A database of calculated solution parameters for the recently released AlphaFold predicted protein structures

Recent spectacular advances by AI programs in 3D structure predictions from protein sequences have revolutionized the field in terms of accuracy and speed. The resulting "folding frenzy" has already produced predicted protein structure databases for the entire human and other organisms' proteomes. However, rapidly ascertaining a predicted structure's reliability based on measured properties in solution should be considered. Shape-sensitive hydrodynamic parameters such as the diffusion and sedimentation coefficients (D0t(20,w),s0(20,w)) and the intrinsic viscosity ([η]) can provide a rapid assessment of the overall structure likeliness, and SAXS would yield the structure-related pair-wise distance distribution function p(r) vs. r. Using the extensively validated UltraScan SOlution MOdeler (US-SOMO) suite we have calculated from the AlphaFold structures the corresponding D0t(20,w), s0(20,w), [η], p(r) vs. r, and other parameters. Circular dichroism spectra were also computed. The resulting US-SOMO-AF database should aid in rapidly evaluating the consistency in solution of AlphaFold predicted protein structures.

Brain functional networks associated with social bonding in monogamous voles

Previous studies have related pair-bonding in Microtus ochrogaster, the prairie vole, with plastic changes in several brain regions. However, the interactions between these socially relevant regions have yet to be described. In this study, we used resting-state magnetic resonance imaging to explore bonding behaviors and functional connectivity of brain regions previously associated with pair-bonding. Thirty-two male and female prairie voles were scanned at baseline, 24 hr, and 2 weeks after the onset of cohabitation. By using network-based statistics, we identified that the functional connectivity of a corticostriatal network predicted the onset of affiliative behavior, while another predicted the amount of social interaction during a partner preference test. Furthermore, a network with significant changes in time was revealed, also showing associations with the level of partner preference. Overall, our findings revealed the association between network-level functional connectivity changes and social bonding.

КОПУЛЯТИВНЫЕ КОМПОЗИТЫ В НАХСКИХ ЯЗЫКАХ

Особый интерес в композитном словообразовании чеченского и других нахских языков представляют парные слова, представляющие собой сложение или двух одинаковых, повторяющихся основ, или таких основ, которые представляют собой синонимичную, антонимичную пару или каким-то особым образом семантически связанную пару слов. Парные слова в нахских языках давно привлекают к себе внимание исследователей. Однако в их описаниях и классификации еще нет единства и четкости.Of particular interest in the composite word formation of the Chechen and other Nakh languages are pair words, which are the addition of either two identical, repeating stems, or such stems, which are a synonymous, antonymical pair or in some special way semantically related pair of words. Double words in the Nakh languages have long attracted the attention of researchers. However, their descriptions and classification do not yet have unity and clarity.

Rubrics meeting quality assurance and improvement needs in the accreditation context

Purpose K-20 accreditation is contingent on having policies and procedures that provide evidence of quality assurance (QA) and quality improvement (QI), viewed here as the first of two conflicting paradigms, requiring concurrent expressions of excellence and need. Standardized summative assessments using the traditional tabular rubric design (typically writing assessments) serve the QA purpose well while leaving QI difficult to achieve. This is the second-related pair of conflicting paradigms – formative vs summative assessment. The purpose of this study is to illuminate these conflicts, present a sample illustrative solution and suggest that both institutions and accreditation agencies implement policies resolving these conflicts. Design/methodology/approach This viewpoint is based in part on an analysis of the content of many rubrics, with several selected for presentation herein. For K-12 settings, the AdvancED accreditation standards (used in 70 countries) and a multistate writing rubric are discussed. For postsecondary, a segment of the VALUE rubrics, used by a large number of postsecondary institutions across the USA, is presented. Examples of potential solutions for both levels are presented to clarify the problem and identify policy implications. Findings This specific aspect of the QA/QI challenge is a solvable problem, and a solution is proposed with the potential to improve learning in the USA and other countries. Originality/value Institutional personnel struggle with the conflicts often not realizing the source of their struggle. In this viewpoint, a new rubric format is suggested with the hope of initiating policy change discussions.

Klein’s paradox in the presence of a scalar potential

In this paper, we have studied the Klein’s paradox in the presence of both scalar and vector potential barriers. From the corresponding Dirac equation, we have calculated the transmission and reflection coefficients. It is shown that the presence of a scalar barrier the scalar potential widens the gap between positive and negative energies and so the forbidden region. Accordingly, the Klein’s paradox disappears when the scalar barrier exceeds a critical value. Considering the problem within the framework of quantum field theory, we have calculated the related pair creation probability, the mean number of created particles and the probability of a vacuum to remain a vacuum. Then it is shown that the scalar potential cuts down the Klein range and minimizes the creation of particles; the particle creation decreases as the scalar potential increases and ceases definitely when the scalar potential reaches the critical value.

Brain functional connectivity modulates social bonding in monogamous voles

Previous studies have related pair bonding in Microtus ochrogaster, the prairie vole, with plastic changes in several brain regions. However, their socially-relevant interactions have yet to be described. In this study, we used resting state magnetic resonance imaging to explore longitudinal changes in functional connectivity of brain regions associated with pair bonding. Male and female prairie voles were scanned at baseline, after 24 hours and two weeks of cohabitation with mating. Network based statistics revealed a common network with significant longitudinal changes including prefrontal and cortical regions, the hippocampus, the anterior olfactory nucleus, the lateral septum, the paraventricular nucleus, and the ventral tegmental area.Furthermore, baseline functional connectivity of three sub-networks predicted the onset of affiliative behavior, and a relationship was found between partner preference with long-term changes in the functional connectivity between the medial amygdala and ventral pallidum. Overall, our findings revealed the association between network-level changes and social bonding.

