cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MIMO radar demystified and where it makes sense to use

Contrary to claims made Multiple Input and Multiple Output (MIMO) radars do not provide an order of magnitude or better angle resolution, accuracy and identifiability (the ability to resolve and identify targets) over conventional radars. This claim for MIMO results from making the wrong of a full/thin MIMO array to a full conventional array rather than to a conventional full/thin array. It is shown here that a conventional full/thin array radar can have the same angle accuracy, resolution and identifiability as a MIMO full/thin array. Where does the MIMO radar provide a better angle accuracy than a conventional radar? A monostatic MIMO array radar does provide a better angle accuracy than its conventional monostatic equivalent, but it is only about a factor of 1/√2 (29 percent) better and its resolution is the same. Contrary to what may be thought MIMO does not offer an advantage re barrage noise jammers or hot clutter (a jammer scattered from the ground) over a conventional array. It does offer a potential advantage re strong clutter because nulls can be adaptively put in the transmit pattern in the direction of the clutter. However this type clutter can be handled in conventional arrays by putting nulls in the direction of the clutter whose location is known.
An adaptive architecture for physical agents

In this paper we describe ICARUS, an adaptive architecture for intelligent physical agents. We contrast the framework's assumptions with those of earlier architectures, taking examples from an in-city driving task to illustrate our points. Key differences include primacy of perception and action over problem solving, separate memories for categories and skills, a hierarchical organization on both memories, strong correspondence between long-term and short-term structures, and cumulative learning of skill hierarchies. We support claims for ICARUS' generality by reporting our experience with driving and three other domains. In closing, we discuss limitations of the current architecture and propose extensions that would remedy them.
Internal boiling and superheating in vaporizing multicomponent droplets

The vaporization and combustion of a miscible multicomponent droplet in a quiescent atmosphere is analyzed by assuming transient-diffusive transport within the droplet, quasi steady diffusive-convective transport in the gas phase, and ideal solution behavior for the mixture. Results on the vaporization of a binary droplet show that owing to the significant liquid phase diffusional resistance, the vaporization process approximately consists of an initial transient regime, an intermediate, diffusion limited, almost quasi steady regime, and a final volatility limited regime. It is further demonstrated that the entrapment of the volatile components within the rapidly heated droplet interior may lead to the initiation of either homogeneous or heterogeneous nucleation, which can result in the fragmentation of the parent droplet with the internal pressure buildup.
Graphene contacts to a HfSe2/SnS2 heterostructure

Two-dimensional (2D) heterostructures and all-2D contacts are of high interest for electronic device applications, and the SnS2/HfSe2 bilayer heterostructure with graphene contacts has some unique, advantageous properties. The SnS2/HfSe2 heterostructure is interesting because of the strong intermixing of the two conduction bands and the large work function of the SnS2. The band lineup of the well separated materials indicates a type II heterostructure, but the conduction band minimum of the SnS2/HfSe2 bilayer is a coherent superposition of the orbitals from the two layers with a spectral weight of 60% on the SnS2 and 40% on the HfSe2 for AA stacking. These relative weights can be either increased or reversed by an applied vertical field. A 3×3 supercell of graphene and a 2×2 supercell of SnS2/HfSe2 have a lattice mismatch of 0.1% and both the SnS2/HfSe2 conduction band at M and the graphene Dirac point at K are zone-folded to Γ. Placing graphene on the SnS2/HfSe2 bilayer results in large n-type charge transfer doping of the SnS2/HfSe2 bilayer, on the order of 1013/cm2, and the charge transfer is accompanied by a negative Schottky barrier contact for electron injection from the graphene into the SnS2/HfSe2 bilayer conduction band. Binding energies and the anti-crossing gaps of the graphene and the SnS2/HfSe2 electronic bands both show that the coupling of graphene to the HfSe2 layer is significantly larger than its coupling to the SnS2 layer. A tunneling Hamiltonian estimate of the contact resistance of the graphene to the SnS2/HfSe2 heterostructure predicts an excellent low-resistance contact.
HOW TO FIND GRAVITATIONALLY LENSED TYPE Ia SUPERNOVAE

Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) that are multiply imaged by gravitational lensing can extend the SN Ia Hubble diagram to very high redshifts (z 2), probe potential SN Ia evolution, and deliver high-precision constraints on H0, w, and Ωm via time delays. However, only one, iPTF16geu, has been found to date, and many more are needed to achieve these goals. To increase the multiply imaged SN Ia discovery rate, we present a simple algorithm for identifying gravitationally lensed SN Ia candidates in cadenced, wide-field optical imaging surveys. The technique is to look for supernovae that appear to be hosted by elliptical galaxies, but that have absolute magnitudes implied by the apparent hosts' photometric redshifts that are far brighter than the absolute magnitudes of normal SNe Ia (the brightest type of supernovae found in elliptical galaxies). Importantly, this purely photometric method does not require the ability to resolve the lensed images for discovery. Active galactic nuclei, the primary sources of contamination that affect the method, can be controlled using catalog cross-matches and color cuts. Highly magnified core-collapse SNe will also be discovered as a byproduct of the method. Using a Monte Carlo simulation, we forecast that the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope can discover up to 500 multiply imaged SNe Ia using this technique in a 10 year z-band search, more than an order of magnitude improvement over previous estimates. We also predict that the Zwicky Transient Facility should find up to 10 multiply imaged SNe Ia using this technique in a 3 year R-band search—despite the fact that this survey will not resolve a single system.
Short-term forecasting of inertial response from a wind power plant

