cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evolution of the mass function of the Galactic globular cluster system

In this work we investigate the evolution of the mass function of the Galactic globular cluster system (GCMF) taking into account the effects of stellar evolution, two-body relaxation, disc shocking and dynamical friction on the evolution of individual globular clusters. We have adopted a lognormal initial GCMF and considered a wide range of initial values for the dispersion, σ, and the mean value, 〈log M〉. We have studied in detail the dependence on the initial conditions of the final values of σ, 〈log M〉, the fraction of the initial number of clusters surviving after one Hubble time and the difference between the properties of the GCMF of clusters closer to the Galactic Centre and those of clusters located in the outer regions of the Galaxy. In most of the cases considered, evolutionary processes alter significantly the initial population of globular clusters and the disruption of a significant number of globular clusters leads to a flattening in the spatial distribution of clusters in the central regions of the Galaxy. The initial lognormal shape of the GCMF is preserved in most cases and if a power-law in M is adopted for the initial GCMF, evolutionary processes tend to modify it into a lognormal GCMF. The difference between initial and final values of σ and 〈log M〉 as well as the difference between the final values of these parameters for inner and outer clusters can be positive or negative depending on initial conditions. A significant effect of evolutionary processes does not necessarily give rise to a strong trend of 〈log M〉 with the galactocentric distance. The existence of a particular initial GCMF able to keep its initial shape and parameters unaltered during the entire evolution through a subtle balance between disruption of clusters and evolution of the masses of those which survive, suggested by Vesperini, is confirmed.
Producer Price Risk and Quality Measurement

Risk-averse farmers in the produce industry grow a product whose market price is often quite unpredictable. Shippers or other intermediaries shield the farmer from much of this price risk; however, actual contracts between growers and shippers vary considerably across commodities in the residual price risk growers face. We hypothesize that imperfect quality measurement results in a moral hazard problem, and that price provides additional information regarding quality. As a consequence, an efficient contract does not shield growers from all idiosyncratic price risk. We examine this hypothesis for the case of fresh-market tomatoes.
Efficient generation of cycle time‐throughput curves through simulation and metamodeling

A cycle time-throughput (CT-TH) curve, which quantifies the relationship of long-run average cycle time to throughput rate, plays an important role in strategic planning for manufacturing systems. In this paper, a nonlinear regression metamodel supported by queueing theory is developed to represent the underlying CT-TH curve implied by a manufacturing simulation model. To estimate the model efficiently, simulation experiments are built up sequentially using a multistage procedure. Extensive numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed procedure. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2007
A novel series of hybrid compounds derived by combining 2-aminotetralin and piperazine fragments: binding activity at D2 and D3 receptors.

Abstract A series of 7-hydroxy-2-[ N -alkyl-( N -(4-phenylpiperazine)-alkyl)amino]tetralins was developed based on a novel hybrid approach that combined 2-aminotetralin and arylpiperazine pharmacophoric moieties. Our preliminary study revealed that a four-methylene butyl linker produced very potent compounds for both the D 2 and D 3 receptors. Further structure–activity studies led to a novel template showing 50- to 100-fold selectivity for the D 3 receptor.
Coupling of nonlocal potentials to electromagnetic fields.

Nonlocal Hamiltonians are used widely in first-principles quantum calculations; the nonlocality stems from eliminating undesired degrees of freedom, e.g., core electrons. To date, attempts to couple nonlocal systems to external electromagnetic (EM) fields have been heuristic or limited to weak or long wavelength fields. Using Feynman path integrals, we derive an exact, closed-form coupling of arbitrary EM fields to nonlocal systems. Our results justify and clarify the couplings used to date and are essential for systematic computation of linear and especially nonlinear responses.
Silver: An extensible attribute grammar system

Attribute grammar specification languages, like many domain-specific languages, offer significant advantages to their users, such as high-level declarative constructs and domain-specific analyses. Despite these advantages, attribute grammars are often not adopted to the degree that their proponents envision. One practical obstacle to their adoption is a perceived lack of both domain-specific and general purpose language features needed to address the many different aspects of a problem. Here we describe Silver, an extensible attribute grammar specification system, and show how it can be extended with general purpose features such as pattern matching and domain-specific features such as collection attributes and constructs for supporting data-flow analysis of imperative programs. The result is an attribute grammar specification language with a rich set of language features. Silver is implemented in itself by a Silver attribute grammar and utilizes forwarding to implement the extensions in a cost-effective manner.
A New Multiaxial Fatigue Testing Method for Variable-Amplitude Loading and Stress Ratio

