cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The dilemma of science and morals.

The conflicts between science and morals which still continue to arise despite the apparent hegemony of atheistic scientism over traditional JudeoChristianity in the twentieth century reflect a basic contradiction in the metaphysical foundation of Western lives. As was set forth by Machiavelli, the contradiction inherent in Western ethics is that it is based on the simultaneous belief in both Objectively valid moral truths and purely relatiue values of communal purpose. The achievements of twentieth century science have intensified these contradictions. Modern physics has put in question the validity of its own metaphysical basis, namely the belief in Natural Law, and modern biology has been unable to come to terms with the Cartesian dualism of body and soul. By contrast, Chinese lives are comparatively free of these contradictions, being founded on the philosophies of Confucianism and Taoism, to which the concepts of objectively valid truth or Natural Law are foreign. Recent developments in Western attitudes regarding science and morals can be interpreted as a movement away from the traditional belief in absolute truths towards a Chinese relativism. EVER since the 16th century, when Francis Bacon put forward the then novel creed that science provides a hope for a better world, there have arisen conflicts between science and morals. But right from the very start of modern science and with the case of its founder Galileo, these conflicts were always resolved in favor of science in the long run. By the end of the 19th century the triumph of science over traditional and particularly religious morals seemed so complete that God was found to be dying. Faith in Him came to be replaced by scientism, or the belief that ethical insights, formerly based on metaphysical concepts, could now be derived from objective scientific knowledge. But despite the seeming hegemony of scientism in the everyday life of contemporary secular societies there not only still arise some troublesome conflicts between science and morals but the credibility of the Baconian creed of salvation through science is itself fast losing ground in its Western heartland. This latter-day growth of anti-scientific attitudes is as serious as it is surprising, because far from its reflecting the views of ignorant rabble-rousers or religious zealots, it is occurring among the young intellectuals of the New Left. That is to say, it has infested the minds of the very group that would ordinarily furnish the recruits for the next generation of scientists. Alarmed by this development, the Old Guard has been defending the Baconian creed by means of righteous sermons. But these sermons have little effect; their language of indignant reason does not reach the ears of the young infidels and does no more than preserve the courage of the True Believers.
1985: A defining year in the history of modern Austrian economics

Mises and Hayek in the 1920s and 1940s thought of their work as within the orthodoxy of economic science. But after WWII it became increasingly obvious that the contributions of Mises and Hayek were out of step with the way the economics profession was evolving. But starting in 1974, due to the organizational efforts of Murray Rothbard and Israel Kirzner, and bolstered by the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Economic Science to FA Hayek, a resurgence of interest in Austrian economics by young scholars was initiated. Starting in 1984, but significantly in 1985, the work of the new generation of Austrian economics started to have an impact in the mainstream outlets in terms of journals and university presses. We argue that this is a defining year in the modern history of the Austrian school and that it reflected both the quality of work being done by the new generation as well as a methodological crisis within the mainstream of economic scholarship. Don Lavoie’s work in comparative economics, as well as his work in methodology, reflected this shift within the economic conversation.
Superfluid Friction and Late-Time Thermal Evolution of Neutron Stars

The recent temperature measurements of the two older isolated neutron stars PSR 1929{plus}10 and PSR 0950{plus}08 (ages of 3{times}10{sup 6} and 2{times}10{sup 7} yr, respectively) indicate that these objects are heated. A promising candidate heat source is friction between the neutron star crust and the superfluid it is thought to contain. We study the effects of superfluid friction on the long-term thermal and rotational evolution of a neutron star. Differential rotation velocities between the superfluid and the crust (averaged over the inner crust moment of inertia) of {bar {omega}}{approximately}0.6 rad s{sup {minus}1} for PSR 1929{plus}10 and {approximately}0.02 rad s{sup {minus}1} for PSR 0950{plus}08 would account for their observed temperatures. These differential velocities could be sustained by the pinning of superfluid vortices to the inner crust lattice with strengths of {approximately}1 MeV per nucleus. Pinned vortices can creep outward through thermal fluctuations or quantum tunneling. For thermally activated creep, the coupling between the superfluid and crust is highly sensitive to temperature. If pinning maintains large differential rotation ({approximately}30 rad s{sup {minus}1}), a feedback instability could occur in stars younger than {approximately}10{sup 5} yr causing oscillations of the temperature and spin-down rate over a period of {approximately}0.3t{sub age}. For stars older thanmore » {approximately}10{sup 6} yr, however, vortex creep occurs through quantum tunneling and the creep velocity is too insensitive to temperature for a thermal-rotational instability to occur. These older stars could be heated through a steady process of superfluid friction. {copyright} {ital {copyright} 1999.} {ital The American Astronomical Society}« less
Is a diamond forever? Feminist transformations of sport☆

