cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Horizontal advection, diffusion and plankton spectra at the sea surface

[1] Plankton patchiness is ubiquitous in the oceans, and various physical and biological processes have been proposed as its generating mechanisms. However, a coherent statement on the problem is missing, because of both a small number of suitable observations and an incomplete understanding of the properties of reactive tracers in turbulent media. It has been suggested that horizontal advection may be the dominant process behind the observed distributions of phytoplankton and zooplankton, acting to mix tracers with longer reaction times (Rt) down to smaller scales. Conversely, the relative distributions of sea surface temperature and phytoplankton has been attributed to small-scale upwelling, where tracers with longer Rt are able to homogenize more than those with shorter reaction times. Neither of the above mechanisms can explain simultaneously the (relative) spectral slopes of temperature, phytoplankton, and zooplankton. Here, with a simple advection model and a large suite of numerical experiments, we concentrate on some of the physical processes influencing the relative distributions of tracers at the ocean surface, and we investigate (1) the impact of the spatial scale of tracer supply, (2) the role played by coherent eddies on the distribution of tracers with different Rt, and (3) the role of diffusion (so far neglected). We show that diffusion determines the distribution of temperature, regardless of the nature of the forcing. We also find that coherent structures together with differential diffusion of tracers with different Rt impact the tracer distributions. This may help in understanding the highly variable nature of observed plankton spectra.
Asymmetric synthesis of chiral amines by highly diastereoselective 1,2-additions of organometallic reagents to N-tert-butanesulfinyl imines

Abstract High yielding and highly diastereoselective methods for 1,2-additions of organometallic reagents to N-tert-butanesulfinyl aldimines (2) and N-tert-butanesulfinyl ketimines (3) are described. The additions of alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, and allyl carbanions to a diverse set of imines with different steric and electronic properties are demonstrated. Acidic methanolysis of the sulfinamide products (4 and 6) delivers highly enantioenriched α-branched and α,α-dibranched amines. Since a broad range of sulfinyl imines are easily accessible from aldehydes and ketones, a wide variety of enantioentriched amines may be prepared.
Structural Changes in the Brewing Industry

(1970). Structural Changes in the Brewing Industry. Applied Economics: Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 1-13.
Optimal traffic networks

Inspired by studies on the airports' network and the physical Internet, we propose a general model of weighted networks via an optimization principle. The topology of the optimal network turns out to be a spanning tree that minimizes a combination of topological and metric quantities. It is characterized by strongly heterogeneous traffic, non-trivial correlations between distance and traffic and a broadly distributed centrality. A clear spatial hierarchical organization, with local hubs distributing traffic in smaller regions, emerges as a result of the optimization. Varying the parameters of the cost function, different classes of trees are recovered, including in particular the minimum spanning tree and the shortest path tree. These results suggest that a variational approach represents an alternative and possibly very meaningful path to the study of the structure of complex weighted networks.
Automation of information retrieval

Information retrieval is a task that must be accomplished whenever records have to be consulted to provide needed facts. The task may be simple and easy as, for example, in consulting the telephone directory. In contrast, it may require many hours of patient persistence in a well-stocked library to identify and to locate those publications, patents, reports, and similar records that contain information needed in arriving at decisions in various fields of professional activity. This situation frequently arises, for example, when an electrical engineer is confronted by a design problem, when a lawyer must advise a client on a point in law, when a physician must decide on a course of treatment, or when a chemist must develop a process for a needed product.
The Statistics of Albedo and Heat Recirculation on Hot Exoplanets

If both the day-side and night-side effective temperatures of a planet can be measured, it is possible to estimate its Bond albedo, 0 0.8 ?m?to estimate day-side effective temperatures, T d, and thermal phase variations?when available?to estimate night-side effective temperature. We strongly rule out the null hypothesis of a single AB and ? for all 24 planets. If we allow each planet to have different parameters, we find that low Bond albedos are favored (AB 2400 K) have low ?, as opposed to the 18 cooler planets, which show a variety of recirculation efficiencies. This hints that the very hottest transiting giant planets are qualitatively different from the merely hot Jupiters. We propose an explanation of this trend based on how a planet's radiative and advective times scale with temperature: both timescales are expected to be shorter for hotter planets, but the temperature dependence of the radiative timescale is stronger, leading to decreased heat recirculation efficiency.
SN 2006bp: Probing the Shock Breakout of a Type II-P Supernova