A new vibration-based multiaxial fatigue testing methodology for assessing high-cycle turbine engine material fatigue strength at various stress ratios is presented. The idea is to accumulate fatigue energy on a base-excited plate specimen at high-frequency resonant modes and to complete a fatigue test in a much more efficient way at very low cost. The methodology consists of (1) a topological design procedure, incorporating a finite element model, to characterize the shape of the specimens for ensuring the required stress state/ pattern, (2) a vibration feedback empirical procedure for achieving the high-cycle fatigue experiments with variable-amplitude loading, and finally (3) a yielding procedure for achieving various uniaxial stress ratios. The performance of the methodology is demonstrated by the experimental results from mild steel, 6061-T6 aluminum, and Ti-6Al-4V plate specimens subjected to fully reversed bending for both uniaxial and biaxial stress states.
X-Ray Study of Triggered Star Formation and Protostars in IC 1396N

The IC 1396N cometary globule (CG) within the large nearby H II region IC 1396 has been observed with the ACIS detector on board the Chandra X-Ray Observatory. We detect 117 X-ray sources, of which ~50-60 are likely members of the young open cluster Trumpler 37 dispersed throughout the H II region, and 25 are associated with young stars formed within the globule. Infrared photometry (2MASS and Spitzer) shows that the X-ray population is very young: 3 older Class III stars, 16 classical T Tauri stars, and 6 protostars including a Class 0/I system. We infer a total T Tauri population of ~30 stars in the globule, including the undetected population, with a star formation efficiency of 1%-4%. An elongated source spatial distribution with an age gradient oriented toward the exciting star is discovered in the X-ray population of IC 1396N, supporting similar findings in other cometary globules. The geometric and age distribution is consistent with the radiation-driven implosion (RDI) model for triggered star formation in CGs by H II region shocks. The inferred velocity of the shock front propagating into the globule is ~0.6 km s-1. The large number of X-ray-luminous protostars in the globule suggests either an unusually high ratio of Class I/0 to Class II/III stars or a nonstandard initial mass function favoring higher mass stars by the triggering process. We find that the Chandra source associated with the luminous Class 0/I protostar IRAS 21391+5802 is one of the youngest stars ever detected in the X-ray band. We also establish for the first time that the X-ray absorption in protostars arises from the local infalling envelopes rather than from ambient molecular cloud material.
Evidence of a Mira-like tail and bow shock about the semi-regular variable V CVn from four decades of polarization measurements

Polarization is a powerful tool for understanding stellar atmospheres and circumstellar environments. Mira and semi-regular variable stars have been observed for decades and some are known to be polarimetrically variable, however, the semi-regular variable V Canes Venatici displays an unusually large, unexplained amount of polarization. We present ten years of optical polarization observations obtained with the HPOL instrument, supplemented by published observations spanning a total interval of about forty years for V CVn. We find that V CVn shows large polarization variations ranging from 1‐6%. We also find that for the past forty years the position angle measured for V CVn has been virtually constant suggesting a long-term, stable, asymmetric structure about the star. We suggest that this asymmetry is caused by the presence of a stellar wind bow shock and tail, consistent with the star’s large space velocity.
PHOTOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF THE MOST MASSIVE HIGH-REDSHIFT GALAXIES

We calculate the observable properties of the most massive high-redshift galaxies in the hierarchical formation scenario where stellar spheroid and supermassive black hole growth are fueled by gas-rich mergers. Combining high-resolution hydrodynamical simulations of the hierarchical formation of a z ~ 6 quasar, stellar population synthesis models, template active galactic nucleus (AGN) spectra, prescriptions for interstellar and intergalactic absorption, and the response of modern telescopes, the photometric evolution of galaxies destined to host z ~ 6 quasars is modeled at redshifts z ~ 4-14. These massive galaxies, with enormous stellar masses of M ~ 1011.5-1012 M☉ and star formation rates of SFR ~ 103-104 M☉ yr-1 at z 7, satisfy a variety of photometric selection criteria based on Lyman break techniques, including V-band dropouts at z 5, i-band dropouts at z 6, and z-band dropouts at z 7. The observability of the most massive high-redshift galaxies is assessed and compared with a wide range of existing and proposed photometric surveys, including the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), Great Observatories Origins Deep Survey (GOODS)/Hubble Ultra Deep Field (HUDF), National Optical Astronomy Observatory Deep Wide-Field Survey (NDWFS), UKIRT Infared Deep Sky Survey (UKIDSS), Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) Shallow Survey, Ultradeep Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy (VISTA), Dark Universe Explorer (DUNE), Panoramic Survey Telescope and Rapid Response System (Pan-STARRS), Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST), and Supernova/Acceleration Probe (SNAP). Massive stellar spheroids descended from z ~ 6 quasars will likely be detected at z ~ 4 by existing surveys, but owing to their low number densities the discovery of quasar progenitor galaxies at z > 7 will likely require future surveys of large portions of the sky (0.5%) at wavelengths λ 1 μm. The detection of rare, starbursting, massive galaxies at redshifts z 6 would provide support for the hierarchical formation of the earliest quasars and characterize the primitive star formation histories of the most luminous elliptical galaxies.
Fast, Label-Free Force Spectroscopy of Histone-DNA Interactions in Individual Nucleosomes using Nanopores

