cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Local time stacking of geomagnetic solar daily variations

[1] Regular geomagnetic solar daily variations, the Sq signal, is used in electromagnetic induction studies to investigate the electrical conductivity structure of Earth's upper mantle. Traditionally, Sq induction studies employ observatory magnetic data from a few quiet days in which the overprint on the regular Sq ionospheric current vortices from various irregular disturbances is minimal. Active days are typically discarded, a procedure which results in a gappy time series that is difficult to analyze. Furthermore, the quiet day selection is largely arbitrary since daily geomagnetic activity levels range continuously from very quiet to very active. This fact precludes the establishment of rigorous quiet/active thresholds. The average local time variation on active days resembles typical quiet day variations except for a multiplicative scaling factor. A multiyear stack of yearlong geomagnetic time series aligned with respect to local time incorporates “regular active” days while greatly attenuating the effects of irregular geomagnetic disturbances. External and internal current systems that rise and fall in step with the Sun's transit across the sky above an observatory contribute coherently to the local time stack. All other current systems are incoherent and tend to stack out. An exact 1-year-long stack preserves the seasonal variation. The resulting stacked time series contains no gaps, is dominated by regular solar daily variations, and can be used for improved Sq induction studies and comprehensive geomagnetic field modeling. Hourly geomagnetic values from Niemegk, Boulder, Mbour, and Meanook observatories between 1970 and 2002, along with the ap index, are used in this study.
Computing chiroptical properties with first-principles theoretical methods: background and illustrative examples.

This “tutorial style” review outlines the theoretical foundation for computations of chiroptical properties for optically active molecules. The formalism covers electronic and vibrational CD, optical rotation, and Raman optical activity. The focus is on first-principles methods. A dedicated section highlights the strengths and weaknesses of currently popular time-dependent density functional methods. The article also contains a section with input examples and results for a small molecule (trans-2,3-dimethyloxirane). Several representative applications of computational methods roughly from 2001 to mid-2009 are reviewed in detail. Chirality 21:E116–E152, 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Adaptive mesh refinement for characteristic codes

The use of adaptive mesh refinement techniques is crucial for accurate and efficient simulation of higher dimensional spacetimes. In this work we develop an adaptive algorithm tailored to the integration of finite difference discretizations of wave-like equations using characteristic coordinates. We demonstrate the algorithm by constructing a code implementing the Einstein Klein-Gordon system of equations in spherical symmetry. We discuss how the algorithm can trivially be generalized to higher dimensional systems, and suggest a method that can be used to parallelize a characteristic code.
An empirical analysis of the economic implications of fair value accounting for investment securities

Abstract This paper analyzes security returns of bank holding companies and insurance companies during periods surrounding the adoption of SFAS 115. We find bank share prices were negatively affected by the examined events, but find little share price reaction for insurance companies. Our evidence suggests banks were adversely affected by the standard because of problems with the standard's market value accounting approach. Cross-sectional analysis of event period returns shows that banks that more frequently traded their investments, with longer maturing investments, and that are more fully hedged against interest rate changes, were the most negatively impacted by the standard.
Finite-duration seeding effects in powerful backward Raman amplifiers.

In the process of backward Raman amplification (BRA), the leading layers of the seed laser pulse can shadow the rear layers, thus weakening the effective seeding power and affecting parameters of output pulses in BRA. We study this effect numerically and also analytically by approximating the pumped pulse by the ``\ensuremath{\pi}-pulse'' manifold (family) of self-similar solutions. We determine how the pumped pulse projection moves within the \ensuremath{\pi}-pulse manifold, and describe quantitatively the effective seeding power evolution. Our results extend the quantitative theory of BRA to regimes where the effective seeding power varies substantially during the amplification. These results might be of broader interest, since the basic equations are general equations for resonant three-wave interactions.
Clinical Characteristics of Hypertension Associated with Unilateral Renal Disease

A comparison has been made of 20 patients with unilateral renal disease, apparently cured of their hypertension by nephrectomy, and of another group of 20 who showed persistence of elevated blood pressure readings after surgery. Evidence is presented that unilateral renal disease, when it is responsible for hypertension, produces an acute, severe and accelerated process different in many respects from the usual picture of essential hypertension or of chronic bilateral renal disorders. The diagnostic value and the possible bearing of this observation on the mechanisms of renal hypertension are discussed.
Regioselective synthesis of photolabile P(1,2)- and P(4,5)-(o-nitrobenzyl) esters of myo-inositol 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate

Abstract The regioselective synthesis of four caged InsP 6 derivatives is described. The synthesis employed allyl ester protecting groups, and Rh(I) could selectively deprotect all allyl phosphates in a single step without affecting the photolabile moieties.
An anisotropic integral operator in high temperature superconductivity

