cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On N=1 partition functions without R-symmetry

We examine the dependence of four-dimensional Euclidean $$ \mathcal{N}=1 $$ partition functions on coupling constants. In particular, we focus on backgrounds without R-symmetry, which arise in the rigid limit of old minimal supergravity. Backgrounds preserving a single supercharge may be classified as having either trivial or SU(2) structure, with the former including S 4. We show that, in the absence of additional symmetries, the partition function depends non-trivially on all couplings in the trivial structure case, and (anti)-holomorphically on couplings in the SU(2) structure case. In both cases, this allows for ambiguities in the form of finite counterterms, which in principle render the partition function unphysical. However, we argue that on dimensional grounds, ambiguities are restricted to finite powers in relevant couplings, and can therefore be kept under control. On the other hand, for backgrounds preserving supercharges of opposite chiralities, the partition function is completely independent of all couplings. In this case, the background admits an R-symmetry, and the partition function is physical, in agreement with the results obtained in the rigid limit of new minimal supergravity. Based on a systematic analysis of supersymmetric invariants, we also demonstrate that $$ \mathcal{N}=1 $$ localization is not possible for backgrounds without R-symmetry.
Complex anisotropy beneath the Peruvian flat slab from frequency‐dependent, multiple‐phase shear wave splitting analysis

Flat or shallow subduction is a relatively widespread global occurrence, but the dynamics remain poorly understood. In particular, the interaction between flat slabs and the surrounding mantle flow has yet to be studied in detail. Here we present measurements of seismic anisotropy to investigate mantle flow beneath the Peruvian flat-slab segment, the largest present-day region of flat subduction. We conduct a detailed shear wave splitting analysis at a long-running seismic station (NNA) located near Lima, Peru. We present measurements of apparent splitting parameters (fast direction ? and delay time ?t) for SKS, ScS, and local S phases from 80 events. We observe well-defined frequency dependence and backazimuthal variability, indicating the likely presence of complex anisotropy. Forward modeling the observations with two or three layers of anisotropy reveals a likely layer with a trench-normal fast direction underlying a layer with a more trench-oblique (to trench-subparallel) fast direction. In order to further constrain the anisotropic geometry, we analyzed the source-side splitting from events originating within the slab measured at distant stations. Beneath the flat-slab segment, we found trench-normal fast splitting directions in the subslab mantle, while within the dipping portion of the slab further to the east, likely trench-subparallel anisotropy within the slab itself. This subslab pattern contradicts observations from elsewhere in South America for “normal” (i.e., more steeply dipping) slab conditions. It is similar, however, to inferences from other shallowly dipping subduction zones around the world. While there is an apparent link between slab dip and the surrounding mantle flow, at least beneath Peru, the precise nature of the relationship remains to be clarified.
High Order Maximum Principle Preserving Finite Volume Method for Convection Dominated Problems

In this paper, we investigate the application of the maximum principle preserving (MPP) parameterized flux limiters to the high order finite volume scheme with Runge---Kutta time discretization for solving convection dominated problems. Such flux limiter was originally proposed in Xu (Math Comput 83:2213---2238, 2014) and further developed in Xiong et al. (J Comput Phys 252:310---331, 2013) for finite difference WENO schemes with Runge---Kutta time discretization for convection equations. The main idea is to limit the temporal integrated high order numerical flux toward a first order MPP monotone flux. In this paper, we generalize such flux limiter to high order finite volume methods solving convection-dominated problems, which is easy to implement and introduces little computational overhead. More importantly, for the first time in the finite volume setting, we provide a general proof that the proposed flux limiter maintains high order accuracy of the original WENO scheme for linear advection problems without any additional time step restriction. For general nonlinear convection-dominated problems, we prove that the proposed flux limiter introduces up to $${\mathcal {O}}({\varDelta x^3} + \varDelta t^3)$$O(Δx3+Δt3) modification to the high order temporal integrated flux in the original WENO scheme without extra time step constraint. We also numerically investigate the preservation of up to ninth order accuracy of the proposed flux limiter in a general setting. The advantage of the proposed method is demonstrated through various numerical experiments.
Carboxyl activation via silylthioesterification: one-pot, two-step amidation of carboxylic acids catalyzed by non-metal ammonium salts

Abstract The first organo-catalyzed silylthioesterification of a carboxylic acid and a commercially available mercaptoorganosilane results in the in situ production of an O -silylthionoester. Subsequent amine addition forms amides in an operationally simple one-pot procedure without removal of water. The scope and efficiency of these reactions with respect to the catalyst, carboxylic acid, amine, [Si–S] moiety, and solvent are investigated. A number of functionalities are tolerated in the two-step amidation including alkene, alkyne, alkyl and aryl halides, benzylic ethers, and heterocycles with free coordinating sites.
Optimal Fertility During World War I