Herein we report a novel approach for fast, label-free probing of DNA–histone interactions in individual nucleosomes. We use solid-state nanopores to unravel individual DNA/histone complexes for the first time and find that the unraveling time depends on the applied electrophoretic force, and our results are in line with previous studies that employ optical tweezers. Our approach for studying nucleosomal interactions can greatly accelerate the understanding of fundamental mechanisms by which transcription, replication, and repair processes in a cell are modulated through DNA–histone interactions, as well as in diagnosis of diseases with abnormal patterns of DNA and histone modifications.
Garnet peridotite xenoliths in a Montana, U.S.A., kimberlite

Abstract Within a swarm of late middle Eocene subsilicic-alkalic diatremes, one diatreme 270 by 370 m and an associated dike contain common xenoliths of granulite and rare xenoliths of spinel peridotite and garnet peridotite. Six garnet lherzolite xenoliths have been found and these show a range of textures. Four are granular, and two are intensely sheared. Phlogopite is absent from the intensely sheared xenoliths and is thought to be primary in part in the granular xenoliths. Estimated temperatures and depths of equilibration of xenolith pyroxenes range from 920°C, 106 km (32 kbar) to 1315°C, 148 km (47 kbar). The xenoliths show increasing amounts of deformation with greater inferred depths of origin. The temperature-depth points suggest a segment of an Eocene geotherm for Montana which is similar in slope to the steep portion of the pyroxene-determined Lesotho geotherm (B oyd and N ixon , this volume) and is considerably steeper than typical calculated shield and continental geotherms at present. The steep trend could be a result of plate-tectonic shearing and magma ascension within an Eocene low-velocity zone. Preservation of intensely sheared textures requires rapid transport of material from about 150 km depth during active deformation of relatively dry rock. The occurrence of monticellite peridotite in this kimberlite diatreme suggests that magmas which crystallized to monticellite peridotite at relatively shallow depth could be one of the primitive types of kimberlite magma.
Statistical entropy of de Sitter space

Quantum gravity in 2+1 dimensions with a positive cosmological constant can be represented as an SL(2,C) Chern-Simons gauge theory. The symmetric vacuum of this theory is a degenerate configuration for which the gauge fields and spacetime metric vanish, while de Sitter space corresponds to a highly excited thermal state. Carlip's approach to black hole entropy can be adapted in this context to determine the statistical entropy of de Sitter space. We find that it equals one-quarter the area of the de Sitter horizon, in agreement with the semiclassical formula.
The size distributions of fragments ejected at a given velocity from impact craters

The mass distribution of fragments that are ejected at a given velocity for impact craters is modeled to allow extrapolation of laboratory, field, and numerical results to large scale planetary events. The model is semi-empirical in nature and is derived from: (1) numerical calculations of cratering and the resultant mass versus ejection velocity, (2) observed ejecta blanket particle size distributions, (3) an empirical relationship between maximum ejecta fragment size and crater diameter, (4) measurements and theory of maximum ejecta size versus ejecta velocity, and (5) an assumption on the functional form for the distribution of fragments ejected at a given velocity. This model implies that for planetary impacts into competent rock, the distribution of fragments ejected at a given velocity is broad, e.g., 68 percent of the mass of the ejecta at a given velocity contains fragments having a mass less than 0.1 times a mass of the largest fragment moving at that velocity. The broad distribution suggests that in impact processes, additional comminution of ejecta occurs after the upward initial shock has passed in the process of the ejecta velocity vector rotating from an initially downward orientation. This additional comminution produces the broader size distribution in impact ejecta as compared to that obtained in simple brittle failure experiments.
Spin-Independent Oscillations of a Degenerate Electron Liquid

