Significant Asymmetry Research Articles

The instant effect of embodiment via mirror visual feedback on electroencephalogram-based brain connectivity changes: A pilot study.

The therapeutic efficacy of mirror visual feedback (MVF) is attributed to the perception of embodiment. This study intends to investigate the instantaneous effect of embodiment on brain connectivity. Twelve healthy subjects were required to clench and open their non-dominant hands and keep the dominant hands still during two experimental sessions. In the first session, the dominant hand was covered and no MVF was applied, named the sham-MVF condition. Random vibrotactile stimulations were applied to the non-dominant hand with MVF in the subsequent session. Subjects were asked to pedal while having embodiment perception during motor tasks. As suggested by previous findings, trials of no vibration and continuous vibration were selected for this study, named the condition of MVF and vt-MVF. EEG signals were recorded and the alterations in brain connectivity were analyzed. The average node degrees of sham-MVF, MVF, and vt-MVF conditions were largely different in the alpha band (9.94, 11.19, and 17.37, respectively). Further analyses showed the MVF and vt-MVF had more nodes with a significantly large degree, which mainly occurred in the central and the visual stream involved regions. Results of network metrics showed a significant increment of local and global efficiency, and a reduction of characteristic path length for the vt-MVF condition in the alpha and beta bands compared to sham-MVF, and in the alpha band compared to MVF. Similar trends were found for MVF condition in the beta band compared to sham-MVF. Moreover, significant leftward asymmetry of global efficiency and rightward asymmetry of characteristic path length was reported in the vt-MVF condition in the beta band. These results indicated a positive impact of embodiment on network connectivity and neural communication efficiency, which reflected the potential mechanisms of MVF for new insight into neural modulation.

Activity-Based Restorative Therapy Promotes Progression from Asymmetry to Symmetry in Posture and Gait in a Child with Chronic, Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury

Incomplete spinal cord injuries (ISCI) in pediatrics and adults can lead to asymmetric motor impairments exhibiting as asymmetries of posture and gait. Recently, rehabilitation guidelines for adults with neurologic injuries have focused on gaining a functional gait pattern as measured by speed and distance, even if asymmetry deficits persist. Activity-based restorative therapies (ABRT) take advantage of activity-dependent neuroplasticity to change an individual's neuromuscular capacity. This is a report of an ambulatory child with chronic ISCI presenting with significant postural and gait asymmetries who enrolled in an ABRT program. Across 79 ABRT sessions, the child gained symmetry during sitting, standing, and walking. Even though this child was a functional ambulator at enrollment, targeting symmetry of movements via improved neuromuscular capacity further enhanced her achievement of kinematically appropriate function for participation in daily activities.

Frontal Aslant Tract and Its Role in Language: A Journey Through Tractographies and Dissections

The frontal aslant tract (FAT) is a bilateral tract located within each frontal lobe. It connects the supplementary motor area in the superior frontal gyrus with the pars opercularis in the inferior frontal gyrus. There is a new and broader conceptualization of this tract called the extended FAT (eFAT). The eFAT tract role is believed to be related to several brain functions, including verbal fluency as one of its main domains. Tractographies were performed by using DSI Studio software on a template of 1065 healthy human brains. The tract was observed in a three-dimensional plane. The Laterality Index was calculated based on the length, volume, and diameter of fibers. A t test was performed to verify the statistical significance of global asymmetry. The results were compared with cadaveric dissections performed according to the Klingler technique. An illustrative case enlightens the neurosurgical application of this anatomic knowledge. The eFAT communicates the superior frontal gyrus with the Broca area (within the left hemisphere) or its contralateral homotopic area within the nondominant hemisphere. We measured the commisural fibers, traced cingulate, striatal, and insular connections and showed the existence of new frontal projections as part of the main structure. The tract did not show a significant asymmetry between the hemispheres. The tract was successfully reconstructed, focusing on its morphology and anatomic characteristics.

