bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ChemInform Abstract: COMPLEXES OF PLATINUM(II) WITH β‐PHENYL‐α‐ALANINE
Authors: VOLSHTEIN L. M. , DIKANSKAYA L. D.
Published: March 2016

K, [PtCl4] reagiert mit Phenylalanin‐K‐Salz (Molverhältnis 1:4) in siedender wäßriger Lösung zu einem Gemisch des löslichen K‐Salzes (I) mit dem schwerlöslichen trans‐Chelat (VI); wird die Umsetzung bei 25°C durchgeführt und das Produktgemisch mit reichlich HCl angesäuert, so erhält man das schwerlösliche komplexe Chlorid (II).
ChemInform Abstract: REACTION OF DIAZOCYCLOPROPANE WITH STEROIDAL 16‐BROMO‐17‐KETONES
Authors: RAE DUNCAN R.
Published: March 2016

Die Reaktionen der isomeren Bromketone (I) mit Diazocyclopropan führen zu Gemischen, in denen die vier möglichen Spiro‐oxirane (IIa), (IIIa), (IIb) und (IIIb) jeweils im Verhältnis 2: 8: l : l vorliegen.
ChemInform Abstract: BIOSYNTHESIS OF β‐LACTAM ANTIBIOTICS. II. SYNTHESIS, AND INCORPORATION INTO PENICILLIN G, OF (2RS,2′RS,3R,3′R)‐(3,3′‐3H2)‐CYSTINE AND (2RS,2′RS,3S,3′S)‐(3,3′‐3H2)CYSTINE
Authors: ABERHART D. JOHN , LIN LAWRENCE J. , CHU JOHN YEOU‐RUOH
Published: March 2016

Thermolyse der aus der Verbindung (I) erhältlichen Addukte (IIa)bzw. (IIb) gibt die Acrylate (IIIa) bzw. (IIIb), die zu den Glycidaten (IVa) bzw. (IVb) epoxidiert werden.
A Bayesian approach for temporally scaling climate for modeling ecological systems
Authors: Post van der Burg Max , Anteau Michael J. , McCauley Lisa A. , Wiltermuth Mark T.
Published: March 2016

With climate change becoming more of concern, many ecologists are including climate variables in their system and statistical models. The Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) is a drought index that has potential advantages in modeling ecological response variables, including a flexible computation of the index over different timescales. However, little development has been made in terms of the choice of timescale for SPEI. We developed a Bayesian modeling approach for estimating the timescale for SPEI and demonstrated its use in modeling wetland hydrologic dynamics in two different eras (i.e., historical [pre‐1970] and contemporary [post‐2003]). Our goal was to determine whether differences in climate between the two eras could explain changes in the amount of water in wetlands. Our results showed that wetland water surface areas tended to be larger in wetter conditions, but also changed less in response to climate fluctuations in the contemporary era. We also found that the average timescale parameter was greater in the historical period, compared with the contemporary period. We were not able to determine whether this shift in timescale was due to a change in the timing of wet–dry periods or whether it was due to changes in the way wetlands responded to climate. Our results suggest that perhaps some interaction between climate and hydrologic response may be at work, and further analysis is needed to determine which has a stronger influence. Despite this, we suggest that our modeling approach enabled us to estimate the relevant timescale for SPEI and make inferences from those estimates. Likewise, our approach provides a mechanism for using prior information with future data to assess whether these patterns may continue over time. We suggest that ecologists consider using temporally scalable climate indices in conjunction with Bayesian analysis for assessing the role of climate in ecological systems.
Molecular identification of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in southeastern Australia
Authors: Batovska Jana , Blacket Mark J. , Brown Karen , Lynch Stacey E.
Published: March 2016

DNA barcoding is a modern species identification technique that can be used to distinguish morphologically similar species, and is particularly useful when using small amounts of starting material from partial specimens or from immature stages. In order to use DNA barcoding in a surveillance program, a database containing mosquito barcode sequences is required. This study obtained Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) sequences for 113 morphologically identified specimens, representing 29 species, six tribes and 12 genera; 17 of these species have not been previously barcoded. Three of the 29 species ─ Culex palpalis, Macleaya macmillani, and an unknown species originally identified as Tripteroides atripes ─ were initially misidentified as they are difficult to separate morphologically, highlighting the utility of DNA barcoding. While most species grouped separately (reciprocally monophyletic), the Cx. pipiens subgroup could not be genetically separated using COI. The average conspecific and congeneric p‐distance was 0.8% and 7.6%, respectively. In our study, we also demonstrate the utility of DNA barcoding in distinguishing exotics from endemic mosquitoes by identifying a single intercepted Stegomyia aegypti egg at an international airport. The use of DNA barcoding dramatically reduced the identification time required compared with rearing specimens through to adults, thereby demonstrating the value of this technique in biosecurity surveillance. The DNA barcodes produced by this study have been uploaded to the ‘Mosquitoes of Australia–Victoria’ project on the Barcode of Life Database (BOLD), which will serve as a resource for the Victorian Arbovirus Disease Control Program and other national and international mosquito surveillance programs.
The influence of hydroclimatic variability on flood frequency in the Lower Rhine
Authors: Toonen Willem H. J. , Middelkoop Hans , Konijnendijk Tiuri Y. M. , Macklin Mark G. , Cohen Kim M.
Published: March 2016