A formal procedure, valid for arbitrary wavelengths, for calculating the conductivity tensor of an electron liquid is presented. The spin-independent magnetoplasma modes are determined by requiring that the constitutive equation (solution of the kinetic equation) be consistent with Maxwell's equations. If the small coupling between plasma waves and spin waves is neglected, Maxwell's equations can be used to eliminate the ac electric and magnetic fields from the kinetic equation. The magnetoplasma modes can then be determined rather simply by solving the kinetic equation. The secular equations determining the dispersion relations for propagation both perpendicular and parallel to the dc magnetic field are given. Analytic results are given for the long wavelength limit, and numerical results are presented for the case in which the interaction function is approximated by the first-three terms in an expansion in Legendre polynomials.
A Reputational Theory of Two-Party Competition !

I study a dynamic game of two-party competition in which party preferences are private information, exhibit serial correlation, and change with higher probability following defeat in elections. Assuming partisans care sufficiently about office, extreme policies are pursued with positive probability by the government when (a) both parties have a reputation for being extreme that exceeds a fixed level, and (b) elections are close in that both parties have similar reputations. Two qualitatively different equilibrium dynamics are possible depending on the speed with which the latent preferences of parties in government shift between moderation and extremism relative to the opposition. One dynamic produces regular government turnover and extreme policies along the path of play, whereas the other involves a strong incumbency advantage and moderate policies.
Extended X-Ray Emission from QSOs*

We report Chandra ACIS observations of the fields of four QSOs showing strong extended optical emission-line regions. Two of these show no evidence for significant extended X-ray emission. The remaining two fields, those of 3C 249.1 and 4C 37.43, show discrete (but resolved) X-ray sources at distances ranging from ~10 to ~40 kpc from the nucleus. In addition, 4C 37.43 also may show a region of diffuse X-ray emission extending out to ~65 kpc and centered on the QSO. It has been suggested that extended emission-line regions such as these may originate in the cooling of a hot intragroup medium. We do not detect a general extended medium in any of our fields, and the upper limits we can place on its presence indicate cooling times of at least a few 109 yr. The discrete X-ray emission sources we detect cannot be explained as the X-ray jets frequently seen associated with radio-loud quasars, nor can they be due to electron scattering of nuclear emission. The most plausible explanation is that they result from high-speed shocks from galactic superwinds resulting either from a starburst in the QSO host galaxy or from the activation of the QSO itself. Evidence from the densities and velocities found in studies of the extended optical emission around QSOs also supports this interpretation.
Global Hilbert Expansion for the Vlasov-Poisson-Boltzmann System

The dynamics of an electron gas in a constant ion background can be decribed by the Vlasov-Poisson-Boltzmann system at the kinetic level, or by the compressible Euler-Poisson system at the fluid level. We prove that any solution of the Vlasov-Poisson-Boltzmann system near a smooth local Maxwellian with a small irrotational velocity converges global in time to the corresponding solution to the Euler-Poisson system, as the mean free path e goes to zero. We use a recent L2 − L∞ framework in the Boltzmann theory to control the higher order remainder in the Hilbert expansion uniformly in e and globally in time.
Classification algorithm sensitivity to training data with non representative attribute noise

We present an empirical comparison of classification algorithms when training data contains attribute noise levels not representative of field data. To study algorithm sensitivity, we develop an innovative experimental design using noise situation, algorithm, noise level, and training set size as factors. Our results contradict conventional wisdom indicating that investments to achieve representative noise levels may not be worthwhile. In general, over representative training noise should be avoided while under representative training noise is less of a concern. However, interactions among algorithm, noise level, and training set size indicate that these general results may not apply to particular practice situations.
Poverty, Policy, and Place: How Poverty and Policies to Alleviate Poverty Are Shaped by Local Characteristics:

This article synthesizes an extensive literature on how local characteristics might affect the nature of poverty, particularly U.S. rural poverty. The attributes discussed include the natural envir...
A Novel Space Partitioning Algorithm to Improve Current Practices in Facility Placement

In the presence of naturally occurring and man-made public health threats, the feasibility of regional bio-emergency contingency plans plays a crucial role in the mitigation of such emergencies. While the analysis of in-place response scenarios provides a measure of quality for a given plan, it involves human judgment to identify improvements in plans that are otherwise likely to fail. Since resource constraints and government mandates limit the availability of service provided in case of an emergency, computational techniques can determine optimal locations for providing emergency response assuming that the uniform distribution of demand across homogeneous resources will yield an optimal service outcome. This paper presents an algorithm that recursively partitions the geographic space into subregions while equally distributing the population across the partitions. For this method, we have proven the existence of an upper bound on the deviation from the optimal population size for subregions.
Optimal Structure, Market Dynamism, and the Strategy of Simple Rules:

