cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plutonium(IV) sorption to montmorillonite in the presence of organic matter

The effect of altering the order of addition in a ternary system of plutonium(IV), organic matter (fulvic acid, humic acid and desferrioxamine B), and montmorillonite was investigated. A decrease in Pu(IV) sorption to montmorillonite in the presence of fulvic and humic acid relative to the binary Pu-montmorillonite system, is attributed to strong organic aqueous complex formation with aqueous Pu(IV). No dependence on the order of addition was observed. In contrast, in the system where Pu(IV) was equilibrated with desferrioxamine B (DFOB) prior to addition of montmorillonite, an increase in Pu(IV) sorption was observed relative to the binary system. When DFOB was equilibrated with montmorillonite prior to addition of Pu(IV), Pu(IV) sorption was equivalent to the binary system. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy revealed that DFOB accumulated in the interlayer of montmorillonite. The order of DFOB addition plays an important role in the observed sorption/desorption behavior of Pu. The irreversible nature of DFOB accumulation in the montmorillonite interlayer leads to an apparent dependence of Pu sorption on the order of addition in the ternary system. This work demonstrates that the order of addition will be relevant in ternary systems in which at least one component exhibits irreversible sorption behavior.
Adaptations for animal dispersal of one-seed juniper seeds.

Distributional patterns of one-seed juniper seeds and seedlings show that most seeds are found directly beneath source trees but most seedlings are found away from the source trees. Thus, seeds dispersed away from source trees seem to have a better chance of germination and growth than seeds beneath source trees. Seed distribution patterns indicate haphazard animal dispersal rather than directional dispersal by water runoff or gravity. One-seed juniper appears to have adaptations favoring zoochory over other types of dispersal methods. Seeds are not well protected from animals but are presented in an attractive, abundant, easily accessible and nutritious fruit. Fruit ripening occurs just before the arrival of avian winter residents in the pinon-juniper woodlands. Several of these species are potential dispersal agents. Seeds passed through the intestines of Townsend's Solitaires showed lowered germination compared to untreated seeds but these birds are probably good dispersers.
Deterministically charged quantum dots in photonic crystal nanoresonators for efficient spin–photon interfaces

We demonstrate a novel method for deterministic charging of InAs quantum dots embedded in photonic crystal nanoresonators using a unique vertical p–n–i–n junction within the photonic crystal membrane. Charging is confirmed by the observation of Zeeman splitting for magnetic fields applied in the Voigt configuration. Spectrally resolved photoluminescence measurements are complemented by polarization resolved studies that show the precise structure of the Zeeman quadruplet. Integration of quantum dots in nanoresonators strongly enhances far-field collection efficiency and paves the way for the exploitation of enhanced spin–photon interactions for fabrication of efficient quantum nodes in a scalable solid state platform.
Linearized supergravity from Matrix theory

Abstract We show that the linearized supergravity potential between two objects arising from the exchange of quanta with zero longitudinal momentum is reproduced to all orders in 1/ r by terms in the one-loop Matrix theory potential. The essential ingredient in the proof is the identification of the Matrix theory quantities corresponding to moments of the stress tensor and membrane current. We also point out that finite- N Matrix theory violates the equivalence principle.
Polygon crawling: feature edge extraction from a general polygonal surface for mesh generation

This article describes a method for extracting feature edges of a polygonal surface for mesh generation. This method can extract feature edges from a polygonal surface typically created by a CAD facet generator in which typical feature edge extraction methods fail due to severe nonuniformity and anisotropy. The method is based on the technique called “polygon crawling,” which samples a sequence of points on the polygonal surface by moving a point along the polygonal surface. Extracting appropriate feature edges is important for creating a coarse mesh without yielding self-intersections. Extensive tests have been performed with various CAD-generated facet models, and this technique has shown good performance in extracting feature edges.
Characterizing the Near-UV Environment of M Dwarfs

We report the results of our Hubble Space Telescope (HST) snapshot survey with the ACS HRC PR200L prism, designed to measure the near-UV emission in a sample of nearby M dwarfs. Thirty-three stars were observed, spanning the mass range from 0.1 to 0.6 solar masses (Teff ~ 2200-4000 K) where the UV energy distributions vary widely between active and inactive stars. These observations provide much needed constraints on models of the habitability zone and the atmospheres of possible terrestrial planets orbiting M dwarf hosts and will be useful in refining the target selection for future space missions such as Terrestrial Planet Finder (TPF). We compare our data with a new generation of M dwarf atmospheric models and discuss their implications for the chromospheric energy budget. These NUV data will also be valuable in conjunction with existing optical, FUV, and X-ray data to explore unanswered questions regarding the dynamo generation and magnetic heating in low-mass stars.
Supergravity duals for N = 2 gauge theories

