cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamic modeling, energy equipartition, and nonconservation of entropy for discrete-time dynamical systems

We develop thermodynamic models for discrete-time large-scale dynamical systems. Specifically, using compartmental dynamical system theory, we develop energy flow models possessing energy conservation, energy equipartition, temperature equipartition, and entropy nonconservation principles for discrete-time, large-scale dynamical systems. Furthermore, we introduce a new and dual notion to entropy; namely, ectropy, as a measure of the tendency of a dynamical system to do useful work and grow more organized, and show that conservation of energy in an isolated thermodynamic system necessarily leads to nonconservation of ectropy and entropy. In addition, using the system ectropy as a Lyapunov function candidate, we show that our discrete-time, large-scale thermodynamic energy flow model has convergent trajectories to Lyapunov stable equilibria determined by the system initial subsystem energies.
The cauchy-poisson waves in an inviscid rotating stratified liquid☆

Abstract Based upon the Boussinesq approximation, an initial-value investigation is made of the axisymmetric Cauchy-Poisson waves generated in an inviscid, rotating, stratified liquid of infinite depth by the initially prescribed free-surface elevation. The asymptotic analysis of the integral solution is carried out by the stationary-phase method to describe the solution for large time and large distance from the source of the disturbance. The asymptotic solution is found to consist of the classical free-surface gravity waves and the internal-inertial waves.
Developmental, Component‐Based Model of Reading Fluency: An Investigation of Predictors of Word‐Reading Fluency, Text‐Reading Fluency, and Reading Comprehension

The primary goal was to expand our understanding of text reading fluency (efficiency or automaticity)-how its relation to other constructs (e.g., word reading fluency and reading comprehension) changes over time and how it is different from word reading fluency and reading comprehension. We examined (1) developmentally changing relations among word reading fluency, listening comprehension, text reading fluency, and reading comprehension; (2) the relation of reading comprehension to text reading fluency; (3) unique emergent literacy predictors (i.e., phonological awareness, orthographic awareness, morphological awareness, letter name knowledge, vocabulary) of text reading fluency vs. word reading fluency; and (4) unique language and cognitive predictors (e.g., vocabulary, grammatical knowledge, theory of mind) of text reading fluency vs. reading comprehension. These questions were addressed using longitudinal data (two timepoints; Mean age = 5;24 & 6;08) from Korean-speaking children (N = 143). Results showed that listening comprehension was related to text reading fluency at time 2, but not at time 1. At both times text reading fluency was related to reading comprehension, and reading comprehension was related to text reading fluency over and above word reading fluency and listening comprehension. Orthographic awareness was related to text reading fluency over and above other emergent literacy skills and word reading fluency. Vocabulary and grammatical knowledge were independently related to text reading fluency and reading comprehension whereas theory of mind was related to reading comprehension, but not text reading fluency. These results reveal developmental nature of relations and mechanism of text reading fluency in reading development.
Factors that predict incomplete colonoscopy

PURPOSE AND METHODS: Certain factors in a patient's history, such as prior abdominal surgery or complicated diverticular disease, have been reported to hinder cecal intubation during colonoscopy. Over a 16-month period, 1,047 consecutive colonoscopies were prospectively evaluated to determine whether these factors were indeed clinically relevant. RESULTS: Of the 90 patients (9 percent) who had incomplete intubation of the colon, there were significantly more women (66 percent) than men (34 percent) (P<0.001). Women with a history of abdominal hysterectomy had a significantly lower cecal intubation rate (P< 0.01). A history of diverticulitis did not alter the cecal intubation rate. In patients with incomplete colonic intubation, the most proximal extent of intubation was the sigmoid colon in women (31 percent) and the right colon in men (68 percent). Sixty-seven percent of patients with incomplete intubation of the colon had a prior colonoscopy completed to the cecum (67 percent women, 67 percent men), whereas 50 percent had a follow-up colonoscopy completed to the cecum (56 percent women, 40 percent men). CONCLUSIONS: Women, especially those with a history of abdominal hysterectomy, had a significantly lower cecal intubation rate usually because of an impassable sigmoid colon. Prior inability to complete colonoscopy to the cecum does not necessarily forecast future failure.
QED2 as a testbed for interpolations between quenched and full QCD

Abstract Lattice QED2 with the Wilson formulation of fermions is used as a convenient model system to study artifacts of the quenched approximation on a finite lattice. The quenched functional integral is shown to be ill-defined in this system as a consequence of the appearance of exactly real modes for physical values of the fermion mass. The location and frequency of such modes is studied as a function of lattice spacing, lattice volume, topological charge and improved action parameters. The efficacy of the recently proposed modified quenched approximation is examined, as well as a new approach to the interpolation from the quenched to full dynamical theory employing a truncated form of the fermion determinant.
Approximate regular expression pattern matching with concave gap penalties

