Relational Complexity Research Articles

Differential Requirement of Gata2a and Gata2b for Primitive and Definitive Myeloid Development in Zebrafish.

Germline loss or mutation of one copy of the transcription factor GATA2 in humans leads to a range of clinical phenotypes affecting hematopoietic, lymphatic and vascular systems. GATA2 heterozygous mice show only a limited repertoire of the features observed in humans. Zebrafish have two copies of the Gata2 gene as a result of an additional round of ancestral whole genome duplication. These genes, Gata2a and Gata2b, show distinct but overlapping expression patterns, and between them, highlight a significantly broader range of the phenotypes observed in GATA2 deficient syndromes, than each one alone. In this manuscript, we use mutants for Gata2a and Gata2b to interrogate the effects on hematopoiesis of these two ohnologs, alone and in combination, during development in order to further define the role of GATA2 in developmental hematopoiesis. We define unique roles for each ohnolog at different stages of developmental myelopoiesis and for the emergence of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. These effects are not additive in the haploinsufficient state suggesting a redundancy between these two genes in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Rescue studies additionally support that Gata2b can compensate for the effects of Gata2a loss. Finally we show that adults with loss of combined heterozygosity show defects in the myeloid compartment consistent with GATA2 loss in humans. These results build on existing knowledge from other models of GATA2 deficiency and refine our understanding of the early developmental effects of GATA2. In addition, these studies shed light on the complexity and potential structure-function relationships as well as sub-functionalization of Gata2 genes in the zebrafish model.

The sequence–ensemble relationship in fuzzy protein complexes

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) interact with globular proteins through a variety of mechanisms, resulting in the structurally heterogeneous ensembles known as fuzzy complexes. While there exists a reasonable comprehension on how IDP sequence determines the unbound IDP ensemble, little is known about what shapes the structural characteristics of IDPs bound to their targets. Using a statistical thermodynamic model, we show that the target-bound ensembles are determined by a simple code that combines the IDP sequence and the distribution of IDP-target interaction hotspots. These two parameters define the conformational space of target-bound IDPs and rationalize the observed structural heterogeneity of fuzzy complexes. The presented model successfully reproduces the dynamical signatures of target-bound IDPs from the NMR relaxation experiments as well as the changes of interaction affinity and the IDP helicity induced by mutations. The model explains how the target-bound IDP ensemble adapts to mutations in order to achieve an optimal balance between conformational freedom and interaction energy. Taken together, the presented sequence-ensemble relationship of fuzzy complexes explains the different manifestations of IDP disorder in folding-upon-binding processes.

Using the REA Data Model in Order to Reduce Design Complexity in an Inventory Management Relational Database, and the Need for a Relational Database Complexity Metric.

With the extensive use of relational databases in the business environment there is a need to reduce database complexity in order to avoid data inconsistency and redundancy, which can provide a company with unreliable and/or meaningless data and information.
 The use of the REA Data Model in database design can significantly help with this problem. The model can eliminate the need for unnecessary data artifacts which should only be generated by the system when needed.
 This paper also addresses the need for a Relational Database Complexity Metric. A simple and easy to understand metric is presented.

Tinkering as Collective Practice: A Qualitative Study on Handling Ethical Tensions in Supporting People with Intellectual or Psychiatric Disabilities

ABSTRACT The values of patient autonomy and community participation have become central in health care. However, care practices involve a plurality of possibly conflicting values. These values often transgress the borders of the individual professional–client relationship as they involve family members, other professionals and community organisations. Good care should acknowledge this relational complexity, which requires a collective handling of the tensions between values. To better understand this process, we draw on [Mol, A. 2008. The Logic of Care: Health and the Problem of Patient Choice. Routledge; Mol, A., I. Moser, and J. Pols. 2010a. Care in Practice: On Tinkering in Clinics, Homes and Farms. Transcript Verlag.) by developing the notion of collective tinkering. An ethnographic study was conducted in two teams in community housing services for people with Intellectual Disabilities and Severe Mental Illness. Collective tinkering is analysed (1) within teams; (2) between professionals, family members and professionals from different organisations providing care for the same client; and (3) in organising practices for a collective of clients. Collective tinkering involves assembling goods into a care practice, attentively experimenting with these care practices, and adjusting care accordingly within a collective of those involved in care for a particular client (group). When collective tinkering does not occur, the stakeholders excluded (e.g. clients or family members) may experience poor quality of care.

