An Introduction to Complex Networks in Climate Finance

In this perspective, we introduce recent research into the structure and function of complex investor networks supporting sustainability efforts. Using the case of solar, wind and hydro energy technologies, this perspective explores the complexity in low-carbon finance markets, defined as markets that direct capital flows towards low-carbon technologies, using network approaches to study their structure and dynamics. Investors are modeled as nodes which form a network or higher-order network connected by edges representing projects in which joint funding or security-related insurance was provided or other investment-related interaction occurred. We review the literature on investor networks generally, particularly in the case of complex networks, and address areas where these ideas were applied in this emerging field. The complex investor dynamics which emerge from the extant funding scenarios are not well understood. These dynamics have the potential to result in interesting non-linear behaviour, growth, and decline, which can be studied, explained and controlled using the tools of network science

Postoperative complications associated with external skeletal fixators in cats

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to quantify complications associated with external skeletal fixators (ESFs) in cats and to identify potential risk factors. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records and radiographs following ESF placement was performed. RESULTS: Case records of 140 cats were reviewed; fixator-associated complications (FACs) occurred in 19% of cats. The region of ESF placement was significantly associated with complication development. Complications developed most frequently in the femur (50%), tarsus (35%) and radius/ulna (33%). Superficial pin tract infection (SPTI) and implant failure accounted for 45% and 41% of all FACs, respectively. SPTI occurred more frequently in the femur, humerus and tibia, with implant failure more frequent in the tarsus. No association between breed, age, sex, weight, fracture type (open vs closed), ESF classification, number of pins per bone segment, degree of fracture load sharing, and the incidence or type of FAC was identified. No association between region of placement, breed, age, sex, weight, fracture type (open vs closed), ESF classification, number of pins per bone segment, fracture load sharing and the time to complication development was identified. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Complication development is not uncommon in cats following ESF placement. The higher complication rate in the femur, tarsus and radius/ulna should be considered when reviewing options for fracture management. However, cats appear to have a lower rate of pin tract infections than dogs

The problem of mitotic recombination in Neurospora

The problem of mitotic recombination in Neurospor

Technical notes on the isolation of Neurospora nuclei

Isolation of Neurospora nucle

A method for obtaining double mutants within single genes or gene clusters

Method for double mutants within genes or gene cluster

A change in the midpoint potential of the quinone QA in Photosystem II associated with photoactivation of oxygen evolution

AbstractThe effect of photoactivation (the assembly of the Mn cluster involved in oxygen evolution) in Photosystem II (PS II), on the redox midpoint potential of the primary quinone electron acceptor, QA, has been investigated. Measurements of the redox state of QA were performed using chlorophyll fluorescence. Cells of Scenedesmus obliquus were grown in the dark to obtain PS II lacking the oxygen-evolving complex. Growth in the light leads to photoactivation. The midpoint potential of QA was shifted, upon photoactivation, from + 110 mV to −80 mV. In cells of a low-fluorescence mutant, LF1, that is unable to assemble the oxygen-evolving complex but that has an otherwise normal PS II, the higher potential form of QA was found. NH2OH treatment of spinach PS II, which releases the Mn and thus inactivates the oxygen-evolving complex, causes an upshift of the redox potential of QA (Krieger and Weis (1992) Photosynthetica 27, 89–98). Oxygen evolution can be reconstituted by incubation in the light in the presence of MnCl2 and CaCl2. Such photoactivation caused the midpoint potential of QA to be shifted back from around +55 mV to lower potentials (−80 mV), typical for active PS II. The above results indicate that the state of the donor side of PS II has a direct influence on the properties of the acceptor side. It is suggested that the change from the high- to the low-potential form of QA may represent a mechanism for protection of PS II during the assembly of the O2-evolving enzyme

