cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hydroxyl Radical Kinetics in Repetitively Pulsed Hydrogen–Air Nanosecond Plasmas

Absolute hydroxyl radical (OH) concentration is determined in stoichiometric hydrogen-air mixtures at P = 54-94 torr and initial temperature of T = 100°C-200°C, which are both functions of time, after the application of a single approximately 25-ns-duration approximately 20-kV discharge pulse and 60 μs after the final pulse of a variable-length burst of pulses, using single-photon laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). Relative LIF signal levels are put on an absolute number density scale by means of calibration with a standard atmospheric-pressure near-adiabatic Hencken flat-flame burner. By obtaining OH LIF data in both the plasma and the flame and correcting for differences in the collisional quenching and vibrational energy transfer rates, absolute OH number density has been determined. For a single discharge pulse, the absolute OH temporal profile is found to rise rapidly during the initial ~0.1 ms after discharge initiation and decay relatively slowly, with a characteristic time scale of ~1 ms. In repetitive burst mode, the absolute OH number density is observed to rise rapidly during the first approximately ten pulses (0.25 ms) and then level off to a near steady-state plateau. In all cases, a large secondary rise in OH number density is also observed, which is clearly indicative of ignition, with ignition time ranging from 5 to 10 ms, for initial temperatures of 100 °C and 200°C and pressures in the range of 54-94 torr. Plasma kinetic modeling predictions capture this trend quantitatively, using both a full 22-hydrogen-air-chemical-reaction set and a reduced 9-reaction set.
Critical dynamics of decoherence

We study decoherence induced by a dynamic environment undergoing a quantum phase transition. The environment's susceptibility to perturbations---and, consequently, the efficiency of decoherence---is amplified near a critical point. Over and above this near-critical susceptibility increase, we show that decoherence is dramatically enhanced by the nonequilibrium critical dynamics of the environment. We derive a simple expression relating decoherence to the universal critical exponents exhibiting deep connections with the theory of topological defect creation in nonequilibrium phase transitions.
A comment on the spectrum of H-monopoles

Abstract We consider the question of ground states in the supersymmetric system that arises in the search for the missing H-monopole states. By studying the effective theory near certain singularities in the five-brane moduli space, we find substantial evidence for the remaining H-monopole BPS states required by the conjectured S-duality of the toroidally compactified heterotic string.
Metallic nitride endohedral fullerenes: synthesis and electrochemical properties

Abstract Metallic nitride endohedral fullerenes (MNEFs) are one of the most interesting types of metallofullerenes due to their high yields and interesting electronic properties. The synthesis of these compounds allows the encapsulation of different metals inside fullerenes making it possible to combine the properties of the metal with those of the fullerene. Their interesting electrochemical and optical features make them potential candidates for several applications such as molecular electronics, biomedical imaging, non-linear optical devices, and MRI agents. We report herein the synthesis, isolation, and electrochemical properties of the larger MNEFs including Gd3N@C82 and Gd3N@C86, reported here for the first time.
A simple borohydride-based method for selective 1,4-conjugate reduction of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds

Abstract Sodium borohydride is used in combination with a heterogeneous palladium catalyst and acetic acid to selectively reduce the carbon–carbon double bonds of various α,β-unsaturated ketones and related compounds. This simple method is most selective when non-polar solvents such as toluene are used. We observed nearly complete conversion and high selectivities using moderate catalyst loadings. The reactions were typically complete in less than 2 h.
THE INFLUENCE OF PERIOD VARIATION ON TIME–FREQUENCY ANALYSIS OF THE WESTLAND HELICOPTER DATA

Abstract In this work, we address the influence of period variation on the Westland CH-46E helicopter vibration data. The estimation of the time-varying shaft speed by using a newly developed constrained AR(2) estimator and the well-known EKF estimator will be discussed. The influence that the period variation captured by these two estimators have on the periodic time–frequency analysis will be illustrated via numerical simulation. This simulation clearly illustrates a potential spectral smearing if the period variation is not properly accommodated. A data resampling scheme will then be proposed to eliminate the spectral smearing effect. The potential of this scheme will be demonstrated via the analysis of the helicopter vibration data.
Structure, hydrogen bonding and vibrational spectra of pyruvic acid

Abstract The complete vibrational spectra of liquid pyruvic acid and the infrared spectrum of crystalline pyruvic acid at about 20 K have been recorded and analyzed. A vibrational assignment is proposed based on these spectra and comparison with spectra of derivatives of pyruvic acid. The spectra of pyruvic acid can best be interpreted in terms of a cyclic hydrogen-bonded dimer structure in which the two carbonyl groups are in a trans configuration in the pure liquid phase. A similar structure has been reported for crystalline pyruvic acid by X-ray diffraction. In dilute solution the structure appears to be monomeric with an internal hydrogen bond, in essential agreement with the structures of the monomer reported from microwave spectroscopic measurements.
MATRICES AND FINITE ALEXANDER QUANDLES

