cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel Algorithms for Fast Statistical Analysis of Scaled Circuits

As VLSI technology moves to the nanometer scale for transistor feature sizes, the impact of manufacturing imperfections result in large variations in the circuit performance. Traditional CAD tools are not well-equipped to handle this scenario, since they do not model this statistical nature of the circuit parameters and performances, or if they do, the existing techniques tend to be over-simplified or intractably slow. We draw upon ideas for attacking parallel problems in other technical fields, such as computational finance, machine learning and hydrology, and synthesize them with innovative attacks for our problem domain of integrated circuits, to develop novel solutions to problems of efficient statistical analysis of circuits in the nanometer regime. In particular, this thesis makes three contributions: (1) SiLVR, a nonlinear response surface modeling (RSM) and performance-driven dimensionality reduction strategy, that uses the concepts of projection pursuit and latent variable regression to obtain an absolute improvement in modeling error of up to 34%, over the best quadratic RSM method. SiLVR also captures the designer's insight into the circuit behavior, by automatically extracting quantitative measures of relative global sensitivities and nonlinear correlation. (2) Fast Monte Carlo simulation of circuits using quasi-Monte Carlo, showing speedups of 2× to 50× over standard Monte Carlo. (3) Statistical blockade, an efficient method for sampling rare events and estimating their probability distribution using limit results from extreme value theory, applied to high replication circuits like SRAM cells.
Mechanism of transcription of bacteriophage S13. I. Dependence of messengerRNA synthesis on amount and configuration of DNA.

Abstract The rate of transcription of wild-type bacteriophage S13 increases linearly with time until it reaches a plateau at 10 to 12 minutes after infection. In contrast, a gene A amber mutant, blocked in DNA replication, shows a constant rate of transcription, 4 to 5 times lower than the plateau level of the wild type. The rate of transcription increases with increasing multiplicities of infection of the gene A mutant, until a maximum rate is reached at a multiplicity of 15 to 20 suggesting that the total number of replicative form DNA molecules that can participate in transcription is limited to 15 to 20 per cell. A shift-up of a gene A temperature-sensitive mutant to the non-permissive temperature does not reduce the transcription rate once progeny replicative form DNA synthesis has occurred; thus, neither the gene A protein nor concomitant DNA replication are needed for phage-specific transcription. The level of phage-specific mRNA synthesis depends on the amount of replicative form DNA template in the cell. Parental replicative form DNA alone has a four- to five-fold higher template efficiency for mRNA synthesis than the combination of parental and progeny replicative form DNA that is formed in the presence of an active gene A product. Two mutually compatible explanations for the differential efficiency are: (a) the parental replicative form DNA may be bound to transcription sites that exist in limited numbers, and (b) in the absence of an active gene A product the molecular configuration of the parental replicative form DNA (form I, covalently closed, supercoiled) may make it more efficient. All phage mRNA is found in polysomes. The small amount of mRNA made by the gene A mutant may be translated more efficiently than the mRNA made in excess of that amount by the wild type.
Working with Xenopus spinal neurons in live cell culture.

Neurons from the Xenopus spinal cord are highly versatile and easily manipulated, making them an ideal model system to answer questions regarding the cellular and molecular basis of early neural development and function. Xenopus has been a productive model system in studies ranging from axon growth and guidance to synaptic plasticity. Exogenous molecules, such as proteins, fluorescent tracers, and nucleic acids, can be injected into early blastomeres to load tracers in all neurons or into late blastomeres to target specifc classes of neurons based on established lineage maps. Xenopus spinal neurons also provide an excellent culture system, as neurons extend processes on a variety of substrata and develop at room temperature in minimal salt solutions. Live fluorescent neurons can be imaged for hours with fluorescence microscopy at room temperature in static cultures without neurotrophic support or serum. This highly reduced culture system minimizes variables that can confound interpretation of results. Cultures can be prepared at various stages of development as dissociated neurons or as spinal cord explants. Both excitatory and inhibitory neurons develop in culture, and synaptic contacts among neurons and between neurons and nonneuronal targets form naturally. The simple anatomy and rapid rostral-to-caudal development of the Xenopus spinal cord also make this an excellent in vivo model system to analyze axon guidance by identifiable classes of neurons. This chapter focuses on techniques that exploit both in vitro and in vivo qualities of this system.
On matroid minors that guarantee their duals as minors

A natural question for matroids follows: Which matroids N guarantee that, when present as minors in a larger matroid M, their duals are present as minors? The main results of this paper focus on this question with the additional constraint that N and M are 3-connected. We also solve the problem with other connectivity and representability constraints.
Reactions of Laser-Ablated Rhodium Atoms with O2. Infrared Spectra and DFT Calculations for RhO, ORhO, (O2)RhO2, Rh2O2, Rh(O2) and (O2)Rh(O2) in Solid Argon

