Modular Mode Research Articles

The rangeomorph Pectinifrons abyssalis: Hydrodynamic function at the dawn of animal life

Rangeomorphs are among the oldest putative eumetazoans known from the fossil record. Establishing how they fed is thus key to understanding the structure and function of the earliest animal ecosystems. Here, we use computational fluid dynamics to test hypothesized feeding modes for the fence-like rangeomorph Pectinifrons abyssalis, comparing this to the morphologically similar extant carnivorous sponge Chondrocladia lyra. Our results reveal complex patterns of flow around P.abyssalis unlike those previously reconstructed for any other Ediacaran taxon. Comparisons with C. lyra reveal substantial differences between the two organisms, suggesting they converged on a similar fence-like morphology for different functions. We argue that the flow patterns recovered for P.abyssalis do not support either a suspension feeding or osmotrophic feeding habit. Instead, our results indicate that rangeomorph fronds may represent organs adapted for gas exchange. If correct, this interpretation could require a dramatic reinterpretation of the oldest macroscopic animals.

Modular snapshot multispectral-panchromatic imager (MSPI) with customized filter arrays.

As one of the simplest methods to construct snapshot spectral imagers, multispectral filter array (MSFA) has been applied to commercial miniatured spectral imagers. While most of them have fixed configurations of spectral channels, lacking flexibility and replaceability. Moreover, conventional MSFA only comprises filtering channels but lacks the panchromatic channel which is essential in detecting dim and indistinct objects. Here, we propose a modular assembly method for snapshot imager which can simultaneously acquire the object's multispectral and panchromatic information based on a customized filter array. The multispectral-panchromatic filter array is batch fabricated and integrated with the imaging senor through a modular mode. Five-band spectral images and a broadband intensity image can be efficiently acquired in a single snapshot photographing. The efficacy and accuracy of the imager are experimentally verified in imaging and spectral measurements. Owing to the modular architecture, our proposed assembly method owns the advantages of compactness, simple assembling, rapid replacement, and customized designing, which overcomes the expensiveness and complexity of scientific-level snapshot spectral imaging systems.

Collecting and Culturing Bryozoans for Regenerative Studies.

Among marine invertebrates, bryozoans are small, not well known, and complex to identify. Nevertheless, they offer unique opportunities for whole-body generation research, because of their colonial, modular mode of growth. Here, we describe detailed methods for collection of bryozoans from a range of environments, sample preparation and identification, culture and feeding, spawning and breeding, marking colonies for growth studies, and histological preparation.

The Experiences of Students in the Modular and Online Learning: A Phenomenological Study

This study aimed to determine the specific experiences of university students in terms of cognitive, social, emotional, and adversity skills in an online or modular mode of learning. The study utilized a phenomenology research design, and a semi-structured interview was conducted. Participants in the study were composed of students enrolled in online and modular learning who were asked to share their experiences elaborately. The analysis revealed that despite the differences in the learning modalities, the students similarly experienced the same significant adjustments and academic challenges. These experiences include the lack or limited access to information, concerns about the accessibility of the learning opportunities, lack of economic resources, time management concerns, communication with professors and classmates, and self-motivation and coping mechanisms. As an intended outcome, a feasible distance learning blueprint composed of possible courses of action that can be taken to achieve a more effective and feasible distance learning setup is made.

The Experiences of Students in the Modular and Online Learning: A Phenomenological Study

This study aimed to determine the specific experiences of university students in terms of cognitive, social, emotional, and adversity skills in an online or modular mode of learning. The study utilized a phenomenology research design, and a semi-structured interview was conducted. Participants in the study were composed of students enrolled in online and modular learning who were asked to share their experiences elaborately. The analysis revealed that despite the differences in the learning modalities, the students similarly experienced the same significant adjustments and academic challenges. These experiences include the lack or limited access to information, concerns about the accessibility of the learning opportunities, lack of economic resources, time management concerns, communication with professors and classmates, and self-motivation and coping mechanisms. As an intended outcome, a feasible distance learning blueprint composed of possible courses of action that can be taken to achieve a more effective and feasible distance learning setup is made.