During World War I (1914{1918) the birth rates of countries such as France, Germany, the U.K., Belgium and Italy fell by almost 50%. In France, where the population was 40 millions in 1914, the decit of births is estimated at 1.4 millions over 4 years while military losses are estimated at 1.4 millions too. Thus, the fertility decline doubled the demographic impact of the war. Why did fertility decline so much? The conventional wisdom is that fertility fell below its optimal level because of the absence of men gone to war. I challenge this view using the case of France. I construct a model of optimal fertility choice where a household in its childbearing years during the war faces three shocks: (i) an increased probability that its wife remains alone after the war; (ii) a partially-compensated loss of its husband’s income; and (iii) a decline in labor productivity. I calibrate the model’s parameters to the time series of fertility before the war and use military casualties and income data to calibrate the shocks representing the war. The model over-predicts the fertility decline by 10% even though it does not feature any physical separations of couples. It also over-predicts the increase in fertility after the war, and generates a temporary increase in the age at birth as observed in the French data.
Spin-Based Mach-Zehnder Interferometry in Topological Insulator p − n Junctions

Transport in three-dimensional topological insulators relies on the existence of a spin-momentum locked surface state that encloses the insulating bulk. In this work we show how, in a topological insulator p-n junction, a magnetic field turns this surface state into an electronic Mach-Zehnder interferometer. Transmission of the junction can be tuned from zero to unity, resulting in virtually perfect visibility of the interference pattern, and the reflected and transmitted currents carry opposite spin polarization so that the junction also acts as a spin filter. Our setup therefore realizes a novel and highly tunable spintronic device where the effects of spin-momentum locking in topological insulator surface states can be probed directly in a transport experiment.
Suicide and Organ Donors: Spillover Effects of Mental Health Insurance Mandates

This paper considers the effect of mental health insurance mandates on the supply of cadaveric donors. We find that enacting a mental health mandate decreases the count of organ donors from suicides and results are driven by female donors. Using a number of empirical specifications, we calculate that the mental health parity laws are responsible for an approximately 0.52% decrease in cadaveric donors. Additional regression results show that the mandates are not related to other types of organ donations, ruling out the possibility that the mandates are related to an overall trend in the supply of organ donations. The findings suggest that future policies aimed at reducing suicide in a large and significant way can potentially increase the inefficiency that currently exists in the organ donor market. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Language: en
Precautionary Savings—A Panel Study

Theoretical literature shows that income uncertainty boosts saving, yet empirical work is incomplete. I test for the precautionary motive for saving using panel data. Knowing this motive's size is important for gauging the responsiveness of saving to government programs that reduce uncertainty, and for comparison to other motives, such as bequests. Most empirical studies of precautionary saving use either aggregate time-series or cross-sectional data, which cannot capture the effects of individual income uncertainty. I derive measures of total, permanent, and transitory income uncertainty from panel data—the National Longitudinal Survey—and find a strong precautionary motive. A doubling of uncertainty increases the ratio of wealth to permanent income by 29%.
Does first polar body array CGH analysis correlate with a cleavage stage embryo biopsy in IVF-ICSI cycles and preimplantation genetic screening

OBJECTIVE: To correlate first polar body(PB1) biopsy(Bx) aCGH technology with cleavage stage(D3) Bx results analyzed with FISH or SNP-array. DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. Main Outcome: Concordance between PB1 and D3 results, ongoing pregnancy rates and IVF outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 09/11-04/12, 27 patients(Pts) consented and 15 enrolled and underwent PB1 Bx followed by a D3 Bx.11 Pts completed their cycle with a total of 101 PB1 and corresponding D3 Bxs.All mature oocytes(MII) were fertilized by ICSI 4-6h post retrieval with PB1 Bx performed and frozen 2-4h thereafter.D3 Bx was then performed and analyzed using 9 probe FISH(13,15,16,17,18,21,22,X,Y) or 24 chromosomes SNP array(physician/Pts preference).Clinical decisions were based solely on D3 analysis.ET was performed on D5. RESULTS: 83% of MIIs fertilized normally.Concordance analysis of PB1 and corresponding D3 revealed 67.3% partial/complete concordance and 32.7% discordance(6% normal embryos possibly discarded or 26.7% abnormal embryos possibly transferred).When 9-probe FISH was used partial concordance was expected.PB1 had a 82% sensitivity and 55% specificity when compared to D3.Kappa statistic was 0.35[fair agreement], P1⁄40.0001(95% CI1⁄40.14,0.54) Implantation rate was 31%(average of 2.28 fresh embryos per ET). Pregnancy rate/cycle started was 36% with 27% ongoing(57% and 42% per cycle transferred).
Least-squares/parabolized Navier-Stokes procedure for optimizing hypersonic wind-tunnel nozzles

