cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
XUV EMISSION FEATURES FROM THE LIVERMORE SOFT X-RAY LASER EXPERIMENTS

The measured wavelengths in the soft x-ray region for 3p to 3s and 3d to 3p transitions in neon-, sodium-, and magnesium-like selenium are presented. The experimental results for the neon-like ions are compared to theoretical wavelength values and with values extrapolated along the isoelectronic sequence. The ions were contained in a plasma heated in a line-focus of a Nd-glass laser. The measurements were made with a time-gated microchannel-plate-intensified grazing incidence spectrograph.
A comparison of recipient renal outcomes with laparoscopic versus open live donor nephrectomy.

Background. Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (laparoNx) has the potential to increase living kidney donation rates by reducing the pain and suffering of the donor. However, renal function outcomes of a large series of recipients of laparoNx have not been studied. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 132 recipients of laparoNx done at our center between 3/96 and 11/97 and compared them to 99 recipients of kidneys procured by the open technique (openNx) done between 10/93 and 3/96. Results. Significantly more patients in the laparoNx group (25.2%) were taking tacrolimus within the first month than those in the openNx group (2.1%). Mean serum creatinine was higher in laparoNx compared with openNx at 1 week (2.860.3 and 1.860.2 mg/dl, respectively; P50.005) and at 1 month (2.060.1 and 1.660.1 mg/dl, P50.05) after transplant. However, by 3 and 6 months, the mean serum creatinine was similar in the two groups (1.760.1 versus 1.560.05 mg/dl, and 1.760.1 versus 1.760.1, respectively). By 1 year posttransplant, the mean serum creatinine for laparoNx was actually less than that for openNx (1.460.1 and 1.760.1 mg/dl, P50.03). Although patients in the laparoNx compared to the openNx group were more likely to have delayed graft function (7.6 versus 2.0%) and ureteral complications (4.5 versus 1.0%), the rate of other complications, as well as hospital length of stay, patient and graft survival rates were similar in the two groups. Conclusion. Although laparoNx allografts have slower initial function compared with openNx, there was no significant difference in longer term renal function. Kidney transplantation is considered to be the treatment of choice for end-stage renal failure. Insufficient supply of organs for donation has produced long waiting times for many patients who may benefit from transplantation (1). During this period patients accumulate the morbidity of renal failure, they must endure the lifestyle limitations of dialysis, and they often die while waiting for the organ sharing system to grant them this resource. Live donor renal transplantation represents a large potential supply of organs that may relieve much of this shortage. Additionally, recipients of live renal transplants may reap benefits of improved patient and allograft survival that have been clearly demonstrated in this population (2,3). Although unilateral nephrectomy has proven to be safe and the solitary kidney state has been found to be well tolerated in a carefully chosen candidate for donation (4,5), substantial disincentives to donation exist. These include a significant hospitalization, prolonged convalescence period with time away from jobs, intractable perioperative pain, and, for some, cosmetic concerns of the resulting
Biomimetic total syntheses of (-)-TAN1251A, (+)-TAN1251B, (+)-TAN1251C, and (+)-TAN1251D.

The muscarinic antagonists (−)-TAN1251A (1), (+)-TAN1251B (2), (+)-TAN1251C (3), and (+)-TAN1251D (4) have been synthesized biomimetically by enamine formation from an amino aldehyde to give TAN1251C ketal 18. Oxidation and reduction lead to TAN1251A (1), which has been hydroxylated to give TAN1251B (2). Stereospecific reduction of TAN1251C ketal 18 leads to TAN1251D (4).
Corporate Environmental Responsibility and Equity Prices

This paper uses an innovative way to screen stocks and analyzes the relationship between corporate environmental responsibility and long-run stock returns. By our definition, an environmentally responsible (green) company gives no environmental concern and shows environmental strength(s). Using 20 years’ data of 1992–2011, we find evidence that environmentally responsible company outperforms, in the 4th to 7th year after the screening year. An equal-weighted environmentally responsible portfolio earned an annual four-factor alpha of 4.06 % in the 4th year, 3.00 % above industry benchmarks, and 3.87 % above characteristic benchmarks. The results are robust to alternative portfolio weighting methodologies, controlling for firm characteristics, and the removal of outliers. Testing using industry-adjusted Tobin’s Q, we find consistent evidence that environmental strength creates firm value. We argue that environmental responsibility is an intangible asset, likely to be undervalued by the market, especially in the long horizon, thereby causing environmentally responsible companies to exhibit long-horizon excess returns.
Pd-catalyzed Fukuyama cross-coupling of secondary organozinc reagents for the direct synthesis of unsymmetrical ketones