Given a sequenceA of lengthM and a regular expressionR of lengthP, an approximate regular expression pattern-matching algorithm computes the score of the optimal alignment betweenA and one of the sequencesB exactly matched byR. An alignment between sequencesA=a1a2 ... aM andB=b1b2... bN is a list of ordered pairs, 〈(i1,j1), (i2j2), ..., (it,jtt)〉 such that ik 1, w(k + 1) −w(k) ≤w(k) −w(k −1). In this paper we present an O(MP(logM + log2 P)) algorithm for approximate regular expression matching for an arbitraryδ and any concavew.
Clinical Strategies for Serious Infection: A North American Perspective

Abstract In the United States, as in Europe, clinical strategies for serious infection are being increasingly driven by growing numbers of cephalosporin-resistant and multiresistant Gram-negative bacilli. In a survey of nearly 400 hospital intensive care units in North America, resistance rates of Klebsiella to third-generation cephalosporins increased (from 3.6 to 14.4%) between 1990 and 1993. Resistance rates in Enterobacter are even higher, approaching 40%. Much of this resistance, which is due mainly to production of type-1 and extended spectrum β-lactamases, appears to have arisen through overuse of third-generation cephalosporins and from poor hand-washing practices. In some American cities, a major reservoir of resistant organisms are nursing homes, where there is evidence of overuse of oral antibiotics. Currently, the most reliable agents available for the treatment of resistant Gram-negative pathogens are the carbapenems, imipenem/cilastatin and meropenem, and the aminoglycoside, amikacin. A recent clinical study of meropenem monotherapy in patients with nosocomial pneumonia showed statistically significantly better clinical and microbiologic outcome compared with a standard regimen of ceftazidime plus tobramycin. The enhanced in vitro activity of meropenem against a number of key organisms may have been responsible for the superior results. Although the newer cephalosporins, cefepime and cefpirome, show greater stability to chromosomal type-1 β-lactamases than ceftazidime, they have variable activity against extended spectrum β-lactamase producers and can be rendered ineffective by permeability changes which occur in certain organisms. Carbapenems, on the other hand, possess good activity against virtually all of the pathogens which produce the clinically important β-lactamases, and represent a reliable option for treatment.
Calibration of a polarimetric synthetic aperture radar using a known distributed target

Existing methods for external calibration of polarimetric synthetic aperture radars (SAR) are all based on point targets with known scattering matrices. The quantity of interest in radar measurement of distributed targets is the backscattering coefficient, which is different from the radar cross section (RCS) formulated for point targets. Therefore, in order to infer the backscattering cross section of a distributed target from a point target rigorously, the polarimetric ambiguity function of the SAR (unknown) is needed for the computation of the effective illumination area. In existing methods the illumination area is approximated by the area of a pixel. The second problem is the uncertainty in the RCS of point calibration targets. The large physical size of the point targets and their interaction with the background produce uncertainties in the measurement of the calibration targets. The third problem with existing methods arises from the application of the calibration algorithm to individual pixels. The measured response of a distributed target by a SAR is the convolution of the actual radar reflectivity of the target with the ambiguity function of the SAR. Thus, the statistics derived from individual pixels is influenced by the ambiguity function and the measurement becomes system dependent. In this paper a calibration algorithm is proposed that circumvents all of the mentioned problems. It is shown that the radar distortion parameters and effective illumination area can be obtained from a homogeneous distributed target with a known differential Mueller matrix. The distortion parameters are then used in an algorithm to provide the calibrated differential Mueller matrix for the other homogeneous targets in the image. This algorithm is tested for the JPL L- and C-band SAR using four different distributed targets measured with polarimetric scatterometers. >
Nonlinear optimal tracking control of a piezoelectric nanopositioning stage

High performance nanopositioning stages, used in a variety of applications such as atomic force microscopy and three-dimensional nanometer-scale lithography, require stringent position control over relatively large displacements and a broad frequency range. Piezoelectric materials, which are typically employed in nanopositioining stages, provide excellent position control when driven at relatively low frequency and low field levels. However, in applications where the stage operates over a relatively large region (microns to millimeters) and broad frequency range (Hz - kHz), piezoelectric materials often exhibit nonlinear and rate-dependent hystereis which requires control designs that can effectively accommodate such behavior. In this paper, a nonlinear, thermal-relaxation, piezoelectric constitutive law is incorporated into an open loop optimal tracking control design to accurately track a desired reference signal when nonlinearities, thermal relaxation and hyteresis are present. A comparison between linear optimal control and the nonlinear optimal control design is given to illustrate performance enhancements when the constitutive behavior is included in the control design.
Rational speculators and equity volatility as a measure of ex ante risk

A macrodeterminant model of stock return volatility using monthly data on Canadian and U.S. markets is estimated. If volatility is a measure of risk, one should verify whether the estimated volatility is a measure of future (ex ante) or realized (ex post) risk. When speculators are rational, the volatility created by their activities can be a measure for ex ante risk. It is found that the volatility of the growth of commodity price, which was ignored in this literature, is also a factor in the equity return volatility. Furthermore, 71% of the volatility of Canadian stock returns is explained by the behavior of rational speculators.
CdCu3(OH)6Cl2: A new layered hydroxide chloride