A new procedure is demonstrated for optimizing hypersonic wind-tunnel-nozzle contours. The procedure couples a CFD computer code to an optimization algorithm, and is applied to both conical and contoured hypersonic nozzles for the purpose of determining an optimal set of parameters to describe the surface geometry. A design-objective function is specified based on the deviation from the desired test-section flow-field conditions. The objective function is minimized by optimizing the parameters used to describe the nozzle contour based on the solution to a nonlinear least-squares problem. The effect of the changes in the nozzle wall parameters are evaluated by computing the nozzle flow using the parabolized Navier-Stokes equations. The advantage of the new procedure is that it directly takes into account the displacement effect of the boundary layer on the wall contour. The new procedure provides a method for optimizing hypersonic nozzles of high Mach numbers which have been designed by classical procedures, but are shown to produce poor flow quality due to the large boundary layers present in the test section. The procedure is demonstrated by finding the optimum design parameters for a Mach 10 conical nozzle and a Mach 6 and a Mach 15 contoured nozzle.
Total Synthesis of Fostriecin (CI‐920)

Fostriecin (CI-920, 1; see Scheme 1) is a structurally interesting antitumor agent that was first isolated in 1983 by scientists at Warner Lambert-Parke Davis.[1] It displays in vitro activity against a broad range of cancerous cell lines as well as in vivo antitumor activity,[2] and it appears to operate by a novel mechanism involving inhibition of the mitotic entry checkpoint.[3] In this context, fostriecin is a potent inhibitor of protein serine/threonine phosphatases, and it is in fact the most selective protein phosphatase inhibitor identified to date (104 times greater affinity for the protein phosphatases PP2A and PP4 versus PP1).[4] It was not until 1997 that a correct and complete stereochemical assignment of fostriecin was made by Boger and coworkers,[5] and that was followed very recently by a report of the first total synthesis from the same group.[6] Certainly, the development of a practical synthetic route to fostriecin is warranted based on its interesting biological properties. In addition, clinical trials carried out at the National Cancer Institute were halted early in Phase I over concerns about the stability and purity of the natural material.[7] A flexible synthetic route to 1 could serve as a basis for the discovery of analogues with similar biological but more desirable physical properties. In addition, the structure of fostriecin poses an assortment of interesting challenges to an efficient synthetic design, including the presence of the unsaturated lactone,[8] the C8 ± C11 triol monophosphate component, and the conjugated Z,Z,E-trienol unit. Herein we report a new total synthesis of fostriecin. Our approach integrates highly effective asymmetric catalytic reactions to generate key chiral building blocks, and efficient coupling reactions to enable their convergent assembly. The synthetic plan involves assembly of four fragments (2 ± 5) of similar complexity (Scheme 1). Epoxyketone 3 plays a central role in our strategy, serving not only as the source of
Stability in dynamical astronomy.

Abstract Hill's concept of stability is generalized and its relation to bifurcation theory is shown. A quantitative measure of stability is introduced that allows the comparison of the stability of different astronomical systems. Theoretical stability limits for triple stellar systems, for planetary systems, and for satellite systems are established. The measure of stability is evaluated for several known triple stellar systems as well as for the planets and for the natural satellites of the solar system. The model of the restricted problem of three bodies and values of the Jacobian constant are used to study planetary and satellite systems. The model of the general problem of three bodies is used to establish criteria for triple stellar systems. In general, the results show a hierarchy of stability: the existing triple systems are more stable than the planetary orbits of the solar system. The satellites of the solar system are least stable; in fact, some of the satellites are close to the line of instability (the Earth's Moon) and some are actually unstable (the four outermost satellites of Jupiter).
On the invariant theory for acyclic gentle algebras

In this paper we show that the fields of rational invariants over the irreducible components of the module varieties for an acyclic gentle algebra are purely transcendental extensions. Along the way, we exhibit for such fields of rational invariants a transcendence basis in terms of Schofield’s determinantal semi-invariants. We also show that the moduli spaces of modules over regular irreducible component are just a products of projective spaces. CONTENTS
Simplified vacuum energy expressions for radial backgrounds and domain walls

We extend our previous results of simplified expressions for functional determinants for radial Schrodinger operators to the computation of vacuum energy, or mass corrections, for static but spatially radial backgrounds, and for domain wall configurations. Our method is based on the zeta function approach to the Gel'fand–Yaglom theorem, suitably extended to higher-dimensional systems on separable manifolds. We find new expressions that are easy to implement numerically, for both zero and non-zero temperatures.
Mechanism and transition-state structures for nickel-catalyzed reductive alkyne-aldehyde coupling reactions.

The mechanism of nickel-catalyzed reductive alkyne−aldehyde coupling reactions has been investigated using density functional theory. The preferred mechanism involves oxidative cyclization to form the nickeladihydrofuran intermediate followed by transmetalation and reductive elimination. The rate- and selectivity-determining oxidative cyclization transition state is analyzed in detail. The d → π*⊥ back-donation stabilizes the transition state and leads to higher reactivity for alkynes than alkenes. Strong Lewis acids accelerate the couplings with both alkynes and alkenes by coordinating with the aldehyde oxygen in the transition state.
The greatest convex minorant of Brownian motion, meander, and bridge

This article contains both a point process and a sequential description of the greatest convex minorant of Brownian motion on a finite interval. We use these descriptions to provide new analysis of various features of the convex minorant such as the set of times where the Brownian motion meets its minorant. The equivalence of these descriptions is non-trivial, which leads to many interesting identities between quantities derived from our analysis. The sequential description can be viewed as a Markov chain for which we derive some fundamental properties.
Variation of Iwasawa invariants in Hida families