HET optical spectroscopy and unfiltered ROTSE-III photometry spanning the first 11 months since explosion of the Type II-P SN 2006bp are presented. The data suggest that the supernova was first detected just hours after shock breakout. Optical spectra obtained about 2 days after breakout exhibit narrow emission lines corresponding to He II λ4200, He II λ4686, and C IV λ5805 in the rest frame. These emission features persist in a second observation obtained 5 hr later but are not detected the following night or in subsequent observations. These lines probably emanate from material close to the explosion site, possibly in the outer layers of the progenitor that have been ionized by the high-energy photons released at shock breakout. A P Cygni profile is observed around 4450 A in the +2 and +3 day spectra. We propose that this line is due to He II λ4687 rather than high-velocity Hβ, as previously suggested. Further HET spectra cover the evolution across the photometric plateau up to 73 days after breakout and during the nebular phase around day +340. Expansion velocities are derived for key features. The measured decay slope for the unfiltered light curve is 0.0073 ± 0.0004 mag day-1 between days +121 and +335, which is significantly slower than the decay of rate 56Co. We present a quasi-bolometric light curve through day +60. We see a slow cooling over the first 25 days but no sign of an early sharp peak; any such feature from the shock breakout must have lasted less than ~1 day.
Grafting of cultured microglial cells into the lesioned spinal cord of adult rats enhances neurite outgrowth.

There is contrasting in vitro and in vivo evidence regarding glial cell involvement in central nervous system (CNS) regeneration. This study has investigated the histological events that follow implantation of either microglia, mixed microglia/astrocytes, or astrocytes into the injured adult rat spinal cord. We have conducted an immunohistochemical characterization of the cellular profiles within and neuritic extension into various grafts consisting of gelfoam (GF) matrices impregnated with cultured microglia and/or astrocytes. After 2–5 weeks, prominent neuritic growth was observed into OX-42-immunoreactive (IR) microglial implants. These grafts were infiltrated by numerous host cellular elements including microvasculature and Schwann cells, and they demonstrated conspicuous laminin IR. Often, the patterns for laminin and OX-42 IR in microglial grafts were overlapping, suggesting partial expression of laminin on transplanted microglial cells. Mixed grafts of microglia and astrocytes demonstrated presence of neurites and laminin-IR elements with similar intensity as microglial grafts, while astroglial implants showed the least amount of neurite ingrowth. Some control implants consisting of cell-free GF showed marginal in-growth of neurites in areas of infiltrating OX-42-IR host cells. Collectively, our findings support a neurite growth-promoting role of activated microglia and suggest that microglia may counteract mechanisms that inhibit CNS regeneration. It remains to be determined whether the observed neurite growth-promoting effects are mediated directly by grafted and/or endogenous microglia, or whether this occurs via the recruitment of host Schwann cells. J. Neurosci. Res. 47:34–48, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Aeroelastic analysis of launch vehicles in transonic flight

A numerical study of the aeroelastic stability of launch vehicles in transonic flight is performed. The unsteady aerodynanic flowfield about the vehicle is simulated using the three dimensional Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes equations with the account for turbulent mixing done by a two-layer algebraic eddy viscosity model. The structural-dynamic formulation considers free-free flexural vibration of an elongated beam with variable properties and the equations are cast in modal form. The two sets of equations are integrated simultaneously in time, after a initial perturbation, to ascertain the aeroelastic stability of a given configuration. The method propossed is described in detail, and results that illustrate its application are presented.
Present and future gamma-ray burst experiments

Gamma-ray burst counterpart studies require small, prompt error boxes. Today, there are several missions which can provide them: BeppoSAX, the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer, and the 3rd Interplanetary Network. In the near future, HETE-II, a possible extended Interplanetary Network, and INTEGRAL will operate in this capacity. In the longer term future, a dedicated gamma-ray burst MIDEX mission may fly. The capabilities of these missions are reviewed, comparing the number of bursts, the rapidity of the localizations, and the error box sizes.
The “perfect” fluid quenches jets almost perfectly

Abstract The QCD matter produced in nuclear collisions at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) has been found to have a very low shear viscosity, which is close to the lower bound allowed by unitarity. The matter has also been found to strongly suppress the emission of energetic hadrons. This phenomenon, called “jet quenching” is interpreted to be the result of a large energy loss by the precursor parton on its path through the dense matter, primarily due to gluon radiation. I discuss how the two phenomena are related. The RHIC data suggest, in some scenarios of jet quenching, that the quark–gluon plasma created in nuclear collisions is characterized by strong coupling, but still admits a quasi-particle description.
Grain-boundary theory of melting in two dimensions

A theory of melting in two dimensions via the spontaneous generation of grain boundaries is worked out. We find that this mechanism is more favorable than the dislocation unbinding mechanism and that a first-order phase transition always results. The transition goes from strongly first order to weakly first order for a core energy ${E}_{B}$ less than $2.84k{T}_{0}$ (${T}_{0}$ being the temperature at which the dislocations unbind), consistent with recent estimates by Saito. The question of the hexatic phase is discussed.
Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior of Public Research Institutions

The purpose of this article is to analyze the organizational behavior of public research organizations based on their human resources development and management. The study here focuses on the largest Italian public research body. The pyramid of R&D people shows the irregular spatial structure of the research personnel per macro regions and the index of seniority indicates older research personnel in the North and Central Part of Italy than in the South Italy. The analysis of human resources displays organizational weaknesses and threats for public research labs generated by research policy based on shrinking public research lab budgets and downsizing of research personnel. Some critical human resource management implications are discussed in order to improve the strategic change and research performances of public research institutions in turbulent and fast-changing markets.
Outcomes after resection of synchronous or metachronous hepatic and pulmonary colorectal metastases.