Abstract A new transition metal hydroxide chloride containing kagome layers of magnetic ions, CdCu 3 (OH) 6 Cl 2 , has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The actual low symmetry P 2 1 / n structure can be derived from the ideal trigonal one with a change in cation distribution and coherent distortions of the anion framework. The result is a fundamentally different Cu 2+ kagome framework than found in the related Herbertsmithite and Kapellasite minerals. Magnetization measurements show no transition to long range magnetic order above T =2 K, despite strong antiferromagnetic interactions with a Weiss temperature of θ w =−150 K. Furthermore, we show that the structure of CdCu 3 (OH) 6 Cl 2 and related hydroxide chlorides can be rationalized on the basis of [(OH) 3 Cl] 4− pseudopolyatomic anions that pack and rotate, in much the same way as do traditional polyatomic anions. This opens the door to rational design of new and useful hydroxide chloride materials.
Assessing characteristic scales using wavelets

Summary Characteristic scale is a notion that pervades the geophysical sciences, but it has no widely accepted precise definition. Motivated by the facts that the wavelet transform decomposes a time series into coefficients that are associated with different scales and that the variance of these coefficients (the so-called wavelet variance) decomposes the variance of the time series across scales, the paper proposes a definition for characteristic scale in terms of peaks in plots of the wavelet variance versus scale. After presenting basic theory for wavelet-based characteristic scales, a natural estimator for these scales is considered. Large sample theory for this estimator permits the construction of confidence intervals for a true unknown characteristic scale. Computer experiments are presented that demonstrate the efficacy of the large sample theory for finite sample sizes. Characteristic scale estimates are calculated for medium multiyear Arctic sea ice, global temperature records, coherent structures in river flows and the Madden–Julian oscillation in an atmospheric time series.
Modal Quantum Theory

We present a discrete model theory similar in structure to ordinary quantum mechanics, but based on a finite field instead of complex amplitudes. The interpretation of this theory involves only the “modal” concepts of possibility and necessity rather than quantitative probability measures. Despite its simplicity, our model theory includes entangled states and has versions of both Bell’s theorem and the no cloning theorem.
The conjunctive response to steric hindrance in dithiocyanato[bis(diphenylphosphino)alkyl or aryl]palladium(II) complexes: a new look at a classic series

Abstract The molecular structures of eight closely related dithiocyanato[bis(diphenylphosphino)alkyl or aryl]palladium(II) complexes have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies: N , S -dithiocyanato [1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane] palladium(II), two separate crystals, grown from CH 2 Cl 2 and CH 3 NO 2 solutions, of the complex N , S -dithiocyanato [1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino) butane]palladium(II), S , S and N , S -dithiocyanato[ cis -1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethylene] palladium(II), S , S - and N , S -dithiocyanato [ o -bis(diphenylphosphino)benzene]-palladium(II) and N , S -dithiocyanato [α,α′-bis(di-phenylphosphino)- o -xylene] palladium(II). These results, when coupled with those of previously published studies, conclusively show that the generally accepted premise that increasing steric hindrance in cis -dithiocyanato complexes tends to exclusively promote the formation of nitrogen-bound thiocyanates is erroneous. The predominate formation of N,S-bound geminites in these complexes strongly suggests that there is a conjunctive response of the two thiocyanate groups to steric pressure. The N , S -dithiocyanato configuration minimizes interaction with bulky substituents on other ligands and with each other. The S-bound thiocyanates in these complexes are invariably tilted toward the other thiocyanate group, and often use the angular nature of the PdSCN bond to tilt up to 73° out of the coordination plane to further minimize steric interactions.
Tandem Ring Opening−Ring Closing Metathesis of Cyclic Olefins

Ruthenium alkylidene 1 has been utilized in the tandem ring opening−ring closing metathesis of cyclic olefins. This reaction produces a bicyclic molecule from a cyclic olefin. Reactivity is dependent upon strain, and thus ring size, in the substrate molecules. Competing oligomerization is observed in substrates having low ring strain; this process is inhibited by increasing dilution of the reaction or by adding alkyl substitution to the acyclic olefins.
Cyanide scavengers: kinetics of the reaction of rhodium(III)−tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin with cyanide and hydrogen cyanide

Abstract The kinetics of the reaction between rhodium- (III)-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin and cyanide/hydrogen cyanide were studied at 25 °C, ionic strength 0.5 (NaNO3), from pH 5 to 9. The pKa1 for the RhTPPS aquo/mono-hydroxy reaction was determined kinetically to be 6.93. The mono and di-hydroxy forms of RhTPPS were of negligible reactivity as compared to the aquo species, with the RhTPPS(H2O)2/CN− reaction having a specific rate constant of 5.0 M−1 s−1, and that of RhTPPS(H2O)2/HCN as 2.3 X 10−3 M−1 s−1. With respect to the corresponding cobalt(III) and chromium(III) porphyrin anations, it appears that the Rh-TPPS/CN− process is associatively activated. Comparisons are made between Rh-TPPS and current medically useful cyanide scavenger drugs.
Design of a hard X-ray polarimeter: X-Calibur