Kinship influences sperm whale social organization within, but generally not among, social units

Sperm whales have a multi-level social structure based upon long-term, cooperative social units. What role kinship plays in structuring this society is poorly understood. We combined extensive association data (518 days, during 2005–2016) and genetic data (18 microsatellites and 346 bp mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequences) for 65 individuals from 12 social units from the Eastern Caribbean to examine patterns of kinship and social behaviour. Social units were clearly matrilineally based, evidenced by greater relatedness within social units (mean r = 0.14) than between them (mean r = 0.00) and uniform mtDNA haplotypes within social units. Additionally, most individuals (82.5%) had a first-degree relative in their social unit, while we found no first-degree relatives between social units. Generally and within social units, individuals associated more with their closer relatives (matrix correlations: 0.18–0.25). However, excepting a highly related pair of social units that merged over the study period, associations between social units were not correlated with kinship ( p > 0.1). These results are the first to robustly demonstrate kinship's contribution to social unit composition and association preferences, though they also reveal variability in association preferences that is unexplained by kinship. Comparisons with other matrilineal species highlight the range of possible matrilineal societies and how they can vary between and even within species.

Mating

How is sex different for ems? As the em world is a very competitive world where sex is not needed for reproduction, and as sex can be time and attention consuming, ems may try to suppress sexuality, via mind tweaks that produce eff ects analogous to castration. Such effects might be temporary, perhaps with a consciously controllable on-off switch. Historically, castrated males have tended to have lower libido, to be less aggressive and obsessive, to be better able to multi-task, and to be more sensitive, sympathetic, and social. However, historically eunuchs have often wanted to marry, and have often had active sex lives ( Aucoin and Wassersug 2006 ; Brett et al. 2007 ; Wassersug 2009 ; Treleaven et al. 2013 ). Thus even for eunuch-like ems there might still be a substantial demand for sex and related pair bonding. It is possible that em brain tweaks could be found to greatly reduce natural human desires for sex and related romantic and intimate pair bonding, without reducing em productivity. It is also possible that many of the most productive ems would accept such tweaks. Alternatively, it is possible that cheap vivid romantic and sexual simulations will sufficiently satisfy pairbonding urges, so that little demand remains for pair-bonding with real ems ( Levy 2008 ; Brain 2012 ). However, given how deeply pair bonding and sexual behaviors are embedded in human nature, such scenarios do not seem likely, at least for the early em era. Scenarios of sex suppression also seem to be less simple, as it is harder to calculate their implications. In this book I thus assume that ems retain modestly strong desires for sex and related pair bonding, even if such desires are substantially reduced. I also assume that familiar conventional sexual and gender habits and preferences continue in the em world. That is, most ems divide clearly into male versus female, ems mostly prefer male-female pair bonds, and these bonds have a distribution of time-scales near those we have seen in humans across cultures so far.

SELECTION OF BLACK-AND-WHITE MOTLEY BREED OF CATTLE USING DIFFERENT METHODS OF BREEDING SELECTION

The purpose of research is improving the efficiency of the breeding process with the planned inbreeding. Based on the works of Russian and foreign authors it is necessary to more closely approach the implementation of this method in practice. Many farms in the breeding of cattle meets application-related selection, often this phenomenon is spontaneous mean mass selection without studying the ancestry of individual animals or the proper documentation for the selection of the herd, and sometimes livestock-breeders deliberately form a related pair, despite the fact that in the literature there is still no clear conventional wisdom about the dangers of inbreeding or positive development. To properly assess the effectiveness of inbreeding it should be primarily studied the results of the use of inbred animals. The studies were conducted in a herd of Black-Motley breed cattle AIC «LUCH» Vavozhsky District of Udmurt Republic. The material for the study were pedigree card form 2-MOL, the data records, zootechnical and breeding records. Among outbreed animals were selected animals obtained by using the in-line selection and cross- line one. Inbreed individuals were classified depending on the degree and type of inbreeding. Cows resulting from the use of inbreeding, outbreeding outperform their half relative by yield of milk at 187.1 kg (3.5%). Between the calving, the longest period was detected in the group of cows resulting moderate inbreeding - 421.2 (R≥0.95) of the day, which is above the average for the group of outbreed and inbreed animals by 22.6 and 11.1 days, respectively.

Manner and path of motion in descriptions of motion trajectories by Polish L2 users of English

The study offers an in-depth analysis of motion descriptions in Polish and English, i.e. a typologically related pair of languages that differ in manner salience, by Polish second language users of English. 20 bilingual Polish-English speakers were recruited among senior year students in an English-medium university programme and compared with Polish and English monolingual control groups. All the participants were asked to retell in detail a fragment of a Canary Row cartoon. The elicited narratives were analyzed to identify all manner and path components. The results show that the L2 users overuse path verbs in their L2 English and underuse common verbs like go and get that are unspecified for path or manner. While such behaviour constitutes evidence of L1→L2 transfer, it is argued that it is also target-like and provides evidence of desensitization to manner cues in attentional processing related to L2 production.