Abstract This paper focuses on how individuals and groups overcome the hegemonic grasp of alienating ideologies and institute social practices which have authentic meaning in their lives. Specifically, the paper investigates how women who define themselves as feminists actively construct and maintain alternatives to the male preserve of sport. The analysis is based on data drawn from intensive interviews and observations collected over a four year period of a women's summer recreational softball league. The sample was a purposive one: women who define themselves as feminists were purposely sought out and interviewed about their feminist attitudes, their attitudes toward sport and softball, and the relationship they saw between a feminist consciousness and the practice of sport. Several themes emerged as central issues in their complaints: the overemphasis on winning; the hierarchy of authority; the elitism of skill; the exclusivity represented by sexism, classism, racism, ageism, sizism, and heterosexism; the disparagement of opponents; and an ethic of endangerment. These criticisms serve as a blueprint for the changes they were putting into practice: a form of softball which is process oriented, collective, inclusive, supportive, and infused with an ethic of care. The analysis draws upon feminist theory, interactionist principles, and cultural studies approaches to explore the ways in which individuals can actively resist inimical social practices and create, maintain, and inhabit social worlds that fit their own needs.
Photocatalytic [2 + 2] Cycloadditions of Enones with Cleavable Redox Auxiliaries

α,β-Unsaturated 2-imidazolyl ketones undergo [2 + 2] cycloaddition with a variety of Michael acceptors upon irradiation with visible light in the presence of Ru(bpy)32+. Cleavage of the imidazolyl auxiliary from the cycloadducts affords cyclobutane carboxamides, esters, thioesters, and acids that would not be accessible from direct cycloaddition of the corresponding unsaturated carbonyl compounds.
Relative stereocontrol in an intramolecular 4+3 cycloaddition reaction

Abstract The first complete study of relative stereocontrol in an intramolecular 4+3 cycloaddition has been performed. Thus, CH2Cl2 solutions of alkoxyallylic sulfones 5, 7, and 9 were treated with TiCl4 at −78°C to give diastereomeric cycloadducts in fair yield. For 5 and 7 diastereoselectivity was low, but suggested that allylic cation geometry plays a small but definitive role in determining the diastereomer distribution in the cycloadducts. For the cycloaddition reaction of 9, cation geometry is irrelevant and the cycloadduct is obtained in very high diastereomeric purity.
Lattice gauge theories and Monte Carlo algorithms

Abstract Lattice gauge theory has become the primary tool for non-perturbative calculations in quantum field theory. These lectures review some of the foundations of this subject. The first lecture reviews the basic definition of the theory in terms of invariant integrals over group elements on lattice bonds. The lattice represents an ultraviolet cutoff, and renormalization group arguments show how the bare coupling must be varied to obtain the continuum limit. Expansions in the inverse of the coupling constant demonstrate quark confinement in the strong coupling limit. The second lecture turns to numerical simulation, which has become an important approach to calculating hadronic properties. Here I discuss the basic algorithms for obtaining appropriately weighted gauge field configurations. The third lecture turns to algorithms for treating fermionic fields, which still require considerably more computer time than needed for purely bosonic simulations. Some particularly promising recent approaches are based on global accept-reject steps and should display a rather favorable dependence of computer time on the system volume.
Regio- and stereoselective trans-silylvinylation of internal alkynes catalyzed by RuHCl(CO)(PCy3)2

We report a novel trans-silylvinylation of internal alkynes catalyzed by RuHCl(CO)(PCy3)2. This method represents a highly regio- and stereoselective synthesis of functionalized dienes by means of an efficient tandem alkyne trans-silylruthenation, followed by an addition to acrylates. The products are further transformed by Pd-catalyzed cross couplings and carbonylations to afford dienes with significantly increased molecular complexity.
Synthesis and evaluation of new 1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane ligands: Implications for the use of diols in the desymmetrization of meso epoxides

Abstract The synthesis and preliminary evaluation of two new chiral 1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane ligands is described. The compounds of interest are readily available in enantiomerically pure form. Chiral organotitanium complexes prepared from these ligands catalyze the ring opening reaction of meso epoxides by TMSN 3 . A key observation suggests that silylation of the ligand competes with catalyst turnover in this application. Implications for the use of diol ligands are discussed.
Size Effects in DAWT Innovative Wind Energy System Design

By means of a case study, we examine the effect of size on the estimated weight and cost of an advanced wind energy conversion system, the diffuser-augmented wind turbine (DAWT) concept. Preliminary designs are described for three DAWT sizes (ratings) in each of three construction approaches: all-aluminum, ferrocement, and a hybrid fiberglass reinforced plastics (FRP) diffuser shell on an aluminum frame. Common design criteria are employed in designs for these three materials. Installed cost estimates are generated by professional industrial estimators. Excluding the foundation, it is concluded that for geometrically similar DAWTs the weight-to-power ratio varies approximately as the rotor diameter to the one third power, over a 4 to 1 change in rotor diameter, 2.7–11 m (9–36 ft). Futhermore, because the total direct production cost of these various DAWT units and designs proves to change by about D1.5 , the cost-to-power ratio is approximately proportional to D−.5 and the cost/weight ratio varies as D−1/6 . Therefore, for the investigated DAWT unit ratings between 5 and 200 kW, the larger units appear increasingly to become more efficient structures with apparently lower specific costs (dollars per kW) for each of three candidate construction approaches.
Simulation study of process latitude for liquid immersion lithography

