cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The nature and growth of vertical specialization in world trade

Abstract Dramatic changes are occurring in the nature of international trade. Production processes increasingly involve a sequential, vertical trading chain stretching across many countries, with each country specializing in particular stages of a good’s production sequence. We document a key aspect of these vertical linkages — the use of imported inputs in producing goods that are exported — which we call vertical specialization. Using input–output tables from 10 OECD and four emerging market countries we calculate that vertical specialization accounts for 21% of these countries’ exports, and grew almost 30% between 1970 and 1990. We also find that growth in vertical specialization accounts for 30% of the growth in these countries’ exports.
A Class of Hard Small 0-1 Programs

In this article, we consider a class of 0-1 programs that, although innocent looking, is a challenge for existing solution methods. Solving even small instances from this class is extremely difficult for conventional branch-and-bound or branch-and-cut algorithms. We also experimented with basis reduction algorithms and with dynamic programming without much success. The article then examines the performance of two other methods: a group relaxation for 0,1 programs, and a sorting based procedure following an idea of Wolsey. Although the results with these two methods are somewhat better than with the other four when it comes to checking feasibility, we offer this class of small 0,1 programs as a challenge to the research community.
Single-mode fiber measurements

The author discusses the various techniques used to characterize the following transmission parameters of single-mode fibers: attenuation, cutoff wavelength, mode-field diameter, and chromatic dispersion. The cutback method, the insertion-loss method, and optical time-domain reflectometry are considered for attenuation measurements. The single-band and power step methods are considered for cutoff-wavelength measurements. The transverse-offset, and near- and far-field techniques are considered for the measurement of mode-field diameter, and time- and frequency-domain methods and interferometry are considered for chromatic-dispersion measurements. The single-bend and power step methods are considered for cutoff-wavelength measurements. >
Application of network calculus to general topologies using turn-prohibition

Network calculus is known to apply in general only to feedforward routing networks, i.e., networks where routes do not create cycles of interdependent packet flows. In this paper, we address the problem of using network calculus in networks of arbitrary topology. For this purpose, we introduce a novel graph-theoretic algorithm, called turn-prohibition (TP), that breaks all the cycles in a network and, thus, prevents any interdependence between flows. We prove that the TP-algorithm prohibits the use of at most 1/3 of the total number turns in a network, for any network topology. Using analysis and simulation, we show that the TP-algorithm significantly outperforms other approaches for breaking cycles, such as the spanning tree and up/down routing algorithms, in terms of network utilization and delay bounds. Our simulation results also show that the network utilization achieved with the TP-algorithm is within a factor of two of the maximum theoretical network utilization, for networks of up to 50 nodes of degree four. Thus, in many practical cases, the restriction of network calculus to feedforward routing networks may not represent a too significant limitation.
Effects of gravitational-wave recoil on the dynamics and growth of supermassive black holes

Simulations of binary black hole mergers indicate that asymmetrical gravitational wave (GW) emission can cause black holes to recoil at speeds up to thousands of km s −1 . These GW recoil events can dramatically affect the co-evolution of recoiling supermassive black holes (SMBHs) and their host galaxies. However, theoretical studies of SMBH–galaxy evolution almost always assume a stationary central black hole. In light of the numerical results on GW recoil velocities, we relax that assumption here and consider the consequences of recoil for SMBH evolution. We follow the trajectories of SMBHs ejected in a smooth background potential that includes both a stellar bulge and a multicomponent gaseous disc. In addition, we calculate the accretion rate on to the SMBH as a function of time, using a hybrid prescription of viscous (α-disc) and Bondi accretion. We find that recoil kicks between 100 km s −1 and the escape speed cause SMBHs to wander through the galaxy and halo for ∼10 6 –10 9 yr before settling back to the galactic centre. However, the mass accreted during this time is roughly constant at ∼10 per cent of the initial mass, independent of the recoil velocity. This indicates that while large recoils may disrupt active galactic nuclei feedback processes, recoil itself is an effective means of regulating SMBH growth. Recoiling SMBHs may be observable as spatially or kinematically offset quasars, but finding such systems could be challenging, because the largest offsets correspond to the shortest quasar lifetimes.
Investigation of the Carbon Corrosion Process for Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells Using a Rotating Disk Electrode Technique

The carbon corrosion process of low surface area Pt/XC72 and high surface area Pt/BP2000 was investigated using an accelerated durability testing method under simulated fuel cell conditions (a rotating disk electrode approach). A steam etching experiment was also carried out for further understanding of the carbon corrosion process for XC72 and BP2000. It was observed that different carbon corrosion processes resulted in different performance (electrochemical active surface area, mass activity, and double layer capacity) decays of catalysts. The corrosion process was studied using transmission electron microscopy. In Pt/XC72, major corrosion occurred at the center of the Pt/XC72 particle, with some minor corrosion on the surface of the carbon particle removing some amorphously structured carbon black filaments, whereas in Pt/BP2000, the corrosion started on the surface.
Value Maximization as an Ex-Post Consistent Firm Objective When Markets are Incomplete