The total inertia stored in all rotating masses (synchronous generators, induction motors, etc.) connected to a power system grid is an essential force that keeps the system stable after disturbances. Power systems have been experiencing reduced inertia during the past few decades [1]. This trend will continue as the level of renewable generation (e.g., wind and solar) increases. Wind power plants (WPPs) and other renewable power plants with power electronic interfaces are capable of delivering frequency response (both droop and/or inertial response) by a control action; thus, the reduction in available online inertia can be compensated by designing the plant control to include frequency response. The source of energy to be delivered as inertial response is determined by the type of generation (wind, photovoltaic, concentrating solar power, etc.) and the control strategy chosen. The importance of providing ancillary services to ensure frequency control within a power system is evidenced from many recent publications with different perspectives (manufacturer, system operator, regulator, etc.) [2]-[6]. This paper is intended to provide operators with a method for the real-time assessment of the available inertia of a WPP. This is critical to managing power system stability and the reserve margin. In many states, modern WPPs are required to provide ancillary services (e.g., frequency regulation via governor response and inertial response) to the grid. This paper describes the method of estimating the available inertia and the profile of the forecasted response from a WPP.
The nature of anomalously high photovoltages

Anomalously high photovoltages, which were first observed in 1946 in PbS thin films and which have since been detected in various other materials, have caused world-wide controversy. A strongly supported explanation is now provided for these photovoltages. After five years of study, the Uzbek academician E. I. Adirovich, together with a team of researchers, has shown that the reason for past confusion is that the effect is not caused by a single mechanism, but depending on the crystallographic structure of the materials, is caused either by p-n junctions, the Dember effect, or the anomalous Dember effect. By studying the angular dependence of the anomalous photovoltage in monochromatic light, a determination can be made as to which of the three mechanisms is responsible for the effect in a particular case. The work of Adirovich and his group is reviewed against the broad background of the rapidly expanding Soviet photovoltaic research.
Global Regularity for the Fractional Euler Alignment System

We study a pressureless Euler system with a non-linear density-dependent alignment term, originating in the Cucker–Smale swarming models. The alignment term is dissipative in the sense that it tends to equilibrate the velocities. Its density dependence is natural: the alignment rate increases in the areas of high density due to species discomfort. The diffusive term has the order of a fractional Laplacian $${(-\partial _{xx})^{\alpha/2}, \alpha \in (0, 1)}$$ . The corresponding Burgers equation with a linear dissipation of this type develops shocks in a finite time. We show that the alignment nonlinearity enhances the dissipation, and the solutions are globally regular for all $${\alpha \in (0, 1)}$$ . To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of such regularization due to the non-local nonlinear modulation of dissipation.
BRANCHING OF SOLUTIONS OF TWO-PARAMETER BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEMS FOR SECOND ORDER DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

A two-point boundary-value problem is considered for the differential equationx″+g(t, x, x′, λ, μ)=0 containing two real parameters. It is assumed that the problem has a solution,x 0 (t) whenλ=μ=0. Branching of solutions nearx 0 (t) is studied for small values of the parametersλ andμ. The “generic” cases of branching, in which critical quantities are nonzero, are studied. A number of cases are distinguished, which depend on the ranks of two special matrices. In each case a neighborhood of (0, 0) in the plane of the two parametersλ andμ is described. For (λ, μ) in certain subregions of this neighborhood there are several solutions of the problem which reduce tox 0 (t) as (λ, μ)→(0, 0), while for (λ, μ) in other subregions of the neighborhood there are no solutions of the problem near tox 0 (t). An application is given to periodic solutions of a damped nonlinear oscillator with equationx″+λx′+g(x)=μf(t), withλ andμ small and varying independently. Herex 0 (t) is a nonconstant periodic solution ofx″+g(x)=0.
Revisiting 3DIC benefit with multiple tiers