Let ρ : GQ → GL2(k) be an absolutely irreducible modular Galois representation over a finite field k of characteristic p. Assume further that ρ is p-ordinary and p-distinguished in the sense that the restriction of ρ to a decomposition group at p is reducible and non-scalar. The Hida family H(ρ) of ρ is the set of all p-ordinary p-stabilized newforms f with mod p Galois representation isomorphic to ρ. (If ρ is unramified at p, then one must also fix an unramified line in ρ and require that the ordinary line of f reduces to this fixed line.) These newforms are a dense set of points in a certain p-adic analytic space of overconvergent eigenforms, consisting of an intersecting system of branches (i.e. irreducible components) T(a) indexed by the minimal primes a of a certain Hecke algebra. To each modular form f ∈ H(ρ) one may associate the Iwasawa invariants μan( f ), λan( f ), μalg( f ) and λalg( f ). The analytic (resp. algebraic) λ-invariants are the number of zeroes of the p-adic L-function (resp. of the characteristic power series of the dual of the Selmer group) of f , while the μ-invariants are the exponents of the powers of p dividing the same objects. In this paper we prove the following results on the behavior of these Iwasawa invariants as f varies over H(ρ).
The Squam Lake Report: Fifteen economists in search of financial reform

Abstract The Squam Lake Report is a volume by economists for economists. It offers the fruits of the labors of 15 top economists who met at Squam Lake, New Hampshire, to discuss financial reform. While somewhat disjointed, and avoiding many important issues, the book is nonetheless a tour du force . Its many recommendations derive from two basic principles: that reformers need to think systemically, and that third-party costs stemming from systemic risk need to be internalized. And its approach is just what you would expect from a group of academic economists. It asks (and answers) questions like: Where did incentives go wrong? What were the sources of market failure? How can we better protect society against negative externalities?.
Burrau'S problem of three bodies.

initially. The problem treated in this paper is to determine their subsequent motion. Because of the relation of the initial conditions to a Pythagoreani triangle, Burrau's problem may also be referred to as a Pythagorean problem of three bodies. That the motion of the particles takes place in the plane of the triangle is an immediate consequence of the initial conditions. Since the angular momentum of the system L at the beginning of the motion is zero, it will remain zero during the motion. The necessary but not sufficient condition for the simultaneous collision of all three particles is that L = 0 as shown for inistance by Wintner3 (pp. 253 and 265). This theorem, therefore, does not predict triple collisions in our case but allows the possibility of their occurrence. The other integrals of motion, that of the center of mass and of the energy, are applicable without any complication, but also without importance regarding the solution. Since triple collisions are not continuable singularities, the existence of the solution for the previously described initial conditions is in question. One practical approach to this problem of existence is nunierical experiments. Introducing variables which regularize binary collisions, nunmerical integrations are performed at several (increasing) levels of accuracy and the (hopefully convergent) results of these integrations are analyzed for the occurrence of triple collisions. If there appear only binary collisions, the solution is considered established. (3) This section is dedicated to the concept, the idea, and the definitionl of the solution. The existence of the solution is established once the occurrence of triple collisions is excluded. This is certainly the case when L # 0 because of the previously mentioned necessary condition for triple collisions. Unfortunately, in our problem L = 0, therefore the existence of the solution must be first established along the experimental lines indicated previously. Assuming then that the occurrence of triple collisions may be excluded, reference is made to Sundman's4 and Poincar6's5 work and to their representation of the solution in power series, convergent for all values of the time. Such definition (or existence) of the solution is of ques
Some applications of power spectra to airplane turbulence problems.

Power spectral density /PSD/ methods applied to prediction of aircraft responses to continuous turbulence
Patients' knowledge and perspectives on wet age-related macular degeneration and its treatment.

Summary There have been no studies examining the level of understanding age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) patients have about their disease, or their perceptions about intraocular injections as treatment. In this study, patient knowledge about ARMD risk factors was low but patients appeared more optimistic than fearful when confronted with intraocular antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections as treatment. Purpose In recent years there has been an increase in our understanding of wet ARMD, and a dramatic shift in the treatment paradigm. However, to our knowledge, no studies have examined how much ARMD patients understand their disease, or how they feel about receiving intraocular injections as treatment. The primary objectives of this study are to identify areas in which ARMD patients may be uninformed about their disease, and to recognize specific fears or expectations that patients may have regarding treatment with intraocular anti-VEGF injections. Design Prospective, survey-based study. Methods This is a prospective survey-based study. An anonymous 32-item questionnaire was compiled and distributed to patients with wet ARMD who underwent at least one intraocular anti-VEGF injection. Eighty-three patients from a retina practice in a suburban setting completed the questionnaire that gauged both their knowledge of ARMD and their perspectives on its treatment. Data was analyzed using chi-square testing. Results Seventy-eight percent of patients received most of their knowledge of ARMD from their physician. Eighty-nine percent of patients prefer to receive more information on ARMD, if needed, directly from their physician. Only 21%, 48%, 37%, 48%, and 36%, respectively, correctly identified how diet, special vitamins, high blood pressure, family history, and smoking can affect ARMD. Sixty percent felt somewhat afraid or very afraid about getting their first intraocular injection but this did not correlate with pain or discomfort during treatment (P = 0.075, P = 0.117). Eighty-nine percent were very satisfied and 11% were somewhat satisfied with the explanation their physician gave them about the injections. Eighty percent reported feeling hopeful (significantly more than any other emotion) when they were first told they needed an intraocular injection for treatment of their disease. Conclusions Knowledge of risk factors and risk factor modification among patients with ARMD is low. Since the vast majority of ARMD patients prefer to receive information directly from their physician, patient education is crucial in improving risk factor modification and alleviating fears of treatment. With the advent of anti-VEGF agents, patients appear more hopeful of regaining vision than they are fearful of treatment with intraocular injections.
Soluble Polychalcogenides of the Late Transition and Main Group Elements