The coupling of acyl electrophiles with organometallic reagents represents a convergent route toward complex and versatile ketone products. Despite the mild conditions and high functional group tolerance, the cross-coupling of carboxylic acid derivatives, such as thioesters, and secondary organometallic reagents is an underdeveloped transformation. Herein, we disclose a convenient and efficient protocol for the Pd-catalyzed Fukuyama cross-coupling of secondary organozinc reagents with thioester electrophiles. Under these mild conditions, a range of thioesters possessing sensitive functional groups can be coupled with either activated or unactivated secondary organozinc halides in good yields. This method was expanded to include an acid chloride substrate, generating an aryl alkyl ketone in high yield. In addition, a modest dynamic kinetic resolution of the organozinc reagent can be achieved using chiral phosphoramidite ligands to furnish enantioenriched ketone products.
Incidence Effects on Chordwise Bending Cascade Unsteady Aerodynamics

Experiments directed at investigating and quantifying the effects of off-design conditions, including mean flow incidence and leading-edge flow separation, on chordwise bending mode unsteady aerodynamics are described. An n influence coefficient technique is used wherein a single airfoil in the cascade is oscillated in a chordwise bending mode, accomplished with a piezoelectric crystal-based drive system. The resulting unsteady surface pressures on the oscillating airfoil and its stationary neighbors are measured and the unsteady aerodynamic influence coefficients determined, with the cascade unsteady aerodynamics defined through a vector summation. Unsteady aerodynamic data are obtained over a range of reduced frequency values and mean flow incidence angles, with the effects of steady loading and leading-edge separation examined. Significant effects of mean incidence on cascade unsteady aerodynamics that deviate significantly from linearized theory occur near the leading edge, with the nonlinear region increasing with increasing mean incidence. The large-scale effects of mean incidence on the leading-edge unsteady aerodynamic loading are attributable to both steady loading and suction surface separation
Total synthesis of FK-506. Part 2: Completion of the synthesis☆

Abstract The C15C16 bond of FK-506 was formed via sulfone anion coupling followed by chelation controlled reduction of the C15 ketone. Efficient methylation of the C15-OH was accomplished by a combination of Me3OBF4-4A molecular sieves in the presence of Proton Sponge®. A procedure was developed to avoid epimerization at the C2 position of the pipecolinate section during alkaline hydrolysis. A reductive fragmentation of the C21–C24 [6,6]-spiroketal iodide using active Zn/Ag-graphite delivered the α′-allyl aldol section. The C9–C10 [5,6]-spiroketal acetonide was de-blocked via a novel β-elimination, using a combination of LiHMDS-Mg(HMDS)2 in HMPA-DME (1:1), to afford an enediol acetal, which was oxidized with dimethyl dioxirane to generate the C8–C10 α, β-diketoamide acetal function. Final desilylations completed the total synthesis of FK-506.
Fluoride Glass Fibers with Improved Mechanical Strength

The practical strength of ZrF4-based optical fibers reported to date is still significantly lower than that of state-of-the-art silica fibers. Longer length fluoride fibers with improved strength were, however, achieved after the preforms were polished to a mirrorlike finish prior to etching in acidic ZrOCl2 solution. Strength in the range of 430 to 820 MPa (62 to 119 ksi) was observed using the bend technique.
Does inflation targeting really make a difference? Evaluating the treatment effect of inflation targeting in seven industrial countries ☆

Abstract We evaluate the treatment effect of inflation targeting in seven industrial countries that adopted this policy in the 1990s. To address the self-selection problem of policy adoption, we make use of a variety of propensity score matching methods recently developed in the treatment effect literature. Our results show that inflation targeting has no significant effects on either inflation or inflation variability in these seven countries. Further evidence from long-term nominal interest rates and income velocity of money also supports the window-dressing view of inflation targeting.
A Formulation of Radiation View Factors from Conical Surfaces

Etablissement d'une formule de calcul du facteur de vue d'un cone ou d'un cone tronque. Calcul des facteurs de vue d'un cone pour une famille de corps axisymetriques
Systematic review of sleep disorders in cancer patients: can the prevalence of sleep disorders be ascertained?

Although sleep is vital to all human functioning and poor sleep is a known problem in cancer, it is unclear whether the overall prevalence of the various types of sleep disorders in cancer is known. The purpose of this systematic literature review was to evaluate if the prevalence of sleep disorders could be ascertained from the current body of literature regarding sleep in cancer. This was a critical and systematic review of peer-reviewed, English-language, original articles published from 1980 through 15 October 2013, identified using electronic search engines, a set of key words, and prespecified inclusion and exclusion criteria. Information from 254 full-text, English-language articles was abstracted onto a paper checklist by one reviewer, with a second reviewer randomly verifying 50% (k = 99%). All abstracted data were entered into an electronic database, verified for accuracy, and analyzed using descriptive statistics and frequencies in SPSS (v.20) (North Castle, NY). Studies of sleep and cancer focus on specific types of symptoms of poor sleep, and there are no published prevalence studies that focus on underlying sleep disorders. Challenging the current paradigm of the way sleep is studied in cancer could produce better clinical screening tools for use in oncology clinics leading to better triaging of patients with sleep complaints to sleep specialists, and overall improvement in sleep quality.
Optimal Sample Allocation for Normal Discrimination and Logistic Regression under Stratified Sampling

