Derivation of the Gutenberg-Richter Empirical Formula from the Solution of the Generalized Logistic Equation

We have written a new equation to study the statistics of earthquake distributions. We call this equation "the generalized logistic equation". The Gutenberg-Richter frequency-magnitude formula was derived from the solution of the generalized logistic equation as an asymptotic case in approximation of large magnitudes. To illustrate how the found solution of the generalized logistic equation works, it was used to approximate the observed cumulative distribution of earthquakes in four different geological provinces: the Central Atlantic (40N-25N, 5W-35W), Canary Islands, Magellan Mountains (20N-9S, 148E-170E), and the Sea of Japan. This approximation showed the excellent fit between the theoretical curves and observed data for earthquake magnitudes 1<m<9.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figures, 1 table, 8 references. Submitted to Natural Science, Earthquakes special issu

On the phonon-induced superconductivity of disordered alloys

A model of alloy is considered which includes both quenched disorder in the electron subsystem (``alloy'' subsystem) and electron-phonon interaction. For given approximate solution for the alloy part of the problem, which is assumed to be conserving in Baym's sense, we construct the generating functional and derive the Eliashberg-type equations which are valid to the lowest order in the adiabatic parameter.The renormalization of bare electron-phonon interaction vertices by disorder is taken into account consistently with the approximation for the alloy self-energy. For the case of exact configurational averaging the same set of equations is established within the usual T-matrix approach. We demonstrate that for any conserving approximation for the alloy part of the self-energy the Anderson's theorem holds in the case of isotropic singlet pairing provided disorder renormalizations of the electron-phonon interaction vertices are neglected. Taking account of the disorder renormalization of the electron-phonon interaction we analyze general equations qualitatively and present the expressions for $T_{c}$ for the case of weak and intermediate electron-phonon coupling. Disorder renormalizations of the logarithmic corrections to the effective coupling, which arise when the effective interaction kernel for the Cooper channel has the second energy scale, as well as the renormalization of the dilute paramagnetic impurity suppression are discussed.Comment: 59 pages, 10 Eps figures, LaTe

Coagulation Factor XIIIA: biochemical properties underlying physiological function.

Factor XIIIA (FXIIIA) is a transglutaminase that crosslinks intra- and extracellular protein substrates. The oligomeric state of active FXIIIA remains controversial, and the present work commenced with addressing this issue. The results of size exclusion chromatography and analytical ultracentrifugation confirmed a dimeric state for zymogen and, for the first time, indicated a monomeric state for the active FXIIIA in solution. Comparing sedimentation properties of proteolytically and nonproteolytically activated FXIIIA suggested conformational and functional differences between the two forms. Those differences were further assessed in a series of catalytic activity studies. Kinetic analysis revealed affinity for the glutamine substrate was higher for proteolytically activated FXIIIA than for FXIIIA activated by high mM Ca2+. FXIIIA proteolytic activation was investigated in a context of fibrin clotting. The V34X FXIIIA variants were generated using site-directed mutagenesis and recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli. Those variants were ranked in terms of their activation rates by thrombin L34\u3e\u3eV34\u3eF34\u3e\u3eW34. In a series of SDS-PAGE and clot turbidity assays, the proteolytic activation rates of FXIIIA variants were correlated with the extent of covalent fibrin crosslinking. The V34X FXIIIA variants were administered into murine FXIIIA-deficient plasma. Scanning electron microscopy of the whole plasma clots revealed morphological evidence for incorporation of nonfibrous protein into the clot. The magnitude of this incorporation correlated with the FXIIIA activation rate. Overall, the presented research fills in critical gaps in previously identified FXIIIA biochemical attributes and expands the understanding of FXIIIA physiological function

The Journey from Novice to Serial Entrepreneurship in China and Germany: Are the Drivers the Same?

While in general entrepreneurs in emerging economies are significantly different from entrepreneurs in mature markets on most dimensions, serial entrepreneurs demonstrate certain similarities in their goals and motivations, skills and competencies, resources, strategies and other characteristics. The drivers governing the journey from novice to serial entrepreneurship – while consistent with the arguments advanced by Casson and Lazear – appear to differ somewhat between emerging and mature economies. Based on a cross-sectional survey of Chinese and German entrepreneurs, the study contributes to the understanding of entrepreneurship in emerging markets and extends the knowledge of serial entrepreneurship by analyzing whether the differences between serial and novice entrepreneurs can be attributed to the types of skills and competences possessed by the individuals, and whether particular motives for starting new ventures are more conducive to multiple business founding than others.serial entrepreneurship, emerging economies, China, Germany

System innovations for Modern Russia. The Search, the Problem, the Solutions

Dla skutecznego istnienia państwa rosyjskiego niezbędna jest strategia wprowadzająca szereg innowacyjnych zmian. Rozwój innowacyjny przejawia się w dwóch formach: technologicznej i społecznej. By wprowadzić innowacyjne rozwiązania niezbędna jest przebudowa istniejącego systemu politycznego. Tymczasem obecne - radykalne - apele i działania na rzecz modernizacji nie cieszą się wsparciem opinii publicznej, są wręcz odrzucane przez społeczeństwo.For Russia to exist effectively a strategy of innovative changes is needed. Innovative development takes two forms: technological and social. The current political system needs to be transformed in order to implement innovations. Currently, radical appeals and calls for modernisation do not receive mass support and are rejected by society

The development of temperament and character during adolescence: The processes and phases of change

AbstractWe studied the pattern of personality development in a longitudinal population-based sample of 752 American adolescents. Personality was assessed reliably with the Junior Temperament and Character Inventory at 12, 14, and 16 years of age. The rank-order stability of Junior Temperament and Character Inventory traits from age 12 to 16 was moderate (r = .35). Hierarchical linear modeling of between-group variance due to gender and within-group variance due to age indicated that harm avoidance and persistence decreased whereas self-directedness and cooperativeness increased from age 12 to 16. Novelty seeking, reward dependence, and self-transcendence increased from age 12 to 14 and then decreased. This biphasic pattern suggests that prior to age 14 teens became more emancipated from adult authorities while identifying more with the emergent norms of their peers, and after age 14 their created identity was internalized. Girls were more self-directed and cooperative than boys and maintained this advantage from age 12 to 16. Dependability of temperament at age 16 was mainly predicted by the same traits at earlier ages. In contrast, maturity of character at age 16 was predicted by both temperament and character at earlier ages. We conclude that character develops rapidly in adolescence to self-regulate temperament in accord with personally valued goals shaped by peers.</jats:p

Energy Safety: Politics and Diplomacy

There is a spectrum of approaches to understanding of the energy safety, policy, and diplomacy. Each country draws on the conditions of its power security. Global, regional and local levels of energy safety are identified. Nowadays, this problem is multidirectional and multidimensional. Aunique competitive advantage of Russia in the field of energy industry is used for solving its foreign policy issues. This tool will be applied in those cases and in that volume in which it will be necessary for maintenance of national interests. Energy resources and the transit infrastructure of Russia should be used effectively for strengthening of the role and the status of the Russian Federation on the global level