A review of the coordination chemistry of heavier polychalcogenide ligands with late transition and main group metals with a focus on recent developments in the author's laboratory is given. The complexes available thus far are mainly homoleptic anionic compounds of the general formula [M(Q x ) m ] n− (x≥2, Q=Se,Te), (M=late transition or main group metal) stabilized by large organic counterions. In most cases it was found that the structural types accessible by the heavier polychalcogenides are different from those of corresponding polysulfides
SU(3) lattice gauge theory in the fundamental-adjoint plane and scaling along the Wilson axis.

Abstract We present further evidence for the bulk nature of the phase transition line in the fundamental-adjoint action plane of SU(3) lattice gauge theory. Computing the string tension and some glueball masses along the thermal phase transition line of finite temperature systems with Nt = 4, which was found to join onto the bulk transition line at its endpoint, we find that the ratio σ T c remains approximately constant. However, the mass of the O++ glueball decreases as the endpoint of the bulk transition line is approached, while the other glueball masses appear unchanged. This is consistent with the notion that the bulk transition line ends in a critical endpoint, with the continuum limit there being a φ4 theory with a diverging correlation length only in the 0++ channel. We comment on the implications for the scaling behavior along the fundamental or Wilson axis.
Integration of space geodesy: A US National Geodetic Observatory

Abstract In the interest of improving the performance and efficiency of space geodesy a diverse group in the US, in collaboration with IGGOS, has begun to establish a unified National Geodetic Observatory (NGO). To launch this effort an international team will conduct a multi-year program of research into the technical issues of integrating SLR, VLBI, and GPS geodesy to produce a unified set of global geodetic products. The goal is to improve measurement accuracy by up to an order of magnitude while lowering the cost to current sponsors. A secondary goal is to expand and diversify international sponsorship of space geodesy. Principal benefits will be to open new vistas of research in geodynamics and surface change while freeing scarce NASA funds for scientific studies. NGO will proceed in partnership with, and under the auspices of, the International Association of Geodesy (IAG) as an element of the Integrated Global Geodetic Observation System project. The collaboration will be conducted within, and will make full use of, the IAG's existing international services: the IGS, IVS, ILRS, and IERS. Seed funding for organizational activities and technical analysis will come from NASA's Solid Earth and Natural Hazards Program. Additional funds to develop an integrated geodetic data system known as Inter-service Data Integration for Geodetic Operations (INDIGO), will come from a separate NASA program in Earth science information technology. INDIGO will offer ready access to the full variety of NASA's space geodetic data and will extend the GPS Seamless Archive (GSAC) philosophy to all space geodetic data types.
First Report of Gray Leaf Spot on Perennial Ryegrass in Indiana

Pyricularia grisea, the causal agent of gray leaf spot on turfgrass, was isolated from symptomatic perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) leaves collected from a golf course in north-central Indiana i...
A concise synthesis of indolic enamides: coscinamide a, coscinamide b, and igzamide

Abstract A concise synthesis of indolic enamides coscinamide A, coscinamide B, and the brominated tryptamine derivative igzamide is described. Both E- and Z-isomers of these natural compounds were obtained during the thermally assisted dehydration reaction and were tested for antitumor activity. Coscinamide B was found to possess antitumor activity against DU145 with an IC50 of 7.6 μg/mL.
Docking to RNA via Root-Mean-Square-Deviation-Driven Energy Minimization with Flexible Ligands and Flexible Targets

