Rapidly inducible, genetically targeted inactivation of neural and synaptic activity in vivo

Inducible and reversible perturbation of the activity of selected neurons in vivo is critical to understanding the dynamics of brain circuits. Several genetically encoded systems for rapid inducible neuronal silencing have been developed in the past few years offering an arsenal of tools for in vivo experiments. Some systems are based on ion-channels or pumps, others on G protein coupled receptors, and yet others on modified presynaptic proteins. Inducers range from light to small molecules to peptides. This diversity results in differences in the various parameters that may determine the applicability of each tool to a particular biological question. Although further development would be beneficial, the current silencing tool kit already provides the ability to make specific perturbations of circuit function in behaving animals

Germination of pine seed in weightlessness (investigation in Kosmos 782)

An investigation was made of the orientation of aboveground and underground organs of pine plants grown from seed in weightlessness. Orientation was found to be caused by the position of the seeds relative to the substrate surface. Normal growth was manifest only for the plants grown from seed oriented with embryo toward the substrate. Differences were noted between experiment and control as to the quantitative content of nucleoli in the meristematic cells of the rootlets and the shape of cells in the cotyledonous leaflets. No complete agreement was found between data obtained in weightlessness and when gravity was compensated (clinostat treatment with horizontal rotation)

Pine seed germination under weightlessness (a study of the Kosmos 782 satellite)

Orientation of the above and underground organs of pine plants, grown from seeds under weightlessness, was found to be determined by seed position on the substrate. Normal plant growth was observed only if the seed embryos were oriented toward the substrate. Some differences were noted between the experimental and control plants concerning the amount of nucleoli in the root meristematic cells and the cell shape in cotyledonous leaves. No complete similarity was found in experimental results obtained with plants under weightlessness and under compensated gravity. The seeds were obtained from Pinus silvestris, considered to be particularly suitable for this experiment

Cultural antecedents and consequences of luxury brand personalities

Purpose This paper aims to examine whether brands derive their personalities from their culture of origin, the stereotypes about their cultures of their origin or the cultures of their buyers. It also examines which of a culture’s personality traits are more transmittable to brand personalities (BPs), as well as the consequences of the BP resemblance to the personalities of the brand’s culture of origin and consumers’ culture on BP’s clarity and consumer attachment to the brand. Design/methodology/approach Hypotheses were developed and tested on survey data from a sample figure of 1,116 US consumers of luxury brands on 23 luxury brands originating from France, the USA, Britain, Italy and Germany. Trait by trait and personality profile analyses were performed using hierarchical model analysis (linear mixed effects models) and Cattell’s (1969) pattern similarity coefficient. Findings The culture of a brand’s origin accounts for differences of different brands personalities. The personality profiles of a country’s brands are distinct from the BP profiles of brands from other countries. The conscientiousness trait of a culture is the most transmittable to BPs. BPs derive their characteristics from stereotypes of a culture’s personality than the actual personality of the culture. The assimilation of a brand’s personality to consumer’s culture is not supported. The similarity of a BP to both real and stereotypical personality of the culture of the brand’s origin enhance perceived clarity of the BP. Research limitations/implications The study’s focus is limited to established luxury brands coming from countries that are the traditional producers of luxuries. Empirical evidence also comes only from American consumers of luxury brands. New luxury brands from countries that have recently emerged as luxury producers need to be included. Practical implications Brands retain a significant space to differentiate their personalities beyond the influence of their culture of origin on BPs. With the exception of conscientiousness, personality traits of culture are not automatically inherited or transmitted to the brands. Cultural stereotypes find their way into BPs easier than real personality traits and managers should focus on them. BP matching with the personality of a culture is a good way for managers to increase the perceived clarity of their brands’ personality. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the culture’s influence on BP using a compatible to the BP construct cultural framework, McCrae and Terracciano’s (2005a) personality of a culture framework. Three cultural meaning transfer processes are examined (cultural inheritance, cultural stereotyping and acculturation to the consumer’s culture) within the same study from a trait-by-trait and a configurational (i.e. personality profile) perspective. The consequences of BP similarity to the brand’s culture of origin as well as consumer’s culture on the BP’s appeal are also assessed