Laser-ablated Rh atoms react to give RhO, the linear dioxide ORhO, the side-bound dioxygen adduct (O2)RhO2, and several ORhO(O2) complexes. In addition, a large number of Rhx(O2)y complexes are obs...
Application of the Side-Jump Model to the Hall Effect and Nernst Effect in Ferromagnets

We recently showed that an electron wave packet undergoes an abrupt, sideways jump $\ensuremath{\Delta}y$ during scattering in the presence of spin-orbit interaction. This causes the Hall effect in ferromagnets around room temperature (${R}_{s}\ensuremath{\propto}{\ensuremath{\rho}}^{2}$). The value of the side jump per collision ($\ensuremath{\Delta}y\ensuremath{\approx}{10}^{\ensuremath{-}10}$ m) seems the same for impurity and phonon scattering. A more complete justification of the side-jump model is given here. This model is used to derive the isothermal Nernst coefficient ${Q}_{s}^{\mathrm{is}}$, giving ${Q}_{s}^{\mathrm{is}}\ensuremath{\propto}\ensuremath{\rho}T$, where $\ensuremath{\rho}$ is the resistivity. If spin-disorder scattering is also introduced, then the Hall conductivity ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\mathrm{Hs}}$ is not affected, but the Nernst coefficient becomes ${Q}_{s}^{\mathrm{is}}=\ensuremath{-}T(\ensuremath{\alpha}+\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{\rho})$. This formula agrees with the data of Kondorskii and Vasileva on Fe, Ni, Co, Gd, and Fe-Ni. The side jump is assumed to have the same value for spin disorder as for impurity or phonon scattering. The constant $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ is predicted to exist even in pure metals, in agreement with the above data but not with the Kondorskii theory.
Electronic structure of BiI3

The band structure of BiI3 is calculated using the empirical pseudopotential method (EPM). Measurements of the reflectivity and wavelength modulated reflectivity spectra at liquid helium temperatures are presented. For energies below 4.5 eV, fair agreement is obtained between the experimental and theoretical reflectivity spectra. The valence band density is compared to recent X-ray photoemission (XPS) data. Charge density distributions of distinct groups of valence bands are calculated and combined with the density of states spectrum. These are used to explain the nature of the chemical bonding in BiI3. Die Bandstruktur von BiI3 wird mit der empirischen Pseudopotentialmethode (EPM) berechnet. Reflexionsmessungen und wellenlangenmodulierte Reflexionsspektren bei Heliumtemperatur werden mitgeteilt. Fur Energien unterhalb 4,5 eV wird befriedigende Ubereinstimmung zwischen experimentellen und theoretischen Reflexionsspektren erhalten. Die Valenzbanddichte wird mit neueren Rontgen-Photoemissionswerten (XPS) verglichen. Es werden Ladungsdichteverteilungen verschiedener Gruppen von Valenzbandern berechnet und mit dem Zustandsdichtespektrum kombiniert. Diese werden benutzt, um die Natur der chemischen Bindung in BiI3 zu klaren.
Internet commerce security: issues and models for control checking

When a corporation begins exchanging business transactions over the Internet, the Internet becomes part of the corporate computer network. With access now available not only to the employees, but potentially to anyone else on the Internet, the scope of security concerns expands significantly. A variety of useful security software is available for controlling unauthorized intrusion, data corruption, and other potential vulnerabilities. These controls are subject, however, to vulnerability or inadequacy. The consequent losses can be mitigated by checking their performance periodically. This paper addresses current Internet commerce security problems and outlines selected optimization models and artificial intelligence methods that can be useful in scheduling the monitoring of related controls.
An integrated impact assessment of the effects of climate change on the Pacific Northwest salmon fishery

Typically natural resource managers do not consider the implications of climate change even though natural resources depend on specific climatic conditions. This omission stems from the uncertainty associated with climate-change research, and an inability to apply that research to decision-making. This paper suggests that an impact assessment approach can be used to assess the impact that climate change may have on natural resource decisions demonstrating the approach by examining salmon fisheries in the Pacific Northwest.
Conservative high-order-accurate finite-difference methods for curvilinear grids

Two fourth-order-accurate finite-difference methods for numerically solving hyperbolic systems of conservation equations on smooth curvilinear grids are presented. The first method uses the differential form of the conservation equations; the second method uses the integral form of the conservation equations. Modifications to these schemes, which are required near boundaries to maintain overall high-order accuracy, are discussed. An analysis that demonstrates the stability of the modified schemes is also provided. Modifications to one of the schemes to make it total variation diminishing (TVD) are also discussed. Results that demonstrate the high-order accuracy of both schemes are included in the paper. In particular, a Ringleb-flow computation demonstrates the high-order accuracy and the stability of the boundary and near-boundary procedures. A second computation of supersonic flow over a cylinder demonstrates the shock-capturing capability of the TVD methodology. An important contribution of this paper is the dear demonstration that higher order accuracy leads to increased computational efficiency.
Neuron-Glia Interactions through the Heartless FGF Receptor Signaling Pathway Mediate Morphogenesis of Drosophila Astrocytes

