150 research outputs found
On the constitution of sodium at higher densities
Using density functional theory the atomic and electronic structure of sodium
are predicted to depart substantially from those expected of simple metals for
GPa). Newly-predicted phases include those with low
structural symmetry, semi-metallic electronic properties (including zero-gap
semiconducting limiting behavior), unconventional valence charge density
distributions, and even those that raise the possibility of superconductivity,
all at currently achievable pressures. Important differences emerge between
sodium and lithium at high densities, and these are attributable to
corresponding differences in their respective cores.Comment: 13 pages; 3 figure
Fullereneâlike structures of Cretaceous crinoids reveal topologically limited skeletal possibilities
There are few cases where numbers or types of possible phenotypes are known, although vast state spaces have been postulated. Rarely applied in this context, graph theory and topology enable enumeration of possible phenotypes and evolutionary transitions. Here, we generate polyhedral calyx graphs for the Late Cretaceous, stemless crinoids Marsupites testudinarius and Uintacrinus socialis (Uintacrinoidea Zittel) revealing structural similarities to carbon fullerene and fulleroid molecules (respectively). The U. socialis calyx incorporates numerous plates (e.g. graph vertices |V| â„ 197), which are small, light, lowâdensity and have four to eight sides. Therefore, the corresponding number of possible plate arrangements (number of polyhedral graphs) is large (â«1 Ă 1014). Graph vertices representing plates with sides >6 introduce negative Gaussian curvature (surface saddle points) and topological instability, increasing buckling risk. However, observed numbers of vertices for Uintacrinus do not allow more stable pentaradial configurations. In contrast, the Marsupites calyx dual graph has 17 faces that are pentagonal or hexagonal. Therefore, it is structurally identical to a carbon fullerene, specifically C30âD5h. Corresponding graph restrictions result in constraint to only three structural options (fullerene structures C30âC2v 1, C30âC2v 2 and C30âD5h). Further restriction to pentaradial symmetry allows only one possibility: the Marsupites phenotype. This robust, stable topology is consistent with adaptation to predation pressures of the Mesozoic marine revolution. Consequently, the most plausible evolutionary pathway between unitacrinoid phenotypes was a mixed heterochronic tradeâoff to fewer, larger calyx plates. Therefore, topological limitations radically constrained uintacrinoid skeletal possibilities but thereby aided evolution of a novel adaptive phenotype
Measuring and Comparing Party Ideology and Heterogeneity
Estimates of party ideological positions in Western Democracies yield useful party-level information, but lack the ability to provide insight into intraparty politics. In this paper, we generate comparable measures of latent individual policy positions from elite survey data which enable analysis of elite-level party ideology and heterogeneity. This approach has advantages over both expert surveys and approaches based on behavioral data, such as roll call voting and is directly relevant to the study of party cohesion. We generate a measure of elite positions for several European countries using a common space scaling approach and demonstrate its validity as a measure of party ideology. We then apply these data to determine the sources of party heterogeneity, focusing on the role of intraparty competition in electoral systems, nomination rules, and party goals. We find that policy-seeking parties and centralized party nomination rules reduce party heterogeneity. While intraparty competition has no effect, the presence of these electoral rules conditions the effect of district magnitude
Seekingâtaking chain schedules of cocaine and sucrose self-administration: effects of reward size, reward omission, and α-flupenthixol
A critical appraisal of appendage disparity and homology in fishes
Fishes are both extremely diverse and morphologically disparate. Part of this disparity can be observed in the numerous possible fin configurations that may differ in terms of the number of fins as well as fin shapes, sizes and relative positions on the body. Here, we thoroughly review the major patterns of disparity in fin configurations for each major group of fishes and discuss how median and paired fin homologies have been interpreted over time. When taking into account the entire span of fish diversity, including both extant and fossil taxa, the disparity in fin morphologies greatly complicates inferring homologies for individual fins. Given the phylogenetic scope of this review, structural and topological criteria appear to be the most useful indicators of fin identity. We further suggest that it may be advantageous to consider some of these fin homologies as nested within the larger framework of homologous finâforming morphogenetic fields. We also discuss scenarios of appendage evolution and suggest that modularity may have played a key role in appendage disparification. Fin modules reâexpressed within the boundaries of finâforming fields could explain how some fins may have evolved numerous times independently in separate lineages (e.g., adipose fin), or how new fins may have evolved over time (e.g., anterior and posterior dorsal fins, pectoral and pelvic fins). We favour an evolutionary scenario whereby median appendages appeared from a unique field of competence first positioned throughout the dorsal and ventral midlines, which was then redeployed laterally leading to paired appendages.Peer Reviewedhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/151971/1/faf12402_am.pdfhttps://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/151971/2/faf12402.pd
The V471A polymorphism in autophagy-related gene ATG7 modifies age at onset specifically in Italian Huntington disease patients
The cause of Huntington disease (HD) is a polyglutamine repeat expansion of more than 36 units in the huntingtin protein, which is inversely correlated with the age at onset of the disease. However, additional genetic factors are believed to modify the course and the age at onset of HD. Recently, we identified the V471A polymorphism in the autophagy-related gene ATG7, a key component of the autophagy pathway that plays an important role in HD pathogenesis, to be associated with the age at onset in a large group of European Huntington disease patients. To confirm this association in a second independent patient cohort, we analysed the ATG7 V471A polymorphism in additional 1,464 European HD patients of the âREGISTRYâ cohort from the European Huntington Disease Network (EHDN). In the entire REGISTRY cohort we could not confirm a modifying effect of the ATG7 V471A polymorphism. However, analysing a modifying effect of ATG7 in these REGISTRY patients and in patients of our previous HD cohort according to their ethnic origin, we identified a significant effect of the ATG7 V471A polymorphism on the HD age at onset only in the Italian population (327 patients). In these Italian patients, the polymorphism is associated with a 6-years earlier disease onset and thus seems to have an aggravating effect. We could specify the role of ATG7 as a genetic modifier for HD particularly in the Italian population. This result affirms the modifying influence of the autophagic pathway on the course of HD, but also suggests population-specific modifying mechanisms in HD pathogenesis
ZeitsprĂŒnge. Forschungen zur FrĂŒhen Neuzeit
Studies in Early Modern History, Culture and Science: Since its foundation by Klaus Reichert in 1997, ZeitsprĂŒnge has offered a forum for interdisciplinary early modern research in Europe. The editors welcome contributions concerning the history of ideas, knowledge, science, literature, art, and culture that are historically systematic while pursuing questions that transcend their respective disciplinary boundaries. We welcome contributions that shed new light on their respective field of research by both daring to take 'tiger leaps into the past' (Walter Benjamin) and critically glancing into the present and the future.
Publication languages are German, English, French, Italian and Spanish). Articles in other languages may be considered after consultation with the editors.
ZeitsprĂŒnge publishes open issues and thematic volumes as well as, less commonly, editions and monographs. Starting in 2022, subscriptions will be available in print and online (campus license). ZeitsprĂŒnge uses double-blind peer review process for all submitted manuscripts
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