We construct supergravity solutions for Dp-branes at orbifold points. The solutions are written in terms of a single function, which is the solution to a nonlinear differential equation. The near horizon limits of these solutions are dual, in the AdS/CFT sense, to super-Yang-Mills theories with 8 supercharges in various dimensions. In particular, we present a dual to = 2 SU(N) SYM theory in 3+1 dimensions, and analyse some aspects of the duality.
Next-to-leading order QCD effects and the top quark mass measurements at the LHC

It is anticipated that a number of techniques to measure the top quark mass at the LHC will yield mtop with uncertainties of about 0.5−1 percent. These uncertainties are mostly theoretical; they are usually estimated using parton shower Monte Carlo programs whose reliability at this level of precision is difficult to assess. The goal of this paper is to contrast those estimates with the results of NLO QCD computations for a few observables, often discussed in the context of high-precision top quark mass measurements at the LHC. In particular, we study the NLO QCD corrections to the invariant mass distribution of a charged lepton and a B-meson in lepton+jets channels. In the dilepton channel we investigate the invariant mass distribution of a charged lepton and a b-jet, the average energy of the two leptons and the average energy of the b-jets from top decays.
Structure and evolution of Saturn's rings

It is noted that many Voyager observations on the structure and evolution of Saturn's rings remain largely unexplained. The variation of ring thickness and particle size with composition may be partly explained by the input of density waves in the 'heating' of such rings as the outer A ring; in addition, the particles appear to resemble Weidenschilling et al.'s (1984) 'ephemeral bodies' rather than chunks of ice. It is suggested that many current difficulties may be resolved by positing that at least ring A is young, having been created by the destruction of one of the ring moons.
PSM design for inverse lithography with partially coherent illumination

Phase-shifting masks (PSM) are resolution enhancement techniques (RET) used extensively in the semiconductor industry to improve the resolution and pattern fidelity of optical lithography. Recently, a set of gradient-based PSM optimization methods have been developed to solve for the inverse lithography problem under coherent illumination. Most practical lithography systems, however, use partially coherent illumination due to non-zero width and off-axis light sources, which introduce partial coherence factors that must be accounted for in the optimization of PSMs. This paper thus focuses on developing a framework for gradient-based PSM optimization methods which account for the inherent nonlinearities of partially coherent illumination. In particular, the singular value decomposition (SVD) is used to expand the partially coherent imaging equation by eigenfunctions into a sum of coherent systems (SOCS). The first order coherent approximation corresponding to the largest eigenvalue is used in the PSM optimization. In order to influence the solution patterns to have more desirable manufacturability properties and higher fidelity, a post-processing of the mask pattern based on the 2D discrete cosine transformation (DCT) is introduced. Furthermore, a photoresist tone reversing technique is exploited in the design of PSMs to project extremely sparse patterns.
Modeling environmental effects on directionality in wireless networks

One method for improving wireless network throughput involves using directional antennas to increase signal gain and/or decrease interference. The physical layer models used in current networking simulators only minimally address the interaction of directional antennas and radio propagation. This paper compares the models found in popular simulation tools with measurements taken across a variety of links in multiple environments. We find that the effects of antenna direction are significantly different from those predicted by the models used in the common wireless network simulators. We propose a parametric model that better captures the effects of different propagation environments on directional antenna systems; we also show that the derived models are sensitive to both the direction of signal gain and the environment in which the antenna is used.
Durable Emissions and Optimal Pigouvian Taxes

This article examines the effectiveness of socially optimal taxes in controlling pollution (or other external effects) generated by a monopolist when pollution is a by-product of production and when emissions themselves are durable. Existing research has paid inadequate attention to the durability aspect, both of the product and of the resulting pollutants. In the two-period model presented here, a social planner minimizes social damage by setting the per-unit Pigouvian tax on a polluting monopolist. Results show that for a given level of production, the durability of emissions and the socially optimal Pigouvian tax are negatively related. This result holds irrespective of the durability of the good under production. The effect of a change in product durability is shown to depend on the output scale effects. Public policy implications are discussed.
Fast Statistical Parsing of Noun Phrases for Document Indexing

Information Retrieval (IR) is an important application area of Natural Language Processing (NLP) where one encounters the genuine challenge of processing large quantities of unrestricted natural language text. While much effort has been made to apply NLP techniques to IR, very few NLP techniques have been evaluated on a document collection larger than several megabytes. Many NLP techniques are simply not efficient enough, and not robust enough, to handle a large amount of text. This paper proposes a new Probabilistic model for noun phrase parsing, and reports on the application of such a parsing technique to enhance document indexing. The effectiveness of using syntactic phrases provided by the parser to supplement single words for indexing is evaluated with a 250 megabytes document collection. The experiment's results show that supplementing single words with syntactic phrases for indexing consistently and significantly improves retrieval performance.
Localized nonlinear functional equations and two sampling problems in signal processing

