Unique Domain Research Articles

Distinct functions for the paralogous RBM41 and U11/U12-65K proteins in the minor spliceosome.

Here, we identify RBM41 as a novel unique protein component of the minor spliceosome. RBM41 has no previously recognized cellular function but has been identified as a paralog of U11/U12-65K, a known unique component of the U11/U12 di-snRNP. Both proteins use their highly similar C-terminal RRMs to bind to 3'-terminal stem-loops in U12 and U6atac snRNAs with comparable affinity. Our BioID data indicate that the unique N-terminal domain of RBM41 is necessary for its association with complexes containing DHX8, an RNA helicase, which in the major spliceosome drives the release of mature mRNA from the spliceosome. Consistently, we show that RBM41 associates with excised U12-type intron lariats, is present in the U12 mono-snRNP, and is enriched in Cajal bodies, together suggesting that RBM41 functions in the post-splicing steps of the minor spliceosome assembly/disassembly cycle. This contrasts with U11/U12-65K, which uses its N-terminal region to interact with U11 snRNP during intron recognition. Finally, while RBM41 knockout cells are viable, they show alterations in U12-type 3' splice site usage. Together, our results highlight the role of the 3'-terminal stem-loop of U12 snRNA as a dynamic binding platform for the U11/U12-65K and RBM41 proteins, which function at distinct stages of the assembly/disassembly cycle.

The TAM Subfamily of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases: The Early Years.

The TAMs are a subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) comprised of three members, Tyro3, Axl and Mer. Evidence in support of the existence of this subfamily emerged from a screen for novel RTKs performed in the laboratory of Dr. Greg Lemke in 1991. A PCR-based approach to selectively amplify tyrosine kinase-specific genes yielded 27 different tyrosine kinase genes, of which 13 were novel (the "Tyros"). Of these, Tyro3, 7 and 12 were more closely related to each other than to any other kinases and it was proposed that they constituted a novel subfamily of RTKs. Additional support for this hypothesis required determining the complete sequences for these receptor tyrosine kinases. By the end of 1991, full-length sequences for Tyro7 (Axl) revealed a unique extracellular domain organization that included two immunoglobulin-like domains and two fibronectin type III repeats. In 1994, the complete sequences for Tyro12 (Mer) and Tyro3 were shown to have an extracellular region domain structure similar to that of Axl. In 1995, Gas6 and Pros1 were reported as ligands for Tyro3 and Axl, setting the stage for functional studies. The Lemke lab and its many trainees have since played leading roles in elucidating the physiological relevance of the TAMs.

A self-regulatory cell-wall-sensing module at cell edges controls plant growth.

Morphogenesis of multicellular organs requires coordination of cellular growth. In plants, cell growth is determined by turgor pressure and the mechanical properties of the cell wall, which also glues cells together. Because plants have to integrate tissue-scale mechanical stresses arising through growth in a fixed tissue topology, they need to monitor cell wall mechanical status and adapt growth accordingly. Molecular factors have been identified, but whether cell geometry contributes to wall sensing is unknown. Here we propose that plant cell edges act as cell-wall-sensing domains during growth. We describe two Receptor-Like Proteins, RLP4 and RLP4-L1, which occupy a unique polarity domain at cell edges established through a targeted secretory transport pathway. We show that RLP4s associate with the cell wall at edges via their extracellular domain, respond to changes in cell wall mechanics and contribute to directional growth control in Arabidopsis.

Lipid-Binding Regions within PKC-Related Serine/Threonine Protein Kinase N1 (PKN1) Required for Its Regulation.