Big data as a value generator in decision support systems: a literature review

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze how decision support systems manage Big data to obtain value.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was performed with screening and analysis of 72 articles published between 2012 and 2019.FindingsThe findings reveal that techniques of big data analytics, machine learning algorithms and technologies predominantly related to computer science and cloud computing are used on decision support systems. Another finding was that the main areas that these techniques and technologies are been applied are logistic, traffic, health, business and market. This article also allows authors to understand the relationship in which descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analyses are used according to an inverse relationship of complexity in data analysis and the need for human decision-making.Originality/valueAs it is an emerging theme, this study seeks to present an overview of the techniques and technologies that are being discussed in the literature to solve problems in their respective areas, as a form of theoretical contribution. The authors also understand that there is a practical contribution to the maturity of the discussion and with reflections even presented as suggestions for future research, such as the ethical discussion. This study’s descriptive classification can also serve as a guide for new researchers who seek to understand the research involving decision support systems and big data to gain value in our society.

ON THE HEIGHT AND RELATIONAL COMPLEXITY OF A FINITE PERMUTATION GROUP

AbstractLet G be a permutation group on a set $\Omega $ of size t. We say that $\Lambda \subseteq \Omega $ is an independent set if its pointwise stabilizer is not equal to the pointwise stabilizer of any proper subset of $\Lambda $ . We define the height of G to be the maximum size of an independent set, and we denote this quantity $\textrm{H}(G)$ . In this paper, we study $\textrm{H}(G)$ for the case when G is primitive. Our main result asserts that either $\textrm{H}(G)< 9\log t$ or else G is in a particular well-studied family (the primitive large–base groups). An immediate corollary of this result is a characterization of primitive permutation groups with large relational complexity, the latter quantity being a statistic introduced by Cherlin in his study of the model theory of permutation groups. We also study $\textrm{I}(G)$ , the maximum length of an irredundant base of G, in which case we prove that if G is primitive, then either $\textrm{I}(G)<7\log t$ or else, again, G is in a particular family (which includes the primitive large–base groups as well as some others).

La vicinanza solidale in contesti di vulnerabilità familiare. La partecipazione nella comunità come strada per ricostruire i tessuti sociali

Family vulnerability is a particular social situation, characterised by high levels of relational complexity, with serious consequences for the fulfilment of the developmental needs of a child. In the framework of the P.I.P.P.I. Programme (Programme of Intervention for the Prevention of Institutionalisation), social support is intended as a form of solidarity between families that aims to help a family through the support of another family, or individuals. In order to face vulnerability and social exclusion, P.I.P.P.I. promotes the mobilisation of these resources. The paper is therefore focused on a case study based in Sondrio (Italy), carried out within the P.I.P.P.I. Programme. The professionals together with the researchers tested their understanding, also promoting dialogue-meetings with families. These dialogical and interactive contexts generated new and unexpected interpretations of this phenomenon, framing it into an educational process that meets the needs of children and families, and promoting community participation as a way to reconstruct local social networks as well.

Ratiocination over Deliberations in the Fiction of Trio- Anita Desai, Ruth Prawar Jhabvala and Nergis Dalal with special velleity towards relational complexity and ethnocentric intricacy

Ratiocination over Deliberations in the Fiction of Trio- Anita Desai, Ruth Prawar Jhabvala and Nergis Dalal with special velleity towards relational complexity and ethnocentric intricacy

Relationships Matter: Assessing the Impacts of a Marine Protected Area on Human Wellbeing and Relational Values in Southern Tanzania