Structure-based drug design is now well-established for proteins as a key first step in the lengthy process of developing new drugs. In many ways, RNA may be a better target to treat disease than a protein because it is upstream in the translation pathway, so inhibiting a single mRNA molecule could prevent the production of thousands of protein gene products. Virtual screening is often the starting point for structure-based drug design. However, computational docking of a small molecule to RNA seems to be more challenging than that to protein due to the higher intrinsic flexibility and highly charged structure of RNA. Previous attempts at docking to RNA showed the need for a new approach. We present here a novel algorithm using molecular simulation techniques to account for both nucleic acid and ligand flexibility. In this approach, with both the ligand and the receptor permitted some flexibility, they can bind one another via an induced fit, as the flexible ligand probes the surface of the receptor. A possible ligand can explore a low-energy path at the surface of the receptor by carrying out energy minimization with root-mean-square-distance constraints. Our procedure was tested on 57 RNA complexes (33 crystal and 24 NMR structures); this is the largest data set to date to reproduce experimental RNA binding poses. With our procedure, the lowest-energy conformations reproduced the experimental binding poses within an atomic root-mean-square deviation of 2.5 A for 74% of tested complexes.
Quality of Life Following Bladder Training in Older Women With Urinary Incontinence

This study investigated the changes in quality of life following a randomized controlled 6-week trial of bladder training in 123 older women with urinary incontinence. Both clinical (diary, pad test) and quality of life measures (Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ), Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D)) and visual analog scales on symptom burden were obtained at baseline, 6 weeks and 6 months following treatment. All subscales and the composite scale of the IIQ and the visual analog scales were significantly improved following bladder training, with effects maintained 6 months later. No changes were observed in CES-D scores. Women with genuine stress incontinence and those with detrusor instability with or without concomitant stress incontinence had similar improvements. We conclude that bladder training is effective in improving the quality of life of incontinent women regardless of urodynamic diagnosis.
For-Profit Business as Civic Virtue

According to the commonsense view of civic virtue, the places to exercise civic virtue are largely restricted to politics. In this article, I argue for a more expansive view of civic virtue, and argue that one can exercise civic virtue equally well through working for or running a for-profit business. I argue that this conclusion follows from four relatively uncontroversial premises: (1) the consensus definition of “civic virtue”, (2) the standard, most popular theory of virtuous activity, (3) a conception of the common good widely shared by liberal political philosophers, and (4) the mainstream economic theory of for-profit business.
Bioenhancement of soil microorganisms in natural surfactant solutions.II. Anaerobic

Abstract Natural surfactant solutions obtained from fruit pericarps of Sapindus mukorossi are shown to solubilize significant quantities of hydrophobic organic compounds and mobilize them from soil matrix. It is very crucial to determine the fate of surfactants employed for soil flushing in the subsurface and also in the effluent recovered. This paper appraises the bioenhancement of soil microorganisms in natural surfactant solutions under anaerobic conditions. Sealed 125 ml serum bottles are used for developing the anaerobic cultures. The cultures are maintained in anoxic conditions by degassing and filling the bottles with nitrogen. Three concentrations of natural surfactant 0.1, 1 and 2% and two different nutrient media, basal salt media (BSM) and heterotrophic media are used in the studies. Natural surfactant solutions can serve as both carbon and energy source for anaerobic microorganisms and also degrade to considerable extent. The growth curves for anaerobic cultures followed similar trends as thos...
Effect of Nematode-Trapping Fungi, Media, and Temperature On the Morphometrics of Aphelenchus Avenae

The parthenogenic nematode, Aphelenchus avenae, was maintained with four species of nematode-trapping fungi on three different media at four temperatures for 7 days. De Man's procedures were utilized for the measurement of nematodes and the data were analyzed statistically. The data suggested that the culture variables in the study accounted for more of the variability in 'V' than did the other measures. The 'V' values were considered the best taxonomic parameter for identification of A, avenae in the present study.
Synthesis of defucogilvocarcin V isosteres via MAD-mediated conjugate addition of carbanions to naphthoquinone ketals

Abstract Treatment of a complex between naphthoquinone ketal 7 and methylaluminum bis(2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenoxide (MAD) with aryllithium reagents prepared by metallation of oxazoline 13 and amide 18, gave conjugate adducts which were converted to defucogilvocarcin V analogs 2 and 3 via a short reaction sequence. Some problems encountered in the metallation of oxazoline 19, a structural analog of amide 18, are also described.
Application of Lempel--Ziv factorization to the approximation of grammar-based compression

We introduce new type of context-free grammars, AVL-grammars, and show their applicability to grammar-based compression. Using this type of grammars we present O(n log |Σ|) time and O(log n)-ratio approximation of minimal grammar-based compression of a given string of length n over an alphabet Σ and O(k log n) time transformation of LZ77 encoding of size k into a grammar-based encoding of size O(k log n). A preliminary version of this paper has been presented in Rytter (Combinatorial Pattern Matching, Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol. 2373, Springer, Berlin, June 2000, pp. 20-31), independently of Charikar et al. (STOC, 2002), where grammar-based approximation has been attacked with different construction and a more complicated type of grammars (α-balanced grammars for α ≤ 1 - ½ √2). The AVL-grammar is a very natural and simple tool for grammar based compression, it is a straightforward extension of the classical AVL-tree.
Sparse permutation invariant covariance estimation