To the Question of the Relevance of Statistics of Information and Communication Technologies in the Context of the Digital Transformation of the Economy

Purpose of the study. The process of qualitative transformation of the economy under the influence of information and communication technologies is called digital transformation. The change of the economic paradigm in the technocratic context raises the question of whether the existing statistical methodology can still be applied objectively and effectively to the study of the subject area in the new conditions. The purpose of the article is to assess the relevance of statistics in the field of information and communication technologies as an information source for analyzing the digital transformation of the economy, taking into account its industry specifics.Materials and methods. To clarify the depth of this problem, there seems to be no better way than to carry out an analysis using statistical data collected and published by the Federal State Statistics Service. As statistical tools, descriptive statistics indexes are used to describe particular indicators, one of the methods of multivariate statistical analysis for obtaining a classification according to a number of characteristics (cluster hierarchical analysis) and, finally, a method for calculating an integral index that can rank the units of the analyzed population formed according to the type of economic activities (18 units), simultaneously for all of its constituent indicators.Results. The system of statistical indexes formed during the analysis included four thematic groups of indexes: a) IT infrastructure and access to it; b) the level and direction of use of IT services; c) availability and qualifications of IT specialists; d) information security. The calculation of descriptive statistics showed that all groups (with the exception of indexes of the presence and qualifications of IT specialists) are homogeneous; comparison of the values of the arithmetic mean and the median does not make it possible to declare any significant asymmetry in their distribution. Cluster hierarchical analysis was carried out by the Ward method using the Minkowski metric, which made it possible to obtain two approximately equal in size industry clusters and one mono-cluster, consisting of a type of activity in the field of information and communication. The resulting grouping, however, could not definite answer the question of the priority of some industries over others in the digital transformation of their constituent organizations. To solve this problem, an integral index was developed, which included the most significant indexes of each of the groups (selected by experts). As a result of calculating the values of this integral index based on the arithmetic weighted average, a ranked series was obtained, transformed into a typological grouping, the leader of which is activity in the field of information and communication, the outsider is agriculture. An analysis of this grouping made it possible to draw a very curious conclusion: in general, in the analyzed set of types of economic activity, there is a clear trend or dependence - the closer the industry is to the sphere of material production, the lower its inherent value of the integral index of digital transformation.Conclusion. The analysis carried out convincingly showed the significant possibilities of information and communication technology statistics as an information source for analyzing the process of digital transformation of the economy in the sectoral context. At the same time, the dynamism of the analyzed subject area determines the prerequisites for revising the system of statistical indexes in order to update it and increase the efficiency of publishing the results of surveys in the field of information and communication technologies

Numerical investigation of h-Darrieus wind turbine aerodynamics at different tip speed ratios

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to predict the aerodynamic performance of a complete scale model H-Darrieus vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) with end plates at different operating conditions. This paper aims at understanding the flow physics around a model VAWT for three different tip speed ratios corresponding to three different flow regimes.Design/methodology/approachThis study achieves a first three-dimensional hybrid lattice Boltzmann method/very large eddy simulation (LBM-VLES) model for a complete scaled model VAWT with end plates and mast using the solver PowerFLOW. The power curve predicted from the numerical simulations is compared with the experimental data collected at Erlangen University. This study highlights the complexity of the turbulent flow features that are seen at three different operational regimes of the turbine using instantaneous flow structures, mean velocity, pressure iso-contours, blade loading and skin friction plots.FindingsThe power curve predicted using the LBM-VLES approach and setup provides a good overall match with the experimental power curve, with the peak and drop after the operational point being captured. Variable turbulent flow structures are seen over the azimuthal revolution that depends on the tip speed ratio (TSR). Significant dynamic stall structures are seen in the upwind phase and at the end of the downwind phase of rotation in the deep stall regime. Strong blade wake interactions and turbulent flow structures are seen inside the rotor at higher TSRs.Research limitations/implicationsThe computational cost and time for such high-fidelity simulations using the LBM-VLES remains expensive. Each simulation requires around a week using supercomputing facilities. Further studies need to be performed to improve analytical VAWT models using inputs/calibration from high fidelity simulation databases. As a future work, the impact of turbulent and nonuniform inflow conditions that are more representative of a typical urban environment also needs to be investigated.Practical implicationsThe LBM methodology is shown to be a reliable approach for VAWT power prediction. Dynamic stall and blade wake interactions reduce the aerodynamic performance of a VAWT. An ideal operation close to the peak of the power curve should be favored based on the local wind resource, as this point exhibits a smoother variation of forces improving operational performance. The 3D flow features also exhibit a significant wake asymmetry that could impact the optimal layout of VAWT clusters to increase their power density. The present work also highlights the importance of 3D simulations of the complete model including the support structures such as end plates and mast.Social implicationsAccurate predictions of power performance for Darrieus VAWTs could help in better siting of wind turbines thus improving return of investment and reducing levelized cost of energy. It could promote the development of onsite electricity generation, especially for industrial sites/urban areas and renew interest for VAWT wind farms.Originality/valueA first high-fidelity simulation of a complete VAWT with end plates and supporting structures has been performed using the LBM approach and compared with experimental data. The 3D flow physics has been analyzed at different operating regimes of the turbine. These physical insights and prediction capabilities of this approach could be useful for commercial VAWT manufacturers.

