cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
E/S0 GALAXIES ON THE BLUE COLOR-STELLAR MASS SEQUENCE AT z = 0: FADING MERGERS OR FUTURE SPIRALS?

We identify a population of morphologically defined E/S0 galaxies lying on the locus of late-type galaxies in color-stellar mass space - the 'blue sequence' -at the present epoch. Using three samples (from the Nearby Field Galaxy Survey or NFGS, a merged HyperLeda/Sloan Digital Sky Survey/Two Micron All Sky Survey catalog, and the NYU Value-Added Galaxy Catalog), we analyze blue-sequence E/S0s with stellar masses {approx}>10{sup 8} M {sub sun}, arguing that individual objects may be evolving either up toward the red sequence or down into the blue sequence. Blue-sequence E/S0 galaxies become more common with decreasing stellar mass, comprising {approx} 5% near the 'bimodality mass' M{sub b} {approx} 3 x 10{sup 10} M {sub sun}, and sharply rising to {approx}> 20%-30% below the 'threshold mass' M{sub t} {approx} 4-6 x 10{sup 9} M {sub sun}, down to our completeness analysis limit at {approx}10{sup 9} M {sub sun}. The strong emergence of blue-sequence E/S0s below M{sub t} coincides with a previously reported global increase in mean atomic gas fractions below M{sub t} for galaxies of all types on both sequences, suggesting that the availabilitymore » of cold gas may be basic to blue-sequence E/S0s' existence. Environmental analysis reveals that many sub-M{sub b} blue-sequence E/S0s reside in low-to-intermediate density environments. Thus, the bulk of the population we analyze appears distinct from the generally lower-mass cluster dE population; S0 morphologies with a range of bulge sizes are typical. In mass-radius and mass-{sigma} scaling relations, blue-sequence E/S0s are more similar to red-sequence E/S0s than to late-type galaxies, but they represent a transitional class. While some of them, especially in the high-mass range from M{sub b} to M{sub s} , resemble major-merger remnants that will likely fade onto the red sequence, most blue-sequence E/S0s below M{sub b} show signs of disk and/or pseudobulge building, which may be enhanced by companion interactions. The blue overall colors of blue-sequence E/S0s are most clearly linked to blue outer disks, but also reflect blue centers and more frequent blue-centered color gradients than seen in red-sequence E/S0s. Notably, all E/S0s in the NFGS with polar or counterrotating gas lie on or near the blue sequence, and most of these systems show signs of secondary stellar disks forming in the decoupled gas. From star formation rates and gas fractions, we infer significant recent and ongoing morphological transformation in the blue-sequence E/S0 population, especially below M{sub b}. We argue that sub-M{sub b} blue-sequence E/S0s occupy a 'sweet spot' in stellar mass and concentration, with both abundant gas and optimally efficient star formation, which may enable the formation of large spiral disks. Our results provide evidence for the importance of disk rebuilding after mergers, as predicted by hierarchical models of galaxy formation.« less
Hankel vector moment sequences and the non-tangential regularity at infinity of two variable Pick functions

A Pick function of d variables is a holomorphic map from Πd to Π, where Π is the upper halfplane. Some Pick functions of one variable have an asymptotic expansion at infinity, a power series ∑∞ n=1 ρnz −n with real numbers ρn that gives an asymptotic expansion on non-tangential approach regions to infinity. In 1921 H. Hamburger characterized which sequences {ρn} can occur. We give an extension of Hamburger’s results to Pick functions of two variables.
ArborZ: Photometric Redshifts Using Boosted Decision Trees

Precision photometric redshifts will be essential for extracting cosmological parameters from the next generation of wide-area imaging surveys. In this paper, we introduce a photometric redshift algorithm, ArborZ, based on the machine-learning technique of boosted decision trees. We study the algorithm using galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and from mock catalogs intended to simulate both the SDSS and the upcoming Dark Energy Survey. We show that it improves upon the performance of existing algorithms. Moreover, the method naturally leads to the reconstruction of a full probability density function (PDF) for the photometric redshift of each galaxy, not merely a single "best estimate" and error, and also provides a photo-z quality figure of merit for each galaxy that can be used to reject outliers. We show that the stacked PDFs yield a more accurate reconstruction of the redshift distribution N(z). We discuss limitations of the current algorithm and ideas for future work.
Reachability for partially observable discrete time stochastic hybrid systems