The push to meet global marine conservation targets has significantly increased the scope and scale of marine protected areas (MPAs) worldwide. While the benefits derived from MPA establishment are often optimistically framed as a “win-win” for both marine biodiversity and for the wellbeing of coastal peoples, this assumption is challenged for several reasons, including the fact that current science and practice frequently fails to account for the full impact of MPAs on human wellbeing. This context poses a danger that the context specific, place based aspects of wellbeing, like relations to others and the marine environment, will not be accounted for, examined, or reported in evaluation and decision-making processes. To address this challenge, this research investigates how MPA implementation can change and challenge the relational wellbeing and relational values of small-scale fishers (SSFs) living in Mnazi Bay-Ruvuma Estuary Marine Park, Tanzania. Fieldwork occurred over 2019–2020 and used qualitative data collection methods, including: 140 semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and observation. Results highlight a dynamic interaction between the MPA and SSFs relational wellbeing, including how relational values inform everyday fishing practices, cultural and place identities, as well as interactions with others and connections to the marine environment. Top-down approaches used in MPA development worked against key relational values, including social cohesion, reciprocity, place, agency and self-determination to dismantle and disrupt the practices SSFs viewed as fundamental to their livelihood and collective wellbeing. Our findings serve as a starting point to better recognize the context specific factors that underlie relational wellbeing and give insight into how relational values shape social-ecological complexity within coastal communities. The paper highlights how the international marine conservation community can better account for and foster relational wellbeing and relational values to achieve the goals of both human wellbeing and marine biodiversity conservation.

AtNUF2 modulates spindle microtubule organization and chromosome segregation during mitosis.

The NDC80 complex is a conserved eukaryotic complex composed of four subunits (NUF2, SPC25, NDC80, and SPC24). In yeast and animal cells, the complex is located at the outer layer of the kinetochore, connecting the inner layer of the kinetochore and spindle microtubules (MTs) during cell division. In higher plants, the relationship of the NDC80 complex with MTs is still unclear. In this study, we characterized the biological function of AtNUF2, a subunit of the Arabidopsis NDC80 complex. We found that AtNUF2 is widely expressed in various organs, especially in different stages of embryonic development. It was verified that AtNUF2 co-localized with α-tubulin on MTs during mitosis by immunohistochemical assays. Mutation of AtNUF2 led to severe mitotic defects, not only in the embryo and endosperm, but also in seedlings, resulting in seed abortion and stagnating seedling growth. Furthermore, the biological function of AtNUF2 was studied using partially complemented nuf2-3/-DD45;ABI3pro::AtNUF2 (nuf2-3/-DA ) seedlings. The chromosome bridge and lagging chromatids occurred in nuf2-3/-DA root apical meristem cells, along with aberration of spindle MTs, resulting in blocked root growth. Meanwhile, the direct binding of AtNUF2 and AtSPC25 to MTs was determined by an MT co-sedimentation assay invitro. This study revealed the function of AtNUF2 in mitosis and the underlying mechanisms, modulating spindle MT organization and ensuring chromosome segregation during embryo, endosperm, and root development, laying the foundation for subsequent research of the NDC80 complex.

Development of foreign language discourse competence of students in university education

The purpose of the study is to establish step-by-step indicators of intensification of foreign language proficiency in the learning process, the possibility of developing foreign language discursive competence in higher school students by promoting their speech and writing skills. Methods. The study is based on an integrated approach. This article uses a number of methods of synthesis and analysis. The method of experiment, which is the basic in work, is also presented. The evaluation of the effectiveness of the experiment was carried out with the involvement of a questionnaire, which was conducted in stages. The hypothesis is that well-developed discursive competence promotes a better understanding of oral and written texts not only locally but also globally, in addition to creating a more universal and comprehensive discourse to improve speaking and writing skills. In the future, scientists need to focus not on the actual linguistic competence, vocabulary and grammar systems, but also to explore the relationship of complexity in the implementation of foreign language discursive practices, ways to develop students' discursive competence in reading and speaking.