Communication capacity of NHC entities in digital media: are there significant asymmetries among segments?

This work presents the results of a study that analyzed the processes and communication strategies by the entities represented in the National Health Council (NHC), 2018-2021 administration. The production of alternative communication by civil society constitutes one of the fundamental principles of democratic regimes for an important American institutionalist author (Robert Dahl). The emergence of the Internet and social networks has brought new demands for these organizations to disseminate their ideas and be present in this network society (Castells). Our study aimed to analyze the extent to which these entities are present in the digital media and to verify if there were significant differences in the communication capacity among the segments represented in the NHC. A survey was applied to the communication departments of the 42 NHC entities from September 2019 to February 2020. Thirty-four answers were obtained (81%). The results show the existence of 3 different levels of development in communication within these entities, regardless of the macro-institutional categories. Our article ends by discussing the results in light of the polyarchy and the digital democracy models and highlighting new steps towards effective democratic communication policies and participation.

Inference of main ion particle transport coefficients with experimentally constrained neutral ionization during edge localized mode recovery on DIII-D

The plasma and neutral density dynamics after an edge localized mode are investigated and utilized to infer the plasma transport coefficients for the density pedestal. The Lyman-Alpha Measurement Apparatus (LLAMA) diagnostic provides sub-millisecond profile measurements of the ionization and neutral density and shows significant poloidal asymmetries in both. Exploiting the absolute calibration of the LLAMA diagnostic allows quantitative comparison to the electron and main ion density profiles determined by charge-exchange recombination, Thomson scattering and interferometry. Separation of diffusion and convection contributions to the density pedestal transport are investigated through flux gradient methods and time-dependent forward modeling with Bayesian inference by adaptation of the Aurora transport code and IMPRAD framework to main ion particle transport. Both methods suggest time-dependent transport coefficients and are consistent with an inward particle pinch on the order of 1 m s−1 and diffusion coefficient of 0.05 m2 s−1 in the steep density gradient region of the pedestal. While it is possible to recreate the experimentally observed phenomena with no pinch in the pedestal, low diffusion in the core and high outward convection in the near scrape-off layer are required without an inward pedestal pinch.

Strategies for Effective Employment in the Context of the Risks of the Russian Labor Market: Formal and Informal Channels of Job Search

The weakness of institutional employment intermediaries and significant asymmetry of information remain among the main risk factors in the labor market. In this regard, the issue of researching existing ways to minimize them does not lose its relevance. The object of the study is effective employment. The subject is attracted channels and employment strategies. The theoretical and methodological basis of the research was the foundations of the concept of social capital, the study of the functioning of social capital in the Russian labor market, the concept of the egoset and the social graph. The basis of the empirical analysis was the data of state statistics. Secondary data analysis is also used in the work. The basis of the retrospective analysis was made up of monitoring data on youth issues conducted by the Socio-Political Research Sector of the Institute of Socio-Economic Research of the UFIC RAS in the Republic of Bashkortostan. The paper presents an empirical analysis of the intensity of the use of formal and informal employment channels. The experience of existing research in the field of employment is summarized and its leading strategies in the modern Russian labor market are determined. It is proved that, functioning in the modern labor market, it is social capital that is able to fulfill the role of a buffer and continues to lead and strengthen as one of the most powerful resources for effective employment. The reasons for the low intensity of involvement of formal – institutional intermediaries in the labor market in the employment strategy are substantiated. A number of the most relevant measures to improve the activities of the state employment service are given.