We study the question of whether a finite quandle specified by a matrix is isomorphic to an Alexander quandle. We first collect some necessary conditions for a finite quandle to be Alexander. We then describe an algorithm for determining finding all possible Alexander presentations of a finite quandle given its matrix and provide a URL for Maple code implementing this algorithm.
Stable mode sorting by two-dimensional parity of photonic transverse spatial states

We describe a mode sorter for two-dimensional parity of transverse spatial states of light based on an out-of-plane Sagnac interferometer. Both Hermite-Gauss (HG) and Laguerre-Gauss (LG) modes can be guided into one of two output ports according to the two-dimensional parity of the mode in question. Our interferometer sorts HGnm input modes depending upon whether they have even or odd order n+m; it equivalently sorts LGlp modes depending upon whether they have an even or odd value of their orbital angular momentum l. It functions efficiently at the single-photon level, and therefore can be used to sort single-photon states. Due to the inherent phase stability of this type of interferometer as compared to those of the Mach-Zehnder type, it provides a promising tool for the manipulation and filtering of higher order transverse spatial modes for the purposes of quantum information processing. For example, several similar Sagnacs cascaded together may allow, for the first time, a stable measurement of the orbital angular momentum of a true single-photon state. Furthermore, as an alternative to well-known holographic techniques, one can use the Sagnac in conjunction with a multi-mode fiber as a spatial mode filter, which can be used to produce spatial-mode entangled Bell states and heralded single photons in arbitrary first-order (n+m = 1) spatial states, covering the entire Poincare sphere of first-order transverse modes.
Phenomenology of Religion

Contemporary phenomenology of religion is afflicted by three vicissitudes: (a) neglect or criticism due to the hegemony of postmodern theories and methods in the study of religions, (b) a multiplicity of phenomenological methods in the study of religions, and (c) the perceived disconnection between philosophical and religious studies approaches to phenomenology. In this article, I intend to show that none of these afflictions are either necessary or fatal to phenomenology of religion. This is accomplished in three steps. After surveying the salient features of philosophical and religious studies approaches to the phenomenology of religion, I propose a general definition of ‘phenomenology of religion’ which demonstrates a unity in the midst of a diversity of approaches. I then argue that phenomenology, thus conceived, can answer the postmodern critiques and can once again become a viable approach to description of religions as well as a first methodological step toward theories of religion.
Topology and low lying fermion modes

Recent results concerning the relation of topology and low-lying fermion modes are summarized.
Portfolio Optimization with Tracking-Error Constraints

This article explores the risk and return relationship of active portfolios subject to a constraint on tracking-error volatility (TEV), which can also be interpreted in terms of value at risk. Such a constrained portfolio is the typical setup for active managers who are given the task of beating a benchmark. The problem with this setup is that the portfolio manager pays no attention to total portfolio risk, which results in seriously inefficient portfolios unless some additional constraints are imposed. The development in this article shows that TEV-constrained portfolios are described by an ellipse on the traditional mean–variance plane. This finding yields a number of new insights. Because of the flat shape of this ellipse, adding a constraint on total portfolio volatility can substantially improve the performance of the active portfolio. In general, plan sponsors should concentrate on controlling total portfolio risk.
A sharp estimate for cover times on binary trees

Abstract We compute the second order correction for the cover time of the binary tree of depth n by (continuous-time) random walk, and show that with probability approaching 1 as n increases, τ cov = | E | [ 2 log 2 ⋅ n − log n / 2 log 2 + O ( ( log log n ) 8 ) ] , thus showing that the second order correction differs from the corresponding one for the maximum of the Gaussian free field on the tree.
Morphological Shape Representation And Recognition Of Binary Images

In this paper we discuss the differences and similarities of morphological skeleton and skeletons generated by other methods; shape representation by morphological skeleton function; and the concept of minimal skeleton. We then propose a fast shape recognition scheme based on morphological set operations and skeleton function. This scheme measures the goodness-of-fit of prototype skeletons to the observed objects via morphological erosion, exploiting prototype skeletons as structuring elements. Since morphological set operations can be implemented inparallel, the recognition process can be executed at a high speed. Further, the radius information in the morphological skeleton allows a coarse-to-fine version of recognition strategy that discovers poor matches relatively early in the process.
ON THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN STATISTICAL PATTERN RECOGNITION AND ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS

Although statistical pattern recognition and artificial neural networks were initially developed independently, they are now closely related. Such relationships are examined in detail in this paper. Some experimental comparison results are also presented.
Reliability-Based Design Optimization of a Transonic Compressor