Problem-oriented Teaching Mode based on Data Mining Technology in the Sports Psychology Classroom

Sports psychology is a branch of psychology and is a sports course that takes both theory and practice into account. It is not only an integral part of the talent training curriculum system of sports colleges and universities, but also a basic compulsory course for social sports majors in comprehensive universities. Sports psychology has currently become one of the significant theories in PE teaching, which not only guides PE teaching, but also helps solve existing problems in PE teaching and drives the development of PE teaching. Subject to the impact of traditional education mode and educational concept, etc., however, there are some problems in the existing the teaching of sports psychology, such as students’ low interest, poor initiative and poor educational effect. To raise students’ learning interest, this paper selected a problem-oriented modular teaching mode, and applied it to the sports psychology classroom, to improve the learning effect. In this study, we first used data mining technology to build an anxiety prediction model and then identified a problem to be solved. After that, the problem was designed and analyzed, the known problem was confirmed, new information was collected, old and new knowledge was integrated, until the problem was finally solved. On this basis, based on virtual simulation technology, an experimental simulation teaching system for sports psychology was presented. It was found through research that the problems-oriented teaching mode can significantly enhance the effect of sports psychology and PE teaching and increase students’ learning initiative. The learning effect was significantly better than that of traditional teaching methods.

Online language Classes: Perceptions and Challenges of Prospective Language Teachers

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many activities to be halted including education. Educational institutions are now closed and operating online to ensure the safety of the students and the teachers. Students are now learning online and modular mode. Thus, it has caused the students and teachers to encounter bumps in learning. Hence, this led the researcher to find out and examine the perceptions and challenges that prospective language teachers experience when learning online. The researcher utilized the thematic analysis method to reveal the perceptions and challenges experienced by prospective language teachers in online learning. The data for this study were obtained from the interviews that were conducted with the respondents. It was revealed that there were a number of challenges that the respondents experienced which include poor internet connection, physical distractions, lack of motivation and power interruptions.

Individual and organizational mindfulness: a social exchange-based approach

PurposeUnderstanding multiple dimensions of problem or opportunity and the context in an evolving environment is an essential task for leaders. The allied expectation is to be aware of gaps in knowledge, and areas of organizational ignorance, which can prove detrimental for the organization. In this paper, we propose a framework based on social exchange theory directed towards developing organizational mindfulness.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a reflective note based on workshops conducted for senior managers of a Fortune Global 500 petrochemical company having more than 10,000 employees. The workshop was carried out in modular mode, with one module conducted in virtual mode and the second module in physical mode. The time gap between each module was two months.FindingsPurposive questioning, engaged in both as a social exchange as well as to solicit information from multiple stakeholders which may otherwise would have been ignored, develops broader and more detailed analysis of problems and extensive individual and organizational mindfulness.Practical implicationsThis paper offers a methodology for managers to explore and develop solutions for complex problems. The methodology also provides identification of areas requiring organizational re-learning.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature on problem solving by providing a methodology to develop individual and organizational mindfulness. The structured format of the approach ensures this can be formalized and taught to decision makers, without being limited by their prior background.

A Comprehensive Management Model Based on Modularization Thought

The general modular management theory takes organizational structure, work flow and product design and production as the core. In practice, it only pays attention to a certain aspect of modularization, and does not establish a comprehensive and unified modular management system. In this context, this article, guided by modular thinking, constructs a comprehensive management model based on modular thinking, and elaborates on the basic management structure of the modular management system. Meanwhile, this paper discusses the practical requirements of promoting modular management mode from the perspective of system, stability and moderation. It is hoped that this research can promote the theoretical innovation of comprehensive modular management and also provide a reference for the innovative practice of enterprise business models.

Влияние режима обучения на показатели работоспособности школьников

The article presents the results of a study of the influence of the training regime on the subjective characteristics of working capacity (well-being, activity, mood), as well as on the number of absenteeism classes during the school year by students in grades 5–6. Currently, two training modes are used in the Russian Federation: traditional (4 quarters separated by autumn, winter and spring breaks) and modular (consisting of 6 intervals of 5-6 weeks separated by weekly breaks). The study involved students of grades 5-6 (152 students), parents (128 people) and teachers (25 people). The study was conducted using a specially designed questionnaire, which includes three blocks. An analysis of the attendance of students in two Moscow schools was conducted. In the course of the study, the following results were obtained: in the modular mode of instruction, by the end of the school year, students feel more active and are in a good mood. In the traditional mode of instruction, students feel more tired by the end of the school year. Signs of fatigue are observed. Statistically significant differences were obtained when analyzing the responses of students and teachers. In the traditional mode of training, the number of missed classes and the number of frequently ill children is significantly higher than in the modular mode. The modular mode, based on a uniformly distributed load, according to subjective assessments of students in grades 5-6, teachers and parents is more preferable to maintain performance.

