Decompositions of edge-colored infinite complete graphs into monochromatic paths

An $r$-edge coloring of a graph or hypergraph $G=(V,E)$ is a map $c:E\to \{0, \dots, r-1\}$. Extending results of Rado and answering questions of Rado, Gy\'arf\'as and S\'ark\"ozy we prove that (1.) the vertex set of every $r$-edge colored countably infinite complete $k$-uniform hypergraph can be partitioned into $r$ monochromatic tight paths with distinct colors (a tight path in a $k$-uniform hypergraph is a sequence of distinct vertices such that every set of $k$ consecutive vertices forms an edge), (2.) for all natural numbers $r$ and $k$ there is a natural number $M$ such that the vertex set of every $r$-edge colored countably infinite complete graph can be partitioned into $M$ monochromatic $k^{th}$ powers of paths apart from a finite set (a $k^{th}$ power of a path is a sequence $v_0, v_1, \dots$ of distinct vertices such that $1\le|i-j| \le k$ implies that $v_iv_j$ is an edge), (3.) the vertex set of every $2$-edge colored countably infinite complete graph can be partitioned into $4$ monochromatic squares of paths, but not necessarily into $3$, (4.) the vertex set of every $2$-edge colored complete graph on $\omega_1$ can be partitioned into $2$ monochromatic paths with distinct colors

Bitter gourd, Momordica charantia L., breeding lines differ in secondary metabolite content according to market type

Bitter gourd, Momordica charantia L., is an important commercial cucurbitaceous vegetable of enormous medicinal value in Asia because of its secondary metabolite content. We report here the characterization and evaluation of open-pollinated (OP) edible South Asian and Southeast Asian types of bitter gourd breeding lines, developed at the World Vegetable Center, for horticultural traits (11 OP) and secondary metabolites (10 OP) and their comparisons with commercial OP and F1 hybrid cultivars. Marketable yields of South Asian and Southeast Asian type breeding lines were comparable to the OP ‘BARI Karella 1’ and the hybrid ‘Benteng’, respectively.The bitter gourd cultivars and breeding lines included in this study exhibited specific patterns for five secondary metabolites (saponins, carotenoids, chlorophyll a and b, and vitamin C): in general the two cultivars and South Asian type breeding lines contained higher levels of secondary metabolites, e.g. carotenoids, than the Southeast Asian bitter gourd breeding lines.Some of these bitter gourd lines will be released to Asian home and school gardeners after conducting multi-location trials across Asia to improve vegetable consumption as a main task of bitter gourd breeding

Parity Violation in Proton-Proton Scattering at 221 MeV

The parity-violating longitudinal analyzing power, Az, has been measured in pp elastic scattering at an incident proton energy of 221 MeV. The result obtained is Az =(0.84 +/- 0.29 (stat.) +/- 0.17 (syst.)) x 10^{-7}. This experiment is unique in that it selects a single parity violating transition amplitude, 3P2-1D2, and consequently directly constrains the weak meson-nucleon coupling constant h^pp_rho When this result is taken together with the existing pp parity violation data, the weak meson-nucleon coupling constants h^pp_rho and h^pp_omega can, for the first time, both be determined.Comment: 8 pages RevTeX4, 3 PostScript figures. Conclusion revised. New information about weak coupling constants adde

Development and Validation of a Short Version of the Metric for the Observation of Decision-Making in Multidisciplinary Tumor Boards: MODe-Lite

Funder: Maudsley Charity; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100012176Funder: Mark Foundation For Cancer Research; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/100014599Funder: Guy's and St Thomas' Charity; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100000380Funder: NIHR Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care South London; doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100015091Abstract: Background: Evidence-based tools are necessary for scientifically improving the way MTBs work. Such tools are available but can be difficult to use. This study aimed to develop a robust observational assessment tool for use on cancer multidisciplinary tumor boards (MTBs) by health care professionals in everyday practice. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the United Kingdom from September 2015 to July 2016. Three tumor boards from three teaching hospitals were recruited, with 44 members overall. Six weekly meetings involving 146 consecutive cases were video-recorded and scored using the validated MODe tool. Data were subjected to reliability and validity analysis in the current study to develop a shorter version of the MODe. Results: Phase 1, a reduction of the original items in the MODe, was achieved through two focus group meetings with expert assessors based on previous research. The 12 original items were reduced to 6 domains, receiving full agreement by the assessors. In phase 2, the six domains were subjected to item reliability, convergent validation, and internal consistency testing against the MODe-Lite global score, the MODe global score, and the items of the MODe. Significant positive correlations were evident across all domains (p < 0.01), indicating good reliability and validity. In phase 3, feasibility and high inter-assessor reliability were achieved by two clinical assessors. Six domains measuring clinical input, holistic input, clinical collaboration, pathology, radiology, and management plan were integrated into MODe-Lite. Conclusions: As an evidence-based tool for health care professionals in everyday practice, MODe-Lite gives cancer MTBs insight into the way they work and facilitates improvements in practice

