387 research outputs found
Bayesian Gaussian distributional regression models for more efficient norm estimation
A test score on a psychological test is usually expressed as a normed score, representing its position relative to test scores in a reference population. These typically depend on predictor(s) such as age. The test score distribution conditional on predictors is estimated using regression, which may need large normative samples to estimate the relationships between the predictor(s) and the distribution characteristics properly. In this study, we examine to what extent this burden can be alleviated by using prior information in the estimation of new norms with Bayesian Gaussian distributional regression. In a simulation study, we investigate to what extent this norm estimation is more efficient and how robust it is to prior model deviations. We varied the prior type, prior misspecification and sample size. In our simulated conditions, using a fixed effects prior resulted in more efficient norm estimation than a weakly informative prior as long as the prior misspecification was not age dependent. With the proposed method and reasonable prior information, the same norm precision can be achieved with a smaller normative sample, at least in empirical problems similar to our simulated conditions. This may help test developers to achieve costâefficient highâquality norms. The method is illustrated using empirical normative data from the IDSâ2 intelligence test
Dense bottom gravity currents and their impact on pelagic methanotrophy at oxic/anoxic transition zones
We show that inflows of oxygenated waters into sulfidic layers have a strong impact on biogeochemical transformation at oxic/anoxic transition zones. Taking the pelagic methane dynamics in the Gotland Basin as an example, we performed our studies when one of the largest inflows ever recorded entered the Baltic Sea in March 2015. An inflowing gravity current transported oxic waters into the sulfidic deep layers and freshly generated a near-bottom secondary redox interface. At the upper slope, where the inflowing water masses were vigorously turbulent and the main and secondary redox interfaces in close contact to each other, methane oxidation rates inside the transition zone were found to be higher compared to the weakly turbulent basin interior. At the main redox interface in the basin center, lateral intrusions of oxygenated waters into intermediate water depth may have stimulated the growth of the methanotrophic community and their activity
Imprinted MicroRNA Gene Clusters in the Evolution, Development, and Functions of Mammalian Placenta
In mammals, the expression of a subset of microRNA (miRNA) genes is governed by genomic imprinting, an epigenetic mechanism that confers monoallelic expression in a parent-of-origin manner. Three evolutionarily distinct genomic intervals contain the vast majority of imprinted miRNA genes: the rodent-specific, paternally expressed C2MC located in intron 10 of the Sfmbt2 gene, the primate-specific, paternally expressed C19MC positioned at human Chr.19q13.4 and the eutherian-specific, maternally expressed miRNAs embedded within the imprinted Dlk1-Dio3 domains at human 14q32 (also named C14MC in humans). Interestingly, these imprinted miRNA genes form large clusters composed of many related gene copies that are co-expressed with a marked, or even exclusive, localization in the placenta. Here, we summarize our knowledge on the evolutionary, molecular, and physiological relevance of these epigenetically-regulated, recently-evolved miRNAs, by focusing on their roles in placentation and possibly also in pregnancy diseases (e.g., preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth)
Detailed studies of the subpicosecond kinetics in the primary electron transfer of reaction centers of Rhodopseudomonas viridis
The primary, light-induced charge separation in reaction centers of Rhodopseudomonas viridis is investigated with femtosecond time resolution. The absorption changes after direct excitation of the primary donor P at 955 nm are investigated in the time range from 100 fs to 600 ps. The experimental data, taken at various probing wavelengths, reveal one subpicosecond and two picosecond time constants: 0.65 ± 0.2 ps, 3.5 ± 0.4 ps, and 200 ± 20 ps. The previously undetected 0.65 ps kinetics can be observed clearly in the spectral range of the Qx and Qy transitions of the monomeric bacteriochlorophylls. The experimental data support the idea that the accessory bacteriochlorophyll B A participates in the electron-transfer process.
Reference
Financial Transaction Tax: Small is Beautiful
The case for taxing financial transactions merely to raise more revenues from the financial sector is not particularly strong. Better alternatives to tax the financial sector are likely to be available. However, a tax on financial transactions could be justified in order to limit socially
undesirable transactions when more direct means of doing so are unavailable for political or
practical reasons. Some financial transactions are indeed likely to do more harm than good,
especially when they contribute to the systemic risk of the financial system. However, such a
financial transaction tax should be very small, much smaller than the negative externalities in
question, because it is a blunt instrument that also drives out socially useful transactions.
