Copredication in homotopy type theory

This paper applies homotopy type theory to formal semantics of natural languages and proposes a new model for the linguistic phenomenon of copredication. Copredication refers to sentences where two predicates which assume different requirements for their arguments are asserted for one single entity, e.g., "the lunch was delicious but took forever". This paper is particularly concerned with copredication sentences with quantification, i.e., cases where the two predicates impose distinct criteria of quantification and individuation, e.g., "Fred picked up and mastered three books." In our solution developed in homotopy type theory and using the rule of existential closure following Heim analysis of indefinites, common nouns are modeled as identifications of their aspects using HoTT identity types, e.g., the common noun book is modeled as identifications of its physical and informational aspects. The previous treatments of copredication in systems of semantics which are based on simple type theory and dependent type theories make the correct predictions but at the expense of ad hoc extensions (e.g., partial functions, dot types and coercive subtyping). The model proposed here, also predicts the correct results but using a conceptually simpler foundation and no ad hoc extensions

Differential Impacts of HHV-6A versus HHV-6B Infection in Differentiated Human Neural Stem Cells

Within the family Herpesviridae, sub-family β-herpesvirinae, and genus Roseolovirus, there areonly three human herpesviruses that have been described: HHV-6A, HHV-6B, and HHV-7. Initially, HHV-6A and HHV-6B were considered as two variants of the same virus (i.e., HHV6). Despite high overall genetic sequence identity (~90%), HHV-6A and HHV-6B are now recognized as two distinct viruses. Sequence divergence (e.g., \u3e30%) in key coding regions and significant differences in physiological and biochemical profiles (e.g., use of different receptors for viral entry) underscores the conclusion that HHV-6A and HHV-6B are distinct viruses of the β-herpesvirinae. Despite these viruses being implicated as causative agents in several nervous system disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and chronic fatigue syndrome), the mechanisms of action and relative contributions of each virus to neurological dysfunction are unclear. Unresolved questions regarding differences in cell tropism, receptor use and binding affinity (i.e., CD46 versus CD134), host neuro-immunological responses, and relative virulence between HHV-6A versus HHV-6B prevent a complete characterization. Although it has been shown that both HHV-6A and HHV-6B can infect glia (and, recently, cerebellar Purkinje cells), cell tropism of HHV-6A versus HHV-6B for different nerve cell types remains vague. In this study, we show that both viruses can infect different nerve cell types (i.e., glia versus neurons) and different neurotransmitter phenotypes derived from differentiated human neural stem cells. As demonstrated by immunofluorescence, HHV-6A and HHV-6B productively infect VGluT1- containing cells (i.e., glutamatergic neurons) and dopamine-containing cells (i.e., dopaminergic neurons). However, neither virus appears to infect GAD67-containing cells (i.e., GABAergic neurons). As determined by qPCR, the expression of immunological factors (e.g., cytokines) in cells infected with HHV-6A versus HHV6-B also differs. These data, along with morphometric and image analyses of infected differentiated neural stem cell cultures, indicate that while HHV6B may have a greater opportunity for transmission, HHV-6A induces more severe cytopathic effects (e.g., syncytia) at the same post-infection end points. Cumulatively, results suggest that HHV-6A is more virulent than HHV-6B in susceptible cells, while neither virus productively infects GABAergic cells. Consistency between these in vitro data and in vivo experiments would provide new insights into potential mechanisms for HHV6-induced epileptogenesis

Studies on the purification and characteristization of ribitol dehydrogenase messenger RNA from Klebsiella aerogenes

Imperial Users onl

Purification and Modification of a Biodegradable, Carbone Dioxide Based Polymer: A Sustainable Solution to Reduce Consumption of Non-degradable Plastics

