439 research outputs found
A Scalable Null Model for Directed Graphs Matching All Degree Distributions: In, Out, and Reciprocal
Degree distributions are arguably the most important property of real world
networks. The classic edge configuration model or Chung-Lu model can generate
an undirected graph with any desired degree distribution. This serves as a good
null model to compare algorithms or perform experimental studies. Furthermore,
there are scalable algorithms that implement these models and they are
invaluable in the study of graphs. However, networks in the real-world are
often directed, and have a significant proportion of reciprocal edges. A
stronger relation exists between two nodes when they each point to one another
(reciprocal edge) as compared to when only one points to the other (one-way
edge). Despite their importance, reciprocal edges have been disregarded by most
directed graph models.
We propose a null model for directed graphs inspired by the Chung-Lu model
that matches the in-, out-, and reciprocal-degree distributions of the real
graphs. Our algorithm is scalable and requires random numbers to
generate a graph with edges. We perform a series of experiments on real
datasets and compare with existing graph models.Comment: Camera ready version for IEEE Workshop on Network Science; fixed some
typos in tabl
The role of the cytoskeleton in biomineralisation in haptophyte algae
The production of calcium carbonate by coccolithophores (haptophytes) contributes significantly to global biogeochemical cycling. The recent identification of a silicifying haptophyte, Prymnesium neolepis, has provided new insight into the evolution of biomineralisation in this lineage. However, the cellular mechanisms of biomineralisation in both calcifying and silicifying haptophytes remain poorly understood. To look for commonalities between these two biomineralisation systems in haptophytes, we have determined the role of actin and tubulin in the formation of intracellular biomineralised scales in the coccolithophore, Coccolithus braarudii and in P. neolepis. We find that disruption of the actin network interferes with secretion of the biomineralised elements in both C. braarudii and P. neolepis. In contrast, disruption of the microtubule network does not prevent secretion of the silica scales in P. neolepis but results in production of abnormally small silica scales and also results in the increased formation of malformed coccoliths in C. braarudii. We conclude that the cytoskeleton plays a crucial role in biomineralisation in both silicifying and calcifying haptophytes. There are some important similarities in the contribution of the cytoskeleton to these different forms of biomineralisation, suggesting that common cellular mechanisms may have been recruited to perform similar roles in both lineages
Degree Relations of Triangles in Real-world Networks and Models
Triangles are an important building block and distinguishing feature of
real-world networks, but their structure is still poorly understood. Despite
numerous reports on the abundance of triangles, there is very little
information on what these triangles look like. We initiate the study of
degree-labeled triangles -- specifically, degree homogeneity versus
heterogeneity in triangles. This yields new insight into the structure of
real-world graphs. We observe that networks coming from social and
collaborative situations are dominated by homogeneous triangles, i.e., degrees
of vertices in a triangle are quite similar to each other. On the other hand,
information networks (e.g., web graphs) are dominated by heterogeneous
triangles, i.e., the degrees in triangles are quite disparate. Surprisingly,
nodes within the top 1% of degrees participate in the vast majority of
triangles in heterogeneous graphs. We also ask the question of whether or not
current graph models reproduce the types of triangles that are observed in real
data and showed that most models fail to accurately capture these salient
features
Impact of Lighting Arrangements and Illuminances on Different Impressions of a Room
Cataloged from PDF version of article.This study explores whether different lighting arrangements (general lighting, wall washing and cove lighting) and different illuminances (500 and 320 lux) could affect the perception of the same space. An experimental study was conducted to investigate how the qualitative aspects of space (the impressions of a space) could be enhanced with lighting. Hundred participants were first asked to choose the most suitable lighting arrangement for each impression (clarity, spaciousness, relaxation, privacy, pleasantness and order) under the 500 lux illuminance. In the second stage, they were asked to compare the two illuminances (500 and 320 lux) for the lighting arrangement they selected in the first stage. There was a statistically significant relation between impressions and lighting arrangements, also between impressions and lighting levels. Thus, different lighting arrangements and lighting levels could be used to enhance the clarity, spaciousness, relaxation, privacy, pleasantness and order of a room. The results of this study found most suitable lighting arrangements with their illuminances for each impression, which is reported in the paper
Checklists and illustrative financial statements for banks and savings institutions : a financial accounting and reporting practice aid, November 1999 edition
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/aicpa_indev/1961/thumbnail.jp
The requirement for calcification differs between ecologically important coccolithophore species
Summary
Coccolithophores are globally distributed unicellular marine algae that are characterized by their covering of calcite coccoliths. Calcification by coccolithophores contributes significantly to global biogeochemical cycles. However, the physiological requirement for calcification remains poorly understood as nonâcalcifying strains of some commonly used model species, such as Emiliania huxleyi, grow normally in laboratory culture.
