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Selected AbstractsC-peptide makes a comebackDIABETES/METABOLISM: RESEARCH AND REVIEWS, Issue 5 2003John Wahren Proinsulin C-peptide was for long considered to be without biological activity of its own. New findings demonstrate, however, that it is capable of eliciting both molecular and physiological effects, suggesting that C-peptide is in fact a bioactive peptide. When administered in replacement doses to animal models or to patients with type 1 diabetes, C-peptide ameliorates diabetes-induced functional and structural changes in both the kidneys and the peripheral nerves. It augments blood flow in a number of tissues, notably skeletal muscle, myocardium, skin and nerve. These effects are thought to be mediated via a stimulatory influence on Na+,K+ -ATPase and on endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Specific binding of C-peptide to cell membranes of intact cells and to detergent-solubilized cellular components has been demonstrated, indicating the existence of cell-surface binding sites for C-peptide. A number of intracellular responses are elicited by C-peptide, including a rise in Ca2+ concentration and activation of MAP-kinase signaling pathways. Many but not all of C-peptide's intracellular effects can be inhibited by pertussis toxin, supporting the notion that C-peptide may interact via a G-protein-coupled receptor. Additional data suggest that C-peptide may interact synergistically also in the insulin signaling pathway. Combined, the available observations show conclusively that C-peptide is biologically active, even though its molecular mechanism of action is not as yet fully understood. The possibility that replacement of C-peptide in patients with type 1 diabetes may serve to retard or prevent the development of long-term complications should be evaluated. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Development of a historical ice database for the study of climate change in CanadaHYDROLOGICAL PROCESSES, Issue 18 2002Frédéric Lenormand Abstract The Canadian government has been compiling various observations on freshwater and coastal sea ice conditions for many years. However, the records are not easily accessible and are dispersed within different government departments. Given this, a major effort was undertaken in order to gather all available observations into a common database,the Canadian Ice Database (CID). This database will respond to the needs for climate monitoring in Canada, the validation and improvement of numerical ice models and the development of new remote-sensing methods. Indeed, several studies have shown that freshwater ice and sea ice are good proxy indicators of climate variability and change. The first version of CID contains in situ observations from 757 sites distributed across Canada, which were originally kept on digital or paper records at the Meteorological Service of Canada Headquarters and the Canadian Ice Service (CIS). The CID holds 63 546 records covering the period from ice season 1822,23 to 2000,01. An analysis of the database allows one to trace the temporal evolution of the ice networks. The freeze-up/break-up network of 2000,01 only represents 4% of what it was in 1985,86. A drastic decline of the ice thickness and the snow on ice network is also observable. In 1997,98, it represented only 10% of the network that existed in 1984,85. The major budget cuts in Canadian government agencies during the late 1980s and the 1990s offer the most plausible explanation for the drastic decline in the ice observation networks. Weekly ice coverage determination on large lakes from satellite imagery by the CIS and the national volunteer ice monitoring program, IceWatch, may provide a means of reviving, at least, the freeze-up/break-up network. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Guaranteed recursive non-linear state bounding using interval analysisINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADAPTIVE CONTROL AND SIGNAL PROCESSING, Issue 3 2002Michel Kieffer Abstract The problem considered here is state estimation in the presence of unknown but bounded state perturbations and measurement noise. In this context, most available results are for linear models, and the purpose of the present paper is to deal with the non-linear case. Based on interval analysis and the notion of set inversion, a new state estimator is presented, which evaluates a set estimate guaranteed to contain all values of the state that are consistent with the available observations, given the perturbation and noise bounds and a set containing the initial value of the state. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first estimator for which this claim can be made. The precision of the set estimate can be improved, at the cost of more computation. Theoretical properties of the estimator are studied, and computer implementation receives special attention. A simple illustrative example is treated. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Modelling current trends in Northern Hemisphere temperaturesINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY, Issue 7 2006Terence C. Mills Abstract Fitting a trend is of interest in many disciplines, but it is of particular importance in climatology, where estimating the current and recent trend in temperature is thought to provide a major indication of the presence of global warming. A range of ad hoc methods of trend fitting have been proposed, with little consensus as to the most appropriate techniques to use. The aim of this paper is to consider a range of trend extraction techniques, none of which require ,padding' out the series beyond the end of the available observations, and to use these to estimate the trend of annual mean Northern Hemisphere (NH) temperatures. A comparison of the trends estimated by these methods thus provides a robust indication of the likely range of current trend temperature increases and hence inform, in a timely quantitative fashion, arguments