Abstract For two multivariate normal populations with a common covariance matrix and stratified sampling, we consider two methods of estimation—Fisher's linear discriminant function and logistic regression. Intuition suggests that taking half of the observations from each population is a reasonable design choice. Based on minimizing the expected error regret, asymptotic optimal sample allocations are found. The results indicate that the differences in the expected error regret for optimal versus balanced allocation are generally quite small. It is recommended that equal sample sizes for the two populations be used for these problems.
The Excursion Set Theory of Halo Mass Functions, Halo Clustering, and Halo Growth

I review the excursion set theory with particular attention toward applications to cold dark matter halo formation and growth, halo abundance, and halo clustering. After a brief introduction to notation and conventions, I begin by recounting the heuristic argument leading to the mass function of bound objects given by Press and Schechter. I then review the more formal derivation of the Press–Schechter halo mass function that makes use of excursion sets of the density field. The excursion set formalism is powerful and can be applied to numerous other problems. I review the excursion set formalism for describing both halo clustering and bias and the properties of void regions. As one of the most enduring legacies of the excursion set approach and one of its most common applications, I spend considerable time reviewing the excursion set theory of halo growth. This section of the review culminates with the description of two Monte Carlo methods for generating ensembles of halo mass accretion histories. In the last section, I emphasize that the standard excursion set approach is the result of several simplifying assumptions. Dropping these assumptions can lead to more faithful predictions and open excursion set theory to new applications. One such assumption is that the height of the barriers that define collapsed objects is a constant function of scale. I illustrate the implementation of the excursion set approach for barriers of arbitrary shape. One such application is the now well-known improvement of the excursion set mass function derived from the "moving" barrier for ellipsoidal collapse. I also emphasize that the statement that halo accretion histories are independent of halo environment in the excursion set approach is not a general prediction of the theory. It is a simplifying assumption. I review the method for constructing correlated random walks of the density field in the more general case. I construct a simple toy model to illustrate that excursion set theory (with a constant barrier height) makes a simple and general prediction for the relation between halo accretion histories and the large-scale environments of halos: regions of high density preferentially contain late-forming halos and conversely for regions of low density. I conclude with a brief discussion of the importance of this prediction relative to recent numerical studies of the environmental dependence of halo properties.
Monoacylglycerol lipase contributes to pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease

between aging, health, cognition and lifestyle (Schaie, 2005). The sample included 111 participants, Mage 1⁄4 67 (age range 52 84), imaged on 3 occasions over 4 years. In our sample, there were 32 APOE e4 carriers and 79 APOE e4 noncarriers. Magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo (MPRAGE) imaging was performed on a Philips 3.0 TAchieva scanner. Cortical reconstruction and volumetric segmentation was performedwith the longitudinal pipeline of the FreeSurfer image analysis suite version 5.1.0 (http:// surfer.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/). Cortical thickness values for each of the 68 parcels defined by the Desikan parcellation (Desikan et al., 2006) were extracted by subject and timepoint. We fit a linear mixed effects model for each parcel that included fixed effects of intercept, age, and APOE e4 carrier status, and the interaction of age andAPOE e4 carrier status to predict slope in cortical thickness of each parcel.Results: The mean estimated cortical thickness at age 60 (intercept) was thinner for APOE e4 carriers than APOE e4 non-carriers in the left inferior parietal parcel and left and right frontal pole. Slope differences (age X e4 carrier status interaction) were found in: left temporal pole and superior frontal regions, and right transverse temporal and caudal anterior cingulate (Figure 1). In all regions except the right transverse temporal, APOE e4 carriers had a steeper rate of decline than non-carriers.Conclusions: The APOE 4 allelemodulatesmean thickness and rates of change both in areas associated with normal aging and in areas associated with progression to AD.
Advances in the controlled growth of nanoclusters using a dendritic architecture

The dendritic architecture represents the fourth major class of polymers. Though hyperbranched polymers and structurally-perfect dendrimers (e.g., poly(amidoamine), PAMAM) both share this designation, the latter are of greater use for nanoreactor applications. One such application that exploits the container/reactor properties of dendrimers is the controlled growth of nanoclusters. Herein, we provide a review of the recent synthetic methods for nanocluster growth using a dendritic host, and their use in a variety of applications. The benefits of using this macromolecular host will also be discussed, within a historical context of colloidal entraining agents.
Molecular Vibration Spectra from Field-Emission Energy Distributions

A calculation is presented which predicts the effect of an inelastic interaction between field‐emitted electrons and adsorbed molecules at a metal–vacuum interface. The derivative of the total energy distribution of the field‐emission current should yield information on the infrared absorption spectra of the adsorbed molecules. A numerical estimate of the size of the effect indicates that changes on the order of 1% of the total current should occur.
Skew products over rotations with exotic properties

We show that a $$\text{ Z}_{2}$$ skew product of a badly approximable rotation can be minimal and not uniquely ergodic. This construction is used to construct a Z skew product of a rotation where the orbit of a.e. point is dense but Lebesgue measure is not ergodic.
What are public services worth, and to whom? Non-parametric estimation of capitalization in Pune