Summary Astrocytes are critically important for neuronal circuit assembly and function. Mammalian protoplasmic astrocytes develop a dense ramified meshwork of cellular processes to form intimate contacts with neuronal cell bodies, neurites, and synapses. This close neuron-glia morphological relationship is essential for astrocyte function, but it remains unclear how astrocytes establish their intricate morphology, organize spatial domains, and associate with neurons and synapses in vivo. Here we characterize a Drosophila glial subtype that shows striking morphological and functional similarities to mammalian astrocytes. We demonstrate that the Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor Heartless autonomously controls astrocyte membrane growth, and the FGFs Pyramus and Thisbe direct astrocyte processes to ramify specifically in CNS synaptic regions. We further show that the shape and size of individual astrocytes are dynamically sculpted through inhibitory or competitive astrocyte-astrocyte interactions and Heartless FGF signaling. Our data identify FGF signaling through Heartless as a key regulator of astrocyte morphological elaboration in vivo.
Temperature, handling, micturition, and the survival of early weaned rats

Previous investigations reported that providing nonlactating maternally behaving adult females to infant rats weaned at 13 days of age substantially reduces the mortality rate of such weanlings. In experiments undertaken to isolate the maternal variable(s) promoting survival of early weaned rats we found that periodically inducing micturition or stimulation by handling did not alter viability. Thirteen-day-old weanlings did survive if provided with a source of heat, but did not survive at normal room temperature. It appears that the role of the nonlactating mother in the early weaning studies, at least in promoting survival, may simply be that of maintaining adequate body temperatures.
Holmium:YAG laser: effects on dentin demineralization

The Holmium:YAG laser at 2.12 microns wavelength was used to compare the changes in resistance to demineralization of the dentinal root surfaces of human extracted teeth in vitro. Three protocols were used: Group #1, and application of nonfilled resin/NaF (4%) solution followed by exposure with the Holmium:YAG laser beam; Group #2, an application of an aqueous solution of NaF (4%) only; and Group #3, irradiation with the laser beam only. The teeth were exposed on the root surfaces with untreated control and experimental sites on opposite sides of the teeth. A 3 mm spot size covered an area of 3 X 5 mm with 0.450 (+/- .05) joules at a fluence of 2.66 - 3.3 J/cm 2 . All teeth were decalcified in a 10% Formic acid solution for a timed period. Samples were prepared for staining by sectioning the teeth at the dentoenamel junction and 3 mm apically to produce a cross-section of each tooth root surface. Each sample was placed in toluidine blue dye to observe the depth of dye penetration into the dentin of treated and control sites. Toluidine blue dye showed a consistent greater depth of dye penetration into the dentinal areas of the untreated control sites versus the resin/NaF-lased group. The topical fluoride only group did not appear different than the untreated control sites of the teeth. The lased only group showed areas of dye penetration similar to the untreated control sides with other areas of little or no dye penetration. The finding that HO:YAG laser energy/chemical agent produced increased resistance to demineralization of dentinal surfaces in vitro suggested potential clinical applications of this combined modality.
Prediction of observed image spectra using synthetic image generation models

Most spectrometric image analysis algorithms either require or can be augmented by estimates of target/background spectral signatures. The prediction of these spectra is complicated by the complex interplay of the target's spectra, background spectra, energy matter interaction effects, atmospheric effects and sensor response, an noise effects. Signatures can be further confused in the thermal IR by the temperature and temperature variation of targets and backgrounds. Finally, in nearly all cases, the image signature is the result of spatial mixing of target and background spectra. This paper addresses the potential for using synthetic image generation modeling tools to help in the prediction and understanding of hyperspectral signature. The DIRSIG model is discussed in terms of how it deals spectrally with target/background interactions, atmospheric propagation and sensor spectral, geometric MTF and noise effects. The DIRSIG model enables the estimation of mixed pixel 'image' spectra as they would be observed by an actual system imaging a complex 3D scene.
Not Just "Ghosts in the Nursery": Contemporaneous Intergenerational Relationships and Parenting in Young African-American Families.

The association of the mother-grandmother relationship with parenting of preschoolers was examined in a sample of 96 African-American multigenerational families. Mother-grandmother and parent-child interactions were assessed at home with videotaped problem-solving tasks. The Scale of Intergenerational Relationship Quality (SIRQ), a global observational coding system, was developed to assess the quality of the mother-grandmother relationship via observational ratings of mothers' and grandmothers' discussion of conflict. It yielded 4 factors: Emotional Closeness (connectedness), Positive Affect (upbeat tone), Grandmother Directness (demandingness and clarity), and Individuation (balance of autonomy and mutuality). Regression analyses controlling for socioeconomic background variables showed that SIRQ factors, particularly Individuation, were consistently related to mothers' parenting. Relationship effects varied when interacted with age and coresidence. The importance of a multigenerational, contextual perspective for research and intervention with young African-American mothers is discussed.
The Contribution Of Galactic Free-Free Emission to Anisotropies in the Cosmic Microwave Background Found by the Saskatoon Experiment

