cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Time to second prostate-specific antigen failure is a surrogate endpoint for prostate cancer death in a prospective trial of therapy for localized disease

Abstract Objectives The most relevant endpoint in comparing the efficacy of curative therapies for prostate cancer is cancer-specific death. Prospective trials need to mature for at least a decade to yield meaningful cancer death data due to the long natural history of the disease and the use of salvage androgen suppression. This delay may be long enough that the tested treatments are outdated by the time of reporting; thus, there is a need for reliable early surrogate endpoints for cancer survival. Methods This report evaluates 202 patients entered into a single institution prospective randomized study for T3-4 prostate cancer. Patients were accrued between 1982 and 1992 and received radical irradiation to either a standard dose of 67.2 Gy or a higher dose of 75.6 Gy. Median follow-up was 5.4 years. A total of 76 men have received androgen suppression or orchiectomy for salvage following relapse. Of this group, 35 experienced a second relapse heralded by a rise in the serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Results The median survival from the time of second biochemical relapse (defined as a progression with a rise in serum PSA more than 10% above the nadir after androgen suppression) was 27 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis projected a 0% survival for this group at 4 years. All those dying after second biochemical failure died of the prostate cancer. Conclusions Second PSA failure (or PSA progression on hormonal therapy) has potential as a surrogate for impending cancer death and its use as an endpoint in prospective studies could allow earlier reporting by 2 to 4 years.
An Approach to Equilibrium Selection

Abstract We consider equilibrium selection in 2 × 2 bimatrix (both symmetric and asymetric) games with two strict Nash equilibria by embedding the static games in a dynamic random matching framework, played by a continuum of anonymous agents. Unlike in evolutionary games, the players are rational and maximize discounted payoffs, but they are restricted to make a short-run commitment when choosing actions. This dynamic game with frictions has stationary states, which correspond to the Nash equilibria of the static game. Our selection is based on differential stability properties of the stationary states. It is shown that, for a small degree of friction, a strict Nash equilibrium becomes uniquely absorbing (and globally accessible ) if and only if it is risk-dominant (Harsanyi and Selten, "A General Theory of Equilibrium Selection in Games," MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 1988). Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C72 and C73.
Radiative Thrusters on Close-in Extrasolar Planets

The atmospheres of close-in extrasolar planets absorb most of the incident stellar radiation, advect this energy, then reradiate photons in preferential directions. Those photons carry away momentum, applying a force on the planet. Here we evaluate the resulting secular changes to the orbit, known as the Yarkovsky effect. For known transiting planets, typical fractional changes in semimajor axis are about 1% over their lifetime, but could be up to ~5% for close-in planets such as OGLE-TR-56b or inflated planets such as TrES-4. We discuss the origin of the correlation between semimajor axis and surface gravity of transiting planets in terms of various physical processes, finding that radiative thrusters are too weak by about a factor of 10 to establish the lower boundary that causes the correlation.
Self-consistent Solutions of Canonical Proper Self-gravitating Quantum Systems

Generic self-gravitating quantum solutions that are not critically dependent on the specifics of microscopic interactions are presented. The solutions incorporate curvature effects, are consistent with the universality of gravity, and have appropriate correspondence with Newtonian gravitation. The results are consistent with known experimental results that indicate the maintenance of the quantum coherence of gravitating systems, as expected through the equivalence principle.
Does Undernutrition Respond to Incomes and Prices?: Dominance Tests for Indonesia

Recent evidence suggests that food energy intakes are less responsive to incomes of the poor than was once thought. However, it is not intakes per se that there is concern about, but undernutrition. Two facts have long confounded assessments of impacts on undernutrition: individual nutrient requirements vary in a generally unobserved way, and intakes are observed with error. By modelling observed intake distributions econometrically, straightforward stochastic dominance tests can permit robust qualitative inferences. An application to Indonesia in the mid-1980s indicates that regional differences in energy intake distributions are influenced by average income levels, intra-regional inequalities, and local prices of staple food-grains, all with unambiquous effects on undernutrition. The results suggest that any adverse effects on inequality of a growth process would need to be large to outweigh the desirable effect on undernutrition. Plausible effects on rual incomes are insufficient to outweigh adverse effects on undernutrition of higher rice prices.
Global alignment of sensor positions with noisy motion measurements

We investigate the global alignment of some 3-D spatial points, knowing the motion between pairwise nearby positions. A common application is to determine the trajectory of a mobile vision-based system from the scene images acquired along its track. Exploiting redundant measurements and the rigid body motion constraint as the observation model, we apply the mixed adjustment model paradigm to develop recursive estimation algorithms under various scenarios. Results of experiments are given to demonstrate the performance for different noise levels in the observations and the improvements in the position estimation. We also present the results of an experiment with underwater images in the construction of the camera platform trajectory.
Bochner-Pearson-type characterization of the free Meixner class

