Cocliques of maximal size in the prime graph of a finite simple group

In this paper we continue our investgation of the prime graph of a finite simple group started in http://arxiv.org/abs/math/0506294 (the printed version appeared in [1]). We describe all cocliques of maximal size for all finite simple groups and also we correct mistakes and misprints from our previous paper. The list of correction is given in Appendix of the present paper.Comment: published version with correction

Combined in silico/in vivo analysis of mechanisms providing for root apical meristem self-organization and maintenance.

Background and aimsThe root apical meristem (RAM) is the plant stem cell niche which provides for the formation and continuous development of the root. Auxin is the main regulator of RAM functioning, and auxin maxima coincide with the sites of RAM initiation and maintenance. Auxin gradients are formed due to local auxin biosynthesis and polar auxin transport. The PIN family of auxin transporters plays a critical role in polar auxin transport, and two mechanisms of auxin maximum formation in the RAM based on PIN-mediated auxin transport have been proposed to date: the reverse fountain and the reflected flow mechanisms.MethodsThe two mechanisms are combined here in in silico studies of auxin distribution in intact roots and roots cut into two pieces in the proximal meristem region. In parallel, corresponding experiments were performed in vivo using DR5::GFP Arabidopsis plants.Key resultsThe reverse fountain and the reflected flow mechanism naturally cooperate for RAM patterning and maintenance in intact root. Regeneration of the RAM in decapitated roots is provided by the reflected flow mechanism. In the excised root tips local auxin biosynthesis either alone or in cooperation with the reverse fountain enables RAM maintenance.ConclusionsThe efficiency of a dual-mechanism model in guiding biological experiments on RAM regeneration and maintenance is demonstrated. The model also allows estimation of the concentrations of auxin and PINs in root cells during development and under various treatments. The dual-mechanism model proposed here can be a powerful tool for the study of several different aspects of auxin function in root

Once more on the Witten index of 3d supersymmetric YM-CS theory

The problem of counting the vacuum states in the supersymmetric 3d Yang-Mills-Chern-Simons theory is reconsidered. We resolve the controversy between its original calculation by Witten at large volumes and the calculation based on the evaluation of the effective Lagrangian in the small volume limit. We show that the latter calculation suffers from uncertainties associated with the singularities in the moduli space of classical vacua where the Born-Oppenheimer approximation breaks down. We also show that these singularities can be accurately treated in the Hamiltonian Born-Oppenheimer method, where one has to match carefully the effective wave functions on the Abelian valley and the wave functions of reduced non-Abelian QM theory near the singularities. This gives the same result as original Witten's calculation.Comment: 27 page

Application of the DRA method to the calculation of the four-loop QED-type tadpoles

We apply the DRA method to the calculation of the four-loop `QED-type' tadpoles. For arbitrary space-time dimensionality D the results have the form of multiple convergent sums. We use these results to obtain the epsilon-expansion of the integrals around D=3 and D=4.Comment: References added, some typos corrected. Results unchange

Taming the zoo of supersymmetric quantum mechanical models

We show that in many cases nontrivial and complicated supersymmetric quantum mechanical (SQM) models can be obtained from the simple model describing free dynamics in flat complex space by two operations: (i) Hamiltonian reduction and (ii) similarity transformation of the complex supercharges. We conjecture that it is true for any SQM model.Comment: final version published in JHE

Effectiveness of delayed-release dimethyl fumarate on patient-reported outcomes and clinical measures in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in a real-world clinical setting: PROTEC.

Ensaio clínico PROTEC, Protocolo nº 109MS408Abstract BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcomes (PRO) and clinical outcomes give a broad assessment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) disease. OBJECTIVE: The aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of delayed-release dimethyl fumarate (DMF) on disease activity and PROs in patients with RRMS in the clinic. METHODS: PROTEC, a phase 4, open-label, 12-month observational study, assessed annualized relapse rate (ARR), proportion of patients relapsed, and changes in PROs. Newly diagnosed and early MS (≤3.5 EDSS and ≤1 relapse in the prior year) patient subgroups were evaluated. RESULTS: Unadjusted ARR at 12 months post-DMF versus 12 months before DMF initiation was 75% lower (0.161 vs. 0.643, p < 0.0001) overall (n = 1105) and 84%, 77%, and 71% lower in newly diagnosed, ≤3.5 EDSS, and ≤1 relapse subgroups, respectively. Overall, 88% of patients were relapse-free 12 months after DMF initiation (84%, newly diagnosed; 88%, ≤3.5 EDSS; 88%, ≤1 relapse). PRO measures for fatigue, treatment satisfaction, daily living, and work improved significantly over 12 months of DMF versus baseline. CONCLUSION: At 12 months after versus 12 months before DMF initiation, ARR was significantly lower, the majority of patients were relapse-free, and multiple PRO measures showed improvement (overall and for subgroups), suggesting that DMF is effective based on clinical outcomes and from a patient perspective.Clinical trial: A Study Evaluating the Effectiveness of Tecfidera (Dimethyl Fumarate) on Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Disease Activity and Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROTEC), NCT01930708,info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Image transfer through a chaotic channel by intensity correlations

