Matrix Reloaded Research Articles

Nonviolent Utopias: heroes transgressing the gender binary in the Matrix Resurrections

ABSTRACT The Matrix franchise constructs its narrative and aesthetic elements using a global frame of reference, drawing on many film genres to build its cyberpunk world and heroes. Despite the original film’s utopian visions, The Matrix fell short of its promises in favour of traditional Hollywood ideals, including binary gendered relations and an individualistic hero. The issue was further compounded with The Matrix Reloaded (2003) and The Matrix Revolutions (2003) and their irresolution of the trilogy’s central man versus machine conflict. With The Matrix Resurrections (2021), the franchise is able to shift its focus and re-present its heroes as inversions of traditional gender norms. This paper explores The Matrix Resurrections’ deviations from the original trilogy and proposes a re-reading of “The Matrix” and its heroes as embodying a nonviolent, queer utopia. Strengthened through its religious narratives, the film reconstructs Neo’s heroic masculinity and presents Trinity as his inseparable counterpart, with both characters attaining heroism through their mastering of the body. Resurrections is ultimately able to depict a utopian vision beyond gender binaries and fulfil the promises set out with The Matrix (1999).

(Foundation-)Matrix Reloaded

In einer Vorbemerkung werden jene brillanten, meist jüdisch-deutschsprachigen Intellektuellen des 20. Jahrhunderts in Mitteleuropa gewürdigt, die den Hintergrund – die Matrix – bildeten, aus denen Foulkes seine Ideen von Matrix und Grundlagenmatrix entwickelte. Nach einer Erinnerung an die Definition und einer Zusammenfassung des Begriffs der Grundlagenmatrix wird dieses Konzept diskutiert und mit anderen Theorien verglichen, die sich mit transpersonalen Prozessen beschäftigen wie das »soziale Unbewusste« und die »Großgruppenidentität«. Der Artikel schließt mit einem Plädoyer für ein sehr präzises gruppenanalytisches Denken, weil andernfalls die Gefahr besteht, dass die Konzepte – sollte ihr Prozesscharakter vernachlässigt werden – zur Untermauerung einer rechten/faschistischen Argumentation verwendet werden könnten.

The matrix reloaded – Addressing structural integrity of the aortic wall in aneurysmal disease

Thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAADs) involve dilation of the aortic wall that can lead to tearing or rupture. Progressive extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation is common in TAAD, regardless of the underlying cause. TAAD treatments typically target cellular signaling pathways, rather than the ECM itself, due to the complex assembly process and long half-life of ECM proteins. Compounds that stabilize the ECM are proposed as an alternative TAAD therapy that addresses the underlying cause of aortic wall failure, namely compromised structural integrity. Compounds are discussed that revisit historical approaches to maintain and preserve structural integrity of biological tissues.

Explaining Monetary Spillovers: The Matrix Reloaded

AbstractThis paper relies on a high‐frequency identification approach to provide new insights into monetary policy spillovers by major central banks. Our long and broad sample (1999–2019, from four major economies to 47 advanced and emerging market economies) allows us to accurately identify the properties of spillovers and to shed light on different transmission channels. We find that spillovers by the Fed to foreign interest rates are economically large, but more surprisingly, document an intensification of spillovers by the European Central Bank over time. Spillovers are more significant to bond yields in advanced economies than they are to those in emerging markets. Differentiating across key spillover channels, we find strongest support for a financial links channel, but weaker evidence for the macroeconomic links channel and foreign exchange regime channel.

The (Extracellular) Matrix Reloaded: Imaging Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity.

Gelatinase Biosensor Reports Cellular Remodeling During Epileptogenesis Bouquier N, Girard B, Arias JA, Fagni L, Bertaso F, Perroy J. Front Synaptic Neurosci. 2020;12:15. doi:10.3389/fnsyn.2020.00015Epileptogenesis is the gradual process responsible for converting a healthy brain into an epileptic brain. This process can be triggered by a wide range of factors, including brain injury or tumors, infections, and status epilepticus. Epileptogenesis results in aberrant synaptic plasticity, neuroinflammation, and seizure-induced cell death. As matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a crucial role in cellular plasticity by remodeling the extracellular matrix, gelatinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) were recently highlighted as key players in epileptogenesis. In this work, we engineered a biosensor to report in situ gelatinase activity in a model of epileptogenesis. This biosensor encompasses a gelatinase-sensitive activatable cell penetrating peptide (ACPP) coupled to a TAMRA fluorophore, allowing fluorescence uptake in cells displaying endogenous gelatinase activities. In a preclinical mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy, the intrahippocampal kainate injection, ACPPs revealed a localized distribution of gelatinase activities, refining temporal cellular changes during epileptogenesis. The activity was found particularly but not only in the ipsilateral hippocampus, starting from the CA1 area and spreading to dentate gyrus from the early stages throughout chronic epilepsy, notably in neurons and microglial cells. Thus, our work shows that ACPPs are suitable molecular imaging probes for detecting the spatiotemporal pattern of gelatinase activity during epileptogenesis, suggesting their possible use as vectors to target cellular reactive changes with treatment for epileptogenesis.

