scholarly journals Performing arts as a tool for university education during a pandemic: Moving from an in vivo to an in vitro modality

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laure Kloetzer ◽  
Ramiro Tau ◽  
Joelle Valterio ◽  
Simon Henein
Keyword(s):  
Performing Arts ◽  
University Education ◽  
Fundamental Aspect ◽  
Engineering Practice ◽  
Master's Students ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Online Format ◽  
Collective Creation

aper analyses how a course on improvisation and collective creation in engineering addressed to master’s students in Switzerland moved online. The course offers an experience in the field of performing arts, through embodied and situated activities, and the opportunity to reflect on the process of collective creation, a fundamental aspect of engineering practice often neglected in engineering training. The restrictions imposed by the 2020 pandemic forced its migration to an online format. We explore whether it is possible to maintain online a pedagogical proposal centered on embodied and face-to-face interaction, and what such a course might bring to the students. Using data collected during Spring 2020 (especially a focus group, video-recorded feedbacks and reflective diaries written by the students), we analyze the continuities and discontinuities between the two modalities. We show how the socio-material transformations im plied by the online interactions altered the interactions taking place, discuss the resultant opportunities and novelties offered by the online modality. We highlight that the apparent success of this migration to an online format overshadows the strong collective efforts needed from both students and teachers to maintain the key features of the course (playful experimentation, being inspired by others, horizontality of relations, trust, collective practice, improvisation).

Electrophysiological characterization and computational models of HVC neurons in the zebra finch

2013 ◽  
Vol 110 (5) ◽  
pp. 1227-1245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arij Daou ◽  
Matthew T. Ross ◽  
Frank Johnson ◽  
Richard L. Hyson ◽  
Richard Bertram
Keyword(s):  
Computational Models ◽  
Premotor Cortex ◽  
Brain Slices ◽  
Ionic Currents ◽  
Proper Name ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Electrophysiological Characterization

The nucleus HVC (proper name) within the avian analog of mammal premotor cortex produces stereotyped instructions through the motor pathway leading to precise, learned vocalization by songbirds. Electrophysiological characterization of component HVC neurons is an important requirement in building a model to understand HVC function. The HVC contains three neural populations: neurons that project to the RA (robust nucleus of arcopallium), neurons that project to Area X (of the avian basal ganglia), and interneurons. These three populations are interconnected with specific patterns of excitatory and inhibitory connectivity, and they fire with characteristic patterns both in vivo and in vitro. We performed whole cell current-clamp recordings on HVC neurons within brain slices to examine their intrinsic firing properties and determine which ionic currents are responsible for their characteristic firing patterns. We also developed conductance-based models for the different neurons and calibrated the models using data from our brain slice work. These models were then used to generate predictions about the makeup of the ionic currents that are responsible for the different responses to stimuli. These predictions were then tested and verified in the slice using pharmacological manipulations. The model and the slice work highlight roles of a hyperpolarization-activated inward current ( Ih), a low-threshold T-type Ca2+ current ( ICa-T), an A-type K+ current ( IA), a Ca2+-activated K+ current ( ISK), and a Na+-dependent K+ current ( IKNa) in driving the characteristic neural patterns observed in the three HVC neuronal populations. The result is an improved characterization of the HVC neurons responsible for song production in the songbird.

scholarly journals Supporting evidence-based analysis for modified risk tobacco products through a toxicology data-sharing infrastructure

F1000Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphanie Boué ◽  
Thomas Exner ◽  
Samik Ghosh ◽  
Vincenzo Belcastro ◽  
Joh Dokler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Sharing ◽  
Data Science ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Supporting Evidence ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Us Fda ◽  
Using Data

The US FDA defines modified risk tobacco products (MRTPs) as products that aim to reduce harm or the risk of tobacco-related disease associated with commercially marketed tobacco products.  Establishing a product’s potential as an MRTP requires scientific substantiation including toxicity studies and measures of disease risk relative to those of cigarette smoking.  Best practices encourage verification of the data from such studies through sharing and open standards. Building on the experience gained from the OpenTox project, a proof-of-concept database and website (INTERVALS) has been developed to share results from both in vivo inhalation studies and in vitro studies conducted by Philip Morris International R&D to assess candidate MRTPs. As datasets are often generated by diverse methods and standards, they need to be traceable, curated, and the methods used well described so that knowledge can be gained using data science principles and tools. The data-management framework described here accounts for the latest standards of data sharing and research reproducibility. Curated data and methods descriptions have been prepared in ISA-Tab format and stored in a database accessible via a search portal on the INTERVALS website. The portal allows users to browse the data by study or mechanism (e.g., inflammation, oxidative stress) and obtain information relevant to study design, methods, and the most important results. Given the successful development of the initial infrastructure, the goal is to grow this initiative and establish a public repository for 21st-century preclinical systems toxicology MRTP assessment data and results that supports open data principles.