This is the publisher's version. Also available electronically from: http://dx.doi.org/10.2202/1935-1704.1334.
Chitosan/Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

This research involves synthesis and characterization of biodegradable 3-dimensional polymer/calcium phosphate hybrid matrices as scaffolds for bone tissue regeneration. The scaffolds are comprised of chitosan and calcium phosphates [β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), invert glass] and have combined optimum mechanical and biological properties of the two materials. Chitosan is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, and has rich hydroxyl groups for surface modification. Calcium phosphate crystals and invert glass are used as powder fillers to reinforce the scaffolds and increase bioactivity of the scaffolds. The scaffolds are fabricated using a thermally induced phase separation technique. The principal advantages of this technique are its low cost, low shrinkage levels, low sintering temperatures, and its ability to produce a variety of microstructures of various shapes and sizes. The osteoblast-like MG63 cells are seeded on the scaffolds to study the attachment and proliferation of the cells. The hydroxyl groups on the scaffolds are used to graft arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) peptides for promoting bone cell attachment and new tissue formation.
First generation e-rulemaking: an assessment of regulatory agency websites

We examine 89 websites from federal regulatory agencies in order to evaluate their ease of use for those interested in commenting on or learning about their proposed regulations. We find that while there has been a lot of attention given to second and third generation "e-rulemaking" efforts, agency websites, a first generation innovation, still have considerable room for improvement. Notwithstanding legislative and executive branch efforts to enhance the accessibility of regulatory information on the Internet, our coding of regulatory agency websites reveals considerable variation in the quality of agency websites, with many websites still failing to provide relatively basic features.
Acquisition, tracking and pointing control of the Bifocal Relay Mirror spacecraft

Abstract This paper presents the results of both numerical and experimental studies on the guidance, dynamics and control of the Bifocal Relay Mirror spacecraft. This proposed spacecraft consists of two large gimbaled telescopes, that are optically coupled and used to redirect a laser beam from a ground-based source to a distant point. The attitude control system consists of reaction wheels, star trackers and gyros. The optical control system consists of fast steering mirrors and optical tracker sensors. The very tight pointing and jitter requirements, together with the multi-body nature of the spacecraft, make the control of the system very challenging. Numerical simulations have been performed on a complete analytical model of the system dynamics, in order to compare two different control approaches proposed for the attitude and tracking/pointing. Moreover experiments were carried out on a spacecraft simulator test-bed, modelling the transmitter portion of the Bifocal Relay Mirror spacecraft. The main tasks of the presented experiments were: first, to validate the attitude stabilization control together with the target acquisition-tracking-pointing and laser jitter rejection; second, to prove the effectiveness of the test-bed itself as an important tool to be used in the following researches.
PUNISHMENT, INVALIDATION, AND NONVALIDATION: What H. L. A. Hart Did Not Explain

Elaborating first upon H. L. A. Hart's distinction between imposing duties and imposing disabilities, this article explores the two senses mentioned (but not fully explained) by Hart in which power-holders may be legally disabled. Legal invalidation (nullification) of norms that have been generated by vulnerable power-holders is seen to reduce diversity or pluralism in every normative sphere, from the supranational to the intrafamilial. By contrast, mere legal nonvalidation (noncognizance) of such norms tends to preserve the autonomy of the power-holders that created the norms, thus enhancing legal pluralism. Punishment for creating forbidden norms amounts in principle to an in-between sort of control, less restrictive than completely invalidating them but more restrictive than just not validating them, that is, just ignoring them. Illustrative examples include the European Court of Justice's early use of invalidation to convert an international treaty into a supranational constitution, and the subtle effects of legal nonvalidation of same-sex marriage.
Intramolecular reactions of 2-(azidobutyl)-1,4-benzoquinones. Unexpected rearrangement to a furo[3,4-b]indolizidine-2-one

Abstract Thermal rearrangements of 2-(azidobutyl)-1,4-benzoquinone 1 give 3 and 4 , while that of 10 produces ring-contracted 12 ; thermolysis of 12 gives ring-expanded 15 .
The Political Business Cycle: New Evidence from the Nixon Tapes

Drawing from the personal tape recordings made during the presidency of Richard Nixon, we uncover and report in this paper new evidence that Nixon manipulated Arthur Burns and the Federal Reserve Bank into creating a political business cycle that helped secure Nixon's reelection victory in 1972. Nixon understood the risks that his desired monetary policy imposed but chose to trade longer-term economic costs to the economy for his own short-term political benefit.
Radiographic techniques in the explosive component facility at Sandia National Labs.

