cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phase Diagram of a Generalized ABC Model on the Interval

We study the equilibrium phase diagram of a generalized ABC model on an interval of the one-dimensional lattice: each site i=1,…,N is occupied by a particle of type α=A,B,C, with the average density of each particle species Nα/N=rα fixed. These particles interact via a mean field nonreflection-symmetric pair interaction. The interaction need not be invariant under cyclic permutation of the particle species as in the standard ABC model studied earlier. We prove in some cases and conjecture in others that the scaled infinite system N→∞, i/N→x∈[0,1] has a unique density profile ρα(x) except for some special values of the rα for which the system undergoes a second order phase transition from a uniform to a nonuniform periodic profile at a critical temperature \(T_{c}=3\sqrt{r_{A} r_{B} r_{C}}/2\pi\).
Bengazoles C−G from the Sponge Jaspis sp. Synthesis of the Side Chain and Determination of Absolute Configuration†

Five new antifungal bengazoles (C-G) were isolated and fully characterized from a marine sponge of the genus Jaspis sp. Bengazoles C-G, together with the known bengazoles A and B, comprise a homologous series of n, iso, and anteiso fatty acid esters (C(13)-C(16)) of the same heterocyclic bis(oxazolyl)methanol parent. The complete relative and absolute configurations of the bengazoles were determined by application of the modified Mosher method and interpretation of exciton coupling in the CD spectra of the tetra-p-bromobenzoate derivatives of bengazole A and that of a model tetrol synthesized in seven steps from L-fucose.
Hope and deception.

Convinced of hope’s therapeutic benefits, physicians routinely support patients’ false hopes, often with family collusion and vague, euphemistic diagnoses and prognoses, if not overt lies. Bioethicists charge them with paternalistic violations of Patient Autonomy. There are, I think, too many morally significant exceptions to accept the physician’s rationales or the bioethicist’s criticisms, stated sweepingly. Physicians need to take account of the harms caused by loss of hopes, especially false hopes due to deception, as well, as of the harms of successfully maintained deceptive hopes. As for autonomy, hopes – even if based on deception – can protect and enhance autonomy, understood broadly as the capacity to lead a chosen or embraced life. Deception aside, patients’ hopes often rest on beliefs about possible rather than probable outcomes – beliefs themselves supported by optimism, ‘denial’, or self-deception. Such ‘possibility-hopes’ may conflict with physicians’ often more fact-sensitive ‘probability-hopes.’ To resolve such conflicts physicians may try to ‘down-shift’ patients’ or parents’ hopes to lesser, more realistic hopes. Alternatively, physicians may alter or enlarge their own professional hopes to include the ‘vital hopes’ that define the lives of patients or parents, as well as ‘survival hopes’ needed to face and bear the loss of loved ones, especially children. A principle of Hope-giving might help guide such sympathetic hope-accommodations. More generally, it would give Hope a distinct place among Beneficence, Autonomy, and the other moral factors already high-lighted by canonical principles of Medical Ethics. To formulate such a principle, however, we will need a collective Project Hope to pursue deeper philosophical and psychological studies.
Direct Distance Measurements to Superluminal Radio Sources

We present a new technique for directly measuring the distances to superluminal radio sources. By comparing the observed proper motions of components in a parsec-scale radio jet to their measured Doppler factors, we can deduce the distance to the radio source independent of the standard rungs in the cosmological distance ladder. This technique requires that the jet angle to the line of sight and the ratio of pattern to flow velocity are sufficiently constrained. We evaluate a number of possibilities for constraining these parameters and demonstrate the technique on a well-defined component in the parsec-scale jet of the quasar 3C 279 (z = 0.536). We find an angular size distance to 3C 279 of greater than 1.8η1/8 Gpc, where η is the ratio of the energy density in the magnetic field to the energy density in the radiating particles in that jet component. For an Einstein-de Sitter universe, this measurement would constrain the Hubble constant to be H0 65η-1/8 km s-1 Mpc-1 at the 2 σ level. Similar measurements of higher redshift sources may help discriminate between cosmological models.
Facile synthesis of N-aryl pyrroles via Cu(II)-mediated cross coupling of electron deficient pyrroles and arylboronic acids.

N-Arylation of electron-deficient pyrroles has been achieved by cross-coupling with arylboronic acids at room temperature in the presence of stoichiometric amounts of copper(II) acetate. The generality of this reaction has been established with variously substituted pyrroles as well as boronic acids. A key intermediate in the synthesis of a matrix metalloprotease inhibitor has been acheived using this methodology.
Cyano Diels−Alder and Cyano Ene Reactions. Applications in a Formal [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloaddition Strategy for the Synthesis of Pyridines

Two metal-free, formal [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition strategies for the construction of polycyclic pyridine derivatives are described that proceed via pericyclic cascade mechanisms featuring the participation of unactivated cyano groups as enophile and dienophile cycloaddition partners.
An Efficient and General Approach to β-Functionalized Ketones