Abstract 3DICs with multiple tiers are expected to achieve large benefits (e.g., in terms of power, area) as compared to conventional planar designs. However, few if any previous works study upper bounds on power and area benefits from 3DIC integration with multiple tiers. In this work, we use the concept of implementation with infinite dimension to estimate upper bounds on power and area benefits achievable by 3DICs versus 2DICs. We observe that the maximum power benefit even with infinite dimension can be only 18% versus 2DIC for particular designs. Such benefits reduce further under assumptions of inter-tier variation. We confirm our observation by performing 3D benefit estimation across various technologies. Our study also indicates that it is typically difficult for pure logic-logic 3D integration to achieve a simultaneous (10%, 10%, 10%) improvement in (performance, power, area/cost) compared to the conventional 2D implementation. In addition, we study power of designs across various dimensions (e.g., pseudo-1D, 2D, 3D with two, three and four tiers). 1 We observe that design power sensitivity to implementation with different dimensions correlates well with placement-based Rent parameter of the netlist. Therefore, placement-based Rent parameter can possibly be a simple indicator of 3D power benefit. Our study also shows that netlist synthesis and optimization should be aware of the target implementation dimension (e.g., 2D versus 3D). Finally, we use a simple example to show that there remain potential large 3DIC benefits versus 2DIC for (block-based) SoC designs.
Orthogonal Polarity Graphs and Sidon Sets

Determining the maximum number of edges in an n-vertex C4-free graph is a well-studied problem that dates back to a paper of Erdős from 1938. One of the most important families of C4-free graphs are the Erdős-Renyi orthogonal polarity graphs. We show that the Cayley sum graph constructed using a Bose-Chowla Sidon set is isomorphic to a large induced subgraph of the Erdős-Renyi orthogonal polarity graph. Using this isomorphism, we prove that the Petersen graph is a subgraph of every sufficiently large Erdős-Renyi orthogonal polarity graph.
Overlap Cycles for Steiner Quadruple Systems

Steiner quadruple systems are set systems in which every triple is contained in a unique quadruple. It is well known that Steiner quadruple systems of order v, or SQS(v), exist if and only if . Universal cycles, introduced by Chung, Diaconis, and Graham in 1992, are a type of cyclic Gray code. Overlap cycles are generalizations of universal cycles that were introduced in 2010 by Godbole, et al. Using Hanani's SQS constructions, we show that for every with there exists an SQS(v) that admits a 1-overlap cycle.
Data Compression With Low Distortion and Finite Blocklength

This paper considers lossy source coding of $n$ -dimensional memoryless sources and shows an explicit approximation to the minimum source coding rate required to sustain the probability of exceeding distortion $d$ no greater than $\epsilon $ , which is simpler than known dispersion-based approximations. Our approach takes inspiration in the celebrated classical result stating that the Shannon lower bound to rate-distortion function becomes tight in the limit $d \to 0$ . We formulate an abstract version of the Shannon lower bound that recovers both the classical Shannon lower bound and the rate-distortion function itself as special cases. Likewise, we show that a nonasymptotic version of the abstract Shannon lower bound recovers all previously known nonasymptotic converses. A necessary and sufficient condition for the Shannon lower bound to be attained exactly is presented. It is demonstrated that whenever that condition is met, the rate-dispersion function is given simply by the varentropy of the source. Remarkably, all finite alphabet sources with balanced distortion measures satisfy that condition in the range of low distortions. Most continuous sources violate that condition. Still, we show that lattice quantizers closely approach the nonasymptotic Shannon lower bound, provided that the source density is smooth enough and the distortion is low. This implies that fine multidimensional lattice coverings are nearly optimal in the rate-distortion sense even at finite $n$ . The achievability proof technique is based on a new bound on the output entropy of lattice quantizers in terms of the differential entropy of the source, the lattice cell size, and a smoothness parameter of the source density. The technique avoids both the usual random coding argument and the simplifying assumption of the presence of a dither signal.
Self-Paced Multitask Learning with Shared Knowledge

This paper introduces self-paced task selection to multitask learning, where instances from more closely related tasks are selected in a progression of easier-to-harder tasks, to emulate an effective human education strategy, but applied to multitask machine learning. We develop the mathematical foundation for the approach based on iterative selection of the most appropriate task, learning the task parameters, and updating the shared knowledge, optimizing a new bi-convex loss function. This proposed method applies quite generally, including to multitask feature learning, multitask learning with alternating structure optimization, etc. Results show that in each of the above formulations self-paced (easier-to-harder) task selection outperforms the baseline version of these methods in all the experiments.
Do Craniopharyngioma Molecular Signatures Correlate with Clinical Characteristics

