Morphogens: Precise Outputs from a Variable Gradient

The morphogen gradient as a source of embryonic patterning is one of the best accepted concepts in developmental biology. Morphogens can be transcription factors or extracellular signals, but in both cases, they are thought to provide concentration thresholds that position different cell fates within the developing embryo. Several recent papers examine the patterning activities of Drosophila Bicoid, the first known molecular morphogen and reach different conclusions about the patterning power of a single morphogen gradient

Cell Migration: GSK3β Steers the Cytoskeleton's Tip

Directed cell migration polarizes the cytoskeleton, allowing the cell to move toward migratory cues. In this issue, Wu et al. (2011) demonstrate that the glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) controls microtubule architecture and polarized movement of skin stem cells during wound healing in mammals by regulating the microtubule crosslinking protein ACF7

Will Conventional Public Transport Users Adopt Autonomous Public Transport? A Model Integrating UTAUT Model and Satisfaction–Loyalty Model

As an emerging technology for sustainable, safe, energy-efficient, and smooth traffic flow, autonomous public transport (APT) has been widely studied in recent years. However, the influence of conventional public transport (CPT) on behavioural intentions toward APT is largely overlooked. While APT is in its nascent phase, users’ choices may be shaped by their perceptions and attitudes toward CPT. Therefore, identifying these perceptions and examining their effect on behavioural intention is crucial. In this study, the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) is integrated with the satisfaction-loyalty model to analyze the key factors influencing behavioural intentions toward APT. To obtain more precise findings, this study examined public transport by type, including rubber-tired systems, urban rail, and bus rapid transit, rather than as a single mode, unlike many previous studies. A survey (n = 1271) was employed to validate the theoretical model among CPT users in Istanbul. The results indicate that loyalty to CPT significantly influences behavioural intention toward APT. Moreover, users of different CPT types have distinct priorities influencing their intention to use APT. While users of rubber-tired systems prioritize effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions, users of urban rail systems consider social influence, trust and loyalty to CPT to be decisive factors. Furthermore, users of bus rapid transit systems consider performance expectancy, effort expectancy, trust, and loyalty to CPT as key factors influencing their behavioural intention. The findings are expected to enrich theoretical research on behavioural intention toward APT and guide future integration and transition between CPT and APT

Synthetic (JWH-018) cannabinoid-induced immune suppression of T-lymphocytes in spleen tissue

Synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018 is a potent cannabinoid receptor agonist that plays a role in the immune system. It is a substance whose consumption is rising globally. While numerous studies have explored the impact of cannabinoids on immunity, limited information exists regarding the immunosuppressive effects on T cells within spleen tissue. Hence, this study aims to investigate the effects of JWH-018 on CD cells in the spleen. Thirty male CD -1 mice were categorized into three groups: the sham group (G1), the ethanol group (G2), and the JWH-018 group (G3). These animals received treatments of saline, ethanol, and JWH-018 (0.3 mg/kg) respectively for 9 consecutive days, after which all groups were sacrificed on day 2. Our findings revealed a statistically significant weight loss in G3 compared to G2, whereas a weight gain was observed in G1 and G2. Except for one animal, no significant histopathological changes were detected in the control and treatment groups. However, the treatment group exhibited a notable decrease in white pulp size. Moreover, we demonstrated that JWH-018 can induce apoptosis, leading to a decrease in CD3, CD4, and CD8 expression in T cells, which may result in immunosuppression in vivo in T lymphocytes. These results collectively suggest that exposure to JWH-018 can lead to the suppression of CD3, CD4, and CD8 expression by inducing apoptosis. Consequently, the results of this study show that JWH-018 may have a potential for use as an immunosuppressant in various medical conditions, particularly in autoimmune diseases or situations requiring immune system suppression