Functional Cooperation Research Articles

Quality Evaluation Model of Vocational Education in China: A Qualitative Study Based on Grounded Theory

Enhancing quality is the focus of vocational education reform, and building a quality evaluation system that is adapted to the needs of modern vocational education is an important task of vocational education reform. However, international research on quality evaluation models of vocational education has still not been explored in depth. In order to reveal the influencing factors and the relationships between them in the quality evaluation system of vocational education in China, this study establishes a theoretical model of quality evaluation of vocational education in China and tests the model. Based on in-depth interviews, this study reached the following conclusions: (1) Educational orientation is the starting and ending point of vocational education quality evaluation. The quality evaluation of vocational education in China is directly reflected through professional settings and talent training objectives; (2) the quality evaluation of vocational education in China focuses on factors external to the education system, which is an important means through which the quality of vocational education can be recognized by the public, enterprises, and industries; (3) there are internal factors influencing the quality evaluation of vocational education, namely institutional resources and evaluation system construction. In addition, strategies for vocational institutions are proposed based on the study results, suggesting that other countries should strictly regulate the settings of majors based on the real needs of industries; promote the development of technical knowledge, teaching materials, and teacher training; and explore the function of international exchange and cooperation, industry–education integration, and school–enterprise cooperation in educating people. This study provides a theoretical model for the quality evaluation of vocational education; in terms of practical value, the constructed model extends the scope of basic theory.

Cooperative contributions of the klf1 and klf17 genes in zebrafish primitive erythropoiesis

Krüppel-like transcription factors (Klfs), which are characterized by the three conserved C-terminal zinc fingers, are involved in various biological processes, such as haematopoiesis and angiogenesis. However, how the Klf family of transcription factors cooperate in organogenesis remains elusive. During zebrafish embryogenesis, both klf1 and klf17 are expressed in the intermediate cell mass (ICM), where primitive erythroid cells are produced. Using CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing technology, we established klf1-klf17 double mutant zebrafish to investigate the functionally interactive roles of the klf1 and klf17 genes. The klf1-klf17 mutant exhibited a diminished number of circulating primitive erythroid cells at 2 days postfertilization (dpf), while klf1 or klf17 single mutants and wild-type embryos produced comparable numbers of primitive erythroid cells. Circulating erythroid cells from the klf1-klf17 mutant possessed larger nuclei at 2 dpf than wild-type cells, suggesting the impairment of primitive erythroid cell maturation. The expression of the erythroid cell maturation markers band3 and mitoferrin, but not the haematopoietic progenitor markers c-myb and scl, was decreased in the klf1-klf17 mutant at 1 dpf. Thus, these results illustrate the cooperative function of klf1 and klf17 in the maturation processes of zebrafish primitive erythroid cells.

Materials Space‐Tectonics: Atomic‐level Compositional and Spatial Control Methodologies for Synthesis of Future Materials

AbstractReactions occurring at surfaces and interfaces necessitate the creation of well‐designed surface and interfacial structures. To achieve a combination of bulk material (i.e., framework) and void spaces, a meticulous process of “nano‐architecting” of the available space is necessary. Conventional porous materials such as mesoporous silica, zeolites, and metal–organic frameworks lack advanced cooperative functionalities owing to their largely monotonous pore geometries and limited conductivities. To overcome these limitations and develop functional structures with surface‐specific functions, the novel materials space‐tectonics methodology has been proposed for future materials synthesis. This review summarizes recent examples of materials synthesis based on designing building blocks (i.e., tectons) and their hybridization, along with practical guidelines for implementing materials syntheses and state‐of‐the‐art examples of practical applications. Lastly, the potential integration of materials space‐tectonics with emerging technologies, such as materials informatics, is discussed.

Materials Space-Tectonics: Atomic-level Compositional and Spatial Control Methodologies for Synthesis of Future Materials.