The availability and quality of basic public services are important determinants of urban quality of life. In many cities, rapid population growth and fiscal constraints are limiting the extent to which urban governments can keep up with increasing demand for these services. It therefore becomes important to prioritize provision of those services to best reflect local demand. The authors present a strategy to estimate the demand for public services, which is sensitive to heterogeneity in preferences across types of households, and the nonparametric estimation addresses problems arising from functional form restrictions. Using data from Pune, India, they estimate the demand for public services, as represented by the marginal change in the self-assessed monthly rental price of dwellings from the services. The authors find that the value of publicly provided services accruing to the poor is greater than that going to wealthier households, and even untargeted across-the-board investment in specific services can be progressive.
Intermediaries and payments instruments

Abstract We study an economy in which intermediaries have incentives to issue circulating liabilities as part of an equilibrium. We show that, with arbitrarily small transactions costs, only the liabilities of intermediaries will circulate, and not those of other private sector agents. Therefore, our model connects intermediation activity with the issuance of payments media, a connection that has not been made in earlier literature. We use our model to suggest a resolution of the “ banknote underissue puzzle” of Cagan (in: D. Carson (Ed.), Banking and Monetary Studies, Richard D. Irwin Publishing, Homewood, IL, 1963).
Synthesis of Magic-Sized CdSe and CdTe Nanocrystals with Diisooctylphosphinic Acid

We report the observation of quantized growth in magic-sized CdSe and CdTe nanocrystals that utilize diisooctylphosphinic acid as the surface passivating ligand. The interaction between the diisooctylphosphinic acid and the coordinating solvent, hexadecylamine, results in the growth of only certain allowed sizes of nanocrystals. Magic-sized CdSe nanocrystals were synthesized with band edge absorption peaks at 414, 446, and 490 nm. Magic-sized CdTe nanocrystals were synthesized with band edge absorption peaks at 445 and 483 nm. The synthesis detailed here allows for the isolation of larger magic-sized nanocrystals than has been previously reported. The emission of diisooctylphosphinic acid-capped magic-sized nanocrystals is low, with a quantum yield of less than 1%. Photoluminescence excitation scans revealed a significantly reduced emission from absorption at the band edge. The diameter for the smallest CdSe magic-size was 1.7 nm, and the diameter for the smallest CdTe magic-size was 1.8 nm, as determined...
Pseudogaps in underdoped cuprates

Abstract It has become clear in the past several years that the cuprates show many unusual properties, both in the normal and superconducting (SC) states, especially in the underdoped region. In particular, gap-like behavior is observed in magnetic properties, c -axis conductivity and photoemission, whereas in-plane transport properties are only slightly affected by the pseudogap. I shall argue that these experimental evidences must be viewed in the context of the physics of a doped Mott insulator and that they support the notion of spin charge separation. I shall review recent theoretical developments, concentrating on studies based on the t – J model. I shall describe a model based on quasiparticle (qp) excitations, which predicts the doping dependence of T c and anomalous energy-gap-to- T c ratios. Finally, I shall outline how the model may be derived from a microscopic formulation of the t – J model. After a brief review of the U(1) formulation, I shall explain some of the difficulties encountered there, and how a new SU(2) formulation can resolve some of the difficulties.
Context-based experience of the city via broadcasted content retrieval

In this paper we propose a new service platform for the distribution of location and time-sensitive data that augments and enhances real-time experience of the city using mobile digital TV broadcasting technology. The limitation of the unidirectional communication is alleviated by the proposal of introducing context-based filters-applied locally-that allow for automatically selecting the most relevant information to be viewed by the retrieving/receiviother ng party.
Highly stereoselective reduction of methyl ketone complexes of the chiral Lewis acid [(η5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)]+ by K(s-C4H9)3BH; synthesis of optically active secondary alcohols and derivatives

Reaction of optically active ketone complexes (+)-(R)-[(η5-C5H5)Re(NO)-(PPh3)(η1-O=C(R)(CH3)]+ BF4− (R = CH2CH3, CH(CH3)2m C(CH3)3, C6H5) with K(s-C4H9)3BH gives alkoxide complexes (+)-(RS)-(η5-C5H5)Re(NO)(PPh3)-(OCH(R)CH3) (73–90%) in 80–98% de. The alkoxide ligand is then converted to Mosher esters (93–99%) of 79–98% de.
Palladium-catalyzed dimerization of vinyl ethers to acetals.

