cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Use of meanders and train tracks for description of defects and textures in liquid crystals and 2 + 1 gravity

Abstract In this work the qualitative analysis of statics and dynamics of defects and textures in liquid crystals is performed with help of meanders and train tracks. It is argued that similar analysis can be applied to 2 + 1 gravity. More rigorous mathematical justifications are presented in the companion paper (Part II) on quadratic differentials and measured foliations. Meanders were recently introduced by Arnold (Siberian J. Math. 29 (1988) 36) and are used originally in the combinatorial problem of finding the number of distinct ways given curve can intersect another curve in prescribed number of points fixed along this auxiliary curve. Train tracks were introduced by Thurston (Geometry and Topology of three-Manifolds, Princeton U. Lecture Notes, 1979) in connection with the description of homeomorphisms of two-dimensional surfaces. Train tracks alone are sufficient for the description of statics and dynamics of liquid crystals and gravity. Using train tracks the master equation is obtained which could be used alternatively to the Wheeler-DeWitt equation for 2 + 1 gravity. Since solution of this equation is possible but requires large scale numerical work, in this paper we resort to the approximation of train tracks by the meanditic labyrinths. This then allows us to analyze possible phases (and phase transitions) of gravity and liquid crystals using Peierls-like arguments.
A Tale of Two Visions: Harland Bartholomew, Robert Moses, and the Development of the American Freeway:

For sixty years, engineers and planners have debated the freeway’s role in the city. Engineers have tended to view freeways strictly in traffic service terms. Planners, on the other hand, have long viewed freeways not only as a means of facilitating automobile transportation but also as a tool for reshaping the city. This article uses the plans of Harland Bartholomew and Robert Moses to illustrate these competing visions of the freeway and to assess the implications of these visions on the development of the freeway and its long-term influence on our cities. The traffic-service vision of the engineers emerged victorious through the creation of the interstate highway system, but this victory has carried with it a high price for many American cities.
Synthesis and Therapeutic Testing of Mono- and Dialkyl Esters of Pentetic (Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic) Acid for Decorporation of Polymeric Plutonium

The synthesis, characterization, and therapeutic evaluation of a series of partially esterified derivatives of pentetic (diethylenetriaminepentaacetic) acid are reported. These compounds were prepared in an attempt to promote increased decorporation of insoluble colloidal forms of plutonium, which are not removed by pentetic acid alone. The dimethyl, diethyl, dibutyl, dioctyl, and monoethyl esters were synthesized by reaction of the appropriate alcohol with the dianhydride of pentetic acid. These esters were injected intravenously into mice as their calcium chelates in saline. None of the esters was effective in removing plutonium from the liver. All esters removed approximately 20% of the plutonium in the skeleton. However, when the esters were given together with pentetic acid, only the dioctyl ester showed enhanced removal of plutonium compared to pentetic acid alone. The small increase in effectiveness and the increased acute toxicity make these esters of limited practical interest in plutonium decorporation therapy.
Traumatic brain injury and its neurobehavioral sequelae

The neurobehavioral sequelae of TBI consist of a spectrum of somatic, neurologic, and psychiatric symptoms. The challenge for clinicians lies in understanding the interface of the various symptoms and how they interrelate with other entities. Specifically, the challenge is differentiating post-TBI-related symptoms from preexisting or de novo psychiatric, neurologic, and/or systemic disorders. A comprehensive evaluation and a multidisciplinary approach to evaluating patients are essential to be able to develop the differential diagnosis needed to design a management plan that maximizes recovery.
Stone-wales defects in single-walled boron nitride nanotubes: Formation energies, electronic structures, and reactivity

The geometries, formation energies, electronic properties, and reactivities of Stone−Wales (SW) defects in single-walled (8,0) boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) were investigated by means of gradient-corrected density functional theory (DFT) computations. SW defects deform BNNTs severely and result in local curvature changes at defect sites. The energies of defect formation increase with increasing tube diameters and are orientation dependent. Depending on the SW defect orientations, additions to central 7-7 ring fusions can be either more or less favorable than to defect-free sites. The reaction energies of model H2 addition are mostly endothermic for defective as well as pristine BNNTs, but reactions at the most favorable sites near SW defect (homoelement N−N bonds followed by the B−B bond sites) are exothermic. This and the fact that the band structures of BNNTs are only slightly changed by SW and vacancy defects as well as by chemical additions at low modification ratios endow BNNTs with great applicati...
On the Dovbysh-Sudakov representation result

We present a detailed proof of the Dovbysh-Sudakov representation for symmetric positive definite weakly exchangeable infinite random arrays, called Gram-de Finetti matrices, which is based on the representation result of Aldous and Hoover for arbitrary (not necessarily positive definite) symmetric weakly exchangeable arrays.
Marketing pharmaceuticals: a constitutional right to sell prescriber-identified data?

PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES HAVE STRONG ECOnomic interests in influencing physician prescribing behaviors. They advertise directly to consumers and to physicians. Beyond general marketing, manufacturers promote their drugs to physicians through “detailing”—sales representatives (“detailers”) visiting medical offices to persuade physicians to prescribe their products. By law, pharmacies receive specific information with every prescription, including the physician’s name, the drug, and the dosage. Pharmacies sell these records to prescription drug intermediaries (data miners), who use advanced computing to analyze prescriber-identified information (which physicians prescribe what drugs, in what dosages, and with what prescribing patterns). Data miners, in turn, lease sophisticated reports to pharmaceutical companies to refine detailers’ marketing tactics, armed with knowledge about physician prescribing practices—for example, who are high or low prescribers and early or late adopters of new drugs. Detailing raises vital health policy questions, including its effects on clinical decision making (safety, quality, and cost) and the patient-physician relationship (privacy and professionalism). Yet private companies claim a First Amendment right to buy and use prescribing data for product marketing. The tensions between privacy and commercial speech have deep implications for public health regulation.
Three-dimensional nonlinear analysis of the Cherenkov Maser

Abstract The nonlinear evolution of the Cherenkov Maser amplifier is investigated numerically for a configuration which consists of an energetic electron beam propagating through a dielectric-lined cylindrical waveguide. An axial guide magnetic field is included in the formulation in order to improve beam confinement. A set of coupled nonlinear differential equations is derived in three dimensions which governs the evolution of both the electromagnetic field and the trajectories of an ensemble of electrons. The system is assumed to be azimuthally symmetric, and the electromagnetic field is represented as a superposition of the TM 0 n modes of the vacuum waveguide. The initial conditions are chosen to model the simultaneous injection of the electron beam, which may have either a solid or annular cross section, and an electromagnetic wave of arbitrary input power. In order to simplify the analysis, thermal effects are treated under the assumption that the beam is initially monoenergetic but exhibits a pitch-abgle spread. Although the beam is initially monoenergetic, the subsequent evolution of the beam is treated in a self-consistent manner. The specific parameters used in the numerical solution of the coupled wave-particle equations correspond to experiments conducted at Dartmouth College, NH, USA, and good agreement is found between the results of the simulation and the experimental observations.
Gauge zero modes, instanton determinants, and quantum-chromodynamic calculations

A treatment of the gauge zero modes about an instanton in a singular gauge places them on the same footing as all other zero modes and simplifies the calculation of the collective-coordinate part of the instanton determinant. This determinant is calculated first for the gauge group SU(3) and then for general $\mathrm{SU}(N)$. The answers differ from previously published results: For SU(3), the reason for this difference is trivial [the inclusion of certain factors of $\frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}$ whose absence from 't Hooft's original SU(2) calculation was recently discovered] but the effects on quantum-chromodynamic calculations may be important; for large $N$, the reasons are more involved, but the usual conclusion that instantons are absent in the planar limit is unaffected.
Intercepting the Breslow Intermediate via Claisen Rearrangement: Synthesis of Complex Tertiary Alcohols without Organometallic Reagents

A novel Claisen rearrangement in which the Breslow intermediate is engaged as a hydroxy-substituted N,S-ketene acetal to provide complex 3° alcohols without the use of organometallic reagents is reported. The reaction constitutes an unprecedented reactivity mode for the Breslow intermediate.
Optimal estuary aeration: An application of distributed parameter control theory

The use of artificial induced aeration has been suggested as a means for improving water quality. The task of controlling the aeration input rate to obtain maximum improvement with least cost is addressed as an optimization problem of a distributed parameter control system. A partial differential equation model for the dissolved oxygen balance in streams and estuaries is given, and a criterion functional is proposed in which the control can be found as the solution of an optimization problem in a Hilbert space. An analytic solution for the optimal feedback control of a stream aeration system is found, and a numerical algorithm for the estuary case is applied to an example using historical data from the Delaware estuary. The sensitivity of the control to system and input variations is discussed, and the dollar cost for the example is compared with costs for other suboptimal control schemes.
A Compact, Continuous Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerator with High Heat Sink Temperature