Climate change is expected to significantly affect flooding regimes of river systems in the future. For Western Europe, flood risk assessments generally assume an increase in extreme events and flood risk, and as a result major investments are planned to reduce their impacts. However, flood risk assessments for the present day and the near future suffer from uncertainty, coming from short measurements series, limited precision of input data, arbitrary choices for particular statistical and modelling approaches, and climatic non‐stationarities. This study demonstrates how historical and sedimentary information can extend data records, adds important information on extremes, and generally improves flood risk assessments. The collection of specific data on the occurrence and magnitude of extremes and the natural variability of the floods is shown to be of paramount importance to reduce uncertainty in our understanding of flooding regime changes in a changing climate. For the Lower Rhine (the Netherlands and Germany) estimated recurrence times and peak discharges associated with the current protection levels correlate poorly with historical and sedimentary information and seem biased towards the recent multi‐decadal period of increased flood activity. Multi‐decadal and centennial variability in flood activity is recorded in extended series of discharge data, historical information and sedimentary records. Over the last six centuries that variability correlates with components of the Atlantic climate system such as the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Atlantic Multi‐decadal Oscillation (AMO). These climatic non‐stationarities importantly influence flood activity and the outcomes of flood risk assessments based on relatively short measurement series. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of processing and storage conditions of cocoyam strips on the quality of fries
Authors: Oguntowo Oyindamola , Obadina Adewale O. , Sobukola Olajide P. , Adegunwa Mojisola O.
Published: March 2016

The effects of blanching time and temperature on the sensory and textural properties of frozen cocoyam strips were studied for cocoyam varieties. The most preferred variety after sensory evaluation was blanched at 90°C for 5 min, reproduced, and frozen at a temperature of −18°C for storage studies over a period of 12 weeks with Irish potato as control. Sensory evaluation and instrumental texture analysis of frozen fried samples were conducted at 3 weeks intervals for 12 weeks. Sensory evaluation during storage showed no significant difference (P < 0.05) in taste, aroma, and mouth feel attributes between control and cocoyam fries. The sensory score for taste, sogginess, and mouth feel increased while those for aroma and color decreased in comparison with the control fries over storage. The texture increased during storage and for control fries. There was a significant negative correlation between sogginess, hardness, and dry matter, respectively.
Decarboxylase‐positive Enterococcus faecium strains isolated from rabbit meat and their sensitivity to enterocins
Authors: Lauková Andrea , Szabóová Renata , Pleva Pavel , Buňková Leona , Chrastinová Ľubica
Published: March 2016

Background

The objective of the study was to determine sensitivity of Enterococcus faecium strains from rabbit meat to enterocins.

Results

Twenty‐five decarboxylase‐positive strains (from rabbit meat) allotted to the species E. faecium by genotypization and by MALDI TOF MS spectrometry identification (evaluation score value range 2.104–2.359; in the range for highly probable species identification‐score value 2.300–3.000 and secure probable species identification/probable species identification‐2.000–2.299) were studied. Seventeen strains were gelatinase positive. Although they did not produce histamine (HIS), spermidine, and spermine, they produce at least one among seven tested biogenic amines (BAs) in small amounts (2–10 mg/L) or up to very high amounts (>1000 mg/L). Putrescine was produced by two strains. These decarboxylase‐positive strains were sensitive to enterocins (Ents). All strains were sensitive to Ent 2019 and Ent 55 (inhibitory activity from 200 to 819 200 AU/mL). Twenty‐two strains were inhibited by Ent A(P) and Ent 4231; 20 strains were sensitive to Ent M.

Conclusion

Our results have spread the basic knowledge related to inhibitory spectrum of enterocins showing sensitivity of decarboxylase‐positive strains to enterocins. Protective possibilities of enterocins in meat processing were also indicated.
Moral judgment in episodic amnesia
Authors: Craver Carl F. , Keven Nazim , Kwan Donna , Kurczek Jake , Duff Melissa C. , Rosenbaum R. Shayna
Published: March 2016

To investigate the role of episodic thought about the past and future in moral judgment, we administered a well‐established moral judgment battery to individuals with hippocampal damage and deficits in episodic thought (insert Greene et al. 2001). Healthy controls select deontological answers in high‐conflict moral scenarios more frequently when they vividly imagine themselves in the scenarios than when they imagine scenarios abstractly, at some personal remove. If this bias is mediated by episodic thought, individuals with deficits in episodic thought should not exhibit this effect. We report that individuals with deficits in episodic memory and future thought make moral judgments and exhibit the biasing effect of vivid, personal imaginings on moral judgment. These results strongly suggest that the biasing effect of vivid personal imagining on moral judgment is not due to episodic thought about the past and future. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neutralizing antibodies in patients with chronic hepatitis C and correlation to liver cirrhosis and estimated duration of infection
Authors: Pedersen Jannie , Lundbo Lene Fogt , Krarup Henrik , Bukh Jens , Weis Nina
Published: March 2016

