The Weyl bound for triple product L-functions

Let $\pi_1, \pi_2, \pi_3$ be three cuspidal automorphic representations for the group ${\rm SL}(2, \Bbb{Z})$, where $\pi_1$ and $\pi_2$ are fixed and $\pi_3$ has large conductor. We prove a subconvex bound for $L(1/2, \pi_1 \otimes \pi_2 \otimes \pi_3)$ of Weyl-type quality. Allowing $\pi_3$ to be an Eisenstein series we also obtain a Weyl-type subconvex bound for $L(1/2 + it, \pi_1 \otimes \pi_2)$.Comment: 37 page

Determination of Soybean Oil, Protein and Amino Acid Residues in Soybean Seeds by High Resolution Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMRS) and Near Infrared (NIRS)

A detailed account is presented of our high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (HR-NMR) and near infrared (NIR) calibration models, methodologies and validation procedures, together with a large number of composition analyses for soybean seeds. NIR calibrations were developed based on both HR-NMR and analytical chemistry reference data for oil and twelve amino acid residues in mature soybeans and soybean embryos. This is our first report of HR-NMR determinations of amino acid profiles of proteins from whole soybean seeds, without protein extraction from the seed. It was found that the best results for both oil and protein calibrations were obtained with a Partial Least Squares Regression (PLS-1) analysis of our extensive NIR spectral data, acquired with either a DA7000 Dual Diode Array (Si and InGaAs detectors) instrument or with several Fourier Transform NIR (FT-NIR) spectrometers equipped with an integrating sphere/InGaAs detector accessory. In order to extend the bulk soybean samples calibration models to the analysis of single soybean seeds, we have analized in detail the component NIR spectra of all major soybean constituents through spectral deconvolutions for bulk, single and powdered soybean seeds. Baseline variations and light scattering effects in the NIR spectra were corrected, respectively, by calculating the first-order derivatives of the spectra and the Multiplicative Scattering Correction (MSC). The single soybean seed NIR spectra are broadly similar to those of bulk whole soybeans, with the exception of minor peaks in single soybean NIR spectra in the region from 950 to 1,000 nm. Based on previous experience with bulk soybean NIR calibrations, the PLS-1 calibration model was selected for protein, oil and moisture calibrations that we developed for single soybean seed analysis. In order to improve the reliability and robustness of our calibrations with the PLS-1 model we employed standard samples with a wide range of soybean constituent compositions: from 34% to 55% for protein, from 11% to 22% for oil and from 2% to 16% for moisture. Such calibrations are characterized by low standard errors and high degrees of correlation for all major soybean constituents. Morever, we obtained highly resolved NIR chemical images for selected regions of mature soybean embryos that allow for the quantitation of oil and protein components. Recent developments in high-resolution FT-NIR microspectroscopy extend the NIR sensitivity range to the picogram level, with submicron spatial resolution in the component distribution throughout intact soybean seeds and embryos. Such developments are potentially important for biotechnology applications that require rapid and ultra- sensitive analyses, such as those concerned with high-content microarrays in Genomics and Proteomics research. Other important applications of FT-NIR microspectroscopy are envisaged in biomedical research aimed at cancer prevention, the early detection of tumors by NIR-fluorescence, and identification of single cancer cells, or single virus particles in vivo by super-resolution microscopy/ microspectroscopy

Radiological Risks of Neutron Interrogation of Food

In recent years there has been growing interest in the use of neutron scanning techniques for security. Neutron techniques with a range of energy spectra including thermal, white and fast neutrons have been shown to work in different scenarios. As international interest in neutron scanning increases the risk of activating cargo, especially foodstuffs must be considered. There has been a limited amount of research into the activation of foods by neutron beams and we have sought to improve the amount of information available. In this paper we show that for three important metrics; Activity, Ingestion Dose and Time to Background there is a strong dependence on the food being irradiated and a weak dependence on the energy of irradiation. Previous studies into activation used results based on irradiation of pharmaceuticals as the basis for research into activation of food. The earlier work reports that 24Na production is the dominant threat which motivated the search for 23(n;\gamma)24Na in highly salted foods. We show that 42K can be more significant than 24Na in low salt foods such as Bananas and Potatoes