This review proposes a novel methodology, materials space-tectonics, as a game-changing concept of materials synthesis. Many reactions occur at surfaces and interfaces, making the formation of well-designed surface and interfacial structures a crucial matter. To establish both a bulk material body (i.e., framework) and an empty void space, careful consideration is required to "nano-architect" the space. Traditional porous materials, such as mesoporous silicas, zeolites, and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), lack advanced cooperative functionalities due to their largely monotonous pore geometries and limited conductivities. To overcome these limitations and create functional structures with surface-specific functions, "Materials space-tectonics" is proposed as a game-changing methodology for future materials synthesis. This review summarizes recent examples of materials synthesis according to the synthesis of building blocks (i.e., tectons) and their hybridization. It also provides practical tips for successfully implementing materials syntheses and showcase various state-of-the-art performances from the viewpoint of practical applications. Finally, the potential integration of materials space-tectonics with emerging technologies such as materials informatics is discussed.

Fate of dissolved organic matter affected by oxytetracycline tolerant microorganisms during chicken manure composting

This study explored the interaction among the components of dissolved organic matter (DOM), environmental factors and oxytetracycline (OTC) tolerant bacteria during chicken manure composting using Parallel Factor Analysis (PARAFAC) and 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. The results revealed that the OTC residues in chicken manure may affect the transformation between the protein-like component (C1) and humus-like component (C2 and C3) during composting. The transformation of DOM components under the OTC stress was indirect by affecting the microbial community activity. The OTC tolerant bacteria that still exist after the high temperature period of composting had a significant positive correlation between the humification process. The correlations of the dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total nitrogen (TN), and core OTC tolerant bacteria with DOM components, which enhanced the cooperative function of DOM component transformation. To clarify the influence of OTC residue on the humification process can promote the composting carbon fixation and improve composting quality.

Antibody induction and immune response in nasal cavity by third dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination

BackgroundThe mucosa serves as the first defence against pathogens and facilitates the surveillance and elimination of symbiotic bacteria by mucosal immunity. Recently, the mRNA vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated to induce secretory antibodies in the oral and nasal cavities in addition to a systemic immune response. However, the mechanism of induced immune stimulation effect on mucosal immunity and commensal bacteria profile remains unclear.MethodsHere, we longitudinally analysed the changing nasal microbiota and both systemic and nasal immune response upon SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination, and evaluated how mRNA vaccination influenced nasal microbiota in 18 healthy participants who had received the third BNT162b.ResultsThe nasal S-RBD IgG level correlated significantly with plasma IgG levels until 1 month and the levels were sustained for 3 months post-vaccination. In contrast, nasal S-RBD IgA induction peaked at 1 month, albeit slightly, and correlated only with plasma IgA, but the induction level decreased markedly at 3 months post-vaccination. 16 S rRNA sequencing of the nasal microbiota post-vaccination revealed not an overall change, but a decrease in certain opportunistic bacteria, mainly Fusobacterium. The decrease in these bacteria was more pronounced in those who exhibited nasal S-RBD IgA induction, and those with higher S-RBD IgA induction had lower relative amounts of potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas pre-vaccination. In addition, plasma and mucosal S-RBD IgG levels correlated with decreased commensal pathogens such as Finegoldia.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the third dose of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination induced S-RBD antibodies in the nasal mucosa and may have stimulated mucosal immunity against opportunistic bacterial pathogens. This effect, albeit probably secondary, may be considered one of the benefits of mRNA vaccination. Furthermore, our data suggest that a cooperative function of mucosal and systemic immunity in the reduction of bacteria and provides a better understanding of the symbiotic relationship between the host and bacteria in the nasal mucosa.

Power Transition, Neo Regionalism, and Neo Functionalism: Unraveling the Power Dynamics in BRICS

International Relations theories play a crucial role in understanding the dynamics between nations. Therefore, this research paper explores the power dynamics in emerging nations through the lens of international relations theories, specifically focusing on the role of power transition, neo-regionalism, and neo-functionalism. Power transition theory examines the shifts in global power and influence among nations, shedding light on the changing dynamics within BRICS.Neo-regionalism highlights the growing trend of regional cooperation and integration, providing insights into the regional dynamics within BRICS. Neo-functionalism explores how functional cooperation in specific areas can lead to deeper integration and collaboration among the BRICS nations. By analyzing these theories, this research paper aims to unravel the power dynamics within BRICS and their implications for the international stage. The findings of this study will contribute to a better understanding of how power is distributed and cooperation evolves within BRICS.