MULTIPROCESSOR MODELING TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE APPLIED STATISTICAL TASKS

The work considers the multiprocessors technologies of modeling for Monte Carlo tasks. It is shown that only application of the modern super productive systems permitted the new way to realize the mechanism of corresponding partitioned computations. The calculating schemes that supply to provide the increase of productivity and calculations' speed effectiveness are shown. In this article the modified algorithm of parallel calculations is offered based on the Monte Carlo method. Here every calculator has its own random generator of numbers. Thus intermediate calculations come true independently on the different, separately taken blades of cluster, "calculators". The results are already processed on some separately taken master -blades ("analyzer"). This allows to get rid from the necessary presence of router-communicator between the random generator of numbers and "calculator". Obviously, that such decision allows to accelerate the process of calculations. It is shown that the parallel algorithms of the Monte Carlo method are stable to any input data and have the maximal parallel form and, thus, minimal possible time of realization using the parallel computing devices. If it is possible to appoint one processor to one knot of calculation. Thus the realization of calculations becomes possible in all knots of net area in parallel and simultaneously.The work considers the multiprocessors technologies of modeling for Monte Carlo tasks. It is shown that only application of the modern super productive systems permitted the new way to realize the mechanism of corresponding partitioned computations. The calculating schemes that supply to provide the increase of productivity and calculations' speed effectiveness are shown. In this article the modified algorithm of parallel calculations is offered based on the Monte Carlo method. Here every calculator has its own random generator of numbers. Thus intermediate calculations come true independently on the different, separately taken blades of cluster, "calculators". The results are already processed on some separately taken master -blades ("analyzer"). This allows to get rid from the necessary presence of router-communicator between the random generator of numbers and "calculator". Obviously, that such decision allows to accelerate the process of calculations. It is shown that the parallel algorithms of the Monte Carlo method are stable to any input data and have the maximal parallel form and, thus, minimal possible time of realization using the parallel computing devices. If it is possible to appoint one processor to one knot of calculation. Thus the realization of calculations becomes possible in all knots of net area in parallel and simultaneously

SUMO-1 targets RanGAP1 to kinetochores and mitotic spindles

RanGAP1 was the first documented substrate for conjugation with the ubiquitin-like protein SUMO-1. However, the functional significance of this conjugation has not been fully clarified. We sought to examine RanGAP1 behavior during mitosis. We found that RanGAP1 associates with mitotic spindles and that it is particularly concentrated at foci near kinetochores. Association with kinetochores appeared soon after nuclear envelope breakdown and persisted until late anaphase, but it was lost coincident with nuclear envelope assembly in telophase. A mutant RanGAP1 protein lacking the capacity to be conjugated to SUMO-1 no longer associated with spindles, indicating that conjugation was essential for RanGAP1's mitotic localization. RanBP2, a nuclear pore protein that binds SUMO-1–conjugated RanGAP1 during interphase, colocalized with RanGAP1 on spindles, suggesting that a complex between these two proteins may be involved in mitotic targeting of RanGAP1. This report shows for the first time that SUMO-1 conjugation is required for mitotic localization of RanGAP1, and suggests that a major role of SUMO-1 conjugation to RanGAP1 may be the spatial regulation of the Ran pathway during mitosis

Values and value orientations of a digital leader in the digital economy era

The article examines the values and value orientations of a modern leader in the digital economy, in particular, the characteristics, skills and competencies, which distinguish a “digitalˮ leader from a “traditionalˮ leader and guarantee him/her success in business. The research is based on the results of a survey in which 120 people of different age categories and different managerial ranks (in Russia and abroad) participated to identify their priority personal and professional values and assess how these values influence their managerial decisions and the actions they take to transform of their business caused by digital change and the pandemic crisis and to achieve success. The findings of the study have to help understand to current and future leaders, what they have to do, what qualities and skills they have to develop to remain successful in today’s realities