cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Empirical stochastic branch-and-bound for optimization via simulation

This article introduces a new method for discrete decision variable optimization via simulation that combines the nested partitions method and the stochastic branch-and-bound method in the sense that advantage is taken of the partitioning structure of stochastic branch-and-bound, but the bounds are estimated based on the performance of sampled solutions, similar to the nested partitions method. The proposed Empirical Stochastic Branch-and-Bound (ESB&B) algorithm also uses improvement bounds to guide solution sampling for better performance. A convergence proof and empirical evaluation are provided. [Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher’s online edition of IIE Transaction for datasets, additional tables, detailed proofs, etc.]
Using Multivariate Matched Sampling and Regression Adjustment to Control Bias in Observational Studies

Abstract Monte Carlo methods are used to study the efficacy of multivariate matched sampling and regression adjustment for controlling bias due to specific matching variables X when dependent variables are moderately nonlinear in X. The general conclusion is that nearest available Mahalanobis metric matching in combination with regression adjustment on matched pair differences is a highly effective plan for controlling bias due to X.
Internal financing of multinational subsidiaries: Debt vs. equity

Abstract Multinational subsidiaries are generally financed with a mixture of internal debt and equity from the parent corporation. Yet, financial theory has relatively little to say regarding the debt-equity tradeoff and the timing of dividend repatriation in an international setting. In this paper, we derive optimal rules for financing multinational subsidiaries that take into account tax rate differentials and the exploitation of tax-loss credits. We develop a formal multi-period dynamic model to characterize the optimal dividend repatriation policy and the optimal choice of debt-equity mix. The model generates several testable empirical implications that are consistent with available empirical evidence and several others that have not been either discussed or empirically tested in the literature.
A Venturi Scrubber Installation for the Removal of Fission Products from Air

(1959). A Venturi Scrubber Installation for the Removal of Fission Products from Air. American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal: Vol. 20, No. 4, pp. 332-336.
The economics of new age arthroplasty: Can we afford it?

Summary The current economics of arthroplasty surgery have put increasing financial pressure on hospitals. Technological advances are necessary to improve the cost-effectiveness of healthcare. Newer technologies must demonstrate their efficacy in long-term follow-up and be clearly superior to conventional implants.
Swelling pretreatment of coals for improved catalytic liquefaction

Abstract Two coals, a Texas lignite and a Utah high volatile C bituminous, were used to examine the effects of solvent swelling pretreatment and catalyst impregnation on conversion behaviour at 275 °C, representative of the first, low-temperature stage in a temperature-staged liquefaction reaction. Iron(II) sulphate, iron pentacarbonyl, ammonium tetrathiomolybdate, and molybdenum hexacarbonyl were used as catalyst precursors. Without swelling pretreatment, impregnation of both coals increased conversion, mainly through increased yields of preasphaltenes. Methanol, tetrahydrofuran, tetrabutylammonium hydroxide, and pyridine were used as swelling agents. In the absence of catalyst, swelling the lignite before reaction improves conversion by enhancing oil and gas yields; the effectiveness of the solvents in enhancing conversion is in the same order as their swelling ratios. Swelling with methanol or pyridine has little effect on reaction of the bituminous coal, but both tetrahydrofuran and tetrabutylammonium hydroxide treatments increase conversion as a result of higher preasphaltene yields. The combined effect of catalyst addition and swelling enhances conversion, as much as two-fold, of the lignite and increases yields of all products. On the other hand, little benefit was obtained by combining catalyst addition and swelling for the bituminous coal, though it is possible to effect changes in the relative amounts of the various products. Tetrabutylammonium hydroxide not removed from the coal after pretreatment appears to decompose to the good solvent tributylamine, suggesting the possibility of using swelling agents as ‘solvent precursors’, first swelling the coal and then thermally decomposing to a strong solvent that is emplaced inside the coal. The action of iron pentacarbonyl is sensitive to the reactive gas atmosphere used; in hydrogen it decomposes to an oxide that mainly facilitates hydrogenation of the heavy products to lighter oils, whereas in hydrogen sulphide/hydrogen mixtures the iron pentacarbonyl is sulphided and mainly facilitates depolymerization of the coal to heavy products. This finding suggests the possibility of tailoring the behaviour of the catalyst by appropriate selection of catalyst precursor and reactive atmosphere.
Phosphine-Catalyzed Enantioselective Intramolecular [3+2] Annulations To Generate Fused Ring Systems

Substantial progress has been described in the development of asymmetric variants of the phosphine-catalyzed intermolecular [3+2] annulation of allenes with alkenes; however, there have not been corresponding advances for the intramolecular process, which can generate a higher level of complexity (an additional ring and stereocenter(s)). In this study, we describe the application of chiral phosphepine catalysts to address this challenge, thereby providing access to useful scaffolds that are found in bioactive compounds, including diquinane and quinolin-2-one derivatives, with very good stereoselectivity. The products of the [3+2] annulation can be readily transformed into structures that are even more stereochemically rich. Mechanistic studies are consistent with β addition of the phosphepine to the allene being the turnover-limiting step of the catalytic cycle, followed by a concerted [3+2] cycloaddition to the pendant olefin.
A novel route to alkanes, alcohols, and ethers by dehydrodimerization