A multiobjective, reliability-based design optimization method for computationally intensive problems is proposed. In this method we use a genetic algorithm to facilitate the multiobjective optimization. To further improve the convergence of the genetic algorithm, we augment it with a local search. Reliability analysis is performed using Monte Carlo simulation. Quadratic design response surfaces are utilized to filter the noise from the Monte Carlo simulation and facilitate the multidisciplinary design optimization. In addition, response surface approximations greatly reduce the computational cost. To improve the accuracy of probability computation in the regions of low probability of failure and to provide useful information for the optimization, oprobabilistic sufficiency factor is used as an alternative measure of safety. To demonstrate the capabilities of this approach, we employ it to optimize the NASA rotor67 transonic blade. Numerical results show that with this proposed approach we can obtain a reliable design with better aerodynamic performance and less weight. Error analysis is also reported so that readers can understand not only the advantages but also the disadvantages of this approach.
ARTIFICIAL-SIGNALING RECEPTORS FOR BIOLOGICALLY IMPORTANT CHEMICAL SPECIES

Abstract In this article, I describe the performance of artificial-signaling receptors that have been synthesized. The receptors were designed to enable molecular recognition information to be signaled as changes in the optical properties of the receptors. The contents are divided into two parts. The first deals with spiropyran derivatives as artificial-signaling receptors. This new type of artificial receptor is conceptually different from the signaling receptors so far synthesized such as the crown ether dyes and functionally referred to as self-indicating receptors. The second part is concerned with artificial-signaling acetylcholine receptors, in which the presence of acetylcholine induces a large fluorescence enhancement of the receptors in protic media. The artificial acetylcholine receptors may be applied to histochemistry for acetylcholine.
Ruthenium catalyzed C-C bond formation via transfer hydrogenation: branch-selective reductive coupling of allenes to paraformaldehyde and higher aldehydes.

Under the conditions of ruthenium-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation employing 2-propanol as the terminal reductant, 1,1-disubstituted allenes 1a−h engage in reductive coupling to paraformaldehyde to furnish homoallylic alcohols 2a−h. Under identical transfer hydrogenation conditions, 1,1-disubstituted allenes engage in reductive coupling to aldehydes 3a−f to furnish homoallylic alcohols 4a−n. In all cases, reductive coupling occurs with branched regioselectivity to deliver homoallylic alcohols bearing all-carbon quaternary centers.
PREDICTION OF FLOW-INDUCED STRUCTURAL VIBRATION AND SOUND RADIATION USING ENERGY FLOW ANALYSIS

Abstract The energy flow analysis method used to predict the structural vibration response and the radiated sound power of a plate excited by wall pressure fluctuations under turbulent boundary layers, and separated-reattached flows. This method allows the spatially averages energy density and response to be calculated for non-uniform, distributed excitations while taking hydrodynamic flow/structural coupling effects into consideration. The power input was calculated using well known analytical models for the plate mechanical impedance and empirical models for the surface pressure cross-power spectral density and/or wave number-frequency spectral density. The Smol'yakov-Tkachenko model was used to estimate the fluctuation pressure field underneath turbulent boundary layer flows. The Corcos model was used to estimate the wall pressure field under non-uniform, separated-reattached flows. Experiments were performed in order to evaluate the energy flow model. A clamped plate installed in a quiet, low-speed wind tunnel was used. The wall pressure fluctuations, the plate vibration response, and the acoustic pressure radiated from the plate were measured. The energy flow analysis method was found to provide reasonably accurate predictions of the frequency-averaged transverse velocity response of the plate at high frequencies. The acoustic pressure radiated on the quiescent side of the plate was also predicted with comparable accuracy.
Formation of ordinary chondrites.

Most of the chemical and mineralogical properties of the ordinary chondrites were established by processes that occurred in the solar nebula during a short time span near the time of formation of the solar system. Four separate and distinct fractionation events appear to have been involved in their formation from more primitive material of mean solar-system composition. In order of occurrence these were a refractory-element fractionation, a siderophilic-element fractionation, a fractionation of slightly volatile elements, and a fractionation of highly volatile elements. In each of the four cases the most plausible fractionation mechanism involves a separation of gases from solids. The ambient temperature in the planetary portion of the solar nebula during the formation of these chondrites appears to have been characterized by two maximums.
Experimental investigations of superconductivity in quasi-two-dimensional epitaxial copper oxide superlattices and trilayers

Epitaxial trilayer and superlattice structures grown by pulsed laser ablation have been used to study the superconducting-to-normal transition of ultrathin (one and two c-axis unit cells) YBa2Cu3O7−x layers. The normalized flux-flow resistances for several epitaxial structures containing two-cell-thick YBa2CU3O,7−x films collapse onto the “universal” curve of the Ginzburg-Landau Coulomb gas (GLCG) model. Analysis of normalized resistance data for a series of superlattices containing one-cell-thick YBa2Cu3O7−x layers also is consistent with the behavior expected for quasi-two-dimensional layers in a highly anisotropic, layered three-dimensional superconductor. Current-voltage measurements for one of the trilayer structures also are consistent with the normalized resistance data, and with the GLCG model. Scanning tunneling microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and electrical transport studies show that growth-related steps in ultrathin YBa2Cu3O7−x layers affect electrical continuity over macroscopic distances, acting as weak links. However, the perturbation of the superconducting order parameter can be minimized by utilizing hole-doped buffer and cap layers, on both sides of the YBa2Cu3O7−x layer, in trilayers and superlattices. These results demonstrate the usefulness of epitaxial trilayer and superlattice structures as tools for systematic, fundamental studies of high-temperature superconductivity.
Electric-magnetic duality in supersymmetric non-Abelian gauge theories

