cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectral Survey of X-Ray Bright Active Galactic Nuclei from the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer

Using long-term monitoring data from the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE), we have selected 23 active galactic nuclei (AGNs) with sufficient brightness and overall observation time to derive broadband X-ray spectra from 3 to 100 keV. Our sample includes mainly radio-quiet Seyferts, as well as seven radio-loud sources. Given the longevity of the RXTE mission, the greater part of our data is spread out over more than a decade, providing truly long-term average spectra and eliminating inconsistencies arising from variability. We present long-term average values of absorption, Fe line parameters, Compton reflection strengths, and photon indices, as well as fluxes and luminosities for the hard and very hard energy bands, 2-10 keV and 20-100 keV, respectively. We find tentative evidence for high-energy rollovers in three of our objects. We improve upon previous surveys of the very hard X-ray energy band in terms of accuracy and sensitivity, particularly with respect to confirming and quantifying the Compton reflection component. This survey is meant to provide a baseline for future analysis with respect to the long-term averages for these sources and to cement the legacy of RXTE, and especially its High Energy X-ray Timing Experiment, as a contributor to AGN spectral science.
Cell decomposition and definable functions for weak p-adic structures

We develop a notion of cell decomposition suitable for studying weak p-adic structures (reducts of p-adic fields where addition and multiplication are not (everywhere) definable). As an example, we consider a structure with restricted addition.
From here to human-level AI

Human-level AI will be achieved, but new ideas are almost certainly needed, so a date cannot be reliably predicted-maybe five years, maybe five hundred years. I'd be inclined to bet on this 21st century. It is not surprising that human-level AI has proved difficult and progress has been slow-though there has been important progress. The slowness and the demand to exploit what has been discovered has led many to mistakenly redefine AI, sometimes in ways that preclude human-level AI-by relegating to humans parts of the task that human-level computer programs would have to do. In the terminology of this paper, it amounts to settling for a bounded informatic situation instead of the more general common sense informatic situation. Overcoming the ''brittleness'' of present AI systems and reaching human-level AI requires programs that deal with the common sense informatic situation-in which the phenomena to be taken into account in achieving a goal are not fixed in advance. We discuss reaching human-level AI, emphasizing logical AI and especially emphasizing representation problems of information and of reasoning. Ideas for reasoning in the common sense informatic situation include nonmonotonic reasoning, approximate concepts, formalized contexts and introspection.
EDGE DELAMINATION IN ANGLE-PLY COMPOSITE LAMINATES

ion has caused severe concern in the design and analysis of advanced composite materials and structures. Due to its complex nature, very limited knowledge for the problem is currently available. It involves not only geometric and material discontinuities b ut also inherently coupled mode I, I1 and 111 fracture in the layered anisotropic system. Based on complex-variable stress potentials in the a nisotropic elasticity theory and eigenfunction expansion, exact o rders of the cracktip stress singularity and complete field solutions are obtained. Results are given for edge delaminated, angle-ply c omposites subjected to uniform axial extension for illustrative purposes. Effects of geometric, lamination, and crack variables are determined.
Determinants of bistability in induction of the Escherichia coli lac operon

The authors have developed a mathematical model of regulation of expression of the Escherichia coli lac operon, and have investigated bistability in its steady-state induction behaviour in the absence of external glucose. Numerical analysis of equations describing regulation by artificial inducers revealed two natural bistability parameters that can be used to control the range of inducer concentrations over which the model exhibits bistability. By tuning these bistability parameters, the authors found a family of biophysically reasonable systems that are consistent with an experimentally determined bistable region for induction by thio-methylgalactoside (TMG) (in Ozbudak et al.Nature , 2004, 427 ; p. 737). To model regulation by lactose, the authors developed similar equations in which allolactose, a metabolic intermediate in lactose metabolism and a natural inducer of lac , is the inducer. For biophysically reasonable parameter values, these equations yield no bistability in response to induction by lactose - only systems with an unphysically small permease-dependent export effect can exhibit small amounts of bistability for limited ranges of parameter values. These results cast doubt on the relevance of bistability in the lac operon within the natural context of E. coli , and help shed light on the controversy among existing theoretical studies that address this issue. The results also motivate a deeper experimental characterisation of permease-independent transport of lac inducers, and suggest an experimental approach to address the relevance of bistability in the lac operon within the natural context of E. coli . The sensitivity of lac bistability to the type of inducer emphasises the importance of metabolism in determining the functions of genetic regulatory networks.
Anion sensors based on β,β′-disubstituted porphyrin derivatives

Abstract The synthesis of a disulfonamide appended porphyrin receptor ( 1 ) for anionic guests is presented. The distinct attribute of the receptor, compared to other porphyrin based receptors, centers on the attachment of the anion binding site to the porphyrin chromophore's β-positions through a polycyclic conjugated linkage. UV–vis and 1 H NMR spectroscopy has been utilized to detect the binding of a variety of anions such as the halides, dihydrogen phosphate, hydrogen sulfate, and acetate. From these spectroscopic investigations, the strength of anion binding has been determined.
The role of phosphorus in lunar samples—A chemical study