Abstract Alkanes, alcohols, and ethers can be conveniently synthesized by homo and cross dimerization using mercury photosensitization.
Cathode Plasma Formation in Magnetically-Insulated Transmission Lines

We have studied cathode plasma formation in magnetically insulated transmission lines (MITLs) using time-resolved laser holography, visible light photography, and emission spectroscopy. Bare and graphitecoated aluminum cathode surfaces were tested. Results indicate that the cathode plasma density at 40 to 70 ns is typically peaked at the cathode at 3 to 7x1015. cm-3 and drops by an order of magnitude in 0.03 to 0.05 cm. A luminous plasma extends much farther into the anodecathode gap, expanding to 0.3 cm in 40 ns. Spectroscopic scans from 300 to 700 nm show that the Ha (656.3 nm) and Hs (486.1 nm) lines are the major contributors to the cathode plasma luminosity. A onedimesional simulation of cathode plasma expansion is consistent with the holographic density measurements, but indicates that some process other than direct cathode plasma expansion is responsible for the low density luminous plasma extending several millimeters into the gap.
Efficient algorithms for generalized cut-trees

The Gomory–Hu cut tree is a compact and efficiently computed representation of selected minimum edge cuts in a weighted undirected graph G = (V, E) with n nodes. It represents () minimum cuts, one for each pair of nodes in G, and can be constructed with only n − 1 flow computations. In this article, we generalize the types of cut-trees that can be efficiently constructed. We solve the open problem, posed by Hu [9], of constructing with n − 1 flows a cut-tree for minimum node weighted cuts in an undirected graph. We then show how to build cut-trees that compactly represent the minimum edge cuts in directed graphs, partially solving the open problem of constructing cut-trees for weighted edge cuts in directed graphs.
Intraosseous resuscitation of hemorrhagic shock in a pediatric animal model using a low sodium hypertonic fluid

Objective : To study the efficacy of a low sodium hypertonic resuscitation fluid for resuscitation of severe hemorrhage in a pediatric animal, using the intraosseous route. Design : Prospective, randomized, controlled animal study. Setting : University physiology laboratory. Subjects : Seventeen immature (6- to 9-wk-old) piglets, weighing 10.6 ± 0.4 kg, were studied under anesthesia. Interventions : A new 2400 mosm/L hypertonic fluid, Isosal was formulated with reduced (3.45%) sodium content compared with a 2400-mosmlL (7.5%) hypertonic saline solution. This formulation was accomplished by substituting glucose and mixed amino acids for sodium. Piglets were subjected to 1 hr of hemorrhage, reducing the cardiac output to 50% of baseline value. Resuscitation was carried out through the intraosseous route with an initial 6 mL/kg bolus of either hypertonic saline, Isosal, or lactated Ringer's solution. After the initial bolus, additional test fluid was given to maintain the cardiac output at baseline value for a 2-hr period. Measurements and Main Results : Total resuscitation volumes, hemodynamic variables, and electrolytes were measured. Intraosseous vascular access was easily established in all animals, and fluid resuscitation was carried out effectively through this route. Resuscitation volumes were significantly lower for both of the hypertonic fluids (12.7 ± 1.2 mL/kg for hypertonic saline, and 12.5 ± 1.7 mL/kg for Isosal solution) compared with lactated Ringer's solution (75.3 ± 11.6 mL/kg) (p =.01). Both hypertonic saline and Isosal solution resulted in an immediate supranormal response in cardiac output that lasted 20 mins. In contrast, when lactated Ringer's solution was used, multiple boluses were required over a 20-min period to normalize cardiac output. Serum sodium was significantly higher in the hypertonic saline group compared with the Isosal or lactated Ringer's groups (p =.001). Conclusions : Isosal solution was as effective as hypertonic saline in small volume resuscitation of severe hemorrhagic shock in a pediatric animal model through the intraosseous route, and produced significantly less hypernatremia when compared with hypertonic saline.
Maternal & Newborn Health Road Maps: a review of progress in 33 sub-Saharan African countries, 2008–2009

The 2006 Maputo Plan of Action aimed to help African nations to achieve the Millennium Development Goals related to reducing maternal mortality, combatting HIV and AIDS, and reducing infant and child mortality within integrated sexual and reproductive health care plans. In 2008 and 2009, UNFPA worked with senior Ministry of Health officials and national UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO teams in 33 African countries to review their development of national Maternal and Newborn Health strategies and plans through a self-assessment survey. The survey showed that many key components were missing, in particular there was poor integration of family planning; lack of budgetary, infrastructure and human resources plans; and weak monitoring and evaluation provisions. The maternal and newborn health Road Map initiative has been the single most important factor for the initiation and development of the national maternal and newborn health plans for many African countries. However the deficiencies within these national plans need to be addressed before a significant reduction in maternal and newborn mortality can realistically be achieved.
Massive elementary particles and black holes