Abstract We demonstrate electric-magnetic duality in N = 1 supersymmetric non-Abelian gauge theories in four dimensions by presenting two different gauge theories (different gauge groups and quark representations) leading to the same non-trivial long distance physics. The quarks and gluons of one theory can be interpreted as solitons (non-Abelian magnetic monopoles) of the elementary fields of the other theory. The weak coupling region of one theory is mapped to a strong coupling region of the other. When one of the theories is Higgsed by an expectation value of a squark, the other theory is confined. Massless glueballs, baryons and Abelian magnetic monopoles in the confining description are the weakly coupled elementary quarks (i.e. solitons of the confined quarks) in the dual Higgs description.
Insulin Tactics in Type 2 Diabetes

Insulin is the most powerful glycemic control agent available. However, its use as a therapeutic modality requires education of the patient and regimentation of food intake, exercise, and frequent glucose monitoring. Such regimentation is particularly important when using a basal-bolus therapy approach. The introduction of many novel noninsulin drugs in the past decade has resulted in better glycemic control and often a need to reduce previously instituted insulin therapy. Although many of these novel therapies by themselves do not cause hypoglycemia, by reducing the overall glycemic burden through a myriad of mechanisms, they function in an insulin-sparing fashion. The doses of exogenously administered insulin may therefore need to be reduced in the presence of these new drugs to mitigate hypoglycemia. For insulin therapy (or any other drug treatment) to be successful, it is critical that the physician not only establish glycemic goals, but communicate these goals to the patient. The measurement of HbA1c helps in achieving a long-term goal, but on a day-today basis, patients need to be cognizant of their own BG goals and what they need to do if falling outside of target. The patients' understanding of self-management skills and empowerment are therefore foundational to insulin therapy.
A simpler formula for the number of diagonal inversions of an ( m , n ) -parking function and a returning fermionic formula

Recent results have placed the classical shuffle conjecture of Haglund et al. in a broader context of an infinite family of conjectures about parking functions in any rectangular lattice. The combinatorial side of the new conjectures has been defined using a complicated generalization of the dinv statistic that is composed of three parts and that is not obviously non-negative. Here we simplify the definition of dinv, prove that it is always non-negative, and give a graphical description of the statistic in the style of the classical case. We go on to show that in the ( n - 1 ) i? n lattice, parking functions satisfy a fermionic formula that is similar to the one given in the classical case by Haglund and Loehr.
Propagation of nanopatterned substrate templated ordering of block copolymers in thick films

Control over the orientation of a symmetric block copolymer lamellar morphology using a striped, chemically heterogeneous surface has been established. Films of symmetric diblock copolymers of poly(styrene-block-methyl methacrylate) solution cast onto silicon oxide substrates striped with periodic, 20 nm wide gold lines show lamellar microdomain orientation perpendicular to the substrate plane and parallel to the striping. Commensurability of the block copolymer and substrate stripe period is found to be essential to produce such a surface-directed morphology. A mismatch in length scale of only ±10% is sufficient to lose control over the microdomain orientation. This window of commensurability for thick films is much smaller than that found previously for ultrathin films. Consequently, more stringent conditions are met in unconfined films to direct the morphology with the surface. The distance over which the orientation of the microdomains persists is found to depend on the ordering kinetics, scaling with copolymer molecular weight, and is independent of the microdomain orientation at the surface.
Translation-invariant linear forms and a formula for the dirac measure

Abstract It is shown in this paper (Theorem 1) that if α and β are real numbers such that α gb is irrational and algebraic, then there exist two (necessarily distinct) distributions S and T on R, both with compact supports, such that δ′ = ΔαS + ΔβT. Here ΔαS means S − Sα and Sα denotes the translate of S by α. It is also shown that δ′ has no such representation if α gb has rational or certain transcendental values, and that S and T can be chosen to have order two and no lower order. If ϑ belongs to any of the spaces D, E, S or their duals then ϑ ∗ S and ϑ ∗ T belong to the same space as ϑ, and ϑ′ = Δ α (ϑ ∗ S) + Δ β (ϑ ∗ T) . The formula δ′ = ΔαS + ΔβT is generalized to Rn by means of the tensor product of distributions, and it follows from this formula that there is no discontinuous translation-invariant linear form on any of the spaces D (Rn), E (Rn), S (Rn) or their duals. The same thing is also proved for E (Tn) and its dual where Tn denotes the n-dimensional torus group.
Defining a strategy for development of systems capability in the workforce

