scholarly journals Alpha-Synuclein and Lipids: The Elephant in the Room?

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 2452
Author(s):  
Alessia Sarchione ◽  
Antoine Marchand ◽  
Jean-Marc Taymans ◽  
Marie-Christine Chartier-Harlin
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Membranes ◽  
Alpha Synuclein ◽  
Lipid Homeostasis ◽  
Genetic Determinants ◽  
Synaptic Functions ◽  
Initial Identification ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Synaptic Exocytosis ◽  
The Impact

Since the initial identification of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) at the synapse, numerous studies demonstrated that α-syn is a key player in the etiology of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other synucleinopathies. Recent advances underline interactions between α-syn and lipids that also participate in α-syn misfolding and aggregation. In addition, increasing evidence demonstrates that α-syn plays a major role in different steps of synaptic exocytosis. Thus, we reviewed literature showing (1) the interplay among α-syn, lipids, and lipid membranes; (2) advances of α-syn synaptic functions in exocytosis. These data underscore a fundamental role of α-syn/lipid interplay that also contributes to synaptic defects in PD. The importance of lipids in PD is further highlighted by data showing the impact of α-syn on lipid metabolism, modulation of α-syn levels by lipids, as well as the identification of genetic determinants involved in lipid homeostasis associated with α-syn pathologies. While questions still remain, these recent developments open the way to new therapeutic strategies for PD and related disorders including some based on modulating synaptic functions.

The Role of Data Analytics and Machine Learning in Resurrecting Inductive-Based Accounting Research

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Lawrence A. Gordon
Keyword(s):  
Machine Learning ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Data Analytics ◽  
Accounting Research ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Important Trend ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Way

The objective of this paper is to assess the impact of data analytics (DA) and machine learning (ML) on accounting research.[1] As discussed in the paper, the inherent inductive nature of DA and ML is creating an important trend in the way accounting research is being conducted. That trend is the increasing utilization of inductive-based research among accounting researchers. Indeed, as a result of the recent developments with DA and ML, a rebalancing is taking place between inductive-based and deductive-based research in accounting.[2] In essence, we are witnessing the resurrection of inductive-based accounting research. A brief review of some empirical evidence to support the above argument is also provided in the paper.   

scholarly journals Observation manuals as lenses to classroom teaching: Pitfalls and possibilities

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kirsti Klette ◽  
Marte Blikstad-Balas
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Classroom Teaching ◽  
Common Language ◽  
Local Production ◽  
Teaching Approaches ◽  
Subject Specific ◽  
Observation Instruments ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
The Impact

The aim of this paper is to discuss the role of coding and observation manuals in classroom studies. While observation manuals have been a part of the methodological toolkit for measuring various aspects of instruction for decades, the field has also been suffering from ‘paradigm wars’, fragmentation and local production of instruments. Common frameworks for investigating teaching are needed, including observation instruments for teaching that are both generic and subject specific. Such common tools for research developed within an integrated methodological design could help researchers make progress in aggregating knowledge about the impact of different teaching approaches across settings and subjects. This article serves as one such integrative mechanism by summarizing and reviewing existing manuals targeted towards developing knowledge for and in teaching. The analysis provides status, overview and focus of the different observation manuals; additionally, the article discusses how recent developments in instruments and coding procedures might provide increased rigour and a shared vocabulary to talk about teaching. We discuss both pitfalls and possibilities of coding manuals, and argue that if used in a reflexive manner, coding manuals can provide a common language and vocabulary when talking about – and researching – classroom teaching and learning.

Ready-made TV shows and the role of acquisitions: Investigating some mediations of the Italian and global television industry

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 285-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luca Barra
Keyword(s):  
Original Research ◽  
Television Industry ◽  
Production Studies ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Tv Shows ◽  
Global Television ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over The Top ◽  
Depth Interviews

The acquisition phase has progressively gained a crucial relevance in contemporary television industries. Building on an original research in the field of media production studies, with in-depth interviews of Italian professionals and longitudinal comparisons across the last decade, this article traces the role of acquisitions in the global distribution and national circulation of TV content and synthetizes recent developments in production routines and professional cultures. The goal is to explore this understudied sector, its practitioners and best practices, as well as to highlight the impact of digital TV multichannel and supra-national over-the-top (OTT) players, which have changed these dynamics further.