The paper proposes a method for constructing a sparse estima- tor for the inverse covariance (concentration) matrix in high-dimensional settings. The estimator uses a penalized normal likelihood approach and forces sparsity by using a lasso-type penalty. We establish a rate of con- vergence in the Frobenius norm as both data dimension p and sample size n are allowed to grow, and show that the rate depends explicitly on how sparse the true concentration matrix is. We also show that a correlation- based version of the method exhibits better rates in the operator norm. We also derive a fast iterative algorithm for computing the estimator, which relies on the popular Cholesky decomposition of the inverse but produces a permutation-invariant estimator. The method is compared to other es- timators on simulated data and on a real data example of tumor tissue classification using gene expression data.
On the modeling of heterogeneity in cancer tissue

An important problem in the study of cancer is the understanding of the heterogeneous nature of the cell population. The clonal evolution of the tumor cells results in the tumors being composed of multiple sub-populations. Each sub-population reacts differently to any given therapy. This calls for the development of novel (regulatory network) models, which can accommodate heterogeneity in cancerous tissues. In this paper we present a new approach to model heterogeneity in cancer. We model heterogeneity as an ensemble of deterministic Boolean networks based on prior pathway knowledge. We develop the model considering the use of qPCR data. By observing gene expressions when the tissue is subjected to various stimuli, the compositional breakup of the tissue under study can be determined. We demonstrate the viability of this approach by using our model on synthetic data.
Observations in the Synthesis of the Core of the Antitumor Illudins via an Enyne Ring Closing Metathesis Cascade

Observations concerning the synthesis of the core spirocyclic AB-ring system of illudins using an enyne ring closing metathesis (EYRCM) cascade are discussed. Substituent effects, in addition to optimization of the reaction conditions and the olefin tether for the key EYRCM reaction, are examined.
Asymmetric deprotonation of N,N-dihexyl-1-naphthamides to provide atropisomers of N,N-dihexyl-2-alkyl-1-naphthamides

Abstract Asymmetric deprotonation of N,N-dihexyl-1-naphthamide using sec-butyllithium/(−)-sparteine followed by reactions with methyl or ethyl alkylation reagents give the atropisomers of N,N-dihexyl-2-alkyl-1-naphthamide with 50% and 55% ee, respectively.
Revealing topological structure in the SU (2) vacuum

Abstract In this paper we derive a simple parametrization of the cycling method developed by us in our earlier work. The new method, called renormalization group (RG) mapping, consists of a series of carefully tuned APE-smearing steps. We study the relation between cycling and RG mapping. We also investigate in detail how smooth instantons and instanton-anti-instanton pairs behave under the RG mapping transformation. We use the RG-mapping technique to study the topological susceptibility and instanton size distribution of SU(2) gauge theory. We find scaling in both quantities in a wide range of coupling values. Our result for the topological susceptibility, χ 1 4 = 220(6) MeV , agrees with our earlier results.
Control of nonlinear underactuated systems

In this paper we introduce a new method to design control laws for nonlinear, underactuated systems. Our method produces an infinite-dimensional family of control laws, whereas most control techniques only produce a finite-dimensional family. These control laws each come with a natural Lyapunov function. The inverted pendulum cart is used as an example. In addition, we construct an abstract system that is open-loop unstable and cannot be stabilized using any linear control law and demonstrate that our method produces a stabilizing control law. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mixed H2/H-Infinity Control of a Flexible Space Structure

As theory progresses for design and analysis of robust multivariable control laws, synthesis procedures and to a larger extent, experimental verification generally lags behind. Recent developments in robust control theory have extended the H-infinity and mu-synthesis methods to incorporate H2 properties in the control synthesis. A major difficulty in implementing robust controllers is the order of the compensator and associated complexity of the computation required for synthesis, especially when order constraints are imposed. This paper presents results of system identification and robust control design for the Controls/Structures Interaction Ground Test Facility at NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center.
Unsteady Aerodynamic Forcing Functions: A Comparison Between Linear Theory and Experiment

The unsteady flow field generated by rotating rows of perforated plates and airfoil cascades is mathematically split into vortical and potential components using two methods, one relying entirely on velocity data and the other utilizing both velocity and unsteady static pressure data. The propagation and decay of these split flow perturbations are then examined and compared to linear theory predictions. The perforated plate gusts closely resemble linear theory vortical gusts. Both splitting methods indicate that they are dominantly vortical gusts with insignificant unsteady static pressure perturbations. The airfoil gusts resemble linear theory combined vortical and potential gusts. The recombined airfoil gusts using the vortical and potential components calculated by the method using only unsteady velocity data do not necessarily resemble the measured gusts, nor do they behave axially as predicted by linear theory
The decomposition of acetylenedicarboxylic acid in acetophenone

The decomposition of acetylenedicarboxylic acid in acetophenone was studied in the temperature range of 100–130°C. The rate constants and activation parameters for the consecutive pair of first-order steps (each yielding carbon dioxide) were calculated. Hydrogen kinetic isotope effects were also studied. Comparisons were made with the decompositions of oxalic acid and malonic acid. An intramolecular HC transfer is believed to be the main part of the reaction coordinate in addition to the CC bond breaking.
Unemployment as an Adverse Trigger Event for Mortgage Default