Let 1 ≤ p ≤ ?. In this paper, we consider solving a nonlinear functional equation f (x) = y, where x, y belong to l p and f has continuous bounded gradient in an inverse-closed subalgebra of ? (l2), the Banach algebra of all bounded linear operators on the Hilbert space l 2. We introduce strict monotonicity property for functions f on Banach spaces l p so that the above nonlinear functional equation is solvable and the solution x depends continuously on the given data y in l p . We show that the Van-Cittert iteration converges in l p with exponential rate and hence it could be used to locate the true solution of the above nonlinear functional equation. We apply the above theory to handle two problems in signal processing: nonlinear sampling termed with instantaneous companding and subsequently average sampling; and local identification of innovation positions and qualification of amplitudes of signals with finite rate of innovation.
Supersymmetric correction to top quark pair production near threshold

Abstract We studied the leading supersymmetric contribution to top–antitop threshold production using the NRQCD framework. The one-loop matching to the potential and the Wilson coefficient of the leading 3 S 1 production current were considered. We point out that the leading correction to the potential is zero due to SU (3) c gauge invariance. This is true in general for any new physics that enters above the electroweak scale. The shape of the top quark pair production cross section is therefore almost unaffected near threshold, allowing a precise determination of the top quark mass based on the Standard Model calculations. The supersymmetric correction to the Wilson coefficient c 1 of the production current decouples for heavy super particles. Its contribution is smaller than the Standard Model next-to-next-leading-log results.
An Approach for Model Updating of a Multiphysics MEMS Micromirror

In this work, a general approach is formulated for updating the parameters of systems governed by multiphysics equations. The optimization technique is based on Genetic Algorithms (GAs). GAs represent a class of probabilistic optimization strategies loosely patterned after a simplified evolutionary scheme and Darwin's "survival of the fittest" concepts. The GA is coupled to a commercially available multiphysics finite element program. In the context of this, issues of mode tracking, eigenvector comparisons, and approximate function evaluations are discussed. The approach is demonstrated on a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) micromirror which is governed by both structural and electrostatic physics. The MEMS mirror is characterized dynamically using a laser vibrometer. These experimental measurements are then used in the model updating of the finite element structural model and the electrostatic model. Several interesting observations that were encountered in this development will also be discussed.
Global optimization in design and control of chemical process systems

Abstract This paper presents an overview of the recent advances in deterministic global optimization approaches and their applications in the areas of Process Design and Control. The focus is on global optimization methods for (a) twice-differentiable constrained nonlinear optimization problems, (b) mixed-integer nonlinear optimization problems, and (c) locating all solutions of nonlinear systems of equations. Theoretical advances and computational studies on process design, batch design under uncertainty, phase equilibrium, location of azeotropes, stability margin, process synthesis, and parameter estimation problems are discussed.
Comparing complexities of pairs of modules

Abstract Let R be a local ring and M , N be finitely generated R -modules. The complexity of ( M , N ) , denoted by cx R ( M , N ) , measures the polynomial growth rate of the number of generators of the modules Ext R n ( M , N ) . In this paper we study several basic equalities and inequalities involving complexities of different pairs of modules.
Effect of Additives on the Structure and Reactivity of the Surface Vanadium Oxide Phase in V2O5/TiO2 Catalysts

Additives on a 1% V2O5/TiO2 catalyst exhibit two types of interactions with the surface vanadium oxide phase which are observed by Raman spectroscopy under dehydrated conditions and methanol oxidation. Under dehydration conditions, noninteracting additives (WO3, Nb2O5, and SiO2) coordinate directly to the oxide support without significantly interacting with the surface vanadium oxide phase. Furthermore, the effect of the noninteracting additives on the surface vanadium oxide phase is independent of the order of preparation or precursor used. These noninteracting additives do not affect the methanol oxidation activity and selectivity. Interacting additives (K2O and P2O5), however, directly coordinate with the surface vanadium oxide phase. Addition of K2O progressively titrates the surface vanadium oxide sites, as observed from the changes in the structure and reactivity of the surface vanadium oxide phase. The effect of P2O5 on the surface vanadium oxide phase depends on the concentration and sequence of preparation. Addition of higher concentrations of P2O5 forms vanadium phosphate compounds, and results in a change in methanol oxidation activity and selectivity. The addition of 1% V2O5 to a 5% P2O5/TiO2 sample, however, does not show any evidence of compound formation, but a part of the surface vanadium oxide phase appears to be titrated. Under ambient conditions, the additives change the pH at point of zero charge of the surface moisture layer which controls the structure of the surface vanadium oxide layer. Thus, depending on the nature of the additive, interacting or noninteracting, the dehydrated structure and reactivity toward methanol oxidation of the surface vanadium oxide phase are affected or remain essentially unchanged, respectively.
Temporally segmented speech

