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The article deals with educational paremies, which are stable formulas that contain a ban on a child violation of the norms of behavior in society. Stable genre features of parental prohibitions are identified (formality, absurd of the forecast, humour, imagery, educational orientation), their connection with folk pedagogy is shown and their difference from traditional signs that is orientation at age peculiarities is determined. The main functions of "parental prohibitions" are educational and entertaining ones. The classification of signs-prohibitions on a thematic basis is given. The ancient origin of certain prohibitions related to the taboo on actions that cause the wrath of the gods is indicated. In the context of predictive paremy genres of children folklore, signs-rules and situational signs are indicated. Possible prospects for further study of the genre are determined. It is pointed out that they include comparative studying of educational paremies of various nations, determining their functional role in the genre system of Russian and national folklore.

Insects build myriad structures out of diverse materials. These structures serve purposes that range from facilitating prey capture to housing their entire colony. Whereas some insects operate solitarily, others collectively build large and complex structures. The architecture of these structures vis-a-vis their ultimate function poses fascinating questions that require multidisciplinary investigations. Importantly, because the underlying design and architectural principles have evolved over millions of years to withstand multitude of environmental perturbations, they offer important lessons for human-made structures. The vast variety of insect-built structures reflects how diverse insects have adapted to resolve the ecological challenges in their specific habitats. Here, we survey insect-built structures from a comparative perspective to ask what design and architectural principles can be gleaned from them. We discuss the key hypotheses about building-behaviours, their neural underpinnings, the functional role of insect-built structures and their biomimetic potential.

While research in previous decades demonstrated a link between the pulvinar nucleus of the thalamus and visual selective attention, the pulvinar’s specific functional role has remained elusive. However, methodological advances in electrophysiological recordings in non-human primates, including simultaneous recordings in multiple brain regions, have recently begun to reveal the pulvinar’s functional contributions to selective attention. These new findings suggest that the pulvinar is critical for the efficient transmission of sensory information within and between cortical regions, both synchronizing cortical activity across brain regions and controlling cortical excitability. These new findings further suggest that the pulvinar’s influence on cortical processing is embedded in a dynamic selection process that balances sensory and motor functions within the large-scale network that directs selective attention.

DOI: 10.1590/2179-8966/2020/50030 Resumo O artigo discute o modo como a Lei n. 13.467/2017 impactou as negociacoes coletivas no Brasil. Por meio de subsidios empiricos e teoricos e amparando-se no metodo materialista historico e dialetico, a investigacao demonstra que (i) a extincao da contribuicao sindical acarretou a reducao das negociacoes coletivas, bem como ensejou retracao qualitativa desde a referencia da classe trabalhadora; (ii) que as negociacoes coletivas concentraram-se em categoriais com maior tradicao e articulacao sindical; (iii) que a fragilizacao das entidades sindicais e a consequente reducao da abrangencia das protecoes trabalhistas individuais nao proporcionou esperado aquecimento da economia capitalista no pais em periodo de crise, fato que demonstra o papel funcional a reproducao da relacao social do capital cumprido pelo direito do trabalho. Palavras-chave: Crise capitalista; Negociacao coletiva; Contribuicao sindical. Abstract The paper discusses how the Act n. 13.467/2017 impacted collective bargaining in Brazil. Through empirical and theoretical subsidies and based on the historical and dialectical materialist method, the investigation shows that (i) the extinction of the union contribution resulted in reduction and qualitative retraction – from the reference of the working class – of collective bargaining; (ii) that collective bargaining was concentrated in categories with greater tradition and union articulation; (iii) that the weakening of unions and the consequent reduction in the scope of individual labor protections did not provide the expected heating up of the capitalist economy in the country in times of crisis, a fact that demonstrates the functional role fulfilled by labor law for the reproduction of the social relationship of capital. Keywords: Capitalist crisis; Collective bargaining; Union contribution.

There is a major need to overcome therapeutic resistance and metastasis that eventually arises in many breast cancer patients. Therapy resistant and metastatic tumors are increasingly recognized to possess intra-tumoral heterogeneity (ITH), a diversity of cells within an individual tumor. First hypothesized in the 1970s, the possibility that this complex ITH may endow tumors with adaptability and evolvability to metastasize and evade therapies is now supported by multiple lines of evidence. Our understanding of ITH has been driven by recent methodological advances including next-generation sequencing, computational modeling, lineage tracing, single-cell technologies, and multiplexed in situ approaches. These have been applied across a range of specimens, including patient tumor biopsies, liquid biopsies, cultured cell lines, and mouse models. In this review, we discuss these approaches and how they have deepened our understanding of the mechanistic origins of ITH amongst tumor cells, including stem cell-like differentiation hierarchies and Darwinian evolution, and the functional role for ITH in breast cancer progression. While ITH presents a challenge for combating tumor evolution, in-depth analyses of ITH in clinical biopsies and laboratory models hold promise to elucidate therapeutic strategies that should ultimately improve outcomes for breast cancer patients.