PKC-related serine/threonine protein kinase N1 (PKN1) is a protease/lipid-activated protein kinase that acts downstream of the RhoA and Rac1 pathways. PKN1 comprises unique regulatory, hinge region, and PKC homologous catalytic domains. The regulatory domain harbors two homologous regions, i.e., HR1 and C2-like. HR1 consists of three heptad repeats (HR1a, HR1b, and HR1c), with PKN1-(HR1a) hosting an amphipathic high-affinity cardiolipin-binding site for phospholipid interactions. Cardiolipin and C18:1 oleic acid are the most potent lipid activators of PKN1. PKN1-(C2) contains a pseudosubstrate sequence overlapping that of C20:4 arachidonic acid. However, the cardiolipin-binding site(s) within PKN1-(C2) and the respective binding properties remain unclear. Herein, we reveal (i) that the primary PKN1-(C2) sequence contains conserved amphipathic cardiolipin-binding motif(s); (ii) that trimeric PKN1-(C2) predominantly adopts a β-stranded conformation; (iii) that two distinct types of cardiolipin (or phosphatidic acid) binding occur, with the hydrophobic component playing a key role at higher salt levels; (iv) the multiplicity of C18 fatty acid binding to PKN1-(C2); and (v) the relevance of our lipid-binding parameters for PKN1-(C2) in terms of kinetic parameters previously determined for the full-length PKN1 enzyme. Thus, our discoveries create opportunities to design specific mammalian cell inhibitors that disrupt the localization of membrane-associated PKN1 signaling molecules.

Sonata Form as Temporal Process: the First Movement of Bruckner's Sixth symphony

ABSTRACTThe timeworn view that Bruckner's sonata form is a motionless architecture devoid of dynamic processes has long contributed his isolation from the mainstream post‐Beethovenian tradition. Taking inspiration from August Halm's (1914) and Ernst Kurth's (1925) approaches, which were aimed at overcoming this view, this article seeks to elucidate the processual aspects of Bruckner's symphonic form in light of recent theoretical developments in musical form. Specifically, it combines William Caplin's form‐functional theory (1998), especially its beginning–middle–end paradigm, with Matthew Arndt's (2018) reconception of formal functionality to construct a new framework for the analysis of Bruckner's symphonic forms.By way of an analytical case study of the first movement of Bruckner's Sixth Symphony, the article reveals that the expression of continuous motion occurring across discrete formal entities, often further dramatised by ‘wave dynamics’ (Kurth 1925), is fundamental to Bruckner's reinvigoration of sonata form's inherent temporal process in a post‐Romantic context. In the exposition, the inter‐thematic beginning, middle and end paradigms are redistributed to the three thematic groups, which express their unique temporal domain while delineating a continuous tonal journey from the home key to the subordinate key. The remainder of the movement articulates a gradual journey of homecoming, with each subsequent large‐scale part addressing previously suggested tonal implications. Ultimately, the modified form‐functional approach adopted in this study sheds light on Bruckner's exceptional care for formal syntax on various levels of structure, and its close association with an overarching, though unconventional, tonal plot.

Transmembrane formins as active cargoes of membrane trafficking.

Formins are a large, evolutionarily old family of cytoskeletal regulators whose roles include actin capping and nucleation, as well as modulation of microtubule dynamics. The plant class I formin clade is characterized by a unique domain organization, as most of its members are transmembrane proteins with possible cell wall-binding motifs exposed to the extracytoplasmic space-a structure that appears to be a synapomorphy of the plant kingdom. While such transmembrane formins are traditionally considered mainly as plasmalemma-localized proteins contributing to the organization of the cell cortex, we review, from a cell biology perspective, the growing evidence that they can also, at least temporarily, reside (and in some cases also function) in endomembranes including secretory and endocytotic pathway compartments, the endoplasmic reticulum, the nuclear envelope, and the tonoplast. Based on this evidence, we propose that class I formins may thus serve as 'active cargoes' of membrane trafficking-membrane-embedded proteins that modulate the fate of endo- or exocytotic compartments while being transported by them.

Comprehensive Analysis of the GRAS Gene Family in Paulownia fortunei and the Response of DELLA Proteins to Paulownia Witches' Broom.