Abstract When designing optimal controllers for any system, it is often the case that the true state of the system is unknown to the controller. Imperfect state information must be taken into account in the controller’s design in order to preserve its optimality. The same is true when performing reachability calculations. To estimate the probability that the state of a stochastic system reaches, or stays within, some set of interest in a given time horizon, it is necessary to find a controller that drives the system to that set with maximum probability, given the controller’s knowledge of the true state of the system. To date, little work has been done on stochastic reachability calculations with partially observable states. The work that has been done relies on converting the reachability optimization problem to one with an additive cost function, for which theoretical results are well known. Our approach is to preserve the multiplicative cost structure when deriving a sufficient statistic that reduces the problem to one of perfect state information. Our transformation includes a change of measure that simplifies the distribution of the sufficient statistic conditioned on its previous value. We develop a dynamic programming recursion for the solution of the equivalent perfect information problem, proving that the recursion is valid, an optimal solution exists, and results in the same solution as to the original problem. We also show that our results are equivalent to those for the reformulated additive cost problem, and so such a reformulation is not required.
Effects of Gravitational Microlensing on P Cygni Profiles of Type Ia Supernovae

A brief description of the deformed spectra of microlensed SNe Ia is presented. We show that microlensing amplification can have significant effects on line profiles. The resonance-scattering code SYNOW is used to compute the intensity profile in the rest frame of the supernova. The observed (lensed) spectra are predicted assuming a simple stellar-size deflector, and are compared to unlensed cases to show what effects microlensing can have on spectral lines. We limit our work to spherically symmetric deflectors.
Measurement of electrical activity of the human small intestine using surface electrodes

A noninvasive technique for measuring electrical activity of the small intestine by placing electrodes on the abdominal skin over the small intestine is introduced. Surface recordings were obtained in ten healthy volunteers, three patients with total gastrectomy and five patients with gastroparesis (a slight degree of paralysis of the mucosal coat of the stomach). An omnipresent 9-12-cpm electrical activity was observed in all surface recordings. The findings from the surface electrodes were consistent with those reported in the literature for implanted or intubated electrodes. It is concluded that the technique is effective for noninvasive measurement of electrical activity of the small intestine and may have potential application in medical research and clinical diagnosis. >
Fission-product gamma-ray line pairs sensitive to fissile material and neutron energy

The beta-delayed gamma-ray spectra from the fission of 235 U, 238 U, and 239 Pu by thermal and near14-MeV neutrons have been measured for delay times ranging from 1 min to 14 h. Spectra at all delay times contain sets of prominent gamma-ray lines with intensity ratios that identify the fissile material and distinguish between fission induced by low-energy or high-energy neutrons.
Three-Component Velocity Measurements in an Upper Surface Blowing Configuration

In four recent papers, results of an experimental investigation of a freely expanding coflowing jet as well as a three dimensional wall jet have been presented. A flat plate and a curved wall surface modelling a wing-flap combination in a high lift V/STOL configuration have been documented as to their effects on the flow field. The ratio of the jet exit plane velocity to the free stream velocity was varied from 5.1 to 10.9 to 1. This report continues the documentation of the three dimensional wall jet with special emphasis on the vertical and lateral mean and fluctuating velocities. Additionally, boundary layer profiles over both the flat plate and the flap are presented.
Open charm production in DIS at HERA

An overview of recent HERA results on inclusive production of D*± mesons in deep inelastic scattering is given. PACS: 12.38Bx Perturbative calculations – 12.38Qk Experimental tests
Fiber optics for aircraft engine/inlet control

A review of NASA programs which focus on the use of fiber optics for aircraft engine/inlet control is presented. Fiber optics for aircraft control is attractive because of its inherent immunity to EMI and RFI noise. Optical signals can be safely transmitted through areas that contain flammable or explosive materials. The use of optics also makes remote sensing feasible, eliminating the need for electrical wires to be connected between sensors and computers. Using low level optical signals to control actuators is also feasible when power is generated at the actuator. For engine/inlet control applications, fiber optic cables and cornectors will be subjected to nacelle air temperatures. These temperatures range between -55°C to 260°C. Each application of fiber optics for aircraft control has different requirements for both the optical cables and optical connectors. Sensors that measure position and speed using slotted plates can use lossy cables and bundle type connectors if data transfer is in the parallel mode. If position and speed signals are multiplexed cable and connector requirements change. Other sensors that depend on changes in transmission through materials require dependable characteristics of both the optical cable and optical connectors. A variety of sensor types are reviewed, including rotary position encoders, tachometers, temperature sensors, and blade tip clearance sensors for compressors and turbines. Research on a gallium arsenide photoswitch for optically-switched actuators that operate at 250°C is also described.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Update of the Photometric Calibration of the LASCO-C2 Coronagraph Using Stars

We present an update to the photometric calibration of the LASCO-C2 coronagraph onboard the SOHO spacecraft. We obtained the new calibration using data from the beginning of the mission in 1996 until 2013. We re-examined the LASCO-C2 photometric calibration by comparing the past three calibrations and the present calibration with the goal of validating an in-flight calibration. We find a photometric calibration factor (PCF) that is very similar to the factor recently published in Gardes, Lamy, and Llebaria (Solar Phys. 283, 667, 2013), which calculated a calibration between 1996 and 2009. The average of our PCF between 1999 and 2009 is the same, within our margin of error, as the average given by Gardes, Lamy, and Llebaria (Solar Phys. 283, 667, 2013) during the same time period. However, we find a different evolution of the calibration over the lifetime of the LASCO-C2 instrument compared with past results. We find that the sensitivity of the instrument is decreasing by a constant 0.20 [±0.03] % per year. We also find no significant difference in the signal degradation before and after the SOHO interruption. We discuss the effects of this new PCF on the calibrated data set and the potential impact on scientific results derived from the previous calibration.
Reduction of colorants in nylon flock dyeing effluent