Background Surgical resection of isolated hepatic or pulmonary colorectal metastases prolongs survival in selected patients. But the benefits of resection and appropriate selection criteria in patients who develop both hepatic and pulmonary metastases are ill defined. Study Design Data were prospectively collected from 131 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent resection of both hepatic and pulmonary metastases over a 20-year period. Median followup was 6.6 years from the time of resection of the primary tumor. Patient, treatment, and outcomes variables were analyzed using log-rank, Cox regression, and Kaplan-Meier methods. Results The site of first metastasis was the liver in 65% of patients, the lung in 11%, and both simultaneously in 24%. Multiple hepatic metastases were present in 51% of patients, and multiple pulmonary metastases were found in 48%. Hepatic lobectomy or trisegmentectomy was required in 61% of patients; most lung metastases (80%) were treated with wedge excisions. Median survival rates from resection of the primary disease, first site of metastasis, and second site of metastasis were 6.9, 5.0, and 3.3 years, respectively. After resection of disease at the second site of metastasis, the 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year disease-specific survival rates were 91%, 55%, 31%, and 19%, respectively. An analysis of prognostic factors revealed that survival was significantly longer when the disease-free interval between the development of the first and second sites of metastases exceeded 1 year, in patients with a single liver metastasis, and in patients younger than 55 years old. Conclusions Surgical resection of both hepatic and pulmonary colorectal metastases is associated with prolonged survival in selected patients. Patients with a longer disease-free interval between metastases and those with single liver lesions had the best outcomes.
Great Plains Drought in Simulations of the Twentieth Century

Abstract Coupled global circulation models (CGCMs) have been widely used to explore potential future climate change. Before these climate projections can be trusted, the ability of the models to simulate present-day climate must be assessed. This study evaluates the ability of three CGCMs that participated in the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change to simulate long-term drought over the Great Plains region with the same frequency and intensity as was observed during the twentieth century. The three models evaluated in this study are the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory Coupled Model, version 2.0 (CM2.0); the National Centers for Atmospheric Research Community Climate System Model, version 3 (CCSM3); and third climate configuration of the Met Office Unified Model (HadCM3). The models are shown to capture the broad features of the climatology of the Great Plains, with maximum precipitation occurring in early summer, as observed. However, all of the models overestim...
The Association between Maltreatment and Obesity among Preschool Children.

Abstract Objective To determine whether child maltreatment is associated with obesity in preschool children. Methods Data were obtained from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a birth cohort study of 4898 children born between 1998 and 2000 in 20 large US cities. At 3 years of age, 2412 of these children had their height and weight measured, and mothers answered items on the Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scales about three types of child maltreatment—neglect, corporal punishment, and psychological aggression. The frequency of each type of maltreatment behavior in the prior year was analyzed using categories—ever/never for neglect and quintiles for the other two types of maltreatment. Child obesity was defined as measured body mass index (kg/m 2 ) ≥95th percentile. Results Eighteen percent of the children were obese, and the prevalence of any episode of neglect, corporal punishment, and psychological aggression was 11%, 84%, and 93%, respectively. The odds of obesity were increased in children who had experienced neglect (odds ratio 1.56, 95% confidence interval, 1.14–2.14), after controlling for the income and number of children in the household, the mothers’ race/ethnicity, education, marital status, body mass index, prenatal smoking, and age, and the children's sex and birth weight. Neither the frequency of corporal punishment nor psychological aggression was associated with an increased risk of obesity. Conclusions In a sample of preschool children from 20 large US cities, maternal self-report of neglectful behavior was associated with an increased risk of childhood obesity, after controlling for birth weight, maternal obesity, and multiple socioeconomic factors.
The Effects of Offering Health Plan Choice Within Employment‐Based Purchasing Groups

Employers may offer employees a choice of health plans either to promote competition among plans or to better cater to employee preferences for differ ent types of products. This article examines whether the relationship between the availability of choice and insurance costs and coverage are consistent with these models of employer behavior. The results indicate that employers who offer choice have lower average premiums, primarily because employees are enrolled in less generous plans, and cover a greater proportion of workers than those who do not. The results are consistent with employers offering choice to accommodate diverse worker preferences.
Spillovers, Linkages and Technical Change