An outstanding problem posed by Einstein's general theory of relativity to the quantum theory of point particle fields is the fate of a massive point particle; for, in the classical solutions of Einstein's theory, such a system should be a black hole. We use exact results in a new approach to quantum gravity to show that this conclusion is obviated by quantum loop effects. Phenomenological implications are discussed.
New perspectives on basic zeolites as catalysts and catalyst supports

Zeolites are aluminosilicate molecular sieves that have great potential as basic catalysts and catalyst supports. In particular, this paper discusses recent work and future directions with zeolite X containing exchanged alkali metal cations, occluded alkali metal oxides, and occluded alkali metals. Probe reactions such as alkylation of toluene with methanol, cyclo-addition of carbon dioxide to ethylene oxide, isomerization of 1-butene, and alkylation of toluene with ethylene are catalyzed by the basic X zeolites, depending on the preparation method. Basic zeolites are also excellent supports for nanometer-sized Ru metal clusters used to catalyze the ammonia synthesis reaction. In that case, occluded barium oxide effectively promotes the reaction on Ru-loaded Ba-exchanged zeolite X. These examples illustrate important principles that can be used to guide future design of shape-selective base catalysts.
Enlargements of filtrations and path decompositions at non stopping times

Azema associated with an honest time L the supermartingale Open image in new window and established some of its important properties. This supermartingale plays a central role in the general theory of stochastic processes and in particular in the theory of progressive enlargements of filtrations. In this paper, we shall give an additive characterization for these supermartingales, which in turn will naturally provide many examples of enlargements of filtrations. We combine this characterization with some arguments from both initial and progressive enlargements of filtrations to establish some path decomposition results, closely related to or reminiscent of Williams' path decomposition results. In particular, some of the fragments of the paths in our decompositions end or start with a new family of random times which are not stopping times, nor honest times.
A New Cost Efficiency Measure for Not-for-Profit Firms: Evidence of a Link Between Inefficiency and Large Endowments

Cost functions and cost efficiency are commonly estimated for industries with detailed data on production and cost, both for firms that are for profit as well as not for profit. The data on not-for-profits obtained from the IRS Form 990 lack these details and, consequently, encourage substitution of the ratio of program expenses to total expenses to gauge performance. While a larger program expense ratio captures better administrative cost efficiency, it does not gauge best-practice cost and the extent to which an organization’s administrative costs exceed best practice. Using the Form 990 data, this study constructs an administrative cost function for not-for-profits and uses the distribution-free technique of estimating a best-practice cost frontier to gauge the relative efficiency of not-for-profit organizations. Focusing on not-for-profit hospitals and their holdings of liquid assets, the empirical evidence is consistent with Jensen’s free cash flow hypothesis: hospitals holding liquid assets in excess of a benchmark have lower program expense ratios and lower cost efficiency. In addition, the CEOs of more cost efficient hospitals earn higher compensation. The agreement of the evidence on agency problems related to excess holdings of liquid assets from the program expense ratio and administrative cost efficiency reinforce the credibility of the latter as a measure of the performance of not-for-profit organizations.
Are the WMAP Angular Magnification Measurements Consistent with an Inhomogeneous Critical Density Universe

The propagation of light through a universe of isothermal mass spheres amidst a homogeneous matter component is considered. We demonstrate by an analytical proof that as long as a small light bundle passes through a sufficient number of isothermal mass spheres at various impact parameters—a criterion of great importance—its average convergence will exactly compensate the divergence within a homogeneous matter component. The net effect on the light is statistically the same as if all the matter in isothermal mass spheres were "fully homogenized." When applying the above ideas toward understanding the angular size of the primary acoustic peaks of the microwave background, however, caution is needed. The reason is that (by mass) most isothermal mass spheres are in galaxies—their full mass profiles are not sampled by passing light—and at least the inner 20 kpc regions of these systems are missed by the majority of rays, while the rest of the rays would map back to unresolvable but magnified, randomly located spots to compensate for the loss in angular size. Therefore, a scanning pair of WMAP beams finds most frequently that the largest temperature difference occurs when each beam is placed at diametrically opposite points of the Dyer-Roeder collapsed sections. This is the mode magnification, which corresponds to the acoustic peaks, and is less than the mean (or the homogeneous preclumping angular size). Since space was seen to be Euclidean without taking the said adjustment into account, the true density of the universe should be supercritical. Our analysis gives Ωm = 0.278 ± 0.040 and ΩΛ = 0.782 ± 0.040.
An in situ annealing study of lead implanted single crystal calcium titanate

