FOXO family isoforms

FOXO family of proteins are transcription factors involved in many physiological and pathological processes including cellular homeostasis, stem cell maintenance, cancer, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases. Genetic evidence has been accumulating to suggest a prominent role of FOXOs in lifespan regulation in animal systems from hydra, C elegans, Drosophila, and mice. Together with the observation that FOXO3 is the second most replicated gene associated with extreme human longevity suggests that pharmacological targeting of FOXO proteins can be a promising approach to treat cancer and other age-related diseases and extend life and health span. However, due to the broad range of cellular functions of the FOXO family members FOXO1, 3, 4, and 6, isoform-specific targeting of FOXOs might lead to greater benefits and cause fewer side effects. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the common and specific features of these proteins as well as their redundant and specific functions in our cells represents the basis of specific targeting strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of the evolution, structure, function, and disease-relevance of each of the FOXO family members.

Adaptive reinforcement learning for task scheduling in aircraft maintenance

This paper proposes using reinforcement learning (RL) to schedule maintenance tasks, which can significantly reduce direct operating costs for airlines. The approach consists of a static algorithm for long-term scheduling and an adaptive algorithm for rescheduling based on new maintenance information. To assess the performance of both approaches, three key performance indicators (KPIs) are defined: Ground Time, representing the hours an aircraft spends on the ground; Time Slack, measuring the proximity of tasks to their due dates; and Change Score, quantifying the similarity level between initial and adapted maintenance plans when new information surfaces. The results demonstrate the efficacy of RL in producing efficient maintenance plans, with the algorithms complementing each other to form a solid foundation for routine tasks and real-time responsiveness to new information. While the static algorithm performs slightly better in terms of Ground Time and Time Slack, the adaptive algorithm excels overwhelmingly in terms of Change Score, offering greater flexibility in handling new maintenance information. The proposed RL-based approach can improve the efficiency of aircraft maintenance and has the potential for further research in this area.

Review of Dotocryptus Brèthes (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Cryptinae), with a New Species from Colombia

The taxonomic limits of the Neotropical genus Dotocryptus Brèthes are reviewed. The genus is characterized mainly by the very long ovipositor, at least 2.2× as long as hind tibia; apex of ovipositor distinctly depressed, ventral valve expanded, and overlapping dorsal valve as a sheath; and mandible long with ventral tooth longer than dorsal one. A new species, Dotocryptus arcadius sp. nov., from Colombia is described and illustrated. The new species can be diagnosed mainly by the head and mesosoma with multiple whitish marks; epicnemial carina reaching 0.2-0.3 of distance to subalar ridge; legs marked with dark brown, orange, and whitish; and metasoma polished and glabrate. This is the northernmost record of the genus, previously known from Ecuador to southern Chile. An updated identification key to the species of the genus is provided, as well as diagnoses and new records for the previously known species.

Modeling of human exposure to benzene in urban environments

Urban areas characterized by high spatial and temporal variability in air pollution levels require implementation of comprehensive approaches to address exposure of individuals. The main objective of this study was to implement a quantitative assessment of individual exposure to benzene in urban environments. For this purpose, ExPOSITION model based on a global positioning system (GPS) tracking approach was applied to estimate individual exposure in different microenvironments. The current investigation provides an application example and validation of the modeling approach against personal and biological exposure measurements collected during the measurements campaign. The probabilistic approach using the Johnson system of distributions was implemented to characterize variability of indoor concentrations. The results obtained for daily average individual exposure to benzene corresponded to mean levels of 1.6 and 0.8-2.7 μg/m(3) in terms of 5th-95th percentiles. Validation of the model results against several personal exposure samples collected for the selected individuals revealed a Pearson's correlation coefficient of .66. This modeling approach explicitly addressed the temporal and spatial variability in the exposure and established a source-receptor relationship.

Interaction of viper venom serine peptidases with thrombin receptors on human platelets

The serine peptidases, thrombocytin and PA-BJ, isolated from the venom of Bothrops atrox and Bothrops jararaca, respectively, induce platelet aggregation and granule secretion without clotting fibrinogen. The specific platelet aggregation activity of each enzyme was about 15 times lower than that of thrombin. This activity was blocked by monoclonal antibodies recognizing protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1) and by heparin, but not by hirudin nor thrombomodulin. Both enzymes induced calcium mobilization in platelets and desensitized platelets to the action of thrombin and the SFLLRN peptide. We compared the effect of thrombin, PA-BJ, and thrombocytin on the degradation of the soluble N-terminal domain of the PAR1 receptor. The major cleavage site by thrombin and both viper enzymes was Arg41-Ser42. In addition, a rapid cleavage of the peptide bond at Arg46-Asn47 by the viper enzymes was observed, resulting in the inactivation of the tethered ligand. PA-BJ and thrombocytin both cleaved at 41-42 and 46-47 peptide bonds, and fragment 42-103 disappeared rapidly. Both viper enzymes caused calcium mobilization in fibroblasts transfected with PAR4 and desensitized these cells to the thrombin action. In conclusion, both PAR1 and PAR4 mediate the effect of viper venom serine peptidases on platelets.