Hamiltonian Analysis of Nonlocal F(R) Gravity Models

We construct a Hamiltonian for the nonlocal F(R) theory in the present work. By this construction, we demonstrate the nature of the ghost degrees of freedom. Finally, we find conditions that give rise to ghost-free theoriesComment: 17 page

Ghost Free Theory in Unitary Gauge: A New Candidate

We propose an algebraic analysis using a 3+1 decomposition to identify conditions for a clever cancellation of the higher derivatives, which plagued the theory with Ostrogradsky ghosts, by exploiting some existing degeneracy in the Lagrangian. We obtain these conditions as linear equations (in terms of coefficients of the higher derivative terms) and demand that they vanish, such that the existence of nontrivial solutions implies that the theory is degenerate. We find that, for the theory under consideration, no such solutions exist for a general inhomogeneous scalar field, but that the theory is degenerate in the unitary gauge. We, then, find modified FLRW equations and narrow down conditions for which there could exist a de Sitter inflationary epoch. We further find constraints on the coefficients of the remaining higher-derivative interaction terms, based on power-counting renormalizability and tree-level unitarity up to the Planck scale.Comment: Updated equations; corrected typo

Techniques for advancing value prediction

Sequential performance is still an issue in computing. While some prediction mechanisms such as branch prediction and prefetching have been widely adopted in modern, general-purpose microprocessors, others such as value prediction have not been accepted due to their high area and misprediction overheads. True data dependences form a major bottleneck in sequential performance and value prediction can be employed to speculatively resolve these dependences. Accurate predictors [1] [2] have been shown to provide performance benefits, albeit requiring a large predictor state. We argue that a first step in making value prediction practical is to manage the metadata associated with the predictor effectively. Inspired by irregular prefetchers that store their metadata in off-chip memory, we propose the use of an improved prefetching mechanism for value prediction that not only provides performance benefits but also a means to off-load predictor state to the memory hierarchy. We show an average of 5.3% IPC improvements across a set of Qualcomm-provided traces [3]. The result of a static instruction can be predicted by mapping runtime context information to the value produced by the instruction. To that end, existing value predictors either use branch history contexts [2] or value history contexts [1] to make predictions. As long histories are needed to achieve high accuracy, these approaches slow down the training time of the predictor, negatively impacting coverage. We identify that branch and value histories both provide distinct advantages to a value predictor, and therefore combine them in a novel predictor design called the Relevant Context-based Predictor (RCP) that maintains high accuracy while improving training time. We show an average of 38% speedup over a baseline that performs no value prediction on the Qualcomm-provided traces, compared to 34% by the previous best.Electrical and Computer Engineerin

Z_2 Graded Lie Algebra of Quaternions and Superconformal Algebra in D=4 dimensions

In the present discussion, we have studied the Z2-grading of quaternion algebra (H). We have made an attempt to extend the quaternion Lie algebra to the graded Lie algebra by using the matrix representations of quaternion units. The generalized Jacobi identities of Z2-graded algebra then result in symmetric graded partners (N1;N2;N3). The graded partner algebra (F) of quaternions (H) thus has been constructed from this complete set of graded partner units (N1;N2;N3), and N0 = C. Keeping in view the algebraic properties of the graded partner algebra (F), the Z2-graded superspace (Sl;m) of quaternion algebra (H) has been constructed. It has been shown that the antiunitary quaternionic supergroup UUa(l;m;H) describes the isometries of Z2-graded superspace (Sl;m). The Superconformal algebra in D = 4 dimensions is then established, where the bosonic sector of the Superconformal algebra has been constructed from the quaternion algebra (H) and the fermionic sector from the graded partner algebra (F).Comment: 23 page

Role of Ubiquitin-Mediated Degradation System in Plant Biology.

Ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation is an important mechanism to control protein load in the cells. Ubiquitin binds to a protein on lysine residue and usually promotes its degradation through 26S proteasome system. Abnormal proteins and regulators of many processes, are targeted for degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. It allows cells to maintain the response to cellular level signals and altered environmental conditions. The ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation system plays a key role in the plant biology, including abiotic stress, immunity, and hormonal signaling by interfering with key components of these pathways. The involvement of the ubiquitin system in many vital processes led scientists to explore more about the ubiquitin machinery and most importantly its targets. In this review, we have summarized recent discoveries of the plant ubiquitin system and its involvement in critical processes of plant biology

Diversity analysis of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas[L.] Lam) genotypes using morphological, biochemical and molecular markers

