Network disruption and recovery: Co-evolution of defender and attacker in a dynamic game

The evolution of interactions between individuals or organizations are a central theme of complexity research. We aim at modeling a dynamic game on a network where an attacker and a defender compete in disrupting and reconnecting a network. The choices of how to attack and defend the network are governed by a Genetic Algorithm (GA) which is used to dynamically choose among a set of available strategies. Our analysis shows that the choice of strategy is particularly important if the resources available to the defender are slightly higher than the attackers'. The best strategies found through GAs by the attackers and defenders are based on betweenness centrality. Our results agree with previous literature assessing strategies for network attack and defense in a static context. However, our paper is one of the first ones to show how a GA approach can be applied in a dynamic game on a network. This research provides a starting-point to further explore strategies as we currently apply a limited set of strategies only

Kinetic-scale magnetic turbulence and finite Larmor radius effects at Mercury

We use a nonstationary generalization of the higher-order structure function technique to investigate statistical properties of the magnetic field fluctuations recorded by MESSENGER spacecraft during its first flyby (01/14/2008) through the near Mercury's space environment, with the emphasis on key boundary regions participating in the solar wind -- magnetosphere interaction. Our analysis shows, for the first time, that kinetic-scale fluctuations play a significant role in the Mercury's magnetosphere up to the largest resolvable time scale ~20 s imposed by the signal nonstationarity, suggesting that turbulence at this planet is largely controlled by finite Larmor radius effects. In particular, we report the presence of a highly turbulent and extended foreshock system filled with packets of ULF oscillations, broad-band intermittent fluctuations in the magnetosheath, ion-kinetic turbulence in the central plasma sheet of Mercury's magnetotail, and kinetic-scale fluctuations in the inner current sheet encountered at the outbound (dawn-side) magnetopause. Overall, our measurements indicate that the Hermean magnetosphere, as well as the surrounding region, are strongly affected by non-MHD effects introduced by finite sizes of cyclotron orbits of the constituting ion species. Physical mechanisms of these effects and their potentially critical impact on the structure and dynamics of Mercury's magnetic field remain to be understood.Comment: 46 pages, 5 figures, 2 table

Listen to genes : dealing with microarray data in the frequency domain

Background: We present a novel and systematic approach to analyze temporal microarray data. The approach includes normalization, clustering and network analysis of genes. Methodology: Genes are normalized using an error model based uniform normalization method aimed at identifying and estimating the sources of variations. The model minimizes the correlation among error terms across replicates. The normalized gene expressions are then clustered in terms of their power spectrum density. The method of complex Granger causality is introduced to reveal interactions between sets of genes. Complex Granger causality along with partial Granger causality is applied in both time and frequency domains to selected as well as all the genes to reveal the interesting networks of interactions. The approach is successfully applied to Arabidopsis leaf microarray data generated from 31,000 genes observed over 22 time points over 22 days. Three circuits: a circadian gene circuit, an ethylene circuit and a new global circuit showing a hierarchical structure to determine the initiators of leaf senescence are analyzed in detail. Conclusions: We use a totally data-driven approach to form biological hypothesis. Clustering using the power-spectrum analysis helps us identify genes of potential interest. Their dynamics can be captured accurately in the time and frequency domain using the methods of complex and partial Granger causality. With the rise in availability of temporal microarray data, such methods can be useful tools in uncovering the hidden biological interactions. We show our method in a step by step manner with help of toy models as well as a real biological dataset. We also analyse three distinct gene circuits of potential interest to Arabidopsis researchers

Two-body quantum mechanical problem on spheres

The quantum mechanical two-body problem with a central interaction on the sphere ${\bf S}^{n}$ is considered. Using recent results in representation theory an ordinary differential equation for some energy levels is found. For several interactive potentials these energy levels are calculated in explicit form.Comment: 41 pages, no figures, typos corrected; appendix D was adde

Potential health impacts of heavy metals on HIV-infected population in USA.