VmPacC-mediated pH regulation of Valsa mali confers to host acidification identified by comparative proteomics analysis

Apple valsa canker caused by the Ascomycete fungus Valsa mali is one of the most serious diseases of apple, resulting in huge economic losses in the apple-growing area of China. Previous study found that the pathogen could acidify the infected tissues to make lower ambient pH (from 6.0 to 3.5) for their successfully colonization. The pH signaling transcription factor VmPacC is required for acidification of its environment and for full virulence in V. mali. It is known that the functional cooperation of proteins secreted by V. mali plays pivotal role in its successful colonization of host plants. In this study, we used tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling coupled with LC-MS/MS-based quantitative proteomics to analyze the VmPacC-mediated pH regulation in V. mali, focusing on differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). We identified 222 DEPs specific to VmPacC deletion, and 921 DEPs specific to different pH conditions (pH 6.0 and 3.4). Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses indicated that these DEPs were mainly involved in pathways associated with carbon metabolism, biosynthesis of antibiotics, citrate cycle (TCA cycle), glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, glutathione metabolism, ribosomes, and pentose phosphate pathways. Additionally, we identified 119 DEPs that were shared among the VmPacC deletion mutant and different pH conditions, which were mainly related to energy metabolism pathways, providing the energy required for the hyphal growth and responses to environmental stresses. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis indicated that most of the shared proteins were mapped to an interaction network with a medium confidence score of 0.4. Notably, one uncharacterized protein (KUI69106.1), and two known proteins (heat shock protein 60 (KUI73579.1), aspartate aminotransferase (KUI73864.1)) located in the core of the network were highly connected (with ≥ 38 directed edges) with the other shared DEPs. Our results suggest that VmPacC participates in the pathogen’s regulation to ambient pH through the regulation of energy metabolism pathways such as the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway and TCA cycle. Finally, we proposed a sophisticated molecular regulatory network to explain pH decrease in V. mali. Our study, by providing insights into V. mali regulating pH, helps to elucidate the mechanisms of host acidification during pathogen infection.

Development support of agricultural cooperation in Ukraine by public institutions

Problem statement. It is important to encourage entrepreneurial activity in various areas for the development of rural areas. One of the means of boosting local economic development is to promote the formation and development of agricultural cooperatives. Analysis of recent research and publications. In order to create effective conditions for the development of agricultural cooperatives, scientists and experts suggested the following ways: informational support of the agricultural cooperative movement by the state; easing tax pressure; strengthening cooperation between agricultural cooperatives and higher education institutions; using international experience of cooperation between commodity producers; development of advisory and consulting services in the field of functioning of agricultural cooperatives, etc. Under the conditions of war and in the post-war period, the proposals given by FAO specialists are relevant, in particular: to include small landowners and cooperatives, especially those located in the affected areas, in sustainable production chains. In general, a wide range of experts and scientists considered the topic of the activities of agricultural cooperatives in Ukraine. At the same time, the practice of cooperatives functioning in Ukraine and changes in legislation require reasonable proposals to support the development of agricultural cooperation. Highlighting the previously unsolved parts of the general problem. Opportunities detection for support from various public institutions and improving legislation are important areas of research regarding the further development of agricultural cooperation in Ukraine. Presentation of the main material. In November 2020, the updated law of Ukraine “On agricultural cooperation” came into force. The new law defines that members of an agricultural cooperative can choose whether to be a profitable organization or to work with no purpose of making a profit. The generated profit can be reinvested in promising business initiatives. The additional opportunities that producers receive through participation in agricultural cooperatives are primarily related to facilitating the product’s sale. One of the advantages is the possibility of joint financing by participants of agricultural cooperatives of product storage processes. Various public institutions can contribute to agricultural cooperation development in accordance with their capabilities. Thus, experts suggest that the Agricultural Exchange consider the possibility of accreditation of agricultural cooperatives under a simplified system and provide them with holidays to pay the exchange fee. There is a positive experience of assistance in the formation and development of agricultural cooperatives by advisory services. Agricultural cooperatives receive additional opportunities to access material and financial resources thanks to international technical assistance. The result of such assistance is not only an increase in revenues to local budgets from the operation of business entities but also the creation of new jobs and the unification of people living in territorial communities. It will be advisable to identify in the territorial community a person, responsible for consulting and training on agricultural cooperation in the context of expanding the powers of local self-government bodies. An example of cooperation between public organizations, experts, and local governments is their participation in the EU4Business International Technical Assistance Program: Competitiveness and Internationalization of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in 2021–2022. It is also planned to conduct a series of training on the development of entrepreneurship, including agricultural cooperation at the following program stages. Conclusions and prospects for further research. Since local self-government bodies and public organizations are the closest to entrepreneurship, their activity and communication with the population of rural areas can contribute to the expansion of the development of agricultural cooperation. Expert consulting services in the field of agricultural cooperation development can be provided by educational institutions, advisory services, various public organizations, and other public institutions. Further research should be directed to the dissemination of the territorial communities' experience where agricultural cooperatives are successfully functioning.