To determine whether the requirement for calcification differs between coccolithophore species, we utilized multiple independent methodologies to disrupt calcification in two important species of coccolithophore: E. huxleyi and Coccolithus braarudii. We investigated their physiological response and used timeâlapse imaging to visualize the processes of calcification and cell division in individual cells.
Disruption of calcification resulted in major growth defects in C. braarudii, but not in E. huxleyi. We found no evidence that calcification supports photosynthesis in C. braarudii, but showed that an inability to maintain an intact coccosphere results in cell cycle arrest.
We found that C. braarudii is very different from E. huxleyi as it exhibits an obligate requirement for calcification. The identification of a growth defect in C. braarudii resulting from disruption of the coccosphere may be important in considering their response to future changes in ocean carbonate chemistry
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH HIP INVOLVEMENT AND ITS IMPACT ON TREATMENT DECISION IN PATIENTS WITH AXIAL SPONDYLOARTHRITIS; TREASURE EXPERIENCE
[Abstract Not Available
Loss of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 5 from Parvalbumin Interneurons Leads to Hyperinhibition, Decreased Anxiety, and Memory Impairment
Perturbations in fast-spiking parvalbumin (PV) interneurons are hypothesized to be a major component of various neuropsychiatric disorders; however, the mechanisms regulating PV interneurons remain mostly unknown. Recently, cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) has been shown to function as a major regulator of synaptic plasticity. Here, we demonstrate that genetic ablation of Cdk5 in PV interneurons in mouse brain leads to an increase in GABAergic neurotransmission and impaired synaptic plasticity. PVCre;fCdk5 mice display a range of behavioral abnormalities, including decreased anxiety and memory impairment. Our results reveal a central role of Cdk5 expressed in PV interneurons in gating inhibitory neurotransmission and underscore the importance of such regulation during behavioral tasks. Our findings suggest that Cdk5 can be considered a promising therapeutic target in a variety of conditions attributed to inhibitory interneuronal dysfunction, such as epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia.National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression (U.S.) (Young Investigator Award)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant RO1-NS051874-16)Simons Foundation (Autism Research Initiative Grant
Ascaroside Expression in Caenorhabditis elegans Is Strongly Dependent on Diet and Developmental Stage
Background:
The ascarosides form a family of small molecules that have been isolated from cultures of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. They are often referred to as âdauer pheromonesâ because most of them induce formation of long-lived and highly stress resistant dauer larvae. More recent studies have shown that ascarosides serve additional functions as social signals and mating pheromones. Thus, ascarosides have multiple functions. Until now, it has been generally assumed that ascarosides are constitutively expressed during nematode development.
Methodology/Principal Findings:
Cultures of C. elegans were developmentally synchronized on controlled diets. Ascarosides released into the media, as well as stored internally, were quantified by LC/MS. We found that ascaroside biosynthesis and release were strongly dependent on developmental stage and diet. The male attracting pheromone was verified to be a blend of at least four ascarosides, and peak production of the two most potent mating pheromone components, ascr#3 and asc#8 immediately preceded or coincided with the temporal window for mating. The concentration of ascr#2 increased under starvation conditions and peaked during dauer formation, strongly supporting ascr#2 as the main population density signal (dauer pheromone). After dauer formation, ascaroside production largely ceased and dauer larvae did not release any ascarosides. These findings show that both total ascaroside production and the relative proportions of individual ascarosides strongly correlate with these compounds' stage-specific biological functions.
Conclusions/Significance:
Ascaroside expression changes with development and environmental conditions. This is consistent with multiple functions of these signaling molecules. Knowledge of such differential regulation will make it possible to associate ascaroside production to gene expression profiles (transcript, protein or enzyme activity) and help to determine genetic pathways that control ascaroside biosynthesis. In conjunction with findings from previous studies, our results show that the pheromone system of C. elegans mimics that of insects in many ways, suggesting that pheromone signaling in C. elegans may exhibit functional homology also at the sensory level. In addition, our results provide a strong foundation for future behavioral modeling studies
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