cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
New Models for Veneziano Amplitudes: Combinatorial, Symplectic and Supersymmetric Aspects

The bosonic string theory evolved as an attempt to find a physical/quantum mechanical model capable of reproducing Euler's beta function (Veneziano amplitude) and its multidimensional analogue. The multidimensional analogue of beta function was studied mathematically for some time from different angles by mathematicians such as Selberg, Weil and Deligne among many others. The results of their studies apparently were not taken into account in physics literature on string theory. In several recent publications, attempts were made to restore the missing links. As discussed in these publications, the existing mathematical interpretation of the multidimensional analogue of Euler's beta function as one of the periods associated with the corresponding differential form "living" on the Fermat-type (hyper) surface, happens to be crucial for restoration of the quantum/statistical mechanical models reproducing such generalized beta function. There is a number of nontraditional models — all interrelated — capable of reproducing the Veneziano amplitudes. In this work we would like to discuss two of such new models: symplectic and supersymmetric. The symplectic model is based on observation that the Veneziano amplitude is just the Laplace transform of the generating function for the Ehrhart polynomial. Such a polynomial counts the number of lattice points inside the rational polytope (i.e. polytope whose vertices are located at the nodes of a regular lattice) and at its boundaries. In the present case, the polytope is a regular simplex. It is a deformation retract for the Fermat-type (hyper) surface (perhaps inflated, as explained in the text). Using known connections between polytopes and dynamical systems, the quantum mechanical system associated with such a dynamical system is found. The ground state of this system is degenerate with degeneracy factor given by the Ehrhart polynomial. Using some ideas by Atiyah, Bott and Witten we argue that the supersymmetric model related to the symplectic can be recovered. While recovering this model, we demonstrate that the ground state of such a model is degenerate with the same degeneracy factor as for earlier obtained symplectic model. Since the wave functions of this model are in one to one correspondence with the Veneziano amplitudes, this exactly solvable supersymmetric (and, hence, also symplectic) model is sufficient for recovery of the partition function reproducing the Veneziano amplitudes thus providing the exact solution of the Veneziano model.
Synthesis of 6,7-diaza-19-norvitamin D compounds

Abstract Two A-ring stereoisomeric 1-hydroxy-6,7-diaza-19-norvitamin D 3 compounds 7a , 8a and their 25-hydroxylated analogs, 7c , 8c have been prepared starting with enantiomeric trans-3,5-dihydroxycyclohexanones 3c,d and the CD-ring 8-ketones 4a and 4c . 1,25-Dihydroxy azavitamins 7c and 8c are essentially devoid of biological activity, demonstrating the importance of the 5,7-diene structure of vitamin D.
Imaging in the evaluation of the patient with suspected acute coronary syndrome

Over the last decade, major advances have been made in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes (ACSs). However, effective implementation of these treatments requires timely and accurate identification of the high-risk patient among all those presenting to the emergency department (ED) with symptoms suggestive of ACS. The opportunity for improving outcomes is time-dependent, so that early identification of the patient who has true ACS is essential. This necessity further increases the need for rapid triage tools, especially in the current setting of ED and hospital overcrowding that has become the norm in large urban centers.
Thermal Management of Biomaterials in a Rectangular Cavity Surrounded by a Phase Change Material

The shipping of live biological materials requires very close monitoring and perhaps active control of the temperature of the materials. This paper presents the results of a numerical study of 2-D transient natural convection inside a rectangular cavity. The cavity is intended to simulate a typical biological shipping container in which the biomaterials are encased in a chamber surrounded by a phase change material. The rectangular cavity is filled with air (Pr ap 0.69). Initially, the air is at uniform temperature and zero velocity. The top and side walls of the rectangular cavity are fixed at a low temperature and the bottom wall is coupled to the top wall of the heated solid block. For the lower solid block, the side and bottom wall are assumed adiabatic and filled with solid biomaterials. The biomaterial is subjected to a step heat input at time zero. A finite volume approach is used to solve the generic transport equations with the Boussinesq approximation. The flow inside the rectangular cavity is divided into three transient regimes: 1) initial transient stage; 2) quasi-steady stage; and 3) late quasi-steady stage. The results of the parametric study are included for shallow cavities, Ar = 0.5, Ar = 0.25, Ar = 0.125. The transient regimes and fluid flow structure were found to be functions of Rayleigh number, aspect ratio, Prandtl number, thermal capacity parameter (Q*), and nondimensional time (t*).
A Systematic Review of Randomized Control Trials Evaluating the Effectiveness of Interactive Computerized Asthma Patient Education Programs

