Noise delayed decay of unstable states: theory versus numerical simulations

We study the noise delayed decay of unstable nonequilibrium states in nonlinear dynamical systems within the framework of the overdamped Brownian motion model. We give the exact expressions for the decay times of unstable states for polynomial potential profiles and obtain nonmonotonic behavior of the decay times as a function of the noise intensity for the unstable nonequilibrium states. The analytical results are compared with numerical simulations.Comment: 9 pages, 6 figures, in press in J. Phys.

The DDX6-4E-T interaction mediates translational repression and P-body assembly

This is the final version of the article. Available from the publisher via the DOI in this record.4E-Transporter binds eIF4E via its consensus sequence YXXXXLΦ, shared with eIF4G, and is a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein found enriched in P-(rocessing) bodies. 4E-T inhibits general protein synthesis by reducing available eIF4E levels. Recently, we showed that 4E-T bound to mRNA however represses its translation in an eIF4E-independent manner, and contributes to silencing of mRNAs targeted by miRNAs. Here, we address further the mechanism of translational repression by 4E-T by first identifying and delineating the interacting sites of its major partners by mass spectrometry and western blotting, including DDX6, UNR, unrip, PAT1B, LSM14A and CNOT4. Furthermore, we document novel binding between 4E-T partners including UNR-CNOT4 and unrip-LSM14A, altogether suggesting 4E-T nucleates a complex network of RNA-binding protein interactions. In functional assays, we demonstrate that joint deletion of two short conserved motifs that bind UNR and DDX6 relieves repression of 4E-T-bound mRNA, in part reliant on the 4E-T-DDX6-CNOT1 axis. We also show that the DDX6-4E-T interaction mediates miRNA-dependent translational repression and de novo P-body assembly, implying that translational repression and formation of new P-bodies are coupled processes. Altogether these findings considerably extend our understanding of the role of 4E-T in gene regulation, important in development and neurogenesis.BBSRC [BB/J00779X/1 to N.S.]; CNRS PICS (to D.W.); Agence Nationale pour la Recherche [ANR-14-CE09-0013-01ANR to D.W.]; Gates Cambridge Foundation (to A.K.); Fondation Wiener – Anspach of the Université Libre de Bruxelles and the Cambridge Newton Trust (C.V.). Funding for open access charge: BBSRC

Golden gaskets: variations on the Sierpi\'nski sieve

We consider the iterated function systems (IFSs) that consist of three general similitudes in the plane with centres at three non-collinear points, and with a common contraction factor \la\in(0,1). As is well known, for \la=1/2 the invariant set, \S_\la, is a fractal called the Sierpi\'nski sieve, and for \la<1/2 it is also a fractal. Our goal is to study \S_\la for this IFS for 1/2<\la<2/3, i.e., when there are "overlaps" in \S_\la as well as "holes". In this introductory paper we show that despite the overlaps (i.e., the Open Set Condition breaking down completely), the attractor can still be a totally self-similar fractal, although this happens only for a very special family of algebraic \la's (so-called "multinacci numbers"). We evaluate \dim_H(\S_\la) for these special values by showing that \S_\la is essentially the attractor for an infinite IFS which does satisfy the Open Set Condition. We also show that the set of points in the attractor with a unique ``address'' is self-similar, and compute its dimension. For ``non-multinacci'' values of \la we show that if \la is close to 2/3, then \S_\la has a nonempty interior and that if \la<1/\sqrt{3} then \S_\la$ has zero Lebesgue measure. Finally we discuss higher-dimensional analogues of the model in question.Comment: 27 pages, 10 figure

Phases of M2-brane Theories

We investigate different toric phases of 2+1 dimensional quiver gauge theories arising from M2-branes probing toric Calabi-Yau 4 folds. A brane tiling for each toric phase is presented. We apply the 'forward algorithm' to obtain the toric data of the mesonic moduli space of vacua and exhibit the equivalence between the vacua of different toric phases of a given singularity. The structures of the Master space, the mesonic moduli space, and the baryonic moduli space are examined in detail. We compute the Hilbert series and use them to verify the toric dualities between different phases. The Hilbert series, R-charges, and generators of the mesonic moduli space are matched between toric phases.Comment: 60 pages, 28 figures, 6 tables. v2: minor correction

A dynamical approach to the spatiotemporal aspects of the Portevin-Le Chatelier effect: Chaos,turbulence and band propagation

Experimental time series obtained from single and poly-crystals subjected to a constant strain rate tests report an intriguing dynamical crossover from a low dimensional chaotic state at medium strain rates to an infinite dimensional power law state of stress drops at high strain rates. We present results of an extensive study of all aspects of the PLC effect within the context a model that reproduces this crossover. A study of the distribution of the Lyapunov exponents as a function of strain rate shows that it changes from a small set of positive exponents in the chaotic regime to a dense set of null exponents in the scaling regime. As the latter feature is similar to the GOY shell model for turbulence, we compare our results with the GOY model. Interestingly, the null exponents in our model themselves obey a power law. The configuration of dislocations is visualized through the slow manifold analysis. This shows that while a large proportion of dislocations are in the pinned state in the chaotic regime, most of them are at the threshold of unpinning in the scaling regime. The model qualitatively reproduces the different types of deformation bands seen in experiments. At high strain rates where propagating bands are seen, the model equations are reduced to the Fisher-Kolmogorov equation for propagative fronts. This shows that the velocity of the bands varies linearly with the strain rate and inversely with the dislocation density, consistent with the known experimental results. Thus, this simple dynamical model captures the complex spatio-temporal features of the PLC effect.Comment: 17 pages, 18 figure