The operator Lµ:f??f(x)-f(y)x-ydµ(y) is, for a compactly supported measure µ with an L3 density, a closed, densely defined operator on L2(µ). We show that the operator Q=pLµ2-qLµ has polynomial eigenfunctions if and only if µ is a free Meixner distribution. The only time Q has orthogonal polynomial eigenfunctions is if µ is a semicircular distribution. More generally, the only time the operator p(L?Lµ)-qLµ has orthogonal polynomial eigenfunctions is when measures µ and ? are related by a Jacobi shift.
Just-In-Time Monte Carlo for Path-Dependent American Options

The hardest computational problems in derivatives are those that involve American exercise and path-dependent payoffs. Standard Monte Carlo simulation generates paths in a forward direction, so path-dependent payoffs can be computed easily. But optimizing the early exercise decision requires generating separate families of paths going forward from each possible exercise point. Achieving an accurate solution for a complex problem can easily require more paths than can be held in computer memory. The popular Longstaff-Schwartz approximation technique for these problems works well but suffers from the same difficulty when the number of early exercise decisions is large, or in general, when problems become too complex. As shown here, Longstaff-Schwartz with too few secondary paths induces bias in addition to inaccuracy in the valuation. In this article, Dutt and Welke introduce an innovative approach that amounts to generating Monte Carlo paths in the reverse direction. Starting from the desired probability distribution of terminal asset prices, it simulates paths backward in time in such a way as to arrive with probability 1 at the initial asset value, with the resulting paths being fully consistent with the underlying returns process. The great advantage is that the simulated prices for later dates can be dropped from memory once they have been used. The authors illustrate the power of their “Just-in-time” approach on several examples, including valuing a 30 year mortgage under CIR interest rates taking into account both the prepayment and the default options.
AFFINE STANLEY SYMMETRIC FUNCTIONS

We define a new family [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="01i"/] of generating functions for w ∈ [inline-graphic xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="02i"/] which are affine analogues of Stanley symmetric functions. We establish basic properties of these functions including symmetry, dominance and conjugation. We conjecture certain positivity properties in terms of a subfamily of symmetric functions called affine Schur functions. As applications, we show how affine Stanley symmetric functions generalize the (dual of the) k -Schur functions of Lapointe, Lascoux and Morse as well as the cylindric Schur functions of Postnikov. Conjecturally, affine Stanley symmetric functions should be related to the cohomology of the affine flag variety.
Grades as Information.

Abstract We determine how much observed student performance in microeconomics principles can be attributed, inferentially, to three kinds of student academic “productivity,” the instructor, demographics, and unmeasurables. The empirical approach utilizes an ordered probit model that relates student performance in micro to grades in prior coursework, demographic information, instructor characteristics, and SAT scores. The micro grade is somewhat informative about general productivity but conveys little information about the most refined type of academic productivity or instructor grading standards, although there is great variation in the average grades given by different instructors. Because of a large unpredictable component of grade determination, however, differences in micro performance across individuals are mostly attributable to non-productivity related factors. As a result, it is very difficult to improve the information individual grades provide about student productivity. Averages of several grades, however, can provide useful information about the productivity of students and the effectiveness of instructors.
Controlled Geometry via Smoothing

We prove that Riemannian metrics with a uniform weak norm can be smoothed to having arbitrarily high regularity. This generalizes all previous smoothing results. As a consequence we obtain a generalization of Gromov's almost flat manifold theorem. A uniform Betti number estimate is also obtained.
Unimodular conformal and projective relativity

We outline unimodular conformal and projective relativity (UCPR), an extension of unimodular relativity in which the conformal and projective structures play central roles. Under symmetry group, the pseudo-Riemannian metric naturally decomposes into a four-volume element and a conformal metric; and the affine connection decomposes into a one-form and a trace-free projective connection. In UCPR, these four space-time structures are treated as independent fields that have clear physical interpretations. A Palatini-type variational principle for the usual general relativity Lagrangian leads to a breakup of the Einstein field equations and the compatibility conditions between the metric and connection. We indicate how new gravitational theories may be generated by modifications of this Lagrangian and discuss two such cases. Finally, we discuss possible physical consequences of our results for quantum gravity.
Role of integrins in angiotensin II-induced proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells

Angiotensin II (AII) binds to G protein-coupled receptor AT1 and stimulates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), leading to vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) proliferation. Proliferation ...
Calibration of NOAA-7 AVHRR, GOES-5 and GOES-6 VISSR/VAS solar channels