The aim of this study was to develop a benign process for removal of metal residue and other impurities from biodegradable poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) to broaden its applications. It was demonstrated that the properties of PPC are favourable for fabrication of medical devices and food packaging products. For Instance, mechanical properties of PPC were either comparable or superior to commercial polymers such as low density polyethylene and polybutyrate adipate terephthalate (Eco-Flex). Besides, permeability of PPC to oxygen and moisture was remarkably lower than these polymers. Furthermore, PPC was chemically stable in food simulated media. The high level of zinc glutarate, a metal-based catalyst, in PPC was remarkably reduced by using a novel technique in which CO2 laden water was used as a solvent. The extraction efficiency of this method at 45 ˚C and 70 bar was nearly 90% that was two-fold higher than using acidic solvents. Additionally, at these conditions other impurities such as cyclic propylene carbonate were removed from PPC that further promoted its properties. For example, the thermal decomposition temperature of PPC was shifted from 124˚C to 214˚C and its mechanical strength was enhanced by 40%. Plasma modification was used as an efficient method for chemical immobilization of thymol, an active, natural antimicrobial agent on PPC surface. The results of bacterial counting and bacteria inhibition zone showed that the thymol immobilization was efficient when using plasma at low energy for a period of 15 minutes. This study led to design of two benign processes for purification of PPC and fabrication of its antimicrobial films. This antimicrobial, biodegradable polymer that eradicates the use of preservatives and metal nano-particles is attractive for biomedical devices and food packaging products. Commercialization of theses methods will be of great value for reducing the disposal of non-degradable polymer in landfills that is a huge environmental issue

Differential Impacts of HHV-6A versus HHV-6B Infection in Differentiated Human Neural Stem Cells

Within the family Herpesviridae, sub-family β-herpesvirinae, and genus Roseolovirus, there areonly three human herpesviruses that have been described: HHV-6A, HHV-6B, and HHV-7. Initially, HHV-6A and HHV-6B were considered as two variants of the same virus (i.e., HHV6). Despite high overall genetic sequence identity (~90%), HHV-6A and HHV-6B are now recognized as two distinct viruses. Sequence divergence (e.g., \u3e30%) in key coding regions and significant differences in physiological and biochemical profiles (e.g., use of different receptors for viral entry) underscores the conclusion that HHV-6A and HHV-6B are distinct viruses of the β-herpesvirinae. Despite these viruses being implicated as causative agents in several nervous system disorders (e.g., multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and chronic fatigue syndrome), the mechanisms of action and relative contributions of each virus to neurological dysfunction are unclear. Unresolved questions regarding differences in cell tropism, receptor use and binding affinity (i.e., CD46 versus CD134), host neuro-immunological responses, and relative virulence between HHV-6A versus HHV-6B prevent a complete characterization. Although it has been shown that both HHV-6A and HHV-6B can infect glia (and, recently, cerebellar Purkinje cells), cell tropism of HHV-6A versus HHV-6B for different nerve cell types remains vague. In this study, we show that both viruses can infect different nerve cell types (i.e., glia versus neurons) and different neurotransmitter phenotypes derived from differentiated human neural stem cells. As demonstrated by immunofluorescence, HHV-6A and HHV-6B productively infect VGluT1- containing cells (i.e., glutamatergic neurons) and dopamine-containing cells (i.e., dopaminergic neurons). However, neither virus appears to infect GAD67-containing cells (i.e., GABAergic neurons). As determined by qPCR, the expression of immunological factors (e.g., cytokines) in cells infected with HHV-6A versus HHV6-B also differs. These data, along with morphometric and image analyses of infected differentiated neural stem cell cultures, indicate that while HHV6B may have a greater opportunity for transmission, HHV-6A induces more severe cytopathic effects (e.g., syncytia) at the same post-infection end points. Cumulatively, results suggest that HHV-6A is more virulent than HHV-6B in susceptible cells, while neither virus productively infects GABAergic cells. Consistency between these in vitro data and in vivo experiments would provide new insights into potential mechanisms for HHV6-induced epileptogenesis

The nature of very faint X-ray binaries; hints from light curves

Very faint X-ray binaries (VFXBs), defined as having peak luminosities Lx of 10^34-10^36 erg/s, have been uncovered in significant numbers, but remain poorly understood. We analyse three published outburst light curves of two transient VFXBs using the exponential and linear decay formalism of King and Ritter (1998). The decay timescales and brink luminosities suggest orbital periods of order 1 hour. We review various estimates of VFXB properties, and compare these with suggested explanations of the nature of VFXBs. We suggest that: 1) VFXB outbursts showing linear decays might be explained as partial drainings of the disc of "normal" X-ray transients, and many VFXB outbursts may belong to this category; 2) VFXB outbursts showing exponential decays are best explained by old, short-period systems involving mass transfer from a low-mass white dwarf or brown dwarf; 3) persistent (or quasi-persistent) VFXBs, which maintain an Lx of 10^34-10^35 erg/s for years, may be explained by magnetospheric choking of the accretion flow in a propeller effect, permitting a small portion of the flow to accrete onto the neutron star's surface. We thus predict that (quasi-)persistent VFXBs may also be transitional millisecond pulsars, turning on as millisecond radio pulsars when their Lx drops below 10^32 erg/s.Comment: 12 pages, 4 figures. MNRAS, in pres