(α-Diimine)PdCl+ species catalytically dimerize alkyl and silyl vinyl ethers to β,γ-unsaturated CH2═CHCH2CH(OR)2 acetals, and they cyclize divinyl ethers to analogous cyclic acetals. A plausible mechanism comprises in situ generation of an active PdOR alkoxide species, double vinyl ether insertion to generate Pd{CH2CH(OR)CH2CH(OR)2} species, and β-OR elimination to generate the acetal product. In the presence of vinyl ethers, (α-diimine)PdCl+ species can be used to initiate ethylene polymerization.
Stubby: a transformation-based optimizer for MapReduce workflows

There is a growing trend of performing analysis on large datasets using workflows composed of MapReduce jobs connected through producer-consumer relationships based on data. This trend has spurred the development of a number of interfaces---ranging from program-based to query-based interfaces---for generating MapReduce workflows. Studies have shown that the gap in performance can be quite large between optimized and unoptimized workflows. However, automatic cost-based optimization of MapReduce workflows remains a challenge due to the multitude of interfaces, large size of the execution plan space, and the frequent unavailability of all types of information needed for optimization.We introduce a comprehensive plan space for MapReduce workflows generated by popular workflow generators. We then propose Stubby, a cost-based optimizer that searches selectively through the subspace of the full plan space that can be enumerated correctly and costed based on the information available in any given setting. Stubby enumerates the plan space based on plan-to-plan transformations and an efficient search algorithm. Stubby is designed to be extensible to new interfaces and new types of optimizations, which is a desirable feature given how rapidly MapReduce systems are evolving. Stubby's efficiency and effectiveness have been evaluated using representative workflows from many domains.
The six-vertex model on random lattices

In this letter, the 6-vertex model on dynamical random lattices is defined via a matrix model and rewritten (following I. Kostov) as a deformation of the O(2) model. In the large-N planar limit, an exact solution is found at criticality. The critical exponents of the model are determined; they vary continuously along the critical line. The vicinity of the latter is explored, which confirms that we have a line of c = 1 conformal field theories coupled to gravity.
An epistemological framework for nanoscience and nanotechnology literacy

The need for a new literacy that will allow for meaningful participation in the rapidly evolving field of nanotechnology is very critical to national development. This need is important for nanotechnology to achieve its full potential. This paper describes and analyzes some contemporary philosophical interpretations of the concept of technological literacy. The paper then focuses on some of the metaphysical assumptions underpinning the techno-scientific literacy framework; and theories governing public understanding of science and technology, as the basis to propose a new technological literacy framework suitable in the era of nanotechnology. A case is made that the new technological literacy framework proposed is a suitable and essential pedagogic endeavour which should be seen as yielding a perspective through which meaning may be infused into the importance of nanotechnology development–a perspective as essential to the informed lay person as it is to the truly literate technologist. The paper concludes by analyzing the implications of the proposed epistemological framework on nanotechnology workforce development and makes recommendations based on this new framework to achieve a ‘nanoliterate’ society.
Semidirect Sums of Matroids

For matroids M and N on disjoint sets S and T, a semidirect sum of M and N is any matroid K on $${S \cup T}$$ that, like the direct sum and the free product, has the restriction $${K|S}$$ equal to M and the contraction K/S equal to N. We abstract a matrix construction to get a general matroid construction: the matroid union of any rank-preserving extension of M on the set $${S \cup T}$$ with the direct sum of N and the rank-0 matroid on S is a semidirect sum of M and N. We study principal sums in depth; these are such matroid unions where the extension of M has each element of T added either as a loop or freely on a fixed flat of M. A second construction of semidirect sums, defined by a Higgs lift, also specializes to principal sums. We also explore what can be deduced if M and N, or certain of their semidirect sums, are transversal or fundamental transversal matroids.
Chemical Drug Stability in Lipids, Modified Lipids, and Polyethylene Oxide-Containing Formulations

To critique the stability complications seen in formulating poorly water-soluble, problematic drugs in lipids, modified lipids, and polyethylene oxide solvents and surfactants in hard and soft gelatin capsules as well as some parenterals, a literature search was performed and personal experiences, and those of colleagues, collated. The literature is replete with examples of molecules undergoing rapid oxidative degradation in the presence of polyethylene oxide based solvents and surfactants as well as in the presence of unsaturated lipids. More recently appreciated is instability caused by the reaction of amine and amide drugs, with formaldehyde, formic acid found in many of these solvents as impurities and other degradation byproducts of the solvents themselves. One would expect acylation and transacylation reactions to be more common than reported but the literature has some good examples. An added complexity is occasionally seen with the use of hard and soft gelatin capsules with these solvents. The chemical stability of drugs in liquid and semi-solid formulations in the presence of lipids, modified lipids, and polyoxyethylene oxide-based solvents and surfactants can be complex, further exacerbated by the use of gelatin capsules, and can lead to a plethora of degradation pathways often not seen when the same drugs are formulated in solid dosage forms.
Representations of elementary abelian p-groups and bundles on Grassmannians

Abstract We initiate the study of representations of elementary abelian p -groups via restrictions to truncated polynomial subalgebras of the group algebra generated by r nilpotent elements, k [ t 1 , … , t r ] / ( t 1 p , … , t r p ) . We introduce new geometric invariants based on the behavior of modules upon restrictions to such subalgebras. We also introduce modules of constant radical and socle type generalizing modules of constant Jordan type and provide several general constructions of modules with these properties. We show that modules of constant radical and socle type lead to families of algebraic vector bundles on Grassmannians and illustrate our theory with numerous examples.
New SF5-long chain carbon systems