Although chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection accounts for 30% of individuals with cirrhotic livers worldwide, factors influencing disease progression are far from elucidated. The aim of this study was to determine whether the level of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) correlated with the development of cirrhosis in patients with chronic HCV infection, genotype 1, when adjusting for estimated duration of infection. Thirty‐nine patients with chronic hepatitis C, with either no/mild fibrosis (n = 23) or cirrhosis (n = 16), were enrolled from two university hospitals in Denmark. Duration of HCV infection was estimated based on patient information and/or anti‐HCV seroconversion. Serial dilutions of purified serum/plasma derived IgGs were tested for their ability to neutralize six HCV‐genotype 1 cell‐culture strains. The results were expressed as the lowest IgG concentration yielding ≥50% neutralization (NAb50‐titer). A significant difference in HCV NAb50‐titers among the six genotype 1a/1b recombinants was found. In patients with cirrhosis, a tendency for higher level of NAbs was observed compared to patients with no/mild fibrosis, although not statistical significant. Stratifying the two groups revealed that being infected >25 years resulted in higher levels of NAbs in both. Furthermore, by correlating estimated duration of HCV infection to NAb50‐titers a significant result was found against two recombinants. The NAb titer does not differ significantly between HCV patients with either no/mild fibrosis or cirrhosis but show a tendency for increasing level with increased duration of infection. NAbs might contribute as a biological marker to increase the accuracy of patient based information on duration of HCV infection. J. Med. Virol. 88:1791–1803, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Accuracy of Patient and Care Partner Identification of Cognitive Impairments in Parkinson's Disease–Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Copeland Jacquelynn N. , Lieberman Abraham , Oravivattanakul Srivadee , Tröster Alexander I.
Published: March 2016

Background

Criteria for Parkinson's disease–mild cognitive impairment require a caregiver or patient complaint or clinician observation of cognitive decline and objective evidence of cognitive deficit in at least 1 of 5 cognitive domains. This study examines the accuracy of Parkinson's disease‐mild cognitive impairment patient and care partner reports of specific cognitive difficulties.

Methods

A total of 42 Parkinson's disease–mild cognitive impairment patients and their care partners reported the absence or presence of deficits in each cognitive domain during an interview. A deficit in each domain was defined by scores ≤ 1.5 standard deviations below the mean on corresponding cognitive tests.

Results

Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were modest for patient and care partner reports across all domains. Patients' and care partners' accuracy in observing objectively identified deficits was poor across all domains (≤ 60% agreement; κ ≤ .07). Patient and care partner reports showed moderate agreement in all domains except attention (≥ 74% agreement; κ ≥ .43).

Conclusions

Parkinson's disease–mild cognitive impairment patients and their care partners may not be accurate in identifying specific cognitive deficits. Thus, even patients (and care partners) who correctly report having a cognitive deficit may misidentify the specific deficit. The finding supports the value of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society Parkinson's disease–Mild Cognitive Impairment Level II assessment and cautions against relying on subjective report or screening in research in which the nature of cognitive deficit identification or treatment is paramount. Overreliance on patient and care partner reports of specific impairments may distort epidemiologic estimates of mild cognitive impairment subtypes and misdirect cognitive rehabilitation at incorrect domains. © 2016 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Room temperature optical response of zinc oxide nanowires synthesized by chemical bath deposition to toluene vapors
Authors: Apostoluk Aleksandra , Parize Romain , Vilquin Bertrand , Nguyen Trung‐Hieu , Consonni Vincent , Appert Estelle , Gaillard François , Masenelli Bruno
Published: March 2016

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires were synthesized by a simple and cost‐effective process, namely chemical bath deposition. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern clearly shows that the nanowires are well crystallized in the wurtzite hexagonal structure. Field‐emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images show the formation of perfectly aligned and organized nanowires, with no defects visible on their surface. The diameter and length of nanowires is 65 and 850 nm, respectively. The room temperature UV‐excited photoluminescence spectra show the excitonic band in the UV and a wide emission band centered in the visible. This excitonic and visible emission is studied in the presence of toluene vapors and the results demonstrate the change of the visible photoluminescence of ZnO nanowire array and that the material is able to adsorb toluene. Finally, the mechanism of toluene sensing is discussed.
High accuracy equivalent circuit model for GaN GIT bi‐directional switch
Authors: Ide Toshihide , Shimizu Mitsuaki , Shen Xu‐Qiang , Morita Tatsuo , Otsuka Nobuyuki , Ueda Tetsuzo
Published: March 2016

The simple and high‐accuracy equivalent circuit model for GaN‐GIT bi‐directional switch have been constructed by eliminating the gate resistance dependence from the capacitance parameters and employing the parallel gate resistance circuit with the diode. By the new methods, the calculated waveforms, switching losses and switching times agree well with the experimental ones, and the accuracy between the calculations and the experiments are more than 90%. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mathematical thoughts in DFT
Authors: Levy Mel
Published: March 2016