We made a sensitive, wide-field Hα image of the north celestial polar region. Using this image, we constrain the contribution of irregularities in interstellar free-free emission to the degree-scale anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background detected in recent observations at Saskatoon by the Princeton group. The analysis of the Hα image mimics the Saskatoon data analysis: the resulting signal is the strength of irregularities sampled with the Saskatoon beam (i.e., degree-scale) along the 85° declination circle. We found no such irregularities that could be attributed to Hα emission. The implied upper bound on the rms variation in free-free brightness temperature is less than 4.6 μK at 27.5 GHz. The observed cosmic microwave background anisotropies are much larger. Therefore, the contribution of irregularities in interstellar free-free emission to the observed anisotropies is negligible.
Controlled chemical phase separation in binary and ternary composites: A pathway to isotropic optical and electrical behavior for device applications

There are many applications for nanocrystalline thin films in optical devices that require isotropic optical properties. A novel way to obtain these isotropic properties for the index of refraction and/or optical absorption constant, etc., and at the same time to minimize microscopic strain is presented in this article. This approach is based on strain reduction mechanisms that occur in the intermediate phases, IPs, of non-crystalline glasses and thin films. In these compositional regimes, either site percolation, or volume percolation, each above an applicable critical value, provides a quantitative understanding of the microscopic bonding arrangements associated with strain-reducing chemical bonding self-organizations. A similar framework, presented for the first time in this article, develops a microscopic understanding of macroscopic strain reduction in several different phase-separated composites. This understanding has emerged from focussed research on qualitatively different hetero-structure device structure constituents, e.g.; (i) high-k replacement dielectrics for SiO z in field effect transistors gate stacks for ad - vanced semiconductor devices, and (ii) active and passive thin films for optically switched memory cells. In each instance strain reduction and its intrinsic relationship to low densities of defects and defect precursors has provided a driving force in the identification of a narrow range of compositions that satisfy technological needs.
Late Frasnian sedimentation cycles in the Appalachian basin—possible evidence for high frequency eustatic sea-level changes

Abstract During the late Frasnian, 11 fourth-order progradational/retrogradational marine sedimentation cycles were deposited in the Appalachian foreland basin. Mapping based primarily on subsurface data demonstrates the continuity of these cycles over a distance of 700 km. Cyclicity in distal facies occurs as alternations of organic-rich and organic-poor shales, two of the organic shales can be correlated with the transgressive “Kellwasser Beds” of Europe. In more proximal facies, recurring lobes of siltstone and sandstone were deposited. Based on lithologic indices, the temporal pattern shows significant variation in the strength of relative facies change during deposition. In particular, two times of particularly pronounced progradation correspond to previously recognized eustatic sea-level falls. The correlation of portions of Appalachian basin depositional cyclicity with global sea-level events suggests that the entire sequence of 11 cycles, with estimated average duration of around 100–150 ka, were the result of high-frequency eustatic sea-level changes. This in turn would be consistent with a brief period of late Frasnian glaciation, as others have previously suggested.
Comparison of Objective and Subjective Precipitation Probability Forecasts: The Sufficiency Relation

Abstract In this paper the sufficiency relation is used to compare objective and subjective probability of precipitation (PoP) forecasts. The theoretical significance of the sufficiency relation in comparative evaluation arises from the fact that if it can be shown that forecasting system A is sufficient for forecasting system B, then A's forecasts are necessarily of higher quality and greater value to all users than B's forecasts. However, since the sufficiency relation is an incomplete order (it is not always possible to show that system A is sufficient for system B, or vice versa), the practical significance of this relation warrants further investigation. An operational method of comparing forecasting systems using the sufficiency relation has recently been described in the forecasting literature. This method involves the construction of a so-called forecast sufficiency characteristic (FSC) for each forecasting system, based on a representative set of forecasts and observations. In terms of this chara...
The Roles of a Flavone-6-Hydroxylase and 7-O-Demethylation in the Flavone Biosynthetic Network of Sweet Basil

Lipophilic flavonoids found in the Lamiaceae exhibit unusual 6- and 8-hydroxylations whose enzymatic basis is unknown. We show that crude protein extracts from peltate trichomes of sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) cultivars readily hydroxylate position 6 of 7-O-methylated apigenin but not apigenin itself. The responsible protein was identified as a P450 monooxygenase from the CYP82 family, a family not previously reported to be involved in flavonoid metabolism. This enzyme prefers flavones but also accepts flavanones in vitro and requires a 5-hydroxyl in addition to a 7-methoxyl residue on the substrate. A peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) homolog displayed identical substrate requirements, suggesting that early 7-O-methylation of flavones might be common in the Lamiaceae. This hypothesis is further substantiated by the pioneering discovery of 2-oxoglutarate-dependent flavone demethylase activity in basil, which explains the accumulation of 7-O-demethylated flavone nevadensin. Background: Late steps of lipophilic flavone biosynthesis in mints are unknown. Results: CYP82D monooxygenases catalyze 6-hydroxylation of 7-O-methylated precursor, whose 7-methyl group is subsequently removed by demethylation in basil but not in peppermint. Conclusion: Flavone biosynthesis in basil involves an unusual loop. Significance: Novel mechanisms elucidated in basil suggest a new hypothesis for similar metabolic networks in other plants.
Understanding the meaning of social well-being at the end of life