Therapy Resistance, Cancer Stem Cells and ECM in Cancer: The Matrix Reloaded

Simple SummaryThe extracellular matrix (ECM) has emerged as a critical part of the tumor microenvironment. This glycoprotein- and proteoglycan-rich part of the tumor serves as a niche for the enrichment of cancer stem cells that can drive resistance to therapy and metastasis. Additionally, the ECM can act as a barrier to drug delivery, thereby physically contributing to resistance to therapy. This review summarizes the role of the ECM in enriching for cancer stem cells and how it contributes to therapy resistance in cancer. Finally, it discusses the attempts to develop molecules that can target the ECM as potential therapy options.The extracellular matrix (ECM) has remained an enigmatic component of the tumor microenvironment. It drives metastasis via its interaction with the integrin signaling pathway, contributes to tumor progression and confers therapy resistance by providing a physical barrier around the tumor. The complexity of the ECM lies in its heterogeneous composition and complex glycosylation that can provide a support matrix as well as trigger oncogenic signaling pathways by interacting with the tumor cells. In this review, we attempt to dissect the role of the ECM in enriching for the treatment refractory cancer stem cell population and how it may be involved in regulating their metabolic needs. Additionally, we discuss how the ECM is instrumental in remodeling the tumor immune microenvironment and the potential ways to target this component in order to develop a viable therapy.

Copts and the Security State: Violence, Coercion, and Sectarianism in Contemporary Egypt

Copts and the Security State: Violence, Coercion, and Sectarianism in Contemporary Egypt

Explaining Monetary Spillovers: The Matrix Reloaded

Using monetary policy shocks for seven advanced economy central banks, measured at high-frequency, we document the strength and characteristics of interest rate spillovers to 47 advanced and emerging market economies. Our main goal is to assess different channels through which spillovers occur and why some countries' interest rates respond more than others. We find that there is no evidence that spillovers relate to real linkages, such as trade flows. There is some indication that exchange rate regimes influence the extent of spillovers. By far the strongest determinant of interest rate spillovers is financial openness. Countries that have stronger bilateral (and aggregate) financial links with the US or euro area are susceptible to stronger interest rate spillovers. These effects are much more pronounced at the longer end of the yield curve, indicating that while countries retain policy rate independence, financial conditions are influenced by global yields.

More ties than we thought

We extend the existing enumeration of neck tie-knots to include tie-knots with a textured front, tied with the narrow end of a tie. These tie-knots have gained popularity in recent years, based on reconstructions of a costume detail from The Matrix Reloaded, and are explicitly ruled out in the enumeration by Fink and Mao (2000). We show that the relaxed tie-knot description language that comprehensively describes these extended tie-knot classes is context free. It has a regular sub-language that covers all the knots that originally inspired the work. From the full language, we enumerate 266682 distinct tie-knots that seem tie-able with a normal neck-tie. Out of these 266682, we also enumerate 24882 tie-knots that belong to the regular sub-language.

The Matrix Reloaded: Probing the Extracellular Matrix Synchronizes Bacterial Communities.

In response to chemical communication, bacterial cells often organize themselves into complex multicellular communities that carry out specialized tasks. These communities are frequently referred to as biofilms, which involve collective behavior of different cell types. Like cells of multicellular eukaryotes, the biofilm cells are surrounded by self-produced polymers that constitute the extracellular matrix (ECM), which binds them to each other and to the surface. In multicellular eukaryotes, it has been evident for decades that cell-ECM interactions control multiple cellular processes during development. While cells, both in biofilms and in multicellular eukaryotes, are surrounded by ECM and activate various genetic programs, until recently it has been unclear whether cell-ECM interactions are recruited in bacterial communicative behaviors. In this review, we will describe the examples reported thus far for ECM involvement in control of cell behavior throughout the different stages of biofilm formation. The studies presented in this review provide a newly emerging perspective of the bacterial ECM as an active player in regulation of biofilm development.

(Foundation-)Matrix Reloaded—Some Remarks on a Useful Concept and Its Pitfalls

In a preliminary remark those brilliant—mostly Jewish–German speaking intellectuals of the 20th-century in central Europe are acknowledged, who formed the background—the matrix—from which Foulkes developed his ideas of matrix and foundation matrix. After recalling the definition and summarizing the notion of foundation matrix, this concept is discussed, comparing it to other theories that aim at large scale transpersonal processes, namely the ‘social unconscious’ and ‘large group identity’. The article closes pleading for very precise group analytic thinking, advising against the possibility that the concepts—if their process character is neglected—could be used to underpin a right wing/fascist argument.