Background Educating patients with asthma about the pathophysiology and treatment of their disease is recommended. In recent years, several computer programs have been developed to provide this education. These programs take advantage of the population's increasing skill with computers and the growth of the Internet as a source of health care information. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of published interactive computerized asthma patient education programs (CAPEPs) that have been subjected to randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Data Sources The PubMed, ERIC, CINAHL, Psychinfo, and Clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched (through October 3, 2005) using the following terms: asthma, patient, education, interactive, and computer. Study Selection RCTs in English that evaluated the effect of an interactive CAPEP on the following primary end points were included in the study: hospitalizations, acute care visits, rescue inhaler use, or lung function. Secondary end points included asthma knowledge and symptoms. Trials were screened by title and abstract before full text review. Two independent investigators used a standardized data extraction form to identify the articles chosen for full review. Results Nine of 406 citations met inclusion criteria. Four CAPEPs were computer games, 7 only studied children, and 4 focused on urban populations. One study each showed that the intervention reduced the number of hospitalizations, acute care visits, or rescue inhaler use. Two studies reported lung function improvements. Four studies showed improvement in asthma knowledge, and 5 studies reported improvements in symptoms. Conclusions Although interactive CAPEPs may improve patient asthma knowledge and symptoms, their effect on objective clinical outcomes is less consistent.
Controlled testing for computer performance evaluation

Because computer systems are still major investments, it is appropriate that effort be direted toward verfiying and improving their performance. Previous documents, such as R-549, recommend an overall framework for addressing computer performance improvements throught the use of the scientific method. This paper expands on that base, describing a specific procedure for implementing particular investigations through the technique of controlled testing.
Counting paths in corridors using circular Pascal arrays

A circular Pascal array is a periodization of the familiar Pascal's triangle. Using simple operators defined on periodic sequences, we find a direct relationship between the ranges of the circular Pascal arrays and numbers of certain lattice paths within corridors, which are related to Dyck paths. This link provides new, short proofs of some nontrivial formulas found in the lattice-path literature.
Psychopharmacology and successful cerebral aging.

Abstract 1. 1. Aging is characterized by a progressive loss of coordinated functions with a loss of complexity in all physiologic systems and a gradual decrease in the adaptability to the environment. A number of different theories of aging are briefly reviewed and pharmacologic intervention with, or rate control of the aging process is entertained. 2. 2. Dementia is characterized by a progressive, non-specific disintegration of personality with cognitive decline. The distinctiveness of the disease process which underlies dementing illness from the aging process is emphasized. A number of different pharmacologic treatment modalities with a potential for interfering with cognitive decline and for providing disease control in dementing illness are considered. 3. 3. Nootropics are defined as substances which facilitate integration through activation of physiologic adaptation. The possibility is entertained that nootropics through their particular action mechanisms might interfere with both the dementing process (i.e., disintegration of personality) and the aging process (i.e., loss of coordinated functions).
Vision-Based State Estimation for Autonomous Micro Air Vehicles

plane. This paper explores both of these robustness issues using results from a micro air vehicle simulation model developed at the NASA Langley Research Center. In particular, a hierarchy of dynamic models, ranging from a random walk model to a high-fidelity nonlinear micro air vehicle model, is employed in the Kalman filter for a simulated micro air vehicle trajectory with varying levels of measurement noise. It is demonstrated that the visionbased measurement updates in the filter are capable of compensating for significant modeling errors and filter initialization errors. As would be expected, superior overall results are achieved using higher-fidelity dynamic modelsintheKalman filter.Theworkpresentedinthispaperrepresentsthe firststeptowardtheultimateobjectiveof incorporating vision-based state estimation into the design of autonomous flight control systems for micro air vehicles operating in urban environments.
Robust Adaptive Observer Design for Uncertain Systems With Bounded Disturbances

This paper presents a robust adaptive observer design methodology for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems in the presence of time-varying unknown parameters with absolutely integrable derivatives, and nonvanishing disturbances. Using the universal approximation property of radial basis function (RBF) neural networks and the adaptive bounding technique, the developed observer achieves asymptotic convergence of state estimation error to zero, while ensuring boundedness of parameter errors. A comparative simulation study is presented by the end.
Solar wind driving of magnetospheric ULF waves: Pulsations driven by velocity shear at the magnetopause

[1] We present results from global, three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of the solar wind/magnetosphere interaction. These MHD simulations are used to study ultra low frequency (ULF) pulsations in the Earth's magnetosphere driven by shear instabilities at the flanks of the magnetopause. We drive the simulations with idealized, constant solar wind input parameters, ensuring that any discrete ULF pulsations generated in the simulation magnetosphere are not due to fluctuations in the solar wind. The simulations presented in this study are driven by purely southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions, changing only the solar wind driving velocity while holding all of the other solar wind input parameters constant. We find surface waves near the dawn and dusk flank magnetopause and show that these waves are generated by the Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) instability. We also find that two KH modes are generated near the magnetopause boundary. One mode, the magnetopause KH mode, propagates tailward along the magnetopause boundary. The other mode, the inner KH mode, propagates tailward along the inner edge of the boundary layer (IEBL). We find large vortical structures associated with the inner KH mode that are centered on the IEBL. The phase velocities, wavelengths, and frequencies of the two KH modes are computed. The KH waves are found to be fairly monochromatic with well-defined wavelengths. In addition, the inner and magnetopause KH modes are coupled and lead to a coupled oscillation of the low-latitude boundary layer. The boundary layer thickness, d, is computed and we find maximum wave growth for kd = 0.5–1.0, where k is the wave number, consistent with the linear theory of the KH instability. We comment briefly on the effectiveness of these KH waves in the energization and transport of radiation belt electrons.
Covering by discrete and closed discrete sets