based on global temperature data concerning the nature and extent of global warming and climate change. For the complete sample 1856,2003, the trend is characterised as having long waves about an underlying increasing level. Since around 1970, all techniques display a pronounced warming trend. However, they also provide a range of trend functions so that extrapolation far into the future would be a hazardous exercise. Copyright © 2006 Royal Meteorological Society. [source] Gas dynamics of the central few parsec region of NGC 1068 fuelled by the evolving nuclear star clusterMONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 4 2010M. Schartmann ABSTRACT Recently, high-resolution observations with the help of the near-infrared adaptive optics integral field spectrograph Spectrograph for INtegral Field Observations in the Near Infrared (SINFONI) at the Very Large Telescope proved the existence of massive and young nuclear star clusters in the centres of a sample of Seyfert galaxies. With the help of three-dimensional high-resolution hydrodynamical simulations with the Pluto code, we follow the evolution of such clusters, especially focusing on stellar mass loss feeding gas into the ambient interstellar medium and driving turbulence. This leads to a vertically wide distributed clumpy or filamentary inflow of gas on large scales (tens of parsec), whereas a turbulent and very dense disc builds up on the parsec scale. In order to capture the relevant physics in the inner region, we treat this disc separately by viscously evolving the radial surface density distribution. This enables us to link the tens of parsec-scale region (accessible via SINFONI observations) to the (sub-)parsec-scale region (observable with the mid-infrared interferometer instrument and via water maser emission). Thereby, this procedure provides us with an ideal testbed for data comparison. In this work, we concentrate on the effects of a parametrized turbulent viscosity to generate angular momentum and mass transfer in the disc and additionally take star formation into account. Most of the input parameters are constrained by available observations of the nearby Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 1068, and we discuss parameter studies for the free parameters. At the current age of its nuclear starburst of 250 Myr, our simulations yield disc sizes of the order of 0.8,0.9 pc, gas masses of 106 M, and mass transfer rates of 0.025 M, yr,1 through the inner rim of the disc. This shows that our large-scale torus model is able to approximately account for the disc size as inferred from interferometric observations in the mid-infrared and compares well to the extent and mass of a rotating disc structure as inferred from water maser observations. Several other observational constraints are discussed as well. [source] The properties of Ly, emitting galaxies in hierarchical galaxy formation modelsMONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 3 2006M. Le Delliou ABSTRACT We present detailed predictions for the properties of Ly,-emitting galaxies in the framework of the , cold dark matter cosmology, calculated using the semi-analytical galaxy formation model galform. We explore a model that assumes a top-heavy initial mass function in starbursts and that has previously been shown to explain the sub-millimetre number counts and the luminosity function of Lyman-break galaxies at high redshift. We show that this model, with the simple assumption that a fixed fraction of Ly, photons escape from each galaxy, is remarkably successful at explaining the observed luminosity function of Ly, emitters (LAEs) over the redshift range 3 < z < 6.6. We also examine the distribution of Ly, equivalent widths and the broad-band continuum magnitudes of emitters, which are in good agreement with the available observations. We look more deeply into the nature of LAEs, presenting predictions for fundamental properties such as the stellar mass and radius of the emitting galaxy and the mass of the host dark matter halo. The model predicts that the clustering of LAEs at high redshifts should be strongly biased relative to the dark matter, in agreement with observational estimates. We also present predictions for the luminosity function of LAEs at z > 7, a redshift range that is starting to be be probed by near-infrared surveys and using new instruments such as the Dark Ages Z Lyman Explorer (DAzLE). [source] Circular velocity profiles of dark matter haloesMONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 1 2006Felix Stoehr ABSTRACT We use a high-resolution simulation of a galaxy-sized dark matter halo, published simulated data as well as four cluster-sized haloes from Fukushige, Kawai & Makino to study the inner halo structure in a , cold dark matter cosmology. We find that the circular velocity curves are substantially better described by Stoehr et al. (SWTS) profiles than by Navarro, Frenk & White (NFW) or Moore et al. profiles. Our findings confirm that no asymptotic slope is reached and that the profiles are nearly universal, but not perfectly. The velocity profiles curve at a constant rate in log (r) over the full converged range in radii and the corresponding extrapolated density profiles reach a finite maximum density. We find that the claim of a strong discrepancy between the observed inner slopes of the density profiles of low surface brightness galaxies and their simulated counterparts on the grounds of currently available observations and simulations is unfounded. In addition, if the SWTS profile turns out to be a good description of the halo profile for the regions that cannot be probed with simulations of today, then even in these regions the agreement between simulations and observations is very reasonable. [source] A photometric,spectroscopic analysis and the evolutionary status of the Algol-type binary U Coronae BorealisMONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY, Issue 4 2003S. K. Yerli ABSTRACT The prime purposes of this study