276-285Sweet potato [Ipomeabatatas(L.) Lam.]is a nutritious food crop primarily grown by small and marginal farmers. Successful breeding and germplasm conservation programs demands characterization of its germplasm. Here, we tried to determine genetic diversity among 21 sweet potato genotypes using morphological, biochemical and molecular markers. Ten morphological traits were studied and subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). Mean square due to germplasm were highly significant as well as wide mean range performance was observed for tuber number per plant, individual tuber weight, tuber fresh yield per plant, tuber dry yield per plant, tuber yield per plot and tuber length. UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method Arithmetic Average) cluster analysis based on morphological traits separated the germplasm into three groups. The genotypes Gautam, Shree Arun, RS-92 and CO-3-4 appeared promising with regard to yield characters. Total phenol was maximum in in V-12 genotype (1.39 mg), while minimum was recorded in Samrat genotype (0.95 mg). The highest total antioxidant was observed in the genotype Samrat (0.30 mg), while minimum was recorded in the genotype Navsari Local (0.16 mg). Molecular diversity analysis was carried out using 25 RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) primers, out of which 13 primers produced 117 reproducible amplicons (106 polymorphic, 7 monomorphic and 4 unique amplicons). UPGMA dendogram based on RAPD data separated the genotypes into two major clusters having the similarity coefficient ranged from 0.56 to 0.76. The results can be used for sweet potato crop improvement through molecular breeding and marker assisted selection of for desired traits in future

Polymorphism and epitope sharing between the alleles of merozoite surface protein-1 of Plasmodium falciparum among Indian isolates

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The C-terminal region of merozoite surface protein-1 (MSP-1) is one of the leading candidates for vaccination against the erythrocytic stages of malaria. However, a major concern in the development of MSP-1 based malaria vaccine is the polymorphism observed in different geographical <it>Plasmodium falciparum </it>isolates. To explore whether the sequence heterogeneity of PfMSP-1 leads to variation in naturally acquired anti-MSP-1₁₉antibodies, the present study was undertaken to study PfMSP-1₁₉sequence polymorphism in malaria-endemic villages in eastern India and also carried out a competition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using three PfMSP-1₁₉variant forms.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The sequence variations in the C-terminal region of PfMSP-1₁₉were determined in a malaria endemic region. Three PfMSP-1₁₉variants were produced in <it>Escherichia coli </it>(PfMSP1₁₉QKNG-L, PfMSP1₁₉EKNG-L and PfMSP1₁₉ETSR-F) and an immunodepletion assay was carried out using the corresponding patients' sera.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Results revealed predominance of PfMAD20 allele among Indian field isolates. Seven PfMSP-1₁₉variant forms were isolated in a singe geographical location. Three of PfMSP-1₁₉variant forms when expressed in <it>E. coli </it>showed presence of cross-reaction as well as variant specific antibodies in malaria infected patient sera.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The present study demonstrates the existence of allele specific antibodies in <it>P. falciparum</it>-infected patient sera, however their role in protection requires further investigation. These results thereby, suggest the importance of a multi-allelic PfMSP-1₁₉based vaccine for an effective malaria control.</p

Unveiling the spatial pattern and determinants of child anaemia in India: National family health survey-5 chronicles (NFHS-5)

Background/Aim: Childhood anaemia continues to persist as a prominent nutritional disease and a public health challenge in India despite several initiatives by the Government of India. This study aimed to identify predictors and regional disparities for targeted interventions. Methods: This study utilised data from a nationally representative cross-sectional survey from the fifth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), encompassing 177,695 children aged 6-59 months across 707 districts and 36 states and union territories of India. It employed multivariate logistic regression and spatial analysis at district levels to examine socio-demographic predictors and spatial patterns of childhood anaemia in the country. Result: Multivariate logistic results revealed, women aged 15-19 were 2.43 times more likely to have an anaemic child compared to those aged 35-49 and uneducated mothers had a 29 % higher likelihood of having an anaemic child. There was positive spatial autocorrelation (Moran's I value = 0.579) at the district level in India, with 108 identified hotspots in regions including Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Bihar. The spatial error model (SEM) indicated that mother's anaemia (0.53) and maternal education (0.23) were key predictors of child anaemia in India. Conclusion: The study findings provide valuable understanding regarding the socio-demographic predictors associated with childhood anaemia such as adolescent motherhood, low education, lack of media exposure, higher birth order and rural residence. Also, the spatial study provides the spatial heterogeneity of childhood anaemia at the district level and advocates more attention toward hotspot regions in the country