Temporally segmented speech is continuous speech broken up by the insertion of silent intervals. The durations of the resulting speech intervals and silent intervals can be varied independently. When silent intervals are held constant at 200 msec, and speech interval duration is varied, intelligibility falls from about 90% to about 10% as speech interval duration is reduced from 200 to 30 msec. When speech interval duration is held constant at 63 msec, and silent interval duration is varied, intelligibility recovers from its asymptotic value of about 50% with long silent intervals, to 100% as the silent intervals are shortened from about 120 msec to about 60 msec. Implications for short-term acoustic storage are discussed.
Averaging in the presence of “sliding” errors

Abstract In many cases the precision with which an experiment can measure a physical quantity depends on the value of that quantity. Not having access to the true value, experimental groups are forced to assign their errors based on their own measured value. Procedures which attempt to derive an improved estimate of the true value by a suitable average of such measurements usually weight each experiment's measurement according to the reported variance. However, one is in a position to derive improved error estimates for each experiment from the average itself, provided an approximate idea of the functional dependence of the error on the central value is known. Failing to do so can lead to substantial biases. Techniques which avoid these biases without loss of precision are proposed and their performance is analyzed with examples. These techniques are quite general and can bring about an improvement even when the behavior of the errors is not well understood. Perhaps the most important application of the technique is in fitting curves to histograms.
Role of Ceria in Enhancing the Resistance of Aluminosilicate Refractories to Attack by Molten Aluminum Alloy

Rare-earth doping of aluminosilicate refractory compositions has been shown to impart improved resistance to attack by molten aluminum alloys. The basis for this improved alloy attack resistance was investigated. The addition of rare-earth oxide to bauxite was found to alter the microstructure to form large, uniformly shaped corundum crystals interlinked with cerium-containing strands. It was concluded that this unique microstructure was responsible for the enhanced attack resistance of the refractories. Other possible causes for improved alloy attack resistance, such as enhanced sintering, excess oxygen provided by the CeO[sub 2] dopant, or higher thermodynamic stability of the phases formed in the doped refractory compositions, were not consistent with the experimental findings.
Laughter Therapy for Patients with Cancer

Humor is an important part of life. Care should be taken to ensure that humor persists even during the bleakest times for patients, families, and medical personnel. Laughter eases the mind, defuses tension among people, and has positive physiologic effects on patients. Facilitated nursing intervention with humor helps to inject this important facet of life into difficult scenes. One successful approach to introducing humor into a hospital setting is a hall-roving "Laugh Mobile." Its humorous novelties, books, and films help divert the attention of suffering patients to lighter thoughts.
X-Rays from Superbubbles in the Large Magellanic Cloud. VI. A Sample of Thirteen Superbubbles

We present ROSAT observations and analysis of thirteen superbubbles in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Eleven of these observations have not been previously reported. We have studied the X-ray morphology of the superbubbles and have extracted and analyzed their X-ray spectra. Diffuse X-ray emission is detected from each of these superbubbles, and X-ray emission is brighter than that theoretically expected for a wind-blown bubble, suggesting that the X-ray emission from the superbubbles has been enhanced by interactions between the superbubble shell and interior supernova remnants. We have also found significant positive correlations between the X-ray luminosity of a superbubble and its Hα luminosity, expansion velocity, and OB star count. Further, we have found that a large fraction of the superbubbles in the sample show evidence of breakout regions, where hot X-ray-emitting gas extends beyond the Hα shell.
WEATHER RESISTANCE OF PORCELAIN ENAMELS EXPOSED FOR SEVEN YEARS

A study of the weather resistance of porcelain enameled architectural panels was begun at the National Bureau of Standards in 1939. The study involved 864 one-foot-square panels and an equal number of 4- by 6-in. laboratory specimens. A previous report (1942) gave the results after one year of exposure. The present paper describes the condition of the panels after seven years of weathering in Washington, D. C., St. Louis, Mo., Lakeland, Fla., and Atlantic City, N. J. The results of the seven-year inspection showed good correlation between the acid resistance of enamels and their resistance to weathering. When initial coverage was complete and no mechanical damage had occurred, protection of the metal by the enamel for all specimens was unimpaired after seven years. Colored enamels faded only on panels having poor acid resistance.
Deviation of the nucleon shape from spherical symmetry: Experimental status

In this brief pedagogical overview the physical basis of the deviation of the nucleon shape from spherical symmetry will be presented along with the experimental methods used to determine it by the $\gamma^{*} p \rightarrow \Delta$ reaction. The fact that non-spherical electric (E2) and Coulomb quadrupole (C2) amplitudes have been observed will be demonstrated. We have measured these multipoles for the $N,\Delta$ system as a function of Q2 from the photon point through 4 GeV2 with modest precision. Their precise magnitude remains model dependent due to the contributions of the background amplitudes, although rapid progress is being made to reduce these uncertainties. A discussion of what is required to perform a model-independent analysis is presented. All of the data to date are consistent with an oblate shape for the proton and a prolate shape for the $\Delta$ .
TEXES Observations of Pure Rotational H2 Emission From AB Aurigae