Purpose/objectives To advance understanding of the social well-being domain, a dimension of quality of life, from the perspective of dying individuals. Research approach Qualitative, hermeneutic, and phenomenologic. Setting Private residences in a community setting. Participants 8 terminally ill adult patients with cancer, aged 35-75, enrolled in hospice care. Methodologic approach In-depth, semistructured, tape-recorded, and transcribed interviews were analyzed using the Giorgi method. Main research variables Social well-being and quality of life at the end of life. Findings Six themes emerged that described the meaning of close personal relationships at the end of life: meaning of relationships with family, friends, and coworkers; meaning of relationships with God or a higher power; loss and gains of role function; love; gratitude; and lessons on living. Conclusions Patients who were terminally ill with advanced cancer expressed the importance of close personal relationships at the end of life and the need to communicate their importance through love and gratitude. All participants believed that personal relationships were strengthened by the end-of-life experience. Interpretation Nurses can support terminally ill patients by understanding the importance of social relationships at the end of life. The relationships may be enhanced when nurses raise patients' conscious awareness of the relationships and encourage them to express their importance.
Encroaching lists as a measure of presortedness

Encroaching lists are a generalization of monotone sequences in permutations. Since ordered permutations contain fewer encroaching lists than random ones, the number of such listsm provides a measure of presortedness with advantages over others in the literature. Experimental and analytic results are presented to cast light on the properties of encroaching lists. Also, we describe a new sorting algorithm,melsort, with complexityO(nlogm). Thus it is linear for well ordered sets and reduces to mergesort andO(nlogn) in the worst case.
Hybrid silica-polyimide composite membranes: Gas transport properties

The gas permeability, diffusivity, and selectivity properties of gases such as He, O2, N2, CH4, and CO2 were evaluated for a series of hybrid inorganic–organic composites based on 6FDA-6FpDA and 6FDA-6FpDA-DABA polyimides and various organo-silica structures. The organo-silica domains were introduced into the polymer matrix via sol–gel reactions. The gas transport properties of these hybrid membranes were dependent on the type of alkoxide employed and the final morphology of the hybrid composite. Systems with low degree of cross-linking between the inorganic and polymer components exhibited membrane performance below the upper bound. However, simultaneous improvements in selectivity and permeability were observed in hybrid materials with favorable interactions between inorganic and polymer domains as documented by changes in viscoelastic properties. These improved interactions most likely led to the formation of an interphase consisting of constrained polymer segments partially incorporated into the silicate structure.
Volcano geodesy: challenges and opportunities for the 21st century

Intrusions of magma beneath volcanoes deform the surrounding rock and, if the intrusion is large enough, the overlying ground surface. Numerical models generally agree that, for most eruptions, sub...
On the need for a scientific programming language

It is my opinion that a new programming language is needed for applied scientific computing. Since there are so many languages already available one must address the question as to why another is needed. If one grants that a new one is in fact needed, then one must outline the functional specifications and/or the procedure for inventing the requisite language. The purpose of this article is to stimulate thought on the matter.
Quickest detection of statistical changes with application to tracking

As part of the track-management process it is necessary to know when new tracks start and when old ones die. Thus some knowledge of the theory of detection of statistical changes is important, and the purpose of this talk is to give the audience some overview of what is available. Specifically, we shall discuss sequential testing, this information necessary as a precursor to an understanding of the procedure and performance of the Page "quickest" detection of statistical changes. We shall also discuss the Shiryaev test, which represents a more Bayesian point of view. We shall present applications to detection of target spawn based on monopulse radar data, and also to the track management of sonar targets whose aspect-dependent SNR is modeled as hidden Markov - the suboptimality of Page procedures for detection of a changes between HMMs is rather surprising.
Rate of water loss and water and fat content of adult Drosophila melanogaster of different ages

Abstract Differently aged adults of Drosophila melanogaster were desiccated for 90 min in air and in CO2 and air mixture (pCO2 100 mm Hg) for comparison of water loss based on body weight changes. Immediately after desiccation the flies were dried and the lipid substances (fat) extracted in ether. Relative to both fresh body weight and non-fat wet weight the rate of water loss during desiccation in air increased with age similarly in both sexes, but no age-related increases in rate of water loss during desiccation in the CO2 mixture were found, indicating that age-related differences in rates of water loss were due to increasing impairment of the spiracular closing mechanism with ageing. On the basis of non-fat wet body weight, rate of water loss in CO2 was higher in males than in females after exposure to the CO2 for 90 min but not after 45 min of exposure. Water content decreased in both sexes during the first 5 days after emergence. The non-fat dry component of body weight in females decreased with age while fat content increased. After the fifth day the fat content of females was consistently higher than that of males. On a fresh body weight basis, the percentage of water content correlated negatively with the percentage of fat content in both sexes at nearly all ages after the first day after emergence.
Bayesian nonlinear regression for large p small n problems