Noninfectious comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases have become increasingly prevalent and occur earlier in life in persons with HIV infection. Despite the emerging body of literature linking environmental exposures to chronic disease outcomes in the general population, the impacts of environmental exposures have received little attention in HIV-infected population. The aim of this study is to investigate whether individuals living with HIV have elevated prevalence of heavy metals compared to non-HIV infected individuals in United States. We used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2010 to compare exposures to heavy metals including cadmium, lead, and total mercury in HIV infected and non-HIV infected subjects. In this cross-sectional study, we found that HIV-infected individuals had higher concentrations of all heavy metals than the non-HIV infected group. In a multivariate linear regression model, HIV status was significantly associated with increased blood cadmium (p=0.03) after adjusting for age, sex, race, education, poverty income ratio, and smoking. However, HIV status was not statistically associated with lead or mercury levels after adjusting for the same covariates. Our findings suggest that HIV-infected patients might be significantly more exposed to cadmium compared to non-HIV infected individuals which could contribute to higher prevalence of chronic diseases among HIV-infected subjects. Further research is warranted to identify sources of exposure and to understand more about specific health outcomes

АНАЛІЗ НЕСПРИЯТЛИВИХ ПОДІЙ ПІСЛЯ ІМУНІЗАЦІЇ ВАКЦИНАМИ ПРОТИ SARS CoV-2

Although the WHO-recommended coronavirus vaccines are safe and effective, vaccines provide new information to healthcare professionals about the extent and nature of adverse reactions to these drugs. The aim of the study is supplementing the available data on adverse reactions of vaccines on the example of the experience of vaccination of the teaching staff of the Cherkasy Medical Academy with vaccines COVISHIELD and COMIRNATY. Information for this study was collected retrospectively through a survey of 72 employees of the Cherkasy Medical Academy who were vaccinated with the COVISHIELD vaccine (first dose); 67 workers vaccinated with AstraZeneca (second dose); 54 workers who were vaccinated with COMIRNATY vaccine (first dose); 52 people vaccinated with this vaccine (second dose). The study confirmed that among the local side effects, the most common were pain at the injection site, among the systemic - fever, weakness, fatigue and drowsiness, headache, muscle pain, chills. Most of the side effects were most pronounced in young people, more often in women than in men.Although the WHO-recommended coronavirus vaccines are safe and effective, vaccines provide new information to healthcare professionals about the extent and nature of adverse reactions to these drugs. The aim of the study is supplementing the available data on adverse reactions of vaccines on the example of the experience of vaccination of the teaching staff of the Cherkasy Medical Academy with vaccines COVISHIELD and COMIRNATY. Information for this study was collected retrospectively through a survey of 72 employees of the Cherkasy Medical Academy who were vaccinated with the COVISHIELD vaccine (first dose); 67 workers vaccinated with AstraZeneca (second dose); 54 workers who were vaccinated with COMIRNATY vaccine (first dose); 52 people vaccinated with this vaccine (second dose). The study confirmed that among the local side effects, the most common were pain at the injection site, among the systemic - fever, weakness, fatigue and drowsiness, headache, muscle pain, chills. Most of the side effects were most pronounced in young people, more often in women than in men

Особливості перебігу політравми у різному віці

SUMMARY. The article deals with problems of the process of polytrauma of patients of different ages. As a result of review of the literature it shows the incidence and mortality of polytrauma. It emphasized that injuries are most common among children and people of working age. In polytrauma children often seen injuries of the lower extremities and head injuries, and adults – in addition injuries of the upper extremities, chest and abdominal traumas, pelvic fractures, ruptures the bladder and cervical spine injury. Among elderly injury rate significantly lower than in younger populations, but injuries are accompanied by high mortality. In the article it shows the actuality of potytrauma problrms in connection with the conduct of combat operations. It is concluded about the importance and relevance of research of features of polytrauma of people of all ages. However, it is demonstrated that the study of biochemical processes associated with the development of traumatic disease has mainly tangential character.KEY WORDS: injury, polytrauma, traumatic disease, age distribution.РЕЗЮМЕ. У статті представлено значення проблеми перебігу політравми у пацієнтів різного віку. У результаті огляду літератури показано частоту виникнення політравми, смертність від політравм. Наголошено, що травматизм найбільш поширений серед дітей та осіб працездатного віку. У дітей при політравмі найчастіше спостерігаються поранення нижніх кінцівок і черепно-мозкові травми, а у дорослих – крім цього, ще й ушкодження верхніх кінцівок, травми грудної клітки і черевної порожнини, переломи таза, розриви сечового міхура й ушкодження шийного відділу хребта. Серед осіб літнього віку рівень травматизму значно нижчий, ніж у молодших категорій населення, проте травми супроводжуються високою летальністю. Показана актуальність проблеми політравми у зв’язку із веденням бойових дій. Зроблено висновок про важливість і актуальність дослідження особливостей політравм у осіб різного віку. Продемонстровано, що дослідження біохімічних процесів, пов’язаних із розвитком травматичної хвороби, має переважно дотичний характер.КЛЮЧОВІ СЛОВА: травматизм, політравма, травматична хвороба, віковий розподіл