Recent Developments in PA6/PP Nanocomposites

2011 ◽  
Vol 471-472 ◽  
pp. 7-19
Author(s):  
Hassan Azman ◽  
Muhammad Imran ◽  
Mat Uzir Wahit ◽  
Harintharavimal Balakrishnan
Keyword(s):  
Substantial Improvement ◽  
Morphological Properties ◽  
Blend Ratio ◽  
Uniform Dispersion ◽  
Reinforcing Agent ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Polymer Research ◽  
Strength And Stiffness ◽  
The Impact

An overview of the recent developments in PA6/PP blend nanocomposites is presented in this paper with an emphasis on their mechanical, thermal and morphological properties. The role of organoclay as a reinforcing agent and polyethylene octene (POE) as an elastomer are discussed in detail. The organoclay increases the strength and stiffness while the POE elastomer increases the impact toughness of the nanocomposites. The effects of various parameters such as PA6/PP blend ratio, organoclay loading and the concentration of elastomer on the nanocomposites properties are also examined. The exfoliated state of organoclay platelets along with the fine particle size and uniform dispersion of POE demonstrate the nanocomposite with improved properties. These materials are attracting considerable interest in polymer research community because they exhibit substantial improvement in properties at low filler contents.

scholarly journals Mutagenic strategies against luxS gene affect the early stage of biofilm formation of Campylobacter jejuni

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Tereň ◽  
Ekaterina Shagieva ◽  
Lucie Vondrakova ◽  
Jitka Viktorova ◽  
Viviana Svarcova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Campylobacter Jejuni ◽  
Biofilm Formation ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Genetic Determinants ◽  
Autoinducer 2 ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Mutant Strains ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Currently, it is clear that the luxS gene has an impact on the process of biofilm formation in Campylobacter jejuni. However, even within the species naturally occurring strains of Campylobacter lacking the luxS gene exist, which can form biofilms. In order to better understand the genetic determinants and the role of quorum sensing through the LuxS/AI-2 pathway in biofilm formation, a set of mutant/complemented strains of C. jejuni 81–176 were prepared. Additionally, the impact of the mutagenic strategy used against the luxS gene was investigated. Biofilm formation was affected by both the presence and absence of the luxS gene, and by the mutagenic strategy used. Analysis by CLSM showed that all mutant strains formed significantly less biofilm mass when compared to the wild-type. Interestingly, the deletion mutant (∆luxS) showed a larger decrease in biofilm mass than the substitution (∙luxS) and insertional inactivated (⸬luxS) mutants, even though all the mutant strains lost the ability to produce autoinducer-2 molecules. Moreover, the biofilm of the ∆luxS mutant lacked the characteristic microcolonies observed in all other strains. The complementation of all mutant strains resulted in restored ability to produce AI-2, to form a complex biofilm, and to develop microcolonies at the level of the wild-type.

Material Culture, Museums, and the Creation of Multiple Meanings

2020 ◽  
pp. 473-490
Author(s):  
Neil G. W. Curtis
Keyword(s):  
Nineteenth Century ◽  
Material Culture ◽  
First Century ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Multiple Meanings ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Scottish History ◽  
Museum Practice ◽  
The Impact

This chapter aims to show that ideas of the sacred, the numinous, and the contested, rather than of the rational, are most important in understanding how the meanings of material culture are formed and the role of museums. It considers how museums have offered rich contexts in which the changing, conflicting, and multiple meanings of material culture have developed. Scottish national identity, contested and unsettled, is shown in the contribution of museums and objects to discussions about a link between the Classical past and Scottish history in the early nineteenth century, the creation of a national museum in the second half of the nineteenth century, a temporary exhibition of Scottish history as part of a Great Exhibition in 1911, and two repatriation cases at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Recent developments in museum practice are discussed, including the impact of both growing professionalism and the recognition of the rights of groups in museums. The chapter concludes by arguing that objects generate and embody meanings that are shared, entangled, and co-constitutive. Instead of attempting to identify the “correct” meaning, it is therefore the responsibility of museums to explore the range of personal and shared rights that objects engender.