Abstract In situ annealing studies have been carried out in ion-implanted single crystals of CaTiO 3 . These crystals were implanted along both the a and b axes of this orthorhombic perovskite structure (Pcmn). Through the use of a Panasonic video cassette recorder connected to a Gatan television system on a JEOL 200CX transmission electron microscope, the regrowth process was observed and the growth rate monitored. Samples were annealed in a Gatan single tilt hot stage at ∼ 475° C. The near-surface region of this material, approximately 190 nm, is turned amorphous by the implantation of 540 keV Pb ions at a fluence of 1 × 10 15 /cm 2 . Annealing at 475° C results in the epitaxial regrowth of the damaged region. The regrowth process begins at the original amorphous/crystalline interface and proceeds outward to the surface. This phenomenon has been studied for implantations along both the 〈010〉 and the 〈100〉 crystallographic directions. For constant accelerating voltage and fluence of the implanted lead ions, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) [C.W. White et al., to be published in Proc. of Radiation Effects in Insulators, Lyon, France, 1987.] indicate that the regrowth rate is linear with time but strongly dependent on the oxygen partial pressure in the annealing atmosphere, and the implantation and subsequent regrowth direction.
A Surface Integral Approach to the Motion Planning of Nonholonomic Systems

Nonholonomic mechanical systems are governed by constraints of motion that are nonintegrable differential expressions. Unlike holonomic constraints, these constraints do not reduce the number of dimensions of the configuration space of a system. Therefore a nonholonomic system can access a configuration space of dimension higher than the number of the degrees of freedom of the system. In this paper, we develop an algorithm for planning admissible trajectories for nonholonomic systems that will take the system from onepoint in its configuration space to another. In our algorithm the independent variables are first converged to their desired values. Subsequently, closed trajectories of the independent variables are used to converge the dependent variables
A Stackelberg strategy for routing flow over time

Abstract Routing games are studied to understand the impact of individual users' decisions on network efficiency. Most prior work on efficiency in routing games uses a simplified model where all flows exist simultaneously, and users care about either their maximum delay or their total delay. Both these measures are surrogates for measuring how long it takes to get all of a user's traffic through the network. We attempt a more direct study of network efficiency by examining routing games in a flow over time model. Flows over time are commonly used in transportation research. We show that in this model, by reducing network capacity judiciously, the network owner can ensure that the equilibrium is no worse than a small constant times the optimal in the original network, for two natural measures of optimality. These are the first upper bounds on the price of anarchy in this model for general networks.
The impact of medical insurance for the poor in Georgia: a regression discontinuity approach

Improving access to health care and financial protection of the poor is a key concern for policymakers in low- and middle-income countries, but there have been few rigorous program evaluations. The Medical Insurance Program for the Poor in the republic of Georgia provides a free and extensive benefit package and operates through a publicly funded voucher program, enabling beneficiaries to choose their own private insurance company. Eligibility is determined by a proxy means test administered to applicant households. The objective of this study is to evaluate the program's impact on key outcomes including utilization, financial risk protection, and health behavior and management. A dedicated survey of approximately 3500 households around the thresholds was designed to minimize unobserved heterogeneity by sampling clusters with both beneficiary and non-beneficiary households. The research design exploits the sharp discontinuities at two regional eligibility thresholds to estimate local average treatment effects. Results suggest that the program did not affect utilization of health services but decreased mean out-of-pocket expenditures for some groups and reduced the risk of high inpatient expenditures. There are no systematic impacts on health behavior, management of chronic illnesses, and patient satisfaction. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monte Carlo simulation of the interaction of cosmic ray hadrons and muons with a resonant-mass gravitational radiation antenna

Abstract We present the results of a Monte Carlo simulation of cosmic ray hadrons and muons incident on a resonant-mass gravitational radiation antenna. To our knowledge, this is the first time any study has been made of the effect of cosmic ray hadrons on resonant-mass antennas. We find that both the muon and the hadron interactions can contribute significantly to the non-Gaussian background noise of a single detector which is operating with the project insensitivity of the latest generation of resonant-mass antennas now being constructed. However, we find that by doing coincidence experiments with other detectors of similar sensitivities, we can reduce the false event rate induced by cosmic rays to manegeable levels. In addition, veto schemes utilizing high energy particle detectors and a veto based on the detection of the second longitudinal mode of oscillation of the antenna can further reduce the false event rate to insignificant levels making it possible to operate the next generation of detectors, with noise temperatures ≈1 μK, without excessive shielding.
Layer-Dependent Electrocatalysis of MoS2 for Hydrogen Evolution

The quantitative correlation of the catalytic activity with the microscopic structure of heterogeneous catalysts is a major challenge for the field of catalysis science. It requests synergistic capabilities to tailor the structure with atomic scale precision and to control the catalytic reaction to proceed through well-defined pathways. Here we leverage on the controlled growth of MoS2 atomically thin films to demonstrate that the catalytic activity of MoS2 for the hydrogen evolution reaction decreases by a factor of ∼4.47 for the addition of every one more layer. Similar layer dependence is also found in edge-riched MoS2 pyramid platelets. This layer-dependent electrocatalysis can be correlated to the hopping of electrons in the vertical direction of MoS2 layers over an interlayer potential barrier. Our experimental results suggest the potential barrier to be 0.119 V, consistent with theoretical calculations. Different from the conventional wisdom, which states that the number of edge sites is important,...
Crystal structure and physical properties of the quaternary manganese-bearing pavonite homologue Mn1.34Sn6.66Bi8Se20

