Compositions and methods for the expression of selenoproteins in eukaryotic cells

DOEpatents

Gladyshev, Vadim [Lincoln, NE; Novoselov, Sergey [Puschino, RU

2012-09-25

Recombinant nucleic acid constructs for the efficient expression of eukaryotic selenoproteins and related methods for production of recombinant selenoproteins are provided. The nucleic acid constructs comprise novel selenocysteine insertion sequence (SECIS) elements. Certain novel SECIS elements of the invention contain non-canonical quartet sequences. Other novel SECIS elements provided by the invention are chimeric SECIS elements comprising a canonical SECIS element that contains a non-canonical quartet sequence and chimeric SECIS elements comprising a non-canonical SECIS element that contains a canonical quartet sequence. The novel SECIS elements of the invention facilitate the insertion of selenocysteine residues into recombinant polypeptides.

A Quartet of Change Guides.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gates, Alan

Since spring 1979 numerous changes in Humanities offerings and operations have been discussed, agreed upon, and implemented at Clark College to revitalize enrollments and increase faculty energy levels. The process of change was based upon four principles: (1) the faculty perceived the need to change, wanted to explore the potential benefits of…

Separable Ernst-Shakin-Thaler expansions of local potentials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bund, G.W.

The boundary condition Ernst-Shakin-Thaler method, introduced previously to generate separable expansions of local potentials of finite range, is applied to the study of the triplet s-wave Malfliet-Tjon potential. The effect of varying the radius where the boundary condition is applied on the T matrix is analyzed. Further, we compare the convergence of the n-d scattering cross sections in the quartet state below the breakup threshold for expansions corresponding to two different boundaries.

Thrombin-Binding Aptamer Quadruplex Formation: AFM and Voltammetric Characterization

PubMed Central

Diculescu, Victor Constantin; Chiorcea-Paquim, Ana-Maria; Eritja, Ramon; Oliveira-Brett, Ana Maria

2010-01-01

The adsorption and the redox behaviour of thrombin-binding aptamer (TBA) and extended TBA (eTBA) were studied using atomic force microscopy and voltammetry at highly oriented pyrolytic graphite and glassy carbon. The different adsorption patterns and degree of surface coverage were correlated with the sequence base composition, presence/absence of K+, and voltammetric behaviour of TBA and eTBA. In the presence of K+, only a few single-stranded sequences present adsorption, while the majority of the molecules forms stable and rigid quadruplexes with no adsorption. Both TBA and eTBA are oxidized and the only anodic peak corresponds to guanine oxidation. Upon addition of K+ ions, TBA and eTBA fold into a quadruplex, causing the decrease of guanine oxidation peak and occurrence of a new peak at a higher potential due to the oxidation of G-quartets. The higher oxidation potential of G-quartets is due to the greater difficulty of electron transfer from the inside of the quadruplex to the electrode surface than electron transfer from the more flexible single strands. PMID:20798847

Statistical modeling of the reactions Fe(+) + N2O → FeO(+) + N2 and FeO(+) + CO → Fe(+) + CO2.

PubMed

Ushakov, Vladimir G; Troe, Jürgen; Johnson, Ryan S; Guo, Hua; Ard, Shaun G; Melko, Joshua J; Shuman, Nicholas S; Viggiano, Albert A

2015-08-14

The rates of the reactions Fe(+) + N2O → FeO(+) + N2 and FeO(+) + CO → Fe(+) + CO2 are modeled by statistical rate theory accounting for energy- and angular momentum-specific rate constants for formation of the primary and secondary cationic adducts and their backward and forward reactions. The reactions are both suggested to proceed on sextet and quartet potential energy surfaces with efficient, but probably not complete, equilibration by spin-inversion of the populations of the sextet and quartet adducts. The influence of spin-inversion on the overall reaction rate is investigated. The differences of the two reaction rates mostly are due to different numbers of entrance states (atom + linear rotor or linear rotor + linear rotor, respectively). The reaction Fe(+) + N2O was studied either with (6)Fe(+) or with (4)Fe(+) reactants. Differences in the rate constants of (6)Fe(+) and (4)Fe(+) reacting with N2O are attributed to different contributions from electronically excited potential energy surfaces, such as they originate from the open-electronic shell reactants.

A state interaction spin-orbit coupling density matrix renormalization group method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sayfutyarova, Elvira R.; Chan, Garnet Kin-Lic

2016-06-01

We describe a state interaction spin-orbit (SISO) coupling method using density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) wavefunctions and the spin-orbit mean-field (SOMF) operator. We implement our DMRG-SISO scheme using a spin-adapted algorithm that computes transition density matrices between arbitrary matrix product states. To demonstrate the potential of the DMRG-SISO scheme we present accurate benchmark calculations for the zero-field splitting of the copper and gold atoms, comparing to earlier complete active space self-consistent-field and second-order complete active space perturbation theory results in the same basis. We also compute the effects of spin-orbit coupling on the spin-ladder of the iron-sulfur dimer complex [Fe2S2(SCH3)4]3-, determining the splitting of the lowest quartet and sextet states. We find that the magnitude of the zero-field splitting for the higher quartet and sextet states approaches a significant fraction of the Heisenberg exchange parameter.

String Quartets as Self-Managed Teams: An Interdisciplinary Perspective

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gilboa, Avi; Tal-Shmotkin, Malka

2012-01-01

This article examines empirically and systematically whether a string quartet (SQ) ensemble is perceived as a self-managed team (SMT). SMTs, which were initially employed in the industrial world, are groups of employees that have a total responsibility for a defined project. The hypothesis that the SQ would exhibit more typical SMT characteristics…

The Pulsar Quartet: Listening to a Galactic Symphony

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kiziltan, Bülent

2014-06-01

Pulsars are exotic dead stars that emit very regular radio pulses. These pulses are attributed to their regular rotation. Some pulsars are spinning fast enough that the audio equivalent waveform of their pulses fall within our hearing range. If human ears were tuned to radio waves it would have been possible to ‘hear’ these very compact stars. We produced the audio waveform of these pulsar signals and mapped them onto a frequency chart to find the corresponding musical notes. We use these ‘audible' pulsars like musical instruments in a symphony orchestra to play a full quartet. At the same time, an accompanying visual interface shows the realistic distribution of all pulsars in our own Galaxy. Pulsars shine as they play each note in the quartet with realistic brightening and subsequent dimming proportional to their rotational energies. This can serve as an educational tool at all levels to demonstrate many interesting aspects of stellar evolution and articulate an aesthetic connection of us with the cosmos. Interested in watching the light show while the Milky Way Pulsar Orchestra plays a quartet?

The Effect of Body Movement on Listeners' Perceptions of Musicality in Trombone Quartet Performance

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Silveira, Jason M.

2014-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine what effect body movement would have on listeners' (N = 90) perceptions of a professional chamber ensemble performance. Specifically, an audio/video recording of a trombone quartet performance was used for the music stimulus. Listeners were asked to rate each performance on the basis of perceived…

The Quartet does not play alone. Comment on "The quartet theory of human emotions: An integrative and neurofunctional model" by S. Koelsch et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marco-Pallarés, Josep; Mas-Herrero, Ernest

2015-06-01

The study of emotions has been an important topic in cognitive and affective neuroscience in the last decades. In the present manuscript, Koelsch et al. [1] propose a new neurobiological framework based on four emotional core systems (the Quartet), involved in different aspects of human emotion processing. This is an interesting theory that goes beyond classical emotion classification to describe the emotional experience based on four main cerebral components (brainstem, diencephalon, hippocampus, and orbitofrontal cortex). This approach allows the description of different classes of affects, including those that are unique in humans as emotional responses associated to abstract stimuli (for example, aesthetical stimuli such as art and music).

Molecular interactions of orthologues of floral homeotic proteins from the gymnosperm Gnetum gnemon provide a clue to the evolutionary origin of 'floral quartets'.

PubMed

Wang, Yong-Qiang; Melzer, Rainer; Theissen, Günter

2010-10-01

Several lines of evidence suggest that the identity of floral organs in angiosperms is specified by multimeric transcription factor complexes composed of MADS-domain proteins. These bind to specific cis-regulatory elements ('CArG-boxes') of their target genes involving DNA-loop formation, thus constituting 'floral quartets'. Gymnosperms, angiosperms' closest relatives, contain orthologues of floral homeotic genes, but when and how the interactions constituting floral quartets were established during evolution has remained unknown. We have comprehensively studied the dimerization and DNA-binding of several classes of MADS-domain proteins from the gymnosperm Gnetum gnemon. Determination of protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions by yeast two-hybrid, in vitro pull-down and electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed complex patterns of homo- and heterodimerization among orthologues of floral homeotic class B, class C and class E proteins and B(sister) proteins. Using DNase I footprint assays we demonstrate that both orthologues of class B with C proteins, and orthologues of class C proteins alone, but not orthologues of class B proteins alone can loop DNA in floral quartet-like complexes. This is in contrast to class B and class C proteins from angiosperms, which require other factors such as class E floral homeotic proteins to 'glue' them together in multimeric complexes. Our findings suggest that the evolutionary origin of floral quartet formation is based on the interaction of different DNA-bound homodimers, does not depend on class E proteins, and predates the origin of angiosperms. © 2010 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

The "New Deadly Quartet" for cardiovascular disease in the 21st century: obesity, metabolic syndrome, inflammation and climate change: how does statin therapy fit into this equation?

PubMed

Clearfield, Michael; Pearce, Melissa; Nibbe, Yasmin; Crotty, David; Wagner, Alesia

2014-01-01

Despite population-based improvements in cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking, cardiovascular disease still remains the number-one cause of mortality in the United States. In 1989, Kaplan coined the term "Deadly Quartet" to represent a combination of risk factors that included upper body obesity, glucose intolerance, hypertriglyceridemia and hypertension [Kaplan in Arch Int Med 7:1514-1520, 1989]. In 2002, the third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP-ATP III) essentially added low HDL-C criteria and renamed this the "metabolic syndrome." [The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) in JAMA 285:2486-2497, 2001] However, often forgotten was that a pro-inflammatory state and pro-thrombotic state were also considered components of the syndrome, albeit the panel did not find enough evidence at the time to recommend routine screening for these risk factors [The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) in JAMA 285:2486-2497, 2001]. Now over a decade later, it may be time to reconsider this deadly quartet by reevaluating the roles of obesity and subclinical inflammation as they relate to the metabolic syndrome. To complete this new quartet, the addition of increased exposure to elevated levels of particulate matter in the atmosphere may help elucidate why this cardiovascular pandemic continues, despite our concerted efforts. In this article, we will summarize the evidence, focusing on how statin therapy may further impact this new version of the "deadly quartet".

A "Knowledge Quartet" Used to Identify a Second-Year Pre-Service Teacher's Primary Mathematical Content Knowledge

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Livy, Sharyn

2010-01-01

This paper draws on observation of a primary mathematics lesson prepared and taught by a second-year pre-service teacher who lacked mathematical content knowledge. A "knowledge quartet" (Rowland, Turner, Thwaites, & Huckstep, 2009) was used to investigate when and how a pre-service teacher drew on their knowledge of mathematics during primary…

Investigation of guanosine-quartet assemblies by vibrational and electronic circular dichroism spectroscopy, a novel approach for studying supramolecular entities.

PubMed

Setnicka, Vladimír; Urbanová, Marie; Volka, Karel; Nampally, Sreenivasachary; Lehn, Jean-Marie

2006-11-24

The self-assembly of guanosine-5'-hydrazide G-1 in D(2)O, in the presence and absence of sodium cations, has been investigated by chiroptical techniques: electronic (ECD) and the newly introduced vibrational (VCD) circular dichroism spectroscopy. Using a combination of ECD and VCD with other methods such as IR, electron microscopy, and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) it was found that G-1 produces long-range chiral aggregates consisting of G-quartets, (G-1)(4), subsequently stacked into columns, [(G-1)(4)](n), induced by binding of metal cations between the (G-1)(4) species. This process, accompanied by gelation of the sample, is highly efficient in the presence of an excess of sodium cations, leading to aggregates with strong quartet-quartet interaction. Thermally induced conformational changes and conformational stability of guanosine-5'-hydrazide assemblies were studied by chiroptical techniques and the melting temperature of the hydrogels formed was obtained. The temperature-dependent experiments indicate that the long-range supramolecular aggregates are dissociated by increasing temperature into less ordered species, monomers, or other intermediates in equilibrium, as indicated by MS experiments.

A state interaction spin-orbit coupling density matrix renormalization group method

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sayfutyarova, Elvira R.; Chan, Garnet Kin-Lic

We describe a state interaction spin-orbit (SISO) coupling method using density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) wavefunctions and the spin-orbit mean-field (SOMF) operator. We implement our DMRG-SISO scheme using a spin-adapted algorithm that computes transition density matrices between arbitrary matrix product states. To demonstrate the potential of the DMRG-SISO scheme we present accurate benchmark calculations for the zero-field splitting of the copper and gold atoms, comparing to earlier complete active space self-consistent-field and second-order complete active space perturbation theory results in the same basis. We also compute the effects of spin-orbit coupling on the spin-ladder of the iron-sulfur dimer complex [Fe{submore » 2}S{sub 2}(SCH{sub 3}){sub 4}]{sup 3−}, determining the splitting of the lowest quartet and sextet states. We find that the magnitude of the zero-field splitting for the higher quartet and sextet states approaches a significant fraction of the Heisenberg exchange parameter.« less

Using the "Knowledge Quartet" to Quantify Mathematical Knowledge in Teaching: The Development of a Protocol for Initial Teacher Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Weston, Tracy L.

2013-01-01

This study examined trainee teachers' mathematical knowledge in teaching (MKiT) over their final year in a US Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme. This paper reports on an exploratory methodological approach taken to use the "Knowledge Quartet" to quantify MKiT through the development of a new protocol to code trainees' teaching of…

Mechanism of inhibition of HIV-1 integrase by G-tetrad-forming oligonucleotides in Vitro.

PubMed

Jing, N; Marchand, C; Liu, J; Mitra, R; Hogan, M E; Pommier, Y

2000-07-14

The G-tetrad-forming oligonucleotides and have been identified as potent inhibitors of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase (HIV-1 IN) activity (Rando, R. F., Ojwang, J., Elbaggari, A., Reyes, G. R., Tinder, R., McGrath, M. S., and Hogan, M. E. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 1754-1760; Mazumder, A., Neamati, N., Ojwang, J. O., Sunder, S., Rando, R. F., and Pommier, Y. (1996) Biochemistry 35, 13762-13771; Jing, N., and Hogan, M. E. (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273, 34992-34999). To understand the inhibition of HIV-1 IN activity by the G-quartet inhibitors, we have designed the oligonucleotides and, composed of three and four G-quartets with stem lengths of 19 and 24 A, respectively. The fact that increasing the G-quartet stem length from 15 to 24 A kept inhibition of HIV-1 IN activity unchanged suggests that the binding interaction occurs between a GTGT loop domain of the G-quartet inhibitors and a catalytic site of HIV-1 IN, referred to as a face-to-face interaction. Docking the NMR structure of (Jing and Hogan (1998)) into the x-ray structure of the core domain of HIV-1 IN, HIV-1 IN-(51-209) (Maignan, S., Guilloteau, J.-P. , Qing, Z.-L., Clement-Mella, C., and Mikol, V. (1998) J. Mol. Biol. 282, 359-368), was performed using the GRAMM program. The statistical distributions of hydrogen bonding between HIV-1 IN and were obtained from the analyses of 1000 random docking structures. The docking results show a high probability of interaction between the GTGT loop residues of the G-quartet inhibitors and the catalytic site of HIV-1 IN, in agreement with the experimental observation.

Network Analysis of Sequence-Function Relationships and Exploration of Sequence Space of TEM β-Lactamases.

PubMed

Zeil, Catharina; Widmann, Michael; Fademrecht, Silvia; Vogel, Constantin; Pleiss, Jürgen

2016-05-01

The Lactamase Engineering Database (www.LacED.uni-stuttgart.de) was developed to facilitate the classification and analysis of TEM β-lactamases. The current version contains 474 TEM variants. Two hundred fifty-nine variants form a large scale-free network of highly connected point mutants. The network was divided into three subnetworks which were enriched by single phenotypes: one network with predominantly 2be and two networks with 2br phenotypes. Fifteen positions were found to be highly variable, contributing to the majority of the observed variants. Since it is expected that a considerable fraction of the theoretical sequence space is functional, the currently sequenced 474 variants represent only the tip of the iceberg of functional TEM β-lactamase variants which form a huge natural reservoir of highly interconnected variants. Almost 50% of the variants are part of a quartet. Thus, two single mutations that result in functional enzymes can be combined into a functional protein. Most of these quartets consist of the same phenotype, or the mutations are additive with respect to the phenotype. By predicting quartets from triplets, 3,916 unknown variants were constructed. Eighty-seven variants complement multiple quartets and therefore have a high probability of being functional. The construction of a TEM β-lactamase network and subsequent analyses by clustering and quartet prediction are valuable tools to gain new insights into the viable sequence space of TEM β-lactamases and to predict their phenotype. The highly connected sequence space of TEM β-lactamases is ideally suited to network analysis and demonstrates the strengths of network analysis over tree reconstruction methods. Copyright © 2016, American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved.

Gelation-driven component selection in the generation of constitutional dynamic hydrogels based on guanine-quartet formation

PubMed Central

Sreenivasachary, Nampally; Lehn, Jean-Marie

2005-01-01

The guanosine hydrazide 1 yields a stable supramolecular hydrogel based on the formation of a guanine quartet (G-quartet) in presence of metal cations. The effect of various parameters (concentration, nature of metal ion, and temperature) on the properties of this gel has been studied. Proton NMR spectroscopy is shown to allow a molecular characterization of the gelation process. Hydrazide 1 and its assemblies can be reversibly decorated by acylhydrazone formation with various aldehydes, resulting in formation of highly viscous dynamic hydrogels. When a mixture of aldehydes is used, the dynamic system selects the aldehyde that leads to the most stable gel. Mixing hydrazides 1, 9 and aldehydes 6, 8 in 1:1:1:1 ratio generated a constitutional dynamic library containing the four acylhydrazone derivatives A, B, C, and D. The library constitution displayed preferential formation of the acylhydrazone B that yields the strongest gel. Thus, gelation redirects the acylhydrazone distribution in the dynamic library as guanosine hydrazide 1 scavenges preferentially aldehyde 8, under the pressure of gelation because of the collective interactions in the assemblies of G-quartets B, despite the strong preference of the competing hydrazide 9 for 8. Gel formation and component selection are thermoreversible. The process amounts to gelation-driven self-organization with component selection and amplification in constitutional dynamic hydrogels based on G-quartet formation and reversible covalent connections. The observed self-organization and component selection occur by means of a multilevel self-assembly involving three dynamic processes, two of supramolecular and one of reversible covalent nature. They extend constitutional dynamic chemistry to phase-organization and phase-transition events. PMID:15840720

Gelation-driven component selection in the generation of constitutional dynamic hydrogels based on guanine-quartet formation.

PubMed

Sreenivasachary, Nampally; Lehn, Jean-Marie

2005-04-26

The guanosine hydrazide 1 yields a stable supramolecular hydrogel based on the formation of a guanine quartet (G-quartet) in presence of metal cations. The effect of various parameters (concentration, nature of metal ion, and temperature) on the properties of this gel has been studied. Proton NMR spectroscopy is shown to allow a molecular characterization of the gelation process. Hydrazide 1 and its assemblies can be reversibly decorated by acylhydrazone formation with various aldehydes, resulting in formation of highly viscous dynamic hydrogels. When a mixture of aldehydes is used, the dynamic system selects the aldehyde that leads to the most stable gel. Mixing hydrazides 1, 9 and aldehydes 6, 8 in 1:1:1:1 ratio generated a constitutional dynamic library containing the four acylhydrazone derivatives A, B, C, and D. The library constitution displayed preferential formation of the acylhydrazone B that yields the strongest gel. Thus, gelation redirects the acylhydrazone distribution in the dynamic library as guanosine hydrazide 1 scavenges preferentially aldehyde 8, under the pressure of gelation because of the collective interactions in the assemblies of G-quartets B, despite the strong preference of the competing hydrazide 9 for 8. Gel formation and component selection are thermoreversible. The process amounts to gelation-driven self-organization with component selection and amplification in constitutional dynamic hydrogels based on G-quartet formation and reversible covalent connections. The observed self-organization and component selection occur by means of a multilevel self-assembly involving three dynamic processes, two of supramolecular and one of reversible covalent nature. They extend constitutional dynamic chemistry to phase-organization and phase-transition events.

The hippocampus is an integral part of the temporal limbic system during emotional processing. Comment on "The quartet theory of human emotions: An integrative and neurofunctional model" by S. Koelsch et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trost, Wiebke; Frühholz, Sascha

2015-06-01

The proposed quartet theory of human emotions by Koelsch and colleagues [1] identifies four different affect systems to be involved in the processing of particular types of emotions. Moreover, the theory integrates both basic emotions and more complex emotion concepts, which include also aesthetic emotions such as musical emotions. The authors identify a particular brain system for each kind of emotion type, also by contrasting them to brain structures that are generally involved in emotion processing irrespective of the type of emotion. A brain system that has been less regarded in emotion theories, but which represents one of the four systems of the quartet to induce attachment related emotions, is the hippocampus.

Instruments, conductors, dancers, and intendants. Reply to comments on "The quartet theory of human emotions: An integrative and neurofunctional model"

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koelsch, Stefan

2015-06-01

I am happy about each commentator's contribution [1-27], about the wealth of the kind and generally positive comments, and the many interesting and enriching remarks, observations, and extensions. In the following, I will summarize some major points of the comments, and relate them to the Quartet Theory (henceforth QT) proposed in the target article [28].

The movements made by performers in a skilled quartet: a distinctive pattern, and the function that it serves

PubMed Central

Glowinski, Donald; Mancini, Maurizio; Cowie, Roddy; Camurri, Antonio; Chiorri, Carlo; Doherty, Cian

2013-01-01

When people perform a task as part of a joint action, their behavior is not the same as it would be if they were performing the same task alone, since it has to be adapted to facilitate shared understanding (or sometimes to prevent it). Joint performance of music offers a test bed for ecologically valid investigations of the way non-verbal behavior facilitates joint action. Here we compare the expressive movement of violinists when playing in solo and ensemble conditions. The first violinists of two string quartets (SQs), professional and student, were asked to play the same musical fragments in a solo condition and with the quartet. Synchronized multimodal recordings were created from the performances, using a specially developed software platform. Different patterns of head movement were observed. By quantifying them using an appropriate measure of entropy, we showed that head movements are more predictable in the quartet scenario. Rater evaluations showed that the change does not, as might be assumed, entail markedly reduced expression. They showed some ability to discriminate between solo and ensemble performances, but did not distinguish them in terms of emotional content or expressiveness. The data raise provocative questions about joint action in realistically complex scenarios. PMID:24312065

Control of social monogamy through aggression in a hermaphroditic shrimp

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Introduction Sex allocation theory predicts that in small mating groups simultaneous hermaphroditism is the optimal form of gender expression. Under these conditions, male allocation is predicted to be very low and overall per-capita reproductive output maximal. This is particularly true for individuals that live in pairs, but monogamy is highly susceptible to cheating by both partners. However, certain conditions favour social monogamy in hermaphrodites. This study addresses the influence of group size on group stability and moulting cycles in singles, pairs, triplets and quartets of the socially monogamous shrimp Lysmata amboinensis, a protandric simultaneous hermaphrodite. Results The effect of group size was very strong: Exactly one individual in each triplet and exactly two individuals in each quartet were killed in aggressive interactions, resulting in group sizes of two individuals. All killed individuals had just moulted. No mortality occurred in single and pair treatments. The number of moults in the surviving shrimp increased significantly after changing from triplets and quartets to pairs. Conclusion Social monogamy in L. amboinensis is reinforced by aggressive expulsion of supernumerous individuals. We suggest that the high risk of mortality in triplets and quartets results in suppression of moulting in groups larger than two individuals and that the feeding ecology of L. amboinensis favours social monogamy. PMID:22078746

Control of social monogamy through aggression in a hermaphroditic shrimp.

PubMed

Wong, Janine Wy; Michiels, Nico K

2011-11-11

Sex allocation theory predicts that in small mating groups simultaneous hermaphroditism is the optimal form of gender expression. Under these conditions, male allocation is predicted to be very low and overall per-capita reproductive output maximal. This is particularly true for individuals that live in pairs, but monogamy is highly susceptible to cheating by both partners. However, certain conditions favour social monogamy in hermaphrodites. This study addresses the influence of group size on group stability and moulting cycles in singles, pairs, triplets and quartets of the socially monogamous shrimp Lysmata amboinensis, a protandric simultaneous hermaphrodite. The effect of group size was very strong: Exactly one individual in each triplet and exactly two individuals in each quartet were killed in aggressive interactions, resulting in group sizes of two individuals. All killed individuals had just moulted. No mortality occurred in single and pair treatments. The number of moults in the surviving shrimp increased significantly after changing from triplets and quartets to pairs. Social monogamy in L. amboinensis is reinforced by aggressive expulsion of supernumerous individuals. We suggest that the high risk of mortality in triplets and quartets results in suppression of moulting in groups larger than two individuals and that the feeding ecology of L. amboinensis favours social monogamy.

Pathgroups, a dynamic data structure for genome reconstruction problems.

PubMed

Zheng, Chunfang

2010-07-01

Ancestral gene order reconstruction problems, including the median problem, quartet construction, small phylogeny, guided genome halving and genome aliquoting, are NP hard. Available heuristics dedicated to each of these problems are computationally costly for even small instances. We present a data structure enabling rapid heuristic solution to all these ancestral genome reconstruction problems. A generic greedy algorithm with look-ahead based on an automatically generated priority system suffices for all the problems using this data structure. The efficiency of the algorithm is due to fast updating of the structure during run time and to the simplicity of the priority scheme. We illustrate with the first rapid algorithm for quartet construction and apply this to a set of yeast genomes to corroborate a recent gene sequence-based phylogeny. http://albuquerque.bioinformatics.uottawa.ca/pathgroup/Quartet.html chunfang313@gmail.com Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Encoding phylogenetic trees in terms of weighted quartets.

PubMed

Grünewald, Stefan; Huber, Katharina T; Moulton, Vincent; Semple, Charles

2008-04-01

One of the main problems in phylogenetics is to develop systematic methods for constructing evolutionary or phylogenetic trees. For a set of species X, an edge-weighted phylogenetic X-tree or phylogenetic tree is a (graph theoretical) tree with leaf set X and no degree 2 vertices, together with a map assigning a non-negative length to each edge of the tree. Within phylogenetics, several methods have been proposed for constructing such trees that work by trying to piece together quartet trees on X, i.e. phylogenetic trees each having four leaves in X. Hence, it is of interest to characterise when a collection of quartet trees corresponds to a (unique) phylogenetic tree. Recently, Dress and Erdös provided such a characterisation for binary phylogenetic trees, that is, phylogenetic trees all of whose internal vertices have degree 3. Here we provide a new characterisation for arbitrary phylogenetic trees.

Properties of the Excited States of Molecular Ions.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-04-13

FIg. 1). techniques have beest applied to the study of quartet states of Oi. The four potential curves most relevant Guyon et al., using a synchrotron...8217 a’ a a C ’U ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 2 2,~ C a ’I C~- C ’ 𔃺 𔃺 𔃺 ’ ’ C- ~ C-E-38- ’- u A() A09a 265 SRI INTERNATIONAL 14FNLO PARK CA MOLECULAR PHYSICS LAB F

Music Regulators in Two String Quartets: A Comparison of Communicative Behaviors between Low- and High-Stress Performance Conditions.

PubMed

Biasutti, Michele; Concina, Eleonora; Wasley, David; Williamon, Aaron

2016-01-01

In ensemble performances, group members use particular bodily behaviors as a sort of "language" to supplement the lack of verbal communication. This article focuses on music regulators, which are defined as signs to other group members for coordinating performance. The following two music regulators are considered: body gestures for articulating attacks (a set of movements externally directed that are used to signal entrances in performance) and eye contact. These regulators are recurring observable behaviors that play an important role in non-verbal communication among ensemble members. To understand how they are used by chamber musicians, video recordings of two string quartet performances (Quartet A performing Bartók and Quartet B performing Haydn) were analyzed under two conditions: a low stress performance (LSP), undertaken in a rehearsal setting, and a high stress performance (HSP) during a public recital. The results provide evidence for more emphasis in gestures for articulating attacks (i.e., the perceived strength of a performed attack-type body gesture) during HSP than LSP. Conversely, no significant differences were found for the frequency of eye contact between HSP and LSP. Moreover, there was variability in eye contact during HSP and LSP, showing that these behaviors are less standardized and may change according to idiosyncratic performance conditions. Educational implications are discussed for improving interpersonal communication skills during ensemble performance.

Music Regulators in Two String Quartets: A Comparison of Communicative Behaviors between Low- and High-Stress Performance Conditions

PubMed Central

Biasutti, Michele; Concina, Eleonora; Wasley, David; Williamon, Aaron

2016-01-01

In ensemble performances, group members use particular bodily behaviors as a sort of “language” to supplement the lack of verbal communication. This article focuses on music regulators, which are defined as signs to other group members for coordinating performance. The following two music regulators are considered: body gestures for articulating attacks (a set of movements externally directed that are used to signal entrances in performance) and eye contact. These regulators are recurring observable behaviors that play an important role in non-verbal communication among ensemble members. To understand how they are used by chamber musicians, video recordings of two string quartet performances (Quartet A performing Bartók and Quartet B performing Haydn) were analyzed under two conditions: a low stress performance (LSP), undertaken in a rehearsal setting, and a high stress performance (HSP) during a public recital. The results provide evidence for more emphasis in gestures for articulating attacks (i.e., the perceived strength of a performed attack-type body gesture) during HSP than LSP. Conversely, no significant differences were found for the frequency of eye contact between HSP and LSP. Moreover, there was variability in eye contact during HSP and LSP, showing that these behaviors are less standardized and may change according to idiosyncratic performance conditions. Educational implications are discussed for improving interpersonal communication skills during ensemble performance. PMID:27610089

Bridges from affect to language. Comment on "The quartet theory of human emotions: An integrative and neurofunctional model" by S. Koelsch et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidtke, David S.; Aryani, Arash

2015-06-01

The comprehensive Quartet Theory of Human Emotions proposed by Koelsch et al. [4] offers an exceptional synopsis regarding major developments in affective neuroscience, encompassing classical data based on animal studies as well as emotions generally classified as uniquely human. In doing so, it becomes apparent that while general anatomical grounds appear well covered mainly based on animal studies, neuroanatomical underpinnings of interactions between emotion and language may not be readily understood.

Investigation of thermal and optical properties of some quartet mixed hydrogen-bonded liquid crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Okumuş, Mustafa

2017-11-01

In this study, the thermal and optical properties of quartet mixtures formed at different weight ratios (1:1:1:1 and 1.5:1:1:1) from liquid crystals 4-octyloxy-4‧-cyanobiphenyl (8OCB), 4-hexylbenzoic acid, 4-(octyloxy)benzoic acid and 4-(decyloxy)benzoic acid were investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and polarized optic microscopy (POM). The phase transition temperatures of the novel quartet mixtures measured in the DSC experiments are in line with the POM experiments. The experimental results clearly show that the novel liquid crystal mixtures have displayed pure liquid crystalline properties. According to the phase diagram drawn from DSC results, the nematic range of the novel mixture at the eutectic point is larger than the nematic ranges of the components. The mesomorphic structures of produced homolog complex mixtures are found to be smectic and nematic phases. But the smectic phase cannot be observed in the novel complex 1.5:1:1:1 mixture during continuous cooling. The nematic range of the novel complex 1.5:1:1:1 mixture is bigger than the nematic range of the novel complex 1:1:1:1 mixture with increasing 8OCB. Also, the nematic-to-isotropic phase transition temperature decreases with increasing the weight ratio of 8OCB in the complex quartet mixture. Another interesting result is that the produced mixtures are to be like a medical cream at room temperatures. Furthermore, order parameter and thermal stability factor of the transitions are also calculated.

Quadruplexes in 'Dicty': crystal structure of a four-quartet G-quadruplex formed by G-rich motif found in the Dictyostelium discoideum genome.

PubMed

Guédin, Aurore; Lin, Linda Yingqi; Armane, Samir; Lacroix, Laurent; Mergny, Jean-Louis; Thore, Stéphane; Yatsunyk, Liliya A

2018-06-01

Guanine-rich DNA has the potential to fold into non-canonical G-quadruplex (G4) structures. Analysis of the genome of the social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum indicates a low number of sequences with G4-forming potential (249-1055). Therefore, D. discoideum is a perfect model organism to investigate the relationship between the presence of G4s and their biological functions. As a first step in this investigation, we crystallized the dGGGGGAGGGGTACAGGGGTACAGGGG sequence from the putative promoter region of two divergent genes in D. discoideum. According to the crystal structure, this sequence folds into a four-quartet intramolecular antiparallel G4 with two lateral and one diagonal loops. The G-quadruplex core is further stabilized by a G-C Watson-Crick base pair and a A-T-A triad and displays high thermal stability (Tm > 90°C at 100 mM KCl). Biophysical characterization of the native sequence and loop mutants suggests that the DNA adopts the same structure in solution and in crystalline form, and that loop interactions are important for the G4 stability but not for its folding. Four-tetrad G4 structures are sparse. Thus, our work advances understanding of the structural diversity of G-quadruplexes and yields coordinates for in silico drug screening programs and G4 predictive tools.

The quartet theory: Implications for autism spectrum disorder. Comment on "The quartet theory of human emotions: An integrative and neurofunctional model" by S. Koelsch et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pehrs, Corinna; Samson, Andrea C.; Gross, James J.

2015-06-01

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and communication deficits as well as restricted and repetitive behaviors [1]. Specific deficits include failure to initiate reciprocal social interactions, verbal and non-verbal communication difficulties, decreased sensitivity to social and emotional cues, and limited perspective-taking abilities. Social withdrawal, avoidance or indifference to affection or physical contact, lack of eye contact, and decreased joint attention and facial responsiveness are also common [2]. In addition to these core features, there is a growing body of literature that describes problematic patterns of emotional reactivity (increased negative and decreased positive emotions) and emotion regulation (increased use of maladaptive and decreased use of adaptive emotion regulation strategies) [3-5]. The present comment seeks to link difficulties in socio-emotional domains to the Quartet Theory of Human Emotions by mapping characteristic ASD social deficits and emotion dysregulation onto two of the affect systems described in this theory: the hippocampal and orbitofrontal-centered systems.

Emotion and language - When and how comes emotion into words?. Comment on "The quartet theory of human emotions: An integrative and neurofunctional model" by S. Koelsch et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Braun, Mario

2015-06-01

The Quartet Theory of Emotion [13] is the first emotion theory to include language as part of its four affect systems allocating two functions of language in emotion processing: communication and regulation. Both are supposed to occur late during the emotion process and by translation or reconfiguration of a pre-verbal emotion percept into a symbolic language code which then gives rise to the conscious experience of an emotion allowing communication or regulation [14] of a felt emotion.

Four-Stranded Dna Formed by Isoguanine Quartets: Complex Stoichiometry, Thermal Stability and Resistance Against Exonucleases

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seela, Frank; Wei, Changfu; Melenewski, Alexander

1997-12-01

Single stranded DNA-fragments containing short runs of isoguanine such as d(T_4iG_4T_4) (5) or d(iG_4T_4) (6) form quartet structures by self-assembly of the isoguanine residues. The stoichiometry of the complexes is deduced from mixed aggregates formed between d(T_4iG_4T_4) and d(iG_4T_4). The iG_d-tetrads are more stable with regard to their thermal denaturation and to their resistance against enzymatic phosphodiester hydrolysis than those formed by dG.

High-resolution three-dimensional NMR structure of the KRAS proto-oncogene promoter reveals key features of a G-quadruplex involved in transcriptional regulation.

PubMed

Kerkour, Abdelaziz; Marquevielle, Julien; Ivashchenko, Stefaniia; Yatsunyk, Liliya A; Mergny, Jean-Louis; Salgado, Gilmar F

2017-05-12

Non-canonical base pairing within guanine-rich DNA and RNA sequences can produce G-quartets, whose stacking leads to the formation of a G-quadruplex (G4). G4s can coexist with canonical duplex DNA in the human genome and have been suggested to suppress gene transcription, and much attention has therefore focused on studying G4s in promotor regions of disease-related genes. For example, the human KRAS proto-oncogene contains a nuclease-hypersensitive element located upstream of the major transcription start site. The KRAS nuclease-hypersensitive element (NHE) region contains a G-rich element (22RT; 5'-AGGGCGGTGTGGGAATAGGGAA-3') and encompasses a Myc-associated zinc finger-binding site that regulates KRAS transcription. The NEH region therefore has been proposed as a target for new drugs that control KRAS transcription, which requires detailed knowledge of the NHE structure. In this study, we report a high-resolution NMR structure of the G-rich element within the KRAS NHE. We found that the G-rich element forms a parallel structure with three G-quartets connected by a four-nucleotide loop and two short one-nucleotide double-chain reversal loops. In addition, a thymine bulge is found between G8 and G9. The loops of different lengths and the presence of a bulge between the G-quartets are structural elements that potentially can be targeted by small chemical ligands that would further stabilize the structure and interfere or block transcriptional regulators such as Myc-associated zinc finger from accessing their binding sites on the KRAS promoter. In conclusion, our work suggests a possible new route for the development of anticancer agents that could suppress KRAS expression. © 2017 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Scale-free brain quartet: artistic filtering of multi-channel brainwave music.

PubMed

Wu, Dan; Li, Chaoyi; Yao, Dezhong

2013-01-01

To listen to the brain activities as a piece of music, we proposed the scale-free brainwave music (SFBM) technology, which translated scalp EEGs into music notes according to the power law of both EEG and music. In the present study, the methodology was extended for deriving a quartet from multi-channel EEGs with artistic beat and tonality filtering. EEG data from multiple electrodes were first translated into MIDI sequences by SFBM, respectively. Then, these sequences were processed by a beat filter which adjusted the duration of notes in terms of the characteristic frequency. And the sequences were further filtered from atonal to tonal according to a key defined by the analysis of the original music pieces. Resting EEGs with eyes closed and open of 40 subjects were utilized for music generation. The results revealed that the scale-free exponents of the music before and after filtering were different: the filtered music showed larger variety between the eyes-closed (EC) and eyes-open (EO) conditions, and the pitch scale exponents of the filtered music were closer to 1 and thus it was more approximate to the classical music. Furthermore, the tempo of the filtered music with eyes closed was significantly slower than that with eyes open. With the original materials obtained from multi-channel EEGs, and a little creative filtering following the composition process of a potential artist, the resulted brainwave quartet opened a new window to look into the brain in an audible musical way. In fact, as the artistic beat and tonal filters were derived from the brainwaves, the filtered music maintained the essential properties of the brain activities in a more musical style. It might harmonically distinguish the different states of the brain activities, and therefore it provided a method to analyze EEGs from a relaxed audio perspective.

Scale-Free Brain Quartet: Artistic Filtering of Multi-Channel Brainwave Music

PubMed Central

Wu, Dan; Li, Chaoyi; Yao, Dezhong

2013-01-01

To listen to the brain activities as a piece of music, we proposed the scale-free brainwave music (SFBM) technology, which translated scalp EEGs into music notes according to the power law of both EEG and music. In the present study, the methodology was extended for deriving a quartet from multi-channel EEGs with artistic beat and tonality filtering. EEG data from multiple electrodes were first translated into MIDI sequences by SFBM, respectively. Then, these sequences were processed by a beat filter which adjusted the duration of notes in terms of the characteristic frequency. And the sequences were further filtered from atonal to tonal according to a key defined by the analysis of the original music pieces. Resting EEGs with eyes closed and open of 40 subjects were utilized for music generation. The results revealed that the scale-free exponents of the music before and after filtering were different: the filtered music showed larger variety between the eyes-closed (EC) and eyes-open (EO) conditions, and the pitch scale exponents of the filtered music were closer to 1 and thus it was more approximate to the classical music. Furthermore, the tempo of the filtered music with eyes closed was significantly slower than that with eyes open. With the original materials obtained from multi-channel EEGs, and a little creative filtering following the composition process of a potential artist, the resulted brainwave quartet opened a new window to look into the brain in an audible musical way. In fact, as the artistic beat and tonal filters were derived from the brainwaves, the filtered music maintained the essential properties of the brain activities in a more musical style. It might harmonically distinguish the different states of the brain activities, and therefore it provided a method to analyze EEGs from a relaxed audio perspective. PMID:23717527

Dissociative excitation of the manganese atom quartet levels by collisions e-MnBr2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smirnov, Yu M.

2017-04-01

Dissociative excitation of quartet levels of the manganese atom was studied in collisions of electrons with manganese dibromide molecules. Eighty-two cross-sections for transitions originating at odd levels and eleven cross-sections for transitions originating at even levels have been measured at an incident electron energy of 100 eV. An optical excitation function has been recorded in the electron energy range of 0-100 eV for transitions originating from 3d 64p z 4 F° levels. For the majority of transitions, a comparison of the resulting cross-section values to cross-sections produced by direct excitation is provided.

The evolution of the zodiac in the context of ancient oriental history

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gurshtein, Alex A.

The dates for the second (ca. 2700 B.C. to within 250 years) and the third ecliptical quartets (ca. 1200 B.C. to within 400 years) evaluated earlier are considered in the context of ancient Egyptian history. The origin of the second quartet coincides with the Great Pyramids and the initiation of the Egyptian solar, or so-called "civil" calendar, the first of such a type in the world. The third quartet is concurrent with the solar conversion of Amenhotep IV (Akhenaton) and takes place at the finale of the great Sothic period of 1461 years after the initiation of the solar calendar. It is argued that the Great Pyramids seem to be monuments to the Sun-god built in honor of the Egyptians having reached an understanding of the Sun's track upon the starry background, Akhenaton's conversion being in a direct connection with the original Pyramids' ideology. This paper is the third part of a single investigation. The first two parts "On the Origin of the Zodiacal Constellations" and "Prehistory of Zodiac Dating: Three Strata of Upper Paleolithic Constellations" were published in Vistas in Astronomy in 1993 and 1995.

X-ray characterization of mesophases of human telomeric G-quadruplexes and other DNA analogues

DOE PAGES

Yasar, Selcuk; Schimelman, Jacob B.; Aksoyoglu, M. Alphan; ...

2016-06-02

We report that observed in the folds of guanine-rich oligonucleotides, non-canonical G-quadruplex structures are based on G-quartets formed by hydrogen bonding and cation-coordination of guanosines. In dilute 5'-guanosine monophosphate (GMP) solutions, G-quartets form by the self-assembly of four GMP nucleotides. We use x-ray diffraction to characterize the columnar liquid-crystalline mesophases in concentrated solutions of various model G-quadruplexes. We then probe the transitions between mesophases by varying the PEG solution osmotic pressure, thus mimicking in vivo molecular crowding conditions. Using the GMP-quadruplex, built by the stacking of G-quartets with no covalent linking between them, as the baseline, we report the liquid-crystallinemore » phase behaviors of two other related G-quadruplexes: (i) the intramolecular parallel-stranded G-quadruplex formed by the 22-mer four-repeat human telomeric sequence AG 3 (TTAG 3) 3 and (ii) the intermolecular parallel-stranded G-quadruplex formed by the TG(4)T oligonucleotides. Finally, we compare the mesophases of the G-quadruplexes, under PEG-induced crowding conditions, with the corresponding mesophases of the canonical duplex and triplex DNA analogues.« less

The multi-instrumentalist hippocampus. Comment on "The quartet theory of human emotions: An integrative and neurofunctional model" by S. Koelsch et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Strange, Bryan A.; Yebra, Mar

2015-06-01

Characterizing the neural circuitry of emotion is important not only from a basic science perspective, but also for understanding how these circuits may malfunction in psychiatric disease. A fundamental question for affective neuroscience is whether there are specialised neuroanatomical areas, or "modules", dedicated to the processing of emotional stimuli. In their review, Koelsch and colleagues [1] argue for the existence of a quartet of neuroanatomically distinct cerebral systems involved in the generation of a specific class of affects. Intriguingly, all four systems (brainstem-, diencephalon-, hippocampus-, and orbitofrontal-centred) comprise brain areas whose role in emotional processing is in addition to mediating other specific aspects of cognition. One member of the quartet in which this is particularly apparent is the hippocampus, a structure known to be critical for episodic memory and navigation. If areas involved in emotion also mediate other brain functions, this raises an issue of whether these multiple functions are executed by segregated circuits within each structure - i.e., a "module" for emotion residing in a sub-division of a brain structure - or whether these circuits are superimposed.

X-ray characterization of mesophases of human telomeric G-quadruplexes and other DNA analogues

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yasar, Selcuk; Schimelman, Jacob B.; Aksoyoglu, M. Alphan

We report that observed in the folds of guanine-rich oligonucleotides, non-canonical G-quadruplex structures are based on G-quartets formed by hydrogen bonding and cation-coordination of guanosines. In dilute 5'-guanosine monophosphate (GMP) solutions, G-quartets form by the self-assembly of four GMP nucleotides. We use x-ray diffraction to characterize the columnar liquid-crystalline mesophases in concentrated solutions of various model G-quadruplexes. We then probe the transitions between mesophases by varying the PEG solution osmotic pressure, thus mimicking in vivo molecular crowding conditions. Using the GMP-quadruplex, built by the stacking of G-quartets with no covalent linking between them, as the baseline, we report the liquid-crystallinemore » phase behaviors of two other related G-quadruplexes: (i) the intramolecular parallel-stranded G-quadruplex formed by the 22-mer four-repeat human telomeric sequence AG 3 (TTAG 3) 3 and (ii) the intermolecular parallel-stranded G-quadruplex formed by the TG(4)T oligonucleotides. Finally, we compare the mesophases of the G-quadruplexes, under PEG-induced crowding conditions, with the corresponding mesophases of the canonical duplex and triplex DNA analogues.« less

Propargyl + O 2 Reaction in Helium Droplets: Entrance Channel Barrier or Not?

DOE PAGES

Moradi, Christopher P.; Morrison, Alexander M.; Klippenstein, Stephen J.; ...

2013-09-09

A combination of liquid He droplet experiments and multireference electronic structure calculations is used to probe the potential energy surface for the reaction between the propargyl radical and O 2. Infrared laser spectroscopy is used to probe the outcome of the low temperature, liquid He-mediated reaction. Bands in the spectrum are assigned to the acetylenic CH stretch (ν 1), the symmetric CH 2 stretch (ν 2), and the antisymmetric CH 2 stretch (ν 13) of the trans-acetylenic propargyl peroxy radical (•OO—CH 2—C≡CH). The observed band origins are in excellent agreement with previously reported anharmonic frequency computations for this species. Themore » Stark spectrum of the ν 1 band provides further evidence that the reaction leads only to the trans-acetylenic species. There are no other bands in the CH 2 stretching region that can be attributed to any of the other three propargyl peroxy isomers/conformers that are predicted to be minimum energy structures ( gauche-acetylenic, cis-allenic, and trans-allenic). There is also no evidence for the kinetic stabilization of a van der Waals complex between propargyl and O 2. A combination of multireference and coupled-cluster electronic structure calculations is used to probe the potential energy surface in the neighborhood of the transition state connecting reactants with the acetylenic adduct. The multireference based evaluation of the doublet-quartet splitting added to the coupled-cluster calculated quartet state energies yields what are likely the most accurate predictions for the doublet potential curve. As a result, this calculation suggests that there is no saddle point for the addition process, in agreement with the experimental observations. Other calculations suggest the possible presence of a small submerged barrier.« less

Thermodynamic properties of water molecules in the presence of cosolute depend on DNA structure: a study using grid inhomogeneous solvation theory

PubMed Central

Nakano, Miki; Tateishi-Karimata, Hisae; Tanaka, Shigenori; Tama, Florence; Miyashita, Osamu; Nakano, Shu-ichi; Sugimoto, Naoki

2015-01-01

In conditions that mimic those of the living cell, where various biomolecules and other components are present, DNA strands can adopt many structures in addition to the canonical B-form duplex. Previous studies in the presence of cosolutes that induce molecular crowding showed that thermal stabilities of DNA structures are associated with the properties of the water molecules around the DNAs. To understand how cosolutes, such as ethylene glycol, affect the thermal stability of DNA structures, we investigated the thermodynamic properties of water molecules around a hairpin duplex and a G-quadruplex using grid inhomogeneous solvation theory (GIST) with or without cosolutes. Our analysis indicated that (i) cosolutes increased the free energy of water molecules around DNA by disrupting water–water interactions, (ii) ethylene glycol more effectively disrupted water–water interactions around Watson–Crick base pairs than those around G-quartets or non-paired bases, (iii) due to the negative electrostatic potential there was a thicker hydration shell around G-quartets than around Watson–Crick-paired bases. Our findings suggest that the thermal stability of the hydration shell around DNAs is one factor that affects the thermal stabilities of DNA structures under the crowding conditions. PMID:26538600

Actual and Potential Effects of Medical Resident Coverage on Reimbursement for Inpatient Visits by Attending Physicians

PubMed Central

Shine, Daniel; Jessen, Laurie; Bajaj, Jasmeet; Pencak, Dorothy; Panush, Richard

2002-01-01

CONTEXT The impact of residents on hospital finance has been studied; there are no data describing the economic effect of residents on attending physicians. OBJECTIVE In a community teaching hospital, we compared allowable inpatient visit codes and payments (based on documentation in the daily progress notes) between a general medicine teaching unit and nonteaching general medicine units. DESIGN Retrospective chart review, matched cohort study. SETTING Six hundred fifty–bed community teaching hospital. PATIENTS Patients were discharged July 1998 through February 1999 from Saint Barnabas Medical Center. We randomly selected 200 patients in quartets. Each quartet consisted of a pair of patients cared for by residents and a pair cared for only by an attending physician. In each pair, 1 of the patients was under the care of an attending physician who usually admitted to the teaching service, and 1 was under the care of a usually nonteaching attending. Within each quartet, patients were matched for diagnosis-related group, length of stay, and discharge date. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We assigned the highest daily visit code justifiable by resident and attending chart documentation, determining relative value units (RVUs) and reimbursements allowed by each patient's insurance company. RESULTS Although more seriously ill, teaching-unit patients generated a mean 1.75 RVUs daily, compared with 1.84 among patients discharged from nonteaching units (P = .3). Median reimbursement, daily and per hospitalization, was similar on teaching and nonteaching units. Nonteaching attendings documented higher mean daily RVUs than teaching attendings (1.83 vs 1.76, P = .2). Median allowable reimbursements were $267 per case ($53 daily) among teaching attendings compared with $294 per case ($58 daily) among nonteaching attendings (Z = 1.54, P = .1). When only the resident note was considered, mean daily RVUs increased 39% and median allowable dollars per day 27% (Z = 4.21, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Nonteaching attendings appear to document their visits more carefully from a billing perspective than do teaching attendings. Properly counter-documented, resident notes could substantially increase payments to attending physicians. PMID:12133156

Cantico Delle Creature: A microtonal original composition for soprano and string quartet to a text by St. Francis of Assisi, including analytical commentary

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sabol, Jason A.

Cantico delle Creature is an original piece of music for soprano and string quartet composed in 72 tone per octave equal temperament, dividing each semitone into six equal parts called twelfth-tones. This system of tuning makes it possible to combine just intonation and spectral principles based on the harmonic series with real imitation, modulation, and polyphony. Supplemental text discusses several aspects of microtonal structure and pedagogy, including the representation of the first 64 partials of the harmonic series in 72 tone equal temperament, performance of natural string harmonics, the relationship between interval size and vibration ratio, pitch to frequency conversion, and analysis of several passages in the musical score.

Ultrafast intersystem crossings in Fe-Co Prussian blue analogues

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

van Veenendaal, Michel

Ultrafast spincrossover is studied in Fe-Co Prussian blue analogues using a dissipative quantum-mechanical model of a cobalt ion coupled to a breathing mode. All electronic interactions are treated on an equal footing. It is theoretically demonstrated that the divalent cobalt ion reaches 90% of the S = 3/2 value within 20 fs after photoexciting a low-spin Co 3+ ion by an iron-to-cobalt charge transfer. The doublet-to-quartet spin crossover is significantly faster than the oscillation period of the breathing mode. The system relaxes to the lowest manifold of divalent cobalt ( 4T 1) in 150-200 fs. In conclusion, strong oscillations inmore » spin-orbit coupling and the involvement of higher-lying quartets are found.« less

The music of earthquakes and Earthquake Quartet #1

USGS Publications Warehouse

Michael, Andrew J.

2013-01-01

Earthquake Quartet #1, my composition for voice, trombone, cello, and seismograms, is the intersection of listening to earthquakes as a seismologist and performing music as a trombonist. Along the way, I realized there is a close relationship between what I do as a scientist and what I do as a musician. A musician controls the source of the sound and the path it travels through their instrument in order to make sound waves that we hear as music. An earthquake is the source of waves that travel along a path through the earth until reaching us as shaking. It is almost as if the earth is a musician and people, including seismologists, are metaphorically listening and trying to understand what the music means.

DNA octaplex formation with an I-motif of water-mediated A-quartets: reinterpretation of the crystal structure of d(GCGAAAGC).

PubMed

Sato, Yoshiteru; Mitomi, Kenta; Sunami, Tomoko; Kondo, Jiro; Takénaka, Akio

2006-12-01

The crystal structure of the tetragonal form of d(gcGAAAgc) has been revised and reasonably refined including the disordered residues. The two DNA strands form a base-intercalated duplex, and the four duplexes are assembled according to the crystallographic 222 symmetry to form an octaplex. In the central region, the eight strands are associated by I-motif of double A-quartets. Furthermore, eight hydrated-magnesium cations link the four duplexes to support the octaplex formation. Based on these structural features, a proposal that folding of d(GAAA)n, found in the non-coding region of genomes, into an octaplex can induce slippage during replication to facilitate length polymorphism is presented.

Ultrafast intersystem crossings in Fe-Co Prussian blue analogues

DOE PAGES

van Veenendaal, Michel

2017-07-27

Ultrafast spincrossover is studied in Fe-Co Prussian blue analogues using a dissipative quantum-mechanical model of a cobalt ion coupled to a breathing mode. All electronic interactions are treated on an equal footing. It is theoretically demonstrated that the divalent cobalt ion reaches 90% of the S = 3/2 value within 20 fs after photoexciting a low-spin Co 3+ ion by an iron-to-cobalt charge transfer. The doublet-to-quartet spin crossover is significantly faster than the oscillation period of the breathing mode. The system relaxes to the lowest manifold of divalent cobalt ( 4T 1) in 150-200 fs. In conclusion, strong oscillations inmore » spin-orbit coupling and the involvement of higher-lying quartets are found.« less

Neutrino mass with large S U (2 )L multiplet fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nomura, Takaaki; Okada, Hiroshi

2017-11-01

We propose an extension of the standard model introducing large S U (2 )L multiplet fields which are quartet and septet scalars and quintet Majorana fermions. These multiplets can induce the neutrino masses via interactions with the S U (2 ) doublet leptons. We then find the neutrino masses are suppressed by a small vacuum expectation value of the quartet/septet and an inverse of the quintet fermion mass, relaxing the Yukawa hierarchies among the standard model fermions. We also discuss collider physics at the Large Hadron Collider, considering the production of charged particles in these multiplets, and due to the effects of violating the custodial symmetry, some specific signatures can be found. Then, we discuss the detectability of these signals.

The low-lying quartet electronic states of group 14 diatomic borides XB (X = C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pontes, Marcelo A. P.; de Oliveira, Marcos H.; Fernandes, Gabriel F. S.; Da Motta Neto, Joaquim D.; Ferrão, Luiz F. A.; Machado, Francisco B. C.

2018-04-01

The present work focuses in the characterization of the low-lying quartet electronic and spin-orbit states of diatomic borides XB, in which X is an element of group 14 (C, Si, Ge, Sn, PB). The wavefunction was obtained at the CASSCF/MRCI level with a quintuple-ζ quality basis set. Scalar relativistic effects were also taken into account. A systematic and comparative analysis of the spectroscopic properties for the title molecular series was carried out, showing that the (1)4Π→X4Σ- transition band is expected to be measurable by emission spectroscopy to the GeB, SnB and PbB molecules, as already observed for the lighter CB and SiB species.

Thermodynamic properties of water molecules in the presence of cosolute depend on DNA structure: a study using grid inhomogeneous solvation theory.

PubMed

Nakano, Miki; Tateishi-Karimata, Hisae; Tanaka, Shigenori; Tama, Florence; Miyashita, Osamu; Nakano, Shu-Ichi; Sugimoto, Naoki

2015-12-02

In conditions that mimic those of the living cell, where various biomolecules and other components are present, DNA strands can adopt many structures in addition to the canonical B-form duplex. Previous studies in the presence of cosolutes that induce molecular crowding showed that thermal stabilities of DNA structures are associated with the properties of the water molecules around the DNAs. To understand how cosolutes, such as ethylene glycol, affect the thermal stability of DNA structures, we investigated the thermodynamic properties of water molecules around a hairpin duplex and a G-quadruplex using grid inhomogeneous solvation theory (GIST) with or without cosolutes. Our analysis indicated that (i) cosolutes increased the free energy of water molecules around DNA by disrupting water-water interactions, (ii) ethylene glycol more effectively disrupted water-water interactions around Watson-Crick base pairs than those around G-quartets or non-paired bases, (iii) due to the negative electrostatic potential there was a thicker hydration shell around G-quartets than around Watson-Crick-paired bases. Our findings suggest that the thermal stability of the hydration shell around DNAs is one factor that affects the thermal stabilities of DNA structures under the crowding conditions. © The Author(s) 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Arabidopsis SEPALLATA proteins differ in cooperative DNA-binding during the formation of floral quartet-like complexes

PubMed Central

Jetha, Khushboo; Theißen, Günter; Melzer, Rainer

2014-01-01

The SEPALLATA (SEP) genes of Arabidopsis thaliana encode MADS-domain transcription factors that specify the identity of all floral organs. The four Arabidopsis SEP genes function in a largely yet not completely redundant manner. Here, we analysed interactions of the SEP proteins with DNA. All of the proteins were capable of forming tetrameric quartet-like complexes on DNA fragments carrying two sequence elements termed CArG-boxes. Distances between the CArG-boxes for strong cooperative DNA-binding were in the range of 4–6 helical turns. However, SEP1 also bound strongly to CArG-box pairs separated by smaller or larger distances, whereas SEP2 preferred large and SEP4 preferred small inter-site distances for binding. Cooperative binding of SEP3 was comparatively weak for most of the inter-site distances tested. All SEP proteins constituted floral quartet-like complexes together with the floral homeotic proteins APETALA3 (AP3) and PISTILLATA (PI) on the target genes AP3 and SEP3. Our results suggest an important part of an explanation for why the different SEP proteins have largely, but not completely redundant functions in determining floral organ identity: they may bind to largely overlapping, but not identical sets of target genes that differ in the arrangement and spacing of the CArG-boxes in their cis-regulatory regions. PMID:25183521

H6+ in irradiated solid para-hydrogen and its decay dynamics: reinvestigation of quartet electron paramagnetic resonance lines assigned to H2-.

PubMed

Kumada, Takayuki; Tachikawa, Hiroto; Takayanagi, Toshiyuki

2005-03-07

The quartet electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) lines observed in gamma- and X-ray irradiated solid para-H2, which have previously been assigned to H2-, are reinvestigated. We have reassigned the quartet lines to H6 rather than H2- mainly due to comparison of experimentally obtained EPR parameters to theoretical results. Based on the new assignment, trapping site, rotation, ortho-para conversion, quantum diffusion and isotope effect of H+ have been reinterpreted by the precise reanalysis as follows. The H6+ ion is composed of the collinearly aligned H2+ core at the center and two H2 rotors at both ends, occupies a single substitutional site, and has a precession motion around a crystalline axis with the angle of approximately 57 degrees. The ortho-para conversion of H2+ core of H6+ is completed within the time-scale of hours, whereas ortho-H2 molecules near H6+ convert much faster. H6+ diffuses quantum mechanically by the repetition of H6+ + H2 --> H2 + H6+ reaction. The diffusion terminates by the reaction, H6(+) + HD --> H5D(+) + H2, with a HD impurity contained in the para-H2 sample at natural abundance. Finally, we will propose a possible reason why H6+ is produced instead of H3+ in the irradiated solid H2.

Standard model EFT and extended scalar sectors

DOE PAGES

Dawson, Sally; Murphy, Christopher W.

2017-07-31

One of the simplest extensions of the Standard Model is the inclusion of an additional scalar multiplet, and we consider scalars in the S U ( 2 ) L singlet, triplet, and quartet representations. Here, we examine models with heavy neutral scalars, m H ~1 – 2 TeV , and the matching of the UV complete theories to the low energy effective field theory. We also demonstrate the agreement of the kinematic distributions obtained in the singlet models for the gluon fusion of a Higgs pair with the predictions of the effective field theory. Finally, the restrictions on the extendedmore » scalar sectors due to unitarity and precision electroweak measurements are summarized and lead to highly restricted regions of viable parameter space for the triplet and quartet models.« less

From neuro-functional to neuro-computational models. Comment on "The quartet theory of human emotions: An integrative and neurofunctional model" by S. Koelsch et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Briesemeister, Benny B.

2015-06-01

Historically, there has been a strong opposition between psychological theories of human emotion that suggest a limited number of distinct functional categories, such as anger, fear, happiness and so forth (e.g. [1]), and theories that suggest processing along affective dimensions, such as valence and arousal (e.g. [2]). Only few current models acknowledge that both of these perspectives seem to be legitimate [3], and at their core, even fewer models connect these insights with knowledge about neurophysiology [4]. In this regard, the Quartet Theory of Human Emotions (QTHE) [5] makes a very important and useful contribution to the field of emotion research - but in my opinion, there is still at least one more step to go.

Energy, fine structure, hyperfine structure, and radiative transition rates of the high-lying multi-excited states for B-like neon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chun Mei; Chen, Chao; Sun, Yan; Gou, Bing Cong; Shao, Bin

2015-04-01

The Rayleigh-Ritz variational method with multiconfiguration interaction wave functions is used to obtain the energies of high-lying multi-excited quartet states 1 s 22 s2 pnl and 1 s 22 p 2 nl 4Pe,o ( n ≥ 2) in B-like neon, including the mass polarization and relativistic corrections. The fine structure and hyperfine structure of the excited quartet states for this system are investigated. Configuration structures of the high-lying multi-excited series are further identified by relativistic corrections and fine structure splittings. The transition rates and wavelengths are also calculated. Calculated wavelengths include the quantum electrodynamic effects. The results are compared with other theoretical and experimental data in the literature.

Standard model EFT and extended scalar sectors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dawson, Sally; Murphy, Christopher W.

One of the simplest extensions of the Standard Model is the inclusion of an additional scalar multiplet, and we consider scalars in the S U ( 2 ) L singlet, triplet, and quartet representations. Here, we examine models with heavy neutral scalars, m H ~1 – 2 TeV , and the matching of the UV complete theories to the low energy effective field theory. We also demonstrate the agreement of the kinematic distributions obtained in the singlet models for the gluon fusion of a Higgs pair with the predictions of the effective field theory. Finally, the restrictions on the extendedmore » scalar sectors due to unitarity and precision electroweak measurements are summarized and lead to highly restricted regions of viable parameter space for the triplet and quartet models.« less

Anchoring quartet-based phylogenetic distances and applications to species tree reconstruction.

PubMed

Sayyari, Erfan; Mirarab, Siavash

2016-11-11

Inferring species trees from gene trees using the coalescent-based summary methods has been the subject of much attention, yet new scalable and accurate methods are needed. We introduce DISTIQUE, a new statistically consistent summary method for inferring species trees from gene trees under the coalescent model. We generalize our results to arbitrary phylogenetic inference problems; we show that two arbitrarily chosen leaves, called anchors, can be used to estimate relative distances between all other pairs of leaves by inferring relevant quartet trees. This results in a family of distance-based tree inference methods, with running times ranging between quadratic to quartic in the number of leaves. We show in simulated studies that DISTIQUE has comparable accuracy to leading coalescent-based summary methods and reduced running times.

Additional electrodes on the Quartet™ LV lead provide more programmable pacing options than bipolar and tripolar equivalents.

PubMed

O'Donnell, David; Sperzel, Johannes; Thibault, Bernard; Rinaldi, Christopher A; Pappone, Carlo; Gutleben, Klaus-Jürgen; Leclercq, Christopher; Razavi, Hedi; Ryu, Kyungmoo; Mcspadden, Luke C; Fischer, Avi; Tomassoni, Gery

2017-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate any benefits to the number of viable pacing vectors and maximal spatial coverage with quadripolar left ventricular (LV) leads when compared with tripolar and bipolar equivalents in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). A meta-analysis of five previously published clinical trials involving the Quartet™ LV lead (St Jude Medical, St Paul, MN, USA) was performed to evaluate the number of viable pacing vectors defined as capture thresholds ≤2.5 V and no phrenic nerve stimulation and maximal spatial coverage of viable vectors in CRT patients at pre-discharge (n = 370) and first follow-up (n = 355). Bipolar and tripolar lead configurations were modelled by systematic elimination of two and one electrode(s), respectively, from the Quartet lead. The Quartet lead with its four pacing electrodes exhibited the greatest number of pacing vectors per patient when compared with the best bipolar and the best tripolar modelled equivalents. Similarly, the Quartet lead provided the highest spatial coverage in terms of the distance between two furthest viable pacing cathodes when compared with the best bipolar and the best tripolar configurations (P < 0.05). Among the three modelled bipolar configurations, the lead configuration with the two most distal electrodes resulted in the highest number of viable pacing vectors. Among the four modelled tripolar configurations, elimination of the second proximal electrode (M3) resulted in the highest number of viable pacing options per patient. There were no significant differences observed between pre-discharge and first follow-up analyses. The Quartet lead with its four electrodes and the capability to pace from four anatomical locations provided the highest number of viable pacing vectors at pre-discharge and first follow-up visits, providing more flexibility in device programming and enabling continuation of CRT in more patients when compared with bipolar and tripolar equivalents. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2016. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Identifying guanosine self assembly at natural isotopic abundance by high-resolution 1H and 13C solid-state NMR spectroscopy.