We previously documented that the CaV3.3 isoform of T-type calcium channels (T-channels) is inhibited by clinically relevant concentrations of volatile anaesthetics, including isoflurane. However, little is understood about the functional role of CaV3.3 channels in anaesthetic-induced hypnosis and underlying neuronal oscillations. To address this issue, we used CaV3.3 knock-out (KO) mice and a panselective T-channel blocker 3,5-dichloro-N-[1-(2,2-dimethyltetrahydro-pyran-4-ylmethyl)-4-fluoro-piperidin-4-ylmethyl]-benzamide (TTA-P2). We found that mutant mice injected with the vehicle showed faster induction of hypnosis than wild-type (WT) mice, while the percent isoflurane at which hypnosis and immobility occurred was not different between two genotypes. Furthermore, we found that TTA-P2 facilitated isoflurane induction of hypnosis in the CaV3.3 KO mice more robustly than in the WT mice. Isoflurane-induced hypnosis following injections of TTA-P2 was accompanied with more prominent delta and theta EEG oscillations in the mutant mice, and reached burst-suppression pattern earlier when compared to the WT mice. Our findings point to a relatively specific value of CaV3.3 channels in anaesthetic induced hypnosis. Furthermore, we propose that T-channel blockers may be further explored as a valuable adjunct to reducing the usage of potent volatile anaesthetics, thereby improving their safety.

Fear is an integrated part of predator-prey interactions with cascading effects on the structure and function of ecosystems. Fear of parasitism holds a similar ecological potential but our understanding of the underlying mechanisms in host-parasite interactions is limited by lack of empirical examples. Here, we experimentally test if blue musselsMytilus edulisrespond behaviourally to the mere presence of infective transmission stages of the trematodeHimasthla elongataby ceasing filtration activity, thereby avoiding infection. Our results show that blue mussels reduced clearance rates by more than 30% in presences of parasites. The reduced filtration activity resulted in lower infection rates in experimental mussels. The identified parasite-specific avoidance behaviour can be expected to play a significant role in regulating the ecosystem engineering function of blue mussels in coastal habitats.

In this issue of Neuron, Nguyen and colleagues (Nguyen et al., 2021) investigate nicotine's effects on diverse midbrain dopamine neurons. Their findings provide new understanding of the functional role of ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons and reveal topographically distinct, pathway-specific, and opposite dopaminergic responses to nicotine that likely mediate reward and anxiety, respectively.

Research purpose was to develop a framework for the systematic assessment of the personal qualities formation in graduates of educational institutions in regard of preventing behavioral deviations and risks reduction of personal student’s development vector changing. An indicator of the effectiveness of this activity is the normative students’ behavior, based on the value system enshrined inthe Federal State Educational Standard (FSES) in the form of a personal “portrait of a graduate of the school”. However, the evaluation criteria and the methodology for identifying these qualities are not presented in the Federal Educational Standard. Methods and techniques. The methodological basis of the study is a functional-role approach. During the empirical study, the method of expert assessments and the method “Repertory Lattices” by J. Kelly were used. Results and scientific novelty. To achieve the goal of the study, we have proposed a methodology for identifying and evaluating the formation of a educational institution graduate’s personal qualities. The methodological basis of the study is a functional-role approach that allows systematisation of personal qualities in accordance with FSES. An important feature of the approach implemented is the ability to assess personal characteristics that form the inner picture of the world and the subjective values system of the student,which ensures compliance with the requirements of the FSES general education to diversify the psychological and pedagogical support of the educational process, socialization and education of students. Practical significance. The implemented of the framework as a diagnostic tool would facilitate to interface and simultaneously solve two diagnostic problems. The use of “Repertory grids” allows us to overcome the distortion of the results of the study in the interests of achieving social approval and reconstruct the values system and meanings of the subject. The use of psychosemantics methods in combination with a functional-role approach provides the ability to score subjective-personal characteristics that form the inner picture of the world and the subjective system of values of students.