A simplified model in superconductivity theory studied by P. Krotkov and A. Chubukov [KC1, KC2] led to an integral operator K — see (1), (2). They guessed that the equation E0(a, T) = 1, where E0 is the largest eigenvalue of the operator K, has a solution $$T(a) = 1 - \tau (a)with\tau (a) \sim {a^{2/5}}$$ (*) when a goes to 0. τ(a) imitates the shift of critical (instability) temperature.
The effect of implicit deposit insurance on banks' portfolio choices with an application to international ‘overexposure’

Abstract We analyze the impact of current FDIC deposit insurance practices on banks' pricing of risk. We show that FDIC insurance tends to subsidize risky loans, and that the subsidy increases with risk. We also show that the FDIC subsidy increases if contractually uninsured deposits are insured implicitly. Furthermore, implicit insurance has the perverse effect of biasing the subsidy towards loans that represent systematic risk to the banking system. This analysis can explain both banks' apparent overexposure to LDCs and their underpricing of these loans prior to the debt crisis.
Two Brownian Particles with Rank-Based Characteristics and Skew-Elastic Collisions

We construct a two-dimensional diffusion process with rank-dependent local drift and dispersion coefficients, and with a full range of patterns of behavior upon collision that range from totally frictionless interaction, to elastic collision, to perfect reflection of one particle on the other. These interactions are governed by the left- and right-local times at the origin for the distance between the two particles. We realize this diffusion in terms of appropriate, apparently novel systems of stochastic differential equations involving local times, which we show are well posed. Questions of pathwise uniqueness and strength are also discussed for these systems. The analysis depends crucially on properties of a skew Brownian motion with two-valued drift of the bang-bang type, which we also study in some detail. These properties allow us to compute the transition probabilities of the original planar diffusion, and to study its behavior under time reversal.
Geometry and the complexity of matrix multiplication

It has been known for some time that algebraic geometry and representation theory are useful for proving lower bounds on the complexity of the matrix multiplication operator. In this talk I will explain how geometry can be used to prove both upper and lower bounds. After a discussion of the problem and its history, I will present very recent work with M. Michalek on border rank algorithms. Faculty Host: Eric Allender
Palladium-catalyzed synthesis of aryl ketones by coupling of aryl bromides with an acyl anion equivalent.

Palladium-catalyzed couplings of aryl bromides with N-tert-butylhydrazones as acyl anion equivalents to form aryl ketones are reported. The coupling process occurs at the C-position of hydrazones to form N-tert-butyl azo compounds. Isomerization of these azo compounds to the corresponding hydrazones, followed by hydrolysis, gave the desired mixed alkyl aryl ketones. The selectivity of C- versus N-arylation was strongly influenced by the substituent on nitrogen. Arylation at carbon occurred with N-tert-butylhydrazones, whereas N-arylation occurred with N-arylhydrazones. The arylation of hydrazones containing primary and secondary alkyl groups, as well as aryl groups, gave the desired ketones in good yields after hydrolysis. Functional groups on the aromatic ring, such as alkoxy, cyano, trifluoromethyl, carboalkoxy, carbamoyl, and keto groups, were tolerated. This reaction likely occurs by C−C bond-forming reductive elimination from an intermediate containing an η1-diazaallyl ligand.
Brucine-derived amino alcohol catalyzed asymmetric Henry reaction: an orthogonal enantioselectivity approach.

A new approach to both enantioenriched Henry products is developed by use of different molecularities of metal−ligand complexes generated from Cu(I) and Zn(II) metals with readily available chiral amino alcohol 1.
Performance analysis of distributed applications using automatic classification of communication inefficiencies

We present a technique for performance analysis that helps users understand the communication behavior of their message passing applications. Our method automatically classifies individual communication operations and it reveals the cause of communication inefficiencies in the application. This classification allows the developer to focus quickly on the culprits of truly inefficient behavior, rather than manually foraging through massive amounts of performance data. Specifically, we trace the message operations of MPI applications and then classify each individual communication event using decision tree classification, a supervised learning technique. We train our decision tree using microbenchmarks that demonstrate both efficient and inefficient communication. Since our technique adapts to the target system's configuration through these microbenchmarks, we can simultaneously automate the performance analysis process and improve classification accuracy. Our experiments on four applications demonstrate that our technique can improve the accuracy of performance analysis, and dramatically reduce the amount of data that users must encounter
Could proton pump inhibitors cause cancer

Response to: Wilhelm SM, Rjater RG, Kale-Pradhan PB. Perils and pitfalls of long-term effects of proton pump inhibitors. Expert Rev. Clin. Pharmacol. 6(4), 443-451 (2013).
Utilization of the wavefront sensor and short-exposure images for simultaneous estimation of quasi-static aberration and exoplanet intensity