The GRAS (GAI\RGA\SCL) gene family encodes plant-specific transcription factors that play crucial roles in plant growth and development, stress tolerance, and hormone network regulation. Plant dwarfing symptom is mainly regulated by DELLA proteins of the GRAS gene subfamily. In this study, the association between the GRAS gene family and Paulownia witches' broom (PaWB) was investigated. A total of 79 PfGRAS genes were identified using bioinformatics methods and categorized into 11 groups based on amino acid sequences. Tandem duplication and fragment duplication were found to be the main modes of amplification of the PfGRAS gene family. Gene structure analysis showed that more than 72.1% of the PfGRASs had no introns. The genes PfGRAS12/18/58 also contained unique DELLA structural domains; only PfGRAS12, which showed significant response to PaWB phytoplasma infection in stems, showed significant tissue specificity and responded to gibberellin (GA3) in PaWB-infected plants. We found that the internodes were significantly elongated under 100 µmol·L-1 GA3 treatment for 30 days. The subcellular localization analysis indicated that PfGRAS12 is located in the nucleus and cell membrane. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assays confirmed that PfGRAS12 interacted with PfJAZ3 in the nucleus. Our results will lay a foundation for further research on the functions of the PfGRAS gene family and for genetic improvement and breeding of PaWB-resistant trees.

Rare NRPS Gene Cluster for Desferriferrichrome Biosynthesis Controls the Conflict between Trap Formation and Nematicidal Activity in Arthrobotrys oligospora.

The formation of the trapping device induced by nematodes has been assumed as an indicator for a switch from saprophytic to predacious lifestyles for nematode-trapping fungi. However, fungal nematocidal activity is not completely synonymous with fungal trap formation. We found that the predominant nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora harbored a rare NRPS (Ao415) gene cluster that was mainly distributed in nematode-trapping fungi. The gene Ao415 putatively encodes a protein with a unique domain organization, distinct from other NRPSs in other fungi. Mutation of the two key biosynthetic genes Ao415 and Ao414 combined with nontarget metabolic analysis revealed that the Ao415 gene cluster was responsible for the biosynthesis of a hydroxamate siderophore, desferriferrichrome (1). Lack of desferriferrichrome (1) and its hydroxamate precursor (3) could lead to significantly increased Fe3+ content, which induced fungal trap formation without a nematode inducer. Furthermore, the addition of Fe3+ strongly improved fungal trap formation but deleteriously caused broken traps. The addition of 1 significantly attenuated trap formation but enhanced fungal nematicidal activity. Our findings indicate that iron is a key factor for trap formation and provide a new insight into the underlying mechanism of siderophores in nematode-trapping fungi.

Genomic and transcriptome insight into the structure and immunity role of TRIM proteins in Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis) after Aeromonas hydrophila infection.

TRIM proteins, recognized as a class of E3 ubiquitin ligases, are increasingly acknowledged for their antipathogen immune functions in mammals and fish. In the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis), a secondary aquatic reptile that occupies a unique evolutionary position, the TRIM gene has rarely been reported. In the present study, 48 PsTRIM proteins were identified from the genome of Pelodiscus sinensis via Hidden Markov Model (HMM) searches and Signal Transduction ATPases with Numerous Domains (SMART) analysis. These PsTRIMs were found across 43 distinct scaffolds, and phylogenetic analyses classified them into three principal clades. The PsTRIMs feature a conserved assembly of either RING-B-box-coiled-coil (RBCC) or B-box-coiled-coil (BBC) domains at the N-terminus, in addition to eight unique domains at the C-terminus, including the B30.2 domain, 19 of which were identified. Expression profiling revealed ubiquitous expression of the 48 PsTRIMs across various P. sinensis tissues. Notably, seven PsTRIMs exhibited significant differential expression in liver transcriptomes following infection with Aeromonas hydrophila. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis implicated PsTRIM14 and PsTRIM28 as key players in host defense against bacterial invasion. Real-time quantitative PCR results indicated that PsTRIM1, PsTRIM2, PsTRIM14, and PsTRIM28 experienced marked upregulation in P. sinensis livers at 12h post-infection with A. hydrophila. Our study is the first to comprehensively identify and analyze the functions of TRIM genes in P. sinensis, unveiling their considerable diversity and potential roles in modulating immune responses.