The NOAA-7, GOES-5 and GOES-6 Visible Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer/Vertical Atmospheric Sounder (VISSR/VAS) solar channels were calibrated. The White Sands Monument area in New Mexico, whose reflectance properties are well known, and space are used as calibration targets. The shortwave reflected terrestrial irradiance that is measured at satellite altitude is computed using a fairly accurate radiative transfer model which accounts for multiple scattering and bidirectional effects. The ground target reflectance and relevant characteristics of the overlying atmosphere are estimated from climatological data and observation at the nearest meteorological sites. The approach is believed to produce accuracies of 8 to 13% depending on the channel considered.
Neutrino oscillations and flavor structure of supersymmetry without R-parity

Focusing on a simple three neutrino oscillation scenario motivated by the recent super-Kamiokande result, we discuss both tree-level and one-loop contributions to neutrino masses in supersymmetry without R-parity, aiming at discerning the flavor structure issues of the theory. The single-vev parametrization framework, which allows the first consistent treatment of the bilinear and trilinear R-parity violating terms, and hence the tree and one-loop contributions, without any assumption on the nature of R-parity violation. Though the very small neutrino masses imply stringent suppressions of the relevant R-parity violating couplings, we show that there is still room for understanding the suppressions as a simple consequence of the general flavor hierarchy.
OEDIPUS REX: THE OEDIPUS RULE AND ITS SUBVERSION

The Oedipus triangle has been identified as the locus of passage out of infancy into language, into the symbolic order, into civilization and its sublime and indefinitely extended field of objects of desire, as the locus of the passage out of the closure of symbiotic infancy into the encounter with alterity, as the locus of the passage out of the anarchy, the hallucinatory omnipotence of infancy into the law and the reality principle. It is a locus of passage: the neurotic would be one who has not really left this place, but the psychotic one who has never really entered it. Deleuze and Guattari have undertaken a massive assault on this normalizing, socializing dominion of the Oedipus stronghold (Deleuze & Guattari, 1977). This destructive enterprise is philosophically armed, and it is only some of its philosophical munitions that I venture to report on here. The contestation is directed both against the structuring function of the Oedipus complex, and against its own constituent structure, more exactly, the dialectical and structuralist concepts with which it has been comprehended in recent decades. Psychosis, in this psychoanalytic optic, is retreat before the Oedipus triangle, a regression to a primary process nomadism without law, without alterity, without reality. The question will then be whether this nomadism does not have its own positivity and its own produc? tivity. That the parental closure has become the theater in which madness and sanity, language and society is decided - this is something that itself has a history. The Deleuze-Guattari thesis is that far from being the cellular machinery in which law is instituted, language is entered, socialization is decided, the Oedipus theater is itself staged at a cer? tain conjuncture of social history.
Synthesis of 2′-C-α-Methyl-2′,3′-dideoxynucleosides

Abstract A general method for the synthesis of 2′-C-α-methyl-2′,3′-dideoxynucleosides is presented. Stereofacial selectivity of the 2-C-methylation reaction of γ-lactone has been investigated, in which the presence of a bulky group at the 5-hydroxymethyl produced the α-isomer as a major product. During glycosylation, the α-methyl group directed the formation of nucleosides in favor of the s-isomer. This methodology is applied to the synthesis of some new pyrimidine and purine nucleosides. This manuscript is dedicated to the celebration of Prof. Yoshihisa Mizuno's 75th birthday.
Cloning Hubble Deep Fields. II. Models for Evolution by Bright Galaxy Image Transformation

In a companion paper, we outlined a methodology for generating parameter-free, model-independent "no-evolution" fields of faint galaxy images, demonstrating the need for significant evolution in the Hubble Deep Field (HDF) at faint magnitudes. Here we incorporate evolution into our procedure, by transforming the input bright galaxy images with redshift, for comparison with the HDF at faint magnitudes. Pure luminosity evolution is explored with the assumption that galaxy surface brightness evolves uniformly, at a rate chosen to reproduce the I-band counts. This form of evolution exacerbates the size discrepancy identified by our no-evolution simulations by increasing the area of a galaxy visible to a fixed isophote. Reasonable dwarf-augmented models are unable to generate the count excess invoking moderate rates of stellar evolution. A plausible fit to the counts and sizes is provided by "mass-conserving" density-evolution, consistent with small-scale hierarchical growth, in which the product of disk area and space density is conserved with redshift. Here the increased surface brightness generated by stellar evolution is accommodated by the reduced average galaxy size, for a wide range of geometries. These models are useful for calculating the rates of incompleteness and the degree of overcounting. Finally we demonstrate the potential for improvement in quantifying evolution at fainter magnitudes using the Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera, with its superior UV and optical performance.
A parametric procedure for ultrametric tree estimation from conditional rank order proximity data