Monoterpene indole alkaloids from Vinca minor L. (Apocynaceae): Identification of new structural scaffold for treatment of Alzheimer's disease

One undescribed indole alkaloid together with twenty-two known compounds have been isolated from aerial parts of Vinca minor L. (Apocynaceae). The chemical structures of the isolated alkaloids were determined by a combination of MS, HRMS, 1D, and 2D NMR techniques, and by comparison with literature data. The NMR data of several alkaloids have been revised, corrected, and missing data have been supplemented. Alkaloids isolated in sufficient quantity were screened for their in vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE; E.C. 3.1.1.7) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE; E.C. 3.1.1.8) inhibitory activity. Selected compounds were also evaluated for prolyl oligopeptidase (POP; E.C. 3.4.21.26), and glycogen synthase 3β-kinase (GSK-3β; E.C. 2.7.11.26) inhibition potential. Significant hBuChE inhibition activity has been shown by (−)-2-ethyl-3[2-(3-ethylpiperidinyl)-ethyl]-1H-indole with an IC50 value of 0.65 ± 0.16 μM. This compound was further studied by enzyme kinetics, along with in silico techniques, to reveal the mode of inhibition. This compound is also predicted to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) through passive diffusion

Parity Violation in Proton-Proton Scattering at 221 MeV

TRIUMF experiment 497 has measured the parity violating longitudinal analyzing power, A_z, in pp elastic scattering at 221.3 MeV incident proton energy. This paper includes details of the corrections, some of magnitude comparable to A_z itself, required to arrive at the final result. The largest correction was for the effects of first moments of transverse polarization. The addition of the result, A_z=(0.84 \pm 0.29 (stat.) \pm 0.17 (syst.)) \times 10^{-7}, to the pp parity violation experimental data base greatly improves the experimental constraints on the weak meson-nucleon coupling constants h^{pp}_\rho and h^{pp}_\omega, and has implications for the interpretation of electron parity violation experiments.Comment: 17 pages RevTeX, 14 PostScript figures. Revised version with additions suggested by Phys. Rev.

Control of star formation by supersonic turbulence

Understanding the formation of stars in galaxies is central to much of modern astrophysics. For several decades it has been thought that stellar birth is primarily controlled by the interplay between gravity and magnetostatic support, modulated by ambipolar diffusion. Recently, however, both observational and numerical work has begun to suggest that support by supersonic turbulence rather than magnetic fields controls star formation. In this review we outline a new theory of star formation relying on the control by turbulence. We demonstrate that although supersonic turbulence can provide global support, it nevertheless produces density enhancements that allow local collapse. Inefficient, isolated star formation is a hallmark of turbulent support, while efficient, clustered star formation occurs in its absence. The consequences of this theory are then explored for both local star formation and galactic scale star formation. (ABSTRACT ABBREVIATED)Comment: Invited review for "Reviews of Modern Physics", 87 pages including 28 figures, in pres

Evaluation of changes to work patterns in multidisciplinary cancer team meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic: A national mixed-method survey study

Background It is not well understood the overall changes that multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) have had to make in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, nor the impact that such changes, in addition to the other challenges faced by MDTs, have had on decision-making, communication, or participation in the context of MDT meetings specifically. Methods This was a mixed method, prospective cross-sectional survey study taking place in the United Kingdom between September 2020 and August 2021. Results The participants were 423 MDT members. Qualitative findings revealed hybrid working and possibility of virtual attendance as the change introduced because of COVID-19 that MDTs would like to maintain. However, IT-related issues, slower meetings, longer lists and delays were identified as common with improving of the IT infrastructure necessary going forward. In contrast, virtual meetings and increased attendance/availability of clinicians were highlighted as the positive outcomes resulting from the change. Quantitative findings showed significant improvement from before COVID-19 for MDT meeting organisation and logistics (M = 45, SD = 20) compared to the access (M = 50, SD = 12, t(390) = 5.028, p = 0.001), case discussions (M = 50, SD = 14, t(373) = −5.104, p = 0.001), and patient representation (M = 50, SD = 12, t(382) = −4.537, p = 0.001) at MDT meetings. Discussion Our study explored the perception of change since COVID-19 among cancer MDTs using mixed methods. While hybrid working was preferred, challenges exist. Significant improvements in the meeting organisation and logistics were reported. Although we found no significant perceived worsening across the four domains investigated, there was an indication in this direction for the case discussions warranting further ‘live’ assessments of MDT meetings