Sit-and-wait is a common strategy to optimize time and energy devoted to foraging activities. Among Coleoptera, dung beetles are one of the groups that display this behavior. Although diverse aspects of natural history have been reviewed, no agreement exists on which theory may explain this food searching tactic. We performed a systematic literature review about this behavior in dung beetles, analyzing existing studies, and discussing potential explanations. We identified six different hypotheses (resource partitioning, food detection, foraging time, predator’s avoidance, thermoregulation, and resting). Based on the evidence that we found, we support the hypothesis that the main driver of perching behavior is a strategy of spatial segregation. We found reports for several tribes in different biogeographical regions, especially in Neotropical forests. Few studies explore the relationship between perching height and dung beetles’ size. However, recent findings sustained that dung beetles perch at a height proportional to its size, large beetles prefer bigger leaves, and functional groups perch at different heights. Dung beetles observed perching were strictly coprophagous and there is no specific relationship between dial activity and perching behavior. We also found perching records of the three main functional guilds (tunnelers, rollers, and dwellers). Despite several studies of dung beetles perching, there is a lack of experimental analyses. One aspect to analyze in future investigations is the relationship between perching behavior and functional traits. Finally, it is essential to explore and solve some questions that we propose to understand the functional role of this behavior in the structure of assemblages.

Hydrogels are extraordinarily versatile by design and can enhance repair in diseased and injured musculoskeletal tissues. Biological fixation of these constructs is a significant determinant factor that is critical to the clinical success and functionality of regenerative technologies for musculoskeletal repair. In the context of an intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation, nucleus pulposus tissue protrudes through the ruptured annulus fibrosus (AF), consequentially impinging on spinal nerve roots and causing debilitating pain. Discectomy is the surgical standard of care to treat symptomatic herniation; however these procedures do not repair AF defects, and these lesions are a significant risk factor for recurrent herniation. Advances in tissue engineering utilize adhesive hydrogels as AF sealants; however these repair strategies have yet to progress beyond preclinical animal models because these biomaterials are often plagued by poor integration with AF tissue and lead to large variability in repair outcomes. These critical barriers to translation motivate this article to review the material composition of hydrogels that have been evaluated in situ for AF repair, proposed mechanisms of how these biomaterials interface with AF tissue, and their functional outcomes after treatment in order to inform the development of new hydrogels for AF repair. In this systematic review, we identify 18 hydrogel formulations evaluated for AF repair, all of which demonstrate large heterogeneity in their interfacing mechanisms and reported outcome measures to assess the effectiveness of repair. Hydrogels that covalently bond to AF tissue were found to be the most successful in improving IVD biomechanical properties from the injured state, but none were able to restore properties to the intact state suggesting that new repair strategies with innovative surface chemistries are an important future direction. We additionally review biomechanical evaluation methods and recommend standardization in the field of AF tissue engineering to establish mechanical benchmarks for translation and ensure clinical feasibility.

Objective: We sought to identify and investigate the functional role of the major endothelial cell (EC)-derived factors that control pericyte recruitment to EC tubes and pericyte-induced tube maturation during capillary network formation. Approach and Results: We identify PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor)-BB, PDGF-DD, ET (endothelin)-1, TGF (transforming growth factor)-β, and HB-EGF (heparin-binding epidermal growth factor), as the key individual and combined regulators of pericyte assembly around EC tubes. Using novel pericyte only assays, we demonstrate that PDGF-BB, PDGF-DD, and ET-1 are the primary direct drivers of pericyte invasion. Their addition to pericytes induces invasion as if ECs were present. In contrast, TGF-β and HB-EGF have minimal ability to directly stimulate pericyte invasion. In contrast, TGF-β1 can act as an upstream pericyte primer to stimulate invasion in response to PDGFs and ET-1. HB-EGF stimulates pericyte proliferation along with PDGFs and ET-1. Using EC-pericyte cocultures, individual, or combined blockade of these EC-derived factors, or their pericyte receptors, using neutralizing antibodies or chemical inhibitors, respectively, interferes with pericyte recruitment and proliferation. As individual factors, PDGF-BB and ET-1 have the strongest impact on these events. However, when the blocking reagents are combined to interfere with each of the above factors or their receptors, more dramatic and profound blockade of pericyte recruitment, proliferation, and pericyte-induced basement membrane deposition occurs. Under these conditions, ECs form tubes that become much wider and less elongated as if pericytes were absent. Conclusions: Overall, these new studies define and characterize a functional role for key EC-derived factors controlling pericyte recruitment, proliferation, and pericyte-induced basement membrane deposition during capillary network assembly.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a subset of non-coding RNAs. Abnormal expression of lncRNAs is associated with the development of cancers including gastric cancer (GC). Increasing evidence in this field reveals that lncRNAs have a key role in biological actions via modulating the expression of genes at various genomic levels. BC032913, as a novel antisense lncRNA, may have a role in GC progression. The very aim of this study was to examine the clinical significance and the functional role of lncRNA BC032913 in GC. QRT-PCR technique was exerted to survey the expression level of BC032913 in GC tissues and matched adjacent non-tumorous tissues. Furthermore, the association between clinicopathological parameters and the expression level of BC032913 was evaluated. BC032913 expression was downregulated in cancerous tissues as compared with adjacent non-tumorous tissues (P = 0.0108). Downregulation of BC032913 expression did not demonstrate a significant association with clinicopathological parameters. LncRNA BC032913 may be considered as an impressive therapeutic target for GC.