We report on Monte Carlo studies of the hard X-ray polarimeter X-Calibur. The polarimeter will be used in the focal plane of a grazing incidence hard X-ray telescope. It combines a low-Z Compton scatterer with a high-Z Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CZT) detector assembly to measure the polarization of 10 keV −80 keV X-rays. X-Calibur makes use of the fact that polarized photons Compton scatter preferentially perpendicular to the electric field orientation. In contrast of competing designs which use only a small fraction of the incoming X-rays, X-Calibur achieves a high detection efficiency of order unity. In this contributions, we discuss a Monte Carlo study which compares X-Calibur's polarimeteric performance achieved using different scattering materials (Scintillator, Be, LiH, Li), and calculate the sensitivity of X-Calibur when used with different balloon-borne and space-borne mirror assemblies.
Application of Compositionally Diphasic Xerogels for Enhanced Densification: The System Al2O3‐SiO2

Stoichiometric mullite (71.38 wt% Al2O3-28.17 wt% SiO2) and 80 wt% Al2O3-20 wt% SiO2 gels were prepared by the single-phase and/or diphasic routes. Dense sintered bodies were prepared from both sets of gels in the Al2O3-SiO2 system. Apparent densities of 96% and 97% of theoretical density were measured for the diphasic (using two sols) mullite samples sintered at 1200° and 1300°C for 100 min, respectively; this compared with 85% and 94% for the single-phase xerogels under the same conditions, and to much lower values for mullite prepared from conventional mixed powders. The microstructure of the mullite pellets from diphasic xerogel precursors is also considerably finer.
Audit firm tenure and financial restatements: An analysis of industry specialization and fee effects

Abstract This study investigates the relation between audit firm tenure and clients’ financial restatements. Specifically, we extend the audit tenure literature by assessing restatement-based reporting failures using dimensions of auditor expertise and independence previously assumed to underlie short and long audit tenure problems. Short tenure expertise and independence effects are hypothesized using audit firm industry specialization and audit fees as proxies. Long tenure independence effects are hypothesized using nonaudit fees as a proxy. Using matched-sample logistic regression and 382 companies with and without financial restatements during 2000–2004, the results support prior findings by indicating a negative relation between the length of the auditor–client relationship and the likelihood of restatement. For short tenure engagements, we find that auditor industry specialization and audit fees are negatively related to the likelihood of restatement. This result is consistent with concerns about reduced audit quality due to a lack of client-specific knowledge and low audit fees on new audit engagements. Alternatively, the long tenure results indicate an insignificant relation between nonaudit fees and the likelihood of restatement. This finding contradicts independence concerns about nonaudit fees paid to entrenched auditors.
Forecasting autoregressive time series in the presence of deterministic components

This paper studies the error in forecasting an autoregressive process with a deterministic component. We show that when the data are strongly serially correlated, forecasts based on a model that detrends the data using OLS before estimating the autoregressive parameters are much less precise than those based on an autoregression that includes the deterministic components, and the asymptotic distribution of the forecast errors under the two-step procedure exhibits bimodality. We explore the conditions under which feasible GLS trend estimation can lead to forecast error reduction. The finite sample properties of OLS and feasible GLS forecasts are compared with forecasts based on unit root pretesting. The procedures are applied to 15 macroeconomic time series to obtain real time forecasts. Forecasts based on feasible GLS trend estimation tend to be more efficient than forecasts based on OLS trend estimation. A new finding is when a unit root pretest rejects non-stationarity, use of GLS yields smaller forecast errors than OLS. When the series to be forecasted is highly persistent, GLS trend estimation in conjunction with unit root pretests can lead to sharp reduction in forecast errors.
PALLADIUM-CATALYZED FORMATION OF DIARYL ETHERS FROM ARYL BROMIDES. ELECTRON POOR PHOSPHINES ENHANCE REACTION YIELDS

Abstract Aryl bromides were converted to diaryl ethers with sodium aryl oxides in the presence of catalytic amounts of Pd(DBA) 2 and DPPF. Isolated yields of over 90% were achieved in reactions with electron deficient aryl bromides and electron rich sodium aryl oxides. Electron poor DPPF derivatives led to increased reaction yields. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Efficient Synthesis of a Complete Donor/Acceptor bis(Aryl)diyne Family

Abstract A facile route to a family of bis(aryl)diynes containing both an electron donating pyridine ring and an electron accepting iodobenzene has been developed. The convergent synthesis involves the coupling of 2-, 3-, or 4-bromopyridine with TMS-acetylene, followed by deprotection to form the first half of the molecule. Similarly, 2-, 3-, or 4-iodoaniline was coupled to TMS-acetylene after protection of the amine group as a diethyltriazine. After conversion of the triazine to an iodine, deprotection of the acetylene and formation of the corresponding bromophenylacetylene, the two halves of the molecule were coupled under Cadiot-Chodkiewicz conditions. Nine new compounds were prepared, each of which was found to thermally polymerize from the melt. None of the compounds underwent photochemical polymerization in the solid-state.
Polymerization of supramolecular assemblies: Comparison of lamellar and inverted hexagonal phases