The psychometric and classification literatures have illustrated the fact that a wide class of discrete or network models (e.g., hierarchical or ultrametric trees) for the analysis of ordinal proximity data are plagued by potential degenerate solutions if estimated using traditional nonmetric procedures (i.e., procedures which optimize a STRESS-based criteria of fit and whose solutions are invariant under a monotone transformation of the input data). This paper proposes a new parametric, maximum likelihood based procedure for estimating ultrametric trees for the analysis of conditional rank order proximity data. We present the technical aspects of the model and the estimation algorithm. Some preliminary Monte Carlo results are discussed. A consumer psychology application is provided examining the similarity of fifteen types of snack/breakfast items. Finally, some directions for future research are provided.
Towards testing the Maldacena conjecture with SDLCQ

Abstract We consider the Maldacena conjecture applied to the near horizon geometry of a D1-brane in the supergravity approximation and present numerical results of a test of the conjecture against the boundary field theory calculation using supersymmetric discrete light-cone quantization (SDLCQ). We present numerical results with approximately 1000 times as many states as we previously considered. These results support the Maldacena conjecture and are within 10–15% of the predicted numerical results in some regions. Our results are still not sufficient to demonstrate convergence, and, therefore, cannot be considered to a numerical proof of the conjecture. We present a method for using a “flavor” symmetry to greatly reduce the size of the basis and discuss a numerical method that we use which is particularly well suited for this type of matrix element calculation.
An Optical and Ultraviolet Survey of Algols

We present a table of results from our survey of Algols, conducted with the Lick Observatory ITS scanners and the IUE spectrometer.
Elasticity theory connection rules for epitaxial interfaces

Elasticity theory provides an accurate description of the long-wavelength vibrational dynamics of homogeneous crystalline solids, and with supplemental boundary conditions on the displacement field can also be applied to abrupt heterojunctions and interfaces. The conventional interface boundary conditions, often referred to as ``connection rules,'' require that the displacement field and its associated stress field be continuous through the interface. We argue, however, that these boundary conditions are generally incorrect for epitaxial interfaces, and we give the general procedure for deriving the correct conditions, which depend essentially on the detailed microscopic structure of the interface. As a simple application of our theory we analyze in detail a one-dimensional model of an inhomogeneous crystal, a chain of harmonic oscillators with an abrupt change in mass and spring-stiffness parameters. Our results have implications for phonon dynamics in nanostructures such as superlattices and nanoparticles, as well as for the thermal boundary resistance at epitaxial interfaces.
Parallel Processing in Boolean Algebra

A processor called Boolean analyzer has been presented at the 1968 IFIP Congress to introduce parallel processing of Boolean expressions [1]. The present paper shows how to increase its speed many times by making its processing more parallel. The applications of the Boolean analyzer are limited to few but important problems. A typical problem of that kind: listing of all implicants of a function of 7 variables defined by not more than 100 term implicants (of the complement of that function) takes only about 40 ?s (supposing a delay line storage working at the clock impulse rate of 2.106/s).
Modeling and simulation of spacecraft solar array deployment

This paper presents the dynamic and digital simulation of the deployment of rigid solar panels on INTELSAT-V and INS AT spacecraft. Each spacecraft is characterized by very distinct mechanisms for its solar array deployment. The arrays on INTELSAT-V are in a topological tree configuration, while the INSAT arrays are in a closed-loop configuration because of the four-bar linkage deployment mechanism. It is shown that the kinematic control rod on the INSAT has a synchronizing function very similar to that of the closed cable loop on the INTELSAT-V spacecraft. Practical aspects of the modeling and simulation of complex deployment mechanisms are emphasized. The use and limitations of the DISCOS multibody code for deployment dynamics simulations are discussed, and the need for developing specialized simulation tools emphasized.
Non-Uniform Decay of MHD Equations With and Without Magnetic Diffusion

We consider the long time behavior of solutions to the magnetohydrodynamics equations in two and three spatial dimensions. It is shown that in the absence of magnetic diffusion, if strong bounded solutions were to exist their energy cannot present any asymptotic oscillatory behavior, the diffusivity of the velocity is enough to prevent such oscillations. When magnetic diffusion is present and the data is only in L 2, it is shown that the solutions decay to zero without a rate, and this nonuniform decay is optimal.
Algebraic List-Decoding of Subspace Codes