A mutation in the coronavirus nsp13-helicase impairs enzymatic activity and confers partial remdesivir resistance.

Coronaviruses (CoVs) encode nonstructural proteins 1-16 (nsps 1-16) which form replicase complexes that mediate viral RNA synthesis. Remdesivir (RDV) is an adenosine nucleoside analog antiviral that inhibits CoV RNA synthesis. RDV resistance mutations have been reported only in the nonstructural protein 12 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (nsp12-RdRp). We here show that a substitution mutation in the nsp13-helicase (nsp13-HEL A335V) of the betacoronavirus murine hepatitis virus (MHV) that was selected during passage with the RDV parent compound confers partial RDV resistance independently and additively when expressed with co-selected RDV resistance mutations in the nsp12-RdRp. The MHV A335V substitution did not enhance replication or competitive fitness compared to WT MHV and remained sensitive to the active form of the cytidine nucleoside analog antiviral molnupiravir (MOV). Biochemical analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 helicase encoding the homologous substitution (A336V) demonstrates that the mutant protein retained the ability to associate with the core replication proteins nsps 7, 8, and 12 but had impaired helicase unwinding and ATPase activity. Together, these data identify a novel determinant of nsp13-HEL enzymatic activity, define a new genetic pathway for RDV resistance, and demonstrate the importance of surveillance for and testing of helicase mutations that arise in SARS-CoV-2 genomes. IMPORTANCE Despite the development of effective vaccines against COVID-19, the continued circulation and emergence of new variants support the need for antivirals such as RDV. Understanding pathways of antiviral resistance is essential for surveillance of emerging variants, development of combination therapies, and for identifying potential new targets for viral inhibition. We here show a novel RDV resistance mutation in the CoV helicase also impairs helicase functions, supporting the importance of studying the individual and cooperative functions of the replicase nonstructural proteins 7-16 during CoV RNA synthesis. The homologous nsp13-HEL mutation (A336V) has been reported in the GISAID database of SARS-CoV-2 genomes, highlighting the importance of surveillance of and genetic testing for nucleoside analog resistance in the helicase.

Tuning charge transfer and magnetic properties in LaCoO3/LaMnO3/LaCoO3 trilayers by oxygen content

In this manuscript, perovskite oxide LaCoO3/LaMnO3/LaCoO3 (LLL) trilayers and the single-layer LaMnO3 (LMO) and LaCoO3 (LCO) films are epitaxially grown on (001)-oriented SrTiO3 substrates by polymer-assisted deposition combining with heat treating in Ar, air, and O2 atmospheres, respectively. The crystal structure and magnetic properties are investigated. It is found that the responses of LMO and LCO films to oxygen content are different, and the magnetic property of LMO is more sensitivity to oxygen content than that of LCO. The oxygen content can directly affect the structure and magnetic properties of LMO and LCO layers, which, in turn, modulate the interfacial magnetic properties of the LLL trilayers through interlayer coupling. By comparison with the magnetic properties of the single-layer films, an abnormal ferromagnetic (FM) transition is found in the LLL trilayers at around 216 K, besides two known FM transitions corresponding to those in the LCO and LMO layers, respectively. It is suggested that the abnormal FM transition is attributed to Mn4+–O–Co2+ FM super-exchange interaction, which is induced by the charge transfer from Mn3+ to Co3+ ions and the interlayer coupling between the LMO and LCO layers. The interlayer coupling of the trilayers, including the interfacial coupling and the diffusion-induced inlayer coupling, dominates the interface properties, which are tuned by oxygen content-dependent charge transfer. The cooperative function of the orbital/charge structure and the interlayer coupling dominates the magnetic properties of the LLL trilayer under the tensile strain. These findings provide new avenues to regulate the electronic and magnetic states of perovskite oxide multilayers and another way to the development of multifunctional electronic devices.