Abstract Say that a cardinal number κ is small relative to the space X if κ Δ ( X ) , where Δ ( X ) is the least cardinality of a non-empty open set in X . We prove that no Baire metric space can be covered by a small number of discrete sets, and give some generalizations. We show a ZFC example of a regular Baire σ -space and a consistent example of a normal Baire Moore space which can be covered by a small number of discrete sets. We finish with some remarks on linearly ordered spaces.
TURBULENCE AND DYNAMO IN GALAXY CLUSTER MEDIUM: IMPLICATIONS ON THE ORIGIN OF CLUSTER MAGNETIC FIELDS

We present self-consistent cosmological magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations that simultaneously follow the formation of a galaxy cluster and the magnetic field ejection by an active galactic nucleus (AGN). We find that the magnetic fields ejected by the AGNs, though initially distributed in relatively small volumes, can be transported throughout the cluster and be further amplified by the intracluster medium (ICM) turbulence during the cluster formation process. The ICM turbulence is shown to be generated and sustained by the frequent mergers of smaller halos. Furthermore, a cluster-wide dynamo process is shown to exist in the ICM and amplify the magnetic field energy and flux. The total magnetic energy in the cluster can reach ~1061 erg while micro Gauss (μG) fields can distribute over ~ Mpc scales throughout the whole cluster. This finding shows that magnetic fields from AGNs, being further amplified by the ICM turbulence through small-scale dynamo processes, can be the origin of cluster-wide magnetic fields.
Moments of Dirichlet splines and their applications to hypergeometric functions

Abstract Dirichlet averages of multivariate functions are employed for a derivation of basic recurrence formulas for the moments of multivariate Dirichlet splines. An algorithm for computing the moments of multivariate simplex splines is presented. Applications to hypergeometric functions of several variables are discussed.
Social desirability bias in voter turnout reports Tests using the item count technique

Surveys usually yield rates of voting in elections that are higher than official turnout figures, a phenomenon often attributed to in- tentional misrepresentation by respondents who did not vote and would be embarrassed to admit that. The experiments reported here tested the social desirability response bias hypothesis directly by implementing a technique that allowed respondents to report secretly whether they voted: the "item count technique." The item count technique signifi- cantly reduced turnout reports in a national telephone survey relative to direct self-reports, suggesting that social desirability response bias influ- enced direct self-reports in that survey. But in eight national surveys of American adults conducted via the Internet, the item count technique did not significantly reduce turnout reports. This mode difference is consis- tent with other evidence that the Internet survey mode may be less suscep- tible to social desirability response bias because of self-administration. Self-reports in surveys have often overestimated voter turnout, and researchers have speculated that this may occur partly because some respondents in- tentionally misreport that they voted because they wish to portray them- selves in admirable ways (Corbett 1991; Lyons and Scheb 1999; Aarts 2002; Brockington and Karp 2002; Andolina et al. 2003; Lutz 2003; Blais et al.
Are Public Subsidies to Higher Education Regressive

Abstract This article estimates the dollar amount of public higher education subsidies received by U.S. youth and examines the distribution of subsidies and the taxes that finance them across parental and student income levels. Although youths from high-income families obtain more benefit from higher education subsidies, highincome households pay sufficiently more in taxes that the net effect of the spending and associated taxation is distributionally neutral or mildly progressive. These results are robust to alternative assumptions and are consistent with Hansen and Weisbrod's earlier celebrated findings for California, although not with the conclusions often drawn from those findings.
Multiple-view spectrally resolved x-ray imaging observations of polar-direct-drive implosions on OMEGA

We present spatially, temporally, and spectrally resolved narrow- and broad-band x-ray images of polar-direct-drive (PDD) implosions on OMEGA. These self-emission images were obtained during the deceleration phase and bang time using several multiple monochromatic x-ray imaging instruments fielded along two or three quasi-orthogonal lines-of-sight, including equatorial and polar views. The instruments recorded images based on K-shell lines from a titanium tracer located in the shell as well as continuum emission. These observations constitute the first such data obtained for PDD implosions. The image data show features attributed to laser imprinting and zero-order hydrodynamics. Equatorial-view images show a “double bun” structure that is consistent with synthetic images obtained from post-processing 2D and 3D radiation-hydrodynamic simulations of the experiment. Polar-view images show a pentagonal, petal pattern that correlates with the PDD laser illumination used on OMEGA, thus revealing a 3D aspect of PDD OMEGA implosions not previously observed. Differences are noted with respect to a PDD experiment performed at National Ignition Facility.
Maximum likelihood parametric blur identification based on a continuous spatial domain model