As systems increase in complexity, many organizations face an increasing need to improve the systems capability of their workforce. Systems engineering, systems integration, and system architecting skills are needed, yet many organizations struggle with designing an effective strategy for developing these organizational capabilities. This paper discusses how an organization might define a strategy to more efficiently develop systems capability in its workforce. In addition to listing considerations in defining a development strategy, existing methods used for developing systems capability are compared. With a more thorough understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of various systems capability development methods, organizations can customize a better development strategy for their unique systems capability needs. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 14: 141–153, 2011 © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparative Effects of Intravesical Versus Extravesical Administration of ZD6169 and Cromakalim on the Response of the In Vitro Rat Whole Bladder to Field Stimulation

Potassium channel openers are currently being evaluated for their inhibitory effect on hyperreflexia. Increasing potassium permeability results in a hyperpolarization of the smooth muscle membrane and
A Very High Proper Motion Star and the First L Dwarf in the Kepler Field

We report two nearby high proper motion dwarfs of special interest identified using the Preliminary Data Release of the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) and the Two Micron All Sky Survey. WISEP J191239.91–361516.4 has a motion of 2.1 arcsec yr–1. Photometry identifies it as a mid-M dwarf. WISEP J190648.47+401106.8 is a spectroscopically confirmed L1 dwarf in the Kepler Mission field with a motion of 0.48 arcsec yr–1. The estimated distance is 17 pc. Both lie at relatively low galactic latitudes and demonstrate the possibility of discovering proper motion stars independent of the historic photographic sky surveys.
The Development of Gas/Star Offsets in Tidal Tails

We present models of interacting galaxies in order to study the development of spatial offsets between the gaseous and stellar components in tidal tails. Observationally, such large-scale offsets are observed in several systems—most notably NGC 3690—suggesting an interaction between the tidal gas and some (unseen) hot interstellar medium (ISM). Instead, our models show that these offsets are a natural consequence of the radially extended H I spatial distribution in disk galaxies, coupled with internal dissipation in the gaseous component driven by the interaction. This mechanism is most effective in systems involved in very prograde interactions and explains the observed gas/star offsets in interacting galaxies without invoking interactions with a hot ISM, starburst ionization, or dust obscuration within the tails.
Stereochemical Studies of Chiral Acyclic Nitroxides Coupling with a Prochiral Radical

Abstract A series of acyclic chiral nitroxides bearing a hydrogen atom on the carbon adjacent to the nitroxide nitrogen was investigated for stereoselectivity in a coupling reaction with the prochiral radical 1‐phenethyl. In one case, an x‐ray structure of the major diastereomer was obtained, which corroborates a model for predicting the stereoselectivity.
Gestalt programming: a new concept in automatic programming

Synopsis: In any human endeavor there are three major phases: conception, expression, and execution. Gestalt programming is an attempt to make these three phases as nearly identical to each other as possible with respect to computer programming. In this paper the word Gestalt is used to mean a concept of a task to be performed by a computer. In a Gestalt system of programming, the Gestalt, or idea, is expressed simply and unambiguously in a special language, rather than through the laborious assembling of machine codes, pseudocodes, subroutines, etc. Using a Gestalt system, the expression itself in effect ties together integrated units of computer behavior, which function singly or in interrelation, to achieve the desired effect. The purpose of a Gestalt system is to facilitate the transmission of general ideas as in a conversation, between a human and a computer, so that the maximum use of their respective capabilities can be made.
Absorptiometric Microdetermination of Total Sulfur in Rubber Products

Abstract The 1.0 to 2.5 per cent of sulfur normally present in rubber products is oxidized with concentrated nitric acid-bromine reagent, followed by perchloric acid in the presence of excess lead nitrate. Sulfur as lead sulfate is precipitated and washed with acetone. The lead sulfate is dissolved in 50 per cent hydrochloric acid, and absorbance of the lead chloride complex is recorded at 270 mµ. Sulfur is calculated on the basis of the measured lead content of the precipitate. The high sensitivity puts the method in the micro-range. An experienced analyst can analyze 40 to 50 samples a day. Precision and accuracy are comparable to those of the conventional barium sulfate gravimetric method at the low sulfur concentrations normally found in rubber products.
Direct Prediction of the Effects of Mistuning on the Forced Response of Bladed Disks

In this paper, a novel approach to determine reliable estimates of the moments of the steady-state resonant response of a randomly mistuned bladed disk is presented, and the use of these moments to accurately predict the corresponding distribution of the amplitude of blade vibration is described. The estimation of the moments of the response is accomplished first by relying on a “joint cumulant closure” strategy that expresses higher order moments in terms of lower order ones. A simple modeling of the error terms of these approximations is also suggested that allows the determination of an improved, or accelerated, estimate of the required moments. The evaluation of the distribution of the amplitude of blade response is then accomplished by matching the moments computed by the cumulant closure with those derived from a three-parameter model recently derived. A first order approximation of the moments obtained for a simple structural model of a bladed disk yields a new parameter that can be used as a measure of the localization of the forced response. Then, numerical results demonstrate that the method provides extremely accurate estimates of the moments for all levels of structural coupling which in turn lead to a description of the amplitude of blade response that closely matches simulation results. Finally, a comparison with existing perturbation techniques clearly shows the increased accuracy obtained with the proposed joint cumulant closure formulation.
The fine structure of developing cartilage in the chick embryo