Statistical modeling and inference problems with sample sizes substantially smaller than the number of available covariates are challenging. This is known as large p small n problem. Furthermore, the problem is more complicated when we have multiple correlated responses. We develop multivariate nonlinear regression models in this setup for accurate prediction. In this paper, we introduce a full Bayesian support vector regression model with Vapnik's @e-insensitive loss function, based on reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces (RKHS) under the multivariate correlated response setup. This provides a full probabilistic description of support vector machine (SVM) rather than an algorithm for fitting purposes. We have also introduced a multivariate version of the relevance vector machine (RVM). Instead of the original treatment of the RVM relying on the use of type II maximum likelihood estimates of the hyper-parameters, we put a prior on the hyper-parameters and use Markov chain Monte Carlo technique for computation. We have also proposed an empirical Bayes method for our RVM and SVM. Our methods are illustrated with a prediction problem in the near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. A simulation study is also undertaken to check the prediction accuracy of our models.
Bayesian sequential estimation of the ratio of failure rates of two exponential distributions censored data

This paper provides a sequential procedure for estimating the ratio of failure rates of two independent exponential distributions, using censored data. A Bayesian approach is used with gamma priors to construct a stopping time which minimizes the expected total loss plus cost of observing the process. The optimality of the proposed stopping time is established with the aid of Dynkin's identity for Markov processes.
The competence of Xenopus blastomeres to produce neural and retinal progeny is repressed by two endo-mesoderm promoting pathways.

Only a subset of cleavage stage blastomeres in the Xenopus embryo is competent to contribute cells to the retina; ventral vegetal blastomeres do not form retina even when provided with neuralizing factors or transplanted to the most retinogenic position of the embryo. These results suggest that endogenous maternal factors in the vegetal region repress the ability of blastomeres to form retina. Herein we provide three lines of evidence that two vegetal-enriched maternal factors (VegT, Vg1), which are known to promote endo-mesodermal fates, negatively regulate which cells are competent to express anterior neural and retinal fates. First, both molecules can repress the ability of dorsal-animal retinogenic blastomeres to form retina, converting the lineage from neural/retinal to non-neural ectodermal and endo-mesodermal fates. Second, reducing the endogenous levels of either factor in dorsal-animal retinogenic blastomeres expands expression of neural/retinal genes and enlarges the retina. The dorsal-animal repression of neural/retinal fates by VegT and Vg1 is likely mediated by Sox17α and Derriere but not by XNr1. VegT and Vg1 likely exert their effects on neural/retinal fates through at least partially independent pathways because Notch1 can reverse the effects of VegT and Derriere but not those of Vg1 or XNr1. Third, reduction of endogenous VegT and/or Vg1 in ventral vegetal blastomeres can induce a neural fate, but only allows expression of a retinal fate when both BMP and Wnt signaling pathways are concomitantly repressed.
A single g factor is not necessary to simulate positive correlations between cognitive tests.

In the area of abilities testing, one issue of continued dissent is whether abilities are best conceptualized as manifestations of a single underlying general factor or as reflecting the combination of multiple traits that may be dissociable. The fact that diverse cognitive tests tend to be positively correlated has been taken as evidence for a single general ability or “g” factor. In the present study, simulations of test performance were run to evaluate the hypothesis that multiple independent abilities that affect test performance in a consistent manner will produce a positive manifold. Correlation matrices were simulated from models using either one or eight independent factors. The extent to which these factors operated in a consistent manner across tests (i.e., that a factor that facilitates performance on one test tends to facilitate performance on other tests) was manipulated by varying the mean value of the randomly selected weights. The tendency of both a single factor and eight independent fact...
Two extensions of conjoint measurement

Abstract Both extensions modify the axioms of Luce and Tukey for additive conjoint measurement. The first yields a theory for more than two coordinates. The main problem is to find a weak generalization of the cancellation property; the one suggested is weaker than Krantz's generalization. The second extension weakens the solution-of-equations axiom, which has been justly criticized as too strong for most potential applications. A much more plausible version is suggested. This weakening is compensated for by adding the (necessary) independence property as an axiom and by postulating the existence of a part of a dual standard sequence. The usual representation and uniqueness theorems are proved.
Thermally robust dual-work function ALD-MN/sub x/ MOSFETs using conventional CMOS process flow