PubMed

Webber, Amy L; Masiero, Stefano; Pieraccini, Silvia; Burley, Jonathan C; Tatton, Andrew S; Iuga, Dinu; Pham, Tran N; Spada, Gian Piero; Brown, Steven P

2011-12-14

By means of the (1)H chemical shifts and the proton-proton proximities as identified in (1)H double-quantum (DQ) combined rotation and multiple-pulse spectroscopy (CRAMPS) solid-state NMR correlation spectra, ribbon-like and quartet-like self-assembly can be identified for guanosine derivatives without isotopic labeling for which it was not possible to obtain single crystals suitable for diffraction. Specifically, characteristic spectral fingerprints are observed for dG(C10)(2) and dG(C3)(2) derivatives, for which quartet-like and ribbon-like self-assembly has been unambiguously identified by (15)N refocused INADEQUATE spectra in a previous study of (15)N-labeled derivatives (Pham, T. N.; et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc.2005, 127, 16018). The NH (1)H chemical shift is observed to be higher (13-15 ppm) for ribbon-like self-assembly as compared to 10-11 ppm for a quartet-like arrangement, corresponding to a change from NH···N to NH···O intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The order of the two NH(2)(1)H chemical shifts is also inverted, with the NH(2) proton closest in space to the NH proton having a higher or lower (1)H chemical shift than that of the other NH(2) proton for ribbon-like as opposed to quartet-like self-assembly. For the dG(C3)(2) derivative for which a single-crystal diffraction structure is available, the distinct resonances and DQ peaks are assigned by means of gauge-including projector-augmented wave (GIPAW) chemical shift calculations. In addition, (14)N-(1)H correlation spectra obtained at 850 MHz under fast (60 kHz) magic-angle spinning (MAS) confirm the assignment of the NH and NH(2) chemical shifts for the dG(C3)(2) derivative and allow longer range through-space N···H proximities to be identified, notably to the N7 nitrogens on the opposite hydrogen-bonding face. © 2011 American Chemical Society

The naked and the dead: the ABCs of gymnosperm reproduction and the origin of the angiosperm flower.

PubMed

Melzer, Rainer; Wang, Yong-Qiang; Theissen, Günter

2010-02-01

20 years after establishment of the ABC model many of the molecular mechanisms underlying development of the angiosperm flower are relatively well understood. Central players in the gene regulatory network controlling flower development are SQUA-like, DEF/GLO-like, AG-like and AGL6/SEP1-like MIKC-type MADS-domain transcription factors. These provide class A, class B, class C and the more recently defined class E floral homeotic functions, respectively. There is evidence that the floral homeotic proteins recognize the DNA of target genes in an organ-specific way as multimeric protein complexes, thus constituting 'floral quartets'. In contrast to the detailed insights into flower development, how the flower originated during evolution has remained enigmatic. However, while orthologues of all classes of floral homeotic genes appear to be absent from all non-seed plants, DEF/GLO-like, AG-like, and AGL6-like genes have been found in diverse extant gymnosperms, the closest relatives of the angiosperms. While SQUA-like and SEP1-like MADS-box genes appear to be absent from extant gymnosperms, reconstruction of MADS-box gene phylogeny surprisingly suggests that the most recent common ancestor of gymnosperms and angiosperms possessed representatives of both genes, but that these have been lost in the lineage that led to extant gymnosperms. Expression studies and genetic complementation experiments indicate that both angiosperm and gymnosperm AG-like and DEF/GLO-like genes have conserved functions in the specification of reproductive organs and in distinguishing male from female organs, respectively. Based on these findings novel models about the molecular basis of flower origin, involving changes in the expression patterns of DEF/GLO-like or AGL6/SEP1/SQUA-like genes in reproductive structures, were developed. While in angiosperms SEP1-like proteins play an important role in floral quartet formation, preliminary evidence suggests that gymnosperm DEF/GLO-like and AG-like proteins alone can already form floral quartet-like complexes, further corroborating the view that the formation of floral quartet-like complexes predated flower origin during evolution. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A theoretical study of the reaction of Ti+ with ethane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moc, Jerzy; Fedorov, Dmitri G.; Gordon, Mark S.

2000-06-01

The doublet and quartet potential energy surfaces for the Ti++C2H6→TiC2H4++H2 and Ti++C2H6→TiCH2++CH4 reactions are studied using density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP functional and ab initio coupled cluster CCSD(T) methods with high quality basis sets. Structures have been optimized at the DFT level and the minima connected to each transition state (TS) by following the intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC). Relative energies are calculated both at the DFT and coupled-cluster levels of theory. The relevant parts of the potential energy surface, especially key transition states, are also studied using multireference wave functions with the final energetics obtained with multireference second-order perturbation theory.

The voltage-sensor quartet

PubMed Central

Bankston, J. R.; Kass, R. S.

2009-01-01

Decoding the workings of voltage-gated sodium channels is crucial because their mutation leads to severe disease and their activity is modulated by toxins and drugs. An innovative approach now allows such investigations. PMID:19005542

Topical application of a G-Quartet aptamer targeting nucleolin attenuates choroidal neovascularization in a model of age-related macular degeneration.

PubMed

Leaderer, Derek; Cashman, Siobhan M; Kumar-Singh, Rajendra

2015-11-01

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with the 'wet' form of age related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common causes of central vision loss among the elderly. The 'wet' form of AMD is currently treated by intravitreal delivery of anti-VEGF agents. However, intravitreal injections are associated with complications and long-term inhibition of VEGF leads to macular atrophy. Thus, there is currently an unmet need for the development of therapies for CNV that target molecules other than VEGF. Here, we describe nucleolin as a novel target for the 'wet' form of AMD. Nucleolin was found on the surface of endothelial cells that migrate from the choroid into the subretinal space in the laser-induced model of 'wet' AMD. AS1411 is a previously described G-quartet oligonucleotide that has been shown to bind nucleolin. We found that AS1411 inhibited the formation of tubes by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) by approximately 27.4% in vitro. AS1411 co-localized with the site of laser induced CNV in vivo. Intravitreally injected AS1411 inhibited laser-induced CNV by 37.6% and attenuated infiltration of macrophages by 40.3%. Finally, topical application of AS1411 led to a 43.4% reduction in CNV. Our observations have potential implications for the development of therapies for CNV and specifically for the 'wet' form of AMD. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Evolutionary considerations on complex emotions and music-induced emotions. Comment on "The quartet theory of human emotions: An integrative and neurofunctional model" by S. Koelsch et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gingras, Bruno; Marin, Manuela M.

2015-06-01

Recent efforts to uncover the neural underpinnings of emotional experiences have provided a foundation for novel neurophysiological theories of emotions, adding to the existing body of psychophysiological, motivational, and evolutionary theories. Besides explicitly modeling human-specific emotions and considering the interactions between emotions and language, Koelsch et al.'s original contribution to this challenging endeavor is to identify four brain areas as distinct "affect systems" which differ in terms of emotional qualia and evolutionary pathways [1]. Here, we comment on some features of this promising Quartet Theory of Emotions, focusing particularly on evolutionary and biological aspects related to the four affect systems and their relation to prevailing emotion theories, as well as on the role of music-induced emotions.

Human emotion in the brain and the body: Why language matters. Comment on "The quartet theory of human emotions: An integrative and neurofunctional model" by S. Koelsch et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Herbert, Cornelia

2015-06-01

What is an Emotion? This question has fascinated scientific research since William James. Despite the fact that a consensus has been reached about the biological origin of emotions, uniquely human aspects of emotions are still poorly understood. One of these blind spots concerns the relationship between emotion and human language. Historically, many theories imply a duality between emotions on the one hand and cognitive functions such as language on the other hand. Especially for symbolic forms of written language and word processing, it has been assumed that semantic information would bear no relation to bodily, affective, or sensorimotor processing (for an overview see Ref. [1]). The Quartet Theory proposed by Koelsch and colleagues [2] could provide a solution to this problem. It offers a novel, integrative neurofunctional model of human emotions which considers language and emotion as closely related. Crucially, language - be it spoken or written - is assumed to "regulate, modulate, and partly initiate" activity in core affective brain systems in accord with physical needs and individual concerns [cf. page 34, line 995]. In this regard, the Quartet Theory combines assumptions from earlier bioinformational theories of emotions [3], contemporary theories of embodied cognition [4], and appraisal theories such as the Component Process Model [5] into one framework, thereby providing a holistic model for the neuroscientific investigation of human emotion processing at the interface of emotion and cognition, mind and body.

Big physics quartet win government backing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Banks, Michael

2014-09-01

Four major physics-based projects are among 10 to have been selected by Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology for funding in the coming decade as part of its “roadmap” of big-science projects.

Aesthetic emotions goals. Comment on "The quartet theory of human emotions: An integrative and neurofunctional model" by S. Koelsch et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perlovsky, Leonid

2015-06-01

Review by Koelsch et al. [10] presents an interdisciplinary theory of emotions, including a neurobiological emotion theory originating in four core emotional systems. The Quartet Theory (QT) includes specifically human emotions and considers the role of language for emotions. This comment considers questions about how the QT can address aesthetic emotions, what class of emotions they are, and what their function in cognition is. Can QT help defining aesthetic emotions neurally and functionally? Such a definition of aesthetic emotions would be necessary for their scientific exploration, because as widely used today there is no definition, aesthetics is defined through art, and art through aesthetics. Since contents of many art museums are not accepted as art by many artists and admirers of art, it is not clear what should be the subject of aesthetic emotions research.

3,4,5,6-Tetrafluorophenylnitren-2-yl: a ground-state quartet triradical.

PubMed

Grote, Dirk; Finke, Christopher; Kossmann, Simone; Neese, Frank; Sander, Wolfram

2010-04-19

The photochemistry of 2-iodo-3,4,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl azide (7 d) has been investigated in argon and neon matrices at 4 K, and the products characterized by IR and EPR spectroscopy. The primary photochemical step is loss of a nitrogen molecule and formation of phenyl nitrene 1 d. Further irradiation with UV or visible light results in mixtures of 1 d with azirine 5 d', ketenimine 6 d', nitreno radical 2 d, and azirinyl radical 9. The relative amounts of these products strongly depend on the matrix and on the irradiation conditions. Nitreno radical 2 d with a quartet ground state was characterized by EPR spectroscopy. Electronic structure calculations in combination with the experimental results allow for a detailed understanding of the properties of this unusual new type of organic high-spin molecules. Copyright © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Musical rhythm and affect. Comment on "The quartet theory of human emotions: An integrative and neurofunctional model" by S. Koelsch et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Witek, Maria A. G.; Kringelbach, Morten L.; Vuust, Peter

2015-06-01

The Quartet Theory of Human Emotion (QT) proposed by Koelsch et al. [1] adds to existing affective models, e.g. by directing more attention to emotional contagion, attachment-related and non-goal-directed emotions. Such an approach seems particularly appropriate to modelling musical emotions, and music is indeed a recurring example in the text, used to illustrate the distinct characteristics of the affect systems that are at the centre of the theory. Yet, it would seem important for any theory of emotion to account for basic functions such as prediction and anticipation, which are only briefly mentioned. Here we propose that QT, specifically its focus on emotional contagion, attachment-related and non-goal directed emotions, might help generate new ideas about a largely neglected source of emotion - rhythm - a musical property that relies fundamentally on the mechanism of prediction.

Measuring ensemble interdependence in a string quartet through analysis of multidimensional performance data

PubMed Central

Papiotis, Panos; Marchini, Marco; Perez-Carrillo, Alfonso; Maestre, Esteban

2014-01-01

In a musical ensemble such as a string quartet, the musicians interact and influence each other's actions in several aspects of the performance simultaneously in order to achieve a common aesthetic goal. In this article, we present and evaluate a computational approach for measuring the degree to which these interactions exist in a given performance. We recorded a number of string quartet exercises under two experimental conditions (solo and ensemble), acquiring both audio and bowing motion data. Numerical features in the form of time series were extracted from the data as performance descriptors representative of four distinct dimensions of the performance: Intonation, Dynamics, Timbre, and Tempo. Four different interdependence estimation methods (two linear and two nonlinear) were applied to the extracted features in order to assess the overall level of interdependence between the four musicians. The obtained results suggest that it is possible to correctly discriminate between the two experimental conditions by quantifying interdependence between the musicians in each of the studied performance dimensions; the nonlinear methods appear to perform best for most of the numerical features tested. Moreover, by using the solo recordings as a reference to which the ensemble recordings are contrasted, it is feasible to compare the amount of interdependence that is established between the musicians in a given performance dimension across all exercises, and relate the results to the underlying goal of the exercise. We discuss our findings in the context of ensemble performance research, the current limitations of our approach, and the ways in which it can be expanded and consolidated. PMID:25228894

Helium cluster isolation spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Higgins, John Paul

Clusters of helium, each containing ~103- 104 atoms, are produced in a molecular beam and are doped with alkali metal atoms (Li, Na, and K) and large organic molecules. Electronic spectroscopy in the visible and UV regions of the spectrum is carried out on the dopant species. Since large helium clusters are liquid and attain an equilibrium internal temperature of 0.4 K, they interact weakly with atoms or molecules absorbed on their surface or resident inside the cluster. The spectra that are obtained are characterized by small frequency shifts from the positions of the gas phase transitions, narrow lines, and cold vibrational temperatures. Alkali atoms aggregate on the helium cluster surface to form dimers and trimers. The spectra of singlet alkali dimers exhibit the presence of elementary excitations in the superfluid helium cluster matrix. It is found that preparation of the alkali molecules on the surface of helium clusters leads to the preferential formation of high-spin, van der Waals bound, triplet dimers and quartet trimers. Four bound-bound and two bound-free transitions are observed in the triplet manifold of the alkali dimers. The quartet trimers serve as an ideal system for the study of a simple unimolecular reaction in the cold helium cluster environment. Analysis of the lowest quartet state provides valuable insight into three-body forces in a van der Waals trimer. The wide range of atomic and molecular systems studied in this thesis constitutes a preliminary step in the development of helium cluster isolation spectroscopy, a hybrid technique combining the advantages of high resolution spectroscopy with the synthetic, low temperature environment of matrices.

[Medicine, music, friendship and prejudices: Billroth I and Billroth II, the string quartets Opus 51, N° 1 and N° 2 by Johannes Brahms].

PubMed

Cabello, Felipe C

2012-06-01

The great German surgeon Theodor Billroth and the imaginative and creative composer Johannes Brahms had a very close friendship centered on musical activities, that lasted for more than thirty years while they lived and worked in Zurich and Vienna, during the second half of the Nineteenth Century. Billroth, besides his all-consuming medical activities, had time to be a musical enthusiast who directed orchestras, played the violin in chamber music groups, and wrote musical criticism for newspapers. The common affection between these two creative giants is documented by their abundant and effusive correspondence, by the constant requests by Brahms of Billroth's opinions regarding his compositions, and by the positive and stimulating answers that Billroth gave to these requests. Billroth opened his house for musical evenings to play Brahms chamber compositions for the first time, and Brahms dedicated his two Opus 51 string quartets Nos. 1 and 2, known in the musical milieu as Billroth I and II, to his physician friend. Unfortunately, the close bonds between these two geniuses weakened towards the end of their lives as a result of Billroth's becoming intolerant to the lack of social refinements and gruff behavior of the composer. This baffling intolerance of Billroth to his friend Brahms can be better understood after reading Billroth's writings in his book The Medical Sciences in the German Universities. A Study in the History of Civilization. There Billroth expresses strong prejudices against potential medical students of humble social origins, such as those of Brahms, coupled to a primitive anti-Semitism.

Blend in Singing Ensemble Performance: Vibrato Production in a Vocal Quartet.

PubMed

Daffern, Helena

2017-05-01

"Blend" is a defining characteristic of good vocal ensemble performance. To achieve this, directors often consider vibrato as a feature to be controlled and consequently restrict its use. Analysis of individual voices in ensemble situations presents several challenges, including the isolation of voices for analysis from recordings. This study considers vibrato production as a feature that contributes to blend through an ecological study of a vocal quartet. A vocal ensemble was recorded using head-worn microphones and electrolaryngograph electrodes to enable fundamental frequency analysis of the individual voices. The same four-part material was recorded over several weeks of rehearsal to allow analysis of conscious and subconscious changes to vibrato production over time. Alongside the recording of their rehearsal discussions, singers were also asked for opinions on vibrato production in connection with blend. The results indicate that vibrato is adjusted to some extent by individual singers to improve blend, with some instances of synchrony between voice parts. Some conscious alterations to vibrato were made to improve blend; however, these are not always evident in the data, suggesting that singers' own perceptions of their performance may be influenced by other factors. These findings indicate a need for further studies of vibrato as a feature of blend, particularly in terms of the synergies between expectation and actual production, and potential synchronicity between singers; increased understanding of vibrato in an ensemble setting will lead to more efficient rehearsal techniques and vocal training, and could prevent vocal misuse leading to pathology in the future. Copyright © 2017 The Voice Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Creating A Choral Sound.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leenman, Tracy E.

1996-01-01

Covers a variety of strategies for creating a unique and identifiable choral sound. Provides specific instructions for developing singing in unison and recommends a standing arrangement of soprano, alto, tenor, and bass quartets. Provides other tips for instrumentation, sight reading, and quality rehearsal time. (MJP)

Quantum Tunneling in Testosterone 6β-Hydroxylation by Cytochrome P450: Reaction Dynamics Calculations Employing Multiconfiguration Molecular-Mechanical Potential Energy Surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Yan; Lin, Hai

2009-05-01

Testosterone hydroxylation is a prototypical reaction of human cytochrome P450 3A4, which metabolizes about 50% of oral drugs on the market. Reaction dynamics calculations were carried out for the testosterone 6β-hydrogen abstraction and the 6β-d1-testosterone 6β-duterium abstraction employing a model that consists of the substrate and the active oxidant compound I. The calculations were performed at the level of canonical variational transition state theory with multidimensional tunneling and were based on a semiglobal full-dimensional potential energy surface generated by the multiconfiguration molecular mechanics technique. The tunneling coefficients were found to be around 3, indicating substantial contributions by quantum tunneling. However, the tunneling made only modest contributions to the kinetic isotope effects. The kinetic isotope effects were computed to be about 2 in the doublet spin state and about 5 in the quartet spin state.

Genetics Home Reference: anauxetic dysplasia

MedlinePlus

... one gene that provides instructions for making a protein component of the RNase MRP enzyme complex can also cause anauxetic ... A, Donskoi M, Kenna TJ, Thomas GP, Clark GR, Duncan EL, Brown MA. Whole-exome re-sequencing in a family quartet identifies POP1 mutations as ...

Ab initio Potential-Energy Surfaces and Electron-Spin-Exchange Cross Sections for H-O2 Interactions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stallcop, James R.; Partridge, Harry; Levin, Eugene

1996-01-01

Accurate quartet- and doublet-state potential-energy surfaces for the interaction of a hydrogen atom and an oxygen molecule in their ground states have been determined from an ab initio calculation using large-basis sets and the internally contracted multireference configuration interaction method. These potential surfaces have been used to calculate the H-O2 electron-spin-exchange cross section; the square root of the cross section (in a(sub 0)), not taking into account inelastic effects, can be obtained approximately from the expressions 2.390E(sup -1/6) and 5.266-0.708 log10(E) at low and high collision energies E (in E(sub h)), respectively. These functional forms, as well as the oscillatory structure of the cross section found at high energies, are expected from the nature of the interaction energy. The mean cross section (the cross section averaged over a Maxwellian velocity distribution) agrees reasonably well with the results of measurements.

Ammonium Ion Binding to DNA G-Quadruplexes: Do Electrospray Mass Spectra Faithfully Reflect the Solution-Phase Species?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balthasart, Françoise; Plavec, Janez; Gabelica, Valérie

2013-01-01

G-quadruplex nucleic acids can bind ammonium ions in solution, and these complexes can be detected by electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). However, because ammonium ions are volatile, the extent to which ESI-MS quantitatively could provide an accurate reflection of such solution-phase equilibria is unclear. Here we studied five G-quadruplexes having known solution-phase structure and ammonium ion binding constants: the bimolecular G-quadruplexes (dG4T4G4)2, (dG4T3G4)2, and (dG3T4G4)2, and the intramolecular G-quadruplexes dG4(T4G4)3 and dG2T2G2TGTG2T2G2 (thrombin binding aptamer). We found that not all mass spectrometers are equally suited to reflect the solution phase species. Ion activation can occur in the electrospray source, or in a high-pressure traveling wave ion mobility cell. When the softest instrumental conditions are used, ammonium ions bound between G-quartets, but also additional ammonium ions bound at specific sites outside the external G-quartets, can be observed. However, even specifically bound ammonium ions are in some instances too labile to be fully retained in the gas phase structures, and although the ammonium ion distribution observed by ESI-MS shows biases at specific stoichiometries, the relative abundances in solution are not always faithfully reflected. Ion mobility spectrometry results show that all inter-quartet ammonium ions are necessary to preserve the G-quadruplex fold in the gas phase. Ion mobility experiments, therefore, help assign the number of inner ammonium ions in the solution phase structure.[Figure not available: see fulltext.

Design and Applications of Noncanonical DNA Base Pairs.

PubMed

Jissy, A K; Datta, Ayan

2014-01-02

While the Watson-Crick base pairs are known to stabilize the DNA double helix and play a vital role in storage/replication of genetic information, their replacement with non-Watson-Crick base pairs has recently been shown to have interesting practical applications. Nowadays, theoretical calculations are routinely performed on very complex systems to gain a better understanding of how molecules interact with each other. We not only bring together some of the basic concepts of how mispaired or unnatural nucleobases interact with each other but also look at how such an understanding influences the prediction of novel properties and development of new materials. We highlight the recent developments in this field of research. In this Perspective, we discuss the success of DFT methods, particularly, dispersion-corrected DFT, for applications such as pH-controlled molecular switching, electric-field-induced stacking of disk-like molecules with guanine quartets, and optical birefringence of alkali-metal-coordinated guanine quartets. The synergy between theoretical models and real applications is highlighted.

Solving general gauge theories on inner product spaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Batalin, Igor; Marnelius, Robert

1995-02-01

By means of a generalized quartet mechanism we show in a model independent way that a BRST quantization on an inner product space leads to physical states of the form ph> = exp [ Q, ψ]ph> 0 where Q is the nilpotent BRST operator, ψ a hermitian fermionic gauge-fixing operator, and ph> o BRST invariant states determined by a hermitian set of BRST doublets in involution. ph> 0 does not belong to an inner product space although ph> does. Since the BRST quartets are split into two sets of hermitian BRST doublets there are two choices for ph> 0 and the corresponding ψ. When applied to general, both irreducible and reducible, gauge theories of arbitrary rank within the BFV formulation we find that ph> 0 are trivial BRST invariant states which only depend on the matter variables for one set of solutions, and for the other set ph> 0 are solutions of a Dirac quantization. This generalizes previous Lie group solutions obtained by means of a bigrading.

Microspore Separation in the quartet 3 Mutants of Arabidopsis Is Impaired by a Defect in a Developmentally Regulated Polygalacturonase Required for Pollen Mother Cell Wall Degradation1

PubMed Central

Rhee, Seung Y.; Osborne, Erin; Poindexter, Patricia D.; Somerville, Chris R.

2003-01-01

Mutations in the QUARTET loci in Arabidopsis result in failure of microspore separation during pollen development due to a defect in degradation of the pollen mother cell wall during late stages of pollen development. Mutations in a new locus required for microspore separation, QRT3, were isolated, and the corresponding gene was cloned by T-DNA tagging. QRT3 encodes a protein that is approximately 30% similar to an endopolygalacturonase from peach (Prunus persica). The QRT3 protein was expressed in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and found to exhibit polygalacturonase activity. In situ hybridization experiments showed that QRT3 is specifically and transiently expressed in the tapetum during the phase when microspores separate from their meiotic siblings. Immunohistochemical localization of QRT3 indicated that the protein is secreted from tapetal cells during the early microspore stage. Thus, QRT3 plays a direct role in degrading the pollen mother cell wall during microspore development. PMID:14551328

Density-induced suppression of the {alpha}-particle condensate in nuclear matter and the structure of {alpha}-cluster states in nuclei

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Funaki, Y.; Horiuchi, H.; International Institute for Advanced Studies, Kizugawa 619-0225

2008-06-15

At low densities, with decreasing temperatures, in symmetric nuclear matter {alpha} particles are formed, which eventually give raise to a quantum condensate with four-nucleon {alpha}-like correlations (quartetting). Starting with a model of {alpha} matter, where undistorted {alpha} particles interact via an effective interaction such as the Ali-Bodmer potential, the suppression of the condensate fraction at zero temperature with increasing density is considered. Using a Jastrow-Feenberg approach, it is found that the condensate fraction vanishes near saturation density. Additionally, the modification of the internal state of the {alpha} particle due to medium effects will further reduce the condensate. In finite systems,more » an enhancement of the S-state wave function of the center-of-mass orbital of {alpha}-particle motion is considered as the correspondence to the condensate. Wave functions have been constructed for self-conjugate 4n nuclei that describe the condensate state but are fully antisymmetrized on the nucleonic level. These condensate-like cluster wave functions have been successfully applied to describe properties of low-density states near the n{alpha} threshold. Comparison with orthogonality condition model calculations in {sup 12}C and {sup 16}O shows strong enhancement of the occupation of the S-state center-of-mass orbital of the {alpha} particles. This enhancement is decreasing if the baryon density increases, similar to the density-induced suppression of the condensate fraction in {alpha} matter. The ground states of {sup 12}C and {sup 16}O show no enhancement at all, thus a quartetting condensate cannot be formed at saturation densities.« less

Reimer through Confucian Lenses: Resonances with Classical Chinese Aesthetics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Tan, Leonard

2015-01-01

In this paper, I compare all three editions of Bennett Reimer's "A Philosophy of Music Education" with early Chinese philosophy, in particular, classical Chinese aesthetics. I structure my analysis around a quartet of interrelated themes: aesthetic education, education of feeling, aesthetic experience, and ethics and aesthetics. This…

Perspectives on Pre-Service Teacher Knowledge for Teaching Early Algebra

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McAuliffe, Sharon; Lubben, Fred

2013-01-01

This paper examines a pre-service teacher's content knowledge for teaching early algebra from two perspectives, i.e. using "Rowland's Knowledge Quartet" theory and "Ball's framework for Mathematical Knowledge for Testing" (MKfT). The study intends to examine the differences between the influences using each framework and to…

Brief Report: Altered Horizontal Binding of Single Dots to Coherent Motion in Autism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

David, Nicole; Rose, Michael; Schneider, Till R.; Vogeley, Kai; Engel, Andreas K.

2010-01-01

Individuals with autism often show a fragmented way of perceiving their environment, suggesting a disorder of information integration, possibly due to disrupted communication between brain areas. We investigated thirteen individuals with high-functioning autism (HFA) and thirteen healthy controls using the metastable motion quartet, a stimulus…

Misleading Betas: An Educational Example

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chong, James; Halcoussis, Dennis; Phillips, G. Michael

2012-01-01

The dual-beta model is a generalization of the CAPM model. In the dual-beta model, separate beta estimates are provided for up-market and down-market days. This paper uses the historical "Anscombe quartet" results which illustrated how very different datasets can produce the same regression coefficients to motivate a discussion of the…

Understanding Motherhood as Maturation: Maternity Scripts in Lois Lowry's "Son"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Deszcz-Tryhubczak, Justyna; Marecki, Mateusz

2015-01-01

When put together with the other parts of The Giver Quartet, "Son" (2012), Lowry's recently published concluding book, emerges as an odd exception to the focus on young adult protagonists since it foregrounds the mother's perspective and addresses the issue of motherhood. It presents the reader with at least three conceptual models of…

Targeting Stat3 With G-Quartet Oligonucleotides in Metastatic Prostate Cancer

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-04-01

Wegenka UM, Lutticken C, Buschmann J, et al. The interleukin-6-activated acute- 34. Mazurmder A, Neamati N, Ojwang JO, Sunder S, Rando RF, Pommier Y...Chem 1995; 270: 1754-60. antisense directed against telomerase RNA. Oncogene 1998; 16: [8] Mazumder A, Neamati N, Ojwang JO, Sunder S, Rando RF, 3323

High-level ab initio studies of NO(X2Π)-O2(X3Σg -) van der Waals complexes in quartet states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grein, Friedrich

2018-05-01

Geometry optimisations were performed on nine different structures of NO(X2Π)-O2(X3Σg-) van der Waals complexes in their quartet states, using the explicitly correlated RCCSD(T)-F12b method with basis sets up to the cc-pVQZ-F12 level. For the most stable configurations, counterpoise-corrected optimisations as well as extrapolations to the complete basis set (CBS) were performed. The X structure in the 4A‧ state was found to be most stable, with a CBS binding energy of -157 cm-1. The slipped tilted structures with N closer to O2 (Slipt-N), as well as the slipped parallel structure with O of NO closer to O2 (Slipp-O) in 4A″ states have binding energies of about -130 cm-1. C2v and linear complexes are less stable. According to calculated harmonic frequencies, the X isomer is bound. Isotropic hyperfine coupling constants of the complex are compared with those of the monomers.

Mixed-up trees: the structure of phylogenetic mixtures.

PubMed

Matsen, Frederick A; Mossel, Elchanan; Steel, Mike

2008-05-01

In this paper, we apply new geometric and combinatorial methods to the study of phylogenetic mixtures. The focus of the geometric approach is to describe the geometry of phylogenetic mixture distributions for the two state random cluster model, which is a generalization of the two state symmetric (CFN) model. In particular, we show that the set of mixture distributions forms a convex polytope and we calculate its dimension; corollaries include a simple criterion for when a mixture of branch lengths on the star tree can mimic the site pattern frequency vector of a resolved quartet tree. Furthermore, by computing volumes of polytopes we can clarify how "common" non-identifiable mixtures are under the CFN model. We also present a new combinatorial result which extends any identifiability result for a specific pair of trees of size six to arbitrary pairs of trees. Next we present a positive result showing identifiability of rates-across-sites models. Finally, we answer a question raised in a previous paper concerning "mixed branch repulsion" on trees larger than quartet trees under the CFN model.

Evolutionary perspectives on emotions and their link to intentions, dispositions and behavior. Comment on "The quartet theory of human emotions: An integrative and neurofunctional model" by S. Koelsch et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wildgruber, Dirk; Kreifelts, Benjamin

2015-06-01

Koelsch and coworkers present a sophisticated neuroanatomical model of emotions comprising four affect-systems and four output-systems, each bound to a specific brain area [1]. Moreover, they suggest the emergence of distinct components of subjective feelings or "emotion percepts" due to integration of the activation across these subsystems. Incorporating numerous neurobiological, psychological and philosophical findings on human emotions, the model reflects an extensive interdisciplinary approach. Considering an evolutionary perspective, however, we would like to address some issues concerning emotions and their link to intentions, dispositions and behavior that are not fully covered by the Quartet Model. Charles Darwin pointed out that individuals that are better adapted to their environment have increased chances of survival and reproduction. Therefore, natural selection leads to a rising prevalence of properties offering a survival benefit across generations [2]. To better understand the biological functions of emotions we propose to ask the question: How do emotions provide a benefit for survival and reproduction?

Memory, mental time travel and The Moustachio Quartet.

PubMed

Clayton, Nicola; Wilkins, Clive

2017-06-06

Mental time travel allows us to revisit our memories and imagine future scenarios, and this is why memories are not only about the past, but they are also prospective. These episodic memories are not a fixed store of what happened, however, they are reassessed each time they are revisited and depend on the sequence in which events unfold. In this paper, we shall explore the complex relationships between memory and human experience, including through a series of novels 'The Moustachio Quartet' that can be read in any order. To do so, we shall integrate evidences from science and the arts to explore the subjective nature of memory and mental time travel, and argue that it has evolved primarily for prospection as opposed to retrospection. Furthermore, we shall question the notion that mental time travel is a uniquely human construct, and argue that some of the best evidence for the evolution of mental time travel comes from our distantly related cousins, the corvids, that cache food for the future and rely on long-lasting and highly accurate memories of what, where and when they stored their stashes of food.

Toxic genes present a unique phylogenetic signature.

PubMed

Avni, Eliran; Snir, Sagi

2017-11-01

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a major part of the evolution of Archaea and Bacteria, to the extent that the validity of the Tree of Life concept for prokaryotes has been seriously questioned. The patterns and routes of HGT remain a subject of intense study and debate. It was discovered that while several genes exhibit rampant HGT across the whole prokaryotic tree of life, others are lethal to certain organisms and therefore cannot be successfully transferred to them. We distinguish between these two classes of genes and show analytically that genes found to be toxic to a specific species (E. coli) also resist HGT in general. Several tools we employ show evidence to support that claim. One of those tools is the quartet plurality distribution (QPD), a mathematical tool that measures tendency to HGT over a large set of genes and species. When aggregated over a collection of genes, it can reveal important properties of this collection. We conclude that evidence of toxicity of certain genes to a wide variety of prokaryotes are revealed using the new tool of quartet plurality distribution. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Tetrahelical structural family adopted by AGCGA-rich regulatory DNA regions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kocman, Vojč; Plavec, Janez

2017-05-01

Here we describe AGCGA-quadruplexes, an unexpected addition to the well-known tetrahelical families, G-quadruplexes and i-motifs, that have been a focus of intense research due to their potential biological impact in G- and C-rich DNA regions, respectively. High-resolution structures determined by solution-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy demonstrate that AGCGA-quadruplexes comprise four 5'-AGCGA-3' tracts and are stabilized by G-A and G-C base pairs forming GAGA- and GCGC-quartets, respectively. Residues in the core of the structure are connected with edge-type loops. Sequences of alternating 5'-AGCGA-3' and 5'-GGG-3' repeats could be expected to form G-quadruplexes, but are shown herein to form AGCGA-quadruplexes instead. Unique structural features of AGCGA-quadruplexes together with lower sensitivity to cation and pH variation imply their potential biological relevance in regulatory regions of genes responsible for basic cellular processes that are related to neurological disorders, cancer and abnormalities in bone and cartilage development.

QuartetS-DB: A Large-Scale Orthology Database for Prokaryotes and Eukaryotes Inferred by Evolutionary Evidence

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-01-01

particular functions and identify species that contain these proteins. For example, if users select two species, Homo sapiens and Mus musculus, and...Kerr AR, McCormack TJ, Riley M: Evolution by leaps: gene duplication in bacteria. Biol Direct 2009, 4:46. 12. Remm M, Storm CE, Sonnhammer EL

A Case Study of Pedagogy of Mathematics Support Tutors without a Background in Mathematics Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Walsh, Richard

2017-01-01

This study investigates the pedagogical skills and knowledge of three tertiary-level mathematics support tutors in a large group classroom setting. This is achieved through the use of video analysis and a theoretical framework comprising Rowland's Knowledge Quartet and general pedagogical knowledge. The study reports on the findings in relation to…

The Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein, FMRP, Recognizes G-Quartets

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Darnell, Jennifer C.; Warren, Stephen T.; Darnell, Robert B.

2004-01-01

Fragile X mental retardation is a disease caused by the loss of function of a single RNA-binding protein, FMRP. Identifying the RNA targets recognized by FMRP is likely to reveal much about its functions in controlling some aspects of memory and behavior. Recent evidence suggests that one of the predominant RNA motifs recognized by the FMRP…

Building a knowledge-based statistical potential by capturing high-order inter-residue interactions and its applications in protein secondary structure assessment.

PubMed

Li, Yaohang; Liu, Hui; Rata, Ionel; Jakobsson, Eric

2013-02-25

The rapidly increasing number of protein crystal structures available in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) has naturally made statistical analyses feasible in studying complex high-order inter-residue correlations. In this paper, we report a context-based secondary structure potential (CSSP) for assessing the quality of predicted protein secondary structures generated by various prediction servers. CSSP is a sequence-position-specific knowledge-based potential generated based on the potentials of mean force approach, where high-order inter-residue interactions are taken into consideration. The CSSP potential is effective in identifying secondary structure predictions with good quality. In 56% of the targets in the CB513 benchmark, the optimal CSSP potential is able to recognize the native secondary structure or a prediction with Q3 accuracy higher than 90% as best scored in the predicted secondary structures generated by 10 popularly used secondary structure prediction servers. In more than 80% of the CB513 targets, the predicted secondary structures with the lowest CSSP potential values yield higher than 80% Q3 accuracy. Similar performance of CSSP is found on the CASP9 targets as well. Moreover, our computational results also show that the CSSP potential using triplets outperforms the CSSP potential using doublets and is currently better than the CSSP potential using quartets.

A Coin-Flipping Analogy and Web App for Teaching Spin-Spin Splitting in [superscript 1]H NMR Spectroscopy

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Azman, Adam M.; Esteb, John J.

2016-01-01

A coin-flipping analogy and free corresponding web app have been developed to facilitate student understanding of the origins of spin-spin splitting. First-order splitting patterns can easily be derived and understood. "Complex" splitting patterns (e.g., doublet of quartets), are easily incorporated into the analogy. A study of the…

Interaction of metallo- and free base meso-tetrakis(N-methylpyridium-4-yl)porphyrin with a G-quadruplex: effect of the central metal ions.

PubMed

Kim, Yun-Hwa; Lee, Changyun; Kim, Seog K; Jeoung, Sae Chae

2014-06-01

The effects of the central metal ion on complex formation between meso-tetrakis(N-methylpyridium-4-yl)porphyrin (TMPyP) and the thrombin-binding aptamer G-quadruplex, 5'G2T2G2TGTG2T2G2, were examined in this study. The central metal ions were vanadium and zinc. At a [porphyrin]/[G-quadruplex] ratio of less than one, the absorption and CD spectra were unaffected by the mixing ratio for all three porphyrins, suggesting that the binding mode is homogeneous. Relatively small changes in the absorption spectrum when forming the complexes with the G-quadruplex, the positive CD signal, and the large accessibility of the I(-) quencher, suggested that all these porphyrins are not intercalated between the G-quartet. Stabilization of the G-quadruplex by ZnTMPyP was most effective. The effect of VOTMPyP on G-quadruplex stabilization was moderate, whereas TMPyP slightly destabilized G-quadruplex. From this observation, the involvement of the ligation of one G-quartet component to the central metal ion in G-quadruplex stabilization by metallo-TMPyP is suggested. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Photoelectron Spectroscopy Study of Quinonimides

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hossain, Ekram; Deng, Shihu M.; Gozem, Samer

Structures and energetics of o-, m- and p-quinonimide anions (OC6H4N) and quinoniminyl radicals have been investigated by using negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy. Modeling of the photoelectron spectrum of the ortho isomer shows that the ground state of the anion is a triplet, while the quinoniminyl radical has a doublet ground state with a doublet-quartet splitting of 35.5 kcal/mol. The para radical has doublet ground state, but a band for a quartet state is missing from the photoelectron spectrum indicating that the anion has a singlet ground state, in contrast to previously reported calculations. The theoretical modeling is revisited here, andmore » it is shown that accurate predictions for the electronic structure of the para quinonimide anion require both an accurate account of electron correlation and a sufficiently diffuse basis set. Electron affinities of o- and p-quinoniminyl radicals are measured to be 1.715 ± 0.010 and 1.675 ± 0.010 eV, respectively. The photoelectron spectrum of the m-quinonimide anion shows that the ion undergoes several different rearrangements, including a rearrangement to the energetically favorable para isomer. Such rearrangements preclude a meaningful analysis of the experimental spectrum.« less

Quintessential quartic quasi-topological quartet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, Jamil; Hennigar, Robie A.; Mann, Robert B.; Mir, Mozhgan

2017-05-01

We construct the quartic version of generalized quasi-topological gravity, which was recently constructed to cubic order in arXiv:1703.01631. This class of theories includes Lovelock gravity and a known form of quartic quasi-topological gravity as special cases and possess a number of remarkable properties: (i) In vacuum, or in the presence of suitable matter, there is a single independent field equation which is a total derivative. (ii) At the linearized level, the equations of motion on a maximally symmetric background are second order, coinciding with the linearized Einstein equations up to a redefinition of Newton's constant. Therefore, these theories propagate only the massless, transverse graviton on a maximally symmetric background. (iii) While the Lovelock and quasi-topological terms are trivial in four dimensions, there exist four new generalized quasi-topological terms (the quartet) that are nontrivial, leading to interesting higher curvature theories in d ≥ 4 dimensions that appear well suited for holographic study. We construct four dimensional black hole solutions to the theory and study their properties. A study of black brane solutions in arbitrary dimensions reveals that these solutions are modified from the `universal' properties they possess in other higher curvature theories, which may lead to interesting consequences for the dual CFTs.

On the possible origin and evolution of the genetic code

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jukes, T. H.

1974-01-01

The genetic code is examined for indications of possible preceding codes that existed during early evolution. Eight of the 20 amino acids are coded by 'quartets' of codons with fourfold degeneracy, and 16 such quartets can exist, so that an earlier code could have provided for 15 or 16 amino acids, rather than 20. If twofold degeneracy is postulated for the first position of the codon, there could have been ten amino acids in the code. It is speculated that these may have been phenylalanine, valine, proline, alanine, histidine, glutamine, glutanic acid, aspartic acid, cysteine and glycine. There is a notable deficiency of arginine in proteins, despite the fact that it has six codons. Simultaneously, there is more lysine in proteins than would be expected from its two codons, if the four bases in mRNA are equiprobable and are arranged randomly. It is speculated that arginine is an 'intruder' into the genetic code, and that it may have displayed another amino acid such as ornithine, or may even have displayed lysine from some of its previous codon assignments. As a result, natural selection has favored lysine against the fact that it has only two codons.

Tetrahelical monomolecular architecture of DNA: a new building block for nanotechnology.

PubMed

Kankia, Besik

2014-06-12

DNA nanotechnology typically relies on Watson-Crick base pairing as both a recognition and structural element. This limits structural versatility and introduces errors during self-assembly of DNA. Guanine (G) quartet motifs show promise as an alternative to DNA duplexes, but the synthesis of long, precisely defined molecules is a significant challenge. Here we demonstrate a continuous tetrahelical DNA architecture capable of programmed self-assembly. We report that the homopolymer consisting of (G3T)3G3 monomeric units has the capability to fold into a monomolecular DNA tetrahelix with unprecedented speed and stability. For instance, in the presence of 1 mM K(+) ions the dimer, (G3T)2, folds readily and melts above 100 °C. These findings have the potential to revolutionize DNA nanotechnology by introducing fast and error-free self-assembly of long and extraordinarily stable molecules.

The Mother-Child Playgroup as Socialisation Context: A Short-Term Longitudinal Study of Mother-Child-Peer Relationship Dynamics

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mize, Jacquelyn; Pettit, Gregory S.

2010-01-01

This study employed mother-child playgroups as a context for examining mothers' supervision of child-peer interactions and children's adaptation to a new peer-group setting. Six playgroups, consisting of quartets of mothers and their 24- to 54-month-old children (n = 23), were observed in ten 90-minute sessions. All mothers attended the first two…

Bruce's Magnificent Quartet: Inquiry, Community, Technology and Literacy--Implications for Renewing Qualitative Research in the Twenty-First Century

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davidson, Judith

2014-01-01

Bruce and Bishop's community informatics work brings forward four critical concepts: inquiry, community, technology, and literacy. These four terms serve as the basis for a discussion of qualitative research in the twenty-first century--what is lacking and what is needed. The author suggests that to resolve the tensions or challenges…

Spin Uncoupling in Chemisorbed OCCO and CO 2: Two High-Energy Intermediates in Catalytic CO 2 Reduction

DOE PAGES

Hedstrom, Svante; dos Santos, Egon Campos; Liu, Chang; ...

2018-05-08

Here, the production of useful compounds via the electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR) is a matter of intense research. Although the thermodynamics and kinetic barriers of CO2RR are reported in previous computational studies, the electronic structure details are often overlooked. We study two important CO2RR intermediates: ethylenedione (OCCO) and CO 2 covalently bound to cluster and slab models of the Cu(100) surface. Both molecules exhibit a near-unity negative charge as chemisorbed, but otherwise they behave quite differently, as explained by a spin-uncoupling perspective. OCCO adopts a high-spin, quartetlike geometry, allowing two covalent bonds to the surface with an averagemore » gross interaction energy of –1.82 eV/bond. The energy cost for electronically exciting OCCO– to the quartet state is 1.5 eV which is readily repaid via the formation of its two surface bonds. CO 2, conversely, retains a low-spin, doubletlike structure upon chemisorption, and its single unpaired electron forms a single covalent surface bond of –2.07 eV. The 5.0 eV excitation energy to the CO 2 – quartet state is prohibitively costly and cannot be compensated for by an additional surface bond.« less

Mixed adenine/guanine quartets with three trans-a2 Pt(II) (a=NH(3) or MeNH(2)) cross-links: linkage and rotational isomerism, base pairing, and loss of NH(3).

PubMed

Albertí, Francisca M; Rodríguez-Santiago, Luis; Sodupe, Mariona; Mirats, Andrea; Kaitsiotou, Helena; Sanz Miguel, Pablo J; Lippert, Bernhard

2014-03-17

Of the numerous ways in which two adenine and two guanines (N9 positions blocked in each) can be cross-linked by three linear metal moieties such as trans-a2 Pt(II) (with a=NH3 or MeNH2 ) to produce open metalated purine quartets with exclusive metal coordination through N1 and N7 sites, one linkage isomer was studied in detail. The isomer trans,trans,trans-[{Pt(NH3 )2 (N7-9-EtA-N1)2 }{Pt(MeNH2 )2 (N7-9-MeGH)}2 ][(ClO4 )6 ]⋅3H2 O (1) (with 9-EtA=9-ethyladenine and 9-MeGH=9-methylguanine) was crystallized from water and found to adopt a flat Z-shape in the solid state as far as the trinuclear cation is concerned. In the presence of excess 9-MeGH, a meander-like construct, trans,trans,trans-[{Pt(NH3 )2 (N7-9-EtA-N1)2 }{Pt(MeNH2 )2 (N7-9-MeGH)2 }][(ClO4 )6 ]⋅[(9-MeGH)2 ]⋅7 H2 O (2) is formed, in which the two extra 9-MeGH nucleobases are hydrogen bonded to the two terminal platinated guanine ligands of 1. Compound 1, and likewise the analogous complex 1 a (with NH3 ligands only), undergo loss of an ammonia ligand and formation of NH4 (+) when dissolved in [D6 ]DMSO. From the analogy between the behavior of 1 and 1 a it is concluded that a NH3 ligand from the central Pt atom is lost. Addition of 1-methylcytosine (1-MeC) to such a DMSO solution reveals coordination of 1-MeC to the central Pt. In an analogous manner, 9-MeGH can coordinate to the central Pt in [D6 ]DMSO. It is proposed that the proton responsible for formation of NH4 (+) is from one of the exocyclic amino groups of the two adenine bases, and furthermore, that this process is accompanied by a conformational change of the cation from Z-form to U-form. DFT calculations confirm the proposed mechanism and shed light on possible pathways of this process. Calculations show that rotational isomerism is not kinetically hindered and that it would preferably occur previous to the displacement of NH3 by DMSO. This displacement is the most energetically costly step, but it is compensated by the proton transfer to NH3 and formation of U(-H(+) ) species, which exhibits an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the deprotonated N6H(-) of one adenine and the N6H2 group of the other adenine. Finally the question is examined, how metal cross-linking patterns in closed metallacyclic quartets containing two adenine and two guanine nucleobases influence the overall shape (square, rectangle, trapezoid) and the planarity of a metalated purine quartet. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Dioxygen activation by non-adiabatic oxidative addition to a single metal center [O 2 activation by non-adiabatic oxidative addition to a single metal center

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Akturk, Eser S.; Yap, Glenn P. A.; Theopold, Klaus H.

2015-10-16

A chromium(I) dinitrogen complex reacts rapidly with O 2 to form the mononuclear dioxo complex [Tp tBu,MeCr V(O) 2] (Tp tBu,Me=hydrotris(3- tert-butyl-5-methylpyrazolyl)borate), whereas the analogous reaction with sulfur stops at the persulfido complex [Tp tBu,MeCr III(S 2)]. The transformation of the putative peroxo intermediate [Tp tBu,MeCr III(O 2)] (S= 3/ 2) into [Tp tBu,MeCr V(O) 2] (S= 1/ 2) is spin-forbidden. The minimum-energy crossing point for the two potential energy surfaces has been identified. Finally, although the dinuclear complex [(Tp tBu,MeCr) 2(μ-O) 2] exists, mechanistic experiments suggest that O 2 activation occurs on a single metal center, by an oxidativemore » addition on the quartet surface followed by crossover to the doublet surface.« less

Computational study on the functionalization of BNNC with pyrrole molecule

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Payvand, Akram; Tavangar, Zahra

2018-05-01

The functionalization of the boron nitride nanocone (BNNC) by pyrrole molecule was studied using B3LYP/6-311+G(d) level of theory. The reaction was studied in three methods in different layers of the nanocone: Diels-Alder cycloaddition, quartet cycloaddition and the reaction of the nitrogen atom of the pyrrole molecule with the boron or nitrogen atom of the BNNC. Thermodynamic quantities, Chemical hardness and potential and electrophilicity index of the functionalized BNNC were studied. The results show that the tip of nanocone has a higher tendency for participation in the reaction and the most favorable product of the reaction between BNNC and pyrrole molecule is produced from the reaction of N atom of pyrrole with the B atom of BNNC. The reaction decreases the energy gap value which leads to increasing the reactivity and conductivity of functionalized nanocone. The calculated NICS values confirm the aromaticity in the pristine nanocone as well as in the functionalized nanocone.

Second Topical Meeting on Laser Techniques in the Extreme Ultraviolet.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-01-10

Dressed Resonances, Lasw for Product Detlection, John W. Hepburn, N. Slvakumnar,* J. H. Eberly and D. Agassi, Department of Physics and and Paul L...inversion production in a laser plasma allows us to - between core-excited quartet states of Na I. The classifica- test a possible laser cavity. tions are...used to increase radiation losses. Enhancement of hydrogen-like CVI 182R line intensity and population inversion in Li-like ions (CIV, OVI, FVII , and

Charge line quad pulser

DOEpatents

Booth, R.

1996-10-08

A quartet of parallel coupled planar triodes is removably mounted in a quadrahedron shaped PCB structure. Releasable brackets and flexible means attached to each triode socket make triode cathode and grid contact with respective conductive coatings on the PCB and a detachable cylindrical conductive element enclosing and contacting the triode anodes jointly permit quick and easy replacement of faulty triodes. By such orientation, the quad pulser can convert a relatively low and broad pulse into a very high and narrow pulse. 16 figs.

Charge line quad pulser

DOEpatents

Booth, Rex

1996-01-01

A quartet of parallel coupled planar triodes is removably mounted in a quadrahedron shaped PCB structure. Releasable brackets and flexible means attached to each triode socket make triode cathode and grid contact with respective conductive coatings on the PCB and a detachable cylindrical conductive element enclosing and contacting the triode anodes jointly permit quick and easy replacement of faulty triodes. By such orientation, the quad pulser can convert a relatively low and broad pulse into a very high and narrow pulse.

EPR and Bell's theorem: A critical review

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stapp, H.P.

1991-01-01

The argument of Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen is reviewed with attention to logical structure and character of assumptions. Bohr's reply is discussed. Bell's contribution is formulated without use of hidden variables, and efforts to equate hidden variables to realism are critically examined. An alternative derivation of nonlocality that makes no use of hidden variables, microrealism, counterfactual definiteness, or any other assumption alien to orthodox quantum thinking is described in detail, with particular attention to the quartet or broken-square question.

GENOME-WIDE COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PHYLOGENETIC TREES: THE PROKARYOTIC FOREST OF LIFE

PubMed Central

Puigbò, Pere; Wolf, Yuri I.; Koonin, Eugene V.

2013-01-01

Genome-wide comparison of phylogenetic trees is becoming an increasingly common approach in evolutionary genomics, and a variety of approaches for such comparison have been developed. In this article we present several methods for comparative analysis of large numbers of phylogenetic trees. To compare phylogenetic trees taking into account the bootstrap support for each internal branch, the Boot-Split Distance (BSD) method is introduced as an extension of the previously developed Split Distance (SD) method for tree comparison. The BSD method implements the straightforward idea that comparison of phylogenetic trees can be made more robust by treating tree splits differentially depending on the bootstrap support. Approaches are also introduced for detecting tree-like and net-like evolutionary trends in the phylogenetic Forest of Life (FOL), i.e., the entirety of the phylogenetic trees for conserved genes of prokaryotes. The principal method employed for this purpose includes mapping quartets of species onto trees to calculate the support of each quartet topology and so to quantify the tree and net contributions to the distances between species. We describe the applications methods used to analyze the FOL and the results obtained with these methods. These results support the concept of the Tree of Life (TOL) as a central evolutionary trend in the FOL as opposed to the traditional view of the TOL as a ‘species tree’. PMID:22399455

Alternative methods of phylogenetic inference for the Patagonian lizard group Liolaemus elongatus-kriegi (Iguania: Liolaemini) based on mitochondrial and nuclear markers.

PubMed

Medina, Cintia Débora; Avila, Luciano Javier; Sites, Jack Walter; Santos, Juan; Morando, Mariana

2018-03-01

We present different approaches to a multi-locus phylogeny for the Liolaemus elongatus-kriegi group, including almost all species and recognized lineages. We sequenced two mitochondrial and five nuclear gene regions for 123 individuals from 35 taxa, and compared relationships resolved from concatenated and species tree methods. The L. elongatus-kriegi group was inferred as monophyletic in three of the five analyses (concatenated mitochondrial, concatenated mitochondrial + nuclear gene trees, and SVD quartet species tree). The mitochondrial gene tree resolved four haploclades, three corresponding to the previously recognized complexes: L. elongatus, L. kriegi and L. petrophilus complexes, and the L. punmahuida group. The BEAST species tree approach included the L. punmahuida group within the L. kriegi complex, but the SVD quartet method placed it as sister to the L. elongatus-kriegi group. BEAST inferred species of the L. elongatus and L. petrophilus complexes as one clade, while SVDquartet inferred these two complexes as monophyletic (although with no statistical support for the L. petrophilus complex). The species tree approach also included the L. punmahuida group as part of the L. elongatus-kriegi group. Our study provides detailed multilocus phylogenetic hypotheses for the L. elongatus-kriegi group, and we discuss possible reasons for differences in the concatenation and species tree methods. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Mesodermal and axial determinants contribute to mesoderm regionalization in Bufo arenarum embryos.

PubMed

Manes, Mario E; Campos Casal, Fernando H

2002-09-01

The existence of mesodermal determinants in the equator of Bufo arenarum embryos has been previously demonstrated. In this work, their role in dorso-ventral regionalization of mesoderm was studied by transferring the determinants to animal blastomeres. The transfer was performed by cleavage reorientation and cytoplasmic microinjection. Forced inclination during early cleavage caused deviation of the third cleavage plane and annexation of equatorial cytoplasm into animal quartets. Animal blastomeres from embryos oriented with the dorsal side up, incorporated ventro-equatorial cytoplasm and formed blood cells, mesenchyme, and coelomic epithelium. In contrast, animal blastomeres from embryos oriented with the ventral side up, acquired dorso-equatorial cytoplasm and developed notochord, somites, mesenchyme, coelomic epithelium and nervous tissue. In order to investigate if this dorso-ventral differentiation pattern responds to an interaction of mesodermal and axial factors, isolated 8-cell-stage animal quartets were microinjected with subcortical cytoplasm from: (a) the ventro-equatorial region of synchronous embryos; (b) the vegetal pole of uncleaved eggs; (c) a combination of both cytoplasms. As expected, the implanted ventro-equatorial cytoplasm promoted ventral mesoderm differentiation. Conversely, the joint transfer of ventro-equatorial cytoplasm and vegetal pole cytoplasm behaved as the dorso-equatorial cytoplasm, promoting dorso-lateral mesoderm and neural formation. Thus, mesoderm regionalization in B. arenarum embryos seems to be caused by a concurrent action of both mesodermal and axial determinants.

Genome-wide comparative analysis of phylogenetic trees: the prokaryotic forest of life.

PubMed

Puigbò, Pere; Wolf, Yuri I; Koonin, Eugene V

2012-01-01

Genome-wide comparison of phylogenetic trees is becoming an increasingly common approach in evolutionary genomics, and a variety of approaches for such comparison have been developed. In this article, we present several methods for comparative analysis of large numbers of phylogenetic trees. To compare phylogenetic trees taking into account the bootstrap support for each internal branch, the Boot-Split Distance (BSD) method is introduced as an extension of the previously developed Split Distance method for tree comparison. The BSD method implements the straightforward idea that comparison of phylogenetic trees can be made more robust by treating tree splits differentially depending on the bootstrap support. Approaches are also introduced for detecting tree-like and net-like evolutionary trends in the phylogenetic Forest of Life (FOL), i.e., the entirety of the phylogenetic trees for conserved genes of prokaryotes. The principal method employed for this purpose includes mapping quartets of species onto trees to calculate the support of each quartet topology and so to quantify the tree and net contributions to the distances between species. We describe the application of these methods to analyze the FOL and the results obtained with these methods. These results support the concept of the Tree of Life (TOL) as a central evolutionary trend in the FOL as opposed to the traditional view of the TOL as a "species tree."

Dimerization of human immunodeficiency virus (type 1) RNA: stimulation by cations and possible mechanism.

PubMed

Marquet, R; Baudin, F; Gabus, C; Darlix, J L; Mougel, M; Ehresmann, C; Ehresmann, B

1991-05-11

The retroviral genome consists of two identical RNA molecules joined close to their 5' ends by the dimer linkage structure. Recent findings indicated that retroviral RNA dimerization and encapsidation are probably related events during virion assembly. We studied the cation-induced dimerization of HIV-1 RNA and results indicate that all in vitro generated HIV-1 RNAs containing a 100 nucleotide domain downstream from the 5' splice site are able to dimerize. RNA dimerization depends on the concentration of RNA, mono- and multivalent cations, the size of the monovalent cation, temperature, and pH. Up to 75% of HIV-1 RNA is dimeric in the presence of spermidine. HIV-1 RNA dimer is fairly resistant to denaturing agents and unaffected by intercalating drugs. Antisense HIV-1 RNA does not dimerize but heterodimers can be formed between HIV-1 RNA and either MoMuLV or RSV RNA. Therefore retroviral RNA dimerization probably does not simply proceed through mechanisms involving Watson-Crick base-pairing. Neither adenine and cytosine protonation, nor quartets containing only guanines appear to determine the stability of the HIV-1 RNA dimer, while quartets involving both adenine(s) and guanine(s) could account for our results. A consensus sequence PuGGAPuA found in the putative dimerization-encapsidation region of all retroviral genomes examined may participate in the dimerization process.

Dimerization of human immunodeficiency virus (type 1) RNA: stimulation by cations and possible mechanism.

PubMed Central

Marquet, R; Baudin, F; Gabus, C; Darlix, J L; Mougel, M; Ehresmann, C; Ehresmann, B

1991-01-01

The retroviral genome consists of two identical RNA molecules joined close to their 5' ends by the dimer linkage structure. Recent findings indicated that retroviral RNA dimerization and encapsidation are probably related events during virion assembly. We studied the cation-induced dimerization of HIV-1 RNA and results indicate that all in vitro generated HIV-1 RNAs containing a 100 nucleotide domain downstream from the 5' splice site are able to dimerize. RNA dimerization depends on the concentration of RNA, mono- and multivalent cations, the size of the monovalent cation, temperature, and pH. Up to 75% of HIV-1 RNA is dimeric in the presence of spermidine. HIV-1 RNA dimer is fairly resistant to denaturing agents and unaffected by intercalating drugs. Antisense HIV-1 RNA does not dimerize but heterodimers can be formed between HIV-1 RNA and either MoMuLV or RSV RNA. Therefore retroviral RNA dimerization probably does not simply proceed through mechanisms involving Watson-Crick base-pairing. Neither adenine and cytosine protonation, nor quartets containing only guanines appear to determine the stability of the HIV-1 RNA dimer, while quartets involving both adenine(s) and guanine(s) could account for our results. A consensus sequence PuGGAPuA found in the putative dimerization-encapsidation region of all retroviral genomes examined may participate in the dimerization process. Images PMID:1645868

Liquid Crystal Phase Behaviour of Attractive Disc-Like Particles

PubMed Central

Wu, Liang; Jackson, George; Müller, Erich A.

2013-01-01

We employ a generalized van der Waals-Onsager perturbation theory to construct a free energy functional capable of describing the thermodynamic properties and orientational order of the isotropic and nematic phases of attractive disc particles. The model mesogen is a hard (purely repulsive) cylindrical disc particle decorated with an anisotropic square-well attractive potential placed at the centre of mass. Even for isotropic attractive interactions, the resulting overall inter-particle potential is anisotropic, due to the orientation-dependent excluded volume of the underlying hard core. An algebraic equation of state for attractive disc particles is developed by adopting the Onsager trial function to characterize the orientational order in the nematic phase. The theory is then used to represent the fluid-phase behaviour (vapour-liquid, isotropic-nematic, and nematic-nematic) of the oblate attractive particles for varying values of the molecular aspect ratio and parameters of the attractive potential. When compared to the phase diagram of their athermal analogues, it is seen that the addition of an attractive interaction facilitates the formation of orientationally-ordered phases. Most interestingly, for certain aspect ratios, a coexistence between two anisotropic nematic phases is exhibited by the attractive disc-like fluids. PMID:23965962

Liquid crystal phase behaviour of attractive disc-like particles.

PubMed

Wu, Liang; Jackson, George; Müller, Erich A

2013-08-08

We employ a generalized van der Waals-Onsager perturbation theory to construct a free energy functional capable of describing the thermodynamic properties and orientational order of the isotropic and nematic phases of attractive disc particles. The model mesogen is a hard (purely repulsive) cylindrical disc particle decorated with an anisotropic square-well attractive potential placed at the centre of mass. Even for isotropic attractive interactions, the resulting overall inter-particle potential is anisotropic, due to the orientation-dependent excluded volume of the underlying hard core. An algebraic equation of state for attractive disc particles is developed by adopting the Onsager trial function to characterize the orientational order in the nematic phase. The theory is then used to represent the fluid-phase behaviour (vapour-liquid, isotropic-nematic, and nematic-nematic) of the oblate attractive particles for varying values of the molecular aspect ratio and parameters of the attractive potential. When compared to the phase diagram of their athermal analogues, it is seen that the addition of an attractive interaction facilitates the formation of orientationally-ordered phases. Most interestingly, for certain aspect ratios, a coexistence between two anisotropic nematic phases is exhibited by the attractive disc-like fluids.

A molecular dynamics study on the role of attractive and repulsive forces in internal energy, internal pressure and structure of dense fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goharshadi, Elaheh K.; Morsali, Ali; Mansoori, G. Ali

2007-01-01

Isotherms of experimental data of internal pressure of dense fluids versus molar volume, Vm are shown to have each a maximum point at a Vmax below the critical molar volume. In this study, we investigated the role of attractive and repulsive intermolecular energies on this behavior using a molecular dynamics simulation technique. In the simulation, we choose the Lennard-Jones (LJ) intermolecular potential energy function. The LJ potential is known to be an effective potential representing a statistical average of the true pair and many-body interactions in simple molecular systems. The LJ potential function is divided into attractive and repulsive parts. MD calculations have produced internal energy, potential energy, transitional kinetic energy, and radial distribution function (RDF) for argon at 180 K and 450 K using LJ potential, LJ repulsive, and LJ attractive parts. It is shown that the LJ potential function is well capable of predicting the inflection point in the internal energy-molar volume curve as well as maximum point in the internal pressure-molar volume curve. It is also shown that at molar volumes higher than Vmax, the attractive forces have strong influence on determination of internal energy and internal pressure. At volumes lower than Vmax, neither repulsive nor attractive forces are dominating. Also, the coincidence between RDFs resulting from LJ potential and repulsive parts of LJ potential improves as molar volume approaches Vmax from high molar volumes. The coincidence becomes complete at Vmax ⩾ V.

Luneburg-lens-like structural Pauli attractive core of the nuclear force at short distances

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miller, Gerald A.

2018-07-01

A recent paper Ohkubo (2017) [1] found that the measured S10 phase shifts can be reproduced using a deeply attractive nucleon-nucleon potential. We find that the deuteron would decay strongly via pion emission to the deeply bound state arising in this potential. Therefore the success of a deeply attractive potential in describing phase shifts must be regarded only as an interesting curiosity.

The role of atomic level steric effects and attractive forces in protein folding.