Using US input–output data for the period 1958–87, I find strong evidence that industry total factor productivity (TFP) growth is significantly related to the TFP performance of the supplying sectors, with an elasticity of almost 60%. R&D intensity is also found to be a significant determinant of industry TFP growth, with an estimated return of about 10–13% and the return to embodied R&D is estimated at 43%. Direct productivity spillovers, from the technological progress made by supplying sectors, appear to be more important than spillovers from the R&D performed by suppliers. They also play a key role in explaining changes in manufacturing TFP growth over time. Changes in the contribution made by direct productivity spillovers to TFP growth account for almost half of the slowdown in TFP growth in manufacturing from 1958–67 to 1967–77, and for 20% of the TFP growth recovery in this sector from 1967–77 to 1977–87. Changes in R&D intensity and embodied R&D are relatively unimportant in explaining movements ...
Extended Kalman Filter Models and Resistance Spectroscopy for Prognostication and Health Monitoring of Leadfree Electronics Under Vibration

A technique has been developed for monitoring the structural damage accrued in ball grid array interconnects during operation in vibration environments. The technique uses resistance spectroscopy based state space vectors, rate of change of the state variable, and acceleration of the state variable in conjunction with extended Kalman filter, and is intended for the pre-failure time-history of the component. Condition monitoring using the presented technique can provide knowledge of impending failure in high reliability applications where the risks associated with loss-of-functionality are too high to bear. The methodology has been demonstrated on 96.5%Sn3.0%Ag0.5%Cu (SAC305) lead-free area-array electronic assemblies subjected to vibration. The future state of the system has been estimated based on a second order extended Kalman filter model and a Bayesian Framework. The measured state variable has been related to the underlying interconnect damage using plastic strain. Performance of the prognostication health management algorithm during the vibration test has been quantified using performance evaluation metrics. Model predictions have been correlated with experimental data. The presented approach is applicable to functional systems where corner interconnects in area-array packages may be often redundant. Prognostic metrics including α-λ metric, beta, and relative accuracy have been used to assess the performance of the damage proxies. The presented approach enables the estimation of residual life based on level of risk averseness.
2D and 3D Optimal Parallel Image Warping

Spatial image warping is useful for image processing and graphics. In this paper, we present concurrent-read-exclusive-write (CREW) and exclusive-read-exclusive-write (EREW) parallel-random-access-machine (PRAM) algorithms that achieve O(1) asymptotic run time. The significant result is the creative processor assignment that results in an EREW PRAM algorithm. The forward algorithm calculates any nonscaling affine transform including arbitrary skewings, translations, and rotations. The EREW algorithm is the most efficient in practice, and the MasPar MP-1 with 16K processors rotates a 4-million-element image in under a second and a 2-million-element volume in one-half of a second. This high performance allows interactive viewing of volumes from arbitrary viewpoints and illustrates linear speedup. This practical efficiency is analyzed and illustrated by using a bridging model of computation. We develop the mixed cost communication machine (MCCM) to quantify the communication costs and correlate these costs to the MasPar MP-1. The forward algorithm has provable N = 1 congestion on the MCCM, while the backward algorithm has congestion N > 1 which varies with the transform. There are also important quality advantages using our direct warping techniques; empirical measurements are given to provide comparisons to multipass warps.
Linking the Big Five personality constructs to organizational commitment

Abstract This study explored the linkages between the five-factor model of personality and Meyer and Allen’s (1991) model of organizational commitment using a field sample. Results indicated that Extraversion was significantly related to affective commitment, continuance commitment, and normative commitment. Neuroticism, Conscientiousness, and Openness to Experience were all significantly related to continuance commitment. Lastly, Agreeableness was significantly related to normative commitment. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.
Spatial distribution of warm dust in early-type galaxies

Images taken with the Infrared Array Camera on the Spitzer Space Telescope show that the spatial distribution of warm dust emission in lenticular galaxies is often organized into dynamically stable structures strongly resembling spiral arms. These galaxies have bulge-to-disk ratios and colors for their stellar content that are appropriate for their morphological classification. Two of the three galaxies with warm dust detected at 8.0 μm also show far-IR emission expected from that dust. More importantly, the [5.8]-[8.0] color of the dust emission matches the colors found for late-type, star-forming galaxies, as well as theoretical predictions for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emission from dust grains. The spatially resolved dust structures may be powerful indicators of the evolutionary history of the lenticular class of galaxies, either as a tracer of ongoing quiescent star formation or as a fossil record of a previous episode of more active star formation.
4-Sulfonamidoanilide tertiary carbinols: A novel series of potassium channel openers