Heretofore, the literature on exoplanet detection with coronagraphic telescope systems has paid little attention to the information content of short exposures and methods of utilizing the measurements of adaptive optics wavefront sensors. This paper provides a framework for the incorporation of the wavefront sensor measurements in the context of observing modes in which the science camera takes millisecond exposures. In this formulation, the wavefront sensor measurements provide a means to jointly estimate the static speckle and the planetary signal. The ability to estimate planetary intensities in as little as a few seconds has the potential to greatly improve the efficiency of exoplanet search surveys. For simplicity, the mathematical development assumes a simple optical system with an idealized Lyot coronagraph. Unlike currently used methods, in which increasing the observation time beyond a certain threshold is useless, this method produces estimates whose error covariances decrease more quickly than inversely proportional to the observation time. This is due to the fact that the estimates of the quasi-static aberrations are informed by a new random (but approximately known) wavefront every millisecond. The method can be extended to include angular (due to diurnal field rotation) and spectral diversity. Numerical experiments are performed with wavefront data from the AEOS Adaptive Optics System sensing at 850 nm. These experiments assume a science camera wavelength λ of 1.1 μ, that the measured wavefronts are exact, and a Gaussian approximation of shot-noise. The effects of detector read-out noise and other issues are left to future investigations. A number of static aberrations are introduced, including one with a spatial frequency exactly corresponding the planet location, which was at a distance of ≈3λ/D from the star. Using only 4 s of simulated observation time, a planetary intensity, of ≈1 photon ms–1, and a stellar intensity of ≈105 photons ms–1 (contrast ratio 105), the short-exposure estimation method recovers the amplitudes' static aberrations with 1% accuracy, and the planet brightness with 20% accuracy.
Field redefinitions at finite density

Abstract The apparent dependence of nuclear matter observables on off-shell properties of the two-nucleon potential is re-examined in the context of effective field theory (EFT). Finite density (thermodynamic) observables are invariant under field redefinitions, which extends the well-known theorem about the invariance of S-matrix elements. Simple examples demonstrate how field redefinitions can shift contributions between purely off-shell two-body interactions and many-body forces, leaving both scattering and finite-density observables unchanged. If only the transformed two-body potentials are kept, however, the nuclear matter binding curves will depend on the off-shell part (generating “Coester bands”). The correspondence between field redefinitions and unitary transformations, which have traditionally been used to generate “phase-equivalent” nucleon–nucleon potentials, is also demonstrated.
Perturbative matching of heavy-light currents with NRQCD heavy quarks

Abstract We present further results for one-loop matching of heavy-light axial and vector currents between continuum QCD and a lattice theory with NRQCD heavy quarks and massless clover quarks.
Hiring, Firing and Infighting: A Tale of Two Companies

We extend the hiring and firing framework of Shepp and Shiryaev (J Econ Dyn Control 20:1523–1539, 1996) to include infighting, and solve the profit-maximization problem using our numerical technique. With infighting, we find a smaller optimal firm size, and lowered firm value that stems from reduced operations and rapid profit-taking. Upon calibrating our model to match the cases of Levi Strauss & Co. and Microsoft, we find with Levi’s, that our model matches media estimates of its loss in value fairly closely. With Microsoft, our model might explain its loss in value and poor decision-making, such as its recent acquisitions. The implications of our model for corporate governance might also help in reducing the current unemployment rate.
Iterative type analysis and extended message splitting; optimizing dynamically-typed object-oriented programs

Object-oriented languages have suffered from poor performance caused by frequent and slow dynamically-bound procedure calls. The best way to speed up a procedure call is to compile it out, but dynamic binding of object-oriented procedure calls without static receiver type information precludes inlining. Iterative type analysis and extended message splitting are new compilation techniques that extract much of the necessary type information and make it possible to hoist run-time type tests out of loops.Our system compiles code on-the-fly that is customized to the actual data types used by a running program. The compiler constructs a control flow graph annotated with type information by simultaneously performing type analysis and inlining. Extended message splitting preserves type information that would otherwise be lost by a control-flow merge by duplicating all the code between the merge and the place that uses the information. Iterative type analysis computes the types of variables used in a loop by repeatedly recompiling the loop until the computed types reach a fix-point. Together these two techniques enable our SELF compiler to split off a copy of an entire loop, optimized for the common-case types.By the time our SELF compiler generates code for the graph, it has eliminated many dynamically-dispatched procedure calls and type tests. The resulting machine code is twice as fast as that generated by the previous SELF compiler, four times faster than ParcPlace Systems Smalltalk-80,* the fastest commercially available dynamically-typed object-oriented language implementation, and nearly half the speed of optimized C. Iterative type analysis and extended message splitting have cut the performance penalty for dynamically-typed object-oriented languages in half.
HIGH-RESOLUTION X-RAY SPECTROSCOPY OF SNR 1987A: CHANDRA LETG AND HETG OBSERVATIONS IN 2007