Abstract A new SF 5 -terminated perfluoroalkyl thiol — SF 5 (CF 2 ) 6 CH 2 CH 2 SH — and a symmetric SF 5 -terminated dialkyl disulfide — [SF 5 CH–CH(CH 2 ) 8 S] 2 — were synthesized from the corresponding SF 5 -terminated precursors. The chemistry employed in the preparation of the disulfide encompasses high yield pathways for the preparation of new SF 5 -long chain derivatives.
“Conference on communicating astronomy with the public”: Taking action

Abstract In October 2003, The U.S. National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) and the U.S. National Research Council (NRC) held a 3-day conference in Washington, DC, on communicating with the public about astronomy. This conference was organized by participants in a December 2002 meeting hosted by Spain’s Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias in Tenerife on “Communicating Astronomy.” The goals of the 2003 conference, conceived as a working meeting, were “to develop a program to share outreach and education resources among the astronomical community [and] to find ways of communicating with underdeveloped constituencies.” Two important products of the 2003 meeting were: 1. A “Washington charter for communicating astronomy with the public,” a position paper articulating principles of action for funding agencies, professional astronomical societies, individual researchers and universities, laboratories, research organizations, and other institutions with an interest in communicating with the public about astronomy. 2. The appointment of a task group to explore the creation of an electronic archive of informational resources about astronomy. Two options under consideration by the task group are creation of a Web site providing links, categorized and searchable, to astronomy public outreach and education resources and creation of a Web site that would be a searchable database of astronomy information and imagery (either representative or comprehensive). This paper reviews the purpose and proceedings of the conference, reports on outcomes, and provides a status report on post-conference actions. It also reports on a newly organized NASA Astrobiology Institute Working Group on Astrobiology Science Communication.
Polynomials Non-negative on Strips and Half-strips

In 2008, Marshall (2010) [4] settled a long-standing open problem by showing that if f(x,y)∈R[x,y] is a polynomial that is non-negative on the strip [0,1]×R, then there exist sums of squares σ(x,y),τ(x,y)∈∑R[x,y]2 such that f(x,y)=σ(x,y)+τ(x,y)(x−x2). In this paper, we generalize Marshall’s result to various strips and half-strips in the plane. Our results give many new examples of non-compact semialgebraic sets in R2 for which one can characterize all polynomials which are non-negative on the set. For example, we show that if U is a compact subset of the real line and {g1,…,gk} a specific set of generators for U as a semialgebraic set, then whenever f(x,y) is non-negative on U×R, there are sums of squares s0,…,sk such that f=s0+s1g1+⋯+skgk.
Prolongations and computational algebra

We explore the geometric notion of prolongations in the setting of computational algebra, extending results of Landsberg and Manivel which relate prolongations to equations for secant varieties. We also develop methods for computing prolongations that are combinatorial in nature. As an application, we use prolongations to derive a new family of secant equations for the binary symmetric model in phylogenetics.
Creating automated plans for Semantic Web applications through planning as model checking

The uncertainties of planning engendered by nondeterminism and partial observability have led to a melding of model checking and artificial intelligence. The result is planning as model checking. Because planning as model checking tests sets of states and sets of transitions at once, rather than single states, the method remains robust and viable in domains of large state spaces and varying levels of uncertainty. We develop a test bench for Semantic Web agents and use model-based planning to derive strong plans, strong cyclic plans, and weak plans. Our results suggest potential robustness and efficacy in devising plans for agent actions in the Semantic Web environment.
Magnetic field vector retrieval with the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager

We investigate the accuracy to which we can retrieve the solar photospheric magnetic field vector using the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) that will fly onboard of the Solar Dynamics Observatory by inverting simulated HMI profiles. The simulated profiles realistically take into account the effects of the photon noise, limited spectral resolution, instrumental polarization modulation, solar p modes, and temporal averaging. The accuracy of the determination of the magnetic field vector is studied by considering the different operational modes of the instrument.
Experimental Study of a Jet-Driven Helmholtz Oscillator

This paper describes an experimental study of a Helmholtz resonator driven by a round jet passing through it. This device, dubbed the jet-driven Helmholtz oscillator (JDHO), is a rigid chamber with two round openings located coaxially in two opposite walls, through which a jet is allowed to pass across the chamber. At certain jet velocities, jet instabilities couple with the Helmholtz resonance to produce very powerful chamber-pressure oscillations at a frequency slightly higher than the chamber Helmholtz frequency. The amplitude of these pressure oscillations may reach values of up to 5.6 times the jet dynamic pressure. Simultaneously, the exiting flow pulsates at the same frequency with an amplitude of up to 60 percent of the exit jet velocity, and a loud sound is emitted. The thrust of the present study was twofold: to determine the optimum range of geometrical parameters producing the maximum magnitudes, and to identify the mechanisms underlying the oscillator operation.
Toward Korean unification: A policy proposal for investment in North Korea∗