Thermally stable dual work function metal gates are demonstrated using a conventional CMOS process flow. The gate structure consists of poly-Si/metal nitrides (MN/sub x/) SiON (or high-k)/Si stack with atomic layer deposition (ALD)-TaN/sub x/ for the NFET and ALD-WN/sub x/ for the PFET. Much enhanced drive current (I/sub d/) and transconductance (G/sub m/) values, and reduced off current (I/sub off/) characteristics were attained with ALD-MN/sub x/ gated devices over control poly-Si and PVD-MN/sub x/ devices within controllable V/sub t/ shifts. Excellent scalability of dual work function MN/sub x//high-k gate stack was demonstrated: the EOT was down to 6.6/spl Aring/ with low leakage in a low thermal budget device scheme.
Analysis of the Pulmonary Vascular Tree Using Differential Geometry Based Vector Fields

We extract topological and local structural information from X-ray-computed tomography (CT) volume images of the vascular tree of the lung. We then produce an abstract model of the topology and geometry of the tree which is suitable for generating physical models. Physiologists model the vascular tree as a connected network of tubes and, to date, the only accurate data available to produce such models has come from dissection and measurement. Modeling the dynamic behavior of the tree in a living organism has been, until now, impossible. Building models from CT scans will increase the volume and quality of information available for both the study of physiology and diagnosis. We present an efficient, accurate analysis technique for volume images of tube networks. Using local operations that link techniques based on morphology to differential geometry, we transform the volume into a vector field which resembles idealized, axis-parallel fluid flow through the tube network. This field provides information to condense the salient features of the image into an augmented Euclidean minimum spanning tree (EMST). This augmented EMST proves to be a convenient and logical abstract representation of the vascular tree.
Characterization of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase nucleotide binding domain mutants using NMR spectroscopy.

Research highlights: {yields} Structural consequence by substitution mutations on the isolated SERCA-nucleotide binding (SERCA-N) domain was studied. {yields} The study fills a gap between the previous clinical, physiological, and biochemical data and the molecular basis of SERCA-N. {yields} The E412G mutation, known to be seen in patients with Darier's disease, was found to maintain the active conformation but exhibit reduced protein stability. -- Abstract: Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca{sup 2+} ATPase (SERCA) is essential for muscle function by transporting Ca{sup 2+} from the cytosol into the sarcoplasmic reticulum through ATP hydrolysis. In this report, the effects of substitution mutations on the isolated SERCA-nucleotide binding domain (SERCA-N) were studied using NMR. {sup 15}N-{sup 1}H HSQC spectra of substitution mutants at the nucleotide binding site, T441A, R560V, and C561A, showed chemical shift changes, primarily in residues adjacent to the mutation sites, indicating only local effects. Further, the patterns of chemical shift changes upon AMP-PNP binding to these mutants were similar to that of the wild type SERCA-N (WT). In contrast to these nucleotide binding site mutants, a mutant found in patients with Darier's disease, E412G, showed small but significant chemical shift changes throughout the protein and rapid precipitation. However, the AMP-PNP dissociation constant ({approx}2.5more » mM) was similar to that of WT ({approx}3.8 mM). These results indicate that the E412G mutant retains its catalytic activity but most likely reduces its stability. Our findings provide molecular insight into previous clinical, physiological, and biochemical observations.« less
Modeling the biochemical differences between rabbit muscle and human liver phosphorylase

Glycogen phosphorylases catalzye the regulated breakdown of glycogen to glucose-1-phosphate. In mammals, glycogen phosphorylase occurs in three different isozymes called liver, muscle and brain after the tissues in which they are prefer entially expressed. The muscle isozyme binds and is activated cooperatively by AMP. In contrast, the liver enzyme binds AMP noncooperatively and is poorly activated. The amino acid sequence of human liver phosphorylase is 80% identical with rabbit muscle phosphorylase, and those residues which contact AMP are conserved. Using computer graphics software, we replaced side chains of the known rabbit muscle structure with those of human liver phosphorylase and interpreted the effects of these changes in order to account for the biochemical differences between them. We have identified two substitutions in liver phosphorylase potentially important in altering the cooperative binding and activation of this isozyme by AMP.
Effects of a water-soluble fraction of a crude oil on the coral reef hydroid Myrionema hargitti: feeding, growth and algal symbionts

The water-soluble fraction (WSF) of crude oil affects two nutritional inputs, symbiotic algae and zooplankton capture, of the tropical hydroid Myrionema hargitti. Hydroids, collected from Discovery Bay, Jamaica, during December 1983 and January 1984, and treated for 1 h with 100% WSF (approximately 20 ppm) exhibited a reduced induction of tentacle contraction and decreased ability to capture brine shrimp nauplii. After a 24 h exposure, most tentacles had degenerated and polyps were rotund and distorted, with no responsiveness evident. In contrast, algal photosynthesis and translocation of photosynthetically-fixed carbon to the host were not significantly affected by short-term (<3 h) exposures to WSF. However, the algae in 24 and 48 h-treated individuals showed reductions in both photosynthesis and carbon translocation rates. The contribution of translocated carbon from the symbiotic algae to the hydroids' respiration (CZAR) was about 81% at 24 h and 23% at 48 h, compared to control levels in freshly collected individuals of 118%. The net effect of oil treatment for 24h or more on M. hargitti colonies was a loss of polyps and a reduction of stolon length during the treatment period. Treatment in 100% WSF for 7 d led to bleaching and eventual death of the colonies. Hydroids exposed to 100% WSF for 48h or less developed new polyps and recovered both their photosynthetic capability and ability to catch food within 3d of transfer from WSF to seawater.
Physical and maximum entropy models applied to inventories of hillslope sediment sources