Using computational and mathematical modeling, this study explores the tension between too little and too much structure that is shaped by the core tradeoff between efficiency and flexibility in dynamic environments. Our aim is to develop a more precise theory of the fundamental relationships among structure, performance, and environment. We find that the structure-performance relationship is unexpectedly asymmetric, in that it is better to err on the side of too much structure, and that different environmental dynamism dimensions (i.e., velocity, complexity, ambiguity, and unpredictability) have unique effects on performance. Increasing unpredictability decreases optimal structure and narrows its range from a wide to a narrow set of effective strategies. We also find that a strategy of simple rules, which combines improvisation with low-to-moderately structured rules to execute a variety of opportunities, is viable in many environments but essential in some. This sharpens the boundary condition between t...
Energy efficient data access techniques

Energy has become a first class design constraint for all types of processors. Data accesses contribute to processor energy usage and can account for up to 25% of the total energy used in embedded processors. Using a set-associative level-one data cache (L1 DC) organization is particularly energy inefficient as load operations access all L1 DC tag and data arrays in parallel to reduce access latency, but the data can reside in at most one way. Techniques that reduce L1 DC energy usage at the expense of degrading performance, such as filter caches, have not been adopted. In this presentation I will describe various techniques we have developed to reduce the energy usage for L1 DC accesses without adversely affecting performance. These techniques include avoiding unnecessary loads from L1 DC data arrays and a practical data filter cache design that not only significantly reduces data access energy usage, but also avoids the traditional execution time penalty associated with data filter caches.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis with Cord Neurapraxia and Transient Quadriplegia

Cervical cord neurapraxia is a transient, totally reversible phenomenon that results from compressive deformation of the spinal cord. It occurs as a result of developmental narrowing of the cervical canal, either as isolated entity or in combination with degenerative changes, instability or congenital abnormalities. Uncomplicated stenosis of the cervical canal in an individual with a stable spine does not predispose to permanent neurological injury. Our data does not indicate a correlation between developmental narrowing and permanent neurological sequelae in a spine rendered unstable by football-induced trauma. However, there are data indicating that the occurrence of an episode of cervical cord neurapraxia is not a harbinger, or an indication of susceptibility to permanent neurological sequelae. Nevertheless, we recommended that continued participation in collision activities be restricted in individuals who have a documented episode of cervical cord neurapraxia associated with (i) ligamentous instability; (ii) intervertebral disc disease with cord compression; (iii) significant degenerative changes; (iv) magnetic resonance imaging evidence of cord defect or swelling; (v) symptoms of positive neurological findings lasting more than 36 hours; and (vi) more than one recurrence.
Reforms as experiments

Nach Campbell gibt es fur die Mehrzahl sozialer Pragramme noch immer keine interpretierbaren Evaluationen. Sein Artikel befast sich mit den Grunden dafur und versucht Wege aufzuzeigen, wie dies geandert werden konnte. Problem: Fur viele Reformen wird abgestimmt, als sei bereits sicher, das die gewunschte Wirkung auftritt. Zeigen die Ergebnisse spater etwas anderes an, last dies den Politiker unglaubwurdig wirken. Losungsvorschlag: Der Autor wunscht sich eine Politik, in der das Augenmerk nicht mehr auf die einzelnen Programme gerichtet ist, sondern auf die dahinter liegenden Probleme. Ziel sollte es sein, das Problem zu beseitigen. Wirkt ein bestimmtes Programm nicht, so konnten weitere Methoden ausprobiert werden.
A Medium Term Analysis of the Subjective Efficacy of Treatment for Women with Detrusor Instability and Low Bladder Compliance

Objective The aims of this study were to determine the medium term subjective outcome of treatment for women with a urodynamic diagnosis of detrusor instability and low bladder compliance. Setting A tertiary referral Urogynaecology clinic. Participants and methods One thousand one hundred and five women referred for the investigation of their urinary symptoms were entered into a prospective, long term, quality of life study. Of these, 348 had a videourodynamic diagnosis of detrusor instability or low bladder compliance and form the basis of this paper. Women were contacted by post at least six months following their urodynamic assessment and asked to complete a questionnaire detailing their treatment, its efficacy and side effects, and any residual urinary symptoms. Results Two hundred and fifty-six women (73.6%) responded to follow up; only 5.5% were cured of their urinary symptoms. The majority (90.2%) had received anticholinergic medication, although only 18.2% continued with this treatment in excess of six months. Many women had residual urinary symptoms following their investigation and treatment. Conclusion The medium term efficacy of the treatment of detrusor instability and low compliance is disappointing, and a large part of this failure may be attributable to poor treatment efficacy, side effects of medication, or inadequate follow up following the diagnosis and instigation of therapy.
Practice patterns in vasectomy reversal surgery: Results of a questionnaire study among practicing urologists