We present an extended analysis of the deep Chandra LETG and HETG observations of the supernova remnant 1987A (SNR 1987A) carried out in 2007. The global fits to the grating spectra show that the temperature of the X-ray emitting plasma in the slower shocks in this system has remained stable for the last three years, while that in the faster shocks has decreased. This temperature evolution is confirmed by the first light curves of strong X-ray emission lines and their ratios. On the other hand, bulk gas velocities inferred from the X-ray line profiles are too low to account for the postshock plasma temperatures inferred from spectral fits. This suggests that the X-ray emission comes from gas that has been shocked twice, first by the blast wave and again by shocks reflected from the inner ring of SNR 1987A. A new model that takes these considerations into account gives support to this physical picture.
Equivariant and Scale-Free Tucker Decomposition Models

Analyses of array-valued datasets often involve reduced-rank array approximations, typically obtained via least-squares or truncations of array decompositions. However, least-squares approximations tend to be noisy in high-dimensional settings, and may not be appropriate for arrays that include discrete or ordinal measurements. This article develops methodology to obtain low-rank model-based representations of continuous, discrete and ordinal data arrays. The model is based on a parameterization of the mean array as a multilinear product of a reduced-rank core array and a set of index-specific orthogonal eigenvector matrices. It is shown how orthogonally equivariant parameter estimates can be obtained from Bayesian procedures under invariant prior distributions. Additionally, priors on the core array are developed that act as regularizers, leading to improved inference over the standard least-squares estimator, and providing robustness to misspecification of the array rank. This model-based approach is extended to accommodate discrete or ordinal data arrays using a semiparametric transformation model. The resulting low-rank representation is scale-free, in the sense that it is invariant to monotonic transformations of the data array. In an example analysis of a multivariate discrete network dataset, this scale-free approach provides a more complete description of data patterns.
A set of goals and approaches for education in computer science

In order to evaluate and plan educational programs in computer science it is important to have a clear conception of the internal structure and content of the discipline, and also of its relationships with other disciplines. It is also important to have a clear set of goals, values, and priorities in the light of which given programs can be evaluated, and new approaches can be developed.
Analytical Model of High-pressure Burning Rates in a Transient Environment

A transient ballistics and combustion model is derived to represent the closed vessel experiment that is widely used to characterize the high pressure burning rates of solid propellants. The model is applied to explain why burning rates deduced from the closed vessel are in basic agreement with those measured from an equilibrium strand burner in the case of homogeneous propellants, but differ significantly in the case of nitramine composite propellants. Thermal profile time lag effects become small at high pressure because the burning rates become high. However, the development of the burning surface structure of those nitramine propellants which exhibit shifts in pressure exponent causes the mass burning rate to lag and then exceed the equilibrium value. It is necessary to consider this mechanism in applications dealing with high pressures and pressurization rates.
Alkylidenesilacyclopropanes Derived from Allenes: Applications to the Selective Synthesis of Triols and Homoallylic Alcohols

Several alkylidenesilacyclopropanes were prepared by silver-mediated silylene transfer to allenes. Oxasilacyclopentanes derived from allenes were prepared with high regio- and diastereoselectivity by a two-step, one-flask silacyclopropanation/carbonyl insertion reaction. Triols and homoallylic alcohols were formed diastereoselectively by functionalizing the oxasilacyclopentanes. An optically active allene (>98% ee) was utilized to synthesize an enantiopure homoallylic alcohol in 96% ee.
Fatigue Crack Growth Behavior of PWA 1484 Single Crystal Superalloy at Elevated Temperatures

A study was done to determine the fatigue crack growth behavior of a PWA 1484 single-crystal nickel-base superalloy in a temperature range of 427 C to 871 C. Two distinctive failure modes were observed, which were a function of both temperature and frequency. At lower temperatures and higher frequencies crack growth occurred on the {l_brace}111{r_brace} octahedral slip planes at an oblique angle to the loading direction. Higher temperatures and decrease in frequencies favored a Mode I type failure process. The failure mode transitions were explained by invoking arguments based on environmental damage mechanisms. The fatigue crack growth rate data were analyzed using three different crack driving force parameters. The parameters investigated consisted of the Mode I stress intensity parameter corrected for the inclined crack trajectory, and two different octahedral Mode II parameters, which are based on the calculation of resolved shear stresses on the {l_brace}111{r_brace} slip systems. The Mode I {Delta}K parameter did a fair job in correlating the data but did not collapse it into a single narrow band. The two octahedral crack driving force parameters, {Delta}K{sub RSS} and a newly proposed {Delta}K{sub OCT}, collapsed all the data into a single narrow band. In addition to correlating the fatiguemore » crack growth rates, the two octahedral parameters also predicted the {l_brace}111{r_brace} planes on which the crack growth took place.« less
Promoting self-regulation in science education: Metacognition as part of a broader perspective on learning