Phases rapidly dissolved by pH1 HNO3 acid are found in up to 60% of the REE, P, U, and halogens in basalt 75055, basalt mineral separates, KREEP-rich breccia 14312, and components from highland breccia 66095. This suggests that they may be phosphates. The 0.1 M HNO3 soluble fractions from whole rock breccias 14312 and 66095, and 60095 matrix, and a melt rock clast, have similar REE patterns. This implies that the same major REE-bearing phase is common to all the samples. The postleach residues contain REE in other phases. The acid-soluble phases associated with separated minerals from 75055 are depleted in REE relative to P, and also relative to REE and P in the bulk igneous rock. This may be interpreted as partitioning of REE present at grain surfaces into the major minerals.
Dynamically supported geoid highs over hotspots - Observation and theory

Hotspots are associated with long wavelength geoid highs, an association that is even stronger when the geoid highs associated with subduction zones are removed. These associations are quantified by expanding the hotspot distribution in spherical harmonics and calculating correlation coefficients as a function of harmonic degree. The hotspot distribution spectrum is essentially white, with peaks at degrees 2 and 6. It is correlated positively with the slab residual geoid for degrees 2 to 6, with low seismic velocity in the lower mantle at degree 2, and with low seismic velocity in the upper mantle at degree 6. A variety of fluid mechanical models were tested for hotspots, including lithospheric delamination and hot plumes, by calculating their predicted dynamic geoid responses and comparing them to the observations. These models include the effects of temperature dependent rheology. The preferred hotspot model, based on observations of the geoid and seismic tomography, has plumes preferentially occurring in regions of large scale background temperature highs in a mantle with substantial viscosity increase with depth, although other models are possible.
Dynamical Systems Gradient method for solving nonlinear equations with monotone operators

A version of the Dynamical Systems Gradient Method for solving ill-posed nonlinear monotone operator equations is studied in this paper. A discrepancy principle is proposed and justified. A numerical experiment was carried out with the new stopping rule. Numerical experiments show that the proposed stopping rule is efficient. Equations with monotone operators are of interest in many applications.
Experiments with probabilistic quantum auctions

We describe human-subject laboratory experiments on probabilistic auctions based on previously proposed auction protocols involving the simulated manipulation and communication of quantum states. These auctions are probabilistic in determining which bidder wins, or having no winner, rather than always having the highest bidder win. Comparing two quantum protocols in the context of first-price sealed bid auctions, we find the one predicted to be superior by game theory also performs better experimentally. We also compare with a conventional first-price auction, which gives higher performance. Thus to provide benefits, the quantum protocol requires more complex economic scenarios such as maintaining privacy of bids over a series of related auctions or involving allocative externalities.
Phase Stability, Phase Transformation Kinetics, and Conductivity of Y2O3—Bi2O3 Solid Electrolytes Containing Aliovalent Dopants

Single-phase, cubic solid solutions of baseline composition 25% Y2O3—75% Bi2O3 with and without aliovalent dopants were fabricated by pressureless sintering of powder compacts. CaO, SrO, ZrO2, or ThO2 was added as an aliovalent dopant. Sintered samples were annealed between 600° and 650°C for up to 4000 h. Samples doped with ZrO2 or ThO2 remained cubic, depending upon the dopant concentration, even after long-term annealing. By contrast, undoped, CaO-doped, and SrO-doped samples transformed to the low-temperature, rhombohedral phase within ∼ 200 h. Conductivity measurements showed no degradation of conductivity in samples that did not undergo the transformation. In samples that underwent the transformation, a substantial decrease in conductivity occurred. The enhanced stability of the ZrO2- and ThO2-doped samples is rationalized on the basis of suppressed interdiffusion on the cation sublattice.
A 12-GS/s 81-mW 5-bit Time-Interleaved Flash ADC With Background Timing Skew Calibration

This paper presents a 12-GS/s 5-bit time-interleaved flash ADC realized in 65-nm CMOS. To improve the dynamic performance at high input frequencies, a statistics-based background calibration scheme for timing skew is employed. The timing skew is detected in the digital domain through a correlation-based algorithm and minimized by adjusting digitally controlled delay lines. In order to minimize power consumption, we employ near minimum size comparators, whose offset is reduced through foreground calibrated trim-DAC circuitry. With the timing calibration activated, the skew-related impairments are reduced by 12 dB at high input frequencies, resulting in an SNDR of 25.1 dB near Nyquist. The prototype IC consumes 81 mW from a 1.1 V supply, yielding a figure-of-merit of 0.35 pJ/conversion-step at low input frequencies, and 0.46 pJ/conversion-step for inputs near Nyquist.
In vitro microbiological characterization of a novel azalide, two triamilides and an azalide ketal against bovine and porcine respiratory pathogens.