The Explosive Component Facility at Sandia National Laboratory is a state of the art facility for the design and testing of energetic materials and components. Two key elements of these capabilities are the flash x-ray machines. One is a six head, 150 KeV and the other is a six head, 300 KeV instrument. One of the more interesting uses of the 150 KeV system has been to study the action and reaction of a linear shaped charge (LSC) while submerged in water. The submerged samples were viewed from the top to capture the interaction of one piece of LSC with another piece nearby. Each LSC was covered by separate rubber coverings and affixed to a composite-plate. Three heads, delayed by a specified time, were used to capture the time sequence of events in stop action. Side views of the LSC were done with and without the rubber coverings to examine the dampening effects of the cover. An end-on perspective was also captured by x-ray using one head and several time delays. The debris scatter produced from a larger device has also been examined. The explosive used was a pellet form initiated by a detonator and a timing lead. The x-ray radiographs show the particles from this device as they expand outward. Three x-ray source tubes were used in a large horizontal array, apertured to expose individual pieces of film. Another x-ray source was placed overhead and simultaneously exposed a film under the object.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Best Response to GMOs in Developing Countries

This article examines the dilemma of a large exporting Country for an agricultural product having to determine its domestic agricultural policy as well as its level of IPRs enforcement. The analysis explicitly considers the possibility of two frauds by farmers: mislabeling of GM products as conventional and smuggling of illegal GM seeds. In doing so this paper makes two points: the approval decision of the products of the biotechnology is speci c to the labeling regime and a large country has always an incentive to enforce its IPR regime.
Invasive Allele Spread under Preemptive Competition

We study a discrete spatial model for invasive allele spread in which two alleles compete preemptively, initially only the “residents” (weaker competitors) being present. We find that the spread of the advantageous mutation is well described by homogeneous nucleation; in particular, in large systems the time-dependent global density of the resident allele is well approximated by Avrami’s law.
An algebraic chain model of string topology

A chain complex model for the free loop space of a connected, closed and oriented manifold is presented, and on its homology, the Gerstenhaber and Batalin-Vilkovisky algebra structures are defined and identified with the string topology structures. The gravity algebra on the equivariant homology of the free loop space is also modeled. The construction includes non simply-connected case, and therefore gives an algebraic and chain level model of Chas-Sullivan's String Topology.
Jamming-aware traffic allocation for multiple-path routing using portfolio selection

Multiple-path source routing protocols allow a data source node to distribute the total traffic among available paths. In this paper, we consider the problem of jamming-aware source routing in which the source node performs traffic allocation based on empirical jamming statistics at individual network nodes. We formulate this traffic allocation as a lossy network flow optimization problem using portfolio selection theory from financial statistics. We show that in multisource networks, this centralized optimization problem can be solved using a distributed algorithm based on decomposition in network utility maximization (NUM). We demonstrate the network's ability to estimate the impact of jamming and incorporate these estimates into the traffic allocation problem. Finally, we simulate the achievable throughput using our proposed traffic allocation method in several scenarios.
Virtual Worlds Petri Dishes, Rat Mazes, and Supercolliders

This article argues for using virtual worlds as experimental environments for social science questions at the macro level. The authors can foresee two major objections to this approach and will add...
Spatial effects on the speed and reliability of protein–DNA search

Strong experimental and theoretical evidence shows that transcription factors (TFs) and other specific DNA-binding proteins find their sites using a two-mode search: alternating between three-dimensional (3D) diffusion through the cell and one-dimensional (1D) sliding along the DNA. We show that, due to the 1D component of the search process, the search time of a TF can depend on the initial position of the TF. We formalize this effect by discriminating between two types of searches: global and local. Using analytical calculations and simulations, we estimate how close a TF and binding site need to be to make a local search likely. We then use our model to interpret the wide range of experimental measurements of this parameter. We also show that local and global searches differ significantly in average search time and the variability of search time. These results lead to a number of biological implications, including suggestions of how prokaryotes achieve rapid gene regulation and the relationship between the search mechanism and noise in gene expression. Lastly, we propose a number of experiments to verify the existence and quantify the extent of spatial effects on the TF search process in prokaryotes.
Cyclic cascade carbopalladation reactions as a route to benzene and fulvene derivatives

Abstract Palladium-catalyzed cyclization of appropriately structured triynes, haloalkenyldiynes, or haloalkenylalkyne-alkyne mixtures can provide the corresponding benzene derivatives, while the Pd-catalyzed intermolecular reaction of diynes with alkenyl halides can give fulvene derivatives.
Atmospheric effects on cratering efficiency

