × 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1; μelectron ≈ 0.9–1.3 × 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1) and excellent optically pumped laser properties. The threshold for amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) is about 4.6 μJ per pulse (23 KW cm−2), while the gain coefficient at the peak wavelength of ASE and the loss coefficient caused by scattering are ≈35 and ≈1.7 cm−1, respectively. This indicates that CN‐DPDSB crystals are promising candidates for organic laser diodes.