Quantification and Substitution: The Abstract Space of Virtual Cinematography

In order to assign space value and enter it into an exchange economy, capitalism works to reduce it to an abstract plan. Writing about this process, Henri Lefebvre coins the term ‘abstract space’ and describes the logics of this kind of space in detail. These logics are also at work in the digitally animated spaces of virtual cinematography, such as those used in The Matrix Reloaded (Andy and Larry Wachowski, 2003). Creating totalized, predictable spaces and populating them with highly instrumental and manageable digital replacements of actors (sometimes known as synthespians), virtual cinematography takes space and individuals to be open to geometric abstraction. Using Lefebvre’s work to interpret this virtual spatial production allows a critical evaluation of the motives and consequences of this kind of computer animation to take place, and emphasizes the manner in which virtual cinematography joins up with other visual systems of spatial representation and quantification.

Development of a Decellularized Lung Bioreactor System for Bioengineering the Lung: The Matrix Reloaded

We developed a decellularized murine lung matrix bioreactor system that could be used to evaluate the potential of stem cells to regenerate lung tissue. Lungs from 2-3-month-old C57BL/6 female mice were excised en bloc with the trachea and heart, and decellularized with sequential solutions of distilled water, detergents, NaCl, and porcine pancreatic DNase. The remaining matrix was cannulated and suspended in small airway growth medium, attached to a ventilator to simulate normal, murine breathing-induced stretch. After 7 days in an incubator, lung matrices were analyzed histologically. Scanning electron microscopy and histochemical staining demonstrated that the pulmonary matrix was intact and that the geographic placement of the proximal and distal airways, alveoli and vessels, and the basement membrane of these structures all remained intact. Decellularization was confirmed by the absence of nuclear 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining and negative polymerase chain reaction for genomic DNA. Collagen content was maintained at normal levels. Elastin, laminin, and glycosaminglycans were also present, although at lower levels compared to nondecellularized lungs. The decellularized lung matrix bioreactor was capable of supporting growth of fetal alveolar type II cells. Analysis of day 7 cryosections of fetal-cell-injected lung matrices showed pro-Sp-C, cytokeratin 18, and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole-positive cells lining alveolar areas that appeared to be attached to the matrix. These data illustrate the potential of using decellularized lungs as a natural three-dimensional bioengineering matrix as well as provide a model for the study of lung regeneration from pulmonary stem cells.

The Matrix Reloaded: New Insights from Type IV Collagen Derived Endogenous Angiogenesis Inhibitors and their Mechanism of Action

Angiogenesis, the process of neovascularization fro m parent blood vessels, is a prerequisite for many physiologi- cal and pathological conditions that is regulated b y a balance between the levels of endogenous angiog enic stimu- lators and matrix reloaded angiogenic regulators. S everal non-collagenous carboxy terminal end domains in chains of type IV collagen matrix reloaded molecule s selectively interact with proliferating endotheli al cells by binding to distinct integrins and regulate intracel lular signaling and inhibit angiogenesis. This revi ew will focus on the current understanding of extra cellular matrix type IV collagen reloaded endogenous angiogenesis i nhibitors and their mechanism of action.

The Power of Black Magic

Movies featuring a “magical” or spiritually gifted Black lead character have been released for many years, and the trend continues to grow in popularity. These Black characters, often referred to as “magical Negroes,” generally focus their abilities toward assisting their White lead counterparts. At first glance, casting the Black and White leads in this manner seems to provide examples of Black and White characters relating to each other in a constructive manner; however, a closer examination of these interactions suggests a reinvention of old Black stereotypes rather than authentic racial harmony. Using a textual analysis of eight selected films: the Matrix trilogy— The Matrix (1999), The Matrix Reloaded (2003), and The Matrix Revolutions (2003)— The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000), The Green Mile (1999), Bringing Down the House (2003), Nurse Betty (2000), and Bruce Almighty (2003), this study formalizes a definition of the magical Negro and determines how these characterizations reinvent traditional Black stereotypes of mammy, jezebel, and Uncle Tom. This study reflects on the complex nature of the portrayal and acceptance of Blacks in contemporary times because these roles may commingle limited progress with traditionally racist stereotypes.