The purpose of this article is to review recent research on self-regulated learning and discuss the implications of this research for science education. We draw on examples of self-regulated learning from the science education literature to summarise and illustrate effective instructional methods and the development of metacognitive understanding (Gunstone; 1999a; Rickey & Stacy, 2000; White & Mitchell, 1994). We also focus on the crucial role that metacognition plays in self-regulation (Baird & White, 1996; Nichols, Tippins, & Wieseman, 1997; White, 1998). We divide our discussion into two main parts. The first focuses on three components of selfregulated learning, including cognition, metacognition, and motivation. We relate these aspects of self-regulation to current practices in science education. The second section focuses on six general instructional strategies for improving self-regulation in the science classroom. We focus on the use of inquiry based learning, the role of collaborative support, strategy and problem solving instruction, the construction of mental models, the use of technology to support learning, and the role of personal beliefs such as self-efficacy and epistemological world views. These instructional strategies are selected because they reflect extensive research agendas over the last decade within the science education literature and are essential to metacognition and self-regulation (Butler & Winne, 1995; Gunstone, 1999b).
The Spectrum of Earthshine: A Pale Blue Dot Observed from the Ground

We report the visible reflection spectrum of the integrated Earth, illuminated as it would be seen as a spatially unresolved extrasolar planet. The spectrum was derived from observation of lunar earthshine in the range 4800-9200 A at a spectral resolution of about 600. We observe absorption features of ozone, molecular oxygen, and water. We see enhanced reflectivity at short wavelengths from Rayleigh scattering and apparently negligible contributions from aerosol and ocean water scattering. We also see enhanced reflectivity at long wavelengths starting at about 7300 A, corresponding to the well-known red reflectivity edge of vegetation because of its chlorophyll content; however, this signal is not conclusive because of the breakdown of our simple model at wavelengths beyond 7900 A.
Tidal Dynamics of Relativistic Flows Near Black Holes

We point out novel consequences of general relativity involving tidal dynamics of ultrarelativistic relative motion. Specifically, we use the generalized Jacobi equation and its extension to study the force-free dynamics of relativistic flows near a massive rotating source. We show that along the rotation axis of the gravitational source, relativistic tidal effects strongly decelerate an initially ultrarelativistic flow with respect to the ambient medium, contrary to Newtonian expectations. Moreover, an initially ultrarelativistic flow perpendicular to the axis of rotation is strongly accelerated by the relativistic tidal forces. The astrophysical implications of these results for jets and ultrahigh energy cosmic rays are briefly mentioned.
Ultrafast resonant optical scattering from single gold nanorods: Large nonlinearities and plasmon saturation

We measure nonlinear optical scattering from individual Au nanorods excited by ultrafast laser pulses on resonance with their longitudinal plasmon mode. Isolating single rods removes inhomogeneous broadening and allows the measurement of a large nonlinearity, much greater than that of nanorod ensembles. Surprisingly, the ultrafast nonlinearity can be attributed entirely to heating of conduction electrons and does not exhibit any response associated with coherent plasmon oscillation. This indicates an unanticipated damping of strongly driven plasmons.
Novel technique for extending the use of allografts in cardiac operations

Small cryopreserved allografts for use in neonates and infants are increasingly difficult to find. We describe a technique for surgically reducing the size of the more readily available large-diameter allografts to make them conform to size requirements appropriate for neonates and infants. This technique involves a longitudinal incision of the allograft from its muscular annulus to its distal orifice with the excision of a single valve leaflet. The two commissural posts of the excised leaflet and the wall of the allograft are then reapproximated with fine suture. Four patients ranging in age from 14 days to 11 months (mean age, 5.2 months) and ranging in weight from 3 to 8.4 kg (mean weight, 5.2 kg) underwent reconstruction of the right ventricular outflow tract using this surgical technique. Two patients underwent repair of truncus arteriosus (age, 14 days and 16 days) and two patients underwent Rastelli operations (age, 9 months and 11 months). The mean follow-up time was 22.5 months (range, 14 to 28 months). All 4 patients are alive and well. One patient requires digoxin and furosemide for moderate quadricuspid truncal valve insufficiency. Serial echocardiography documents mild allograft stenosis in 2 patients and trivial to mild allograft insufficiency in 2 patients. Because handling characteristics and lower bleeding risks render allograft conduits preferable to synthetic conduits and, furthermore, because conduit insertion of any type in the neonate will eventually be outgrown and require replacement, we find this technique to be justifiable as a therapeutic option. In the short term, the technique results in excellent functional results and provides an alternative to synthetic conduits when an appropriate sized allograft is unavailable.
Some Aspects of the Hot Corrosion of Thermal Barrier Coatings

This paper reviews the hot corrosion of zirconia-based thermal barrier coatings for engine applications. Emphasis is placed on understanding the chemical reactions, and such other mechanisms as can be iden-tified, that cause corrosive degradation of the thermal barrier coating. The various approaches taken to improve the hot corrosion resistance of thermal barrier coatings are also briefly described and critiqued.
Iterative detection for imaging page-oriented optical data storage systems