M2-Branes and Fano 3-folds

A class of supersymmetric gauge theories arising from M2-branes probing Calabi-Yau 4-folds which are cones over smooth toric Fano 3-folds is investigated. For each model, the toric data of the mesonic moduli space is derived using the forward algorithm. The generators of the mesonic moduli space are determined using Hilbert series. The spectrum of scaling dimensions for chiral operators is computed.Comment: 128 pages, 39 figures, 42 table

Effect of phytase on phytate P utilization by turkeys

An in vitro method was developed for poultry to predict inorganic phosphorus release from maize-soya bean feeds containing supplemental phytase (E.C. 3.1.3.8), and to quantify the effect of acid phosphatase (E.C. 3.1,3.2.), fungal protease (E.C. 3.4.23.6) and Aspergillus niger cellulase (E.C. 3.2.1.4.) on phytate dephosphorylation. Pepsin and pancreatin digestion periods were preceded by a 30 min preincubation at pH 5.25 to simulate digestion in the crop of poultry. Pancreatin digestion was carried out in dialysis tubings, with a ratio of about 1:25 (v/v) between the digesta and dialyzing medium, to simulate gradient absorption from the duodenum. The feed/water ratio was kept within physiological limits and a constant feed weight to digestive enzymes was maintained. There was a linear response to increasing dosages of phytase up to 1000 FTU/kg feed, and to increasing phosphate concentration in feeds. In vivo validation was performed with growing turkeys (1-3 wk) fed diets containing 12 g/kg of calcium; 0, 500, 1000 FTU/kg of phytase in a factorial arrangement with 0, 1, 2, 3 g/kg of supplemental phosphate (from KH2PO4). After a simple transformation (variable/in vitro phosphorus = f (in vitro phosphorus)) amounts of phosphorus hydrolyzed from feed samples by in vitro digestions correlated with the 3 week body weight gains (R= 0.986 P [less than] 0.0001), toe ash (R=0.952 P [less than] 0.0001), feed intake (R=0.994 P [less than] 0.0001) and feed efficiency (R=0.992 P [less than] 0.0001). The dephosphorylating ability of phytase in vitro was significantly enhanced (P [less than] 0.05) by the addition of acid phosphatase. Fungal acid protease and Aspergillus niger cellulase also enhanced the dephosphorylation process in vitro.Project # G-2029-01 Agreement # 14-08-0001-G-2029-0

Complex temporal climate signals drive the emergence of human water-borne disease

Predominantly occurring in developing parts of the world, Buruli ulcer is a severely disabling mycobacterium infection which often leads to extensive necrosis of the skin. While the exact route of transmission remains uncertain, like many tropical diseases, associations with climate have been previously observed and could help identify the causative agent's ecological niche. In this paper, links between changes in rainfall and outbreaks of Buruli ulcer in French Guiana, an ultraperipheral European territory in the northeast of South America, were identified using a combination of statistical tests based on singular spectrum analysis, empirical mode decomposition and cross-wavelet coherence analysis. From this, it was possible to postulate for the first time that outbreaks of Buruli ulcer can be triggered by combinations of rainfall patterns occurring on a long (i.e., several years) and short (i.e., seasonal) temporal scale, in addition to stochastic events driven by the El Nino-Southern Oscillation that may disrupt or interact with these patterns. Long-term forecasting of rainfall trends further suggests the possibility of an upcoming outbreak of Buruli ulcer in French Guiana

Acceptance or rejection? The social experiences of children with special educational needs and disabilities within a mainstream primary school

This article details a study which investigated the social acceptance and friendships of children with SEND, and their typically developing peers, at a mainstream primary school in the North West of England. Participants were 29 children aged five and six years old, separated into three groups; typically developing children, children who were being monitored for SEND, and children with formally identified SENDs. With the use of a peer nomination sociometric technique, findings revealed that children with SEND had less promising peer relations and friendships compared to children tracked for SEND and their typically developing peers, consequently questioning the mainstream ‘ideal’. © 2018, © 2018 ASPE

The time dimension of neural network models

This review attempts to provide an insightful perspective on the role of time within neural network models and the use of neural networks for problems involving time. The most commonly used neural network models are defined and explained giving mention to important technical issues but avoiding great detail. The relationship between recurrent and feedforward networks is emphasised, along with the distinctions in their practical and theoretical abilities. Some practical examples are discussed to illustrate the major issues concerning the application of neural networks to data with various types of temporal structure, and finally some highlights of current research on the more difficult types of problems are presented