Abstract Sulfonamides are viable replacements for the phenylsulfonyl and benzoyl moieties initially described for the anilide tertiary carbinol series of KATP potassium channel openers. The SAR of this new series and the synthetic chemistry employed to generate its members are described.
Synthesis of methyl 1‐(3,4‐dichlorobenzyl)‐hexahydro‐2,3‐dioxo‐4‐pyridinecarboxylate

Methyl 1-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)-hexahydro-2,3-dioxo-4-pyridinecarboxylate was prepared by alkylation of methyl hexahydro-2,3-dioxo-4-pyridinecarboxylate with a,3,4-trichlorotoluene. The compound showed significant antifungal activity when challenged by a spectrum of pathogenic yeast species in a minimum inhibitory concentration test. It was active against some dermatophytic fungi and Aspergillus niger.
Identification of Any Aircraft by Its Unique Turbulent Wake Signature

The theoretical groundwork for the detection of any aircraft from its unique turbulent wake signature will be discussed and practical methods by which to implement the theoretical result will be recommended. During the mid 1990’s, NASA conducted research on the detection of atmospheric turbulence through the use of light detection and ranging equipment (LIDAR). This lidar technology was able to detect turbulent disturbances by the Doppler shift in the frequency of laser-emitted energy that is scattered from atmospheric aerosols. Using this technology, the detection of turbulent disturbances physically created by the passage of aircraft through the atmosphere can be developed. Traditional aircraft detection methods include pulse-Doppler radar systems that measure the frequency shift of RF signals reflected off the skin of an aircraft. This method is currently being defeated through stealth technology. In a military application, lidar turbulent detection would be able to spot the unconcealable turbulent disturbances caused by aircraft, thereby defeating current stealth technology. In addition, research suggests that turbulent wake generators (i.e. aircraft) have unique turbulent energy signatures. Using the principles of turbulent self-preservation, models can be created to predict both Reynolds stress and momentum defect signatures of aircraft as a function of their altitude and airspeed. By using statistical analysis of the turbulent wake, the Reynolds stress or momentum defect can be compared against computed models to determine the identity of the aircraft being targeted. The theoretical and practical manner by which this can be achieved is discussed and examples of aircraft ranging from the F-15, F-16, F-18, and B-52 are provided.
The STEREO mission: an overview

Abstract In February 2006, NASA will launch the twin STEREO spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center aboard a Delta 7925 launch vehicle. After a series of highly eccentric Earth orbits with apogees beyond the moon, each spacecraft will use close flybys of the moon to escape into heliocentric orbits at 1 AU, with one spacecraft trailing Earth and the other leading Earth. As viewed from the Sun, the two spacecraft will separate at approximately 45° per year. The purposes of the STEREO Mission are to understand the causes and mechanisms of coronal mass ejection initiation and to follow the propagation of CMEs through the heliosphere. Additionally, STEREO will study the mechanisms and sites of energetic particle acceleration and develop 3D time-dependent models of the magnetic topology, temperature, density and velocity of the solar wind between the Sun and Earth. To accomplish these goals, each STEREO spacecraft will be equipped with a set of optical, radio and in situ particles and fields instruments. The SECCHI suite of instruments includes two white light coronagraphs covering the range from 1.4 to 15 solar radii, an extreme ultra violet imager covering the chromosphere and inner corona, and two heliospheric white light imagers covering the outer corona from 12 solar radii to 1 AU. The IMPACT suite of instruments will measure in situ solar wind electrons in the energy range from essentially 0 to 100 keV, energetic electrons to 6 MeV, and protons and heavier ions to 100 MeV/nucleon. IMPACT also contains a magnetometer to measure the in situ magnetic field strength and direction. The PLASTIC instrument will measure the composition of heavy ions as well as protons and alpha particles. The SWAVES instrument will use radio waves to track the location of CME-driven shocks and the 3D topology of open field lines along which energetic particles flow. Additionally, SWAVES will measure in situ plasma waves to provide an independent estimate of the local plasma density and temperature. Each of the four instruments will produce a small real-time stream of selected data for purposes of predicting space weather events at Earth, primarily for NOAA forecasters. In addition to the four instrument teams, there will be substantial participation by modeling and theory oriented teams. All STEREO data will be freely available through individual Web sites at the four Principal Investigator institutions as well as at the STEREO Science Center located at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
Measurement of Quality Changes in Consumer Durables

This exhibits some of the tentativeness of a report on research in progress.1 Nevertheless it develops notions of a theoretical character which, together with an empirical survey, may have broad interest. It reaches three central conclusions: 1. If one distinguishes between consumer goods as sources of services and the service streams proper, intertemporal comparisons of costs of living become more feasible than has heretofore been suggested. 2. Forms of industrial organization have much bearing on the appropriateness and effectiveness of procedures that might be undertaken to measure quality changes of sources of services. Specifically, we are concerned with the perfection of second-hand markets, concentration ratios, and the degree to which there are important indivisibilities in the production process. Supply considerations cannot be neglected in cost-of-living studies. Ideally-organized second-hand markets make possible precisely-calculated ‘improvement factors’, measures of quality change. 3. Empirical investigation of the retail market for household refrigeration in the United States indicates that the failure of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics to account for changes in quality (including size) may have imparted a downward bias to indexes computed up to 1956.
Lp-bounds on curvature, elliptic estimates and rectifiability of singular sets