Unfolding and refolding of multidomain proteins under force have yet to be recognized as a major mechanism of function for proteins in vivo. In this review, we discuss the inherent properties of multidomain proteins under a force vector from a structural and functional perspective. We then characterize three main systems where multidomain proteins could play major roles through mechanical unfolding: muscular contraction, cellular mechanotransduction, and bacterial adhesion. We analyze how key multidomain proteins for each system can produce a gain-of-function from the perspective of a fine-tuned quantized response, a molecular battery, delivery of mechanical work through refolding, elasticity tuning, protection and exposure of cryptic sites, and binding-induced mechanical changes. Understanding how mechanical unfolding and refolding affect function will have important implications in designing mechano-active drugs against conditions such as muscular dystrophy, cancer, or novel antibiotics.

Soft tissue preservation in fossil birds provides a rare window into their anatomy, function, and development. Here, we present an exceptionally-preserved specimen of Confuciusornis which, through Laser-Stimulated Fluorescence imaging, is identified as preserving a disassociated rhamphotheca. Reconstruction of the in vivo position of the rhamphotheca validates the association of the rhamphotheca with two previous confuciusornithid specimens while calling that of a third specimen into question. The ease of dissociation is discussed and proposed with a fourth specimen alongside finite element analysis as evidence for preferential soft-food feeding. However, this proposition remains tentative until there is a better understanding of the functional role of beak attachment in living birds. Differences in post-rostral extent and possibly rhamphotheca curvature between confuciusornithids and modern birds hint at developmental differences between the two. Together, this information provides a wealth of new information regarding the nature of the beak outside crown Aves., Miller et al. present a disassociated rhamphotheca of a Cretaceous bird, which sheds light on the diet and developmental biology of some of the earliest birds. Exceptionally preserved fossils are rare but when soft tissue is preserved it can provide insight into the anatomy and behavior of extinct organisms.

The impact of hybridisation between dingoes and domestic dogs, and the subsequent introgression of domestic dog genes into dingo populations, remains a topic of significant impact. It has been claimed, but with little evidence or logical argumentation, that dingoes with significant dog introgression have different effects on agriculture and ecosystems than dingoes with no dog introgression. Introgression is a natural process in evolution, occurring in many species, although this is sometimes human assisted. Canid species in particular show high levels of introgression, due to their genetic and phylogenetic similarities, and human persecution creates scenarios encouraging hybridisation. Dingoes are no exception and demonstrate high levels of introgression of domestic dog genes, particularly in the temperate areas of south-eastern Australia. The available evidence shows that this introgression has minimal effects on the functional morphology of the dingo skull. There is also some preliminary evidence that introgression has not had a major impact on dingo reproductive biology. Studies on the impacts of dingoes on arid, tropical and temperate ecosystems, where levels of introgression vary greatly, all show consistent positive impacts of dingoes, regardless of the amount of domestic dog genes within the dingo population, on these ecosystems. Hence, hybridisation and resultant introgression from domestic dog genes appear to have little effect on aspects of the functional morphology or ecological role of the dingo. Accordingly, introgression does not diminish the conservation status of the dingo.

Complex human cognition arises from the integrated processing of multiple brain systems. However, little is known about how brain systems and their interactions might relate to, or perhaps even explain, human cognitive capacities. Here, we address this gap in knowledge by proposing a mechanistic framework linking frontoparietal system activity, default mode system activity, and the interactions between them, with individual differences in working memory capacity. We show that working memory performance depends on the strength of functional interactions between the frontoparietal and default mode systems. We find that this strength is modulated by the activation of two newly described brain regions, and demonstrate that the functional role of these systems is underpinned by structural white matter. Broadly, our study presents a holistic account of how regional activity, functional connections, and structural linkages together support integrative processing across brain systems in order for the brain to execute a complex cognitive process., Working memory is a critical component of executive function that allows people to complete complex tasks in the moment. Here, the authors show that this ability is underpinned by two newly defined brain networks.