OBJECTIVE Exome sequencing studies have recently demonstrated that papillary craniopharyngiomas (PCPs) and adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas (ACPs) have distinct genetic origins, each primarily driven by mutually exclusive alterations: either BRAF ( V600E), observed in 95% of PCPs, or CTNNB1, observed in 75%-96% of ACPs. How the presence of these molecular signatures, or their absence, correlates with clinical, radiographic, and outcome variables is unknown. METHODS The pathology records for patients who underwent surgery for craniopharyngiomas between May 2000 and March 2015 at Weill Cornell Medical College were reviewed. Craniopharyngiomas were identified and classified as PCP or ACP. Patients were placed into 1 of 3 groups based on their genomic mutations: BRAF mutation only, CTNNB1 mutation only, and tumors with neither of these mutations detected (not detected [ND]). Demographic, radiological, and clinical variables were collected, and their correlation with each genomic group was tested. RESULTS Histology correlated strongly with mutation group. All BRAF tumors with mutations were PCPs, and all CTNNB1 with mutations and ND tumors were ACPs. Preoperative and postoperative clinical symptoms and radiographic features did not correlate with any mutation group. There was a statistically significant relationship (p = 0.0323) between the age group (pediatric vs adult) and the mutation groups. The ND group tumors were more likely to involve the sella (p = 0.0065). CONCLUSIONS The mutation signature in craniopharyngioma is highly predictive of histology. The subgroup of tumors in which these 2 mutations are not detected is more likely to occur in children, be located in the sella, and be of ACP histology.
Automated U.S diplomatic cables security classification: Topic model pruning vs. classification based on clusters

The U.S Government has been the target for cyberattacks from all over the world. Just recently, former President Obama accused the Russian government of the leaking emails to Wikileaks and declared that the U.S. might be forced to respond. While Russia denied involvement, it is clear that the U.S. has to take some defensive measures to protect its data infrastructure. Insider threats have been the cause of other sensitive information leaks too, including the infamous Edward Snowden incident. Most of the recent leaks were in the form of text. Due to the nature of text data, security classifications are assigned manually. In an adversarial environment, insiders can leak texts through E-mail, printers, or any untrusted channels. The optimal defense is to automatically detect the unstructured text security class and enforce the appropriate protection mechanism without degrading services or daily tasks. Unfortunately, existing Data Leak Prevention (DLP) systems are not well suited for detecting unstructured texts. In this paper, we compare two recent approaches in the literature for text security classification, evaluating them on actual sensitive text data from the WikiLeaks dataset.
Row-centric lossless compression of Markov images

Motivated by the question of whether the recently introduced Reduced Cutset Coding (RCC) [1], [2] offers rate-complexity performance benefits over conventional context-based conditional lossless coding for sources with two-dimensional Markov structure, this paper compares several row-centric coding strategies that vary in the amount of conditioning as well as whether a model or an empirical table is used in the encoding of blocks of rows. The conclusion is that, at least for sources exhibiting low-order correlations, 1-sided model-based conditional coding is superior to the method of RCC for a given constraint on complexity, and conventional context-based conditional coding is nearly as good as the 1-sided model-based coding.
The National Ignition Facility: Status and Progress Towards Fusion Ignition

The National Ignition Facility (NIF), the world’s largest and most energetic laser system, built for studying inertial confinement fusion (ICF) and high-energy-density (HED) science, is operational...
A variable-included-angle plane-grating-monochromator on an undulator for spectroscopy and microscopy at the Advanced Light Source

Abstract A new beam line (beam line 11.0) at the Advanced Light Source has been designed to employ an SX700 (Peterson, Opt. Commun. 40 (1982) 402) style variable-included-angle plane-grating-monochromator. The extended range available from a specific grating is exploited to cover energies from the carbon 1 s absorption edge to the oxygen 1 s absorption edge with two different gratings (150 and 1200 lines/mm) with dispersion different by a factor of three. The phase space of a zone plate microscope can then be efficiently filled either at low or high resolution (R=2500 and 7500). At the same time the monochromator is designed to cover the energy range from 75 to 1500 eV using the same two gratings at high resolution for spectroscopy. A deformable mirror pair will re-focus to a monochromatic spot 5×10 μm, matched into the acceptance of a fluorescence spectrometer. The monochromator will operate in vertically collimated light and the free choice of focussing parameter provides a guarantee of high resolution even when the power loading is high. However, we will provide a thermally engineered pre-mirror so that the high resolution requirement at low photon energy can be met without loss of efficiency.
The testosterone rule-constructing fairness in professional sport.

The separation between males and females in professional sport is justified on the grounds of creating a level playing field between athletes and achieving “fairness”. Over the past century, scientists and policy makers struggled finding a reliable test to clearly distinguish between males and females in sports competitions. A major criteria established by a prominent sport association in 2011 suggested that athletes with testosterone levels above 10 Nmol/l will not be eligible to compete as female. This rule was highly criticized after Indian sprinter Dutee Chand was banned from competing because her body produced testosterone levels above the permitted threshold due to a condition called hyperandrogenism. After Chand appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and won, a lively debate awakened around the question of what should be the rule to demarcate between males and females in professional sport competitions, and whether or not the testosterone rule serves the objective of “fairness” in sports. After briefly reviewing the historical origins of the testosterone rule and sex-testing in organized sport, this note describes existing scientific data and its interpretations regarding sex. While maintaining that the relationship between a high testosterone level and athletic performance has not been proven, but also not refuted, the last part offers preliminary thoughts on three alternative approaches to achieve fairness in sports.
PROSPECTIVE MRI COMPARISON OF MUSCLE ATROPHY AFTER TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY

Introduction Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common operation. Different operative approaches have specific benefits and compromises. Soft tissue injury occurs in total hip arthroplasty. This prospective study objectively measured muscle volume changes after direct anterior and posterior approach surgeries. Methods Patients undergoing Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) and Posterior Approach (PA) THA were prospectively evaluated. 3 orthopaedic surgeons performed all surgeries. Muscle volumes of all major muscles around the hip were objectively measured using preoperative and 2 different postoperative follow-up MRIs. 2 independent measurers performed all radiographic volume measurements. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to compare mean muscle volume changes over time. Student9s t-test was used to compare muscle volumes between groups at specific time intervals. Results MRIs for 10 DAA and 9 PA patients were analyzed. No significant differences between groups were found in BMI or Age. Pre-operative muscle volume comparisons showed no significant differences. Average postoperative follow-up times were 9.6 and 24.3 weeks. First follow-up showed significant atrophy for the DAA in Gluteus Medius (−7.3%), Gluteus Minimus (−17.5%), and Obturator Internus (−37.3%) muscles. Final follow-up showed significant recovery in Gluteus Medius (+12%) and Minimus (+11.1%) muscles. In the PA, atrophy was significant at first follow-up for Gluteus Minimus (−11.8%), Obturator Internus (−46.8%) and Externus (−16%), Piriformis (−26.5%), and Quadratus Femoris (−30.4%) muscles. Recovery was not seen in any of the significantly atrophied muscles. Muscles with significant quantified fatty atrophy at final follow-up were Obturator Internus [+5.51% (DAA); +7.65% (PA)] and Obturator Externus [+5.55% (PA)]. 3/9 PA patients demonstrated abductor tendinosis, while no DAA patients demonstrated tendinosis. Discussion Significant atrophy for each group was seen more commonly in the anatomic regions disturbed by each approach respectively. In both approaches, muscles surgically released from their insertion showed greater atrophy, and incomplete recovery.
Study on 3GPP rural macrocell path loss models for millimeter wave wireless communications

Little research has been done to reliably model millimeter wave (mmWave) path loss in rural macrocell settings, yet, models have been hastily adopted without substantial empirical evidence. This paper studies past rural macrocell (RMa) path loss models and exposes concerns with the current 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) TR 38.900 (Release 14) RMa path loss models adopted from the International Telecommunications Union — Radiocommunications (ITU-R) Sector. This paper shows how the 3GPP RMa large-scale path loss models were derived for frequencies below 6 GHz, yet they are being asserted for use up to 30 GHz, even though there has not been sufficient work or published data to support their validity at frequencies above 6 GHz or in the mmWave bands. We present the background of the 3GPP RMa path loss models and their use of odd correction factors not suitable for rural scenarios, and show that the multi-frequency close-in free space reference distance (CI) path loss model is more accurate and reliable than current 3GPP and ITU-R RMa models. Using field data and simulations, we introduce a new close-in free space reference distance with height dependent path loss exponent model (CIH), that predicts rural macrocell path loss using an effective path loss exponent that is a function of base station antenna height. This work shows the CI and CIH models can be used from 500 MHz to 100 GHz for rural mmWave coverage and interference analysis, without any discontinuity at 6 GHz as exists in today's 3GPP and ITU-R RMa models.
Polarization dependent femtosecond laser modification of MBE-grown III-V nanostructures on silicon

We report a novel, polarization dependent, femtosecond laser-induced modification of surface nanostructures of indium, gallium, and arsenic grown on silicon via molecular beam epitaxy, yielding shape control from linear and circular polarization of laser excitation. Linear polarization causes an elongation effect, beyond the dimensions of the unexposed nanostructures, ranging from 88 nm to over 1 µm, and circular polarization causes the nanostructures to flatten out or form loops of material, to diameters of approximately 195 nm. During excitation, it is also observed that the generated second and third harmonic signals from the substrate and surface nanostructures increase with exposure time.
Natural mismatch repair mutations mediate phenotypic diversity and drug resistance in Cryptococcus deuterogattii

Pathogenic microbes confront an evolutionary conflict between the pressure to maintain genome stability and the need to adapt to mounting external stresses. Bacteria often respond with elevated mutation rates, but little evidence exists of stable eukaryotic hypermutators in nature. Whole genome resequencing of the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus deuterogattii identified an outbreak lineage characterized by a nonsense mutation in the mismatch repair component MSH2. This defect results in a moderate mutation rate increase in typical genes, and a larger increase in genes containing homopolymer runs. This allows facile inactivation of genes with coding homopolymer runs including FRR1, which encodes the target of the immunosuppresive antifungal drugs FK506 and rapamycin. Our study identifies a eukaryotic hypermutator lineage spread over two continents and suggests that pathogenic eukaryotic microbes may experience similar selection pressures on mutation rate as bacterial pathogens, particularly during long periods of clonal growth or while expanding into new environments.
Randomized Composable Coresets for Matching and Vertex Cover