We present observations of pure rotational molecular hydrogen emission from the Herbig Ae star, AB Aur. Our observations were made using the Texas Echelon Cross Echelle Spectrograph (TEXES) at the NASA Infrared Telescope Facility and the Gemini North Observatory. We searched for H_2 emission in the S(1), S(2), and S(4) lines at high spectral resolution and detected all three. By fitting a simple model for the emission in the three transitions, we derive T = 670 ± 40 K and M = 0.52 ± 0.15 M_⊙ for the emitting gas. On the basis of the 8.5 km s^(-1) FWHM of the S(2) line, assuming the emission comes from the circumstellar disk, and with an inclination estimate of the AB Aur system taken from the literature, we place the location for the emission near 18 AU. Comparison of our derived temperature to a disk structure model suggests that UV and X-ray heating are important in heating the disk atmosphere.
A model of promotion and relegation in league sports

Sports leagues in different parts of the world are set up in different ways, some as open leagues and some as closed leagues. It has been shown that spending on players is higher in open leagues (Szymanski and Ross 2000; Szymanski and Valletti Rivista di Politica Economica 95:3–39, 2005). This paper extends these studies, finding that sports leagues that practice promotion and relegation will have unambiguously higher aggregate spending on player talent than closed leagues. This will lower profits in the open league, but increase fan welfare.
Immunology-directed methods for distributed robotics: a novel immunity-based architecture for robust control and coordination

This paper presents a novel algorithmic architecture for the coordination and control of large scale distributed robot teams derived from the constructs found within the human immune system. Using this as a guide, the Immunology-derived Distributed Autonomous Robotics Architecture (IDARA) distributes tasks so that broad, all-purpose actions are refined and followed by specific and mediated responses based on each unit's utility and capability to timely address the system's perceived need(s). This method improves on initial developments in this area by including often overlooked interactions of the innate immune system resulting in a stronger first-order, general response mechanism. This allows for rapid reactions in dynamic environments, especially those lacking significant a priori information. As characterized via computer simulation of a of a self-healing mobile minefield having up to 7,500 mines and 2,750 robots, IDARA provides an efficient, communications light, and scalable architecture that yields significant operation and performance improvements for large-scale multi-robot coordination and control.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Quantum Hall effects in graphene-based two-dimensional electron systems.

In this article we review the quantum Hall physics of graphene-based two-dimensional electron systems, with a special focus on recent experimental and theoretical developments. We explain why graphene and bilayer graphene can be viewed respectively as J = 1 and 2 chiral two-dimensional electron gases (C2DEGs), and why this property frames their quantum Hall physics. The current status of experimental and theoretical work on the role of electron–electron interactions is reviewed at length with an emphasis on unresolved issues in the field, including the role of disorder in current experiments. Special attention is given to the interesting low magnetic field limit, and to the relationship between quantum Hall effects and the spontaneous anomalous Hall effects that might occur in bilayer graphene systems in the absence of a magnetic field.
A pathway to multifactor aging

The existing knowledge, its limitations, and potentials for progress in the assessment of insulation aging are considered. The evolution of thermal aging practice, since its inception to the adoption of the chemical rate approach, is described. The empirical nature of electrical stress aging is analyzed. Current research on subcorona aging, which suggests that electrical aging may be chemical in nature is discussed. A review of mechanical, radiation, and humidity aging reveals the common mechanism of deterioration to be also chemical in nature. The conclusion and recommendations focus on studies that may lead to progress in multifactor aging. >
Organic Synthesis in Ionic Liquids: The Stille Coupling

The Stille coupling reaction has been performed in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIM BF4), a room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL). Use of this solvent system allows for facile recycling of the solvent and catalyst system, which can be used at least five times with little loss in activity. An interesting preference in starting catalyst oxidation state for use with aryl bromides and aryl iodides was observed.
Is the LMA solar-neutrino solution ruled out by SN1987A data?

Abstract The development of new supernova neutrino detectors relies on the expected hard energy spectrum of the ν μ and ν τ emitted in the supernova. We show that SN1987A was sensitive to the large mixing angle (LMA) and “just so” solution to the solar neutrino problem. We review the previous analysis of the SN1987A data and propose a new analysis. The results of this analysis strongly disfavor the LMA solution, provided the ν μ and ν τ are hard as predicted
A Study on Recorded Transitions in Particulate Perpendicular Recording Media

The shapes of recorded transitions in a perpendicular recording medium were studied experimentally, using a large-scale model consisting of a single-pole head and a particulate recording layer with an underlayer. Magnetization distributions were obtained from the measured magnetic field distributions at the medium surface. The results show that the shapes of the transitions strongly depend on the write current values and the initial erasifig conditions. The optimum write current for the large-scale medium corresponds to the value that generates a field 2.6 times larger than the coercivity at the center of the medium.
Ultra low power associative computing with spin neurons and resistive crossbar memory