Abstract South Korea became a net‐provider of foreign direct investment in the late 1980s, and is now emerging as a major source of foreign direct investment in ASEAN and China. In general, the economic gains that the host country realizes from foreign direct investment are not a factor that the home country should take into account in deciding its policy on outward investment. The case of South Korea is, however, an exception to this general principle because of the possibility of the eventual unification of the two Koreas. Given that the unification cost borne by South Korea will decrease as the North Korean economy improves, the South Korean government should actively encourage South Korean investment in North Korea by offering appropriate incentives. The rationale for this policy is that the beneficial effect of investment on the North Korean economy is not a factor taken into account by private investors. Policy measures in this direction include the provision of a corrective subsidy for North Korea‐...
Cycloaddition Chemistry of 1,3-Dienes on the Silicon(001) Surface: Competition between (4 + 2) and (2 + 2) Reactions

The reactions of 1,3-dienes with the Si(001) surface have been investigated using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the relative efficiencies of [2 + 2] and [4 + 2] reactions have been determined. STM and FTIR studies show that the 2,3-dimethyl-1,3-butadiene molecule has two bonding configurations; 80% of the molecules bond via a [4 + 2] reaction involving both alkene groups with the remaining 20% bonding via a [2 + 2] reaction involving only one alkene group. The molecule 1,3-cyclohaxadiene shows three separate bonding configurations in the STM, and the FTIR shows at least four separate peaks in the alkene stretching region. The [4 + 2] product is found to comprise 55% of the surface species, the [2 + 2] product 35%, and an unknown product 10%. The surface temperature is found to have little affect on the product distribution. The formation of multiple products and the lack of temperature effects indicate that the product distribution is controlle...
A Concise Synthesis of the Naphthoic Acid Component of Neocarzinostatin Chromophore Featuring a New Photocyclization Reaction

Abstract A 6-step synthesis of the naphthoic acid component of the natural antitumor agent neocarzinostatin chromophore is described. The synthetic route employs 4-bromo-3-methylanisole as the starting material, proceeds in 31–37% yield for the 6 steps, and features as the key step a photocyclization reaction that is an interesting variant of known photocyclization reactions of stilbenes and phenylbutadienes.
Surface Roughness Measurements on Gas Turbine Blades

Results are presented from profilometer measurements of the surface roughness on in-service turbine engine blades from F-100 and TF-39 aeroengines. The purpose of this work is to provide insight into the nature of surface roughness characteristics of in-service turbine blades which can be used in the development of scaled laboratory experiments of boundary layer flow and heat transfer on turbine engine blades
A Randomized Parallel Algorithm for Planar Graph Isomorphism

We present a parallel randomized algorithm running on aCRCW PRAM, to determine whether two planar graphs are isomorphic, and if so to find the isomorphism. We assume that we have a tree of separators for each planar graph (which can be computed by known algorithms inO(log2n) time withn1+?processors, for any ?0). Ifnis the number of vertices, our algorithm takesO(log(n)) time with processors and with a probability of failure of 1/nat most. The algorithm needs 2·log(m)?log(n)+O(log(n)) random bits. The number of random bits can be decreased toO(log(n)) by increasing the number of processors ton3/2+?, for any ?0. Our parallel algorithm has significantly improved processor efficiency, compared to the previous logarithmic time parallel algorithm of Miller and Reif (Siam J. Comput.20(1991), 1128?1147), which requiresn4randomized processors orn5deterministic processors.
Rapid measurement of tacrolimus in whole blood by paper spray-tandem mass spectrometry (PS-MS/MS)

Abstract Background Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) provides sensitivity and specificity for monitoring tacrolimus drug level in blood, but it requires an LC system and sample preparation, which is not amenable to random access testing typical of immunoassays. Paper spray (PS) ionization generates gas phase analyte ions directly from dried blood spots without sample preparation and LC. We evaluated a PS-MS/MS method for tacrolimus drug monitoring in a clinical diagnostic laboratory. Methods Whole blood sample was mixed with stable isotope labeled internal standard ([13C, 2H2]-FK506) and spotted onto a cartridge containing triangular shaped card paper. After drying, samples were analyzed by PS MS/MS in the selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode, with a run time of 3 min/sample. Results Analytical measurement range was 1.5–30 ng/ml. Assay inter-day imprecision was 13%, 8%, and 5% at tacrolimus concentrations of 4.5, 10.5, and 24.5 ng/ml, respectively. Accuracy was determined by pure tacrolimus solution and was confirmed by result correlation to an immunoassay (slope = 1.0, intercept = − 0.02; r2 = 0.99), and to a conventional LC-MS/MS method (slope = 0.90, intercept = 0.4; r2 = 0.94). Conclusions PS-MS/MS provides accurate results for tacrolimus with rapid turnaround time amenable to random access testing protocols.
Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials Addressing Brief Interventions in Heavy Alcohol Drinkers