The batch dyeing of fiber materials such as staple fibers and flock is usually carried out by exhaustion methods. However, the dyeing of flock fibers, either nylon, PET or acetate, with acid or disperse dyes is not 100% efficient in terms of dye utilization. Therefore, the remaining dyes in the spent dye bath are generally not reused, and are usually discharged with minimum treatment, together with the dyeing chemicals into the sewage wastewater system causing environmental pollution. We found that the colorants and chemical auxiliaries in the fiber dyeing effluents can be reduced by: (1) optimizing the acid dyeing conditions such as salt addition and pH control; (2) reuse of the spent dye bath that remain after the original dyeing process. In the lab scale trials, we have successfully raised the acid dye exhaustion to over 90% by optimizing the dyeing conditions. The reuse of the spent acid dye bath also showed promising results with dye exhaustion ranging from 91 to 93% after four times of reuse.
Catalytic asymmetric Simmons-Smith cyclopropanation of silyl enol ethers. Efficient synthesis of optically active cyclopropanol derivatives

[reaction: see text] This paper describes a catalytic asymmetric Simmons-Smith cyclopropanation of silyl enol ethers using dipeptide 2 as the ligand. A variety of optically active cyclopropyl silyl ethers can be obtained in high yields. Up to 96% ee was obtained. The dipeptide can be recovered after the reaction in good yield and reused without the loss of reactivity or enantioselectivity.
Environmental Fiscal Reform and Fiscal Consolidation The Quest for the Third Dividend in Portugal

This article explores the capacity for environmental fiscal reform to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, stimulate economic performance, and promote fiscal sustainability. Simulation results suggest that reforms based on CO2 taxation stimulate gross domestic product (GDP) when tax revenues are used to promote private or public investment and stimulate employment when used to finance reductions in personal income taxation or firms’ social security contributions. More generally, reforms allow for reductions in the costs of climate policy, a weaker realization of the second dividend. In addition, several reforms lead to reductions in public debt, the realization of a third dividend. When political constraints on reducing public spending are considered, however, this third dividend only materializes when revenues finance public investment or reductions in the firms’ social security contributions. Overall, our results suggest that low growth and high public debt need not be regarded as hindrances for envir...
Mobile wireless network system simulation

This paper describes an advanced simulation environment which is used to examine, validate, and predict the performance of mobile wireless network systems. This simulation environment overcomes many of the limitations found with analytical models, experimentation, and other commercial network simulators available on the market today. We identify a set of components which make up mobile wireless systems and describe a set of flexible modules which can be used to model the various components and their integration. These models are developed using the Maisie simulation language. By modeling the various components and their integration, this simulation environment is able to accurately predict the performance bottlenecks of a multimedia wireless network system being developed at UCLA, determine the trade-off point between the various bottlenecks, and provide performance measurements and validation of algorithms which are not possible through experimentation and too complex for analysis.
Knowledge about programs: A model and case study

Dijkstra suggests in his “Notes on Structured Programming” that program schema and theorems about their correctness may describe the way that programmers understand programming. This paper follows up his suggestion by describing a general model for domains of programming knowledge in terms of schema, transformations, and derivation rules. The model is illustrated by the results of a case study of the knowledge about 10 programs which use arrays. The model and case study illustrate a methodology for constructing and proving correct programs based on knowledge which is independently expressed and partially proved in an abstract form and which can be applied in a stepwise way.
Gender Issues in Entrepreneurship

Introduction 1. History of the field. 2. What is the evidence on female entrepreneurship? 3. Female entrepreneurship and the economy. 4. Determinants of entrepreneurial behavior I: Objectively measurable variables. 5. Determinants of entrepreneurial behavior II: Perceptions and subjective variables. 6. Determinants of entrepreneurial behavior III: The social environment. 7. Female entrepreneurship and the family. 8. The gender gap in self-employment earnings. 9. Female owned businesses. 10. Female entrepreneurship and financing. 11. Where do we go next? Appendix. References.
One-pot synthesis of regiochemically pure porphyrins from two different pyrroles

Abstract Treatment of 2,5-di-unsubstituted pyrroles (e.g. 10) with excess of Eschenmoser's reagent (N,N-dimethylmethyleneammonium iodide) affords 2,5-bis-(N,N-dimethylaminomethy)pyrroles (e.g. 7); reaction with a second 2,5-di-unsubstituted pyrrole (e.g. 8) gives pure porphyrin (e.g. 9) with identical substituents on opposite pyrrole sub-units.
The Neem Platform: An Evolvable Framework for Perceptual Collaborative Applications