Structured community transitions explain the switching capacity of microbial systems

Microbial systems appear to exhibit a relatively high switching capacity of moving back and forth among few dominant communities (taxon memberships). While this switching behavior has been mainly attributed to random environmental factors, it remains unclear the extent to which internal community dynamics affect the switching capacity of microbial systems. Here, we integrate ecological theory and empirical data to demonstrate that structured community transitions increase the dependency of future communities on the current taxon membership, enhancing the switching capacity of microbial systems. Following a structuralist approach, we propose that each community is feasible within a unique domain in environmental parameter space. Then, structured transitions between any two communities can happen with probability proportional to the size of their feasibility domains and inversely proportional to their distance in environmental parameter space-which can be treated as a special case of the gravity model. We detect two broad classes of systems with structured transitions: one class where switching capacity is high across a wide range of community sizes and another class where switching capacity is high only inside a narrow size range. We corroborate our theory using temporal data of gut and oral microbiota (belonging to class 1) as well as vaginal and ocean microbiota (belonging to class 2). These results reveal that the topology of feasibility domains in environmental parameter space is a relevant property to understand the changing behavior of microbial systems. This knowledge can be potentially used to understand the relevant community size at which internal dynamics can be operating in microbial systems.

Genomic insights into symbiosis and host adaptation of sponge-associated novel bacterium, Rossellomorea orangium sp. nov.

Sponge-associated microorganisms play vital roles in marine sponge ecology. This study presents a genomic investigation of Rossellomorea sp. MCCB 382, isolated from Stelletta sp., reveals insights into its adaptations and symbiotic roles. Phylogenomic study and Overall Genomic Relatedness Index (OGRI) classify MCCB 382 as a novel species, Rossellomorea orangium sp. nov. The genome encodes numerous carbohydrate metabolism enzymes (CAZymes), likely aiding nutrient cycling in the sponge host. Unique eukaryotic-like protein domains hint at potential mechanisms of symbiosis. Defence mechanisms include CRISPR, restriction-modification systems, DNA phosphorothioation, toxin-antitoxin systems, and heavy metal and multidrug resistance genes, indicating adaptation to challenging marine environments. Unlike obligate mutualists, MCCB 382 shows no genome reduction. Furthermore, the presence of mobile genetic elements, horizontal gene transfer, and prophages suggest genetic versatility, implying flexible metabolic potential and capacity for rapid adaptation and symbiosis shifts. MCCB 382 possesses six biosynthetic gene clusters for secondary metabolites, including both type II and III polyketide synthases (PKS), terpenes, (NRPS), NRPS-independent-siderophore, and lassopeptide. Further genome mining using BiGScape revealed four distinct gene cluster families, T2PKS, NRPS-independent-siderophore, lasso peptide, and terpene, presenting opportunities for novel compound elucidation. Our study reveals a symbiotic lifestyle of MCCB 382 with the host sponge, highlighting symbiont factors that aid in establishing and sustaining this relationship. This is the pioneering genomic characterization of a novel Rossellomorea sp. within the sponge Stelletta sp. holobiont.

Structural and functional insights into the epigenetic regulator MRG15.

MORF4-related gene on chromosome 15 (MRG15), a chromatin remodeller, is evolutionally conserved and ubiquitously expressed in mammalian tissues and cells. MRG15 plays vital regulatory roles in DNA damage repair, cell proliferation and division, cellular senescence and apoptosis by regulating both gene activation and gene repression via associations with specific histone acetyltransferase and histone deacetylase complexes. Recently, MRG15 has also been shown to rhythmically regulate hepatic lipid metabolism and suppress carcinoma progression. The unique N-terminal chromodomain and C-terminal MRG domain in MRG15 synergistically regulate its interaction with different cofactors, affecting its functions in various cell types. Thus, how MRG15 elaborately regulates target gene expression and performs diverse functions in different cellular contexts is worth investigating. In this review, we provide an in-depth discussion of how MRG15 controls multiple physiological and pathological processes.