A formulation for maximum-likelihood (ML) blur identification based on parametric modeling of the blur in the continuous spatial coordinates is proposed. Unlike previous ML blur identification methods based on discrete spatial domain blur models, this formulation makes it possible to find the ML estimate of the extent, as well as other parameters, of arbitrary point spread functions that admit a closed-form parametric description in the continuous coordinates. Experimental results are presented for the cases of 1-D uniform motion blur, 2-D out-of-focus blur, and 2-D truncated Gaussian blur at different signal-to-noise ratios. >
Lossy transmission line model of hydrofractured well dynamics

Abstract The real-time detection of hydrofracture growth is crucial to the successful operation of water, CO 2 or steam injection wells in low-permeability reservoirs and to the prevention of subsidence and well failure. In this paper, we describe propagation of very low frequency (1–10 to 100 Hz) Stoneley waves in a fluid-filled wellbore and their interactions with the fundamental wave mode in a vertical hydrofracture. We demonstrate that Stoneley-wave loses energy to the fracture and the energy transfer from the wellbore to the fracture opening is most efficient in soft rocks. We conclude that placing the wave source and receivers beneath the injection packer provides the most efficient means of hydrofracture monitoring. We then present the lossy transmission line model of wellbore and fracture for the detection and characterization of fracture state and volume. We show that this model captures the wellbore and fracture geometry, the physical properties of injected fluid and the wellbore-fracture system dynamics. The model is then compared with experimentally measured well responses. The simulated responses are in good agreement with published experimental data from several water injection wells with depths ranging from 1000 ft to 9000 ft. Hence, we conclude that the transmission line model of water injectors adequately captures wellbore and fracture dynamics. Using an extensive data set for the South Belridge Diatomite waterfloods, we demonstrate that even for very shallow wells the fracture size and state can be adequately recognized at wellhead. Finally, we simulate the effects of hydrofracture extension on the transient response to a pulse signal generated at wellhead. We show that hydrofracture extensions can indeed be detected by monitoring the wellhead pressure at sufficiently low frequencies.
A closed string tachyon vacuum

In bosonic closed string field theory the ``tachyon potential" is a potential for the tachyon, the dilaton, and an infinite set of massive fields. Earlier computations of the potential did not include the dilaton and the critical point formed by the quadratic and cubic interactions was destroyed by the quartic tachyon term. We include the dilaton contributions to the potential and find that a critical point survives and appears to become more shallow. We are led to consider the existence of a closed string tachyon vacuum, a critical point with zero action that represents a state where space-time ceases to be dynamical. Some evidence for this interpretation is found from the study of the coupled metric-dilaton-tachyon effective field equations, which exhibit rolling solutions in which the dilaton runs to strong coupling and the Einstein metric undergoes collapse.
Achievement Bias in the Evolution of Preferences

Currently, economists' models of the evolutionary selection of utility function parameters are generally based on two assumptions. First, it is assumed that utility parameters must serve Darwinian fitness, in the sense that individuals who maximize utility are also maximizing their biological survivability. Second, it is assumed that utility parameters accurately reflect well-being, in the sense that individuals who maximize utility also maximize their happiness. However, there is a large literature in anthropology, biology, and psychology suggesting that these two assumptions may not be warranted. Focusing on utility and happiness, the paper uses models of cultural selection to show that there is no guarantee that our evolved preference must be the preferences that maximize our happiness. Instead, there are plausible mechanisms of cultural selection that will allow immiserating preferences to persist in steady state equilibrium. These mechanisms are generally related to the concept of social achievement: those who achieve more in society will have a greater influence on the utility parameters of the next generation, and this influence is independent of the achievers' well-being. Thus, a preference is more likely to survive if it satisfies some mix of achievement goals and happiness goals, rather than just happiness goals alone.
Heat transfer in the seventies

The survey reported herein has been conducted under the auspices of the National Science Foundation whose support is gratefully acknowledged. This survey has been made possible through the cooperation of the many persons whose advice I sought and who have responded most generously by supplying information and offering suggestions. The subsequent listing is to be a token of my sincere thanks and appreciation.
Stable masses and radii of super dense baryon stars

Abstract Stable masses and radii of super-dense baryon stars are computed from the isostatic relativistic equations of star equilibrium, using an equation of state for 45 baryon species and using the proton-proton interaction energy derived from high energy elastic scattering up to 30 GeV. Masses for an interval of radius 5 × 10 4 cm r 5 cm, are unstable, so that a generate star losing mass and approaching r of 5 × 10 4 cm suffers a partial collapse to half radius.
Early Cystectomy for Clinical Stage T1 Transitional Cell Carcinoma of the Bladder

