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The Effect of Acute Social Isolation on Neural Molecular Responses in Components of the Social Decision-making Network
Get PDFProlonged or chronic social isolation has pronounced effects on animals, ranging from altered stress responses, increased anxiety and aggressive behaviour, and even increased mortality. The effects of shorter periods of isolation are much less well researched; however, short periods of isolation are used routinely for testing animal behaviour and physiology. Here, we studied how a 3 h period of isolation from a cagemate affected neural gene expression in three brain regions that contain important components of the social decision-making network, the hypothalamus, the nucleus taeniae of the amygdala, and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, using a gregarious bird as a model (zebra finches). We found evidence suggestive of altered neural activity, synaptic transmission, metabolism, and even potentially pain perception, all of which could create cofounding effects on experimental tests that involve isolating animals. We recommend that the effects of short-term social isolation need to be better understood and propose alternatives to isolating animals for testing
Wait, watch this....What do you see? : Conceptualizing Mentor Practice in the Context of a Video Club for Induction Mentors
Get PDFDue to current teacher shortages, there is renewed interest in mentoring beginning teachers for induction. Induction is an intellectually rigorous process of enculturating novice teachers into the professional teaching community (Carver-Thomas et al., 2020). Induction programs build on novice teachers’ experiences in university teacher preparation programs by providing intensive mentor support (Commission on Teacher Credentialing, 2016). Induction programs are required to establish robust mentoring systems, which include training and meaningful support for mentors. This study examined how a video club model (van Es & Sherin, 2004) supported induction mentors in their professional learning. Understanding mentor professional learning in the context of induction programs is important because approximately half of new teachers leave the profession within their first 2 years (Carver-Thomas et al., 2020). A group of induction mentors participated in a series of professional development meetings in a video club context. Initially designed to assist mentors in analyzing video of novice teachers’ instructional practices, the video club focus shifted to analyzing video recordings of mentor practices. Individual mentor interviews were audio recorded both prior to and after video club participation. A reflexive thematic analysis of the interview transcriptions (Braun & Clarke, 2006) showed how the video club influenced mentor knowledge and practice. The practice of highlighting and discussing significant features of coaching conversations and leveraging video of classroom instruction during coaching conversations led to new conceptualizations of mentoring for induction
Madelung Mechanics and Superoscillations
Get PDFIn single-particle Madelung mechanics, the single-particle quantum state Ψ(⃗x, t) = R(⃗x, t)eiS(⃗x,t)/h is interpreted as comprising an entire conserved fluid of classical point particles, with local density R(⃗x, t)2 and local momentum ⃗∇S(⃗x, t) (where R and S are real). The Schrödinger equation gives rise to the continuity equation for the fluid, and the Hamilton–Jacobi equation for particles of the fluid, which includes an additional density-dependent quantum potential energy term Q(⃗x, t) = − ¯h2 2m ⃗∇R(⃗x,t) R(⃗x,t) , which is all that makes the fluid behavior nonclassical. In particular, the quantum potential can become negative and create a nonclassical boost in the kinetic energy. This boost is related to superoscillations in the wavefunction, where the local frequency of Ψ exceeds its global band limit. Berry showed that for states of definite energy E, the regions of superoscillation are exactly the regions where Q(⃗x, t) \u3c 0. For energy superposition states with band-limit E+, the situation is slightly more complicated, and the bound is no longer Q(⃗x, t) \u3c 0. However, the fluid model provides a definite local energy for each fluid particle which allows us to define a local band limit for superoscillation, and with this definition, all regions of superoscillation are again regions where Q(⃗x, t) \u3c 0 for general superpositions. An alternative interpretation of these quantities involving a reduced quantum potential is reviewed and advanced, and a parallel discussion of superoscillation in this picture is given. Detailed examples are given which illustrate the role of the quantum potential and superoscillations in a range of scenarios
Spatial Optimism and Cross-Over Effects in the Perceptions of Interconnected Wildfire, Flood, and Mudslide Hazards
Get PDFCommunities near the wildland urban interface (WUI) are exposed to a mix of three interconnected hazards (wildfire, flood, and mudslide), and understanding multi-hazard perceptions is critically important for emergency preparation and hazard mitigation—particularly given the WUI’s rapid expansion and intensifying environmental hazards. Based on a survey of residents living near recent burn scars in Southern California, we document cross-over effects in hazard perceptions, where resident experience with one hazard was associated with greater hazard rankings for other hazards. Additionally, for all three hazards analyzed we document perceptions of increasing hazard levels with increasing spatial scales (home, near-home, neighborhood, and community), providing evidence of spatial optimism, or the tendency to discount proximate hazards. This study stresses the importance of using a multi-hazard and multi-scale approach for understanding and responding to local level environmental hazards
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Oleyl-WRH Peptides for siRNA Delivery
Get PDFDelivering nucleic acid therapeutics across cell membranes is a significant challenge. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) containing arginine (R), tryptophan (W), and histidine (H) show promise for siRNA delivery. To improve siRNA delivery and silence a model STAT3 gene, we hypothesized that oleyl acylation to CPPs, specifically (WRH)n, would enhance STAT3 silencing efficiency in breast and ovarian cancer cells. Using Fmoc/tBu solid-phase peptide chemistry, we synthesized, purified, and characterized the oleyl-conjugated (WRH)n (n = 1–4) peptides. The peptide/siRNA complexes were non-cytotoxic at N/P 40 (~20 μM) against MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, SK-OV-3, and HEK-293 cells after 72 h incubation. All peptide/siRNA complexes showed serum stability at N/P ≥ 40. The synthesized conjugates, with a diameter of \u3c100 nm, formed nano-complexes with siRNA and exhibited a stable range of zeta potential values (13–18 mV at N/P = 40). Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry analysis provided qualitative and quantitative evidence of a successful cellular internalization of siRNA. The peptides oleyl-(WRH)3 and oleyl-(WRH)4 showed ~60% and ~75% cellular uptake of siRNA, respectively, in both MDA-MB-231 and SK-OV-3 cells. Western blot analysis of oleyl-(WRH)4 demonstrated effective silencing of the STAT-3 gene, with ~75% silencing in MDA-MB-231 cells and ~45% in SK-OV-3 cells
Can Social Media Boost Civic Engagement This Election?
