On the Use of a Multimodal Optimizer for Fitting Neuron Models. Application to the Cerebellar Granule Cell

This article extends a recent methodological workflow for creating realistic and computationally efficient neuron models whilst capturing essential aspects of single-neuron dynamics. We overcome the intrinsic limitations of the extant optimization methods by proposing an alternative optimization component based on multimodal algorithms. This approach can natively explore a diverse population of neuron model configurations. In contrast to methods that focus on a single global optimum, the multimodal method allows directly obtaining a set of promising solutions for a single but complex multi-feature objective function. The final sparse population of candidate solutions has to be analyzed and evaluated according to the biological plausibility and their objective to the target features by the expert. In order to illustrate the value of this approach, we base our proposal on the optimization of cerebellar granule cell (GrC) models that replicate the essential properties of the biological cell. Our results show the emerging variability of plausible sets of values that this type of neuron can adopt underlying complex spiking characteristics. Also, the set of selected cerebellar GrC models captured spiking dynamics closer to the reference model than the single model obtained with off-the-shelf parameter optimization algorithms used in our previous article. The method hereby proposed represents a valuable strategy for adjusting a varied population of realistic and simplified neuron models. It can be applied to other kinds of neuron models and biological contexts.

SYSTEMIC PROBLEMS OF TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT IN THE RUSSIAN ARCTIC

Purpose: to identify systemic problems in the development of transport infrastructure in the Russian Arctic. Methods: the analysis of the main trends and features of the development of the transport infrastructure of the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF) in 2000-2018 was carried out. Trends in the development of road and rail transport are considered in the most detail. official statistics provides the most complete information only on them. To analyze the dynamics of the provision of land transport infrastructure in the Arctic regions, the Engel coefficient was used, since it is calculated taking into account the area and population size (this is an important circumstance for the Arctic regions, due to their extremely sparse population and the size of the territories). Results: it was revealed that, despite some positive trends, the transport infrastructure of the Russian Arctic is still characterized by a number of problems. Scientific novelty: it is substantiated that the objective difficulties in the development of transport infrastructure in the Arctic regions are caused not only by difficult natural and geographical conditions, but also by systematic underfunding of the transport industry and a lack of infrastructure investments, primarily in socially significant projects that provide intraregional and interregional transport links. Practical significance: the main provisions and conclusions of the article can be used in scientific and teaching activities, as well as by public authorities in the preparation of target-oriented documents for the development of the transport infrastructure of the Arctic regions.

Estimation of Genetic Diversity Among Teressa Goat Population of A and N Islands by using Microsatellite Markers

Background: Teressa goat is an indigenous goat breed of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These goats are mainly distributed in the Nicobar group of islands, however, sparse population is also available in the Andaman Islands. In order to understand the genetic diversity and variation among the population of Teressa goat, the studies on the molecular characterization was done by using microsatellite molecular markers. Methods: Randomly a total of 48 blood samples were collected different areas of the Nicobar Islands representing the breeding tract of the Teressa goat. Based on the guidelines of ISAG and FAO, a total of 15 recommended microsatellite markers were selected for the microsatellite analysis study. The data were analysed to study the diversity analysis at each locus by using GENETIX software package. Bottleneck hypothesis was also studied by using BOTTLENECK 1.2.01 and FIS, FIT and FIT values were calculated and heterozygosity deficiency at each locus using FSTAT software. Result: A total of 50 genotypes were observed across the 15 loci. The number of genotype varied between (MAF70; SRCRSP3) 1 and 6 (SRCRSP15). The effective number of alleles (Ne) varied from 2 to 6.98 in Teressa goat. Shannon’s Information Index (I) value was found to be high (1.1856±0.4369), it indicated that the level of diversity among the population of the Teressa goat is high. All the values of FIS obtained were negative which is suggestive of no inbreeding within the populations and the animals were outbred. The mode-shift test indicated the genetic bottleneck in Teressa and needs greater attention towards in situ/ex situ conservation. The present study provides the valuable information about the genetic makeup of the Teressa goat, however, detail study is required to carry out to study the important traits linked with production for further utilization of this breed.

COVID-19 superspreading in cities versus the countryside

So far, the COVID-19 pandemic has been characterised by an initial rapid rise in new cases followed by a peak and a more erratic behaviour that varies between regions. This is not easy to reproduce with traditional SIR models, which predict a more symmetric epidemic. Here, we argue that superspreaders and population heterogeneity are the core factors explaining this discrepancy. We do so through an agent-based lattice model of a disease spreading in a heterogeneous population. We predict that an epidemic driven by superspreaders will spread rapidly in cities, but not in the countryside where the sparse population limits the maximal number of secondary infections. This suggests that mitigation strategies should include restrictions on venues where people meet a large number of strangers. Furthermore, mitigating the epidemic in cities and in the countryside may require different levels of restrictions.

Cortical ChAT+ neurons co-transmit acetylcholine and GABA in a target- and brain-region-specific manner

The mouse cerebral cortex contains neurons that express choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and are a potential local source of acetylcholine. However, the neurotransmitters released by cortical ChAT+ neurons and their synaptic connectivity are unknown. We show that the nearly all cortical ChAT+ neurons in mice are specialized VIP+ interneurons that release GABA strongly onto other inhibitory interneurons and acetylcholine sparsely onto layer 1 interneurons and other VIP+/ChAT+ interneurons. This differential transmission of ACh and GABA based on the postsynaptic target neuron is reflected in VIP+/ChAT+ interneuron pre-synaptic terminals, as quantitative molecular analysis shows that only a subset of these are specialized to release acetylcholine. In addition, we identify a separate, sparse population of non-VIP ChAT+ neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex with a distinct developmental origin that robustly release acetylcholine in layer 1. These results demonstrate both cortex-region heterogeneity in cortical ChAT+ interneurons and target-specific co-release of acetylcholine and GABA.