Imaging page-oriented optical data storage, with its high bit packing density and many parallel readout channels, offers a solution for high capacity data storage with fast data transfer rate. As in any data storage system, increasing the packing density increases the effect of inter-symbol interference (ISI) and inter-page interference (IPI). We describe a combination of modulation encoding/decoding and error correction that overcomes this interference allowing high packing density in the presence of noise while maintaining acceptable bit error rate (BER). We also describe an extension of the algorithm to multi-level (grayscale) encoding.
Regularity for a Local–Nonlocal Transmission Problem

We formulate and study an elliptic transmission-like problem combining local and nonlocal elements. Let \({\mathbb{R}^n}\) be separated into two components by a smooth hypersurface Γ. On one side of Γ, a function satisfies a local second-order elliptic equation. On the other, it satisfies a nonlocal one of lower order. In addition, a nonlocal transmission condition is imposed across the interface Γ, which has a natural variational interpretation. We deduce the existence of solutions to the corresponding Dirichlet problem, and show that under mild assumptions they are Holder continuous, following the method of De Giorgi. The principal difficulty stems from the lack of scale invariance near Γ, which we circumvent by deducing a special energy estimate which is uniform in the scaling parameter. We then turn to the question of optimal regularity and qualitative properties of solutions, and show that (in the case of constant coefficients and flat Γ) they satisfy a kind of transmission condition, where the ratio of “fractional conormal derivatives” on the two sides of the interface is fixed. A perturbative argument is then given to show how to obtain regularity for solutions to an equation with variable coefficients and smooth interface. Throughout, we pay special attention to a nonlinear version of the problem with a drift given by a singular integral operator of the solution, which has an interpretation in the context of quasigeostrophic dynamics.
PACE: Pattern Accurate Computationally Efficient Bootstrapping for Timely Discovery of Cyber-security Concepts

Public disclosure of important security information, such as knowledge of vulnerabilities or exploits, often occurs in blogs, tweets, mailing lists, and other online sources significantly before proper classification into structured databases. In order to facilitate timely discovery of such knowledge, we propose a novel semi-supervised learning algorithm, PACE, for identifying and classifying relevant entities in text sources. The main contribution of this paper is an enhancement of the traditional bootstrapping method for entity extraction by employing a time-memory trade-off that simultaneously circumvents a costly corpus search while strengthening pattern nomination, which should increase accuracy. An implementation in the cyber-security domain is discussed as well as challenges to Natural Language Processing imposed by the security domain.
Development of a strategy for the synthesis of the spherical hydrocarbon p-[42.58]decahedrane

Abstract A directed synthesis of triketone 20, an immediate precursor to a “capped” [4]peristylane, has been accomplished in 10 laboratory operations. Starting from the previously described cyclobutanone 11, a fulvene is formed and transformed into 13 by means of a Diels-Alder cycloaddition. The Cs symmetry of this early intermediate is preserved throughout the remainder of the scheme. Once a cyclopentadiene ring is annealed as in 14, the cyclobutane base is elaborated by [4+2]π addition of (Z)-1,2-bis(phenylsulfonyl)ethylene from below-plane, reductive desulfonylation, and [2+2] photocyclization. Following cleavage of the oxirane ring with periodic acid, arrival at 20 required debenzylation and oxidation. Unfortunately, the efficiency of this pathway is low (0.05% overall) and requires optimization before subsequent transformations that could produce 2 can be implemented.
Divalent Activation in Temporary Phosphate Tethers: Highly Selective Cuprate Displacement Reactions

Desymmetrization of a readily derived psuedo-C2-symmetric monocyclic phosphate via highly diastereoselective anti-SN2‘ allylic displacement reactions is reported. This method utilizes of a wide variety of zinc-derived organocuprates to afford E-1,2-syn-configured phosphate acid building blocks. Extension of this protocol to unsymmetric monocyclic phosphates exclusively yields 1,2-anti-configured products. Within this study, stereoelectronic factors, coupled with allylic strain, ultimately govern regio- and diastereoselective cuprate reactions, further substantiating the Corey mechanism for organocuprate additions into allylic esters.
LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM MANAGING TECHNOLOGY-INTENSIVE TEAMS

An ongoing field study of 76 new product development teams in 27 companies identifies specific barriers and drivers to effective team performance. The paper provides insight into the affects of organizational environment and managerial leadership on project team performance in technology-oriented team environments. The results show that team leadership has significant impact on both the project team and its broader organizational environment ultimately affecting team and project performance. Team leaders must manage the work and people relations across diverse organizational and cultural boundaries, including support functions, suppliers, sponsors and partners. The paper provides suggestions for building the organizational environment, work processes and leadership skills necessary for successful implementation of complex development projects.
Military Veterans, Culpability, and Blame