The descending corticofugal fibers originate from the auditory cortex and exert control on the periphery via the olivocochlear efferents. Medial efferents are thought to enhance the discriminability of transient sounds in background noise. In addition, the observation of deleterious long-term effects of efferent sectioning on the response properties of auditory nerve fibers in neonatal cats supports an efferent-mediated control of normal development. However, the role of the efferent system in human hearing remains unclear. The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the medial efferents are involved in the development of frequency discrimination in noise. The hypothesis was examined with a combined behavioral and physiological approach. Frequency discrimination in noise and efferent inhibition were measured in 5- to 12-yr-old children (n = 127) and young adults (n = 37). Medial efferent strength was noninvasively assayed with a rigorous otoacoustic emission protocol. Results revealed an age-mediated relationship between efferent inhibition and frequency discrimination in noise. Efferent inhibition strongly predicted frequency discrimination in noise for younger children (5–9 yr). However, for older children (>9 yr) and adults, efferent inhibition was not related to frequency discrimination in noise. These findings support the role of efferents in the development of hearing-in-noise in humans; specifically, younger children compared with older children and adults are relatively more dependent on efferent inhibition for extracting relevant cues in noise. Additionally, the present findings caution against postulating an oversimplified relationship between efferent inhibition and measures of auditory perception in humans. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Despite several decades of research, the functional role of medial olivocochlear efferents in humans remains controversial and is thought to be insignificant. Here it is shown that medial efferent inhibition strongly predicts frequency discrimination in noise for younger children but not for older children and adults. Young children are relatively more dependent on the efferent system for listening-in-noise. This study highlights the role of the efferent system in hearing-in-noise during childhood development.

Histatin peptides are endogenous anti-microbial peptides that were originally discovered in the saliva. Aside from their broad anti-microbial properties, these peptides play an important role in multiple biological systems. Different members of this family are thought to have relative specializations, with histatin-5 originally being thought to have mostly anti-fungal properties, and histatin-1 having strong wound healing properties. In this report, we describe the robust wound healing properties of histatin-5 and elucidate a functional domain, which is necessary and sufficient for promoting wound healing. We demonstrate these findings in multiple different cell types in vitro and with a standardized murine corneal wound healing model. Discovery of this wound healing domain and description of this functional role of histatin-5 will support developing therapies., Graphical Abstract, Histatin peptides are a family of multifunctional endogenous anti-microbial peptides that play important roles in mucosal pathogen defense and epithelial homeostasis. Aakalu and colleagues describe a new functional domain within histatin-5 that is necessary for wound healing properties of this member of the histatin family.

Context Osteopathic physicians often target the rectus capitis posterior minor (RCPm) and rectus capitis posterior major (RCPM) muscles when using muscle energy or soft tissue cervical techniques to treat patients with head and neck pain. The RCPm and RCPM muscles are located deep within the posterior occipitoatlantal and atlantoaxial interspaces, respectively. Objective To characterize the functional role of RCPm and RCPM muscles by comparing electromyographic (EMG) activation patterns of these muscles with EMG activation patterns of specific flexor and extensor muscles of the head and neck, the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), and the splenius capitis (SC) muscles, respectively. Methods Asymptomatic participants were recruited from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine student body. Disposable 25-gauge, bipolar fine-wire intramuscular electrodes were used to collect EMG data from the right and left RCPm and RCPM muscles. Surface electrodes were used to collect EMG data from the right and left SCM and SC muscles. Data were collected as participants performed 4 cycles of flexion and extension with an external 4-lb force applied to the back of the head and the forehead. Results In RCPM muscles, EMG activity was significantly greater (P<.003) during flexion and extension of the head and neck when an external force was applied to the back of the head. EMG activity in SCM muscles was significantly greater (P<.0001) during flexion and extension of the head and neck when an external force was applied to the forehead. The authors observed that EMG activity in SC muscles was significantly greater (P<.015) during flexion and extension of the head and neck when an external force was applied to the back of the head. No significant difference was found in EMG activity in RCPm muscles (P<.834) during flexion and extension of the head and neck, regardless of whether the external force was applied to the back of the head or the forehead. Conclusion The EMG activation patterns of the RCPm muscles suggest that their functional role may be to stabilize the occipitoatlantal joint by helping maintain congruency of the joint surfaces. In contrast, the EMG activation patterns of the RCPM muscles suggest that their functional role may be to contribute to extension of the head, primarily at the occipitoatlantal and the atlantoaxial joints.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanosized particles that have emerged as mediators for intercellular communication in physiologic and pathologic conditions. EVs carry signaling information on their bilipid membrane as well as cargo within, allowing them to perform a wide range of biologic processes and contribute to pathophysiologic roles in a wide range of diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases and coagulopathy. This review will specifically address the function of surface molecules on EVs under normal and diseased conditions, as well as their potential to emerge as therapeutic targets in clinical settings, and the importance of further research on the surface topography of EVs.