The three-wave mixing processes in a second-order nonlinear medium can be used for imaging protocols, in which an object field is injected into the nonlinear medium together with a reference field and an image field is generated. When the reference field is chaotic, the image field is also chaotic and does not carry any information about the object. We show that a clear image of the object be extracted from the chaotic image field by measuring the spatial intensity correlations between this field and one Fourier component of the reference. We experimentally verify this imaging protocol in the case of frequency downconversion.Comment: 17 pages, 7 figure

Light-harvesting superstructures of green plant chloroplasts lacking photosystems

"This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Belgio, E., Ungerer, P., and Ruban, A. V. (2015) Light-harvesting superstructures of green plant chloroplasts lacking photosystems. Plant Cell Environ, 38: 2035–2047. doi: 10.1111/pce.12528.which has been published in final form at https://dx.10.1111/pce.12528. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving.This work was supported by TheLeverhulme Trust and BBSRC research grants to A.V.R

Linguo-cultural competence as a cornerstone of translators' performance in the domain of intercultural business communication

Acknowledging language as an integral element of a sociocultural community highlights some sensitive areas in the realm of translation studies. Since the translator acts as a mediator between two unique cultures, the efficiency of cross-cultural interaction appears to be largely dependent on the quality of such intermediacy. The present paper aims to examine this culturally determined specificity of translation activity and consider lingua-cultural competence as a cornerstone of translators’ performance. The authors also contemplate the opposition of ‘accuracy’ vs ‘readability’ as a stumbling block for translator’s activity, and draw up a model of the lingua-cultural competence of translators specialising in intercultural business communication. Inferences made in the study rely on the data obtained from a questionnaire distributed among tutors and lecturers employed in higher educational institutions and involved in specialised translation training. The data collected were analysed based on statistical analysis that helped identify the importance of each separate skill incorporated in the lingua-cultural competence for the training of student translators specialising in intercultural business communication. This evidence was further utilised to elaborate on a set of methodological guidelines capable of developing the lingua-cultural competence of student translators specialising in intercultural business communication

Are older people putting themselves at risk when using their walking frames?

Background Walking aids are issued to older adults to prevent falls, however, paradoxically their use has been identified as a risk factor for falling. To prevent falls, walking aids must be used in a stable manner, but it remains unknown to what extent associated clinical guidance is adhered to at home, and whether following guidance facilitates a stable walking pattern. It was the aim of this study to investigate adherence to guidance on walking frame use, and to quantify user stability whilst using walking frames. Additionally, we explored the views of users and healthcare professionals on walking aid use, and regarding the instrumented walking frames (‘Smart Walkers’) utilized in this study. Methods This observational study used Smart Walkers and pressure-sensing insoles to investigate usage patterns of 17 older people in their home environment; corresponding video captured contextual information. Additionally, stability when following, or not, clinical guidance was quantified for a subset of users during walking in an Activities of Daily Living Flat and in a gait laboratory. Two focus groups (users, healthcare professionals) shared their experiences with walking aids and provided feedback on the Smart Walkers. Results Incorrect use was observed for 16% of single support periods and for 29% of dual support periods, and was associated with environmental constraints and a specific frame design feature. Incorrect use was associated with reduced stability. Participants and healthcare professionals perceived the Smart Walker technology positively. Conclusions Clinical guidance cannot easily be adhered to and self-selected strategies reduce stability, hence are placing the user at risk. Current guidance needs to be improved to address environmental constraints whilst facilitating stable walking. The research is highly relevant considering the rising number of walking aid users, their increased falls-risk, and the costs of falls. Trial Registration Not applicable