scholarly journals The United States in the Middle East (2001–2014): from intervention to retrenchment/Os EUA no Oriente Médio (2001–2014): da intervenção ao cerceamento

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 442-475
Author(s):  
Peter R. Demant ◽  
Ariel Finguerut
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Arab Spring ◽  
Arab World ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Us ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
The Arab Spring ◽  
The Impact

The main purpose of this paper is to discuss the paradoxical consequences the so-called “Arab Spring”, from 2011 to 2014/15, which has led in various countries of the Arab world and beyond to different outcomes, but nowhere to stable democracy. We intend to discuss the outcomes of those political mobilizations and revolts, paying special attention to (a) the role of Islamist movements and (b) U.S reactions to the recent Mideast upheavals. We start with a general analysis and go to a few case studies (e.g. Egypt, Syria, and Turkey). In discussing the impact of Islamism, we attempt a classification of currents along two coordinates, one parameter contrasting Sunni and Shiite movements, the other laying out the continuum from pacific-modernist to violent jihadist. We defend that the dynamics of intra-Islamist tensions (such as Sunni jihadist against the Shiite Hizbullah-Syria-Iran axis) are no less crucial than the religious-secularist divide for understanding recent developments. Regarding US policies, we emphasize the dilemmas and contradictions within U.S government. We investigate the hypothesis that the US was caught largely unaware by the Arab Spring, and that its reactions suffered from the amorphousness of prior positions of the Obama administration, combined with leftovers from the Bush period. Internal contradictions of Obama’s Middle East doctrine coupled with a general isolationist trend have precluded the US from assuming more forceful policies, creating frustrations on all sides, and enflaming rather than dousing the fires of anti-Westernism in the Islamic world.Keywords: Arab Spring ; U.S policies ; Syria; jihadist.  Resumo: O principal objetivo deste artigo é discutir as consequências paradoxais da chamada "Primavera Árabe", que a partir de 2011 aos nossos dias produziu em vários países do mundo árabe diferentes resultados, mas em nenhum lugar chegou-se à democracia estável. Temos a intenção de discutir os resultados dessas mobilizações políticas e revoltas, com especial atenção para (a) o papel dos movimentos islâmicos e (b) as reações e posturas dos EUA ante os recentes levantes no Oriente Médio. De uma análise geral partiremos para estudos de caso (como Egito, Síria e Turquia). Ao discutir o impacto do islamismo, tentamos uma classificação das correntes ao longo de duas coordenadas, um deles contrastando movimentos sunitas e xiitas, e outro que define o continuum de pacifista - modernista para jihadista –violento. Postulamos que a dinâmica das tensões intra- islâmicos (como a de jihadistas sunitas contra o eixo Hezbollah -Síria- Irã xiita) não são menos importantes do que a divisão religiosa - secular para compreender os desdobramentos recentes. No que diz respeito aos EUA, destacamos os dilemas e contradições dentro do governo dos EUA. Nós investigamos a hipótese de que os EUA foi pego de surpresa em grande parte pela Primavera Árabe, e que as reações do governo Obama traduzem mais um recolhimento do que um novo engajamento.Palavras-chave: Primavera Árabe; Políticas dos EUA; Síria; jihadismo.   DOI: 10.20424/2237-7743/bjir.v4n3p442-475

scholarly journals The Scope of the Powers of the Minister of Finance in Terms of Section 48(1)(b) of the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964: An Appraisal of Recent Developments in Case Law

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Clive Vinti
Keyword(s):  
Final Analysis ◽  
Case Law ◽  
Veto Power ◽  
High Court ◽  
The Public ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
The Impact ◽  
First Time ◽  
The Relationship