There is limited evidence of the role of household-level adverse trigger events in driving mortgage default, and the evidence based on proxies, such as the unemployment rate, is inconsistent. Using a survey of low- and moderate-income homeowners with community reinvestment mortgages, we study how a reported household unemployment experience, as a measure of an adverse trigger event, affects mortgage default. We find that both household unemployment and the local unemployment rate are important predictors of mortgage default. We also find that precautionary savings and the duration of unemployment benefits can moderate mortgage default significantly.
Inside-out polytopes

We present a common generalization of counting lattice points in rational polytopes and the enumeration of proper graph colorings, nowhere-zero flows on graphs, magic squares and graphs, antimagic squares and graphs, compositions of an integer whose parts are partially distinct, and generalized latin squares. Our method is to generalize Ehrhart's theory of lattice-point counting to a convex polytope dissected by a hyperplane arrangement. We particularly develop the applications to graph and signed-graph coloring, compositions of an integer, and antimagic labellings.
Smaller Coresets for k-Median and k-Means Clustering

In this paper we show that there exists a $(k,\varepsilon)$-coreset for k-median and k-means clustering of n points in ${\cal R}^d,$ which is of size independent of n. In particular, we construct a $(k,\varepsilon)$-coreset of size $O(k^2/\varepsilon^d)$ for k-median clustering, and of size $O(k^3/\varepsilon^{d+1})$ for k-means clustering.
Melatonin excretion in normal males and females: increase during puberty

Abstract Melatonin in chloroform extracts of timed overnight urine collections was measured by radioimmunoassay. Melatonin excretion was determined in 88 boys and 82 girls 9–16 yr of age, in 16 adult males, and throughout the menstrual cycle of one adult female. By succeeding age groups (9–10.9, 11–12.9, 13–14.9, and 15–16.9 yr) boys showed a progressive increase in mean ± SD melatonin excretion from 3.0 ± 1.3 ng/hr for the 9–10.9 yr age group to 9.8 ± 2.8 ng/hr for the 15–16.9 yr age group. The girls' excretion increased for the 11–12.9 yr age group (9–10.9 versus 11–12.9 = 4.0 ± 2.3 versus 6.1 ± 2.7 ng/hr, p p >0.3), and decreased for the 15–16.9 yr age group (2.0 ± 1.4 ng/hr, p p p p
1310nm silicon evanescent laser

We report the first 1310 nm hybrid laser on a silicon substrate. This laser operates continuous wave (C.W.) up to 105 °C. The room temperature threshold current of this laser is 30 mA, and the maximum single sided fiber-coupled output power is 5.5 mW.
In Vitro Reconstitution of Metabolic Pathways: Insights into Nature's Chemical Logic.

In vitro analysis of metabolic pathways is becoming a powerful method for gaining a deeper understanding of nature’s core biochemical transformations. Through the astounding advances in biotechnology, the purification of the enzymatic components of a given metabolic pathway is becoming a tractable problem; such in vitro studies permit scientists to capture the fine details of the mechanisms, kinetics, and identities of organic products of enzymatic reactions. In this review, we describe eleven metabolic pathways that have been the subject of recently reported in vitro reconstitution studies. In addition, we have selected and analyzed a subset of four case studies within these eleven examples that exemplify the remarkable organic chemistry that occurs within biological systems. These examples serves as tangible reminders that nature’s biochemical routes obey the fundamental principles of organic chemistry, as their chemical mechanisms are reminiscent of those occurring in conventional synthetic organic routes. The illustrations of biosynthetic chemistry presented in this review might inspire the development of biomimetic chemistries involving abiotic chemical techniques. 1 Introduction 2 Bacterial Metabolites 2.1 Fatty Acids 2.2 Farnesene 2.3 O-Polysaccharides 3 Plant Metabolites 3.1 Dhurrin 3.2 Camalexin 4 Polyketides and Nonribosomal Peptides 4.1 Aromatic Polyketides 4.1.1 Actinorhodin-Derived Polyketides 4.1.2 Enterocin 4.2 Fungal Polyketides 4.2.1 Norsolorinic Acid 4.2.2 Dihydromonacolin L 4.3 Assembly Line Polyketides and Nonribosomal Peptides 4.3.1 6-Deoxyerythronolide B 4.3.2 Asperlicin 5 Discussion of Chemical Insights 5.1 Allylic Carbocation Chemistry Drives Farnesene Synthesis 5.2 Multifunctional Oxidation Chemistry of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes 5.3 A Remarkable Favorskiiase Enzyme Within Enterocin Biosynthesis 5.4 Diels–Alder Chemistry Appears in Biology 6 Concluding Remarks
Homochiral amine synthesis by baker's yeast resolution of a β-keto amide: 1-Phenylethylamine

Abstract Preliminary investigation of the resolution potential of baker's yeast reduction of β-keto amides has been carried out with 1-phenylethylamine. Enantiomeric excess was determined by direct comparison of resolved enantiomers with derivatives prepared from commercially available (R)-(+)-1-phenylethylamine and was found to be 56–58.6% for the S enantiomer and 76–84.6% for the R enantiomer.