ТЕРАПЕВТИЧНЕ НАВЧАННЯ ПАЦІЄНТІВ З БРОНХІАЛЬНОЮ АСТМОЮ ТА ЇХНІХ РОДИЧІВ ЕЛЕМЕНТАМ ДОГЛЯДУ ТА САМОДОГЛЯДУ

Modern conceptions of asthma as a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways allow to develop effective models of disease control. An important role in the control of asthma plays a responsible behavior of the patient and his entourage. Avoiding exposure to allergens and other triggers, attention to their health, overcoming of bad habits, assistance from family members will help to create an atmosphere conducive to the effective control of the disease, significantly improve the quality of life of the patient.Сучасні уявлення про бронхіальну астму, як про хронічне захворювання дихальних шляхів, дають можливість розробити ефективні моделі контролю над хворобою. Важливу роль у контролі перебігу бронхіальної астми відіграє відповідальна поведінка самого пацієнта і його оточення. Уникнення контакту з алергенами та іншими тригерами, уважне ставлення до свого здоров’я, подолання шкідливих звичок, сприяння з боку членів родини сприятимуть створенню атмосфери, сприятливої для ефективної боротьби з хворобою, суттєво поліпшать якість життя пацієнта

Ethylene supports colonization of plant roots by the mutualistic fungus Piriformospora indica

The mutualistic basidiomycete Piriformospora indica colonizes roots of mono- and dicotyledonous plants, and thereby improves plant health and yield. Given the capability of P. indica to colonize a broad range of hosts, it must be anticipated that the fungus has evolved efficient strategies to overcome plant immunity and to establish a proper environment for nutrient acquisition and reproduction. Global gene expression studies in barley identified various ethylene synthesis and signaling components that were differentially regulated in P. indica-colonized roots. Based on these findings we examined the impact of ethylene in the symbiotic association. The data presented here suggest that P. indica induces ethylene synthesis in barley and Arabidopsis roots during colonization. Moreover, impaired ethylene signaling resulted in reduced root colonization, Arabidopsis mutants exhibiting constitutive ethylene signaling, -synthesis or ethylene-related defense were hyper-susceptible to P. indica. Our data suggest that ethylene signaling is required for symbiotic root colonization by P. indica

Observation of an Excited Bc+ State

Using pp collision data corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 8.5 fb-1 recorded by the LHCb experiment at center-of-mass energies of s=7, 8, and 13 TeV, the observation of an excited Bc+ state in the Bc+π+π- invariant-mass spectrum is reported. The observed peak has a mass of 6841.2±0.6(stat)±0.1(syst)±0.8(Bc+) MeV/c2, where the last uncertainty is due to the limited knowledge of the Bc+ mass. It is consistent with expectations of the Bc∗(2S31)+ state reconstructed without the low-energy photon from the Bc∗(1S31)+→Bc+γ decay following Bc∗(2S31)+→Bc∗(1S31)+π+π-. A second state is seen with a global (local) statistical significance of 2.2σ (3.2σ) and a mass of 6872.1±1.3(stat)±0.1(syst)±0.8(Bc+) MeV/c2, and is consistent with the Bc(2S10)+ state. These mass measurements are the most precise to date