ABSTRACTPurpose: Although vasectomy reversal surgery is a common procedure for male factor infertility, little is written on the common practice patterns of the practicing urologist. We designed a questionnaire to assess the practice patterns of community and academic urologists with respect to surgical technique, followup care, patient selection and the definition of success.Materials and Methods: A 20-question survey pertaining to vasectomy reversal surgery was mailed to members of the Western Section, American Urological Association and to members of the Society of Government Service Urologists. Survey results were tabulated in a computer data base and statistical analysis was performed.Results: A total of 1,508 questionnaires were mailed and 622 completed questionnaires were returned. Of the respondents 367 (59%) indicated that they perform vasectomy reversals, including 29 (8%) who were fellowship trained in infertility, 86 (23%) who were affiliated with residency training and 252 (69%) who practiced...
The Instability of Silver Alkoxides

Abstract The reaction of silver ion with methoxide ion in methanol or with ethoxide ion in ethanol at 25°C affords highly unstable intermediates (presumably the silver alkoxides) which decompose rapidly to give metallic silver and unidentified oxidation products. Silver salts of tert-butyl alcohol and phenol decompose somewhat more slowly, while phenols with electron-withdrawing groups afford stable silver salts.
To Post or Not to Post: Employee Rights and Social Media

Employing an interdisciplinary approach this research examines the issue of employee rights in relation to social media policies both on and off the job. The proliferation of the use and forms of social media in the past 5 years has been extensive and governments are seeking to capture its power as a communication and engagement resource. Meanwhile, governments struggle to create appropriate, legal, and meaningful policies related to employee usage and behavior. Social media policies are analyzed with attention to the rights of employees. Content analysis of state government policies provide an overview of the current state of practice and highlights issues of public employee rights. The article includes a discussion of key issues of employee rights, recommendations for practice, and identifies future research needs.
Disclosing decedents' research results to relatives violates the HIPAA Privacy Rule.

The target article (Chan et al. 2012) contains an interesting proposal that researchers disclose a select range of genetic test results to the relatives of deceased research participants. The propo...
Asymptotic Search for Ground States of SU(2) Matrix Theory

We introduce a complete set of gauge-invariant variables and a generalized Born–Oppenheimer formulation to search for normalizable zero-energy asymptotic solutions of the Schrodinger equation of SU(2) matrix theory. The asymptotic method gives only ground state candidates, which must be further tested for global stability. Our results include a set of such ground state candidates, including one state which is a singlet under spin (9).
X-ray absorption spectroscopic study of copper in an amorphous copper silicate : chrysocolla

Abstract X-ray absorption spectra were collected to determine the unknown Cu environment in chrysocolla, an amorphous Cu silicate having a composition similar to the mineral dioptase (Cu 6 Si 6 O 18 · 6(H 2 O)). Copper near-edge data indicate that chrysocolla does not contain detectable amounts of crystalline Cu or cuprite (Cu 2 O), as previously hypothesized, but is more like tenorite (CuO) or dioptase. Analyses of the X-ray absorption fine structure data indicate that Cu in chrysocolla has four oxygen nearest-neighbors, similar to tenorite and dioptase. The second shell in the Fourier transform for amorphous chrysocolla is larger in amplitude than the corresponding shell for crystalline dioptase, which is unusual. Analyses indicate that this effect is due to amplitude-reducing interference effects from two different CuCu distances in dioptase. It is concluded that chrysocolla does not contain domains of Cu, cuprite or tenorite, but contains CuO 4 units which may be arranged in strips. The limited structural information obtained for chrysocolla in this study deals with CuO and CuCu environments and does not provide any insights into the silicate part of the structure.
A momentum subtraction scheme for two-nucleon effective field theory