The fine structure of developing cartilage is described in the area of the future vertebral bodies in the cervical region of chick embryos. Incubation ages range from 36 hours, when the schlerotome….
Value-added taxation and consumption

One of the main rationales for taxing consumption rather than income is that it is believed that consumption taxes discourage consumption, encourage savings, and thus generate higher economic growth. However, empirical evidence on the actual effectiveness of consumption taxes in stimulating savings is very limited. In this paper, we estimate the impact of a broad-based consumption tax, the value-added tax (VAT), on the aggregate consumption of fifteen European Union countries over the period 1961–2005. Our empirical results indicate, across a variety of estimation methods and specifications, that a one percentage point increase in the VAT rate leads to roughly a one percent reduction in the level of aggregate consumption in the short run and to a somewhat larger reduction in the long run.
Sizing Design Sensitivity Analysis of Dynamic Frequency Response of Vibrating Structures

A continuum design sensitivity analysis method of dynamic frequency response of structural systems is developed using the adjoint variable and direct differentiation methods. A variational approach with a non-selfadjoint operator for complex variable is used to retain the continuum elasticity formulation throughout derivation of design sensitivity results. Sizing design variables such as thickness and cross-sectional area of structural components are considered for the design sensitivity analysis. A numerical implementation method of continuum design sensitivity analysis results is developed using postprocessing analysis data of COSMIC/NASTRAN finite element code to get the design sensitivity information of displacement and stress performance measures of the structures. The numerical method is tested using basic structural component such as a plate supported by shock absorbers and a vehicle chassis frame structure for sizing design variables. Accurate design sensitivity results are obtained even in the vicinity of resonance.
Suzuki–Miyaura Cross-Coupling of Brominated 2,1-Borazaronaphthalenes with Potassium Alkenyltrifluoroborates

Conditions have been developed for the palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling of 3-bromo-2,1-borazaronaphthalenes with potassium alkenyltrifluoroborates. Twenty-seven alkenyl-substituted azaborines have been synthesized through this method, providing access to a family of 2,1-borazaronaphthalenes with alkenyl substitution at the C3 position.
Efficient modeling techniques for atomistic-based electronic density calculations

This paper presents an effective combination of various modeling and numerical techniques for enabling fast large-scale first-principle electronic density calculations. A real-space mesh technique framework is used to discretized the DFT/Kohn-Sham equations in the entire 3D atomistic system, then a mode decomposition approach is proposed to reduce the size and the bandwidth of the obtained system matrix. The electron density is computed by performing the contour integration of the mode Green’s function along the complex energy plane using a O(N) diagonal banded system solver. Finally, we present and discuss the performance results of the proposed ab-initio atomistic-based electronic density calculations with application to Carbon nanotube (CNT).
Superelectrophilic chemistry of imidazoles.

The mechanistic and synthetic chemistry of imidazole-based superelectrophiles has been studied. The protonated imidazole ring, or imidazolium group, is shown to enhance the electrophilic reactivity of an adjacent carboxonium group (compared to a related monocationic species). This leads to efficient condensation reactions between imidazole aldehydes and ketone with arenes in the Bronsted superacid CF3SO3H. The imidazole-based superelectrophiles are shown to be useful in other reactions leading to functionalized heterocycles. The imidazolium group may also trigger charge migration reactions in dicationic species.
Terrain-aided navigation of an unpowered tactical missile using autopilot-grade sensors

This paper assesses the feasibility of applying a terrain-aided navigation concept, using nonlinear Kalman filtering techniques, to an unpowered tactical missile. The brief flight time and predictable missile flight path dynamics lead to the definition of a velocity-based strapdown navigation algorithm which utilizes the existing autopilot-grade sensors. The navigation states are corrected by the error estimates of the Kalman filter which uses frequent radar altimeter measurements and terrain slope information (derived from an onboard digitized map) to provide essentially continuous position updating. Covariance analysis and Monte Carlo simulation techniques are applied to predict system performance. Results are obtained which indicate that the accuracy of this weapon/guidance combination may be sufficient to defeat airfields with area munitions. HIS work was initiated in 1981 to study the application of autonomous terrain-aided navigation to the U.S. Air Force GBU-15 weapon. The purpose was to assess the feasibility of applying the Sandia Inertial Terrain-Aided Navigation (SITAN) guidance concept to the GBU-15 weapon system, as an alternative to the existing guidance concept that employs manual target acquisition and an electro-optic al seeker for terminal guidance. This combination of the GBU- 15 weapon and the SITAN concept was perceived to be a cost- effective solution to the Air Force requirements for an airfield defeat system with all-weather and day/night capabilities. GBU-15 The GBU-15 missile is currently in production for the U.S. Air Force and is an outgrowth of the original "smart bombs" which were first used in the Vietnam conflict. It is an un- powered vehicle that can be launched below 1000 ft at ranges on the order of 5 miles. It was designed as a modular concept and is composed of a 2000 Ib bomb, a control section in the rear, and a television guidance unit on the front end. The control section also includes data link hardware that allows an operator in the launch aircraft to steer the weapon after launch by viewing the video seeker output. Thus it is the role of the "man-in-the-loop" to accomplish the target acquisition function by positioning cross-hairs on the desired target. Tracking can be done either manually by the operator or by switching to the automatic track circuitry in the missile which utilizes an edge (contrast) tracking scheme. The weapon has an analog autopilot and employs either acceleration or at- titude control, depending on the mission epoch. The autopilot sensors include a directional/vertical (D/V) gyro, a roll gyro, and two body-mounted accelerometers. All of these sensors are considered to be "autopilot-grade" devices—that is, their requirements were originally specified without any need to perform a navigation function.
Public and Private Universities: Unequal Sources of Regional Innovation?