Near-infrared and Optical Nebular-phase Spectra of Type Ia Supernovae SN 2013aa and SN 2017cbv in NGC 5643

We present multiwavelength time-series spectroscopy of SN 2013aa and SN 2017cbv, two Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) on the outskirts of the same host galaxy, NGC 5643. This work utilizes new nebular-phase near-infrared (NIR) spectra obtained by the Carnegie Supernova Project-II, in addition to previously published optical and NIR spectra. Using nebular-phase [Fe ii] lines in the optical and NIR, we examine the explosion kinematics and test the efficacy of several common emission-line-fitting techniques. The NIR [Fe ii] 1.644 μm line provides the most robust velocity measurements against variations due to the choice of the fit method and line blending. The resulting effects on velocity measurements due to choosing different fit methods, initial fit parameters, continuum and line profile functions, and fit region boundaries were also investigated. The NIR [Fe ii] velocities yield the same radial shift direction as velocities measured using the optical [Fe ii] λ7155 line, but the sizes of the shifts are consistently and substantially lower, pointing to a potential issue in optical studies. The NIR [Fe ii] 1.644 μm emission profile shows a lack of significant asymmetry in both SNe, and the observed low velocities elevate the importance for correcting for any velocity contribution from the host galaxy’s rotation. The low [Fe ii] velocities measured in the NIR at nebular phases disfavor progenitor scenarios in close double-degenerate systems for both SN 2013aa and SN 2017cbv. The time evolution of the NIR [Fe ii] 1.644 μm line also indicates moderately high progenitor white dwarf central density and potentially high magnetic fields.

Balance dysfunction in large yellow croaker in response to ocean acidification

Large yellow croaker (Larimichthys crocea) is a coastal-dwelling soniferous, commercially important fish species that is sensitive to sound. An understanding of how ocean acidification might affect its auditory system is therefore important for its long-term viability and management as a fisheries resource. We tested the effects of ocean acidification with four CO2 treatments (440 ppm (control), 1000 ppm, 1800 ppm, and 3000 ppm) on the inner ear system of this species. After exposure to acidified water for 50 d, the impacts on the perimeter and mass of the sagitta, asteriscus, and lapillus otoliths were determined. In the acidified water treatments, the shape of sagittal otoliths became more irregular, and the surface became rougher. Similar sound frequency ranges triggered startle responses of fish in all treatments. In the highest CO2 treatment (3000 ppm CO2), significant asymmetry of the left and right lapillus perimeter and weight was apparent. Moreover, in the higher CO2 treatments (1800 ppm and 3000 ppm CO2), the fish were unable to maintain a balanced dorsal-up posture and tilted to one side. This result suggested that the balance functions of the inner ear might be affected by ocean acidification, which may threaten large yellow croaker individuals and populations. The molecular response to acidification was analyzed by RNA-Seq. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between right and left sensory epithelia of the utricle in each CO2 treatment group were identified. In higher CO2 concentration groups, nervous system function and regulation of bone mineralization pathways were enriched with DEGs. The comparative transcriptome analyses provide valuable molecular information about how the inner ear system responds to an acidified environment.

Effects of sex and gestational age on the auditory brainstem responses among two ears in moderate preterm infants

Objectives Auditory cortex in each hemisphere mostly receives the sounds from the opposite ear. The present study aimed at the contralateral dominance of auditory brainstem response (ABR) among the ears in preterm neonates by comparing sex and gestational age. Methods Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emission (TEOAE) and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) were recorded at 3 months postconceptional age (PCA). The performance of two ears in ABR was compared. In addition, performance of each ear was analysed in females and males. A comparison of moderate gestational age also was performed. Twenty preterm neonates from 32 to 36 weeks gestational age admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at Shafizadeh Children’s Hospital were participated. Results No significant asymmetry in ABR absolute latency and inter-peak intervals of right and left ears in preterm infants was noticed. Females and males did not demonstrate statistically significant values in ABR latencies. Moreover, the results of four gestational ages were not statistically different from each other. Conclusion The maturation of the auditory brainstem pathways most likely take places in both hemispheres simultaneously, independent of sex in preterm infants. Changes of gestational age in each month do not impact on the maturation of the auditory brain pathways.