Several novel 15-membered-ring macrolide agents (azalide 1, triamilides 2 and 3, and the azalide 3, 6-ketal 4) were identified as potential antibacterial agents against Mannheimia (formerly named as Pasteurella) haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Haemophilus somnus and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, important etiological agents of bovine and porcine respiratory disease. Compound 3 is the major component of the antibiotic tulathromycin. Antibacterial activity against tilmicosin-resistant P. multocida field isolates was also tested. In vitro MIC 50/90 analysis revealed that the four newly synthesized compounds were more potent than tilmicosin against M. haemolytica (4-8×), P. multocida (8-16×), A. pleuropneumoniae (4×), H. somnus (2× and 16×), and tilmicosin-resistant P. multocida (32×). In time-kill kinetic studies, all four novel compounds and tilmicosin showed bactericidal activity against M. haemolytica, P. multocida and A. pleuropneumoniae at both 4× and 8× MIC. A functional assay using genetically defined mutants revealed that all four novel compounds were poorer substrates for the efflux pump, AcrA/B system, than tilmicosin. A pH study using LPS mutants indicated that the enhanced in vitro potency of the triamilides, particularly compound 3 was mainly due to better penetration of the molecule through the outer membrane. The third amine group at the C-4" position of the triamilde molecules contributed to this increased membrane penetration by increasing overall basicity. These studies indicate that the four novel compounds have potential as antibacterial agents against bovine and porcine respiratory disease.
Performance of a pulsed ion beam with a renewable cryogenically cooled ion source

For operation of an ion source in an intense ion beam diode, it is desirable to form a localized and robust source of high purity. A cryogenically operated ion source has great promise, since the ions are formed from a condensed high-purity gas, which has been confined to a relatively thin ice layer on the anode surface. Previous experiments have established the principles of operation of such an ion source, but have been limited in repetitive duration due to the use of short-lived liquid He cooling of the anode surface. We detail here the successful development of a “Cryo-Diode” in which the cooling was achieved with a closed-cycle cryo-pump. This results in an ion source design that can potentially be operated for an indefinite duration. Time-of-flight measurements with Faraday cups indicate that the resultant ion beam is of high-purity, and composed of singly charged ions formed out of the gas frozen out on the anode surface.
Health-Care Costs and Exercise Capacity

Background: While the beneficial effect of exercise capacity on mortality is well-accepted, its effect on health-care costs remains uncertain. This study investigates the relationship between exercise capacity and health-care costs. Methods: The Veterans Affairs Health Care System recently implemented a Decision Support System that provides data on patterns of care, patient outcomes, workload, and costs. Total inpatient and outpatient costs were derived from existing administrative and clinical data systems, were adjusted for relative value units, and were expressed in relative cost units. We used univariable and multivariable analyses to evaluate the 1-year total costs in the year following a standard exercise test. Costs were compared with exercise capacity estimated in metabolic equivalents (METs), other test results, and clinical variables for 881 consecutive patients who were referred for clinical reasons for treadmill testing at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Health Care System facility between October 1, 1998, and September 30, 2000. Results: The patients had a mean age of 59 years, 95% were men, and 74% were white. Eight patients (< 1%) died during the year of follow-up. Exercise testing showed an average maximum heart rate of 138 beats/min, 8.2 METs, and a peak Borg scale of 17. In unadjusted analysis, costs were incrementally lower by an average of 5.4% per MET increase (p < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis adjusting for demographic variables, treadmill test performance and results, and clinical history, METs were found to be the most significant predictor of cost (F-statistic, 21.8; p < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that exercise capacity is inversely associated with health-care costs. (CHEST 2004; 126:608 – 613)
Decay of an ultracold fermionic lithium gas near a Feshbach resonance

We studied the magnetic field dependence of the inelastic decay of an ultracold, optically trapped fermionic /sup 6/Li gas of different spin compositions. The spin mixture of the two lowest hyperfine states showed two decay resonances at 550 G and 680 G, consistent with the predicted Feshbach resonances for elastic s-wave collisions. The observed lifetimes of several hundred milliseconds are much longer than the expected time for Cooper pair formation and the phase transition to superfluidity in the vicinity of the Feshbach resonance.
Optimal Use of Current and Outdated Channel State Information: Degrees of Freedom of the MISO BC with Mixed CSIT

We consider a multiple-input-single-output (MISO) broadcast channel with mixed channel state information at the transmitter (CSIT) that consists of imperfect current CSIT and perfect outdated CSIT. Recent work by Kobayashi et al. presented a scheme that exploits both imperfect current CSIT and perfect outdated CSIT and achieves higher degrees of freedom (DoF) than possible with only imperfect current CSIT or only outdated CSIT individually. In this work, we further improve the achievable DoF in this setting by incorporating additional private messages, and provide a tight information theoretic DoF outer bound, thereby identifying the DoF optimal use of mixed CSIT. The new result is stronger even in the original setting of only delayed CSIT, because it allows us to remove the restricting assumption of statistically equivalent fading for all users.
Distributed source coding in dense sensor networks

