The role of exploratory mechanisms in evolution

1995 ◽  
Vol 349 (1329) ◽  
pp. 297-297
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Instability ◽  
Specific Mechanism ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Selection Processes ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Rapid Changes ◽  
Neuronal Processes ◽  
History Of ◽  
Variation And Selection

Many cellular mechanisms use a process of variation and selection to generate specific patterns. Among these, dynamic instability of microtubules has been shown to employ a specific mechanism to intentionally generate variation. In many systems the growth of neurons or neuronal processes is excessive, the final connections being established by stabilization of functional interactions. When changes in neuronal networks take place, such as in metamorphosis, use is made of the plasticity of neuronal connectivity. In the immune system, specific responses are generated by variation and selection. Processes that explore a wide range of conditions and a wide range of structures can be called exploratory processes. These are very robust and capable of responding to damage, variability in the environment and ontogenic changes in the organisms. Such robustness would be useful for adapting to changes that occur during phylogenetic changes as well. Given the extensive history of extinction and radiation in evolution, it may be supposed that these mechanisms have themselves been selected for their capacity to survive rapid changes in the organism and for their ability to generate cellular variation.

Introduction: Emotion, History and the Arts

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-128 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erin Sullivan ◽  
Marie Louise Herzfeld-Schild
Keyword(s):  
Historical Change ◽  
Carson Mccullers ◽  
Emotional Life ◽  
Review Section ◽  
The Arts ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
War Correspondents ◽  
History Of ◽  
Johan Huizinga

This introduction surveys the rise of the history of emotions as a field and the role of the arts in such developments. Reflecting on the foundational role of the arts in the early emotion-oriented histories of Johan Huizinga and Jacob Burkhardt, as well as the concerns about methodological impressionism that have sometimes arisen in response to such studies, the introduction considers how intensive engagements with the arts can open up new insights into past emotions while still being historically and theoretically rigorous. Drawing on a wide range of emotionally charged art works from different times and places—including the novels of Carson McCullers and Harriet Beecher-Stowe, the private poetry of neo-Confucian Chinese civil servants, the photojournalism of twentieth-century war correspondents, and music from Igor Stravinsky to the Beatles—the introduction proposes five ways in which art in all its forms contributes to emotional life and consequently to emotional histories: first, by incubating deep emotional experiences that contribute to formations of identity; second, by acting as a place for the expression of private or deviant emotions; third, by functioning as a barometer of wider cultural and attitudinal change; fourth, by serving as an engine of momentous historical change; and fifth, by working as a tool for emotional connection across communities, both within specific time periods but also across them. The introduction finishes by outlining how the special issue's five articles and review section address each of these categories, while also illustrating new methodological possibilities for the field.

scholarly journals A longitudinal study of suicide and suicide attempt in northwest of Iran: incidence, predictors, and socioeconomic status and the role of sociocultural status

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Fakhari ◽  
Mostafa Farahbakhsh ◽  
Elham Davtalab Esmaeili ◽  
Hosein Azizi
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Religious Commitment ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Multiple Variable ◽  
History Of

Abstract Background A detailed community-level understanding of socioeconomic status (SES) and sociocultural status (SCS) of suicides and suicide attempters (SAs) in a prospective design could have significant implications for policymakers at the local prevention and treatment levels. The effect of SCS and SES on SAs is poorly understood and investigated in Iran. The present study aimed to investigate the incidence, trend, and role of SES and SCS on suicide and SAs. Methods A longitudinal study was conducted based on the registry for SAs in Malekan County, Iran, from 2015 to 2018. Demographic characteristics, SES, SCS, incidence rates, and predictors of suicidal behaviors were measured via structured instruments. Simple and multiple logistic regressions were used to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results A total of 853 SAs (32 suicides and 821 attempts) were identified during the study. Trend analysis revealed that the suicide rate significantly decreased from 2014 (10.28) to 2018 (1.75) per 100,000. In the final multiple variable models, age (26–40), male sex, unemployment, antisocial activities, history of SA, hanging method, and season (spring) increased the suicide risk while religious commitment had protective effects on suicide. Conclusions Our findings indicated that demographic characteristics, low SES, and SCS are associated with suicide. In this county, trend of suicide and SA were decreased from 2014 to 2018. This study findings highlight the need to consider a wide range of contextual variables, socio-demographic, SES, and SCS in suicide prevention strategies. Improving inter-sectoral collaborations and policymakers’ attitudes are imperative for SA reduction.