PubMed

Lammert, Heiko; Wolynes, Peter G; Onuchic, José N

2012-02-01

Protein folding into tertiary structures is controlled by an interplay of attractive contact interactions and steric effects. We investigate the balance between these contributions using structure-based models using an all-atom representation of the structure combined with a coarse-grained contact potential. Tertiary contact interactions between atoms are collected into a single broad attractive well between the C(β) atoms between each residue pair in a native contact. Through the width of these contact potentials we control their tolerance for deviations from the ideal structure and the spatial range of attractive interactions. In the compact native state dominant packing constraints limit the effects of a coarse-grained contact potential. During folding, however, the broad attractive potentials allow an early collapse that starts before the native local structure is completely adopted. As a consequence the folding transition is broadened and the free energy barrier is decreased. Eventually two-state folding behavior is lost completely for systems with very broad attractive potentials. The stabilization of native-like residue interactions in non-perfect geometries early in the folding process frequently leads to structural traps. Global mirror images are a notable example. These traps are penalized by the details of the repulsive interactions only after further collapse. Successful folding to the native state requires simultaneous guidance from both attractive and repulsive interactions. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Developmental diversity in free-living flatworms

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Flatworm embryology has attracted attention since the early beginnings of comparative evolutionary biology. Considered for a long time the most basal bilaterians, the Platyhelminthes (excluding Acoelomorpha) are now robustly placed within the Spiralia. Despite having lost their relevance to explain the transition from radially to bilaterally symmetrical animals, the study of flatworm embryology is still of great importance to understand the diversification of bilaterians and of developmental mechanisms. Flatworms are acoelomate organisms generally with a simple centralized nervous system, a blind gut, and lacking a circulatory organ, a skeleton and a respiratory system other than the epidermis. Regeneration and asexual reproduction, based on a totipotent neoblast stem cell system, are broadly present among different groups of flatworms. While some more basally branching groups - such as polyclad flatworms - retain the ancestral quartet spiral cleavage pattern, most flatworms have significantly diverged from this pattern and exhibit unique strategies to specify the common adult body plan. Most free-living flatworms (i.e. Platyhelminthes excluding the parasitic Neodermata) are directly developing, whereas in polyclads, also indirect developers with an intermediate free-living larval stage and subsequent metamorphosis are found. A comparative study of developmental diversity may help understanding major questions in evolutionary biology, such as the evolution of cleavage patterns, gastrulation and axial specification, the evolution of larval types, and the diversification and specialization of organ systems. In this review, we present a thorough overview of the embryonic development of the different groups of free-living (turbellarian) platyhelminths, including the Catenulida, Macrostomorpha, Polycladida, Lecithoepitheliata, Proseriata, Bothrioplanida, Rhabdocoela, Fecampiida, Prolecithophora and Tricladida, and discuss their main features under a consensus phylogeny of the phylum. PMID:22429930

Adinkras from ordered quartets of BC4 Coxeter group elements and regarding 1,358,954,496 matrix elements of the Gadget

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gates, S. James; Guyton, Forrest; Harmalkar, Siddhartha; Kessler, David S.; Korotkikh, Vadim; Meszaros, Victor A.

2017-06-01

We examine values of the Adinkra Holoraumy-induced Gadget representation space metric over all possible four-color, four-open node, and four-closed node adinkras. Of the 1,358,954,496 gadget matrix elements, only 226,492,416 are non-vanishing and take on one of three values: -1/3, 1/3, or 1 and thus a subspace isomorphic to a description of a body-centered tetrahedral molecule emerges.

U.S. and NATO Naval Engagement with Russia in the Black Sea: Historical Patterns and Current Prospects

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-01

European Ballistic Missile Defense Quartet,” U.S. Naval Institute News, September 25, 2015, http://news.usni.org/2015/09/25/ destroyer-uss-carney...cps/en/natohq/official_texts_133169.htm. 9David S. Yost, NATO’s Balancing Act (Washington, DC: United States Institute of Peace, 2014): 31. 10Sharyl...Ukrainian Research Institute , has written that “[Russia’s] southern flank has been one of the most unstable ones during the past two decades, [and

Do surfaces of positive electrostatic potential on different halogen derivatives in molecules attract? like attracting like!

PubMed

Varadwaj, Arpita; Varadwaj, Pradeep R; Yamashita, Koichi

2018-03-15

Coulomb's law states that like charges repel, and unlike charges attract. However, it has recently been theoretically revealed that two similarly charged conducting spheres will almost always attract each other when both are in close proximity. Using multiscale first principles calculations, we illustrate practical examples of several intermolecular complexes that are formed by the consequences of attraction between positive atomic sites of similar or dissimilar electrostatic surface potential on interacting molecules. The results of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules and symmetry adapted perturbation theory support the attraction between the positive sites, characterizing the F•••X (X = F, Cl, Br) intermolecular interactions in a series of 20 binary complexes as closed-shell type, although the molecular electrostatic surface potential approach does not (a failure!). Dispersion that has an r -6 dependence, where r is the equilibrium distance of separation, is found to be the sole driving force pushing the two positive sites to attract. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Separating the effects of repulsive and attractive forces on the phase diagram, interfacial, and critical properties of simple fluids

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fuentes-Herrera, M.; Moreno-Razo, J. A.; Guzmán, O.; López-Lemus, J.; Ibarra-Tandi, B.

2016-06-01

Molecular simulations in the canonical and isothermal-isobaric ensembles were performed to study the effect of varying the shape of the intermolecular potential on the phase diagram, critical, and interfacial properties of model fluids. The molecular interactions were modeled by the Approximate Non-Conformal (ANC) theory potentials. Unlike the Lennard-Jones or Morse potentials, the ANC interactions incorporate parameters (called softnesses) that modulate the steepness of the potential in their repulsive and attractive parts independently. This feature allowed us to separate unambiguously the role of each region of the potential on setting the thermophysical properties. In particular, we found positive linear correlation between all critical coordinates and the attractive and repulsive softness, except for the critical density and the attractive softness which are negatively correlated. Moreover, we found that the physical properties related to phase coexistence (such as span of the liquid phase between the critical and triple points, variations in the P-T vaporization curve, interface width, and surface tension) are more sensitive to changes in the attractive softness than to the repulsive one. Understanding the different roles of attractive and repulsive forces on phase coexistence may contribute to developing more accurate models of liquids and their mixtures.

Separating the effects of repulsive and attractive forces on the phase diagram, interfacial, and critical properties of simple fluids.

PubMed

Fuentes-Herrera, M; Moreno-Razo, J A; Guzmán, O; López-Lemus, J; Ibarra-Tandi, B

2016-06-07

Molecular simulations in the canonical and isothermal-isobaric ensembles were performed to study the effect of varying the shape of the intermolecular potential on the phase diagram, critical, and interfacial properties of model fluids. The molecular interactions were modeled by the Approximate Non-Conformal (ANC) theory potentials. Unlike the Lennard-Jones or Morse potentials, the ANC interactions incorporate parameters (called softnesses) that modulate the steepness of the potential in their repulsive and attractive parts independently. This feature allowed us to separate unambiguously the role of each region of the potential on setting the thermophysical properties. In particular, we found positive linear correlation between all critical coordinates and the attractive and repulsive softness, except for the critical density and the attractive softness which are negatively correlated. Moreover, we found that the physical properties related to phase coexistence (such as span of the liquid phase between the critical and triple points, variations in the P-T vaporization curve, interface width, and surface tension) are more sensitive to changes in the attractive softness than to the repulsive one. Understanding the different roles of attractive and repulsive forces on phase coexistence may contribute to developing more accurate models of liquids and their mixtures.

Evaluation of semiochemicals potentially synergistic to a-pinene for trapping the larger European pine shoot beetle, Tomicus piniperda, (Col., Scolytidae)

Treesearch

T.M. Poland; P. de Groot; R.A. Haack; D. Czokajlo

2004-01-01

The pine shoot beetle, Tomicus piniperda (L.) (Col., Scolytidae) is an exotic pest of pine, Pinus, spp., in North America. It is attracted strongly to host volatiles (±)-a-pinene, (+)-3-carene, and a-terpinolene. Attraction to insectproduced compounds is less clear. Other potential attractants include trans-verbenol,...

In vivo dynamic turnover of cerebral 13C isotopomers from [U- 13C]glucose

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Su; Shen, Jun

2006-10-01

An INEPT-based 13C MRS method and a cost-effective and widely available 11.7 Tesla 89-mm bore vertical magnet were used to detect dynamic 13C isotopomer turnover from intravenously infused [U- 13C]glucose in a 211 μL voxel located in the adult rat brain. The INEPT-based 1H → 13C polarization transfer method is mostly adiabatic and therefore minimizes signal loss due to B 1 inhomogeneity of the surface coils used. High quality and reproducible data were acquired as a result of combined use of outer volume suppression, ISIS, and the single-shot three-dimensional localization scheme built in the INEPT pulse sequence. Isotopomer patterns of both glutamate C4 at 34.00 ppm and glutamine C4 at 31.38 ppm are dominated first by a doublet originated from labeling at C4 and C5 but not at C3 (with 1JC4C5 = 51 Hz) and then by a quartet originated from labeling at C3, C4, and C5 (with 1JC3C4 = 35 Hz). A lag in the transition of glutamine C4 pattern from doublet-dominance to quartet dominance as compared to glutamate C4 was observed, which provides an independent verification of the precursor-product relationship between neuronal glutamate and glial glutamine and a significant intercompartmental cerebral glutamate-glutamine cycle between neurons and glial cells.

A tutorial on the principles of harmonic intonation for trombonists

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keener, Michael Kenneth

A Tutorial on the Principles of Harmonic Intonation for Trombonists includes a manual containing background information, explanations of the principles of harmonic intonation, and printed musical examples for use in learning and practicing the concepts of harmonic intonation. An audio compact disk containing music files corresponding to the printed music completes the set. This tutorial is designed to allow performing musicians and students to practice intonation skills with the pitch-controlled music on the compact disc. The music on the CD was recorded in movable-comma just intonation, replicating performance parameters of wind, string, and vocal ensembles. The compact disc includes sixty tracks of ear-training exercises and interval studies with which to practice intonation perception and adjustment. Tuning notes and examples of equal-tempered intervals and just intervals are included on the CD. The intonation exercises consist of musical major scales, duets, trios, and quartet phrases to be referenced while playing the printed music. The CD tracks allow the performer to play scales in unison (or practice other harmonic intervals) or the missing part of the corresponding duet, trio, or quartet exercise. Instructions in the manual guide the user through a process that can help prepare musicians for more accurate musical ensemble performance. The contextual essay that accompanies the tutorial includes a description of the tutorial, a review of related literature, methodology of construction of the tutorial, evaluations and outcomes, conclusions and recommendations for further research, and a selected bibliography.

ARABIDOPSIS DEHISCENCE ZONE POLYGALACTURONASE1 (ADPG1), ADPG2, and QUARTET2 Are Polygalacturonases Required for Cell Separation during Reproductive Development in Arabidopsis[W

PubMed Central

Ogawa, Mikihiro; Kay, Pippa; Wilson, Sarah; Swain, Stephen M.

2009-01-01

Cell separation is thought to involve degradation of pectin by several hydrolytic enzymes, particularly polygalacturonase (PG). Here, we characterize an activation tagging line with reduced growth and male sterility caused by increased expression of a PG encoded by QUARTET2 (QRT2). QRT2 is essential for pollen grain separation and is part of a small family of three closely related endo-PGs in the Arabidopsis thaliana proteome, including ARABIDOPSIS DEHISCENCE ZONE POLYGALACTURONASE1 (ADPG1) and ADPG2. Functional assays and complementation experiments confirm that ADPG1, ADPG2, and QRT2 are PGs. Genetic analysis demonstrates that ADPG1 and ADPG2 are essential for silique dehiscence. In addition, ADPG2 and QRT2 contribute to floral organ abscission, while all three genes contribute to anther dehiscence. Expression analysis is consistent with the observed mutant phenotypes. INDEHISCENT (IND) encodes a putative basic helix-loop-helix required for silique dehiscence, and we demonstrate that the closely related HECATE3 (HEC3) gene is required for normal seed abscission and show that IND and HEC3 are required for normal expression of ADPG1 in the silique dehiscence zone and seed abscission zone, respectively. We also show that jasmonic acid and ethylene act together with abscisic acid to regulate floral organ abscission, in part by promoting QRT2 expression. These results demonstrate that multiple cell separation events, including both abscission and dehiscence, require closely related PG genes. PMID:19168715

Deciding what to see: the role of intention and attention in the perception of apparent motion.

PubMed

Kohler, Axel; Haddad, Leila; Singer, Wolf; Muckli, Lars

2008-03-01

Apparent motion is an illusory perception of movement that can be induced by alternating presentations of static objects. Already in Wertheimer's early investigation of the phenomenon [Wertheimer, M. (1912). Experimentelle Studien über das Sehen von Bewegung. Zeitschrift fur Psychologie, 61, 161-265], he mentions that voluntary attention can influence the way in which an ambiguous apparent motion display is perceived. But until now, few studies have investigated how strong the modulation of apparent motion through attention can be under different stimulus and task conditions. We used bistable motion quartets of two different sizes, where the perception of vertical and horizontal motion is equally likely. Eleven observers participated in two experiments. In Experiment 1, participants were instructed to either (a) hold the current movement direction as long as possible, (b) passively view the stimulus, or (c) switch the movement directions as quickly as possible. With the respective instructions, observers could almost double phase durations in (a) and more than halve durations in (c) relative to the passive condition. This modulation effect was stronger for the large quartets. In Experiment 2, observers' attention was diverted from the stimulus by a detection task at fixation while they still had to report their conscious perception. This manipulation prolonged dominance durations for up to 100%. The experiments reveal a high susceptibility of ambiguous apparent motion to attentional modulation. We discuss how feature- and space-based attention mechanisms might contribute to those effects.

Development and validation of an Opioid Attractiveness Scale: a novel measure of the attractiveness of opioid products to potential abusers

PubMed Central

Butler, Stephen F; Benoit, Christine; Budman, Simon H; Fernandez, Kathrine C; McCormick, Cynthia; Venuti, Synne Wing; Katz, Nathaniel

2006-01-01

Background The growing trends in opioid abuse, assessment of the abuse liability of prescription opioid products, and growing efforts by the pharmaceutical industry to develop 'abuse-resistant' formulations highlight a need to understand the features that make one product more 'attractive' than another to potential abusers. We developed a scale to measure the 'attractiveness' of prescription opioids to potential abusers, and used the scale to measure the relative attractiveness of 14 opioid analgesic products. Methods First, the concept of attractiveness was empirically defined with a group of prescription opioid abusers and experts in opioid abuse using a process called Concept Mapping. Abuse liability consisted of two components: factors intrinsic to the drug formulation (e.g., speed of onset, duration) and factors extrinsic to drug formulation (e.g., availability, availability of alternatives, cost). A 17-item Opioid Attractiveness Scale (OAS) was constructed, focusing on factors intrinsic to the drug product. Results A total of 144 individuals participated in tests of validity and reliability. Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach's α = 0.85–0.94). Drug rankings based on OAS scores achieved good inter-rater agreement (Kendall's W 0.37, p < 0.001). Agreement on drug OAS scores between the developmental sample and a confirmation sample was good (IntraClass Correlations [ICC] of 0.65–0.69). Global ratings of overall attractiveness of the 14 selected opioid products by substance abuse counselors corresponded with the rankings based on OAS ratings of the abuser group. Finally, substance abuse counselors completed the OAS, yielding a high level of correspondence with ratings by the abuser group (ICC = 0.83, p = 0.002). The OAS differentiated attractiveness among 14 selected pharmaceutical opioid products. OxyContin, Dilaudid, and Percocet were ranked highest (most attractive); Talwin NX and Duragesic were ranked lowest (least attractive). Conclusion An initial examination of the psychometric properties of the OAS suggests that it is a valid and reliable scale. The OAS may be useful in providing important guidance on product features that are attractive to potential abusers. PMID:16457713

Development and validation of an Opioid Attractiveness Scale: a novel measure of the attractiveness of opioid products to potential abusers.

PubMed

Butler, Stephen F; Benoit, Christine; Budman, Simon H; Fernandez, Kathrine C; McCormick, Cynthia; Venuti, Synne Wing; Katz, Nathaniel

2006-02-02

The growing trends in opioid abuse, assessment of the abuse liability of prescription opioid products, and growing efforts by the pharmaceutical industry to develop 'abuse-resistant' formulations highlight a need to understand the features that make one product more 'attractive' than another to potential abusers. We developed a scale to measure the 'attractiveness' of prescription opioids to potential abusers, and used the scale to measure the relative attractiveness of 14 opioid analgesic products. First, the concept of attractiveness was empirically defined with a group of prescription opioid abusers and experts in opioid abuse using a process called Concept Mapping. Abuse liability consisted of two components: factors intrinsic to the drug formulation (e.g., speed of onset, duration) and factors extrinsic to drug formulation (e.g., availability, availability of alternatives, cost). A 17-item Opioid Attractiveness Scale (OAS) was constructed, focusing on factors intrinsic to the drug product. A total of 144 individuals participated in tests of validity and reliability. Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.85-0.94). Drug rankings based on OAS scores achieved good inter-rater agreement (Kendall's W 0.37, p < 0.001). Agreement on drug OAS scores between the developmental sample and a confirmation sample was good (IntraClass Correlations [ICC] of 0.65-0.69). Global ratings of overall attractiveness of the 14 selected opioid products by substance abuse counselors corresponded with the rankings based on OAS ratings of the abuser group. Finally, substance abuse counselors completed the OAS, yielding a high level of correspondence with ratings by the abuser group (ICC = 0.83, p = 0.002). The OAS differentiated attractiveness among 14 selected pharmaceutical opioid products. OxyContin, Dilaudid, and Percocet were ranked highest (most attractive); Talwin NX and Duragesic were ranked lowest (least attractive). An initial examination of the psychometric properties of the OAS suggests that it is a valid and reliable scale. The OAS may be useful in providing important guidance on product features that are attractive to potential abusers.

Effect of attractive interactions on the water-like anomalies of a core-softened model potential.

PubMed

Pant, Shashank; Gera, Tarun; Choudhury, Niharendu

2013-12-28

It is now well established that water-like anomalies can be reproduced by a spherically symmetric potential with two length scales, popularly known as core-softened potential. In the present study we aim to investigate the effect of attractive interactions among the particles in a model fluid interacting with core-softened potential on the existence and location of various water-like anomalies in the temperature-pressure plane. We employ extensive molecular dynamic simulations to study anomalous nature of various order parameters and properties under isothermal compression. Order map analyses have also been done for all the potentials. We observe that all the systems with varying depth of attractive wells show structural, dynamic, and thermodynamic anomalies. As many of the previous studies involving model water and a class of core softened potentials have concluded that the structural anomaly region encloses the diffusion anomaly region, which in turn, encloses the density anomaly region, the same pattern has also been observed in the present study for the systems with less depth of attractive well. For the systems with deeper attractive well, we observe that the diffusion anomaly region shifts toward higher densities and is not always enclosed by the structural anomaly region. Also, density anomaly region is not completely enclosed by diffusion anomaly region in this case.

Mate choice trade-offs and women's preference for physically attractive men.

PubMed

Waynforth, D

2001-09-01

Researchers studying human sexuality have repeatedly concluded that men place more emphasis on the physical attractiveness of potential mates than women do, particularly in long-term sexual relationships. Evolutionary theorists have suggested that this is the case because male mate value (the total value of the characteristics that an individual possesses in terms of the potential contribution to his or her mate's reproductive success) is better predicted by social status and economic resources, whereas women's mate value hinges on signals conveyed by their physical appearance. This pattern may imply that women trade off attractiveness for resources in mate choice. Here I test whether a trade-off between resources and attractiveness seems to be occurring in the mate choice decisions of women in the United States. In addition, the possibility that the risk of mate desertion drives women to choose less attractive men as long-term mates is tested. The results were that women rated physically attractive men as more likely to cheat or desert a long-term relationship, whereas men did not consider attractive women to be more likely to cheat. However, women showed no aversion to the idea of forming long-term relationships with attractive men. Evidence for a trade-off between resources and attractiveness was found for women, who traded off attractiveness, but not other traits, for resources. The potential meaning of these findings, as well as how they relate to broader issues in the study of sex differences in the evolution of human mate choice for physical traits, is discussed.

Competition between crystallization and glassification for particles with short-ranged attraction. Possible applications to protein crystallization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaccarelli, E.; Sciortino, F.; Tartaglia, P.; Foffi, G.; McCullagh, G. D.; Lawlor, A.; Dawson, K. A.

2002-11-01

We discuss the phase behaviour of spherical hard-core particles, with an attractive potential, as described by a hard-core Yukawa model. The ratio of the range of the attraction to the diameter of the particles is an important control parameter of the problem. Upon decreasing the range of the attraction, the phase diagram changes quite significantly, with the liquid-gas transition becoming metastable, and the crystal being in equilibrium with the fluid, with no intervening liquid. We also study the glass transition lines and, crucially, find that the situation, being very simple for pure repulsive potentials, becomes much richer in competition between glass and crystal phases for short-range attractions. Also a transition between attractive and repulsive glass appears somewhat in analogy with the isostructural equilibrium transition between two crystals.

Conspecific attraction in a grassland bird, the Baird's Sparrow

USGS Publications Warehouse

Ahlering, M.A.; Johnson, D.H.; Faaborg, John

2006-01-01

Territorial songbirds generally use song to defend territories and attract mates, but conspecific song may also serve as a cue to attract other male songbirds to a breeding site. Although known to occur in some colonial and forest-associated species, only recently have investigators examined conspecific attraction in grassland species. We used a playback experiment to examine the possible role of conspecific attraction for males searching for potentially suitable breeding habitat in a grassland specialist, the Baird's Sparrow (Ammodramus bairdii). Experimental playback plots and control plots with similar landscape and vegetation characteristics were established at two sites in North Dakota. Baird's Sparrows colonized three of six experimental plots and none of six control plots. Males on experimental plots established territories adjacent to the playback stations and were sometimes observed counter-singing with the playback of conspecific songs. Vegetation characteristics were similar on all study plots, and did not explain differences in bird density on our treatment plots. Although we found that playback of conspecific songs attracted male Baird's Sparrows to previously unoccupied, potentially suitable habitat, further experiments are needed to examine the importance of conspecific attraction relative to other cues that birds may use, such as vegetation features. The conservation and management implications of conspecific attraction are not completely understood, but the presence of conspecifics should be considered as a potential cue in habitat selection by all species of birds. 

Aesthetic emotions to art - What they are and what makes them special. Comment on "The quartet theory of human emotions: An integrative and neurofunctional model" by S. Koelsch et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leder, Helmut; Markey, Patrick S.; Pelowski, Matthew

2015-06-01

Establishing a functional understanding of emotional processes is crucial for profound insight into human cognition and behavior [6]. The study of human interactions with art provides an excellent window into the complex emotional reactions that can be had with the environment. Recent advances in the empirical study of art reception have given rise to new models [8,9], and a growing interest in aesthetic affect and emotion.

Earth, air, fire and water: A targetry quartet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valdovinos, Hector F.; Graves, Stephen; Ellison, Paul; Barnhart, Todd; Nickles, Robert J.

2017-05-01

Cyclotron targets have made steady progress in terms of current capabilities, automated handling and application to isotopically-enriched material. These advances have followed a distinct trajectory at the University of Wisconsin, with the emphasis on maximizing the yield of the desired radionuclide within the strict constraints of heat transfer of beam power and the ultimate recycling of precious target stock. This approach leads to four target families, each employed in the production of the positron-emitting transition metals of the 3d- and 4d-subshells, with importance now arising as targeted molecular imaging agents.

'Deal with It. Name It': the diagnostic moment in film.

PubMed

Jutel, Thierry; Jutel, Annemarie

2017-09-01

The moment a serious diagnosis is announced creates an important crisis for a patient, as it shifts their sense of self and of their future potential. This essay discusses the creative representation and use of this diagnostic moment in film narratives. Using Still Alice , A Late Quartet , Wit and Cléo from 5 to 7 as examples, we describe how each of these uses the diagnostic moment in relation to narrative construction and characterisation in recognisable ways. We associate the diagnostic moment with certain narrative and visual devices that are frequently implemented in films as means for character development, and for managing the audience's empathy. This is the case whether or not the diagnosis is contested or accepted, and whether the diagnostic moment is the frame for the narrative, or a closing device. By analysing its representation in film, we emphasise the cultural significance of diagnosis as a life-transforming event. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Diet, Microbiota, Obesity, and NAFLD: A Dangerous Quartet

PubMed Central

Machado, Mariana Verdelho; Cortez-Pinto, Helena

2016-01-01

Recently, the importance of the gut-liver-adipose tissue axis has become evident. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic disease of a systemic metabolic disorder that radiates from energy-surplus induced adiposopathy. The gut microbiota has tremendous influences in our whole-body metabolism, and is crucial for our well-being and health. Microorganisms precede humans in more than 400 million years and our guest flora evolved with us in order to help us face aggressor microorganisms, to help us maximize the energy that can be extracted from nutrients, and to produce essential nutrients/vitamins that we are not equipped to produce. However, our gut microbiota can be disturbed, dysbiota, and become itself a source of stress and injury. Dysbiota may adversely impact metabolism and immune responses favoring obesity and obesity-related disorders such as insulin resistance/diabetes mellitus and NAFLD. In this review, we will summarize the latest evidence of the role of microbiota/dysbiota in diet-induced obesity and NAFLD, as well as the potential therapeutic role of targeting the microbiota in this set. PMID:27043550

Effects of Applicant Sex, Physical Attractiveness, and Type of Job on Employment Interviewers' Decisions.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Gilmore, David C.; And Others

Past research on the employment interview has suggested that interviewers are influenced by many variables, including physical attractiveness. To investigate the potential interaction of applicant sex and attractiveness on hiring decisions, the type of job, applicant sex, and applicant physical attractiveness were manipulated to determine the…

Gender differences in memory processing of female facial attractiveness: evidence from event-related potentials.

PubMed

Zhang, Yan; Wei, Bin; Zhao, Peiqiong; Zheng, Minxiao; Zhang, Lili

2016-06-01

High rates of agreement in the judgment of facial attractiveness suggest universal principles of beauty. This study investigated gender differences in recognition memory processing of female facial attractiveness. Thirty-four Chinese heterosexual participants (17 females, 17 males) aged 18-24 years (mean age 21.63 ± 1.51 years) participated in the experiment which used event-related potentials (ERPs) based on a study-test paradigm. The behavioral data results showed that both men and women had significantly higher accuracy rates for attractive faces than for unattractive faces, but men reacted faster to unattractive faces. Gender differences on ERPs showed that attractive faces elicited larger early components such as P1, N170, and P2 in men than in women. The results indicated that the effects of recognition bias during memory processing modulated by female facial attractiveness are greater for men than women. Behavioral and ERP evidences indicate that men and women differ in their attentional adhesion to attractive female faces; different mating-related motives may guide the selective processing of attractive men and women. These findings establish a contribution of gender differences on female facial attractiveness during memory processing from an evolutionary perspective.

Identifying cognitive preferences for attractive female faces: an event-related potential experiment using a study-test paradigm.

PubMed

Zhang, Yan; Kong, Fanchang; Chen, Hong; Jackson, Todd; Han, Li; Meng, Jing; Yang, Zhou; Gao, Jianguo; Najam ul Hasan, Abbasi

2011-11-01

In this experiment, sensitivity to female facial attractiveness was examined by comparing event-related potentials (ERPs) in response to attractive and unattractive female faces within a study-test paradigm. Fourteen heterosexual participants (age range 18-24 years, mean age 21.67 years) were required to judge 84 attractive and 84 unattractive face images as either "attractive" or "unattractive." They were then asked whether they had previously viewed each face in a recognition task in which 50% of the images were novel. Analyses indicated that attractive faces elicited more enhanced ERP amplitudes than did unattractive faces in judgment (N300 and P350-550 msec) and recognition (P160 and N250-400 msec and P400-700 msec) tasks on anterior locations. Moreover, longer reaction times and higher accuracy rate were observed in identifying attractive faces than unattractive faces. In sum, this research identified neural and behavioral bases related to cognitive preferences for judging and recognizing attractive female faces. Explanations for the results are that attractive female faces arouse more intense positive emotions in participants than do unattractive faces, and they also represent reproductive fitness and mating value from the evolutionary perspective. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Species trees from consensus single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data: Testing phylogenetic approaches with simulated and empirical data.

PubMed

Schmidt-Lebuhn, Alexander N; Aitken, Nicola C; Chuah, Aaron

2017-11-01

Datasets of hundreds or thousands of SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) from multiple individuals per species are increasingly used to study population structure, species delimitation and shallow phylogenetics. The principal software tool to infer species or population trees from SNP data is currently the BEAST template SNAPP which uses a Bayesian coalescent analysis. However, it is computationally extremely demanding and tolerates only small amounts of missing data. We used simulated and empirical SNPs from plants (Australian Craspedia, Asteraceae, and Pelargonium, Geraniaceae) to compare species trees produced (1) by SNAPP, (2) using SVD quartets, and (3) using Bayesian and parsimony analysis with several different approaches to summarising data from multiple samples into one set of traits per species. Our aims were to explore the impact of tree topology and missing data on the results, and to test which data summarising and analyses approaches would best approximate the results obtained from SNAPP for empirical data. SVD quartets retrieved the correct topology from simulated data, as did SNAPP except in the case of a very unbalanced phylogeny. Both methods failed to retrieve the correct topology when large amounts of data were missing. Bayesian analysis of species level summary data scoring the two alleles of each SNP as independent characters and parsimony analysis of data scoring each SNP as one character produced trees with branch length distributions closest to the true trees on which SNPs were simulated. For empirical data, Bayesian inference and Dollo parsimony analysis of data scored allele-wise produced phylogenies most congruent with the results of SNAPP. In the case of study groups divergent enough for missing data to be phylogenetically informative (because of additional mutations preventing amplification of genomic fragments or bioinformatic establishment of homology), scoring of SNP data as a presence/absence matrix irrespective of allele content might be an additional option. As this depends on sampling across species being reasonably even and a random distribution of non-informative instances of missing data, however, further exploration of this approach is needed. Properly chosen data summary approaches to inferring species trees from SNP data may represent a potential alternative to currently available individual-level coalescent analyses especially for quick data exploration and when dealing with computationally demanding or patchy datasets. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Rh2(II,III) Catalysts with Chelating Carboxylate and Carboxamidate Supports: Electronic Structure and Nitrene Transfer Reactivity.

PubMed

Varela-Álvarez, Adrián; Yang, Tzuhsiung; Jennings, Heather; Kornecki, Katherine P; Macmillan, Samantha N; Lancaster, Kyle M; Mack, James B C; Du Bois, J; Berry, John F; Musaev, Djamaladdin G

2016-02-24

Dirhodium-catalyzed C-H amination is hypothesized to proceed via Rh2-nitrene intermediates in either the Rh2(II,II) or Rh2(II,III) redox state. Herein, we report joint theoretical and experimental studies of the ground electronic state (GES), redox potentials, and C-H amination of [Rh2(II,III)(O2CCH3)4(L)n](+) (1_L) (L = none, Cl(-), and H2O), [Rh2(esp)2](+) (2), and Rh2(espn)2Cl (3) (esp = α,α,α',α'-tetramethyl-1,3-benzenedipropanoate and espn = α,α,α',α'-tetramethyl-1,3-benzenedipropanamidate). CASSCF calculations on 1_L yield a wave function with two closely weighted configurations, (δ*)(2)(π1*)(2)(π2*)(1) and (δ*)(2)(π1*)(1)(π2*)(2), consistent with reported EPR g values [Chem. Phys. Lett. 1986, 130, 20-23]. In contrast, EPR spectra of 2 show g values consistent with the DFT-computed (π*)(4)(δ*)(1) GES. EPR spectra and Cl K-edge XAS for 3 are consistent with a (π*)(4)(δ*)(1) GES, as supported by DFT. Nitrene intermediates 2N_L and 3N_L are also examined by DFT (the nitrene is an NSO3R species). DFT calculations suggest a doublet GES for 2N_L and a quartet GES for 3N_L. CASSCF calculations describe the GES of 2N as Rh2(II,II) with a coordinated nitrene radical cation, (π*)(4)(δ*)(2)(π(nitrene,1))(1)(π(nitrene,2))(0). Conversely, the GES of 3N is Rh2(II,III) with a coordinated triplet nitrene, (π*)(4)(δ*)(1)(π(nitrene,1))(1)(π(nitrene,2))(1). Quartet transition states ((4)TSs) are found to react via a stepwise radical mechanism, whereas (2)TSs are found to react via a concerted mechanism that is lower in energy compared to (4)TSs for both 2N_L and 3N_L. The experimental (determined by intramolecular competition) and (2)TS-calculated kinetic isotopic effect (KIE) shows a KIE ∼ 3 for both 2N and 3N, which is consistent with a concerted mechanism.

Probing ‘Spin-Forbidden’ Oxygen Atom Transfer: Gas-Phase Reactions of Chromium-Porphyrin Complexes

PubMed Central

Fornarini, Simonetta; Lanucara, Francesco; Warren, Jeffrey J.

2010-01-01

Oxygen-atom transfer reactions of metalloporphyrin species play an important role in biochemical and synthetic oxidation reactions. An emerging theme in this chemistry is that spin-state changes can play important roles, and a ‘two-state’ reactivity model has been extensively applied especially in iron-porphyrin systems. Herein we explore the gas phase oxygen-atom transfer chemistry of meso-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin (TPFPP) chromium complexes, as well as some other tetradentate macrocyclic ligands. Electrospray ionization in concert with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (FT-ICR) spectrometry has been used to characterize and observe reactivity of the ionic species [(TPFPP)CrIII]+ (1) and [(TPFPP)CrVO]+ (2). These are an attractive system to examine the effects of spin state change on oxygen atom transfer because the d1 CrV species are doublets while the CrIII complexes have quartet ground states with high-lying doublet excited states. In the gas phase, [(TPFPP)CrIII]+ forms adducts with a variety of neutral donors but O-atom transfer is only observed for NO2. Pyridine N-oxide adducts of 1 do yield 2 upon collision induced dissociation (CID), but the ethylene oxide, DMSO, and TEMPO analogs do not. [(TPFPP)CrVO]+ is shown by its reactivity and by CID experiments to be a terminal metal-oxo with a single vacant coordination site. It also displays limited reaction chemistry, being deoxygenated only by the very potent reductant P(OMe)3. In general, [(TPFPP)CrVO]+ species are much less reactive than the Fe and Mn analogs. Thermochemical analysis of the reactions points towards the involvement of spin issues in the lower observed reactivity of the chromium complexes. PMID:20218631

Interesting features of transmission across locally periodic delta potentials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dharani, M., E-mail: m-dharani@blr.amrita.edu, E-mail: mdharu@yahoo.co.in; Shastry, C. S.

2016-05-23

We study the theory of transmission of electrons through N delta potential barriers as well as wells. Some of the interesting features like the correlation between resonance peak positions and box states, number of peaks in transmission band and bound states are analyzed for locally periodic attractive, repulsive and pair of attractive and repulsive potentials.

The Plausibility of a String Quartet Performance in Virtual Reality.

PubMed

Bergstrom, Ilias; Azevedo, Sergio; Papiotis, Panos; Saldanha, Nuno; Slater, Mel

2017-04-01

We describe an experiment that explores the contribution of auditory and other features to the illusion of plausibility in a virtual environment that depicts the performance of a string quartet. 'Plausibility' refers to the component of presence that is the illusion that the perceived events in the virtual environment are really happening. The features studied were: Gaze (the musicians ignored the participant, the musicians sometimes looked towards and followed the participant's movements), Sound Spatialization (Mono, Stereo, Spatial), Auralization (no sound reflections, reflections corresponding to a room larger than the one perceived, reflections that exactly matched the virtual room), and Environment (no sound from outside of the room, birdsong and wind corresponding to the outside scene). We adopted the methodology based on color matching theory, where 20 participants were first able to assess their feeling of plausibility in the environment with each of the four features at their highest setting. Then five times participants started from a low setting on all features and were able to make transitions from one system configuration to another until they matched their original feeling of plausibility. From these transitions a Markov transition matrix was constructed, and also probabilities of a match conditional on feature configuration. The results show that Environment and Gaze were individually the most important factors influencing the level of plausibility. The highest probability transitions were to improve Environment and Gaze, and then Auralization and Spatialization. We present this work as both a contribution to the methodology of assessing presence without questionnaires, and showing how various aspects of a musical performance can influence plausibility.

The quartet theory of human emotions: An integrative and neurofunctional model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koelsch, Stefan; Jacobs, Arthur M.; Menninghaus, Winfried; Liebal, Katja; Klann-Delius, Gisela; von Scheve, Christian; Gebauer, Gunter

2015-06-01

Despite an explosion of research in the affective sciences during the last few decades, interdisciplinary theories of human emotions are lacking. Here we present a neurobiological theory of emotions that includes emotions which are uniquely human (such as complex moral emotions), considers the role of language for emotions, advances the understanding of neural correlates of attachment-related emotions, and integrates emotion theories from different disciplines. We propose that four classes of emotions originate from four neuroanatomically distinct cerebral systems. These emotional core systems constitute a quartet of affect systems: the brainstem-, diencephalon-, hippocampus-, and orbitofrontal-centred affect systems. The affect systems were increasingly differentiated during the course of evolution, and each of these systems generates a specific class of affects (e.g., ascending activation, pain/pleasure, attachment-related affects, and moral affects). The affect systems interact with each other, and activity of the affect systems has effects on - and interacts with - biological systems denoted here as emotional effector systems. These effector systems include motor systems (which produce actions, action tendencies, and motoric expression of emotion), peripheral physiological arousal, as well as attentional and memory systems. Activity of affect systems and effector systems is synthesized into an emotion percept (pre-verbal subjective feeling), which can be transformed (or reconfigured) into a symbolic code such as language. Moreover, conscious cognitive appraisal (involving rational thought, logic, and usually language) can regulate, modulate, and partly initiate, activity of affect systems and effector systems. Our emotion theory integrates psychological, neurobiological, sociological, anthropological, and psycholinguistic perspectives on emotions in an interdisciplinary manner, aiming to advance the understanding of human emotions and their neural correlates.

Transmission of human mtDNA heteroplasmy in the Genome of the Netherlands families: support for a variable-size bottleneck

PubMed Central

Li, Mingkun; Rothwell, Rebecca; Vermaat, Martijn; Wachsmuth, Manja; Schröder, Roland; Laros, Jeroen F.J.; van Oven, Mannis; de Bakker, Paul I.W.; Bovenberg, Jasper A.; van Duijn, Cornelia M.; van Ommen, Gert-Jan B.; Slagboom, P. Eline; Swertz, Morris A.; Wijmenga, Cisca; Kayser, Manfred; Boomsma, Dorret I.; Zöllner, Sebastian; de Knijff, Peter; Stoneking, Mark

2016-01-01

Although previous studies have documented a bottleneck in the transmission of mtDNA genomes from mothers to offspring, several aspects remain unclear, including the size and nature of the bottleneck. Here, we analyze the dynamics of mtDNA heteroplasmy transmission in the Genomes of the Netherlands (GoNL) data, which consists of complete mtDNA genome sequences from 228 trios, eight dizygotic (DZ) twin quartets, and 10 monozygotic (MZ) twin quartets. Using a minor allele frequency (MAF) threshold of 2%, we identified 189 heteroplasmies in the trio mothers, of which 59% were transmitted to offspring, and 159 heteroplasmies in the trio offspring, of which 70% were inherited from the mothers. MZ twin pairs exhibited greater similarity in MAF at heteroplasmic sites than DZ twin pairs, suggesting that the heteroplasmy MAF in the oocyte is the major determinant of the heteroplasmy MAF in the offspring. We used a likelihood method to estimate the effective number of mtDNA genomes transmitted to offspring under different bottleneck models; a variable bottleneck size model provided the best fit to the data, with an estimated mean of nine individual mtDNA genomes transmitted. We also found evidence for negative selection during transmission against novel heteroplasmies (in which the minor allele has never been observed in polymorphism data). These novel heteroplasmies are enhanced for tRNA and rRNA genes, and mutations associated with mtDNA diseases frequently occur in these genes. Our results thus suggest that the female germ line is able to recognize and select against deleterious heteroplasmies. PMID:26916109

Brain potentials indicate the effect of other observers' emotions on perceptions of facial attractiveness.

PubMed

Huang, Yujing; Pan, Xuwei; Mo, Yan; Ma, Qingguo

2016-03-23

Perceptions of facial attractiveness are sensitive to emotional expression of the perceived face. However, little is known about whether the emotional expression on the face of another observer of the perceived face may have an effect on perceptions of facial attractiveness. The present study used event-related potential technique to examine social influence of the emotional expression on the face of another observer of the perceived face on perceptions of facial attractiveness. The experiment consisted of two phases. In the first phase, a neutral target face was paired with two images of individuals gazing at the target face with smiling, fearful or neutral expressions. In the second phase, participants were asked to judge the attractiveness of the target face. We found that a target face was more attractive when other observers positively gazing at the target face in contrast to the condition when other observers were negative. Additionally, the results of brain potentials showed that the visual positive component P3 with peak latency from 270 to 330 ms was larger after participants observed the target face paired with smiling individuals than the target face paired with neutral individuals. These findings suggested that facial attractiveness of an individual may be influenced by the emotional expression on the face of another observer of the perceived face. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

Control of Sand Flies with Attractive Toxic Sugar Baits (ATSB) and Potential Impact on Non-Target Organisms in Morocco

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-02-08

dinotefuran has successful con- trolled Culex and Aedes spp. in similar field sites in Morocco [22]. However, this if the first report of the use of...et al. Control of Aedes abopttus with attractive toxic sugar baits (A TSB) and potential Impact on non target organisms In St. Augustine, Florida...of Anopheles sergenti and Aedes CO!Pk.JS populations following presentation of attractive toxic (splnosad) sugar bait stations In an oasis. J Am

Catching the PEG-induced attractive interaction between proteins.

PubMed

Vivarès, D; Belloni, L; Tardieu, A; Bonneté, F

2002-09-01

We present the experimental and theoretical background of a method to characterize the protein-protein attractive potential induced by one of the mostly used crystallizing agents in the protein-field, the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). This attractive interaction is commonly called, in colloid physics, the depletion interaction. Small-Angle X-ray Scattering experiments and numerical treatments based on liquid-state theories were performed on urate oxidase-PEG mixtures with two different PEGs (3350 Da and 8000 Da). A "two-component" approach was used in which the polymer-polymer, the protein-polymer and the protein-protein pair potentials were determined. The resulting effective protein-protein potential was characterized. This potential is the sum of the free-polymer protein-protein potential and of the PEG-induced depletion potential. The depletion potential was found to be hardly dependent upon the protein concentration but strongly function of the polymer size and concentration. Our results were also compared with two models, which give an analytic expression for the depletion potential.

Same-Sex Gaze Attraction Influences Mate-Choice Copying in Humans

PubMed Central

Yorzinski, Jessica L.; Platt, Michael L.

2010-01-01

Mate-choice copying occurs when animals rely on the mating choices of others to inform their own mating decisions. The proximate mechanisms underlying mate-choice copying remain unknown. To address this question, we tracked the gaze of men and women as they viewed a series of photographs in which a potential mate was pictured beside an opposite-sex partner; the participants then indicated their willingness to engage in a long-term relationship with each potential mate. We found that both men and women expressed more interest in engaging in a relationship with a potential mate if that mate was paired with an attractive partner. Men and women's attention to partners varied with partner attractiveness and this gaze attraction influenced their subsequent mate choices. These results highlight the prevalence of non-independent mate choice in humans and implicate social attention and reward circuitry in these decisions. PMID:20161739

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Holmgren, D.E.; Walker, D.J.; Harris, S.E.

Certain quartet levels in alkali-like systems retain metastability against autoionization while acquiring large radiative yields. This quasi-metastability occurs through selective coupling to non-autoionizing doublet levels by the spin-orbit interaction. An example of such a level is the 5p/sup 5/5d6s /sup 4/P/sub 5/2/ level of neutral Cs, which has a calculated branching ratio for radiation at 1091 A of 43%. Experimentally, we find that this line has an emission intensity equal to 1/6 of that of the strongest ion line of Cs/sup +/, and is a promising candidate for an extreme ultraviolet laser.

Predictive coding links perception, action, and learning to emotions in music. Comment on "The quartet theory of human emotions: An integrative and neurofunctional model" by S. Koelsch et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gebauer, L.; Kringelbach, M. L.; Vuust, P.

2015-06-01

The review by Koelsch and colleagues [1] offers a timely, comprehensive, and anatomically detailed framework for understanding the neural correlates of human emotions. The authors describe emotion in a framework of four affect systems, which are linked to effector systems, and higher order cognitive functions. This is elegantly demonstrated through the example of music; a realm for exploring emotions in a domain, that can be independent of language but still highly relevant for understanding human emotions [2].

Electric dipole moments and chemical bonding of diatomic alkali-alkaline earth molecules.

PubMed

Pototschnig, Johann V; Hauser, Andreas W; Ernst, Wolfgang E

2016-02-17

We investigate the properties of alkali-alkaline earth diatomic molecules in the lowest Σ(+) states of the doublet and quartet multiplicity by ab initio calculations. In all sixteen cases studied, the permanent electric dipole moment points in opposite directions for the two spin states. This peculiarity can be explained by molecular orbital theory. We further discuss dissociation energies and bond distances. We analyze trends and provide an empirically motivated model for the prediction of the permanent electric dipole moment for combinations of alkali and alkaline earth atoms not studied in this work.

What is reconfigured?. Comment on "The quartet theory of human emotions: An integrative and neurofunctional model" by S. Koelsch et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Engelen, Eva-Maria

2015-06-01

The research group around Koelsch presents a neurobiological emotion theory that is supposed to have the following plus factors: (1) Interdisciplinary approach towards understanding human emotions and their neural correlates, (2) concentration on human emotions, (3) interaction between language and emotion, (4) allows research on short-term emotional phenomena and takes long-term emotional phenomena into account, as well as the differences of the neural correlates underlying short-term and long-term emotions [5]. This is a very ambitious program. My comment will focus on (3) and (4).

Instrumentation development for the EUVE. [Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer Satellite

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Finley, D.

1980-01-01

The prototype mirror was successfully replated with a thick layer of nickel and diamond turned again. Optimization of the sensitivity of the instruments was studied with emphasis on the filter material, and on the available telemetry. The JHU Preliminary Project Definition Document was critically analyzed. Further studies of the electron cloud distribution produced by a channel plate were performed, and a wedge and strip anode with 17 quartets per inch was shown to image with better than 0.5% linearity. Half the microchannel plates being used in the lifetest completed initial processing and are in the lifetest vacuum chamber.

Effect of attractive interactions between polymers on the effective force acting between colloids immersed in a polymer system: Analytic liquid-state theory.

PubMed

Chervanyov, A I

2016-12-28

By making use of the polymer reference interaction site model, we analytically study the effect of attractive interactions between polymers on the effective forces acting between colloids immersed in a polymer system. The performed theoretical analysis has no restrictions with respect to the polymer density and relative sizes of the colloids and polymers. The polymer mediated (PM) potential acting between colloids is shown to significantly depend on the strength and range of the polymer-polymer interactions. In the nano-particle limit, where the colloid radius is much smaller than the polymer gyration radius, the presence of attractive polymer-polymer interactions causes only quantitative changes to the PM potential. In the opposite limit of relatively large colloids, the polymer-polymer interactions revert the sign of the total effective force acting between colloids so that this force becomes attractive at sufficiently large polymer densities. With the objective to study an intricate interplay between the attractive PM forces and steric repulsion in different polymer density regimes, we calculate the second virial coefficient B of the total effective potential acting between colloids. The dependence of B on the polymer density is discussed in detail, revealing several novel features of the PM interactions caused by the presence of attractive polymer-polymer interactions.

Attraction of Euwallacea nr. fornicatus to lures containing quercivorol

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Euwallacea nr. fornicatus is an exotic ambrosia beetle that vectors fungal Fusarium spp. to avocados. Two field trials testing potential attractants to trap Euwallacea spp. were conducted in south Florida. Quercivorol + Ultra High Release Ethanol (URH) was the more powerful attractant for E. nr. for...

The value of physical attractiveness in romantic partners: modeling biological and social variables.

PubMed

Jonason, Peter K

2009-04-01

According to research on physical attractiveness, personal attributes such as gender, height, and self-perception are important in determining how much individuals value physical attractiveness in their romantic partners. In a survey of 228 college-aged participants, the ratings of the physical attractiveness of potential romantic partners were positively correlated with how much participants valued physical attractiveness in their long-term romantic partners. Individuals' partner preferences may be sensitive to their perceptions of themselves. Perceptions of the attractiveness of those in one's local area may also play a part in the development of such partner preferences through exposure.

Two Impurities in a Bose-Einstein Condensate: From Yukawa to Efimov Attracted Polarons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Naidon, Pascal

2018-04-01

The well-known Yukawa and Efimov potentials are two different mediated interaction potentials. The first one arises in quantum field theory from the exchange of virtual particles. The second one is mediated by a real particle resonantly interacting with two other particles. This Letter shows how two impurities immersed in a Bose-Einstein condensate can exhibit both phenomena. For a weak attraction with the condensate, the two impurities form two polarons that interact through a weak Yukawa attraction mediated by virtual excitations. For a resonant attraction with the condensate, the exchanged excitation becomes a real boson and the mediated interaction changes to a strong Efimov attraction that can bind the two polarons. The resulting bipolarons turn into in-medium Efimov trimers made of the two impurities and one boson. Evidence of this physics could be seen in ultracold mixtures of atoms.

Low-Lying Electronic States of AlZn Calculated by MRCI+Q Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Shudong; Wang, Mingxu; Wang, Zifan; Hu, Kun; Dong, Jingping

2017-07-01

Some low-lying electronic states of AlZn have been studied by the ab initio calculation method of multireference configuration interaction (MRCI). The complete potential energy curves (PECs) of the three lowest doublet states (X2Π, A2Σ+, and B2Π) and the two lowest quartet states (a4Σ- and b4Π) are computed in the range of R = 0.1-0.9 nm and these states are correlated to three dissociation limits, X2Π and A2Σ+ to Zn(4s2,1S) + Al(3s23p1,2P), a4Σ- and b4Π to Zn(4s2,1S) + Al(3s13p2,4P), and B2Π to Zn(4s14p1,3P) + Al(3s23p1,2P). The calculated PECs indicate that the A2Σ+ state has a very shallow potential well and the other states show significant binding-state characteristics. The equilibrium internuclear distances Re, dissociation energies De, and term energies Te for the electronic excited states were obtained. All the possible vibrational levels, rotational constants, and spectral constants for the four bound states were computed by solving the radial Schrödinger equation of nuclear motion with the Level8.0 program provided by Le Roy.

Two-dimensional melting of colloids with long-range attractive interactions.

PubMed

Du, Di; Doxastakis, Manolis; Hilou, Elaa; Biswal, Sibani Lisa

2017-02-22

The solid-liquid melting transition in a two-dimensional (2-D) attractive colloidal system is visualized using superparamagnetic colloids that interact through a long-range isotropic attractive interaction potential, which is induced using a high-frequency rotating magnetic field. Various experiments, supported by Monte Carlo simulations, are carried out over a range of interaction potentials and densities to determine structure factors, Lindermann parameters, and translational and orientational order parameters. The system shows a first-order solid-liquid melting transition. Simulations and experiments suggest that dislocations and disclinations simultaneously unbind during melting. This is in direct contrast with reports of 2-D melting of paramagnetic particles that interact with a repulsive interaction potential.

Your Face is Your Fortune: Does Adolescent Attractiveness Predict Intimate Relationships Later in Life?

PubMed

Karraker, Amelia; Sicinski, Kamil; Moynihan, Donald

2017-01-01

A growing literature documents the importance of physical attractiveness in young and middle adulthood for romantic, marital, and sexual relationships, but little is known about how attractiveness in adolescence matters to intimate relationships in later life. We ask: does attractiveness early in life convey ongoing benefits late in life, or do such benefits erode over time? We use multivariate regression models and more than 50 years of data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study to examine the connections between adolescent physical attractiveness and intimate relationships (i.e., sexual activity and access to potential sexual partners) in later life. We find that adolescent attractiveness facilitates sexual activity in later life. This relationship is largely driven by attractiveness increasing the probability of having access to potential sexual partners. However, attractiveness is not related to sexual activity among married couples, even after controlling for marital duration. Men, those in good health, and wealthier individuals are also more likely to engage in several facets of intimate relationships. These findings highlight the importance of relationship context for later life sexual activity and begin to explicate the pathways through which factors across the life course-particularly attractiveness-influence sexual activity in later life. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Gerontological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Attractive potential around a thermionically emitting microparticle.

PubMed

Delzanno, G L; Lapenta, G; Rosenberg, M

2004-01-23

We present a simulation study of the charging of a dust grain immersed in a plasma, considering the effect of thermionic electron emission from the grain. It is shown that the orbit motion limited theory is no longer reliable when electron emission becomes large: screening can no longer be treated within the Debye-Huckel approach and an attractive potential well can form, leading to the possibility of attractive forces on other grains with the same polarity. We suggest to perform laboratory experiments where emitting dust grains could be used to create nonconventional dust crystals or macromolecules.

Physarum attraction: Why slime mold behaves as cats do?

PubMed

Adamatzky, Andrew; Costello, Ben De Lacy

2012-05-01

We discuss potential chemical substances responsible for attracting acellular slime mold Physarun polycephalum to valerian root. The contributes toward fundamental research into pheromones and chemo-attracts of primitive organisms such as slime molds. The results show that significant information could be gained about the action of compounds on higher organisms.

Attracting College Candidates: The Impact of Perceived Social Life

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Capraro, Anthony J.; Patrick, Michelle L.; Wilson, Melissa

2004-01-01

This paper explores how perceived attractiveness of the social life at a college/university influences potential applicants' likelihood to request information from, visit and apply to (decision approach actions) that school. Results obtained from a study of high school juniors indicate that attractiveness of social life, defined in terms of…

Your Face is Your Fortune: Does Adolescent Attractiveness Predict Intimate Relationships Later in Life?

PubMed Central

Sicinski, Kamil; Moynihan, Donald

2017-01-01

Objective: A growing literature documents the importance of physical attractiveness in young and middle adulthood for romantic, marital, and sexual relationships, but little is known about how attractiveness in adolescence matters to intimate relationships in later life. We ask: does attractiveness early in life convey ongoing benefits late in life, or do such benefits erode over time? Methods: We use multivariate regression models and more than 50 years of data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study to examine the connections between adolescent physical attractiveness and intimate relationships (i.e., sexual activity and access to potential sexual partners) in later life. Results: We find that adolescent attractiveness facilitates sexual activity in later life. This relationship is largely driven by attractiveness increasing the probability of having access to potential sexual partners. However, attractiveness is not related to sexual activity among married couples, even after controlling for marital duration. Men, those in good health, and wealthier individuals are also more likely to engage in several facets of intimate relationships. Discussion: These findings highlight the importance of relationship context for later life sexual activity and begin to explicate the pathways through which factors across the life course—particularly attractiveness—influence sexual activity in later life. PMID:26655646

Male partner selectivity, romantic confidence, and media depictions of partner scarcity.

PubMed

Taylor, Laramie D

2013-01-18

An experiment was conducted to explore the effects of exposure to partner scarcity or abundance messages on men's partner selectivity, romantic confidence, and self-assessed attractiveness. Undergraduate male participants watched a soap opera narrative featuring either two men competing over one potential female partner (partner scarcity) or two women competing over one potential male partner (partner abundance). Relative to control subjects, watching either narrative reduced romantic confidence. Experimental condition also affected partner selectivity and self-assessed attractiveness, though both effects were moderated by endorsement of traditional masculine ideology. Viewing the abundance narrative resulted in greater selectivity and self-assessed attractiveness for men high in endorsement of traditional masculinity but diminished selectivity and self-assessed attractiveness for men low in endorsement of traditional masculine identity.

Influence of pressure on the crystallization of systems characterized by different intermolecular attraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koperwas, K.; Affouard, F.; Gerges, J.; Valdes, L.-C.; Adrjanowicz, K.; Paluch, M.

2017-12-01

In this paper, we examine, in terms of the classical nucleation theory, how the strengthening of the attractive intermolecular interactions influences the crystallization process for systems like Lennard-Jones at different isobaric conditions. For this purpose, we modify the standard Lennard-Jones potential, and as a result, we obtain three different systems characterized by various strengths of attractive potentials occurring between molecules, which are in direct relationship to the physical quantities describing molecules, e.g., its polarizability or dipole moment. Based on performed analysis, we demonstrate that the molecular attraction primarily impacts the thermodynamics of the interface between liquid and crystal. This is reflected in the behavior of nucleation and overall crystallization rates during compression of the system.

The modeling of attraction characteristics regarding passenger flow in urban rail transit network based on field theory

PubMed Central

Jia, Limin

2017-01-01

Aimed at the complicated problems of attraction characteristics regarding passenger flow in urban rail transit network, the concept of the gravity field of passenger flow is proposed in this paper. We establish the computation methods of field strength and potential energy to reveal the potential attraction relationship among stations from the perspective of the collection and distribution of passenger flow and the topology of network. As for the computation methods of field strength, an optimum path concept is proposed to define betweenness centrality parameter. Regarding the computation of potential energy, Compound Simpson’s Rule Formula is applied to get a solution to the function. Taking No. 10 Beijing Subway as a practical example, an analysis of simulation and verification is conducted, and the results shows in the following ways. Firstly, the bigger field strength value between two stations is, the stronger passenger flow attraction is, and the greater probability of the formation of the largest passenger flow of section is. Secondly, there is the greatest passenger flow volume and circulation capacity between two zones of high potential energy. PMID:28863175

Effects of attractiveness and status in dating desire in homosexual and heterosexual men and women.

PubMed

Ha, Thao; van den Berg, Judith E M; Engels, Rutger C M E; Lichtwarck-Aschoff, Anna

2012-06-01

The present study examined partner preferences of homosexual and heterosexual men and woman, focusing on attractiveness and status. Homosexual (N=591 men; M age=28.87 years, SD=10.21; N=249 women; M age=33.36 years, SD=13.12) and heterosexual participants (N=346 men; M age=39.74 years, SD=14.26; N=400 women; M age=35.93 years, SD=13.72) rated the importance of attractiveness and social status of potential partners and then, in a vignette test, expressed their desire to date hypothetical potential partners based on photographs that varied in attractiveness and status-related profiles. With ratings, heterosexual men valued attractiveness the most, followed by homosexual men, heterosexual women, and homosexual women. Heterosexual women rated social status as most important. When status profiles were manipulated and accompanied with photographs of faces, the pattern of differences between homosexuals and heterosexuals supported the self-reported results. Overall, homosexual men and women have similar mate preferences to heterosexual men and women by showing more dating desire for attractive and high social status persons. Compared to attractiveness, status played a smaller role in dating desire.

Face inversion increases attractiveness.

PubMed

Leder, Helmut; Goller, Juergen; Forster, Michael; Schlageter, Lena; Paul, Matthew A

2017-07-01

Assessing facial attractiveness is a ubiquitous, inherent, and hard-wired phenomenon in everyday interactions. As such, it has highly adapted to the default way that faces are typically processed: viewing faces in upright orientation. By inverting faces, we can disrupt this default mode, and study how facial attractiveness is assessed. Faces, rotated at 90 (tilting to either side) and 180°, were rated on attractiveness and distinctiveness scales. For both orientations, we found that faces were rated more attractive and less distinctive than upright faces. Importantly, these effects were more pronounced for faces rated low in upright orientation, and smaller for highly attractive faces. In other words, the less attractive a face was, the more it gained in attractiveness by inversion or rotation. Based on these findings, we argue that facial attractiveness assessments might not rely on the presence of attractive facial characteristics, but on the absence of distinctive, unattractive characteristics. These unattractive characteristics are potentially weighed against an individual, attractive prototype in assessing facial attractiveness. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The quartet theory of human emotions: An integrative and neurofunctional model.

PubMed

Koelsch, Stefan; Jacobs, Arthur M; Menninghaus, Winfried; Liebal, Katja; Klann-Delius, Gisela; von Scheve, Christian; Gebauer, Gunter

2015-06-01

Despite an explosion of research in the affective sciences during the last few decades, interdisciplinary theories of human emotions are lacking. Here we present a neurobiological theory of emotions that includes emotions which are uniquely human (such as complex moral emotions), considers the role of language for emotions, advances the understanding of neural correlates of attachment-related emotions, and integrates emotion theories from different disciplines. We propose that four classes of emotions originate from four neuroanatomically distinct cerebral systems. These emotional core systems constitute a quartet of affect systems: the brainstem-, diencephalon-, hippocampus-, and orbitofrontal-centred affect systems. The affect systems were increasingly differentiated during the course of evolution, and each of these systems generates a specific class of affects (e.g., ascending activation, pain/pleasure, attachment-related affects, and moral affects). The affect systems interact with each other, and activity of the affect systems has effects on - and interacts with - biological systems denoted here as emotional effector systems. These effector systems include motor systems (which produce actions, action tendencies, and motoric expression of emotion), peripheral physiological arousal, as well as attentional and memory systems. Activity of affect systems and effector systems is synthesized into an emotion percept (pre-verbal subjective feeling), which can be transformed (or reconfigured) into a symbolic code such as language. Moreover, conscious cognitive appraisal (involving rational thought, logic, and usually language) can regulate, modulate, and partly initiate, activity of affect systems and effector systems. Our emotion theory integrates psychological, neurobiological, sociological, anthropological, and psycholinguistic perspectives on emotions in an interdisciplinary manner, aiming to advance the understanding of human emotions and their neural correlates. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

In VivoLactate Editing with Simultaneous Detection of Choline, Creatine, NAA, and Lipid Singlets at 1.5 T Using PRESS Excitation with Applications to the Study of Brain and Head and Neck Tumors

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Star-Lack, Josh; Spielman, Daniel; Adalsteinsson, Elfar; Kurhanewicz, John; Terris, David J.; Vigneron, Daniel B.

1998-08-01

Two T2-independentJ-difference lactate editing schemes for the PRESS magnetic resonance spectroscopy localization sequence are introduced. The techniques, which allow for simultaneous acquisition of the lactate doublet (1.3 ppm) and edited singlets upfield of and including choline (3.2 ppm), exploit the dependence of the in-phase intensity of the methyl doublet upon the time interval separating two inversion (BASING) pulses applied to its coupling partner after initial excitation. Editing method 1, which allows for echo times TE =n/J(n= 1, 2, 3, …), alters the BASING carrier frequency for each of two cycles so that, for one cycle, the quartet is inverted, whereas, for the other cycle, the quartet is unaffected. Method 2, which also provides water suppression, allows for editing for TE > 1/Jby alternating, between cycles, the time interval separating the inversion pulses. Experimental results were obtained at 1.5 T using a Shinnar Le-Roux-designed maximum phase inversion pulse with a filter transition bandwidth of 55 Hz. Spectra were acquired from phantoms andin vivofrom the human brain and neck. In a neck muscle study, the lipid suppression factor, achieved partly through the use of a novel phase regularization algorithm, was measured to be over 103. Spectra acquired from a primary brain and a metastatic neck tumor demonstrated the presence of lactate and choline signals consistent with abnormal spectral patterns. The advantages and limitations of the methods are analyzed theoretically and experimentally, and significance of the results is discussed.

G-quadruplex induced stabilization by 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro-d-arabinonucleic acids (2′F-ANA)

PubMed Central

Peng, Chang Geng; Damha, Masad J.

2007-01-01

The impact of 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoroarabinonucleotide residues (2′F-araN) on different G-quadruplexes derived from a thrombin-binding DNA aptamer d(G2T2G2TGTG2T2G2), an anti-HIV phosphorothioate aptamer PS-d(T2G4T2) and a DNA telomeric sequence d(G4T4G4) via UV thermal melting (Tm) and circular dichroism (CD) experiments has been investigated. Generally, replacement of deoxyguanosines that adopt the anti conformation (anti-guanines) with 2′F-araG can stabilize G-quartets and maintain the quadruplex conformation, while replacement of syn-guanines with 2′F-araG is not favored and results in a dramatic switch to an alternative quadruplex conformation. It was found that incorporation of 2′F-araG or T residues into a thrombin-binding DNA G-quadruplex stabilizes the complex (ΔTm up to ∼+3°C/2′F-araN modification); 2′F-araN units also increased the half-life in 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) up to 48-fold. Two modified thrombin-binding aptamers (PG13 and PG14) show an approximately 4-fold increase in binding affinity to thrombin, as assessed via a nitrocellulose filter binding assay, both with increased thermal stability (∼1°C/2′F-ANA modification increase in Tm) and nuclease resistance (4–7-fold) as well. Therefore, the 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro-d-arabinonucleic acid (2′F-ANA) modification is well suited to tune (and improve) the physicochemical and biological properties of naturally occurring DNA G-quartets. PMID:17636049

He2+ molecular ion and the He- atomic ion in strong magnetic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vieyra, J. C. Lopez; Turbiner, A. V.

2017-08-01

We study the question of existence, i.e., stability with respect to dissociation of the spin-quartet permutation- and reflection-symmetric 4(-3) +g (Sz=-3 /2 ,M =-3 ) state of the (α α e e e ) Coulomb system: the He2 + molecular ion, placed in a magnetic field 0 ≤B ≤10 000 a.u. We assume that the α particles are infinitely massive (Born-Oppenheimer approximation of zero order) and adopt the parallel configuration, when the molecular axis and the magnetic field direction coincide, as the optimal configuration. The study of the stability is performed variationally with a physically adequate trial function. To achieve this goal, we explore several helium-containing compounds in strong magnetic fields, in particular; we study the spin-quartet ground state of the He- ion and the ground (spin-triplet) state of the helium atom, both for a magnetic field in 100 ≤B ≤10 000 a.u. The main result is that the He2 + molecular ion in the state 4(-3) +g is stable towards all possible decay modes for magnetic fields B ≳120 a .u . and with the magnetic field increase the ion becomes more tightly bound and compact with a cigar-type form of electronic cloud. At B =1000 a .u . , the dissociation energy of He2 + into He-+α is ˜702 eV and the dissociation energy for the decay channel to He +α +e is ˜729 eV , and both energies are in the energy window for one of the observed absorption features of the isolated neutron star 1E1207.4-5209.