This paper evaluates the scope of the powers of the Minister of Finance upon a request from the Minister of Trade and Industry to amend Schedule 1 to the Customs and Excise Act 91 of 1964 (hereafter, CEA) in respect of imported goods as provided by section 48(1)(b) of the CEA. This assessment entails a case analysis of the High Court decisions in South Africa Sugar Association v the Minister of Trade and Industry 2017 4 All SA 555 (GP) and Pioneer Foods (Pty) Ltd v Minister of Finance 2017 ZAWCHC 110 (29 September 2017). These two cases offer for the first time, clarification on the nature of the power conferred on the Minister of Finance by section 48(1)(b) of the CEA. The High Court in these two cases rejected the argument that the role of the Minister of Finance in respect of the power conferred upon him/her by section 48(1)(b) is that of a "registrar" who merely 'rubberstamps' the decision of the Minister of Trade and Industry. Consequently, the High Court in both matters held that a veto power is conferred on the Minister of Finance which permits him/her to either accept or decline the request of the Minister of Trade and Industry to amend Schedule 1 of the CEA.To the contrary, this paper argues that if the Minister of Finance declines the request of the Minister of Trade and Industry, s/he is not 'giving effect' to the request of the Minister of Trade and Industry as required by section 48(1)(b) of the CEA and is thus acting ultra vires because s/he is assuming powers which never conferred on him/her by the legislature. This paper also argues that the High Court in both matters, misconstrued the relationship between section 48(1)(b) and the "public interest" provisions in section 48 and thus unjustifiably stripped the Minister of Trade and Industry of his/her power to implement an amendment to Schedule 1. In the final analysis, this paper explores the impact of the Customs Duty Act 30 of 2014 on the Minister of Finance's powers in this regard.    

scholarly journals The synapse in traumatic brain injury

Brain ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aimun A B Jamjoom ◽  
Jonathan Rhodes ◽  
Peter J D Andrews ◽  
Seth G N Grant
Keyword(s):  
Traumatic Brain Injury ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
New Technology ◽  
Secondary Injury ◽  
Synapse Loss ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
Mechanical Insult ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide and is a risk factor for dementia later in life. Research into the pathophysiology of TBI has focused on the impact of injury on the neuron. However, recent advances have shown that TBI has a major impact on synapse structure and function through a combination of the immediate mechanical insult and the ensuing secondary injury processes, leading to synapse loss. In this review, we highlight the role of the synapse in TBI pathophysiology with a focus on the confluence of multiple secondary injury processes including excitotoxicity, inflammation and oxidative stress. The primary insult triggers a cascade of events in each of these secondary processes and we discuss the complex interplay that occurs at the synapse. We also examine how the synapse is impacted by traumatic axonal injury and the role it may play in the spread of tau after TBI. We propose that astrocytes play a crucial role by mediating both synapse loss and recovery. Finally, we highlight recent developments in the field including synapse molecular imaging, fluid biomarkers and therapeutics. In particular, we discuss advances in our understanding of synapse diversity and suggest that the new technology of synaptome mapping may prove useful in identifying synapses that are vulnerable or resistant to TBI.

scholarly journals Reserve lipids and plant autophagy

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (10) ◽  
pp. 2854-2861 ◽  
Author(s):  
Céline Masclaux-Daubresse ◽  
Sabine d’Andrea ◽  
Isabelle Bouchez ◽  
Jean-Luc Cacas
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Droplets ◽  
Eukaryotic Cells ◽  
Lipid Homeostasis ◽  
Recent Developments ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Universal Mechanism

Abstract Autophagy is a universal mechanism that facilitates the degradation of unwanted cytoplasmic components in eukaryotic cells. In this review, we highlight recent developments in the investigation of the role of autophagy in lipid homeostasis in plants by comparison with algae, yeast, and animals. We consider the storage compartments that form the sources of lipids in plants, and the roles that autophagy plays in the synthesis of triacylglycerols and in the formation and maintenance of lipid droplets. We also consider the relationship between lipids and the biogenesis of autophagosomes, and the role of autophagy in the degradation of lipids in plants.

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