The quaternary manganese tin bismuth selenide, Mn{sub 1.34}Sn{sub 6.66}Bi{sub 8}Se{sub 20} was synthesized by combining constituent elements at 723 K. Single crystal structure determination revealed that Mn{sub 1.34}Sn{sub 6.66}Bi{sub 8}Se{sub 20} is isostructural to the mineral pavonite, AgBi{sub 3}S{sub 5}, crystallizing in the monoclinic space group C2/m (no.12) with a=13.648(3) A; b=4.175(1) A; c=17.463(4) A; {beta}=93.42(3){sup o}. In the structure, two kinds of layered modules, denoted A and B, alternate along [0 0 1]. Module A consists of paired chains of face-sharing monocapped trigonal prisms (around Bi/Sn) separated by a single chain of edge-sharing octahedra (around Mn/Sn). Module B represents a NaCl-type fragment of edge-sharing [(Bi/Sn)Se{sub 6}] octahedra. Mn{sub 1.34}Sn{sub 6.66}Bi{sub 8}Se{sub 20} is an n-type narrow gap semiconductor with E{sub g{approx}}0.29 eV. At 300 K, thermopower, electrical conductivity and lattice thermal conductivity values are -123 {mu}V/K, 47 S/cm and 0.6 W/m K, respectively. Mn{sub 1.34}Sn{sub 6.66}Bi{sub 8}Se{sub 20} is paramagnetic at high temperatures and undergoes antiferromagnetic transition at T{sub N}=10 K. - Graphical abstract: Mn{sub 1.34}Sn{sub 6.66}Bi{sub 8}Se{sub 20}, a narrow gap semiconducting and antiferromagnetic pavonite homologue obtained by partial substitution in octahedral position of Sn by magnetic Mn atoms.
Slow Star Formation in Dense Gas: Evidence and Implications

It has been known for more than 30 years that star formation in giant molecular clouds (GMCs) is slow, in the sense that only ~1% of the gas forms stars every free-fall time. This result is entirely independent of any particular model of molecular cloud lifetime or evolution. Here we survey observational data on higher density objects in the interstellar medium, including infrared dark clouds and dense molecular clumps, to determine whether these objects form stars slowly like GMCs, or rapidly, converting a significant fraction of their mass into stars in one free-fall time. We find no evidence for a transition from slow to rapid star formation in structures covering 3 orders of magnitude in density. This has important implications for models of star formation, since competing models make differing predictions for the characteristic density at which star formation should transition from slow to rapid. The data are inconsistent with models that predict that star clusters form rapidly and in free-fall collapse. Magnetic- and turbulence-regulated star formation models can reproduce the observations qualitatively, and the turbulence-regulated star formation model of Krumholz & McKee quantitatively reproduces the infrared-HCN luminosity correlation recently reported by Gao & Solomon Slow star formation also implies that the process of star cluster formation cannot be one of global collapse, but must instead proceed over many free-fall times. This suggests that turbulence in star-forming clumps must be driven, and that the competitive accretion mechanism does not operate in typical cluster-forming molecular clumps.
Fatigue, and fracture mechanics

Complex airframe design for economic and safe operation and long life using fatigue and fracture mechanics
Light Curves of Dwarf Plutonian Planets and other Large Kuiper Belt Objects: Their Rotations, Phase Functions, and Absolute Magnitudes

I report new time-resolved light curves and determine the rotations and phase functions of several large Kuiper Belt objects, which includes the dwarf planet Eris (2003 UB313). Three of the new sample of 10 trans-Neptunian objects display obvious short-term periodic light curves. (120348) 2004 TY364 shows a light curve which if double-peaked has a period of 11:70 � 0:01 hr and a peak-to-peak amplitude of 0:22 � 0:02 mag. (84922) 2003 VS2 has a well-defined double-peaked light curve of 7:41 � 0:02 hr with a range of 0:21 � 0:02 mag. (126154) 2001 YH140shows variability of 0:21 � 0: 04magwithapossib le13 :25 � 0:2hr single-peaked period. The seven new Kuiper Belt objects in the sample which show no discernible variations within the uncertainties on short rotational timescales are (148780) 2001 UQ18, (55565) 2002 AW197, (119979) 2002 WC19, (120132) 2003 FY128, (136108) Eris 2003 UB313, (90482) Orcus 2004 DW, and (90568) 2004 GV9 .F our of the 10 newly sampled Kuiper Belt objects were observed over a significant range of phase angles to determine their phase functions and absolute magnitudes. The three medium- to large-sized Kuiper Belt objects 2004 TY364, Orcus, and 2004 GV9 show fairly steep linear phase curves (� 0.18 to 0.26 mag deg � 1 ) between phase angles of 0.1 � and 1.5 � .T his is consistent with previous measurements obtained for moderately sized Kuiper Belt objects. The extremely large dwarf planet Eris (2003 UB313) shows a shallower phase curve (0:09 � 0:03 mag deg � 1 ) which is more similar to the other known dwarf planet Pluto.It appears that the surface properties of the largest dwarf planets inthe Kuiper Belt may be different than the smaller Kuiper Belt objects. This may have to do with the larger objects’ ability to hold more volatile ices, as well as sustain atmospheres. Finally, it is found that the absolute magnitudes obtained using the phase slopes found for individual objects are a few tenths of magnitudes different than that given by the Minor Planet Center.
On the ionization energies of C4H3 isomers