We study the problem of the reconstruction of a Gaussian field defined in [0,1] using N sensors deployed at regular intervals. The goal is to quantify the total data rate required for the reconstruction of the field with a given mean square distortion. We consider a class of two-stage mechanisms which (a) send information to allow the reconstruction of the sensor's samples within sufficient accuracy, and then (b) use these reconstructions to estimate the entire field. To implement the first stage, the heavy correlation between the sensor samples suggests the use of distributed coding schemes to reduce the total rate. Our main contribution is to demonstrate the existence of a distributed block coding scheme that achieves, for a given fidelity criterion for the sensor's measurements, a total information rate that is within a constant, independent of N, of the minimum information rate required by an encoder that has access to all the sensor measurements simultaneously. The constant in general depends on the autocorrelation function of the field and the desired distortion criterion for the sensor samples.
Automated segmentation of hippocampal subfields from ultra‐high resolution in vivo MRI

Recent developments in MRI data acquisition technology are starting to yield images that show anatomical features of the hippo- campal formation at an unprecedented level of detail, providing the ba- sis for hippocampal subfield measurement. However, a fundamental bottleneck in MRI studies of the hippocampus at the subfield level is that they currently depend on manual segmentation, a laborious process that severely limits the amount of data that can be analyzed. In this article, we present a computational method for segmenting the hippo- campal subfields in ultra-high resolution MRI data in a fully automated fashion. Using Bayesian inference, we use a statistical model of image formation around the hippocampal area to obtain automated segmenta- tions. We validate the proposed technique by comparing its segmenta- tions to corresponding manual delineations in ultra-high resolution MRI scans of 10 individuals, and show that automated volume measurements of the larger subfields correlate well with manual volume estimates. Unlike manual segmentations, our automated technique is fully repro- ducible, and fast enough to enable routine analysis of the hippocampal subfields in large imaging studies. V C 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
HYPERGEOMETRIC SERIES ACCELERATION VIA THE WZ METHOD

Based on the WZ method, some series acceleration formulas are given. These formulas allow us to write down an inflnite family of parametrized identities from any given identity of WZ type. Further, this family, in the case of the Zeta function, gives rise to many accelerated expressions for ‡(3).
OpenMP‐oriented applications for distributed shared memory architectures

The rapid rise of OpenMP as the preferred parallel programming paradigm for small-to-medium scale parallelism could slow unless OpenMP can show capabilities for becoming the model-of-choice for large scale high-performance parallel computing in the coming decade. The main stumbling block for the adaptation of OpenMP to distributed shared memory (DSM) machines, which are based on architectures like cc-NUMA, stems from the lack of capabilities for data placement among processors and threads for achieving data locality. The absence of such a mechanism causes remote memory accesses and inefficient cache memory use, both of which lead to poor performance. This paper presents a simple software programming approach called copy-inside–copy-back (CC) that exploits the data privatization mechanism of OpenMP for data placement and replacement. This technique enables one to distribute data manually without taking away control and flexibility from the programmer and is thus an alternative to the automat and implicit approaches. Moreover, the CC approach improves on the OpenMP-SPMD style of programming that makes the development process of an OpenMP application more structured and simpler. The CC technique was tested and analyzed using the NAS Parallel Benchmarks on SGI Origin 2000 multiprocessor machines. This study shows that OpenMP improves performance of coarse-grained parallelism, although a fast copy mechanism is essential. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generalized Differentiation with Positively Homogeneous Maps: Applications in Set-Valued Analysis and Metric Regularity

We propose a new concept of generalized differentiation of set-valued maps that captures first-order information. This concept encompasses the standard notions of Frechet differentiability, strict differentiability, calmness and Lipschitz continuity in single-valued maps, and the Aubin property and Lipschitz continuity in set-valued maps. We present calculus rules, sharpen the relationship between the Aubin property and coderivatives, and study how metric regularity and open covering can be refined to have a directional property similar to our concept of generalized differentiation. Finally, we discuss the relationship between the robust form of generalized differentiation and its one-sided counterpart.
Dynamic focusing schemes for linear colliders

By using the intense fields of a demagnified bunch as a final lens, one can greatly simplify and shorten the conventional final focus and collimation systems of linear colliders. In the dynamic focusing schemes described here, the lens bunches enter the interaction region through separate beamlines. Design details and constraint equations for such focusing schemes are developed for future high energy linear colliders.
The Participatory Classroom