This paper introduces the Neem Platform, a generic research test bed for the development of a novel class of adaptive intelligent collaborative applications. These applications provide support for groups of people working together by facilitating their communication and by reacting adaptively to the perceived contexts of an ongoing interaction. Applications in Neem explore the multimodal context of mostly human-to-human communication, by "overhearing" conversations, monitoring user actions and reacting to perceived opportunities for augmentation via intelligent system interventions. The Neem Platform is designed to facilitate the integration of functionality for capture and reification of user communicative actions over a variety of modalities (e.g. speech, text, gestures), as well as facilitate analysis and reasoning based on this reified context. The platform promotes an exploratory and evolutionary style of development by affording rapid development of components, enactment of human-controlled real-time (Wizard of Oz) experiments, and remote collection of data for off-line analysis of interactions. This paper contributes the presentation of a novel coordination mechanism and shows how this underlying mechanism can be used to implement systems that support intelligent reaction to multimodal group interactions.
Global Multimedia Collaboration System

In order to build an integrated collaboration system over heterogeneous collaboration technologies, we propose a global multimedia collaboration system (Global-MMCS) based on XGSP A/V Web-Services framework. This system can integrate multiple A/V services, and support various collaboration clients and communities. Now the prototype is being developed and deployed across many universities in U.S.A. and China. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are proxy interviews associated with biased earnings reports? Marital status and gender effects of proxy.

Abstract Social science findings routinely rely on proxy-reported economic data in household surveys. A typical assumption is that this information is not biased compared to self-reports, but empirical findings on the issue are mixed. Using a dataset that links workers in the 2004 Survey of Income and Program Participation to their W-2 tax records, we estimate the effects of reporting status (proxy vs. self) on the magnitude and direction of measurement bias in earnings data and explore whether these effects are heterogeneous across gender and marital status. A slight downward bias in proxy-reported earnings is observed; however, these effects are associated with demographic variables. For married workers, proxies do not contribute substantial bias in earnings measurement regardless of the target respondent’s gender. However, for single female workers, proxy interviews are a significant source of downward bias in earnings estimates. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Trauma Ultrasound Examination Versus Chest Radiography in the Detection of Hemothorax

Abstract Study objective: To compare the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ultrasonography with those of the initial plain chest radiograph for detection of hemothorax in trauma patients. Methods: Data from a prior prospective study of trauma ultrasonography at a Level I trauma center were retrospectively analyzed. The medical records of a convenience sample of adult patients who presented with major blunt or penetrating torso trauma during a 17-month period were reviewed. Emergency physicians performed a trauma ultrasound examination, which included evaluation for pleural fluid. Ultrasound interpretations were recorded before other diagnostic tests were obtained and were not used in patient management decisions. Records of the study patients were reviewed for confirmation of the presence or absence of hemothorax by other diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The chest radiograph and computed tomography (CT) scan interpretations were performed by attending radiologists who were not blinded to patient outcome. Results: Five of the 245 patients enrolled in the study were excluded because tube thoracostomy was performed before the ultrasound examination was done. Altogether, 26 of the 240 study patients had hemothorax, as confirmed by tube thoracostomy or CT. Both ultrasound examination and the initial chest radiograph resulted in 0 false-positive, 1 false-negative, 25 true-positive, and 214 true-negative findings. Overall, both modailties were 96.2% sensitive, 100% specific, and 99.6% accurate. Conclusion: Ultrasonography is comparable to the initial chest radiograph for accuracy in detection of hemothorax and may expedite the diagnosis and treatment of this condition for patients with major trauma. [Ma OJ, Mateer JR: Trauma ultrasound examination versus chest radiography in the detection of hemothorax. Ann Emerg Med March 1997;29:312-316.]
Differential Fault Intensity Analysis

Recent research has demonstrated that there is no sharp distinction between passive attacks based on side-channel leakage and active attacks based on fault injection. Fault behavior can be processed as side-channel information, offering all the benefits of Differential Power Analysis including noise averaging and hypothesis testing by correlation. This paper introduces Differential Fault Intensity Analysis, which combines the principles of Differential Power Analysis and fault injection. We observe that most faults are biased - such as single-bit, two-bit, or three-bit errors in a byte - and that this property can reveal the secret key through a hypothesis test. Unlike Differential Fault Analysis, we do not require precise analysis of the fault propagation. Unlike Fault Sensitivity Analysis, we do not require a fault sensitivity profile for the device under attack. We demonstrate our method on an FPGA implementation of AES with a fault injection model. We find that with an average of 7 fault injections, we can reconstruct a full 128-bit AES key.
Generating exact- and ranked partially-matched answers to questions in advertisements

