Modeling Bond yields in finance and macroeconomics

From a macroeconomic perspective, the short-term interest rate is a policy instrument under the direct control of the central bank. From a finance perspective, long rates are risk-adjusted averages of expected future short rates. Thus, as illustrated by much recent research, a joint macro-finance modeling strategy will provide the most comprehensive understanding of the term structure of interest rates. We discuss various questions that arise in this research, and we also present a new examination of the relationship between two prominent dynamic, latent factor models in this literature: the Nelson-Siegel and affine no-arbitrage term structure models. JEL Klassifikation: G1, E4, E5

Squeezing the Collective Spin of a Dilute Atomic Ensemble by Cavity Feedback

We propose and analyze a simple method to squeeze dynamically and unconditionally the collective spin of a dilute atomic ensemble by interaction with a driven mode of an optical resonator, as recently demonstrated [I. D. L., M. H. S., and V. V., Phys. Rev. Lett. 104, 073602 (2010)]. We show that substantial squeezing can be achieved in the regime of strong collective ensemble-resonator coupling. The squeezing is ultimately limited either by photon emission into free space or by the curvature of the Bloch sphere. We derive both limits and show where each prevails.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures. Minor revision. To appear in Phys. Rev.

Implementation of Cavity Squeezing of a Collective Atomic Spin

We squeeze unconditionally the collective spin of a dilute ensemble of laser-cooled rubidium-87 atoms using their interaction with a driven optical resonator. The shape and size of the resulting spin uncertainty region are well described by a simple analytical model [M.H.S., I.D.L., V.V., arXiv:0911.3936] through two orders of magnitude in the effective interaction strength, without free parameters. We deterministically generate states with up to 5.6(6) dB of metrologically relevant spin squeezing on the canonical rubidium-87 hyperfine clock transition.Comment: 4 pages, 2 figures. To be published in Phys. Rev. Lett. Some additional details and clarified wording in response to referee comments. Figures and results unchange

Innovative Agents for Actinic Keratosis and Nanocarriers Enhancing Skin Penetration

Actinic keratosis and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma are of increasing importance with aging and increased ultraviolet light exposure in Western societies. Efficient and well-tolerated therapy is still a matter of concern. As with tumours of other organs, new target sites and innovative drugs selectively addressing them are widely looked for. Due to the relevance for DNA synthesis and thus cell proliferation, human DNA polymerase alpha should be such a target, the more so as the three-dimensional structure of the active site has been proposed based on the application of molecular modelling methods and molecular dynamics simulations. The modelled structure of the active site was used for docking nucleotide analogues in order to design selective inhibitors. Consequently, well-fitting thymidine and guanosine analogues were synthesized and tested in vitro for their influence on normal and transformed human keratinocytes. In fact, the combination of modelling studies and in vitro tests allowed us to design antiproliferative and cytotoxic agents which are new drug candidates for the therapy of skin tumours, given the agents are no relevant substrates of nucleotide transporters (MRP-4, MRP-5) expressed by skin cancer cells. Essential kinases for nucleoside activation were detected, too, corresponding with the observed effects of nucleoside analogues. Due to the rather high molecular weight and poor solubility, however, skin penetration should be poor and thus topical therapy may require carriers to improve the uptake. This becomes feasible by lipidic and non-lipidic nanoparticles which can enhance the uptake of lipophilic agents up to 13-fold. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Base

Glucocorticoids for human skin: New aspects of the mechanism of action

Topical glucocorticoids have always been considered first-line drugs for inflammatory diseases of the skin and bronchial system. Applied systemically, glucocorticoids are used for severe inflammatory and immunological diseases and the inhibition of transplant rejection. Owing to the progress in molecular pharmacology, the knowledge of the mechanism of action has increased during the last years. Besides distinct genomic targets, which are due to the activation of specific cytoplasmatic receptors resulting in the (trans-) activation or (trans-) repression of target genes, there are non-genomic effects on the basis of the interference with membrane-associated receptors as well as with membrane lipids. In fact, various glucocorticoids appear to differ with respect to the relative influence on these targets. Thus, the extended knowledge of glucocorticoid-induced cellular signalling should allow the design and development of even more specifically acting drugs-as it has been obtained with other steroids, e.g. estrogens for osteoporosis prevention. Copyright (C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel

Self-regulation as Correlates to Students' Voices and Achievement in TOEFL Score

Students' engagement and persistence in test preparation require their use of self-regulated learning strategies to negate distraction and facilitate good preparation. This research aimed to investigate students' self-regulation strategies when taking a TOEFL preparation course, by measuring their attitudes towards the course and analyzing the correlation between their pre-test and progress test scores. The data collected comprised self-reported answers from a Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire and the scores of a pre-test and progress test taken by the students during the course. The students were cognizant that hard work affected learning performance, valuing in particular overcoming difficult tasks or continuing to learn even when performance lagged. A strong positive correlation was also found between pre-test and progress test scores (r = 0.8422), indicating high academic performance in the students. These findings emphasize the importance of developing students' methods of learning and practice. Students should be empowered to become regulated-learners, and should be made more aware of different self-regulated learning strategies to better evaluate, regulate, and improve their own performance

Hyperon bulk viscosity in strong magnetic fields

We study the bulk viscosity of neutron star matter including $\Lambda$ hyperons in the presence of quantizing magnetic fields. Relaxation time and bulk viscosity due to both the non-leptonic weak process involving $\Lambda$ hyperons and direct Urca processes are calculated here. In the presence of a strong magnetic field of $10^{17}$ G, the hyperon bulk viscosity coefficient is reduced whereas bulk viscosity coefficients due to direct Urca processes are enhanced compared with their field free cases when many Landau levels are populated by protons, electrons and muons.Comment: LaTex, 28 pages including 9 figures; new results are discussed in section I