Free Flesh: The Matrix, the War on Iraq and the Torture of Democracy

Something is always lost to the sovereign, democratic, liberal or otherwise. This is the very function of law, but in contemporary times of (anti) terror, when obedience demands obeisance and protection from terror includes torture, it is becoming increasingly difficult in the United States, Australia and Britain to imagine a `fair and free contract' with the sovereign. What is to be done? Purchasing freedom as cars, perfume and fries performs one evasion of the violence of the sovereign decision. The collapse of signification into the product is an effective gesture to enable a liberal democratic subject to imagine it is obtaining or ingesting freedom in the cloth or, as a food group. Similarly, offering freedom as a gift to the Middle East enacts a denial or even foreclosure that speaks of freedom as if it can be administered militarily. This article discusses the mirroring of the imagery in the Wachowski brothers' Matrix Trilogy with contemporary political rhetoric in the West on the War on Iraq and on the use of torture. The momentous copulating of Trinity and Neo in Matrix Reloaded, I argue, offers both the characters and cinemagoers the promise of the birth of freedom from the white loins of the characters. This birth mirrors the promise of a birth of freedom qua capitalist democracy from the loins of the White House and further renders freedom a product or gift which can be quantified and possessed, obscuring the loss that the subject endures before the contemporary democratic sovereign. Law, Culture and the Humanities 2007; 3: 416—434

The Matrix Reloaded: Halozyme's Recombinant Enzyme Helps Injected Drugs Spread Faster

Research in biology has often focused on what goes on inside cells and ignored the surrounding scaffolding. However, studies during the past decade show that this scaffolding, called the extracellular matrix, plays a major role in intercellular signaling, wound repair, cell differentiation, and other vital processes. Among the building blocks of the extracellular matrix is a complex sugar called hyaluronan, a viscous substance that acts as a barrier to fluid flow. This barrier is not invincible—a naturally occurring enzyme called hyaluronidase can break it down and make the tissue more permeable.

Opening the Big Box

Recent cultural evidence from a popular film (Matrix Reloaded) and the contemporary "shock city" of Las Vegas discloses that our "technological age" is going beyond the control of nature to its replacement, and that it involves subconscious drives as well as conscious utilitarian ones. Such evidence suggests that history may operate differently at a time of the unprecedented dominance of human-built devices, systems, and related activities. Confronting this possibility requires a willingness to explore seriously the possibility of technological determinism, as well as that of technological indeterminism. The work of Hannah Arendt in The Human Condition suggests ways in which technological changes may be altering the historical conditions of labor, work, and action. Consequently, the Society for the History of Technology is not just adding another subfield to historical studies, but is making the stronger claim that it is redefining historical studies because the way history works is changing.

Film beyond boundaries: film, migrant narratives and other media

Film beyond boundaries: film, migrant narratives and other media

BeyondMereIllustration: How Films Can Be Philosophy

The last decade has seen significant growth in the amount of attention that philosophers have paid to film. Whereas the philosophy of film used to be a small subfield of aesthetics practiced only by a few specialists, now philosophers with many different interests and specialties are using film as a means to address a broad range of philosophical topics. One very specific instance of this development is the number of books and articles written by philosophers that address the Wachowski Brothers' 1999 film, The Matrix, and its two sequels, The Matrix Reloaded (2003) and The Matrix Revolutions (2003). By my count, there currently are two monographs authored by philosophers, three collections of essays, and innumerable articles in journals.' Although the quantity of material generated by philosophers in relation to this film is unusual, I cite it as an indication of the tremendous attraction that films now exert on philosophers. One interesting feature of this trend is that popular films-both Hollywood and independent-have been the subject of most of this recent philosophical activity. Previously, both the European art film and the avant-garde film were the types of films that seemed the likeliest vehicles to inspire philosophical reflection. Intuitively, it makes sense that philosophical discussion would be prompted by heady, difficult films like Ingmar Bergman's The Seventh Seal (1954), which raises the sorts of existential issues traditionally the concern of philosophy, or an abstract, structural film like Michael Snow's Wavelength (1967), whose entire 45-minute length is composed of a single, slowly zooming shot. But now, following the example of Stanley Cavell, the philosopher's gaze has shifted to popular fiction films, and it is these films, usually taken to be mere vehicles for mass entertainment, that are claimed as sites of philosophical reflection that yield significant insight into perennial philosophical concerns.2 Despite this flurry of interest, there has been only minimal sustained reflection on the theoretical issues surrounding the use of film to discuss philosophical topics. In particular, philosophers have not generally asked whether films can themselves count as works of philosophy or, even, whether there is something peculiarly philosophical about the films they have chosen to discuss.3 Prior to the publication of this collection, instead of proceeding with explicit theoretical discussions of the legitimacy of using film as a vehicle for philosophy, the general tendency has been for philosophers to use film as a springboard for discussions of subjects of philosophical interest while paying only scant attention to the theoretical issues generated by this practice. What makes this particularly surprising is that, on the face of it, there are many features of film that militate against it yielding philosophical insights. For example, certain formal features that distinguish films from philosophical discussions cast doubt on the assimilation of film to philosophy. Although philosophy is a purely verbal discipline-whether written or oral-film is an essentially visual medium. Treating film as philosophy might seem to deny the role of this obvious fact. In addition, philosophy is generally characterized by explicit argumentation while those recent films that have been of most interest to philosophers