The Origin of Nitrogen on Jupiter and Saturn from the 15^{15}N/14^{14}N Ratio

The Texas Echelon cross Echelle Spectrograph (TEXES), mounted on NASA's Infrared Telescope Facility (IRTF), was used to map mid-infrared ammonia absorption features on both Jupiter and Saturn in February 2013. Ammonia is the principle reservoir of nitrogen on the giant planets, and the ratio of isotopologues ($^{15}$N/$^{14}$N) can reveal insights into the molecular carrier (e.g., as N$_2$ or NH$_3$) of nitrogen to the forming protoplanets, and hence the source reservoirs from which these worlds accreted. We targeted two spectral intervals (900 and 960 cm$^{-1}$) that were relatively clear of terrestrial atmospheric contamination and contained close features of $^{14}$NH$_3$ and $^{15}$NH$_3$, allowing us to derive the ratio from a single spectrum without ambiguity due to radiometric calibration (the primary source of uncertainty in this study). We present the first ground-based determination of Jupiter's $^{15}$N/$^{14}$N ratio (in the range from $1.4\times10^{-3}$ to $2.5\times10^{-3}$), which is consistent with both previous space-based studies and with the primordial value of the protosolar nebula. On Saturn, we present the first upper limit on the $^{15}$N/$^{14}$N ratio of no larger than $2.0\times10^{-3}$ for the 900-cm$^{-1}$ channel and a less stringent requirement that the ratio be no larger than $2.8\times10^{-3}$ for the 960-cm$^{-1}$ channel ($1\sigma$ confidence). Specifically, the data rule out strong $^{15}$N-enrichments such as those observed in Titan's atmosphere and in cometary nitrogen compounds. To the extent possible with ground-based radiometric uncertainties, the saturnian and jovian $^{15}$N/$^{14}$N ratios appear indistinguishable, implying that $^{15}$N-enriched ammonia ices could not have been a substantial contributor to the bulk nitrogen inventory of either planet, favouring the accretion of primordial N$_2$ from the gas phase or as low-temperature ices.Comment: 33 pages, 19 figures, manuscript accepted for publication in Icaru

Chandra Measurements of a Complete Sample of X-ray Luminous Galaxy Clusters: The Luminosity-Mass Relation

We present the results of work involving a statistically complete sample of 34 galaxy clusters, in the redshift range 0.15$\le$z$\le$0.3 observed with $Chandra$. We investigate the luminosity-mass ($LM$) relation for the cluster sample, with the masses obtained via a full hydrostatic mass analysis. We utilise a method to fully account for selection biases when modeling the $LM$ relation, and find that the $LM$ relation is significantly different than the relation modelled when not account for selection effects. We find that the luminosity of our clusters is 2.2$\pm$0.4 times higher (when accounting for selection effects) than the average for a given mass, its mass is 30% lower than the population average for a given luminosity. Equivalently, using the $LM$ relation measured from this sample without correcting for selection biases would lead to the underestimation by 40% of the average mass of a cluster with a given luminosity. Comparing the hydrostatic masses to mass estimates determined from the $Y_{X}$ parameter, we find that they are entirely consistent, irrespective of the dynamical state of the cluster.Comment: 31 pages, 43 figures, accepted for publication in MNRA

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the gonadotoxic effects of cyclophosphamide and benefits of gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) in women of child-bearing age with autoimmune rheumatic disease

Objectives: To systematically review the risk of sustained amenorrhoea with intravenous (IV) cyclophosphamide in autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARD), and evaluate the efficacy of gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) to reduce this risk. / Methods: Systematic search for papers reporting the incidence of sustained amenorrhoea ≥ 12 months in ARD following: IV cyclophosphamide; or GnRHa and IV cyclophosphamide compared to IV cyclophosphamide alone. / Results: From 31 articles and 1388 patients with a mean age of 27.7 years, sustained amenorrhoea occurred in 273 patients (19.7%). Of 56 patients (mean age range 23.9-25.6 years) receiving GnRHa and IV cyclophosphamide, and 37 controls (mean age range 25-30.1 years) given IV cyclophosphamide only, sustained amenorrhoea occurred in 2/56 (3.6%) patients treated with GnRHa, compared to 15/37 (40.5%) controls. Pooled odds ratio of sustained amenorrhoea with GnRHa and cyclophosphamide versus cyclophosphamide alone was 0.054 (95% CI 0.0115-0.2576 p<0.001), corresponding to a number needed to treat of 2.7 (95% CI 1.955-4.388) and absolute risk reduction of 36.95% (95% CI 35.6-38.4%). / Conclusion: Sustained amenorrhoea with IV cyclophosphamide was observed in patients with ARD, especially with increasing age and cumulative doses >5g. GnRHa reduced this risk and should be considered with IV cyclophosphamide in women of childbearing age with ARD