are to obtain reliable orbital parameters for the Algol-type binary U Coronae Borealis (U CrB) and to explain the evolutionary status of this system. All observations of the primary star's radial velocity are consistent with the value K1= 58.6 ± 2.0 km s,1. Measurements of the radial velocity of the secondary component give K2 = 185.2 ± 5.0 km s,1. Using the photometrically determined inclination of 78.7 ± 0.3, the masses of the two stars are therefore deduced to be 4.74 ± 0.28 and 1.46 ± 0.06 M, for the primary and secondary components, respectively. Using all available observations, we discuss the origin and evolution of the close binary system U CrB. We derive the restrictions concerning masses and period from a general network of calculations of medium mass close binary evolution. Detailed models are calculated within the derived ranges, giving the most likely initial system parameters as and Pi= 1.4 d. It turns out that the interactive evolution up to the present stage has been non-conservative. During its evolution, U CrB has lost about 14 per cent of its initial total mass (,M, 1 M,) and around 18 per cent of its initial total angular momentum. We also examine the possibility of probing dynamo action in the mass-losing component of U CrB. We point out that, in order to maintain the evolution of U CrB in its later stages, which is presumably driven by stellar ,magnetic braking', an efficient mechanism for producing large-scale surface magnetic fields in the donor star is required. We suggest that observed X-ray activity in U CrB may be a good indicator of its evolutionary status and the internal structure of the mass-losing component. [source] On the evolution of the Fe abundance and of the Type Ia supernova rate in clusters of galaxiesMONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY: LETTERS (ELECTRONIC), Issue 1 2007F. Calura ABSTRACT The study of the Fe abundance in the intracluster medium (ICM) provides strong constraints on the integrated star formation history and supernova rate of the cluster galaxies, as well as on the ICM enrichment mechanisms. In this Letter, using chemical evolution models for galaxies of different morphological types, we study the evolution of the Fe content of clusters of galaxies. We assume that the ICM Fe enrichment occurs by means of galactic winds arising from elliptical galaxies and from gas stripped from the progenitors of S0 galaxies via external mechanisms, due to the interaction of the interstellar medium with the ICM. The Fe-rich gas ejected by ellipticals accounts for the XFe,ICM values observed at z > 0.5, whereas the gas stripped from the progenitors of the S0 galaxies accounts for the increase of XFe,ICM observed at z < 0.5. We test two different scenarios for Type Ia supernova (SN) progenitors and we model the Type Ia SN rate observed in clusters, finding a good agreement between our predictions and the available observations. [source] Pharmacokinetic parameters estimation using adaptive Bayesian P-splines modelsPHARMACEUTICAL STATISTICS: THE JOURNAL OF APPLIED STATISTICS IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY, Issue 2 2009Astrid Jullion Abstract In preclinical and clinical experiments, pharmacokinetic (PK) studies are designed to analyse the evolution of drug concentration in plasma over time i.e. the PK profile. Some PK parameters are estimated in order to summarize the complete drug's kinetic profile: area under the curve (AUC), maximal concentration (Cmax), time at which the maximal concentration occurs (tmax) and half-life time (t1/2). Several methods have been proposed to estimate these PK parameters. A first method relies on interpolating between observed concentrations. The interpolation method is often chosen linear. This method is simple and fast. Another method relies on compartmental modelling. In this case, nonlinear methods are used to estimate parameters of a chosen compartmental model. This method provides generally good results. However, if the data are sparse and noisy, two difficulties can arise with this method. The first one is related to the choice of the suitable compartmental model given the small number of data available in preclinical experiment for instance. Second, nonlinear methods can fail to converge. Much work has been done recently to circumvent these problems (J. Pharmacokinet. Pharmacodyn. 2007; 34:229,249, Stat. Comput., to appear, Biometrical J., to appear, ESAIM P&S 2004; 8:115,131). In this paper, we propose a Bayesian nonparametric model based on P-splines. This method provides good PK parameters estimation, whatever be the number of available observations and the level of noise in the data. Simulations show that the proposed method provides better PK parameters estimations than the interpolation method, both in terms of bias and precision. The Bayesian nonparametric method provides also better AUC and t1/2 estimations than a correctly specified compartmental model, whereas this last method performs better in tmax and Cmax estimations. We extend the basic model to a hierarchical one that treats the case where we have concentrations from different subjects. We are then able to get individual PK parameter estimations. Finally, with Bayesian methods, we can get easily some uncertainty measures by obtaining credibility sets for each PK parameter. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Current crowding effects on blue LED operationPHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI (C) - CURRENT TOPICS IN SOLID STATE PHYSICS, Issue 6 2006I. Yu. Abstract A hybrid 1D/3D approach to modeling of the electric current spreading in a light emitting diode (LED) die is suggested and validated by comparing the theoretical predictions with available observations. Large-area LEDs with different contact electrode configurations suitable for high-power operation are analyzed in terms of simulations with the focus on the current non-uniformity and its impact on the device electrical and optical characteristics. The factors controlling the LED series resistance are identified by modeling, and ways for the resistance improvement are examined. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Separation, size reduction, and processing of XLPE from electrical transmission and distribution cablePOLYMER ENGINEERING & SCIENCE, Issue 4 2000C. C. White The recycling of power transmission cable insulated with crosslinked PE (XLPE) was investigated by using different methods of separation and reprocessing. Separation was attempted by thermo-chemical, thermo-mechanical and microwave-mechanical means, the latter being the most successful. A mechanism encompassing all of these was formulated. Compression molding, extrusion, and injection molding with and without preheating of the material were also investigated. It was found that by preheating the XLPE and injection molding under high injection pressure, the neat XLPE could be formed into shapes with tensile strengths equal to that of the original insulation. In view of available observations, possible mechanisms for the flow and reconsolidation of XLPE crumb are proposed and discussed. [source] Sea-land breeze development during a summer bora event along the north-eastern Adriatic coastTHE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY, Issue 651 2010Maja Teli, man Prtenjak Abstract The interaction of a summer frontal bora and the sea-land breeze along the north-eastern Adriatic coast was investigated by means of numerical simulations and available observations. Available measurements (in situ, radiosonde, satellite images) provided model validation. The modelled wind field revealed several regions where the summer bora (weaker than 6 m s,1) allowed sea-breeze development: in the western parts of the Istrian peninsula and Rijeka Bay and along the north-western coast of the island of Rab. Along the western Istrian coast, the position of the narrow convergence zone that formed depended greatly on the balance between the bora jets northward and southward of Istria. In the case of a strong northern (Trieste) bora jet, the westerly Istrian onshore flow presented the superposition of the dominant swirled bora flow and local weak thermal flow. It collided then with the easterly bora flow within the zone. With weakening of the Trieste bora jet, the convergence zone was a result of the pure westerly sea breeze and the easterly bora wind. In general, during a bora event, sea breezes were somewhat later and shorter, with limited horizontal extent. The spatial position of the convergence zone caused by the bora and sea-breeze collision was strongly curved. The orientation of the head (of the thermally-induced flow) was more in the vertical causing larger horizontal pressure gradients and stronger daytime maximum wind speed than in undisturbed conditions. Except for the island of Rab, other lee-side islands in the area investigated did not provide favourable conditions for the sea-breeze formation. Within a bora wake near the island of Krk, onshore flow occurred as well, although not as a sea-breeze flow, but as the bottom branch of the lee rotor that was associated with the hydraulic jump-like feature in the lee of the Velika Kapela Mountain. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society [source] The potential of variational retrieval of temperature and humidity profiles from Meteosat Second Generation observationsTHE QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY, Issue 638 2009F. Di Giuseppe Abstract The quality of temperature and humidity retrievals from the infrared Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) sensors on the geostationary Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellites is assessed by means of a one-dimensional variational algorithm. The study is performed with the aim of improving the spatial and temporal resolution of available observations to feed analysis systems designed for high-resolution regional-scale numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. The non-hydrostatic forecast model COSMO in the ARPA-SIMC operational configuration is used to provide background fields. Only clear-sky observations over sea are processed. An optimized one-dimensional variational set-up comprised of two water-vapour and three window channels is selected. It maximizes the reduction of errors in the model backgrounds while ensuring ease of operational implementation through accurate bias correction procedures and correct radiative transfer simulations. The 1Dvar retrieval quality is first quantified in relative terms, employing statistics to estimate the reduction in the background model errors. Additionally the absolute retrieval accuracy is assessed by comparing the analysis with independent radiosonde observations. The inclusion of satellite data brings a substantial reduction in the warm and dry biases present in the forecast model. Moreover it is shown that the use of the retrieved profiles generated by the 1Dvar in the COSMO nudging scheme can locally reduce forecast errors. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society [source] Can variable meridional flows lead to false exoplanet detections?ASTRONOMISCHE NACHRICHTEN, Issue 10 2007J.M. Beckers Abstract The search for habitable exoplanets centers on planets with Earth-like conditions around late type stars. Radial velocity searches for these planets require precisions of 1 m/s and better. That is now being achieved. At these precisions stellar surface motions might lead to false detections. Of particular interest are variable meridional flows on stellar surfaces. I review the available observations of solar surface meridional flows using both Doppler shift and local helioseismology techniques. Interpretation in terms of Doppler shifts in integrated starlight leads to estimates of the likelihood of false detections. It is unlikely that these false detections occur in the habitability zones of exoplanets. (© 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] | ||||||||||||||||