Gender-Specific Evaluation Following McLaughlin’s Dynamic Muscle Support for Irreversible Facial Paralysis

Failure of the mimic muscles as a cause of facial nerve paralysis may result in significant asymmetry, which can be addressed by surgical reanimation procedures. Among those, the temporalis muscle transfer as advocated by McLaughlin is a single-stage technique for the dynamic reanimation of the mouth. Despite increasing research directed at women’s health, the gender-specific differences of this technique have not yet been addressed. Thus, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent this operation between 2001 and 2021 for gender-specific differences concerning the postoperative outcome. In total, 28 women and 17 men were included. The two cohorts were statistically comparable with respect to etiological characteristics such as age, duration and etiology of paralysis, and preoperative degree of symptoms. After a median follow up of 15 months, restoration of smiling and elevation of the oral commissure was more often achieved among women than men. A statistically significant difference, however, could only be shown for the latter. Resting symmetry was restored in about 50% of both genders. There were no differences concerning postoperative complications or reoperations. The McLaughlin’s dynamic muscle support effectively re-establishes the elevation of the oral commissure and ability to smile among both genders, albeit women tend to be more likely to achieve the desired results.

In Silico Analysis of the Structural Dynamics and Substrate Recognition Determinants of the Human Mitochondrial Carnitine/Acylcarnitine SLC25A20 Transporter.

The Carnitine-Acylcarnitine Carrier is a member of the mitochondrial Solute Carrier Family 25 (SLC25), known as SLC25A20, involved in the electroneutral exchange of acylcarnitine and carnitine across the inner mitochondrial membrane. It acts as a master regulator of fatty acids β-oxidation and is known to be involved in neonatal pathologies and cancer. The transport mechanism, also known as "alternating access", involves a conformational transition in which the binding site is accessible from one side of the membrane or the other. In this study, through a combination of state-of-the-art modelling techniques, molecular dynamics, and molecular docking, the structural dynamics of SLC25A20 and the early substrates recognition step have been analyzed. The results obtained demonstrated a significant asymmetry in the conformational changes leading to the transition from the c- to the m-state, confirming previous observations on other homologous transporters. Moreover, analysis of the MD simulations' trajectories of the apo-protein in the two conformational states allowed for a better understanding of the role of SLC25A20 Asp231His and Ala281Val pathogenic mutations, which are at the basis of Carnitine-Acylcarnitine Translocase Deficiency. Finally, molecular docking coupled to molecular dynamics simulations lend support to the multi-step substrates recognition and translocation mechanism already hypothesized for the ADP/ATP carrier.

Observations for Sjögren’s Pigment Epithelial Reticular Dystrophy in a 16-Year-Old Boy—An Extremely Rare Retinal Case Report

The purpose of this publication is to present an extremely rare case of Sjögren's pigment epithelial reticular dystrophy. So far, 10 such publications have been found in world literature. A 16-year-old boy was diagnosed due to a slight loss of visual acuity, confirmed in static perimetry/24-2/. Abnormal dense clusters of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells forming a reticular network pattern (resembling a fishing net) with marked knots were detected by fundoscopy in the macular area and the mid-periphery of the retina. No abnormalities were found in the anterior segment, intraocular pressure, kinetic perimetry, Ishihara or Farnsworth D-15 tests or OCT. Fluorescein angiography confirmed blocked fluorescence from the choroidal vessels caused by the pigment in RPE. An autofluorescence test showed hypofluorescent foci corresponding to symmetrical and bilateral retinal hyperpigmentation with an RPE reticular pattern. Multifocal ERG (mfERG) revealed slight cone photoreceptor and bipolar bioelectrical dysfunction. Electrooculography (EOG) showed significant asymmetry (Arden Ratio 1.8), suggesting bioelectrical dysfunction of RPE/photoreceptors. Flash ERG (ERG) revealed only slight increase in implicit time of the a and b waves of the rod and cone responses and exclude cone-rod dystrophies. This article highlights the importance of the results of ophthalmoscopy, fluorescein angiography, autofluorescence, mfERG, fERG, EOG and genetic tests for Sjögren's reticular dystrophy with a pathogenic variant in the region of the C2 gene-c.841_849+19del (dbSNP rs9332736).