Early radical cystectomy for a high-grade tumor invading the lamina propria (T1) remains controversial. In 1997, we cannot identify accurately which of these high-risk tumors will progress to muscle-invasive disease and metastases. In the near future, urologists may be able to use the presence of genetic alterations, such as p53 mutations, to help make therapeutic decisions. Previous reports on superficial bladder cancer treated with intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guerin immunotherapy have demonstrated a decrease in recurrence and progression. Unfortunately, there is no reliable method to predict which patients with a high-grade T1 tumor will fail to respond to intravesical therapy. Failure of intravesical therapy to control these aggressive tumors is associated with a significant rate of pathological upstaging and metastases. Radical cystectomy will cure a high percentage of these T1 tumors with acceptable morbidity and low mortality. In an era of nerve-sparing cystectomy and orthotopic neobladder reconstruction, early radical cystectomy is an alternative that should be discussed with the patient before instituting intravesical therapy.
A new class of non-topological solitons

A class of non-topological solitons was constructed in renormalizable scalar field theories with nonlinear self-interactions. For large charge Q, the soliton mass increases linearly with Q, i.e., the soliton mass density is approximately independent of charge. Such objects could be naturally produced in a phase transition in the early universe or in the decay of superconducting cosmic strings.
Physical Activity in Latino Men and Women Facilitators, Barriers, and Interventions

Latinos report less leisure time physical activity (PA) than non–Latino Whites and suffer disproportionately from diseases related to sedentary lifestyle, yet remain underserved and understudied. Gaining a better understanding of PA behavior in Latinos is critical to intervene on this significant public health issue. This article discusses the growing literature on the facilitators and barriers of PA in Latino men and women and reviews recent interventions to promote activity. Apart from acculturation influences, facilitators of PA in Latinos are similar to those of non–Latino Whites, with most research focusing on self-efficacy and social support. Barriers for Latinas, however, are more culturally distinct, such as a focus on caregiving and cultural standards for body shape. Barriers unique to Latino men largely have not been studied. Researchers have adopted a variety of approaches to increase PA, including using promotores and incorporating culturally appropriate activities, and have had mixed success....
Conservation, Discrimination, and Salvation: Investors’ Social Concerns in the Stock Market

Stocks appear to have investor clienteles based on their business practices and products. The variety in expressive benefits each individual receives from owning controversial stocks causes them to modify their portfolio to accommodate their beliefs. We examine the ownership of firms with social concerns and sin stocks (tobacco, alcohol and gambling). Women tilt their portfolios towards stocks with progressive labor policies for women and minorities. Younger investors avoid companies with poor environmental records but seek companies with progressive labor policies. Democratic voters favor stocks with progressive policies regarding women/minorities and gays/lesbians and are less likely to own sin stocks. Christian objections to homosexuality lead their members to invest less in stocks with progressive labor policies for gays and lesbians. The Christian denominations vary, though, in regard to sin stocks. Catholics are more likely while Mormons are less likely to own a sin stock relative to other investors. Socially responsible investors are clearly not all alike. Social characteristics that are important to one investor may not be important to another socially conscious investor.
Out-of-plane (e, 2e) experiments on helium L=0, 1, 2 autoionizing levels.

Out-of-plane ($e$, $2e$) measurements are reported for the helium autoionizing levels $(2{s}^{2})^{1}S$, $(2{p}^{2})^{1}D$, $(2s2p)^{1}P$, and for direct ionization. While the recoil peak almost vanishes in the angular distribution for direct ionization, it remains significant for the autoionizing levels and exhibits a characteristic shape for each orbital angular momentum $L=0$, 1, 2. A second-order model in the projectile-target interaction correctly reproduces the observed magnitudes of the recoil peaks, but is a factor of 2 too large in the central out-of-plane region.
Production of different non-thermal electron groups in small solar flares.

Using the measurements of impulsive solar X-rays made with the OGO-5 satellite to identify the flash phase electron acceleration in solar flares of Hα-importance ≲ 1, the satellite and ground based observations are analyzed to study the origin of the different groups of non-thermal electrons responsible for the impulsive X-ray, impulsive microwave, type III radio and interplanetary electron emission.
Contrast enhancement of mail piece images