A common approach for designing scalable algorithms for massive data sets is to distribute the computation across, say k, machines and process the data using limited communication between them. A particularly appealing framework here is the simultaneous communication model whereby each machine constructs a small representative summary of its own data and one obtains an approximate/exact solution from the union of the representative summaries. If the representative summaries needed for a problem are small, then this results in a communication-efficient and \emph{round-optimal} (requiring essentially no interaction between the machines) protocol. Some well-known examples of techniques for creating summaries include sampling, linear sketching, and composable coresets. These techniques have been successfully used to design communication efficient solutions for many fundamental graph problems. However, two prominent problems are notably absent from the list of successes, namely, the maximum matching problem and the minimum vertex cover problem. Indeed, it was shown recently that for both these problems, even achieving a modest approximation factor of \polylog{(n)} requires using representative summaries of size \widetilde{\Omega}(n^2) i.e. essentially no better summary exists than each machine simply sending its entire input graph. The main insight of our work is that the intractability of matching and vertex cover in the simultaneous communication model is inherently connected to an adversarial partitioning of the underlying graph across machines. We show that when the underlying graph is randomly partitioned across machines, both these problems admit \emph{randomized composable coresets} of size \widetilde{O}(n) that yield an \widetilde{O}(1)-approximate solution\footnote{Here and throughout the paper, we use \Ot(\cdot) notation to suppress \polylog{(n)} factors, where n is the number of vertices in the graph. In other words, a small subgraph of the input graph at each machine can be identified as its representative summary and the final answer then is obtained by simply running any maximum matching or minimum vertex cover algorithm on these combined subgraphs. This results in an O(1)-approximation simultaneous protocol for these problems with O(nk) total communication when the input is randomly partitioned across k machines. We also prove our results are optimal in a very strong sense: we not only rule out existence of smaller randomized composable coresets for these problems but in fact show that our \Ot(nk) bound for total communication is optimal for em any simultaneous communication protocol (i.e. not only for randomized coresets) for these two problems. Finally, by a standard application of composable coresets, our results also imply MapReduce algorithms with the same approximation guarantee in one or two rounds of communication, improving the previous best known round complexity for these problems.
Multivariate initial sequence estimators in Markov chain Monte Carlo

Abstract Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) is a simulation method commonly used for estimating expectations with respect to a given distribution. We consider estimating the covariance matrix of the asymptotic multivariate normal distribution of a vector of sample means. Geyer (1992) developed a Monte Carlo error estimation method for estimating a univariate mean. We propose a novel multivariate version of Geyer’s method that provides an asymptotically valid estimator for the covariance matrix and results in stable Monte Carlo estimates. The finite sample properties of the proposed method are investigated via simulation experiments.
Implications of Higgs’ universality for physics beyond the Standard Model

We emulate Cabibbo by assuming a kind of universality for fermion mass terms in the Standard Model. We show that this is consistent with all current data and with the concept that deviations from what we term Higgs’ universality are due to corrections from currently unknown physics of nonetheless conventional form. The application to quarks is straightforward, while the application to leptons makes use of the recognition that Dark Matter can provide the “sterile” neutrinos needed for the seesaw mechanism. Requiring agreement with neutrino oscillation results leads to the prediction that the mass eigenstates of the sterile neutrinos are separated by quadratically larger ratios than for the charged fermions. Using consistency with the global fit to LSND-like, short-baseline oscillations to determine the scale of the lowest mass sterile neutrino strongly suggests that the recently observed astrophysical 3.55 keV γ-ray line is also consistent with the mass expected for the second most massive sterile neutrino in our analysis.
The Algebraic Galaxy of Simple Macroeconomic Models: A Hitchhiker’s Guide

Simple macroeconomic frameworks like the IS/LM have survived because they help us conceptualize complex problems while also providing ‘back of the envelope’ estimates of macroeconomic outcomes. Herein, a bare-bones New Keynesian extension of the IS/LM model yields solutions for core macro variables (output gap, inflation, interest rate, real exchange rate misvaluation)—expressed in percent. We then extend that standard model to also generate a corresponding set of demand-side elements—expressed in currency units. A key aim of the paper is to reconcile these two metrics in ways that also aid communication and intuition—including through IS/LM-style graphs.
Can Deliberative Minipublics Influence Public Opinion? Theory and Experimental Evidence:

Deliberative minipublics are small groups of citizens who deliberate together about a policy issue and convey their conclusions to decision makers. Theorists have argued that deliberative minipubli...
Identity of Sensory and Motor Systems That Are Critical to the Immobility Reflex (“Animal Hypnosis”)