Taking advantage of the Web, many advertisements (ads for short) websites, which aspire to increase client's transactions and thus profits, offer searching tools which allow users to (i) post keyword queries to capture their information needs or (ii) invoke form-based interfaces to create queries by selecting search options, such as a price range, filled-in entries, check boxes, or drop-down menus. These search mechanisms, however, are inadequate, since they cannot be used to specify a natural-language query with rich syntactic and semantic content, which can only be handled by a question answering (QA) system. Furthermore, existing ads websites are incapable of evaluating arbitrary Boolean queries or retrieving partially-matched answers that might be of interest to the user whenever a user's search yields only a few or no results at all. In solving these problems, we present a QA system for ads, called CQAds, which (i) allows users to post a natural-language question Q for retrieving relevant ads, if they exist, (ii) identifies ads as answers that partially-match the requested information expressed in Q, if insufficient or no answers to Q can be retrieved, which are ordered using a similarity-ranking approach, and (iii) analyzes incomplete or ambiguous questions to perform the "best guess" in retrieving answers that "best match" the selection criteria specified in Q. CQAds is also equipped with a Boolean model to evaluate Boolean operators that are either explicitly or implicitly specified in Q, i.e., with or without Boolean operators specified by the users, respectively. CQAds is easy to use, scalable to all ads domains, and more powerful than search tools provided by existing ads websites, since its query-processing strategy retrieves relevant ads of higher quality and quantity. We have verified the accuracy of CQAds in retrieving ads on eight ads domains and compared its ranking strategy with other well-known ranking approaches.
Using the suspension balance model in a finite-element flow solver

Abstract A suspension balance model (SBM) is implemented to describe the shear-driven migration of particles in noncolloidal suspensions in the context of a finite element (FE) solver. Before developing the FE methodology, the SBM is analyzed in the context of a rigorous two-phase averaging procedure, in which the traditional SBM model can be thought of as an approximate closure relationship for the rigorous two-phase equations. It is shown that the standard SBM equations are inconsistent, which is demonstrated analytically for the case of Couette flow. A FE model is developed using a corrected set of SBM equations, and the numerical techniques needed to handle the anisotropic Q-tensor and FE stabilization are detailed. The resultant FE-SBM method is tested using a Couette geometry and compared with existing models and experiments. A high level of sensitivity of the particle migration to the chosen viscosity model is noted, as well as the influence of excess diffusion caused by the FE stabilization procedure. The FE-SBM method is also used in conjunction with an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian formulation to simulate the deflection of the free surface in a Couette cell. Secondary flows are observed in the free-surface simulation results, and the underlying mechanisms driving these secondary flows are explored.
q-Deformed Boson Oscillators and Zero Point Energy

Just as for the ordinary quantum harmonic oscillators, we expect the zero-point energy to play a crucial role in the correct high temperature behavior. We accordingly reformulate the theory of the statistical distribution function for the q-deformed boson oscillators and develop an approximate theory incorporating the zero-point energy. We are then able to demonstrate that for small deformations, ln q≪1, the theory reproduces the correct limits both for very high temperatures and for very low temperatures. The deformed theory thus reduces to the undeformed theory in these extreme cases.
Weak interactions and quasi-stable particle energy loss

We discuss the interplay between electromagnetic energy loss and weak interactions in the context of quasistable particle particle propagation through materials. As specific examples, we consider staus, where weak interactions may play a role, and taus, where they don't.
Vertical Structure of Gas Pressure-dominated Accretion Disks with Local Dissipation of Turbulence and Radiative Transport

We calculate the vertical structure of a local patch of an accretion disk in which heating by dissipation of MRI-driven MHD turbulence is balanced by radiative cooling. Heating, radiative transport, and cooling are computed self-consistently with the structure by solving the equations of radiation MHD in the shearing-box approximation. Using a fully three-dimensional and energy-conserving code, we compute the structure of this disk segment over a span of more than five cooling times. After a brief relaxation period, a statistically steady state develops. Measuring height above the midplane in units of the scale height predicted by a Shakura-Sunyaev model, we find that magnetic pressure causes the disk atmosphere to stretch upward, with the photosphere rising to 7H, in contrast to the 3H predicted by conventional analytic models. This more extended structure, as well as fluctuations in the height of the photosphere, may lead to departures from Planckian form in the emergent spectra. Dissipation is distributed across the region within 3H of the midplane but is very weak at greater altitudes. As a result, the temperature deep in the disk interior is less than that expected when all heat is generated in the midplane. With only occasional exceptions, the gas temperature stays very close to the radiation temperature, even above the photosphere. Because fluctuations in the dissipation are particularly strong away from the midplane, the emergent radiation flux can track dissipation fluctuations with a lag that is only 0.1-0.2 times the mean cooling time of the disk. Long-timescale asymmetries in the dissipation distribution can also cause significant asymmetry in the flux emerging from the top and bottom surfaces of the disk. Radiative diffusion dominates Poynting flux in the vertical energy flow throughout the disk.
On the scaling of the chemical distance in long-range percolation models

