234 research outputs found
The Stretch - Length Tradeoff in Geometric Networks: Average Case and Worst Case Study
Consider a network linking the points of a rate- Poisson point process on
the plane. Write \Psi^{\mbox{ave}}(s) for the minimum possible mean length
per unit area of such a network, subject to the constraint that the
route-length between every pair of points is at most times the Euclidean
distance. We give upper and lower bounds on the function
\Psi^{\mbox{ave}}(s), and on the analogous "worst-case" function
\Psi^{\mbox{worst}}(s) where the point configuration is arbitrary subject to
average density one per unit area. Our bounds are numerically crude, but raise
the question of whether there is an exponent such that each function
has as .Comment: 33 page
Meanders: Exact Asymptotics
We conjecture that meanders are governed by the gravitational version of a
c=-4 two-dimensional conformal field theory, allowing for exact predictions for
the meander configuration exponent \alpha=\sqrt{29}(\sqrt{29}+\sqrt{5})/12, and
the semi-meander exponent {\bar\alpha}=1+\sqrt{11}(\sqrt{29}+\sqrt{5})/24. This
result follows from an interpretation of meanders as pairs of fully packed
loops on a random surface, described by two c=-2 free fields. The above values
agree with recent numerical estimates. We generalize these results to a score
of meandric numbers with various geometries and arbitrary loop fugacities.Comment: new version with note added in proo
Calculation of 3D genome structures for comparison of chromosome conformation capture experiments with microscopy: An evaluation of single-cell Hi-C protocols.
Single-cell chromosome conformation capture approaches are revealing the extent of cell-to-cell variability in the organization and packaging of genomes. These single-cell methods, unlike their multi-cell counterparts, allow straightforward computation of realistic chromosome conformations that may be compared and combined with other, independent, techniques to study 3D structure. Here we discuss how single-cell Hi-C and subsequent 3D genome structure determination allows comparison with data from microscopy. We then carry out a systematic evaluation of recently published single-cell Hi-C datasets to establish a computational approach for the evaluation of single-cell Hi-C protocols. We show that the calculation of genome structures provides a useful tool for assessing the quality of single-cell Hi-C data because it requires a self-consistent network of interactions, relating to the underlying 3D conformation, with few errors, as well as sufficient longer-range cis- and trans-chromosomal contacts
On the Pricing of Step-Up Bonds in the European Telecom Sector
This paper investigates the pricing of step-up bonds, i.e. corporate
bonds with provisions stating that the coupon payments increase as the
credit rating level of the issuer declines. To assess the risk-neutral rating
transition probabilities necessary to price these bonds, we introduce a new
calibration method within the reduced-form rating-based model of Jarrow,
Lando, and Turnbull (1997). We also treat split ratings and adjust for
rating outlook. Step-up bonds have been issued in large amounts in the
European telecom sector, and we find that, through most of the sample,
step-up bonds issued by the two largest issuers have traded at a discount
relative to comparable fixed-coupon bonds from the same issuers. Our
findings cannot be attributed to traditional liquidity factors, and they suggest
that issuing step-up bonds increased the cost of capital for the issuers.
Keywords: defaultable bonds, step-up coupons, rating-based models
JEL classification: G12, G1
Quantitative single-molecule microscopy reveals that CENP-A(Cnp1) deposition occurs during G2 in fission yeast
The inheritance of the histone H3 variant CENP-A in nucleosomes at centromeres following DNA replication is mediated by an epigenetic mechanism. To understand the process of epigenetic inheritance, or propagation of histones and histone variants, as nucleosomes are disassembled and reassembled in living eukaryotic cells, we have explored the feasibility of exploiting photo-activated localization microscopy (PALM). PALM of single molecules in living cells has the potential to reveal new concepts in cell biology, providing insights into stochastic variation in cellular states. However, thus far, its use has been limited to studies in bacteria or to processes occurring near the surface of eukaryotic cells. With PALM, one literally observes and 'counts' individual molecules in cells one-by-one and this allows the recording of images with a resolution higher than that determined by the diffraction of light (the so-called super-resolution microscopy). Here, we investigate the use of different fluorophores and develop procedures to count the centromere-specific histone H3 variant CENP-A(Cnp1) with single-molecule sensitivity in fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe). The results obtained are validated by and compared with ChIP-seq analyses. Using this approach, CENP-A(Cnp1) levels at fission yeast (S. pombe) centromeres were followed as they change during the cell cycle. Our measurements show that CENP-A(Cnp1) is deposited solely during the G2 phase of the cell cycle
Confidence sets for continuous-time rating
This paper addresses the estimation of default probabilities and associated
confidence sets with special focus on rare events. Research on rating transition
data has documented a tendency for recently downgraded issuers to
be at an increased risk of experiencing further downgrades compared to issuers
that have held the same rating for a longer period of time. To capture
this non-Markov effect we introduce a continuous-time hidden Markov chain
model in which downgrades firms enter into a hidden, ’excited’ state. Using
data from Moody’s we estimate the parameters of the model, and conclude
that both default probabilities and confidence sets are strongly influenced by
the introduction of hidden excited states
Quantification of DNA-associated proteins inside eukaryotic cells using single-molecule localization microscopy
Development of single-molecule localization microscopy techniques has allowed nanometre scale localization accuracy inside cells, permitting the resolution of ultra-fine cell structure and the elucidation of crucial molecular mechanisms. Application of these methodologies to understanding processes underlying DNA replication and repair has been limited to defined in vitro biochemical analysis and prokaryotic cells. In order to expand these techniques to eukaryotic systems, we have further developed a photo-activated localization microscopy-based method to directly visualize DNA-associated proteins in unfixed eukaryotic cells. We demonstrate that motion blurring of fluorescence due to protein diffusivity can be used to selectively image the DNA-bound population of proteins. We designed and tested a simple methodology and show that it can be used to detect changes in DNA binding of a replicative helicase subunit, Mcm4, and the replication sliding clamp, PCNA, between different stages of the cell cycle and between distinct genetic backgrounds
The Jones polynomial and graphs on surfaces
The Jones polynomial of an alternating link is a certain specialization of
the Tutte polynomial of the (planar) checkerboard graph associated to an
alternating projection of the link. The Bollobas-Riordan-Tutte polynomial
generalizes the Tutte polynomial of planar graphs to graphs that are embedded
in closed oriented surfaces of higher genus.
In this paper we show that the Jones polynomial of any link can be obtained
from the Bollobas-Riordan-Tutte polynomial of a certain oriented ribbon graph
associated to a link projection. We give some applications of this approach.Comment: 19 pages, 9 figures, minor change
Scope for Credit Risk Diversification
This paper considers a simple model of credit risk and derives the limit distribution of losses under different assumptions regarding the structure of systematic risk and the nature of exposure or firm heterogeneity. We derive fat-tailed correlated loss distributions arising from Gaussian risk factors and explore the potential for risk diversification. Where possible the results are generalised to non-Gaussian distributions. The theoretical results indicate that if the firm parameters are heterogeneous but come from a common distribution, for sufficiently large portfolios there is no scope for further risk reduction through active portfolio management. However, if the firm parameters come from different distributions, then further risk reduction is possible by changing the portfolio weights. In either case, neglecting parameter heterogeneity can lead to underestimation of expected losses. But, once expected losses are controlled for, neglecting parameter heterogeneity can lead to overestimation of risk, whether measured by unexpected loss or value-at-risk
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