Abstract In the continuous adiabatic demagnetization refrigerator (ADR), the existence of a constant temperature stage attached to the load breaks the link between the requirements of the load (usually a detector array) and the operation of the ADR. This allows the ADR to be cycled much faster, which yields more than an order of magnitude improvement in cooling power density over single-shot ADRs. Recent effort has focused on developing compact, efficient higher temperature stages. An important part of this work has been the development of passive gas-gap heat switches that transition (from conductive to insulating) at temperatures around 1 and 4 K without the use of an actively heated getter. We have found that by carefully adjusting available surface area and the number of 3 He monolayers, gas-gap switches can be made to operate passively. Passive operation greatly reduces switching time and eliminates an important parasitic heat load. The current four stage ADR provides 6 μW of cooling at 50 mK (21 μW at 100 mK) and weighs less than 8 kg. It operates from a 4.2 K heat sink, which can be provided by an unpumped He bath or many commercially available mechanical cryocoolers. Reduction in critical current with temperature in our fourth stage NbTi magnet presently limits the maximum temperature of our system to ∼5 K. We are developing compact, low-current Nb 3 Sn magnets that will raise the maximum heat sink temperature to over 10 K.
Free-electron laser research at the University of California, Santa Barbara

A review of free-electron laser research at UCSB is presented here. Among the topics included are 1) the development of high-quality electron beam sources based on electrostatic accelerating fields, 2) the analysis of present FEL operating characteristics, 3) the development of advanced FEL concepts, and 5) the utilization of the UCSB FEL in scientific research.
A Theory of Voting in Large Elections

This paper provides a game-theoretic model of probabilistic voting and then examines the incentives faced by candidates in a spatial model of elections. In our model, voters' strategies form a Quantal Response Equilibrium (QRE), which merges strategic voting and probabilistic behavior. We first show that a QRE in the voting game exists for all elections with a finite number of candidates, and then proceed to show that, with enough voters and the addition of a regularity condition on voters' utilities, a Nash equilibrium profile of platforms exists when candidates seek to maximize their expected margin of victory. This equilibrium (1) consists of all candidates converging to the policy that maximizes the expected sum of voters' utilities, (2) exists even when voters can abstain, and (3) is unique when there are only 2 candidates.
The Impact of Trust‐Preferred Issuance on Bank Default Risk and Cash Flow: Evidence from the Debt and Equity Securities Markets

Trust-preferred stock is a debt-equity hybrid that offers the tax deductibility of dividends but is treated as equity capital by bank regulators and rating agencies. The purpose of this paper is to examine whether holders of bank debt securities benefit from trust-preferred issuance in the form of lower default premia and whether bank shareholders benefit from the tax deductibility of trust-preferred dividends. Using daily returns surrounding the Federal Reserve's announcement that trust-preferred securities would be included as a component of commercial banks' Tier I equity capital, we find evidence to support both hypotheses.
Dihydrodiols of dibenz(a,c)anthracene

Abstract An unequivocal synthesis of dihydrodiols of the mutagenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, dibenz(a,c)anthracene is described
On the correlation of shifted values of the Riemann zeta function

In 2007, assuming the Riemann Hypothesis (RH), Soundararajan \cite{Moment} proved that $\int_{0}^T |\zeta(1/2 + it)|^{2k} dt \ll_{k, \epsilon} T(\log T)^{k^2 + \epsilon}$ for every $k$ positive real number and every $\epsilon > 0.$ In this paper we generalized his methods to find upper bounds for shifted moments. We also obtained their lower bounds and conjectured asymptotic formulas based on Random matrix model, which is analogous to Keating and Snaith's work. These upper and lower bounds suggest that the correlation of $|\zeta(\h + it + i\alpha_1)|$ and $|\zeta(\h + it + i\alpha_2)|$ transition at $|\alpha_1 - \alpha_2| \approx \frac{1}{\log T}$. In particular these distribution appear independent when $|\alpha_1 - \alpha_2|$ is much larger than $\frac{1}{\log T}.$
Adaptive lapped transform-based image and video coding

We propose a design framework for perfectly reconstructed time-varying linear-phase paraunitary filter bands using a novel adaptive lapped transform (ALT). The ALT is based on the Generalized Lapped Orthogonal Transform (GenLOT) proposed by Queiroz. A time-varying filter bank is constructed through the factorization of the GenLOT into cascaded matrix stages. Variable length lapped transforms are subsequently generated by cascading a number of these matrix stages to build specific length filters. Several constraints on the design ensure perfect reconstruction and a fast implementation. An embedded ALT images codec is presented and the application of the ALT to the H.263 video coding standard is discussed. Preliminary results show that the ALT-based embedded image codec has a 1.61-2.35 and a 2.37-4.04 dB increase in peak signal-to-noise ratios (PSNR) compared to the JPEG image coding standard for the Lenna and Barbara test images, respectively.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
The enzymatic baeyer-villiger oxidation: A study of 4-substituted cyclohexanones

Abstract A study of the enzymatic Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of a number of 4-substituted cyclohexanones utilizing the enzyme cyclohexanone oxygenase (E.C.1.14.13.-), isolated from the bacteria Acinetobacter NCIB 9871, is described.
SPDC correlated photon source filtered for narrowed bandwidth using volume Bragg grating