The dramatic effects of an atmosphere on impact excavation of particulate targets are investigated, with emphasis on common trends and systematic differences for contrasting target types. The observed differences are reconciled through identification of additional atmospheric effects and consideration of scaling relations. When both static (ambient) and dynamic (drag) atmospheric pressure controls crater growth, the combined factors exhibit a functional dependence consistent with the coupling-parameter exponents suggested by Holsapple and Schmidt (1987). The disturbed air mass accompanying the projectile at laboratory scales is observed to further modify cratering efficiency. The effect of projectile-atmosphere interactions depends on the degree of coupling between the air disturbance and the impactor. At very high velocities (M greater than 10), the air disturbance changes the effective impactor dimension. If the dimensionless scaling parameters can be applied to broader planetary scales, these results have implications for interpreting the size of craters on surfaces with contrasting atmospheric envelopes.
ASSET PRICING IN A SEGMENTED EMERGING MARKET

This paper investigates the effect of market segmentation on stock prices and returns in emerging Chinese markets. Under the assumption of infinite investment horizon and representative consumer, I formulate an Intertemporal Capital Asset Pricing Model (ICAPM) with restrictions on share ownership. The model posits that cross-section variations in the average excess returns between domestic A -and foreign B- shares depend on systematic risks as measured by shares' own market betas and betas with respect to the international equity markets. After correcting for errors-in-variable problem, I obtain econometric results consistent with the empirical predictions of ICAPM.
Piperazinyl quinolines as chemosensitizers to increase fluconazole susceptibility of Candida albicans clinical isolates

The effectiveness of the potent antifungal drug fluconazole is being compromised by the rise of drug-resistant fungal pathogens. While inhibition of Hsp90 or calcineurin can reverse drug resistance in Candida, such inhibitors also impair the homologous human host protein and fungal-selective chemosensitizers remain rare. The MLPCN library was screened to identify compounds that selectively reverse fluconazole resistance in a Candida albicans clinical isolate, while having no antifungal activity when administered as a single agent. A piperazinyl quinoline was identified as a new small-molecule probe (ML189) satisfying these criteria.
Amenable actions, free products and a fixed point property

We investigate the class of groups admitting an action on a set with an invariant mean. It turns out that many free products admit such an action. We give a complete characterisation of such free products in terms of a strong fixed point property.
Memory lane and morality: how childhood memories promote prosocial behavior.

Although research has established that autobiographical memory affects one’s self-concept, little is known about how it affects moral behavior. We focus on a specific type of autobiographical memory: childhood memories. Drawing on research on memory and moral psychology, we propose that childhood memories elicit moral purity, which we define as a psychological state of feeling morally clean and innocent. In turn, heightened moral purity leads to greater prosocial behavior. In Experiment 1, participants instructed to recall childhood memories were more likely to help the experimenter with a supplementary task than were participants in a control condition, and this effect was mediated by moral purity. In Experiment 2, the same manipulation increased the amount of money participants donated to a good cause, and both implicit and explicit measures of moral purity mediated the effect. Experiment 3 provides further support for the process linking childhood memories and prosocial behavior through moderation. In Experiment 4, we found that childhood memories led to punishment of others’ ethically questionable actions. Finally, in Experiment 5, both positively valenced and negatively valenced childhood memories increased helping compared to a control condition.
The bond/old-bond spread $

Abstract I document the profits on a trade that is long the old 30-year Treasury bond and short the new 30-year Treasury bond, and is rolled over every auction cycle from June 1995 to November 1999. Despite the systematic convergence of the spread over the auction cycle, the average profits are close to zero. The difference in repo-market financing rates between the two bonds is a significant cost of carry in this trade. I show that variation in the bond/old-bond spread is driven by the Treasury supply of 30-year bonds as well as aggregate factors affecting investors’ preference for liquid assets.
Custody Evaluation and Custody Mediation: A Comparison of Two Dispute Interventions

Few social questions are more timely or reflect a broader base of public concern than how to alleviate the negative impact of divorce on children and parents. The social problems resulting from div...
Asymmetric synthesis of β-monosubstituted and β,β-disubstituted N-(p-toluenesulfinyl)-α-(aminoalkyl)acrylates via anionic additions of (α-carbalkoxyvinyl)cuprates to thiooxime S-oxides

Abstract A series of new Baylis–Hillman adducts, β-monosubstituted and β,β-disubstituted N -( p -toluenesulfinyl)-α-(aminoalkyl)acrylates has been synthesized via asymmetric nucleophilic additions of (α-carbalkoxyvinyl)cuprates to chiral p -toluenesulfinimines. Modest to good yields (52.0–72.0%) and excellent diastereoselectivity (>90% de ) have been obtained. The Z / E selectivity was found to be effected by solvents or cosolvents.
Stiffness mappings employing different frames of reference

Abstract The stiffness mapping matrix for a planar compliant mechanism is analyzed using two different reference frames. The first is rigidly attached to the fixed body of the coupling, whilst the second is attached to the moving body of the coupling. It was found that, in general, these matrices are asymmetric when the coupling is loaded, and that one is the transpose of the other. This is an important result and can be considered an extension of the work done by Dimentberg [1] , who derived a symmetrical stiffness mapping for an unloaded coupling. Additionally, a third frame of reference which produces a symmetric mapping is examined and found to be identical to the Hessian matrix obtained from the second differentials of the elastic potential energy of the system.
A notch structure on the Moho beneath the Eastern San Gabriel Mountains