Microstructure evolution and mechanical behavior of additively manufactured CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy fabricated via cold spraying and post-annealing

In this work, equiatomic CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) was fabricated by solid-state cold spray additive manufacturing technology and then post-spray annealed at the temperature range of 500–1000 °C for 2 h. By adjusting the annealing temperature, four types of deposits (i.e., as-sprayed, recovered (500 °C), partially recrystallized (700 °C), and fully recrystallized (1000 °C) deposits) were obtained, and their microstructure, compressive and tensile properties were systematically explored. The as-sprayed deposit exhibited high compressive yield strength due to the dislocation strengthening and grain boundary strengthening effects but fractured within the elastic deformation regime in the tensile test. Such significant tension-compression asymmetry can be attributed to the difference in the sensitivity of the deposit to interior defects (i.e., pores and particle boundaries) under tensile and compressive loads. Only recover annealing hardly influenced the microstructure and mechanical properties of the deposits. While recrystallization annealing could trigger enhanced interface diffusion and the resultant metallurgical bonding, as evidenced by the improved deposit density and less visible interparticle interfaces. The partially recrystallized and fully recrystallized deposits exhibited an excellent combination of compressive strength and ductility. While the fully recrystallized deposit exhibited almost equal tensile and compressive yield strength and the best recovery of tensile ductility, indicating the weakened tension-compression asymmetry.

The Role of Systemic Risk Spillovers in the Transmission of Euro Area Monetary Policy

This paper empirically investigates the transmission of systemic risk across the Euro Area by employing a Global VAR model. We find that a union aggregate systemic risk shock results in a sharp decline in output, with two thirds of the response to be attributed to cross-country spillovers. The results indicate that peripheral economies have a disproportionate importance in spreading systemic risk compared to core countries. Then, we incorporate high-frequency monetary surprises into the model and we find evidence of the risk-taking channel of monetary policy. However, the relationship is reversed in the period of the ZLB, when expansionary shocks mitigate systemic risk, since they reduce market uncertainty and funding risk. Cross-country spillovers account for a significant fraction (17.4%) of systemic risk responses’ variation. We also show that near term guidance reduces systemic risk, whereas the initiation of the QE program has the opposite effect. Finally, the effectiveness of monetary policy exhibits significant asymmetries, with core countries driving the union response.

Bouncing dynamics of inertial self-propelled particles reveals directional asymmetry.

This study aims to examine experimental conditions in which active particles are forced by their surroundings to move forward and backward in a continuous oscillatory manner. The experimental design is based on using a vibrating self-propelled toyrobot called hexbug, which is placed inside a narrow channel closed on one end by a rigid moving wall. Using the end-wall velocity as a controlling factor, the main forward mode of the hexbug movement can be turned to mostly rearward mode. We investigate the bouncing hexbug motion on both experimental and theoretical grounds. The Brownian model of active particles with inertia is employed in the theoretical framework. The model itself uses a pulsed Langevin equationin order to simulate abrupt changes in velocity that mimic hexbug propulsion in the moments when its legs make contact with the base plate. Significant directional asymmetry is caused by the legs bending backward. We demonstrate that the simulation successfully reproduces the experimental characteristics of hexbug motion after regressing the spatial and temporal statistical characteristics, especially when directional asymmetry is under consideration.

Structural characterization of a full-length heteromeric glycine receptor in multiple functional states.