Molecular mechanisms underlying origin and diversification of the angiosperm flower.

PubMed

Theissen, Guenter; Melzer, Rainer

2007-09-01

Understanding the mode and mechanisms of the evolution of the angiosperm flower is a long-standing and central problem of evolutionary biology and botany. It has essentially remained unsolved, however. In contrast, considerable progress has recently been made in our understanding of the genetic basis of flower development in some extant model species. The knowledge that accumulated this way has been pulled together in two major hypotheses, termed the 'ABC model' and the 'floral quartet model'. These models explain how the identity of the different types of floral organs is specified during flower development by homeotic selector genes encoding transcription factors. We intend to explain how the 'ABC model' and the 'floral quartet model' are now guiding investigations that help to understand the origin and diversification of the angiosperm flower. Investigation of orthologues of class B and class C floral homeotic genes in gymnosperms suggest that bisexuality was one of the first innovations during the origin of the flower. The transition from dimer to tetramer formation of floral homeotic proteins after establishment of class E proteins may have increased cooperativity of DNA binding of the transcription factors controlling reproductive growth. That way, we hypothesize, better 'developmental switches' originated that facilitated the early evolution of the flower. Expression studies of ABC genes in basally diverging angiosperm lineages, monocots and basal eudicots suggest that the 'classical' ABC system known from core eudicots originated from a more fuzzy system with fading borders of gene expression and gradual transitions in organ identity, by sharpening of ABC gene expression domains and organ borders. Shifting boundaries of ABC gene expression may have contributed to the diversification of the angiosperm flower many times independently, as may have changes in interactions between ABC genes and their target genes.

Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Origin and Diversification of the Angiosperm Flower

PubMed Central

Theissen, Guenter; Melzer, Rainer

2007-01-01

Background Understanding the mode and mechanisms of the evolution of the angiosperm flower is a long-standing and central problem of evolutionary biology and botany. It has essentially remained unsolved, however. In contrast, considerable progress has recently been made in our understanding of the genetic basis of flower development in some extant model species. The knowledge that accumulated this way has been pulled together in two major hypotheses, termed the ‘ABC model’ and the ‘floral quartet model’. These models explain how the identity of the different types of floral organs is specified during flower development by homeotic selector genes encoding transcription factors. Scope We intend to explain how the ‘ABC model’ and the ‘floral quartet model’ are now guiding investigations that help to understand the origin and diversification of the angiosperm flower. Conclusions Investigation of orthologues of class B and class C floral homeotic genes in gymnosperms suggest that bisexuality was one of the first innovations during the origin of the flower. The transition from dimer to tetramer formation of floral homeotic proteins after establishment of class E proteins may have increased cooperativity of DNA binding of the transcription factors controlling reproductive growth. That way, we hypothesize, better ‘developmental switches’ originated that facilitated the early evolution of the flower. Expression studies of ABC genes in basally diverging angiosperm lineages, monocots and basal eudicots suggest that the ‘classical’ ABC system known from core eudicots originated from a more fuzzy system with fading borders of gene expression and gradual transitions in organ identity, by sharpening of ABC gene expression domains and organ borders. Shifting boundaries of ABC gene expression may have contributed to the diversification of the angiosperm flower many times independently, as may have changes in interactions between ABC genes and their target genes. PMID:17670752

The fourfold way of the genetic code.

PubMed

Jiménez-Montaño, Miguel Angel

2009-11-01

We describe a compact representation of the genetic code that factorizes the table in quartets. It represents a "least grammar" for the genetic language. It is justified by the Klein-4 group structure of RNA bases and codon doublets. The matrix of the outer product between the column-vector of bases and the corresponding row-vector V(T)=(C G U A), considered as signal vectors, has a block structure consisting of the four cosets of the KxK group of base transformations acting on doublet AA. This matrix, translated into weak/strong (W/S) and purine/pyrimidine (R/Y) nucleotide classes, leads to a code table with mixed and unmixed families in separate regions. A basic difference between them is the non-commuting (R/Y) doublets: AC/CA, GU/UG. We describe the degeneracy in the canonical code and the systematic changes in deviant codes in terms of the divisors of 24, employing modulo multiplication groups. We illustrate binary sub-codes characterizing mutations in the quartets. We introduce a decision-tree to predict the mode of tRNA recognition corresponding to each codon, and compare our result with related findings by Jestin and Soulé [Jestin, J.-L., Soulé, C., 2007. Symmetries by base substitutions in the genetic code predict 2' or 3' aminoacylation of tRNAs. J. Theor. Biol. 247, 391-394], and the rearrangements of the table by Delarue [Delarue, M., 2007. An asymmetric underlying rule in the assignment of codons: possible clue to a quick early evolution of the genetic code via successive binary choices. RNA 13, 161-169] and Rodin and Rodin [Rodin, S.N., Rodin, A.S., 2008. On the origin of the genetic code: signatures of its primordial complementarity in tRNAs and aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. Heredity 100, 341-355], respectively.

The electronic structure of vanadium monochloride cation (VCl+): Tackling the complexities of transition metal species

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeYonker, Nathan J.; Halfen, DeWayne T.; Allen, Wesley D.; Ziurys, Lucy M.

2014-11-01

Six electronic states (X 4Σ-, A 4Π, B 4Δ, 2Φ, 2Δ, 2Σ+) of the vanadium monochloride cation (VCl+) are described using large basis set coupled cluster theory. For the two lowest quartet states (X 4Σ- and A 4Π), a focal point analysis (FPA) approach was used that conjoined a correlation-consistent family of basis sets up to aug-cc-pwCV5Z-DK with high-order coupled cluster theory through pentuple (CCSDTQP) excitations. FPA adiabatic excitation energies (T0) and spectroscopic constants (re, r0, Be, B0, bar De, He, ωe, v0, αe, ωexe) were extrapolated to the valence complete basis set Douglas-Kroll (DK) aug-cc-pV∞Z-DK CCSDT level of theory, and additional treatments accounted for higher-order valence electron correlation, core correlation, and spin-orbit coupling. Due to the delicate interplay between dynamical and static electronic correlation, single reference coupled cluster theory is able to provide the correct ground electronic state (X 4Σ-), while multireference configuration interaction theory cannot. Perturbations from the first- and second-order spin orbit coupling of low-lying states with quartet spin multiplicity reveal an immensely complex rotational spectrum relative to the isovalent species VO, VS, and TiCl. Computational data on the doublet manifold suggest that the lowest-lying doublet state (2Γ) has a Te of ˜11 200 cm-1. Overall, this study shows that laboratory and theoretical rotational spectroscopists must work more closely in tandem to better understand the bonding and structure of molecules containing transition metals.

Self-organisation of an oligodeoxynucleotide containing the G- and C-rich stretches of the direct repeats of the human mitochondrial DNA.

PubMed

Nonin-Lecomte, Sylvie; Dardel, Frédéric; Lestienne, Patrick

2005-08-01

Stretches of cytosines and guanosines have been shown in vitro to adopt non-canonical structures known as i-motifs and G-quartets, respectively. When combined, such sequences are expected to either retain their structure or form duplexes or triple helices. All these structures may occur in vivo whenever the sequence criteria are met. Such stretches are present in the circular genome of human mitochondria, as two 10 nucleotide-long perfect tandem direct repeats (DR1 and DR2). The DR1 and DR2 repeats are G-rich on the heavy strand and C-rich on the light strand. Previous results suggested that during replication, transient formation of a parallel GGC triple helix between the neo-synthesised G-rich DR1 and the double-stranded homologous DR2 could be involved in a rearrangement process leading to genome instability. In order to get structural insights into the interaction between the two repeats, we have studied by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) the assembly properties of a 24-mer oligodeoxyribonucleotide in which the C- and G-rich segments of the DRs are covalently tethered by a TTTT linker. We show here that this 24-mer self-associates into a triplex-containing symmetrical tetramer. The core of the structure is composed of anti-parallel Watson-Crick (WC) base pairs. Two additional strands are hydrogen-bonded to the Hoogsteen side of the Gs, thus forming CGC(+) triple helices, with G-rich ends folding into G-quartets. These results suggest that such structures could occur when the two DRs are put to close proximity in a biological context.

Crowdsourced direct-to-consumer genomic analysis of a family quartet.

PubMed

Corpas, Manuel; Valdivia-Granda, Willy; Torres, Nazareth; Greshake, Bastian; Coletta, Alain; Knaus, Alexej; Harrison, Andrew P; Cariaso, Mike; Moran, Federico; Nielsen, Fiona; Swan, Daniel; Weiss Solís, David Y; Krawitz, Peter; Schacherer, Frank; Schols, Peter; Yang, Huangming; Borry, Pascal; Glusman, Gustavo; Robinson, Peter N

2015-11-07

We describe the pioneering experience of a Spanish family pursuing the goal of understanding their own personal genetic data to the fullest possible extent using Direct to Consumer (DTC) tests. With full informed consent from the Corpas family, all genotype, exome and metagenome data from members of this family, are publicly available under a public domain Creative Commons 0 (CC0) license waiver. All scientists or companies analysing these data ("the Corpasome") were invited to return results to the family. We released 5 genotypes, 4 exomes, 1 metagenome from the Corpas family via a blog and figshare under a public domain license, inviting scientists to join the crowdsourcing efforts to analyse the genomes in return for coauthorship or acknowldgement in derived papers. Resulting analysis data were compiled via social media and direct email. Here we present the results of our investigations, combining the crowdsourced contributions and our own efforts. Four companies offering annotations for genomic variants were applied to four family exomes: BIOBASE, Ingenuity, Diploid, and GeneTalk. Starting from a common VCF file and after selecting for significant results from company reports, we find no overlap among described annotations. We additionally report on a gut microbiome analysis of a member of the Corpas family. This study presents an analysis of a diverse set of tools and methods offered by four DTC companies. The striking discordance of the results mirrors previous findings with respect to DTC analysis of SNP chip data, and highlights the difficulties of using DTC data for preventive medical care. To our knowledge, the data and analysis results from our crowdsourced study represent the most comprehensive exome and analysis for a family quartet using solely DTC data generation to date.

Selflessness is sexy: reported helping behaviour increases desirability of men and women as long-term sexual partners.

PubMed

Moore, David; Wigby, Stuart; English, Sinead; Wong, Sonny; Székely, Tamás; Harrison, Freya

2013-09-03

Despite its short-term costs, behaviour that appears altruistic can increase an individual's inclusive fitness by earning direct (selfish) and/or indirect (kin-selected) benefits. An evolved preference for other-regarding or helping behaviour in potential mates has been proposed as an additional mechanism by which these behaviours can yield direct fitness benefits in humans. We asked 32 heterosexual women and 35 heterosexual men to rate the attractiveness of members of the opposite sex in the presence and the absence of information about helping behaviours. Reports of helping behaviour were associated with a significant increase in the attractiveness of both men and women as potential long-term sexual partners. Altruism also increased the attractiveness of men as potential partners for short-term flings, but to a lesser extent than when the same men were being considered for long-term relationships. Altruism did not affect the attractiveness of women as partners for short-term flings. Our results unite two important areas of evolutionary theory - social evolution and sexual selection - and extend the list of means by which helping behaviours, which appear at first glance to be costly to the actor, can in fact earn direct fitness benefits. Helping behaviours may be attractive because they signal 'good genes' and/or because they are perceived as a signal of likely provision of non-genetic benefits (e.g. parental care). Exactly why helping behaviours in a non-mating context might be attractive to potential mates, and whether they are honest signals of mate quality, remains to be elucidated.

Physarum attraction: Why slime mold behaves as cats do?

PubMed Central

Adamatzky, Andrew; Costello, Ben De Lacy

2012-01-01

We discuss potential chemical substances responsible for attracting acellular slime mold Physarun polycephalum to valerian root. The contributes toward fundamental research into pheromones and chemo-attracts of primitive organisms such as slime molds. The results show that significant information could be gained about the action of compounds on higher organisms. PMID:22896798

Effects of Counselor Sex, Student Sex, and Student Attractiveness on Counselors' Judgments.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mercado, Pauline; Atkinson, Donald R.

1982-01-01

Studied the effect of client sex and attractiveness on male and female counselors' judgments about students' educational and career potential. Found male counselors showed sex bias when suggesting occupations. Prediction of higher education and occupational status were not related to counselor or student sex or student attractiveness. (Author/JAC)

Phase behavior of the modified-Yukawa fluid and its sticky limit.

PubMed

Schöll-Paschinger, Elisabeth; Valadez-Pérez, Néstor E; Benavides, Ana L; Castañeda-Priego, Ramón

2013-11-14

Simple model systems with short-range attractive potentials have turned out to play a crucial role in determining theoretically the phase behavior of proteins or colloids. However, as pointed out by D. Gazzillo [J. Chem. Phys. 134, 124504 (2011)], one of these widely used model potentials, namely, the attractive hard-core Yukawa potential, shows an unphysical behavior when one approaches its sticky limit, since the second virial coefficient is diverging. However, it is exactly this second virial coefficient that is typically used to depict the experimental phase diagram for a large variety of complex fluids and that, in addition, plays an important role in the Noro-Frenkel scaling law [J. Chem. Phys. 113, 2941 (2000)], which is thus not applicable to the Yukawa fluid. To overcome this deficiency of the attractive Yukawa potential, D. Gazzillo has proposed the so-called modified hard-core attractive Yukawa fluid, which allows one to correctly obtain the second and third virial coefficients of adhesive hard-spheres starting from a system with an attractive logarithmic Yukawa-like interaction. In this work we present liquid-vapor coexistence curves for this system and investigate its behavior close to the sticky limit. Results have been obtained with the self-consistent Ornstein-Zernike approximation (SCOZA) for values of the reduced inverse screening length parameter up to 18. The accuracy of SCOZA has been assessed by comparison with Monte Carlo simulations.

Ab initio calculations of the electronic structure of the low-lying states for the ultracold LiYb molecule

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tohme, Samir N.; Korek, Mahmoud, E-mail: mahmoud.korek@bau.edu.lb, E-mail: fkorek@yahoo.com; Awad, Ramadan

Ab initio techniques have been applied to investigate the electronic structure of the LiYb molecule. The potential energy curves have been computed in the Born–Oppenheimer approximation for the ground and 29 low-lying doublet and quartet excited electronic states. Complete active space self-consistent field, multi-reference configuration interaction, and Rayleigh Schrödinger perturbation theory to second order calculations have been utilized to investigate these states. The spectroscopic constants, ω{sub e}, R{sub e}, B{sub e}, …, and the static dipole moment, μ, have been investigated by using the two different techniques of calculation with five different types of basis. The eigenvalues, E{sub v}, themore » rotational constant, B{sub v}, the centrifugal distortion constant, D{sub v}, and the abscissas of the turning points, R{sub min} and R{sub max}, have been calculated by using the canonical functions approach. The comparison between the values of the present work, calculated by different techniques, and those available in the literature for several electronic states shows a very good agreement. Twenty-one new electronic states have been studied here for the first time.« less

Beauty premium: Event-related potentials evidence of how physical attractiveness matters in online peer-to-peer lending.

PubMed

Jin, Jia; Fan, Bonai; Dai, Shenyi; Ma, Qingguo

2017-02-15

Although it is well known that attractiveness-based impressions affect the labor market, election outcomes and many other social activities, little is known about the role physical attractiveness plays in financial transactions. With the development of online finance, peer-to-peer lending has become one of the most important ways in which businesses or individuals raise capital. However, because of information asymmetry, the lender must decide whether or not to lend money to a stranger based on limited information, resulting in their decision being influenced by many other factors. In the current study, we investigated how potential borrowers' facial attractiveness influenced lenders' attitudes toward borrowers' repayment behavior at the brain level by using event-related potentials. At the priming stage, photos of attractive borrowers induced smaller N200 amplitude than photos of unattractive borrowers. Meanwhile, at the feedback stage, compared with the condition of repaying on time, breach of repayment from unattractive borrowers induced larger feedback-related negativity (FRN) amplitude, which was a frontal-central negative deflection and would be enhanced by the unexpected outcome. Furthermore, smaller P300 amplitude was also elicited by the condition of not repaying on time. These differences in the FRN and P300 amplitudes were not observed between negative and positive feedback from attractive borrowers. Therefore, our findings suggest that the beauty premium phenomenon is present in online peer-to-peer lending and that lenders were more tolerant toward attractive borrowers' dishonest behavior. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Attraction of Chrysoperla carnea complex and Chrysopa spp. lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) to aphid sex pheromone components and a synthetic blend of floral compounds in Hungary.

PubMed

Koczor, Sándor; Szentkirályi, Ferenc; Birkett, Michael A; Pickett, John A; Voigt, Erzsébet; Tóth, Miklós

2010-12-01

The deployment of synthetic attractants for the manipulation of lacewing populations as aphid predators is currently used in integrated pest management. This study investigates a synthetic bait comprising floral compounds previously found to attract the Chrysoperla carnea complex, and, for the first time, the aphid sex pheromone components (1R,4aS,7S,7aR)-nepetalactol and (4aS,7S,7aR)-nepetalactone, in field experiments in Hungary, for their ability to manipulate lacewing populations. The synthetic floral bait attracted both sexes of the Chrysoperla carnea complex, and Chrysopa formosa Brauer showed minimal attraction. The aphid sex pheromone compounds alone attracted males of C. formosa and C. pallens (Rambur). When the two baits were combined, Chrysopa catches were similar to those with aphid sex pheromone baits alone, but carnea complex catches decreased significantly (by 85-88%). As the floral bait alone attracted both sexes of the carnea complex, it showed potential to manipulate the location of larval density via altering the site of oviposition. Aphid sex pheromone compounds alone attracted predatory males of Chrysopa spp. and can potentially be used to enhance biological control of aphids. For the carnea complex, however, a combination of both baits is not advantageous because of the decrease in adults attracted. Assumptions of intraguild avoidance underlying this phenomenon are discussed. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry.

Out of Lust or Jealousy: The Effects of Mate-Related Motives on Study-Time Allocation to Faces Varying in Attractiveness.

PubMed

Li, Weijian; Zhang, Yuchi; Li, Fengying; Li, Xinyu; Li, Ping; Jia, Xiaoyu; Chen, Haide; Ji, Haojie

2015-01-01

Although a growing number of empirical studies have revealed that activating mate-related motives might exert a specific set of consequences for human cognition and behaviors, such as attention and memory, little is known about whether mate-related motives affect self-regulated learning. The present study examined the effects of mate-related motives (mate-search and mate-guarding) on study-time allocation to faces varying in attractiveness. In two experiments, participants in mate-related priming conditions (Experiment 1: mate-search; Experiment 2: mate-guarding) or control conditions studied 20 female faces (10 highly attractive, 10 less attractive) during a self-paced study task, and then were given a yes/no face recognition task. The finding of Experiment 1 showed that activating a mate-search motive led the male participants to allocate more time to highly attractive female faces (i.e., perceived potential mates) than to less attractive ones. In Experiment 2, female participants in the mate-guarding priming condition spent more time studying highly attractive female faces (i.e., perceived potential rivals) than less attractive ones, compared to participants in the control condition. These findings illustrate the highly specific consequences of mate-related motives on study-time allocation, and highlight the value of exploring human cognition and motivation within evolutionary and self-regulated learning frameworks.

Out of Lust or Jealousy: The Effects of Mate-Related Motives on Study-Time Allocation to Faces Varying in Attractiveness

PubMed Central

Li, Fengying; Li, Xinyu; Li, Ping; Jia, Xiaoyu; Chen, Haide; Ji, Haojie

2015-01-01

Although a growing number of empirical studies have revealed that activating mate-related motives might exert a specific set of consequences for human cognition and behaviors, such as attention and memory, little is known about whether mate-related motives affect self-regulated learning. The present study examined the effects of mate-related motives (mate-search and mate-guarding) on study-time allocation to faces varying in attractiveness. In two experiments, participants in mate-related priming conditions (Experiment 1: mate-search; Experiment 2: mate-guarding) or control conditions studied 20 female faces (10 highly attractive, 10 less attractive) during a self-paced study task, and then were given a yes/no face recognition task. The finding of Experiment 1 showed that activating a mate-search motive led the male participants to allocate more time to highly attractive female faces (i.e., perceived potential mates) than to less attractive ones. In Experiment 2, female participants in the mate-guarding priming condition spent more time studying highly attractive female faces (i.e., perceived potential rivals) than less attractive ones, compared to participants in the control condition. These findings illustrate the highly specific consequences of mate-related motives on study-time allocation, and highlight the value of exploring human cognition and motivation within evolutionary and self-regulated learning frameworks. PMID:26121131

Levels of analysis in neuroscientific studies of emotion: Comment on "The quartet theory of human emotions: an integrative and neurofunctional model" by S. Koelsch et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuiken, Don; Douglas, Shawn

2015-06-01

In the conduct of neuroscience research, methodological choices and theoretical claims often reveal underlying metamethodological and ontological commitments. Koelsch et al. [1] accentuate such commitments in their description of four "neuroanatomically distinct systems," each the substrate of "a specific class of affects" (p. 1). Explication of those classes of affect require theoretical integration across methodologically diverse disciplines, including "psychology, neurobiology, sociology, anthropology, and psycholinguistics" (p. 3). (Philosophy is noticeably missing from this list, but several aspects of the authors' stance indicate that it is not ignored.)

Intramolecular H-transfer reactions in Si 2H n (for n=3-5)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ernst, M. C.; Sax, A. F.; Kalcher, J.

1993-12-01

Intramolecular rearrangement reactions for doublet Si 2H 5 and Si 2H 3, quartet Si 2H 3, and singlet Si 2H 4 have been studied. aim of the study was to characterize a series of intramolecular H-transfer reactions in silicon hydrides with vrying degrees of saturation. The transition states belonging to the reactions presented in this work possess a monobridged Si 2H moiety. Structural features of the transition states and relative barrier heights have been examined; the geometry optimizations were performed with the use of CAS-SCF wavefunctions and the barrier height estimates were obtained with single-point CI calculations.

Identification of stable fly attractant compounds in vinasse, a byproduct of sugarcane-ethanol distillation.

PubMed

Jelvez Serra, N S; Goulart, H F; Triana, M F; Dos Santos Tavares, S; Almeida, C I M; DA Costa, J G; Santana, A E G; Zhu, J J

2017-12-01

The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae), is a worldwide pest of livestock. Recent outbreaks of stable flies in sugarcane fields in Brazil have become a serious problem for livestock producers. Larvae and pupae found inside sugarcane stems after harvesting may indicate that stable flies use these stems as potential oviposition or larval development sites. Field observations suggest that outbreaks of stable flies are associated with the vinasse and filter cake derived from biomass distillation in sugarcane ethanol production that are used as fertilizers in sugarcane fields. Adult stable flies are attracted to vinasse, which appears to present an ideal larval development site. The primary goal of the present study is to demonstrate the role of vinasse in influencing the sensory physiological and behavioural responses of stable flies, and to identify its associated volatile attractant compounds. Both laboratory and field studies showed that vinasse is extremely attractive to adult stable flies. Chemical analyses of volatiles collected revealed a wide range of carboxylic acids, alcohols, phenols and aldehydes as potential attractant compounds. These newly identified attractants could be used to develop a tool for the attractant-baited mass trapping of stable flies in order to reduce infestations. Published 2017. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

The time-course of feature interference in agreement comprehension: Multiple mechanisms and asymmetrical attraction

PubMed Central

Tanner, Darren; Nicol, Janet; Brehm, Laurel

2014-01-01

Attraction interference in language comprehension and production may be as a result of common or different processes. In the present paper, we investigate attraction interference during language comprehension, focusing on the contexts in which interference arises and the time-course of these effects. Using evidence from event-related brain potentials (ERPs) and sentence judgment times, we show that agreement attraction in comprehension is best explained as morphosyntactic interference during memory retrieval. This stands in contrast to attraction as a message-level process involving the representation of the subject NP's number features, which is a strong contributor to attraction in production. We thus argue that the cognitive antecedents of agreement attraction in comprehension are non-identical with those of attraction in production, and moreover, that attraction in comprehension is primarily a consequence of similarity-based interference in cue-based memory retrieval processes. We suggest that mechanisms responsible for attraction during language comprehension are a subset of those involved in language production. PMID:25258471

The time-course of feature interference in agreement comprehension: Multiple mechanisms and asymmetrical attraction.

PubMed

Tanner, Darren; Nicol, Janet; Brehm, Laurel

2014-10-01

Attraction interference in language comprehension and production may be as a result of common or different processes. In the present paper, we investigate attraction interference during language comprehension, focusing on the contexts in which interference arises and the time-course of these effects. Using evidence from event-related brain potentials (ERPs) and sentence judgment times, we show that agreement attraction in comprehension is best explained as morphosyntactic interference during memory retrieval. This stands in contrast to attraction as a message-level process involving the representation of the subject NP's number features, which is a strong contributor to attraction in production. We thus argue that the cognitive antecedents of agreement attraction in comprehension are non-identical with those of attraction in production, and moreover, that attraction in comprehension is primarily a consequence of similarity-based interference in cue-based memory retrieval processes. We suggest that mechanisms responsible for attraction during language comprehension are a subset of those involved in language production.

Selflessness is sexy: reported helping behaviour increases desirability of men and women as long-term sexual partners

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Despite its short-term costs, behaviour that appears altruistic can increase an individual’s inclusive fitness by earning direct (selfish) and/or indirect (kin-selected) benefits. An evolved preference for other-regarding or helping behaviour in potential mates has been proposed as an additional mechanism by which these behaviours can yield direct fitness benefits in humans. Results We asked 32 heterosexual women and 35 heterosexual men to rate the attractiveness of members of the opposite sex in the presence and the absence of information about helping behaviours. Reports of helping behaviour were associated with a significant increase in the attractiveness of both men and women as potential long-term sexual partners. Altruism also increased the attractiveness of men as potential partners for short-term flings, but to a lesser extent than when the same men were being considered for long-term relationships. Altruism did not affect the attractiveness of women as partners for short-term flings. Conclusions Our results unite two important areas of evolutionary theory – social evolution and sexual selection – and extend the list of means by which helping behaviours, which appear at first glance to be costly to the actor, can in fact earn direct fitness benefits. Helping behaviours may be attractive because they signal ‘good genes’ and/or because they are perceived as a signal of likely provision of non-genetic benefits (e.g. parental care). Exactly why helping behaviours in a non-mating context might be attractive to potential mates, and whether they are honest signals of mate quality, remains to be elucidated. PMID:24004898

Controlled Deposition and Alignment of Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smits, Jan M. (Inventor); Wincheski, Russell A. (Inventor); Ingram, JoAnne L. (Inventor); Watkins, Anthony Neal (Inventor); Jordan, Jeffrey D. (Inventor)

2009-01-01

A carbon nanotube (CNT) attraction material is deposited on a substrate in the gap region between two electrodes on the . substrate. An electric potential is applied to the two electrodes. The CNT attraction material is wetted with a solution defined by a carver liquid having carbon nanotubes (CNTs) suspended therein. A portion of the CNTs align with the electric field and adhere to The CNT attraction material. The carrier liquid and any CNTs not adhered to the CNT attraction material are then removed.

Controlled Deposition and Alignment of Carbon Nanotubes

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Patry, JoAnne L. (Inventor); Smits, Jan M. (Inventor); Watkins, Anthony Neal (Inventor); Jordan, Jeffrey D. (Inventor); Wincheski, Russell A. (Inventor)

2012-01-01

A carbon nanotube (CNT) attraction material is deposited on a substrate in the gap region between two electrodes on the substrate. An electric potential is applied to the two electrodes. The CNT attraction material is wetted with a solution defined by a carrier liquid having carbon nanotubes (CNTs) suspended therein. A portion of the CNTs align with the electric field and adhere to the CNT attraction material. The carrier liquid and any CNTs not adhered to the CNT attraction material are then removed.

What Teachers Perceive--Children Receive?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Algozzine, Robert

1976-01-01

Reports a study designed to ascertain the relationship between teacher perceived attractiveness and classroom interactions and suggests that "main effects" such as facial attractiveness of youngsters acts to determine individual potential for interactions with others. (MH)

Crystallization tendencies of modelled Lennard-Jones liquids with different attractions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valdès, L.-C.; Gerges, J.; Mizuguchi, T.; Affouard, F.

2018-01-01

Molecular dynamics simulations are performed on simple models composed of monoatomic Lennard-Jones atoms for which the repulsive interaction is the same but the attractive part is tuned. We investigate the precise role of the attractive part of the interaction potential on different structural, dynamical, and thermodynamical properties of these systems in the liquid and crystalline states. It includes crystallization trends for which the main physical ingredients involved have been computed: the diffusion coefficient, the Gibbs energy difference between the liquid and the crystalline state, and the crystal-liquid interfacial free energy. Results are compared with predictions from the classical nucleation theory including transient and steady-state regimes at moderate and deeper undercooling. The question of the energetic and entropic impact of the repulsive and attractive part of the interaction potential towards crystallization is also addressed.

Romantic attraction and adolescent smoking trajectories.

PubMed

Pollard, Michael S; Tucker, Joan S; Green, Harold D; Kennedy, David P; Go, Myong-Hyun

2011-12-01

Research on sexual orientation and substance use has established that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals are more likely to smoke than heterosexuals. This analysis furthers the examination of smoking behaviors across sexual orientation groups by describing how same- and opposite-sex romantic attraction, and changes in romantic attraction, are associated with distinct six-year developmental trajectories of smoking. The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health dataset is used to test our hypotheses. Multinomial logistic regressions predicting smoking trajectory membership as a function of romantic attraction were separately estimated for men and women. Romantic attraction effects were found only for women. The change from self-reported heterosexual attraction to lesbian or bisexual attraction was more predictive of higher smoking trajectories than was a consistent lesbian or bisexual attraction, with potentially important differences between the smoking patterns of these two groups. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Creating kampong as tourist attractions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sari, N.; Utama, R.; Hidayat, A. R. T.; Zamrony, A. B.

2017-06-01

Tourism attractions become one of the main components and they drive the tourism activity in a region. The quality of tourism attractions would affect tourists’ visits. Tourism power can basically be built on any conditions which can attract people to visit. Towns is full of activities which include their economic, social, cultural and physical features, if they are presented properly, they can be a tourist attraction. Kampung City, as a form of urban settlement, has the potential to be developed as a tourism attraction. Kampung is not only a physical area of housing but it has also productive activities. Even the city’s economic activities are also influenced by the productive activities of its Kampung. The shape of Kampung which varies in physical, social, economic and cultural raises special characteristics of each Kampung. When it is linked with the city’s tourism activities, these special characteristics of course could be one of the attractions to attract tourists. This paper studies about one of Kampung in the Malang City. Administratively located in the Penanggungan Village Lowokwaru District, but the potential will just be focused on RW 4. Main productive activities of this village are pottery. In contrast to ceramics, pottery is made from clay and its uniqueness in color and shape. Based on the history of pottery in the Malang, it is concentrated in Penanggungan Village. But along with its development, pottery is decreasingly in demand and number of craftsmen is dwindling. Based on these circumstances, a concept is prepared to raise the image of the region as the Kampung of pottery and to repack it as a tourism attraction of the city.

A greater decline in female facial attractiveness during middle age reflects women’s loss of reproductive value

PubMed Central

Maestripieri, Dario; Klimczuk, Amanda C. E.; Traficonte, Daniel M.; Wilson, M. Claire

2014-01-01

Facial attractiveness represents an important component of an individual’s overall attractiveness as a potential mating partner. Perceptions of facial attractiveness are expected to vary with age-related changes in health, reproductive value, and power. In this study, we investigated perceptions of facial attractiveness, power, and personality in two groups of women of pre- and post-menopausal ages (35–50 years and 51–65 years, respectively) and two corresponding groups of men. We tested three hypotheses: (1) that perceived facial attractiveness would be lower for older than for younger men and women; (2) that the age-related reduction in facial attractiveness would be greater for women than for men; and (3) that for men, there would be a larger increase in perceived power at older ages. Eighty facial stimuli were rated by 60 (30 male, 30 female) middle-aged women and men using online surveys. Our three main hypotheses were supported by the data. Consistent with sex differences in mating strategies, the greater age-related decline in female facial attractiveness was driven by male respondents, while the greater age-related increase in male perceived power was driven by female respondents. In addition, we found evidence that some personality ratings were correlated with perceived attractiveness and power ratings. The results of this study are consistent with evolutionary theory and with previous research showing that faces can provide important information about characteristics that men and women value in a potential mating partner such as their health, reproductive value, and power or possession of resources. PMID:24592253

A greater decline in female facial attractiveness during middle age reflects women's loss of reproductive value.

PubMed

Maestripieri, Dario; Klimczuk, Amanda C E; Traficonte, Daniel M; Wilson, M Claire

2014-01-01

Facial attractiveness represents an important component of an individual's overall attractiveness as a potential mating partner. Perceptions of facial attractiveness are expected to vary with age-related changes in health, reproductive value, and power. In this study, we investigated perceptions of facial attractiveness, power, and personality in two groups of women of pre- and post-menopausal ages (35-50 years and 51-65 years, respectively) and two corresponding groups of men. We tested three hypotheses: (1) that perceived facial attractiveness would be lower for older than for younger men and women; (2) that the age-related reduction in facial attractiveness would be greater for women than for men; and (3) that for men, there would be a larger increase in perceived power at older ages. Eighty facial stimuli were rated by 60 (30 male, 30 female) middle-aged women and men using online surveys. Our three main hypotheses were supported by the data. Consistent with sex differences in mating strategies, the greater age-related decline in female facial attractiveness was driven by male respondents, while the greater age-related increase in male perceived power was driven by female respondents. In addition, we found evidence that some personality ratings were correlated with perceived attractiveness and power ratings. The results of this study are consistent with evolutionary theory and with previous research showing that faces can provide important information about characteristics that men and women value in a potential mating partner such as their health, reproductive value, and power or possession of resources.

Interatomic potentials for HeAr, HeKr, and HeXe from multiproperty fits

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Danielson, L.J.; Keil, M.

1988-01-15

Crossed molecular beam measurements of differential cross sections (DCS) are reported for elastic scattering of He by Ar, Kr, and Xe at high resolution. Interatomic potentials are determined by simultaneously fitting the DCS's, as well as mixture viscosity and interaction second virial data. Bias due to systematic and potential model errors are examined and are used to estimate the accuracy of the potential energy curves obtained. Attractive well depths are 2.59, 2.67, and 2.64 meV +- 3% for HeAr, HeKr, and HeXe, respectively, agreeing with the best available HeAr potential and a previously proposed HeKr potential, but significantly deeper thanmore » previously reported potentials for HeXe. The HeXe attractive well is also considerably broader than previously reported. Attractive minimum positions are 3.48, 3.70, and 4.00 A ( +- 0.03 A) for HeAr, HeKr, and HeXe, respectively. Including the accurate diffusion data of Dunlop and co-workers (Physica A 95, 561 (1979)) and the absolute integral cross sections of Pirani and Vecchiocattivi (J. Chem. Phys. 66, 372 (1977) and revisions thereto) verify the error bounds for all three potentials.« less

Computer-generated formulas for three-center nuclear-attraction integrals (electrostatic potential) for Slater-type orbitals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, H. W.

1984-01-01

The computer-assisted C-matrix, Loewdin-alpha-function, single-center expansion method in spherical harmonics has been applied to the three-center nuclear-attraction integral (potential due to the product of separated Slater-type orbitals). Exact formulas are produced for 13 terms of an infinite series that permits evaluation to ten decimal digits of an example using 1s orbitals.

Does being attractive always help? Positive and negative effects of attractiveness on social decision making.

PubMed

Agthe, Maria; Spörrle, Matthias; Maner, Jon K

2011-08-01

Previous studies of organizational decision making demonstrate an abundance of positive biases directed toward highly attractive individuals. The current research, in contrast, suggests that when the person being evaluated is of the same sex as the evaluator, attractiveness hurts, rather than helps. Three experiments assessing evaluations of potential job candidates (Studies 1 and 3) and university applicants (Study 2) demonstrated positive biases toward highly attractive other-sex targets but negative biases toward highly attractive same-sex targets. This pattern was mediated by variability in participants' desire to interact with versus avoid the target individual (Studies 1 and 2) and was moderated by participants' level of self-esteem (Study 3); the derogation of attractive same-sex targets was not observed among people with high self-esteem. Findings demonstrate an important exception to the positive effects of attractiveness in organizational settings and suggest that negative responses to attractive same-sex targets stem from perceptions of self-threat.

Site attraction as a representation of heritage tourism: Case study of Gunung Padang Site, Cianjur, West - Java

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Subakti, A. G.; Pratomo, Aditya; Triana, Ika; Khrisnanto, Iwan

2018-03-01

Heritage Tourism is used for experiencing the heritage of city, region, state or country. This travel enables the tourist to learn about local customs, traditions, history and culture. One of the tourist attractions in Cianjur, where an ancient historical megalithic site named Situs Gunung Padang could be found. Situs Gunung Padang which consists of five terraces and five levels, completely built stones. This site is the largest megalithic site in Southeast Asia. There is an enormous tourism potential owned by this site because it expresses and preserving ancient Sundanese cultural in the megalithic era. But the potential of this site seems haven’t made as a tourist attraction compared with Borobudur or Prambanan Temple. The purpose of this research is to analyze the existence of Gunung Padang site as a heritage tourism with SWOT approach to discover what factors need to be repaired. The result of this research is showing that Gunung Padang site has a huge potential if the regional governments and the locals can contribute to preserve and making this site as a tourist attraction.

Structural evolution of Colloidal Gels under Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boromand, Arman; Maia, Joao; Jamali, Safa

Colloidal suspensions are ubiquitous in different industrial applications ranging from cosmetic and food industries to soft robotics and aerospace. Owing to the fact that mechanical properties of colloidal gels are controlled by its microstructure and network topology, we trace the particles in the networks formed under different attraction potentials and try to find a universal behavior in yielding of colloidal gels. Many authors have implemented different simulation techniques such as molecular dynamics (MD) and Brownian dynamics (BD) to capture better picture during phase separation and yielding mechanism in colloidal system with short-ranged attractive force. However, BD neglects multi-body hydrodynamic interactions (HI) which are believed to be responsible for the second yielding of colloidal gels. We envision using dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) with modified depletion potential and hydrodynamic interactions, as a coarse-grain model, can provide a robust simulation package to address the gel formation process and yielding in short ranged-attractive colloidal systems. The behavior of colloidal gels with different attraction potentials under flow is examined and structural fingerprints of yielding in these systems will be discussed.

Facial Redness Increases Men's Perceived Healthiness and Attractiveness.

PubMed

Thorstenson, Christopher A; Pazda, Adam D; Elliot, Andrew J; Perrett, David I

2017-06-01

Past research has shown that peripheral and facial redness influences perceptions of attractiveness for men viewing women. The current research investigated whether a parallel effect is present when women rate men with varying facial redness. In four experiments, women judged the attractiveness of men's faces, which were presented with varying degrees of redness. We also examined perceived healthiness and other candidate variables as mediators of the red-attractiveness effect. The results show that facial redness positively influences ratings of men's attractiveness. Additionally, perceived healthiness was documented as a mediator of this effect, independent of other potential mediator variables. The current research emphasizes facial coloration as an important feature of social judgments.

Are Happy Faces Attractive? The Roles of Early vs. Late Processing

PubMed Central

Sun, Delin; Chan, Chetwyn C. H.; Fan, Jintu; Wu, Yi; Lee, Tatia M. C.

2015-01-01

Facial attractiveness is closely related to romantic love. To understand if the neural underpinnings of perceived facial attractiveness and facial expression are similar constructs, we recorded neural signals using an event-related potential (ERP) methodology for 20 participants who were viewing faces with varied attractiveness and expressions. We found that attractiveness and expression were reflected by two early components, P2-lateral (P2l) and P2-medial (P2m), respectively; their interaction effect was reflected by LPP, a late component. The findings suggested that facial attractiveness and expression are first processed in parallel for discrimination between stimuli. After the initial processing, more attentional resources are allocated to the faces with the most positive or most negative valence in both the attractiveness and expression dimensions. The findings contribute to the theoretical model of face perception. PMID:26648885

A two-dimensional model for the study of interpersonal attraction.

PubMed

Montoya, R Matthew; Horton, Robert S

2014-02-01

We describe a model for understanding interpersonal attraction in which attraction can be understood as a product of the initial evaluations we make about others. The model posits that targets are evaluated on two basic dimensions, capacity and willingness, such that affective and behavioral attraction result from evaluations of (a) a target's capacity to facilitate the perceiver's goals/needs and (b) a target's potential willingness to facilitate those goals/needs. The plausibility of the two-dimensional model of attraction is evaluated vis-à-vis the extant literature on various attraction phenomena including the reciprocity of liking effect, pratfall effect, matching hypothesis, arousal effects, and similarity effect. We conclude that considerable evidence across a wide range of phenomena supports the idea that interpersonal attraction is principally determined by inferences about the target's capacity and willingness.

Repulsive nature of optical potentials for high-energy heavy-ion scattering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Furumoto, T.; Sakuragi, Y.; Yamamoto, Y.

2010-10-15

The recent works by the present authors predicted that the real part of heavy-ion optical potentials changes its character from attraction to repulsion around the incident energy per nucleon E/A=200-300 MeV on the basis of the complex G-matrix interaction and the double-folding model (DFM) and revealed that the three-body force plays an important role there. In the present paper, we have precisely analyzed the energy dependence of the calculated DFM potentials and its relation to the elastic-scattering angular distributions in detail in the case of the {sup 12}C+{sup 12}C system in the energy range of E/A=100-400 MeV. The tensor forcemore » contributes substantially to the energy dependence of the real part of the DFM potentials and plays an important role to lower the attractive-to-repulsive transition energy. The nearside and farside (N/F) decompositions of the elastic-scattering amplitudes clarify the close relation between the attractive-to-repulsive transition of the potentials and the characteristic evolution of the calculated angular distributions with the increase of the incident energy. Based on the present analysis, we propose experimental measurements for the predicted strong diffraction phenomena of the elastic-scattering angular distribution caused by the N/F interference around the attractive-to-repulsive transition energy together with the reduced diffractions below and above the transition energy.« less

Self-bridging of vertical silicon nanowires and a universal capacitive force model for spontaneous attraction in nanostructures.

PubMed

Sun, Zhelin; Wang, Deli; Xiang, Jie

2014-11-25

Spontaneous attractions between free-standing nanostructures have often caused adhesion or stiction that affects a wide range of nanoscale devices, particularly nano/microelectromechanical systems. Previous understandings of the attraction mechanisms have included capillary force, van der Waals/Casimir forces, and surface polar charges. However, none of these mechanisms universally applies to simple semiconductor structures such as silicon nanowire arrays that often exhibit bunching or adhesions. Here we propose a simple capacitive force model to quantitatively study the universal spontaneous attraction that often causes stiction among semiconductor or metallic nanostructures such as vertical nanowire arrays with inevitably nonuniform size variations due to fabrication. When nanostructures are uniform in size, they share the same substrate potential. The presence of slight size differences will break the symmetry in the capacitive network formed between the nanowires, substrate, and their environment, giving rise to electrostatic attraction forces due to the relative potential difference between neighboring wires. Our model is experimentally verified using arrays of vertical silicon nanowire pairs with varied spacing, diameter, and size differences. Threshold nanowire spacing, diameter, or size difference between the nearest neighbors has been identified beyond which the nanowires start to exhibit spontaneous attraction that leads to bridging when electrostatic forces overcome elastic restoration forces. This work illustrates a universal understanding of spontaneous attraction that will impact the design, fabrication, and reliable operation of nanoscale devices and systems.

Hazardous wildlife attractants on or near airports

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1997-05-01

This advisory circular (AC) provides guidance on locating certain land uses : having the potential to attract hazardous wildlife to or in the vicinity of : public-use airports. It also provides guidance concerning the placement of new : airport devel...

Fatal attraction: sexually cannibalistic invaders attract naive native mantids

PubMed Central

Fea, Murray P.; Stanley, Margaret C.; Holwell, Gregory I.

2013-01-01

Overlap in the form of sexual signals such as pheromones raises the possibility of reproductive interference by invasive species on similar, yet naive native species. Here, we test the potential for reproductive interference through heterospecific mate attraction and subsequent predation of males by females of a sexually cannibalistic invasive praying mantis. Miomantis caffra is invasive in New Zealand, where it is widely considered to be displacing the only native mantis species, Orthodera novaezealandiae, and yet mechanisms behind this displacement are unknown. We demonstrate that native males are more attracted to the chemical cues of introduced females than those of conspecific females. Heterospecific pairings also resulted in a high degree of mortality for native males. This provides evidence for a mechanism behind displacement that has until now been undetected and highlights the potential for reproductive interference to greatly influence the impact of an invasive species. PMID:24284560

Nonmonotonic diffusion in crowded environments

PubMed Central

Putzel, Gregory Garbès; Tagliazucchi, Mario; Szleifer, Igal

2015-01-01

We study the diffusive motion of particles among fixed spherical crowders. The diffusers interact with the crowders through a combination of a hard-core repulsion and a short-range attraction. The long-time effective diffusion coefficient of the diffusers is found to depend non-monotonically on the strength of their attraction to the crowders. That is, for a given concentration of crowders, a weak attraction to the crowders enhances diffusion. We show that this counterintuitive fact can be understood in terms of the mesoscopic excess chemical potential landscape experienced by the diffuser. The roughness of this excess chemical potential landscape quantitatively captures the nonmonotonic dependence of the diffusion rate on the strength of crowder-diffuser attraction; thus it is a purely static predictor of dynamic behavior. The mesoscopic view given here provides a unified explanation for enhanced diffusion effects that have been found in various systems of technological and biological interest. PMID:25302920

Developing photoreceptor-based models of visual attraction in riverine tsetse, for use in the engineering of more-attractive polyester fabrics for control devices.

PubMed

Santer, Roger D

2017-03-01

Riverine tsetse transmit the parasites that cause the most prevalent form of human African trypanosomiasis, Gambian HAT. In response to the imperative for cheap and efficient tsetse control, insecticide-treated 'tiny targets' have been developed through refinement of tsetse attractants based on blue fabric panels. However, modern blue polyesters used for this purpose attract many less tsetse than traditional phthalogen blue cottons. Therefore, colour engineering polyesters for improved attractiveness has great potential for tiny target development. Because flies have markedly different photoreceptor spectral sensitivities from humans, and the responses of these photoreceptors provide the inputs to their visually guided behaviours, it is essential that polyester colour engineering be guided by fly photoreceptor-based explanations of tsetse attraction. To this end, tsetse attraction to differently coloured fabrics was recently modelled using the calculated excitations elicited in a generic set of fly photoreceptors as predictors. However, electrophysiological data from tsetse indicate the potential for modified spectral sensitivities versus the generic pattern, and processing of fly photoreceptor responses within segregated achromatic and chromatic channels has long been hypothesised. Thus, I constructed photoreceptor-based models explaining the attraction of G. f. fuscipes to differently coloured tiny targets recorded in a previously published investigation, under differing assumptions about tsetse spectral sensitivities and organisation of visual processing. Models separating photoreceptor responses into achromatic and chromatic channels explained attraction better than earlier models combining weighted photoreceptor responses in a single mechanism, regardless of the spectral sensitivities assumed. However, common principles for fabric colour engineering were evident across the complete set of models examined, and were consistent with earlier work. Tools for the calculation of fly photoreceptor excitations are available with this paper, and the ways in which these and photoreceptor-based models of attraction can provide colorimetric values for the engineering of more-attractively coloured polyester fabrics are discussed.

Developing photoreceptor-based models of visual attraction in riverine tsetse, for use in the engineering of more-attractive polyester fabrics for control devices

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Riverine tsetse transmit the parasites that cause the most prevalent form of human African trypanosomiasis, Gambian HAT. In response to the imperative for cheap and efficient tsetse control, insecticide-treated ‘tiny targets’ have been developed through refinement of tsetse attractants based on blue fabric panels. However, modern blue polyesters used for this purpose attract many less tsetse than traditional phthalogen blue cottons. Therefore, colour engineering polyesters for improved attractiveness has great potential for tiny target development. Because flies have markedly different photoreceptor spectral sensitivities from humans, and the responses of these photoreceptors provide the inputs to their visually guided behaviours, it is essential that polyester colour engineering be guided by fly photoreceptor-based explanations of tsetse attraction. To this end, tsetse attraction to differently coloured fabrics was recently modelled using the calculated excitations elicited in a generic set of fly photoreceptors as predictors. However, electrophysiological data from tsetse indicate the potential for modified spectral sensitivities versus the generic pattern, and processing of fly photoreceptor responses within segregated achromatic and chromatic channels has long been hypothesised. Thus, I constructed photoreceptor-based models explaining the attraction of G. f. fuscipes to differently coloured tiny targets recorded in a previously published investigation, under differing assumptions about tsetse spectral sensitivities and organisation of visual processing. Models separating photoreceptor responses into achromatic and chromatic channels explained attraction better than earlier models combining weighted photoreceptor responses in a single mechanism, regardless of the spectral sensitivities assumed. However, common principles for fabric colour engineering were evident across the complete set of models examined, and were consistent with earlier work. Tools for the calculation of fly photoreceptor excitations are available with this paper, and the ways in which these and photoreceptor-based models of attraction can provide colorimetric values for the engineering of more-attractively coloured polyester fabrics are discussed. PMID:28306721

Attraction induced frictionless sliding of rare gas monolayer on metallic surfaces: an efficient strategy for superlubricity.

PubMed

Sun, Junhui; Zhang, Yanning; Lu, Zhibin; Xue, Qunji; Wang, Liping

2017-05-10

Friction on a nanoscale revealed rich load-dependent behavior, which departs strongly from the long-standing Amonton's law. Whilst electrostatic repulsion-induced friction collapse for rare gas sliding over metallic surfaces in a high-load regime was reported by Righi et al. (Phys. Rev. Lett., 2007, 99, 176101), the significant role of attraction on frictional properties has not been reported to date. In this study, the frictional motion of Xe/Cu(111), Xe/Pd(111) and Ar/Cu(111) was studied using van der Waals corrected density functional calculations. An attraction-induced zero friction, which is a signal of superlubricity, was found for the sliding systems. The superlubric state results from the disappearance of the potential corrugation along the favored sliding path as a consequence of the potential crossing in the attractive regime when the interfacial pressure approaches a critical-value. The finding of an attraction-driven friction drop, together with the repulsion-induced collapse in the high-load regime, which breaks down the classic Amonton's law, provides a distinct approach for the realization of inherent superlubricity in some adsorbate/substrate interfaces.

Women's Preference for Attractive Makeup Tracks Changes in Their Salivary Testosterone.

PubMed

Fisher, Claire I; Hahn, Amanda C; DeBruine, Lisa M; Jones, Benedict C

2015-12-01

Previous research suggests that women's motivation to appear attractive is increased around the time of ovulation. However, the specific hormonal correlates of within-woman changes in motivation to appear attractive have not been investigated. To address this issue, we used a longitudinal design and a data-driven visual preference task. We found that women's preference for attractive makeup increases when their salivary testosterone levels are high. The relationship between testosterone level and preference for attractive makeup was independent of estradiol level, progesterone level, and estradiol-to-progesterone ratio. These results suggest that testosterone may contribute to changes in women's motivation to wear attractive makeup and, potentially, their motivation to appear attractive in general. Our results are also consistent with recent models of the role of testosterone in social behavior, according to which testosterone increases the probability of behaviors that could function to support the acquisition of mates and competition for resources. © The Author(s) 2015.

Identification and evaluation of semiochemicals for the biological control of the beetle Omorgus suberosus (F.) (Coleoptera: Trogidae), a facultative predator of eggs of the sea turtle Lepidochelys olivacea (Eschscholtz).

PubMed

Cortez, Vieyle; Verdú, José R; Ortiz, Antonio J; Halffter, Gonzalo

2017-01-01

The beetle Omorgus suberosus (F.) is a facultative predator of eggs of the olive ridley turtle Lepidochelys olivacea (Eschscholtz). Laboratory and field investigations were conducted in order to characterize volatile attractants of O. suberosus and to explore the potential for application of these volatiles in a selective mass trapping method. Headspace sorptive extraction (HSSE) coupled to thermo-desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) analysis of the volatile constituents from beetles or turtle nests revealed 24 potential compounds. However, electroantennographic (EAG) measurements revealed antennal sensitivity only to indole, linoleic acid, trimethylamine, dimethyl sulphide, dimethyl disulphide and ammonia. Behavioural tests showed that these compounds are highly attractive to O. suberosus. Field trapping experiments revealed that indole and ammonia were more attractive than the other volatile compounds and showed similar attractiveness to that produced by conventional baits (chicken feathers). The use of a combined bait of indole and NH3 would therefore be the most effective trap design. The data presented are the first to demonstrate effective massive capture of O. suberosus using an attractant-based trapping method. These findings have potential for the development of an efficient mass trapping method for control of this beetle as part of efforts towards conservation of L. olivacea at La Escobilla in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Identification and evaluation of semiochemicals for the biological control of the beetle Omorgus suberosus (F.) (Coleoptera: Trogidae), a facultative predator of eggs of the sea turtle Lepidochelys olivacea (Eschscholtz)

PubMed Central

Cortez, Vieyle; Ortiz, Antonio J.; Halffter, Gonzalo

2017-01-01

The beetle Omorgus suberosus (F.) is a facultative predator of eggs of the olive ridley turtle Lepidochelys olivacea (Eschscholtz). Laboratory and field investigations were conducted in order to characterize volatile attractants of O. suberosus and to explore the potential for application of these volatiles in a selective mass trapping method. Headspace sorptive extraction (HSSE) coupled to thermo-desorption gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) analysis of the volatile constituents from beetles or turtle nests revealed 24 potential compounds. However, electroantennographic (EAG) measurements revealed antennal sensitivity only to indole, linoleic acid, trimethylamine, dimethyl sulphide, dimethyl disulphide and ammonia. Behavioural tests showed that these compounds are highly attractive to O. suberosus. Field trapping experiments revealed that indole and ammonia were more attractive than the other volatile compounds and showed similar attractiveness to that produced by conventional baits (chicken feathers). The use of a combined bait of indole and NH3 would therefore be the most effective trap design. The data presented are the first to demonstrate effective massive capture of O. suberosus using an attractant-based trapping method. These findings have potential for the development of an efficient mass trapping method for control of this beetle as part of efforts towards conservation of L. olivacea at La Escobilla in Oaxaca, Mexico. PMID:28192472

Weak competing interactions control assembly of strongly bonded TCNQ ionic acceptor molecules on silver surfaces

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Park, Changwon; Rojas, Geoffrey A.; Jeon, Seokmin

2014-09-19

The energy scales of interactions that control molecular adsorption and assembly on surfaces can vary by several orders of magnitude, yet the importance of each contributing interaction is not apparent a priori. Tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) is an archetypal electron acceptor molecule and it is a key component of organic metals. On metal surfaces, this molecule also acts as an electron acceptor, producing negatively charged adsorbates. It is therefore rather intriguing to observe attractive molecular interactions in this system that were reported previously for copper and silver surfaces. In this paper, our experiments compared TCNQ adsorption on noble metal surfaces of Ag(100)more » and Ag(111). In both cases we found net attractive interactions down to the lowest coverage. However, the morphology of the assemblies was strikingly different, with two-dimensional islands on Ag(100) and one-dimensional chains on Ag(111) surfaces. This observation suggests that the registry effect governed by the molecular interaction with the underlying lattice potential is critical in determining the dimensionality of the molecular assembly. Using first-principles density functional calculations with a van der Waals correction scheme, we revealed that the strengths of major interactions (i.e., lattice potential corrugation, intermolecular attraction, and charge-transfer-induced repulsion) are all similar in energy. The van der Waals interactions, in particular, almost double the strength of attractive interactions, making the intermolecular potential comparable in strength to the diffusion potential and promoting self-assembly. However, it is the anisotropy of local intermolecular interactions that is primarily responsible for the difference in the topology of the molecular islands on Ag(100) and Ag(111) surfaces. Finally, we anticipate that the intermolecular potential will become more attractive and dominant over the diffusion potential with increasing molecular size, providing new design strategies for the structure and charge transfer within molecular layers.« less

"Shades of beauty": examining the relationship of skin color to perceptions of physical attractiveness.

PubMed

Frisby, Cynthia M

2006-08-01

The purpose of this research project was to investigate the relationship between skin color and level of perceived physical attractiveness. Previous research suggested that skin color plays an important role in how we perceive an individual's physical attractiveness. The current study was conducted to determine how influential the role of race is on perceptions of physical attractiveness. In this study, 79 subjects were asked to evaluate images of potential endorsers to be used in an upcoming advertising campaign. The images were those of females of varying skin tones. Data were then collected and analyzed to determine whether skin tone and level of skin color can in fact influence the physical attractiveness stereotype.

Insulin Signaling Mediates Sexual Attractiveness in Drosophila

PubMed Central

Hansen, Ingrid; Dreisewerd, Klaus; Dierick, Herman A.; Yew, Joanne Y.; Pletcher, Scott D.

2012-01-01

Sexually attractive characteristics are often thought to reflect an individual's condition or reproductive potential, but the underlying molecular mechanisms through which they do so are generally unknown. Insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS) is known to modulate aging, reproduction, and stress resistance in several species and to contribute to variability of these traits in natural populations. Here we show that IIS determines sexual attractiveness in Drosophila through transcriptional regulation of genes involved in the production of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC), many of which function as pheromones. Using traditional gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) together with newly introduced laser desorption/ionization orthogonal time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LDI-MS) we establish that CHC profiles are significantly affected by genetic manipulations that target IIS. Manipulations that reduce IIS also reduce attractiveness, while females with increased IIS are significantly more attractive than wild-type animals. IIS effects on attractiveness are mediated by changes in CHC profiles. Insulin signaling influences CHC through pathways that are likely independent of dFOXO and that may involve the nutrient-sensing Target of Rapamycin (TOR) pathway. These results suggest that the activity of conserved molecular regulators of longevity and reproductive output may manifest in different species as external characteristics that are perceived as honest indicators of fitness potential. PMID:22570625

Creating beauty: creativity compensates for low physical attractiveness when individuals assess the attractiveness of social and romantic partners.

PubMed

Watkins, Christopher D

2017-04-01

Although creativity is attractive in a potential mate, it is unclear (i) whether the effects of creativity on attractiveness generalize to other social contexts and (ii) whether creativity has equivalent effects on men's and women's attractiveness. As social knowledge of creativity may either enhance or 'offset' the appeal of social partners who differ in physical attractiveness, three repeated measures experiments were conducted to directly address these issues. Here, participants rated a series of face-text pairs for attractiveness on trials that differed in one of four combinations of facial attractiveness (attractive and less attractive) and creativity (creative and less creative), rating story-tellers in two experiments (short interpretations of an identical painting) and creative ideas in a further experiment (alternative uses for an everyday object). Regardless of the sex of the judge, creativity and facial attractiveness had independent effects on men's overall attractiveness (initial experiment) and, in further experiments, more substantial effects on the attractiveness of men with less attractive faces than men with attractive faces (when using a different measure of creativity) and specific effects on the attractiveness of individuals with less attractive faces (when using different face stimuli). Collectively, across three experiments, these findings suggest that creativity may compensate for putative cues to lower biological 'quality' and that the benefits of creativity to social groups more generally enhance attraction to creative men (in two experiments) and creative men and women (one experiment). More broadly, the data suggest that species can integrate knowledge of cognitive intelligence with visual cues to biological 'quality' to facilitate mate and/or ally choice.

The Sommerfeld enhancement in the scotogenic model with large electroweak scalar multiplets

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chowdhury, Talal Ahmed; Nasri, Salah, E-mail: talal@du.ac.bd, E-mail: snasri@uaeu.ac.ae

2017-01-01

We investigate the Sommerfeld enhancement (SE) in the generalized scotogenic model with large electroweak multiplets. We focus on scalar dark matter (DM) candidate of the model and compare DM annihilation cross sections to WW , ZZ , γγ and γ Z at present day in the galactic halo for scalar doublet and its immediate generalization, the quartet in their respective viable regions of parameter space. We find that larger multiplet has sizable Sommerfeld enhanced annihilation cross section compared to the doublet and because of that it is more likely to be constrained by the current H.E.S.S. results and future CTAmore » sensitivity limits.« less

Moving beyond Watson-Crick models of coarse grained DNA dynamics.

PubMed

Linak, Margaret C; Tourdot, Richard; Dorfman, Kevin D

2011-11-28

DNA produces a wide range of structures in addition to the canonical B-form of double-stranded DNA. Some of these structures are stabilized by Hoogsteen bonds. We developed an experimentally parameterized, coarse-grained model that incorporates such bonds. The model reproduces many of the microscopic features of double-stranded DNA and captures the experimental melting curves for a number of short DNA hairpins, even when the open state forms complicated secondary structures. We demonstrate the utility of the model by simulating the folding of a thrombin aptamer, which contains G-quartets, and strand invasion during triplex formation. Our results highlight the importance of including Hoogsteen bonding in coarse-grained models of DNA.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Wonjung; Kovacic, Gregor; Cai, David

Using the (1+1)D Majda-McLaughlin-Tabak model as an example, we present an extension of the wave turbulence (WT) theory to systems with strong nonlinearities. We demonstrate that nonlinear wave interactions renormalize the dynamics, leading to (i) a possible destruction of scaling structures in the bare wave systems and a drastic deformation of the resonant manifold even at weak nonlinearities, and (ii) creation of nonlinear resonance quartets in wave systems for which there would be no resonances as predicted by the linear dispersion relation. Finally, we derive an effective WT kinetic equation and show that our prediction of the renormalized Rayleigh-Jeans distributionmore » is in excellent agreement with the simulation of the full wave system in equilibrium.« less

A three-decade-long journey at the College of Optical Sciences

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sarid, Dror

2014-09-01

In 1980, Peter Franken, the second director of the Optical Sciences Center, recruited an international quartet of faculty members from the US, Canada, England and Israel (DS). Peter shaped the Center as a clockwork operation, nailing down every aspect of its administration, business model and academic vision. I found myself from day one in a highly competitive environment with extreme peer pressure to make good science and generate a lot of funds. This paper describes the academic journey through my three decades at the Optical Sciences Center that became the College of Optical Sciences (Optical Sciences, in short) until my retirement in 2010, by highlighting selected areas of my group's research.

Photoluminescence dynamics of Co-doped Zn 1- xCd xSe and ZnS xSe 1- xcrystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Born, H.; Thurian, P.; Surkova, T.; Hoffmann, A.; Busse, W.; Gumlich, H.-E.; Broser, I.; Giriat, W.

1998-02-01

Intra-shell d-d relaxation processes of Co 2+ centres are investigated by means of time-integrated and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. The composition dependence of the luminescence and the decay of the Co L-line in ZnCdSe and ZnSSe alloys is presented for the first time. Additionally, new Co-related infrared luminescence lines were observed near 1.6 eV. Taking into account the energy position of the L-line and the relaxation dynamics of the green and the infrared luminescence, the L-line is explained as an internal doublet-quartet d-d transition of the Co-centres.

KSC-2012-4261

NASA Image and Video Library

2012-08-03

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A string quartet from the Brevard Symphony Orchestra performed for graduates and guests at the closing ceremonies for the International Space University at the Kennedy Space center Visitor Complex on Aug. 3, 2012. The International Space University is a nine-week intensive course designed for post-graduate university students and professionals during the summer. The program is hosted by a different country each year, providing a unique educational experience for participants from around the world. NASA Kennedy Space Center and the Florida Institute of Technology co-hosted this year's event which ran from June 4 to Aug. 3. There were about 125 participants representing 31 countries. For more information, visit http://www.isunet.edu Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Adinkras from ordered quartets of BC4 Coxeter group elements and regarding another Gadget’s 1,358,954,496 matrix elements

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gates, S. James; Kang, Lucas; Kessler, David S.; Korotkikh, Vadim

2018-04-01

A Gadget, more precisely a scalar Gadget, is defined as a mathematical calculation acting over a domain of one or more adinkra graphs and whose range is a real number. A 2010 work on the subject of automorphisms of adinkra graphs, implied the existence of multiple numbers of Gadgets depending on the number of colors under consideration. For four colors, this number is two. In this work, we verify the existence of a second such Gadget and calculate (both analytically and via explicit computer-enabled algorithms) its 1,358,954,496 matrix elements over 36,864 minimal valise adinkras related to the Coxeter Group BC4.

Refined potentials for rare gas atom adsorption on rare gas and alkali-halide surfaces

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilson, J. W.; Heinbockel, J. H.; Outlaw, R. A.

1985-01-01

The utilization of models of interatomic potential for physical interaction to estimate the long range attractive potential for rare gases and ions is discussed. The long range attractive force is calculated in terms of the atomic dispersion properties. A data base of atomic dispersion parameters for rare gas atoms, alkali ion, and halogen ions is applied to the study of the repulsive core; the procedure for evaluating the repulsive core of ion interactions is described. The interaction of rare gas atoms on ideal rare gas solid and alkali-halide surfaces is analyzed; zero coverage absorption potentials are derived.