Synthetic waveform modeling of the anomalous receiver functions for two stations in the eastern San Gabriel Mountains, California, suggests that a flat-topped notch structure exists on the Moho. North of the San Andreas Fault (SAF), the Moho depth is 36–38 km and is 33–35 km south of the San Gabriel Fault (SGF), but in-between under the Mt. Baldy block, it is only ∼29 km. The inferred notch structure is also supported by the Pms arrival times along the SCSN and the LARSE I profiles. The shallow Moho block correlates well with the surficial exposure of the lower plate Pelona Schist or where it resides at very shallow depth. The large Moho offsets across the two major faults can be either related to differential uplifting reflected by the difference in the denudation rate and the exposure of the lower plate Pelona Schist, or it can be the result of the juxtaposition of the distinctive terranes with initially different Moho depth due to the strike-slip movements along the two major faults.
BIT for intelligent system design and condition monitoring

The increasing complexity of microelectronic circuitry, as witnessed by multi-chip modules and system-on-a-chip and the rapid growth of manufacturing process automation, require that more effective and efficient testing and fault diagnosis techniques be developed to improve system reliability, reduce machine down time, and enhance productivity. As a design philosophy, built-in-test (BIT) is receiving increasing attention from the research community. This paper presents an overview of BIT research in several areas of industry, including semiconductor, manufacturing, aerospace and transportation.
Membership in citizen groups

We analyze the coordination problem of agents deciding to join a group that uses membership revenues to provide a discrete public good and excludable benefits. The public good and the benefits are jointly produced, so that benefits are valued only if the group succeeds in providing the public good. With asymmetric information about the cost of provision, the static membership game admits a unique equilibrium and we characterize the optimal membership fee. We show that heterogeneity in valuations for the excludable benefits is always detrimental to the group. However, in a dynamic contest in which heterogeneity arises endogenously (returning members receive additional seniority benefits at the expense of junior members), we show that, in the ex-ante optimal contract, offering seniority benefits is beneficial for the group, despite the heterogeneity in valuations created.
High-speed aerodynamics of several blunt-cone configurations

The experimental techniques and results from NASA Ames research into the aerodynamics of blunt shapes are described. Two facilities are used: the Hypersonic Free Flight Aerodynamic Facility (HFFAF) and the Pressurized Ballistic Range (PBR). The HFFAF features a 23 m test section through which projectiles can be fired by light-gas guns to achieve velocities up to 9 km/sec in pressures from 1 atm down to 20 microns Mg. Aerodynamic flight data are recorded with shadowgraphs. The 62 m long PBR, with 24 orthogonal spark shadowgraph stations, allows testing in up to 6 atm pressures but with only half the velocity of the HFFAF. Tests have been performed on the Galileo probe to be dropped into the Jovian atmosphere. The Galileo data for a 45 deg cone probe have been similar to Pioneer Venus probe data. Ballistic data are presently being obtained for the probe at Re below 1000, when the drag coefficients are expected to increase dramatically as the probe enters the Jovian atmosphere and begins braking from 4700 m/s speed. Sample test data from an OTV which can change orbits through aerodynamic maneuvers and for several asymmetric configurations ae also provided.
Estimating Biophysical Characteristics of Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans) With Three Remote Sensing Instruments

Identifying the dynamics and extent of noxious weeds in a spatial and temporal context improves monitoring, planning, and management practices. Musk thistle (Carduus nutans L.), a noxious weed, is a good candidate for detection by remote sensing platforms because it may produce a unique spectral signature due to a large, purple-red flower head. Therefore, 3 remote sensing instruments—a ground hyperspectral spectrometer, a multispectral ground radiometer, and an airborne hyperspectral imaging spectrometer—were used to establish regression models between reflected data and the biophysical parameters (density, height, flower head density, and percent ground cover) of musk thistle. The coefficients of determination (R2) obtained from simple regression models for vegetation indices and musk thistle biophysical variables ranged from 0.46 to 0.77. Multiple regression models with up to 3 variables increased R2 by an average of 0.07. This study indicated that normalized difference and simple ratio indices can be used for specific applications such as detection of musk thistle biophysical variables in rangelands. Once applied to the image, these results will produce a map of parameters that can be used to determine the size of infestation and the reduction in rangeland productivity.
Mapping the structure of drosophilid behavior

