Distance-regular graphs with intersection array

Distance regular graphs Γ of diameter 3 for which the graphs Γ2 and Γ3 are strongly regular, studied by M.S. Nirova. For Q-polynomial graphs with intersection arrays (69; 56; 10; 1; 14; 60) and (119; 100; 15; 1; 20; 105} the graph Γ3 is strongly regular and does not contain triangles. Automorphisms of graphs with these intersection arrays were found by A.A. Makhnev, M.S. Nirova and M.M. Isakova, A.A. Makhnev, respectively. The graph Γ with the intersection array (74; 54; 15; 1; 9; 60) also is Q-polynomial, and Γ3 is a strongly regular graph with parameters (630; 111; 12; 21). It is proved in the paper that graphs with intersection arrays (69; 56; 10; 1; 14; 60), (74; 54; 15; 1; 9; 60) and (119; 100; 15; 1; 20; 105) do not exist. © 2019 Sobolev Institute of Mathematics

Pastoralism and Emergent Complex Settlement in the Middle Bronze Age, Azerbaijan: Isotopic analyses of mobility strategies in transformation

Objectives. This article explores the scale and seasonal patterns of mobility at the complex settlement site of Qızqala during the Middle Bronze Age (2400–1,500 BCE). By integrating human bone, teeth, and environmental samples this research tests the hypothesis of the persistent importance of community-wide seasonal pastoral transhumance during the early formation of complex settlement systems of the South Caucasus. Methods. This research applies stable oxygen and radiogenic strontium isotope analyses on incremental samples of human tooth enamel, bulk tooth enamel, and bone to resolve mobility patterns. Sequential and bulk sampling techniques elucidate seasonal and residential mobility behaviors. Extensive environmental isotope samples of plant and water were collected through regional survey and establish local and regional isotopic baselines, which are compared to human isotope analysis results. Results. Qızqala individuals exhibit low isotopic variability compared to regional contemporaries. 87Sr/86Sr ratios from human remains indicate seasonal and residential isotopic variability within the baseline ranges of local landscapes. δ18O values display erratic patterns, but correspond to seasonal variability with fluctuations between highland and lowland altitudinal zone baseline values. Conclusions. Results suggest that isotopic analysis of multiple elements and sequential enamel samples offers finer resolution on the complexities of human mobility strategies and elucidate the daily lives of often overlooked mobile populations. Higher resolution of individual mobility reveals shared routine behaviors that underscore the importance of diverse social collaborations in forming complex polities in the South Caucasus

Spearman correlation coefficients for nodule number and laboratory data in second screening per participant (n = 158).

<p>Spearman correlation coefficients for nodule number and laboratory data in second screening per participant (n = 158).</p

Prognosis of Thyroid Nodules in Individuals Living in the Zhitomir Region of Ukraine

Objective: After the accident at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (CNPP), the incidence of thyroid cancer increased among children. Recently, a strong relationship between solid thyroid nodules and the incidence of thyroid cancer was shown in atomic bomb survivors. To assess the prognosis of benign thyroid nodules in individuals living in the Zhitomir region of Ukraine, around the CNPP, we conducted a follow-up investigation of screening data from 1991 to 2000 in the Ukraine. Patients and Methods: Participants of this study were 160 inhabitants with thyroid nodules (nodule group) and 160 inhabitants without thyroid nodules (normal control group) intially identified by ultrasonography from 1991 to 2000. All participants were aged 0 to 10 years old and lived in the same area at the time of the accident. We performed follow-up screening of participants and assessed thyroid nodules by fine needle aspiration biopsy. Results: Among the nodule group participants, the number and size of nodules were significantly increased at the follow-up screening compared with the initial screening. No thyroid nodules were observed among the normal control group participants. The prevalence of thyroid abnormality, especially nodules that could be cancerous (malignant or suspicious by fine needle aspiration biopsy), was 7.5% in the nodule group and 0% in the normal control group (P<0.001). Conclusions: Our study indicated that a thyroid nodule in childhood is a prognostic factor associated with an increase in the number and size of nodules in individuals living in the Zhitomir region of Ukraine

Flow chart of the study selection process and study method.

<p>Flow chart of the study selection process and study method.</p

Characteristics of study participants.

<p>Data are n (%), mean±standard deviation (SD) or median (interquartile range; IQR).</p

Location of Korosten, Ukraine relative to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (CNPP).

<p>Location of Korosten, Ukraine relative to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (CNPP).</p

Number of cases confirmed as a) malignant and b) suspicious and malignant by fine needle aspiration biopsy.

<p>Number of cases confirmed as a) malignant and b) suspicious and malignant by fine needle aspiration biopsy.</p