Subspace codes are collections of subspaces of a certain ambient vector space over a finite field. Koetter and Kschischang introduced subspace codes in order to correct errors and erasures in noncoherent (random) linear network coding. They have also studied a remarkable family of subspace codes obtained by evaluating certain linearized polynomials. The Koetter-Kschischang subspace codes are widely regarded as the counterpart of Reed-Solomon codes in the domain of network error-correction. Koetter and Kschischang have furthermore devised an algebraic decoding algorithm for these codes, analogous to the Berlekamp-Welch decoding algorithm for Reed-Solomon codes. In this paper, we develop list-decoding algorithms for subspace codes, thereby providing, for certain code parameters, a better tradeoff between rate and error-correction capability than that of the Koetter-Kschischang codes. In a sense, we are able to achieve for these codes what Sudan was able to achieve for Reed-Solomon codes. In order to do so, we have to modify and generalize the original Koetter-Kschischang construction in many important respects. The end result is this: for any integer, our list-L decoder guarantees successful recovery of the message subspace provided that the normalized dimension of the error satisfies τ ≤ L - L(L + 1)/2 R* where R* is the packet rate, which is a new parameter introduced in this paper. As in the case of Sudan's list-decoding algorithm, this exceeds the previously best-known error-correction radius 1 - R*, established by Koetter and Kschischang, only for low rates R*.
Pathogenic reactions of the ovarian surface epithelium to ovulation, dimethylbenzanthracene, and estrogen are negated by vitamin E.

Objective: Acute effects of ovulation, the tumor suppressor disruptor dimethylbenzanthracene, the mitogen estradiol-17β, and the antioxidant vitamin E on the ovarian epithelium were assessed in seasonally anestrous ewes. Methods: Dimethylbenzanthracene and vitamin E were administered before and estradiol after gonadotropin-induced ovulation. Ovaries were removed for histopathology one and three weeks following ovulation. Surface epithelial cells isolated at one week were immunostained for 8-oxoguanine and assayed for urokinase plasminogen activator secretion—markers of genotoxic and invasive potentials. Results: Ovarian surface invaginations and cortical inclusion cysts containing stratified epithelium were observed at three weeks in ovulated animals treated with dimethylbenzanthracene and estradiol. Progenitor cells were 8-oxoguanine positive and hypersecreted urokinase plasminogen activator. Untoward responses were circumvented by vitamin E. Conclusion: Antioxidant therapy appears to be of value in precluding periovulatory disturbances to the ovarian surface epithelium that has been associated with carcinogenesis.
Adaptive Thresholding for Sparse Covariance Matrix Estimation

In this article we consider estimation of sparse covariance matrices and propose a thresholding procedure that is adaptive to the variability of individual entries. The estimators are fully data-driven and demonstrate excellent performance both theoretically and numerically. It is shown that the estimators adaptively achieve the optimal rate of convergence over a large class of sparse covariance matrices under the spectral norm. In contrast, the commonly used universal thresholding estimators are shown to be suboptimal over the same parameter spaces. Support recovery is discussed as well. The adaptive thresholding estimators are easy to implement. The numerical performance of the estimators is studied using both simulated and real data. Simulation results demonstrate that the adaptive thresholding estimators uniformly outperform the universal thresholding estimators. The method is also illustrated in an analysis on a dataset from a small round blue-cell tumor microarray experiment. A supplement to this ar...
Coordination and Virtualization: The Role of Electronic Networks and Personal Relationships

One view holds that organizations are virtual to the extent that they outsource key components of their production processes, and that electronic networks make it easier to do this. The goal of the present paper is to examine explicitly the effects that use of electronic networks for transactions with suppliers have on firms' degree of virtualization. In so doing, we also highlight factors that influence the use of networks for coordination with suppliers, and the impact such use has on coordination success. Contrary to much recent speculation, the use of electronic networks for transactions was not associated with increased outsourcing, but rather greater dependence on internal production. Moreover, the use of interpersonal relationships for coordination, which many think of as an alternative to electronic network use, was positively associated with greater network use. Surprisingly, use of electronic networks was negatively associated with such outcomes as order quality and efficiency, and satisfaction with suppliers, while more reliance on personal linkages was associated with better outcomes and mitigated the negative consequences of using electronic networks.
Chemical synthesis of proteins

Powerful new enzymatic and chemical methods for coupling unprotected peptide fragments are making the assembly of large synthetic proteins possible. By allowing the use of novel backbones and the incorporation of multiple unnatural amino acids at specific sites, these methods promise large expansion of the repertoire of protein molecules accessible to research.
Trifluoromethyl-containing 3-alkoxymethyl- and 3-aryloxymethyl-2-pyridinones are potent inhibitors of HIV-1 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase.