The oxidation of selected anions (N3-, SCN-, I-, and Br-) by ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) in the presence of substituted cyclopropyl alcohols provides a novel approach to β-functionalized ketones. The protocol has a number of advantages including short reaction times, ease of reagent handling, and mild, neutral reaction conditions. Overall, this method provides an alternative pathway to important starting materials and intermediates in organic synthesis.
On dual 3-brane actions with partially broken N = 2 supersymmetry

Abstract The N = 1 superspace generalization of the 3-brane action in six dimensions with partially broken N = 2 supersymmetry can be constructed using N = 1 chiral, complex linear, or real linear superfields. The physical scalars of these multiplets give equivalent descriptions of the two transverse coordinates. The second supersymmetry is realized non-linearly in all these actions. We derive the superspace brane actions and their non-linear supersymmetry for both kinds of linear superfields when we break N = 2 supersymmetry spontaneously. This breaking is realized in the free action of hypermultiplets that live in N = 2 projective superspace by constraining the N = 2 multiplets to reduce them to a pure Goldstone multiplet. For the chiral superfield, the superspace brane action and non-linear supersymmetry can be deduced by dualizing the brane action of either linear superfield. We find that the dual action is unique up to field redefinitions that introduce arbitrariness in the dependence on the auxiliary fields.
Ultrasonic evidence for structural relaxation in large unilamellar liposomes.

Abstract The ultrasonic absorption of large unilamellar vesicles (average diameter 0.2 μm) was determined in the frequency range 0.5–5 MHz. The liposomes were composed of a 4:1 mixture by weight of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine and dipalmitoyl phosphatidylglycerol. They were studied with and without cholesterol or gramicidin incorporated into the bilayer. A large increase in absorption occurs at the solid to liquid-crystalline phase transition temperature (42°C) of the pure lipid vesicles. This increase in absorption is interpreted as a structural relaxation of the ‘melting’ fatty acid chains occurring with an average relaxation time of 76 ns. The liposomes were also found to be extremely permeable near the transition temperature. Essentially complete release of cytosine arabinoside, a small water-soluble molecule, occurred at 42°C. Addition of cholesterol or gramicidin to the bilayer of the liposomes broadened the ultrasonic absorption and reduced the efflux of cytosine arabinoside at the phase transition. No increase in absorption was observed at the transition temperature in the presence of 50 mol% of cholesterol. Gramicidin, in addition to broadening the transition, slows the isomerization of bonds in the hydrocarbon chains of the lipids. A concentration of 5 mol% gramicidin increased the average relaxation time to 211 ns.
Decarboxylation kinetics for the carbonatotris(pyridine)cobalt(III) ion in perchloric acid solutions

Abstract The kinetics of the decomposition reactions of the CO(py)3(CO3)(H2O)+ ion have been investigated in aqueous perchloric acid solutions over a range of hydrogen ion concentrations (0.10 to 5.0 M) and at two ionic strengths (I = 1.0 and 5.0 M). At the lower ionic strength, plots of ln (At–A∞ versus time show a nonlinearity that is consistent with that expected for consecutive first-order reactions. The rates of the faster reaction are similar to those reported for the spontaneous reduction of aquopyridine-cobalt(III) cations. At the higher ionic strength, the above noted curvature is not apparent and the decarboxylation kinetics of the title complex may be described by a pseudo-first-order rate constant: kobs = k[H3O+]. At 20°C, k = (1.75−+0.09) s−1 M−1 with activation parameters ofΔH‡ = (97 −+ 4) kJ mol−1 and ΔS‡ = −(54 −+ 32) J deg−1 mol−1. These kinetic parameters are compared with those previously reported for the similar complexes, Co(py)4CO3+ and Co(py)2(CO3)(H2O)2+.
The Positive Economics of Methodology

Abstract Does an observation that is consistent with a theory constitute stronger evidence for that theory if it was made after the theory was proposed rather than before (when the observation might have influenced the theory's formation)? How and why might the research strategy of theorizing prior to observation affect the conditional probability that the theory is true? Is there a socially optimal set of research strategies and on what does it depend? In a world of asymmetric information, what incentive structure can induce that social optimum? This paper answers these questions in a simple, stylized model that provides a starting point for a rigorous economic model of scientific method. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Number: A10.
PROBING RELATIVITY USING SPACE-BASED EXPERIMENTS

An overview of space tests searching for small deviations from special relativity arising at the Planck scale is given. Potential high-sensitivity space-based experiments include ones with atomic clocks, masers, and electromagnetic cavities. We show that a significant portion of the coefficient space in the Standard Model extension, a framework that covers the full spectrum of possible effects, can be accessed using space tests. Some remarks on Lorentz violation in the gravitational sector are also given.
Can the United States Compete with Dairy Exporting Nations