Public universities occupy a unique place in the R&D system of the United States because of their state-controlled missions, sources of funding, and administrative structures. State governments pre...
Palladium-catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition of carbon dioxide and trimethylenemethane under mild conditions.

Carbon dioxide undergoes a Pd-catalyzed [3+2] cycloaddition with trimethylenemethane (TMM) under mild conditions (1 atm, 75 °C, 30 min) to produce a γ-butyrolactone product in 63% yield, when the Pd−TMM complex is generated from 2-(acetoxymethyl)-3-(trimethylsilyl)propene. The reaction reported here is more rapid than the all-carbon [3+2] cycloaddition, and only the γ-butyrolactone is produced in a competition experiment. With substituted substrates, the reaction is completely regioselective, producing the product derived from the kinetic Pd−TMM complex.
Radiation Dose Benchmarks During Cardiac Catheterization for Congenital Heart Disease in the United States

Abstract Objectives The aim of this study was to define age-stratified, procedure-specific benchmark radiation dose levels during interventional catheterization for congenital heart disease. Background There is a paucity of published literature with regard to radiation dose levels during catheterization for congenital heart disease. Obtaining benchmark radiation data is essential for assessing the impact of quality improvement initiatives for radiation safety. Methods Data were obtained retrospectively from 7 laboratories participating in the Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Project on Outcomes collaborative. Total air kerma, dose area product, and total fluoroscopy time were obtained for the following procedures: 1) patent ductus arteriosus closure; 2) atrial septal defect closure; 3) pulmonary valvuloplasty; 4) aortic valvuloplasty; 5) treatment of coarctation of aorta; and 6) transcatheter pulmonary valve placement. Results Between January 2009 and July 2013, 2,713 cases were identified. Radiation dose benchmarks are presented including median, 75th percentile, and 95th percentile. Radiation doses varied widely between age groups and procedure types. Radiation exposure was lowest in patent ductus arteriosus closure and highest in transcatheter pulmonary valve placement. Total fluoroscopy time was a poor marker of radiation exposure and did not correlate well with total air kerma and dose area product. Conclusions This study presents age-stratified radiation dose values for 6 common congenital heart interventional catheterization procedures. Fluoroscopy time alone is not an adequate measure for monitoring radiation exposure. These values will be used as baseline for measuring the effectiveness of future quality improvement activities by the Congenital Cardiac Catheterization Project on Outcomes collaborative.
Orthogonality and probability: mixing times

We produce the first example of bounding total variation distance to stationarity and estimating mixing times via orthogonal polynomials diagonalization of discrete reversible Markov chains, the Karlin-McGregor approach.
Atmospheric Phase Correction Using Total Power Radiometry at the Submillimeter Array

Phase noise caused by an inhomogeneous, time-variable water vapor distribution in our atmosphere reduces the angular resolution, visibility amplitude, and coherence time of millimeter and submillimeter wavelength interferometers. We present early results from our total power radiometry phase correction experiment carried out with the Submillimeter Array on Mauna Kea. From accurate measurements of the atmospheric emission along the lines of sight of two elements of the array, we estimated the differential atmospheric electrical path between them. In one test, presented here, the phase correction technique reduced the rms phase noise at 230 GHz from 72° to 27° over a 20 minute period with a 2.5 s integration time. This corresponds to a residual differential electrical path of 98 μm, or 15 μm of precipitable water vapor, and raises the coherence in the 20 minute period from 0.45 to 0.9.
Partition Functions of Three-Dimensional Pure Gravity

The three-dimensional pure quantum gravity with a negative cosmological constant has been conjectured to be dual to an extremal conformal field theory (ECFT), of central charge c=24k for some positive integer k. We compute the partition function of the dual ECFT by summing over gravitational instanton contributions. In particular, we conjecture an exact expression for the contribution from handlebodies to the partition function for all genera and all values of k, and provide nontrivial evidences for the conjecture at genus two.
Degree of Dispersion of Latex Particles in Cement Paste, as Assessed by Electrical Resistivity Measurement

