The flat space S-matrix from the AdS/CFT correspondence?

We investigate recovery of the bulk S-matrix from the AdS/CFT correspondence, at large radius. It was recently argued that some of the elements of the S-matrix might be read from CFT correlators, given a particular singularity structure of the latter, but leaving the question of more general S-matrix elements. Since in AdS/CFT, data must be specified on the boundary, we find certain limitations on the corresponding bulk wavepackets and on their localization properties. In particular, those we have found that approximately localize have low-energy tails, and corresponding power-law tails in position space. When their scattering is compared to that of "sharper" wavepackets typically used in scattering theory, one finds apparently significant differences, suggesting a possible lack of resolution via these wavepackets. We also give arguments that construction of the sharper wavepackets may require non-perturbative control of the boundary theory, and particular of the N^2 matrix degrees of freedom. These observations thus raise interesting questions about what principle would guarantee the appropriate control, and about how a boundary CFT can accurately approximate the flat space S-matrix.Comment: 26 pages. v2: typos fixed v3: minor improvements in discussio

Earnings Dynamics and Inequality among Canadian Men, 1976-1992: Evidence from Longitudinal Income Tax Records

Several recent studies have found that earnings inequality in Canada has grown considerably since the late 1970's. Using an extraordinary data base drawn from longitudinal income tax records, we decompose this growth in earnings inequality into its persistent and transitory components. We find that the growth in earnings inequality reflects both an increase in long-run inequality and an increase in earnings instability. The large size of our earnings panel allows us to estimate and test richer models of earnings dynamics than could be supported by the relatively small panel surveys used in U.S. research. The Canadian data strongly reject several restrictions commonly imposed in the U.S. literature, and they also suggest that imposing these evidently false restrictions may lead to distorted inferences about earnings dynamics and inequality trends.

2012-13 Arkansas Test Results

In early August, the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) released the 2012-2013 test score results. The following brief will highlight the results of these tests, compare achievement scores over time, and provide a glimpse of regional achievement results for the following exams: Benchmark Exam (Grades 3-8) End-of-Course Exam (Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, and Grade 11 Literacy). Iowa Test of Basic Skills (Grades 1-9

Visualizing mitochondrial FoF1-ATP synthase as the target of the immunomodulatory drug Bz-423

Targeting the mitochondrial enzyme FoF1-ATP synthase and modulating its catalytic activities with small molecules is a promising new approach for treatment of autoimmune diseases. The immuno-modulatory compound Bz-423 is such a drug that binds to subunit OSCP of the mitochondrial FoF1-ATP synthase and induces apoptosis via increased reactive oxygen production in coupled, actively respiring mitochondria. Here we review the experimental progress to reveal the binding of Bz-423 to the mitochondrial target and discuss how subunit rotation of FoF1-ATP synthase is affected by Bz-423. Briefly, we report how F\"orster resonance energy transfer (FRET) can be employed to colocalize the enzyme and the fluorescently tagged Bz-423 within the mitochondria of living cells with nanometer resolution.Comment: 10 pages, 2 figure

Deposit rate deregulation and the demand for transactions media

Bank deposits ; Interest ; Checking accounts ; Money ; Monetary policy - United States

Interest checking

Bank deposits ; Interest ; Checking accounts ; NOW accounts ; Interest rates

Peace and War with Endogenous State Capacity

We explore how peace or war can occur in the presence of commitment problems. These problems can be reduced by institutions of good governance or, alternatively, state capacity which (i) can be considered a collective good and (ii) can be improved through investments. We show how the likelihood of a peace agreement depends on the level of state capacity and on investments in state capacity made by adversaries. In accordance with existing evidence but contrary to various theories of conflict, we find that income levels unambiguously increase the chance of peace. Among other issues, we discuss the critical role of external actors in encouraging or discouraging commitment and in developing good governance institutions.Institutions; Conflict; Governance

Geographic deposit competition

Bank competition ; Banking market ; Money market deposit account ; California ; Banks and banking - West