Emerging resistive-crossbar memory (RCM) technology can be promising for computationally-expensive analog pattern-matching tasks. However, the use of CMOS analog-circuits with RCM would result in large power-consumption and poor scalability, thereby eschewing the benefits of RCM-based computation. We propose the use of low-voltage, fast-switching, magneto-metallic `spin-neurons' for ultra low-power non-Boolean computing with RCM. We present the design of analog associative memory for face recognition using RCM, where, substituting conventional analog circuits with spin-neurons can achieve ~100× lower power. This makes the proposed design ~1000× more energy-efficient than a 45nm-CMOS digital ASIC, thereby significantly enhancing the prospects of RCM based computational hardware.
Mixing Times for the Mean-Field Blume-Capel Model via Aggregate Path Coupling

We investigate the relationship between the mixing times of the Glauber dynamics of a statistical mechanical system with its thermodynamic equilibrium structure. For this we consider the mean-field Blume-Capel model, one of the simplest statistical mechanical models that exhibits the following intricate phase transition structure: within a two-dimensional parameter space there exists a curve at which the model undergoes a second-order, continuous phase transition, a curve where the model undergoes a first-order, discontinuous phase transition, and a tricritical point which separates the two curves. We determine the interface between the regions of slow and rapid mixing. In order to completely determine the region of rapid mixing, we employ a novel extension of the path coupling method, successfully proving rapid mixing even in the absence of contraction between neighboring states.
Yellow-light negative-index metamaterials.

A well-established, silver fishnet design has been further miniaturized to function as a negative-index material at the shortest wavelength to date (to our knowledge). By studying the transmittance, reflectance, and corresponding numerical simulations of the sample, we report in this Letter a negative refractive index of −0.25 at the yellow-light wavelength of 580 nm.
Photon production in heavy-ion collisions at SPS energies

Abstract Single photon spectra in heavy-ion collisions at SPS energies are studied in the relativistic transport model that incorporates self-consistently the change of hadron masses in dense matter. We separate the total photon spectrum into “background” arising from the radiative decays of π 0 and η mesons, and the “thermal” one from other sources. For the latter we include contributions from radiative decays of ρ, ω, η′, and a 1 , radiative decays of baryon resonances, as well as two-body processes such as ππ → ργ and πρ → πγ. It is found that more than 95% of all photons come from the decays of π 0 and η mesons, while the thermal photons account for less than 5% of the total photon yield. The thermal photon spectra in our calculations with either free or in-medium meson masses do not exceed the upper bound set by the experimental measurement of the WA80 Collaboration.
Nickel-Catalyzed Cross-Couplings of Benzylic Pivalates with Arylboroxines: Stereospecific Formation of Diarylalkanes and Triarylmethanes

We have developed a stereospecific nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling of benzylic pivalates with arylboroxines. The success of this reaction relies on the use of Ni(cod)2 as the catalyst and NaOMe as a uniquely effective base. This reaction has broad scope with respect to the arylboroxine and benzylic pivalate, enabling the synthesis of a variety of diarylalkanes and triarylmethanes in good to excellent yields and ee’s.
Prognostic biomarkers for esophageal adenocarcinoma identified by analysis of tumor transcriptome.

Background Despite many attempts to establish pre-treatment prognostic markers to understand the clinical biology of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), validated clinical biomarkers or parameters remain elusive. We generated and analyzed tumor transcriptome to develop a practical biomarker prognostic signature in EAC.
Conformal Mapping in Linear Time

Given any e>0 and any planar region Ω bounded by a simple n-gon P we construct a (1+e)-quasiconformal map between Ω and the unit disk in time C(e)n. One can take $C(\epsilon)=C+C\log \frac{1}{\epsilon}\log \log \frac{1}{\epsilon}$.
A note on recoverability of modular systems

In a paper by Gostelow-Van Weert, it was shown that any processes can be described by Petri-nets (PN). Thus PN can be used as a model in the design (or analysis) of any computer system. This approach makes it possible to utilize all the theoretic knowledge developed for PN and thus provides a powerful tool for computer systems (or program) design. In this case, the PN can be used as a framework that provides a tool for:1. the understanding of the design,2. handling the incremental changes of the design (without redesigning the entire system),3. the implementation of desired properties (like recoverability in case of failures, proper termination, mutual exclusion, etc.), and4. at least, the analysis of the program in order to check if it has the desired properties.
Deformations of group actions