A reinvestigation of the function of the mammalian urinary bladder

1977 ◽  
Vol 232 (3) ◽  
pp. F187-F195 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Bladder ◽  
Membrane Surface ◽  
Apical Cell ◽  
Membrane Damage ◽  
In Vitro Experiments ◽  
Apical Cell Membrane ◽  
Cell Membrane Damage ◽  
Using Data

The function of adult mammalian urinary bladder is evaluated in light of recent in vitro experiments. The discrepancy between in vivo and in vitro experimental results is examined and a possible solution proposed. Techniques for eliminating edge damage and measuring apical membrane surface area are described. A new chamber design for microelectrode studies is illustrated. The possibility of apical cell membrane damage caused by microelectrodes is critically examined and tested using the polyene antibiotic Nystatin. Using data from transepithelial and microelectrode experiments, a model for net Na+ transport across the bladder is proposed and then critically analyzed. The possible clinical implications of the in vitro experiments are briefly discussed.

scholarly journals Dickkopf-1: A Promising Target for Cancer Immunotherapy

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hang Yin Chu ◽  
Zihao Chen ◽  
Luyao Wang ◽  
Zong-Kang Zhang ◽  
Xinhuan Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Immunotherapy ◽  
Immune Cell ◽  
Immune Surveillance ◽  
Suppressor Cells ◽  
Functional Studies ◽  
Promising Target ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Dickkopf 1

Clinical studies in a range of cancers have detected elevated levels of the Wnt antagonist Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) in the serum or tumors of patients, and this was frequently associated with a poor prognosis. Our analysis of DKK1 gene profile using data from TCGA also proves the high expression of DKK1 in 14 types of cancers. Numerous preclinical studies have demonstrated the cancer-promoting effects of DKK1 in both in vitro cell models and in vivo animal models. Furthermore, DKK1 showed the ability to modulate immune cell activities as well as the immunosuppressive cancer microenvironment. Expression level of DKK1 is positively correlated with infiltrating levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in 20 types of cancers, while negatively associated with CD8+ T cells in 4 of these 20 cancer types. Emerging experimental evidence indicates that DKK1 has been involved in T cell differentiation and induction of cancer evasion of immune surveillance by accumulating MDSCs. Consequently, DKK1 has become a promising target for cancer immunotherapy, and the mechanisms of DKK1 affecting cancers and immune cells have received great attention. This review introduces the rapidly growing body of literature revealing the cancer-promoting and immune regulatory activities of DKK1. In addition, this review also predicts that by understanding the interaction between different domains of DKK1 through computational modeling and functional studies, the underlying functional mechanism of DKK1 could be further elucidated, thus facilitating the development of anti-DKK1 drugs with more promising efficacy in cancer immunotherapy.

scholarly journals Systems Biology Analysis Reveals Eight SLC22 Transporter Subgroups, Including OATs, OCTs, and OCTNs

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1791 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darcy C. Engelhart ◽  
Jeffry C. Granados ◽  
Da Shi ◽  
Milton H. Saier Jr. ◽  
Michael E. Baker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cyclic Nucleotides ◽  
Signaling Molecules ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Specific Substrate ◽  
In Vivo Models ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Carnitine Derivatives ◽  
Metabolite Network

The SLC22 family of OATs, OCTs, and OCTNs is emerging as a central hub of endogenous physiology. Despite often being referred to as “drug” transporters, they facilitate the movement of metabolites and key signaling molecules. An in-depth reanalysis supports a reassignment of these proteins into eight functional subgroups, with four new subgroups arising from the previously defined OAT subclade: OATS1 (SLC22A6, SLC22A8, and SLC22A20), OATS2 (SLC22A7), OATS3 (SLC22A11, SLC22A12, and Slc22a22), and OATS4 (SLC22A9, SLC22A10, SLC22A24, and SLC22A25). We propose merging the OCTN (SLC22A4, SLC22A5, and Slc22a21) and OCT-related (SLC22A15 and SLC22A16) subclades into the OCTN/OCTN-related subgroup. Using data from GWAS, in vivo models, and in vitro assays, we developed an SLC22 transporter-metabolite network and similar subgroup networks, which suggest how multiple SLC22 transporters with mono-, oligo-, and multi-specific substrate specificity interact to regulate metabolites. Subgroup associations include: OATS1 with signaling molecules, uremic toxins, and odorants, OATS2 with cyclic nucleotides, OATS3 with uric acid, OATS4 with conjugated sex hormones, particularly etiocholanolone glucuronide, OCT with neurotransmitters, and OCTN/OCTN-related with ergothioneine and carnitine derivatives. Our data suggest that the SLC22 family can work among itself, as well as with other ADME genes, to optimize levels of numerous metabolites and signaling molecules, involved in organ crosstalk and inter-organismal communication, as proposed by the remote sensing and signaling theory.

scholarly journals A General RNA-Binding Protein Complex That Includes the Cytoskeleton-associated Protein MAP 1A

1998 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 1695-1708 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher DeFranco ◽  
Marina E. Chicurel ◽  
Huntington Potter
Keyword(s):  
Protein Complex ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Fundamental Aspect ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Size Dependent ◽  
Protein Map ◽  
Initial Characterization