Analyses on hydrophobicity and attractiveness of all-atom distance-dependent potentials

PubMed Central

Shirota, Matsuyuki; Ishida, Takashi; Kinoshita, Kengo

2009-01-01

Accurate model evaluation is a crucial step in protein structure prediction. For this purpose, statistical potentials, which evaluate a model structure based on the observed atomic distance frequencies in comparison with those in reference states, have been widely used. The reference state is a virtual state where all of the atomic interactions are turned off, and it provides a standard to measure the observed frequencies. In this study, we examined seven all-atom distance-dependent potentials with different reference states. As results, we observed that the variations of atom pair composition and those of distance distributions in the reference states produced systematic changes in the hydrophobic and attractive characteristics of the potentials. The performance evaluations with the CASP7 structures indicated that the preference of hydrophobic interactions improved the correlation between the energy and the GDT-TS score, but decreased the Z-score of the native structure. The attractiveness of potential improved both the correlation and Z-score for template-based modeling targets, but the benefit was smaller in free modeling targets. These results indicated that the performances of the potentials were more strongly influenced by their characteristics than by the accuracy of the definitions of the reference states. PMID:19588493

Hello handsome! Male's facial attractiveness gives rise to female's fairness bias in Ultimatum Game scenarios—An ERP study

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

The current study delineated how male proposers’ facial attractiveness affect female responders’ fairness considerations and their subsequent decision outcome during the Ultimatum Game (UG). Event Related Potentials (ERPs) were recorded from 17 female subjects, who played the role as responders and had to decide whether to accept offers from either attractive or unattractive male proposers. Behavioral data (Acceptance Ratio and Response time) revealed that, more offers were accepted from attractive-face conditions; subjects typically responded quicker to unfair offers from unattractive proposers as compared with slower to unfair offers from attractive proposers. The ERP data demonstrated similar N2 amplitudes elicited by both attractive and unattractive faces, and a larger early frontal LPP elicited by the attractive faces compared with unattractive ones, but no significant differences of both late posterior LPP and typical parietal LPP amplitudes were observed between these two face conditions, which was different from our previous study with similar paradigm but male participants. The results suggest that, in comparison to males, females might not experience the potential attention bias towards unattractive opposite-sex faces and are less likely to possess an enhanced processing and evaluation of those faces. This phenomenon might be explained by endogenous gender differences in mate preference. The feedback-related negativity (FRN) and P300 responses during an offer presentation were further measured in both attractive-face and unattractive-face conditions and the results demonstrated that the amplitudes elicited by fair and unfair offers were not statistically different in the former condition, but were different in the latter condition. More specifically, unfair offers generated larger FRN and smaller P300 than fair ones in the unattractive-face condition. Findings suggest that, although females tend to possess less salient evaluation of male’s facial attractiveness, the attractiveness of male proposers would still attenuate female responders’ fairness consideration during the UG. PMID:28678888

Hello handsome! Male's facial attractiveness gives rise to female's fairness bias in Ultimatum Game scenarios-An ERP study.

PubMed

Ma, Qingguo; Qian, Da; Hu, Linfeng; Wang, Lei

2017-01-01

The current study delineated how male proposers' facial attractiveness affect female responders' fairness considerations and their subsequent decision outcome during the Ultimatum Game (UG). Event Related Potentials (ERPs) were recorded from 17 female subjects, who played the role as responders and had to decide whether to accept offers from either attractive or unattractive male proposers. Behavioral data (Acceptance Ratio and Response time) revealed that, more offers were accepted from attractive-face conditions; subjects typically responded quicker to unfair offers from unattractive proposers as compared with slower to unfair offers from attractive proposers. The ERP data demonstrated similar N2 amplitudes elicited by both attractive and unattractive faces, and a larger early frontal LPP elicited by the attractive faces compared with unattractive ones, but no significant differences of both late posterior LPP and typical parietal LPP amplitudes were observed between these two face conditions, which was different from our previous study with similar paradigm but male participants. The results suggest that, in comparison to males, females might not experience the potential attention bias towards unattractive opposite-sex faces and are less likely to possess an enhanced processing and evaluation of those faces. This phenomenon might be explained by endogenous gender differences in mate preference. The feedback-related negativity (FRN) and P300 responses during an offer presentation were further measured in both attractive-face and unattractive-face conditions and the results demonstrated that the amplitudes elicited by fair and unfair offers were not statistically different in the former condition, but were different in the latter condition. More specifically, unfair offers generated larger FRN and smaller P300 than fair ones in the unattractive-face condition. Findings suggest that, although females tend to possess less salient evaluation of male's facial attractiveness, the attractiveness of male proposers would still attenuate female responders' fairness consideration during the UG.

G-Quadruplex DNA Motifs in the Malaria Parasite Plasmodium falciparum and Their Potential as Novel Antimalarial Drug Targets.

PubMed

Harris, Lynne M; Monsell, Katelyn R; Noulin, Florian; Famodimu, M Toyin; Smargiasso, Nicolas; Damblon, Christian; Horrocks, Paul; Merrick, Catherine J

2018-03-01

G-quadruplexes are DNA or RNA secondary structures that can be formed from guanine-rich nucleic acids. These four-stranded structures, composed of stacked quartets of guanine bases, can be highly stable and have been demonstrated to occur in vivo in the DNA of human cells and other systems, where they play important biological roles, influencing processes such as telomere maintenance, DNA replication and transcription, or, in the case of RNA G-quadruplexes, RNA translation and processing. We report for the first time that DNA G-quadruplexes can be detected in the nuclei of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum , which has one of the most A/T-biased genomes sequenced and therefore possesses few guanine-rich sequences with the potential to form G-quadruplexes. We show that despite this paucity of putative G-quadruplex-forming sequences, P. falciparum parasites are sensitive to several G-quadruplex-stabilizing drugs, including quarfloxin, which previously reached phase 2 clinical trials as an anticancer drug. Quarfloxin has a rapid initial rate of kill and is active against ring stages as well as replicative stages of intraerythrocytic development. We show that several G-quadruplex-stabilizing drugs, including quarfloxin, can suppress the transcription of a G-quadruplex-containing reporter gene in P. falciparum but that quarfloxin does not appear to disrupt the transcription of rRNAs, which was proposed as its mode of action in both human cells and trypanosomes. These data suggest that quarfloxin has potential for repositioning as an antimalarial with a novel mode of action. Furthermore, G-quadruplex biology in P. falciparum may present a target for development of other new antimalarial drugs. Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.

Obesity, the deadly quartet and the contribution of the neglected daily organ rest - a new dimension of un-health and its prevention

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

The “deadly quartet”: excessive weight, hypertension, impaired glucose homeostasis, and atherogenic dyslipidemia constitute a greater threat to health than the added effects of smoking and alcohol abuse. It is strongly associated with unrestricted consumption of processed, refined foods. Recent observations from experience in South East Asia shows that the interval between lifestyle changes and associated change in disease pattern is shorter than earlier believed. Recent experience from obesity studies in Africa demonstrates not only dramatic changes in health but also large social consequences from being overweight. Obesity is not only a result of overeating - dozens of other factors are known to contribute. Our palaeolithic forefathers and those living a similar lifestyle today are reported to rarely have diseases and to live a long life. One such group is the Hunzas, living in Northern Pakistan, are reported to live on a daily 1,800-calorie 99% plant-based diet, consisting in 73% of mostly unrefined/unprocessed carbohydrates, 17% fat and 10% protein. They, and most likely also our forefathers, do/did most likely only eat twice a day, at noon and early evening. Calorie-restriction (CR) and also fasting was early recommended and has been so during thousands of years - early Greek medicine and giants such as Hippocrates, Galenus and later also Paracelsus prescribed restrictions in eating and fasting. So did Middle Age physicians and other nutrition experts such as Louis Cornado. Today it is again practiced around the World. Overeating and heavy postprandial metabolism is a great burden to the body causing elevated levels in blood of endotoxin, increased inflammatory and oxidative stress, release of tumor necrosis factor-α, and other pro-inflammatory cytokines, increases in numbers of and activating of leukocytes, a reaction that is potentiated by the presence of large-chain fatty acids and sugars. Various metabolic, uremic, microbiota-derived and environmental poisons accumulate in large amounts in the adipose tissues. High levels of poisons in the adipose tissues decreases the turnover of fats in order to protect other organs. The content in adipose of POPs - altogether 17 dioxins/furans and 18 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners, has been reported to be 2-3 times higher in obese compared to lean persons. Daily fasting consisting in 16 to 18 hours of avoidance of calorie intake offers an interesting alternative. An attractive policy is to abstain from eating between 18:00 in the evening and 10:00 or 12:00 AM, a plan, which I personally have practiced during many years. PMID:26312244

Synthetic algae and cyanobacteria: Great potential but what is the exposure risk?

EPA Science Inventory

Green algae and cyanobacteria (hereafter, algae) have the attractive properties of relatively simple genomes, rapid growth rates, and an ability to synthesize useful compounds using solar energy and carbon dioxide. They are attractive targets for applications of synthetic biology...

Nano opto-mechanical systems (NOMS) as a proposal for tactile displays

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Campo, E. M.; Roig, J.; Roeder, B.; Wenn, D.; Mamojka, B.; Omastova, M.; Terentjev, E. M.; Esteve, J.

2011-10-01

For over a decade, special emphasis has been placed in the convergence of different fields of science and technology, in an effort to serve human needs by way of enhancing human capabilities. The convergence of the Nano-Bio-Info-Cogni (NBIC) quartet will provide unique solutions to specific needs. This is the case of, Nano-opto mechanical Systems (NOMS), presented as a solution to tactile perception, both for the visually-impaired and for the general public. NOMS, based on photoactive polymer actuators and devices, is a much sought-after technology. In this scheme, light sources promote mechanical actuation producing a variety of nano-opto mechanical systems such as nano-grippers. In this paper, we will provide a series of specifications that the NOMS team is targeting towards the development of a tactile display using optically-activated smart materials. Indeed, tactile displays remain mainly mechanical, compromising reload speeds and resolution which inhibit 3D tactile representation of web interfaces. We will also discuss how advantageous NOMS tactile displays could be for the general public. Tactile processing based on stimulation delivered through the NOMS tablet, will be tested using neuropsychology methods, in particular event-related brain potentials. Additionally, the NOMS tablet will be instrumental to the development of basic neuroscience research.

Temperature and Pressure Dependences of the Reactions of Fe+ with Methyl Halides CH3X (X = Cl, Br, I): Experiments and Kinetic Modeling Results.

PubMed

Ard, Shaun G; Shuman, Nicholas S; Martinez, Oscar; Keyes, Nicholas R; Viggiano, Albert A; Guo, Hua; Troe, Jürgen

2017-06-01

The pressure and temperature dependences of the reactions of Fe + with methyl halides CH 3 X (X = Cl, Br, I) in He were measured in a selected ion flow tube over the ranges 0.4 to 1.2 Torr and 300-600 K. FeX + was observed for all three halides and FeCH 3 + was observed for the CH 3 I reaction. FeCH 3 X + adducts (for all X) were detected in all reactions. The results were interpreted assuming two-state reactivity with spin-inversions between sextet and quartet potentials. Kinetic modeling allowed for a quantitative representation of the experiments and for extrapolation to conditions outside the experimentally accessible range. The modeling required quantum-chemical calculations of molecular parameters and detailed accounting of angular momentum effects. The results show that the FeX + products come via an insertion mechanism, while the FeCH 3 + can be produced from either insertion or S N 2 mechanisms, but the latter we conclude is unlikely at thermal energies. A statistical modeling cannot reproduce the competition between the bimolecular pathways in the CH 3 I reaction, indicating that some more direct process must be important.

Semiflexible polymers confined in a slit pore with attractive walls: two-dimensional liquid crystalline order versus capillary nematization.

PubMed

Milchev, Andrey; Egorov, Sergei A; Binder, Kurt

2017-03-01

Semiflexible polymers under good solvent conditions interacting with attractive planar surfaces are investigated by Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations and classical Density Functional Theory (DFT). A bead-spring type potential complemented by a bending potential is used, allowing variation of chain stiffness from completely flexible coils to rod-like polymers whose persistence length by far exceeds their contour length. Solvent is only implicitly included, monomer-monomer interactions being purely repulsive, while two types of attractive wall-monomer interactions are considered: (i) a strongly attractive Mie-type potential, appropriate for a strictly structureless wall, and (ii) a corrugated wall formed by Lennard-Jones particles arranged on a square lattice. It is found that in dilute solutions the former case leads to the formation of a strongly adsorbed surface layer, and the profile of density and orientational order in the z-direction perpendicular to the wall is predicted by DFT in nice agreement with MD. While for very low bulk densities a Kosterlitz-Thouless type transition from the isotropic phase to a phase with power-law decay of nematic correlations is suggested to occur in the strongly adsorbed layer, for larger densities a smectic-C phase in the surface layer is detected. No "capillary nematization" effect at higher bulk densities is found in this system, unlike systems with repulsive walls. This finding is attributed to the reduction of the bulk density (in the center of the slit pore) due to polymer adsorption on the attractive wall, for a system studied in the canonical ensemble. Consequently in a system with two attractive walls nematic order in the slit pore can occur only at a higher density than for a bulk system.

Creating beauty: creativity compensates for low physical attractiveness when individuals assess the attractiveness of social and romantic partners

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Although creativity is attractive in a potential mate, it is unclear (i) whether the effects of creativity on attractiveness generalize to other social contexts and (ii) whether creativity has equivalent effects on men's and women's attractiveness. As social knowledge of creativity may either enhance or ‘offset’ the appeal of social partners who differ in physical attractiveness, three repeated measures experiments were conducted to directly address these issues. Here, participants rated a series of face–text pairs for attractiveness on trials that differed in one of four combinations of facial attractiveness (attractive and less attractive) and creativity (creative and less creative), rating story-tellers in two experiments (short interpretations of an identical painting) and creative ideas in a further experiment (alternative uses for an everyday object). Regardless of the sex of the judge, creativity and facial attractiveness had independent effects on men's overall attractiveness (initial experiment) and, in further experiments, more substantial effects on the attractiveness of men with less attractive faces than men with attractive faces (when using a different measure of creativity) and specific effects on the attractiveness of individuals with less attractive faces (when using different face stimuli). Collectively, across three experiments, these findings suggest that creativity may compensate for putative cues to lower biological ‘quality’ and that the benefits of creativity to social groups more generally enhance attraction to creative men (in two experiments) and creative men and women (one experiment). More broadly, the data suggest that species can integrate knowledge of cognitive intelligence with visual cues to biological ‘quality’ to facilitate mate and/or ally choice. PMID:28484614

Positive association between vocal and facial attractiveness in women but not in men: A cross-cultural study.

PubMed

Valentova, Jaroslava Varella; Varella, Marco Antonio Corrêa; Havlíček, Jan; Kleisner, Karel

2017-02-01

Various species use multiple sensory modalities in the communication processes. In humans, female facial appearance and vocal display are correlated and it has been suggested that they serve as redundant markers indicating the bearer's reproductive potential and/or residual fertility. In men, evidence for redundancy of facial and vocal attractiveness is ambiguous. We tested the redundancy/multiple signals hypothesis by correlating perceived facial and vocal attractiveness in men and women from two different populations, Brazil and the Czech Republic. We also investigated whether facial and vocal attractiveness are linked to facial morphology. Standardized facial pictures and vocal samples of 86 women (47 from Brazil) and 81 men (41 from Brazil), aged 18-35, were rated for attractiveness by opposite-sex raters. Facial and vocal attractiveness were found to positively correlate in women but not in men. We further applied geometric morphometrics and regressed facial shape coordinates on facial and vocal attractiveness ratings. In women, facial shape was linked to their facial attractiveness but there was no association between facial shape and vocal attractiveness. In men, none of these associations was significant. Having shown that women with more attractive faces possess also more attractive voices, we thus only partly supported the redundant signal hypothesis. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Using Social Media to Measure the Contribution of Red List Species to the Nature-Based Tourism Potential of African Protected Areas.

PubMed

Willemen, Louise; Cottam, Andrew J; Drakou, Evangelia G; Burgess, Neil D

2015-01-01

Cultural ecosystem services are defined by people's perception of the environment, which make them hard to quantify systematically. Methods to describe cultural benefits from ecosystems typically include resource-demanding survey techniques, which are not suitable to assess cultural ecosystem services for large areas. In this paper we explore a method to quantify cultural benefits through the enjoyment of natured-based tourism, by assessing the potential tourism attractiveness of species for each protected area in Africa using the IUCN's Red List of Threatened Species. We use the number of pictures of wildlife posted on a photo sharing website as a proxy for charisma, popularity, and ease of observation, as these factors combined are assumed to determine how attractive species are for the global wildlife tourist. Based on photo counts of 2473 African animals and plants, species that seem most attractive to nature-based tourism are the Lion, African Elephant and Leopard. Combining the photo counts with species range data, African protected areas with the highest potential to attract wildlife tourists based on attractive species occurrence were Samburu National Reserve in Kenya, Mukogodo Forest Reserve located just north of Mount Kenya, and Addo Elephant National Park in South-Africa. The proposed method requires only three data sources which are freely accessible and available online, which could make the proposed index tractable for large scale quantitative ecosystem service assessments. The index directly links species presence to the tourism potential of protected areas, making the connection between nature and human benefits explicit, but excludes other important contributing factors for tourism, such as accessibility and safety. This social media based index provides a broad understanding of those species that are popular globally; in many cases these are not the species of highest conservation concern.

Use of psi(alpha)-ETOs in the unified treatment of electronic attraction, electric field and electric field gradient multicenter integrals of screened Coulomb potentials over Slater orbitals.

PubMed

Guseinov, Israfil

2004-02-01

In this study, using complete orthonormal sets of Psi(alpha)-ETOs (where alpha=1, 0, -1, -2, ...) introduced by the author, a large number of series expansion formulae for the multicenter electronic attraction (EA), electric field (EF) and electric field gradient (EFG) integrals of the Yukawa-like screened Coulomb potentials (SCPs) is presented through the new central and noncentral potentials and the overlap integrals with the same screening constants. The final results obtained are valid for arbitrary locations of STOs and their parameters.

Floral scent contributes to interaction specificity in coevolving plants and their insect pollinators.

PubMed

Friberg, Magne; Schwind, Christopher; Roark, Lindsey C; Raguso, Robert A; Thompson, John N

2014-09-01

Chemical defenses, repellents, and attractants are important shapers of species interactions. Chemical attractants could contribute to the divergence of coevolving plant-insect interactions, if pollinators are especially responsive to signals from the local plant species. We experimentally investigated patterns of daily floral scent production in three Lithophragma species (Saxifragaceae) that are geographically isolated and tested how scent divergence affects attraction of their major pollinator-the floral parasitic moth Greya politella (Prodoxidae). These moths oviposit through the corolla while simultaneously pollinating the flower with pollen adhering to the abdomen. The complex and species-specific floral scent profiles were emitted in higher amounts during the day, when these day-flying moths are active. There was minimal divergence found in petal color, which is another potential floral attractant. Female moths responded most strongly to scent from their local host species in olfactometer bioassays, and were more likely to oviposit in, and thereby pollinate, their local host species in no-choice trials. The results suggest that floral scent is an important attractant in this interaction. Local specialization in the pollinator response to a highly specific plant chemistry, thus, has the potential to contribute importantly to patterns of interaction specificity among coevolving plants and highly specialized pollinators.

Evaluation of polar organic micropollutants as indicators for wastewater-related coastal water quality impairment.

PubMed

Nödler, Karsten; Tsakiri, Maria; Aloupi, Maria; Gatidou, Georgia; Stasinakis, Athanasios S; Licha, Tobias

2016-04-01

Results from coastal water pollution monitoring (Lesvos Island, Greece) are presented. In total, 53 samples were analyzed for 58 polar organic micropollutants such as selected herbicides, biocides, corrosion inhibitors, stimulants, artificial sweeteners, and pharmaceuticals. Main focus is the application of a proposed wastewater indicator quartet (acesulfame, caffeine, valsartan, and valsartan acid) to detect point sources and contamination hot-spots with untreated and treated wastewater. The derived conclusions are compared with the state of knowledge regarding local land use and infrastructure. The artificial sweetener acesulfame and the stimulant caffeine were used as indicators for treated and untreated wastewater, respectively. In case of a contamination with untreated wastewater the concentration ratio of the antihypertensive valsartan and its transformation product valsartan acid was used to further refine the estimation of the residence time of the contamination. The median/maximum concentrations of acesulfame and caffeine were 5.3/178 ng L(-1) and 6.1/522 ng L(-1), respectively. Their detection frequency was 100%. Highest concentrations were detected within the urban area of the capital of the island (Mytilene). The indicator quartet in the gulfs of Gera and Kalloni (two semi-enclosed embayments on the island) demonstrated different concentration patterns. A comparatively higher proportion of untreated wastewater was detected in the gulf of Gera, which is in agreement with data on the wastewater infrastructure. The indicator quality of the micropollutants to detect wastewater was compared with electrical conductivity (EC) data. Due to their anthropogenic nature and low detection limits, the micropollutants are superior to EC regarding both sensitivity and selectivity. The concentrations of atrazine, diuron, and isoproturon did not exceed the annual average of their environmental quality standards (EQS) defined by the European Commission. At two sampling locations irgarol 1051 exceeded its annual average EQS value but not the maximum allowable concentration of 16 ng L(-1). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Infrared spectroscopy of matrix-isolated neutral polycyclic aromatic nitrogen heterocycles: The acridine series

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mattioda, A. L.; Bauschlicher, C. W.; Ricca, A.; Bregman, J.; Hudgins, D. M.; Allamandola, L. J.

2017-06-01

The matrix-isolated, mid-infrared spectra of seven acridine-based polycyclic aromatic nitrogen heterocycles (PANHs) have been measured and compared to their non-nitrogen containing parent molecule. The acridine species investigated include acridine, benz[a]acridine, benz[c]acridine, dibenz[a,j]acridine, dibenz[c,h]acridine, dibenz[a,h]acridine and dibenz[a,c]acridine. The previously reported results for 1 and 2-azabenz[a]anthracenes are included for comparison. The experimentally determined band frequencies and intensities are compared with their B3LYP/6-31G(d) values. The overall agreement between experimental and theoretical values is good and in line with our previous investigations. Shifts, typically to the blue, are noted for the C-H out-of-plane (CHoop) motions upon insertion of a nitrogen atom. The formation of a bay region upon addition of additional benzene rings to the anthracene/acridine structure splits the solo hydrogen motions into a bay region solo and an external solo hydrogen, with the bay region solo hydrogen coupling to the quartet hydrogen motions and the external solo hydrogen coupling with the duo hydrogen motions resulting in an extreme decrease in intensity for the CHoop solo hydrogen band when the external hydrogen is replaced by a nitrogen atom. The C-C and C-H in-plane region of this acridine series exhibits the characteristic two fold increase in intensity, noted previously for PANHs. The strong ≈1400 cm-1 band, which was identified in the previous PANH study, is noted in several molecular species as well as another strong PANH feature between 1480 and 1515 cm-1 for several molecules. The presence of these strong bands appear to be primarily responsible for the two-fold increase in the C-H in-plane region's (1100-1600 cm-1) intensity. The C-H stretching region can be characterized by contributions from the solo (bay or external), duo and quartet hydrogens, similar to what was observed in the dibenzopolyacene compounds.

Radium isotope quartet in groundwater as a proxy for identification of aquifer rocks and mechanisms of water-rock interactions: examples from the Negev, Israel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vengosh, A.; Pery, N.; Paytan, A.; Haquin, G.; Elhanani, S.; Pankratov, I.

2006-05-01

Many aquifer systems are composed of multiple rock types. Previous attempts to evaluate the specific aquifer rocks that control the groundwater chemistry and possible flow paths within these multiple lithological systems have used major ion chemistry and isotopic tracers (e.g., strontium isotopes). Here we propose an additional isotopic proxy that is based on the distribution of radium isotopes in groundwater. Radium has four radioactive isotopes that are part of the decay chains of uranium-238, thorium-232, and uranium-235. The abundance of radium isotope quartet (226Ra-half life 1600 y; 228Ra-5.6 y; 224Ra-3.6 d; 223Ra-11.4 d) in groundwater reflects the Th/U ratios in the rocks. Investigation of groundwater from the Negev, Israel, enabled us to discriminate between groundwaters flowing in the Lower Cretaceous Nubian Sandstone and the Upper Cretaceous Judea Group carbonate aquifers. Groundwater flowing in the sandstone aquifer has distinguishably high 228Ra/226Ra and 224Ra/223Ra ratios due to the high Th/U ratio in sandstone. In contrast, the predominance of uranium in carbonate rocks results in low 228Ra/226Ra and 224Ra/223Ra ratios in the associated groundwater. We show that the radium activity in groundwater in the two-aquifer systems is correlated with temperature, dissolved oxygen, and salinity. The increase of radium activity is also associated with changes in the isotopic ratios; 228Ra/226Ra ratios increase and decrease in the sandstone and carbonate aquifers, respectively. Given that the dissolution of radium isotopes depends on their decay constants, the use of the four radium isotopes with different decay constants enabled us to distinguish between dissolution (higher abundance of the long-lived isotopes) and recoil (predominance of the short-lived isotopes) processes. In spite of these isotopic fractionations, the radium isotopic discrimination between carbonate and sandstone aquifers is significant.

The electronic structure of vanadium monochloride cation (VCl{sup +}): Tackling the complexities of transition metal species

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

DeYonker, Nathan J., E-mail: ndyonker@memphis.edu; Halfen, DeWayne T.; Ziurys, Lucy M.

Six electronic states (X {sup 4}Σ{sup −}, A {sup 4}Π, B {sup 4}Δ, {sup 2}Φ, {sup 2}Δ, {sup 2}Σ{sup +}) of the vanadium monochloride cation (VCl{sup +}) are described using large basis set coupled cluster theory. For the two lowest quartet states (X {sup 4}Σ{sup −} and A {sup 4}Π), a focal point analysis (FPA) approach was used that conjoined a correlation-consistent family of basis sets up to aug-cc-pwCV5Z-DK with high-order coupled cluster theory through pentuple (CCSDTQP) excitations. FPA adiabatic excitation energies (T{sub 0}) and spectroscopic constants (r{sub e}, r{sub 0}, B{sub e}, B{sub 0}, D{sup ¯}{sub e}, H{sub e},more » ω{sub e}, v{sub 0}, α{sub e}, ω{sub e}x{sub e}) were extrapolated to the valence complete basis set Douglas-Kroll (DK) aug-cc-pV∞Z-DK CCSDT level of theory, and additional treatments accounted for higher-order valence electron correlation, core correlation, and spin-orbit coupling. Due to the delicate interplay between dynamical and static electronic correlation, single reference coupled cluster theory is able to provide the correct ground electronic state (X {sup 4}Σ{sup −}), while multireference configuration interaction theory cannot. Perturbations from the first- and second-order spin orbit coupling of low-lying states with quartet spin multiplicity reveal an immensely complex rotational spectrum relative to the isovalent species VO, VS, and TiCl. Computational data on the doublet manifold suggest that the lowest-lying doublet state ({sup 2}Γ) has a T{sub e} of ∼11 200 cm{sup −1}. Overall, this study shows that laboratory and theoretical rotational spectroscopists must work more closely in tandem to better understand the bonding and structure of molecules containing transition metals.« less

On the Klein–Gordon oscillator subject to a Coulomb-type potential

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bakke, K., E-mail: kbakke@fisica.ufpb.br; Furtado, C., E-mail: furtado@fisica.ufpb.br

2015-04-15

By introducing the scalar potential as modification in the mass term of the Klein–Gordon equation, the influence of a Coulomb-type potential on the Klein–Gordon oscillator is investigated. Relativistic bound states solutions are achieved to both attractive and repulsive Coulomb-type potentials and the arising of a quantum effect characterized by the dependence of angular frequency of the Klein–Gordon oscillator on the quantum numbers of the system is shown. - Highlights: • Interaction between the Klein–Gordon oscillator and a modified mass term. • Relativistic bound states for both attractive and repulsive Coulomb-type potentials. • Dependence of the Klein–Gordon oscillator frequency on themore » quantum numbers. • Relativistic analogue of a position-dependent mass system.« less

Laboratory Evaluation of Synthetic Blends of l-(+)-Lactic Acid, Ammonia, and Ketones As Potential Attractants For Aedes aegypti.

PubMed

Venkatesh, P M; Sen, A

2017-12-01

Attraction of Aedes aegypti to various binary, trinary, and quaternary blends of lactic acid and ketones with or without ammonia was studied using a dual choice olfactometer. A dose dependent attraction was observed in cases of single compounds where cyclopentanone attracted the highest percentage (36.9 ± 1.8%) of Ae. aegypti when tested alone. No significant difference was observed between the attraction levels of trinary and binary blends of lactic acid and acetone or butanone when tested against clear air. However, in competitive bioassays, the trinary blend of lactic acid, acetone, and butanone was significantly preferred over binary blends of individual compounds ( P < 0.05). Acetylacetone was weakly attractive when tested alone but showed additive attraction when blended with lactic acid. However, acetylacetone acted as an attraction inhibitor when blended with other compounds. Cyclopentanone was attractive, but enhancement of attraction was not observed when blended with other components. Addition of ammonia to binary or trinary blends of lactic acid, acetone, and/or butanone did not increase the attraction significantly. In competitive bioassays, the blends containing ammonia were significantly preferred over the blends lacking ammonia ( P < 0.05). This highlights ammonia as an essential component of synthetic blends. A quaternary blend of lactic acid, ammonia, acetone, and butanone was most attractive (65 ± 1.5%) and preferred blend of all other combinations.

Survey of insect visitation of ornamental flowers in Southover Grange garden, Lewes, UK.

PubMed

Garbuzov, Mihail; Samuelson, Elizabeth E W; Ratnieks, Francis L W

2015-10-01

Ornamental flowers commonly grown in urban gardens and parks can be of value to flower-visiting insects. However, there is huge variation in the number of insects attracted among plant varieties. In this study, we quantified the insect attractiveness of 79 varieties in full bloom being grown in a public urban garden that is popular due to its beautiful flowers and other attractions. The results showed very clearly that most varieties (77%, n = 61) were either poorly attractive or completely unattractive to insect flower visitors. Several varieties (19%, n = 15) were moderately attractive, but very few (4%, n = 3) were highly attractive. Closer examination of Dahlia varieties showed that "open" flowered forms were approximately 20 times more attractive than "closed" flowered forms. These results strongly suggest that there is a great potential for making urban parks and gardens considerably more bee- and insect-friendly by selecting appropriate varieties. © 2014 Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Computer-mediated communication and interpersonal attraction: an experimental test of two explanatory hypotheses.

PubMed

Antheunis, Marjolijn L; Valkenburg, Patti M; Peter, Jochen

2007-12-01

The aims of this study were (a) to investigate the influence of computer-mediated communication (CMC) on interpersonal attraction and (b) to examine two underlying processes in the CMC-interpersonal attraction relationship. We identified two variables that may mediate the influence of CMC on interpersonal attraction: self-disclosure and direct questioning. Focusing on these potential mediating variables, we tested two explanatory hypotheses: the CMC-induced direct questioning hypothesis and the CMC-induced self-disclosure hypothesis. Eighty-one cross-sex dyads were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions: text-only CMC, visual CMC, and face-to-face communication. We did not find a direct effect of CMC on interpersonal attraction. However, we did find two positive indirect effects of text-only CMC on interpersonal attraction: text-only CMC stimulated both self-disclosure and direct questioning, both of which in turn enhanced interpersonal attraction. Results are discussed in light of uncertainty reduction theory and CMC theories.

Sex differences in attraction to familiar and unfamiliar opposite-sex faces: men prefer novelty and women prefer familiarity.

PubMed

Little, Anthony C; DeBruine, Lisa M; Jones, Benedict C

2014-07-01

Familiarity is attractive in many types of stimuli and exposure generally increases feelings of liking. However, men desire a greater number of sexual partners than women, suggesting a preference for novelty. We examined sex differences in preferences for familiarity. In Study 1 (N = 83 women, 63 men), we exposed individuals to faces twice and found that faces were judged as more attractive on the second rating, reflecting attraction to familiar faces, with the exception that men's ratings of female faces decreased on the second rating, demonstrating attraction to novelty. In Studies 2 (N = 42 women, 28 men) and 3 (N = 51 women, 25 men), exposure particularly decreased men's ratings of women's attractiveness for short-term relationships and their sexiness. In Study 4 (N = 64 women, 50 men), women's attraction to faces was positively related to self-rated similarity to their current partner's face, while the effect was significantly weaker for men. Potentially, men's attraction to novelty may reflect an adaptation promoting the acquisition of a high number of sexual partners.

Advances in Attract-and-Kill for Agricultural Pests: Beyond Pheromones.

PubMed

Gregg, Peter C; Del Socorro, Alice P; Landolt, Peter J

2018-01-07

Attract-and-kill has considerable potential as a tactic in integrated management of pests of agricultural crops, but the use of sex pheromones as attractants is limited by male multiple mating and immigration of mated females into treated areas. Attractants for both sexes, and particularly females, would minimize these difficulties. Volatile compounds derived from plants or fermentation of plant products can attract females and have been used in traps for monitoring and control, and in sprayable attract-and-kill formulations or bait stations. Recent advances in fundamental understanding of insect responses to plant volatiles should contribute to the development of products that can help manage a wide range of pests with few impacts on nontarget organisms, but theory must be tempered with pragmatism in the selection of volatiles and toxicants and in defining their roles in formulations. Market requirements and regulatory factors must be considered in parallel with scientific constraints if successful products are to be developed.

A Web of applicant attraction: person-organization fit in the context of Web-based recruitment.

PubMed

Dineen, Brian R; Ash, Steven R; Noe, Raymond A

2002-08-01

Applicant attraction was examined in the context of Web-based recruitment. A person-organization (P-O) fit framework was adopted to examine how the provision of feedback to individuals regarding their potential P-O fit with an organization related to attraction. Objective and subjective P-O fit, agreement with fit feedback, and self-esteem also were examined in relation to attraction. Results of an experiment that manipulated fit feedback level after a self-assessment provided by a fictitious company Web site found that both feedback level and objective P-O fit were positively related to attraction. These relationships were fully mediated by subjective P-O fit. In addition, attraction was related to the interaction of objective fit, feedback, and agreement and objective fit, feedback, and self-esteem. Implications and future Web-based recruitment research directions are discussed.

Density Scaling of Glassy Dynamics and Dynamic Heterogeneities in Glass-forming Liquids.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Yuan-Chao; Yang, Yong; Wang, Wei-Hua

The discovery of density scaling in strongly correlating systems is an important progress for understanding the dynamic behaviors of supercooled liquids. Here we found for a ternary metallic glass-forming liquid, it is not strongly correlating thermodynamically, but its average dynamics, dynamic heterogeneities and static structure are still well described by density scaling with the same scaling exponent γ. As an intrinsic material constant stemming from the fundamental interatomic interactions, γ is theoretically predicted from the thermodynamic fluctuations of potential energy and the virial. Although γ is conventionally understood merely from the repulsive part of the inter-particle potentials, the strong correlation between γ and the Grüneisen parameter up to the accuracy of the Dulong-Petit approximation demonstrates the important roles of anharmonicity and attractive force of the interatomic potential in governing glass transition of metallic glass-formers. The supercooled dynamics and density scaling behaviors will also be discussed in model glass-forming liquids with tunable attractive potentials to further quantify the nonperturbative roles of attractive interactions. We acknowledge the support from ''Peter Ho Conference Scholarships'' of City University of Hong Kong.

Facial-Attractiveness Choices Are Predicted by Divisive Normalization.

PubMed

Furl, Nicholas

2016-10-01

Do people appear more attractive or less attractive depending on the company they keep? A divisive-normalization account-in which representation of stimulus intensity is normalized (divided) by concurrent stimulus intensities-predicts that choice preferences among options increase with the range of option values. In the first experiment reported here, I manipulated the range of attractiveness of the faces presented on each trial by varying the attractiveness of an undesirable distractor face that was presented simultaneously with two attractive targets, and participants were asked to choose the most attractive face. I used normalization models to predict the context dependence of preferences regarding facial attractiveness. The more unattractive the distractor, the more one of the targets was preferred over the other target, which suggests that divisive normalization (a potential canonical computation in the brain) influences social evaluations. I obtained the same result when I manipulated faces' averageness and participants chose the most average face. This finding suggests that divisive normalization is not restricted to value-based decisions (e.g., attractiveness). This new application to social evaluation of normalization, a classic theory, opens possibilities for predicting social decisions in naturalistic contexts such as advertising or dating.

Beauty is in the belief of the beholder: cognitive influences on the neural response to facial attractiveness

PubMed Central

Thiruchselvam, Ravi; Harper, Jessica; Homer, Abigail L.

2016-01-01

Judgments of facial attractiveness are central to decision-making in various domains, but little is known about the extent to which they are malleable. In this study, we used EEG/ERP methods to examine two novel influences on neural and subjective responses to facial attractiveness: an observer’s expectation and repetition. In each trial of our task, participants viewed either an ordinary or attractive face. To alter expectations, the faces were preceded by a peer-rating that ostensibly reflected the overall attractiveness value assigned to that face by other individuals. To examine the impact of repetition, trials were presented twice throughout the experimental session. Results showed that participants’ expectations about a person’s attractiveness level powerfully altered both the neural response (i.e. the late positive potential; LPP) and self-reported attractiveness ratings. Intriguingly, repetition enhanced both the LPP and self-reported attractiveness as well. Exploratory analyses further suggested that both observer expectation and repetition modulated early neural responses (i.e. the early posterior negativity; EPN) elicited by facial attractiveness. Collectively, these results highlight novel influences on a core social judgment that underlies individuals’ affective lives. PMID:27522090

Beauty is in the ease of the beholding: A neurophysiological test of the averageness theory of facial attractiveness

PubMed Central

Trujillo, Logan T.; Jankowitsch, Jessica M.; Langlois, Judith H.

2014-01-01

Multiple studies show that people prefer attractive over unattractive faces. But what is an attractive face and why is it preferred? Averageness theory claims that faces are perceived as attractive when their facial configuration approximates the mathematical average facial configuration of the population. Conversely, faces that deviate from this average configuration are perceived as unattractive. The theory predicts that both attractive and mathematically averaged faces should be processed more fluently than unattractive faces, whereas the averaged faces should be processed marginally more fluently than the attractive faces. We compared neurocognitive and behavioral responses to attractive, unattractive, and averaged human faces to test these predictions. We recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) and reaction times (RTs) from 48 adults while they discriminated between human and chimpanzee faces. Participants categorized averaged and high attractive faces as “human” faster than low attractive faces. The posterior N170 (150 – 225 ms) face-evoked ERP component was smaller in response to high attractive and averaged faces versus low attractive faces. Single-trial EEG analysis indicated that this reduced ERP response arose from the engagement of fewer neural resources and not from a change in the temporal consistency of how those resources were engaged. These findings provide novel evidence that faces are perceived as attractive when they approximate a facial configuration close to the population average and suggest that processing fluency underlies preferences for attractive faces. PMID:24326966

50 CFR 648.146 - Special management zones.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... for an artificial reef, fish attraction device, or other modification of habitat for purposes of... that are not compatible with the intent of the artificial reef or fish attraction device or other... Magnuson-Stevens Act, and other applicable law. (5) The natural bottom in and surrounding potential SMZs...

Quantum Chromodynamics and Color Confinement (confinement 2000) - Proceedings of the International Symposium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suganuma, H.; Fukushima, M.; Toki, H.

The Table of Contents for the book is as follows: * Preface * Opening Address * Monopole Condensation and Quark Confinement * Dual QCD, Effective String Theory, and Regge Trajectories * Abelian Dominance and Monopole Condensation * Non-Abelian Stokes Theorem and Quark Confinement in QCD * Infrared Region of QCD and Confining Configurations * BRS Quartet Mechanism for Color Confinement * Color Confinement and Quartet Mechanism * Numerical Tests of the Kugo-Ojima Color Confinement Criterion * Monopoles and Confinement in Lattice QCD * SU(2) Lattice Gauge Theory at T > 0 in a Finite Box with Fixed Holonomy * Confining and Dirac Strings in Gluodynamics * Cooling, Monopoles, and Vortices in SU(2) Lattice Gauge Theory * Quark Confinement Physics from Lattice QCD * An (Almost) Perfect Lattice Action for SU(2) and SU(3) Gluodynamics * Vortices and Confinement in Lattice QCD * P-Vortices, Nexuses and Effects of Gribov Copies in the Center Gauges * Laplacian Center Vortices * Center Vortices at Strong Couplings and All Couplings * Simulations in SO(3) × Z(2) Lattice Gauge Theory * Exciting a Vortex - the Cost of Confinement * Instantons in QCD * Deformation of Instanton in External Color Fields * Field Strength Correlators in the Instanton Liquid * Instanton and Meron Physics in Lattice QCD * The Dual Ginzburg-Landau Theory for Confinement and the Role of Instantons * Lattice QCD for Quarks, Gluons and Hadrons * Hadronic Spectral Functions in QCD * Universality and Chaos in Quantum Field Theories * Lattice QCD Study of Three Quark Potential * Probing the QCD Vacuum with Flavour Singlet Objects : η' on the Lattice * Lattice Studies of Quarks and Gluons * Quarks and Hadrons in QCD * Supersymmetric Nonlinear Sigma Models * Chiral Transition and Baryon-number Susceptibility * Light Quark Masses in QCD * Chiral Symmetry of Baryons and Baryon Resonances * Confinement and Bound States in QCD * Parallel Session * Off-diagonal Gluon Mass Generation and Strong Randomness of Off-diagonal Gluon Phase in the Maximally Abelian Gauge * On the Colour Confinement and the Minimal Surface * Glueball Mass and String Tension of SU(2) Gluodynamics from Abelian Monopoles and Strings * Application of the Non-Perturbative Renormalization Group to the Nambu-Jona-Lasinio Model at Finite Temperature and Density * Confining Flux-Tube and Hadrons in QCD * Gauge Symmetry Breakdown due to Dynamical Higgs Scalar * Spatial Structure of Quark Cooper Pairs * New Approach to Axial Coupling Constants in the QCD Sum Rule and Instanton Effects * String Breaking on a Lattice * Bethe-Salpeter Approach for Mesons within the Dual Ginzburg-Landau Theory * Gauge Dependence and Matching Procedure of a Nonrelativistic QCD Boundstate Formalism * A Mathematical Approach to the SU(2)-Quark Confinement * Simulations of Odd Flavors QCD by Hybrid Monte Carlo * Non-Perturbative Renormalization Group Analysis of Dynamical Chiral Symmetry Breaking with Beyond Ladder Contributions * Charmonium Physics in Finite Temperature Lattice QCD * From Meson-Nucleon Scattering to Vector Mesons in Nuclear Matter * Symposium Program * List of Participants

A laboratory evaluation of alcohols as attractants for the sandfly Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera:Psychodidae).

PubMed

Magalhães-Junior, Jairo Torres; Barrouin-Melo, Stella Maria; Corrêa, Arlene Gonçalves; da Rocha Silva, Flavia Benini; Machado, Vicente Estevam; Govone, José Silvio; Pinto, Mara Cristina

2014-02-06

The potential attraction from 1-octen-3-ol for sandflies has been documented; however, studies using other primary alcohols are limited. We used a wind tunnel to compare the activation and attractive behaviors in male and female Lutzomyia longipalpis using 1-octen-3-ol and three additional alcohols, 1-octanol, 1-heptanol and 1-nonanol at three different concentrations: neat (100%) and diluted in hexane (10% and 50%). The compounds 1-octen-3-ol and 1-nonanol induced a clear concentration-dependent activation and attraction response in females. In males, 1-octen-3-ol, 1-nonanol and 1-heptanol yielded the same results. L. longipalpis is attracted to 1-octen-3-ol, 1-nonanol and 1-heptanol, which are found in many plant volatiles.

Electrostatic attraction between overall neutral surfaces.

PubMed

Adar, Ram M; Andelman, David; Diamant, Haim

2016-08-01

Two overall neutral surfaces with positively and negatively charged domains ("patches") have been shown in recent experiments to exhibit long-range attraction when immersed in an ionic solution. Motivated by the experiments, we calculate analytically the osmotic pressure between such surfaces within the Poisson-Boltzmann framework, using a variational principle for the surface-averaged free energy. The electrostatic potential, calculated beyond the linear Debye-Hückel theory, yields an overall attraction at large intersurface separations, over a wide range of the system's controlled length scales. In particular, the attraction is stronger and occurs at smaller separations for surface patches of larger size and charge density. In this large patch limit, we find that the attraction-repulsion crossover separation is inversely proportional to the square of the patch-charge density and to the Debye screening length.

Tunable interactions between paramagnetic colloidal particles driven in a modulated ratchet potential.

PubMed

Straube, Arthur V; Tierno, Pietro

2014-06-14

We study experimentally and theoretically the interactions between paramagnetic particles dispersed in water and driven above the surface of a stripe patterned magnetic garnet film. An external rotating magnetic field modulates the stray field of the garnet film and generates a translating potential landscape which induces directed particle motion. By varying the ellipticity of the rotating field, we tune the inter-particle interactions from net repulsive to net attractive. For attractive interactions, we show that pairs of particles can approach each other and form stable doublets which afterwards travel along the modulated landscape at a constant mean speed. We measure the strength of the attractive force between the moving particles and propose an analytically tractable model that explains the observations and is in quantitative agreement with experiment.

Donor life stage influences juvenile American eel Anguilla rostrata attraction to conspecific chemical cues

USGS Publications Warehouse

Galbraith, Heather S.; Blakeslee, Carrie J.; Schmucker, Andrew K.; Johnson, Nicholas; Hansen, Michael J.; Li, Weiming

2017-01-01

The present study investigated the potential role of conspecific chemical cues in inland juvenile American eel Anguilla rostrata migrations by assessing glass eel and 1 year old elver affinities to elver washings, and elver affinity to adult yellow eel washings. In two-choice maze assays, glass eels were attracted to elver washings, but elvers were neither attracted to nor repulsed by multiple concentrations of elver washings or to yellow eel washings. These results suggest that A. rostrata responses to chemical cues may be life-stage dependent and that glass eels moving inland may use the odour of the previous year class as information to guide migration. The role of chemical cues and olfaction in eel migrations warrants further investigation as a potential restoration tool.

Blow-up behavior of ground states for a nonlinear Schrödinger system with attractive and repulsive interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Yujin; Zeng, Xiaoyu; Zhou, Huan-Song

2018-01-01

We consider a nonlinear Schrödinger system arising in a two-component Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) with attractive intraspecies interactions and repulsive interspecies interactions in R2. We get ground states of this system by solving a constrained minimization problem. For some kinds of trapping potentials, we prove that the minimization problem has a minimizer if and only if the attractive interaction strength ai (i = 1 , 2) of each component of the BEC system is strictly less than a threshold a*. Furthermore, as (a1 ,a2) ↗ (a* ,a*), the asymptotical behavior for the minimizers of the minimization problem is discussed. Our results show that each component of the BEC system concentrates at a global minimum of the associated trapping potential.

Two faces of narcissism and romantic attraction: evidence from a collectivistic culture.

PubMed

Feng, Chunliang; Zhou, Hui; Liang, Yuling; Yi, Li

2012-08-01

The present study was aimed to extend the self-orientation model (Campbell, 1999) to vulnerable narcissism in a collectivistic culture. Two hundred and twenty-seven college students were recruited from China. Participants reported their ratings on measures of vulnerable and grandiose narcissism, attractions to different (caring vs perfect) targets, and their choices of potential romantic partners. Results indicated that those participants classified as grandiose or vulnerable narcissists were more attracted to perfect targets than non-narcissists. In addition, grandiose narcissists preferred to choose perfect targets as their romantic partners, while vulnerable narcissists did not show such a preference when choosing potential partners. These results suggested that culture could influence the function of narcissism. The self-orientation model could not fully explain the choices of vulnerable narcissists.

Children's Physical Attractiveness and Sex as Determinants of Adult Punitiveness

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dion, Karen K.

1974-01-01

Two studies investigated the influence of a child's physical attractiveness and sex as potential elicitors of differential adult punitiveness. Assessed were the reactions of 40 women and 44 men. Results reveal differences in men's and women's reactions and suggest differences in their orientation towards children's task behavior. (Author/SDH)

Effects of Associating with Musical Genres on Heterosexual Attraction.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zillman, Dolf; Bhatia, Azra

1989-01-01

Studies the effect of musical preferences on undergraduate students' estimation of numerous behavioral traits and the desirability of a potential heterosexual date. Finds that such disclosure influences attraction, as well as the perception and evaluation of pertinent traits, the effects being a function of genre-specific stereotypes and…

A potential field suppression system for Bactrocera dorsalis Hendel

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

We first observed attraction by oriental fruit flies to a basil plant in a yard and confirmed the attractiveness to basil oil (BO) in the laboratory. We subsequently identified the insecticidal compounds from BO that could kill three species of tephritid fruit flies in the laboratory, and discovered...

Measuring social interaction in music ensembles

PubMed Central

D'Ausilio, Alessandro; Badino, Leonardo; Camurri, Antonio; Fadiga, Luciano

2016-01-01

Music ensembles are an ideal test-bed for quantitative analysis of social interaction. Music is an inherently social activity, and music ensembles offer a broad variety of scenarios which are particularly suitable for investigation. Small ensembles, such as string quartets, are deemed a significant example of self-managed teams, where all musicians contribute equally to a task. In bigger ensembles, such as orchestras, the relationship between a leader (the conductor) and a group of followers (the musicians) clearly emerges. This paper presents an overview of recent research on social interaction in music ensembles with a particular focus on (i) studies from cognitive neuroscience; and (ii) studies adopting a computational approach for carrying out automatic quantitative analysis of ensemble music performances. PMID:27069054

Measuring social interaction in music ensembles.

PubMed

Volpe, Gualtiero; D'Ausilio, Alessandro; Badino, Leonardo; Camurri, Antonio; Fadiga, Luciano

2016-05-05

Music ensembles are an ideal test-bed for quantitative analysis of social interaction. Music is an inherently social activity, and music ensembles offer a broad variety of scenarios which are particularly suitable for investigation. Small ensembles, such as string quartets, are deemed a significant example of self-managed teams, where all musicians contribute equally to a task. In bigger ensembles, such as orchestras, the relationship between a leader (the conductor) and a group of followers (the musicians) clearly emerges. This paper presents an overview of recent research on social interaction in music ensembles with a particular focus on (i) studies from cognitive neuroscience; and (ii) studies adopting a computational approach for carrying out automatic quantitative analysis of ensemble music performances. © 2016 The Author(s).

Brief report: altered horizontal binding of single dots to coherent motion in autism.

PubMed

David, Nicole; Rose, Michael; Schneider, Till R; Vogeley, Kai; Engel, Andreas K

2010-12-01

Individuals with autism often show a fragmented way of perceiving their environment, suggesting a disorder of information integration, possibly due to disrupted communication between brain areas. We investigated thirteen individuals with high-functioning autism (HFA) and thirteen healthy controls using the metastable motion quartet, a stimulus consisting of two dots alternately presented at four locations of a hypothetical square, thereby inducing an apparent motion percept. This percept is vertical or horizontal, the latter requiring binding of motion signals across cerebral hemispheres. Decreasing the horizontal distance between dots could facilitate horizontal percepts. We found evidence for altered horizontal binding in HFA: Individuals with HFA needed stronger facilitation to experience horizontal motion. These data are interpreted in light of reduced cross-hemispheric communication.

Synthesis of C13- and N15-Labeled DNAN

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-07-24

Multiplicities are described as singlet (s), doublet (d), triplet (t), quartet (q), doublet of doublets (dd), doublet of doublet of doublets ( ddd ), multiplet...dd, 4.8Hz, 2.6Hz, 1H), 8.40 ( ddd , 8.8Hz, 2.6Hz, 1.8Hz, 1H), and 7.81 (d, 8.8Hz, 1H) ppm. 13C NMR (CDCl3): δ 147.8 (dd, 18Hz, 3Hz), 146.3 (dd, 17Hz...Dinitroanisole mp: 86-88 °C 1H NMR (CDCl3): δ 8.77 (m, 4.8Hz, 2.6Hz, 1H), 8.46 ( ddd , 9.2Hz, 2.6Hz, 1.8Hz, 1H), 7.23 (d, 9.2Hz, 1H), and 4.10 (s, 3H

OMEGA{sup -}, XI*{sup -}, SIGMA*{sup -}, and DELTA{sup -} decuplet baryon magnetic moments

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Slaughter, Milton Dean

The properties of the ground-state U spin =(3/2) baryon decuplet magnetic moments DELTA{sup -}, XI*{sup -}, SIGMA*{sup -}, and OMEGA{sup -} and their ground-state spin-(1/2) cousins p, n, LAMBDA, SIGMA{sup +}, SIGMA{sup 0}, SIGMA{sup -}, XI{sup +}, and XI{sup -} have been studied for many years with a modicum of success. The magnetic moments of many are yet to be determined. Of the decuplet baryons, only the magnetic moment of the OMEGA{sup -} has been accurately determined. We calculate the magnetic moments of the physical decuplet U spin =(3/2) quartet members without ascribing any specific form to their quark structuremore » or intraquark interactions.« less

Trochanteric area pain, the result of a quartet of bursal inflammation.

PubMed

Rothschild, Bruce

2013-07-18

Bursitis is quite responsive to therapeutic intervention, once the afflicted area is accurately identified. This is especially notable for some hip complaints. Patients' use of the term "hip" can relate to anything from the low back to groin to lateral thigh pain. Trochanteric area surface localization of "hip" pain may afford an opportunity for immediate cure. Effectiveness of therapeutic intervention is predicated upon injection of not one or two, but all four peri-trochanteric bursa with a depot (minimally water-soluble) corticosteroid. The term trochanteric bursitis suggests that the inflammation is more focal than what is clinically observed. While easier to express, perhaps it is time to refer to inflammation in this area, naming all four affected bursae.

Trochanteric area pain, the result of a quartet of bursal inflammation

PubMed Central

Rothschild, Bruce

2013-01-01

Bursitis is quite responsive to therapeutic intervention, once the afflicted area is accurately identified. This is especially notable for some hip complaints. Patients’ use of the term “hip” can relate to anything from the low back to groin to lateral thigh pain. Trochanteric area surface localization of “hip” pain may afford an opportunity for immediate cure. Effectiveness of therapeutic intervention is predicated upon injection of not one or two, but all four peri-trochanteric bursa with a depot (minimally water-soluble) corticosteroid. The term trochanteric bursitis suggests that the inflammation is more focal than what is clinically observed. While easier to express, perhaps it is time to refer to inflammation in this area, naming all four affected bursae. PMID:23878774

Index theorem and universality properties of the low-lying eigenvalues of improved staggered quarks.

PubMed

Follana, E; Hart, A; Davies, C T H

2004-12-10

We study various improved staggered quark Dirac operators on quenched gluon backgrounds in lattice QCD generated using a Symanzik-improved gluon action. We find a clear separation of the spectrum into would-be zero modes and others. The number of would-be zero modes depends on the topological charge as expected from the index theorem, and their chirality expectation value is large ( approximately 0.7). The remaining modes have low chirality and show clear signs of clustering into quartets and approaching the random matrix theory predictions for all topological charge sectors. We conclude that improvement of the fermionic and gauge actions moves the staggered quarks closer to the continuum limit where they respond correctly to QCD topology.

Effects of potential partners' physical attractiveness and socioeconomic status on sexuality and partner selection.

PubMed

Townsend, J M; Levy, G D

1990-04-01

Male (n = 170) and female (n = 212) college students viewed photographs, which had been prerated for physical attractiveness, of three opposite-sex individuals. These photographs were paired with three levels of occupational status and income. Subjects indicated their willingness to engage in relationships of varying levels of sexual intimacy and marital potential with the portrayed individuals. Analyses of variance, correlations, and trend analyses supported the hypotheses. Compared to men, women are more likely to prefer or insist that sexual intercourse occur in relationships that involve affection and marital potential, and women place more emphasis than men do on partners' SES in such relationships. Consequently, men's SES and their willingness and ability to invest affection and resources in relationships may often outweigh the effects of their physical attractiveness in women's actual selection of partners. These results and the literature reviewed are more consistent with parental investment theory than with the view that these sex differences are solely the result of differential access to resources and differential socialization.

Effects of partner beauty on opposite-sex attractiveness judgments.

PubMed

Little, Anthony C; Caldwell, Christine A; Jones, Benedict C; DeBruine, Lisa M

2011-12-01

Many studies show mate choice copying effects on mate preferences in non-human species in which individuals follow or copy the mate choices of same-sex conspecifics. Recent studies suggest that social learning also influences mate preferences in humans. Studies on heterosexual humans have focused on rating the attractiveness of potential mates (targets) presented alongside individuals of the opposite sex to the target (models). Here, we examined several different types of pairing to examine how specific social learning is to mate preferences. In Study 1, we replicated a previous effect whereby target faces of the opposite sex to the subject were rated as more attractive when paired with attractive than unattractive partner models of the same sex as the subject. Using the same paired stimuli, Study 2 demonstrated no effect of a paired model if subjects were asked to rate targets who were the same sex as themselves. In Study 3, we used pairs of the same sex, stating the pair were friends, and subjects rated targets of the opposite sex to themselves. Attractive models decreased targets' attractiveness, opposite to the effect in Study 1. Finally, Study 4 examined if attractive versus unattractive non-face stimuli might influence attraction. Unlike in Study 1, pairing with attractive stimuli either had no effect or decreased the attractiveness of paired target face images. These data suggest that social transmission of preferences via pairing with attractive/unattractive images is relatively specific to learning about mate preferences but does not influence attractiveness judgments more generally.

Quantifying variation in the ability of yeasts to attract Drosophila melanogaster.

PubMed

Palanca, Loida; Gaskett, Anne C; Günther, Catrin S; Newcomb, Richard D; Goddard, Matthew R

2013-01-01

Yeasts that invade and colonise fruit significantly enhance the volatile chemical diversity of this ecosystem. These modified bouquets are thought to be more attractive to Drosophila flies than the fruit alone, but the variance of attraction in natural yeast populations is uncharacterised. Here we investigate how a range of yeast isolates affect the attraction of female D. melanogaster to fruit in a simple two choice assay comparing yeast to sterile fruit. Of the 43 yeast isolates examined, 33 were attractive and seven repellent to the flies. The results of isolate-versus-isolate comparisons provided the same relative rankings. Attractiveness varied significantly by yeast, with the strongly fermenting Saccharomyces species generally being more attractive than the mostly respiring non-Saccharomyces species (P = 0.0035). Overall the habitat (fruit or other) from which the isolates were directly sampled did not explain attraction (P = 0.2352). However, yeasts isolated from fruit associated niches were more attractive than those from non-fruit associated niches (P = 0.0188) regardless of taxonomic positioning. These data suggest that while attractiveness is primarily correlated with phylogenetic status, the ability to attract Drosophila is a labile trait among yeasts that is potentially associated with those inhabiting fruit ecosystems. Preliminary analysis of the volatiles emitted by four yeast isolates in grape juice show the presence/absence of ethanol and acetic acid were not likely explanations for the observed variation in attraction. These data demonstrate variation among yeasts for their ability to attract Drosophila in a pattern that is consistent with the hypothesis that certain yeasts are manipulating fruit odours to mediate interactions with their Drosophila dispersal agent.

Clustering and phase behaviour of attractive active particles with hydrodynamics.

PubMed

Navarro, Ricard Matas; Fielding, Suzanne M

2015-10-14

We simulate clustering, phase separation and hexatic ordering in a monolayered suspension of active squirming disks subject to an attractive Lennard-Jones-like pairwise interaction potential, taking hydrodynamic interactions between the particles fully into account. By comparing the hydrodynamic case with counterpart simulations for passive and active Brownian particles, we elucidate the relative roles of self-propulsion, interparticle attraction, and hydrodynamic interactions in determining clustering and phase behaviour. Even in the presence of an attractive potential, we find that hydrodynamic interactions strongly suppress the motility induced phase separation that might a priori have been expected in a highly active suspension. Instead, we find only a weak tendency for the particles to form stringlike clusters in this regime. At lower activities we demonstrate phase behaviour that is broadly equivalent to that of the counterpart passive system at low temperatures, characterized by regimes of gas-liquid, gas-solid and liquid-solid phase coexistence. In this way, we suggest that a dimensionless quantity representing the level of activity relative to the strength of attraction plays the role of something like an effective non-equilibrium temperature, counterpart to the (dimensionless) true thermodynamic temperature in the passive system. However there are also some important differences from the equilibrium case, most notably with regards the degree of hexatic ordering, which we discuss carefully.

Body height, immunity, facial and vocal attractiveness in young men.

PubMed

Skrinda, Ilona; Krama, Tatjana; Kecko, Sanita; Moore, Fhionna R; Kaasik, Ants; Meija, Laila; Lietuvietis, Vilnis; Rantala, Markus J; Krams, Indrikis

2014-12-01

Health, facial and vocal attributes and body height of men may affect a diverse range of social outcomes such as attractiveness to potential mates and competition for resources. Despite evidence that each parameter plays a role in mate choice, the relative role of each and inter-relationships between them, is still poorly understood. In this study, we tested relationships both between these parameters and with testosterone and immune function. We report positive relationships between testosterone with facial masculinity and attractiveness, and we found that facial masculinity predicted facial attractiveness and antibody response to a vaccine. Moreover, the relationship between antibody response to a hepatitis B vaccine and body height was found to be non-linear, with a positive relationship up to a height of 188 cm, but an inverse relationship in taller men. We found that vocal attractiveness was dependent upon vocal masculinity. The relationship between vocal attractiveness and body height was also non-linear, with a positive relationship of up to 178 cm, which then decreased in taller men. We did not find a significant relationship between body height and the fundamental frequency of vowel sounds provided by young men, while body height negatively correlated with the frequency of second formant. However, formant frequency was not associated with the strength of immune response. Our results demonstrate the potential of vaccination research to reveal costly traits that govern evolution of mate choice in humans and the importance of trade-offs among these traits.

Body height, immunity, facial and vocal attractiveness in young men

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skrinda, Ilona; Krama, Tatjana; Kecko, Sanita; Moore, Fhionna R.; Kaasik, Ants; Meija, Laila; Lietuvietis, Vilnis; Rantala, Markus J.; Krams, Indrikis

2014-12-01

Health, facial and vocal attributes and body height of men may affect a diverse range of social outcomes such as attractiveness to potential mates and competition for resources. Despite evidence that each parameter plays a role in mate choice, the relative role of each and inter-relationships between them, is still poorly understood. In this study, we tested relationships both between these parameters and with testosterone and immune function. We report positive relationships between testosterone with facial masculinity and attractiveness, and we found that facial masculinity predicted facial attractiveness and antibody response to a vaccine. Moreover, the relationship between antibody response to a hepatitis B vaccine and body height was found to be non-linear, with a positive relationship up to a height of 188 cm, but an inverse relationship in taller men. We found that vocal attractiveness was dependent upon vocal masculinity. The relationship between vocal attractiveness and body height was also non-linear, with a positive relationship of up to 178 cm, which then decreased in taller men. We did not find a significant relationship between body height and the fundamental frequency of vowel sounds provided by young men, while body height negatively correlated with the frequency of second formant. However, formant frequency was not associated with the strength of immune response. Our results demonstrate the potential of vaccination research to reveal costly traits that govern evolution of mate choice in humans and the importance of trade-offs among these traits.

Facial attractiveness, symmetry, and physical fitness in young women.

PubMed

Hönekopp, Johannes; Bartholomé, Tobias; Jansen, Gregor

2004-06-01

This study explores the evolutionary-based hypothesis that facial attractiveness (a guiding force in mate selection) is a cue for physical fitness (presumably an important contributor to mate value in ancestral times). Since fluctuating asymmetry, a measure of developmental stability, is known to be a valid cue for fitness in several biological domains, we scrutinized facial asymmetry as a potential mediator between attractiveness and fitness. In our sample of young women, facial beauty indeed indicated physical fitness. The relationships that pertained to asymmetry were in the expected direction. However, a closer analysis revealed that facial asymmetry did not mediate the relationship between fitness and attractiveness. Unexpected problems regarding the measurement of facial asymmetry are discussed.

Thermodynamic curvature for attractive and repulsive intermolecular forces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

May, Helge-Otmar; Mausbach, Peter; Ruppeiner, George

2013-09-01

The thermodynamic curvature scalar R for the Lennard-Jones system is evaluated in phase space, including vapor, liquid, and solid state. We paid special attention to the investigation of R along vapor-liquid, liquid-solid, and vapor-solid equilibria. Because R is a measure of interaction strength, we traced out the line R=0 dividing the phase space into regions with effectively attractive (R<0) or repulsive (R>0) interactions. Furthermore, we analyzed the dependence of R on the strength of attraction applying a perturbation ansatz proposed by Weeks-Chandler-Anderson. Our results show clearly a transition from R>0 (for poorly repulsive interaction) to R<0 when loading attraction in the intermolecular potential.

Visual exposure to obesity: Experimental effects on attraction toward overweight men and mate choice in females.

PubMed

Robinson, E; Christiansen, P

2015-09-01

Cultural differences in ideal body weight are well established, but less research has examined attraction toward potential mates of heavier body weights. We examined whether exposure to obesity increases physical attraction toward overweight men. In Studies 1 and 2, we examined the effect that exposure to obese vs healthy weight men had on female attraction toward an overweight man. Study 3 examined whether females who are regularly exposed to males of heavier body weights reported a greater attraction toward overweight men. Study 4 tested whether females in an online dating study were more likely to choose to date an overweight man, after having been exposed to obesity. Exposure to obesity altered visual perceptions of what normal and therefore healthy body weights were and this resulted in greater attraction toward an overweight man (Studies 1 and 2). Females regularly exposed to men of heavier body weight reported a greater attraction toward overweight men (Study 3). After exposure to obesity, females in an online dating study were more likely to choose to date an overweight man ahead of a healthy weight man (Study 4). Exposure to male obesity increases female attraction toward overweight men and may affect mate choice.