scholarly journals Cycling Pathways

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henk-Jan Dekker
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
The Netherlands ◽  
Political Struggle ◽  
The Road ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The World ◽  
Road Space ◽  
History Of ◽  
On The Road

In an effort to fight climate change, many cities try to boost their cycling levels. They often look towards the Dutch for guidance. However, historians have only begun to uncover how and why the Netherlands became the premier cycling country of the world. Why were Dutch cyclists so successful in their fight for a place on the road? Cycling Pathways: The Politics and Governance of Dutch Cycling Infrastructure, 1920-2020 explores the long political struggle that culminated in today’s high cycling levels. Delving into the archives, it uncovers the important role of social movements and shows in detail how these interacted with national, provincial, and urban engineers and policymakers to govern the distribution of road space and construction of cycling infrastructure. It discusses a wide range of topics, ranging from activists to engineering committees, from urban commuters to recreational cyclists and from the early 1900s to today in order to uncover the long and all-but-forgotten history of Dutch cycling governance.

The role of molecular biology in the diff erential diagnosis of pancreatic cystic neoplasias

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 (5) ◽  
pp. 417-423
Author(s):  
Ivo Horný ◽  
Tomáš Hucl
Keyword(s):  
Precancerous Lesions ◽  
Clinical Status ◽  
Pancreatic Disease ◽  
Pancreatic Cysts ◽  
Cytological Examination ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Risk Of Malignancy ◽  
History Of

Summary: Pancreatic cysts have been detected ever more frequently in recent years due to the advanced and wider use of imaging methods. We find them on CT or MR also in asymptomatic patients who do not have a history of any pancreatic disease. Pancreatic cystic lesions represent a wide range of pathological changes from simple cysts through precancerous lesions to malignant cysts. Accurate dia­gnosis remains difficult despite the combination of clinical status evaluation, imaging findings, and bio­chemical and cytological examination. Molecular bio­logical examination of cyst aspirate obtained by endosonographic examination increases the detection rate of mucinous cysts (KRAS/GNAS/VHL) and cysts with a high risk of malignancy (KRAS/GNAS/p53/PIK3CA/PTEN/CDKN2A/SMAD4) and optimizes therapeutic approach. Larger prospective validation studies are necessary to make this costly and limited method a routine part of clinical practice. Key words: molecular bio­logy – neoplasia – pancreatic cysts

Before Kṛṣṇa

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kanika Kishore Saxena
Keyword(s):  
Historical Data ◽  
Religious History ◽  
Religious Traditions ◽  
The Social ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
History Of ◽  
Coherent Picture

Mathura is famous for its association with Vāsudeva‒Kṛṣṇa, an important deity of the Hindu pantheon. However, apart from the sanctity attached to this place by Hindus, it has also provided conditions for the nurturing of Buddhist, Jaina, nāga and yakṣa traditions. This book engages in a wide range of epigraphic, archaeological and art historical data from the various sites in the Mathura area and weaves this to present a coherent picture of the variegated religious history of the area from c.600 CE to c.1000 CE, which witnessed various religions/cults/sects competing for attention and patronage. The chapters in this book have been divided according to religious traditions, namely, Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism, along with the Kṛṣṇa, yakṣa, nāga, and mātṛkā cults. It raises many important issues related to Jainism, Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism as well as older cults of the yakṣas and nāgas. The objects of donation ranged from images, stūpas, temples to tanks and gardens. Donations by monks and nuns; together with laity from different locations within and beyond Mathura, amply reflect on the social mosaic of the time. The role of monastics and laity, the nature of patronage, and the social and political underpinnings of the religious history are also examined, all within a long, diachronic frame. This book reveals the complexity of the religious history of Mathura to provide the reader a taste of its diversity and plurality.