Abstract The position of the United States dairy industry under a more liberal import policy is evaluated. The breakeven prices for major dairy products that cover milk costs, assembly of milk to plants, manufacturing, exports, and transportation to the United States were computed for several potential supply areas to the United States. Results show that the United States can compete price-wise for the United States market with all countries except New Zealand and Australia. However, the potential supply from New Zealand and Australia is small relative to world production and is not sufficient to drive world prices to their low production costs in the long run. If worldwide trade barriers for dairy products were reduced or eliminated, prices and, therefore, milk production likely would decline in Canada, the United States, and Europe. Consumption would rise. These decreases in production and increases in consumption quickly would absorb much of the potential growth in milk production in New Zealand and Australia. Imports into the United States would increase about 1.58million metric tons or about 1% of the domestic production of the United States.
Do dropouts suffer from dropping out? Estimation and prediction of outcome gains in generalized selection models

In this paper we describe methods for predicting distributions of outcome gains in the framework of a latent variable selection model. We describe such procedures for Student-t selection models and a finite mixture of Gaussian selection models. Importantly, our algorithms for fitting these models are simple to implement in practice, and also permit learning to take place about the non-identified cross-regime correlation parameter. Using data from High School and Beyond, we apply our methods to determine the impact of dropping out of high school on a math test score taken at the senior year of high school. Our results show that selection bias is an important feature of this data, that our beliefs about this non-identified correlation are updated from the data, and that generalized models of selectivity offer an improvement over the ‘textbook’ Gaussian model. Further, our results indicate that on average dropping out of high school has a large negative impact on senior-year test scores. However, for those individuals who actually drop out of high school, the act of dropping out of high school does not have a significantly negative impact on test scores. This suggests that policies aimed at keeping students in school may not be as beneficial as first thought, since those individuals who must be induced to stay in school are not the ones who benefit significantly (in terms of test scores) from staying in school. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultralow-loss silicon ring resonators

We experimentally demonstrate silicon ring resonators with internal quality factors of Q 0 =2.2×107, corresponding to record 2.7-dB/m losses. We show that the losses are bend-loss-limited, indicating that the loss limit for silicon has not been reached.
Classification and Review of Control Strategies for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles

To reduce fuel consumption and emissions in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), it is equally important to select an appropriate drive train topology as it is to develop a suitable power flow control strategy. While there are many control strategies that have been developed and presented, most are expansions of hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) control strategies and do not maximize the true potential the PHEV offers as a result of its ability to operate in electric-only mode over a significant distance. In this paper, state-of-the-art control strategies are reviewed and classified in detail. PHEV controllers mostly operate on either a rule-based or an optimization-based algorithm, each having its own advantages and disadvantages. An overview of the controllers is given, and an analysis on which strategy is more suitable to maximize PHEV performance in different drive cycle conditions is provided. Finally, a new classification for PHEV control strategies based on the operation of the vehicle is presented and verified through simulation results.
Galaxy clusters in the IRAC Dark Field. I. Growth of the Red Sequence

Using three newly identified galaxy clusters at z ~ 1 (photometric redshift) we measure the evolution of the galaxies within clusters from high redshift to the present day by studying the growth of the red cluster sequence. The clusters are located in the Spitzer Infrared Array Camera (IRAC)Dark Field, an extremely deep mid-infrared survey near the north ecliptic pole with photometry in 18 total bands from X-ray through far-IR. Two of the candidate clusters are additionally detected as extended emission in matching Chandra data in the survey area, allowing us to measure their masses to be M_(500) = (6.2 ± 1.0) x 10^(13) and (3.6 ± 1.1) x 10^(13)M_☉. For all three clusters we create a composite color-magnitude diagram in rest-frame B - K using our deep HST and Spitzer imaging. By comparing the fraction of low-luminosity member galaxies on the composite red sequence with the corresponding population in local clusters at z = 0.1 taken from COSMOS, we examine the effect of a galaxy’s mass on its evolution.We find a deficit of faint galaxies on the red sequence in our z ~ 1 clusters, which implies that more massive galaxies have evolved in clusters faster than less massive galaxies, and that the less massive galaxies are still forming stars in clusters such that they have not yet settled onto the red sequence.
EXTREMELY METAL-POOR STARS IN THE MILKY WAY: A SECOND GENERATION FORMED AFTER REIONIZATION

Cosmological simulations of Population III star formation suggest an initial mass function (IMF) biased toward very massive stars (M {approx}> 100 M{sub sun}) formed in minihalos at redshift z {approx}> 20, when the cooling is driven by molecular hydrogen. However, this result conflicts with observations of extremely metal-poor (EMP) stars in the Milky Way (MW) halo, whose r-process elemental abundances appear to be incompatible with those expected from very massive Population III progenitors. We propose a new solution to the problem in which the IMF of second-generation stars formed at z {approx}> 10, before reionization, is deficient in sub-solar mass stars, owing to the high cosmic microwave background temperature floor. The observed EMP stars are formed preferentially at z {approx} 10{sup -3.5} Z{sub sun} by winds from Population II stars. Our cosmological simulations of dark matter halos like the MW show that current samples of EMP stars can only constrain the IMF of late-time Population III stars, formed at z {approx}< 13 in halos with virial temperature T{sub vir} {approx} 10{sup 4} K. This suggests that pair instability supernovae were not produced primarily by this population. To begin probing themore » IMF of Population III stars formed at higher redshift will require a large survey, with at least 500 and probably several thousand EMP stars of metallicities Z {approx} 10{sup -3.5} Z{sub sun}.« less
Computers of the future