A simulation package has been developed for predicting the influence of immersion, i.e., the presence of a uniform liquid layer between the last objective lens and the photoresist, on optical projection lithography. This technology has engendered considerable interest in the microlithography community during the past year, as it enables the real part of the index of refraction in the image space, and thus the numerical aperture of the projection system, to be greater than unity. The simulation program described here involves a Maxwell vector solution approach, including polarization effects and arbitrary thin film multilayers. We examine here the improvement in process window afforded by immersion under a variety of conditions, including λ = 193 nm and 157 nm, annular illumination, and the use of alternating phase shift mask technology. Immersion allows printing of dense lines and spaces as small as 45 nm with acceptable process window. We also examine the effect of variations in liquid index on the process window and conclude that the index of the liquid must be known to and maintained within a few parts per million. This has important implications for the temperature control required in future liquid immersion projection systems.
TWO-PHASE BINARY FLUIDS AND IMMISCIBLE FLUIDS DESCRIBED BY AN ORDER PARAMETER

A unified framework for coupled Navier-Stokes/Cahn-Hilliard equations is developed using, as a basis, a balance law for microforces in conjunction with constitutive equations consistent with a mechanical version of the second law. As a numerical application of the theory, we consider the kinetics of coarsening for a binary fluid in two space dimensions.
The impact of urethroplasty on voiding symptoms and sexual function.

Objective To determine the effect of urethroplasty for urethral stricture disease on both voiding symptoms and sexual function through the use of validated patient questionnaires. Methods Pre- and post-operative scores for the American Urological Association Symptom Index (AUASI), Incontinence Symptom Index (ISI), and Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) were obtained and compared for adult male patients undergoing urethroplasty. Score differences were then stratified by age. Relevant clinical and demographic characteristics were also examined. Results Over the 15-year study period, 183 patients underwent 222 urethroplasties. Median age at the time of surgery was 45 years. Urethroplasties were performed for 207 anterior and 15 posterior urethral strictures. The most common approaches were primary anastomotic (36.5%), staged (23.9%), and buccal graft augmented (21.6%). Overall, 63% of men had a clinically meaningful (≥4 point) improvement in AUASI total score and 69% had improvement in their quality of life (QOL) score after urethroplasty. In aggregate, AUASI total scores improved by 7 points ( P P Conclusions As measured by validated questionnaires, patients of all ages can expect a meaningful improvement in bothersome voiding symptoms after urethroplasty for urethral stricture disease, with minimal impact on continence or erectile function.
Novel Tantalum Chalcogenide Halides: The First Ta3 Clusters in the Solid State

To date, no analogous Ta compounds have been reported: Ta{sub 3}X{sub 8}, whose existence is occasionally alluded to in the literature, are still unknown. In an effort to extend the Nb examples to Ta chemistry, synthesis of Ta{sub 3}QX{sub 7} was undertaken. We now report the first results from this work, the synthesis of two new ternary tantalum chalcogenide iodides containing triangular clusters of Ta atoms. Ta{sub 3}SeI{sub 7} and Ta{sub 3}TeI{sub 7} are the first solid-state examples of the well-known trinuclear clustering observed frequently in niobium halide and chalcogenide halide compounds. While the structural analogues reported here may seem to be further examples of the often indistinguishable behavior of these two elements, subtle differences are also suggested by the inevitable presence of side products, the lesser temperature stability range, and the continued absence of any trinuclear clusters of binary halides in the Ta system. 16 refs., 1 fig.
The Last Name Effect: How Last Name Influences Acquisition Timing

In addition to deciding whether to buy an item, consumers can often decide when they buy an item. This article links the speed with which adults acquire items to the first letter of their childhood surname. We find that the later in the alphabet the first letter of one’s childhood surname is, the faster the person acquires items as an adult. We dub this the last name effect, and we propose that it stems from childhood ordering structures that put children with different names in different positions in lines. For example, since those late in the alphabet are typically at the end of lines, they compensate by responding quickly to acquisition opportunities. In addition to responding quicker, we find that those with late alphabet names are more likely to acquire an item when response time is restricted and they find limited time offers more appealing than their early alphabet counterparts.
Interferometer mirrors with holes on-axis

Abstract Placing holes on-axis in the mirrors of an optical interferometer used for a free-electron laser (FEL) oscillator has several desirable effects. For a given amount of power generated at saturation, the peak power density on the mirrors is decreased, thereby ameliorating the problem of mirror damage; the electron beam can be introduced into the cavity in a collinear fashion; and the small-signal gain can be increased. Surprisingly, these holes may be quite large without a significant increase in cavity loss. This is a consequence of the fact that higher-order modes are generated which sum to a null of the field at the position of the holes.
Enantioselective Total Synthesis of (+)-Rogioloxepane A

[reactiojn: see text] The enantioselective synthesis of (+)-rogioloxepane A has been achieved in 21 steps from 1,5-hexadien-3-ol. The key steps in the synthesis are an asymmetric glycolate alkylation leading to the diene 2 and a subsequent ring-closing metathesis to construct the oxepene core.
Functionalization of Cubanes and Homocubanes via Oxidative Displacement of Iodine Using Hypervalent Iodine