A New approach to contrast enhancement of mail piece images is presented. The contrast enhancement is used as a preprocessing step in the real-time address block location (RT-ABL) system. The RT-ABL system processes a stream of mail piece images and locates destination address blocks. Most of the mail pieces (classified into letters) show high contrast between background and foreground. As an extreme case, however, the seasonal greeting cards usually use colored envelopes which results in reduced contrast osured by an error rate by using a linear distributed associative memory (DAM). The DAM is trained to recognize the spectra of three classes of images: with high, medium, and low OCR error rates. The DAM is not forced to make a classification every time. It is allowed to reject as unknown a spectrum presented that does not closely resemble any that has been stored in the DAM. The DAM was fairly accurate with noisy images but conservative (i.e., rejected several text images as unknowns) when there was little ground and foreground degradations without affecting the nondegraded images. This approach provides local enhancement which adapts to local features. In order to simplify the computation of A and (sigma) , dynamic programming technique is used. Implementation details, performance, and the results on test images are presented in this paper.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Applications of fuzzy languages and pictorial databases to decision support systems design

The pioneering work of D. T. Lee in developing an approach with major emphasis on database development has had a profound influence on the recent development of decision support systems, as well as on office information systems, database systems, and database machines. This database development approach is a new and powerful approach to decision support systems design methodologies.In this paper the concepts of fuzzy languages and pictorial databases are applied to decision support systems design methodologies. First, fuzzy languages, fuzzy grammars, the classification of fuzzy grammars, derivation chain, degree of acceptance, and equivalence are defined. Operations like intersection, concatenation, Kleene closure, complement, and cardinality are also defined. Second, algebraic representation of the production system is presented and illustrated by examples. The difference between null string and the empty set of string is illustrated. Third, decision support systems involving geometric figures, chromosome images or leukocyte images are presented as illustrative examples.In similarity retrieval from a pictorial database, very often it is desired to find pictures (or feature vectors, histograms, etc.) that are most similar to or most dissimilar to a test picture (or feature vector). Using similarity measures, one can not only store similar pictures logically or physically close to each other to improve retrieval or updating efficiency, one can also use such similarity measures to answer fuzzy queries involving nonexact retrieval conditions.The applications of fuzzy languages and pictorial databases to decision support systems design methodologies offer what appears to be a fertile field for further study. The underlying ideas are interesting and easy for practical application. The results have useful applications in decision support systems, pattern recognition, pictorial information systems, and artificial intelligence.
Supernova fallback: A possible site for the r-process

The conditions for the leading r-process site candidate, neutrino-driven winds, cannot be reproduced self-consistently in current supernova models. For that reason, we investigate an alternate model involving the mass ejected by fallback in a supernova explosion, through hydrodynamic and nucleosynthesis calculations. The nucleosynthetic products of this ejected material produce r-process elements, including those in the vicinity of the elusive third peak at mass number 195. Trans-iron element production beyond the second peak is made possible by a rapid (<1 ms) freezeout of α-particles that leaves behind a large nucleon (including protons!) to r-process seed ratio. This rapid phase is followed by a relatively long (15 ms) simmering phase at ~2 × 109 K, which is the thermodynamic consequence of the hydrodynamic trajectory of the turbulent flows in the fallback outburst. During the slow phase, high-mass elements beyond the second peak are first made through rapid capture of both protons and neutrons. The flow stays close to the valley of stability during this phase. After freezeout of protons the remaining neutrons cause a shift out to short-lived isotopes, as is typical for the r-process. A low electron fraction is not required in this model; however, the detailed final distribution is sensitive to the electron fraction. Our simulations suggest that supernova fallback is a viable alternative scenario for the r-process.
An interacting geometry model and induced gravity

We propose the theory of quantum gravity with interactions introduced by topological principle. The fundamental property of such a theory is that its energy-momentum tensor is a BRST anticommutator. Physical states are elements of the BRST cohomology group. The model with only topological excitations, introduced recently by Witten, is discussed from the point of view of the induced gravity program. We find that the mass scale is induced dynamically by gravitational instantons. The low-energy effective theory has gravitons, which occur as the collective excitations of geometry, when the metric becomes dynamical. Applications of cobordism theory to quantum gravity are discussed.
Computer applications in political science

To some, "political science" is a contradiction in terms. They regard politics as an art which defies systematic study and, hence, offers no basis for a "science." Others contend, as I do, that human behavior is subject to systematic study, explanation, and prediction---and this includes man's political behavior. While the attitude of the professional student of politics toward this issue may still reveal his attitude toward the computer as a useful or even "legitimate" tool in his research, the argument over the "behavioral approach" in political science is fast becoming irrelevant to computer applications in political research. Not only is the computer becoming a "conventional" research tool in patently humanistic studies like literature, music, and art, but it is also winning favor as a useful aid to hard-nosed professional politicians---witness the conference held in Chicago last spring on data processing for Republican party workers.
A new methylenecyclopropene synthesis and the isolation of a novel methylenecyclopropene dimer

Abstract The elimination of trimethylsilylbromide from either cis or trans -1-methylene-2-bromo-3-trimethylsilylcyclopropane over solid cesium fluoride using the vacuum gas-solid reaction procedure yields methylenecyclopropene.
Quasi-invariant measures on the path space of a diffusion