The “Participation Classroom” suggests a structured model for foreign language skill acquisition. This model builds in opportunities for students to participate in teaching, evaluating and goal-setting. Based on initial self-assessment of student needs and objectives, this approach to second language competence combines affective support for individual students with a noncompetitive teamwork approach to achievement. Students are systematically offered the challenge to develop general learning skills that will serve them well in this and future courses. This article outlines the instructor's role and the students' role in creating a successful teaching-learning atmosphere.
Active Control of Mechanical Vibrations in a Circular Disk

Mechanical vibration is a common phenomenon observed in the operation of many machines and arises from the inertia effect of machine parts in motion. While many control system design methods for distributed parameter systems have already been proposed in the literature, generally they are either based on truncated models and, as a result, suffer from computational and "spillover" difficulties or require distributed parameter actuators which are rarely available in reality. Therefore, there is a definite need for the development of a class of controllers which can be realized by spatially discrete sensors and actuators and whose design specifically includes stabilization and control of all the higher frequency vibration modes. To address this need, we propose the design of linear compensators whose design is based on root locus arguments for infinite dimensional systems. Since the design is not based on finite dimensional models of the plant to be controlled, we expect it to perform well for those distributed parameter systems for which sufficiently accurate data on pole and zero locations can be obtained. In this paper we apply this approach to control mechanical vibrations in those physical systems which can be accurately modeled as a flexible circular disk. Computer simulation results indicate that our proposed approach can successfully eliminate mechanical vibrations in such a disk by a single pair of co-located sensor and actuator.
Stakeholders, reciprocity, and firm performance

The assumption that economic actors behave in a boundedly self-interested manner promises fruitful new insights for strategic management. A growing literature spanning multiple disciplines indicates most actors' selfish utility maximizing behaviors are bounded by norms of fairness. Rather than being purely self-interested, people behave reciprocally by rewarding others whose actions they deem fair and willingly incurring costs to punish those they deem unfair. Economists show that employers who are perceived as distributionally fair by their employees generate comparatively more value due to the positively reciprocal behavior of those employees. The organizational justice literature distinguishes two additional types of fairness assessed by employees. Drawing from both these bodies of work, we employ stakeholder theory to propose how perceptions of fairness result in reciprocity (1) extending to all stakeholders of the firm and (2) affecting firm performance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The moral implications of the subversion of the Nonproliferation Treaty regime

All non-nuclear-weapon states are morally and legally obliged by the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) to refrain from acquiring nuclear weapons. These obligations cannot be overridden for reasons of mere prudence. Only (i) material breaches of the treaty and/or a corresponding; (ii) ‘fundamental change in circumstances’ (rebus sic stantibus) that undermines the integrity of the NPT may override states parties’ legal nonproliferation duties. More than the violations of the NPT by ‘rogue’ states like North Korea or Iran, I argue that the failure of the de jure nuclear-weapon powers since 2001 to uphold their informal and some formal NPT commitments suggests the possibility of material breach and/or institutional subversion. If NPT subversion were to occur, the non-nuclear-weapon states’ collective responsibility to avoid complicity in that subversion leads them to choose between (a) individually seeking nuclear weapons capability for state security; or, more preferably, (b) a publicly announced and collective withdrawal from the NPT that simultaneously refuses to pursue the nuclear weapons option. Keywords: nuclear ethics; legal obligation - international treaties; obligation - international ethics; nuclear proliferation; withdrawal*international treaties; material breach - treaty obligations; subversion - treaty obligations (Published: 19 May 2009) Citation: Ethics & Global Politics, Vol. 2, No. 2, 2009, pp. 131-153. DOI: 10.3402/egp.v2i2.1916
ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF VARIABLE RATE APPLICATION OF NITROGEN TO CORN FIELDS: ROLE OF VARIABILITY AND WEATHER

The use of meta-response functions based on EPIC-generated data resulted in comparisons between variable (VRAT) and uniform rate application technologies for 36 simulated fields. VRAT was more profitable and less nitrogen was lost to the environment in most cases. When spatial variability was small, uniform rate application techniques were adopted. However, when nitrogen use is restricted, VRAT is used on all simulated fields.
Asymmetric Synthesis of (1,3‐Butadien‐2‐yl)methanols from Aldehydes via [1‐(Silylmethyl)allenyl]methanols

[1-(Silylmethyl)allenyl]methanols 2 were efficiently synthesized from aldehydes and (4-bromobut-2-ynyl)trimethylsilane in the presence of a catalytic amount of CrCl 2 and tridentate carbazole ligands. The desired compounds were obtained with good yields (43-88%) and enantioselectivities (55-78 % ee). Alcohols 2 may be treated with TBAF or 2 M HCl in the case of aliphatic substrates, to provide (1,3-butadien-2-yl)methanols 3 in 43-81 % yields. This method allows the synthesis of dienes 3 with no regioselectivity problems, and it tolerates a large number of functionalities.
A computational market model for distributed configuration design

A precise market model for a well-defined class of distributed configuration design problems is presented. Given a design problem, the model defines a computational economy to allocate basic resources to agents participating in the design. The result of running these “design economies” constitutes the market solution to the original problem. After defining the configuration design framework, the mapping to computational economies and the results to date are described. For some simple examples, the system can produce good designs relatively quickly. However, analysis shows that the design economies are not guaranteed to find optimal designs, and some of the major pitfalls are identified and discussed. Despite known shortcomings and limited explorations thus far, the market model offers a useful conceptual viewpoint for analyzing distributed design problems.
SlopMap: a software application tool for quick and flexible identification of similar sequences using exact k-mer matching.