Association of mRNA with the cytoskeleton represents a fundamental aspect of RNA physiology likely involved in mRNA transport, anchoring, translation, and turnover. We report the initial characterization of a protein complex that binds RNA in a sequence-independent but size-dependent manner in vitro. The complex includes a ∼160-kDa protein that is bound directly to mRNA and that appears to be either identical or highly related to a ∼1600-kDa protein that binds directly to mRNA in vivo. In addition, the microtubule-associated protein, MAP 1A, a cytoskeletal associated protein is a component of this complex. We suggest that the general attachment of mRNA to the cytoskeleton may be mediated, in part, through the formation of this ribonucleoprotein complex.

scholarly journals Use of Bayesian Inference to CorrelateIn VitroEmbryo Production andIn VivoFertility in Zebu Bulls

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mateus José Sudano ◽  
André Maciel Crespilho ◽  
Claudia Barbosa Fernandes ◽  
Alicio Martins Junior ◽  
Frederico Ozanam Papa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bayesian Inference ◽  
Fixed Time ◽  
Blastocyst Formation ◽  
Cleavage Rate ◽  
Conception Rates ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Pronuclear Formation ◽  
Combined Data

The objective of this experiment was to testin vitroembryo production (IVP) as a tool to estimate fertility performance in zebu bulls using Bayesian inference statistics. Oocytes were matured and fertilizedin vitrousing sperm cells from three different Zebu bulls (V, T, and G). The three bulls presented similar results with regard to pronuclear formation and blastocyst formation rates. However, the cleavage rates were different between bulls. The estimated conception rates based on combined data of cleavage and blastocyst formation were very similar to the true conception rates observed for the same bulls after a fixed-time artificial insemination program. Moreover, even when we used cleavage rate data only or blastocyst formation data only, the estimated conception rates were still close to the true conception rates. We conclude that Bayesian inference is an effective statistical procedure to estimatein vivobull fertility using data from IVP.

Methods for Predicting In Vivo Pharmacokinetics Using Data from In Vitro Assays

2008 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 940-951 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Houston ◽  
Aleksandra Galetin
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Using Data ◽  
In Vivo Pharmacokinetics

scholarly journals Supporting evidence-based analysis for modified risk tobacco products through a toxicology data-sharing infrastructure

F1000Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphanie Boué ◽  
Thomas Exner ◽  
Samik Ghosh ◽  
Vincenzo Belcastro ◽  
Joh Dokler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Sharing ◽  
Data Science ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Open Data ◽  
Supporting Evidence ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Us Fda ◽  
Using Data

The US FDA defines modified risk tobacco products (MRTPs) as products that aim to reduce harm or the risk of tobacco-related disease associated with commercially marketed tobacco products.  Establishing a product’s potential as an MRTP requires scientific substantiation including toxicity studies and measures of disease risk relative to those of cigarette smoking.  Best practices encourage verification of the data from such studies through sharing and open standards. Building on the experience gained from the OpenTox project, a proof-of-concept database and website (INTERVALS) has been developed to share results from both in vivo inhalation studies and in vitro studies conducted by Philip Morris International R&D to assess candidate MRTPs. As datasets are often generated by diverse methods and standards, they need to be traceable, curated, and the methods used well described so that knowledge can be gained using data science principles and tools. The data-management framework described here accounts for the latest standards of data sharing and research reproducibility. Curated data and methods descriptions have been prepared in ISA-Tab format and stored in a database accessible via a search portal on the INTERVALS website. The portal allows users to browse the data by study or mechanism (e.g., inflammation, oxidative stress) and obtain information relevant to study design, methods, and the most important results. Given the successful development of the initial infrastructure, the goal is to grow this initiative and establish a public repository for 21st-century preclinical systems toxicology MRTP assessment data and results that supports open data principles.

The dual-specificity MAP kinase phosphatases: critical roles in development and cancer

2010 ◽  
Vol 299 (2) ◽  
pp. C189-C202 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. Bermudez ◽  
G. Pagès ◽  
C. Gimond
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Cell Biology ◽  
Map Kinases ◽  
Fundamental Aspect ◽  
Mapk Activity ◽  
Pathological Conditions ◽  
Dual Specificity

Intracellular signaling by mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases (MAPK) is involved in many cellular responses and in the regulation of various physiological and pathological conditions. Tight control of the localization and duration of extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), or p38 MAPK activity is thus a fundamental aspect of cell biology. Several members of the dual-specificity phosphatase (DUSPs) family are able to dephosphorylate MAPK isoforms with different specificity, cellular, and tissue localization. Understanding how these phosphatases are themselves regulated during development or in physiological and pathological conditions is therefore fundamental. Over the years, gene deletion and knockdown studies have completed initial in vitro studies and shed a new light on the global and specific roles of DUSPs in vivo. Whereas DUSP1, DUSP2, and DUSP10 appear as crucial players in the regulation of immune responses, other members of the family, like the ERK-specific DUSP6, were shown to play a major role in development. Recent findings on the involvement of DUSPs in cancer progression and resistance will also be discussed.

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