Abstract The iodo group in 4-iodo-1-carbomethoxycubane (1) can be replaced by mesyloxy, tosyloxy and chloro by oxidative displacement with C6H5I(OH)OMs, C6H5I(OH)OTs and C6H5ICl2, respectively. Similarly, the iodo group in the homocubyl compound 4-iodo-1-bromopentacyclo[4.3.0.02,5.03,8.04,7]nonane-9-one ethylene acetal (2) was analogously replaced by mesyloxy, tosyloxy and chloro. Possible pathways for these reactions are discussed.
Rigid analytic flatificators

Let K be an algebraically closed field endowed with a complete non-archimedean norm. Let f : Y → X be a map of K-affinoid varieties. We prove that for each point x ∈ X, either f is flat at x, or there exists, at least locally around x, a maximal locally closed analytic subvariety Z ⊂ X containing x, such that the base change f−1(Z)→ Z is flat at x, and, moreover, g−1(Z) has again this property in any point of the fibre of x after base change over an arbitrary map g : X′ → X of affinoid varieties. If we take the local blowing up π : X → X with this centre Z, then the fibre with respect to the strict transform f of f under π, of any point of X lying above x, has grown strictly smaller. Among the corollaries to these results we quote, that flatness in rigid analytic geometry is local in the source; that flatness over a reduced quasi-compact rigid analytic variety can be tested by surjective families; that an inclusion of affinoid domains is flat in a point, if it is unramified in that point.
Nornicotine-organocatalyzed aqueous reduction of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes

Nornicotine, a native component of tobacco and minor nicotinemetabolite, was found to catalyze the chemoselective reduction of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes under homogeneous aqueous conditions.
VERTICAL SCALING OF TYPE I InP HBT WITH FT > 500 GHZ

We have fabricated the high-speed InP/InGaAs-based single heterojunction bipolar transistors (SHBTs) with current gain cutoff frequency, fT from 166GHz to over 500GHz by the approach of vertical scaling. Collector thickness is reduced from 3000A to 750A and the peak current density is increased up to 1300kA/cm2. In this paper, device rf performance has been compared with respect to materials with different vertical dimensions. The scaling limitation is also studied by analytical approach. The extracted physical parameters suggest that the parasitic emitter resistance is the major limit on further enhancing ultra-scaled HBT intrinsic speed due to the associated RECBC delay. The cut-off frequency of a 500A collector SHBT has been measured and the results indicate a dramatic drop on fT, supporting the conclusion projected by model analysis. It is also commented that for deeply downscaled HBTs, impact ionization could be another degrading mechanism limits device bandwidth.
Aiding the operator during novel fault diagnosis

The design and philosophy are presented for an intelligent aid for a human operator who must diagnose a novel fault in a physical system. A novel failure is defined as one that the operator has not experienced in either real system operation or training. Because the fault is novel, the human must reason using causal knowledge. The aid contains unique features that support such reasoning. One of these is a qualitative, component-level model of the physical system. The model can reflect the operator's hypothesis when it is requested. Both the aid and the human are able to reason causally about the system in a cooperative search for a diagnosis. >
Fluid Dynamics of the Circular Porous Slider

A fluid of constant density is forced through the porous bottom of a circular slider which is moving laterally on a flat plane. We assume the radius of the slider is much larger than the gap width between the slider and the plane. The Navier-Stokes equations reduce to a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. These equations are solved by three methods: series expansion for small crossflow Reynolds number R , matched asymptotic expansions for large R , and also exact numerical integration. The approximate solutions are compared with the numerical results, which is also an exact solution of the Navier-Stokes. Lift and drag are calculated. If everything else is held fixed, both lift and drag increase rapidly although at different rates, with decreasing gap width.
Quantum Effects for Electron-Transfer Reactions in the “Inverted Region”

Quantum effects in outer-sphere electron transfer reactions in the inverted region are considered. The results of quantum, “semiclassical”, and classical calculations on model systems are presented. A series of highly exothermic reactions of tris(bipyridyl) complexes involving electronically excited reactants is discussed with regard to the possible importance of quantum effects and of alternate reaction pathways in understanding the failure of the series of reactions to exhibit pronounced “inverted” behavior. Electronically excited products or alternate atom-transfer mechanisms provide possible explanations for the large discrepancy.
Electron‐Withdrawing, Biphenyl‐2,2′‐diol‐Based Compounds for Asymmetric Catalysis

Facile synthetic routes to a chiral chloro-substituted biphenyl-2,2′-diyl hydrogen phosphate and a chiral O,O-biphenyl-2,2′-diyl phosphoramidothioate are described. The performance of these compounds as catalysts for the hydrophosphonylation of imines and the Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indole was investigated. In the latter reaction, the chloro-substituted phosphoric acid derivative was found to rival the best Bronsted acid catalysts reported to date.
Product formulas for volumes of flow polytopes