No full textSocial media amplifies political messages and individual voices, shaping civic engagement during elections. Online movements like #MeToo and #BlackLivesMatter show social media’s power in driving real-world activism. Social media can boost offline civic activities like voting, particularly among younger audiences
Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Genetic Susceptibility
Get PDFThe prevalence of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is increasing, particularly in individuals who consume minimal to no alcohol. Currently, NAFLD affects at least 32% of the global population. Although not all but approximately 5-10% cases of NAFLD progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a condition arising from lipotoxicity. Patients with NASH may further develop liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it is important to note that progression from NAFLD to NASH and HCC is not inevitable for all patients. The pathogenesis of HCC in the context of NAFLD and NASH remains poorly understood, however, fat accumulation, often due to obesity or metabolic syndrome, leads to lipotoxicity. In individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), elevated insulin levels promote lipolysis in adipose tissue and activate lipid-synthesizing enzymes such as fatty acid synthase (FAS) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), which contribute to lipid accumulation in the liver. Additionally, high glucose levels in T2D can alter gene regulation by activating carbohydrate response-element binding protein (ChREBP) and insulin can increase the activity of sterol regulatory element binding protein (SREBP-1c). These lipogenic transcription factors are known to directly or indirectly activate patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3). Recent research has found elevated levels of angiotensinogen (AGT) and des-angiotensin in both experimental animals and patients with NAFLD. Emerging evidence highlights the significance of genetic factors in the risk of developing NAFLD. Here we explore the association between specific genes and hepatosteatosis, detailing the roles of T2D and obesity in the progression from NAFLD to NASH, and involvement of hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis. Additionally, we examine the impact of genes such as PNPLA3, MBOAT7, TM6SF2, GKRP, CCN3, and AGT as well as role of single nucleotide polymorphisms in gene regulation and their contribution to the risk of NAFLD
The Role of Peptides in Combatting HIV Infection: Applications and Insights
Get PDFPeptide-based inhibitors represent a promising approach for the treatment of HIV-1, offering a range of potential advantages, including specificity, low toxicity, and the ability to target various stages of the viral lifecycle. This review outlines the current state of research on peptide-based anti-HIV therapies, highlighting key advancements and identifying future research directions. Over the past few years, there has been significant progress in developing synthetic peptide-based drugs that target various stages of the viral life cycle, including entry and replication. These approaches aim to create effective anti-HIV therapies. Additionally, peptides have proven valuable in the development of anti-HIV vaccines. In the quest for effective HIV vaccines, discovering potent antigens and designing suitable vaccine strategies are crucial for overcoming challenges such as low immunogenicity, safety concerns, and increased viral load. Innovative strategies for vaccine development through peptide research are, therefore, a key focus area for achieving effective HIV prevention. This review aims to explore the strategies for designing peptides with anti-HIV activity and to highlight their role in advancing both therapeutic and preventive measures against HIV
Assessing Rice Phenological Features with Hyperspectral Imaging Insights from Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT)
Get PDFIn California\u27s Central Valley, water management and crop health, particularly in rice cultivation, are critical. This paper details the application of Earth surface Mineral dust source InvesTigation (EMIT) hyperspectral imaging, specifically employing Spectral Correlation Mapper (SCM) and Spectral Information Divergence (SID), for precise phenological analysis. By aligning EMIT data with Hyperion satellite references, we address spectral and geographical discrepancies. Our methodology includes seasonal sampling of spectral curves to capture the phenological stages of rice. Results show a strong correlation (R 2 = 0.86) between August EMIT and Reference dataset, emphasizing EMIT\u27s utility in enhancing agricultural practices and water efficiency in the region, and highlighting the importance of understanding rice phenology for sustainable farming
A Constellation Approach to Understanding Extremist White Supremacy
Get PDFReflecting on long-term intensive ethnographic fieldwork, we sketch a “constellation” framework for understanding U.S. extremist white supremacy. Rather than tracing fluctuating people and organizations to explain the persistence of white supremacist extremism, we suggest that focusing on a core set of practices, ideas, and emotions offers a more complex, nuanced, and useful interpretation. We contrast our constellation framework with more typical “bucket” approaches that tend to compartmentalize a complex reality into categories that do not sufficiently match extremism’s dynamism