This paper considers the advances required in many related technologies to revolutionize the construction and use of digital data processing systems. In the following discussion we are particularly concerned with the radical change in fabrication technology and wish to analyze the effect that this change will have on our methods of computer design and specification.
Hartree-Fock calculations with a density-dependent interaction☆

Abstract A simple, density-dependent, effective two-nucleon interaction is used in the calculation of finite nuclei by Hartree-Fock approximation. Results are obtained for the binding energy, density, and single-particle levels of 12 C, 16 O, 28 Si and 40 Ca.
Remarks on smooth feedback stabilization of nonlinear systems

Abstract We investigate the problem of smooth feedback stabilization of nonlinear systems with stable uncontrolled dynamics. We present sufficient conditions for the existence of a smooth feedback stabilizing control that are also necessary in the case of linear systems. Analogous results are established for discrete time systems.
Breathing mode compactifications and supersymmetry of the brane-world

Abstract It has recently been shown that the Randall–Sundrum brane-world may be obtained from an appropriate doubled D3-brane configuration in type IIB theory. This corresponds, in five dimensions, to a sphere compactification of the original IIB theory with a non-trivial breathing mode supporting the brane. In this paper, we shall study the supersymmetry of this reduction to massive five-dimensional supergravity, and derive the effective supersymmetry transformations for the fermionic superpartners to the breathing mode. We also consider the sphere compactifications of eleven-dimensional supergravity to both four and seven dimensions. For the compactifications on S 5 and S 7 , we include a squashing mode scalar and discuss the truncation from N =8 to N =2 supersymmetry.
The Selective Reaction of Aryl Halides with KOH: Synthesis of Phenols, Aromatic Ethers, and Benzofurans

The direct and selective synthesis of phenols from aryl/heteroaryl halides and KOH has been achieved through the use of highly active monophosphine-based catalysts derived from Pd(2)dba(3) and ligands L1 or L2 and the biphasic solvent system 1,4-dioxane/H(2)O. We have also demonstrated a one-pot method of phenol formation/alkylation for the preparation of alkyl aryl ethers from aryl halides. In many instances, this protocol overcomes limitations in existing Pd-catalyzed coupling reactions of aliphatic alcohols with aryl halides. Finally, we demonstrate that substituted benzofurans can be prepared efficiently via a Pd-catalyzed phenol formation/cyclization protocol starting from 2-chloroaryl alkynes.
Circulating Levels of the Innate and Humoral Immune Regulators CD14 and CD23 are Associated with Adult Glioma

Allergy history has been consistently inversely associated with glioma risk. Two serologic markers, soluble CD23 (sCD23) and soluble CD14 (sCD14), are part of the innate and adaptive humoral immune systems and modulate allergic responses in opposite directions, with sCD23 enhancing and sCD14 blunting inflammatory responses. We measured sCD23 and sCD14 in serum from blood that was drawn at a single time point from 1079 glioma patients post diagnosis and 736 healthy controls. Glioma was strongly associated with high sCD14 (highest vs. lowest quartile OR = 3.94 (95% CI: 2.98-5.21) and low sCD23 (lowest vs. highest quartile OR=2.5 (95% CI: 1.89-3.23)). Results were consistent across glioma histologic types and grades, but were strongest for glioblastoma. While temozolomide treatment was not associated with either sCD14 or sCD23 levels among cases, those taking dexamethasone had somewhat lower sCD23 levels than those not taking dexamethasone. However, sCD23 was associated with case status regardless of dexamethasone treatment. These results augment the long observed association between allergies and glioma and support a role for the innate and adaptive humoral functions of the immune system, and in particular immunoregulatory proteins, in gliomagenesis.
Hard Problems of Algebraic Geometry Codes

The minimum distance is one of the most important combinatorial characterizations of a code. The maximum-likelihood decoding problem is one of the most important algorithmic problems of a code. While these problems are known to be hard for general linear codes, the techniques used to prove their hardness often rely on the construction of artificial codes. In general, much less is known about the hardness of the specific classes of natural linear codes. In this correspondence, we show that both problems are NP-hard for algebraic geometry codes. We achieve this by reducing a well-known NP-complete problem to these problems using a randomized algorithm. The family of codes in the reductions is based on elliptic curves. They have positive rates, but the alphabet sizes are exponential in the block lengths.
How to Teach Career-Oriented Foreign Language Courses