A few problems in DFT are posed that have mathematical flavors. Is there a coordinate scaling equality for the correlation energy with an arbitrary density? Is it possible to obtain the exact ground‐state energy from the exact ground‐state density, or does the presence of certain functionals with zero functional derivatives prevent this? How common are non‐v‐representable densities? © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Characterization of GaIII, YIII, and LuIII Complexes with Etifenin and Analogues
Authors: Pfeifer‐Leeg Michel , Szabó Gergely , Baranyai Zsolt , Niksch Tobias , Weigand Wolfgang , Freesmeyer Martin
Published: March 2016

Complexes of etifenin (1a), disofenin (1b), and mebrofenin (1c) with GaIII, YIII, and LuIII were synthesized and characterized by NMR spectroscopy and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Stability and protonation constants of the complexes of 1a were determined by potentiometry and distribution diagrams were calculated. It was shown that the YIII and LuIII species are most stable as bis chelates at higher pH, whereas the GaIII complex degrades at pH < 4.5.
Validation for equation of state in wide regime: Copper as prototype
Authors: Liu Haifeng , Song Haifeng , Zhang Qili , Zhang Gongmu , Zhao Yanhong
Published: March 2016

In this paper we introduce the wide regime equation of state (WEOS) developed in Institute of Applied Physics and Computational Mathematics (IAPCM). A semi-empirical model of the WEOS is given by a thermodynamically complete potential of the Helmholtz free energy which combines several theoretical models and has some adjustable parameters calibrated via some experimental and theoretical data. The validation methods of the equation of state in wide regime are presented using copper as a prototype. The results of the WEOS are well consistent with the available theoretical and experimental data, including ab initio cold curve under compression, isotherm, Hugoniot, off-Hugoniot and sound velocity data. It enhances our confidence in the accuracy of the WEOS, which is very important for the validation and verification of equation of state in high temperature and pressure technology.
SIR epidemics on a scale-free spatial nested modular network
Authors: Gandolfi Alberto , Cecconi Lorenzo
Published: March 2016

We propose a class of random scale-free spatial networks with nested community structures called SHEM and analyze Reed–Frost epidemics with community related independent transmissions. We show that in a specific example of the SHEM the epidemic threshold may be trivial or not as a function of the relation among community sizes, distribution of the number of communities, and transmission rates.
Perturbation analysis of inhomogeneous finite Markov chains
Authors: Heidergott Bernd , Leahu Haralambie , Löpker Andreas , Pflug Georg
Published: March 2016

In this paper we provide a perturbation analysis of finite time-inhomogeneous Markov processes. We derive closed-form representations for the derivative of the transition probability at time t, with t > 0. Elaborating on this result, we derive simple gradient estimators for transient performance characteristics either taken at some fixed point in time t, or for the integrated performance over a time interval [0 , t]. Bounds for transient performance sensitivities are presented as well. Eventually, we identify a structural property of the derivative of the generator matrix of a Markov chain that leads to a significant simplification of the estimators.
Irreversible investment under Lévy uncertainty: an equation for the optimal boundary
Authors: Ferrari Giorgio , Salminen Paavo
Published: March 2016

We derive a new equation for the optimal investment boundary of a general irreversible investment problem under exponential Lévy uncertainty. The problem is set as an infinite time-horizon, two-dimensional degenerate singular stochastic control problem. In line with the results recently obtained in a diffusive setting, we show that the optimal boundary is intimately linked to the unique optional solution of an appropriate Bank–El Karoui representation problem. Such a relation and the Wiener–Hopf factorization allow us to derive an integral equation for the optimal investment boundary. In case the underlying Lévy process hits any point inRwith positive probability we show that the integral equation for the investment boundary is uniquely satisfied by the unique solution of another equation which is easier to handle. As a remarkable by-product we prove the continuity of the optimal investment boundary. The paper is concluded with explicit results for profit functions of Cobb–Douglas type and CES type. In the former case the function is separable and in the latter case nonseparable.
Secrecy coverage in two dimensions
Authors: Sarkar Amites
Published: March 2016

Working in the infinite plane R2, consider a Poisson process of black points with intensity 1, and an independent Poisson process of red points with intensity λ. We grow a disc around each black point until it hits the nearest red point, resulting in a random configuration Aλ, which is the union of discs centered at the black points. Next, consider a fixed disc of area n in the plane. What is the probability pλ(n) that this disc is covered by Aλ? We prove that if λ3nlogn = y then, for sufficiently large n, e-8π2y ≤ pλ(n) ≤ e-2π2y/3. The proofs reveal a new and surprising phenomenon, namely, that the obstructions to coverage occur on a wide range of scales.
Optimal stopping rule for the full-information duration problem with random horizon
Authors: Tamaki Mitsushi
Published: March 2016