Abstract 3-Alkoxymethyl- and 3-aryloxymethyl-2-pyridinones were synthesized and evaluated for activity as non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) of HIV-1. It was found that several compounds were potent inhibitors of HIV-1 with the most potent compound 24 exhibiting an IC90=32 nM. Compound 24 also possessed a potent resistance profile as demonstrated by submicromolar IC90s against several clinically meaningful mutant virus strains.
A synthetic route to 3-C-alkyl (or 3-C-phenyl-) 2,3-dideoxy-d-erythro-pentono-1,4-lactones: intermediates in the synthesis of 2(3H)-furanones

Abstract A series of 3- C -alkyl- (and 3- C -phenyl-) 2,3-dideoxy- d - erythro -pentono-1,4-lactones, compounds which are important in the synthesis of modified nucleosides and antibiotic sugars, were synthesized from d -ribonolactone. By a route that proceeded via 5- O -protected d -ribonolactone, 5- O -protected 2,3-dideoxy- d - glycero -pent-2-enono-1,4-lactones were synthesized and reacted with R 2 CuLi or a complex PhSCu(RMgBr) n to give respectively the 3- C -alkyl or 3- C -phenyl compounds. Details of the preparation of the O -protected intermediates, as well as the selection of the organometallic reagents, are provided.
Global adaptive partial state feedback tracking control of rigid-link flexible-joint robots

This paper presents a solution to the global adaptive partial state feedback control problem for rigid-link, flexible-joint (RLFJ) robots. The proposed tracking controller adapts for parametric uncertainty throughout the entire mechanical system while only requiring link and actuator position measurements. A nonlinear filter is employed to eliminate the need for link velocity measurements while a set of linear filters is utilized to eliminate the need for actuator velocity measurements. A backstepping control strategy is utilized to illustrate global asymptotic link position tracking. An output feedback controller that adapts for parametric uncertainty in the link dynamics of the robot manipulator is presented as an extension. Experimental results are provided as verification of the proposed controller.
Probing F-theory with multiple branes

Abstract We study multiple 3-branes on an F theory orientifold. The world-volume theory of the 3-branes is d = 4, N = 2 Sp (2 k ) gauge theory with an antisymmetric tensor and four flavors of matter in the fundamental. The solution of this gauge theory is found for vanishing bare mass of the antisymmetric tensor matter, and massive fundamental matter. The integrable system underlying this theory is constructed.
Ordinal utility models of decision making under uncertainty

This paper studies two models of rational behavior under uncertainty whose predictions are invariant under ordinal transformations of utility. The ‘quantile utility’ model assumes that the agent maximizes some quantile of the distribution of utility. The ‘utility mass’ model assumes maximization of the probability of obtaining an outcome whose utility is higher than some fixed critical value. Both models satisfy weak stochastic dominance. Lexicographic refinements satisfy strong dominance.
Viscosity and yield stresses of ice slurries formed in water-in-oil emulsions

Abstract Molecular inclusion compounds called clathrate hydrates are a common concern in oil and gas pipelines, as they cause disruption to production. These crystalline compounds are over 80 mol% water and are often only stable at high pressures and low temperatures. As a means to understand the rheology of clathrate hydrates, we investigated ice slurries, in crude oil, as a simple analogy to clathrate hydrates. A series of water-in-oil emulsions were prepared at different volume fractions of water, ranging from 0.10 to 0.70. Water used in the samples was deionized watger or a 3.5 wt% NaCl brine solution. The emulsions were cooled to - 10 ° C and the viscosity and yield stress were analyzed as a function of time after nucleation. No yield stresses were observed at volume fractions below 0.2 for fresh water and 0.3 for brine solution. In the fresh water system, the yield stress varied with increasing volume fraction. Between volume fractions of 0.25–0.55, yield stresses were on the order of 300 Pa, and at larger volumer fractions (0.6–0.7) yield stress quickly increased to an unmeasurable value (greater than 3000 Pa, the instrument’s limit). In the brine system, yield stress increased with volume fraction of water. After formation of ice, flow was stopped and the system was “annealed”. During the “annealing” period, the magnitude of complex viscosity of the fresh water system reached a peak value after two hours, decreased for approximately four hours, and then changed little for the next forty hours. The yield stress during “annealing” mimicked the trend of the magnitude of complex viscosity. In the brine system, the magnitude of complex viscosity increased over the first three hours, then changed little. However, the yield stress decreased as the “annealing” time increased. Following the measurements of yield stress, the slurry was conditioned at 500 s - 1 and the apparent viscosity was analyzed as a function of shear rate. At volume fractions greater than 0.10 the slurry was found to be shear thinning and exhibited a viscosity increase compared to the initial emulsion.
Logarithm laws for flows on homogeneous spaces

In this paper we generalize and sharpen D. Sullivan’s logarithm law for geodesics by specifying conditions on a sequence of subsets {A t | t∈ℕ} of a homogeneous space G/Γ (G a semisimple Lie group, Γ an irreducible lattice) and a sequence of elements f t of G under which #{t∈ℕ | f t x∈A t } is infinite for a.e. x∈G/Γ. The main tool is exponential decay of correlation coefficients of smooth functions on G/Γ. Besides the general (higher rank) version of Sullivan’s result, as a consequence we obtain a new proof of the classical Khinchin-Groshev theorem on simultaneous Diophantine approximation, and settle a conjecture recently made by M. Skriganov.
Multilayer network model for analysis and management of change propagation