There is a case for taxing over-the-counter derivative transactions at a somewhat higher rate
than exchange-based derivative transactions. More targeted remedies to drive out socially
undesirable transactions should be sought in parallel, which would allow, after their
implementation, to reduce or even phase out financialtransaction taxes
On the structure of maximal solvable extensions and of Levi extensions of nilpotent algebras
We establish an improved upper estimate on dimension of any solvable algebra
s with its nilradical isomorphic to a given nilpotent Lie algebra n. Next we
consider Levi decomposable algebras with a given nilradical n and investigate
restrictions on possible Levi factors originating from the structure of
characteristic ideals of n. We present a new perspective on Turkowski's
classification of Levi decomposable algebras up to dimension 9.Comment: 21 pages; major revision - one section added, another erased;
author's version of the published pape
All solvable extensions of a class of nilpotent Lie algebras of dimension n and degree of nilpotency n-1
We construct all solvable Lie algebras with a specific n-dimensional
nilradical n_(n,2) (of degree of nilpotency (n-1) and with an (n-2)-dimensional
maximal Abelian ideal). We find that for given n such a solvable algebra is
unique up to isomorphisms. Using the method of moving frames we construct a
basis for the Casimir invariants of the nilradical n_(n,2). We also construct a
basis for the generalized Casimir invariants of its solvable extension s_(n+1)
consisting entirely of rational functions of the chosen invariants of the
nilradical.Comment: 19 pages; added references, changes mainly in introduction and
conclusions, typos corrected; submitted to J. Phys. A, version to be
publishe
Hydrographic-hydrochemical assessment of the Baltic Sea 2017
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The article summarizes the hydrographic-hydrochemical conditions in the western and central Baltic Sea in 2017. Based on meteorological conditions, the horizontal and vertical distribution of temperature, salinity, oxygen/hydrogen sulphide and nutrients are described on a seasonal scale. For the southern Baltic Sea area, the âcold sumâ of the air temperature of 31.7 Kd in WarnemĂŒnde amounted to a mild winter in 2014/15 and ranks as 15th warmest winter since the beginning of the record in 1948. The summer âheat sumâ of 159.5 Kd ranks on 28th position of the warmest summers over the past 70 years and is slightly above the long-term average of 153.4 Kd. Based on satellite derived Sea Surface Temperature (SST) 2017 was the eleventh-warmest year since 1990 and with 0.24 K slightly above the long-term SST average. March, April and October - December contributed to the average by their positive anomalies. July and August were characterized by negative anomalies. The anomalies reached maximum values of +2 K and -3 K. The situation in the deep basins of the Baltic Sea was mainly coined by beginning stagnation at bottom-near water depths of the eastern Gotland Basin and ongoing ventilation of the upper part 5 of the deep-water above 150 m as a consequence of weak inflows. For the first time within this phase of intensified inflow activity, starting in 2014, the ventilation of the Farö Deep at the Northern Central Basin was registered at the beginning of the year. In the course of 2017 two weak inflows showing total volumes of 210 km^Âł (February) and 188 km^Âł (October) were registered. In conclusion, the impact of the observed phase of intensified water exchange processes with subsequent consequences for the biogeochemical cycles is weakening.
GERMAN ABSTRACT: Die Arbeit beschreibt die hydrographisch-hydrochemischen Bedingungen in der westlichen und zentralen Ostsee fĂŒr das Jahr 2017. Basierend auf den meteorologischen VerhĂ€ltnissen werden die horizontalen und vertikalen Verteilungsmuster von Temperatur, Salzgehalt, Sauerstoff/ Schwefelwasserstoff und NĂ€hrstoffen mit saisonaler Auflösung dargestellt. FĂŒr den sĂŒdlichen Ostseeraum ergab sich eine KĂ€ltesumme der Lufttemperatur an der Station WarnemĂŒnde von 31,7 Kd. Im Vergleich belegt der Winter 2016/17 den 15. Platz der wĂ€rmsten Winter seit Beginn der Aufzeichnungen im Jahr 1948 und wird als mild klassifiziert. Mit einer WĂ€rmesumme von 159,5 Kd rangiert der Sommer im Mittelfeld der 70jĂ€hrigen Datenreihe und reiht sich auf Platz 28 der wĂ€rmsten Sommer ein. Das Langzeitmittel liegt bei 153,4 Kd. Auf der Grundlage von satellitengestĂŒtzten MeeresoberflĂ€chentemperaturen (SST) war 2017 das elft- wĂ€rmste Jahr seit 1990 und mit 0,24 K etwas ĂŒber dem langfristigen SST-Mittel. MĂ€rz, April und Oktober - Dezember trugen durch ihre positiven Anomalien zum Durchschnitt bei. Juli und August waren durch negative Anomalien gekennzeichnet. Die Anomalien erreichten Höchstwerte von +2 K und -3 K. Die Situation in den Tiefenbecken der Ostsee war im Wesentlichen geprĂ€gt durch bodennah einsetzende Stagnation im östlichen Gotland Becken und BelĂŒftung der mittleren WassersĂ€ule oberhalb 150 m im Zuge kleinerer Einströme. Zu Jahresbeginn wurde das im nördlichen Zentralbecken gelegene Farö Tief erstmals innerhalb der aktuellen Einstromphase belĂŒftet. Im Jahresverlauf 2017 wurden zwei weitere schwache Einströme mit Volumina zwischen 210 kmÂł und 188 kmÂł im Februar sowie Oktober registriert. Zusammenfassend kann gesagt werden, dass die Auswirkungen der seit 2014 beobachten Phase von verstĂ€rkten Wasseraustauschprozessen mit entsprechenden Konsequenzen fĂŒr die biogeochemischen KreislĂ€ufe abklingen
Realizations of Real Low-Dimensional Lie Algebras
Using a new powerful technique based on the notion of megaideal, we construct
a complete set of inequivalent realizations of real Lie algebras of dimension
no greater than four in vector fields on a space of an arbitrary (finite)
number of variables. Our classification amends and essentially generalizes
earlier works on the subject.
Known results on classification of low-dimensional real Lie algebras, their
automorphisms, differentiations, ideals, subalgebras and realizations are
reviewed.Comment: LaTeX2e, 39 pages. Essentially exetended version. Misprints in
Appendix are correcte
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