Neuronal and Muscle Differentiation of Mammalian Cells Is Accompanied by a Change in PHF10 Isoform Expression.

The PBAF chromatin remodeling complex of the SWI/SNF family plays a critical role in the regulation of gene expression during tissue differentiation and organism development. The subunits of the PBAF complex have domains responsible for binding to N-terminal histone sequences. It determines the specificity of binding of the complex to chromatin. PHF10, a specific subunit of the PBAF complex, contains a DPF domain, which is a unique chromatin interaction domain. A PHF10 isoform that lacks the DPF domain is also present in vertebrate cells. This work shows that during neuronal and muscle differentiation of human and mouse cells, the expression of PHF10 isoforms changes: the form that does not have DPF replaces the form in which it is present. Replacement of PHF10 isoforms in the PBAF complex may affect its selectivity in the regulation of genes in differentiating cells.

Identifying China's distinctive academic fields among the top 2% of influential scientists: A bibliometric analysis using Rasch KIDMAP.

Leading scientists worldwide are recognized by their placement in the top 2% based on their career-spanning contributions, as categorized by the Science-Metrix classification. However, there has been little focus on the unique scientific fields and subfields that separate countries. Although the KIDMAP in the Rasch model has been utilized to depict student performance, its application in identifying distinctive academic areas remains unexplored. Our study uses this model to pinpoint unique research domains specific to countries based on the top 2% author data. We sourced our data from Elsevier career-long author database updated until the end of 2022. This encompassed 168 countries, 22 scientific domains, and 174 subdomains in 2021 and 2022 (with a total of 194,983 and 204,643 researchers, respectively). Our approach was threefold: identifying unique fields, subfields, and researchers. Visualizations included scatter plots, KIDMAP, and the Impact Bam Plot (IBP). China distinctive research areas were identified using the Rasch KIDMAP. Key insights include the following: The US prevailing dominance in scientific domains in both 2021 and 2022. China distinct contribution in the "Enabling & Strategic Technologies" domain. China notable emphasis on the "Complementary & Alternative Medicine" subfield in 2022. Dr Phillip Low from the Mayo Clinic (US) emerged as a leading figure in the General & Internal Medicine research domain. Despite trailing the US in global research achievements, China showcased pronounced expertise in specific scientific areas, such as the "Complementary & Alternative Medicine" subfield in 2022, when compared to China other subfields based on the level of academic performance (-3.09 logits). Future research could benefit from incorporating KIDMAP visuals to gauge other countries' strengths in various research sectors, expanding beyond the China-centric focus in this study.

Exploring the Intricacies and Functionalities of Galactose Oxidase: Structural Nuances, Catalytic Behaviors, and Prospects in Bio-electrocatalysis

Galactose Oxidase, also known as GOase, is an enzyme found mostly in Fusarium graminearum, Dactylium dendroides, and Gibberella fujikuroi. GOase, containing copper, serves catalytic functions in oxidizing substrates and primary alcohols such as d-galactose, benzyl alcohol derivatives, and dihydroxyacetone. The catalytic property of galactose oxidase that differentiates it from other enzymes is its cofactor consisting of a Cu (II)-bound Cys-Tyr* radical. The cofactor is vital for enabling regioselective oxidation. The application of galactose oxidase (GOase) covers several fields such as enzymatic synthesis, biosensors development, and processes of diagnosis.
 Galactose oxidase (GOase) was discovered to have a crystallographic structure by X-ray diffraction, which revealed an active site containing copper ions displaying relatively square pyramidal geometry. There are three unique structural and functional domains of the enzyme GOase. The domains include Tyr495 and a covalent bond between Cys228 and Tyr272 serving as equatorial and axial ligands, respectively. The mechanism of catalysis covers three different oxidation states, which include the active state containing Cu (II)-radical, the intermediate state containing Cu (II)-tyrosine, and the Cu(I)-tyrosine state. The cycle of catalysis that has been posited comprises several phases which are: (i) substrate binding, (ii) the transfer of proton (iii) the transfer of hydrogen atom, and (iv) subsequent oxidation steps. These phases eventually yield the synthesis of aldehyde and hydrogen peroxide.
 Galactose oxidase’s (GOase) mechanism of catalysis has been studied thoroughly via extensive research focusing on explaining the ping-pong mechanism that occurs in both oxidative and reductive half-reactions. The processes of activating and reactivating galactose (GOase) involve the transfer of electrons in which horseradish peroxidase (HRP) serves as an activator. The electrochemical investigations provide evidence of the electrochemical activation and reactivation of GOase in the presence of mediators.
 This comprehensive review enhances the comprehension of the structural complexities, catalytic mechanisms, and bio-electrocatalytic potential of GOase, thereby establishing a basis for future investigations and developments in technology.