Abstract We have investigated the ionization potentials of resonantly stabilized C 4 H 3 radicals utilizing laser ablation of graphite in combination with seeding the ablated species in neat methylacetylene gas, which also reacted as a reagent. Photoionization efficiency (PIE) curves were recorded of photoionized isomers at the Advanced Light Source. The PIE curve suggests the formation of four C 4 H 3 radicals: two acyclic structures i -C 4 H 3 [ 1 ] and E / Z - n -C 4 H 3 [ 2E / 2Z ] and two cyclic isomers 3 and 4 . This study provides a novel interpretation of previous data on C 4 H 3 radicals in hydrocarbon flames.
Microwave-assisted synthesis of 3-nitroindoles from N-aryl enamines via intramolecular arene-alkene coupling.

A variety of N-aryl β-nitroenamines were effectively transformed into 3-nitroindoles in good yields and with complete regioselectivity via a rapid microwave (μW) assisted intramolecular arene–alkene coupling reaction. This report further demonstrates the versatility of this method by constructing 3-carboalkoxy- and 3-cyanoindoles. Optimization data, substrate scope, and applications are discussed.
Some canonical sequences of integers

Abstract Extending earlier work of R. Donaghey and P. J. Cameron, we investigate some canonical “eigen-sequences” associated with transformations of integer sequences. Several known sequences appear in a new setting: for instance, the sequences (such as 1, 3, 11, 49, 257, 1531, …) studied by T. Tsuzuku, H. O. Foulkes, and A. Kerber in connection with multiply transitive groups are eigen-sequences for the binomial transform. Many interesting new sequences also arise, such as 1, 1, 2, 26, 152, 1144, ..., which shifts one place left when transformed by the Stirling numbers of the second kind, and whose exponential generating function satisfies A'(x) = A(ex − 1) + 1.
Synthesis of an aryloxy oxo pyrimidinone library that displays ALK-selective inhibition.

Abstract We report the synthesis of a pyrimidinone library that targets anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), an oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase. This library was generated in three steps from a versatile commercially available starting material. Some compounds within this library showed single digit micromolar inhibition of ALK in vitro, while showing minimal inhibition of other homologous insulin receptor family kinases including the human insulin receptor kinase (IRK), at the highest concentrations investigated. We also present initial ALK structure–activity relationships for this library.
Psychological aspects of genetic counseling. XI. Nondirectiveness revisited

Directiveness and nondirectiveness are considered here as psychological phenomena and separated from the issue of giving or withholding advice. The former is a form of persuasive communication involving various combinations of deception, coercion, and threat, whereas the latter describes procedures that promote and enhance the autonomy and self-directedness of clients. Examples are given showing that professionals have considerable difficulty dealing with relatively simple, common issues arising in genetic counseling. It is suggested that many, if not most, problems involving the issue of nondirectiveness arise because of inadequacies in applying basic counseling skills. Several examples are given of nondirective counseling in situations involving direct questions and the proffering of “advice.” The need to raise standards in counseling training is underscored if the field of genetic counseling is to remain nondirective. Am. J. Med. Genet. 72:164–171, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Expanding the concepts and tools of metabolic engineering to elucidate cancer metabolism

The metabolic engineer's toolbox, comprising stable isotope tracers, flux estimation and analysis, pathway identification, and pathway kinetics and regulation, among other techniques, has long been used to elucidate and quantify pathways primarily in the context of engineering microbes for producing small molecules of interest. Recently, these tools are increasingly finding use in cancer biology due to their unparalleled capacity for quantifying intracellular metabolism of mammalian cells. Here, we review basic concepts that are used to derive useful insights about the metabolism of tumor cells, along with a number of illustrative examples highlighting the fundamental contributions of these methods to elucidating cancer cell metabolism. This area presents unique opportunities for metabolic engineering to expand its portfolio of applications into the realm of cancer biology and help develop new cancer therapies based on a new class of metabolically derived targets.
The design of IBM OS/VS2 release 2

The purpose of this paper is to give some insight into the design of IBM OS/VS2, rather than cover individual features of the release. Included are the overall objectives for the design, some of the system's key architectural features, and how these relate to the environments that the system is intended to be used in. The major objective is to show how the design of the system fits together and to provide an insight into the rationale of the design.
Block implementation of adaptive digital filters

Block digital filtering involves the calculation of a block or finite set of filter outputs from a block of input values. This paper presents a block adaptive filtering procedure in which the filter coefficients are adjusted once per each output block in accordance with a generalized least mean-square (LMS) algorithm. Analyses of convergence properties and computational complexity show that the block adaptive filter permits fast implementations while maintaining performance equivalent to that of the widely used LMS adaptive filter.
The phantom bounce: a new oscillating cosmology