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of brief interventions in heavy drinkers by analyzing the outcome data and methodologic quality. DESIGN: (1) Qualitative analysis of randomized control trials (RCTs) using criteria from Chalmers' scoring system; (2) calculating and combining odds ratios (ORs) of RCTs using the One-Step (Peto) and the Mantel-Haenszel methods. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA ANALYSIS: A MEDLINE and PsycLIT search identified RCTs testing brief interventions in heavy alcohol drinkers. Brief interventions were less than 1 hour and incorporated simple motivational counseling techniques much like outpatient smoking cessation programs. By a single-reviewer, nonblinded format, eligible studies were selected for adult subjects, sample sizes greater than 30, a randomized control design, and incorporation of brief alcohol interventions. Methodologic quality was assessed using an established scoring system developed by Chalmers and colleagues. Outcome data were combined by the One-Step (Peto) method; confidence limits and test for heterogeneity were calculated. RESULTS: Twelve RCTs met all inclusion criteria, with an average quality score of 0.49 +/- 0.17. This was comparable to published average scores in other areas of research (0.42 +/- 0.16). Outcome data from RCTs were pooled, and a combined OR was close to 2 (1.91; 95% confidence interval 1.61-2.27) in favor of brief alcohol interventions over no intervention. This was consistent across gender, intensity of intervention, type of clinical setting, and higher-quality clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS: Heavy drinkers who received a brief intervention were twice as likely to moderate their drinking 6 to 12 months after an intervention when compared with heavy drinkers who received no intervention. Brief intervention is a low-cost, effective preventive measure for heavy drinkers in outpatient settings.
Droplet Size Characteristics and Energy Input Requirements of Emulsions Formed Using High-Intensity-Pulsed Electric Fields

Experimental methods have been developed to measure droplet size characteristics and energy inputs associated with the rupture of aqueous droplets by high-intensity-pulsed electric fields. The combination of in situ microscope optics and high-speed video cameras allows reliable observation of liquid droplets down to 0.5 ..mu..m in size. Videotapes of electric-field-created emulsions reveal that average droplet sizes of less than 5 ..mu..m are easily obtained in such systems. Analysis of the energy inputs into the fluids indicates that the electric field method requires less than 1% of the energy required from mechanical agitation to create comparable droplet sizes.
Separating and Tracking Multiple Beacon Sources for Deep Space Optical Communications

We propose a solution for pointing and tracking an optical terminal using one or more beacons and a slowly varying background image. The primary application is a deep space optical communication terminal, where multiple source tracking provides robustness against beacon outage. Our solution uses optical orthogonal codes modulated on each beacon to separate the signal from each source for centroiding. This technique allows calculation of the transmit pointing vector from each beacon location as well as from the background image. The latter can be used to track during beacon outages. We present a simple algorithm for performing this separation, and apply it to experimental data from a photon-counting detector illuminated by two beacons and one constant source. Our results show that the photon flux from each source can be accurately estimated even in the low signal, high background regime. We estimate the variance of the signal estimator due to Poisson fluctuations and infer the effect on a centroid estimator for tracking.
Near-optimal operation of dual-fuel launch vehicles

A near-optimal guidance law for the ascent trajectory from earth surface to earth orbit of a fully reusable single-stage-to-orbit pure rocket launch vehicle is derived. Of interest are both the optimal operation of the propulsion system and the optimal flight path. A methodology is developed to investigate the optimal throttle switching of dual-fuel engines. The method is based on selecting propulsion system modes and parameters that maximize a certain performance function. This function is derived from consideration of the energy-state model of the aircraft equations of motion. Because the density of liquid hydrogen is relatively low, the sensitivity of perturbations in volume need to be taken into consideration as well as weight sensitivity. The cost functional is a weighted sum of fuel mass and volume; the weighting factor is chosen to minimize vehicle empty weight for a given payload mass and volume in orbit.
Unsteady flow calculations with a multigrid Navier-Stokes method

A multigrid Navier-Stokes method with a two-equation k-u> turbulence model is developed for calculating unsteady flows. The method uses a staggered finite volume scheme to discretize the Navier-Stokes and the turbulence model equations in space. A fully implicit time-accurate scheme is reformulated so that an efficient explicit multistage method with local time stepping, residual smoothing, and multigrid can be used to accelerate convergence within each unsteady time step. The method combines the advantages of implicit and explicit schemes for unsteady flow calculations. Solutions for the forced oscillation of an airfoil are obtained with the Euler and the Navier-Stokes equations. Results are compared with experimental data.
On multiply twisted knots that are Seifert fibered or toroidal

We consider knots whose diagrams have a high amount of twisting of multiple strands. By encircling twists on multiple strands with unknotted curves, we obtain a link called a generalized augmented link. Dehn filling this link gives the original knot. We classify those generalized augmented links that are Seifert fibered, and give a torus decomposition for those that are toroidal. In particular, we find that each component of the torus decomposition is either “trivial”, in some sense, or homeomorphic to the complement of a generalized augmented link. We show this structure persists under high Dehn filling, giving results on the torus decomposition of knots with generalized twist regions and a high amount of twisting. As an application, we give lower bounds on the Gromov norms of these knot complements and of generalized