Abstract We introduce a momentum subtraction scheme which obeys the power counting of Kaplan, Savage, and Wise (KSW), developed for systems with large scattering lengths, a . Unlike the power divergence subtraction scheme, coupling constants in this scheme obey the KSW scaling for all μ R >1/ a . We comment on the low-energy theorems derived by Cohen and Hansen. We conclude that there is no obstruction to using perturbative pions for momenta p > m π .
CONTINUOUS FAMILIES OF HYPERFINITE SUBFACTORS WITH THE SAME STANDARD INVARIANT

We construct numerous continuous families of irreducible subfactors of the hyperfinite II1 factor which are non-isomorphic, but have all the same standard invariant. In particular, we obtain 1-parameter families of irreducible, non-isomorphic subfactors of the hyperfinite II1 factor with Jones index 6, which have all the same standard invariant with property (T). We exploit the fact that property (T) groups have uncountably many non-cocycle conjugate cocycle actions on the hyperfinite II1 factor.
Synthesis and X-Ray Crystal Structure of 3,5-Dibromo-6-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-heptanone

Abstract NBS bromination of the ketobromohydrin 2 produces a dibromohydroxy ketone with bromination occurring exclusively at the secondary α-position of the ketone.
Can we insure against political uncertainty? Evidence from the U.S. stock market

I show that shares currently traded on U.S. stock markets can be used to hedge political uncertainty. Focusing on the 2000 U.S. presidential election, I construct two “presidential portfolios” composed of selected stocks anticipated to fare differently under a Bush versus a Gore presidency. To construct these portfolios I use data on campaign contributions by publicly traded corporations and identify the major contributors on each side. Using daily observations for the six months before the election took place, I show that the excess returns of these portfolios with respect to overall market movements are significantly related to changes in electoral polls.
Formality theorem for Hochschild (co)chains of the algebra of endomorphisms of a vector bundle

We prove the formality theorem for the differential graded Lie algebra module of Hochschild chains for the algebra of endomorphisms of a smooth vector bundle. We discuss a possible application of this result to a version of the algebraic index theorem for Poisson manifolds.
Kerneltron: support vector "machine" in silicon

Detection of complex objects in streaming video poses two fundamental challenges: training from sparse data with proper generalization across variations in the object class and the environment; and the computational power required of the trained classifier running real-time. The Kerneltron supports the generalization performance of a support vector machine (SVM) and offers the bandwidth and efficiency of a massively parallel architecture. The mixed-signal very large-scale integration (VLSI) processor is dedicated to the most intensive of SVM operations: evaluating a kernel over large numbers of vectors in high dimensions. At the core of the Kerneltron is an internally analog, fine-grain computational array performing externally digital inner-products between an incoming vector and each of the stored support vectors. The three-transistor unit cell in the array combines single-bit dynamic storage, binary multiplication, and zero-latency analog accumulation. Precise digital outputs are obtained through oversampled quantization of the analog array outputs combined with bit-serial unary encoding of the digital inputs. The 256 input, 128 vector Kerneltron measures 3 mm/spl times/3mm in 0.5 /spl mu/m CMOS, delivers 6.5 GMACS throughput at 5.9 mW power, and attains 8-bit output resolution.
The NASA super pressure balloon – A path to flight

Abstract The National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s Balloon Program Office has invested significant time and effort in extensive ground testing of model super pressure balloons. The testing path has been developed as an outgrowth of the results of the super pressure balloon test flight in 2006. Summary results of the June 2006 super pressure test flight from Kiruna, Sweden are presented including the balloon performance and “lessons learned”. This balloons flight performance exceeded expectations, but did not fully deploy. The flight was safely terminated by command. The results of this test flight refocused the project’s efforts toward additional ground testing and analysis; a path to flight. A series of small 4 m diameter models were made and tested to further explore the deployment and structural capabilities of the balloons and materials. A series of ∼27 m model balloons were successfully tested indoors. These balloons successfully replicated the cleft seen in the Sweden flight, explored the deployment trade space to help characterize better design approaches, and demonstrated an acceptable fix to the deployment issue. Photogrammetry was employed during these ∼27 m model tests to help characterize both the balloon and gore shape evolution under pressurization. A ∼8.5 m ground model was used to explore the design and materials performance. Results of these tests will be presented. A general overview of some of the other project advancements made related to demonstrating the strain arresting nature of the proposed design, materials and analysis work will also be presented. All of this work has prepared a clear path toward a renewed round of test flights. This paper will give an overview of the development approach pursued for this super pressure balloon development. A description of the balloon design, including the modifications made as a result of the lessons learned, is presented. A short deployment test flight of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s super pressure balloon took place in June 2008. This flight was from Ft. Sumner, New Mexico. Preliminary results of this flight are presented. Future plans for both ground testing and additional test flights are also presented. Goals of the future test flights, which are staged in increments of increasing suspended load and altitude, are presented. This includes the projected balloon volumes, payload capabilities, test flight locations, and proposed flight schedule.
Experimental summary on global observables, hadron spectra and ratios