Abstract The author has previously constructed a class of admissible vector fields on the path space of an elliptic diffusion process x taking values in a closed compact manifold. In this Note the existence of flows for this class of vector fields is established and it is shown that the law of x is quasi-invariant under these flows. To cite this article: D. Bell, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 343 (2006).
Introduction of angular methyl groups via radical cyclization

Abstract Cyclization of radicals formed on chains temporarily tethered to allylic hydroxyl groups in polycyclic systems can be used for the regio-and stereospecific introduction of “angular” methyl groups. As a corollary, the method establishes the stereochemistry of the relevant ring junction.
COUPLING BETWEEN 2‐D ELECTRONS IN QUANTUM WELLS AND 3‐D PHONONS

The proper treatment of the electron‐phonon coupling between electrons confined to two dimensions (2‐D) by phonons traveling freely in three dimensions (3‐D) requires special care because phonon heating produces a bottleneck in the rate of transfer of energy from the carriers to the phonons. Because the carriers interact with phonons primarily when the latter are close to the quantum well, the latter should be described, not by plane waves, but by packets adapted to the shape of the carrier confinement. A quasi‐equilibrium technique that retains off‐diagonal elements in the phonon wave‐vector permits an unrestricted treatment of the density operator equation. That in turn leads to a choice of wave packet that comes from solving the integrodifferential equations rather than by imposition. Moreover, if the carrier distribution is assumed in quasi‐equilibrium with a given drift and temperature, the coupled partial differential equations are reduced to coupled ordinary differential equations that can be solved with modest computer power. Comparison with experimental results for steady flow of energy from carriers to phonons, and for time‐dependent relaxation yields quantitative agreement.
A fast Fourier transform technique for pricing American options under stochastic volatility

This paper develops a non-finite-difference-based method of American option pricing under stochastic volatility by extending the Geske-Johnson compound option scheme. The characteristic function of the underlying state vector is inverted to obtain the vector’s density using a kernel-smoothed fast Fourier transform technique. The method produces option values that are closely in line with the values obtained by finite-difference schemes. It also performs well in an empirical application with traded S&P 100 index options. The method is especially well suited to price a set of options with different strikes on the same underlying asset, which is a task often encountered by practitioners.
1H NMR spectra of coals of various rank, obtained by the CRAMPS technique

Abstract 1 H NMR spectra were obtained of ten U.S. coals of various rank, ranging from a lignite to an anthracite. The CRAMPS technique was employed to average the line broadening effects of 1 H- 1 H dipolar interactions and 1 H chemical shift anisotropy. The spectra consist primarily of two partially resolved peaks, one identified with protons attached to aromatic rings and the other with protons attached to sp 3 carbons. A quantitative analysis of the spectra by simple deconvolution into two (or more) components is at the present time precluded by the difficulty of reproducing experimentally the exact shapes of the 1 H CRAMPS resonance patterns in coals.
The very low energy solar flux of electron and heavy-flavor neutrinos and antineutrinos

Abstract We calculate the thermal flux of low-energy solar neutrinos and antineutrinos of all flavors arising from a variety of neutrino pair processes: Compton production (including plasmon-pole diagrams), neutral current decay of thermally populated nuclear states, plasmon decay, and electron transitions from free to atomic bound states. The resulting flux density per flavor is significant (10 8 –10 9 /cm 2 /sec/MeV) below ∼ 5 keV, and the distributions fill much of the valley between the high-energy edge of the cosmic background neutrino spectrum and the low energy tails of the pp-chain electron neutrino and terrestrial electron antineutrino spectra. Thermal neutrinos carry information on the solar core temperature distribution and on heavy flavor neutrino masses for m ν μ or m ν τ ≳ 1 keV. The detection of these neutrinos is a daunting but interesting challenge.
Optimal Phase Transitions in Compressed Sensing

Compressed sensing deals with efficient recovery of analog signals from linear encodings. This paper presents a statistical study of compressed sensing by modeling the input signal as an i.i.d. process with known distribution. Three classes of encoders are considered, namely optimal nonlinear, optimal linear, and random linear encoders. Focusing on optimal decoders, we investigate the fundamental tradeoff between measurement rate and reconstruction fidelity gauged by error probability and noise sensitivity in the absence and presence of measurement noise, respectively. The optimal phase-transition threshold is determined as a functional of the input distribution and compared to suboptimal thresholds achieved by popular reconstruction algorithms. In particular, we show that Gaussian sensing matrices incur no penalty on the phase-transition threshold with respect to optimal nonlinear encoding. Our results also provide a rigorous justification of previous results based on replica heuristics in the weak-noise regime.
Type Ia Supernova Explosion: Gravitationally Confined Detonation