Cortical ChAT+ neurons co-transmit acetylcholine and GABA in a target- and brain-region specific manner

The cerebral cortex contains neurons that express choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and are a potential local source of acetylcholine. However, the neurotransmitters released by cortical ChAT+ neurons and their synaptic connectivity are unknown. We show that the nearly all cortical ChAT+ neurons are specialized VIP+ interneurons that release GABA strongly onto other inhibitory interneurons and acetylcholine sparsely onto layer 1 interneurons and other VIP+/ChAT+ interneurons. This differential transmission of ACh and GABA based on the postsynaptic target neuron is reflected in VIP+/ChAT+ interneuron pre-synaptic terminals, as quantitative molecular analysis shows that only a subset of these are specialized to release acetylcholine. In addition, we identify a separate, sparse population of non-VIP ChAT+ neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex with a distinct developmental origin that robustly release acetylcholine in layer 1. These results demonstrate both cortex-region heterogeneity in cortical ChAT+ interneurons and target-specific co-release of acetylcholine and GABA.

Late Qing parliamentarism and the borderlands of the Qing Empire—Mongolia, Tibet, and Xinjiang (1906–1911)

The article examines the relationship between the late Qing constitutional movement of 1905–1911 and the vast borderland regions of the Qing Empire–that is, Mongolia, Tibet, and Xinjiang. It traces how intellectuals and officials concerned with devising constitutional policies foresaw the integration of these regions into the nascent parliamentary institutions at the provincial and central levels. The article argues that the status of the borderlands played a significant role in late Qing constitutional debates, and that debates on borderland constitutionalism were a phenomenon of a wider constitutional wave affecting Eurasia in the 1900s. Chinese intellectuals and officials felt the competition of the emerging parliamentary institutions in Russia and the Ottoman Empire, and anticipating that constitutional and parliamentarist movements among Mongols, Tibetans, and Turki could lead to the separation of the respective regions, they hoped that parliamentary representation, albeit limited, would be an instrument against centrifugal tendencies on the borders. Hence, they called for constitutional reforms in China and for the inclusion of the borderland populations into the new parliamentary institutions. Yet, arguing with the sparse population of the borderlands as well as with their alleged economic and cultural backwardness, they denied the direct application of the constitutional plan to these territories. The differentiated policies eventually applied to the borderlands were a lackluster compromise between these conflicting interests.

Increasing the availability of financial services in remote, sparsely populated and hard-to-reach regions through the development of an entrepreneurial initiative in rural tourism

Activities to increase the availability of financial services are the primary task of the state economic policy. The formation of an active consumer of financial services is possible through the development of entrepreneurial activity among residents of remote areas, whose sparse population can become a competitive advantage. World experience in rural tourism development has shown that it is the sparsely populated, remote rural settlements from industrial centers that make them attractive for potential users of tourist services that are supplied by local people: tourist accommodation, catering, souvenir production, etc. This article presents the results of a study of the level of physical accessibility of financial services for residents of the Pozharsky district of Primorsky Krai, as well as their level of satisfaction with financial products and services. The study was conducted in 2018-2019. The main goal of the article is to examine the problems of ensuring financial affordability in remote, hard-to-reach and sparsely populated regions by the example of Pozharsky District, Primorsky Region of the Russian Federation. Measures are proposed to increase the availability of financial services through the development of entrepreneurial initiative of the inhabitants of the region.

CRIMINAL LAW AND CRIMINALISTICS PROBLEMS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ACTIVITY IN ARCTIC REGION

The actual problems of criminal law and criminalistics with which law enforcement agencies in Arctic have been facing are concerned in the present article. Successful development of Arctic region demands struggling against criminality affected by special climate, geographic, ethnic, social, legal and another factors. These circumstances roughly embarrass the combating with criminality in Arctic, taking into account sparse population of the region, remote location of communities from organs of state power, ingenious people alcohol abusing, negative affecting of harsh arctic conditions on mental health of inhabiting person. Being one of the richest recourse region all over the world, Arctic has becoming the stage of competition between arctic states. Upkeeping of order on Russian arctic territory is very important aim under these circumstances. In the article legal regiment of Arctic is concerned and characteristic of Arctic social and economy situation is given. The authors demonstrate structure of Arctic criminality and crimes committed on this territory are analyzed. Special attention is centered on analyzing of ecological crimes committed in Arctic taking into account wealthy of local fauna and environment. The problems of law enforcement criminalistics providing also are attentively analyzed, for example, issues of criminalistics methodic for crime investigation, usage of the new technic tools and devises of criminalistics, interconnection between investigators and detectives. Such interconnection is embarrassed by remote locations islands from mainland. The article is grounded on extensive materials from empiric, scientific and law origins related to criminality existing in the different Arctic countries (USA, Canada, Russia, Scandinavian states). This article is the first one discussing various problems of combatting criminality in Arctic region. In the process of preparing the article authors have come to conclusion that Arctic crimes there committed poses special sort of criminality - “frozen” criminality. Such sort provided by special factors must be explored in the future in order to get success while combating the criminality in Arctic.