We outline the construction of a family of polytopes \(\mathcal{P}_{m,n}\), indexed by \(m \in \mathbb{Z}_{\geq 0}\) and \(n \in \mathbb{Z}_{\geq 2}\), whose volumes are given by the product $$\displaystyle{\prod _{i=m+1}^{m+n-2} \frac{1} {2i + 1}{m + n + i\choose 2i}.}$$ The Chan-Robbins-Yuen polytope CRY n , whose volume is \(\prod _{i=1}^{n-2}C_{i}\), coincides with \(\mathcal{P}_{0,n-1}\). Our construction of the polytopes \(\mathcal{P}_{m,n}\) is an application of a systematic method we develop for expressing volumes of a class of flow polytopes as the number of certain triangular arrays. The latter is also the constant term of a formal Laurent series.
B and D semileptonic decays to light mesons

Abstract We present an update of our calculation of the form factors and partial widths of semileptonic heavy-to-light meson decays, in the quenched approximation. Our complete data set has now been analysed and our results include chiral extrapolations and a study of the lattice spacing dependence.
Developing the covariant Batalin-Vilkovisky approach to string theory

Abstract We investigate the variation of the string field action under changes of the string field vertices giving rise to different decompositions of the moduli spaces of Riemann surfaces. We establish that any such change in the string action arises from a field transformation canonical with respect to the Batalin-Vilkovisky (BV) antibracket and find the explicit form of the generator of the infinitesimal transformations. Two theories using different decompositions of moduli space are shown to yield the same gauge-fixed action upon use of different gauge-fixing conditions. We also elaborate on recent work on the covariant BV formalism, and emphasize the necessity of a measure in the space of two-dimensional field theories in order to extend a recent analysis of background independence to quantum string field theory.
Interaction Dynamics Between a Flexible Rotor and an Auxiliary Clearance Bearing

This study investigates the application of synchronous interaction dynamics methodology to the design of auxiliary bearing systems. The technique is applied to a flexible rotor system and comparisons are made between the behavior predicted by this analysis method and the observed simulation response characteristics. Of particular interest is the influence of coupled shaft/bearing vibration modes on rotordynamical behavior. Experimental studies are also perFormed to validate the simulation results and provide insight into the expected behavior of such a system.
Automorphic forms, fake monster algebras and hyperbolic reflection groups

Abstract We construct two families of automorphic forms related to twisted fake monster algebras and calculate their Fourier expansions. This gives a new proof of their denominator identities and shows that they define automorphic forms of singular weight. We also obtain new infinite product identities which are the denominator identities of generalized Kac–Moody superalgebras. Finally we describe the reflection groups of the root lattices of these algebras.
Exact coherent structures and dynamics of cardiac tissue

High dimensional spatiotemporal chaos underpins the dynamics associated with life threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Our research seeks to suppress arrhythmias and restore normal heart rhythms by using low-energy transfers between recurrent unstable solutions embedded within the chaotic dynamics of cardiac tissue. We describe the search for these unstable solutions in nonlinear reaction diffusion models of cardiac tissue and discuss recent efforts to reduce local symmetries that emerge as a result of spiral wave interactions.
A fast algorithm for extrapolation of discrete-time periodic band-limited signals

Abstract We present a fast algorithm for exact extrapolation of a discrete-time and periodic band-limited signal from its values in an interval having the same length as the band-width of the signal. Here band-width is the number of non-zero values in one period of the discrete Fourier transform of the signal. Applications to problems in which the number of given values is unequal to the band-width are also given. The procedure is a simple autoregression on the time-domain values of the signal, and is much simpler than previous algorithms for discrete-discrete extrapolation, which required computation of a large pseudo-inverse. The procedure is highly parallelizable, and the computational savings are especially significant for multidimensional signal extrapolation. Numerical examples for 1-D and 2-D extrapolation demonstrate (1) that the procedure works perfectly in the absence of noise, and (2) that it works well in the presence of band-limited noise. In the presence of wide-band noise the procedure breaks down, due to ill-posedness of the problem; some regularization techniques are proposed.
Narrow Lines in Type II Supernovae: Probing the Circumstellar Nebulae of the Progenitors

We have carried out a high-dispersion (R ~ 30,000) echelle spectroscopic survey of 16 Type II supernovae (SNe) to search for narrow emission lines from circumstellar nebulae ejected by their massive progenitors. Circumstellar nebulae, if detected, provide invaluable opportunities to probe SN progenitors. Of the 16 SNe observed, SN ejecta are clearly detected in four SNe and possibly in another two SNe, interstellar gas is detected in 12 SNe, and circumstellar material is detected only in SN 1978K and SN 1998S. In the case of SN 1978K, we are able to place an upper limit of ~2.2 pc for the size of the circumstellar ejecta nebula and note that this is more consistent with the typical sizes observed for ejecta nebulae around luminous blue variables, rather than Wolf-Rayet stars. In the case of SN 1998S, our observations of the narrow lines ~1 yr after the SN explosion show variations compared to early epochs. The nebular lines we observe from SN 1998S either originate from the low-density outer region of a circumstellar nebula or have become dominated by an interstellar component.
Memory efficient error diffusion