Glycine receptors (GlyR) are chloride-conducting ligand-gated ion channels that provide inhibitory neuronal input, particularly in the spinal cord. Synaptic GlyR is a heteromeric protein complex composed of five homologous subunits arranged pseudo-symmetrically about the channel pore. Individual subunits come in two varieties, α and β. Here, we present the structures of full-length zebrafish α1/β GlyR solved without any fiducial marker that may alter the functional state of the protein. This was done in the presence of an antagonist (strychnine), agonist (glycine) and agonist with an allosteric modulator (glycine and ivermectin). These structures confirm other recent findings regarding the stoichiometry of heteromeric GlyR (4α:1β) and also reveal previously uncharacterized subunit-specific features in the extracellular and intracellular domain. The functional state of each structure was assessed by molecular dynamics simulations. The strychnine-bound pore is in a closed state that is mostly symmetric about the five-fold axis. The glycine structures with and without ivermectin both adopted desensitized conformations, but the ivermectin structure has significant asymmetry at the intracellular entrance to the channel pore. Consistent with this observation, ligand density near the ivermectin binding pocket was only observed at the sole α/β interface, and not at α/α interfaces as observed in past homomeric GlyR structures. Simulations show a small number of permeation events for the ivermectin-bound state, suggestive of an asymmetric mechanism for channel opening. Together, these results highlight distinct structural features of heteromeric GlyR and demonstrate the functional range of this physiologically important protein channel.

The Asymmetry Within: A Renewed Look at Cupid’s Bow in Unilateral Cleft Lip

Objective: All unilateral cleft lip (UCL) repair techniques assume and describe a displaced or obliquely rotated Cupid’s bow within the cleft prolabium. This is true, but there is more. A focused anatomic description of the prolabium, and the configuration of Cupid’s bow within the prolabium, in UCL is deficient in the literature. The purpose of this study was to analyze the prolabium in unmanipulated (pre-NAM, pre-surgical) UCL patients, with or without palatal clefts, with emphasis on the size, shape, and symmetry of the Cupid’s bow within the prolabium itself. In addition, a geometric analysis conveys the most efficient location for incisional correction of the “asymmetry within” Cupid’s bow. Methods: Standardized frontal photographs of 37 infants with UCL were studied by experienced craniofacial team members. Cupid’s bow landmarks were identified and prolabial angles (perpendicular through valley to bow height) were recorded on both the cleft and non-cleft sides. Three groups were analyzed (all n=37, complete n=22, incomplete n=15). Unpaired t-test and two-tailed t-test were utilized for statistical analysis. A geometric linear analysis was preformed to show incisional length and location for correction of the asymmetric Cupid’s bow. Results: Significant intrinsic Cupid’s bow asymmetry within the prolabium was present in all groups. This asymmetry was exhibited by significance (p<.0001) between angles in all groups. For all UCL the mean difference between angles was 4.992 degrees. (p<.0001) The largest mean difference was 7.608 degrees (95% CI: 4.927-10.289 degrees; p < 0.0001) in the incomplete group. Conclusions: In UCL not only is the prolabium with its concomitant Cupid’s bow rotated upwards into the cleft, but there exists a significant intrinsic asymmetry of the Cupid’s bow itself within the prolabium. This intrinsically asymmetric Cupid’s bow is then rotated upwards into the cleft itself. This finding has yet to be described in the cleft literature. Furthermore, a linear geometric equation describes incisional locations and lengths within the prolabium for correcting the Cupid’s bow asymmetry. This finding enhances our anatomic understanding of UCL and has significant importance when selecting surgical repair techniques. Corresponding Author: Ellie Gschwendtner, 2365 Orchard Circle Dr. Unit 13, Traverse City, MI 49686

Bombardment of CO Ice by Cosmic Rays. I. Experimental Insights into the Microphysics of Molecule Destruction and Sputtering

We present a dedicated experimental study of microscopic mechanisms controlling radiolysis and sputtering of astrophysical ices upon bombardment by cosmic-ray ions. Such ions are slowed down owing to inelastic collisions with bound electrons, resulting in ionization and excitation of ice molecules. In experiments on CO ice irradiation, we show that the relative contribution of these two mechanisms of energy loss to molecule destruction and sputtering can be probed by selecting ion energies near the peak of the electronic stopping power. We have observed a significant asymmetry, in both the destruction cross section and the sputtering yield, for pairs of ion energies corresponding to the same values of the stopping power on either side of the peak. This implies that the stopping power does not solely control these processes, as usually assumed in the literature. Our results suggest that electronic excitations represent a significantly more efficient channel for radiolysis and, likely, for sputtering of CO ice. We also show that the charge state of incident ions and the rate for CO+ production in the ice have a negligible effect on these processes.