We consider the (unoriented) long-range percolation on Z d in dimensions d ≥ 1, where distinct sites x, y ∈ Z d get connected with probability p xy ∈ [0, 1]. Assuming p xy = |x - y| -s+o(1) as |x - y| → ∞, where s > 0 and |.| is a norm distance on Z d , and supposing that the resulting random graph contains an infinite connected component C∞, we let D(x, y) be the graph distance between x and y measured on C∞. Our main result is that, for s ∈ (d, 2d), D(x, y) = (log|x - y|) Δ+o(1) , x,y ∈ C∞, |x - y| → ∞, where Δ -1 is the binary logarithm of 2d/s and o(1) is a quantity tending to zero in probability as |x - y| → ∞. Besides its interest for general percolation theory, this result sheds some light on a question that has recently surfaced in the context of small-world phenomena. As part of the proof we also establish tight bounds on the probability that the largest connected component in a finite box contains a positive fraction of all sites in the box.
Critical thinking, rationality, and the vulcanization of students

Any fan of the old "Star Trek" television series knows there is something remarkably gripping about the character Spock. When he elevates an eyebrow on an otherwise expressionless face and matter of factly declares an argument "logical, flawlessly logical," we can't help but tingle with awe at his analytical expertise. We even exult (albeit somewhat uneasily) when Spock uses his laser-sharp logical skills in the dispassionate and indisputable demolition of his human companions' crude attempts at reasoning. Spock's coldbloodedness may exasperate us at times, but we generally admire and envy his ability to get to the heart of an argument by stripping through rhetorical gloss, emotional ephemera, and cognitive confusion. We might be amused and perhaps even occasionally sympathetic with McCoy's sputtering accusations that Spock is nothing more than an organic calculating machine, but we do not take them too seriously. More often than not, it is the ultra-logical Spock we admire, not the likeable but rather excitable Bones. Spock, as everyone knows, is a Vulcan (actually a half-Vulcan, but never mind), a member of a species characterized by its innate and total fidelity to logic. Vulcans are constitutionally incapable of thinking or behaving nonlogically. They never jump to conclusions, never act rashly, never let emotional smokescreens get in the way of sound inferential reasoning. They draw conclusions only when there is enough evidence to warrant them and refuse to go beyond the limits of logical probability. When Captain Kirk occasionally asks Spock to speculate
CMV matrices: Five years after

Abstract CMV matrices are the unitary analog of Jacobi matrices; we review their general theory.
Recent Developments in Multichannel Pulse-Height Analysis

The state of the pulse-height analyzing art will be reviewed with particular emphasis on the developments of the past two years. The discussion will include consideration of multidimensional instruments, calibration-stabilizing techniques and some of the auxiliary features that are becoming increasingly available on commercial instruments. Possible future developments with respect to resolving time and memory organization will be discussed briefly.
Non-parametric prediction of the mid-price dynamics in a limit order book

Many securities markets are organized as double auctions where each incoming limit order - i.e., an order to buy or sell at a specific price - is stored in a data structure called the limit order book. A trade happens whenever a marketable order arrives. This order flow is visible to every market participant in real time. We propose a novel non-parametric approach to short-term forecasting of the mid-price change in a limit order book (i.e., of the change in the average of the best offer and the best bid prices). We construct a state characterizing the order book at each time instant and compute a feature vector for each value of the state. The features get updated during the course of a trading day, as new order flow information arrives. Our prediction rules at every time instant during the trading day are based on the feature vector of the state observed at that time instant. The distinction of our approach from the previous ones is that it does not impose a restrictive parametric model. Implicit assumptions of our method are very mild. Initial experiments with real order book data from NYSE suggest that our algorithms show promise. We illustrate their usage in a practical application of executing a large trade.
Reversal of the regioselectivity of anthrapyrazole formation. A new synthesis of losoxantrone (DUP941)

Losoxantrone, a potent anticancer agent, has been efficiently synthesized in a 6 step process from 5-hydroxy-1,4-dichloroanthracene-9,10-dione.
Commitment, advertising and efficiency of two-sided investment in competitive search equilibrium

Abstract Competitive search entails both commitment to and advertising of pay-off relevant aspects of market participants. This paper considers incrementally the implications of each in a labor market where both workers and firms invest prior to market entry. A wide range of institutional arrangements are addressed within the same general framework. When the characteristics of jobs or workers are advertised the efficient outcome pertains. Commitment without advertising typically leads to market unravelling: the Diamond paradox. But, whenever wages and human capital are advertised, firms become residual claimants; the private and social returns to investment coincide. Absent wage commitment, the Hosios condition implies efficiency when investments are advertised.
Synthesis of notoamide J: a potentially pivotal intermediate in the biosynthesis of several prenylated indole alkaloids.