A Decentralized Collaborative Learning Approach in 5G+ Core Networks

The 5G+ networks are going through extensive overhauling at both the radio access network (RAN) and core network (CN) to truly support the envisioned 5G+ use cases with ever so increasingly stringent quality of service requirements. Although many academic and industrial advancements have been realized, there are still needs for innovative changes vital for 5G+ connectivity, applications, and services. Consequently, the 3GPP is ushering in the next paradigm shift for CNs. CNs, which consist of several network functions (NFs) working cooperatively to service a RAN, are expected to exploit artificial intelligence (AI) in the form of an all-seeing-eye AI engine known as the Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF). Its purpose is to optimize and automate network operation and management. However, accurate analytics require extensive machine learning (ML) training and as such, in this article, we present a distributed collaborative ML approach to facilitate said training. Accordingly, we present two variations of a distributed NWDAF architecture to enhance NF data localization, improve security, reduce control overhead during model training, shorten the training time, and finally, enhance the accuracy of the trained models by virtue of local testing on real-time network data. The first architecture distributes the global model training by exploiting the unique learning domain of each local model for each network function instance in a federated learning-based scheme while the second partitions the actual training network between multiple entities for each network function in a split learning-based scheme.

Early B-Cell Factor 1: An Archetype for a Lineage-Restricted Transcription Factor Linking Development to Disease.

The development of highly specialized blood cells from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the bone marrow (BM) is dependent upon a stringently orchestrated network of stage- and lineage-restricted transcription factors (TFs). Thus, the same stem cell can give rise to various types of differentiated blood cells. One of the key regulators of B-lymphocyte development is early B-cell factor 1 (EBF1). This TF belongs to a small, but evolutionary conserved, family of proteins that harbor a Zn-coordinating motif and an IPT/TIG (immunoglobulin-like, plexins, transcription factors/transcription factor immunoglobulin) domain, creating a unique DNA-binding domain (DBD). EBF proteins play critical roles in diverse developmental processes, including body segmentation in the Drosophila melanogaster embryo, and retina formation in mice. While several EBF family members are expressed in neuronal cells, adipocytes, and BM stroma cells, only B-lymphoid cells express EBF1. In the absence of EBF1, hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) fail to activate the B-lineage program. This has been attributed to the ability of EBF1 to act as a pioneering factor with the ability to remodel chromatin, thereby creating a B-lymphoid-specific epigenetic landscape. Conditional inactivation of the Ebf1 gene in B-lineage cells has revealed additional functions of this protein in relation to the control of proliferation and apoptosis. This may explain why EBF1 is frequently targeted by mutations in human leukemia cases. This chapter provides an overview of the biochemical and functional properties of the EBF family proteins, with a focus on the roles of EBF1 in normal and malignant B-lymphocyte development.

Use of Reactive Balance Assessments With Clinical Baseline Concussion Assessments in Collegiate Athletes.