1st 1000 operaci6n distinci6n 4th 1000 desviaci6n interpretaci6n actuaci6n ambici6n condici6n definici6n exaltaci6n pensi6n comprensi6n ocasi6n colecci6n canci6n acusaci6n innovaci6n relaci6n declaracion sucesi6n conservaci6n vibraci6n acci6n soluci6n rebeli6n alteraci6n cooperaci6n cuesti6n afirmaci6n ejecuci6n concepci6n aclaraci6n opini6n producci6n transformaci6n desesperaci6n protecci6n situaci6n extensi6n orientaci6n confesi6n proyecci6n emoci6n reacci6n perfecci6n invasi6n determinaci6n estaci6n proporci6n reflexi6n revelaci6n importaci6n atenci6n divisi6n fundaci6n devoci6n ramificacion
Estimating the Effects of Information Surprises and Trading on Stock Returns Using a Mixed Jump-Diffusion Model

I present a methodology that uses the mixed jump-diffusion model for stock returns to estimate the separate effects of information surprises and strategic trading around corporate events. Using simulation techniques, I show that for events with multiple announcements spread over a long time, the estimators derived from the mixed jump-diffusion model are more powerful compared to the traditional cumulative abnormal return estimators. The new methodology is used to study the separate effects of information surprises and strategic trading associated with blockholdings and subsequent targeted repurchases. I find that for more than 93 percent of the firms in our sample the mixed jump-diffusion model is statistically superior to the pure diffusion model in describing stock returns. More important, I find a statistically significant negative effect due to trading, while the average effect around announcements is statistically insignificant. In contrast, the standard cumulative abnormal return is not statistically different from zero. Article published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Financial Studies in its journal, The Review of Financial Studies.
QCD in nuclear collisions

Abstract The relationship between RHIC and HERA data is explored using the idea of saturation (color glass condensate) as a unifying framework for interpretation. A description of the early stages of a heavy ion collision is given consistent with the RHIC results. The relevant QCD dynamics at the various stages of a heavy ion collision, from production of gluons to equilibration, is reviewed. Some comments on current phenomenology are given.
Topological conformal field theories and gauge theories

This paper gives a construction, using heat kernels, of differential forms on the moduli space of metrised ribbon graphs, or equivalently on the moduli space of Riemann surfaces with boundary. The construction depends on a manifold with a bundle of Frobenius algebras, satisfying various conditions. These forms satisfy gluing conditions which mean they form an open topological conformal field theory, that is, a kind of open string theory. If the integral of these forms converged, it would yield the purely quantum part of the partition function of a Chern-Simons type gauge theory. Yang-Mills theory on a four manifold arises as one of these Chern-Simons type gauge theories.
Understanding Early Indicators of Critical Transitions in Power Systems From Autocorrelation Functions

Many dynamical systems, including power systems, recover from perturbations more slowly as they approach critical transitions - a phenomenon known as critical slowing down. If the system is stochastically forced, autocorrelation and variance in time-series data from the system often increase before the transition, potentially providing an early warning of coming danger. In some cases, these statistical patterns are sufficiently strong, and occur sufficiently far from the transition, that they can be used to predict the distance between the current operating state and the critical point. In other cases CSD comes too late to be a good indicator. In order to better understand the extent to which CSD can be used as an indicator of proximity to bifurcation in power systems, this paper derives autocorrelation functions for three small power system models, using the stochastic differential algebraic equations (SDAE) associated with each. The analytical results, along with numerical results from a larger system, show that, although CSD does occur in power systems, its signs sometimes appear only when the system is very close to transition. On the other hand, the variance in voltage magnitudes consistently shows up as a good early warning of voltage collapse.
The dynamics of distributive politics

We study dynamic committee bargaining over an infinite horizon with discounting. In each period, a committee proposal is generated by a random recognition rule, the committee chooses between the proposal and a status quo by majority rule, and the voting outcome in period t becomes the status quo in period t + 1. We study symmetric Markov equilibria of the resulting game and conduct an experiment to test hypotheses generated by the theory for pure distributional (divide-the-dollar) environments. In particular, we investigate the effects of concavity in the utility functions, the existence of a Condorcet winning alternative, and the discount factor (committee “impatience”). We report several new findings. Voting behavior is selfish and myopic. Status quo outcomes have great inertia. There are strong treatment effects that are in the direction predicted by the Markov equilibrium. We find significant evidence of concave utility functions.
Combining object and feature dynamics in probabilistic tracking

Objects can exhibit different dynamics at different spatio-temporal scales, a property that is often exploited by visual tracking algorithms. A local dynamic model is typically used to extract image features that are then used as inputs to a system for tracking the object using a global dynamic model. Approximate local dynamics may be brittle-point trackers drift due to image noise and adaptive background models adapt to foreground objects that become stationary-and constraints from the global model can make them more robust. We propose a probabilistic framework for incorporating knowledge about global dynamics into the local feature extraction processes. A global tracking algorithm can be formulated as a generative model and used to predict feature values thereby influencing the observation process of the feature extractor, which in turn produces feature values that are used in high-level inference. We combine such models utilizing a multichain graphical model framework. We show the utility of our framework for improving feature tracking as well as shape and motion estimates in a batch factorization algorithm. We also propose an approximate filtering algorithm appropriate for online applications and demonstrate its application to tasks in background subtraction, structure from motion and articulated body tracking.
Analysis of self-correcting active pixel sensors