Li and Allebach recently proposed parameter-trainable tone dependent error diffusion (TDED) which yields outstanding halftone quality among error diffusion based algorithms. In TDED, the tone dependent weights and thresholds as well as a halftone bitmap for threshold modulation are implemented as look-up tables (LUTs) which consume on-chip memory. In addition, the diffused errors must be buffered in on-chip memory and in most cases, transferred to off-chip memory. However, off-chip memory access considerably deteriorates system performance. In this paper, we propose two approaches to improve memory efficiency. First, we use deterministic bit flipping to replace threshold modulation, and linearize the weights and thresholds of TDED. This reduces the memory requirement by using only a few constants, rather than full LUTs, and generates halftones whose quality is nearly indistinguishable from that of standard TDED. Secondly, we propose a block-based processing strategy which significantly reduces off-chip memory access. We devise a novel scan-path which enables our algorithm to process any input image block-by-block without yielding block-boundary artifacts. Special filters are designed and optimized for the block diagonals so that the resulting halftone quality is comparable to that of standard TDED.
Shape‐Controlled Ceria‐based Nanostructures for Catalysis Applications

Among oxide catalysts, ceria is a technologically important material because of its wide applications as a promoter in three-way catalysts for the elimination of toxic exhaust gases, low-temperature water-gas-shift reaction, oxygen sensors, oxygen permeation membrane systems, and fuel cells. The catalytic activities of cerium oxide are highly dependent on interfacial structures and nanocrystal morphologies. This Minireview highlights the recent progress in the research of ceria nanoshapes as both catalysts and catalyst supports, including the synthesis, structure characterization, catalytic properties, surface chemistry, as well as reaction mechanisms. Insights from in situ spectroscopy study and theoretical modeling of nanostructured ceria-based materials have shed light on the origin of the ceria shape effect. It is suggested that the surface structure of ceria controls the catalytic activity and selectivity through structure-dependent surface-site geometry, surface vacancy formation energy, defect sites, and coordinatively unsaturated sites on ceria. The morphology-dependent catalysis in ceria has offered a new strategy to finely tune the catalytic activity and selectivity through shape control without altering the catalyst composition. A brief summary and an outlook on this research field will be presented at the end.
Nanoscale heat transfer – from computation to experiment

Heat transfer can differ distinctly at the nanoscale from that at the macroscale. Recent advancement in computational and experimental techniques has enabled a large number of interesting observations and understanding of heat transfer processes at the nanoscale. In this review, we will first discuss recent advances in computational and experimental methods used in nanoscale thermal transport studies, followed by reviews of novel thermal transport phenomena at the nanoscale observed in both computational and experimental studies, and discussion on current understanding of these novel phenomena. Our perspectives on challenges and opportunities on computational and experimental methods are also presented.
Structure, conductivity and Raman spectrum of 4,7,13,16-tetraoxa-1,10-dithiacyclooctadecanebis(diiodine)

Abstract The preparation, X-ray structure, Raman spectrum and conductivity of 4,7,13,16-tetraoxa-1,10-dithiacyclooctadecanebis(diiodine) (2(C12H24O4S2)·5I2) are described. The title compound crystallizes in space group P 1 (No. 2) with a=12.467(8), b=14.097(7), c=15.662(9) A; α=75.53(4), β=75.94(5), γ=70.01(4)° and Z=2; R=0.043 for 5899 reflections. The I2 units form a neutral polyhalogen network anchored at sulfurs. The Raman spectrum at 100 K shows one peak at 164 cm−1 assigned to the symmetric stretching mode of I2. This compound has low electrical conductivity, which is attributed to the lack of continuous polyiodide chains in the structure.
Alcohol, palatability, and taste reactivity

The taste reactivity procedure provides a valuable tool for examining issues of palatability of alcohol solutions for rats. Given that alcohol is normally introduced to the internal milieu orally, taste factors must play an important role in the animal's decision to ingest or reject. Extensive studies of rats' reactivity to alcohol solutions have revealed several important variables that appear to affect palatability: solution concentration, alcohol experience, and postingestive consequences. In a recent selective breeding project, it has been found that taste reactivity to alcohol has a high heritability in rats. High ingestive responding and low ingestive responding rats were selected and bred to produce two lines. In the first selected generation, calculation of the realized heritability was 0.43; the cumulative realized heritability using the data from the second selected generation was 0.68. The introduction of the taste reactivity paradigm to the field of behavioral genetics may provide important information for the study of genetics, chemical senses, and alcohol consumption.
Superperverse intersection cohomology: stratification (in)dependence

Within its traditional range of perversity parameters, intersection cohomology is a topological invariant of pseudomanifolds. This is no longer true once one allows superperversities, perversities with . In this case, intersection cohomology may depend on the choice of the stratification by which it is defined. Topological invariance also does not hold if one allows stratifications with codimension one strata. Nonetheless, both errant situations arise in important situations, the former in the Cappell-Shaneson superduality theorem and the latter in any discussion of pseudomanifold bordism. We show that while full invariance of intersection cohomology under restratification does not hold in this generality, it does hold up to restratifications that fix the the top stratum.
VENUS: DETERMINATION OF ATMOSPHERIC PARAMETERS FROM THE MICROWAVE SPECTRUM