A Volume Bragg Grating (VBG) can be used to efficiently extract a narrow bandwidth, highly collimated beam from an otherwise broad spectrum beam. We use a VBG to extract a narrow bandwidth of signal spectrum from a broadband Spontaneous Parametric Down-Conversion source to optimally match the narrow detection bandwidth of our idler upconversion detector. Improved coincidence count rates and visibility can be achieved when limiting signal-spectrum detection to the narrow signal bandwidth whose photons are correlated with a narrow idler-spectrum bandwidth that has been selected by the up-conversion detector. We compare coincidence count rate and visibility for when the entire signal spectrum is detected and when the spectrum has been filtered by the VBG. We further relax the collection techniques and show that following the VBG, the coincidence count rate improves with minimal loss in visibility compared to when the entire spectrum is detected. We introduce our initial efforts at using the VBG to further narrow the signal spectrum by placing it inside a multipass cavity. Additionally, we further adapt the single photon level up-conversion spectrometer, previously developed for idler spectrum measurement, to indirectly measure the single photon level signal spectrum. We verify its capability for several different wavelength and linewidth selections.
Physics prospects with the JLab 12-GeV upgrade

Abstract Increasing the beam energy of the CEBAF accelerator to 12 GeV will greatly expand the physics opportunities to explore the nature of strongly interacting matter. The primary thrusts of the experimental program will include the study of quark confinement and the direct exploration of the quark-gluon structure of hadrons and nuclei in the valence-quark region.
Status update and closed-loop performance of the Magellan adaptive optics VisAO camera

We present laboratory results of the closed-loop performance of the Magellan Adaptive Optics (AO) Adaptive Secondary Mirror (ASM), pyramid wavefront sensor (PWFS), and VisAO visible adaptive optics camera. The Magellan AO system is a 585-actuator low-emissivity high-throughput system scheduled for first light on the 6.5 meter Magellan Clay telescope in November 2012. Using a dichroic beamsplitter near the telescope focal plane, the AO system will be able to simultaneously perform visible (500-1000 nm) AO science with our VisAO camera and either 10 μm or 3-5 μm science using either the BLINC/MIRAC4 or CLIO cameras, respectively. The ASM, PWS, and VisAO camera have undergone final system tests in the solar test tower at the Arcetri Institute in Florence, Italy, reaching Strehls of 37% in i'-band with 400 modes and simulated turbulence of 14 cm ro at v-band. We present images and test results of the assembled VisAO system, which includes our prototype advanced Atmospheric Dispersion Corrector (ADC), prototype calcite Wollaston prisms for SDI imaging, and a suite of beamsplitters, filters, and other optics. Our advanced ADC performs in the lab as designed and is a 58% improvement over conventional ADC designs. We also present images and results of our unique Calibration Return Optic (CRO) test system and the ASM, which has successfully run in closedloop at 1kHz. The CRO test is a retro reflecting optical test that allows us to test the ASM off-sky in close-loop using an artificial star formed by a fiber source. © (2012) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Lumped modeling of carbon nanotubes for M/NEMS simulation

This paper presents a lumped model of a single walled carbon nanotube (CNT) using structural matrix mechanics. We implement the CNT model in Sugar and SugarCube to facilitate the design, modeling and simulation of combined micro and nano-scale systems. That is, where users can explore the application of CNTs as components of an electromechanical system. Our lumped CNT model is able to represent the dynamic response of a zigzag or armchair chirality, with the desired diameter, length, and distributed loading parameters. Our present dynamic CNT model is limited to small deflections and user-defined geometric properties. Our tools are accessible through the Web with remote computation at http://www.nanoHUB.org .
Partially Identifying Treatment Effects with an Application to Covering the Uninsured

We extend the nonparametric literature on partially identified probability distributions and use our analytical results to provide sharp bounds on the impact of universal health insurance on provider visits and medical expenditures. Our approach accounts for uncertainty about the reliability of self-reported insurance status as well as uncertainty created by unknown counterfactuals. We construct health insurance validation data using detailed information from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey. Imposing relatively weak nonparametric assumptions, we estimate that under universal coverage monthly per capita provider visits and expenditures would rise by less than 8 percent and 16 percent, respectively, across the nonelderly population.
The Role of Vitamin D in Cancer Prevention and Treatment

Considerable data described in the first part of this review suggest that there is a role for vitamin D in cancer therapy and prevention. Although the preclinical data are persuasive and the epidemiologic data intriguing, no well-designed clinical trial of optimal administration of vitamin D as a cancer therapy has ever been conducted. Had there been the opportunity and insight to develop calcitriol as any other cancer drug, the following studies would have been completed: Definition of the MTD Definition of a phase II dose, as a single agent and in combination with cytotoxic agents Studies to define a biologically optimal dose Phase II (probably randomized phase II) studies of calcitriol alone and chemotherapy ± calcitriol Then, randomized phase III trials would be conducted and designed such that the only variable was the administration of calcitriol. Prerequisites 1 to 5 have not been completed for calcitriol. Preclinical data provide considerable rationale for continued development of vitamin D analogue-based cancer therapies. However, design of future studies should be informed by good clinical trials design principles and the mistakes of the past not repeated. Such studies may finally provide compelling data to prove whether or not there is a role for vitamin D analogues in cancer therapy.
On the non-balanced property of the category of crossed modules in groups