Membrane shapers from two distinct superfamilies cooperate in the development of neuronal morphology.

Membrane-shaping proteins are driving forces behind establishment of proper cell morphology and function. Yet, their reported structural and in vitro properties are noticeably inconsistent with many physiological membrane topology requirements. We demonstrate that dendritic arborization of neurons is powered by physically coordinated shaping mechanisms elicited by members of two distinct classes of membrane shapers: the F-BAR protein syndapin I and the N-Ank superfamily protein ankycorbin. Strikingly, membrane-tubulating activities by syndapin I, which would be detrimental during dendritic branching, were suppressed by ankycorbin. Ankycorbin's integration into syndapin I-decorated membrane surfaces instead promoted curvatures and topologies reflecting those observed physiologically. In line with the functional importance of this mechanism, ankycorbin- and syndapin I-mediated functions in dendritic arborization mutually depend on each other and on a surprisingly specific interface mediating complex formation of the two membrane shapers. These striking results uncovered cooperative and interdependent functions of members of two fundamentally different membrane shaper superfamilies as a previously unknown, pivotal principle in neuronal shape development.

CONVERGENCE AND PRAGMATISM IN STRUCTURING THE EU DEFENCE PLANNING PROCESS. THE IMPORTANCE OF THE COORDINATED ANNUAL REVIEW ON DEFENCE (CARD)

European defence cooperation has recently made significant progress in a wide range of instruments aimed in particular at streamlining the way in which defence capabilities are generated under the auspices of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). In this context, there is also an interest in optimising the defence planning process by strengthening the integrated nature and ensuring interconnectivity between the different CSDP-related initiatives, such as the Permanent Structured Cooperation, the European Defence Fund or the Capability Development Plan. Thus, the launch of the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD) is an endeavour to help harmonise these initiatives by identifying concrete opportunities for cooperation between Member States and making recommendations to guide cooperation between Member States. The potential of CARD has been preliminary tested within two operating cycles, with promising results and practical effects in generating optimal formulas for the use of Member States’ resources. From this perspective, the study aims to deepen the way CARD contributes to the creation of an integrated framework for the functioning of European defence cooperation. The article also proposes a comprehensive perspective by analysing how CARD contributes to guiding the interaction between Member States on the capability dimension and, last but not least, to strengthening EU-NATO complementarity. The main premise of this approach is precisely to value the potential of CARD to ensure the sustainability of cooperation under the aegis of CSDP. At the same time, the overriding interest of Member States in ensuring the transposition of the recommendations and cooperation priorities identified by CARD at the level of national defence planning processes is considered.

Distributed fuzzy learning sliding mode cooperative control for non-affine nonlinear multi-missile guidance systems via a prescribed performance observer

This paper focuses on the distributed fuzzy learning sliding mode cooperative control issue for non-affine nonlinear multi-missile guidance systems. The dynamics of each follower is non-affine form with unknown lumped factor. To estimate the unknown lumped factor, a generalized fuzzy hyperbolic model (GFHM) based prescribed performance observer (PPO) is proposed. Different from the traditional disturbance observers, a residual set of error transient behavior is incorporated additionally so that the peak phenomenon can be avoided. Meanwhile, an auxiliary system is employed to convert the system of each follower to augmented affine form. Then, a distributed fuzzy learning sliding mode cooperative control approach is designed which consists of two parts. The adaptive sliding mode control (SMC) part is designed to force the states to move along the predefined integral sliding surface. For the equivalent sliding dynamics, the distributed optimal control part with GFHM is developed to minimize the cooperative performance function. Thus, the stability and the optimality of the closed-loop system are guaranteed synchronously. Finally, all signals of closed-loop system are rigorously proved bounded and the multi-missile cooperative guidance scenario is applied to verify the effectiveness of proposed method.