Recently in Porter v. McCollum, the United States Supreme Court, citing “a long tradition of according leniency to veterans in recognition of their service,” held that a defense lawyer’s failure to present his client’s military service record as mitigating evidence during his sentencing for two murders amounted to ineffective assistance of counsel. The purpose of this Article is to assess, from the just deserts perspective, the grounds to believe that veterans who commit crimes are to be blamed less by the State than offenders without such backgrounds. Two rationales for a differential treatment of military veterans who commit crimes are typically set forth. The Porter Court raised each, stating that we should treat veterans differently “in recognition of” both “their service” and “the intense stress and mental and emotional toll” of combat. The former factor suggests there being a “social contributions” or gratitude-based discount, whereas the latter factor points towards a “mental disturbance” discount. This Article analyzes the two accounts and raises some doubts about both. This Article then argues that a military veteran who commits a crime should not be blamed to the full extent of his blameworthiness, not necessarily because of his mental capacity nor because of his social contribution, but because the State’s hand in producing his criminality undermines its standing to blame him.
Non-standard charged current interactions: beta decays versus the LHC

We discuss low-energy and collider constraints on the effective couplings characterizing non-standard charged current interactions. A direct comparison of low-energy and LHC probes can be performed within an effective theory framework, when the new physics mediating these interactions originates in the multi-TeV scale. We find that for the effective couplings involving right-handed neutrinos the LHC bounds from pp → e + MET + X are at the (sub)percent level, already stronger than those from β decays. For operators involving left-handed neutrinos, the (axial-)vector and pseudo-scalar effective couplings are best probed at low energy, while scalar and tensor couplings are currently probed at the same level by beta decays and the LHC channels pp → e + MET + X and, by using SU(2) gauge invariance, pp → e + e − + X. Future beta decay experiments at the 0.1% level or better will compete in sensitivity with higher statistics and higher energy data from the LHC.
Improving peer connectivity in wide-area overlays of virtual workstations

Self-configuring virtual networks rely on structured P2P routing to provide seamless connectivity among nodes through overlay routing of virtual IP packets, support decentralized hole-punching to establish bi-directional communication links among nodes behind network address translators, and dynamic configuration of virtual IP addresses. Our experiences with deployments of virtual networks in support of wide-area overlays of virtual workstations (WOWs) reveal that connectivity constraints imposed by symmetric NATs and by Internet route outages often hinder P2P overlay structure maintenance and routability, subsequently limiting the ability of WOWs to deliver high-throughput computing through aggregation of resources in different domains. In this paper, we describe and evaluate two novel approaches which are generally applicable and fully decentralized, and show that they improve routability of structured P2P networks in such connectivity constrained environments: (1) a fault-tolerant routing algorithm based on simulated annealing from optimization theory, and (2) tunneling of connections between adjacent nodes (in the P2P identifier space) over common neighbors when direct communication is not possible. Simulation-based analyses show that (1) when pairs of nodes only have 70% chance of being able to communicate directly, the described approaches improve all-to-all routability of the network from 90% to 99%, and (2) even when only 70% of the nodes are behind NATs that include symmetric NATs, these techniques improve the all-to-all connectivity of the network from less than 95% to more than 99%. We have implemented these techniques in the IP-over-P2P (IPOP) virtual network and have conducted experiments with a 180-node WOW Condor pool, demonstrating that, at 81% probability of establishing a pair-wise connection, annealing and tunneling combined allow all nodes to be connected to the pool, compared to only 160 nodes in the absence of these techniques.
Emerging Roles for Natural MicroRNA Sponges

Recently, a non-coding RNA expressed from a human pseudogene was reported to regulate the corresponding protein-coding mRNA by acting as a decoy for microRNAs (miRNAs) that bind to common sites in the 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs). It was proposed that competing for miRNAs might be a general activity of pseudogenes. This study raises questions about the potential ability of thousands of non-coding transcripts to interact with miRNAs and influence the expression of miRNA target genes. Three years ago, artificial miRNA decoys termed ‘miRNA sponges’ were introduced as a means to create loss-of-function phenotypes for miRNA families in cell culture and in virally infected tissue and transgenic animals. Given the efficacy of miRNA sponges expressed from stable chromosomal insertions, it seemed plausible that natural non-coding RNAs might have evolved to sequence-specifically sequester miRNAs. The first such endogenous sponge RNA was discovered in plants and found to attenuate a miRNA-mediated response to an environmental stress. More recently, a viral non-coding RNA was observed to sequester and promote the degradation of a cellular miRNA in infected primate cells. In this review we discuss the potential and proven roles for endogenous miRNA sponges and consider some criteria for screening candidate sponge RNAs.
Partial waves of baryon-antibaryon in three-body B meson decay

The origin of the reversed angular correlation in thecontext of the pp-bar partial waves in the baryonic decay modes of Bmesons.
A 10-Year Study of Membrane Filter System Versus Blood Culture Bottles in Culturing Vitrectomy Cassette Vitreous in Infectious Endophthalmitis