With the advent of Next-Generation (NG) sequencing, it has become possible to sequence an entire genome quickly and inexpensively. However, in some experiments one only needs to extract and assembly a portion of the sequence reads, for example when performing transcriptome studies, sequencing mitochondrial genomes, or characterizing exomes. With the raw DNA-library of a complete genome it would appear to be a trivial problem to identify reads of interest. But it is not always easy to incorpo-rate well-known tools such as BLAST, BLAT, Bowtie, and SOAP directly into a bioinformatics pipelines before the assembly stage, either due to in-compatibility with the assembler’s file inputs, or because it is desirable to incorporate information that must be extracted separately. For example, in order to incorporate flowgrams from a Roche 454 sequencer into the Newbler assembler it is necessary to first extract them from the original SFF files. We present SlopMap, a bioinformatics software utility which allows rapid identification similar to provided target sequences from either Roche 454 or Illumnia DNA library. With a simple and intuitive command-line interface along with file output formats compatible with assembly programs, SlopMap can be directly embedded in biological data processing pipeline without any additional programming work. In addition, SlopMap preserves flowgram information needed for Roche 454 assembler.
Long-range and long-term fault interactions in Southern California

Paleoseismological data suggest the occurrence of four bursts of seismic moment release in the Los Angeles region during the past 12,000 yr. The historic period appears to be part of an ongoing lull that has persisted for about the past 1000 yr. These periods of rapid seismic displacement in the Los Angeles region have occurred during the lulls between similar bursts of activity observed on the eastern California shear zone in the Mojave Desert, which is now seismically active. A kinematic model in which the faults of the greater San Andreas system suppress activity on faults in the eastern California shear zone, and vice versa, can explain the apparent switching of activity between the two fault networks. Combined with the observation that short-term geodetic and longer-term geologic rates co-vary on major southern California fault systems, this suggests that either (1) a temporal cluster of seismic displacements on upper-crustal faults increases ductile deformation on their downward extensions, or (2) rapid ductile slip in the lower crust beneath faults loads the upper crust, driving a seismic cluster. We suggest that alternating periods of rapid seismic displacement may be the expected mode of seismicity when two fault systems accommodate the same plate-boundary motion, and slip on one system suppresses slip on the other.
Interfacial effects in the displacement of residual oil by foam

A qualitative theory is developed to explain the roles of surface tension and the two surface viscosities in the displacement of foams through porous media. There is a critical value of the surface tension above which a foam cannot be displaced under a given pressure gradient. The displacement efficiency of a foam can be raised by increasing the surface tension to only slightly less than this critical value, by increasing the viscosity of the aqueous surfactant solution from which the foam is formed and by increasing the surface viscosities. These predictions are in agreement with available experimental data.
To What Extent Does High-Latitude Wave Forcing Drive Tropical Upwelling in the Brewer–Dobson Circulation?

Abstract The causes of the annual cycle and nonseasonal variability in the globally averaged, equator-to-pole Brewer–Dobson circulation (BDC; defined here as the equatorially symmetric component of the Lagrangian-mean meridional circulation) are investigated based on zonally averaged, lower-stratospheric temperature data from satellite-borne Microwave Sounding Unit (MSU) and Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU). Time-varying vertical velocities in the BDC are inferred from departures of the meridional temperature profiles from the respective radiative equilibrium temperature profiles. Equatorward of ∼45°N/S, the annual-mean profile of lower-stratospheric temperature and the seasonal and nonseasonal variations about it project almost exclusively onto the equatorially symmetric component. The climatological-mean annual cycle accounts for nearly 90% of the month-to-month variance of the equatorially symmetric component of the temperature field; January/February is colder than July/August equatorward of ∼4...
First principles derivation of microcavity semiconductor laser threshold condition and its application to FDTD active cavity modeling

A laser threshold condition derived from the instantaneous form of Maxwell’s equations is presented. This derivation incorporates the passive quality factor of the resonator and is particularly amenable to semiconductor microcavity lasers. The optical confinement factor is derived and compared to previous reports. The threshold condition derived here is compared to the results of active cavity finite-difference time-domain calculations, and excellent agreement is found.
Black/White Differences in School Performance: The Oppositional Culture Explanation

The late anthropologist, John Ogbu, developed one of the most theoretically provocative explanations for racial/ethnic differences in school performance: oppositional culture theory. Rather than view racial/ethnic gaps as a product of structural disadvantage alone, the theory emphasizes minority groups’ agency and the way in which they contribute to their own demise by developing a culture in opposition to schooling. This review focuses on the theory's merits for understanding the black/white gap in the United States.
Quantum corrections to black hole entropy in string theory

The one-loop contribution to the entropy of a black hole from field modes near the horizon is computed in string theory. It is modular invariant and ultraviolet finite. There is an infrared divergence that signifies an instability near the event horizon of the black hole. It is due to the exponential growth of the density of states and the associated Hagedorn transition characteristic of string theory. It is argued that this divergence is indicative of a tree level contribution, and the Bekenstein-Hawking-Gibbons formula for the entropy should be understood in terms of string states stuck near the horizon.
How Much Would You Pay to Resolve Long-Run Risk?