An oscillating universe cycles through a series of expansions and contractions. We propose a model in which 'phantom' energy with p<−ρ grows rapidly and dominates the late-time expanding phase. The universe's energy density is so large that the effects of quantum gravity are important at both the beginning and the end of each expansion (or contraction). The bounce can be caused by high energy modifications to the Friedmann equation, which make the cosmology non-singular. The classic black hole overproduction of oscillating universes is resolved due to their destruction by the phantom energy.
Implementation of 3-D isoparametric finite elements on supercomputer for the formulation of recursive dynamical equations of multi-body systems

Kinematic formulation of the versatile three-dimensional isoparametric eight-noded brick element with six degrees of freedom at each node (three-translational and three-rotational), suitable for the discretization of flexible bodies with intricate geometric configurations, has been developed and implemented on the supercomputer IBM-3090 for the simulation of dynamical mechanical systems. The pipelining feature of the above vector-processor has been exploited for achieving a significant order of magnitude in computational efficiency. The concepts of indexed reference arrays have been utilised in the development of dynamical equations of motion, eliminating expensive Boolean matrix multiplication operations. The algorithm developed is an improvement and extension of [7], with the implementation of the brick element formulation. The recursive Kane's equations, modal analysis technique and strain energy principles are integrated into the procedure. The above technique is also applied to the constrained multi-body systems. An illustrative example of an spin-up maneuver of a space robot with three flexible links carrying a solar panel is presented. The prediction of dynamic behaviour of the system is carried out under a constrained environment and the effects of geometric stiffening and its subsequent restoring elastic forces are demonstrated.
Composition and dynamics of the solar wind plasma

This review will concentrate on the interpretation of recent observations pertaining to the chemical composition and dynamical behavior of the solar wind plasma.
Shaping bursting by electrical coupling and noise

Gap-junctional coupling is an important way of communication between neurons and other excitable cells. Strong electrical coupling synchronizes activity across cell ensembles. Surprisingly, in the presence of noise synchronous oscillations generated by an electrically coupled network may differ qualitatively from the oscillations produced by uncoupled individual cells forming the network. A prominent example of such behavior is the synchronized bursting in islets of Langerhans formed by pancreatic β-cells, which in isolation are known to exhibit irregular spiking (Sherman and Rinzel, Biophys J 54:411–425, 1988; Sherman and Rinzel, Biophys J 59:547–559, 1991). At the heart of this intriguing phenomenon lies denoising, a remarkable ability of electrical coupling to diminish the effects of noise acting on individual cells. In this paper, building on an earlier analysis of denoising in networks of integrate-and-fire neurons (Medvedev, Neural Comput 21 (11):3057–3078, 2009) and our recent study of spontaneous activity in a closely related model of the Locus Coeruleus network (Medvedev and Zhuravytska, The geometry of spontaneous spiking in neuronal networks, submitted, 2012), we derive quantitative estimates characterizing denoising in electrically coupled networks of conductance-based models of square wave bursting cells. Our analysis reveals the interplay of the intrinsic properties of the individual cells and network topology and their respective contributions to this important effect. In particular, we show that networks on graphs with large algebraic connectivity (Fiedler, Czech Math J 23(98):298–305, 1973) or small total effective resistance (Bollobas, Modern graph theory, Graduate Texts in Mathematics, vol. 184, Springer, New York, 1998) are better equipped for implementing denoising. As a by-product of the analysis of denoising, we analytically estimate the rate with which trajectories converge to the synchronization subspace and the stability of the latter to random perturbations. These estimates reveal the role of the network topology in synchronization. The analysis is complemented by numerical simulations of electrically coupled conductance-based networks. Taken together, these results explain the mechanisms underlying synchronization and denoising in an important class of biological models.
Step size in stein's method of exchangeable pairs

Stein's method of exchangeable pairs is examined through five examples in relation to Poisson and normal distribution approximation. In particular, in the case where the exchangeable pair is constructed from a reversible Markov chain, we analyse how modifying the step size of the chain in a natural way affects the error term in the approximation acquired through Stein's method. It has been noted for the normal approximation that smaller step sizes may yield better bounds, and we obtain the first rigorous results that verify this intuition. For the examples associated to the normal distribution, the bound on the error is expressed in terms of the spectrum of the underlying chain, a characteristic of the chain related to convergence rates. The Poisson approximation using exchangeable pairs is less studied than the normal, but in the examples presented here the same principles hold.
Footprints of alien technology

Abstract If alien civilizations do, or did, exist, their technology will impact their environment. Some consideration has been given to the detection of large-scale astro-engineering, such as Dyson spheres. However, a very advanced technology might leave more subtle footprints requiring sophisticated scientific methods to uncover. We must not overlook the possibility that alien technology has impacted our immediate astronomical environment, even Earth itself, but probably a very long time ago. This raises the question of what traces, if anything, might remain today. I shall consider the possibilities of biological, geological and physical traces, and suggest ways that we might search for them.
Si(Li)NaI(Tl) sandwich detector array for measurements of trace radionuclides in soil samples

