Diffeomorphism invariant eigenvalue problem for metric perturbations in a bounded region

We suggest a method of construction of general diffeomorphism invariant boundary conditions for metric fluctuations. The case of $d+1$ dimensional Euclidean disk is studied in detail. The eigenvalue problem for the Laplace operator on metric perturbations is reduced to that on $d$-dimensional vector, tensor and scalar fields. Explicit form of the eigenfunctions of the Laplace operator is derived. We also study restrictions on boundary conditions which are imposed by hermiticity of the Laplace operator.Comment: LATeX file, no figures, no special macro

Objects as culture-specific referents of color terms in Russian

The present study is an extension of our analysis of Russian basic color terms (BCTs) elicited in a web-based psycholinguistic experiment. Color samples (N = 600) were approximately uniformly distributed in the Munsell color solid. An unconstrained color-naming method was employed. Native Russian speakers (N = 713; 333 males) participated in the study. Among 1422 elicited unique color words, 698 terms (49%) were derived from object names. Here we explore object-derived non-BCTs, focusing on broad classes of names referred to objects, categories within these, and the inventory of color terms, as well as their frequency, patterns of derivation, and derivational productivity. Six classes of object referents were identified: flora, fauna, inanimate nature, food and beverages, man-made objects, body and bodily products. In detail, 20 most frequent object-derived terms are reported. These are accompanied by analysis of gender differences and representation of the terms' denotata on the Munsell Mercator projection. In addition, Russian object-derived color terms are related to those in English; discussed are differences between the 2 languages in the color term classes, inventories and incidences. We conclude that Russian object-derived color terms follow the generic metonymy pattern, that is, signifying color of objects in the speakers' natural environment. The inventory is also language-specific, reflecting social practices, preferences and views entrenched in the traditional Russian culture. Furthermore, recent extensive development of the inventory signals 2 novel phenomena: marked globalization influence, surfacing as abundant transliteration of English referent loanwords, and noticeable sociolectal diversification that manifests itself by novel evocative color terms, particularly in marketing and advertisement

Temporal and structural genetic variation in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) associated with the pastoral transition in Northwestern Siberia

Funding Information NordForsk. Grant Number: 76915 ERC Advanced Grant. Grant Numbers: 295458, ESRC ES/, M011054/1 JPI HUMANOR ERC Starting GrantPeer reviewedPublisher PD

On plexus representation of dissimilarities

Correspondence analysis has found widespread application in analysing vegetation gradients. However, it is not clear how it is robust to situations where structures other than a simple gradient exist. The introduction of instrumental variables in canonical correspondence analysis does not avoid these difficulties. In this paper I propose to examine some simple methods based on the notion of the plexus (sensu McIntosh) where graphs or networks are used to display some of the structure of the data so that an informed choice of models is possible. I showthat two different classes of plexus model are available. These classes are distinguished by the use in one case of a global Euclidean model to obtain well-separated pair decomposition (WSPD) of a set of points which implicitly involves all dissimilarities, while in the other a Riemannian view is taken and emphasis is placed locally, i.e., on small dissimilarities. I showan example of each of these classes applied to vegetation data

Dynamic adaptation of mesenchymal stem cell physiology upon exposure to surface micropatterns

Human mesenchymal stem (hMSCs) are defined as multi-potent colony-forming cells expressing a specific subset of plasma membrane markers when grown on flat tissue culture polystyrene. However, as soon as hMSCs are used for transplantation, they are exposed to a 3D environment, which can strongly impact cell physiology and influence proliferation, differentiation and metabolism. Strategies to control in vivo hMSC behavior, for instance in stem cell transplantation or cancer treatment, are skewed by the un-physiological flatness of the standard well plates. Even though it is common knowledge that cells behave differently in vitro compared to in vivo, only little is known about the underlying adaptation processes. Here, we used micrometer-scale defined surface topographies as a model to describe the phenotype of hMSCs during this adaptation to their new environment. We used well established techniques to compare hMSCs cultured on flat and topographically enhanced polystyreneand observed dramatically changed cell morphologies accompanied by shrinkage of cytoplasm and nucleus, a decreased overall cellular metabolism, and slower cell cycle progression resulting in a lower proliferation rate in cells exposed to surface topographies. We hypothesized that this reduction in proliferation rate effects their sensitivity to certain cancer drugs, which was confirmed by higher survival rate of hMSCs cultured on topographies exposed to paclitaxel. Thus, micro-topographies can be used as a model system to mimic the natural cell micro-environment, and be a powerful tool to optimize cell treatment in vitro