Abstract An algebraic category C is called balanced if the cotriple cohomology of any object of C vanishes in positive dimensions on injective coefficient modules. Important examples of balanced and of non-balanced categories occur in the literature. In this paper we prove that the category of crossed modules in groups is non-balanced.
Cross-Validation for Nonlinear Mixed Effects Models

Cross-validation is frequently used for model selection in a variety of applications. However, it is difficult to apply cross-validation to mixed effects models (including nonlinear mixed effects models or NLME models) due to the fact that cross-validation requires “out-of-sample” predictions of the outcome variable, which cannot be easily calculated when random effects are present. We describe two novel variants of cross-validation that can be applied to NLME models. One variant, where out-of-sample predictions are based on post hoc estimates of the random effects, can be used to select the overall structural model. Another variant, where cross-validation seeks to minimize the estimated random effects rather than the estimated residuals, can be used to select covariates to include in the model. We show that these methods produce accurate results in a variety of simulated data sets and apply them to two publicly available population pharmacokinetic data sets.
Enterprises as systems: Essential challenges and approaches to transformation

The nature of enterprises as systems is considered. This exploration begins with discussion of the work of enterprises, with emphasis on challenges rather than routine operations. This reflects a desire to support enterprises as they address essential challenges. Situations where enterprise transformation is needed to successfully deal with challenges are then discussed. The nature of enterprise transformation is discussed in terms of ends, means, and scope, as well as perspectives, approaches, and solutions. This leads to elaboration of a portfolio of important research issues that suggests a wealth of potential means for supporting people in enterprises to accomplish the work of these enterprises. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 8: 138–150, 2005
A Model-Based Analysis of GC-Biased Gene Conversion in the Human and Chimpanzee Genomes

GC-biased gene conversion (gBGC) is a recombination-associated process that favors the fixation of G/C alleles over A/T alleles. In mammals, gBGC is hypothesized to contribute to variation in GC content, rapidly evolving sequences, and the fixation of deleterious mutations, but its prevalence and general functional consequences remain poorly understood. gBGC is difficult to incorporate into models of molecular evolution and so far has primarily been studied using summary statistics from genomic comparisons. Here, we introduce a new probabilistic model that captures the joint effects of natural selection and gBGC on nucleotide substitution patterns, while allowing for correlations along the genome in these effects. We implemented our model in a computer program, called phastBias, that can accurately detect gBGC tracts about 1 kilobase or longer in simulated sequence alignments. When applied to real primate genome sequences, phastBias predicts gBGC tracts that cover roughly 0.3% of the human and chimpanzee genomes and account for 1.2% of human-chimpanzee nucleotide differences. These tracts fall in clusters, particularly in subtelomeric regions; they are enriched for recombination hotspots and fast-evolving sequences; and they display an ongoing fixation preference for G and C alleles. They are also significantly enriched for disease-associated polymorphisms, suggesting that they contribute to the fixation of deleterious alleles. The gBGC tracts provide a unique window into historical recombination processes along the human and chimpanzee lineages. They supply additional evidence of long-term conservation of megabase-scale recombination rates accompanied by rapid turnover of hotspots. Together, these findings shed new light on the evolutionary, functional, and disease implications of gBGC. The phastBias program and our predicted tracts are freely available.
Groupoids and C * -algebras for categories of paths

In this paper we describe a new method of defining C*-algebras from oriented combinatorial data, thereby generalizing the constructions of algebras from directed graphs, higher-rank graphs, and ordered groups. We show that only the most elementary notions of concatenation and cancellation of paths are required to define versions of Cuntz-Krieger and Toeplitz-Cuntz-Krieger algebras, and the presentation by generators and relations follows naturally. We give sufficient conditions for the existence of an AF core, hence of the nuclearity of the C*-algebras, and for aperiodicity, which is used to prove the standard uniqueness theorems.
Local stem cell depletion model for radiation myelitis