The microwave spectrum of Venus is compared with the structure and composition of the Venus atmosphere as determined by Veneras 4, 5, and 6 and Mariner V. The results are consistent with a radar radius of 6049.5 ± 3 km, surface pressures of 95 ± 20 atm, and a surface temperature of 770 ±25 K, as well as a water vapor volume mixing ratio of 0.65 ±0.35%.
Self-pumped, continuous-wave phase conjugator using internal reflection

Continuous-wave phase conjugation of an image-bearing beam is demonstrated using a single-domain crystal of BaTiO(3) and nothing else. The device operates by four-wave mixing using the photorefractive effect but without any external pumping beams or external mirrors. The customary pumping beams are derived from the incident beam and are internally reflected inside the crystal adjacent to an edge. The device is self-starting and has a phase-conjugate reflectivity of 30%. Imaging applications are discussed.
Multivariate detrending under common trend restrictions: Implications for business cycle research

Abstract This paper outlines a methodology to detrend multiple time series under common trend restrictions. The same filters used to construct the estimated trend in univariate exercises are shown to be appropriate in multivariate studies with a single common trend. However, to estimate the common trend in the multivariate case, the filter is applied to a linear combination of series rather than to each series individually. An empirical example and simulation exercises illustrate the implications of common trend detrending for measurement of business cycle properties.
Absolute Galois Acts Faithfully on the Components of the Moduli Space of Surfaces: A Belyi-Type Theorem in Higher Dimension

Given an object over Q, there is often no reason for invariants of the corresponding holomorphic object to be preserved by the absolute Galois group Gal(Q/Q), and in general this is not true, although it is sometimes surprising to observe in practice. The case of covers of the projective line branched only over the points 0, 1, and ∞, through Belyi’s theorem, leads to Grothendieck’s dessins d’enfants program for understanding the absolute Galois group through its faithful action on such covers. This note is motivated by Catanese’s question about a higher-dimensional analogue: does the absolute Galois group act faithfully on the deformation equivalence classes of smooth surfaces? (These equivalence classes are of course by definition the strongest deformation invariants.) We give a short proof of a weaker result: the absolute Galois group acts faithfully on the irreducible components of the moduli space of smooth surfaces (of general type, canonically polarized). Bauer, Catanese, and Grunewald have recently answered Catanese’s original question using a different construction (using surfaces isogenous to a product) [BCG3].
The alloying effects of tantalum on the microstructure of an α2+γ titanium aluminide

Abstract Atom probe field ion microscopy has been used to investigate the alloying effects of tantalum in a hot extruded two-phase (α 2 +γ) Ti-47 at.% Al-2% Cr-1% Nb-0.80% Ta-0.20% W-0.15% B alloy in both stress-relieved (2 h at 900°C) and aged (2160 h at 800°C) conditions. Slightly over half of the tantalum additions were found to be in solution in the main matrix phases. The concentration of tantalum in the aged alloy was determined to be 0.43±0.14% Ta and 0.47±0.04% Ta in the α 2 and γ phases, respectively, indicating that tantalum does not partition strongly to either phase. The presence of tantalum does not reduce the strong oxygen partitioning to the α 2 phase, or modify the low boron concentrations measured in the α 2 and γ phases. However, the addition of tantalum does appear to change the most prevalent boride phase from MB 2 to MB and possibly to increase the rate at which near-equilibrium levels of Al and Ti are achieved in the α 2 and γ phases. In addition, tantalum appears be responsible for the precipitation of a Ti(Cr, Al) 2 phase which contains significant amounts of Ti, Al, Cr, Ta and W.
Total synthesis of (-)-scabronine G, an inducer of neurotrophic factor production.

The total synthesis of (−)-scabronine G has been achieved in a concise manner from the (−)-Wieland−Miescher ketone. Scabronine G and its more potent methyl ester (also prepared) display activity as nonpeptidyl inducers of nerve growth factor production.
Reducing Environmentally Induced Defects While Maintaining Productivity

In semiconductor manufacturing, we expect the cause of defects to be process or tool related. However, at the 90 nm technology node and beyond we find that defects can be caused by issues related to the wafers' environment, such as processing of other wafers in the same tool or in the same carrier, or by seemingly innocuous actions. We pay special attention to the role of the mini-environment, which is deemed essential to achieving low particle counts for advanced technology nodes. We show defects that are caused by the environment, and some which are specifically related to the use of the mini-environment. We discuss several ways to reduce the sensitivity to environmental factors. Process and tool changes are found that eliminate yield detractors. We also present a workaround that has helped reduce the impact of queue time restrictions on cycle time.
Constraints on physical properties of z ∼ 6 galaxies using cosmological hydrodynamic simulations