ДНК-ДИАГНОСТИКА АНАПЛАЗМОЗА КРУПНОГО РОГАТОГО СКОТА

Objective of research: The purpose of our research was to develop a DNA diagnostic method for anaplasmosis in cattle. Materials and methods: Blood samples were obtained from the tail vein with the use of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as an anticoagulant. The extraction of DNA was performed with the kit Sorb-M. To analyze the gene msp4 the following sequences belonging to different isolates Anaplasma marginale were used. To select primers the conserved elements of sequences were detected with the server СlustalW2. The specificity of primers was checked by a BLASTN search. The results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were estimated using 2% agarose gel electrophoresis. Electrophoresis was performed within 40 minutes at the field intensity 5 V/cm. Fragments of gene msp4 obtained as a results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were purified, ligated and cloned in E. coli cells. Transformation was performed using the heat shock method. Search for E. coli colonies containing pGEM-msp4 plasmid was conducted by the PCR method using standard M13 primers with the following analysis of PCR results by electrophoresis. Target colonies of E. coli were cultured overnight at 37 °С in 2 ml LB medium containing ampicillin in a 100 mcg /ml concentration. Sequencing of received plasmids pGEM-msp4 was carried out by Sanger method and the genetic analyzer Applied Biosystems 3130.  Results and discussion: Development and approbation of primers on the basis of the MSP4 gene of Anaplasma marginale to perform DNA diagnostics of anaplasmosis in cattle by PCR method were described. Due to PCR sensitivity along with the use of primers, it is possible to identify 100 and more gene copies. TheЦель исследования – разработка метода ДНК-диагностики анаплазмоза крупного рогатого скота.  Материалы и методы. Пробы крови отбирали из хвостовой вены с использованием ЭДТА в качестве антикоагулянта. ДНК выделяли с помощью набора Sorb-M. Для анализа гена msp4 были использованы соответствующие последовательности, принадлежащие разным изолятам Anaplasma marginale. Выявление консервативных участков последовательностей для подбора праймеров проводили с помощью сервера СlustalW2. Видоспецифичность праймеров проверяли с использованием алгоритма BLASTN. Результаты полимеразной цепной реакции (ПЦР) оценивали методом электрофореза в 2%-ном агарозном геле. Электрофорез проводили в течение 40 минут при напряженности поля 5 В/см. Полученные в результате ПЦР фрагменты гена msp4 были очищены, лигированы и клонированы в клетках E. coli. Трансформацию проводили методом теплового шока. Поиск колоний E. coli DH5α, содержащих плазмиду pGEM-msp4, проводили методом ПЦР с использованием стандартных праймеров M13 с последующим анализом результатов ПЦР методом электрофореза. Целевые колонии наращивали в течение ночи при 37 °С в 2 мл среды LB, содержащей ампициллин в концентрации 100 мкг/мл. Секвенирование полученных плазмид pGEM-msp4 осуществляли по методу Сэнгера и генетического анализатора Applied Biosystems 3130. Результаты и обсуждение. Описаны разработка и апробация праймеров к гену msp4Anaplasma marginale для ДНК-диагностики анаплазмоза крупного рогатого скота методом ПЦР. Чувствительность ПЦР с использованием этих праймеров позволяет выявить 100 и больше копий гена. Проведенные испытания свидетельствуют о 100%-ной повторяемости и воспроизводимости данного метода

Data-analysis strategies for image-based cell profiling

Image-based cell profiling is a high-throughput strategy for the quantification of phenotypic differences among a variety of cell populations. It paves the way to studying biological systems on a large scale by using chemical and genetic perturbations. The general workflow for this technology involves image acquisition with high-throughput microscopy systems and subsequent image processing and analysis. Here, we introduce the steps required to create high-quality image-based (i.e., morphological) profiles from a collection of microscopy images. We recommend techniques that have proven useful in each stage of the data analysis process, on the basis of the experience of 20 laboratories worldwide that are refining their image-based cell-profiling methodologies in pursuit of biological discovery. The recommended techniques cover alternatives that may suit various biological goals, experimental designs, and laboratories' preferences.Peer reviewe

Practical using of improved reactor monosilance synthesis for metallic calcium and tetrafluoride silicon hydrogenation

Изложены экспериментальные результаты по гидрогенизации металлического кальция и в усовершенствованном реакторе синтеза моносилана при температуре 390°С. Предложены объяснения полученных результатов

DNA DIAGNOSTICS OF ANAPLASMOSIS IN CATTLE

Objective of research: The purpose of our research was to develop a DNA diagnostic method for anaplasmosis in cattle. Materials and methods: Blood samples were obtained from the tail vein with the use of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as an anticoagulant. The extraction of DNA was performed with the kit Sorb-M. To analyze the gene msp4 the following sequences belonging to different isolates Anaplasma marginale were used. To select primers the conserved elements of sequences were detected with the server СlustalW2. The specificity of primers was checked by a BLASTN search. The results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were estimated using 2% agarose gel electrophoresis. Electrophoresis was performed within 40 minutes at the field intensity 5 V/cm. Fragments of gene msp4 obtained as a results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were purified, ligated and cloned in E. coli cells. Transformation was performed using the heat shock method. Search for E. coli colonies containing pGEM-msp4 plasmid was conducted by the PCR method using standard M13 primers with the following analysis of PCR results by electrophoresis. Target colonies of E. coli were cultured overnight at 37 °С in 2 ml LB medium containing ampicillin in a 100 mcg /ml concentration. Sequencing of received plasmids pGEM-msp4 was carried out by Sanger method and the genetic analyzer Applied Biosystems 3130.  Results and discussion: Development and approbation of primers on the basis of the MSP4 gene of Anaplasma marginale to perform DNA diagnostics of anaplasmosis in cattle by PCR method were described. Due to PCR sensitivity along with the use of primers, it is possible to identify 100 and more gene copies. Th