Differentiating bacterial community responses to long-term phosphorus fertilization in wheat bulk and rhizosphere soils on the Loess Plateau

Mineral phosphorus (P) fertilizers are frequently applied to fields to support high crop yields, but long-term P input changes soil chemical and biological fertility. In the present study, based on a long-term P experiment (with three P levels (0 (P0), 50 (P50), and 100 (P100) kg P2O5 ha−1 yr−1)), we evaluated the effects of P input on the bacterial community in wheat bulk (BS) and rhizosphere (RS) soils. Compared to the control (P0), the P50 and P100 treatments significantly (P < 0.05) increased soil available P (AP) in the BS and RS, but they did not affect the numbers of observed species or diversity, and these indices were significantly lower in the RS than in the BS. Additionally, P fertilization changed the bacterial community compositions in both RS and BS, with minor changes in the RS but major changes in the BS; the bacterial community in the RS was different from that in the BS, with weaker network complexity but closer relationships among the bacterial taxa. An average of 2.95% of all the analyzed genes were involved in P metabolism, with a higher abundance in RS than in BS samples; however, no differences among the three treatments were observed in the BS or RS samples. In conclusion, long-term P fertilization had little impact on bacterial community diversity but changed the community compositions in wheat BS and RS; the changes in the bacterial community and functional profiles in the rhizosphere soil were mainly mediated by roots, which could help supply more available P to the plants.

The Phylogenetics and Biogeography of the Central Asian Hawkmoths, Hyles hippophaes and H. chamyla: Can Mitogenomics and Machine Learning Bring Clarity?

The western Palaearctic species of the hawkmoth genus Hyles (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) have long been the subject of molecular phylogenetic research. However, much less attention has been paid to the taxa inhabiting the central and eastern Palaearctic, particularly Central Asia, where almost 50% of the species diversity of the genus occurs. Yet, many taxonomic conundrums hinder a proper assessment of the true diversity in these moths. One still unresolved group of species includes Hyles hippophaes and Hyles chamyla. Despite a largely overlapping morphology and ecology, a plethora of infraspecific taxa display some unique divergent characters over a wide geographical area. In this study, we undertook a taxonomic assessment of each population and resolved this species complex using an integrative approach. A combination of new computational techniques (DAISY-II) in comparative morphology and recent advances in DNA extraction methods and sequencing of museum specimens (WISC) alongside more traditional genetic approaches allowed testing of the three main phenotypes—bienerti, chamyla and apocyni—in terms of their morphological, mitochondrial and biogeographical integrity, and to elucidate their evolutionary relationships. Our results support the existence of two closely related species, Hyles chamyla and H. hippophaes, but the former species H. apocyni (here discussed as the ecological form apocyni of H. chamyla) is best regarded as a hybrid between H. chamyla and H. h. bienerti. The results indicate that the evolutionary relationship between H. chamyla and H. hippophaes is one of admixture in the context of ongoing ecological differentiation, which has led to shared morphological characters and a blurring of the species boundaries. These results clarify the evolutionary relationships of this species complex and open future research lines, including the analysis of nuclear markers and denser sampling, particularly of H. hippophaes and H. vespertilio in western Europe.

Anatomy of the sural nerve complex: Unaccounted anatomic variations and morphometric data