This study examines conceptual, symbolic narration in Virginia Woolf’s; To The Lighthouse and The Waves. The study applies the reader-response critical approach to explain the significance of Woolf’s metaphoric narration in achieving specific interactions and meanings within her readers’ minds. Firstly, it sorts out symbolic language in the two novels to figure out how readers receive them. The analysis shows the heavy use of conceptualized symbolic language to achieve particular meanings and create thematic responses. Secondly, the study clarifies the effect of the conceptual, symbolic narration in revealing the technical aspects in the novels both at the literal meaning and at the symbolic meaning. Thus, the study aims at explaining how the conceptual, symbolic narration plays a functional role in achieving reader-responses to enhance thematic purposes and ideas intended by the writer.

Prion diseases are a group of rare neurodegenerative disorders that develop as a result of the conformational conversion of normal prion protein (PrPC) to the disease-associated isoform (PrPSc). The mechanism that actually causes disease remains unclear. However, the mechanism underlying the conformational transformation of prion protein is partially understood—in particular, there is strong evidence that copper ions play a significant functional role in prion proteins and in their conformational conversion. Various models of the interaction of copper ions with prion proteins have been proposed for the Cu (II)-binding, cell-surface glycoprotein known as prion protein (PrP). Changes in the concentration of copper ions in the brain have been associated with prion diseases and there is strong evidence that copper plays a significant functional role in the conformational conversion of PrP. Nevertheless, because copper ions have been shown to have both a positive and negative effect on prion disease onset, the role played by Cu (II) ions in these diseases remains a topic of debate. Because of the unique properties of paramagnetic Cu (II) ions in the magnetic field, their interactions with PrP can be tracked even at single atom resolution using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Various NMR approaches have been utilized to study the kinetic, thermodynamic, and structural properties of Cu (II)-PrP interactions. Here, we highlight the different models of copper interactions with PrP with particular focus on studies that use NMR spectroscopy to investigate the role played by copper ions in prion diseases.

This paper explores the functional role of noise in synthetic biology and its relation to the concept of randomness. Ongoing developments in the field of synthetic biology are pursuing the re-organisation and control of biological components to make functional devices. This paper addresses the distinction between noise and randomness in reference to the functional relationships that each may play in the evolution of living and/or synthetic systems. The differentiation between noise and randomness in its constructive role, that is, between noise as a perturbation in routine behaviours and noise as a source of variability that cells may exploit, indicates the need for a clarification and rectification (whenever necessary) of the conflicting uses of the notion of noise in the studies of the so-called noise biology.

Oligosaccharides are the third most abundant component in human milk. It is widely accepted that they play several important protective, physiological, and biological roles, including selective growth stimulation of beneficial gut microbiota, inhibition of pathogen adhesion, and immune modulation. However, until recently, very few commercial products on the market have capitalized on these functions. This is mainly because the quantities of human milk oligosaccharides required for clinical trials have been unavailable. Recently, clinical studies have tested the potential beneficial effects of feeding infants formula containing 2'-fucosyllactose, which is the most abundant oligosaccharide in human milk. These studies have opened this field for further well-designed studies, which are required to fully understand the role of human milk oligosaccharides. However, one of the most striking features of human milk is its diversity of oligosaccharides, with over 200 identified to date. It may be that a mixture of oligosaccharides is even more beneficial to infants than a single structure. For this reason, the milk of domestic animals has become a focal point in recent years as an alternative source of complex oligosaccharides with associated biological activity. This review will focus specifically on free oligosaccharides found in bovine and caprine milk and the biological roles associated with such structures. These dairy streams are ideal sources of oligosaccharides, given their wide availability and use in so many regularly consumed dairy products. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of research into the functional role of bovine and caprine milk oligosaccharides in host-microbial interactions in the gut and provide current knowledge related to the isolation of oligosaccharides as ingredients for incorporation in functional or medical foods.

Mutualistic interactions are biologically important, diverse and poorly understood. Comprehending these interactions and the effectiveness of the mutualistic partners has been the central focus of ecological and evolutionary studies, as this task requires disentangling the pieces of mutualism under study. Here, we tested the hypothesis that feeding activity of Artibeus phaeotis influences density, diversity and distance effects of the seed rain of large-seeded plant species in a Neotropical dry forest of Costa Rica. We predicted that bats’ activity increases density and diversity metrics on dispersing sites and that bats behave as short-distance dispersers. Our data revealed that, by dispersing hundreds of seeds within their small foraging areas and mostly close to fruiting trees, the feeding activity of A. phaeotis increases the density and richness of seeds underneath night feeding roosts. The functional role of A. phaeotis as disperser may vary among plant species, as we also detected that some seeds are more dispersed than others. Further inquiries to elucidate mutualistic interactions between frugivorous bats and large-seeded plant species should focus on understanding demographic and fitness outcomes, as strong selective pressures may be shaping morphological and behavioural traits of both plants and animals, ultimately influencing the survival of each partner.