Abstract Since the first reports of the polymerization of hydrated bilayers in the early 1980s, a wide variety of polymerizable groups and lipids has been successfully employed. Among the various strategies explored for the polymerization of lamellar phases, a particularly useful method relies on the design of suitable polymerizable amphiphiles, which upon hydration form assemblies that can then be polymerized with retention of structure. We have recently extended this strategy to successfully polymerize the inverted hexagonal (H II ) phase. This report is the first comparison of radical chain polymerizations in lamellar and H II phases. The number average degree of polymerization of polymers obtained in both lamellar and H II phases depended strongly on the initiation chemistry, but were insensitive to the lipid phases. The immediate benefit of these studies is the knowledge that polymer size can be varied extensively in both phases in order to obtain different materials properties.
Nanowires for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Nanoscience offers the promise of producing revolutionary advances in many areas of technology, ranging from electronics and computing to biology and medicine, and thus may impact in a substantial way our future lives. This presentation will provide an overview to the bottom-up paradigm for nanotechnology enabled using nanowire building blocks. First, the growth of nanowires, with composition controlled down to the atomic scale, their fundamental electronic properties, and the assembly of integrated structures will be described. Second, studies of nanowire based electronic circuits and nanocomputing systems will be critically examined. Third, nanowire devices configured as electrically-based biosensors will be discussed with an emphasis on disease detection and ultimate sensitivity limits of these nanodevices, as well as the potential linkage to biological information processing. Challenges and goals that must be met to realize these and other nanotechnologies in the future will be discussed.
Enumerating the basins of infinity of cubic polynomials

We study the dynamics of cubic polynomials restricted to their basins of infinity, and we enumerate topological conjugacy classes with given combinatorics.
Distributed House-Hunting in Ant Colonies

We introduce the study of the ant colony house-hunting problem from a distributed computing perspective. When an ant colony's nest becomes unsuitable due to size constraints or damage, the colony relocates to a new nest. The task of identifying and evaluating the quality of potential new nests is distributed among all ants. They must additionally reach consensus on a final nest choice and transport the full colony to this single new nest. Our goal is to use tools and techniques from distributed computing theory in order to gain insight into the house-hunting process. We develop a formal model for the house-hunting problem inspired by the behavior of the Temnothorax genus of ants. We then show a Omega(log n) lower bound on the time for all n ants to agree on one of k candidate nests. We also present two algorithms that solve the house-hunting problem in our model. The first algorithm solves the problem in optimal O(log n) time but exhibits some features not characteristic of natural ant behavior. The second algorithm runs in O(k log n) time and uses an extremely simple and natural rule for each ant to decide on the new nest.
Direct drive options for electric propulsion systems

Power processing units (PPUs) in an electric propulsion system provide many challenging integration issues. The PPU must provide power to the electric thruster while maintaining compatibility with all of the spacecraft power and data systems. Inefficiencies in the power processor produce heat, which must be radiated to the environment in order to ensure reliable operation. Although PPU efficiencies are generally greater than 0.9, heat loads are often substantial. This heat must be rejected by thermal control systems which generally have specific masses of 15-30 kg/kW. PPUs also represent a large fraction of the electric propulsion system dry mass. Simplification or elimination of power processing in a propulsion system would reduce the electric propulsion system specific mass and improve the overall reliability and performance. A direct drive system would eliminate all or some of the power supplies required to operate a thruster by directly connecting the various thruster loads to the solar array. The development of concentrator solar arrays has enabled power bus voltages in excess of 300 V which is high enough for direct drive applications for Hall thrusters such as the Stationary Plasma Thruster (SPT). The option of solar array direct drive for SPTs is explored to provide a comparison between conventional and direct drive system mass.
Specularity Measurements For Solar Materials

A technique using Fourier transform analysis which is suitable for measuring the specularity of solar glass components in the mrad and sub-mrad is discussed and demonstrated. A brief mathematical background as well as illustrative examples are included. A number of methods for image analysis are discussed with particular emphasis given to electronic integrating detectors. Typical Fourier plane image distributions are given for a few common solar utilization materials, and details of the instrument used to produce the images are considered. The limitations and capabilities of various instruments are outlined along with methods for further enhancing the utility and sensitivity of the technique.
A parametric study of PEM fuel cell performances

The effects of different operating parameters on the performance of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell have been studied experimentally using pure hydrogen on the anode side and air on the cathode side. Experiments with different fuel cell operating temperatures, different cathode and anode humidification temperatures, different operating pressures, and various combinations of these parameters have been carried out. The experimental results are presented in the form of polarization curves, which show the effects of the various operating parameters on the performance of the PEM fuel cell. The possible mechanisms of the parameter effects and their interrelationships are discussed. In addition, a comprehensive three-dimensional fuel cell model is briefly presented and the modeling results are compared with our experimental data. The comparison shows good agreements between the modeling results and the experimental data.
Dispersion-induced generation of higher order transversal modes in singly-resonant optical parametric oscillators