The relationship between organizational health, teachers' organizational commitment and their perception of elementary schools principals at Region 2, Esfahan in the academic year 2012-2013

This study was conducted with an aim to explore the relationship between organizational health, teachers' organizational commitment and their perception of elementary schools principals at Area # 02, Esfahan in the academic year 2012-2013 using a descriptive method categorized as "Correlation". The statistical population comprised the entire population of teachers at Area # 02, Esfahan numbering 676 in the academic year 2012-2013. Of this number, using random stratified sampling proportionate to the size, and Cochran's sample size formula, 245 subjects were selected to participate in the study. The instruments used comprised three inventories: Hoy et al's Standard Organizational Health (1998), Allen and Meyer's Standard Organizational Commitment Health (1990) and Researchers Ghasemi et al’s developed inventory (2011). The face validities of the three inventories were approved by a number of elementary school teachers in a preliminary operation. The content validity of Researchers Ghasemi et al’s developed inventory was re-approved by such referees as the supervisor, advisor and a number of in-field authorities. The reliabilities of the Organizational Health Inventory, Organizational Commitment Inventory and Manager's Performance Perception Inventory were estimated at 0.78, 0.81 and 0.88 respectively. The findings indicated significantly positive relationships between the organizational health and the teachers' perception of the managers' performance, between the organizational health and teachers' organizational commitment as well as between the organizational commitment and the teachers' perception of the managers' performance

A survey of growth performance, intestinal micro-flora and meat shelf-life in rainbow trout fed with Pistacia atlantica kurdica essential oil

In this study, the essential oil (EO) of Pistacia atlantica subsp. kurdica was added at the rate of 10 g/kg of daily diet of rainbow trout and its effect on gut microbiota (Enterobacteriaceae, Lactobacillus spp., total count), growth performance and antioxidant status of rainbow trout fillet was investigated. Sixty apparently healthy rainbow trout with an approximate weight of 150 g ±3.5 were randomly divided into treatment and control groups. Physical and chemical conditions of water were adjusted to optimal for fish farming and sampling was done after 3 months. The results showed that feed conversion ratio in the control group was significantly (p0.05) after 1 and 7 days cold storage (3°C). According to the obtained results, the EO of Pistacia atlantica kurdica at this dose is not advised for increasing the shelf life of meat and growth performance of fish

The relationship between organizational health, teachers' organizational commitment and their perception of elementary schools principals at Region 2, Esfahan in the academic year 2012-2013

This study was conducted with an aim to explore the relationship between organizational health, teachers' organizational commitment and their perception of elementary schools principals at Area # 02, Esfahan in the academic year 2012-2013 using a descriptive method categorized as "Correlation". The statistical population comprised the entire population of teachers at Area # 02, Esfahan numbering 676 in the academic year 2012-2013. Of this number, using random stratified sampling proportionate to the size, and Cochran's sample size formula, 245 subjects were selected to participate in the study. The instruments used comprised three inventories: Hoy et al's Standard Organizational Health (1998), Allen and Meyer's Standard Organizational Commitment Health (1990) and Researchers Ghasemi et al’s developed inventory (2011). The face validities of the three inventories were approved by a number of elementary school teachers in a preliminary operation. The content validity of Researchers Ghasemi et al’s developed inventory was re-approved by such referees as the supervisor, advisor and a number of in-field authorities. The reliabilities of the Organizational Health Inventory, Organizational Commitment Inventory and Manager's Performance Perception Inventory were estimated at 0.78, 0.81 and 0.88 respectively. The findings indicated significantly positive relationships between the organizational health and the teachers' perception of the managers' performance, between the organizational health and teachers' organizational commitment as well as between the organizational commitment and the teachers' perception of the managers' performance