Abstract Though risk aversion and the elasticity of intertemporal substitution have been the subjects of careful scrutiny, the long-run risks literature as well as the broader literature using recursive utility to address asset pricing puzzles has ignored the full implications of their parameter specifications. Recursive utility implies that the temporal resolution of risk matters and a quantitative assessment thereof should be part of the calibration process. This paper gives a sense of the magnitudes of implied timing premia. Its objective is to inject temporal resolution of risk into the discussion of the quantitative properties of long-run risks and related models. (JEL D81, G11, G12)
First Experiences with HMC for Dynamical Overlap Fermions

We describe an HMC algorithm for dynamical overlap fermions which makes use of their good chiral properties. We test the algorithm in the Schwinger model. Topological sectors are readily changed even in the massless case.
The Marketing Performance of Illinois and Kansas Wheat Farmers

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the marketing performance of wheat farmers in Illinois and Kansas over 1982–2004. The results show that farmer benchmark prices for wheat in Illinois and Kansas fall in the middle third of the price range about half to three-quarters of the time. Consistent with previous studies, this refutes the contention that Illinois and Kansas wheat farmers routinely market the bulk of their wheat crop in the bottom portion of the price range. Tests of the average difference between farmer and market benchmark prices are sensitive to the market benchmark considered. The marketing performance of wheat farmers in Illinois and Kansas is about equal to the market if a 24- or 20-month market benchmark is used, slightly above the market if a 12-month price benchmark is used, and significantly less than the market if the harvest benchmark is used. The sensitivity of marketing performance to the market benchmark considered is explained by the seasonal pattern of prices. While Illinois producers performed slightly better than their counterparts in Kansas, notable differences in performance across these two geographic areas is not observed.
Synthesis of novel all-dielectric grating filters using genetic algorithms

The feasibility of novel all-dielectric waveguide grating filters is demonstrated, using a genetic algorithm (GA) to solve for material dielectric constants and geometric boundaries separating homogeneous regions of the periodic cell. In particular, the GAs show that simple geometries (not previously reported) utilizing a small number of layers and/or gratings can be found to yield bandpass or stop-band filters with user defined linewidth. The evaluation of the fitness of a candidate design entails the solution of an integral equation for the electric field in the cell using the method of moments (MoM). Our implementation is made efficient by using only very few design frequency points and accurately approximating a given filter transfer function by a quotient of polynomials as a function of frequency. Additionally, the problem impedance matrices are conveniently represented as the product of a material independent matrix and a vector of dielectric constants, thus allowing us to fill the matrices only once. Our code has been parallelized for the Cray T3D to take advantage of the intrinsic parallelization efficiencies offered by the GAs. Solutions are illustrated for a very narrow-band single-grating transmission filter and a relatively broad-band double grating reflection filter. Additionally, a solution for a five homogeneous layers Fabry-Perot filter is also presented.
Using Lucene to index and search the digitized 1940 US Census

An improved approach toward enabling search capabilities over large digitized document archives is described, in which Lucene indices were incorporated in a framework developed to provide automatic searchable access to the 1940 US Census, a collection composed of digitized handwritten forms. As an alternative to trying to recognize the handwritten text in the images, Word Spotting feature vectors are used to describe each cell's content. Instead of querying the system using regular ASCII text, any query is rendered as an image, and a ranked list of matching results is presented to the user. Among other preprocessing steps required by the framework, an index must be compiled to provide fast access to the feature vectors. The advantages and drawbacks of using Lucene to index these vectors instead of other indexing methods are discussed in light of the challenges confronted when dealing with digitized document collections of considerable size. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regiocontrolled aerobic oxidative coupling of indoles and benzene using Pd catalysts with 4,5-diazafluorene ligands

Palladium-catalyzed aerobic oxidative cross-couplings of indoles and benzene have been achieved by using 4,5-diazafluorene derivatives as ancillary ligands. Proper choice of the neutral and anionic ligands enables control over the reaction regioselectivity.
Why does life start, what does it do, where will it be?