Abstract We study the effects of higher order transversal modes in a model of a singly-resonant OPO, using both numerical solutions and mode expansions including up to two radial modes. The numerical and two-mode solutions predict lower threshold and higher conversion than the single-mode solution at negative dispersion. Relative power in the zero order radial mode ranges from about 88% at positive and small negative dispersion to 48% at larger negative dispersion, with most of the higher mode content in the first mode, and less than 2% in higher modes.
Catalytic asymmetric reductive acyl cross-coupling: synthesis of enantioenriched acyclic α,α-disubstituted ketones.

The first enantioselective Ni-catalyzed reductive acyl cross-coupling has been developed. Treatment of acid chlorides and racemic secondary benzyl chlorides with a Ni^(II)/bis(oxazoline) catalyst in the presence of Mn^0 as a stoichiometric reductant generates acyclic α,α-disubstituted ketones in good yields and high enantioselectivity without requiring stoichiometric chiral auxiliaries or pregeneration of organometallic reagents. The mild, base-free reaction conditions are tolerant of a variety of functional groups on both coupling partners.
Rapid mixing of Gibbs sampling on graphs that are sparse on average

Gibbs sampling also known as Glauber dynamics is a popular technique for sampling high dimensional distributions defined on graphs. Of special interest is the behavior of Gibbs sampling on the Erdos-Renyi random graph G(n,d-n), where each edge is chosen independently with probability d-n and d is fixed. While the average degree in G(n,d-n) is d(1 - o(1)), it contains many nodes of degree of order log n-log log n. The existence of nodes of almost logarithmic degrees implies that for many natural distributions defined on G(n,p) such as uniform coloring (with a constant number of colors) or the Ising model at any fixed inverse temperature β, the mixing time of Gibbs sampling is at least n1+Ω(1-log log n). Recall that the Ising model with inverse temperature β defined on a graph G = (V,E) is the distribution over l±rVgiven by $ P(\sigma) = {1 \over Z} \exp (\beta \Sigma_{(v,u)\varepsilon E}\ \sigma(v)\sigma(u)) $. High degree nodes pose a technical challenge in proving polynomial time mixing of the dynamics for many models including the Ising model and coloring. Almost all known sufficient conditions in terms of β or number of colors needed for rapid mixing of Gibbs samplers are stated in terms of the maximum degree of the underlying graph. In this work, we show that for every d 0, such that for all β 1 where the parameters of the model do not depend on n. They also provide a rare example where one can prove a polynomial time mixing of Gibbs sampler in a situation where the actual mixing time is slower than npolylog(n). Our proof exploits in novel ways the local tree like structure of Erdos-Renyi random graphs, comparison and block dynamics arguments and a recent result of Weitz. Our results extend to much more general families of graphs which are sparse in some average sense and to much more general interactions. In particular, they apply to any graph for which every vertex v of the graph has a neighborhood N(v) of radius O(log n) in which the induced sub-graph is a tree union at most O(log n) edges and where for each simple path in N(v) the sum of the vertex degrees along the path is O(log n). Moreover, our result apply also in the case of arbitrary external fields and provide the first FPRAS for sampling the Ising distribution in this case. We finally present a non Markov Chain algorithm for sampling the distribution which is effective for a wider range of parameters. In particular, for G(n, d-n) it applies for all external fields and β < βd, where d tanh(βd) = 1 is the critical point for decay of correlation for the Ising model on G(n, d-n). © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2009
Trading on Preconceptions: Why World War I Was Not a Failure of Economic Interdependence

World War I is generally viewed by both advocates and critics of commercial liberal theory as the quintessential example of a failure of economic integration to maintain peace. Yet this consensus relies on both methodologically flawed inference and an incomplete accounting of the antecedents to the war. Crucially, World War I began in a weakly integrated portion of Europe with which highly integrated powers were entangled through the alliance system. Crises among the highly interdependent European powers in the decades leading up to the war were generally resolved without bloodshed. Among the less interdependent powers in Eastern Europe, however, crises regularly escalated to militarized violence. Moreover, the crises leading to the war created increased incentives for the integrated powers to strengthen commitments to their less interdependent partners. In attempting to make these alliances more credible, Western powers shifted foreign policy discretion to the very states that lacked strong economic disi...
Hierarchical adaptive modeling of structural sandwiches and multilayered composite panels

Abstract Some recent advances in hierarchical modeling strategies are reviewed with special emphasis on applications to multilayered composite panels. Discussion focuses on the key elements of hierarchical adaptive modeling, multimodel predictor-corrector modeling procedures, potential for solving large complex problems and the needed development to realize this potential. Numerical studies are presented for free vibrations of thermally-stressed multilayered composite panels and structural sandwiches with composite face sheets, demonstrating the effectiveness of the multimodel predictor-corrector modeling approaches.
A Lower Dose of Melphalan (140 mg/m2) As Preparative Regimen for Multiple Myeloma in Patients >65 or with Renal Dysfunction