Comparison of efficacy of pharmacological treatments for chronic idiopathic constipation: a systematic review and network meta-analysis

Objective To compare efficacy of pharmacotherapies for chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) based on comparisons to placebo using Bayesian network meta-analysis. Data sources We conducted searches (inception to May 2015) of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus and Cochrane Central, as well as original data from authors or drug companies for the medications used for CIC. Study selection Phase IIB and phase III randomised, placebo-controlled trials (RCT) of ≥4 weeks' treatment for CIC in adults with Rome II or III criteria for functional constipation; trials included at least one of four end points. Data extraction and synthesis Two investigators independently evaluated all full-text articles that met inclusion criteria and extracted data for primary and secondary end points, risk of bias and quality of evidence. Outcomes Primary end points were ≥3 complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM)/week and increase over baseline by ≥1 CSBM/week. Secondary end points were change from baseline (Δb) in the number of SBM/week and Δb CSBM/week. Results Twenty-one RCTs (9189 patients) met inclusion and end point criteria: 9 prucalopride, 3 lubiprostone, 3 linaclotide, 2 tegaserod, 1 each velusetrag, elobixibat, bisacodyl and sodium picosulphate (NaP). All prespecified end points were unavailable in four polyethylene glycol studies. Bisacodyl, NaP, prucalopride and velusetrag were superior to placebo for the ≥3 CSBM/week end point. No drug was superior at improving the primary end points on network meta-analysis. Bisacodyl appeared superior to the other drugs for the secondary end point, Δb in number of SBM/week. Conclusions Current drugs for CIC show similar efficacy. Bisacodyl may be superior to prescription medications for Δb in the number of SBM/week in CIC

The contribution of urban domestic waste management to the circular economy: the perspective of six european countries

In line with the European community's goal, each EU Member State should recycle at least 60% of municipal waste or prepare them for reuse. In this chapter, the authors intend to show the waste management strategies implemented in six European countries, namely, Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal, and Romania. The methodology used was to analyse reports and publications on the management of urban waste and dialogue with some technicians of the municipalities. This knowledge of what is done in each country allows others to learn from the best and most innovative solutions and reflect on the various waste management forms implemented, according to environmental, economic, and social perspectives. The analysis identifies several challenges to bring up in further research and projects, with the contribution of the different countries and the synergies that might be obtained. The authors intend to promote a decrease in consumption and an increase in reuse, separately collected waste and recycling, contributing to circular economic growth and the sustainability of the planet.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Los videotutoriales como medio para generar nuevos entornos de enseñanza-aprendizaje en las asignaturas de Estructuras de la Edificación [Video-tutorials as a means to generate new teaching-learning environments in the subjects of Building Structures]

La actividad docente de un profesor está íntimamente ligada con la concepción que pueda tener de lo que es enseñar y de lo que es aprender o, dicho de otra manera, del mayor o menor grado de implicación que adopte en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de sus alumnos. Si entendemos que una de las tareas de los profesores es el de crear entornos de aprendizaje que ofrezcan las mejores condiciones para que los estudiantes puedan desarrollar el conocimiento y destrezas necesarios, los videotutoriales -de corta duración y de buena calidad, en el que pueda verse al profesor- se pueden convertir en un medio para generar nuevos entornos de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Es de destacar que la utilización de dichos videotutoriales, resulta muy atractivo y motivador para los estudiantes; que están muy familiarizados con este tipo de formato. [The teacher's instructional activity is closely linked to the concept he may have of what is teaching and learning or, in other words, the greater or lesser degree of his students involvement in the teaching-learning process. If we understand that one of the teacher's task is to create learning environments that offer the best conditions for students to develop the knowledge and skills needed, short good quality video-tutorials in which the teacher can be seen may become a means to generate new teaching-learning environments. It is noteworthy that the use of such video-tutorials is very attractive and motivating to students who are very familiar with this type of format.