This paper evaluates the operation of self-correcting active pixel sensors presented in [6] using both Signal-to-Noise Ratio and Dynamic Range figures. The evaluation is based on a simplified Active Pixel Sensing (APS) model. We show that in the absence of stuck faults (i.e., no errors) the performance of the system suffers from considerable degradation especially at low illumination (i.e., typical indoor scenes). We use the same model to quantify the number of defective pixels under which self correction is beneficial and evaluate the quality of the resultant image
Computational and Simplified Analytical Treatment of Transonic Wing/Fuselage/Pylon/Store Interactions

Transonic modified small-disturbance theory has been employed to numerically model the flowfield around wing/fuselage/pylon/store configurations. A fine grid region enclosing the wing/pylon/store is embedded within a global crude grid and a successive crude-fine relaxation is performed. Using an image point concept, the store and the pylon are introduced into an existing wing/fuselage program, thus avoiding excessive additional computer memory requirements. Comparison of results with experiments on the F-5 wing with a pylon/store arrangement is presented showing good agreement. A study of the roles of pylon height, store diameter, pylon span mount location, angle of attack, and Mach number relative to the achievement of optimum LID from beneficial nonlinear interference is presented. In addition, a simplified analytical approach to compute the loading on the store using an "immersion theory" is indicated and validated against experiments.
Studies related to the absolute configuration of cyclocinamide A: Total synthesis of 4(R),11(R)-cyclocinamide A

Abstract Coupling of the fluorenylmethyl ester 3 (R = Fm) of ( S )-5-bromotryptophan with N α -BOC-( S )-asn-O-benzoyl-( R )-ise 9 gave rise to tripeptide 10 . Cleavage of the BOC group in 10 followed by coupling with N α -BOC-N β -Fmoc-( R )-2-3-diaminopropanoic acid afforded tetrapeptide 11 which was transformed into cyclic peptide 12 . Cleavage of the BOC in 12 followed by coupling with the glycine derived side chain 14 gave rise, after removal of the benzoyl group to 4( R ),11( R )-cyclocinamide A ( 2 ) which was not identical to natural cyclocinamide A ( 1 ), suggesting that 1 possesses the 4( S ),7( S ),11( S ),14( S ) configuration.
Ontologies for Supporting Engineering Design Optimization

This paper presents an optimization ontology and its implementation into a prototype computational knowledge-based tool dubbed ONTOP (ontology for optimization). Salient feature of ONTOP include a knowledge base that incorporates both standardized optimization terminology, formal method definitions, and often unrecorded optimization details, such as any idealizations and assumptions that may be made when creating an optimization model, as well as the model developer's rationale and justification behind these idealizations and assumptions. ONTOP was developed using Protege, a Java-based, free open-source ontology development environment created by Stanford University. Two engineering design optimization case studies are presented. The first case study consists of the optimization of a structural beam element and demonstrates ONTOP'S ability to address the variations in an optimal solution that may arise when different techniques and approaches are used. A second case study, a more complex design problem that deals with the optimization of an impeller of a pediatric left ventricular heart assist device, demonstrates the wealth of knowledge ONTOP is able to capture. Together, these test beds help illustrate the potential value of an ontology in representing application-specific knowledge while facilitating both the sharing and exchanging of this knowledge in engineering design optimization.
The obesity epidemic in children: Latino children are disproportionately affected at younger ages.

Abstract Background and objectives National surveillance clearly illustrates that U.S. children are becoming increasingly overweight. However, the timing of the onset of childhood overweight has not been well-described. Patients and methods An accelerated failure time (AFT) model was used to describe the emergence of overweight based on a 12-year collection of height and weight data of over 40,000 children. Race, sex, insurance status and their interactions were specifically examined as predictors of earlier onset of overweight. The outcome of interest was an estimate of the age at which the model predicted that a subgroup would attain a 20% prevalence of overweight. Results The three-way interaction of race, sex, and insurance status was a significant predictor of onset of overweight. The model estimated that the publicly insured Latino male subgroup had the earliest onset of overweight, attaining a prevalence of 20% overweight by 4.3 years of age. The emergence of overweight in Latino subjects was significantly earlier than that for black or white subjects, irrespective of sex or insurance status. Conclusion Regardless of sex or insurance status, overweight emerges at significantly younger ages in Latino children when compared to black and white children. Substantial numbers of Latino male children are predicted to develop overweight at preschool ages. Obesity prevention may need to be directed toward parents or children well before children enter grade-school.
Demographics of Men Receiving Vasectomies in the US Military 2000-2009.