Life is driven into being by the tension between the ancient carbon dioxide atmosphere and hydrogen at submarine alkaline springs. It is helped into being by transition metal sulfides, nitrogen compounds and phosphate. Life synthesizes a small but ever-renewed stock of organic molecules and generates various waste products in the process such as methane, acetate and eventually oxygen. It will occur on any sunny, wet, rocky planet.
Diversity–Multiplexing Tradeoff in ISI Channels

The optimal diversity-multiplexing tradeoff curve for the intersymbol interference (ISI) channel is computed and various equalizers are analyzed using this performance metric. Maximum-likelihood signal decoding (MLSD) and decision feedback equalization (DFE) equalizers achieve the optimal tradeoff without coding, but zero forcing (ZF) and minimum mean-square-error (MMSE) equalizers do not. However if each transmission block is ended with a period of silence lasting the coherence time of the channel, both ZF and MMSE equalizers become diversity-multiplexing optimal. This suggests that the bulk of the performance gain obtained by replacing linear decoders with computationally intensive ones such as orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) or Viterbi, can be realized in much simpler fashion-with a small modification to the transmit scheme.
SSDB spaces and maximal monotonicity

In this paper, we develop some of the theory of SSD spaces and SSDB spaces, and deduce some results on maximally monotone multifunctions on a reflexive Banach space.
Role of disorder in finite-amplitude shear of a 2D jammed material

A material's response to small but finite deformations can reveal the roots of its response to much larger deformations. Here, we identify commonalities in the responses of 2D soft jammed solids with different amounts of disorder. We cyclically shear the materials while tracking their constituent particles, in experiments that feature a stable population of repeated structural relaxations. Using bidisperse particle sizes creates a more amorphous material, while monodisperse sizes yield a more polycrystalline one. We find that the materials' responses are very similar, both at the macroscopic, mechanical level and in the microscopic motions of individual particles. However, both locally and in bulk, crystalline arrangements of particles are stiffer (greater elastic modulus) and less likely to rearrange. Our work supports the idea of a common description for the responses of a wide array of materials.
STAR FORMATION and the INITIAL MASS FUNCTION

We review the current theory for the formation of stars in molecular clouds. We also discuss the initial mass function; in particular, we present a scaling argument which produces a power-law IMF in reasonable agreement with observations.
Energetics of asteroid dynamos and the role of compositional convection

[1] The conditions under which a dynamo can operate in the core of a small planetary body or asteroid are examined. Compositional convection driven by inner core growth is thermodynamically much more efficient than thermal convection at driving a dynamo, but whether asteroid cores crystallize in this fashion is currently uncertain. Inner core solidification will drive dynamo activity in cores larger than ≈50–150 km in radius. Dynamo activity requires core cooling rates exceeding ∼0.001–0.1 K/My if compositional convection occurs. In the absence of an inner core, cooling rates of ∼1–100 K/My or heating by 60Fe within 10–20 Myr of solar system formation are required to drive a dynamo. If inner core growth is important (as for the IVB iron meteorite parent body) then a dynamo should develop with magnetic paleointensities that depend on the core sulphur content. If 60Fe decay is dominant, the frequency of asteroid dynamo occurrence is predicted to decay with distance from the Sun.
Electrochemical Synthesis and Sintering of Nanocrystalline Cerium(IV) Oxide Powders

Nanocrystalline CeO{sub 2} powders were prepared electrochemically by the cathodic electrogeneration of base, and their sintering behavior was investigated. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy revealed that the as-prepared powders were crystalline cerium(IV) oxide with the cubic fluorite structure. The lattice parameter of the electrogenerated material was 0.5419 nm. The powders consisted of nonaggregated, faceted particles. The average crystallite size was a function of the solution temperature. It increased from 10 nm at 29 C to 14 nm at 80 C. Consolidated powders were sintered in air at both a constant heating rate of 10 C/min and under isothermal conditions. The temperature at which sintering started (750 C) for nanocrystalline CeO{sub 2} powders was only about 100 C lower than that of coarser-grained powders (850 C). However, the sintering rate was enhanced. The temperature at which shrinkage stopped was 200--300 C lower with the nanoscale powder than with micrometer-sized powders. A sintered specimen with 99.8% of theoretical density and a grain size of about 350 nm was obtained by sintering at 1,300 C for 2 h.
Commitment-based service coordination

We present a methodology for composing large-grained services that exhibit temporal uncertainty and complex task dependencies. Our multi-agent approach incorporates temporal and stochastic planning paradigms and commitment-based negotiation to achieve the coordinated provision of services with stochastic outcomes. This is all captured within a service-choreography protocol, by which agents can request future service provisions and receive probabilistic temporal service promises in return, converging on coordinated decisions about how and when to work together. We hypothesise that our approach can scalably converge on good coordination solutions because it partially decouples the problems of negotiating service interactions and computing service policies. Our empirical evaluation provides initial confirmation of this hypothesis, demonstrating the scalability and effectiveness of our approach in producing coordinated, approximately optimal agent policies in a small fraction of the time that an optimal approach requires.