The full-information duration problem with a random number N of objects is considered. These objects appear sequentially and their values Xk are observed, where Xk, independent of N, are independent and identically distributed random variables from a known continuous distribution. The objective of the problem is to find a stopping rule that maximizes the duration of holding a relative maximum (e.g. the kth object is a relative maximum if Xk = max{X1, X2, . . ., Xk}). We assume that N is a random variable with a known upper bound n, so two models, Model 1 and Model 2, can be considered according to whether the planning horizon is N or n. The structure of the optimal rule, which depends on the prior distribution assumed on N, is examined. The monotone rule is defined and a necessary and sufficient condition for the optimal rule to be monotone is given for both models. Special attention is paid to the class of priors such that N / n converges, as n → ∞, to a random variable Vm having density fVm(v) = m(1 - v)m-1, 0 ≤ v ≤ 1 for a positive integer m. An interesting feature is that the optimal duration (relative to n) for Model 2 is just (m + 1) times as large as that for Model 1 asymptotically.
Sphere oscillating in a rarefied gas
Authors: Yap Ying Wan , Sader John E.
Published: March 2016

Flow generated by an oscillating sphere in a quiescent fluid is a classical problem in fluid mechanics whose solution is used ubiquitously. Miniaturisation of mechanical devices to small scales and their operation at high frequencies in fluid, which is common in modern nanomechanical systems, can preclude the use of the unsteady Stokes equation for continuum flow. Here, we explore the combined effects of gas rarefaction and unsteady motion of a sphere, within the framework of the unsteady linearised Boltzmann–BGK (Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook) equation. This equation is solved using the method of characteristics, and the resulting solution is valid for any oscillation frequency and arbitrary degrees of gas rarefaction. The resulting force provides the non-continuum counterpart to the (continuum) unsteady Stokes drag on a sphere. In contrast to the Stokes solution, where the flow is isothermal, non-continuum effects lead to a temperature jump at the sphere surface and non-isothermal flow. Unsteady effects and heat transport are found to mix strongly, leading to marked differences relative to the steady case. The solution to this canonical flow problem is expected to be of significant practical value in many applications, including the optical trapping of nanoparticles and the design and application of nanoelectromechanical systems. It also provides a benchmark for computational and approximate methods of solution for the Boltzmann equation.
On the use of the Reynolds decomposition in the intermittent region of turbulent boundary layers
Authors: Kwon Y. S. , Hutchins N. , Monty J. P.
Published: March 2016

In the analysis of velocity fields in turbulent boundary layers, the traditional Reynolds decomposition is universally employed to calculate the fluctuating component of streamwise velocity. Here, we demonstrate the perils of such a determination of the fluctuating velocity in the context of structural analysis of turbulence when applied in the outer region where the flow is intermittently turbulent at a given wall distance. A new decomposition is postulated that ensures non-turbulent regions in the flow do not contaminate the fluctuating velocity components in the turbulent regions. Through this new decomposition, some of the typical statistics concerning the scale and structure of turbulent boundary layers are revisited.
Compound Poisson Process with a Poisson Subordinator
Authors: Di Crescenzo Antonio , Martinucci Barbara , Zacks Shelemyahu
Published: March 2016

A compound Poisson process whose randomized time is an independent Poisson process is called a compound Poisson process with Poisson subordinator. We provide its probability distribution, which is expressed in terms of the Bell polynomials, and investigate in detail both the special cases in which the compound Poisson process has exponential jumps and normal jumps. Then for the iterated Poisson process we discuss some properties and provide convergence results to a Poisson process. The first-crossing time problem for the iterated Poisson process is finally tackled in the cases of (i) a decreasing and constant boundary, where we provide some closed-form results, and (ii) a linearly increasing boundary, where we propose an iterative procedure to compute the first-crossing time density and survival functions.
On Binomial Observations of Continuous-Time Markovian Population Models
Authors: Bean N. G. , Elliott R. , Eshragh A. , Ross J. V.
Published: March 2016

In this paper we consider a class of stochastic processes based on binomial observations of continuous-time, Markovian population models. We derive the conditional probability mass function of the next binomial observation given a set of binomial observations. For this purpose, we first find the conditional probability mass function of the underlying continuous-time Markovian population model, given a set of binomial observations, by exploiting a conditional Bayes' theorem from filtering, and then use the law of total probability to find the former. This result paves the way for further study of the stochastic process introduced by the binomial observations. We utilize our results to show that binomial observations of the simple birth process are non-Markovian.
Computational Inference Beyond Kingman's Coalescent
Authors: Koskela Jere , Jenkins Paul , Spanò Dario
Published: March 2016

Full likelihood inference under Kingman's coalescent is a computationally challenging problem to which importance sampling (IS) and the product of approximate conditionals (PAC) methods have been applied successfully. Both methods can be expressed in terms of families of intractable conditional sampling distributions (CSDs), and rely on principled approximations for accurate inference. Recently, more general Λ- and Ξ-coalescents have been observed to provide better modelling fits to some genetic data sets. We derive families of approximate CSDs for finite sites Λ- and Ξ-coalescents, and use them to obtain ‘approximately optimal’ IS and PAC algorithms for Λ-coalescents, yielding substantial gains in efficiency over existing methods.
Multivariate Distributions with Fixed Marginals and Correlations
Authors: Huber Mark , Marić Nevena
Published: March 2016