Abstract We announce results on rectifiability of singular sets of pointed metric spaces which are pointed Gromov–Hausdorff limits on sequences of Riemannian manifolds, satisfying uniform lower bounds on Ricci curvature and volume, and uniform Lp-bounds on curvature. The rectifiability theorems depend on estimates for |Hessh|L2p, (|∇Hessh·|Hessh|p−2)L2, where Δh=c, for some constant c. We also observe that (absent any integral bound on curvature) in the Kahler case, given a uniform 2-sided bound on Ricci curvature, the singular set has complex codimension 2. To cite this article: J. Cheeger, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 334 (2002) 195–198.
Mechanism Design via Consensus Estimates, Cross Checking, and Profit Extraction

There is only one technique for prior-free optimal mechanism design that generalizes beyond the structurally benevolent setting of digital goods. This technique uses random sampling to estimate the distribution of agent values and then employs the Bayesian optimal mechanism for this estimated distribution on the remaining players. Though quite general, even for digital goods, this random sampling auction has a complicated analysis and is known to be suboptimal. To overcome these issues we generalize the consensus and profit extraction techniques from Goldberg and Hartline [2003] to structurally rich environments that include, for example, single-minded combinatorial auctions.
The Influence of Historical Socialism and Communism on the Shaping of a Society’s Economic Ethos: An Exploratory Study of Central and Eastern Europe

This study utilizes an exploratory research design to investigate the influence of historical socialism and communism on the shaping of a society’s economic ethos. The discussion of ethics and economics has a very long history across multiple disciplines including the founder of modern economics, Adam Smith. However, with the growth of economic science, academic consideration has shifted toward positive analysis while normative analysis has been left mainly to philosophers. By utilizing the newly developed Morality of Profit-Making (MPM) scale, the authors sought to understand how historical socialism and communism influences respondents’ economic ethical worldview utilizing an exploratory research design. Data were collected from respondents in the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia, Serbia, Poland, and Hungary.
Implications of educational innovations

One must always keep in mind that education is the reason for the existence of a university. Of course, it is generally accepted that a strong and vigorous research program is essential to a university's survival. The argument for such a university research programs is that only through research programs can qualified faculty be attracted to the university, and only through continued research can the faculty remain qualified in their respective disciplines. Even if one accepts these arguments, the fact still remains that research activities are only justified in a university on the basis of their contributions to the caliber of the education. Without students a university is reduced to a research laboratory.
Total Absorption Detectors and their Applications to High Energy Physics

My purpose in this paper is to suggest that it is possible to bring precision to the processes of detection of particles and photons of very high energies. I have felt for a long time that high energy physics will someday turn into a spectroscopic subject and at that time high resolution methods will be essential to further developments. In the past few years I have been trying to advance the detection technique in two ways. One involves the straightforward development of a precise, large-solid-angle magnetic spectrometer capable of resolving momenta to one part in ten thousand. The second technique is concerned with the total absorption method of detection, and this is the actual subject of the present paper.
New Basis Functions for the Electromagnetic Solution of Arbitrarily-shaped, Three Dimensional Conducting Bodies using Method of Moments

In this work, we present a new set of basis functions, defined over a pair of planar triangular patches, for the solution of electromagnetic scattering and radiation problems associated with arbitrarily-shaped surfaces using the method of moments solution procedure. The basis functions are constant over the function subdomain and resemble pulse functions for one and two dimensional problems. Further, another set of basis functions, point-wise orthogonal to the first set, is also defined over the same function space. The primary objective of developing these basis functions is to utilize them for the electromagnetic solution involving conducting, dielectric, and composite bodies. However, in the present work, only the conducting body solution is presented and compared with other data.
Automated Cylindrical Polishing Of Grazing Incidence X-Ray Mirrors

The use of focusing x-ray systems depends upon the specular reflection at grazing incidence. These systems require mirrors with both excellent surface figure and superior surface finish. In order to obtain an efficient predictable method of fabricating such optics, Perkin-Elmer's computer-controlled polishing techniques have been adapted for grinding and polishing cylindrical mirrors. This process accurately controls the time that the tool polishes at each surface location to achieve the prescribed surface material removal.
The coordinate systems used in visual tracking