The role of advance directives in end-of-life decisions in Austria: survey of intensive care physicians

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Currently, intensive care medicine strives to define a generally accepted way of dealing with end-of-life decisions, therapy limitation and therapy discontinuation.</p> <p>In 2006 a new advance directive legislation was enacted in Austria. Patients may now document their personal views regarding extension of treatment. The aim of this survey was to explore Austrian intensive care physicians' experiences with and their acceptance of the new advance directive legislation two years after enactment (2008).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Under the aegis of the OEGARI (Austrian Society of Anaesthesiology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care) an anonymised questionnaire was sent to the medical directors of all intensive care units in Austria. The questions focused on the physicians' experiences regarding advance directives and their level of knowledge about the underlying legislation.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>There were 241 questionnaires sent and 139 were turned, which was a response rate of 58%. About one third of the responders reported having had no experience with advance directives and only 9 directors of intensive care units had dealt with more than 10 advance directives in the previous two years. Life-supporting measures, resuscitation, and mechanical ventilation were the predominantly refused therapies, wishes were mainly expressed concerning pain therapy.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>A response rate of almost 60% proves the great interest of intensive care professionals in making patient-oriented end-of-life decisions. However, as long as patients do not make use of their right of co-determination, the enactment of the new law can be considered only a first important step forward.</p

Phasic transition from goal-directed to habitual control over drug-seeking produced by conflicting reinforcer expectancy.

types: Journal Article; Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't© 2012 The Authors, Addiction Biology © 2012 Society for the Study of AddictionThe transition from goal-directed to habitual control over drug-seeking has been experimentally demonstrated in animals, but there have been no comparable reports in humans. Following a recent animal design, the current study employed an outcome-devaluation procedure to test whether goal-directed control over tobacco seeking would be abolished by alcohol expectancy. Eighty smokers first learned that two responses earned tobacco or chocolate points, respectively, before tobacco was devalued by health warnings and smoking satiety. Participants were then presented with either a glass of beer/wine or water with instructions that this item could be consumed after the task (alternative reward). Then choice between the tobacco and chocolate response was measured in extinction to assess goal-directed control of tobacco seeking, in a nominal Pavlovian to instrumental transfer (PIT) test to assess stimulus control of tobacco seeking, and in a reacquisition test to assess the impact of direct feedback from the outcomes. The results showed that alcohol expectancy selectively abolished goal-directed control of tobacco seeking but not stimulus control or the impact of feedback from outcomes. These data suggest that 'endogenous' retrieval of low drug value governing goal-directed regulation of drug seeking is disrupted by conflicting appraisal of an alternative reinforcer, promoting habitual control, which may play a role in relapse.Economic and Social Research CouncilMedical Research Counci

nIFTy galaxy cluster simulations – I. Dark matter and non-radiative models

We have simulated the formation of a galaxy cluster in a Ʌ cold dark matter universe using 13 different codes modelling only gravity and non-radiative hydrodynamics (RAMSES, ART, AREPO, HYDRA and nine incarnations of GADGET). This range of codes includes particle-based, moving and fixed mesh codes as well as both Eulerian and Lagrangian fluid schemes. The various GADGET implementations span classic and modern smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) schemes. The goal of this comparison is to assess the reliability of cosmological hydrodynamical simulations of clusters in the simplest astrophysically relevant case, that in which the gas is assumed to be non-radiative. We compare images of the cluster at z = 0, global properties such as mass and radial profiles of various dynamical and thermodynamical quantities. The underlying gravitational framework can be aligned very accurately for all the codes allowing a detailed investigation of the differences that develop due to the various gas physics implementations employed. As expected, the mesh-based codes RAMSES, ART and AREPO form extended entropy cores in the gas with rising central gas temperatures. Those codes employing classic SPH schemes show falling entropy profiles all the way into the very centre with correspondingly rising density profiles and central temperature inversions. We show that methods with modern SPH schemes that allow entropy mixing span the range between these two extremes and the latest SPH variants produce gas entropy profiles that are essentially indistinguishable from those obtained with grid-based methods