Consider the problem of drawing random variates (X
1, …, X

n
) from a distribution where the marginal of each X

i
is specified, as well as the correlation between every pair X

i
and X

j
. For given marginals, the Fréchet-Hoeffding bounds put a lower and upper bound on the correlation between X

i
and X

j
. Any achievable correlation between X

i
and X

j

is a convex combination of these bounds. We call the value λ(X

i
, X

j
) ∈ [0, 1] of this convex combination the convexity parameter of (X

i
, X

j
) with λ(X

i
, X

j
) = 1 corresponding to the upper bound and maximal correlation. For given marginal distributions functions F
1, …, F

n
of (X
1, …, X

n
), we show that λ(X

i
, X

j
) = λ
ij

if and only if there exist symmetric Bernoulli random variables (B
1, …, B

n
) (that is {0, 1} random variables with mean ½) such that λ(B

i
, B

j
) = λ
ij
. In addition, we characterize completely the set of convexity parameters for symmetric Bernoulli marginals in two, three, and four dimensions.
The stochastic filtering problem: a brief historical account
Authors: Crisan Dan
Published: March 2016

Onwards from the mid-twentieth century, the stochastic filtering problem has caught the attention of thousands of mathematicians, engineers, statisticians, and computer scientists. Its applications span the whole spectrum of human endeavour, including satellite tracking, credit risk estimation, human genome analysis, and speech recognition. Stochastic filtering has engendered a surprising number of mathematical techniques for its treatment and has played an important role in the development of new research areas, including stochastic partial differential equations, stochastic geometry, rough paths theory, and Malliavin calculus. It also spearheaded research in areas of classical mathematics, such as Lie algebras, control theory, and information theory. The aim of this paper is to give a brief historical account of the subject concentrating on the continuous-time framework.
The probability that a random multigraph is simple. II
Authors: Janson Svante
Published: March 2016

Consider a random multigraph G
* with given vertex degrees d
1,…, d

n
, constructed by the configuration model. We give a new proof of the fact that, asymptotically for a sequence of such multigraphs with the number of edges the probability that the multigraph is simple stays away from 0 if and only if The new proof uses the method of moments, which makes it possible to use it in some applications concerning convergence in distribution. Corresponding results for bipartite graphs are included.
Hidden regular variation of moving average processes with heavy-tailed innovations
Authors: Resnick Sidney I. , Roy Joyjit
Published: March 2016

We look at joint regular variation properties of MA(∞) processes of the form
X
= (X

k
, k ∈ Z), where X

k
= ∑
j=0
∞ψ
j

Z

k-j
and the sequence of random variables (Z

i
, i ∈ Z) are independent and identically distributed with regularly varying tails. We use the setup of M

O
-convergence and obtain hidden regular variation properties for
X
under summability conditions on the constant coefficients (ψ
j
: j ≥ 0). Our approach emphasizes continuity properties of mappings and produces regular variation in sequence space.
A note on the simulation of the Ginibre point process
Authors: Decreusefond Laurent , Flint Ian , Vergne Anais
Published: March 2016

The Ginibre point process (GPP) is one of the main examples of determinantal point processes on the complex plane. It is a recurring distribution of random matrix theory as well as a useful model in applied mathematics. In this paper we briefly overview the usual methods for the simulation of the GPP. Then we introduce a modified version of the GPP which constitutes a determinantal point process more suited for certain applications, and we detail its simulation. This modified GPP has the property of having a fixed number of points and having its support on a compact subset of the plane. See Decreusefond et al. (2013) for an extended version of this paper.
Estimation of integrals with respect to infinite measures using regenerative sequences
Authors: Athreya Krishna B. , Roy Vivekananda
Published: March 2016

Letfbe an integrable function on an infinite measure space (S,, π). We show that if aregenerative sequence{Xn}n≥0with canonical measureπcould be generated then a consistent estimator of λ ≡ ∫Sfdπ can be produced. We further show that under appropriate second moment conditions, a confidence interval for λ can also be derived. This is illustrated with estimating countable sums and integrals with respect to absolutely continuous measures on ℝdusing a simple symmetric random walk on ℤ.
Nonasymptotic performance analysis of importance sampling schemes for small noise diffusions
Authors: Spiliopoulos Konstantinos
Published: March 2016

In this paper we develop a prelimit analysis of performance measures for importance sampling schemes related to small noise diffusion processes. In importance sampling the performance of any change of measure is characterized by its second moment. For a given change of measure, we characterize the second moment of the corresponding estimator as the solution to a partial differential equation, which we analyze via a full asymptotic expansion with respect to the size of the noise and obtain a precise statement on its accuracy. The main correction term to the decay rate of the second moment solves a transport equation that can be solved explicitly. The asymptotic expansion that we obtain identifies the source of possible poor performance of nevertheless asymptotically optimal importance sampling schemes and allows for a more accurate comparison among competing importance sampling schemes.
On the convergence rates of some adaptive Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms
Authors: Atchadé Yves , Wang Yizao
Published: March 2016

In this paper we study the mixing time of certain adaptive Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms. Under some regularity conditions, we show that the convergence rate of importance resampling MCMC algorithms, measured in terms of the total variation distance, isO(n-1). By means of an example, we establish that, in general, this algorithm does not converge at a faster rate. We also study the interacting tempering algorithm, a simplified version of the equi-energy sampler, and establish that its mixing time is of orderO(n-1/2).
New directions for the Annual Review of Applied Linguistics
Authors: Mackey Alison
Published: March 2016