Beauty is in the belief of the beholder: cognitive influences on the neural response to facial attractiveness.

PubMed

Thiruchselvam, Ravi; Harper, Jessica; Homer, Abigail L

2016-12-01

Judgments of facial attractiveness are central to decision-making in various domains, but little is known about the extent to which they are malleable. In this study, we used EEG/ERP methods to examine two novel influences on neural and subjective responses to facial attractiveness: an observer's expectation and repetition. In each trial of our task, participants viewed either an ordinary or attractive face. To alter expectations, the faces were preceded by a peer-rating that ostensibly reflected the overall attractiveness value assigned to that face by other individuals. To examine the impact of repetition, trials were presented twice throughout the experimental session. Results showed that participants' expectations about a person's attractiveness level powerfully altered both the neural response (i.e. the late positive potential; LPP) and self-reported attractiveness ratings. Intriguingly, repetition enhanced both the LPP and self-reported attractiveness as well. Exploratory analyses further suggested that both observer expectation and repetition modulated early neural responses (i.e. the early posterior negativity; EPN) elicited by facial attractiveness. Collectively, these results highlight novel influences on a core social judgment that underlies individuals' affective lives. © The Author (2016). Published by Oxford University Press. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

History and current concepts in the analysis of facial attractiveness.

PubMed

Bashour, Mounir

2006-09-01

Facial attractiveness research has yielded many discoveries in the past 30 years, and facial cosmetic, plastic, and reconstructive surgeons should have a thorough understanding of these findings. Many of the recent studies were conducted by social, developmental, cognitive, and evolutionary psychologists, and although the findings have been published in the psychology literature, they have not been presented in a comprehensive manner appropriate to surgeons. The author reviews the findings of facial attractiveness research from antiquity to the present day and highlights and analyzes important concepts necessary for a thorough understanding of facial attractiveness. Four important cues emerge as being the most important determinants of attractiveness: averageness (prototypicality), sexual dimorphism, youthfulness, and symmetry. A surgeon planning facial cosmetic, plastic, or reconstructive surgery can potentially gain both profound insight and better quality surgical results by appreciating these findings.

Laboratory evaluation of differential attraction of Culex pipiens pallens to fruit-based sugar baits.

PubMed

Ding, Yan-Mei; Hu, Yin; Yu, Bao-Ting; Mo, Xiao-Chang; Mo, Jian-Chu

2016-11-01

Mosquito adults usually need to obtain sugar from floral nectaries and damaged fruits/seed pods to replenish their energy reserves. The newly developed attractive toxic sugar baits have been successfully applied in controlling various mosquito species outdoors. However, the attraction of Culex pipiens pallens to different fruit-based sugar baits remains unknown. In the present study, we selected nine common fruit species, prepared the fruit-based sugar solutions, and investigated the attractiveness of different sugar baits to newly emerged Cx. pipiens pallens in the laboratory. The results showed that when tested against the 5% brown sugar solution, all the sugar baits were significantly attractive to both females and males. When tested together in the mesh-covered cage, there was a significant difference on the attractiveness between different fruit-based sugar baits. The most attractive fruit species included Broussonetia papyrifera, Cucumis melo, C. melo var. saccharinus, Amygdalus persica and Pyrus bretschneideri, and their seed pods could be potentially used as ingredients in ATSB for controlling mosquitoes outdoors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Combined Sprays of Sex Pheromone and Insecticides to Attract and Kill Codling Moth

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Field trials were conducted to evaluate the potential of an "attract-and-kill" approach for control of codling moth by adding half-rates of microencapsulated (MEC) lambda-cyhalothrin or acetamiprid to a sex pheromone formulation in Turkey and the USA in 2006. Two apple orchards were divided into six...

Managing the University Patent Portfolio and Making It Attractive to Licensees: A Commonsense Approach

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Garabedian, Todd E.; Galletta, Elizabeth A.

2005-01-01

Building an attractive patent and technology portfolio for potential licensees requires involvement and diligence by the technology transfer office and the inventors. Steps outlined in this article, such as proper treatment of IP to assure rights are not lost, preventing premature disclosures, assuring proper ownership and inventorship of…

Assessing public concern for landscape quality: a potential model to identify visual thresholds

Treesearch

Arthur W. Magill

1990-01-01

Considerable public criticism and sometimes legal obstructions have been directed toward landscape management in relation to the extraction of natural resources. Many managers do not understand public concerns for visually attractive resources. Managers need to know when landscape alterations, like clearcuts, attract public attention and become visually objectionable....

A kairomone based attract-and-kill system effective against alfalfa looper (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

PubMed

Camelo, Leonardo de A; Landolt, Peter J; Zack, Richard S

2007-04-01

A chemical lure derived from flowers that are visited by moths attracts male and female alfalfa loopers, Autographa californica (Speyer) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). This feeding attractant is dispensed from polypropylene bottles that provide controlled release for several weeks. A killing station was tested in the laboratory, in a screenhouse, and in the field in combination with this lure as an "attract-and-kill" system. Starved alfalfa looper adults (moths) were strongly attracted to the attract-and-kill station in a flight tunnel, and 90.9% of female moths and 87.6% of male moths that contacted the station died. In commercial fields of alfalfa hay, female moths captured in monitoring traps were reduced by 80-93% in plots receiving 125 attract-and-kill stations per hectare. In screenhouse trials using two attract-and-kill stations per screenhouse, oviposition on potted lettuce plants by starved female alfalfa looper moths was reduced by 98.5%. Moths were less likely to be attracted to lures when provided sugar before flight tunnel assays, and oviposition by fed moths was much less affected by attract-and-kill stations in screenhouse trials, compared with starved moths. This method has potential as a means to manage alfalfa looper populations in vegetable and other agricultural crops. However, consideration must be given to competing food and odor sources in the field.

Interactions among the effects of head orientation, emotional expression, and physical attractiveness on face preferences.

PubMed

Main, Julie C; DeBruine, Lisa M; Little, Anthony C; Jones, Benedict C

2010-01-01

Previous studies have shown that preferences for direct versus averted gaze are modulated by emotional expressions and physical attractiveness. For example, preferences for direct gaze are stronger when judging happy or physically attractive faces than when judging disgusted or physically unattractive faces. Here we show that preferences for front versus three-quarter views of faces, in which gaze direction was always congruent with head orientation, are also modulated by emotional expressions and physical attractiveness; participants demonstrated preferences for front views of faces over three-quarter views of faces when judging the attractiveness of happy, physically attractive individuals, but not when judging the attractiveness of relatively unattractive individuals or those with disgusted expressions. Moreover, further analyses indicated that these interactions did not simply reflect differential perceptions of the intensity of the emotional expressions shown in each condition. Collectively, these findings present novel evidence that the effect of the direction of the attention of others on attractiveness judgments is modulated by cues to the physical attractiveness and emotional state of the depicted individual, potentially reflecting psychological adaptations for efficient allocation of social effort. These data also present the first behavioural evidence that the effect of the direction of the attention of others on attractiveness judgments reflects viewer-referenced, rather than face-referenced, coding and/or processing of gaze direction.

Sex Differences in the Implications of Partner Physical Attractiveness for the Trajectory of Marital Satisfaction

PubMed Central

Meltzer, Andrea L.; McNulty, James K.; Jackson, Grace; Karney, Benjamin R.

2014-01-01

Do men value physical attractiveness in a mate more than women? Scientists in numerous disciplines believe that they do, but recent research using speed-dating paradigms suggests that males and females are equally influenced by physical attractiveness when choosing potential mates. Nevertheless, the premise of the current work is that sex differences in the importance of physical attractiveness are most likely to emerge in research on long-term relationships. Accordingly, the current work drew from four independent, longitudinal studies to examine sex differences in the implications of partner physical attractiveness for trajectories of marital satisfaction. In all four studies, both partners’ physical attractiveness was objectively rated at baseline and both partners reported their marital satisfaction up to eight times over the first four years of marriage. Whereas husbands were more satisfied at the beginning of the marriage and remained more satisfied over the next four years to the extent that they had an attractive wife, wives were no more or less satisfied initially or over the next four years to the extent that they had an attractive husband. Most importantly, a direct test indicated that partner physical attractiveness played a larger role in predicting husbands’ satisfaction than predicting wives’ satisfaction. These findings strengthen support for the idea that gender differences in self-reported preferences for physical attractiveness do have implications for long-term relationship outcomes. PMID:24128188

The undermining effect of facial attractiveness on brain responses to fairness in the Ultimatum Game: an ERP study

PubMed Central

Ma, Qingguo; Hu, Yue; Jiang, Shushu; Meng, Liang

2015-01-01

To investigate the time course of the neural processing of facial attractiveness and its influence on fairness consideration during social interactions, event-related potentials (ERP) were recorded from 21 male subjects performing a two-person Ultimatum Game (UG). During this bargaining game, the male subjects played responders who decided whether to accept offers from female proposers, whose facial images (grouped as “attractive” and “unattractive”) were presented prior to the offer presentation. The behavioral data demonstrated that the acceptance ratio increased with the fairness level of the offers and, more importantly, the subjects were more likely to accept unfair offers when presented with the attractive-face condition compared with the unattractive-face condition. The reaction times (RTs) for five offers (1:9, 2:8, 3:7, 4:6, and 5:5) in the unattractive-face condition were not significantly different. In contrast, the subjects reacted slower to the attractive proposers' unfair offers and quicker to fair offers. The ERP analysis of the face presentation demonstrated a decreased early negativity (N2) and enhanced late positive potentials (LPPs) elicited by the attractive faces compared with the unattractive faces. In addition, the feedback-related negativity (FRN) in response to an offer presentation was not significantly different for the unfair (1:9 and 2:8) and fair (4:6 and 5:5) offers in the attractive-face condition. However, the unfair offers generated larger FRNs compared with the fair offers in the unattractive-face condition (consistent with prior studies). A similar effect was identified for P300. The present study demonstrated an undermining effect of proposer facial attractiveness on responder consideration of offer fairness during the UG. PMID:25805967

Comparison of Integrated Gasifier-Combined Cycle and AFB-steam turbine systems for industrial cogeneration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nainiger, J. J.; Abbott, J. M.; Burns, R. K.

1981-01-01

In the cogeneration technology alternatives study (CTAS) a number of advanced coal fired systems were examined and systems using a integrated coal gasifier IGCC or a fluid bed combustor AFB were found to yield attractive cogeneration results in industrial cogeneration applications. A range of site requirements and cogeneration sizing strategies using ground rules based on CTAS were used in comparing an IGCC and an AFB. The effect of time variations in site requirements and the sensitivity to fuel and electricity price assumptions are examined. The economic alternatives of industrial or utility ownership are also considered. The results indicate that the IGCC system has potentially higher fuel and emission savings and could be an attractive option for utility ownership. The AFB steam turbine system has a potentially higher return on investment and could be attractive assuming industrial ownership.

Exponentially decaying interaction potential of cavity solitons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anbardan, Shayesteh Rahmani; Rimoldi, Cristina; Kheradmand, Reza; Tissoni, Giovanna; Prati, Franco

2018-03-01

We analyze the interaction of two cavity solitons in an optically injected vertical cavity surface emitting laser above threshold. We show that they experience an attractive force even when their distance is much larger than their diameter, and eventually they merge. Since the merging time depends exponentially on the initial distance, we suggest that the attraction could be associated with an exponentially decaying interaction potential, similarly to what is found for hydrophobic materials. We also show that the merging time is simply related to the characteristic times of the laser, photon lifetime, and carrier lifetime.

Observation of a Degenerate Fermi Gas Trapped by a Bose-Einstein Condensate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

DeSalvo, B. J.; Patel, Krutik; Johansen, Jacob; Chin, Cheng

2017-12-01

We report on the formation of a stable quantum degenerate mixture of fermionic 6Li and bosonic 133Cs in an optical trap by sympathetic cooling near an interspecies Feshbach resonance. New regimes of quantum degenerate Bose-Fermi mixtures are identified. With moderate attractive interspecies interactions, we show that a degenerate Fermi gas of Li can be fully confined in a Cs Bose-Einstein condensate without external potentials. For stronger attraction where mean-field collapse is expected, no such instability is observed. Potential mechanisms to explain this phenomenon are discussed.

A pear-derived kairomone with pheromonal potency that attracts male and female codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Light, Douglas M.; Knight, Alan L.; Henrick, Clive A.; Rajapaska, Dayananda; Lingren, Bill; Dickens, Joseph C.; Reynolds, Katherine M.; Buttery, Ronald G.; Merrill, Gloria; Roitman, James; Campbell, Bruce C.

2001-08-01

Ethyl (2 E, 4 Z)-2,4-decadienoate, a pear-derived volatile, is a species-specific, durable, and highly potent attractant to the codling moth (CM), Cydia pomonella (L.), a serious pest of walnuts, apples, and pears worldwide. This kairomone attracts both CM males and virgin and mated females. It is highly attractive to CM in both walnut and apple orchard contexts, but has shown limited effectiveness in a pear orchard context. Rubber septa lures loaded with ethyl (2 E, 4 Z)-2,4-decadienoate remained attractive for several months under field conditions. At the same low microgram load rates on septa, the combined gender capture of CM in kairomone-baited traps was similar to the capture rate of males in traps baited with codlemone, the major sex pheromone component. The particular attribute of attracting CM females renders this kairomone a novel tool for monitoring population flight and mating-ovipositional status, and potentially a major new weapon for directly controlling CM populations.

Directional change in tunneling of subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in response to decayed wood attractants.

PubMed

Su, Nan-Yao

2005-04-01

Wood discs decayed with brown rot fungi and polymer discs impregnated with acetone extract of decayed wood were embedded in sand of a two-dimensional foraging arena to evaluate their attractant potential in directing termite tunnels toward them. Termites were released near one arena corner and were guided to follow the physical guideline of the arena edges. In the absence of the attractants, termites generally formed a relatively linear tunnel along the edges. When decayed wood discs or treated polymer discs were placed in wet sand near one side of the arena, termite tunnels departed from the arena edges and were oriented toward them. The attraction distance ranged from 12 to 18 cm. The attractant properties were most likely water soluble and permeated through wet sand to cause termites to change their orientation. The results demonstrated that when such attractants are placed near a bait station in the field, they may be used to direct termite foraging toward the station.

Gendered sexuality: a new model and measure of attraction and intimacy.

PubMed

Starks, Tyrel J; Gilbert, Brenda O; Fischer, Ann R; Weston, Rebecca; DiLalla, David L

2009-01-01

Currently, the literature related to sexual orientation is ambiguous with regard to the relationship of sexual orientation, sexual identity, attraction, and intimacy. In order to explore the relationships of self-identified categorical sexual identity (which is the most popular method of sexual orientation assessment) with attraction and intimacy, it is imperative that researchers have access to a reliable and valid measure of the latter. The present study proposes a model for conceptualizing attraction and intimacy, termed gendered sexuality, and examines the factor structure of a measure designed to assess the construct. Results suggest that four factors adequately accounted for the variance in gendered sexuality in a large sample of young adults. These factors assess attraction to females, attraction to males, intimacy with females, and intimacy with males. Exploratory analyses provided preliminary evidence of potential construct validity and suggested that discrepancies between desired and available behavior predict dissatisfaction in interpersonal role as measured by the Outcome Questionnaire 45.2.

Size-dependent interaction of silica nanoparticles with lysozyme and bovine serum albumin proteins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yadav, Indresh; Aswal, Vinod K.; Kohlbrecher, Joachim

2016-05-01

The interaction of three different sized (diameter 10, 18, and 28 nm) anionic silica nanoparticles with two model proteins—cationic lysozyme [molecular weight (MW) 14.7 kDa)] and anionic bovine serum albumin (BSA) (MW 66.4 kDa) has been studied by UV-vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). The adsorption behavior of proteins on the nanoparticles, measured by UV-vis spectroscopy, is found to be very different for lysozyme and BSA. Lysozyme adsorbs strongly on the nanoparticles and shows exponential behavior as a function of lysozyme concentration irrespective of the nanoparticle size. The total amount of adsorbed lysozyme, as governed by the surface-to-volume ratio, increases on lowering the size of the nanoparticles for a fixed volume fraction of the nanoparticles. On the other hand, BSA does not show any adsorption for all the different sizes of the nanoparticles. Despite having different interactions, both proteins induce similar phase behavior where the nanoparticle-protein system transforms from one phase (clear) to two phase (turbid) as a function of protein concentration. The phase behavior is modified towards the lower concentrations for both proteins with increasing the nanoparticle size. DLS suggests that the phase behavior arises as a result of the nanoparticles' aggregation on the addition of proteins. The size-dependent modifications in the interaction potential, responsible for the phase behavior, have been determined by SANS data as modeled using the two-Yukawa potential accounting for the repulsive and attractive interactions in the systems. The protein-induced interaction between the nanoparticles is found to be short-range attraction for lysozyme and long-range attraction for BSA. The magnitude of attractive interaction irrespective of protein type is enhanced with increase in the size of the nanoparticles. The total (attractive+repulsive) potential leading to two-phase formation is found to be more attractive for larger sized nanoparticles. The nanoparticle aggregates are characterized by mass fractal.

Long-Range Attractive and Repulsive Interactions between Colloidal Particles at the Air/Water Interface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gómez-Guzmán, Oscar; Ruiz-García, Jaime

2001-03-01

In the last few years there has been evidence of long-range attractive interactions between colloidal particles trapped between glass plates, where the plates separation is a few particle’s diameter.[1,2,3] In these experiments it is believe that the glass walls play an important role for the observed attractions. Colloidal particles trapped at the air water interface show the formation of different 2-D colloidal patterns such as foams, clusters and chains,[4,5,6,7] whose formation can be taken as an evidence of long range attractive interaction. Here, we present measurements of the pair interaction potential between 0.5 µm colloidal particles at the air/water interface. The potential shows an attractive secondary minimum at about 1.9s, where s is the particle’s diameter, and a secondary repulsive maximum at longer distances. Surprisingly, the position of the secondary well is at a position similar to those found on the colloidal systems trapped between glass plates. It is possible that in our colloidal system the interface plays the role of a glass plate. However, we do not have a clear explanation on the origin of the attractive component of the interaction potential. 1. G. M. Kepler and S. Fraden, Phys. Rev. Lett. 73, 356 (1994) 2. M. D. Carbajal-Tinoco, F. Castro-Roman and J. L. Arauz-Lara, Phys. Rev. E 53, 3745 (1996) 3. J. C. Croker and D. G. Grier, Phys. Rev. Lett. 77, 1897 (1996) 4. J. Ruiz-Garcia, R. Gámez-Corrales and B. I. Ivlev, Physica A 236, 97 (1997) 5. J. Ruiz-Garcia, R. Gámez-Corrales and B. I. Ivlev, Phys. Rev. E 58, 660 (1998) 6. J. Ruiz-Garcia and B. I. Ivlev, Molec. Phys. 95, 371 (1998) 7. S. J. Mejia-Rosales, R. Gamez-Corrales, B. I. Ivlev and J. Ruiz-Garcia, Physica A 276, 30 (2000)

Observing a scale anomaly and a universal quantum phase transition in graphene.

PubMed

Ovdat, O; Mao, Jinhai; Jiang, Yuhang; Andrei, E Y; Akkermans, E

2017-09-11

One of the most interesting predictions resulting from quantum physics, is the violation of classical symmetries, collectively referred to as anomalies. A remarkable class of anomalies occurs when the continuous scale symmetry of a scale-free quantum system is broken into a discrete scale symmetry for a critical value of a control parameter. This is an example of a (zero temperature) quantum phase transition. Such an anomaly takes place for the quantum inverse square potential known to describe 'Efimov physics'. Broken continuous scale symmetry into discrete scale symmetry also appears for a charged and massless Dirac fermion in an attractive 1/r Coulomb potential. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the universality of this quantum phase transition and to present convincing experimental evidence of its existence for a charged and massless fermion in an attractive Coulomb potential as realized in graphene.When the continuous scale symmetry of a quantum system is broken, anomalies occur which may lead to quantum phase transitions. Here, the authors provide evidence for such a quantum phase transition in the attractive Coulomb potential of vacancies in graphene, and further envision its universality for diverse physical systems.

Do the repulsive and attractive pair forces play separate roles for the physics of liquids?

PubMed

Bøhling, Lasse; Veldhorst, Arno A; Ingebrigtsen, Trond S; Bailey, Nicholas P; Hansen, Jesper S; Toxvaerd, Søren; Schrøder, Thomas B; Dyre, Jeppe C

2013-01-23

According to standard liquid-state theory repulsive and attractive pair forces play distinct roles for the physics of liquids. This paradigm is put into perspective here by demonstrating a continuous series of pair potentials that have virtually the same structure and dynamics, although only some of them have attractive forces of significance. Our findings reflect the fact that the motion of a given particle is determined by the total force on it, whereas the quantity usually discussed in liquid-state theory is the individual pair force.

Effective writing that attracts patients.

PubMed

Baum, Neil

2015-01-01

Doctors today not only must communicate verbally, they must also realize that the written word is important to their ability to connect with the patients that they already have and also to attract new patients. Doctors will be expected to write blogs, to create content for their Web sites, to write articles for local publications, and even to learn to express themselves in 140 characters or less (i.e., Twitter). This article presents 10 rules for selecting the right words to enhance your communication with existing patients and potentially to attract new patients to your practice.

Using Social Media to Measure the Contribution of Red List Species to the Nature-Based Tourism Potential of African Protected Areas

PubMed Central

Drakou, Evangelia G.; Burgess, Neil D.

2015-01-01

Cultural ecosystem services are defined by people’s perception of the environment, which make them hard to quantify systematically. Methods to describe cultural benefits from ecosystems typically include resource-demanding survey techniques, which are not suitable to assess cultural ecosystem services for large areas. In this paper we explore a method to quantify cultural benefits through the enjoyment of natured-based tourism, by assessing the potential tourism attractiveness of species for each protected area in Africa using the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species. We use the number of pictures of wildlife posted on a photo sharing website as a proxy for charisma, popularity, and ease of observation, as these factors combined are assumed to determine how attractive species are for the global wildlife tourist. Based on photo counts of 2473 African animals and plants, species that seem most attractive to nature-based tourism are the Lion, African Elephant and Leopard. Combining the photo counts with species range data, African protected areas with the highest potential to attract wildlife tourists based on attractive species occurrence were Samburu National Reserve in Kenya, Mukogodo Forest Reserve located just north of Mount Kenya, and Addo Elephant National Park in South-Africa. The proposed method requires only three data sources which are freely accessible and available online, which could make the proposed index tractable for large scale quantitative ecosystem service assessments. The index directly links species presence to the tourism potential of protected areas, making the connection between nature and human benefits explicit, but excludes other important contributing factors for tourism, such as accessibility and safety. This social media based index provides a broad understanding of those species that are popular globally; in many cases these are not the species of highest conservation concern. PMID:26068111

Facial Features: What Women Perceive as Attractive and What Men Consider Attractive.

PubMed

Muñoz-Reyes, José Antonio; Iglesias-Julios, Marta; Pita, Miguel; Turiegano, Enrique

2015-01-01

Attractiveness plays an important role in social exchange and in the ability to attract potential mates, especially for women. Several facial traits have been described as reliable indicators of attractiveness in women, but very few studies consider the influence of several measurements simultaneously. In addition, most studies consider just one of two assessments to directly measure attractiveness: either self-evaluation or men's ratings. We explored the relationship between these two estimators of attractiveness and a set of facial traits in a sample of 266 young Spanish women. These traits are: facial fluctuating asymmetry, facial averageness, facial sexual dimorphism, and facial maturity. We made use of the advantage of having recently developed methodologies that enabled us to measure these variables in real faces. We also controlled for three other widely used variables: age, body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio. The inclusion of many different variables allowed us to detect any possible interaction between the features described that could affect attractiveness perception. Our results show that facial fluctuating asymmetry is related both to self-perceived and male-rated attractiveness. Other facial traits are related only to one direct attractiveness measurement: facial averageness and facial maturity only affect men's ratings. Unmodified faces are closer to natural stimuli than are manipulated photographs, and therefore our results support the importance of employing unmodified faces to analyse the factors affecting attractiveness. We also discuss the relatively low equivalence between self-perceived and male-rated attractiveness and how various anthropometric traits are relevant to them in different ways. Finally, we highlight the need to perform integrated-variable studies to fully understand female attractiveness.

Facial Features: What Women Perceive as Attractive and What Men Consider Attractive

PubMed Central

Muñoz-Reyes, José Antonio; Iglesias-Julios, Marta; Pita, Miguel; Turiegano, Enrique

2015-01-01

Attractiveness plays an important role in social exchange and in the ability to attract potential mates, especially for women. Several facial traits have been described as reliable indicators of attractiveness in women, but very few studies consider the influence of several measurements simultaneously. In addition, most studies consider just one of two assessments to directly measure attractiveness: either self-evaluation or men's ratings. We explored the relationship between these two estimators of attractiveness and a set of facial traits in a sample of 266 young Spanish women. These traits are: facial fluctuating asymmetry, facial averageness, facial sexual dimorphism, and facial maturity. We made use of the advantage of having recently developed methodologies that enabled us to measure these variables in real faces. We also controlled for three other widely used variables: age, body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio. The inclusion of many different variables allowed us to detect any possible interaction between the features described that could affect attractiveness perception. Our results show that facial fluctuating asymmetry is related both to self-perceived and male-rated attractiveness. Other facial traits are related only to one direct attractiveness measurement: facial averageness and facial maturity only affect men's ratings. Unmodified faces are closer to natural stimuli than are manipulated photographs, and therefore our results support the importance of employing unmodified faces to analyse the factors affecting attractiveness. We also discuss the relatively low equivalence between self-perceived and male-rated attractiveness and how various anthropometric traits are relevant to them in different ways. Finally, we highlight the need to perform integrated-variable studies to fully understand female attractiveness. PMID:26161954

A new measure of molecular attractions between nanoparticles near kT adhesion energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kendall, Kevin; Dhir, Aman; Du, Shangfeng

2009-07-01

The weak molecular attractions of nanoparticles are important because they drive self-assembly mechanisms, allow processing in dispersions e.g. of pigments, catalysts or device structures, influence disease through the attraction of viruses to cells and also cause potential toxic effects through nanoparticle interference with biomolecules and organs. The problem is to understand these small forces which pull nanoparticles into intimate contact; forces which are comparable with 3kT/2z the thermal impact force experienced by an average Brownian particle hitting a linear repulsive potential of range z. Here we describe a new method for measuring the atomic attractions of nanoparticles based on the observation of aggregates produced by these small forces. The method is based on the tracking of individual monosize nanoparticles whose diameter can be calculated from the Stokes-Einstein analysis of the tracks in aqueous suspensions. Then the doublet aggregates are distinguished because they move slower and are also very much brighter than the dispersed nanoparticles. By finding the ratio of doublets to singlets, the adhesive energy between the particles can be calculated from known statistical thermodynamic theory using assumptions about the shape of the interaction potential. In this way, very small adhesion energies of 2kT have been measured, smaller than those seen previously by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM).

Integrating body movement into attractiveness research.

PubMed

Fink, Bernhard; Weege, Bettina; Neave, Nick; Pham, Michael N; Shackelford, Todd K

2015-01-01

People judge attractiveness and make trait inferences from the physical appearance of others, and research reveals high agreement among observers making such judgments. Evolutionary psychologists have argued that interest in physical appearance and beauty reflects adaptations that motivate the search for desirable qualities in a potential partner. Although men more than women value the physical appearance of a partner, appearance universally affects social perception in both sexes. Most studies of attractiveness perceptions have focused on third party assessments of static representations of the face and body. Corroborating evidence suggests that body movement, such as dance, also conveys information about mate quality. Here we review evidence that dynamic cues (e.g., gait, dance) also influence perceptions of mate quality, including personality traits, strength, and overall attractiveness. We recommend that attractiveness research considers the informational value of body movement in addition to static cues, to present an integrated perspective on human social perception.

Polymer-Induced Depletion Interaction and Its Effect on Colloidal Sedimentation in Colloid-Polymer Mixtures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tong, Penger

1996-01-01

In this paper we focus on the polymer-induced depletion attraction and its effect on colloidal sedimentation in colloid-polymer mixtures. We first report a small angle neutron scattering (SANS) study of the depletion effect in a mixture of hard-sphere-like colloid and non-adsorbing polymer. Then we present results of our recent sedimentation measurements in the same colloid-polymer mixture. A key parameter in controlling the sedimentation of heavy colloidal particles is the interparticle potential U(tau), which is the work required to bring two colloidal particles from infinity to a distance tau under a give solvent condition. This potential is known to affect the average settling velocity of the particles and experimentally one needs to have a way to continuously vary U(tau) in order to test the theory. The interaction potential U(tau) can be altered by adding polymer molecules into the colloidal suspension. In a mixture of colloid and non-adsorbing polymer, the potential U(tau) can develop an attractive well because of the depletion effect, in that the polymer chains are expelled from the region between two colloidal particles when their surface separation becomes smaller than the size of the polymer chains. The exclusion of polymer molecules from the space between the colloidal particles leads to an unbalanced osmotic pressure difference pushing the colloidal particles together, which results in an effective attraction between the two colloidal particles. The polymer-induced depletion attraction controls the phase stability of many colloid-polymer mixtures, which are directly of interest to industry.

Influence of the shell thickness and charge distribution on the effective interaction between two like-charged hollow spheres.

PubMed

Angelescu, Daniel G; Caragheorgheopol, Dan

2015-10-14

The mean-force and the potential of the mean force between two like-charged spherical shells were investigated in the salt-free limit using the primitive model and Monte Carlo simulations. Apart from an angular homogeneous distribution, a discrete charge distribution where point charges localized on the shell outer surface followed an icosahedral arrangement was considered. The electrostatic coupling of the model system was altered by the presence of mono-, trivalent counterions or small dendrimers, each one bearing a net charge of 9 e. We analyzed in detail how the shell thickness and the radial and angular distribution of the shell charges influenced the effective interaction between the shells. We found a sequence of the potential of the mean force similar to the like-charged filled spheres, ranging from long-range purely repulsive to short-range purely attractive as the electrostatic coupling increased. Both types of potentials were attenuated and an attractive-to-repulsive transition occurred in the presence of trivalent counterions as a result of (i) thinning the shell or (ii) shifting the shell charge from the outer towards the inner surface. The potential of the mean force became more attractive with the icosahedrally symmetric charge model, and additionally, at least one shell tended to line up with 5-fold symmetry axis along the longest axis of the simulation box at the maximum attraction. The results provided a basic framework of understanding the non-specific electrostatic origin of the agglomeration and long-range assembly of the viral nanoparticles.

Characteristics people consider when evaluating forest landscape attractiveness: fuel management implications

Treesearch

Melinda Merrick; Joanne Vining

2006-01-01

In this study, we were able to gain a better understanding of which elements people observe when they are making decisions about the relative attractiveness of a forest. Of primary consideration to participants were the specific characteristics of the vegetation, especially forest health, and the experiential potential for the forest scenes. Participants fairly often...

Do Job Requirements and Work Conditions Interact with Individual Characteristics To Influence Teacher Attraction to the Principalship?

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Newton, Rose Mary; Zeitoun, Peter

Policymakers have called for reinventing the principal's role because the long list of duties assigned to principals discourages potential applicants from applying for position vacancies. The focus of this study was to examine teachers' attraction to the principalship. Its purpose was to generate practical information that will inform efforts of…

Does Becoming a Member of the Football Bowl Subdivision Increase Institutional Attractiveness to Potential Students

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jones, Willis A.

2014-01-01

In recent years, a number of colleges and universities have made the decision to pursue membership in the NCAA's Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) with the idea that participating in higher profile intercollegiate football can help attract students to their institution. This belief, however, has not been empirically examined. Using…

Similarity Attracts: An Analysis of Recruitment Decisions in Academia

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Roebken, Heinke

2010-01-01

The finding and the recruiting of scientists have been a long-standing issue in higher education. Due to the dearth of reliable evidence on scholarly potential at an early stage of a scientist's career, the hiring department often has to look for alternative assessment criteria. Drawing on the similarity-attraction theory, it is hypothesized that…

Field responses of predaceous arthropods to methyl salicylate: a meta-analysis and case study in cranberries

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Methyl salicylate (MeSA) is an herbivore-induced plant volatile (HIPV) that has shown potential in attracting natural enemies. Here, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the magnitude of natural enemy response to MeSA in the field, and tested its attractiveness to insect predators in commercial...

The Attractiveness of Regional Towns: Inferring Quality of Life from Higher Education Facilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Drummond, Aaron; Palmer, Matthew A.; Halsey, R. John

2013-01-01

We examined whether the presence of higher education facilities made regional towns more attractive as potential residences. Metropolitan undergraduate students reported that they were more willing to live in a regional town with (vs. without) a university. Importantly, this applied regardless of whether they intended to work or study at the…

Differential response of a local population of entomopathogenic nematodes to non-native herbivore induced plant volatiles (HIPV) in the laboratory and field

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Recent work has shown the potential for enhanced efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) through their attraction to herbivore induced plant volatiles. However, there has been little investigation into the utilization of these attractants in systems other than in those in which the compounds we...

Connectivity percolation in suspensions of attractive square-well spherocylinders.

PubMed

Dixit, Mohit; Meyer, Hugues; Schilling, Tanja

2016-01-01

We have studied the connectivity percolation transition in suspensions of attractive square-well spherocylinders by means of Monte Carlo simulation and connectedness percolation theory. In the 1980s the percolation threshold of slender fibers has been predicted to scale as the fibers' inverse aspect ratio [Phys. Rev. B 30, 3933 (1984)PRBMDO1098-012110.1103/PhysRevB.30.3933]. The main finding of our study is that the attractive spherocylinder system reaches this inverse scaling regime at much lower aspect ratios than found in suspensions of hard spherocylinders. We explain this difference by showing that third virial corrections of the pair connectedness functions, which are responsible for the deviation from the scaling regime, are less important for attractive potentials than for hard particles.

Coastal Planning for Sustainable Maritime Management

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hakim, F.; Santoso, E. B.; Supriharjo, R.

2017-08-01

The Kendari Bay has a unique asset as a tourist attraction for the residents of the city of Kendari. The coastal area with all its potential like as a green open space, mangrove forests, the play area, is still a main destination to attract visitors. The function of Kendari Bay area as a tourist attraction makes this area as a place that has potential as a center of the economic vibrant and social interaction. Unfortunately, the arrangement of the area has not been done so that the integrated development of the region is not optimal. Therefore, it is important to promote a concept of area development as a tourist destination of coastal areas in order to improve function of the area. The concept of the coastal development area of Kendari Bay as tourist areas is formulated by the development criteria that influence to capable of attracting tourists. The criteria is formulated by the factors that play a role in the development of tourist areas, further exploration by qualitative descriptive analysis based on the information respondents. Fixation of the results of the criteria development was done with descriptive analysis assessed based on theoretically references through literature and regulations regarding the criteria for the development of tourism. To formulating the concept of tourism development used qualitative descriptive analysis technique with validation using triangulation techniques. The concept of tourism development based on the potential of the region is divided into three zones, namely area development of the core zone, direct supporting zone and indirect supporting zone. The macro spatial concept is necessary for the development of the area through the improvement of accessibility to tourist attraction, while the micro spatial concept includes improvements and additions to the activity in each zone to provide the convenience facilities for the tourists.

Iron monocyanide (FeCN): Spin-orbit and vibronic interactions in low-lying electronic states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jerosimić, Stanka V.; Milovanović, Milan Z.

2018-04-01

The spin-orbit eigenvalues of low-energy quartet and sextet spatially degenerate electronic states of FeCN are reported, together with the combined effect of vibronic and spin-orbit interaction in the lowest-lying 14Δ and 16Δ states of FeCN, by using perturbational and variational method. Spin-orbit constants (ASO) have been calculated in the basis of: (a) two components of each degenerate state, (b) four components of 14Δ and 14Π (16Δ and 16Π) states, and (c) ten components of 16Δ, 16Π, 16Σ+, 14Δ, 14Π, and 14Σ+ states. The present calculations predict the values of ASO= -77 cm-1 for 16Δ and ASO= -108 cm-1 for 14Δ state in the lowest-energy spin-orbit manifolds of each state. The major perturbing state for the 14Δ state is the 14Π state (16Π for the sextet 16Δ). As expected, based on extremely small splitting and shallowness of the bending potential energy curves for the lowest-lying 4,6Δ states, the present study indicate that the vibronic coupling does not create significant splitting of the bending levels, but the influence of anharmonicity in the bending mode is more pronounced. However, the spin-orbit fine structure dominantly influences the spectra of this species.

Mismatch in the distribution of floral ecotypes and pollinators: insights into the evolution of sexually deceptive orchids.

PubMed

Phillips, R D; Bohman, B; Anthony, J M; Krauss, S L; Dixon, K W; Peakall, R

2015-03-01

Plants are predicted to show floral adaptation to geographic variation in the most effective pollinator, potentially leading to reproductive isolation and genetic divergence. Many sexually deceptive orchids attract just a single pollinator species, limiting opportunities to experimentally investigate pollinator switching. Here, we investigate Drakaea concolor, which attracts two pollinator species. Using pollinator choice tests, we detected two morphologically similar ecotypes within D. concolor. The common ecotype only attracted Zaspilothynnus gilesi, whereas the rare ecotype also attracted an undescribed species of Pogonothynnus. The rare ecotype occurred at populations nested within the distribution of the common ecotype, with no evidence of ecotypes occurring sympatrically. Surveying for pollinators at over 100 sites revealed that ecotype identity was not correlated with wasp availability, with most orchid populations only attracting the rare Z. gilesi. Using microsatellite markers, genetic differentiation among populations was very low (GST = 0.011) regardless of ecotype, suggestive of frequent gene flow. Taken together, these results may indicate that the ability to attract Pogonothynnus has evolved recently, but this ecotype is yet to spread. The nested distribution of ecotypes, rather than the more typical formation of ecotypes in allopatry, illustrates that in sexually deceptive orchids, pollinator switching could occur throughout a species' range, resulting from multiple potentially suitable but unexploited pollinators occurring in sympatry. This unusual case of sympatric pollinators highlights D. concolor as a promising study system for further understanding the process of pollinator switching from ecological, chemical and genetic perspectives. © 2015 European Society For Evolutionary Biology. Journal of Evolutionary Biology © 2015 European Society For Evolutionary Biology.

The image of psychology programs: the value of the instrumental-symbolic framework.

PubMed

Van Hoye, Greet; Lievens, Filip; De Soete, Britt; Libbrecht, Nele; Schollaert, Eveline; Baligant, Dimphna

2014-01-01

As competition for funding and students intensifies, it becomes increasingly important for psychology programs to have an image that is attractive and makes them stand out from other programs. The current study uses the instrumental-symbolic framework from the marketing domain to determine the image of different master's programs in psychology and examines how these image dimensions relate to student attraction and competitor differentiation. The samples consist of both potential students (N = 114) and current students (N = 68) of three psychology programs at a Belgian university: industrial and organizational psychology, clinical psychology, and experimental psychology. The results demonstrate that both instrumental attributes (e.g., interpersonal activities) and symbolic trait inferences (e.g., sincerity) are key components of the image of psychology programs and predict attractiveness as well as differentiation. In addition, symbolic image dimensions seem more important for current students of psychology programs than for potential students.

Effect of Leg-to-Body Ratio on Body Shape Attractiveness.

PubMed

Kiire, Satoru

2016-05-01

Recent studies have examined various aspects of human physical attractiveness. Attractiveness is considered an evolved psychological mechanism acquired via natural selection because an attractive body reflects an individual's health and fertility. The length of the legs is an often-emphasized aspect of attractiveness and has been investigated using the leg-to-body ratio (LBR), which reflects nutritional status of the infant, health status, fecundity, and other factors that are predictive of physical fitness. However, previous studies of leg length and physical fitness have produced mixed results. The present study investigated the relationship between LBR, defined as the height to perineum divided by total height, and perceived attractiveness. Three-dimensional stimuli (11 male and 11 female) were constructed with various LBR features. Each stimulus was rated by 40 women and 40 men in Japan on a 7-point scale. The results showed that the values closest to the average LBRs were rated as the most attractive. Furthermore, by fitting a quadratic curve on the relationship between attractiveness and LBR, an inverted U-shaped curve with the peak located at the average LBR was observed. In addition, high LBR values were rated as more attractive in females, whereas the opposite was true for males. These results suggest that average LBR is indicative of good health and good reproductive potential, whereas more extreme values are avoided because they could be indicative of diseases and other maladaptive conditions.

Explaining financial and prosocial biases in favor of attractive people: Interdisciplinary perspectives from economics, social psychology, and evolutionary psychology.

PubMed

Maestripieri, Dario; Henry, Andrea; Nickels, Nora

2017-01-01

Financial and prosocial biases in favor of attractive adults have been documented in the labor market, in social transactions in everyday life, and in studies involving experimental economic games. According to the taste-based discrimination model developed by economists, attractiveness-related financial and prosocial biases are the result of preferences or prejudices similar to those displayed toward members of a particular sex, racial, ethnic, or religious group. Other explanations proposed by economists and social psychologists maintain that attractiveness is a marker of personality, intelligence, trustworthiness, professional competence, or productivity. Evolutionary psychologists have argued that attractive adults are favored because they are preferred sexual partners. Evidence that stereotypes about attractive people are causally related to financial or prosocial biases toward them is weak or nonexistent. Consistent with evolutionary explanations, biases in favor of attractive women appear to be more consistent or stronger than those in favor of attractive men, and biases are more consistently reported in interactions between opposite-sex than same-sex individuals. Evolutionary explanations also account for increased prosocial behavior in situations in which attractive individuals are simply bystanders. Finally, evolutionary explanations are consistent with the psychological, physiological, and behavioral changes that occur when individuals are exposed to potential mates, which facilitate the expression of courtship behavior and increase the probability of occurrence of mating. Therefore, multiple lines of evidence suggest that mating motives play a more important role in driving financial and prosocial biases toward attractive adults than previously recognized.

The effect of "single" vs "double" eyelids on the perceived attractiveness of Chinese women.

PubMed

Hwang, Harry S; Spiegel, Jeffrey H

2014-03-01

A well-defined supratarsal crease has often been considered attractive, representing a significant component in a beautiful upper eyelid. Approximately 50% of East and Southeast Asian women are born with either a minimal or absent supratarsal eyelid crease. Among people of Chinese descent, the creation of a supratarsal crease ("double" eyelid blepharoplasty) is the most common cosmetic surgical procedure, but no comparative study has assessed the height by which an upper eyelid crease is deemed most attractive and depending on cultural background. The authors assess how attractiveness is interpreted by different cultural groups to determine whether double-eyelid blepharoplasty enhances attractiveness according to both Chinese and non-Chinese observers. Facial photographs were taken of 19 women of Chinese descent. The photographs were enhanced with computer imaging software to generate 3 additional pictures, depicting low, medium, and high upper eyelid creases on each model. Via an Internet-based survey tool, Chinese and non-Chinese observers were asked to rate the attractiveness of the faces with each potential eyelid position. (Surveys are available online at www.aestheticsurgeryjournal.com, as Appendix 1 and Appendix 2.) Both Chinese and non-Chinese observers considered the medium-height upper eyelid crease most attractive (P < .00001). An absent upper eyelid crease was deemed the least attractive (P < .00001). These preference data for eyelid height can be used to better counsel patients on perceived attractiveness and expectations for surgical results, since these results further elucidate which facial features are universally considered attractive.

Sex differences in the implications of partner physical attractiveness for the trajectory of marital satisfaction.

PubMed

Meltzer, Andrea L; McNulty, James K; Jackson, Grace L; Karney, Benjamin R

2014-03-01

Do men value physical attractiveness in a mate more than women? Scientists in numerous disciplines believe that they do, but recent research using speed-dating paradigms suggests that males and females are equally influenced by physical attractiveness when choosing potential mates. Nevertheless, the premise of the current work is that sex differences in the importance of physical attractiveness are most likely to emerge in research on long-term relationships. Accordingly, the current work drew from 4 independent, longitudinal studies to examine sex differences in the implications of partner physical attractiveness for trajectories of marital satisfaction. In all 4 studies, both partners' physical attractiveness was objectively rated at baseline, and both partners reported their marital satisfaction up to 8 times over the first 4 years of marriage. Whereas husbands were more satisfied at the beginning of the marriage and remained more satisfied over the next 4 years to the extent that they had an attractive wife, wives were no more or less satisfied initially or over the next 4 years to the extent that they had an attractive husband. Most importantly, a direct test indicated that partner physical attractiveness played a larger role in predicting husbands' satisfaction than predicting wives' satisfaction. These findings strengthen support for the idea that sex differences in self-reported preferences for physical attractiveness do have implications for long-term relationship outcomes. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2014 APA, all rights reserved).

"Anything is good that stimulates thought" in the hippocampus. Comment on "The quartet theory of human emotions: An integrative and neurofunctional model" by S. Koelsch et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofmann, Markus J.; Kuchinke, Lars

2015-06-01

While the emotional trias of brainstem, diencephalon, and orbitofrontal cortex is generally accepted to hold an affective function at its core, fewer researchers would agree that the least common denominator function of the hippocampus is affective [1]. There is a greater consensus on complementary learning systems theory proposing that in contrast to the outer cerebral cortex hosting more stable memories, synaptic associations in the hippocampus create novel knowledge in the context of episodic memories [2]. We chose Oscar Wilde's quote [3, p. 108] as title because we think that the novel hippocampal conjunction of for the most part familiar (long-term) knowledge patterns elicits the positive affect of appreciation [4,5].

Observation of excited state absorption in the V-Cr Prussian blue analogue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hedley, Luke; Horbury, Michael D.; Liedy, Florian; Johansson, J. Olof

2017-11-01

We present femtosecond transient transmission measurements of thin films of the VII/III-CrIII Prussian blue analogue (V-Cr PBA) in the spectral range 330-675 nm after exciting the ligand-to-metal charge-transfer transition (LMCT) at 400 nm. A global analysis including three decay-times of τ1 = 230 fs, τ2 = 1.38 ps and τ3 ≫ 2 ns could satisfactory describe the data. We observed an excited state absorption (ESA) at 345 nm, which was attributed to a charge-transfer transition from the 2E state on the Cr ions after fast intersystem crossing from the quartet manifold. An additional weak and short-lived ESA at 455 nm was also observed and was tentatively attributed to the initially populated 4LMCT state.

Horizontal vectorization of electron repulsion integrals.

PubMed

Pritchard, Benjamin P; Chow, Edmond

2016-10-30

We present an efficient implementation of the Obara-Saika algorithm for the computation of electron repulsion integrals that utilizes vector intrinsics to calculate several primitive integrals concurrently in a SIMD vector. Initial benchmarks display a 2-4 times speedup with AVX instructions over comparable scalar code, depending on the basis set. Speedup over scalar code is found to be sensitive to the level of contraction of the basis set, and is best for (lAlB|lClD) quartets when lD  = 0 or lB=lD=0, which makes such a vectorization scheme particularly suitable for density fitting. The basic Obara-Saika algorithm, how it is vectorized, and the performance bottlenecks are analyzed and discussed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The problem with emotion. Comment on "The quartet theory of human emotions: An integrative and neurofunctional model" by S. Koelsch et al.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bowling, Daniel L.

2015-06-01

In everyday use, emotion typically refers to conscious feelings. It feels like something to be happy or sad, afraid or angry. These emotions have qualia. That qualia are so central to what we mean by emotion makes emotion research both exciting and frustrating. Exciting because understanding how the brain gives rise to qualia is a fundamental goal of neuroscience, and frustrating because despite centuries of inquiry, qualia continue to defy a mechanistic explanation. But this obstacle has not completely blocked progress because there are other aspects of emotion - behavioral and physiological - that are more accessible to research, and the study of these has produced considerable advances in our understanding of how emotions work [13].

The importance of feeling sexually attractive: Can it predict an individual's experience of their sexuality and sexual relationships across gender and sexual orientation?

PubMed

Amos, Natalie; McCabe, Marita

2017-10-01

Limited research exists on the implications of feeling sexually attractive for various aspects of sexuality and sexual relationships. This article examined associations between self-perceived sexual attractiveness and sexual esteem, sexual satisfaction and amount of sexual experience, among both men and women who identified as heterosexual (n = 1017), gay or lesbian (n = 1225) or bisexual (n = 651). Results of the study demonstrated that positive self-perceptions of sexual attractiveness predicted greater sexual esteem, greater sexual satisfaction, a higher frequency of sexual activity with others and a larger number of sexual partners among both men and women who identified as heterosexual, gay, lesbian or bisexual. The findings suggest that feeling sexually attractive may have implications for how an individual experiences their sexuality and sexual relationships regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. The importance of considering an individual's self-perceptions of sexual attractiveness when they present with concerns related to their sexual experiences or relationships, and the potential benefits of educational and therapeutic interventions designed to enhance self-perceptions of sexual attractiveness are discussed. © 2015 International Union of Psychological Science.

Aggregation pheromone of coconut rhinoceros beetle,Oryctes rhinoceros (L.) (coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).

PubMed

Hallett, R H; Perez, A L; Gries, G; Gries, R; Pierce, H D; Yue, J; Oehlschlager, A C; Gonzalez, L M; Borden, J H

1995-10-01

Male coconut rhinoceros beetles,Oryctes rhinoceros (L.), produce three sex-specific compounds, ethyl 4-methyloctanoate, ethyl 4-methylheptanoate, and 4-methyloctanoic acid, the first of which is an aggregation pheromone. Synthesis of these compounds involving conjugate addition of organocuprates to ethyl acrylate is reported. In field trapping experiments, (4S)-ethyl 4-methyloctanoate and the racemic mixture were equally attractive and 10 times more effective in attracting beetles than ethyl chrysanthemumate, a previously recommended attractant. Ethyl 4-methylheptanoate was as attractive as ethyl chrysanthemumate and more attractive than 4-methyloctanoic acid, but further studies are required before it can be classed as an aggregation pheromone. Compared to ethyl 4-methyloctanoate alone, combinations of the three male-produced compounds did not increase attraction, whereas addition of freshly rotting oil palm fruit bunches to pheromone-baited traps significantly enhanced attraction. With increasing dose, captures ofO. rhinoceros increased, but doses of 6, 9, and 18 mg/day were competitive with 30 mg/day lures. Newly designed vane traps were more effective in capturing beetles than were barrier or pitfall traps. Results of this study indicate that there is potential for using ethyl 4-methyloctanoate in operational programs to controlO. rhinoceros in oil palm plantations.

On the impossibility of defining adhesive hard spheres as sticky limit of a hard-sphere-Yukawa potential.

PubMed

Gazzillo, Domenico

2011-03-28

For fluids of molecules with short-ranged hard-sphere-Yukawa (HSY) interactions, it is proven that the Noro-Frenkel "extended law of corresponding states" cannot be applied down to the vanishing attraction range, since the exact HSY second virial coefficient diverges in such a limit. It is also shown that, besides Baxter's original approach, a fully correct alternative definition of "adhesive hard spheres" can be obtained by taking the vanishing-range-limit (sticky limit) not of a Yukawa tail, as is commonly done, but of a slightly different potential with a logarithmic-Yukawa attraction.

Rediscovering the Schulze-Hardy rule in competitive adsorption to an air-water interface.

PubMed

Stenger, Patrick C; Isbell, Stephen G; St Hillaire, Debra; Zasadzinski, Joseph A

2009-09-01

The ratio of divalent to monovalent ion concentration necessary to displace the surface-active protein, albumin, by lung surfactant monolayers and multilayers at an air-water interface scales as 2(-6), the same concentration dependence as the critical flocculation concentration (CFC) for colloids with a high surface potential. Confirming this analogy between competitive adsorption and colloid stability, polymer-induced depletion attraction and electrostatic potentials are additive in their effects; the range of the depletion attraction, twice the polymer radius of gyration, must be greater than the Debye length to have an effect on adsorption.

Peeling off an elastica from a smooth attractive substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oyharcabal, Xabier; Frisch, Thomas

2005-03-01

Using continuum mechanics, we study theoretically the unbinding of an inextensible rod with free ends attracted by a smooth substrate and submitted to a vertical force. We use the elastica model in a medium-range van der Waals potential. We numerically solve a nonlinear boundary value problem and obtain the force-stretching relation at zero temperature. We obtain the critical force for which the rod unbinds from the substrate as a function of three dimensionless parameters, and we find two different regimes of adhesion. We study analytically the contact potential case as the van der Waals radius goes to zero.

Alumni Networks--"An Untapped Potential to Gain and Retain Highly-Skilled Workers?"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

David, Alexandra; Coenen, Frans

2014-01-01

In times of increasing skills shortage, regions and particularly non-core regions, need to attract highly-skilled workers. It is better for these regions to (re)attract highly-skilled workers that gained knowledge and contacts elsewhere and because they once lived in the region for study have already ties to the university region than trying to…

Sex Differences in Dating Choices: The Role of Physical and Personality Attractiveness.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Caputo, G. Craig; Gronwaldt, Virginia H.

There is a persistent belief that, in making dating choices, men are more influenced by physical attractiveness and less influenced by personality characteristics of potential dates than are women. This study was designed to test whether this is true of college students. On the basis of pre-test ratings, a set of nine facial photographs and nine…

Power-law distributions for the areas of the basins of attraction on a potential energy landscape.

PubMed

Massen, Claire P; Doye, Jonathan P K

2007-03-01

Energy landscape approaches have become increasingly popular for analyzing a wide variety of chemical physics phenomena. Basic to many of these applications has been the inherent structure mapping, which divides up the potential energy landscape into basins of attraction surrounding the minima. Here, we probe the nature of this division by introducing a method to compute the basin area distribution and applying it to some archetypal supercooled liquids. We find that this probability distribution is a power law over a large number of decades with the lower-energy minima having larger basins of attraction. Interestingly, the exponent for this power law is approximately the same as that for a high-dimensional Apollonian packing, providing further support for the suggestion that there is a strong analogy between the way the energy landscape is divided into basins, and the way that space is packed in self-similar, space-filling hypersphere packings, such as the Apollonian packing. These results suggest that the basins of attraction provide a fractal-like tiling of the energy landscape, and that a scale-free pattern of connections between the minima is a general property of energy landscapes.

Probing solvation decay length in order to characterize hydrophobicity-induced bead-bead attractive interactions in polymer chains.

PubMed

Das, Siddhartha; Chakraborty, Suman

2011-08-01

In this paper, we quantitatively demonstrate that exponentially decaying attractive potentials can effectively mimic strong hydrophobic interactions between monomer units of a polymer chain dissolved in aqueous solvent. Classical approaches to modeling hydrophobic solvation interactions are based on invariant attractive length scales. However, we demonstrate here that the solvation interaction decay length may need to be posed as a function of the relative separation distances and the sizes of the interacting species (or beads or monomers) to replicate the necessary physical interactions. As an illustrative example, we derive a universal scaling relationship for a given solute-solvent combination between the solvation decay length, the bead radius, and the distance between the interacting beads. With our formalism, the hydrophobic component of the net attractive interaction between monomer units can be synergistically accounted for within the unified framework of a simple exponentially decaying potential law, where the characteristic decay length incorporates the distinctive and critical physical features of the underlying interaction. The present formalism, even in a mesoscopic computational framework, is capable of incorporating the essential physics of the appropriate solute-size dependence and solvent-interaction dependence in the hydrophobic force estimation, without explicitly resolving the underlying molecular level details.

Opalescence in monoclonal antibody solutions and its correlation with intermolecular interactions in dilute and concentrated solutions.

PubMed

Raut, Ashlesha S; Kalonia, Devendra S

2015-04-01

Opalescence indicates physical instability of a formulation because of the presence of aggregates or liquid-liquid phase separation in solution and has been reported for monoclonal antibody (mAb) formulations. Increased solution opalescence can be attributed to attractive protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Techniques including light scattering, AUC, or membrane osmometry are routinely employed to measure PPIs in dilute solutions, whereas opalescence is seen at relatively higher concentrations, where both long- and short-range forces contribute to overall PPIs. The mAb molecule studied here shows a unique property of high opalescence because of liquid-liquid phase separation. In this study, opalescence measurements are correlated to PPIs measured in diluted and concentrated solutions using light scattering (kD ) and high-frequency rheology (G'), respectively. Charges on the molecules were calculated using zeta potential measurements. Results indicate that high opalescence and phase separation are a result of the attractive interactions in solution; however, the presence of attractive interactions do not always imply phase separation. Temperature dependence of opalescence suggests that thermodynamic contribution to opalescence is significant and Tcloud can be utilized as a potential tool to assess attractive interactions in solution. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. and the American Pharmacists Association.

Air cushion landing gear applications study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Earl, T. D.

1979-01-01

A series of air cushion landing gear (ACLG) applications was studied and potential benefits analyzed in order to identify the most attractive of these. The selected applications are new integrated designs (not retrofits) and employ a modified design approach with improved characteristics and performance. To aid the study, a survey of potential users was made. Applications were evaluated in the light of comments received. A technology scenario is developed, with discussion of problem areas, current technology level and future needs. Feasible development timetables are suggested. It is concluded that near-term development of small-size ACLG trunks, exploration of flight effects and braking are key items. The most attractive applications are amphibious with very large cargo aircraft and small general aviation having the greatest potential.

Solar energy for process heat: Design/cost studies of four industrial retrofit applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

French, R. L.; Bartera, R. E.

1978-01-01

Five specific California plants with potentially attractive solar applications were identified in a process heat survey. These five plants were visited, process requirements evaluated, and conceptual solar system designs were generated. Four DOE (ERDA) sponsored solar energy system demonstration projects were also reviewed and compared to the design/cost cases included in this report. In four of the five cases investigated, retrofit installations providing significant amounts of thermal energy were found to be feasible. The fifth was rejected because of the condition of the building involved, but the process (soap making) appears to be an attractive potential solar application. Costs, however, tend to be high. Several potential areas for cost reduction were identified including larger collector modules and higher duty cycles.

Free cooling phase-diagram of hard-spheres with short- and long-range interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gonzalez, S.; Thornton, A. R.; Luding, S.

2014-10-01

We study the stability, the clustering and the phase-diagram of free cooling granular gases. The systems consist of mono-disperse particles with additional non-contact (long-range) interactions, and are simulated here by the event-driven molecular dynamics algorithm with discrete (short-range shoulders or wells) potentials (in both 2D and 3D). Astonishingly good agreement is found with a mean field theory, where only the energy dissipation term is modified to account for both repulsive or attractive non-contact interactions. Attractive potentials enhance cooling and structure formation (clustering), whereas repulsive potentials reduce it, as intuition suggests. The system evolution is controlled by a single parameter: the non-contact potential strength scaled by the fluctuation kinetic energy (granular temperature). When this is small, as expected, the classical homogeneous cooling state is found. However, if the effective dissipation is strong enough, structure formation proceeds, before (in the repulsive case) non-contact forces get strong enough to undo the clustering (due to the ongoing dissipation of granular temperature). For both repulsive and attractive potentials, in the homogeneous regime, the cooling shows a universal behaviour when the (inverse) control parameter is used as evolution variable instead of time. The transition to a non-homogeneous regime, as predicted by stability analysis, is affected by both dissipation and potential strength. This can be cast into a phase diagram where the system changes with time, which leaves open many challenges for future research.

Experimentally comparing the attractiveness of domestic lights to insects: Do LEDs attract fewer insects than conventional light types?

PubMed

Wakefield, Andrew; Broyles, Moth; Stone, Emma L; Jones, Gareth; Harris, Stephen

2016-11-01

LED lighting is predicted to constitute 70% of the outdoor and residential lighting markets by 2020. While the use of LEDs promotes energy and cost savings relative to traditional lighting technologies, little is known about the effects these broad-spectrum "white" lights will have on wildlife, human health, animal welfare, and disease transmission. We conducted field experiments to compare the relative attractiveness of four commercially available "domestic" lights, one traditional (tungsten filament) and three modern (compact fluorescent, "cool-white" LED and "warm-white" LED), to aerial insects, particularly Diptera. We found that LEDs attracted significantly fewer insects than other light sources, but found no significant difference in attraction between the "cool-" and "warm-white" LEDs. Fewer flies were attracted to LEDs than alternate light sources, including fewer Culicoides midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). Use of LEDs has the potential to mitigate disturbances to wildlife and occurrences of insect-borne diseases relative to competing lighting technologies. However, we discuss the risks associated with broad-spectrum lighting and net increases in lighting resulting from reduced costs of LED technology.

Ontogeny of collective behavior reveals a simple attraction rule.

PubMed

Hinz, Robert C; de Polavieja, Gonzalo G

2017-02-28

The striking patterns of collective animal behavior, including ant trails, bird flocks, and fish schools, can result from local interactions among animals without centralized control. Several of these rules of interaction have been proposed, but it has proven difficult to discriminate which ones are implemented in nature. As a method to better discriminate among interaction rules, we propose to follow the slow birth of a rule of interaction during animal development. Specifically, we followed the development of zebrafish, Danio rerio , and found that larvae turn toward each other from 7 days postfertilization and increase the intensity of interactions until 3 weeks. This developmental dataset allows testing the parameter-free predictions of a simple rule in which animals attract each other part of the time, with attraction defined as turning toward another animal chosen at random. This rule makes each individual likely move to a high density of conspecifics, and moving groups naturally emerge. Development of attraction strength corresponds to an increase in the time spent in attraction behavior. Adults were found to follow the same attraction rule, suggesting a potential significance for adults of other species.

Women entering clinical psychology: Q-sort narratives of career attraction of female clinical psychology trainees in the UK.

PubMed

Baker, Martyn; Nash, Jen

2013-01-01

The great majority of the UK clinical psychology workforce are women, and this fact prompted an examination of the various ways clinical psychology might be seen as attractive to women--a neglected research topic. Female clinical psychology trainees from a variety of training programmes Q-sorted statements of potential job attractors. The process of analysis is outlined before most of the article is devoted to explicating the five narratives of attraction generated: making a difference, waiting for what I want, idealising challenge, identifying with distress and acknowledging power and privilege. Two super-ordinate 'stories' spanning the narratives are suggested--an over-riding attraction to the profession and a rebuttal of the suggestion that this attraction may be based on any overtly gendered grounds. In the absence of previous empirical data of women's attraction to clinical psychology, the small but significant contribution to understanding the profession made by the analysis is acknowledged--as is the need for further research to confirm and develop the findings. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Mean-field density functional theory of a nanoconfined classical, three-dimensional Heisenberg fluid. I. The role of molecular anchoring

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cattes, Stefanie M.; Gubbins, Keith E.; Schoen, Martin

2016-05-01

In this work, we employ classical density functional theory (DFT) to investigate for the first time equilibrium properties of a Heisenberg fluid confined to nanoscopic slit pores of variable width. Within DFT pair correlations are treated at modified mean-field level. We consider three types of walls: hard ones, where the fluid-wall potential becomes infinite upon molecular contact but vanishes otherwise, and hard walls with superimposed short-range attraction with and without explicit orientation dependence. To model the distance dependence of the attractions, we employ a Yukawa potential. The orientation dependence is realized through anchoring of molecules at the substrates, i.e., an energetic discrimination of specific molecular orientations. If the walls are hard or attractive without specific anchoring, the results are "quasi-bulk"-like in that they can be linked to a confinement-induced reduction of the bulk mean field. In these cases, the precise nature of the walls is completely irrelevant at coexistence. Only for specific anchoring nontrivial features arise, because then the fluid-wall interaction potential affects the orientation distribution function in a nontrivial way and thus appears explicitly in the Euler-Lagrange equations to be solved for minima of the grand potential of coexisting phases.

Self-perceived attractiveness influences human female preferences for sexual dimorphism and symmetry in male faces.

PubMed Central

Little, A C; Burt, D M; Penton-Voak, I S; Perrett, D I

2001-01-01

Exaggerated sexual dimorphism and symmetry in human faces have both been linked to potential 'good-gene' benefits and have also been found to influence the attractiveness of male faces. The current study explores how female self-rated attractiveness influences male face preference in females using faces manipulated with computer graphics. The study demonstrates that there is a relatively increased preference for masculinity and an increased preference for symmetry for women who regard themselves as attractive. This finding may reflect a condition-dependent mating strategy analogous to behaviours found in other species. The absence of a preference for proposed markers of good genes may be adaptive in women of low mate value to avoid the costs of decreased parental investment from the owners of such characteristics. PMID:12123296

Developing a statistically powerful measure for quartet tree inference using phylogenetic identities and Markov invariants.

PubMed

Sumner, Jeremy G; Taylor, Amelia; Holland, Barbara R; Jarvis, Peter D

2017-12-01

Recently there has been renewed interest in phylogenetic inference methods based on phylogenetic invariants, alongside the related Markov invariants. Broadly speaking, both these approaches give rise to polynomial functions of sequence site patterns that, in expectation value, either vanish for particular evolutionary trees (in the case of phylogenetic invariants) or have well understood transformation properties (in the case of Markov invariants). While both approaches have been valued for their intrinsic mathematical interest, it is not clear how they relate to each other, and to what extent they can be used as practical tools for inference of phylogenetic trees. In this paper, by focusing on the special case of binary sequence data and quartets of taxa, we are able to view these two different polynomial-based approaches within a common framework. To motivate the discussion, we present three desirable statistical properties that we argue any invariant-based phylogenetic method should satisfy: (1) sensible behaviour under reordering of input sequences; (2) stability as the taxa evolve independently according to a Markov process; and (3) explicit dependence on the assumption of a continuous-time process. Motivated by these statistical properties, we develop and explore several new phylogenetic inference methods. In particular, we develop a statistically bias-corrected version of the Markov invariants approach which satisfies all three properties. We also extend previous work by showing that the phylogenetic invariants can be implemented in such a way as to satisfy property (3). A simulation study shows that, in comparison to other methods, our new proposed approach based on bias-corrected Markov invariants is extremely powerful for phylogenetic inference. The binary case is of particular theoretical interest as-in this case only-the Markov invariants can be expressed as linear combinations of the phylogenetic invariants. A wider implication of this is that, for models with more than two states-for example DNA sequence alignments with four-state models-we find that methods which rely on phylogenetic invariants are incapable of satisfying all three of the stated statistical properties. This is because in these cases the relevant Markov invariants belong to a class of polynomials independent from the phylogenetic invariants.