We propose a mathematical model with the potential capability of predicting the probability of cure and of normal tissue damage in a cancer patient treated with radiation. The basic assumption of the model is that complications occur when small volumes of tissue are totally depleted of the stem cells that are necessary for the repair of radiation damage. We apply this model to the specific problem of radiation injury to the spinal cord (radiation myelitis) and derive a relation between the probability of this complication and the survival probability of individual stem cells. We will perform computer calculations of the complication probability as a function of the dose, fraction size and other parameters of the model and show that good agreement with experimental animal data for this complication can be obtained. Our main objective is to develop mathematical models that would predict the dependence of the probability of cure and of complications on the parameters of the radiation therapy treatment. Such models, together with modern computerized treatment planning techniques could aid the radiotherapist in choosing the optimum treatment strategy. Our approach is a generalization of the model of Munro and Gilbert (Munro, 1961) relating the probability of tumor control to the survival probability of individual tumor cells. We assume that complications arise from the local depletion of clonogenic stem cells and are thus able to relate the complication probability directly to the cell survival probability.
Observation of Transparency of Erbium-doped Silicon nitride in photonic crystal nanobeam cavities

One dimensional nanobeam photonic crystal cavities are fabricated in an Er-doped amorphous silicon nitride layer. Photoluminescence from the cavities around 1.54 µm is studied at cryogenic and room temperatures at different optical pump powers. The resonators demonstrate Purcell enhanced absorption and emission rates, also confirmed by time resolved measurements. Resonances exhibit linewidth narrowing with pump power, signifying absorption bleaching and the onset of stimulated emission in the material at both 5.5 K and room temperature. We estimate from the cavity linewidths that Er has been pumped to transparency at the cavity resonance wavelength.
Application of the Embedded Atom Method to Pb and Be

We have derived the embedding energy functional and two-body potential of the embedded atom method using decreasing exponentials for both the electron density and the two body potential. The embedding function was obtained from the equation of state given by Rose et al. (1984). Because of the form of the embedding function, the equilibrium lattice constant, cohesive energy, and bulk modulus are automatically satisfied. The two parameters phi(e) and gamma of the two-body potential were determined by fitting to shear modulus and the single vacancy formation energy. Contributions of up to the third nearest neighbors were included in the evaluation of the charge density rho and the two-body potential phi. The stability and anisotropy of each structure were estimated and compared with the available experimental data.
The effect of the timing and spacing of births on the level of labor market involvement of married women

We analyze the effect of the timing and spacing of births on the labor supply of married women in a framework that accounts for the endogeneity of the labor market and fertility decisions, for the heterogeneity of the effects of children on labor supply and their correlation with the fertility decisions, and for the correlation of sequential labor market decisions. Delaying the first birth leads to higher pre-natal levels of labor market involvement and reduces the negative effect of the first child on labor supply. The effect of the second child increases with the spacing of the two births as women, returning to work after the first birth, finance child care time increasingly through reductions in market time. Individual heterogeneity is considerable; women with lower propensity for children have the first birth later in life and space subsequent births more closely together, work more before the birth of the first child, but face larger effects of children on their labor supply.
Orbital Debris Detection: Techniques and Issues

The primary data sources for analyses of the measured artificial Earth satellite population are the U.S. Space Command's Satellite File and Satellite Catalog. The accuracies, limitations, and utility of these data are not well understood by most users. The actual cataloged satellite population is found to be less than 6500 with more than 200 objects currently lost. To date, published population distribution and spatial-density calculations do not adequately account for data-base deficiencies. Another U.S. Space Command data source is the Radar Cross-section (RCS) Catalog. Radar cross-sectional data are subject to many influences that may result in size estimate errors of an order of magnitude or more. The orbital lifetime of low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite debris has often been overestimated as a result of ballistic coefficient assumptions and failure to model atmospheric variations with sufficient detail. Individual sensors of the U.S. Space Surveillance Network can provide substantially more information on satellite numbers and characteristics than the network as a whole.
Formulas for the variance of the sample mean in finite state markov processes

Formulas are derived for the variance of sample means associated with finite state Markov processes. Numerical results are presented to illustrate the use of the formulas for example processes. The formulas can be used to evaluate proposed statistical methods for estimating the variance of a sample mean obtained from simulation experiments.
Analog circuit observer blocks

Analog and mixed-signal integrated circuits (ICs) are rapidly becoming more complex. In addition to the traditional problems associated with testing ICs, such as limited controllability and observability, analog and mixed-signal test is vulnerable to measurement induced errors. Constraints on measuring analog signals significantly increase the complexity and cost of testers for such circuits. In this paper, we introduce a design for test technique for analog and mixed-signal circuits, analog circuit observer blocks (ACOBs). ACOBs are structures designed to reduce the need for precision in measuring analog signals during circuit test. The primary technique used is that of encoding the data in the circuit (only during the test phase). ACOBs potentially offer a number of advantages over conventional off-chip test techniques such as reduced tester complexity, smaller measurement induced errors and increased observability. ACOB schemes will necessarily have to be tailored to the type of circuit targeted. We present two ACOB schemes, one for the class of fully differential circuits, the second for pipelined analog-to-digital converters. In both cases, the ACOB schemes are shown to offer substantial benefits.
Separable integral extensions and plus closure

We show that an excellent local domain of characteristic p has a separable big Cohen–Macaulay algebra. In the course of our work we prove that an element which is in the Frobenius closure of an ideal can be forced into the expansion of the ideal to a module-finite separable extension ring.
Querying quantitative logic models (Q2LM) to study intracellular signaling networks and cell-cytokine interactions.