Background Melphalan at a dose of 200 mg/m2 IV (MEL 200) is considered the standard preparative regimen for autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HCT) for multiple myeloma. However, reduced doses of melphalan such as140 mg/m2 (MEL 140) are often used in older patients or patients with renal dysfunction. Methods The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to determine if there was a difference in toxicity, treatment-related mortality (TRM), response rate, progression- free survival (PFS) or overall survival (OS) in patients that received 140 mg/m2 of melphalan (MEL 140) compared to those receiving MEL 200 for auto-HCT. From June 1, 1996 through December 31, 2012, 63 patients received MEL 140. We compared their outcomes with 252 patients that received MEL 200. Results Patient characteristics and outcomes are shown in the attached Table. Patients in the MEL 140 group were older, had a higher β2 microglobulin (β2M) level both at diagnosis and auto-HCT, and had a higher serum creatinine (Cr) at auto-HCT (Table). A higher proportion of patients in MEL 140 were older than 65 with serum Cr > 2 mg/dL. There was no significant difference in disease status or high-risk cytogenetics between the 2 groups (Table). NCI CTCv3 > III non-hematologic toxicity was not significantly different between MEL 140 and MEL 200. Transplant-related mortality (TRM) at 100 days and at 1 year was 0% and 0.4% in MEL 140 and 200 (p=1.0), respectively. Complete remission (CR) rates in MEL 140 and MEL 200 were 16% and 29%, respectively (p=0.03). There was no significant difference in (CR) + very good partial remission (VGPR), or overall response (CR + VGPR + PR) between MEL 140 and MEL 200. Median follow up in surviving patients in MEL 140 and 200 was 7.6 and 25 months, respectively. Fifteen (24%) and 64 (25%) patients died in MEL 140 and MEL 200 groups, respectively, with >90% of deaths due to recurrent disease. Median PFS was 26.4 and 30.6 months in MEL 140 and MEL 200 groups, respectively (p=0.46). Median OS was 38.4 and 93.0 months in MEL 140 and MEL 200 groups, respectively (p=0.02). However, there was no significant difference in PFS or OS in patients older than 65 or with serum Cr > 2 mg/d between MEL 140 and MEL 200. Conclusion The dose of melphalan can be safely reduced to 140 mg/m2 in patients >65 or with renal insufficiency without adversely impacting the overall response rate or PFS. View this table: Disclosures: Qazilbash: Otsuka Pharmaceuticals: Research Funding; Onyx Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Millennium Pharmaceuticals: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene Corporation: Honoraria, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees.
Testing ETC generation of the top quark mass

Abstract We consider constraints on models in which a top quark mass is generated through unenhanced extended technicolor interactions. The deviation in the ϱ parameter from unity and B− B mixing could be large, but given the uncertainties in strong dynamics and variations in the parameters of models, no conclusive statement can be given conclude that the low technicolor scale which is required to generate the top quark mass is not ruled out.
Transnational Parenting and Immigration Law: Central Americans in the United States

In recent years, many immigrant-receiving countries have implemented increasingly restrictive policies that include tighter border controls, more temporary worker permits, an increased threat of deportation, and greater restrictions on the ability to acquire permanent residence and to petition for family members. Thus, family separation seems to be built into new immigration policies, and long-term and indefinite separations are not the exception. In this article, I examine the case of the largest Central American immigrant groups: Guatemalans, Hondurans and Salvadorans. Many of these immigrants are neither fully ‘undocumented’ nor ‘documented’, but often straddle both statuses as a result of having received a series of temporary permits over a period of more than a decade. This legal instability profoundly influences parenting across borders among these immigrants—both the relations between parents and children who are separated, and the links between these immigrant families and the different institutio...
The use of deuterated phenylalanine for the in vivo assay of phenylalanine hydroxylase activity in children.

Fifteen children, five with phenylketonuria (PKU), five with hyperphenylalaninaemia, and five phenotypically normal but at risk of being carriers for PKU, were given [ring2H5]phenylalanine orally in amounts ranging from 75 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg. Plama was assayed for [2H5]phenylalanine and [2H4]tyrosine at hourly intervals, the amino acids being measured as theN-acetyl, n-propyl esters by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. The results obtained were calculated as the log of the ratio [2H5]phenylalanine: [2H4]tyrosine in the plasma. The five patients with PKU had ratios of infinity because no [2H4]tyrosine was measured in their plasma during the experimental period. The patients with hyperphenylalaninaemia had log ratios over 2.00 throughout the assay period. Among the five normal children three are considered to be carriers for PKU as the logarithms of the [2H5]phenylalanine: [2H4]tyrosine ratios were 1.77, 1.73, and 1.33 and remained over 1.00 during the assay period. The other children had log ratios of 1.16 and 1.00 at the first hour which dropped below 1.00 subsequently, suggesting normal activity of phenylalanine hydroxylase.
Fast preconditioned multigrid solution of the Euler and Navier–Stokes equations for steady, compressible flows

