Multi-level Monte Carlo (MLMC) algorithms have been extensively applied in recent years to obtain schemes that often converge at faster rates than corresponding traditional Monte Carlo methods. In this talk, we shall discuss a randomized method introduced in joint work with Chang-han Rhee, and then describe a stratified alternative estimator. Our principal focus in the talk will be on applicati...

Building on a notion of keys for XML, we propose a novel indexing scheme for hierarchical data that is based not only on the structure but also the content of the data. The index can be used to check the validity of data with respect to a set of key specifications, as well as for efficiently evaluating queries and updates on key paths. We develop algorithms for the construction and incremental ...

BACKGROUND Zinc (Zn) biofortification through foliar Zn application is an attractive strategy to reduce human Zn deficiency. However, little is known about the biofortification efficiency and bioavailability of rice grain from different forms of foliar Zn fertilizers. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Four different Zn forms were applied as a foliar treatment among three rice cultivars under fie...

One of the important factors that influences Zn deficiency tolerance and grain Zn loading in crops is the within-plant allocation of Zn. Three independent experiments were carried out to understand the internal Zn distribution patterns in rice genotypes grown in Zn-sufficient and Zn-deficient agar nutrient solution (ANS). In one of the experiments, two rice genotypes (IR55179 and KP) contrastin...

Toward the extension of the light-harvesting region of sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), two ethynyl-linked porphyrin trimers were synthesized and investigated. The zinc–freebase–zinc trimer (Zn–FbA–Zn) showed an absorption maximum at a longer wavelength than the all-zinc trimer (Zn–ZnA–Zn), although the energy level of Zn–FbA–Zn was lower than that of Zn–ZnA–Zn. The DSSCs usin...

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for plants. The ability of plants to maintain significant yields under low Zn is termed Zn efficiency (ZE) and its genetic and mechanistic basis is still not well understood. Previously, we showed that root Zn uptake did not play a role in ZE. In the current study, Zn-efficient and -inefficient wheat (Triticum aestivum) genotypes were grown for 13 d in ch...

Cd and Zn have been shown to interact antagonistically or synergistically in various plants. In the present study of dwarf polish wheat (DPW)roots, Cd uptake was inhibited by Zn, and Zn uptake was inhibited by Cd, suggesting that Cd and Zn interact antagonistically in this plant. A study of proteomic changes showed that Cd, Zn, and Cd+Zn stresses altered the expression of 206, 303, and 190 prot...

In a 36-d experiment, 32 pigs were depleted of Zn (24 d) using a soy-isolate (basal) diet (17 mg/kg of Zn) and then fed the basal diet (12 d) supplemented with 45 mg/kg of Zn from ZnSO4 (purified zinc sulfate dry powder, ZnSO4.nH2O) or from a Zn amino acid chelate (ZnAAC) to study the effectiveness of these dietary Zn sources in restoring serum and soft tissue Zn concentrations. Concurrently, n...

This study investigated the formation and plant uptake of lipophilic metal-rhamnolipid complexes. Monorhamnosyl and dirhamnosyl rhamnolipids formed lipophilic complexes with copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn). Rhamnolipids significantly increased Zn absorption by Brassica napus var. Pinnacle roots in (65)Zn-spiked ice-cold solutions, compared with ZnSO4 alone. Therefore, rhamnolipid app...