Capital Yerevan during the years of the RA independence (1991-2018)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edik Minasyan
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Relations ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Third Republic ◽  
National Archive ◽  
Cultural Life ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Sister Cities

The work presents a complete scientific research on the history of Yerevan in the period of the Third Republic of Armenia (1991-2018). The analysis of the materials of the RA National Archive, various press and other relevant literature shows the process of the establishment of the RA independent statehood, the socio-political, socio-economic-cultural life of Yerevan, the role of capital in the administrative-political system of the republic, its comprehensive assistance to Artsakh, foreign relations, including sister cities, international organizations and structures. The book is addressed to historians, political scientists, those interested in Yerevan’s history, and wide range of readers in general. (in Armenian).

The role of surface cohesion is wind-driven snow transport

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Comola ◽  
Johan Gaume ◽  
Jasper Kok ◽  
Michael Lehning
Keyword(s):  
Blowing Snow ◽  
Snow Surface ◽  
Wind Speeds ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Bed Forms ◽  
Geophysical Processes ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
History Of ◽  
Snow Transport

<p>The wind-driven saltation of sediments, such as snow and sand, is responsible for a wide range of geophysical processes. Blowing-snow, in particular, affects snow surface properties and drives snow redistribution in alpine terrain. As such, it is of fundamental importance for avalanche mechanics. One of the most important controls on initiation and development of snow saltation is the surface cohesion induced by ice particle sintering. Although inter-particle cohesion is known to limit the number of grains lifted from the surface through aerodynamic entrainment and granular splash, the role of cohesion in the development of saltation from onset to steady state is still poorly understood. Using a numerical model based on the discrete element method, we show that saltation over cohesive beds sustains itself at wind speeds one order of magnitude smaller than those necessary to initiate it, giving rise to hysteresis in which the occurrence of transport depends on the history of the wind. Our results further suggest that saltation over cohesive beds requires much longer distances to saturate, thereby increasing the size of the smallest stable bed forms.</p>

Preface

2005 ◽  
Vol 77 (9) ◽  
pp. iv ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth Kustin ◽  
Tamas Kiss
Keyword(s):  
Inorganic Chemistry ◽  
Organic Synthesis ◽  
San Francisco ◽  
Biological Effects ◽  
Industrial Applications ◽  
Vanadium Complexes ◽  
Innovative Research ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
History Of

