Algorithm 830: Another Visit With Standard and Modified Givens Transformations and A Remark on Algorithm 539

First we report on a correction and improvement to the Level 1 Blas routine srotmg for computing the Modified Givens Transformation (MG). We then, in the light of the performance of the code on modern compiler/hardware combinations, reconsider the strategy of supplying separate routines to compute and apply the transformation. Finally, we show that the apparent savings in multiplies obtained by using MG rather than the Standard Givens Transformation (SG) do not always translate into reductions in execution time

Fluid quantity gaging

A system for measuring the mass of liquid in a tank on orbit with 1 percent accuracy was developed and demonstrated. An extensive tradeoff identified adiabatic compression as the only gaging technique that is independent of gravity or its orientation, and of the size and distribution of bubbles in the tank. This technique is applicable to all Earth-storable and cryogenic liquids of interest for Space Station use, except superfluid helium, and can be applied to tanks of any size, shape, or internal structure. Accuracy of 0.2 percent was demonstrated in the laboratory, and a detailed analytical model was developed and verified by testing. A flight system architecture is presented that allows meeting the needs of a broad range of space fluid systems without custom development for each user

The Phoenix Deep Survey: Extremely Red Galaxies and Cluster Candidates

We present the results of a study of a sample of 375 Extremely Red Galaxies (ERGs) in the Phoenix Deep Survey, 273 of which constitute a subsample which is 80% complete to K_s = 18.5 over an area of 1160 arcmin^2. The angular correlation function for ERGs is estimated, and the association of ERGs with faint radio sources explored. We find tentative evidence that ERGs and faint radio sources are associated at z > 0.5. A new overdensity-mapping algorithm has been used to characterize the ERG distribution, and identify a number of cluster candidates, including a likely cluster containing ERGs at 0.5 < z < 1. Our algorithm is also used in an attempt to probe the environments in which faint radio sources and ERGs are associated. We find limited evidence that the I - K_s > 4 criterion is more efficient than R - K_s > 5 at selecting dusty star-forming galaxies, rather than passively evolving ERGs.Comment: 14 emulateapj pages, 15 figures, 1 table, accepted for publication in Astronomical Journal. A version with full resolution figures is available at http://www.physics.usyd.edu.au/~asmith/research/ERGpaper.pd

Remark on Algorithm 539: A Modern Fortran Reference Implementation for Carefully Computing the Euclidean Norm

We propose a set of new Fortran reference implementations, based on an algorithm proposed by Kahan, for the Level 1 BLAS routines *NRM2 that compute the Euclidean norm of a real or complex input vector. The principal advantage of these routines over the current offerings is that, rather than losing accuracy as the length of the vector increases, they generate results that are accurate to almost machine precision for vectors of length N < Nmax where Nmax depends upon the precision of the floating point arithmetic being used. In addition we make use of intrinsic modules, introduced in the latest Fortran standards, to detect occurrences of non-finite numbers in the input data and return suitable values as well as setting IEEE floating point status flags as appropriate. A set of C interface routines is also provided to allow simple, portable access to the new routines. To improve execution speed, we advocate a hybrid algorithm; a simple loop is used first and, only if IEEE floating point exception flags signal, do we fall back on Kahan’s algorithm. Since most input vectors are ‘easy’, i.e., they do not require the sophistication of Kahan’s algorithm, the simple loop improves performance while the use of compensated summation ensures high accuracy. We also report on a comprehensive suite of test problems that has been developed to test both our new implementation and existing codes for both accuracy and the appropriate settings of the IEEE arithmetic status flags

Observational Evidence for the Co-evolution of Galaxy Mergers, Quasars, and the Blue/Red Galaxy Transition

We compile a number of observations to estimate the time-averaged rate of formation or buildup of red sequence galaxies, as a function of mass and redshift. Comparing this with the mass functions of mergers and quasar hosts, and independently comparing their clustering properties as a function of redshift, we find that these populations trace the same mass distribution, with similar evolution, at redshifts 0<z<~1.5. Knowing one of the quasar, merger, or elliptical mass/luminosity functions, it is possible to predict the others. Allowing for greater model dependence, we compare the rate of early-type buildup with the implied merger and quasar triggering rates as a function of mass and redshift and find agreement. Over this redshift range, observed merger fractions can account for the entire bright quasar luminosity function and buildup of the red sequence at all but the highest masses at low redshift (>~10^11 M_solar at z<~0.3) where 'dry' mergers appear to dominate. This supports a necessary prediction of theories where mergers between gas-rich galaxies produce ellipticals with an associated phase of quasar activity, after which the remnant becomes red. These populations trace a similar characteristic transition mass, possibly reflecting the mass above which the elliptical population is mostly (>~50%) assembled at a given redshift, which increases with redshift over the observed range in a manner consistent with suggestions that cosmic downsizing may apply to red galaxy assembly as well as star formation. These mass distributions as a function of redshift do not uniformly trace the all/red/blue galaxy population, ruling out models in which quasar activity is generically associated with star formation or is long lived in 'old' systems.Comment: 24 pages, 17 figures. Accepted to ApJ. Substantially revised and expanded to match published versio