An ultra-sensitive x-/..gamma..-ray detector system for assaying trace radioactivity in actinide contaminated soil and ash samples has been developed. The new system consists of an array of 6 large Si(Li) x-ray detectors sensitive on both faces and mounted on edge in a paddle-shaped cryostat with a 14 cm dia Be window on each side. The paddle, with a sample of the soil placed at each window, is sandwiched between 2 large NaI(Tl) scintillators which suppress the ..gamma.. background. With x rays being measured simultaneously from soil in 2 sample holders and background reduced by 50% using anticoincidence, the sensitivity of this detector is 4 times higher than that of conventionally mounted Si(Li) detectors. A soil sample containing 50 pCi/g /sup 239/Pu was measured in 5 min with an uncertainty of <20% and a sample containing 7 pCi/g was measured in 1 hr. With FWHM resolution of 400 eV at 17 keV, the UL..beta../sub 1/ and NpL..beta../sub 1/ x-ray peaks are resolved thus permitting measurement of trace Pu in the presence of Am-241. This is the most sensitive and selective detector known for nondestructive assay of radioactivity in soil and other samples. 15 refs., 8 figs.
Measuring Rates and Impact of Corrosion on DOD Equipment

A large scale atmospheric corrosion monitoring test was undertaken for the purpose of characterizing environmental severity. This work was conducted at ground based Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Force sites. At present over 73 sites are in operation. This work adds to the existing worldwide databases to include new military and/or related sites not previously monitored. In addition and to the extent that such data are available, relevant weather data was collected from public or military sources in order to test existing corrosion algorithms for each site. Many of the 1 year exposures have been successfully completed. However, all of the exposures currently in progress will not be completed until early 2008. Sample analyses are in progress. New data have been obtained to show the important effects of sheltering on reducing corrosion rates. Data from Daytona Beach and Tyndall AFB show that even a relatively simple open structure/sunshade can reduce corrosion rates by factors of 2 or 3. New data are being reported on corrosion vs. distance from ocean. Data were also collected for the comparison of corrosion severity among commonly used test sites and within selected sites (multiple locations within a base.)
Reduction of critical temperatures in pure and thoriated UBe13 by columnar defects

Abstract We investigate the influence of columnar defects on the superconducting transition temperatures of UBe 13 and U 0.97 Th 0.03 Be 13 . The defects cause all the transitions to widen and to drop slightly in temperature. Quantitatively, the lower transition in U 0.97 Th 0.03 Be 13 more strongly resembles the single UBe 13 transition.
Nonsymmetric Macdonald polynomials and matrix coefficients for unramified principal series

Abstract We show how a certain limit of the nonsymmetric Macdonald polynomials appears in the representation theory of semisimple groups over p -adic fields as matrix coefficients for the unramified principal series representations. The result is the nonsymmetric counterpart of a classical result relating the same limit of the symmetric Macdonald polynomials to zonal spherical functions on groups of p -adic type.
Topological modular forms with level structure

The cohomology theory known as $$\mathrm{Tmf}$$ , for “topological modular forms,” is a universal object mapping out to elliptic cohomology theories, and its coefficient ring is closely connected to the classical ring of modular forms. We extend this to a functorial family of objects corresponding to elliptic curves with level structure and modular forms on them. Along the way, we produce a natural way to restrict to the cusps, providing multiplicative maps from $$\mathrm{Tmf}$$ with level structure to forms of $$K$$ -theory. In particular, this allows us to construct a connective spectrum $$\mathrm{tmf}_0(3)$$ consistent with properties suggested by Mahowald and Rezk. This is accomplished using the machinery of logarithmic structures. We construct a presheaf of locally even-periodic elliptic cohomology theories, equipped with highly structured multiplication, on the log-etale site of the moduli of elliptic curves. Evaluating this presheaf on modular curves produces $$\mathrm{Tmf}$$ with level structure.
CORRECTIONS TO DENSITY-FUNCTIONAL THEORY BAND GAPS

An effective exchange-correlation potential for conduction-band states differing from that of the valence-band states is found within an extension of an extreme tight-binding model. Starting from Hedin's GW formulation of the self-energy, simplifications are made by including only near-neighbor interactions, and by an expansion of band energies carried out around their Brillouin-zone averages. The potential difference is applied as a perturbation to the conduction-band states from a Kohn-Sham calculation with the local-density approximation, and a scissors-type band-gap correction is then obtained in a simple and efficient manner. Although the model is valid for strictly insulating systems, it is found that the correction (when adjusted to reproduce the known silicon and carbon band gaps as in a Slater $X\ensuremath{-}\ensuremath{\alpha}$ method) leads to semiconductor band gaps within 0.1--0.3 eV of their experimental values. Both zinc-blende and wurtzite semiconductors of the IV, III-V, and II-VI groups are studied here.