BackgroundThe sural nerve (SN) is a cutaneous sensory nerve innervating the posterolateral leg. The SN is formed from a highly variable set of contributing nerves called the sural nerve complex (SNC). The SNC is made up of the lateral sural cutaneous nerve, medial sural cutaneous nerve, sural communicating branch, and SN. The SN is frequently cited as the most common donor nerve graft and is commonly injured in procedures of the lower extremity. Recent meta-analysis standardized six morphologies of the SNC and established a required reporting criterion for the group of nerves forming the SN. Due to the inconsistencies in previous literature, this study will group observed SNC's by one of these six SNC morphologies to assess and validate the meta-analysis grouping criteria. This study will also collect the same morphometric data previously outlined in order to grow the number of samples that are reported in a standardized fashion. Methods100 formalin and 4 Theil preserved cadavers (n = 208) lower limbs were bilaterally dissected at Kansas City University and Creighton University School of Dentistry to observe the SNC in its entirety on the posterolateral leg. Anatomic data was captured utilizing the standardized morphologies types 1–6 with two sub-typing. Nerves that were found to be outside of this categorization were placed in an unassigned grouping. ResultsThe most prevalent SNCs were type 1 at 41.35% (n = 86) and type 3 nerves at 34.62% (n = 72). Type 2 was found 8.65% (n = 18), type 4 and 5 were found each at 0.48% (n = 1). Type 6 was not observed. When comparing the present studies frequency of nerve types 1–6 to the meta-analysis a sub-grouping of “North American” cadaveric studies a X2 = .903 p = .030 was found. Two distinct and previously unassigned formations of the SNC were 10.58% (n = 20) and 3.85% (n = 8) of data. These two SNC are termed type 7 & 8, these represent two formations of SN that are outside of what was previously reported. 15.87% (n = 33) did not match visual descriptions based on nerve origin of a type 1 SNC but met written definitions. These were termed type 1A1 and type 1A2. The SNC was asymmetrical in 57.69% (n = 120). The pooled mean length of the SN was 32.97 ± 14.12 cm (31.05–34.88), mean diameter was 2.31 ± 0.83 mm (2.20–2.42, and the distance of the posterior border of the lateral malleolus to the SN was found to be 1.72 ± 0.70 cm (1.63–1.80). ConclusionAnatomic variation in the SNC is highly variable, yet is consistent with previously observed literature. This study demonstrates two unaccounted formations of the SNC as well as two additional subcategories of SNC that were not included in the previous meta-analysis. These four variants warrant inclusion as standard formations of the SNC due to the high prevalence observed in this study as well as historical consistency observed in previous literature and case reports. These two SNC formations increase the risk of iatrogenic injury during surgical interventions of the lower extremity. Morphometric data describing the spatial relationship of this nerve complex on the posterolateral leg is consistent with previously reported data and aids in generating a large data set for future studies to characterize spatial properties of this nerve complex.

Brain electrical traits of logical validity

Neuroscience has studied deductive reasoning over the last 20 years under the assumption that deductive inferences are not only de jure but also de facto distinct from other forms of inference. The objective of this research is to verify if logically valid deductions leave any cerebral electrical trait that is distinct from the trait left by non-valid deductions. 23 subjects with an average age of 20.35 years were registered with MEG and placed into a two conditions paradigm (100 trials for each condition) which each presented the exact same relational complexity (same variables and content) but had distinct logical complexity. Both conditions show the same electromagnetic components (P3, N4) in the early temporal window (250–525 ms) and P6 in the late temporal window (500–775 ms). The significant activity in both valid and invalid conditions is found in sensors from medial prefrontal regions, probably corresponding to the ACC or to the medial prefrontal cortex. The amplitude and intensity of valid deductions is significantly lower in both temporal windows (p = 0.0003). The reaction time was 54.37% slower in the valid condition. Validity leaves a minimal but measurable hypoactive electrical trait in brain processing. The minor electrical demand is attributable to the recursive and automatable character of valid deductions, suggesting a physical indicator of computational deductive properties. It is hypothesized that all valid deductions are recursive and hypoactive.

The evaluation of production factors in the agriculture of west Kazakhstan region

In the article, the authors consider the influence of production factors – labour, land, capital resources and entrepreneurial abilities on the example of the agricultural sector of the West Kazakhstan region. The purpose of the article is to analyze the main indicators of the state of the rural economy of the region in terms of available factors of production and the results of their use. The research is based on a systematic approach. The study period is 2015–2019. The production process is analyzed in the relationship of all factors, including the population indicators of the West Kazakhstan region, analysis of the labour force and connection between crop production and animal husbandry in the gross output of agricultural products. The state of fixed production assets and reproduction trends are revealed. The study of the assessment of regional factors of production actualizes the issue of the relationship of the agricultural complex, the achieved indicators, the forecast development with the availability of natural, capital, and human resources.The West Kazakhstan region has significant agricultural resources, which allows to realize the potential of the region due to the multiplicative stimulating effect.

