Search for SUSY in Final States with Z Bosons

A search for SUSY processes leading to final states with Z bosons is performed at a low mass point in the mSUGRA parameter space. The signature of such processes is studied using both a complete and a fast simulation. It is shown that the signal can be seen over the Standard Model background with high significance already at an integrated luminosity of 1fb^-1. The SUSY discovery potential is explored in the m_0,m_1/2 parameter space

Estimation of Regional Economic Convergence Equations Using Artificial Neural Networks with Cross Section Data

Theoretical developments and discussions on growth and regional convergence have been accompanied by another debate, associated with the type of data used and quantitative approaches adopted in empirical research. Estimation of convergence equations continues to play a key role in the study of economic convergence, despite criticisms. This paper introduces the use of artificial neural networks (ANN) in the study of convergence. It focuses on the concept of b-convergence and accepts that cross section data can provide useful information for its investigation. Non-linearities of the underlying relationships, the restrictiveness of assumptions on functional forms, and econometric problems in the estimation and application of certain theoretical models, advocate for the use of ANN algorithms. A back-propagation (BPN) artificial neural network is constructed and utilized to study convergence of regional, gross domestic products per capita in Greece, together with the application of a traditional econometric analysis. Cross-section statistical data on Greek prefectures are used while results and repeated testing show that the neural network performs very well in estimating convergence equations. It improves substantially the accuracy of estimates and predictability of the estimated relationships. In addition, the BPN algorithm could be used with time series or panel data, and it could estimate also convergence equations of additional economic or social variables

Holocene sedimentary records of the Katarraktes cave system (northern Greece): a stratigraphical and environmental magnetism approach

The Katarraktes cave system is located in northern Greece and is a complex of a rockshelter and a cave formed on the south river bank of Krousovitis River canyon (Serres, Macedonia region). The archaeological site area is well known as one of the most important archaeological sites in SE Europe since it hosts numerous archaeological findings dating back to the Early Bronze Age. Detailed stratigraphic analysis of three archaeological sections was performed in order to define the depositional conditions of the cave entrance facies sediments. Mineral magnetic properties were performed to enhance the paleoenvironmental interpretations and to detect sediment origins. Magnetic susceptibility (klf) obtained in high and low frequency as well as remanence parameters, such as saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) and S-ratio, were measured in samples collected2from the archaeological sections. Results indicate a significant variability in the magnetic signal stored in the sedimentary record of Kataraktes cave system distinguishing between natural and anthropogenic sequences. The combination of the stratigraphic and magnetic results along with the archaeological data reveals that flood events of Krousovitis River and sediment accumulation from slackwater in the rockshelter area occurred around 3000 yr BC and were possibly the key factor for the abandonment of the prehistoric settlement

Molecular modelling study of the 3D structure of the biglycan core protein, using homology modelling techniques

Herein we report the establishment of the 3D structure of the biglycan core protein, using conventional homology molecular modelling techniques. The 3D model has been structurally optimised via molecular dynamics.  It was found that the final model of biglycan resembles in structure its template protein bearing a set of distinct parallel β-sheet structure patterns. The biglycan model bears a very hydrophobic amino acid region towards its inner cavity that acquires an arc-like structure. The external domain of the biglycan model is made up of hydrophilic residues that are exposed to the water solvent. It is those hydrophilic residues that are responsible for their interaction with polysaccharide polymers. Overall comparison of the model of biglycan to the recently determined x-ray structure of the same protein returns a very low Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD), which confirms the viability of the model and its reliability as a platform for the study biglycan interactions.

Genome-wide expression patterns in physiological cardiac hypertrophy

Abstract Background Physiological left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) involves complex cardiac remodeling that occurs as an adaptive response to chronic exercise. A stark clinical contrast exists between physiological LVH and pathological cardiac remodeling in response to diseases such as hypertension, but little is known about the precise molecular mechanisms driving physiological adaptation. Results In this study, the first large-scale analysis of publicly available genome-wide expression data of several in vivo murine models of physiological LVH was carried out using network analysis. On evaluating 3 million gene co-expression patterns across 141 relevant microarray experiments, it was found that physiological adaptation is an evolutionarily conserved processes involving preservation of the function of cytochrome c oxidase, induction of autophagy compatible with cell survival, and coordinated regulation of angiogenesis. Conclusion This analysis not only identifies known biological pathways involved in physiological LVH, but also offers novel insights into the molecular basis of this phenotype by identifying key networks of co-expressed genes, as well as their topological and functional properties, using relevant high-quality microarray experiments and network inference. </jats:sec

Expansion of the BioCyc collection of pathway/genome databases to 160 genomes

The BioCyc database collection is a set of 160 pathway/genome databases (PGDBs) for most eukaryotic and prokaryotic species whose genomes have been completely sequenced to date. Each PGDB in the BioCyc collection describes the genome and predicted metabolic network of a single organism, inferred from the MetaCyc database, which is a reference source on metabolic pathways from multiple organisms. In addition, each bacterial PGDB includes predicted operons for the corresponding species. The BioCyc collection provides a unique resource for computational systems biology, namely global and comparative analyses of genomes and metabolic networks, and a supplement to the BioCyc resource of curated PGDBs. The Omics viewer available through the BioCyc website allows scientists to visualize combinations of gene expression, proteomics and metabolomics data on the metabolic maps of these organisms. This paper discusses the computational methodology by which the BioCyc collection has been expanded, and presents an aggregate analysis of the collection that includes the range of number of pathways present in these organisms, and the most frequently observed pathways. We seek scientists to adopt and curate individual PGDBs within the BioCyc collection. Only by harnessing the expertise of many scientists we can hope to produce biological databases, which accurately reflect the depth and breadth of knowledge that the biomedical research community is producing

Tranexamic Acid (TXA) for the Hemostatic Treatment of Post-Partum Hemorrhage (PPH): What Key Points Have We Learnt After All These Years?

Post-partum bleeding or post-partum hemorrhage (PPH) is often defined as the loss of more than 500 mL of blood after vaginal delivery or 1000 mL of blood after cesarean section following the delivery of a child [...]