Variation in leaf surface hydrophobicity of wetland plants: the role of plant traits in water retention

Leaf surface wetness has numerous physiological and ecological consequences, and the morphological structures on the leaf surface can affect its extent and duration, contributing to interception rates in the scale of the whole ecosystem. Wetland plants have developed morphological adaptations to high water level allowing them to avoid water excess. Droplet contact angle and surface free energy are measurable parameters which relate to how the plant influences water usage and redistribution. We analysed patterns of contact angle and the surface free energy of the adaxial and abaxial surface of 10 wetland plant species and related them to the optimal habitat conditions and functional traits of the plants. Despite the consistent environment of these plants, we found them to vary greatly in terms of leaf surface wettability and surface free energy, with contact angles ranging from 75 to 169° and surface free energy, from 1.32 to 30.38 mJ/m2. Canopy height and leaf longevity were significantly correlated to leaf wettability, whilst SLA (Specific Leaf Area) and leaf shape were not related to hydrophobicity. Investigating adaptations of wetland plants to their environment showed that including wettability and surface free energy in combination with other plant traits improves our understanding of water plant-soil-water interactions in wetland habitats

Malaria hotspots explained from the perspective of ecological theory underlying insect foraging

Hotspots constitute the major reservoir for residual malaria transmission, with higher malaria incidence than neighbouring areas, and therefore, have the potential to form the cornerstone for successful intervention strategies. Detection of malaria hotspots is hampered by their heterogenous spatial distribution, and the laborious nature and low sensitivity of the current methods used to assess transmission intensity. We adopt ecological theory underlying foraging in herbivorous insects to vector mosquito host seeking and modelling of fine-scale landscape features at the village level. The overall effect of environmental variables on the density of indoor mosquitoes, sporozoite infected mosquitoes, and malaria incidence, was determined using generalized linear models. Spatial analyses were used to identify hotspots for malaria incidence, as well as malaria vector density and associated sporozoite prevalence. We identify household occupancy and location as the main predictors of vector density, entomological inoculation rate and malaria incidence. We propose that the use of conventional vector control and malaria interventions, integrated with their intensified application targeting predicted hotspots, can be used to reduce malaria incidence in endemic and residual malaria settings

An Ontology for Description of Drug Discovery Investigations

SummaryThe paper presents an ontology for the description of Drug Discovery Investigation (DDI). This has been developed through the use of a Robot Scientist “Eve”, and in consultation with industry. DDI aims to define the principle entities and the relations in the research and development phase of the drug discovery pipeline. DDI is highly transferable and extendable due to its adherence to accepted standards, and compliance with existing ontology resources. This enables DDI to be integrated with such related ontologies as the Vaccine Ontology, the Advancing Clinico-Genomic Trials on Cancer Master Ontology, etc. DDI is available at http://purl.org/ddi/wikipedia or http://purl.org/ddi/home</jats:p

Active Galactic Nuclei and the Truncation of Star Formation in K+A Galaxies

We have searched for active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in K+A galaxies, using multiwavelength imaging and spectroscopy in the Bootes field of the NOAO Deep Wide-Field Survey. The K+A galaxies, which have had their star formation rapidly truncated, are selected via their strong Balmer absorption lines and weak H-alpha emission. Our sample consists of 24 K+A galaxies selected from 6594 0.10<z<0.35 galaxies brighter than I=20 with optical spectroscopy from the AGN and Galaxy Evolution Survey. Two thirds of the K+A galaxies are likely ongoing galaxy mergers, with nearby companion galaxies or tidal tails. Galaxy mergers may be responsible for the truncation of star formation, or we are observing the aftermath of merger triggered starbursts. As expected, the optical colors of K+A galaxies largely fall between blue galaxies with ongoing star formation and red passive galaxies. However, only 1% of the galaxies with colors between the red and blue populations are K+A galaxies, and we conclude that the truncation of star formation in K+A galaxies must have been unusually abrupt (<100 Myr). We examined the AGN content of K+A galaxies with both optical emission-line ratios (BPT diagrams) and Chandra X-ray imaging. At least half of all K+A galaxies display the optical emission-line ratios of AGNs, and a third of M_R<-22 K+A galaxies host AGNs with X-ray luminosities of 10^{42} erg/s. The faintest K+A galaxies do not show clear evidence for hosting AGNs, having emission-line ratios consistent with photoionization by massive stars and few X-ray detections. We speculate that two mechanisms may be responsible for the truncation of star formation in K+A galaxies, with AGN feedback only playing a role in M_R<-20.5 galaxies.Comment: Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal. 13 pages, 8 figure