Let G be a non-compact real algebraic group and Γ < G a lattice. One purpose of this paper is to show that there is a smooth, volume preserving, mixing action of G or Γ on a compact manifold which admits a smooth deformation. In fact, we prove a stronger statement by exhibiting large finite dimensional spaces of deformations. We also describe some other, rather special, deformations when G = SO(1, n).
Single molecule detection in single living cells

The ability to detect a single analyte molecule represents the ultimate in sensitivity. Single molecule detection has emerged as a powerful tool to characterize heterogeneous systems, in which traditional bulk sampling methods provide a signal averaged over a large number of analytes. Traditionally, single molecule measurements have required highly controlled experimental conditions using ultrapure solvents to create a minimum level of interference. These constraints have primarily limited this technique to examination of systems in vitro. In this report we present the first instance of real-time single molecule detection in living cells. Our experimental approach allows dynamic monitoring of individual fluorophores in vivo, despite the highly complex cellular environment.
Coupled Electron-Phonon System

The coupled electron-phonon system is considered for phonon spectra of Einstein and Debye forms. The single-particle electron Green's function $G$ is calculated in a nonperturbative manner in both models, and its spectral weight function is examined to determine the validity of a quasiparticle picture. The weight function and the poles of $G$ both lead to several branches of excitations rather than a single "dressed" electron. The asymptotic time dependence of the $G$ is found, and the effect of multiphonon processes on the electron decay rate is discussed. The electronic polarizability, $P$ of the interacting system is calculated with the aid of a generalized Ward's identity for the electron-phonon vertex. This identity, which is a consequence of electronic charge conservation, is derived in an Appendix. The calculation of $P$ is carried out in the limit that the Fermi velocity is small compared with the phase velocity of the polarization field. An Appendix on the formal development of the Green's function equations is included.
Wrapping the M theory five-brane on K3

Abstract Using a recently constructed M5-brane world-volume action, we demonstrate that wrapping the M5-brane on K3 gives the heterotic string in seven dimensions. To facilitate the comparison, a new version of the world-sheet action for the Narain-compactified heterotic string, with manifest T duality invariance, is formulated.
Multivariable backward-shift-invariant subspaces and observability operators

It is well known that subspaces of the Hardy space over the unit disk which are invariant under the backward shift occur as the image of an observability operator associated with a discrete-time linear system with stable state-dynamics, as well as the functional-model space for a Hilbert space contraction operator. We discuss two multivariable extensions of this structure, where the classical Hardy space is replaced by (1) the Fock space of formal power series in a collection of d noncommuting indeterminates with norm-square-summable vector coefficients, and (2) the reproducing kernel Hilbert space (often now called the Arveson space) over the unit ball in $${\mathbb{C}^{d}}$$ with reproducing kernel $${k(\lambda, \zeta) = 1/(1 - \langle \lambda, \zeta \rangle) (\lambda, \zeta \in \mathbb{C}^{d} with \| \lambda \|, \| \zeta \| < 1}$$ ). In the first case, the associated linear system is of noncommutative Fornasini---Marchesini type with evolution along a free semigroup with d generators, while in the second case the linear system is a standard (commutative) Fornasini---Marchesini-type system with evolution along the integer lattice $${\mathbb{Z}^{d}}$$ . An abelianization map (or symmetrization of the Fock space) links the first case with the second. The second case has special features depending on whether the operator-tuple defining the state dynamics is commutative or not. The paper focuses on multidimensional state-output linear systems and the associated observability operators; followup papers Ball, Bollotnikov, and Fang (2007a, 2007b) use the results here to extend the analysis to represent observability-operator ranges as reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces with reproducing kernels constructed from the transfer function of a conservative multidimensional (noncommutative or commutative) input-state-output linear system.
Case Study of Upper-Stage Disposal for Geosynchronous Debris Mitigation

Debris mitigation guidelines and directives specify that geosynchronous satellites and their corresponding upper stages be disposed at end of life in a graveyard zone above the densely populated geosynchronous ring. Although modern satellites often can comply without significant mission degradation, upper stages generally are not designed in a manner that permits easy compliance. This case study analyzed the options available to a typical modern upper stage for either complying with disposal guidelines or for reducing debris risk when compliance cannot be achieved. Results of the study showed that even upper stages incapable of moving to the recommended disposal orbit 300 km above synchronous altitude can still perform significant geosynchronous debris mitigation via proper selection of their blowdown/depletion procedure.
Phenomenological theory of magnetic structure in the high-temperature superconductors

Abstract In the absence of a complete microscopic theory of the high-temperature copper-oxide superconductors, several phenomenological theoretical approaches are being used to describe the intragranular magnetic structure in the mixed state. The purpose of this paper is to review these approaches and to point out where further developments are needed.
Selfconsistent evaluation of charm and charmonium in the quark-gluon plasma