The degree of dispersion of latex particles in latex-modified cement paste was assessed by measurement of the volume electrical resistivity and modeling this resistivity in terms of latex and cement phases that are partly in series and partly in parallel. The assessment was best at low values of the latex-cement ratio; it underestimated the degree of latex dispersion when the latex/cement ratio was high, especially > 0.2.
Multilateral Bargaining Problems

Abstract In many situations in economics and political science there are gains from forming coalitions but conflict over which coalition to form and how to distribute the gains. This paper presents an approach to such multilateral bargaining problems . A solution to a multilateral bargaining problem specifies an agreement for each coalition that is consistent with the bargaining process in every coalition. We establish the existence of such solutions, show that they are determined by reservation prices, and characterize these reservation prices as the payoffs of subgame perfect equilibrium outcomes of a non-cooperative bargaining model. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C71, C72, C78.
On the possibility of radar echo detection of ultra-high energy cosmic ray- and neutrino-induced extensive air showers

Abstract We revisit and extend the analysis supporting a 60-year-old suggestion that cosmic rays air showers resulting from primary particles with energies above 1018 eV should be straightforward to detect with radar ranging techniques, where the radar echoes are produced by scattering from the column of ionized air produced by the shower. The idea has remained curiously untested since it was proposed, but if our analysis is correct, such techniques could provide a significant alternative approach to air shower detection in a standalone array with high duty cycle, and might provide highly complementary measurements of air showers detected in existing and planned ground arrays such as the Fly's Eye or the Auger Project. The method should be particularly sensitive to showers that are transverse to and relatively distant from the detector, and is thus effective in characterizing penetrating horizontal showers such as those that might be induced by ultra-high energy neutrino primaries.
Recent advances in transition metal-catalyzed sp3 C–H amination adjacent to double bonds and carbonyl groups

Transition metal-catalyzed C–H amination at positions adjacent to double bonds and carbonyl groups is discussed in this critical review. While the focus will center on the recent developments of α-oxidative amination, some historical developments and mutually beneficial reports in the broader field of C–H amination will be discussed. C–H amination has become a viable method for the efficient installation of nitrogen atoms en route to target molecules (89 references).
Finding the k smallest spanning trees

We give improved solutions for the problem of generating thek smallest spanning trees in a graph and in the plane. Our algorithm for general graphs takes timeO(m logβ(m, n)=k 2); for planar graphs this bound can be improved toO(n+k 2). We also show that thek best spanning trees for a set of points in the plane can be computed in timeO(min(k 2 n+n logn,k 2+kn log(n/k))). Thek best orthogonal spanning trees in the plane can be found in timeO(n logn+kn log log(n/k)+k 2).
ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE, ELECTRON-PHONON COUPLING, AND MULTIBAND EFFECTS IN MgB2

Abstract We review the current situation in the theory of superconducting and transport properties of MgB 2 . First principle calculations of the electronic structure and electron–phonon coupling are discussed and compared with the experiment. We also present a brief description of the multiband effects in superconductivity and transport, and how these manifest themselves in MgB 2 .
Security issues in the EDI environment

Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is rapidly becoming integrated in a wide range of businesses. EDI usage is expected to increase in the immediate future. This high growth in a potentially paperless environment presents a variety of security risks, such as disclosure of messages, tampering with messages, etc. Current legal and contract‐related literature dealing with paper documents is not equipped to deal with such problems. Identifies different types of security risks and EDI agreements, and examines potential security risks under these agreements. Discusses future research directions. This synthesis should be useful to EDI users and researchers.
Heat and Mass Transfer in a CVD Optical Fiber Coating Process by Propane Precursor Gas

This study investigates an in-line chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process used to hermetically coat optical fibers during manufacture using propane as the precursor gas. Temperature is calculated by coupling radiation and convection heat transfer between the reactor walls and gas flow with a radially lumped conduction heat transfer model for the moving optical fiber. Multicomponent species diffusion is modeled by the Dixon-Lewis method, which is based on the molecular theory for ideal gases. Gas-phase reaction kinetics is modeled using a three-step chemical kinetics mechanism. Surface reaction kinetics are described using collision theory, in which a sticking coefficient is used as an empirical parameter to predict surface reactions. A parametric study is carried out with various optical fiber inlet temperature and drawing speeds, and is validated with experiment results.
Vibrating wire field-measuring technique☆

Abstract The technique described here is dedicated to the problem of alignment of quadrupole magnets, a very important issue for particle accelerators. The technique is based on the excitation of the harmonics of a wire vibration by Lorenz forces between current in a wire and the surrounding magnetic field. Theoretical analyses show that knowing the amplitude and the phase of the various harmonics of the wire vibration, one can easily reconstruct the surrounding magnetic field which will indicate any misalignment of elements. Experiments confirmed the theoretical conclusions, and demonstrated the high sensitivity of the technique as well as its convenience for application.