We conduct a detailed comparison of broad-band spectral energy distributions of six z ≥ 5.5 galaxies against galaxies drawn from cosmological hydrodynamic simulations. We employ a new tool called sPoc (Simulated photometry-derived observational constraints), which constrains the physical properties of observed galaxies through a Bayesian likelihood comparison with model galaxies. We first show that sPoc self-consistently recovers the physical properties of a test sample of high-redshift galaxies drawn from our simulations, although dust extinction can yield systematic uncertainties at the ≈50 per cent level. We then use SPOC to test whether our simulations can reproduce the observed photometry of six z > 5.5 galaxies drawn from the literature. We compare physical properties derived from simulated star formation histories (SFHs) versus assuming simple models such as constant, exponentially decaying and constantly rising. For five objects, our simulated galaxies match the observations at least as well as simple SFH models, with similar favoured values obtained for the intrinsic physical parameters such as stellar mass and star formation rate, but with substantially smaller uncertainties. Our results are broadly insensitive to simulation choices for galactic outflows and dust reddening. Hence the existence of early galaxies as observed is broadly consistent with current hierarchical structure formation models. However, one of the six objects has photometry that is best fitted by a bursty SFH unlike anything produced in our simulations, driven primarily by a high K-band flux. These findings illustrate how SPOC provides a robust tool for optimally utilizing hydrodynamic simulations (or any model that predicts galaxy SFHs) to constrain the physical properties of individual galaxies having only photometric data, as well as identify objects that challenge current models.
BRIGHTNESS AND COHERENCE OF SYNCHROTRON RADIATION AND HIGH GAIN FREE ELECTRON LASERS

Abstract We review the characteristics of synchrotron radiation with particular attention to its phase-space properties and coherence. We also discuss the transition of the simple undulator radiation to more intense, more coherent high-gain free electron lasers.
Zr-Catalyzed Kinetic Resolution of Allylic Ethers and Mo-Catalyzed Chromene Formation in Synthesis. Enantioselective Total Synthesis of the Antihypertensive Agent (S,R,R,R)-Nebivolol

The first enantioselective total synthesis of the antihypertensive agent (S,R,R,R)-nebivolol (3) is described. The synthesis includes the efficient (EBTHI)Zr-catalyzed kinetic resolutions of cycloheptenyl styrenyl ethers 8 and 16, which are subsequently treated with 4 mol % Mo(CHCMe2Ph)(N(2,6-(i-Pr)2C6H3))(OCMe(CF3)2)2 to afford chiral nonracemic 2-substituted chromenes (R,R)-9 and (S,R)-17. Since the present retrosynthetic analysis dissects the molecule into two chromene fragments, both the (R) and (S) antipodes of (EBTHI)Zr catalyst are required. Accordingly, Buchwald's efficient resolution process is used to resolve rac-(EBTHI)ZrCl2 (from catalytic hydrogenation of commercially available rac-(EBI)ZrCl2), such that the two requisite transition metal chiral catalysts are obtained by a single process. Other noteworthy features of the synthesis include a highly efficient, regio- and stereoselective Pd-catalyzed opening of cyclic allylic epoxide 7 with diaryloxystannane 15 and a photochemical modification o...
Field-emission arrays — a potentially bright source

Abstract Field-emission arrays are potentially a compact and bright electron source. Unlike a laser photocathode, external laser systems are not required. It is possible to have spatial control of the cathode emission. Temporal modulation up to GHz may be possible. We estimate the emittance and brightness based on a reasonable FEA design. Since the FEAs are at an early stage of development for accelerator applications, many technical problems need to be addressed before they can become useful cathodes.
Effects of helium phase separation on the evolution of extrasolar giant planets

We build on recent new evolutionary models of Jupiter and Saturn and here extend our calculations to investigate the evolution of extrasolar giant planets of mass 0.15MJ-3.0MJ. Our inhomogeneous thermal history models show that the possible phase separation of helium from liquid metallic hydrogen in the deep interiors of these planets can lead to luminosities ~2 times greater than have been predicted by homogeneous models. For our chosen phase diagram this phase separation will begin to affect the planets' evolution at ~700 Myr for a 0.15MJ object and ~10 Gyr for a 3.0MJ object. We show how phase separation affects the luminosity, effective temperature, radii, and atmospheric helium mass fraction as a function of age for planets of various masses, with and without heavy element cores, and with and without the effect of modest stellar irradiation. This phase separation process will likely not affect giant planets within a few AU of their parent star, as these planets cool to their equilibrium temperatures, determined by stellar heating, before the onset of phase separation. We discuss the detectability of these objects and the likelihood that the energy provided by helium phase separation can change the timescales for formation and settling of ammonia clouds by several gigayears. We discuss how correctly incorporating stellar irradiation into giant planet atmosphere and albedo modeling may lead to a consistent evolutionary history for Jupiter and Saturn.
An investigation of the tensile deformation and failure of an epoxy/Cu interface using coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations

In this study, a coarse-grained model is developed to describe the interatomic interactions between a cross-linked epoxy and a copper substrate. Based on this model, the tensile deformation and failure of an epoxy/Cu bimaterial is studied. Attention is given to the microstructural evolution near the epoxy/Cu interface, and its effects on the overall stress-strain behavior of the bimaterial. It is found that, under uniaxial strain, plastic deformation in the epoxy/Cu bimaterial is localized to a thin layer of epoxy next to the epoxy/Cu interface. This discovery enables the definition of an interfacial zone. Consequently, a macroscopic cohesive zone model can be constructed at the continuum level where the separation of the interface is given by the stretching of the interfacial zone in its thickness direction.