Mathematical models have substantially improved our ability to predict the response of a complex biological system to perturbation, but their use is typically limited by difficulties in specifying model topology and parameter values. Additionally, incorporating entities across different biological scales ranging from molecular to organismal in the same model is not trivial. Here, we present a framework called “querying quantitative logic models” (Q2LM) for building and asking questions of constrained fuzzy logic (cFL) models. cFL is a recently developed modeling formalism that uses logic gates to describe influences among entities, with transfer functions to describe quantitative dependencies. Q2LM does not rely on dedicated data to train the parameters of the transfer functions, and it permits straight-forward incorporation of entities at multiple biological scales. The Q2LM framework can be employed to ask questions such as: Which therapeutic perturbations accomplish a designated goal, and under what environmental conditions will these perturbations be effective? We demonstrate the utility of this framework for generating testable hypotheses in two examples: (i) a intracellular signaling network model; and (ii) a model for pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cell-cytokine interactions; in the latter, we validate hypotheses concerning molecular design of granulocyte colony stimulating factor.
Defect ordering in aliovalently doped cubic zirconia from first principles

Defect ordering in aliovalently doped cubic-stabilized zirconia is studied using gradient corrected density-functional calculations. Intra- and intersublattice ordering interactions are investigated for both cation (Zr and dopant ions) and anion (oxygen ions and vacancies) species. For yttria-stabilized zirconia, the crystal structure of the experimentally identified, ordered compound $\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{-}{\mathrm{Zr}}_{3}{\mathrm{Y}}_{4}{\mathrm{O}}_{12}$ is established, and we predict metastable zirconia-rich ordered phases. Anion vacancies repel each other at short separations, but show an energetic tendency to align as third-nearest neighbors along $〈111〉$ directions. Calculations with divalent (Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) and trivalent (Y, Sc, B, Al, Ga, In) oxides show that anion vacancies prefer to be close to the smaller of the cations (Zr or dopant ion). When the dopant cation is close in size to Zr, the vacancies show no particular preference, and are thus less prone to be bound preferentially to any particular cation type when the vacancies traverse such oxides. This ordering tendency offers insight into the observed high conductivity of ${\mathrm{Y}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}\ensuremath{-}$ and ${\mathrm{Sc}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$-stabilized zirconia, as well as recent results using, e.g., lanthanide oxides. The calculations point to ${\mathrm{In}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ as a particularly promising stabilizer for high ionic conductivity. Thus we are able to directly link (thermodynamic) defect ordering to (kinetic) ionic conductivity in cubic-stabilized zirconia using first-principles atomistic calculations.
Flux discharge cascades in various dimensions

We study the dynamics of electric flux discharge by charged particle pair or spherical string or membrane production in various dimensions. When electric flux wraps at least one compact cycle, we find that a single “pair” production event can initiate a cascading decay in real time that “shorts out” the flux and discharges many units of it. This process arises from local dynamics in the compact space, and so is invisible in the dimensionally-reduced truncation. It occurs in theories as simple as the Schwinger model on a circle, and has implications for any theory with compact dimensions and electric flux, including string theories and the string landscape.
Pediatricians' Responses to Printed Clinical Reminders: Does Highlighting Prompts Improve Responsiveness?

Abstract Objective Physicians typically respond to roughly half of the clinical decision support prompts they receive. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that selectively highlighting prompts in yellow would improve physicians' responsiveness. Methods We conducted a randomized controlled trial using the Child Health Improvement Through Computer Automation clinical decision support system in 4 urban primary care pediatric clinics. Half of a set of electronic prompts of interest was highlighted in yellow when presented to physicians in 2 clinics. The other half of the prompts was highlighted when presented to physicians in the other 2 clinics. Analyses compared physician responsiveness to the 2 randomized sets of prompts: highlighted versus not highlighted. Additionally, several prompts deemed high priority were highlighted during the entire study period in all clinics. Physician response rates to the high-priority highlighted prompts were compared to response rates for those prompts from the year before the study period, when they were not highlighted. Results Physicians did not respond to prompts that were highlighted at higher rates than prompts that were not highlighted (62% and 61%, respectively; odds ratio 1.056, P = .259, NS). Similarly, physicians were no more likely to respond to high-priority prompts that were highlighted compared to the year before, when the prompts were not highlighted (59% and 59%, respectively, χ 2 = 0.067, P = .796, NS). Conclusions Highlighting reminder prompts did not increase physicians' responsiveness. We provide possible explanations why highlighting did not improve responsiveness and offer alternative strategies to increasing physician responsiveness to prompts.
Joined-wing model vibrations using PC-based modal testing and finite element analysis