To begin with some history, reflecting the breadth of the field, the 35 issues of the Annual Review of Applied Linguistics (ARAL) published since 1980 have covered a substantial range of topics. These have included broad surveys of the field of applied linguistics; language and language-in-education; identity; written discourse; literacy; bilingual communities worldwide; language and the professions; communicative language teaching; second language acquisition research; discourse analysis; issues in foreign language teaching and learning; language policy and planning; technology and language; multilingualism; foundations of second language teaching; applied linguistics as an emerging discipline; language and psychology; discourse and dialogue; language contact and change; advances in language pedagogy; lingua franca languages; neurolinguistics; cognitive aspects of language processing; language assessment; and formulaic language.
Taking Technology to Task: Technology-Mediated TBLT, Performance, and Production
Authors: Ziegler Nicole
Published: March 2016

Over the last few decades, task-based language teaching (TBLT) has garnered increasing attention from researchers and educators alike. With a strong and growing body of research demonstrating the efficacy of tasks to support and facilitate second language development and performance (e.g., Keck, Iberri-Shea, Tracy-Ventura, & Wa-Mbaleka, 2006), TBLT has become a leading pedagogical approach. Similarly, computer-assisted language learning (CALL) has also grown as a field, with the use and integration of technology in the classroom continuing to increase (Petersen & Sachs, 2015). As these fields have matured, a reciprocal relationship has developed (Lai & Li, 2011), with the literature on tasks and technology seeking to not only examine how technology might support and facilitate language learning, but how TBLT might serve as a framework to more thoroughly investigate CALL. In light of the expanding research on tasks and technology, this review article aims not only to provide a current state of the art of how technology-mediated TBLT facilitates and supports second language development and performance, but also to describe how technology can contribute to our understanding of how features of TBLT, such as task design features and task implementation, influence the success of second language acquisition. Suggestions for possible research agendas in technology-mediated TBLT are also made.
Structure of Globular Clusters
Authors: Meylan G. , Drukier G.A.
Published: March 2016

There was a time, more than a century ago, when Astronomy & Astrophysics was not a European Journal yet, but still an American one. In its Vol. XII, Bailey (1893) published, from photographic observations of two globular clusters (GCs), ω Centauri and 47 Tucanae, what were probably the first extensive star counts, which represent the oldest observational constraint for the study of the structure of GCs. Bailey’s counts, together with some new material concerning other clusters were used by Pickering (1897) in the first important comparisons between observed and theoretical profiles in order to study the radial distribution of stars in clusters.
The Galactic Bar
Authors: Gerhard Ortwin , Binney James , Zhao Hongsheng
Published: March 2016

We summarize recent work on the structure and dynamics of the Galactic bar and inner disk. Current work focusses on constructing a quantitative model which integrates NIR photometry, source count observations, gas kinematics, stellar dynamical observations, and microlensing. Some avenues for future research are discussed.
Atomic Data Requirements for the Analysis of Chemically Peculiar Spectra
Authors: Leckrone D. S. , Johansson S. G. , Wahlgren G. M. , Brage T. , Proffitt C. R.
Published: March 2016

For the past seven years a large, international team of astrophysicists and atomic physicists has been engaged in the systematic exploration and analysis of the extraordinary spectrum of one chemically-peculiar star, chi Lupi (B9.5pHgMn + A2 Vm). The observational data consist of 345 Ã of the star’s ultraviolet spectrum acquired with the Goddard High Resolution Spectrograph (GHRS) on board the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) at a resolving power of approximately 90,000 and an average S/N ratio of about 75 in the continuum. These data were supplemented with new optical-wavelength echelle spectra obtained at the AAT and at KPNO[l]. We have named this study “The x Lupi Pathfinder Project”, because it is in many respects similar to the initial exploration of a strange new land – never before has the ultraviolet spectrum of an ultra-sharp-lined star been observed at this level of detail and accuracy.
Fundamental Parameters : Normal A0 Dwarf Stars of the Solar Neighbourhood
Authors: Gerbaldi M. , Faraggiana R. , Burnage R. , Delmas F. , Gomez A. , Grenier S.
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this paper is to define a set of “standard”, “reference” or “comparison” stars, according to their use, of spectral type A0V in order to be used for further studies in the domain of peculiar stars as well as normal stars of thisTeffand luminosity range.
Islamic Astronomy in China: Two New Sources for the Huihui Li (“Islamic Calendar”)
Authors: Dalen Benno Van , Yano Michio
Published: March 2016