Multiagent-Based Consensus Optimal Control for Microgrid With External Disturbances via Zero-Sum Game Strategy

Due to the fact that the external disturbances are unavoidable in nonlinear microgrids (MGs) systems, which could induce the oscillate of controller, leading to the excessive line loss, and the nonlinear could also result in the controller design difficulty in MGs. Therefore, based on the distributed consensus algorithm of multi-agent systems, this paper studies the distributed voltage recovery consensus optimal control problem for the MGs with nonlinear item and external disturbances. Firstly, the distributed secondary voltage restoration consensus control problem can be transformed into a distributed zero-sum (ZS) differential game problem of the voltage restoration consensus tracking error dynamics via applying the adaptive command-filtered backstepping technique, in which the auxiliary system and neural networks (NNs) are introduced to solve the unknown nonlinearities and external disturbances. Subsequently, the distributed voltage restoration consensus optimal control protocol is constructed via ZS differential game algorithm to achieve the voltage recovery of island MGs, in which a critic network is proposed to estimate the associated cooperative cost function online with a designed weight update law. Further, the consensus optimal control protocol proposed not only ensures the cooperative cost function to be minimized, but also ensures in the closed-loop systems all signals to be cooperatively uniformly ultimately bounded (CUUB). In addition, based on the Lyapunov stability theory, it is proved that the voltage recovery synchronization error can converge to an arbitrarily small range near the origin. Finally, simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller in island MG.

Structure of reverse gyrase with a minimal latch that supports ATP-dependent positive supercoiling without specific interactions with the topoisomerase domain.

Reverse gyrase is the only topoisomerase that introduces positive supercoils into DNA in an ATP-dependent reaction. Positive DNA supercoiling becomes possible through the functional cooperation of the N-terminal helicase domain of reverse gyrase with its C-terminal type IA topoisomerase domain. This cooperation is mediated by a reverse-gyrase-specific insertion into the helicase domain termed the `latch'. The latch consists of a globular domain inserted at the top of a β-bulge loop that connects this globular part to the helicase domain. While the globular domain shows little conservation in sequence and length andis dispensable for DNA supercoiling, the β-bulge loop is required for supercoiling activity. It has previously been shown that the β-bulge loop constitutes a minimal latch that couples ATP-dependent processes in the helicase domain to DNA processing by the topoisomerase domain. Here, the crystal structure of Thermotoga maritima reverse gyrase with such a β-bulge loop as a minimal latch is reported. It is shown that the β-bulge loop supports ATP-dependent DNA supercoiling of reverse gyrase without engaging in specific interactions with the topoisomerase domain. When only a small latch or no latch is present, a helix in the nearby helicase domain of T. maritima reverse gyrase partially unfolds. Comparison of the sequences and predicted structures of latch regions in other reverse gyrases shows that neither sequence nor structure are decisive factors for latch functionality; instead, the decisive factors are likely to be electrostatics and plain steric bulk.

Oskar acts with the transcription factor Creb to regulate long-term memory in crickets

Novel genes have the potential to drive the evolution of new biological mechanisms, or to integrate into preexisting regulatory circuits and contribute to the regulation of older, conserved biological functions. One such gene, the novel insect-specific gene oskar, was first identified based on its role in establishing the Drosophila melanogaster germ line. We previously showed that this gene likely arose through an unusual domain transfer event involving bacterial endosymbionts and played a somatic role before evolving its well-known germ line function. Here, we provide empirical support for this hypothesis in the form of evidence for a neural role for oskar. We show that oskar is expressed in the adult neural stem cells of a hemimetabolous insect, the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus. In these stem cells, called neuroblasts, oskar is required together with the ancient animal transcription factor Creb to regulate long-term (but not short-term) olfactory memory. We provide evidence that oskar positively regulates Creb, which plays a conserved role in long-term memory across animals, and that oskar in turn may be a direct target of Creb. Together with previous reports of a role for oskar in nervous system development and function in crickets and flies, our results are consistent with the hypothesis that oskar's original somatic role may have been in the insect nervous system. Moreover, its colocalization and functional cooperation with the conserved pluripotency gene piwi in the nervous system may have facilitated oskar's later co-option to the germ line in holometabolous insects.

PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF FUNCTIONING OF CREDIT UNIONS IN UKRAINE

The article examines the theoretical and practical principles of the functioning of credit unions in Ukraine at the current stage. Scientific and methodical approaches to defining the economic category «credit cooperation» have been analyzed. It was determined that in Ukraine the credit cooperation functions in the form of credit unions. The definition of a credit union as a non-profit organization founded by individuals, trade unions, and their associations on a cooperative basis with the aim of meeting the needs of its members in mutual lending and providing financial services at the expense of the combined monetary contributions of the members of the credit union is generalized. The impact of the credit cooperatives on the development of economic entities at the level of social well-being of the population and the national economy as a whole has been studied. It was established that credit unions belong to high-risk financial institutions, since they operate with citizens’ funds, they occupy a special place among the majority of financial intermediaries operating in the financial services market of Ukraine. It has been proven that the difference of credit unions and at the same time their advantage among the other financial and credit institutions lies in the ability to accumulate cheap monetary resources, use them to develop business needs and increase consumer demand. The influence of the military-political crisis on the work of the non-banking sector of the economy, in particular, on credit cooperation, is determined. The financial indicators of credit unions in Ukraine were analyzed and it was stated that these indicators have been deteriorating since 2018. A retrospective assessment of subjective and objective factors affecting the functioning of credit unions was carried out, and problems and prospects for their development were outlined. A number of problems are listed, the solution of which will allow credit unions in Ukraine to return to an effective direction. It was determined that the introduction of a system of control over the activities of credit unions, the introduction of strict regulations and requirements regarding the adequacy of own capital will contribute to the development of this segment of the financial services market. A method of solving the problems of the operation of credit unions is proposed, which lies in the plane of professional organizations through the centralization of some functions in order to make them cheaper, the creation of accumulative funds for development and education.

A local subset of mesenchymal cells expressing the transcription factor Osr1 orchestrates lymph node initiation

During development, lymph node (LN) initiation is coordinated by lymphoid tissue organizer (LTo) cells that attract lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells at strategic positions within the embryo. The identity and function of LTo cells during the initial attraction of LTi cells remain poorly understood. Using lineage tracing, we demonstrated that a subset of Osr1-expressing cells was mesenchymal LTo progenitors. By investigating the heterogeneity of Osr1+ cells, we uncovered distinct mesenchymal LTo signatures at diverse anatomical locations, identifying a common progenitor of mesenchymal LTos and LN-associated adipose tissue. Osr1 was essential for LN initiation, driving the commitment of mesenchymal LTo cells independent of neural retinoic acid, and for LN-associated lymphatic vasculature assembly. The combined action of chemokines CXCL13 and CCL21 was required for LN initiation. Our results redefine the role and identity of mesenchymal organizer cells and unify current views by proposing a model of cooperative cell function in LN initiation.

Organelle Membrane Extensions in Mammalian Cells.

Organelles within eukaryotic cells are not isolated static compartments, instead being morphologically diverse and highly dynamic in order to respond to cellular needs and carry out their diverse and cooperative functions. One phenomenon exemplifying this plasticity, and increasingly gaining attention, is the extension and retraction of thin tubules from organelle membranes. While these protrusions have been observed in morphological studies for decades, their formation, properties and functions are only beginning to be understood. In this review, we provide an overview of what is known and still to be discovered about organelle membrane protrusions in mammalian cells, focusing on the best-characterised examples of these membrane extensions arising from peroxisomes (ubiquitous organelles involved in lipid metabolism and reactive oxygen species homeostasis) and mitochondria. We summarise the current knowledge on the diversity of peroxisomal/mitochondrial membrane extensions, as well as the molecular mechanisms by which they extend and retract, necessitating dynamic membrane remodelling, pulling forces and lipid flow. We also propose broad cellular functions for these membrane extensions in inter-organelle communication, organelle biogenesis, metabolism and protection, and finally present a mathematical model that suggests that extending protrusions is the most efficient way for an organelle to explore its surroundings.