An efficient total synthesis of notoamide J, a new prenylated indole alkaloid and potential biosynthetic precursor, is described herein. Starting from l-proline and a substituted tryptophan derivative, this synthesis also employs an oxidation and pinacol rearrangement for the formation of the oxindole in the final step.
Theoretical Foundations for the Computer-Aided Design System

This work has been made possible through the support extended to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Electronic Systems Laboratory, by the Manufacturing Technology Laboratory, ASD, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, under Contract No. AF-33(600)- 42859. It is published for technical information only and does not necessarily represent the recommendations or conclusions of the sponsoring agency.
THE GALAXY LUMINOSITY FUNCTION IN CLUSTERS AND THE FIELD

We present the results from a CCD survey of the B-band luminosity function of nine clusters of galaxies, and compare them to published photographic luminosity functions of nearby poor clusters like Virgo and Fornax, and also to the field luminosity function. We derive a composite luminosity function by taking the weighted mean of all the individual cluster luminosity functions; this composite luminosity function is steep at bright and faint magnitudes and is shallow in-between. All clusters have luminosity functions consistent with this single composite function. This is true both for rich clusters like Coma and for poor clusters like Virgo. This same composite function is also individually consistent with the deep field luminosity functions found by Cowie et al. and Ellis et al., and also with the faint end of the Las Campanas Redshift Survey R-band luminosity function, shifted by 1.5 mag. A comparison with the Loveday et al. field luminosity function, which is well determined at the bright end, shows that the composite function, which fits the field data well fainter than MB=−19, drops too steeply between MB=−19 and −22 to fit the field data there.
A new type of loop equations

We derive a new form of loop equations for light-like Wilson loops. In bosonic theories those loop equations close only for straight light-like Wilson lines. In the case of = 1 in ten dimensions they close for any light-like Wilson loop. Upon dimensional reduction to = 4 SYM in four dimensions, these loops become exactly the chiral loops which can be evaluated semiclassically, in the strong coupling limit, by a minimal surface in anti de-Sitter space. We show that the AdS calculation satisfies those loop equations. We also find a new fermionic loop equation derived from the gauge theory fermionic equation of motion.
Optimal material selection using branch and bound techniques

A methodology for structural synthesis is presented in which the optimal material selection for the truss structures is treated in terms of (0, 1) variables. Structural member sizes and material selection variables are treated simultaneously as design variables. Optimization is carried out by generating and solving a sequence of explicit approximate problems using a branch and bound strategy. Intermediate design variables and intermediate response quantities are used to enhance the quality of the approximate design problems. Numerical results for example problems are presented to illustrate the efficiency of the design procedure set forth.
Evidence from very large transverse momenta of a change with temperature of velocity of sound in hadronic matter

The most recent CERN intersecting storage-rings data on very large transverse momenta show that the velocity of sound in hadronic matter increases from $\ensuremath{\simeq}1\sqrt{7} \mathrm{to} \ensuremath{\simeq}1\sqrt{3.5}$, implying a phase transition from a strongly interacting (hadron) phase to a weakly interacting (parton?) phase.
A Simple Model for Predicting Sprint Race Times Accounting for Energy Loss on the Curve

The mathematical model of J. Keller for predicting World Record race times, based on a simple differential equation of motion, predicted quite well the records of the day. One of its shortcoming is that it neglects to account for a sprinter’s energy loss around a curve, a most important consideration particularly in the 200m–400m. An extension to Keller’s work is considered, modeling the aforementioned energy loss as a simple function of the centrifugal force acting on the runner around the curve. Theoretical World Record performances for indoor and outdoor 200m are discussed, and the use of the model at 300m is investigated. Some predictions are made for possible 200m outdoor and indoor times as run by Canadian 100m WR holder Donovan Bailey, based on his 100m final performance at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.
Capacity of Steganographic Channels

This work investigates a central problem in steganography, that is: How much data can safely be hidden without being detected? To answer this question, a formal definition of steganographic capacity is presented. Once this has been defined, a general formula for the capacity is developed. The formula is applicable to a very broad spectrum of channels due to the use of an information-spectrum approach. This approach allows for the analysis of arbitrary steganalyzers as well as nonstationary, nonergodic encoder and attack channels. After the general formula is presented, various simplifications are applied to gain insight into example hiding and detection methodologies. Finally, the context and applications of the work are summarized in a general discussion.
Silicon chemistry in interstellar clouds

A new model of interstellar silicon chemistry is presented that explains the lack of SiO detections in cold clouds and contains an exponential temperature dependence for the SiO abundance. A key aspect of the model is the sensitivity of SiO production by neutral silicon reactions to density and temperature, which arises from the dependence of the rate coefficients on the population of the excited fine-structure levels of the silicon atom. As part of the explanation of the lack of SiO detections at low temperatures and densities, the model also emphasizes the small efficiencies of the production routes and the correspondingly long times needed to reach equilibrium. Measurements of the abundance of SiO, in conjunction with theory, can provide information on the physical properties of interstellar clouds such as the abundance of oxygen bearing molecules and the depletion of interstellar silicon.
Further Spectroscopy of the Diffuse Ionized Gas in NGC 891 and Evidence for a Secondary Source of Ionization