The purpose of our study was to identify major hillslope sediment sources in a partially urbanized coastal watershed supporting salmonid habitat and to evaluate the use of physical and maximum entropy models in predicting sites of greatest concern. Questions include when and where increased runoff from trail and unpaved road surfaces has influenced patterns of landslides and gullies to a greater degree than what would be expected from background processes and controls, such as precipitation intensity, vegetation, soils, and slope characteristics. San Pedro Creek Watershed, USA, provides habitat for Oncorhynchus mykiss despite 33% of the watershed being urbanized. The watershed drains steep hillslopes with a median slope of 21°, with the steepest slopes on the 578-m North Peak of Montara Mountain. We inventoried hillslope sediment sources based on field surveys and aerial photographic interpretation in 1941, 1955, 1975, 1983, and 1997. We interpreted causative factors using precipitation records, geologic and soil mapping, digital elevation derivatives, land cover, and road/trail network changes and applied a physical landslide susceptibility model (Stability Index Approach to Terrain Stability Hazard Mapping (SINMAP)) for hillslope stability and a maximum entropy model for assessing gully and landslide centroids. Maps of landslide and gullies reveal an association with land use changes over time. Agricultural land uses led to the development of extensive gullies in parts of the watershed, and some of these continue to contribute significant sediment to the stream system; others were built-over in residential developments. The most significant remaining gullies result from impervious runoff from roads built into steep hillslopes. Although the best single predictor of landslide susceptibility is physically modelled hillslope stability (SINMAP), slope equally contributed to multivariate MAXENT models (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.74 in 1941, 0.65 in 1975, and 0.79 in 1983). Other covariates in the maximum entropy models include plan curvature, trail distance in 1975, geology in 1983 (favoring colluvium), and vegetation. Combining physical hillslope stability with a maximum entropy model appears promising, although overall slope angle also contributed equally. Landslides are episodic and linked to major precipitation/runoff events, such as ENSO events in 1962, 1972, and 1982, but road and trail development from 1955 to 1975 also contributed equally. As by count most gullies relate to earlier agricultural practices, they represent ongoing sediment sources.
Covariance Analysis of Censored Survival Data Using Log-Linear Analysis Techniques

Abstract This paper unites two different fields, survival and contingency table analysis, in a single analytical framework based on the log-linear model. We demonstrate that many currently popular approaches to modeling survival data, including the approaches of Glasser (1967), Cox (1972), Breslow (1972, 1974), and Holford (1976), can be handled by using existing computer packages developed for the log-linear analysis of contingency table data. More important, we demonstrate that the log-linear modeling system used to characterize counted data structures directly characterizes survival data as well. Counted data methodologies for testing and estimation are also applicable here. Much of the theoretical basis for this work has been independently derived by Holford (1980) and Aitkin and Clayton (1980). The emphasis in this paper is not to develop new methodologies, but rather to present new uses and interpretations for already familiar methodologies.
Unbiased estimation following selection for bernoulli populations

Although a large number of selection procedures have been published in the statistics literature, the selection approach has received only limited use in applications. One drawback to the use of such procedures has been the lack of parameter estimates, which prevents quantitative comparisons among the treatments. To partially address this criticism, we present a general method for constructing unbiased estimators of the success probabilities after the termination of a sequential experiment involving two or more Bernoulli populations. Some theoretical properties are presented, and examples are provided for several different selection procedures.
The Other New Deal and Labor: The Regulatory State and the Unions, 1933-1940

At the end of Turbulent Years, his classic study of the labor upheavals of the 1930s, Irving Bernstein unexpectedly announces that the American Federation of Labor “gained a decisive and permanent victory.” This is a remarkable admission. Bernstein had devoted the bulk of his study to the failures of the AFL and the emergence of a more relevant alternative, the CIO. Like most authors, he associated the turbulence of the 1930s with the rise of industrial unionism, which addressed the apparent deficiencies of the AFL, notably its preoccupation with skilled workers and neglect of large-scale manufacturing. Still, the AFL grew more rapidly. Bernstein tries to explain: the triumph of the AFL “was hidden by the mystique of power [John L] Lewis had imparted to the CIO, by the highly publicized contemporary successes of SWOC…and UAW…and the deliberate falsification of membership records.” While these factors may account for the misleading imagery of the CIO, they do not explain the behavior of millions of workers who opted for AFL organizations. Clearly other forces were at work.