Background: microRNAs are small non-coding RNAs which inhibit translational and post-transcriptional processes whereas long non-coding RNAs are found to regulate both transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene expression. Medicago truncatula is a well-known model plant for studying legume biology and is also used as a forage crop. In spite of its importance in nitrogen fixation and soil fertility improvement, little information is available about Medicago non-coding RNAs that play important role in symbiosis. Objective: In this study we have tried to understand the role of Medicago ncRNAs in symbiosis and regulation of transcription factors. Methods: We have identified novel miRNAs by computational methods considering various parameters like length, MFEI, AU content, SSR signatures and tried to establish an interaction model with their targets obtained through psRNATarget server. Results: 149 novel miRNAs are predicted along with their 770 target proteins. We have also shown that 51 of these novel miRNAs are targeting 282 lncRNAs. Conclusion: In this study role of Medicago miRNAs in the regulation of various transcription factors are elucidated. Knowledge gained from this study will have a positive impact on the nitrogen fixing ability of this important model plant, which in turn will improve the soil fertility.

Abstract Diastatic strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae possess the unique ability to hydrolyze and ferment long-chain oligosaccharides like dextrin and starch. They have long been regarded as important spoilage microbes in beer, but recent studies have inspired a re-evaluation of the significance of the group. Rather than being merely wild-yeast contaminants, they are highly specialized, domesticated yeasts belonging to a major brewing yeast lineage. In fact, many diastatic strains have unknowingly been used as production strains for decades. These yeasts are used in the production of traditional beer styles, like saison, but also show potential for creation of new beers with novel chemical and physical properties. Herein, we review results of the most recent studies and provide a detailed account of the structure, regulation, and functional role of the glucoamylase-encoding STA1 gene in relation to brewing and other fermentation industries. The state of the art in detecting diastatic yeast in the brewery is also summarized. In summary, these latest results highlight that having diastatic S. cerevisiae in your brewery is not necessarily a bad thing. Key Points •Diastatic S. cerevisiae strains are important spoilage microbes in brewery fermentations. •These strains belong to the ‘Beer 2’ or ‘Mosaic beer’ brewing yeast lineage. •Diastatic strains have unknowingly been used as production strains in breweries. •The STA1-encoded glucoamylase enables efficient maltotriose use.

In this paper I explore, in sections 2 and 3, respectively, Herman Dooyeweerd’s notion of naive experience and the notion of common sense as found in the writings of Thomas Reid and G. E. Moore. I argue in section 4 that naive experience and common sense are assigned a structurally similar functional role by their advocates—viz., the role of touchstone for philosophy. In the final section I stage a conversation between Dooyeweerd and Reid about the touchstones they adopt.

The review discusses the functional role of soluble and insoluble dietary fibers (DFs) contained in apples. The physiological effects of eating apples are considered along with possible mechanism of controlling appetite with the use of apple DFs.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently attracted significant interest in the realm of science and the evolution of species. Given the lack of information available on circRNAs due to various barriers related to sequencing techniques and bioinformatics tools, little regarding their function is known. It has been predicted that circRNAs contribute to gene expression regulation, but aside from a few specific cases, this contention has yet to be proven. Although the role of circRNAs in evolution remains elusive, from the few studies that have shown circRNA conservation in mammalian species, tissue specificity in brain regions, and the abundance of circRNAs in the brains of various species, the concept is becoming more likely with much gravitas. The proposed functional role of circRNAs being gene regulators is of great interest and would provide a basis to further understand not only the functional capabilities of organisms, but also the evolution of mammalian species.

In “Against alief”, Mandelbaum (Philos Stud 165(1):197–211, 2013) argues that if aliefs—a sui generis kind of mental states originally posited by Gendler (J Philos 105(10):634–663, 2008a; Mind Lang 23(5):552–585, 2008b; Analysis 72(4):799–811, 2012)—are to play the explanatory role that is usually ascribed to them, their contents must be propositionally structured. However, he contends, if aliefs have propositional contents, it is unclear what distinguishes them from beliefs. I find Mandelbaum’s arguments in favour of the idea that aliefs must have propositional contents to be compelling. However, I think aliefs should only be credited with a deflated kind of propositional content that I will baptize as “semi-structured propositional contents”, since they are composed by representational units that are neither fully un-detachable nor fully re-combinable. As I will argue, this way of understanding the content of aliefs not only allows us to accommodate all the worries raised by Mandelbaum regarding the nature of their contents, but it also it helps explain why aliefs have some of the peculiar features that Gendler ascribes to them. Consequently, it gives to the advocates of aliefs new tools to defend, against Mandelbaum, that these are sui generis mental states with their distinctive functional role in our cognitive lives.