This review presents an analysis of the sensory and motor mechanisms as they are now understood that cause the immobility reflex (IR). Of the sensory systems that conceivably could trigger and sustain the IR, as commonly induced experimentally by inversion and manual restraint, evidence has been presented to eliminate some senses (vestibular, vision, sound, many visceral sensations, olfaction, taste, temperature), while incriminating tactile and proprioceptive influences. Of the motor systems which could cause the profound immobility during IR, neurosurgical and electrophysiological evidence identifies the locus of the inhibitory neurons in the brain stem and/or spinal cord. The evidence reviewed leads to a unified working hypothesis of IR mechanisms. IR is considered to be caused by a group of neurons in the brain stem which inhibit spinal motoneurons, either directly or indirectly, when those inhibitory neurons are activated by a specific pattern of tactile and proprioceptive input. Modulation of the IR control system appears to come from the limbic system, which under fear-producing conditions, potentiates the IR in part by release of epinephrine. Inhibition of the IR control system appears to come from the neocortex, as well as the brain stem reticulum, when it is activated by nonspecific, arousing somaesthetic sensations that produce generalized activation of the neocortex and skeletal muscle.
Sacral Chordoma: A Case Study and Review

Chordomas are a low grade, tenacious, but eventually lethal neoplasm for which little improvement in outcome has been reported. A current review of the literature and a case report are provided to support his position. The reported sacral chordoma did respond temporarily to chemotherapy. Its rare occurrence precludes controlled studies of chordoma; therefore, any response merits reporting. The authors observed that hyperthermic chemotherapy was feasible for treating some chordomas but has not yet been reported. It was evaluated for the patient in this report.
Total Lymphoid Irradiation

Total lymphoid irradiation by itself can produce sufficient immunosuppression to prolong the survival of a variety of organ allografts in experimental animals. The degree of prolongation is dose-dependent and is limited by the toxicity that occurs with higher doses. Total lymphoid irradiation is more effective before transplantation than after, but when used after transplantation can be combined with pharmacologic immunosuppression to achieve a positive effect. In some animal models, total lymphoid irradiation induces an environment in which fully allogeneic bone marrow will engraft and induce permanent chimerism in the recipients who are then tolerant to organ allografts from the donor strain. If total lymphoid irradiation is ever to have clinical applicability on a large scale, it would seem that it would have to be under circumstances in which tolerance can be induced. However, in some animal models graft-versus-host disease occurs following bone marrow transplantation, and methods to obviate its occurrence probably will be needed if this approach is to be applied clinically. In recent years, patient and graft survival rates in renal allograft recipients treated with conventional immunosuppression have improved considerably, and thus the impetus to utilize total lymphoid irradiation for its immunosuppressive effect alone is less compelling. For example, in our institution, the current one-year patient and graft survival rates in recipients of kidneys from cadaver donors are 91 and 84 per cent in those treated with cyclosporine and 94 and 80 per cent in those treated with conventional immunosuppression. Similar results might also be achieved by protocols that use total lymphoid irradiation as an immunosuppressant, but it will be difficult to improve over the current results with cyclosporine or conventional immunosuppression, at least for primary transplantation. The future of total lymphoid irradiation probably lies in devising protocols in which maintenance immunosuppression can be eliminated, or nearly eliminated, altogether. Such protocols are effective in rodents. Whether they can be applied to clinical transplantation remains to be seen.
Pragmatic Truths in Organization Studies

Truth matters for organization studies, but it has been neglected as a topic of research. Positivist scholars do not tend to question assumptions about the relationship between knowledge and the world, while critical theorists tend to view ‘truth’ as an outdated, metaphysical way to describe it. However, the pragmatic philosophical tradition of inquiry into truth has not yet received enough attention within organization studies. This essay presents a genealogical account of that tradition by conducting a close reading of texts by C.S. Pierce, William James, Hilary Putnam and Richard Rorty. Following this reading, we identify pragmatic truths that pertain to the qualitative v. quantitative, rigor v. relevance, and positivist v. critical tensions that currently animate our field.
Control of a Distributed Parameter System Using Vector Performance Index

Abstract The design of a feedback controller for a 1aree countercurrent heat exchanger employed as once-through steam generator for a nuclear power plant is presented in this paper. The specific design procedure is based on the minimization (noninferiority) of a vector performance index in which the components of the vector performance index are scalar performance indices. For this study, a three-dimensional performance index is used and the components represent: error in outlet steam pressure regulation; error in outlet steam temperature regulation; and error in load following. The objective of the study is that of finding the set of noninferior control parameters which give the corresponding noninferior performance vectors and describe the range of obtainable system performance. The mathematical model of the exchanger consists of a set of nonlinear partial differential equations with boundary conditions specified at three space points. The system structure does not allow the control signals to be distributed in space. They are applied only at the system boundaries. A simplified system model is used for the control optimization. This model is obtained by applying the method of weighted residuals to the linearized partial differential equations. The results of the control study show pressure regulation to be insensitive to changes in load regulation for a wide range of controller parameters. On the other hand, considerable trade off between the temperature and load regulation is observed.
Papillomavirus in the Vapor of Carbon Dioxide Laser-Treated Verrucae