Most animals possess the ability to actuate a vast diversity of movements, ostensibly constrained only by morphology and physics. In practice, however, a frequent assumption in behavioral science is that most of an animals activities can be described in terms of a small set of stereotyped motifs. Here we introduce a method for mapping the behavioral space of organisms, relying only upon the underlying structure of postural movement data to organize and classify behaviors. We find that six different drosophilid species each perform a mix of non-stereotyped actions and over one hundred hierarchically-organized, stereotyped behaviors. Moreover, we use this approach to compare these species behavioral spaces, systematically identifying subtle behavioral differences between closely-related species.
Oxidative dearomatization of resorcinol derivatives: useful conditions leading to valuable cyclohexa-2,5-dienones

The oxidative dearomatization of resorcinol derivatives with various oxidants is examined, as is the reactivity of cyclohexa-2,5-dienone that emerged. The results of these studies are presented herein.
Optimal output-transitions for linear systems

This article addresses the optimal (minimum-input-energy) output-transition problem for linear systems. The goal is to transfer the output from an initial value y(t)[email protected]? (for all time t==t"f). Previous methods solve this output-transition problem by transforming it into a state-transition problem; the initial and final states (x(t"i),x(t"f), respectively) are chosen and a minimum-energy state-to-state transition problem is solved. However, the choice of the initial and final states can be ad hoc and the resulting output-transition cost (input energy) may not be minimal. The contribution of this article is the solution of the optimal output-transition problem. An example system with elastic dynamics is studied to illustrate the proposed method. Simulation results are presented that show substantial reduction of transition costs with the use of the proposed method when compared to the use of minimum-energy state-to-state transitions.
Are Lithium Ion Cells Intrinsically Safe

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health researchers are studying the potential for Li-ion-battery thermal runaway from an internal short circuit in equipment approved as permissible for use in underground coal mines. Researchers used a plastic wedge to induce internal short circuits for thermal runaway susceptibility evaluation purposes, which proved to be a more severe test than the flat plate method for selected Li-ion cells. Researchers conducted cell crush tests within a 20-L chamber filled with 6.5 % CH4-air to simulate the mining hazard. Results indicate that LG Chem ICR18650S2 LiCoO2 cells pose a CH4 explosion hazard from a cell internal short circuit. Under specified test conditions, A123 Systems 26650 LiFePO4 cells were safer than the LG Chem ICR18650S2 LiCoO2 cells at a conservative statistical significance level.
A new level of language generation technology: capabilities and possibilities

The different tasks and types of language generation systems are discussed. There are four types of generation systems: canned-text, template, phrase-based, and feature-based systems. Canned text is the simplest way of producing output and is used in the vast majority of software. Templates, the next level of sophistication, are used when a single message must be produced multiple times with slight alterations. Phrases are generalized templates and can be developed to considerable complexity. Features are the limit point of phrase generalization. Each possible minimal alternative of expression is represented by a single feature. These systems can be applied to produce multiparagraph texts, summaries of numerical information, explanations, help systems, multimedia interfaces, software documentation and machine translation. Penman, one of several general-purpose single-sentence generators that are gradually evolving toward full-scale commercial strength, is discussed. >
Conformal Blocks Beyond the Semi-Classical Limit

c. We compute Virasoro blocks in the heavy-light, large c limit, extending our previous results by determining perturbative 1=c corrections. We obtain explicit closed-form expressions for both the ‘semi-classical’ h 2 =c 2 and ‘quantum’ hL=c 2 corrections to the vacuum block, and we provide integral formulas for general Virasoro blocks. We comment on the interpretation of our results for thermodynamics, discussing how monodromies in Euclidean time can arise from AdS calculations using ‘geodesic Witten diagrams’. We expect that only non-perturbative corrections in 1=c can resolve the singularities associated with the information paradox.
Estimating market power and strategies

1. Introduction 2. Structure-conduct-performance 3. Industry models of market power 4. Differentiated-product structural models 5. Strategic reasons for a dynamic estimation model 6. Dynamic games involving economic fundamentals 7. Estimation of dynamic games involving economic fundamentals 8. Estimation of market power using a linear-quadratic model 9. Estimating strategies: theory 10. Estimating strategies: case studies Statistical appendix Answers.
A Landscape of Field Theories

Studying a quantum field theory involves a choice of space-time manifold and a choice of background for any global symmetries of the theory. We argue that many more choices are possible when specifying the background. In the context of branes in string theory, the additional data corresponds to a choice of supergravity tensor fluxes. We propose the existence of a landscape of field theory backgrounds, characterized by the space-time metric, global symmetry background and a choice of tensor fluxes. As evidence for this landscape, we study the supersymmetric six-dimensional (2, 0) theory compactified to two dimensions. Different choices of metric and flux give rise to distinct two-dimensional theories, which can preserve differing amounts of supersymmetry.
SCRAM: scalable collision-avoiding role assignment with minimal-makespan for formational positioning