Background: We hypothesize that there is a higher incidence of vasectomy within the military at a younger age based on this equal access health care system. Materials and Methods: A review of the CHAMPS military database was conducted for men receiving vasectomies from 2000 to 2009. Age at vasectomy, number of children, race, religion, and marital status were recorded and incidence was computed. Results: Total of 82,945 vasectomies was performed. The overall incidence to have a vasectomy was approximately 7.10 per 1000 men. The highest rate of occurrence was 14.4 per 1000 men in men 30–34 years old. Whites had a higher rate than blacks at 10.03 per 1000 men compared to 6.27 per 1000 men. Protestants had the highest rate at 8.44 per 1000 men, and Jewish people had the lowest at 1.86 per 1000 men. Married men had a rate of 12.3 per 1000 men, whereas single men were 1.03 per 1000 men. Conclusions: The incidence to have a vasectomy in the military was 7.10 per 1000 men, with an age adjusted rate at 8.66 per 1000 men. This information may assist primary care providers in discussing vasectomies as a permanent form of contraception.
Cosmic ray diurnal anisotropy 1937–1972

A previous investigation by Forbush (1969) showed that annual means of the cosmic ray diurnal anisotropy from 1937 to 1967 resulted from the addition of two distinct diurnal components. One, w, has its maximum (or minimum) in the asymptotic direction 128° east of the sun and is well approximated by a wave W with a period of 2 solar cycles. Wave W passes through zero in 1958, when the sun's poloidal field reversed. The remaining component with W eliminated has its maximum in the asymptotic direction 90° east of the sun. Annual means of this component, with its maximum at 18.0 hours local asymptotic time, are well correlated (r = +0.75) with magnetic activity and determine a solar cycle variation, the minimum being near sunspot minimum and the amplitude about two-thirds that of W. During the interval 1937–1967 or so, the ‘period’ of W was 20 years (that of the sunspot cycle was 10 years). If W were strictly periodic, its next change of sign after 1958 would have occurred in 1968. The present analysis shows this reversal of sign was delayed until 1971, near the time found for the latest reversal of the sun's polar magnetic field by Dr. Robert Howard of the Hale Observatories. These results derive from a statistical investigation of the variability of annual means of the diurnal variation from ion chamber data at Cheltenham-Fredericksburg, Huancayo, and Christchurch. The absolute, or total, diurnal anisotropy and the atmospheric diurnal temperature effect obtained are in reasonable agreement with those derived independently through a comparison of the diurnal anisotropy from ion chamber data and that from Simpson's 1953–1966 IGY neutron monitor data at Huancayo.
Slot Machine Payback Percentages: The Devil is in the Moment

The average payback percentage from slot machines is important to gamblers, casinos and governments. While apparently simple to define several complications can exist, among them which measure to average and potentially misleading formulas to calculate the average. Daily slot machine data from the state of Maryland for 19 months are analyzed for the expected value of the average payback ratio per machine and per dollar gambled. On a per dollar gambled basis, the payback percentage meets legislative requirements that the gaming floor payback be at least 90 percent. On a per machine basis, that requirement is not met which can imply a significant shift of money from gamblers to casino operators and the state. Other payback measures are hypothesized to also be less than the per-dollar gambled measure but data are lacking.
Fast context-free grammar parsing requires fast boolean matrix multiplication

In 1975, Valiant showed that Boolean matrix multiplication can be used for parsing context-free grammars (CFGs), yielding the asympotically fastest (although not practical) CFG parsing algorithm known. We prove a dual result: any CFG parser with time complexity O(gn3-∈), where g is the size of the grammar and n is the length of the input string, can be efficiently converted into an algorithm to multiply m × m Boolean matrices in time O(m3-∈/3). Given that practical, substantially subcubic Boolean matrix multiplication algorithms have been quite difficult to find, we thus explain why there has been little progress in developing practical, substantially subcubic general CFG parsers. In proving this result, we also develop a formalization of the notion of parsing.
Total synthesis of tryprostatin A and B as well as their enantiomers

Abstract The 3-methylindoles 3a, 3b were converted into tryprostatin A ( 1a ), B ( 1b ) and their enantiomers 2a, 2b via prenylation at the indole 2-position by generation of the required 2-lithioindole derivatives (from 7a, 7b ), followed by alkylation.
METRO-3D: an efficient three-dimensional wafer inspection simulator for next-generation lithography

Wafer inspection schemes for next-generation lithography (NGL) will play a key role in controlling defect mechanisms and maintaining an acceptable yield. Developing these wafer inspection schemes will require characterization and optimization of deep ultraviolet (DUV) wavelength illumination at high numerical apertures (greater than 0.9) to detect defects that may be a fraction of the design rule. Using wafer inspection test benches that provide the flexibility for various illumination polarizations, numerical apertures, scanning, or full-field schemes can be extremely costly; therefore, simulation of these schemes is necessary to characterize the various detection parameters. To model defects for NGL, three-dimensional (3-D) simulation tools will be required to simulate highly absorptive material in the environment of shorter wavelength illumination. Also, the simulator will be required to simulate high numerical aperture (NA) inspection schemes to capture small defects. With the development of METRO-3D, a 3-D simulation tool that rigorously solves the EM field on arbitrary wafer topographies, we are able to model and characterize the wafer inspection schemes for NGL. We will present simulation results from METRO-3D for various wafer inspection schemes, including high NA schemes, on NGL topographies with highly absorptive materials.
A comparison of the artistic aspects of various industrial robots