Infrared spectroscopy of matrix-isolated neutral polycyclic aromatic nitrogen heterocycles: The acridine series.

PubMed

Mattioda, A L; Bauschlicher, C W; Ricca, A; Bregman, J; Hudgins, D M; Allamandola, L J

2017-06-15

The matrix-isolated, mid-infrared spectra of seven acridine-based polycyclic aromatic nitrogen heterocycles (PANHs) have been measured and compared to their non-nitrogen containing parent molecule. The acridine species investigated include acridine, benz[a]acridine, benz[c]acridine, dibenz[a,j]acridine, dibenz[c,h]acridine, dibenz[a,h]acridine and dibenz[a,c]acridine. The previously reported results for 1 and 2-azabenz[a]anthracenes are included for comparison. The experimentally determined band frequencies and intensities are compared with their B3LYP/6-31G(d) values. The overall agreement between experimental and theoretical values is good and in line with our previous investigations. Shifts, typically to the blue, are noted for the C-H out-of-plane (CH oop ) motions upon insertion of a nitrogen atom. The formation of a bay region upon addition of additional benzene rings to the anthracene/acridine structure splits the solo hydrogen motions into a bay region solo and an external solo hydrogen, with the bay region solo hydrogen coupling to the quartet hydrogen motions and the external solo hydrogen coupling with the duo hydrogen motions resulting in an extreme decrease in intensity for the CH oop solo hydrogen band when the external hydrogen is replaced by a nitrogen atom. The C-C and C-H in-plane region of this acridine series exhibits the characteristic two fold increase in intensity, noted previously for PANHs. The strong ≈1400cm -1 band, which was identified in the previous PANH study, is noted in several molecular species as well as another strong PANH feature between 1480 and 1515cm -1 for several molecules. The presence of these strong bands appear to be primarily responsible for the two-fold increase in the C-H in-plane region's (1100-1600cm -1 ) intensity. The C-H stretching region can be characterized by contributions from the solo (bay or external), duo and quartet hydrogens, similar to what was observed in the dibenzopolyacene compounds. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Pitch and Harmony in Gyorgy Ligeti's "Hamburg Concerto" and "Syzygy" for String Quartet

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corey, Charles

The analysis component of this dissertation focuses on intricate and complex pitch relationships in Gyorgy Ligeti's last work, the Hamburg Concerto. This piece uses two distinct tuning systems---twelve tone equal temperament and just intonation---throughout its seven movements. Often, these two systems are used simultaneously, creating complex harmonic relationships. This combination allows Ligeti to exploit the unique features of each system and explore their relationships to each other. Ligeti's just intonation in the Hamburg Concerto comes mainly from the five French horns, who are instructed to keep their hands out of the bell to allow the instrument to sound its exact harmonics. The horns themselves, however, are tuned to varying different fundamentals, creating a constantly changing series of just-intoned pitches anchored above an equal-tempered bass. This method of generating just-intoned intervals adds a second layer to the relationship between equal temperament and just intonation. This paper focuses on creating ways to understand this relationship, and describing the ramifications of these tunings as they unfold throughout the piece. Ligeti very carefully crafts this work in a way that creates a balance between the systems. Research done at the Paul Sacher Stiftung has uncovered a significant collection of errors in the published score. Clearing up these discrepancies allows for a much more accurate and more informed analysis. Throughout this dissertation, mistakes are corrected, and several aspects of the score are clarified. The tuning systems are described, and a likely tuning scheme for the horns is posited. (The analytical component of the dissertation delves into the many varying intervals which all fit into one interval class---a feature that is best explored when two distinct tuning systems are juxtaposed.) A language is created herein to better understand these pitch relationships that fit neither into equal temperament nor just intonation. The analysis clearly shows that very simple musical intervals turn out to be cornerstones of this piece, traceable throughout the entire Hamburg Concerto. The composition, Syzygy for string quartet, is written in just intonation. Through four movements, the relationships evoked by the titles (always groups of homonyms) are examined and illuminated.

Patterns of Eye Movements When Observers Judge Female Facial Attractiveness

PubMed Central

Zhang, Yan; Wang, Xiaoying; Wang, Juan; Zhang, Lili; Xiang, Yu

2017-01-01

The purpose of the present study is to explore the fixed model for the explicit judgments of attractiveness and infer which features are important to judge the facial attractiveness. Behavioral studies on the perceptual cues for female facial attractiveness implied three potentially important features: averageness, symmetry, and sexual dimorphy. However, these studies did not explained which regions of facial images influence the judgments of attractiveness. Therefore, the present research recorded the eye movements of 24 male participants and 19 female participants as they rated a series of 30 photographs of female facial attractiveness. Results demonstrated the following: (1) Fixation is longer and more frequent on the noses of female faces than on their eyes and mouths (no difference exists between the eyes and the mouth); (2) The average pupil diameter at the nose region is bigger than that at the eyes and mouth (no difference exists between the eyes and the mouth); (3) the number of fixations of male participants was significantly more than female participants. (4) Observers first fixate on the eyes and mouth (no difference exists between the eyes and the mouth) before fixating on the nose area. In general, participants attend predominantly to the nose to form attractiveness judgments. The results of this study add a new dimension to the existing literature on judgment of facial attractiveness. The major contribution of the present study is the finding that the area of the nose is vital in the judgment of facial attractiveness. This finding establish a contribution of partial processing on female facial attractiveness judgments during eye-tracking. PMID:29209242

Patterns of Eye Movements When Observers Judge Female Facial Attractiveness.

PubMed

Zhang, Yan; Wang, Xiaoying; Wang, Juan; Zhang, Lili; Xiang, Yu

2017-01-01

The purpose of the present study is to explore the fixed model for the explicit judgments of attractiveness and infer which features are important to judge the facial attractiveness. Behavioral studies on the perceptual cues for female facial attractiveness implied three potentially important features: averageness, symmetry, and sexual dimorphy. However, these studies did not explained which regions of facial images influence the judgments of attractiveness. Therefore, the present research recorded the eye movements of 24 male participants and 19 female participants as they rated a series of 30 photographs of female facial attractiveness. Results demonstrated the following: (1) Fixation is longer and more frequent on the noses of female faces than on their eyes and mouths (no difference exists between the eyes and the mouth); (2) The average pupil diameter at the nose region is bigger than that at the eyes and mouth (no difference exists between the eyes and the mouth); (3) the number of fixations of male participants was significantly more than female participants. (4) Observers first fixate on the eyes and mouth (no difference exists between the eyes and the mouth) before fixating on the nose area. In general, participants attend predominantly to the nose to form attractiveness judgments. The results of this study add a new dimension to the existing literature on judgment of facial attractiveness. The major contribution of the present study is the finding that the area of the nose is vital in the judgment of facial attractiveness. This finding establish a contribution of partial processing on female facial attractiveness judgments during eye-tracking.

Response of Olive Fruit Fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) to an Attract-and-Kill Trap in Greenhouse Cage Tests

PubMed Central

Yokoyama, Victoria Y.

2014-01-01

Abstract A novel attract-and-kill trap for olive fruit fly, Bactrocera oleae (Rossi) (Diptera: Tephritidae), was constructed with yellow corrugated plastic in an inverted cylindrical pan shape formed from a disk and collar. The trap components were tested under three greenhouse temperatures and humidities of warm, hot, and very hot for attractiveness to caged young or older adults. A greater proportion of adults regardless of age were found underneath the devices including disks, cylindrical pans, and pans with pheromone lures and test units of cylindrical pans sprayed with water, insecticidal bait spray, and with lures. The effect was related to lower temperatures on the underside compared with the top and the intolerance of the pest to heat. A circular collar added to the perimeter of the disk that formed the top of the inverted cylinder made the attract-and-kill trap more attractive to adults than the disk alone. Pheromone lures or bait sprays did not increase adult attraction, so were not needed for efficacy. The cylindrical pan was especially attractive to adults when temperatures were high by providing shelter from the heat. At very high temperatures, the pan became unattractive, possibly due to heating of the construction materials. Cylindrical pans sprayed with water on the underside attracted the highest number of adults especially at high temperatures. Greenhouse tests showed that the inverted cylindrical pan design has potential as an attract-and-kill device for olive fruit fly control. PMID:25368094

Old maids have more appeal: effects of age and pheromone source on mate attraction in an orb-web spider.

PubMed

Cory, Anna-Lena; Schneider, Jutta M

2016-01-01

Background. In many insects and spider species, females attract males with volatile sex pheromones, but we know surprisingly little about the costs and benefits of female pheromone emission. Here, we test the hypothesis that mate attraction by females is dynamic and strategic in the sense that investment in mate attraction is matched to the needs of the female. We use the orb-web spider Argiope bruennichi in which females risk the production of unfertilised egg clutches if they do not receive a copulation within a certain time-frame. Methods. We designed field experiments to compare mate attraction by recently matured (young) females with females close to oviposition (old). In addition, we experimentally separated the potential sources of pheromone transmission, namely the female body and the web silk. Results. In accordance with the hypothesis of strategic pheromone production, the probability of mate attraction and the number of males attracted differed between age classes. While the bodies and webs of young females were hardly found by males, the majority of old females attracted up to two males within two hours. Old females not only increased pheromone emission from their bodies but also from their webs. Capture webs alone spun by old females were significantly more efficient in attracting males than webs of younger females. Discussion. Our results suggest that females modulate their investment in signalling according to the risk of remaining unmated and that they thereby economize on the costs associated with pheromone production and emission.

Chapter 1 Introduction

EPA Science Inventory

Nanoparticles have attracted a great deal of attention is past years due to their enormous potential across a broad range of research disciplines. Harnessing nanoscale activity and selectivity can potentially provide extremely efficient systems for energy storage applications, en...

More on the Best Evolutionary Rate for Phylogenetic Analysis

PubMed Central

Massingham, Tim; Goldman, Nick

2017-01-01

Abstract The accumulation of genome-scale molecular data sets for nonmodel taxa brings us ever closer to resolving the tree of life of all living organisms. However, despite the depth of data available, a number of studies that each used thousands of genes have reported conflicting results. The focus of phylogenomic projects must thus shift to more careful experimental design. Even though we still have a limited understanding of what are the best predictors of the phylogenetic informativeness of a gene, there is wide agreement that one key factor is its evolutionary rate; but there is no consensus as to whether the rates derived as optimal in various analytical, empirical, and simulation approaches have any general applicability. We here use simulations to infer optimal rates in a set of realistic phylogenetic scenarios with varying tree sizes, numbers of terminals, and tree shapes. Furthermore, we study the relationship between the optimal rate and rate variation among sites and among lineages. Finally, we examine how well the predictions made by a range of experimental design methods correlate with the observed performance in our simulations. We find that the optimal level of divergence is surprisingly robust to differences in taxon sampling and even to among-site and among-lineage rate variation as often encountered in empirical data sets. This finding encourages the use of methods that rely on a single optimal rate to predict a gene’s utility. Focusing on correct recovery either of the most basal node in the phylogeny or of the entire topology, the optimal rate is about 0.45 substitutions from root to tip in average Yule trees and about 0.2 in difficult trees with short basal and long-apical branches, but all rates leading to divergence levels between about 0.1 and 0.5 perform reasonably well. Testing the performance of six methods that can be used to predict a gene’s utility against our simulation results, we find that the probability of resolution, signal-noise analysis, and Fisher information are good predictors of phylogenetic informativeness, but they require specification of at least part of a model tree. Likelihood quartet mapping also shows very good performance but only requires sequence alignments and is thus applicable without making assumptions about the phylogeny. Despite them being the most commonly used methods for experimental design, geometric quartet mapping and the integration of phylogenetic informativeness curves perform rather poorly in our comparison. Instead of derived predictors of phylogenetic informativeness, we suggest that the number of sites in a gene that evolve at near-optimal rates (as inferred here) could be used directly to prioritize genes for phylogenetic inference. In combination with measures of model fit, especially with respect to compositional biases and among-site and among-lineage rate variation, such an approach has the potential to greatly improve marker choice and should be tested on empirical data. PMID:28595363

Effects of facial attractiveness on personality stimuli in an implicit priming task: an ERP study.

PubMed

Zhang, Yan; Zheng, Minxiao; Wang, Xiaoying

2016-08-01

Using event-related potentials (ERPs) in a priming paradigm, this study examines implicit priming in the association of personality words with facial attractiveness. A total of 16 participants (8 males and 8 females; age range, 19-24 years; mean age, 21.30 years) were asked to judge the color (red and green) of positive or negative personality words after exposure to priming stimuli (attractive and unattractive facial images). The positive personality words primed by attractive faces or the negative personality words primed by unattractive faces were defined as congruent trials, whereas the positive personality words primed by unattractive faces or the negative personality words primed by attractive faces were defined as incongruent trials. Behavioral results showed that compared with the unattractive faces trials, the trials that attractive faces being the priming stimuli had longer reaction times and higher accuracy rates. Moreover, a more negative ERP deflection (N2) component was observed in the ERPs of the incongruent condition than in the ERPs of the congruent condition. In addition, the personality words presented after the attractive faces elicited larger amplitudes from the frontal region to the central region (P2 and P350-550 ms) compared with the personality words after unattractive faces as priming stimuli. The study provides evidence for the facial attractiveness stereotype ('What is beautiful is good') through an implicit priming task.

Malaria-induced changes in host odors enhance mosquito attraction

PubMed Central

De Moraes, Consuelo M.; Stanczyk, Nina M.; Betz, Heike S.; Pulido, Hannier; Sim, Derek G.; Read, Andrew F.; Mescher, Mark C.

2014-01-01

Vector-borne pathogens may alter traits of their primary hosts in ways that influence the frequency and nature of interactions between hosts and vectors. Previous work has reported enhanced mosquito attraction to host organisms infected with malaria parasites but did not address the mechanisms underlying such effects. Here we document malaria-induced changes in the odor profiles of infected mice (relative to healthy individuals) over the course of infection, as well as effects on the attractiveness of infected hosts to mosquito vectors. We observed enhanced mosquito attraction to infected mice during a key period after the subsidence of acute malaria symptoms, but during which mice remained highly infectious. This attraction corresponded to an overall elevation in the volatile emissions of infected mice observed during this period. Furthermore, data analyses—using discriminant analysis of principal components and random forest approaches—revealed clear differences in the composition of the volatile blends of infected and healthy individuals. Experimental manipulation of individual compounds that exhibited altered emission levels during the period when differential vector attraction was observed also elicited enhanced mosquito attraction, indicating that compounds being influenced by malaria infection status also mediate vector host-seeking behavior. These findings provide important insights into the cues that mediate vector attraction to hosts infected with transmissible stages of malaria parasites, as well as documenting characteristic changes in the odors of infected individuals that may have potential value as diagnostic biomarkers of infection. PMID:24982164

Malaria-induced changes in host odors enhance mosquito attraction.

PubMed

De Moraes, Consuelo M; Stanczyk, Nina M; Betz, Heike S; Pulido, Hannier; Sim, Derek G; Read, Andrew F; Mescher, Mark C

2014-07-29

Vector-borne pathogens may alter traits of their primary hosts in ways that influence the frequency and nature of interactions between hosts and vectors. Previous work has reported enhanced mosquito attraction to host organisms infected with malaria parasites but did not address the mechanisms underlying such effects. Here we document malaria-induced changes in the odor profiles of infected mice (relative to healthy individuals) over the course of infection, as well as effects on the attractiveness of infected hosts to mosquito vectors. We observed enhanced mosquito attraction to infected mice during a key period after the subsidence of acute malaria symptoms, but during which mice remained highly infectious. This attraction corresponded to an overall elevation in the volatile emissions of infected mice observed during this period. Furthermore, data analyses--using discriminant analysis of principal components and random forest approaches--revealed clear differences in the composition of the volatile blends of infected and healthy individuals. Experimental manipulation of individual compounds that exhibited altered emission levels during the period when differential vector attraction was observed also elicited enhanced mosquito attraction, indicating that compounds being influenced by malaria infection status also mediate vector host-seeking behavior. These findings provide important insights into the cues that mediate vector attraction to hosts infected with transmissible stages of malaria parasites, as well as documenting characteristic changes in the odors of infected individuals that may have potential value as diagnostic biomarkers of infection.

Communicating with New and Existing Markets. A Task Force of Howard Community College's 1998-1999 Commission on the Future.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Howard Community Coll., Columbia, MD.

This is a report from a task force formed by Howard Community College (Maryland) to examine existing and future markets. The task force also explored ways to use marketing strategies to attract potential customers to the college. The task force recommends that the college use its strengths to attract customers, such as its commitment to open…

Music and Astronomy Under The Stars after 4 years and 50,000 People

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lubowich, Donald A.

2013-01-01

Since 2009 my NASA-funded Music and Astronomy Under the Stars (MAUS) program has brought astronomy to 50,000 music lovers at the National Mall (co-sponsor OSTP); Central Park Jazz, Newport Folk, Ravinia, or Tanglewood music festivals; and classical, folk, pop/rock, opera, Caribbean, or county-western concerts in parks assisted by astronomy clubs (55 events; 28parks). MAUS combines solar, optical, and radio telescope observations; live image projection; large posters/banners (From the Earth to the Universe and Visions of the Universe); videos; and hands-on activities (Night Sky Network; Harvard-Smithsonian CfA); imaging with a cell phone mount; and hand-outs(with info on science museums, astronomy clubs, and citizen science before and after the concerts or at intermission. Yo-Yo-Ma, the Chicago and Boston Symphony Orchestras, the McCoy Tyner Quartet, Ravi Coltrane, Esperanza Spalding, the Stanley Clarke Band, Phish, Blood Sweat and Tears, Deep Purple, Patti Smith, Tony Orlando, and Ronan Tynan performed at these concerts. MAUS reached underserved groups and attracted large enthusiastic crowds. Many young children participated in this family learning experience-often the first time they looked through a telescope. Lessons learned: plan early; create partnerships with parks and astronomy clubs; test equipment; have backup equipment; create professional displays; select the best location to obtain a largest number of participants; use media/www sites to promote the events; use many telescopes for multipletargets; project a live image or video; select equipment that is easy to use, store, set-up, and take down; use hands-on astronomy activities; position the displays for maximum visibility (they became teachable moments); and have educator hand-outs. While < 50% of the participants attended a science museum or took part in astronomy programs in the previous year (based on our survey), they found MAUS enjoyable and understandable; learned about astronomy; wanted to learn more; and increased their interest in science (ave. rating 4.6/5). Taking science directly to people is effective in promoting scienceeducation! Sponsor: NASA grant NNX09AD53G

Bringing Astronomy Directly to People Who Do Not Come to Star Parties, Science Museums, or Science Festivals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lubowich, Donald A.

2013-01-01

My successful programs have included telescope observations, hands-on activities, and edible astronomy demonstrations for: outdoor concerts or music festivals; the National Mall; churches, synagogues, seminaries, or clergy conferences; the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island (New Hyde Park, NY), the Winthrop University Hospital Children’s Medical Center (Mineola, NY); the Fresh Air Fund summer camps; a Halloween star party with costumed kids looking through telescopes; a Super Bowl Star Party; the World Science Festival (NYC); the Princeton University Science and Engineering Expo; the USA Science and Engineering Festival; and the NYC Columbus Day Parade. These outreach activities have reached thousands of people including many young girls. Information was also provided about local science museums, citizen science projects, astronomy educational sites, and astronomy clubs to encourage learning after these events. In 2010 I created Astronomy Night on the National Mall (co-sponsored the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy) with the participation of astronomy clubs, Chandra X-Ray Center, STScI, NASA, NOAO, NSF and the National Air and Space Museum. Since 2009 my NASA-funded Music and Astronomy Under the Stars (MAUS) program has brought astronomy to 50,000 music lovers who attended the Central Park Jazz, Newport Folk, Tanglewood, or Ravinia music festivals or classical, folk, rock, pop, opera, or county-western concerts in local parks assisted by astronomy clubs. MAUS is an evening, nighttime, and cloudy weather traveling astronomy program combining solar, optical, and radio telescope observations; a live image projection system; large outdoor posters and banners; videos; and hands-on activities before and after the concerts or at intermission. Yo-Yo-Ma and the Chicago Symphony or Boston Symphony Orchestras, the McCoy Tyner Quartet with Ravi Coltrane, Esperanza Spalding, the Stanley Clarke Band, Phish, Blood Sweat and Tears, Deep Purple, Patti Smith, Tony Orlando, and Ronan Tynan have performed at these concerts. MAUS attracts large enthusiastic crowds often with young children participating in this family learning experience - often the first time these children looked through a telescope.

Summary of a joint US-Japan study of potential approaches to reduce the attractiveness of various nuclear materials for use in a nuclear explosive device by a terrorist group

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bathke, C.G.; Inoue, N.; Kuno, Y.

2013-07-01

This paper summarizes the results of a joint US-Japan study to establish a mutual understanding, through scientific-based study, of potential approaches to reduce the attractiveness of various nuclear materials for use in a terrorist nuclear explosive device (NED). 4 approaches that can reduce materials attractiveness with a very high degree of effectiveness are: -) diluting HEU with natural or depleted U to an enrichment of less than 10% U-235; -) storing Pu in nuclear fuel that is not man portable and with a dose rate greater or equal to 10 Gy/h at 1 m; -) storing Pu or HEU inmore » heavy items, i.e. not transportable, provided the removal of the Pu or HEU from the item requires a purification/processing capability; and -) converting Pu and HEU to very dilute forms (such as wastes) that, without any security barriers, would require very long acquisition times to acquire a Category I quantity of Pu or of HEU. 2 approaches that can reduce materials attractiveness with a high degree of effectiveness are: -) converting HEU-fueled research reactors into LEU-fueled research reactors or dilute HEU with natural or depleted U to an enrichment of less than 20% U-235; -) converting U/Al reactor fuel into U/Si reactor fuel. Other approaches have been assessed as moderately or totally inefficient to reduce the attractiveness of nuclear materials.« less

Resisting attraction: Individual differences in executive control are associated with subject-verb agreement errors in production.

PubMed

Veenstra, Alma; Antoniou, Kyriakos; Katsos, Napoleon; Kissine, Mikhail

2018-04-19

We propose that attraction errors in agreement production (e.g., the key to the cabinets are missing) are related to two components of executive control: working memory and inhibitory control. We tested 138 children aged 10 to 12, an age when children are expected to produce high rates of errors. To increase the potential of individual variation in executive control skills, participants came from monolingual, bilingual, and bidialectal language backgrounds. Attraction errors were elicited with a picture description task in Dutch and executive control was measured with a digit span task, Corsi blocks task, switching task, and attentional networks task. Overall, higher rates of attraction errors were negatively associated with higher verbal working memory and, independently, with higher inhibitory control. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the role of both working memory and inhibitory control in attraction errors in production. Implications for memory- and grammar-based models are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).

Aging modulates cuticular hydrocarbons and sexual attractiveness in Drosophila melanogaster

PubMed Central

Kuo, Tsung-Han; Yew, Joanne Y.; Fedina, Tatyana Y.; Dreisewerd, Klaus; Dierick, Herman A.; Pletcher, Scott D.

2012-01-01

SUMMARY Attractiveness is a major component of sexual selection that is dependent on sexual characteristics, such as pheromone production, which often reflect an individual’s fitness and reproductive potential. Aging is a process that results in a steady decline in survival and reproductive output, yet little is known about its effect on specific aspects of attractiveness. In this report we asked how aging impacts pheromone production and sexual attractiveness in Drosophila melanogaster. Evidence suggests that key pheromones in Drosophila are produced as cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC), whose functions in attracting mates and influencing behavior have been widely studied. We employed gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry to show that the composition of D. melanogaster CHC is significantly affected by aging in both sexes and that these changes are robust to different genetic backgrounds. Aging affected the relative levels of many individual CHC, and it shifted overall hydrocarbon profiles to favor compounds with longer chain lengths. We also show that the observed aging-related changes in CHC profiles are responsible for a significant reduction in sexual attractiveness. These studies illuminate causal links among pheromones, aging and attractiveness and suggest that CHC production may be an honest indicator of animal health and fertility. PMID:22323204

Males of Hylamorpha elegans burmeister (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) are attracted to odors released from conspecific females.

PubMed

Quiroz, Andrés; Palma, Ruben; Etcheverría, Paulina; Navarro, Vicente; Rebolledo, Ramón

2007-04-01

The behavioral responses of Hylamorpha elegans L. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae, Rutelinae) to the semiochemicals released from conspecific individual adults were studied, with particular attention paid to female attraction of males. Odors released from virgin females significantly attracted male conspecifics in both the field and laboratory olfactometer and wind tunnel bioassays. However, females did not attract other females, and males attracted no one. The response of male H. elegans to (1) compounds (1,4-hydroquinone and 1,4-benzoquinone) released only by unmated females; (2) the essential oil of the secondary host (Nothofagus obliqua); and (3) the blend of 1,4-hydroquinone and 1,4-benzoquinone with N. obliqua essential oil was studied. The blend of 1,4-benzoquinone mixed with essential oil at the trial concentration was attractive with males. The same response was found with 1,4-hydroquinone alone. The essential oil did not have the expected attractant effect on conspecific males. These results suggest that, when combined with essential oil, 1,4-benzoquinone may function in the sexual behavior of males and females. These findings are discussed in terms of the ecological role of this putative sexual pheromone and its potential use in a strategy of control of this pest.

"You are so beautiful"*: behind women's attractiveness towards the biology of reproduction: a narrative review.

PubMed

Buggio, Laura; Vercellini, Paolo; Somigliana, Edgardo; Viganò, Paola; Frattaruolo, Maria Pina; Fedele, Luigi

2012-10-01

Female beauty has always attracted human beings. In particular, beauty has been interpreted in terms of reproductive potential and advantage in selection of mates. We have reviewed the recent literature on female facial and physical beauty with the objective of defining which parameters could influence female attractiveness. Symmetry, averageness, and sexual dimorphism with regards to facial beauty, as well as waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), breast size, and body mass index (BMI) for physical beauty, have been assessed. In current societies, it appears that facial attractiveness results from a mixture of symmetry and averageness of traits, high forehead and cheekbones, small nose and chin, full lips, thin eyebrows, and thick hair. A low WHR reliably characterized physical attractiveness, whereas inconsistencies have been observed in the evaluation of breast size and BMI. The importance of breast size appears to vary with time and sex of evaluators, whereas the impact of BMI is related to socio-economic conditions. The various hypotheses behind beauty and the role of attractiveness in mate choice and sexual selection are here described in terms of continuation of human species. Intriguing associations are emerging between features of attractiveness and some reproductive disorders, as both are substantially influenced by sex steroid hormones.

Cues of upper body strength account for most of the variance in men's bodily attractiveness.

PubMed

Sell, Aaron; Lukazsweski, Aaron W; Townsley, Michael

2017-12-20

Evolution equips sexually reproducing species with mate choice mechanisms that function to evaluate the reproductive consequences of mating with different individuals. Indeed, evolutionary psychologists have shown that women's mate choice mechanisms track many cues of men's genetic quality and ability to invest resources in the woman and her offspring. One variable that predicted both a man's genetic quality and his ability to invest is the man's formidability (i.e. fighting ability or resource holding power/potential). Modern women, therefore, should have mate choice mechanisms that respond to ancestral cues of a man's fighting ability. One crucial component of a man's ability to fight is his upper body strength. Here, we test how important physical strength is to men's bodily attractiveness. Three sets of photographs of men's bodies were shown to raters who estimated either their physical strength or their attractiveness. Estimates of physical strength determined over 70% of men's bodily attractiveness. Additional analyses showed that tallness and leanness were also favoured, and, along with estimates of physical strength, accounted for 80% of men's bodily attractiveness. Contrary to popular theories of men's physical attractiveness, there was no evidence of a nonlinear effect; the strongest men were the most attractive in all samples. © 2017 The Author(s).

A Role of DLPFC in the Learning Process of Human Mate Copying

PubMed Central

Zhuang, Jin-Ying; Xie, Jiajia; Hu, Die; Fan, Mingxia; Zheng, Li

2016-01-01

In the current study, we conducted a behavioral experiment to test the mate coping effect and a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment to test the neural basis involved in the social learning process of mate copying. In the behavioral experiment, participants were asked to rate the attractiveness of isolated opposite-sex (potential mates) facial photographs, then shown the targets associating with a neutral-faced model with textual cues indicating the models’ attitude (interested vs. not-interested) toward the potential mates, and then asked to re-evaluate the potential mates’ attractiveness. Using a similar procedure as the behavioral experiment, participants were scanned while observing the compound images in the fMRI experiment. The mate copying effect was confirmed in the behavioral experiment –greater increase in attractiveness ratings was observed for opposite-sex photographs in the interested than in the not-interested condition. The fMRI results showed that the dorsolateral prefrontal gyrus (DLPFC) was significantly active in the comparison of interested > not-interested condition, suggesting that a cognitive integration and selection function may be involved when participants process information from conditions related to mate copying. PMID:27148151

Inland waterway ports nodal attraction indices relevant in development strategies on regional level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dinu, O.; Burciu, Ş.; Oprea, C.; Ilie, A.; Rosca, M.

2016-08-01

Present paper aims to propose a set of ranking indices and related criteria, concerning mainly spatial analysis, for the inland waterway port, with special view on inland ports of Danube. Commonly, the attraction potential of a certain transport node is assessed by its spatial accessibility indices considering both spatial features of the location provided by the networks that connect into that node and its economic potential defining the level of traffic flows depending on the economic centers of its hinterland. Paper starts with a overview of the critical needs that are required for potential sites to become inland waterway ports and presents nodal functions that coexist at different levels, leading to a port hierarchy from the points of view of: capacity, connection to hinterland, traffic structure and volume. After a brief review of the key inland waterway port ranking criterion, a selection of nodal attraction measures is made. Particular considerations for the Danube inland port case follows proposed methodology concerning indices of performance for network scale and centrality. As expected, the shorter the distance from an inland port to the nearest access point the greater accessibility. Major differences in ranking, dependent on selected criterion, were registered.

Women's hair as a cue to desired relationship and parenting characteristics.

PubMed

Matz, David C; Hinsz, Verlin B

2017-10-30

We investigated how women's hair color (blond, brown, black) and length (short, medium, long) influences males' judgments about the women's age, health, physical attractiveness, relationship potential, and parenting capability. Results, which are generally consistent with evolutionary psychology approaches, indicate that hair color and, to a lesser extent, length can affect perceptions of personal characteristics. More specifically, we found that lighter hair (blond and brown) compared to darker hair (black) is generally associated with perceptions of youth, health and attractiveness, and generally leads to more positive perceptions of relationship and parenting potential. Furthermore, the relationships between variables suggest that characteristics directly related to reproductive potential may be inferred from more obvious indirect characteristics. These results suggest that males are able to make complex judgments about women concerning their desirable relationship and parenting potential based on discernable characteristics such as hair color and length.

Ground-states for the liquid drop and TFDW models with long-range attraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alama, Stan; Bronsard, Lia; Choksi, Rustum; Topaloglu, Ihsan

2017-10-01

We prove that both the liquid drop model in R 3 with an attractive background nucleus and the Thomas-Fermi-Dirac-von Weizsäcker (TFDW) model attain their ground-states for all masses as long as the external potential V(x) in these models is of long range, that is, it decays slower than Newtonian (e.g., V ( x ) ≫ | x | - 1 for large |x|.) For the TFDW model, we adapt classical concentration-compactness arguments by Lions, whereas for the liquid drop model with background attraction, we utilize a recent compactness result for sets of finite perimeter by Frank and Lieb.

Sexual selection and physical attractiveness : Implications for mating dynamics.

PubMed

Gangestad, S W

1993-09-01

Sexual selection processes have received much attention in recent years, attention reflected in interest in human mate preferences. Among these mate preferences are preferences for physical attractiveness. Preferences in and of themselves, however, do not fully explain the nature of the relationships that individuals attain. A tacit negotiation process underlies relationship formation and maintenance. The notion that preferences for physical attractiveness evolved under parasite-driven "good genes" sexual selection leads to predictions about the nature of trade-offs that individuals make between mates' physical attractiveness and investment potential. These predictions and relevant data are explored, with a primary emphasis on women's preferences for men's qualities. In addition, further implications of trade-offs are examined, most notably (a) the impact of environmental variations on the nature of mating and (b) some effects of trade-offs on infidelity and male attempts to control women.

Freezing of simple systems using density functional theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Kuijper, A.; Vos, W. L.; Barrat, J.-L.; Hansen, J.-P.; Schouten, J. A.

1990-10-01

Density functional theory (DFT) has been applied to the study of the fluid-solid transition in systems with realistic potentials (soft cores and attractive forces): the purely repulsive WCA Lennard-Jones reference potential (LJT), the full Lennard-Jones potential (LJ) and the exponential-6 potential appropriate for helium and hydrogen. Three different DFT formalisms were used: the formulation of Haymet and Oxtoby (HO) and the new theories of Denton and Ashcroft (MWDA) and of Baus (MELA). The results for the melting pressure are compared with recent simulation and experimental data. The results of the HO version are always too high, the deviation increasing when going from the repulsive Lennard-Jones to the exponential-6 potential of H2. The MWDA gives too low results for the repulsive Lennard-Jones potential. At low temperatures, it fails for the full LJ potential while at high temperatures it is in good agreement. Including the attraction as a mean-field correction gives good results also for low temperatures. The MWDA results are too high for the exponential-6 potentials. The MELA fails completely for the LJT potential and the hydrogen exponential-6 potential, since it does not give a stable solid phase.

Empirical mass formula with proton-neutron interaction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tachibana, Takahiro; Uno, Masahiro; Yamada, So; Yamada, Masami

1987-12-01

An atomic mass formula consisting of a gross part, and averge even-odd part and an empirical shell part is studied. The gross part is, apart from a small atomic term, taken to be the sum of nucleon rest masses. Coulomb energies and a polynomial in A1/3 and ‖N-Z‖/A. The shell part includes, in addition to proton and neutron support of nuclear magicities and the cooperative deformation effect. After the first construction of such a formula, refinements have been made in two respects. One is a separate treatment of Z=N odd-odd nuclei suggested by a quartet model, and the other is an improvement of the proton neutron interaction term. By these refinements the root-mean-square deviation of calculated masses from the 1986 Audi-Wapstra masses has been reduced from 538 keV to 460 keV.

Synthesis, characterization, structure and properties of heterobimetallic complexes [CuNi(μ-OAc) (μ-OH) (μ-OH2) (bpy)2] (BF4)2 and [CuNi(bz)3(bpy)2] ClO4 from 2,2‧ bipyridine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kurbah, Sunshine D.; Kumar, A.; Syiemlieh, I.; Dey, A. K.; Lal, R. A.

2018-02-01

Heterobimetallic complexes of the composition [CuNi(bpy)2 (μ-OAc) (μ-OH) (μ-OH2)](BF4)2 (1) and [CuNi(bz)3 (bpy)2]ClO4 (2) were synthesized in moderate yield through solid state reaction and have been characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance, mass spectra, magnetic moment, EPR, UV-Vis, IR spectroscopies and cyclic voltammetry. The ground state in complex (1) is doublet while that in complex (2), the ground state is a mixture of doublet and quartet, respectively. The structure of the complexes has been established by X-ray crystallography. The electron transfer reactions of the complexes have been investigated by cyclic voltammetry.

Some remarks on the genesis of scalar-tensor theories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goenner, Hubert

2012-08-01

Between 1941 and 1962, scalar-tensor theories of gravitation were suggested four times by different scientists in four different countries. The earliest originator, the Swiss mathematician W. Scherrer, was virtually unknown until now whereas the chronologically latest pair gave their names to a multitude of publications on Brans-Dicke theory. P. Jordan, one of the pioneers of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, and Y. Thiry, known by his book on celestial mechanics, a student of the mathematician Lichnerowicz, complete the quartet. Diverse motivations for and conceptual interpretations of their theories will be discussed as well as relations among them. Also, external factors like language, citation habits, or closeness to the mainstream are considered. It will become clear why Brans-Dicke theory, although structurally a déjà-vu, superseded all the other approaches.

Analysis of a DNA simulation model through hairpin melting experiments.

PubMed

Linak, Margaret C; Dorfman, Kevin D

2010-09-28

We compare the predictions of a two-bead Brownian dynamics simulation model to melting experiments of DNA hairpins with complementary AT or GC stems and noninteracting loops in buffer A. This system emphasizes the role of stacking and hydrogen bonding energies, which are characteristics of DNA, rather than backbone bending, stiffness, and excluded volume interactions, which are generic characteristics of semiflexible polymers. By comparing high throughput data on the open-close transition of various DNA hairpins to the corresponding simulation data, we (1) establish a suitable metric to compare the simulations to experiments, (2) find a conversion between the simulation and experimental temperatures, and (3) point out several limitations of the model, including the lack of G-quartets and cross stacking effects. Our approach and experimental data can be used to validate similar coarse-grained simulation models.

Quartetting in Nuclear Matter and α Particle Condensation in Nuclear Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Röpke, G.; Schuck, P.; Horiuchi, H.; Tohsaki, A.; Funaki, Y.; Yamada, T.

2008-02-01

Alternatively to pairing, four-particle correlations may become of importance for the formation of quantum condensates in nuclear matter. With increasing density, four-particle correlations are suppressed because of Pauli blocking. Signatures of α-like clusters are expected to occur in low-density nuclear systems. The famous Hoyle state (02+ at 7.654 MeV in 12C) is identified as being an almost ideal condensate of three α-particles, hold together only by the Coulomb barrier. It, therefore, has a 8Be-α structure of low density. Transition probability and inelastic form factor together with position and other physical quantities are correctly reproduced without any adjustable parameter from our two parameter wave function of α-particle condensate type. The possibility of the existence of α-particle condensed states in heavier nα nuclei is also discussed.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bernards, C.; Heinze, S.; Jolie, J.

We present the results of a {gamma}{gamma} angular correlation experiment investigating the nucleus {sup 196}Hg and compare these with a theoretical description of {sup 196}Hg within the U{sub {nu}}(6/12) x U{sub {pi}}(6/4) extended supersymmetry. To populate excited {sup 196}Hg states, we used the Cologne FN Tandem accelerator inducing the reaction {sup 194}Pt({alpha},2n){sup 196}Hg and analyzed the {gamma} decays of levels up to an excitation energy of 2.4 MeV with the HORUS cube spectrometer. The new results on this mercury isotope allow a comparison between the experimental data and the supersymmetrical predictions and show good agreement. This way we can addmore » {sup 196}Hg as a fifth supermultiplet member to the so-called magical quartet consisting of {sup 194,195}Pt and {sup 195,196}Au.« less

Non-additivity of molecule-surface van der Waals potentials from force measurements.

PubMed

Wagner, Christian; Fournier, Norman; Ruiz, Victor G; Li, Chen; Müllen, Klaus; Rohlfing, Michael; Tkatchenko, Alexandre; Temirov, Ruslan; Tautz, F Stefan

2014-11-26

Van der Waals (vdW) forces act ubiquitously in condensed matter. Despite being weak on an atomic level, they substantially influence molecular and biological systems due to their long range and system-size scaling. The difficulty to isolate and measure vdW forces on a single-molecule level causes our present understanding to be strongly theory based. Here we show measurements of the attractive potential between differently sized organic molecules and a metal surface using an atomic force microscope. Our choice of molecules and the large molecule-surface separation cause this attraction to be purely of vdW type. The experiment allows testing the asymptotic vdW force law and its validity range. We find a superlinear growth of the vdW attraction with molecular size, originating from the increased deconfinement of electrons in the molecules. Because such non-additive vdW contributions are not accounted for in most first-principles or empirical calculations, we suggest further development in that direction.

Chirality determines pheromone activity for flour beetles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levinson, H. Z.; Mori, K.

1983-04-01

Olfactory perception and orientation behaviour of female and male flour beetles ( Tribolium castaneum, T. confusum) to single stereoisomers of their aggregation pheromone revealed maximal receptor potentials and optimal attraction in response to 4R,8R-(-)-dimethyldecanal, whereas its optical antipode 4S,8S-(+)-dimethyldecanal was found to be inactive in this respect. Female flour beetles of both species were ≈ 103 times less attracted to 4R,8S-(+)- and 4S,8R-(-)-dimethyldecanal than to 4R,8R-(-)-dimethyldecanal, while male flour beetles failed to respond to the R,S-(+)- and S,R-(-)-stereoisomers. Pheromone extracts of prothoracic femora from unmated male flour beetles elicited higher receptor potentials in the antennae of females than in those of males. The results suggest that the aggregation pheromone emitted by male T. castaneum as well as male T. confusum has the stereochemical structure of 4R,8R-(-)-dimethyl-decanal, which acts as sex attractant for the females and as aggregant for the males of both species.

Evaluation of low density polyethylene and nylon for delivery of synthetic mosquito attractants

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Synthetic odour baits present an unexploited potential for sampling, surveillance and control of malaria and other mosquito vectors. However, application of such baits is impeded by the unavailability of robust odour delivery devices that perform reliably under field conditions. In the present study the suitability of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and nylon strips for dispensing synthetic attractants of host-seeking Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes was evaluated. Methods Baseline experiments assessed the numbers of An. gambiae mosquitoes caught in response to low density polyethylene (LDPE) sachets filled with attractants, attractant-treated nylon strips, control LDPE sachets, and control nylon strips placed in separate MM-X traps. Residual attraction of An. gambiae to attractant-treated nylon strips was determined subsequently. The effects of sheet thickness and surface area on numbers of mosquitoes caught in MM-X traps containing the synthetic kairomone blend dispensed from LDPE sachets and nylon strips were also evaluated. Various treatments were tested through randomized 4 × 4 Latin Square experimental designs under semi-field conditions in western Kenya. Results Attractant-treated nylon strips collected 5.6 times more An. gambiae mosquitoes than LDPE sachets filled with the same attractants. The attractant-impregnated nylon strips were consistently more attractive (76.95%; n = 9,120) than sachets containing the same attractants (18.59%; n = 2,203), control nylon strips (2.17%; n = 257) and control LDPE sachets (2.29%; n = 271) up to 40 days post-treatment (P < 0.001). The higher catches of mosquitoes achieved with nylon strips were unrelated to differences in surface area between nylon strips and LDPE sachets. The proportion of mosquitoes trapped when individual components of the attractant were dispensed in LDPE sachets of optimized sheet thicknesses was significantly higher than when 0.03 mm-sachets were used (P < 0.001). Conclusion Nylon strips continuously dispense synthetic mosquito attractants several weeks post treatment. This, added to the superior performance of nylon strips relative to LDPE material in dispensing synthetic mosquito attractants, opens up the opportunity for showcasing the effectiveness of odour-baited devices for sampling, surveillance and control of disease vectors. PMID:22992518

Evaluation of low density polyethylene and nylon for delivery of synthetic mosquito attractants.

PubMed

Mukabana, Wolfgang R; Mweresa, Collins K; Omusula, Philemon; Orindi, Benedict O; Smallegange, Renate C; van Loon, Joop Ja; Takken, Willem

2012-09-19

Synthetic odour baits present an unexploited potential for sampling, surveillance and control of malaria and other mosquito vectors. However, application of such baits is impeded by the unavailability of robust odour delivery devices that perform reliably under field conditions. In the present study the suitability of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and nylon strips for dispensing synthetic attractants of host-seeking Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes was evaluated. Baseline experiments assessed the numbers of An. gambiae mosquitoes caught in response to low density polyethylene (LDPE) sachets filled with attractants, attractant-treated nylon strips, control LDPE sachets, and control nylon strips placed in separate MM-X traps. Residual attraction of An. gambiae to attractant-treated nylon strips was determined subsequently. The effects of sheet thickness and surface area on numbers of mosquitoes caught in MM-X traps containing the synthetic kairomone blend dispensed from LDPE sachets and nylon strips were also evaluated. Various treatments were tested through randomized 4 × 4 Latin Square experimental designs under semi-field conditions in western Kenya. Attractant-treated nylon strips collected 5.6 times more An. gambiae mosquitoes than LDPE sachets filled with the same attractants. The attractant-impregnated nylon strips were consistently more attractive (76.95%; n = 9,120) than sachets containing the same attractants (18.59%; n = 2,203), control nylon strips (2.17%; n = 257) and control LDPE sachets (2.29%; n = 271) up to 40 days post-treatment (P < 0.001). The higher catches of mosquitoes achieved with nylon strips were unrelated to differences in surface area between nylon strips and LDPE sachets. The proportion of mosquitoes trapped when individual components of the attractant were dispensed in LDPE sachets of optimized sheet thicknesses was significantly higher than when 0.03 mm-sachets were used (P < 0.001). Nylon strips continuously dispense synthetic mosquito attractants several weeks post treatment. This, added to the superior performance of nylon strips relative to LDPE material in dispensing synthetic mosquito attractants, opens up the opportunity for showcasing the effectiveness of odour-baited devices for sampling, surveillance and control of disease vectors.

Application of Hyperspectral Vegetation Indices to Detect Variations in High Leaf Area Index Temperate Shrub Thicket Canopies

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

sensing an attractive technique for estimating LAI. Many vegetation indices, such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ( NDVI ), tend to saturate at...little or no improvement over NDVI . Furthermore, indirect ground-sampling techniques often used to evaluate the potential of vegetation indices also...landscapes makes remote sensing an attractive technique for estimating LAI. Many vegetation indices, such as Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ( NDVI

Radiation- and Depleted Uranium-Induced Carcinogenesis Studies: Characterization of the Carcinogenic Process and Development of Medical Countermeasures

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-01-01

drug development. 3.2 Candidate Agents: Phenylacetate and Epigallocatechin Gallate Phenylacetate (PA) is an attractive candidate for our studies...The polyphenol, epigallocathechin-3 gallate ( EGCG ), a major constituent of green tea, is also an attractive candidate for low-dose radiation...preventive agents. Part 1: chemopreventive potential of Epigallocatechin gallate , cimigenol, cimigenol-3,15-dione, and related compounds, Bioorganic Medical

Crystallization and dynamical arrest of attractive hard spheres.

PubMed

Babu, Sujin; Gimel, Jean-Christophe; Nicolai, Taco

2009-02-14

Crystallization of hard spheres interacting with a square well potential was investigated by numerical simulations using so-called Brownian cluster dynamics. The phase diagram was determined over a broad range of volume fractions. The crystallization rate was studied as a function of the interaction strength expressed in terms of the second virial coefficient. For volume fractions below about 0.3 the rate was found to increase abruptly with increasing attraction at the binodal of the metastable liquid-liquid phase separation. The rate increased until a maximum was reached after which it decreased with a power law dependence on the second virial coefficient. Above a critical percolation concentration, a transient system spanning network of connected particles was formed. Crystals were formed initially as part of the network, but eventually crystallization led to the breakup of the network. The lifetime of the transient gels increased very rapidly over a small range of interaction energies. Weak attraction destabilized the so-called repulsive crystals formed in pure hard sphere systems and shifted the coexistence line to higher volume fractions. Stronger attraction led to the formation of a denser, so-called attractive, crystalline phase. Nucleation of attractive crystals in the repulsive crystalline phase was observed close to the transition.

Patterns of migrating soaring migrants indicate attraction to marine wind farms

PubMed Central

Desholm, Mark; Heinänen, Stefan; Kahlert, Johnny A.; Laubek, Bjarke; Jensen, Niels Einar; Žydelis, Ramūnas; Jensen, Bo Præstegaard

2016-01-01

Monitoring of bird migration at marine wind farms has a short history, and unsurprisingly most studies have focused on the potential for collisions. Risk for population impacts may exist to soaring migrants such as raptors with K-strategic life-history characteristics. Soaring migrants display strong dependence on thermals and updrafts and an affinity to land areas and islands during their migration, a behaviour that creates corridors where raptors move across narrow straits and sounds and are attracted to islands. Several migration corridors for soaring birds overlap with the development regions for marine wind farms in NW Europe. However, no empirical data have yet been available on avoidance or attraction rates and behavioural reactions of soaring migrants to marine wind farms. Based on a post-construction monitoring study, we show that all raptor species displayed a significant attraction behaviour towards a wind farm. The modified migratory behaviour was also significantly different from the behaviour at nearby reference sites. The attraction was inversely related to distance to the wind farm and was primarily recorded during periods of adverse wind conditions. The attraction behaviour suggests that migrating raptor species are far more at risk of colliding with wind turbines at sea than hitherto assessed. PMID:28003522

Exploring the potential of cultural villages as a model of community based tourism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dewi, N. I. K.; Astawa, I. P.; Siwantara, I. W.; Mataram, I. G. A. B.

2018-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to provide better understanding of the potential of cultural villages as a model of Community Based Tourism. The research was held in Buleleng regency, North of Bali, where the tourism is growing in this area. A qualitative research had been applied and data was collected through in-depth interview with informants from the community who directly involve in the tourism businesses. Observation and document review were also utilized. Data was analyzed in qualitative manner following Miles and Huberman method: data reduction, data display and conclusion drawing. Four villages that won the Anugerah Desa Wisata award were selected as the cases namely Pemuteran Village, Munduk Village, Sambangan Village and Kalibukbuk Village. The findings revealed that those four villages have its own uniqueness and strong points to attract tourists. Pemuteran village has strong point on under water attraction and preservation of coral reefs. Munduk village relies on nature scenery, agro-tourism and traditional game as tourist’s attraction. Sambangan village is famous of waterfalls and adventurous activities. Kalibukbuk village depends on black sandy beach with dolphin watching as the main attraction. It is also apparent that the local community is actively involved and gets benefits from the tourism businesses.

Dominant, open nonverbal displays are attractive at zero-acquaintance

PubMed Central

Vacharkulksemsuk, Tanya; Reit, Emily; Khambatta, Poruz; Eastwick, Paul W.; Finkel, Eli J.; Carney, Dana R.

2016-01-01

Across two field studies of romantic attraction, we demonstrate that postural expansiveness makes humans more romantically appealing. In a field study (n = 144 speed-dates), we coded nonverbal behaviors associated with liking, love, and dominance. Postural expansiveness—expanding the body in physical space—was most predictive of attraction, with each one-unit increase in coded behavior from the video recordings nearly doubling a person’s odds of getting a “yes” response from one’s speed-dating partner. In a subsequent field experiment (n = 3,000), we tested the causality of postural expansion (vs. contraction) on attraction using a popular Global Positioning System-based online-dating application. Mate-seekers rapidly flipped through photographs of potential sexual/date partners, selecting those they desired to meet for a date. Mate-seekers were significantly more likely to select partners displaying an expansive (vs. contractive) nonverbal posture. Mediation analyses demonstrate one plausible mechanism through which expansiveness is appealing: Expansiveness makes the dating candidate appear more dominant. In a dating world in which success sometimes is determined by a split-second decision rendered after a brief interaction or exposure to a static photograph, single persons have very little time to make a good impression. Our research suggests that a nonverbal dominance display increases a person’s chances of being selected as a potential mate. PMID:27035937

Urban Compost Attracts Coyotes, Contains Toxins, and may Promote Disease in Urban-Adapted Wildlife.

PubMed

Murray, Maureen H; Hill, Jesse; Whyte, Peter; St Clair, Colleen Cassady

2016-06-01

Anthropogenic food is often concentrated in cities where it can attract wildlife, promote conflict with people, and potentially spread disease. Although these associations are well-documented for conventional garbage, they are unexplored for many seemingly innocuous and even environmentally friendly attractants such as piles of compost. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that municipal piles of compost are underappreciated and potentially important contributors to a recent rise in encounters with urban-adapted wildlife by attracting wildlife and promoting the spread of wildlife disease. We used remote cameras to compare visitation rates to compost piles and urban natural areas by coyotes (Canis latrans). For each site type, we assessed photographs for evidence of ectoparasites, screened scats for endoparasites, and sampled compost for harmful mycotoxins. At compost piles, visitation rates were eight times more frequent, coyotes with visible parasitic infections were 4.5 times more common, scats were 10 times more likely to contain tapeworm eggs, and mycotoxins were detected in 86% of piles and often at concentrations higher than legal limits for animal feed. Greater securement of compost waste in cities may reduce encounters with animals, susceptibility to and spread of disease, and rates of human-wildlife conflict for coyotes and other urban-adapted species.

Dominant, open nonverbal displays are attractive at zero-acquaintance.

PubMed

Vacharkulksemsuk, Tanya; Reit, Emily; Khambatta, Poruz; Eastwick, Paul W; Finkel, Eli J; Carney, Dana R

2016-04-12

Across two field studies of romantic attraction, we demonstrate that postural expansiveness makes humans more romantically appealing. In a field study (n = 144 speed-dates), we coded nonverbal behaviors associated with liking, love, and dominance. Postural expansiveness-expanding the body in physical space-was most predictive of attraction, with each one-unit increase in coded behavior from the video recordings nearly doubling a person's odds of getting a "yes" response from one's speed-dating partner. In a subsequent field experiment (n = 3,000), we tested the causality of postural expansion (vs. contraction) on attraction using a popular Global Positioning System-based online-dating application. Mate-seekers rapidly flipped through photographs of potential sexual/date partners, selecting those they desired to meet for a date. Mate-seekers were significantly more likely to select partners displaying an expansive (vs. contractive) nonverbal posture. Mediation analyses demonstrate one plausible mechanism through which expansiveness is appealing: Expansiveness makes the dating candidate appear more dominant. In a dating world in which success sometimes is determined by a split-second decision rendered after a brief interaction or exposure to a static photograph, single persons have very little time to make a good impression. Our research suggests that a nonverbal dominance display increases a person's chances of being selected as a potential mate.

Beyond Same-Sex Attraction: Gender-Variant-Based Victimization Is Associated with Suicidal Behavior and Substance Use for Other-Sex Attracted Adolescents

PubMed Central

Chen, Peter Y.; Cigularov, Konstantin P.; Tomazic, Rocco G.

2015-01-01

Gender-variant-based victimization is victimization based on the way others perceive an individual to convey masculine, feminine, and androgynous characteristics through their appearance, mannerisms, and behaviors. Previous work identifies gender-variant-based victimization as a risk factor for health-risking outcomes among same-sex attracted youths. The current study seeks to examine this relationship among other-sex attracted youths and same-sex attracted youth, and determine if gender-variant-based victimization is similarly or differentially associated with poor outcomes between these two groups. Anonymous data from a school-based survey of 2,438 racially diverse middle and high school students in the Eastern U.S. was examined. For other-sex attracted adolescents, gender-variant-based victimization was associated with a higher odds of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, regular use of cigarettes, and drug use. When compared to same-sex attracted adolescents, the harmful relationship between gender-variant-based victimization and each of these outcomes was similar in nature. These findings suggest that gender-variant-based victimization has potentially serious implications for the psychological wellbeing and substance use of other-sex attracted adolescents, not just same-sex attracted adolescents, supporting the need to address gender expression as a basis for victimization separate from sexuality- or gender-minority status. The impact that gender-variant-based victimization has on all adolescents should not be overlooked in research and interventions aimed at addressing sexual orientation-based and gender-variant-based victimization, substance use, and suicide prevention. PMID:26068796

The value of facial attractiveness for encouraging fruit and vegetable consumption: analyses from a randomized controlled trial.

PubMed

Appleton, Katherine M; McGrath, Alanna J; McKinley, Michelle C; Draffin, Claire R; Hamill, Lesley L; Young, Ian S; Woodside, Jayne V

2018-03-01

An effect of increased fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption on facial attractiveness has been proposed and recommended as a strategy to promote FV intakes, but no studies to date demonstrate a causal link between FV consumption and perceived attractiveness. This study investigated perceptions of attractiveness before and after the supervised consumption of 2, 5 or 8 FV portions/day for 4 weeks in 30 low FV consumers. Potential mechanisms for change via skin colour and perceived skin healthiness were also investigated. Faces were photographed at the start and end of the 4 week intervention in controlled conditions. Seventy-three independent individuals subsequently rated all 60 photographs in a randomized order, for facial attractiveness, facial skin yellowness, redness, healthiness, clarity, and symmetry. Using clustered multiple regression, FV consumption over the previous 4 weeks had no direct effect on attractiveness, but, for female faces, some evidence was found for an indirect impact, via linear and non-linear changes in skin yellowness. Effect sizes, however, were small. No association between FV consumption and skin healthiness was found, but skin healthiness was associated with facial attractiveness. Controlled and objectively measured increases in FV consumption for 4 weeks resulted indirectly in increased attractiveness in females via increases in skin yellowness, but effects are small and gradually taper as FV consumption increases. Based on the effect sizes from this study, we are hesitant to recommend the use of facial attractiveness to encourage increased FV consumption. Clinical trial Registration Number NCT01591057 ( www.clinicaltrials.gov ). Registered: 27th April, 2012.

Attentional Biases toward Attractive Alternatives and Rivals: Mechanisms Involved in Relationship Maintenance among Chinese Women.

PubMed

Ma, Yidan; Zhao, Guang; Tu, Shen; Zheng, Yong

2015-01-01

A long-term romantic relationship can offer many benefits to committed individuals. Thus, humans possess relationship maintenance mechanisms to protect against threats from those who serve as attractive alternatives or intrasexual rivals. Many studies have indicated that romantic love can act as a commitment device to activate these mechanisms. To examine the attentional bias associated with relationship maintenance among 108 college students (49 single and 59 committed females) in China, we used a semantic priming procedure to activate mental representations associated with romantic love and then asked participants to complete a dot-probe task for the purpose of making a distinction between the engage and disengage components of attention. No significant engaging effects toward attractive faces were observed among committed females, but the following significant disengaging effects were found: when primed with romantic love, single females showed increased attention toward and difficulty in disengaging from attractive male faces, whereas females already in a committed relationship did not alter their attention, remaining as inattentive to attractive alternatives as they were in the baseline condition. In addition, committed females responded to love priming by exhibiting difficulty in disengaging from attractive rivals. The present findings provide evidence in the Chinese cultural context for the existence of early-stage attentional processes in the domain of relationship maintenance that committed Chinese females protected an ongoing relationship by not only being inattentive to attractive males who could serve as attractive alternatives, but also being more attentive to attractive females who could be potential rivals when mental representations associated with romantic love were primed.

Attentional Biases toward Attractive Alternatives and Rivals: Mechanisms Involved in Relationship Maintenance among Chinese Women

PubMed Central

Ma, Yidan; Zhao, Guang; Tu, Shen; Zheng, Yong

2015-01-01

A long-term romantic relationship can offer many benefits to committed individuals. Thus, humans possess relationship maintenance mechanisms to protect against threats from those who serve as attractive alternatives or intrasexual rivals. Many studies have indicated that romantic love can act as a commitment device to activate these mechanisms. To examine the attentional bias associated with relationship maintenance among 108 college students (49 single and 59 committed females) in China, we used a semantic priming procedure to activate mental representations associated with romantic love and then asked participants to complete a dot-probe task for the purpose of making a distinction between the engage and disengage components of attention. No significant engaging effects toward attractive faces were observed among committed females, but the following significant disengaging effects were found: when primed with romantic love, single females showed increased attention toward and difficulty in disengaging from attractive male faces, whereas females already in a committed relationship did not alter their attention, remaining as inattentive to attractive alternatives as they were in the baseline condition. In addition, committed females responded to love priming by exhibiting difficulty in disengaging from attractive rivals. The present findings provide evidence in the Chinese cultural context for the existence of early-stage attentional processes in the domain of relationship maintenance that committed Chinese females protected an ongoing relationship by not only being inattentive to attractive males who could serve as attractive alternatives, but also being more attentive to attractive females who could be potential rivals when mental representations associated with romantic love were primed. PMID:26309232

Blue and Black Cloth Targets: Effects of Size, Shape, and Color on Stable Fly (Diptera: Muscidae) Attraction.

PubMed

Hogsette, Jerome A; Foil, Lane D

2018-04-02

Stable fly management is challenging because of the fly's dispersal behavior and its tendency to remain on the host only while feeding. Optically attractive traps have been used to survey and sometimes reduce adult populations. Insecticide-treated blue and black cloth targets developed for tsetse fly management in Africa were found to be attractive to stable flies in the United States, and various evaluations were conducted in Louisiana and Florida. Tests using untreated targets were designed to answer questions about configuration, size, and color relative to efficacy and stability in high winds. Studies with electric grid targets and with targets paired with Olson traps showed cloth target color attraction in the following decreasing order: black > blue-black > blue. A solid black target is easier to make than a blue-black target because no sewing is involved. Attraction was not affected when flat 1-m2 targets were formed into cylinders, despite the limited view of the blue and black colors together. There was no reduction in attraction when the 1-m2 cylindrical targets were compared with smaller (63 × 30 cm high) cylindrical targets. In addition, there was no difference in attraction between the small blue-black, blue, and black targets. Significance of findings and implications of potential uses for treated targets are discussed. Target attraction was indicated by the numbers of stable flies captured on an Olson sticky trap placed 30 cm from the target. Although this system is adequate for field research, it greatly underestimates the actual numbers of stable flies attracted to treated targets.

Strategy and methodology for rank-ordering Virginia state agencies regarding solar attractiveness and identification of specific project possibilities

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hewett, R.

1997-12-31

This paper describes the strategy and computer processing system that NREL, the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME) and the state energy office, are developing for computing solar attractiveness scores for state agencies and the individual facilities or buildings within each agency. In the case of an agency, solar attractiveness is a measure of that agency`s having a significant number of facilities for which solar has the potential to be promising. In the case of a facility, solar attractiveness is a measure of its potential for being good, economically viable candidate for a solar waste heating system. Virginiamore » State agencies are charged with reducing fossil energy and electricity use and expense. DMME is responsible for working with them to achieve the goals and for managing the state`s energy consumption and cost monitoring program. This is done using the Fast Accounting System for Energy Reporting (FASER) computerized energy accounting and tracking system and database. Agencies report energy use and expenses (by individual facility and energy type) to DMME quarterly. DMME is also responsible for providing technical and other assistance services to agencies and facilities interested in investigating use of solar. Since Virginia has approximately 80 agencies operating over 8,000 energy-consuming facilities and since DMME`s resources are limited, it is interested in being able to determine: (1) on which agencies to focus; (2) specific facilities on which to focus within each high-priority agency; and (3) irrespective of agency, which facilities are the most promising potential candidates for solar. The computer processing system described in this paper computes numerical solar attractiveness scores for the state`s agencies and the individual facilities using the energy use and cost data in the FASER system database and the state`s and NREL`s experience in implementing, testing and evaluating solar water heating systems in commercial and government facilities.« less

Men's strategic preferences for femininity in female faces.

PubMed

Little, Anthony C; Jones, Benedict C; Feinberg, David R; Perrett, David I

2014-08-01

Several evolutionarily relevant sources of individual differences in face preference have been documented for women. Here, we examine three such sources of individual variation in men's preference for female facial femininity: term of relationship, partnership status and self-perceived attractiveness. We show that men prefer more feminine female faces when rating for a short-term relationship and when they have a partner (Study 1). These variables were found to interact in a follow-up study (Study 2). Men who thought themselves attractive also preferred more feminized female faces for short-term relationships than men who thought themselves less attractive (Study 1 and Study 2). In women, similar findings for masculine preferences in male faces have been interpreted as adaptive. In men, such preferences potentially reflect that attractive males are able to compete for high-quality female partners in short-term contexts. When a man has secured a mate, the potential cost of being discovered may increase his choosiness regarding short-term partners relative to unpartnered men, who can better increase their short-term mating success by relaxing their standards. Such potentially strategic preferences imply that men also face trade-offs when choosing relatively masculine or feminine faced partners. In line with a trade-off, women with feminine faces were seen as more likely to be unfaithful and more likely to pursue short-term relationships (Study 3), suggesting that risk of cuckoldry is one factor that may limit men's preferences for femininity in women and could additionally lead to preferences for femininity in short-term mates. © 2013 The British Psychological Society.

Control of Aedes albopictus with attractive toxic sugar baits (ATSB) and potential impact on non-target organisms in St. Augustine, Florida

PubMed Central

Revay, Edita E.; Müller, Gunter C.; Qualls, Whitney A.; Kline, Daniel; Naranjo, Diana P.; Arheart, Kristopher L.; Kravchenko, Vasiliy D.; Yfremova, Zoya; Hausmann, Axel; Beier, John C.; Schlein, Yosef; Xue, Rui-De

2013-01-01

The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of bait stations and foliar applications containing attractive toxic sugar baits (ATSB) and eugenol to control Aedes albopictus. At the same time the potential impact of these control methods was evaluated on non-target organisms. The study was conducted at five tire sites in St. Augustine, Florida. Aedes albopictus populations were significantly reduced with ATSB-eugenol applications applied directly to non-flowering vegetation and as bait stations compared with non-attractive sugar baits and control. The application of ATSB made to non-flowering vegetation resulted in more significant reductions of mosquito populations compared to the application of ATSB presented in a bait station. Over 5.5% of the non-targets were stained in the flowering vegetation application site. However, when the attractive sugar bait application was made to non-flowering vegetation or presented in bait stations the impact on non-target insects was very low for all non-target orders as only 0.6% of the individual insects were stained with the dye from the sugar solutions, respectively. There were no significant differences between the staining of mosquitoes collected in flowering vegetation (206/1000) or non-flowering vegetation (242/1000) sites during the non-target evaluation. Our field studies support the use of eugenol as an active ingredient for controlling the dengue vector Ae. albopictus when used as an ATSB toxin and demonstrates potential use in sub-tropical and tropical environments for dengue control. PMID:24122115

Differential Response of a Local Population of Entomopathogenic Nematodes to Non-Native Herbivore Induced Plant Volatiles (HIPV) in the Laboratory and Field.