Current clinical concussion evaluations assess balance deficits using static or dynamic balance tasks while largely ignoring reactive balance. Including a reactive balance assessment might provide a more comprehensive concussion evaluation. To identify redundancy in current clinical baseline assessments of concussion and determine whether reactive balance adds unique information to these evaluations. Cross-sectional study. Clinical assessment. A total of 279 healthy National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I athletes. Two cohorts of data were collected at the beginning of the athletic season. For cohort 1 (n = 191), the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Tool, instrumented modified push and release (I-mP&R), and Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) were administered. For cohort 2 (n = 88), the I-mP&R, BESS, timed tandem gait, walking with eyes closed, and clinical reaction time were administered. The strengths of the relationships between the Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Tool cognitive indices, mP&R clinical score, instrumented measures (BESS sway; I-mP&R time to stability, latency, and step length), BESS score, timed tandem gait, walking time to completion, and clinical reaction time were characterized. The strongest interinstrument correlation value was between single-task time to stability from the I-mP&R and clinical reaction time but was considered weak (r = 0.35, P = .001). The mP&R and I-mP&R clinical scores were weakly associated with the other assessments. Weak correlations between interassessment variables indicated that little redundancy was present in the current clinical evaluations. Furthermore, reactive balance represents a unique domain of function that may improve the comprehensiveness of clinical assessments.

The Integration of Medicine and Confucianism in the Late Yuan Period: Focusing on Neo-Confucian Physician Zhu Zhenheng.

Zhu Zhenheng, the last generation and sole representative from Southern China among the four masters of Jin-Yuan medicine, synthesized the evolution of Chinese medicine from the Song to the Yuan dynasties, profoundly impacting East Asian medical history. Zhu, identified as a Neo-Confucian scholar, appears in the Scholarly Records of the Song-Yuan Dynasties and in 'the Biographies of Confucians' rather than 'the Biographies of Experts' in the Official History of the Yuan Dynasty. His close association with the Jinhua school of Daoxue is noteworthy. Zhu's career, as well as his medical theory and practice, exemplify the influence of Zhu Xi's Neo-Confucianism, which was a significant intellectual resource among the literati during the late Yuan period, on medicine. Zhu Zhenheng's model of a Confucian physician later became a paradigm in East Asia, as Neo-Confucianism gained mainstream acceptance among the literati. This paper offers a detailed exploration of the specific contexts of Zhu's social and intellectual networks as well as an examination of the characteristics of his medical theories and practices. It explores how Zhu's career and identity as a Neo-Confucian physician were shaped through the local and empire-wide networks of the Jinhua school of Neo-Confucianism within the broader context of the Mongol empire, a global power in the late Yuan period. The paper also examines in depth how Zhu's medical practices were influenced by Neo-Confucianism, and it investigates the real nature and significance of the integration of medicine and Neo-Confucianism, two distinctly different realms of knowledge. Zhu Zhenheng's medical theories were formed through concerns about jufang medicine and the active presentation of alternatives. A notable aspect of his integration of medicine and Confucianism was the adoption of Neo-Confucian terminologies, concepts, and philosophical and ethical theses, while ensuring that the unique and independent domain of medicine was not subordinated to abstract philosophical theories. This is especially evident through his active and effective use of medical cases. Unlike previous studies, this paper demonstrates that Zhu Zhenheng's integration of medicine and Neo-Confucianism was mostly a metalevel process, involving methodology and knowledge reproduction patterns, and was driven by a belief in the possibility of harmonizing with Daoxue's ultimate principle without undermining the autonomy of medical knowledge.

『예술·디자인학연구』 연구 동향 분석

This study was conducted in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the publication of the academic journal 『Journal of Art &Design Research』 issued by the Art and Design Research Institute at Kyung Hee University, and in conjunction with its inclusion in recognized journals. The aim was to expand the scholarly and unique domains of art and design pursued by the journal and to provide foundational data to promote interdisciplinary research. To achieve this, an analysis was conducted on 525 papers published in the journal and the 935 researchers who participated from 1998 to 2022.
 The analysis results revealed several key insights. In response to the quantitative increase in papers, it was suggested to increase the frequency of journal publications. The expansion of the editorial board's composition, considering diversity in contributors and authors based on region, affiliation, and academic field, was recommended. Additionally, the findings emphasized the need to enhance collaboration and research functions among the nine centers, promoting interdisciplinary research through increased exchanges.