In this talk we will discuss some aspects of the exchange of astronomical knowledge that took place between the Muslim world and China in the thirteenth and fourteenth century. In that period both the eastern part of the Muslim world, consisting of Persia and surrounding countries, and China, ruled by the Yuan Dynasty, were part of the Mongol world empire. In particular in the period between 1260 and 1280, astronomers as well as astronomical books and instruments were exchanged between Persia and China. As a result, extensive descriptions of a Chinese luni-solar calendar can be found in Arabic and Persian astronomical works from the Mongol period, whereas a Chinese text entitled Huihui Li (“Islamic Calendar”) can be seen to be a translation of a typical Islamic astronomical handbook with tables and explanatory text, in Arabic and Persian called zīj. Islamic astronomy had a good name in China because of its accurate prediction of eclipses, and the Huihui li was used parallel with the official Chinese calendar for almost 300 years.
Three Star Maps Produced in Korea During the 18th Century
Authors: Il-Seong Nha
Published: March 2016

In this paper a survey of three star maps produced in Korea in the mid-18th century as the results of interaction with the Jesuits in Beijing is briefly outlined. The first of these is the Honchŏn Jŏndo (abbreviated to HJ), a wood-cut print. The other two are large screen star maps, each consisting of 8 panels of a folding screen, called Screen Star Map Type 1 (abbreviated to SSM1) and Screen Star Map Type 2 (abbreviated to SSM2). On each of these three star maps there are detailed explanatory texts, which provide information on the transmission of wetern astronomy to Korea by the Royal astronomers.
Eclipse Records in Early Korean History: The Koryo-sa
Authors: Stephenson F. Richard
Published: March 2016

The following is a summary of recent research which I have undertaken on the eclipse records in the Koryo-sa. This work is based on a careful examination of the astrological treatise of the Koryo-sa. I have compared each of the many solar and lunar eclipse accounts with the results of computation and based deductions on these comparisons.
The Legends of Vasiṣṭha – A Note on the Vedāṅga Astronomy
Authors: Ôhashi Yukio
Published: March 2016

In this paper, I would like to discuss some topics about the Vedāṅga astronomy, which is a kind of ancient Indian astronomy.

The Vedāṅga (limb of the Veda) is a class of works regarded as auxiliary to the Veda. It consists of six divisions, one of which is astronomy (jyotiŢa).
Astronomical Dating and Statistical Analysis of Ancient Chinese Eclipse Data
Authors: Pang Kevin D. , Yau Kevin K. , Chou Hung-Hsiang
Published: March 2016

All 13 Shang dynasty oracle bone eclipse records have been uniquely matched to 6 solar and 7 lunar eclipses in the 14-12th centuries B.C. The King Zhong Kang 5th year autumnal (Oct. 16, 1876 B.C.) and King Yu 3rd year “double sunset” (Sept. 24, 1912 B.C.) eclipses confirm the accuracy of the revised Bamboo Annals Xia dynasty chronology (Nivision and Pang, Early China 15, 1990, 87). The eclipse dates are plotted against the number of generations before 841 B.C. (earliest accurate date), the respective kings ruled. The curve of benefit has both the strengths of verified royal genealogy – continuity – and eclipse dating – accuracy. It is 99% accurate, and can be confidently used as a foundation for building a detailed absolute chronology for the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties, an important project in China’s new 5-Year Plan (Song, Sci. Tech. Daily, May 17, 1996; Newsweek, July 7, 1997).
Modern Astronomy in Indo – Persian Sources
Authors: Ansari S. M. Razaullah
Published: March 2016

The Period from 1858 to 1947 is known as the British Period of Indian History. After the fall of Mughal empire, when the first war of independence against British colonisers failed in 1857, and the East India Company’s Government was transferred to the British Crown in 1858. However only in 1910, a Department of Education was established by the (British) Govt, of India and in the following decades modern universities were established in various important Indian towns, wherein Western / European type education and training with English as medium of instruction were imparted. However more than a century before, Indian scholar’s came into contact with the scholars – administrators of East India Company, either through employment or social interaction. Thereby, Indians became acquainted with the scientific (also technological) advances in Europe. A few of them visited England and other European countries, Portugal, Prance etc. already in the last quarter of 18th century, in order to experience and to learn firsthand the European sciences.
Astronomy Education in the East
Authors: Kobe Syuzo
Published: March 2016

In the IAU, there is the Commission 46 “Teaching of Astronomy” to which at least one representative from each member country belongs. At an occasion of the Asian-Pacific regional meeting of the IAU held in Beijing in 1987, there was a resolution to set up a committee of Teaching of Astronomy in the Asian-Pacific region. Since then, a session of the Teaching of Astronomy has been hold at each regional meeting.
Radio-X-Ray Connection for X-Ray Transients and Binaries
Authors: Hjellming R.M.
Published: March 2016

The discovery of the association between relativistic radio jets and X-ray events in GRS 1915+105 (Mirabel and Rodriguez, 1994) and GRO J1655-40 showed that strong radio flares (Harmon et al, 1994) in general, and jet ejection (Hjellming and Rupen, 1994) in particular, could be identified with features in hard X-ray events. This has caused us to re-think the interpretation of the radio events in X-ray transients, and has made multi-wavelength observations even more important. In this paper the focus is on the connection between X-ray and radio events as seen since 1994 in GRS 1915+105, GRO J1655-40, GRO J1719-24, GRO J1739-278, Cyg X-3, Cyg X-l, and Sco X-l.