Teams of mobile robots often need to divide up subtasks efficiently. In spatial domains, a key criterion for doing so may depend on distances between robots and the subtasks' locations. This paper considers a specific such criterion, namely how to assign interchangeable robots, represented as point masses, to a set of target goal locations within an open two dimensional space such that the makespan (time for all robots to reach their target locations) is minimized while also preventing collisions among robots. We present scaleable (computable in polynomial time) role assignment algorithms that we classify as being SCRAM (Scalable Collision-avoiding Role Assignment with Minimal-makespan). SCRAM role assignment algorithms use a graph theoretic approach to map agents to target goal locations such that our objectives for both minimizing the makespan and avoiding agent collisions are met. A system using SCRAM role assignment was originally designed to allow for decentralized coordination among physically realistic simulated humanoid soccer playing robots in the partially observable, non-deterministic, noisy, dynamic, and limited communication setting of the RoboCup 3D simulation league. In its current form, SCRAM role assignment generalizes well to many realistic and real-world multiagent systems, and scales to thousands of agents.
Corruption in Chinese Privatizations

We document evidence of corruption in Chinese state asset sales. These sales involved stakes in partially privatized firms, providing a benchmark—the price of publicly traded shares—to measure underpricing. Underpricing is correlated with deal attributes associated with misgovernance and corruption. Sales by "disguised" owners that misrepresent their state ownership to elude regulatory scrutiny are discounted 5–7 percentage points more than sales by other owners; related party transactions are similarly discounted. Analysis of subsequent operating performance provides suggestive evidence that aggregate ownership transfers improve profitability, though not in cases where the transfers themselves were corrupted. (JEL D73, G30, L33).
Smartphone-Based Wheel Imbalance Detection

Onboard sensors in smartphones present new opportunities for vehicular sensing. In this paper, we explore a novel application of fault detection in wheels, tires and related suspension components in vehicles. We present a technique for in-situ wheel imbalance detection using accelerometer data obtained from a smartphone mounted on the dashboard of a vehicle having balanced and imbalanced wheel conditions. The lack of observable distinguishing features in a Fourier Transform (FT) of the accelerometer data necessitates the use of supervised machine learning techniques for imbalance detection. We demonstrate that a classification tree model built using Fourier feature data achieves 79% classification accuracy on test data. We further demonstrate that a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) transformation of the Fourier features helps uncover a unique observable excitation frequency for imbalance detection. We show that a classification tree model trained on randomized PCA features achieves greater than 90% accuracy on test data. Results demonstrate that the presence or absence of wheel imbalance can be accurately detected on at least two vehicles of different make and model. Sensitivity of the technique to different road and traffic conditions is examined. Future research directions are also discussed.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Clonal Analysis of Newborn Hippocampal Dentate Granule Cell Proliferation and Development in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Hippocampal dentate granule cells are among the few neuronal cell types generated throughout adult life in mammals. In the normal brain, new granule cells are generated from progenitors in the subgranular zone and integrate in a typical fashion. During the development of epilepsy, granule cell integration is profoundly altered. The new cells migrate to ectopic locations and develop misoriented "basal" dendrites. Although it has been established that these abnormal cells are newly generated, it is not known whether they arise ubiquitously throughout the progenitor cell pool or are derived from a smaller number of "bad actor" progenitors. To explore this question, we conducted a clonal analysis study in mice expressing the Brainbow fluorescent protein reporter construct in dentate granule cell progenitors. Mice were examined 2 months after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus, a treatment that leads to the development of epilepsy. Brain sections were rendered translucent so that entire hippocampi could be reconstructed and all fluorescently labeled cells identified. Our findings reveal that a small number of progenitors produce the majority of ectopic cells following status epilepticus, indicating that either the affected progenitors or their local microenvironments have become pathological. By contrast, granule cells with "basal" dendrites were equally distributed among clonal groups. This indicates that these progenitors can produce normal cells and suggests that global factors sporadically disrupt the dendritic development of some new cells. Together, these findings strongly predict that distinct mechanisms regulate different aspects of granule cell pathology in epilepsy.
Growth under exchange rate volatility: Does access to foreign or domestic equity markets matter?

Abstract Employing a firm-level dataset, this paper explores the effects of exchange rate volatility on the growth performances of domestic versus foreign, and publicly traded versus non-traded private manufacturing firms in a major developing country, Turkey. The empirical results using dynamic panel data estimation techniques and comprehensive robustness tests suggest that exchange rate volatility has a significant growth reducing effect on manufacturing firms. However, having access to foreign, and to a lesser degree, domestic equity markets is found to reduce these negative effects at significant levels. These findings continue to hold after controlling for firm heterogeneity due to differences in export orientation, external indebtedness, profitability, productivity, size, industrial characteristics, and time-variant institutional changes.
Collusion with persistent cost shocks

We consider a dynamic Bertrand game in which prices are publicly observed and each firm receives a privately observed cost shock in each period. Although cost shocks are independent across firms, within a firm costs follow a first-order Markov process. We analyze the set of collusive equilibria available to firms, emphasizing the best collusive scheme for the firms at the start of the game. In general, there is a trade-off between productive efficiency, whereby the low-cost firm serves the market in a given period, and high prices. We show that when costs are perfectly correlated over time within a firm, if the distribution of costs is log-concave and firms are sufficiently patient, then the optimal collusive scheme entails price rigidity: firms set the same price and share the market equally, regardless of their respective costs. When serial correlation of costs is imperfect, partial productive efficiency is optimal. For the case of two cost types, first-best collusion is possible if the firms are patient relative to the persistence of cost shocks, but not otherwise. We present numerical examples of first-best collusive schemes.
A new correlation clustering method for cancer mutation analysis.