Structure-function relationships of SMC protein complexes for DNA loop extrusion

Structure-function relationships of SMC protein complexes for DNA loop extrusion

Species delimitation in Noccaea densiflora species complex (Brassicaceae) based on morphological and molecular data

The accurate identification of an organism is the basis of all biological disciplines. Although there have been many different species concepts and methods proposed, researchers generally choose the most appropriate concept according to their interests. However, each species concept has both advantages and disadvantages. In such cases, an integrated concept based on evidence obtained from different species concepts and methods is suitable for the accurate delimitation of a species. The biggest dilemma of integrated species delimitation methods is the inconsistency between species concepts and methods. Herein, the congruency of the different concepts and methods was tested to reveal the relationship of the Noccaea densiflora species complex. Nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer, chloroplast trnL-F, and trnQ-5′rps16 regions were used for species delimitation using the multispecies coalescent model as implemented in two developed Bayesian methods. Internal transcribed spacer and trnL-F regions were also used for Templeton, Crandall, and Singh haplotype network analyses. In addition to morphological measurements from different populations and vouchers, specific bioclimatic data values were also used for the principal component analysis. Based on the analyses, it was determined that only one population of N. densiflora (Boiss. &amp; Kotschy) F.K. Mey. and one of Noccaea microstyla (Boiss.) F.K. Mey. were clearly distinct, whereas the rest of the specimens remain taxonomically uncertain.

Formation of the Maoniuping giant REE deposit: Constraints from mineralogy and in situ bastnäsite U-Pb geochronology

Abstract The time and processes of hydrothermal mineralization are long-standing problems in geology. This work addresses these questions with reference to the Maoniuping giant rare earth elements (REE) deposit (southwest China), which has rare earth oxides (REO) reserves of 3.17 million tons with an average grade of 2.95 wt%. Bastnäsite is the dominant economic mineral, occurring as four distinct paragenetic types in the Maoniuping syenite–carbonatite complex: (1) primary euhedral bastnäsite (type-A) in syenite, with isolated melt inclusions; (2) macro-crystalline tabular euhedral bastnäsite (type-B) in pegmatitic dikes, with a diverse variety of fluid inclusions; (3) fine-grained, anhedral veinlet-disseminated bastnäsite (type-C) in syenite; and (4) coarse-grained anhedral bastnäsite (type-D) in carbonatite dikes, occurring as veinlets or interstitial to calcite, fluorite, and barite. From the paragenetic and compositional variations, it is inferred that type-A bastnäsite is of primary magmatic origin, whereas the other three types have characteristics of hydrothermal origins. In situ LA-ICP-MS U-Pb geochronology of the four types of bastnäsite results in lower intercept ages of 28.2 ± 0.5 Ma (n = 95, MSWD = 5.10), 27.8 ± 0.4 Ma (n = 43, MSWD = 0.73), 26.8 ± 0.7 Ma (n = 50, MSWD = 0.83), and 25.8 ± 0.7 Ma (n = 55, MSWD = 1.70), respectively, which are consistent with the weighted average 206Pb/238U and 208Pb/232Th ages by 207Pb-correction method. Compositional variations of clinopyroxene and apatite from the associated syenite, pegmatitic and carbonatitic dikes indicate a genetic relationship of the Maoniuping alkaline complex. The compositions of clinopyroxene range from Ae44–67Di14–18Hd17–41 in pegmatitic dikes, Ae43–66Di6–20Hd21–38 in carbonatitic dikes to Ae68–90Di0–3Hd10–30 in syenite. Apatites in the pegmatitic and carbonatitic dikes have similar compositions with higher F, total REE, and Sr, and lower CaO contents than those in the syenite, which suggests a cogenetic origin for the associated pegmatite and carbonatite. Clinopyroxene and apatite compositions suggest that the pegmatitic melt might differentiate directly from the initial carbonatitic melt rather than the syenitic magma. The bastnäsite U-Pb geochronology and minerals data indicate continuous magmatic-hydrothermal evolution for the REE mineralization in the Maoniuping alkaline complex.

The Hegemon’s Perspective, Part I. On the inner source and morphology of world power and hegemony

The Hegemon’s Perspective, Part I. On the inner source and morphology of world power and hegemony