Robot choreography has been developed to explore the aesthetic implications of robotic movement. The application of choreographic techniques to robot motion has evolved as a result of the implementation of the new technology. New materials and techniques have made changes possible in artistic forms. The widespread use of robots may significantly influence artistic trends.While pioneering in the field of robot choreography, I found that robot movement may be functionally efficient but not always aesthetically pleasing. Thus, my work has focused on the artistic design of robot motion. A method of programming industrial robots to move in a graceful and fluid fashion has been developed as a result of my research. The majority of this aesthetic exploration has been with Unimation robots (PUMA 260 and PUMA 560), although I have choreograhed compositions for other robotic systems; namely, the Spine, U.S. Robot, and the Robotics Reasearch Corporation K-2107.This paper will present a comparison of these robots from the artistic aspect of the design and movement. The following will be discussed: the aesthetic design of the manipulatorthe programming techniques used in choreographythe types of movement sequences specific to each robot systemthe control of robot motionthe safety aspects of the robots related to concert performances
A Social Identity Approach to Person Memory Group Membership, Collective Identification, and Social Role Shape Attention and Memory

Evidence indicates that superior memory for own-group versus other-group faces (termed own-group bias) occurs because of social categorization: People are more likely to encode own-group members as individuals. The authors show that aspects of the perceiver's social identity shape social attention and memory over and above mere categorization. In three experiments, participants were assigned to a mixed-race minimal group and showed own-group bias toward this minimal group, regardless of race. Own-group bias was mediated by attention toward own-group faces during encoding (Experiment 1). Furthermore, participants who were highly identified with their minimal group had the largest own-group bias (Experiment 2). However, social affordances attenuated own-group bias-Memory for other-group faces was heightened among participants who were assigned to a role (i.e., spy) that required attention toward other-group members (Experiment 3). This research suggests that social identity may provide novel insights into person memory.
SIMULATION OF BIDISPERSE MAGNETORHEOLOGICAL FLUIDS

A method for simulating the steady-shear behavior of bidisperse, nonlinearly magnetizable MR suspensions is described. Results show that the yield stress of suspensions containing mixtures of large and small particles is larger than that of monodisperse suspensions, in agreement with previous experimental results.
FUSE OBSERVATIONS OF GALACTIC AND INTRINSIC ABSORPTION IN THE SPECTRUM OF THE SEYFERT 1 GALAXY 2MASX J21362313-6224008

We present the far-ultraviolet spectrum of the Seyfert 1 galaxy 2MASX J21362313-6224008 obtained with the Far Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Explorer (FUSE). The spectrum features absorption from Galactic O VI at two velocities and redshifted H I Ly beta and gamma, C II, CIII, and O VI. The redshifted absorption features represent a single kinematic component blueshifted by approx. 310 km/s relative to the active galactic nucleus. We use photoionization models to derive constraints on the physical parameters of the absorbing gas. An alternative interpretation for the absorption lines is also proposed, wherein the absorbing gas is associated with an intervening galaxy cluster.
A design approach for small vision-based autonomous vehicles

This paper describes the design of a small autonomous vehicle based on the Helios computing platform, a custom FPGA-based board capable of supporting on-board vision. Target applications for the Helios computing platform are those that require lightweight equipment and low power consumption. To demonstrate the capabilities of FPGAs in real-time control of autonomous vehicles, a 16 inch long R/C monster truck was outfitted with a Helios board. The platform provided by such a small vehicle is ideal for testing and development. The proof of concept application for this autonomous vehicle was a timed race through an environment with obstacles. Given the size restrictions of the vehicle and its operating environment, the only feasible on-board sensor is a small CMOS camera. The single video feed is therefore the only source of information from the surrounding environment. The image is then segmented and processed by custom logic in the FPGA that also controls direction and speed of the vehicle based on visual input.
Comparison of wind tunnel airfoil performance data with wind turbine blade data

Horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT) performance is usually predicted by using wind tunnel airfoil performance data in a blade element momentum theory analysis. This analysis assumes that the rotating blade airfoils will perform as they do in the wind tunnel. Results to date have shown that unsteady aerodynamics exist during all operating conditions and dynamic stall can exist for high yaw angle operation. Stall hysteresis occurs for even small way angles and delayed stall is a very persistent reality in all operating conditions. delayed stall is indicated by a leading edge suction peak which remains attached through angles of attack (AOA) up to 30 degrees. Wind tunnel results show this peak separating from the leading edge at 18 deg AOA. The effect of this anomaly is to raise normal force coefficients and tangent force coefficients for high AOA. Increase tangent forces will directly affect HAWT performance in high wind speed operation. This paper describes pressure distribution data resulting from both wind tunnel and HAWT tests. A method of bins is used to average the HAWT data which is compared to the wind tunnel data. The analysis technique and the test set-up for each test are described.