We present a new mechanism for Type Ia supernova explosions in massive white dwarfs. The scenario follows from relaxing assumptions of symmetry and involves a detonation born near the stellar surface. The explosion begins with an essentially central ignition of a deflagration that results in the formation of a buoyancy-driven bubble of hot material that reaches the stellar surface at supersonic speeds. The bubble breakout laterally accelerates fuel-rich outer stellar layers. This material, confined by gravity to the white dwarf, races along the stellar surface and is focused at the location opposite to the point of the bubble breakout. These streams of nuclear fuel carry enough mass and energy to trigger a detonation just above the stellar surface that will incinerate the white dwarf and result in an energetic explosion. The stellar expansion following the deflagration redistributes mass in a way that ensures production of intermediate-mass and iron group elements with ejecta having a strongly layered structure and a mild amount of asymmetry following from the early deflagration phase. This asymmetry, combined with the amount of stellar expansion determined by details of the evolution (principally the energetics of deflagration, timing of detonation, and structure of the progenitor), can be expected to create a family of mildly diverse Type Ia supernova explosions.
Axionic hot dark matter in the hadronic axion window

Mixed dark matter scenario can reconcile the COBE data and the observed large scale structure. So far the massive neutrino with a mass of a few eV has been the only discussed candidate for the hot dark matter component. We point out that the hadronic axion in the so-called hadronic axion window, fa ∼ 10 6 GeV, is a perfect candidate as hot dark matter within the mixed dark matter scenario. The current limits on the hadronic axion are summarized. The most promising methods to verify the hadronic axion in this window are the resonant absorption of almostmonochromatic solar axions from M1 transition of the thermally excited 57 Fe in the Sun, and the observation of the “axion burst” in water y Cerenkov detectors from
KNOTS WITH UNIQUE MINIMAL GENUS SEIFERT SURFACE AND DEPTH OF KNOTS

We describe a procedure for creating infinite families of hyperbolic knots, each having unique minimal genus Seifert surface which cannot be the sole compact leaf of a depth one foliation.
Principals’ Sensemaking of Coaching for Ambitious Reading Instruction in a High-Stakes Accountability Policy Environment

In the present exploratory qualitative study we examine the contextual factors that influenced the implementation of a multi-year comprehensive literacy-coaching program (Content-Focused Coaching, CFC). We argue that principals’ sensemaking of the dialogic instructional strategies promoted by the program in light of high-stakes accountability policies influenced coaches’ work with teachers. Principals’ views of the efficacy of the teaching strategies promoted by CFC for meeting accountability targets influenced how principals socially positioned coaches in schools (i.e., the degree to which they promoted coaches as sources of expertise to teachers), and the extent to which the coaching received by teachers focused on implementing dialogic teaching practices. Our results also suggest that principals’ sensemaking of the program was for the most part consistent across years, even in the face of shifting accountability status and changes in district leadership. Implications of our findings for improving the implementation of coaching programs are discussed.
Automated test and evaluation center for waveform digitizer systems and components

The author discusses instrumentation development efforts in which it is necessary to evaluate the performance of waveform digitizing systems with sampling rates from a few kilohertz to more than a gigahertz. The goal has been to develop an integrated system which can provide quantitative results on the performance of systems and subsystems. The author describes a system which is controlled by a Microvax II with instrumentation control through the IEEE-488 bus. The evaluation procedure is delineated in reference to a trial waveform digitizer standard generated by the Waveform Measurements and Analysis Committee appointed by the IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society. Special emphasis is placed on the accurate measurement of effective-bit performance and differential nonlinearity. >
Mirror extensions of local nets

In this paper we prove a general theorem on the extensions of local nets which was inspired by recent examples of exotic extensions for Virasoro nets with central charge less than one and earlier work on cosets and conformal inclusions. When applying the theorem to conformal inclusions and diagonal inclusions, we obtain infinite series of new examples of completely rational nets.
MINIMUM WAGES AND TIPPED SERVERS

Tips allow restaurants to pay servers lower wages. As more servers are hired, each serves fewer meals and earns less in tips. As a result, restaurants must pay a higher wage. This gives them monopsony power over wages. Over some range, a higher minimum wage should increase employment. Empirically, we found the full “reverse C” monopsony pattern of employment for restaurants, with employment first going up and then down as the minimum wage is increased.
What can we learn from the shape of a correlation peak for position estimation

Matched filtering is a robust technique to identify and locate objects in the presence of noise. Traditionally, the amplitude of the correlation peak is used for detection of a match. However, when distinguishing objects that are not significantly different or detecting objects under high noise imaging conditions, the normalized peak amplitude alone may not provide sufficient discrimination. In this paper, we demonstrate that measurements derived from the shape of the correlation peak offer not only higher levels of discrimination but also accurate position estimation. To our knowledge, this is the first time such features have been used in a real-time system, like the National Ignition Facility, where such techniques enable real-time, accurate position estimation and alignment under challenging imaging conditions. It is envisioned that systems utilizing matched filtering will greatly benefit from incorporating additional shape based information.