Motivation Cancer genomes exhibit a large number of different alterations that affect many genes in a diverse manner. An improved understanding of the generative mechanisms behind the mutation rules and their influence on gene community behavior is of great importance for the study of cancer. Results To expand our capability to analyze combinatorial patterns of cancer alterations, we developed a rigorous methodology for cancer mutation pattern discovery based on a new, constrained form of correlation clustering. Our new algorithm, named C3 (Cancer Correlation Clustering), leverages mutual exclusivity of mutations, patient coverage and driver network concentration principles. To test C3, we performed a detailed analysis on TCGA breast cancer and glioblastoma data and showed that our algorithm outperforms the state-of-the-art CoMEt method in terms of discovering mutually exclusive gene modules and identifying biologically relevant driver genes. The proposed agnostic clustering method represents a unique tool for efficient and reliable identification of mutation patterns and driver pathways in large-scale cancer genomics studies, and it may also be used for other clustering problems on biological graphs. Availability and implementation The source code for the C3 method can be found at https://github.com/jackhou2/C3 CONTACTS: jianma@cs.cmu.edu or milenkov@illinois.eduSupplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Pyrone Diels–Alder Routes to Indolines and Hydroindolines: Syntheses of Gracilamine, Mesembrine, and Δ7-Mesembrenone

Although the Diels-Alder reaction has long been utilized for the preparation of numerous heterocycles, opportunities to extend its power remain. Herein, we detail a simple, modular, and robust approach that combines various amines regioselectively with 4,6-dichloropyrone to create substrates which, under appropriate conditions, can directly deliver varied indolines and hydroindolines through [4+2] cycloadditions with substitution patterns difficult to access otherwise. As an initial demonstration of the power of the strategy, several different natural products have been obtained either formally or by direct total synthesis, with efforts toward one of these-the complex amaryllidaceae alkaloid gracilamine-affording the shortest route to date in terms of linear step count.
Nitric Oxide Production from Nitrite Occurs Primarily in Tissues not in the Blood: Critical Role of Xanthine Oxidase and Aldehyde Oxidase

Recent studies have shown that nitrite is an important storage form and source of NO in biological systems. Controversy remains, however, regarding whether NO formation from nitrite occurs primarily in tissues or in blood. Questions also remain regarding the mechanism, magnitude, and contributions of several alternative pathways of nitrite-dependent NO generation in biological systems. To characterize the mechanism and magnitude of NO generation from nitrite, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, chemiluminescence NO analyzer, and immunoassays of cGMP formation were performed. The addition of nitrite triggered a large amount of NO generation in tissues such as heart and liver, but only trace NO production in blood. Carbon monoxide increased NO release from blood, suggesting that hemoglobin acts to scavenge NO not to generate it. Administration of the xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitor oxypurinol or aldehyde oxidase (AO) inhibitor raloxifene significantly decreased NO generation from nitrite in heart or liver. NO formation rates increased dramatically with decreasing pH or with decreased oxygen tension. Isolated enzyme studies further confirm that XO and AO, but not hemoglobin, are critical nitrite reductases. Overall, NO generation from nitrite mainly occurs in tissues not in the blood, with XO and AO playing critical roles in nitrite reduction, and this process is regulated by pH, oxygen tension, nitrite, and reducing substrate concentrations.
Coordinating Multiple Representations in a Reform Calculus Textbook

Coordination of multiple representations (CMR) is widely recognized as a critical skill in mathematics and is frequently demanded in reform calculus textbooks. However, little is known about the prevalence of coordination tasks in such textbooks. We coded 707 instances of CMR in a widely used reform calculus textbook and analyzed the distributions of coordination tasks by chapter and for the type of task demanded (perception vs. construction). Results suggest that different coordination tasks are used earlier and later in learning and for different topics, as well as for specific pedagogical and scaffolding purposes. For example, the algebra-to-text coordination task was more prevalent in the first chapter, suggesting that students are being eased into calculus content. By contrast, requests to construct graphs from algebraic expressions were emphasized in later chapters, suggesting that students are being pushed to think more conceptually about functions. Our nuanced look at coordination tasks in a reform textbook has implications for research in teaching and learning calculus.