Aircraft design is well known as a complicated compromising process, although the above theoretical analysis need not be considered as a dictating factor in the exact layout of an aircraft, its significance with special attention to Eq. (9) should be properly weighted in a well-rounded design or cargo/ fuel disposition management for existing aircraft. Incidentally, the NLG should not be positioned too far forward from the e.g. of an aircraft to overprotect the NLG for abnormal landings, since too light a load on NLG will give an adverse effect to the steering capability and righting moment for the aircraft in risky drift landings. For aircraft, all the mass, the e.g. locale, the radius of gyration, and Co/Cp locales all are variables, obviously the sinking energy absorbed by the NLG is very sensitive to these variables whose volatility and sensitivity may have to be considered prudently to achieve an optimal overall design compromise in a probabilistic sense. — -Screw
Studying Non-calculable Models of Dynamical Supersymmetry Breaking

Abstract There are supersymmetric gauge theories which do not possess any parameters nor flat directions, and hence they cannot be studied anywhere in the field space using holomorphy (“non-calculable”). Some of them are believed to break supersymmetry dynamically. We propose a simple technique to analyze these models. Introducing a vector-like field into the model, one finds flat directions where one can study the dynamics. We unambiguously show that the supersymmetry is broken when the mass of the vector-like field is small but finite, and hence the Witten index vanishes. If we increase the mass of the vector-like field, it eventually decouples from the dynamics and the models reduce to the original non-calculable models. Assuming continuity of the Witten index in the parameter space, one can establish dynamical supersymmetry breaking in the non-calculable models.
Unified analysis of terminal-time control in classical and quantum systems

Many phenomena in physics, chemistry, and biology involve seeking an optimal control to maximize an objective for a classical or quantum system which is open and interacting with its environment. The complexity of finding an optimal control for maximizing an objective is strongly affected by the possible existence of sub-optimal maxima. Within a unified framework under specified conditions, control objectives for maximizing at a terminal-time physical observables of open classical and quantum systems are shown to be inherently free of sub-optimal maxima. This attractive feature is of central importance for enabling the discovery of controls in a seamless fashion in a wide range of phenomena transcending the quantum and classical regimes.
SwarmVision: autonomous aesthetic multi-camera interaction

A platform of exploratory networked robotic cameras was created, utilizing an aesthetic approach to experimentation. Initiated by research in autonomous swarm robotic camera behavior, SwarmVision is an installation consisting of multiple Pan-Tilt-Zoom cameras on rails positioned above spectators in an exhibition space, where each camera behaves autonomously based on its own rules of computer vision and control. Each of the cameras is programmed to detect visual information of interest based on a different algorithm, and each negotiates with the other two, influencing what subject matter to study in a collective way. The emergent behaviors of the system illustrate an ongoing process of scene
Orderly communication in the Ambient Calculus

The Ambient Calculus (henceforth, AC) was developed by Cardelli and Gordon as a formal framework to study issues of mobility and migrant code (In: Nivat M, editor. FoSSaCS '98, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 1378. Berlin: Springer, 1998. p. 140-55). We present a type system for AC that allows the type of exchanged data within the same ambient to vary over time. Our type system assigns what we call behaviors to processes; a denotational semantics of behaviors is proposed, here called trace semantics, underlying much of the remaining analysis. We state and prove a subject reduction property for our typed version of AC. Based on techniques borrowed from finite automata theory, type checking of fully type-annotated processes is shown to be decidable. We show that the typed version of AC originally proposed by Cardelli and Gordon (In: POPL'99, San Antonio, TX. New York: ACM Press, 1999. p. 79-92) can be naturally embedded into our typed version of AC.
The Proper Motion, Parallax, and Origin of the Isolated Neutron Star RX J185635-3754

The isolated neutron star RX J185635-3754 is the closest known neutron star to the Sun. Based on Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 observations over a 3 yr baseline, I report its proper motion (332 ± 1 mas yr-1 at a position angle of 1003 ± 01) and parallax (16.5 ± 2.3 mas, 61 pc). This proper motion brings the neutron star from the general vicinity of the Sco-Cen OB association. For an assumed neutron star radial velocity between -55 and -60 km s-1, the runaway O star ζ Oph, the Upper Sco OB association, and the neutron star come into spatial coincidence between 0.9 × 106 and 1.0 × 106 yr ago. RX J185635-3754 may be the remnant of the original primary of the ζ Oph system. If so, the space velocity suggests that the neutron star received a kick of about 200 km s-1 at birth.