A pervasive problem for engineering change management is the phenomenon of change propagation by which a change to one part or element of a design requires additional changes throughout the product. This paper introduces a multilayer network model integrating three coupled layers, or domains, of product development that contribute to change propagation: namely, the product layer, change layer, and social layer. The model constitutes a holistic, data-driven approach to the analysis and management of change propagation. A baseline repository of tools and metrics is developed for the analysis and management of change propagation using the model. The repository includes a few novel tools and metrics, most notably the Engineer Change Propagation Index (Engineer-CPI) and Propagation Directness (PD), as well as others already existing in the literature. As such, the multilayer network model unifies previous research on change propagation in a comprehensive paradigm. A case study of a large technical program, which managed over 41,000 change requests in 8 years, is employed to demonstrate the model’s practical utility. Most significantly, the case study explores the program’s social layer and discovers a correspondence between the propagation effects of an engineer’s work and factors such as his/her organizational role and the context of his/her assignments. The study also reveals that parent–child propagation often spanned two or more product interfaces, thus confirming the counterintuitive possibility of indirect propagation between nonadjacent product components or subsystems. Finally, the study finds that most changes did not lead to any propagation. Propagation that did occur always stopped after five, and rarely more than four, generations of descendants.
Jabberstamp: embedding sound and voice in traditional drawings

Children in our culture are accustomed to creating people and things and places---with implied context---in their drawings. Since the first days they draw, parents will ask "who is that? Where are they? What are they doing?" From early on, children have learned through drawing to provide the information necessary for an audience to understand the story that is going on in their drawing. Conversely, learning how to contextualize an oral or written story in the absence of images is a much slower learning process for children, and children's ability to use language to communicate when and where their story takes place is considered a milestone in literacy development [Snow 1983].
Calculation of Sonic Boom Signatures by Bicharacteristic Methods

An improved method is described for correcting the zeroth order (free stream) characteristics to obtain a uniformly valid first order solution to the exact equations of motion for a compressible fluid. The method is based on constructing first order bicharacteristic lines from the system of ordinary differential equations belonging to the exact equation for the characteristic surface. Calculated sonic boom signatures are compared with experiments conducted at Langley Research Center on a cone-cylinder at Mach numbers 2.96, 3.83, and 4.63. Theory and experiment agree well over the entire Mach number range.
Spin collective mode and quasiparticle contributions to STM spectra of d-wave superconductors with pinning

We present additional details of the scanning tunneling microscopy spectra predicted by the model of pinning of dynamic spin collective modes in d-wave superconductor proposed by Polkovnikov et al. [Phys. Rev. B 65 (2002) 220509]. Along with modulations at the twice the wavevector of the spin collective mode, the local density of states (LDOS) displays features linked to the spectrum of the Bogoliubov quasiparticles. The former is expected to depend more strongly on an applied magnetic field or the doping concentration. The spin collective mode and the quasiparticles are distinct, co-existing, low energy excitations of the d-wave superconductor (strongly coupled only in some sectors of the Brillouin zone), and should not be viewed as mutually exclusive sources of LDOS modulation.
Effects of Baryons and Dissipation on the Matter Power Spectrum

We study the importance of baryonic physics on predictions of the matter power spectrum as it is relevant for forthcoming weak-lensing surveys. We quantify the impact of baryonic physics using a set of cosmological numerical simulations. Each simulation has the same initial density field, but models a different set of physical processes. We find that baryonic processes significantly alter predictions for the matter power spectrum relative to models that include only gravitational interactions. Our results imply that future weak-lensing experiments such as LSST and SNAP will likely be sensitive to the uncertain physics governing the nonlinear evolution of the baryonic component of the universe if these experiments are primarily limited by statistical uncertainties. In particular, this effect could be important for forecasts of the constraining power of future surveys if information from scales l 1000 is included in the analysis. We find that deviations are caused primarily by the rearrangement of matter within individual dark matter halos relative to the gravity-only case, rather than a large-scale rearrangement of matter. Consequently, we propose a simple model, based on the phenomenological halo model of dark matter clustering, for baryonic effects that can be used to aid in the interpretation of forthcoming weak-lensing data.
Guided Molecular Missiles for Tumor-Targeting Chemotherapy—Case Studies Using the Second-Generation Taxoids as Warheads