Tracking moving objects is a fundamental attentional operation. Here we ask which coordinate system is used to track objects: retinal (retinotopic), scene-centered (allocentric), or both? Observers tracked three of six disks that were confined to move within an imaginary square. By moving either the imaginary square (and thus the disks contained within), the fixation cross, or both, we could dramatically increase the disks’ speeds in one coordinate system while leaving them unchanged in the other, so as to impair tracking in only one coordinate system at a time. Hindering tracking in either coordinate system reduced tracking ability by an equal amount, suggesting that observers are compelled to use both coordinate systems and cannot choose to track only in the unimpaired coordinate system.
On the singularity probability of random Bernoulli matrices

Let $n$ be a large integer and $M_n$ be a random $n$ by $n$ matrix whose entries are i.i.d. Bernoulli random variables (each entry is $\pm 1$ with probability 1/2). We show that the probability that $M_n$ is singular is at most $(3/4 +o(1))^n$, improving an earlier estimate of Kahn, Komlos and Szemeredi, as well as earlier work by the authors. The key new ingredient is the applications of Freiman type inverse theorems and other tools from additive combinatorics.
Outer-Sphere One-Electron Reductions of Arenediazonium Salts

Etude cinetique de la reduction de tetrafluoroborates d'arenediazonium par le ferrocyanure de potassium et le decamethylferrocene
Estrogen stimulation of specific protein synthesis: regulation and physical characterization of IP.

Abstract The increased synthesis of a specific uterine protein (IP) in response to estrogen has been observed both in vivo and in vitro in a number of laboratories. The protein has been purified and partially characterized. Studies on the regulation of IP synthesis have implicated RNA, synthesis as an essential intermediate step for the estrogen response. Work is underway in several laboratories to find direct evidence for an estrogen-induced mRNA for the IP protein.
Information and Reality at the Turn of the Century

Our ability to command information grows every day. We wake up to the news on the radio, read the paper during breakfast, are immersed in signs and advertisements as we make our way to the office, sit down and fire up our computers-that really opens the floodgate of information-return home, turn on the television set and let waves of information wash over us until we go to bed. Many people say they get much pleasure from cruising and surfing on this sea of information. But, at times, we feel like the sorcerer's apprentice, unable to contain the powers we have summoned, and afraid of drowning in the flood we have loosened. Where does all this information come from and what is it doing to reality? In earlier times, information arose from the interplay of three factors, a messenger, a recipient, and a message. Paul Revere was the messenger, the Patriots were the recipients, and "The English are coming," was the message. The dove with the olive branch was the messenger, Noah the recipient, and the message was "The waters are receding." Even today, smoke is the messenger, the pilot of the spotter plane the recipient, and "There is a fire in section 36" is the message. A rock-lined cavity can be the messenger, a historian the recipient, and the message: "This is the root cellar of an abandoned homestead." The general pattern is always x informs y about z. X is the messenger, but we also call x the sign, the signal, the symbol, or the vehicle. Y is the recipient or the receiver, the audience, the listener, the reader, the viewer, the spectator, or the investigator. And z is the message, the information, the news, the intelligence, the meaning, or the content conveyed by the messenger or the signal. This basic triad of factors had an engaging sturdiness and intelligibility. It incorporated distinctions that may have been grist for abstruse philosophical mills; but they were clear and serviceable enough for lay people. We can call this the core meaning of information.' It is information about reality. In its simplest form, it is a natural phenomenon relevant to animals as well as to humans. A scent carried by the wind is information to a bear that carrion is to be found down by the creek. Information is a difficult phenomenon, not because its origin is mysterious, but because, throughout human history it has 1 Fred 1. Dretske, Knowledge and the Flow
Gapped symmetry preserving surface state for the electron topological insulator

It is well known that the three-dimensional (3D) electronic topological insulator (TI) with charge-conservation and time-reversal symmetry cannot have a trivial insulating surface that preserves symmetry. It is often implicitly assumed that if the TI surface preserves both symmetries then it must be gapless. Here we show that it is possible for the TI surface to be both gapped and symmetry preserving, at the expense of having surface-topological order. In contrast to analogous bosonic topological insulators, this symmetric surface topological order is intrinsically non-Abelian. We show that the surface-topological order provides a complete nonperturbative definition of the electron TI that transcends a free-particle band-structure picture, and could provide a useful perspective for studying strongly correlated topological Mott insulators.
Effects of borehole stress concentration on elastic wave velocities in sandstones