Purpose To compare the microbiological outcomes of membrane filter system and blood culture bottle techniques in culturing diluted vitrectomy cassette vitreous. Design Retrospective comparative case series. Methods Diluted vitrectomy cassette vitreous specimens from March 25, 2002 to July 11, 2012 were cultured using both membrane filter system and blood culture bottles. The isolates were divided into 3 groups: ones that had positive cultures with (1) both membrane filter system and blood culture bottles, (2) membrane filter system only, and (3) blood culture bottles only. The 48-hour as well as 2-week results were documented. Results A total of 447 patients with 168 positive cultures were studied. At the 48-hour time point, 126 isolates were documented. Of those, 104 (82%) were culture positive with both membrane filter system and blood culture bottles, 15 (12%) were culture positive only with membrane filter system, and 7 (6%) were culture positive only with blood culture bottles. At the 2-week time point, an additional 42 organisms were isolated. Of those, 19 (45%) were culture positive with both membrane filter system and blood culture bottles, 11 (26%) with membrane filter system only, and 12 (29%) with blood culture bottles only. Out of 168 total isolates, 123 (73%) were culture positive with both membrane filter system and blood culture bottles, 26 (16%) with membrane filter system only, and 19 (11%) with blood culture bottles only. Among all microbiological outcomes, there was no significant difference between membrane filter system and blood culture bottle ( P = .37). Of those organisms that were culture positive only with either membrane filter system or blood culture bottle, mold and Mycobacterium species were culture positive more commonly with membrane filter system ( P = .034 and P = .016, respectively), and gram-positive organisms were culture positive more commonly with blood culture bottles ( P = .021). Conclusions In the current study, a combination of membrane filter system and blood culture bottles for culture of diluted vitrectomy cassette vitreous provides the highest number of positive culture outcomes. The blood culture bottle method is technically easier and represents a viable alternative to the more complex membrane filter system technique.
The Art of Reforming Centrally Planned Economies: Comparing China, Poland, and Russia

Abstract The three reasons for gradualism, (1) agricultural reform should precede industrial reforms, (2) state-owned enterprises (SOEs) can be reformed, and (3) economic liberalization should precede political liberalization, are not generalizable. China′s gradualism is the product of political deadlock over the final form of the economy. China has been most successful in the areas where reforms have been radical and lackluster where reforms have been incremental. The output performance across reforming countries reflected differences mainly in economic structures rather than in policies. China′s growth comes from the movement of surplus agricultural labor into industry, and Poland′s and Russia′s decline come from the closing of noncompetitive enterprises to release factors of production to the new efficient enterprises. J. Comp. Econom., June 1994, 18(3), pp. 000-000. University of California, Davis, California 95616-8617.
The Corrosion of Aluminum in Sodium Polysulfides and Sulfur at 350°C

Essais de corrosion statiques de l'aluminium (grade 1100) dans differents polysulfures de sodium (Na 2 S 3 , Na 2 S 4 , Na 2 S 5 ) et dans le soufre a 350°C pour des durees allant jusqu'a 900 heures
The Creative Commons and Copyright Protection in the Digital Era: Uses of Creative Commons Licenses

As digital technology thrusts complexity upon copyright law, conflict has escalated between copyright holders desperate to institute a vigorous enforcement mechanism against copying in order to protect their ownership and others who underscore the importance of public interests in accessing and using copyrighted works. This study explores whether Creative Commons CC licenses are a viable solution for copyright protection in the digital era. Through a mixed-methods approach involving a web-based survey of CC licensors, a content analysis of CC-licensed works, and interviews, the study characterizes CC licensors, the ways that CC licensors produce creative works, the private interests that CC licenses serve, and the public interests that CC licenses serve. The findings suggest that the Creative Commons can alleviate some of the problems caused by the copyright conflict.
Palladium-catalyzed hydrophosphorylation and hydrophosphinylation of cyclopropenes.

Novel transition-metal-catalyzed addition of P−H entities across the cyclopropene double bond has been developed. This transformation allows for mild and efficient preparation of phosphorus-containing cyclopropanes in good yields and high degrees of diastereoselectivity.
Microlensing of Gamma-Ray Burst Afterglows

The afterglow of a cosmological gamma-ray burst (GRB) should appear on the sky as a narrow emission ring of radius ~3 × 1016 cm (t/day)5/8 that expands faster than light. After a day, the ring radius is comparable to the Einstein radius of a solar mass lens at a cosmological distance. Thus, microlensing by an intervening star can significantly modify the light curve and polarization signal from a GRB afterglow. We show that the achromatic amplification signal of the afterglow flux can be used to determine the impact parameter and expansion rate of the source in units of the Einstein radius of the lens, and we probe the superluminal nature of the expansion. If the synchrotron emission from the afterglow photosphere originates from a set of coherent magnetic field patches, microlensing would induce polarization variability as a result of the transient magnification of the patches behind the lens. The microlensing interpretation of the flux and polarization data can be confirmed by a parallax experiment that would probe the amplification peak at different times. The fraction of microlensed afterglows can be used to calibrate the density parameter of stellar-mass objects in the universe.