A long-standing problem in cancer chemotherapy is the lack of tumor-specific treatments. Traditional chemotherapy relies on the premise that rapidly proliferating cancer cells are more likely to be killed by a cytotoxic agent. In reality, however, cytotoxic agents have very little or no specificity, which leads to systemic toxicity, causing undesirable severe side effects. Therefore, the development of innovative and efficacious tumor-specific drug delivery protocols or systems is urgently needed. A rapidly growing tumor requires various nutrients and vitamins. Thus, tumor cells overexpress many tumor-specific receptors, which can be used as targets to deliver cytotoxic agents into tumors. This Account presents our research program on the discovery and development of novel and efficient drug delivery systems, possessing tumor-targeting ability and efficacy against various cancer types, especially multidrug-resistant tumors. In general, a tumor-targeting drug delivery system consists of a tumor recognition moiety and a cytotoxic warhead connected directly or through a suitable linker to form a conjugate. The conjugate, which can be regarded as a "guided molecular missile", should be systemically nontoxic, that is, the linker must be stable in blood circulation, but upon internalization into the cancer cell, the conjugate should be readily cleaved to regenerate the active cytotoxic warhead. These novel "guided molecular missiles" are conjugates of the highly potent second-generation taxoid anticancer agents with tumor-targeting molecules through mechanism-based cleavable linkers. These conjugates are specifically delivered to tumors and internalized into tumor cells, and the potent taxoid anticancer agents are released from the linker into the cytoplasm. We have successfully used omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, in particular DHA, and monoclonal antibodies (for EGFR) as tumor-targeting molecules for the conjugates, which exhibited remarkable efficacy against human tumor xenografts in animal models. We have developed self-immolative disulfide linkers wherein the glutathione-triggered cascade drug release takes place to generate the original anticancer agent. The use of disulfide linkers is attractive beacuse it takes into account the fact that the concentration of glutathione is much higher (>1000 times) in tumor cells than in blood plasma. In order to monitor and elucidate the mechanism of tumor-targeting, internalization, and drug release, several fluorescent and fluorogenic probes using biotin as the tumor-targeting module were developed and used. Then, the progressive occurrence of the designed receptor-mediated endocytosis, drug release, and drug binding to the target protein (microtubules) has been successfully observed and confirmed by means of confocal fluorescence microscopy. These "guided molecular missiles" provide bright prospects for the development of highly efficacious new generation drugs for cancer chemotherapy.
Dynamics of a Spinning Space Station with a Counterweight Connected by Multiple Cables

A derivation of the linear equations of motion of a conservative system consisting of two rigid bodies connected by an arbitrary number of massless cables with linear axial stiffness is presented. First, the nonlinear equations are derived using Newtonian mechanics. Then the equations of motion for each body are linearized while treating the cable effects as external forces. The nonlinear expressions for the cable forces and torques are expanded in a Taylor series about equilibrium values of the system coordinates. This expansion results in a cable stiffness matrix when second-order terms are neglected. A method of obtaining the equilibrium values of the coordinates is discussed, and results are presented. The linear model is verified, and some indication of the range of validity is determined by comparing time responses with a digital simulation of the nonlinear system.
Microscopic phase separation in the overdoped region of high-Tc cuprate superconductors

Abstract We propose a phenomenological model for high-Tc superconductors (HTSC) assuming: (1) a microscopic phase separation between superconducting and normal-metal areas in the overdoped region; and (2) existence of a homogeneous superconducting phase only below the pseudo-gap T∗ line, which shows a sharp reduction towards T ∗ ∼0 at a mildly overdoped critical concentration xc. This model explains anomalous doping and temperature dependences of n s /m ∗ (superconducting carrier density/effective mass) observed in several overdoped HTSC systems. We point out an analogy to superfluid 4He/3He films, and discuss an energetic origin of microscopic phase separation.
Evolutionary equilibrium strategies.

Abstract This paper re-examines the concept of evolutionary stability proposed by Maynard Smith. For any finite population it is shown that a strategy which is stable in the sense of Maynard Smith may have a lower fitness than a mutant strategy regardless of the proportion of contestants using the latter. Two alternative concepts of evolutionary stability are then proposed. A strategy is described as being strongly stable if no mutant is able to invade because of its higher fitness and weakly stable if it has a higher fitness whenever the contestants using any particular mutant strategy become sufficiently numerous. For the “war of attrition” between contestants of a given species Maynard Smith and others have argued that the evolutionarily stable strategy is for a contestant to bid (for food or territory) by attempting to wait out its opponent according to an exponential mixed strategy. This paper establishes that such a strategy is only weakly stable and that for any number n there exists a mutant strategy with a higher fitness until the number of mutants in the population exceeds n . The final section reconsiders the stability issue when a natural informational asymmetry is introduced. Each contestant is assumed to be uncertain as to the value its opponent places on the object over which they are competing. In contrast to the symmetric case it is shown that there is a strategy which is strongly stable with respect to any feasible mutant as long as the population is sufficiently large.