The stress redistribution that occurs in the vicinity of a borehole may lead to damage or failure of the rock. If the vertical stress is a principal stress, the principal stresses at the wall of a vertical well are the hoop, radial, and vertical stresses. The hoop stress varies with position around the wellbore and takes its maximum compressive value at the azimuth of the far-field minimum horizontal stress. This may lead to compressive failure at this azimuth if the compressive strength of the rock is exceeded. Recent developments in sonic logging allow the variation in elastic wave velocities with radius and azimuth around a borehole to be characterized. Since elastic wave velocities in sandstones are sensitive to changes in stress, owing to the presence of stress-sensitive grain boundaries within the rock, this allows the changes in stress to be monitored. An expansion of the elastic compliance of the grain boundaries to first order in stress shows that a radially polarized, vertically propagating shear wave is more sensitive to radial stress than to hoop stress. Close to the wellbore, however, large changes in stress occur, and any nonlinearity in the variation in compliance of the grain boundaries as a function of stress becomes important. This nonlinearity increases the sensitivity to the wellbore pressure, and can cause significant reductions in the velocity of compressional and shear waves in the vicinity of the wellbore.
A high-resolution TVD finite volume scheme for the Euler equations in conservation form

Abstract A finite-volume numerical algorithm using nonuniformly distributed skewed, quadrilateral cells is developed to solve the Euler equations in conservation form. Fluxes across the cell boundaries are computed using the total variation diminishing (TVD) methodology developed by Harten. Proof of the TVD property for nonuniform grid systems and a truncation error analysis are presented along with a discussion of the treatment of boundary conditions. Four test cases are given to examine the efficacy of the present scheme using a system of skewed and nonuniform cells. The excellent agreement of the numerical results with exact solutions and carefully designed experiments demonstrates the ability of the present scheme to accurately resolve complicated wave developments and interactions using highly nonuniform multiblock zonal cell distributions.
Timber Booms and Institutional Breakdown in Southeast Asia

1. Introduction: three puzzles 2. The problem of resource booms 3. Explaining institutional breakdown 4. The Philippines: the legal slaughter of the forests 5. Sabah, Malaysia: a new state of affairs 6. Sarawak, Malaysia: an almost uncontrollable instinct 7. Indonesia: putting the forests to 'better use' 8. Conclusion: rent seeking and rent-seizing.
A MODEL OF ACCELERATION OF ANOMALOUS COSMIC RAYS BY RECONNECTION IN THE HELIOSHEATH

We discuss a model of cosmic ray acceleration that accounts for the observations of anomalous cosmic rays (ACRs) by Voyager 1 and 2. The model appeals to fast magnetic reconnection rather than shocks as the driver of acceleration. The ultimate source of energy is associated with magnetic field reversals that occur in the heliosheath. It is expected that the magnetic field reversals will occur throughout the heliosheath, but especially near the heliopause where the flows slow down and diverge with respect to the interstellar wind and also in the boundary sector in the heliospheric current sheet. While the first-order Fermi acceleration theory within reconnection layers is in its infancy, the predictions do not contradict the available data on ACR spectra measured by the spacecraft. We argue that the Voyager data are one of the first pieces of evidence favoring the acceleration within regions of fast magnetic reconnection, which we believe to be a widely spread astrophysical process.
Methods for studying coincidences

This article illustrates basic statistical techniques for studying coincidences. These include data-gathering methods (informal anecdotes, case studies, observational studies, and experiments) and methods of analysis (exploratory and confirmatory data analysis, special analytic techniques, and probabilistic modeling, both general and special purpose). We develop a version of the birthday problem general enough to include dependence, inhomogeneity, and almost multiple matches. We review Fisher’s techniques for giving partial credit for close matches. We develop a model for studying coincidences involving newly learned words. Once we set aside coincidences having apparent causes, four principles account for large numbers of remaining coincidences: hidden cause; psychology, including memory and perception; multiplicity of endpoints, including the counting of “close” or nearly alike events as if they were identical; and the law of truly large numbers which says that when enormous numbers of events and people and their interactions cumulate over time, almost any outrageous event is bound to occur. These sources account for much of the force of synchronicity.
Properties of Flares-Generated Seismic Waves on the Sun

The helioseismic waves excited by solar flares (“sunquakes”) are observed as circular, expanding waves on the Sun’s surface. The first sunquake was observed for a flare on July 9, 1996, by the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) space mission. This paper presents results of new observations and a detailed qualitative analysis of the basic properties of the helioseismic waves generated by four solar flares in 2003 – 2005. For two of these flares, the X17 flare of October 28, 2003, and the X1.2 flare of January 15, 2005, the helioseismology observations are compared with simultaneous observations of flare X-ray fluxes measured from the RHESSI satellite. These observations show a close association between the flare seismic waves and the hard X-ray source, indicating that high-energy electrons accelerated during the flare impulsive phase produced strong compression waves in the photosphere, causing the sunquake. The results also reveal new physical properties such as strong anisotropy of the seismic waves, the amplitude of which varies significantly with the direction of propagation. The waves travel through surrounding sunspot regions to large distances, up to 120 Mm, without significant distortion. These observations open new perspectives for helioseismic diagnostics of flaring active regions on the Sun and for understanding the mechanisms of the energy release and transport in solar flares.