Модульный импульсный источник питания для лазеров с диодной накачкой

Модульный импульсный источник питания для лазеров с диодной накачкой

Modular ssDNA binding and inhibition of telomerase activity by designer PPR proteins

DNA is typically found as a double helix, however it must be separated into single strands during all phases of DNA metabolism; including transcription, replication, recombination and repair. Although recent breakthroughs have enabled the design of modular RNA- and double-stranded DNA-binding proteins, there are currently no tools available to manipulate single-stranded DNA (ssDNA). Here we show that artificial pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins can be programmed for sequence-specific ssDNA binding. Interactions occur using the same code and specificity as for RNA binding. We solve the structures of DNA-bound and apo proteins revealing the basis for ssDNA binding and how hydrogen bond rearrangements enable the PPR structure to envelope its ssDNA target. Finally, we show that engineered PPRs can be designed to bind telomeric ssDNA and can block telomerase activity. The modular mode of ssDNA binding by PPR proteins provides tools to target ssDNA and to understand its importance in cells.

Diverse patterns of molecular changes in the mechano-responsiveness of focal adhesions

Focal adhesions anchor contractile actin fibers with the extracellular matrix, sense the generated tension and respond to it by changing their morphology and composition. Here we ask how this mechanosensing is enabled at the protein-network level, given the modular assembly and multitasking of focal adhesions. To address this, we applied a sensitive 4-color live cell imaging approach, enabling monitoring patterns of molecular changes in single focal adhesions. Co-imaging zyxin, FAK, vinculin and paxillin revealed heterogeneities in their responses to Rho-associated kinase (ROCK)-mediated perturbations of actomyosin contractility. These responses were rather weakly correlated between the proteins, reflecting diverse compositional changes in different focal adhesions. This diversity is partially attributable to the location of focal adhesions, their area, molecular content and previous contractility perturbations, suggesting that integration of multiple local cues shapes differentially focal adhesion mechano-responsiveness. Importantly, the compositional changes upon ROCK perturbations exhibited distinct paths in different focal adhesions. Moreover, the protein exhibiting the strongest response to ROCK perturbations varied among different focal adhesions. The diversity in response patterns is plausibly enabled by the modular mode of focal adhesions assembly and can provide them the needed flexibility to perform multiple tasks by combining optimally a common set of multifunctional components.

Significance of the pathogenic mutation T372R in the Yin Yang 1 protein interaction with DNA – thermodynamic studies

This work focuses on the pathogenic missense mutation in YY1 protein correlated with insulinomas. Based on in vitro studies, we demonstrate that the mutation does not affect the secondary structure of either zinc fingers or the N-terminal fragment (NTF) of the protein. Apart from a slight increase in the protein's compactness, no changes in the tertiary structure were observed. The introduced mutation significantly alters DNA-binding properties, both the affinity and enthalpy-entropy contribution of the process, which are highly dependent on the recognized sequence. Obtained results indicate concerted rather than a modular mode of sequence recognition by YY1 with the significant impact of a disordered NTF.

Clonal analysis reveals granule cell behaviors and compartmentalization that determine the folded morphology of the cerebellum.

The mammalian cerebellum consists of folds of different sizes and shapes that house distinct neural circuits. A crucial factor underlying foliation is the generation of granule cells (gcs), the most numerous neuron type in the brain. We used clonal analysis to uncover global as well as folium size-specific cellular behaviors that underlie cerebellar morphogenesis. Unlike most neural precursors, gc precursors divide symmetrically, accounting for their massive expansion. We found that oriented cell divisions underlie an overall anteroposteriorly polarized growth of the cerebellum and gc clone geometry. Clone geometry is further refined by mediolateral oriented migration and passive dispersion of differentiating gcs. Most strikingly, the base of each fissure acts as a boundary for gc precursor dispersion, which we propose allows each folium to be regulated as a developmental unit. Indeed, the geometry and size of clones in long and short folia are distinct. Moreover, in engrailed 1/2 mutants with shorter folia, clone cell number and geometry are most similar to clones in short folia of wild-type mice. Thus, the cerebellum has a modular mode of development that allows the plane of cell division and number of divisions to be differentially regulated to ensure that the appropriate number of cells are partitioned into each folium.

An artificial PPR scaffold for programmable RNA recognition.

Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins control diverse aspects of RNA metabolism in eukaryotic cells. Although recent computational and structural studies have provided insights into RNA recognition by PPR proteins, their highly insoluble nature and inconsistencies between predicted and observed modes of RNA binding have restricted our understanding of their biological functions and their use as tools. Here we use a consensus design strategy to create artificial PPR domains that are structurally robust and can be programmed for sequence-specific RNA binding. The atomic structures of these artificial PPR domains elucidate the structural basis for their stability and modelling of RNA-protein interactions provides mechanistic insights into the importance of RNA-binding residues and suggests modes of PPR-RNA association. The modular mode of RNA binding by PPR proteins holds great promise for the engineering of new tools to target RNA and to understand the mechanisms of gene regulation by natural PPR proteins.

The Design and Realization of ERP System for Staff Training

With the rapid development of the manufacturing industry in China, the training of ERP talents becomes a hot issue in the fields of industry and education. An ERP simulation operation system is developed from the view of person training. The simplified ERP model is realized in the simulation system. In the design of the simulation system, the SSH2 frame structure is used and the whole system is built in a modular mode. The function module of simulation system is analyzed and the system technology implementation is described in detail. The trainees can understand knowledge and skills of ERP more easily by the proposed simulation system, which means that the presented system has the positive effect on the training of ERP talents.

Study on Two Degrees of Freedom Turntable with Large Panel Array

This article describes a research on two degrees of freedom turntable with large panel array, proposed an electric-driven method with self-locking function and modular structure mode. And we designed the large panel array two degrees of freedom turntable with 6m × 6m board. The pointing accuracy of the two-axis is 0.01°, azimuth and pitch angle are range to ± 20°, It’s wind resistance level is 8 and have many advantages such as long-term self-locking, safe, reliable, light weight and so on. This article focuses on the turntable’s driving principles and structures; finite element analysis shows that the structure we designed is reasonably practicable, safe and reliable.

Subcellular localization and dimerization of APLP1 are strikingly different from APP and APLP2

The molecular association between APP and its mammalian homologs has hardly been explored. In systematically addressing this issue, we show by live cell imaging that APLP1 mainly localizes to the cell surface, whereas APP and APLP2 are mostly found in intracellular compartments. Homo- and heterotypic cis interactions of APP family members could be detected by FRET and co-immunoprecipitation analysis and occur in a modular mode. Only APLP1 formed trans interactions, supporting the argument for a putative specific role of APLP1 in cell adhesion. Deletion mutants of APP family members revealed two highly conserved regions as important for the protein crosstalk. In particular, the N-terminal half of the ectodomain was crucial for APP and APLP2 interactions. By contrast, multimerization of APLP1 was only partially dependent on this domain but strongly on the C-terminal half of the ectodomain. We further observed that coexpression of APP with APLP1 or APLP2 leads to diminished generation of Abeta42. The current data suggest that this is due to the formation of heteromeric complexes, opening the way for novel therapeutic strategies targeting these complexes.

Yeast Puf3 mutants reveal the complexity of Puf-RNA binding and identify a loop required for regulation of mRNA decay

The eukaryotic Puf proteins regulate mRNA translation and degradation by binding the 3' untranslated regions of target mRNAs. Crystal structure analysis of a human Puf bound to RNA suggested a modular mode of binding, with specific amino acids within each of eight repeat domains contacting a single nucleotide of the target RNA. Here we study the mechanism by which the yeast Puf3p binds and stimulates the degradation of COX17 mRNA. Mutation of the predicted RNA-binding positions of Puf3p to those found in Puf5p demonstrated that a single amino acid change in Puf3p abolished detectable binding to COX17. Since this amino acid position in both Puf3p and Puf5p is predicted to contact an adenine in the respective target RNAs, the amino acid in Puf3p must play a more critical role in promoting COX17 interaction. In contrast, an amino acid change in the third repeat of Puf3p, which interacts with the only divergent nucleotide between the Puf3p and Puf5p targets, had no effect on binding COX17. These results argue that a simple set of rules cannot reliably link specific amino acid positions with target specificity. Each of these amino acid changes in Puf3p enhanced binding to the Puf5p target HO RNA, suggesting a different mode of binding to this target. Finally, we identified an outer surface loop that was dispensable for binding but was required to promote both rapid deadenylation and subsequent decapping of the COX17 mRNA, most likely as a point of protein-protein interactions.