PubMed

Rivera, Monique J; Rodriguez-Saona, Cesar; Alborn, Hans T; Koppenhöfer, Albrecht M

2016-12-01

Recent work has shown the potential for enhanced efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) through their attraction to herbivore induced plant volatiles. However, there has been little investigation into the utilization of these attractants in systems other than in those in which they were identified. We compared (E)-β-caryophyllene and pregeijerene in the highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) agroecosystem in their ability to enhance the attraction of EPN to and efficacy against the system's herbivore, oriental beetle (Anomala orientalis). The relative attractiveness of (E)-β-caryophyllene and pregeijerene to a local isolate of the EPN species Steinernema glaseri was tested in a six-arm olfactometer in the laboratory to gather baseline values of attraction to the chemicals alone in sand substrate before field tests. A similar arrangement was used in a V. corymbosum field by placing six cages with assigned treatments and insect larvae with and without compound into the soil around the base of 10 plants. The cages were removed after 72 h, and insect baits were retrieved and assessed for EPN infection. The lab results indicate that in sand alone (E)-β-caryophyllene is significantly more attractive than pregeijerene to the local S. glaseri isolate Conversely, there was no difference in attractiveness in the field study, but rather, native S. glaseri were more attracted to cages with G. mellonella larvae, no larvae, and cages with the blank control and G. mellonella larvae.

Long adaptation reveals mostly attractive shifts of orientation tuning in cat primary visual cortex.

PubMed

Ghisovan, N; Nemri, A; Shumikhina, S; Molotchnikoff, S

2009-12-15

In the adult brain, sensory cortical neurons undergo transient changes of their response properties following prolonged exposure to an appropriate stimulus (adaptation). In cat V1, orientation-selective cells shift their preferred orientation after being adapted to a non-preferred orientation. There are conflicting reports as to the direction of those shifts, towards (attractive) or away (repulsive) from the adapter. Moreover, the mechanisms underlying attractive shifts remain unexplained. In the present investigation we show that attractive shifts are the most frequent outcome of a 12 min adaptation. Overall, cells displaying selectivity for oblique orientations exhibit significantly larger shifts than cells tuned to cardinal orientations. In addition, cells selective to cardinal orientations had larger shift amplitudes when the absolute difference between the original preferred orientation and the adapting orientation increased. Conversely, cells tuned to oblique orientations exhibited larger shift amplitudes when this absolute orientation difference was narrower. Hence, neurons tuned to oblique contours appear to show more plasticity in response to small perturbations. Two different mechanisms appear to produce attractive and repulsive orientation shifts. Attractive shifts result from concurrent response depression on the non-adapted flank and selective response facilitation on the adapted flank of the orientation tuning curve. In contrast, repulsive shifts are caused solely by response depression on the adapted flank. We suggest that an early mechanism leads to repulsive shifts while attractive shifts engage a subsequent late facilitation. A potential role for attractive shifts may be improved stimulus discrimination around the adapting orientation.

Species-independent attraction to biofilms through electrical signaling

PubMed Central

Humphries, Jacqueline; Xiong, Liyang; Liu, Jintao; Prindle, Arthur; Yuan, Fang; Arjes, Heidi A.; Tsimring, Lev; Süel, Gürol M.

2017-01-01

Summary Bacteria residing within biofilm communities can coordinate their behavior through cell-to-cell signaling. However, it remains unclear if these signals can also influence the behavior of distant cells that are not part of the community. Using a microfluidic approach, we find that potassium ion channel-mediated electrical signaling generated by a Bacillus subtilis biofilm can attract distant cells. Integration of experiments and mathematical modeling indicates that extracellular potassium emitted from the biofilm alters the membrane potential of distant cells, thereby directing their motility. This electrically-mediated attraction appears to be a generic mechanism that enables cross-species interactions, as Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells also become attracted to the electrical signal released by the B. subtilis biofilm. Cells within a biofilm community can thus not only coordinate their own behavior, but also influence the behavior of diverse bacteria at a distance through long-range electrical signaling. PMID:28086091

Marginal rigidity and history dependence in packings of attractive athermal emulsions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bargteil, Dylan; Pontani, Lea-Laetitia; Brujic, Jasna

2014-03-01

The geometry and stress through particulate packings depends on the method of preparation and the interaction potential between the particles. Previously, we discovered that creaming frictionless, athermal emulsions with a short-range depletion attraction leads to an initial increase in the packing density above random close packing, followed by a monotonic decrease in density (Jorjadze et al, PNAS, 2011). This decrease is because the attractive force stabilizes loose voids, thus reducing the average coordination number, , of the packing. In order to understand the mechanism of packing creation, we investigate whether the final density is influenced by the polydispersity or the initial volume fraction of droplets, as it is in frictional packings. Finally, we compress the attractive packings by centrifugation to probe the scaling laws of pressure versus density and and compare them with those found in repulsive packings (Jorjadze et al, PRL, 2013).

Strategic Sexual Signals: Women's Display versus Avoidance of the Color Red Depends on the Attractiveness of an Anticipated Interaction Partner

PubMed Central

Maner, Jon K.

2016-01-01

The color red has special meaning in mating-relevant contexts. Wearing red can enhance perceptions of women’s attractiveness and desirability as a potential romantic partner. Building on recent findings, the present study examined whether women’s (N = 74) choice to display the color red is influenced by the attractiveness of an expected opposite-sex interaction partner. Results indicated that female participants who expected to interact with an attractive man displayed red (on clothing, accessories, and/or makeup) more often than a baseline consisting of women in a natural environment with no induced expectation. In contrast, when women expected to interact with an unattractive man, they eschewed red, displaying it less often than in the baseline condition. Findings are discussed with respect to evolutionary and cultural perspectives on mate evaluation and selection. PMID:26960135

Body mass index, safety hazards, and neighborhood attractiveness.

PubMed

Lovasi, Gina S; Bader, Michael D M; Quinn, James; Neckerman, Kathryn; Weiss, Christopher; Rundle, Andrew

2012-10-01

Neighborhood attractiveness and safety may encourage physical activity and help individuals maintain a healthy weight. However, these neighborhood characteristics may not be equally relevant to health across all settings and population subgroups. To evaluate whether potentially attractive neighborhood features are associated with lower BMI, whether safety hazards are associated with higher BMI, and whether environment-environment interactions are present such that associations for a particular characteristic are stronger in an otherwise supportive environment. Survey data and measured height and weight were collected from a convenience sample of 13,102 adult New York City (NYC) residents in 2000-2002; data analyses were completed 2008-2012. Built-environment measures based on municipal GIS data sources were constructed within 1-km network buffers to assess walkable urban form (density, land-use mix, transit access); attractiveness (sidewalk cafés, landmark buildings, street trees, street cleanliness); and safety (homicide rate, pedestrian-auto collision and fatality rate). Generalized linear models with cluster-robust SEs controlled for individual and area-based sociodemographic characteristics. The presence of sidewalk cafés, density of landmark buildings, and density of street trees were associated with lower BMI, whereas the proportion of streets rated as clean was associated with higher BMI. Interactions were observed for sidewalk cafés with neighborhood poverty, for street-tree density with walkability, and for street cleanliness with safety. Safety hazard indicators were not independently associated with BMI. Potentially attractive community and natural features were associated with lower BMI among adults in NYC, and there was some evidence of effect modification. Copyright © 2012 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Body odor quality predicts behavioral attractiveness in humans.

PubMed

Roberts, S Craig; Kralevich, Alexandra; Ferdenzi, Camille; Saxton, Tamsin K; Jones, Benedict C; DeBruine, Lisa M; Little, Anthony C; Havlicek, Jan

2011-12-01

Growing effort is being made to understand how different attractive physical traits co-vary within individuals, partly because this might indicate an underlying index of genetic quality. In humans, attention has focused on potential markers of quality such as facial attractiveness, axillary odor quality, the second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratio and body mass index (BMI). Here we extend this approach to include visually-assessed kinesic cues (nonverbal behavior linked to movement) which are statistically independent of structural physical traits. The utility of such kinesic cues in mate assessment is controversial, particularly during everyday conversational contexts, as they could be unreliable and susceptible to deception. However, we show here that the attractiveness of nonverbal behavior, in 20 male participants, is predicted by perceived quality of their axillary body odor. This finding indicates covariation between two desirable traits in different sensory modalities. Depending on two different rating contexts (either a simple attractiveness rating or a rating for long-term partners by 10 female raters not using hormonal contraception), we also found significant relationships between perceived attractiveness of nonverbal behavior and BMI, and between axillary odor ratings and 2D:4D ratio. Axillary odor pleasantness was the single attribute that consistently predicted attractiveness of nonverbal behavior. Our results demonstrate that nonverbal kinesic cues could reliably reveal mate quality, at least in males, and could corroborate and contribute to mate assessment based on other physical traits.

Development of a CO2 -releasing coformulation based on starch, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Beauveria bassiana attractive towards western corn rootworm larvae.

PubMed

Vemmer, Marina; Schumann, Mario; Beitzen-Heineke, Wilhelm; French, Bryan W; Vidal, Stefan; Patel, Anant V

2016-11-01

CO 2 is known as an attractant for many soil-dwelling pests. To implement an attract-and-kill strategy for soil pest control, CO 2 -emitting formulations need to be developed. The aim of the present work was to develop a slow-release bead system in order to bridge the gap between application and hatching of western corn rootworm larvae. We compared different Ca-alginate beads containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae for their potential to release CO 2 over a period of several weeks. The addition of starch improved CO 2 release, resulting in significantly higher CO 2 concentrations in soil for at least 4 weeks. The missing amylase activity was compensated for either by microorganisms present in the soil or by coencapsulation of Beauveria bassiana. Formulations containing S. cerevisiae, starch and B. bassiana were attractive for western corn rootworm larvae within the first 4 h following exposure; however, when considering the whole testing period, the maize root systems remained more attractive for the larvae. Coencapsulation of S. cerevisiae, starch and B. bassiana is a promising approach for the development of attractive formulations for soil applications. For biological control strategies, the attractiveness needs to be increased by phagostimuli to extend contact between larvae and the entomopathogenic fungus growing out of these formulations. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

The relationship of female physical attractiveness to body fatness.

PubMed

Wang, Guanlin; Djafarian, Kurosh; Egedigwe, Chima A; El Hamdouchi, Asmaa; Ojiambo, Robert; Ramuth, Harris; Wallner-Liebmann, Sandra Johanna; Lackner, Sonja; Diouf, Adama; Sauciuvenaite, Justina; Hambly, Catherine; Vaanholt, Lobke M; Faries, Mark D; Speakman, John R

2015-01-01

Aspects of the female body may be attractive because they signal evolutionary fitness. Greater body fatness might reflect greater potential to survive famines, but individuals carrying larger fat stores may have poor health and lower fertility in non-famine conditions. A mathematical statistical model using epidemiological data linking fatness to fitness traits, predicted a peaked relationship between fatness and attractiveness (maximum at body mass index (BMI) = 22.8 to 24.8 depending on ethnicity and assumptions). Participants from three Caucasian populations (Austria, Lithuania and the UK), three Asian populations (China, Iran and Mauritius) and four African populations (Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria and Senegal) rated attractiveness of a series of female images varying in fatness (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR). There was an inverse linear relationship between physical attractiveness and body fatness or BMI in all populations. Lower body fat was more attractive, down to at least BMI = 19. There was no peak in the relationship over the range we studied in any population. WHR was a significant independent but less important factor, which was more important (greater r (2)) in African populations. Predictions based on the fitness model were not supported. Raters appeared to use body fat percentage (BF%) and BMI as markers of age. The covariance of BF% and BMI with age indicates that the role of body fatness alone, as a marker of attractiveness, has been overestimated.

The relationship of female physical attractiveness to body fatness

PubMed Central

Wang, Guanlin; Djafarian, Kurosh; Egedigwe, Chima A.; El Hamdouchi, Asmaa; Ojiambo, Robert; Ramuth, Harris; Wallner-Liebmann, Sandra Johanna; Lackner, Sonja; Diouf, Adama; Sauciuvenaite, Justina; Hambly, Catherine; Vaanholt, Lobke M.; Faries, Mark D.

2015-01-01

Aspects of the female body may be attractive because they signal evolutionary fitness. Greater body fatness might reflect greater potential to survive famines, but individuals carrying larger fat stores may have poor health and lower fertility in non-famine conditions. A mathematical statistical model using epidemiological data linking fatness to fitness traits, predicted a peaked relationship between fatness and attractiveness (maximum at body mass index (BMI) = 22.8 to 24.8 depending on ethnicity and assumptions). Participants from three Caucasian populations (Austria, Lithuania and the UK), three Asian populations (China, Iran and Mauritius) and four African populations (Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria and Senegal) rated attractiveness of a series of female images varying in fatness (BMI) and waist to hip ratio (WHR). There was an inverse linear relationship between physical attractiveness and body fatness or BMI in all populations. Lower body fat was more attractive, down to at least BMI = 19. There was no peak in the relationship over the range we studied in any population. WHR was a significant independent but less important factor, which was more important (greater r2) in African populations. Predictions based on the fitness model were not supported. Raters appeared to use body fat percentage (BF%) and BMI as markers of age. The covariance of BF% and BMI with age indicates that the role of body fatness alone, as a marker of attractiveness, has been overestimated. PMID:26336638

Thermal springs of Malaysia and their potentialdevelopment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahim Samsudin, Abdul; Hamzah, Umar; Rahman, Rakmi Ab.; Siwar, Chamhuri; Fauzi Mohd. Jani, Mohd; Othman, Redzuan

The study on the potential development of hot springs for the tourism industry in Malaysiawas conducted. Out of the 40 hot springs covered, the study identified 9 hot springs having a high potential for development, 14 having medium potential and the remaining 17 having low or least potential for development. This conclusion was arrived at after considering the technical and economic feasibility of the various hot springs. Technical feasibility criteria includes geological factors, water quality, temperature and flow rate. The economic feasibility criteria considers measures such as accessibility, current and market potentials in terms of visitors, surrounding attractions and existing inventory and facilities available. A geological input indicates that high potential hot springs are located close to or within the granite body and associated with major permeable fault zones. They normally occur at low elevation adjacent to topographic highs. High potential hot springs are also characterised by high water temperature, substantial flowrate and very good water quality which is important for water-body contact activities such as soaking. Economic criteria for high potential hot springs are associated with good accessibility, good market, good surrounding attractions like rural and village setting and well developed facilities and infrastructures.

Relativistic many-body calculations of energies in a broad range of Lu-like ions from W^3+ to Fm^29+

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Safronova, U. I.; Safronova, A. S.

2012-06-01

Energies of the [Xe]4f^145d^3, [Xe]4f^145d^26s, [Xe]4f^145d^26p, and [Xe]4f^145d6s6p states of lutetiumlike ions with Z = 74-100 are determined using second-order relativistic many-body perturbation theory (RMBPT). Our calculations start from a Er-like Dirac-Fock potential ([Xe]4f^14 where [Xe]=1s^22s^22p^63s^23p^63d^104s^24p^64d^105s^25p^6). Second-order Coulomb and Breit-Coulomb interactions are included. Correction for the frequency-dependence of the Breit interaction as well as Lamb shift correction to energies are taken into account in lowest order. The three-electron contributions to the energy are compared with the one- and two-electron contributions. They are found to contribute about 10-20% of the total second-order energy. The ratio of the third-order and second-order corrections to the one-electron contributions is found to be about 5-10%. A detailed discussion of the various contributions to the energy levels is given for Lu-like tungsten (Z=74). Trends of excitation energies including splitting of the doublet and quartet terms as functions of nuclear charge Z = 71--100 are illustrated graphically for some states. This research was sponsored by DOE under the OFES grant DE-FG02-08ER54951.

Prospect of Bioflavonoid Fisetin as a Quadruplex DNA Ligand: A Biophysical Approach

PubMed Central

Sengupta, Bidisha; Pahari, Biswapathik; Blackmon, Laura; Sengupta, Pradeep K.

2013-01-01

Quadruplex (G4) forming sequences in telomeric DNA and c-myc promoter regions of human DNA are associated with tumorogenesis. Ligands that can facilitate or stabilize the formation and increase the stabilization of G4 can prevent tumor cell proliferation and have been regarded as potential anti-cancer drugs. In the present study, steady state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements provide important structural and dynamical insights into the free and bound states of the therapeutically potent plant flavonoid fisetin (3,3′,4′,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) in a G4 DNA matrix. The excited state intra-molecular proton transfer (ESPT) of fisetin plays an important role in observing and understanding the binding of fisetin with the G4 DNA. Differential absorption spectra, thermal melting, and circular dichroism spectroscopic studies provide evidences for the formation of G4 DNA and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) proves the binding and 1∶1 stoichiometry of fisetin in the DNA matrix. Comparative analysis of binding in the presence of EtBr proves that fisetin favors binding at the face of the G-quartet, mostly along the diagonal loop. Time resolved fluorescence anisotropy decay analysis indicates the increase in the restrictions in motion from the free to bound fisetin. We have also investigated the fingerprints of the binding of fisetin in the antiparallel quadruplex using Raman spectroscopy. Preliminary results indicate fisetin to be a prospective candidate as a G4 ligand. PMID:23785423

Chiral alkylated-aniline as a noninvasive fluorescence sensor: Spectroscopic and molecular modeling studies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sengupta, Bidisha; Mukherjee, Chirantan Sen; Chakraborty, Sandipan; Muhammad, Maria Jones; Gladney, William; Armstrong, George

2017-12-01

Aniline, heterocyclic aromatic amines, and arylamines are known carcinogens. Recently aniline mustard has come into prominence as a novel anticancer agent. In this project, microwave irradiation has been used to synthesize an optically active alkylated aniline namely 2,6-dimethyl-4-(1-(p-tolyl)ethyl)aniline (abbreviated DMPA). The presence of quartet and doublet peaks in NMR and a single chromatogram in HPLC verified that the final product DMPA, prepared from the synthesis reactions, had no major impurities. By using a Lux chiral column in HPLC, two peaks have been detected in the chromatogram, which correspond to two enantiomers of the chiral aniline derivative. Fluorescence spectroscopic measurements on DMPA indicated conspicuous dependence of its emission behavior on the polarity (in terms of the empirical polarity parameter ET(30)) of the homogeneous solvents used, a property important for an optical sensor. The nature of the emission profiles, along with the relevant parameter namely wavelength at emission maximum (λemmax) is used to infer the distribution, binding and microenvironment of the DMPA molecules in human serum albumin protein (HSA). DMPA is weakly fluorescent in aqueous buffer medium, with a dramatic enhancement in the fluorescence emission in the presence of HSA. Molecular modeling studies have been carried out on the two enantiomers (R and S) of DMPA with HSA. The implications of these findings are examined in relation to the potentialities of DMPA as a novel fluorescence sensor for biological systems.

Amplification of Chromosome 1q Genes Encoding the Phosphoinositide Signalling Enzymes PI4KB, AKT3, PIP5K1A and PI3KC2B in Breast Cancer

PubMed Central

Waugh, Mark G.

2014-01-01

Little is known about the possible oncogenic roles of genes encoding for the phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases, a family of enzymes that regulate an early step in phosphoinositide signalling. To address this issue, the mutational status of all four human phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases genes was analyzed across 852 breast cancer samples using the COSMIC data resource. Point mutations in the phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase genes were uncommon and appeared in less than 1% of the patient samples however, 62% of the tumours had increases in gene copy number for PI4KB which encodes the phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase IIIbeta isozyme. Extending this analysis to subsequent enzymes in the phosphoinositide signalling cascades revealed that the only PIP5K1A, PI3KC2B and AKT3 genes exhibited similar patterns of gene copy number variation. By comparison, gene copy number increases for established oncogenes such as EGFR and HER2/Neu were only evident in 20% of the samples. The PI4KB, PIP5K1A, PI3KC2B and AKT3 genes are related in that they all localize to chromosome 1q which is often structurally and numerically abnormal in breast cancer. These results demonstrate that a gene quartet encoding a potential phosphoinositide signalling pathway is amplified in a subset of breast cancers. PMID:25368680

Chiral alkylated-aniline as a noninvasive fluorescence sensor: Spectroscopic and molecular modeling studies.

PubMed

Sengupta, Bidisha; Mukherjee, Chirantan Sen; Chakraborty, Sandipan; Muhammad, Maria Jones; Gladney, William; Armstrong, George

2017-12-05

Aniline, heterocyclic aromatic amines, and arylamines are known carcinogens. Recently aniline mustard has come into prominence as a novel anticancer agent. In this project, microwave irradiation has been used to synthesize an optically active alkylated aniline namely 2,6-dimethyl-4-(1-(p-tolyl)ethyl)aniline (abbreviated DMPA). The presence of quartet and doublet peaks in NMR and a single chromatogram in HPLC verified that the final product DMPA, prepared from the synthesis reactions, had no major impurities. By using a Lux chiral column in HPLC, two peaks have been detected in the chromatogram, which correspond to two enantiomers of the chiral aniline derivative. Fluorescence spectroscopic measurements on DMPA indicated conspicuous dependence of its emission behavior on the polarity (in terms of the empirical polarity parameter E T (30)) of the homogeneous solvents used, a property important for an optical sensor. The nature of the emission profiles, along with the relevant parameter namely wavelength at emission maximum (λ em max ) is used to infer the distribution, binding and microenvironment of the DMPA molecules in human serum albumin protein (HSA). DMPA is weakly fluorescent in aqueous buffer medium, with a dramatic enhancement in the fluorescence emission in the presence of HSA. Molecular modeling studies have been carried out on the two enantiomers (R and S) of DMPA with HSA. The implications of these findings are examined in relation to the potentialities of DMPA as a novel fluorescence sensor for biological systems. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The effects of DNA supercoiling on G-quadruplex formation.

PubMed

Sekibo, Doreen A T; Fox, Keith R

2017-12-01

Guanine-rich DNAs can fold into four-stranded structures that contain stacks of G-quartets. Bioinformatics studies have revealed that G-rich sequences with the potential to adopt these structures are unevenly distributed throughout genomes, and are especially found in gene promoter regions. With the exception of the single-stranded telomeric DNA, all genomic G-rich sequences will always be present along with their C-rich complements, and quadruplex formation will be in competition with the corresponding Watson-Crick duplex. Quadruplex formation must therefore first require local dissociation (melting) of the duplex strands. Since negative supercoiling is known to facilitate the formation of alternative DNA structures, we have investigated G-quadruplex formation within negatively supercoiled DNA plasmids. Plasmids containing multiple copies of (G3T)n and (G3T4)n repeats, were probed with dimethylsulphate, potassium permanganate and S1 nuclease. While dimethylsulphate footprinting revealed some evidence for G-quadruplex formation in (G3T)n sequences, this was not affected by supercoiling, and permanganate failed to detect exposed thymines in the loop regions. (G3T4)n sequences were not protected from DMS and showed no reaction with permanganate. Similarly, both S1 nuclease and 2D gel electrophoresis of DNA topoisomers did not detect any supercoil-dependent structural transitions. These results suggest that negative supercoiling alone is not sufficient to drive G-quadruplex formation. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Nucleic Acids Research.

Increased burden of deleterious variants in essential genes in autism spectrum disorder.

PubMed

Ji, Xiao; Kember, Rachel L; Brown, Christopher D; Bućan, Maja

2016-12-27

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous, highly heritable neurodevelopmental syndrome characterized by impaired social interaction, communication, and repetitive behavior. It is estimated that hundreds of genes contribute to ASD. We asked if genes with a strong effect on survival and fitness contribute to ASD risk. Human orthologs of genes with an essential role in pre- and postnatal development in the mouse [essential genes (EGs)] are enriched for disease genes and under strong purifying selection relative to human orthologs of mouse genes with a known nonlethal phenotype [nonessential genes (NEGs)]. This intolerance to deleterious mutations, commonly observed haploinsufficiency, and the importance of EGs in development suggest a possible cumulative effect of deleterious variants in EGs on complex neurodevelopmental disorders. With a comprehensive catalog of 3,915 mammalian EGs, we provide compelling evidence for a stronger contribution of EGs to ASD risk compared with NEGs. By examining the exonic de novo and inherited variants from 1,781 ASD quartet families, we show a significantly higher burden of damaging mutations in EGs in ASD probands compared with their non-ASD siblings. The analysis of EGs in the developing brain identified clusters of coexpressed EGs implicated in ASD. Finally, we suggest a high-priority list of 29 EGs with potential ASD risk as targets for future functional and behavioral studies. Overall, we show that large-scale studies of gene function in model organisms provide a powerful approach for prioritization of genes and pathogenic variants identified by sequencing studies of human disease.

Increased burden of deleterious variants in essential genes in autism spectrum disorder

PubMed Central

Kember, Rachel L.; Brown, Christopher D.; Bućan, Maja

2016-01-01

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous, highly heritable neurodevelopmental syndrome characterized by impaired social interaction, communication, and repetitive behavior. It is estimated that hundreds of genes contribute to ASD. We asked if genes with a strong effect on survival and fitness contribute to ASD risk. Human orthologs of genes with an essential role in pre- and postnatal development in the mouse [essential genes (EGs)] are enriched for disease genes and under strong purifying selection relative to human orthologs of mouse genes with a known nonlethal phenotype [nonessential genes (NEGs)]. This intolerance to deleterious mutations, commonly observed haploinsufficiency, and the importance of EGs in development suggest a possible cumulative effect of deleterious variants in EGs on complex neurodevelopmental disorders. With a comprehensive catalog of 3,915 mammalian EGs, we provide compelling evidence for a stronger contribution of EGs to ASD risk compared with NEGs. By examining the exonic de novo and inherited variants from 1,781 ASD quartet families, we show a significantly higher burden of damaging mutations in EGs in ASD probands compared with their non-ASD siblings. The analysis of EGs in the developing brain identified clusters of coexpressed EGs implicated in ASD. Finally, we suggest a high-priority list of 29 EGs with potential ASD risk as targets for future functional and behavioral studies. Overall, we show that large-scale studies of gene function in model organisms provide a powerful approach for prioritization of genes and pathogenic variants identified by sequencing studies of human disease. PMID:27956632

Derivation of Reliable Geometries in QM Calculations of DNA Structures: Explicit Solvent QM/MM and Restrained Implicit Solvent QM Optimizations of G-Quadruplexes.

PubMed

Gkionis, Konstantinos; Kruse, Holger; Šponer, Jiří

2016-04-12

Modern dispersion-corrected DFT methods have made it possible to perform reliable QM studies on complete nucleic acid (NA) building blocks having hundreds of atoms. Such calculations, although still limited to investigations of potential energy surfaces, enhance the portfolio of computational methods applicable to NAs and offer considerably more accurate intrinsic descriptions of NAs than standard MM. However, in practice such calculations are hampered by the use of implicit solvent environments and truncation of the systems. Conventional QM optimizations are spoiled by spurious intramolecular interactions and severe structural deformations. Here we compare two approaches designed to suppress such artifacts: partially restrained continuum solvent QM and explicit solvent QM/MM optimizations. We report geometry relaxations of a set of diverse double-quartet guanine quadruplex (GQ) DNA stems. Both methods provide neat structures without major artifacts. However, each one also has distinct weaknesses. In restrained optimizations, all errors in the target geometries (i.e., low-resolution X-ray and NMR structures) are transferred to the optimized geometries. In QM/MM, the initial solvent configuration causes some heterogeneity in the geometries. Nevertheless, both approaches represent a decisive step forward compared to conventional optimizations. We refine earlier computations that revealed sizable differences in the relative energies of GQ stems computed with AMBER MM and QM. We also explore the dependence of the QM/MM results on the applied computational protocol.

Iron cation catalyzed reduction of N2O by CO: gas-phase temperature dependent kinetics.

PubMed

Melko, Joshua J; Ard, Shaun G; Fournier, Joseph A; Li, Jun; Shuman, Nicholas S; Guo, Hua; Troe, Jürgen; Viggiano, Albert A

2013-07-21

The ion-molecule reactions Fe(+) + N2O → FeO(+) + N2 and FeO(+) + CO → Fe(+) + CO2, which catalyze the reaction CO + N2O → CO2 + N2, have been studied over the temperature range 120-700 K using a variable temperature selected ion flow tube apparatus. Values of the rate constants for the former two reactions were experimentally derived as k2 (10(-11) cm(3) s(-1)) = 2.0(±0.3) (T/300)(-1.5(±0.2)) + 6.3(±0.9) exp(-515(±77)/T) and k3 (10(-10) cm(3) s(-1)) = 3.1(±0.1) (T/300)(-0.9(±0.1)). Characterizing the energy parameters of the reactions by density functional theory at the B3LYP/TZVP level, the rate constants are modeled, accounting for the intermediate formation of complexes. The reactions are characterized by nonstatistical intrinsic dynamics and rotation-dependent competition between forward and backward fluxes. For Fe(+) + N2O, sextet-quartet switching of the potential energy surfaces is quantified. The rate constant for the clustering reaction FeO(+) + N2O + He → FeO(N2O)(+) + He was also measured, being k4 (10(-27) cm(6) s(-1)) = 1.1(±0.1) (T/300)(-2.5(±0.1)) in the low pressure limit, and analyzed in terms of unimolecular rate theory.

Pinning time statistics for vortex lines in disordered environments.

PubMed

Dobramysl, Ulrich; Pleimling, Michel; Täuber, Uwe C

2014-12-01

We study the pinning dynamics of magnetic flux (vortex) lines in a disordered type-II superconductor. Using numerical simulations of a directed elastic line model, we extract the pinning time distributions of vortex line segments. We compare different model implementations for the disorder in the surrounding medium: discrete, localized pinning potential wells that are either attractive and repulsive or purely attractive, and whose strengths are drawn from a Gaussian distribution; as well as continuous Gaussian random potential landscapes. We find that both schemes yield power-law distributions in the pinned phase as predicted by extreme-event statistics, yet they differ significantly in their effective scaling exponents and their short-time behavior.

Effect of pairwise additivity on finite-temperature behavior of classical ideal gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shekaari, Ashkan; Jafari, Mahmoud

2018-05-01

Finite-temperature molecular dynamics simulations have been applied to inquire into the effect of pairwise additivity on the behavior of classical ideal gas within the temperature range of T = 250-4000 K via applying a variety of pair potentials and then examining the temperature dependence of a number of thermodynamical properties. Examining the compressibility factor reveals the most deviation from ideal-gas behavior for the Lennard-Jones system mainly due to the presence of both the attractive and repulsive terms. The systems with either attractive or repulsive intermolecular potentials are found to present no resemblance to real gases, but the most similarity to the ideal one as temperature rises.

Application of Sequence Comparison Methods to Multisensor Data Fusion and Target Recognition

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-06-18

lin- ear comparison). A particularly attractive aspect of the proposed fusion scheme is that it has the potential to work for any object with (1...radar sensing is a historical custom - however, the reader should keep in mind that the fundamental issue in this research is to explore and exploit...reduce the computationally expensive need to compute partial derivatives. In usual practice, the computationally more attractive filter design is

On the possibility of collective attraction in complex plasmas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chaudhuri, M.; Morfill, G. E.; Kompaneets, R.

2010-06-15

An investigation on the possible collective electric attraction between like-charged dust particles has been performed in an isotropic homogeneous complex (dusty) plasma in which a balance between plasma creation due to ionization and plasma loss due to the absorption on dust particles has been reached. The analysis is made on the basis of a self-consistent fluid model, which includes plasma ionization, plasma loss on dust particles, dust charge variations, and ion-neutral friction. It is shown that the interaction potential can have an attractive part in the stability regime of the ionization-absorption balance with respect to ion perturbations only under verymore » limited circumstances.« less

The wandering mind of men: ERP evidence for gender differences in attention bias towards attractive opposite sex faces

PubMed Central

Crawford, Helen; van Vugt, Mark

2011-01-01

To examine the time course and automaticity of our attention bias towards attractive opposite sex faces, event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded from 20 males and 20 females while they carried out a covert orienting task. Faces that were high, low or average in attractiveness, were presented in focus of attention, but were unrelated to task goals. Across the entire sample larger P2 amplitudes were found in response to both attractive and unattractive opposite sex faces, presumably reflecting early implicit selective attention to distinctive faces. In male but not female participants this was followed by an increased late slow wave for the attractive faces, signifying heightened processing linked to motivated attention. This latter finding is consistent with sexual strategy theory, which suggests that men and women have evolved to pursue different mating strategies with men being more attentive to cues such as facial beauty. In general, our ERP results suggest that, in addition to threat-related stimuli, other evolutionary-relevant information is also prioritized by our attention systems. PMID:20601424

The wandering mind of men: ERP evidence for gender differences in attention bias towards attractive opposite sex faces.

PubMed

van Hooff, Johanna C; Crawford, Helen; van Vugt, Mark

2011-09-01

To examine the time course and automaticity of our attention bias towards attractive opposite sex faces, event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded from 20 males and 20 females while they carried out a covert orienting task. Faces that were high, low or average in attractiveness, were presented in focus of attention, but were unrelated to task goals. Across the entire sample larger P2 amplitudes were found in response to both attractive and unattractive opposite sex faces, presumably reflecting early implicit selective attention to distinctive faces. In male but not female participants this was followed by an increased late slow wave for the attractive faces, signifying heightened processing linked to motivated attention. This latter finding is consistent with sexual strategy theory, which suggests that men and women have evolved to pursue different mating strategies with men being more attentive to cues such as facial beauty. In general, our ERP results suggest that, in addition to threat-related stimuli, other evolutionary-relevant information is also prioritized by our attention systems.

Volunteer recruitment: the role of organizational support and anticipated respect in non-volunteers' attraction to charitable volunteer organizations.

PubMed

Boezeman, Edwin J; Ellemers, Naomi

2008-09-01

In 3 experiments the authors examined how specific characteristics of charitable volunteer organizations contribute to the recruitment of new volunteers. In line with predictions, Study 1 revealed that providing non-volunteers with information about organizational support induced anticipated feelings of respect, which subsequently enhanced their attraction to the volunteer organization. However, information about the current success of the volunteer organization did not affect anticipated pride (as among those who seek paid employment) and in fact caused potential volunteers to perceive the organization as being in less need for additional volunteers. Study 2 further showed that information about support from the volunteer organization is a more relevant source of anticipated respect and organizational attraction than support from co-volunteers. Study 3 finally showed that information about task and emotional support for volunteers contributes to anticipated respect and organizational attractiveness and that this increases the actual willingness of non-volunteers to participate in the volunteer organization. Interventions aimed at attracting volunteers and avenues for further research are discussed.

Attractants from Bartlett pear for codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.), larvae

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knight, Alan L.; Light, Douglas M.

2001-08-01

The alkyl ethyl and methyl esters of (2 E,4 Z)-2,4-decadienoic acid found in head-space samples of ripe Bartlett pear ( Pyrus communis L.) stimulated a response from neonate larvae of the codling moth (CM), Cydia pomonella (L.), in both static-air Petri-plate and in upwind Y-tube and straight-tube olfactometer bioassays. In comparison with the known CM neonate attractant, ( E,E)-α-farnesene, ethyl (2 E,4 Z)-2,4-decadienoate was attractive at 10-fold and 1,000-fold lower threshold dosages in the Petri-plate and in the Y-tube bioassays, respectively. Methyl (2 E,4 Z)-2,4-decadienoate was attractive to CM neonates in these bioassays at much higher doses than ethyl (2 E,4 Z)-2,4-decadienoate. Other principal head-space volatiles from ripe pear fruit and pear leaves, including butyl acetate, hexyl acetate, ( Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, and ( E)-β-ocimene, were not attractive to CM neonates. The potential uses of these pear kairomones for monitoring and control of CM in walnuts and apple are discussed.

Attraction of posture and motion-trajectory elements of conspecific biological motion in medaka fish.

PubMed

Shibai, Atsushi; Arimoto, Tsunehiro; Yoshinaga, Tsukasa; Tsuchizawa, Yuta; Khureltulga, Dashdavaa; Brown, Zuben P; Kakizuka, Taishi; Hosoda, Kazufumi

2018-06-05

Visual recognition of conspecifics is necessary for a wide range of social behaviours in many animals. Medaka (Japanese rice fish), a commonly used model organism, are known to be attracted by the biological motion of conspecifics. However, biological motion is a composite of both body-shape motion and entire-field motion trajectory (i.e., posture or motion-trajectory elements, respectively), and it has not been revealed which element mediates the attractiveness. Here, we show that either posture or motion-trajectory elements alone can attract medaka. We decomposed biological motion of the medaka into the two elements and synthesized visual stimuli that contain both, either, or none of the two elements. We found that medaka were attracted by visual stimuli that contain at least one of the two elements. In the context of other known static visual information regarding the medaka, the potential multiplicity of information regarding conspecific recognition has further accumulated. Our strategy of decomposing biological motion into these partial elements is applicable to other animals, and further studies using this technique will enhance the basic understanding of visual recognition of conspecifics.

Family relationships and adolescent well-being: are families equally protective for same-sex attracted youth?

PubMed

Pearson, Jennifer; Wilkinson, Lindsey

2013-03-01

Existing research suggests that sexual minority youth experience lower levels of well-being, in part because they perceive less social support than heterosexual youth. Sexual minority youth with strong family relationships may demonstrate resilience and increased well-being; however, it is also possible that the experience of sexual stigma may make these relationships less protective for sexual minority youth. Using two waves of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we explore the links between same-sex attraction, family relationships, and adolescent well-being in a sample of over 13,000 7th-12th grade adolescents (51 % female, 52 % non-Latino/a white, 17 % Latino, 21 % African American, and 7 % Asian). Specifically, we examine whether lower levels of parental closeness, parental involvement, and family support among same-sex attracted youth explain in part why these youth experience increased depressive symptoms and risk behaviors, including binge drinking, illegal drug use, and running away from home, relative to other-sex attracted youth. Second, we ask whether family relationships are equally protective against depressive symptoms and risk behaviors for same-sex attracted and other-sex attracted youth. We find that same-sex attracted youth, particularly girls, report higher levels of depressive symptoms, binge drinking, and drug use in part because they perceive less closeness with parents and less support from their families. Results also suggest that parental closeness and parental involvement may be less protective against risk behaviors for same-sex attracted boys than for their other-sex attracted peers. Findings thus suggest that interventions targeting the families of sexual minority youth should educate parents about the potentially negative effects of heteronormative assumptions and attitudes on positive adolescent development.

Fecal sacs attract insects to the nest and provoke an activation of the immune system of nestlings.

PubMed

Ibáñez-Álamo, Juan Diego; Ruiz-Raya, Francisco; Rodríguez, Laura; Soler, Manuel

2016-01-01

Nest sanitation is a widespread but rarely studied behavior in birds. The most common form of nest sanitation behavior, the removal of nestling feces, has focused the discussion about which selective pressures determine this behavior. The parasitism hypothesis, which states that nestling fecal sacs attract parasites that negatively affect breeding birds, was proposed 40 years ago and is frequently cited as a demonstrated fact. But, to our knowledge, there is no previous experimental test of this hypothesis. We carried out three different experiments to investigate the parasitism hypothesis. First, we used commercial McPhail traps to test for the potential attraction effect of nestling feces alone on flying insects. We found that traps with fecal sacs attracted significantly more flies (Order Diptera), but not ectoparasites, than the two control situations. Second, we used artificial blackbird (Turdus merula) nests to investigate the combined attraction effect of feces and nest materials on arthropods (not only flying insects). Flies, again, were the only group of arthropods significantly attracted by fecal sacs. We did not detect an effect on ectoparasites. Third, we used active blackbird nests to investigate the potential effect of nestling feces in ecto- and endoparasite loads in real nestlings. The presence of fecal sacs near blackbird nestlings did not increase the number of louse flies or chewing lice, and unexpectedly reduced the number of nests infested with mites. The endoparasite prevalence was also not affected. In contrast, feces provoked an activation of the immune system as the H/L ratio of nestlings living near excrements was significantly higher than those kept under the two control treatments. Surprisingly, our findings do not support the parasitism hypothesis, which suggests that parasites are not the main reason for fecal sac removal. In contrast, the attraction of flies to nestling feces, the elevation of the immune response of chicks, and the recently described antimicrobial function of the mucous covering of fecal sacs suggest that microorganisms could be responsible of this important form of parental care behavior (microbial hypothesis).

Beauty matters: social preferences in a three-person ultimatum game.

PubMed

Ma, Qingguo; Hu, Yue

2015-01-01

Preference for beauty is human nature, as previous behavior studies have supported the notion of "beauty premium" in which attractive people were more easily to get promoted and receive higher salaries. In the present study, 29 males were recruited to participate in a three-person ultimatum game (UG) including a proposer, a responder and a powerless third player. Each subject, playing as the responder, had to decide whether to accept an offer from the allocator both for himself and a female third person. We aimed to elucidate how the facial attractiveness of the female subject affected the male subjects' fairness and decision-making in social exchanges. Frontal feedback-related negativity (FRN) in response to four offers in an attractive-face condition revealed no significant differences between offers; however, when the companion was an unattractive female, an "unfair/fair" offer, which assigned a lower share to the responder and a fair share to the third player, elicited the largest FRN. Furthermore, when the third player was offered the smallest amount ("fair/unfair" offer), a larger FRN was generated in an attractive-face condition than unattractive-face condition. In the "unfair/fair" offer condition in which subjects received a smaller allocation than the third person, the beauty of their female counterparts attenuated subjects' aversion to inequality, resulting in a less negative FRN in the frontal region and an increased acceptance ratio. However, the influence of the third player's facial attractiveness only affected the early evaluation stage: late P300 was found to be immune to the "beauty premium". Under the two face conditions, P300 was smallest following an "unfair/fair" offer, whereas the amplitudes in the other three offer conditions exhibited no significant differences. In addition, the differentiated neural features of processing facial attractiveness were also determined and indexed by four event-related potentials (ERP) components: N170, frontal N1, N2 and late positive potentials (LPPs).

Beauty Matters: Social Preferences in a Three-Person Ultimatum Game

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Preference for beauty is human nature, as previous behavior studies have supported the notion of “beauty premium” in which attractive people were more easily to get promoted and receive higher salaries. In the present study, 29 males were recruited to participate in a three-person ultimatum game (UG) including a proposer, a responder and a powerless third player. Each subject, playing as the responder, had to decide whether to accept an offer from the allocator both for himself and a female third person. We aimed to elucidate how the facial attractiveness of the female subject affected the male subjects’ fairness and decision-making in social exchanges. Frontal feedback-related negativity (FRN) in response to four offers in an attractive-face condition revealed no significant differences between offers; however, when the companion was an unattractive female, an “unfair/fair” offer, which assigned a lower share to the responder and a fair share to the third player, elicited the largest FRN. Furthermore, when the third player was offered the smallest amount (“fair/unfair” offer), a larger FRN was generated in an attractive-face condition than unattractive-face condition. In the “unfair/fair” offer condition in which subjects received a smaller allocation than the third person, the beauty of their female counterparts attenuated subjects’ aversion to inequality, resulting in a less negative FRN in the frontal region and an increased acceptance ratio. However, the influence of the third player’s facial attractiveness only affected the early evaluation stage: late P300 was found to be immune to the “beauty premium”. Under the two face conditions, P300 was smallest following an “unfair/fair” offer, whereas the amplitudes in the other three offer conditions exhibited no significant differences. In addition, the differentiated neural features of processing facial attractiveness were also determined and indexed by four event-related potentials (ERP) components: N170, frontal N1, N2 and late positive potentials (LPPs). PMID:25951138

Young Africans' representations of the origins of same-sex attraction and implications for sexual and mental health.

PubMed

Winskell, Kate; Sabben, Gaëlle; Pruitt, Kaitlyn L; Allen, Kristi; Findlay, Trinity; Stephenson, Rob

2017-03-01

Sexual minorities are stigmatised in much of sub-Saharan Africa, restricting their access to sexual health services and undermining their mental health. Although public attitudes and social representations inform the experience of sexual stigma, little is known about how young Africans make sense of sexual diversity. We conducted a thematic analysis of 56 texts contributed by young people from 10 countries in response to a prompt in a scriptwriting competition inviting participants to 'tell a story about someone who is attracted to people of the same sex'. We analysed accounts of the origins of same-sex attraction, a prominent theme in the narratives. Two-thirds of the texts provide an explicit or implicit explanation, presenting same-sex attraction as innate (15/38) and/or the consequence of environmental influences (32/38), including parental behaviour, gender separation, trauma, foreign influences and evil spirits. Expressions of the potential to avert or cure same-sex attraction are common. Young people's sense-making around sexual diversity draws on available sociocultural and symbolic resources, some of which may be highly stigmatising, and reflects local, national and transnational influences. The need to explain same-sex attraction and the preponderance of harmful explanatory frameworks compounds sexual minority youth's vulnerability to sexual stigma, harmful coping strategies and mental health challenges.

Penis size interacts with body shape and height to influence male attractiveness.

PubMed

Mautz, Brian S; Wong, Bob B M; Peters, Richard A; Jennions, Michael D

2013-04-23

Compelling evidence from many animal taxa indicates that male genitalia are often under postcopulatory sexual selection for characteristics that increase a male's relative fertilization success. There could, however, also be direct precopulatory female mate choice based on male genital traits. Before clothing, the nonretractable human penis would have been conspicuous to potential mates. This observation has generated suggestions that human penis size partly evolved because of female choice. Here we show, based upon female assessment of digitally projected life-size, computer-generated images, that penis size interacts with body shape and height to determine male sexual attractiveness. Positive linear selection was detected for penis size, but the marginal increase in attractiveness eventually declined with greater penis size (i.e., quadratic selection). Penis size had a stronger effect on attractiveness in taller men than in shorter men. There was a similar increase in the positive effect of penis size on attractiveness with a more masculine body shape (i.e., greater shoulder-to-hip ratio). Surprisingly, larger penis size and greater height had almost equivalent positive effects on male attractiveness. Our results support the hypothesis that female mate choice could have driven the evolution of larger penises in humans. More broadly, our results show that precopulatory sexual selection can play a role in the evolution of genital traits.

Penis size interacts with body shape and height to influence male attractiveness

PubMed Central

Mautz, Brian S.; Wong, Bob B. M.; Peters, Richard A.; Jennions, Michael D.

2013-01-01

Compelling evidence from many animal taxa indicates that male genitalia are often under postcopulatory sexual selection for characteristics that increase a male’s relative fertilization success. There could, however, also be direct precopulatory female mate choice based on male genital traits. Before clothing, the nonretractable human penis would have been conspicuous to potential mates. This observation has generated suggestions that human penis size partly evolved because of female choice. Here we show, based upon female assessment of digitally projected life-size, computer-generated images, that penis size interacts with body shape and height to determine male sexual attractiveness. Positive linear selection was detected for penis size, but the marginal increase in attractiveness eventually declined with greater penis size (i.e., quadratic selection). Penis size had a stronger effect on attractiveness in taller men than in shorter men. There was a similar increase in the positive effect of penis size on attractiveness with a more masculine body shape (i.e., greater shoulder-to-hip ratio). Surprisingly, larger penis size and greater height had almost equivalent positive effects on male attractiveness. Our results support the hypothesis that female mate choice could have driven the evolution of larger penises in humans. More broadly, our results show that precopulatory sexual selection can play a role in the evolution of genital traits. PMID:23569234

Patterns of migrating soaring migrants indicate attraction to marine wind farms.

PubMed

Skov, Henrik; Desholm, Mark; Heinänen, Stefan; Kahlert, Johnny A; Laubek, Bjarke; Jensen, Niels Einar; Žydelis, Ramūnas; Jensen, Bo Præstegaard

2016-12-01

Monitoring of bird migration at marine wind farms has a short history, and unsurprisingly most studies have focused on the potential for collisions. Risk for population impacts may exist to soaring migrants such as raptors with K-strategic life-history characteristics. Soaring migrants display strong dependence on thermals and updrafts and an affinity to land areas and islands during their migration, a behaviour that creates corridors where raptors move across narrow straits and sounds and are attracted to islands. Several migration corridors for soaring birds overlap with the development regions for marine wind farms in NW Europe. However, no empirical data have yet been available on avoidance or attraction rates and behavioural reactions of soaring migrants to marine wind farms. Based on a post-construction monitoring study, we show that all raptor species displayed a significant attraction behaviour towards a wind farm. The modified migratory behaviour was also significantly different from the behaviour at nearby reference sites. The attraction was inversely related to distance to the wind farm and was primarily recorded during periods of adverse wind conditions. The attraction behaviour suggests that migrating raptor species are far more at risk of colliding with wind turbines at sea than hitherto assessed. © 2016 The Author(s).

Insights into the role of age and social interactions on the sexual attractiveness of queens in an eusocial bee, Melipona flavolineata (Apidae, Meliponini).

PubMed

Veiga, Jamille Costa; Menezes, Cristiano; Contrera, Felipe Andrés León

2017-04-01

The attraction of sexual partners is a vital necessity among insects, and it involves conflict of interests and complex communication systems among male and female. In this study, we investigated the developing of sexual attractiveness in virgin queens (i.e., gynes) of Melipona flavolineata, an eusocial stingless bee. We followed the development of sexual attractiveness in 64 gynes, belonging to seven age classes (0, 3, 6, 9, 15, 18 days post-emergence), and we also evaluated the effect of different social interactions (such as competition between queens and interactions with workers) on the development of attractiveness in other 60 gynes. We used the number of males that tried to mate with a focal gyne as a representative variable of its sexual attractiveness. During the essays, each gyne was individually presented to 10 sexually mature males, and during 3 min, we counted the number of males that everted their genitalia in response to the presence of a gyne. Here, we show that M. flavolineata gynes are capable to (i) maintain their sexual attractiveness for long periods through adult life, (ii) they need a minimum social interaction to trigger the development of sexual attractiveness, and (iii) that gynes express this trait only within a social context. We conclude that the effective occurrence of matings is conditional on potential social interactions that gynes experienced before taking the nuptial flight, when they are still in the nest. These findings bring insights into the factors determining reproductive success in social insects.

Insights into the role of age and social interactions on the sexual attractiveness of queens in an eusocial bee, Melipona flavolineata (Apidae, Meliponini)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veiga, Jamille Costa; Menezes, Cristiano; Contrera, Felipe Andrés León

2017-04-01

The attraction of sexual partners is a vital necessity among insects, and it involves conflict of interests and complex communication systems among male and female. In this study, we investigated the developing of sexual attractiveness in virgin queens (i.e., gynes) of Melipona flavolineata, an eusocial stingless bee. We followed the development of sexual attractiveness in 64 gynes, belonging to seven age classes (0, 3, 6, 9, 15, 18 days post-emergence), and we also evaluated the effect of different social interactions (such as competition between queens and interactions with workers) on the development of attractiveness in other 60 gynes. We used the number of males that tried to mate with a focal gyne as a representative variable of its sexual attractiveness. During the essays, each gyne was individually presented to 10 sexually mature males, and during 3 min, we counted the number of males that everted their genitalia in response to the presence of a gyne. Here, we show that M. flavolineata gynes are capable to (i) maintain their sexual attractiveness for long periods through adult life, (ii) they need a minimum social interaction to trigger the development of sexual attractiveness, and (iii) that gynes express this trait only within a social context. We conclude that the effective occurrence of matings is conditional on potential social interactions that gynes experienced before taking the nuptial flight, when they are still in the nest. These findings bring insights into the factors determining reproductive success in social insects.

Social Networks and Sexual Orientation Disparities in Tobacco and Alcohol Use

PubMed Central

Hatzenbuehler, Mark L; McLaughlin, Katie A; Xuan, Ziming

2015-01-01

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine whether the composition of social networks contributes to sexual orientation disparities in substance use and misuse. Method: Data were obtained from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), a nationally representative cohort study of adolescents (N = 20,745). Wave 1 collected extensive information about the social networks of participants through peer nomination inventories. Results: Same- and both-sex–attracted youths had higher frequency/quantity of tobacco use in their peer networks than did opposite-sex–attracted youths, and both-sex–attracted youths had higher frequency/quantity of alcohol use and misuse in their peer networks than opposite-sex–attracted youths. Among same- and both-sex–attracted youths, greater frequency/quantity of tobacco use in one’s social network predicted greater use of cigarettes. In addition, greater frequency/quantity of peers’ drinking and drinking to intoxication predicted more alcohol use and alcohol misuse in the both-sex–attracted group. These social network factors mediated sexual orientation–related disparities in tobacco use for both- and same-sex–attracted youths. Moreover, sexual orientation disparities in alcohol misuse were mediated by social network characteristics for the same-sex and both-sex–attracted youths. Importantly, sexual minority adolescents were no more likely to have other sexual minorities in their social networks than were sexual majority youths, ruling out an alternative explanation for our results. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of social networks as correlates of substance use behaviors among sexual minority youths and as potential pathways explaining sexual orientation disparities in substance use outcomes. PMID:25486400

Neural and behavioral responses to attractiveness in adult and infant faces.

PubMed

Hahn, Amanda C; Perrett, David I

2014-10-01

Facial attractiveness provides a very powerful motivation for sexual and parental behavior. We therefore review the importance of faces to the study of neurobiological control of human reproductive motivations. For heterosexual individuals there is a common brain circuit involving the nucleus accumbens, the medial prefrontal, dorsal anterior cingulate and the orbitofrontal cortices that is activated more by attractive than unattractive faces, particularly for faces of the opposite sex. Behavioral studies indicate parallel effects of attractiveness on incentive salience or willingness to work to see faces. There is some evidence that the reward value of opposite sex attractiveness is more pronounced in men than women, perhaps reflecting the greater importance assigned to physical attractiveness by men when evaluating a potential mate. Sex differences and similarities in response to facial attractiveness are reviewed. Studies comparing heterosexual and homosexual observers indicate the orbitofrontal cortex and mediodorsal thalamus are more activated by faces of the desired sex than faces of the less-preferred sex, independent of observer gender or sexual orientation. Infant faces activate brain regions that partially overlap with those responsive to adult faces. Infant faces provide a powerful stimulus, which also elicits sex differences in behavior and brain responses that appear dependent on sex hormones. There are many facial dimensions affecting perceptions of attractiveness that remain unexplored in neuroimaging, and we conclude by suggesting that future studies combining parametric manipulation of face images, brain imaging, hormone assays and genetic polymorphisms in receptor sensitivity are needed to understand the neural and hormonal mechanisms underlying reproductive drives. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A Student-Constructed Galvanic Cell for the Measurement of Cell Potentials at Different Temperatures

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jakubowska, Anna

2016-01-01

A student-made galvanic cell is proposed for temperature measurements of cell potential. This cell can be easily constructed by students, the materials needed are readily available and nontoxic, and the solution applied is in an attractive color. For this cell, the potential values are excellently reproducible at each temperature, and the…

G-quadruplexes as sensing probes.

PubMed

Ruttkay-Nedecky, Branislav; Kudr, Jiri; Nejdl, Lukas; Maskova, Darina; Kizek, Rene; Adam, Vojtech

2013-11-28

Guanine-rich sequences of DNA are able to create tetrastranded structures known as G-quadruplexes; they are formed by the stacking of planar G-quartets composed of four guanines paired by Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding. G-quadruplexes act as ligands for metal ions and aptamers for various molecules. Interestingly, the G-quadruplexes form a complex with anionic porphyrin hemin and exhibit peroxidase-like activity. This review focuses on overview of sensing techniques based on G-quadruplex complexes with anionic porphyrins for detection of various analytes, including metal ions such as K+, Ca2+, Ag+, Hg2+, Cu2+, Pb2+, Sr2+, organic molecules, nucleic acids, and proteins. Principles of G-quadruplex-based detection methods involve DNA conformational change caused by the presence of analyte which leads to a decrease or an increase in peroxidase activity, fluorescence, or electrochemical signal of the used probe. The advantages of various detection techniques are also discussed.

Recent patents on self-quenching DNA probes.

PubMed

Knemeyer, Jens-Peter; Marmé, Nicole

2007-01-01

In this review, we report on patents concerning self-quenching DNA probes for assaying DNA during or after amplification as well as for direct assaying DNA or RNA, for example in living cells. Usually the probes consist of fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides whose fluorescence is quenched in the absence of the matching target DNA. Thereby the fluorescence quenching is based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), photoinduced electron transfer (PET), or electronically interactions between dye and quencher. However, upon hybridization to the target or after the degradation during a PCR, the fluorescence of the dye is restored. Although the presented probes were originally developed for use in homogeneous assay formats, most of them are also appropriate to improve surface-based assay methods. In particular we describe patents for self-quenching primers, self-quenching probes for TaqMan assays, probes based on G-quartets, Molecular Beacons, Smart Probes, and Pleiades Probes.

Isoguanine quartets formed by d(T4isoG4T4): tetraplex identification and stability.

PubMed Central

Seela, F; Wei, C; Melenewski, A

1996-01-01

The self-aggregation of the oligonucleotide d(T4isoG4T4) (1) is investigated. Based on ion exchange HPLC experiments and CD spectroscopy, a tetrameric structure is identified. This structure was formed in the presence of sodium ions and shows almost the same chromatographic mobility on ion exchange HPLC as d(T4G4T4) (2). The ratio of aggregate versus monomer is temperature dependent and the tetraplex of [d(T4isoG4T4)]4 is more stable than that of [d(T4G4T4)]4. A mixture of d(T4isoG4T4) and d(T4G4T4) forms mixed tetraplexes containing strands of d(T4isoG4T4) and d(T4G4T4). PMID:9016664

Human telomeric DNA: G-quadruplex, i-motif and Watson–Crick double helix

PubMed Central

Phan, Anh Tuân; Mergny, Jean-Louis

2002-01-01

Human telomeric DNA composed of (TTAGGG/CCCTAA)n repeats may form a classical Watson–Crick double helix. Each individual strand is also prone to quadruplex formation: the G-rich strand may adopt a G-quadruplex conformation involving G-quartets whereas the C-rich strand may fold into an i-motif based on intercalated C·C+ base pairs. Using an equimolar mixture of the telomeric oligonucleotides d[AGGG(TTAGGG)3] and d[(CCCTAA)3CCCT], we defined which structures existed and which would be the predominant species under a variety of experimental conditions. Under near-physiological conditions of pH, temperature and salt concentration, telomeric DNA was predominantly in a double-helix form. However, at lower pH values or higher temperatures, the G-quadruplex and/or the i-motif efficiently competed with the duplex. We also present kinetic and thermodynamic data for duplex association and for G-quadruplex/i-motif unfolding. PMID:12409451

Model of ultrafast demagnetization driven by spin-orbit coupling in a photoexcited antiferromagnetic insulator Cr2O3

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Feng; Zhang, Na; Jin, Wei; Chang, Jun

2017-06-01

We theoretically study the dynamic time evolution following laser pulse pumping in an antiferromagnetic insulator Cr2O3. From the photoexcited high-spin quartet states to the long-lived low-spin doublet states, the ultrafast demagnetization processes are investigated by solving the dissipative Schrödinger equation. We find that the demagnetization times are of the order of hundreds of femtoseconds, in good agreement with recent experiments. The switching times could be strongly reduced by properly tuning the energy gaps between the multiplet energy levels of Cr3+. Furthermore, the relaxation times also depend on the hybridization of atomic orbitals in the first photoexcited state. Our results suggest that the selective manipulation of the electronic structure by engineering stress-strain or chemical substitution allows effective control of the magnetic state switching in photoexcited insulating transition-metal oxides.

Time-dependent nonequilibrium soft x-ray response during a spin crossover

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van Veenendaal, Michel

2018-03-01

A theoretical framework is developed for better understanding the time-dependent soft-x-ray response of dissipative quantum many-body systems. It is shown how x-ray absorption and resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) at transition-metal L edges can provide insight into ultrafast intersystem crossings of importance for energy conversion, ultrafast magnetism, and catalysis. The photoinduced doublet-to-quartet spin crossover on cobalt in Fe-Co Prussian blue analogs is used as a model system to demonstrate how the x-ray response is affected by the nonequilibrium dynamics on a femtosecond time scale. Changes in local spin and symmetry and the underlying mechanism are reflected in strong broadenings, a collapse of clear selection rules during the intersystem crossing, fluctuations in the isotropic branching ratio in x-ray absorption, crystal-field collapse and/or oscillations, and time-dependent anti-Stokes processes in RIXS.

Resonance magnetoplasticity in ultralow magnetic fields

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alshits, V. I.; Darinskaya, E. V.; Koldaeva, M. V.; Petrzhik, E. A.

2016-09-01

Resonance relaxation displacements of dislocations in NaCl crystals placed in crossed static and alternating ultralow magnetic fields in the electron paramagnetic resonance scheme are discussed. The Earth's magnetic field B Earth ≈ 50μT and other fields in the range of 26-261 μT are used as the static field. New strongly anisotropic properties of the effect have been revealed. Frequency spectra including numerous peaks of paths at low pump frequencies beginning with 10 kHz, as well as the quartet of equidistant peaks at high frequencies ( 1.4 MHz at B= B Earth), have been measured. The effect is also observed in the pulsed pump field with a resonance duration of 0.5 μs. Resonance changes have been detected in the microhardness of ZnO, triglycine sulfate, and potassium hydrogen phthalate crystals after their exposure in the Earth's magnetic field in the same electron paramagnetic resonance scheme.

TreeCmp: Comparison of Trees in Polynomial Time

PubMed Central

Bogdanowicz, Damian; Giaro, Krzysztof; Wróbel, Borys

2012-01-01

When a phylogenetic reconstruction does not result in one tree but in several, tree metrics permit finding out how far the reconstructed trees are from one another. They also permit to assess the accuracy of a reconstruction if a true tree is known. TreeCmp implements eight metrics that can be calculated in polynomial time for arbitrary (not only bifurcating) trees: four for unrooted (Matching Split metric, which we have recently proposed, Robinson-Foulds, Path Difference, Quartet) and four for rooted trees (Matching Cluster, Robinson-Foulds cluster, Nodal Splitted and Triple). TreeCmp is the first implementation of Matching Split/Cluster metrics and the first efficient and convenient implementation of Nodal Splitted. It allows to compare relatively large trees. We provide an example of the application of TreeCmp to compare the accuracy of ten approaches to phylogenetic reconstruction with trees up to 5000 external nodes, using a measure of accuracy based on normalized similarity between trees.

Priming with real motion biases visual cortical response to bistable apparent motion

PubMed Central

Zhang, Qing-fang; Wen, Yunqing; Zhang, Deng; She, Liang; Wu, Jian-young; Dan, Yang; Poo, Mu-ming

2012-01-01

Apparent motion quartet is an ambiguous stimulus that elicits bistable perception, with the perceived motion alternating between two orthogonal paths. In human psychophysical experiments, the probability of perceiving motion in each path is greatly enhanced by a brief exposure to real motion along that path. To examine the neural mechanism underlying this priming effect, we used voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) imaging to measure the spatiotemporal activity in the primary visual cortex (V1) of awake mice. We found that a brief real motion stimulus transiently biased the cortical response to subsequent apparent motion toward the spatiotemporal pattern representing the real motion. Furthermore, intracellular recording from V1 neurons in anesthetized mice showed a similar increase in subthreshold depolarization in the neurons representing the path of real motion. Such short-term plasticity in early visual circuits may contribute to the priming effect in bistable visual perception. PMID:23188797

Neurological problems of famous musicians: the classical genre.

PubMed

Newmark, Jonathan

2009-08-01

Neurological histories of great musicians allow for a unique perspective on music physiology. Bedrich Smetana's autobiographical string quartet ends with the musical equivalent of tinnitus in the fourth movement, rendering the youthful and passionate themes of earlier movements moot as the piece ends depicting his ultimately fatal disease, neurosyphilis. Dmitri Shostakovich survived the censorship of Joseph Stalin's apparatchiks but suffered a prolonged form of paralysis attributable to slowly progressive motor neuron disease, although the viola sonata he wrote on his deathbed has become standard repertoire. Glenn Gould was a hypochondriacal pianist with obsessive-compulsive disorder and suspected Asperger syndrome. Vissarion Shebalin and (Ira) Randall Thompson had strokes followed by aphasia without amusia. Domenico Scarlatti provides an example of how even great composers must alter their technical expectations depending upon the skills and body habitus of their chief patrons. The focal dystonia afflicting Leon Fleisher and Gary Graffman catalyzed the discipline of performing arts medicine.

Bonding of Alkali-Alkaline Earth Molecules in the Lowest Σ^+ States of Doublet and Quartet Multiplicity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pototschnig, Johann V.; Hauser, Andreas W.; Ernst, Wolfgang E.

2016-06-01

n the present study the ground state as well as the lowest ^4Σ^+ state were determined for 16 AK-AKE molecules. Multireference configuration interaction calculations were carried out in order to understand the bonding of diatomic alkali-alkaline earth (AK-AKE) molecules. The correlations between molecular properties (disociation energy, bond distances, electric dipole moment) and atomic properties (electronegativity, polarizability) will be discussed. A correlation between the dissociation energy and the dipole moment of the lowest ^4Σ^+ state was observed, while the dipole moment of the lowest ^2Σ^+ state does not show such a simple dependency. In this case an empirical relation could be established. The class of AK-AKE molecules was selected for this investigation due to their possible applications in ultracold molecular physics. J. V. Pototschnig, A. W. Hauser and W. E. Ernst, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016,18, 5964-5973