Vapor produced by the carbon dioxide laser during the vaporization of papillomavirus-infected verrucae was analyzed for viral DNA content. Two models were used for evaluation: an in vitro cutaneous bovine fibropapilloma and an in vivo human verruca model. Four bovine fibropapillomas were exposed to various laser parameters with power densities of 38200 to 130 W/cm 2 and energy fluences of 3820 to 130 J/cm 2 . The generated vapor was collected in a chamber in line with a vacuum system. Hybridization with bovine papillomavirus DNA probes revealed intact bovine papillomavirus DNA for all power densities and energy fluences used. The laser vapor from seven patients undergoing carbon dioxide laser therapy for plantar or mosaic verrucae was also collected. Laser parameter settings were similar to those usually chosen for clinical tissue vaporization. Intact human papillomavirus DNA was present in the vapor from two of seven patients. These studies indicate that intact viral DNA is liberated into the air with the vapor of laser-treated verrucae. It would be prudent for all practitioners who use the laser in treating patients with viral infections or conditions associated with viruses to practice extreme care and safety throughout the laser procedure. ( JAMA 1988;259:1199-1202)
Ureteral Stents: Materials

There is no "ideal" ureteral stent material at this time, yet these devices are very useful endourologic tools. One can utilize the physical data presented herein, as well as personal preference and experience, to select a stent best suited for the problem presented by the patient. The hydrogels, a new class of ureteral stent material, promise to enhance the applicability and utility of the self-retained internal ureteral stent.
Estimating Lives Saved and Injuries Reduced by Motorcycle Helmet Use in Colorado, 2006–2014:

Many rigorous studies have shown the effectiveness of helmet use in reducing severe injuries and fatalities to motorcyclists. NHTSA reports estimates of lives saved by U.S. motorcyclists wearing or potentially wearing helmets. This calculation uses a statistically derived estimate of helmet effectiveness in preventing deaths to motorcyclists involved in crashes. Two parts of the estimate of lives saved are (a) deaths prevented assuming crashes occurred that did not kill helmeted motorcyclists in proportion to those that did kill helmeted motorcyclists and (b) deaths that may have been prevented if unhelmeted motorcyclists killed in crashes had been helmeted. Similar estimates can be made for injuries. More readily available crash data enable analysts to investigate whether crashes in their jurisdictions support the inherent assumptions of these estimates. Moreover, the estimates can be stratified to include other crash characteristics such as crash type and rider gender and age. This study compared estima...
The emerging role of zinc transporters in cellular homeostasis and cancer

Zinc is an essential micronutrient that plays a role in the structural or enzymatic functions of many cellular proteins. Cellular zinc homeostasis involves the opposing action of two families of metal transporters: the ZnT (SLC30) family that functions to reduce cytoplasmic zinc concentrations and the ZIP (SLC39) family that functions to increase cytoplasmic zinc concentrations. Fluctuations in intracellular zinc levels mediated by these transporter families affect signaling pathways involved in normal cell development, growth, differentiation and death. Consequently, changes in zinc transporter localization and function resulting in zinc dyshomeostasis have pathophysiological effects. Zinc dyshomeostasis has been implicated in the progression of cancer. Here we review recent progress toward understanding the structural basis for zinc transport by ZnT and ZIP family proteins, as well as highlight the roles of zinc as a signaling molecule in physiological conditions and in various cancers. As zinc is emerging as an important signaling molecule in the development and progression of cancer, the ZnT and ZIP transporters that regulate cellular zinc homeostasis are promising candidates for targeted cancer therapy.
Signatures of positive selection and local adaptation to urbanization in white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus)

Urbanization significantly alters natural ecosystems and has accelerated globally. Urban wildlife populations are often highly fragmented by human infrastructure, and isolated populations may adapt in response to local urban pressures. However, relatively few studies have identified genomic signatures of adaptation in urban animals. We used a landscape genomic approach to examine signatures of selection in urban populations of white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus) in New York City. We analysed 154,770 SNPs identified from transcriptome data from 48 P. leucopus individuals from three urban and three rural populations and used outlier tests to identify evidence of urban adaptation. We accounted for demography by simulating a neutral SNP data set under an inferred demographic history as a null model for outlier analysis. We also tested whether candidate genes were associated with environmental variables related to urbanization. In total, we detected 381 outlier loci and after stringent filtering, identified and annotated 19 candidate loci. Many of the candidate genes were involved in metabolic processes and have well-established roles in metabolizing lipids and carbohydrates. Our results indicate that white-footed mice in New York City are adapting at the biomolecular level to local selective pressures in urban habitats. Annotation of outlier loci suggests selection is acting on metabolic pathways in urban populations, likely related to novel diets in cities that differ from diets in less disturbed areas.
The Experimental Foundations of Particle Physics

The atom completed and a new particle the muon and the pion strangeness antibaryons the resonances weak interactions the neutral kaon system the structure of the nucleon the J/y, the t, and charm quarks, gluons and jets the fifth quirk from neutral currents to weak vector bosons.