Averaging of density kernel estimators

Averaging provides an alternative to bandwidth selection for density kernel estimation. We propose a procedure to combine linearly several kernel estimators of a density obtained from different, possibly data-driven, bandwidths. The method relies on minimizing an easily tractable approximation of the integrated square error of the combination. It provides, at a small computational cost, a final solution that improves on the initial estimators in most cases. The average estimator is proved to be asymptotically as efficient as the best possible combination (the oracle), with an error term that decreases faster than the minimax rate obtained with separated learning and validation samples. The performances are tested numerically, with results that compare favorably to other existing procedures in terms of mean integrated square errors

A 5000-year-old souslik fur garment from an elite megalithic tombe in the North Caucasus, Maykop culture

This paper presents the results of a unique fur garment from the megalithic tomb of a rich man in the Northwest Caucasus, dated to the Early Bronze Age, which was excavated in 1898 (Tsarskaya, Russia). The garment was made from the fur of a souslik group animal, most likely the ground squirrel. Direct radiocarbon dating puts the fur at around 4445 ± 35 BP (ca. 3300-3000 BC), making it the earliest known fur garment in Eastern Europe. The choice of souslik fur stands in direct contrast to widely held views on prestigious fur clothes in traditional and contemporary societies

A 5000-year-old souslik fur garment from an elite megalithic tombe in the North Caucasus, Maykop culture

This paper presents the results of a unique fur garment from the megalithic tomb of a rich man in the Northwest Caucasus, dated to the Early Bronze Age, which was excavated in 1898 (Tsarskaya, Russia). The garment was made from the fur of a souslik group animal, most likely the ground squirrel. Direct radiocarbon dating puts the fur at around 4445 ± 35 BP (ca. 3300-3000 BC), making it the earliest known fur garment in Eastern Europe. The choice of souslik fur stands in direct contrast to widely held views on prestigious fur clothes in traditional and contemporary societies

Опыт проведения биолого-товароведческой экспертизы галантерейных изделий из кожи крокодилов

Examination of leather items (clutches, man-purses, suitcases, and briefcases) using methods of forensic biology and merchandise investigation revealed their outer parts to be made of crocodile and alligator belly skin, and their lining – of textiles and leather from cattle and small domestic ruminants. The diagnostic features of crocodilian skin structures are also listed.Биолого-товароведческая экспертиза кожгалантерейных изделий (клатчей, барсеток, чемоданов, портфелей) показала, что их наружные части изготовлены из кожи брюшной части крокодилов и аллигаторов, а внутренняя выстилка – из текстиля и кожи крупного и мелкого рогатого скота. Приведены диагностические признаки структуры кожи крокодило

Predicted facies, sedimentary structures and potential resources of Jurassic petroleum complex in S-E Western Siberia (based on well logging data)

This paper is devoted to the current problem in petroleum geology and geophysics- prediction of facies sediments for further evaluation of productive layers. Applying the acoustic method and the characterizing sedimentary structure for each coastal-marine-delta type was determined. The summary of sedimentary structure characteristics and reservoir properties (porosity and permeability) of typical facies were described. Logging models SP, EL and GR (configuration, curve range) in interpreting geophysical data for each litho-facies were identified. According to geophysical characteristics these sediments can be classified as coastal-marine-delta. Prediction models for potential Jurassic oil-gas bearing complexes (horizon J[1]{1}) in one S-E Western Siberian deposit were conducted. Comparing forecasting to actual testing data of layer J[1]{1} showed that the prediction is about 85%

INFLUENCE OF REGIME FACTORS ON EFFECTIVENESS OF GTU PERFORMANCE

In the work influence of regime factors on of GTU performance is considered. The analysis of efficiency of simple cycle GTU and cycle with intermediate cooling depending on ambient temperature, pressure ratio of air in the compressor is made. It is shown that with increase in pressure ratio, temperature of the GT exhaust gases decreases that leads in the case of the gas turbine operation as a part of the combined cycle to decrease in efficiency of the CCGT owing to decrease in potential of the GT exhaust gases.В работе рассмотрено влияние режимных факторов на экономичность работы ГТУ. Выполнен анализ эффективности ГТУ простого цикла и цикла с промежуточным охлаждением в зависимости от температуры окружающего воздуха, степени повышения давления воздуха в компрессоре. Показано, что с увеличением степени повышения давления температура выхлопных газов ГТ снижается, что приводит при работе газовой турбины в составе парогазовой установки к снижению КПД ПГУ вследствие снижения потенциала выхлопных газов ГТ

Effect of glucocorticoids on bone metabolism in replacement therapy of adrenal insufficiency. Literature review

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a syndrome caused by disturbance in the synthesis and secretion of hormones of the adrenal cortex, which ensure the vital activity, energy and water-salt homeostasis. The widest hormonal deficiency is observed in primary hypocorticism, when the synthesis of not only glucocorticoids (GC) and adrenal androgens, but also mineralocorticoids is disrupted. Lifelong replacement therapy with GCs for this pathology may be associated with a risk of bone loss and osteoporosis. However, at present, there are no clear guidelines for diagnosis of bone condition, including and bone mineral density (BMD) monitoring during treatment with GCs in patients with AI. This review summarizes collected data on the key pathogenetic links of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, incidence of decreased BMD and fractures in patients with AI. In this review factors that influence bone metabolism in this cohort of patients are considered: the type and the dose of prescribed GCs, the type (primary, secondary, HH in congenital adrenal cortex dysfunction) and the duration of AI, age, gender, and the presence of concomitant endocrine disorders (hypogonadism, growth hormone (GH) deficiency). In addition, the review presents data on the effect of adrenal androgen replacement therapy and recombinant GH therapy on bone metabolism in secondary AI

Molecular Plasmonic Silver Forests for the Photocatalytic-Driven Sensing Platforms

Structural electronics, as well as flexible and wearable devices are applications that are possible by merging polymers with metal nanoparticles. However, using conventional technologies, it is challenging to fabricate plasmonic structures that remain flexible. We developed three-dimensional (3D) plasmonic nanostructures/polymer sensors via single-step laser processing and further functionalization with 4-nitrobenzenethiol (4-NBT) as a molecular probe. These sensors allow ultrasensitive detection with surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). We tracked the 4-NBT plasmonic enhancement and changes in its vibrational spectrum under the chemical environment perturbations. As a model system, we investigated the sensor’s performance when exposed to prostate cancer cells’ media over 7 days showing the possibility of identifying the cell death reflected in the environment through the effects on the 4-NBT probe. Thus, the fabricated sensor could have an impact on the monitoring of the cancer treatment process. Moreover, the laser-driven nanoparticles/polymer intermixing resulted in a free-form electrically conductive composite that withstands over 1000 bending cycles without losing electrical properties. Our results bridge the gap between plasmonic sensing with SERS and flexible electronics in a scalable, energy-efficient, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly way.</p