New versions of implicit algorithms are developed for the efficient solution of the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations of compressible flow. The methods are based on a preconditioned, lower-upper (LU) implementation of a non-linear, symmetric Gauss-Seidel (SGS) algorithm for use as a smoothing algorithm in a multigrid method. Previously, this method had been implemented for flows in quasi-one-dimensional ducts and for two-dimensional flows past airfoils on boundary-conforming 'O'-type grids for a variety of symmetric limited positive (SLIP) spatial approximations, including the scalar dissipation and convective upwind split pressure (CUSP) schemes. Here results are presented for both inviscid and viscous (laminar) flows past airfoils on boundary-conforming 'C'-type grids. The method is significantly faster than earlier explicit or implicit methods for inviscid problems, allowing solution of these problems to the level of truncation error in three to five multigrid cycles. Viscous solutions still require as many as twenty multigrid cycles
Non-Informative Rational Expectations Equilibria When Assets are Nominal: An Example

When assets are nominal, non-informative rational expectations equilibria exist. Radner (1979) first studied the information revealed by prices at a general equilibrium. In this model, before trade occurs, each individuals receives information in the form of a private signal. Under the assumption that the set of signals is finite, generically, rational expectations equilibria exist.l Importantly, rational expectations equilibria are, generically, necessarily fully revealing: at a rational expectations equilibrium, difference of information across individuals vanish. We provide here, in contrast, a robust example of an economy in which at a rational expectations equilibrium prices fail to reveal any information. The existence of non-informative rational expectations equilibria derives from our specification of the asset structure. 2 In the literature on rational expectations, assets are real: asset payoffs are denominated in commodities; in the economy we study, asset payoffs are denominated in abstract units of account: assets are nominal.
Dialkylaminopyridine-Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanosphere as an Efficient and Highly Stable Heterogeneous Nucleophilic Catalyst

A new nucleophilic catalytic system comprised of dialkylaminopyridine-functionalized mesoporous silica nanosphere (DMAP-MSN) has been synthesized and characterized. We have demonstrated that this material is an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for Baylis-Hillman, acylation, and silylation reactions with good reactivity, product selectivity, and recyclability. We envision that this DMAP-functionalized mesoporous silica material can also serve as an effective heterogeneous catalyst for many other catalytic nucleophilic reactions.
Platform Architecture for Solar, Thermal, and Vibration Energy Combining With MPPT and Single Inductor

A platform architecture combining energy from solar, thermal, and vibration sources is presented. A dual-path architecture for energy harvesting is employed that has a peak efficiency improvement of 11%-13% over the traditional two-stage approach. The system implemented consists of a reconfigurable multi-input, multi-output switch matrix that combines energy from three distinct energy-harvesting sources-photovoltaic, thermoelectric, and piezoelectric. The system can handle input voltages from 20 mV to 5 V and is capable of extracting maximum power from individual harvesters all at the same time utilizing a single inductor. A proposed time-based power monitor is used for achieving maximum power point tracking for the photovoltaic harvester. This has a peak tracking efficiency of 96%. The peak efficiencies achieved with inductor sharing are 83%, 58%, and 79% for photovoltaic boost, thermoelectric boost, and piezoelectric buck-boost converters, respectively. The switch matrix and the control circuits are implemented on a 0.35-μm CMOS process.
A predictive Yukawa unified SO(10) model: Higgs and sparticle masses

We revisit a class of supersymmetric SO(10) models with t-b-τ Yukawa coupling unification condition, with emphasis on the prediction of the Higgs mass. We discuss qualitative features in this model that lead to a Higgs mass prediction close to 125 GeV. We show this with two distinct computing packages, Isajet and SuSpect, and also show that they yield similar global features in the parameter space of this model. We find that t-b-τ Yukawa coupling unification prefers values of the CP-odd Higgs mass m A to be around 600–800 GeV, with all colored sparticle masses above 3 TeV. We also briefly discuss prospects for testing this scenario with the ongoing and planned direct dark matter detection experiments. In this class of models with t-b-τ Yukawa unification, the neutralino dark matter particle is heavy ( $ {m_{{\widetilde{\chi}_1^0}}} $ ≳ 400 GeV), which coannihilates with a stau to yield 1 the correct relic abundance.
Trade Restrictiveness and Pollution

This paper proposes a trade restrictiveness indicator that explicitly incorporates environmental externalities. The index employs directional distance functions and uses indicators (i.e., differences rather than ratios) modified to account for and evaluate efficiency changes in the face of simultaneous and multidimensional trade and environmental policy reforms. The index is made up of two components, one for production and one for consumption. Our overall trade restrictiveness indicator is accordingly the difference of the two. The properties of the indicator are developed and discussed together with its estimation.