A selfconsistent calculation of heavy-quark (HQ) and quarkonium properties in the quark-gluon plasma (QGP) is conducted to quantify flavor transport and color screening in the medium. The main tool is a thermodynamic T-matrix approach to compute HQ and quarkonium spectral functions in both scattering and bound-state regimes. The T-matrix, in turn, is employed to calculate HQ selfenergies which are implemented into spectral functions beyond the quasiparticle approximation. Charmonium spectral functions are used to evaluate Eulcidean-time correlation functions, which are compared to results from thermal lattice QCD. The comparisons are performed in various hadronic channels, including zero-mode contributions consistently accounting for finite charm-quark width effects. The zero modes are closely related to the charm-quark number susceptibility, which is also compared to existing lattice 'data'. Both the susceptibility and the heavy-light quark T-matrix are applied to calculate the thermal charm-quark relaxation rate, or, equivalently, the charm diffusion constant in the QGP. Implications of our findings in the HQ sector for the viscosity-to-entropy-density ratio of the QGP are briefly discussed.
Durability Testing of an Elastomeric Foam for Use in Hydraulic Accumulators

Etude experimentale sur banc d'essai de l'influence de l'âge d'un caoutchouc mousse de polyester-urethane injecte du cote gaz d'un accumulateur hydraulique, de son exposition a long terme a de l'azote gazeux a haute pression et de la frequence des cycles sur l'efficacite de l'accumulateur. Cette etude permet aussi de detecter les problemes de fonctionnement dus au caoutchouc mousse.
Japan's slow-down: monetary versus real explanations

Two kinds of view about the recent stagnation of the Japanese economy have been particularly popular. The first adopts a "monetary" perspective, arguing that Japan has fallen into a liquidity trap from which only unconventional monetary policy can save it. The second maintains that a large part of Japan's macroeconomic difficulties is structural and related to problems in the "real" side of the economy. We argue here that it is hard to justify a neat division between these real and monetary problems. Declining expectations of future productivity may have depressed real interest rates and reduced monetary policy flexibility, but they are also likely to have prompted real responses that have contributed to stagnation. In the long run, the conclusions of the two kinds of diagnosis are complementary, but in the short term tension may exist, with loose monetary policy weakening incentives for structural reform, and structural adjustment exacerbating demand deficiency. Copyright 2000 by Oxford University Press.
Human exploration mission studies

This paper describes several case studies of human space exploration, considered by the NASA's Office of Exploration in 1988. Special attention is given to the mission scenarios, the critical technology required in these expeditions, and the extraterrestrial power requirements of significant system elements. The cases examined include a manned expedition to Phobos, the inner Martian moon; a human expedition to Mars; the Lunar Observatory; and a lunar outpost to early Mars evolution.
Reconfigurable networking for coordinated multi-agent sensing and communications

An implementation of a neurally-inspired system comprised of multiple mobile sensor-effector agents is described. Each agent has features of a complex neural network that is able to communicate and adjust its behavior depending upon a variety of parameters, including changes in the environment and the behavior of other agents. The system as a whole spatiotemporally reconfigures itself to perform coordinated behaviors not obtainable with single agents. Transient clustering of agents into functional sub-systems to perform specific tasks generates a "system of systems" architecture. The interesting findings of this dynamic platform show that (a) the formation and dissolution of functional subsystems is a local phenomenon without the need for global control and (b) minimal intermittent communication among the agents can yield large-scale, coordinated, goal-driven behavior under a wide range of conditions.
Hole superconductivity from kinetic energy gain

Abstract The apparently unrelated experimental observations of optical sum rule violation 1 and of tunneling asymmetry in NIS tunneling 2 find a simple explanation within the theory of hole superconductivity. In fact, both phenomena were predicted by the theory long before they were experimentally observed 3,4 . Other experimental predictions of the theory, in particular a novel feature expected in photoemission experiments, are discussed.
Ground Demonstration of a Spinning Solar Sail Deployment Concept

We describe laboratory experiments to investigate the dynamics of spin deployment of a solar sail concept, originally intended for the Interstellar Probe Mission. The spin-deployment concept is first described. A series of three experiments with increasing degrees of complexity were designed and performed and culminated in spin deploying a small-scale solar sail 2.5-μm-thin Mylar® film, 80 cm in diameter. The objectives were to explore the feasibility of the deployment concept and any related handling issues and to discover/understand possible modes of instability. To gain insight into the practicality of the deployment scheme, a tether configuration emulating the sail film was first deployed successfully in air and gravity. A 120-μm nylon film was then used for the sail deployment experiment, also in air and gravity. These two initial experiments were particularly useful for refining the experimental setup and handling procedures. Even though the influence of air drag and gravity was apparent, both of these experiments deployed without entanglements. With theexception of some handling issues, the ultrathin 2.5-μm Mylar film was successfully deployed in vacuum without entanglement. Design details and observations of these experiments are discussed. An approach to model numerically the spin-deployment dynamics is also described, and the results of simulating the dynamics of tether deployment are given.