The following 10 papers are selections from the 4th International Symposium on Chemistry and Biological Chemistry of Vanadium held 3-5 September 2004 in Szeged, Hungary. This conference attracted over 110 participants from 25 countries and 4 continents. Plenary and invited lectures as well as posters discussed the inorganic chemistry of vanadium, vanadium chemistry in catalysis and organic synthesis, and biological aspects of vanadium chemistry. A new feature was introduced: the presentation of the Vanadis Award.The purpose of the Vanadis Award is to recognize an outstanding contributor to the advancement of vanadium science. The award will be presented at each International Vanadium Symposium prior to a lecture to be given by the recipient. It is awarded on the basis of contributions to a discipline or combination of disciplines of vanadium science, and is presented to an investigator who has produced innovative research with impact on the direction of the field. The nominee is selected on the basis of the following criteria: (1) Innovative research: A history of development or expansion of techniques and procedures and discovery of new chemical, biochemical, biological, technological, or pharmaceutical systems; (2) Development of new applications in one or more of the following areas: chemistry, biochemistry, biology, pharmaceutical science, materials science, and nanotechnology; (3) Wide-ranging influence of the nominee's work on the research of others in one or more disciplines; (4) History of highquality and -impact publications; and (5) Service of the nominee to progress, application, and exploration of vanadium in science. The recipient of the first Vanadis Award is Prof. Debbie C. Crans of Colorado State University, whose award address is the first contribution to be presented herein.The additional contributions begin with papers covering various aspects of the inorganic chemistry of vanadium. These papers are followed by descriptions of recent results in the use of vanadium compounds to further organic synthesis, and on the catalytic behavior of interesting vanadium complexes. The final selection includes papers dealing with the role of vanadium in haloperoxidases, or as insulin-mimetic compounds, which may be orally administered replacements of insulin injections.A tremendous increase in studies of aqueous vanadium chemistry over the past decade has been driven by the need to comprehend the diverse biological effects of vanadium. Examples of the rich array of data and concepts needed to explain the biological role of vanadium are given by models of the vanadium-containing haloperoxidase enzyme activity. However, this selection of papers from the 4th International Vanadium Symposium indicates that basic inorganic studies and a wide range of applications of vanadium chemistry to fundamental chemical problems of synthesis, reactivity, and catalysis are not lacking. Indeed, we look forward to the 5th International Vanadium Symposium to be held in San Francisco, CA USA in the fall of 2006, where additional fundamental studies linked to the need to better understand vanadium nutritional essentiality, vanadium toxicity, vanadium therapy, and vanadium catalysis, including "green chemical" industrial applications will be presented.Kenneth Kustin and Tamas KissConference Editors

scholarly journals The Role of Interleukin-37 in the Pathogenesis of Allergic Diseases

Acta Naturae ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 54-64
Author(s):  
I. P. Shilovskiy ◽  
M. E. Dyneva ◽  
O. M. Kurbacheva ◽  
D. A. Kudlay ◽  
M. R. Khaitov
Keyword(s):  
Allergic Rhinitis ◽  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Bronchial Asthma ◽  
Interleukin 1 ◽  
Allergic Diseases ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Negative Regulator ◽  
Cellular Mechanisms ◽  
Wide Range

Cytokines of the interleukin-1 (IL-1) family play an important role in the realization of the protective functions of innate immunity and are the key mediators involved in the pathogenesis of a wide range of diseases, including various manifestations of allergy. The IL-1 family includes more than 11 members. However, the functions of many of them remain to be elucidated. Recently, new members of the IL-1 family have been discovered. In 2000, several independent research groups reported the discovery of a new interleukin of this family, which was named IL-37, or IL-1F7 (according to the new nomenclature). IL-37 was assigned to the IL-1 family based on its structural similarity with other members of this family. The study of its biological properties showed that its activity changes in inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, as well as allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, and atopic dermatitis). However, unlike most members of the IL-1 family, IL-37 acts as a negative regulator of inflammation. Activation of IL-37 suppresses inflammation, resulting in the suppression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which in turn prevents infiltration of pro-inflammatory cells, mainly eosinophils and neutrophils. The exact molecular and cellular mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effect of IL-37 in the development of allergic diseases (AD) have not been fully studied. This review summarizes and analyzes the accumulated experimental data on the role of IL-37 in the pathogenesis of AD, such as allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, and atopic dermatitis.

Western Asia

2020 ◽  
pp. 513-539
Author(s):  
Carolyn Routledge
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Ancient Egypt ◽  
The State ◽  
Academic Disciplines ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Western Asia ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
History Of ◽  
Selection Of

Since Flinders Petrie, the importance of Western Asia to the history and development of culture in ancient Egypt has been recognized by scholars and has also been a significant driver in shaping Egyptological methodology and theoretical approaches. The study of relations between Western Asia and Egypt encompasses a wide range of specialisms given the broad range of evidence, the geographical breadth, and the academic disciplines involved. This chapter reviews the history of the study of relations between Western Asia and Egypt pointing to a selection of challenges scholars face in undertaking their research, and examines two case studies: theories concerning the role of Western Asia in the rise of the state, and the assessment of Egypt’s New Kingdom Empire in Canaan to illustrate the ways in which scholarly challenges are met and the resulting historical conclusions.

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