Two long-slit spectra of the diffuse ionized gas (DIG) in NGC 891 are presented. The first reveals variations parallel to the major axis in emission-line ratios in the halo gas at z = 700 pc. It is found that filaments of H? emission show lower values of [N II]/H?, [S II]/H?, and [O I]/H?. Although this result is expected if the filaments represent the walls of evacuated chimneys, it merely reflects a more general correlation of these ratios with H? surface brightness along the slit and may simply arise from radiation dilution effects. Halo regions showing low line ratios are probably relatively close to ionizing sources in the disk below. The results highlight difficulties inherent in observations of edge-on galaxies caused by lack of knowledge of structure in the in-plane directions. The [S II]/[N II] ratio shows almost no dependence on distance along the major axis or H? surface brightness. Values of [O I]/H? indicate that H is 80%-95% ionized (assuming T = 104 K), with the higher ionization fractions correlating with higher surface brightness. Much more interesting information on the nature of this gaseous halo comes from the second observation, which shows the vertical dependence of [N II]/H?, [S II]/H?, [O I]/H?, and [O III]/H? through the brightest region of the DIG halo. The most surprising result, in complete contradiction to models in which the DIG is ionized by massive stars in the disk, is that [O III]/H? rises with height above the plane for z > 1 kpc (even as [N II]/H?, [S II]/H?, and [O I]/H? are rising, in line with expectations from such models). The run of [S II]/[N II] is also problematic, showing essentially no contrast with z. The [O III] emission probably arises from shocks, turbulent mixing layers, or some other secondary source of ionization. Composite models in which the line emission comes from a mix of photoionized gas and shocks or turbulent mixing layers are considered in diagnostic diagrams, with the result that many aspects of the data can be explained. Problems with the run of [S II]/[N II] still remain, however. There is a reasonably large parameter space allowed for the second component. For the photoionized component, only matter-bounded models succeed, putting a fairly strong restriction on the clumpiness of the halo gas. Given the many uncertainties, the composite models can do little more than demonstrate the feasibility of these processes as secondary sources of energy input. A fairly robust result, however, is that the fraction of H? emission arising from the second component probably increases with z. From values of [O I]/H?, H is essentially 100% ionized at z = 0 kpc and 90% ionized at z = 1 kpc (again assuming T = 104 K).
Various forms of tissue damage and danger signals following hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the most potent curative therapy for many malignant and non-malignant disorders. Unfortunately, a major complication of HSCT is graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), which is mediated by tissue damage resulting from the conditioning regimens before the transplantation and the alloreaction of dual immune components (activated donor T cells and recipient’s antigen-presenting cells). This tissue damage leads to the release of alarmins and the triggering of pathogen-recognition receptors that activate the innate immune system and subsequently the adaptive immune system. Alarmins, which are of endogenous origin, together with the exogenous pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) elicit similar responses of danger signals and represent the group of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). Effector cells of innate and adaptive immunity that are activated by PAMPs or alarmins can secrete other alarmins and amplify the immune responses. These complex interactions and loops between alarmins and PAMPs are particularly potent at inducing and then aggravating the GVHD reaction. In this review, we highlight the role of these tissue damaging molecules and their signaling pathways. Interestingly, some DAMPs and PAMPs are organ specific and GVHD-induced and have been shown to be interesting biomarkers. Some of these molecules even represent potential targets for novel therapeutic approaches.
Agents for the Management of Plaque and Gingivitis

Numerous chemical agents have been evaluated for the supplementation of patient-dependent mechanical plaque control and thus the reduction or prevention of oral diseases. Agents discussed in this paper are those most frequently evaluated in recent studies and include chlorhexidine, essential oils, triclosan, sanguinarine, fluorides, oxygenating agents, quaternary ammonium agents, prebrushing rinses, enzymes, and antibiotics. Of the agents discussed, the greatest effect on the reduction of plaque and gingivitis can be expected from chlorhexidine, essential oils, and triclosan-containing products. These chemical agents vary in dosage form and include mouthrinses, gels, and dentifrices. Some may also be of value as irrigants. Adverse effects vary according to the chemical agent and include poor taste, burning sensation of oral tissue, staining of teeth and soft tissues, excess supragingival calculus, oral lesions in young patients, and allergic reactions. When a product is selected for a patient, consideration should be given to necessity, efficacy, adverse effects, and cost-effectiveness.
Aspects of equivalence as illustrated by phosphine complexes of transition metals

The various types of symmetry-related nuclei present in transition metal complexes of phosphines are discussed. Differences between the solution and the solid states are considered. Examples of spectra are presented to illustrate the relationships between the types of equivalences and observed spectral line shapes. An introduction to solid-state NMR spectroscopy is followed by descriptions of spectra that illustrate some of the types of information, which may be obtained from NMR spectroscopy of solid samples.