Gambling disorder is classified in the DSM-5 as a behavioral addiction. However, the inclusion of tolerance and withdrawal symptoms as diagnostic criteria for the disorder remains poorly understood and characterized by a lack of empirical support. While the need for increasing excitement is considered central to the concept of tolerance in gambling, alternative explanations for the phenomenon exist. Concomitantly, withdrawal may not be limited to neurobiological processes generating adverse subjective and physiological arousal that contribute to persistent gambling. Clarifying the concepts and functional role of tolerance and withdrawal in the addiction process has significant implications for accurate clinical assessment and targeted symptoms in the treatment of gambling disorders.

The transcriptional regulation of autophagy-lysosomal pathway adapts to cellular stress and enables advanced cancer cells survive. This pathway plays an oncopromoting or oncosuppressing role, depending on context-dependent stresses and treatment resistance. It remains controversial whether this pathway represents a target for drugs, although autophagy-lysosomal inducers and inhibitors have been tested in clinical trials for cancer treatment. Therefore, identifying the transcriptional regulators of autophagy-lysosomal pathway may lead to the development of effective cancer treatment and the improvement of the existing targeted cancer therapies. In this review, we summarize findings from several published studies on transcriptional regulation of autophagy-lysosomal pathway in cancer biology, and evaluate its functional role as a therapeutic target.

The species belonging to the Sphingomonas genus possess multifaceted functions ranging from remediation of environmental contaminations to producing highly beneficial phytohormones, such as sphingan and gellan gum. Recent studies have shown an intriguing role of Sphingomonas species in the degradation of organometallic compounds. However, the actual biotechnological potential of this genus requires further assessment. Some of the species from the genus have also been noted to improve plant-growth during stress conditions such as drought, salinity, and heavy metals in agricultural soil. This role has been attributed to their potential to produce plant growth hormones e.g. gibberellins and indole acetic acid. However, the current literature is scattered, and some of the important areas, such as taxonomy, phylogenetics, genome mapping, and cellular transport systems, are still being overlooked in terms of elucidation of the mechanisms behind stress-tolerance and bioremediation. In this review, we elucidated the prospective role and function of this genus for improved utilization during environmental biotechnology.

I argue for the epiphenomenality of functional properties by means of thought experiments and general principles. General principles suggest that an object’s causal powers nomologically supervene on its intrinsic properties and that its functional role does not. This implies that it is possible for an object to lose its functional role without undergoing any change to its intrinsic properties or causal powers. Nor is it difficult to conceive of such scenarios. Various thought experiments are introduced for just this purpose. But properties that can vary independently of an object’s causal powers in this way are epiphenomenal, for their instantiation by an object at a time makes no difference to the causal processes the object is involved in at that time. The same processes would have occurred even if such properties hadn’t been instantiated. The intrinsicness thesis is controversial, but it is not controversial that it is true of productive causation, and many believe that productive causation is the only form of mental causation worth having. Nevertheless, in the paper’s final section I consider dependence-based accounts of causation, which do not presuppose the intrinsicness of causal powers, and show that they too have difficulties accounting for the efficacy of functional properties.

Biofouling is generally considered a serious threat for human coastal activities such as aquaculture, and the ecological role of fouling organisms associated with fish-farm cages remains one of the most debated topics in the ecological field. However, although biofouling may cause significant problems related to human health, environmental impact and financial losses, in the past decade there has been an increasing interest in developing methods to promote the growth of biofouling on artificial structures as a strategy to mitigate human impacts and reduce the organic enrichment caused by net-cage fish farming. Here we investigated the filtration activity of biofouling assemblages colonizing artificial substrata located within a harbor. The main objective of the study was to determine if and how changes in composition and functioning of biofouling may be affected by hypoxic conditions that periodically occur within the port site selected for this study. To this purpose, artificial panels were used as biofouling collectors and were brought back to the laboratory seasonally where they were divided in 3 subgroups and acclimated at 3 different oxygen levels to mimic the naturally occurring oxygenic conditions. Clearance and respiration rates of each community were measured 6 and 24 h after the beginning of each treatment. Regardless of experimental conditions, performance of the communities was affected by the seasonality and the amount of biomass recruiting on the panels, mainly composed of crustaceans, ascidians, polychaetes, seaweeds and several introduced species. Our study demonstrated that, in particular cases, fouling assemblages linked to aquaculture facilities may contribute to reducing environmental impact and at the same time may serve as input for their re-use in different disciplines.

The article substantiates the need to take into account and analyze non-economic variables in the development of mining and metallurgical cluster entities. The object of the study were the subjects of mining and metallurgical cluster in Belgorod region, subject of study – non-economic variables of development such subjects. Paid attention to the functional role of the social component of development, it identified the four basic functions.