This article summarizes results on global observables, hadron spectra, and ratios of integrated hadron yields as presented at the Quark Matter 2002 Conference.
A digital photometric survey of the magellanic clouds: First results from one million stars

We present the first results from, and a complete description of, our ongoing UBVI digital photometric survey of the Magellanic Clouds. In particular, we discuss the photometric quality and automated reduction of a CCD survey (magnitude limits, completeness, and astrometric accuracy) that covers the central 8 by 8 degrees of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and 4 by 4 degrees of the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC). We discuss photometry of over 1 million stars from the initial survey observations (an area northwest of the LMC bar covering 2 by 1.5 degrees) and present a deep stellar cluster catalog that contains about 45% more clusters than previously identified within this region. Of the 68 clusters found, only 12 are also identified as concentrations of ``old'', red clump stars. Furthermore, only three clusters are identified solely on the basis of a concentration of red clump stars, rather than as a concentration of luminous (V < 21) main sequence stars. Extrapolating from the current data, we expect to obtain B and V photometry for 25 million stars, and U and I photometry for 10 and 20 million stars, respectively, over the entire survey area.
Monte Carlo method for determining earthquake recurrence parameters from short paleoseismic catalogs: Example calculations for California

[1] Paleoearthquake observations often lack enough events at a given site to directly define a probability density function (PDF) for earthquake recurrence. Sites with fewer than 10–15 intervals do not provide enough information to reliably determine the shape of the PDF using standard maximum-likelihood techniques (e.g., Ellsworth et al., 1999). In this paper I present a method that attempts to fit wide ranges of distribution parameters to short paleoseismic series. From repeated Monte Carlo draws, it becomes possible to quantitatively estimate most likely recurrence PDF parameters, and a ranked distribution of parameters is returned that can be used to assess uncertainties in hazard calculations. In tests on short synthetic earthquake series, the method gives results that cluster around the mean of the input distribution, whereas maximum likelihood methods return the sample means (e.g., NIST/SEMATECH, 2006). For short series (fewer than 10 intervals), sample means tend to reflect the median of an asymmetric recurrence distribution, possibly leading to an overestimate of the hazard should they be used in probability calculations. Therefore a Monte Carlo approach may be useful for assessing recurrence from limited paleoearthquake records. Further, the degree of functional dependence among parameters like mean recurrence interval and coefficient of variation can be established. The method is described for use with time-independent and time-dependent PDFs, and results from 19 paleoseismic sequences on strike-slip faults throughout the state of California are given.
Residual Stress Evolution and Mechanical State of Hard Machined Components in Sliding Contact

Precision hard turning and grinding induce very different residual stress profiles in the subsurface. The distinct patterns of residual stress profiles have significant influence on wear and fatigue performance in sliding contact. During sliding contact, the residual stress profiles and magnitudes are altered over the course of operation, which significantly affects product performance. However, evolution of machining-induced residual stresses in sliding contact has received little attention. A two-dimensional finite element simulation model of a cylinder sliding on a flat surface has been developed to study residual stress evolutions for the four typical patterns of the turned and ground residual stress profiles. The work material has been modeled as elastic-plastic with strain hardening effects. The results have shown that a residual stress component has great influence on the normal stress in that direction only. The normal strain in the residual stress direction can be slightly influenced, while the s...
Hamiltonian Gravity and Noncommutative Geometry

A version of foliated spacetime is constructed in which the spatial geometry is described as a time-dependent noncommutative geometry. The ADM version of the gravitational action is expressed in terms of these variables. It is shown that the vector constraint is obtained without the need for an extraneous shift vector in the action.
The same old song: The power of familiarity in music choice

Does "familiarity breed contempt" or is "to know you is to love you"? In this research, we explore the role of familiarity in music choice. We show that although consumers say they would prefer to listen to unfamiliar music, in actuality familiarity with music positively predicts preference for songs, play lists, and radio stations. Familiarity with music is at least as good, if not a better, predictor of choice as are liking, satiation (which actually positively predicts choice), and regret. We suggest that the need for familiarity is driven by consumers' low need for stimulation in the music domain, and show that when the need for stimulation decreases, the power of familiarity significantly increases. In addition to their theoretical contribution, these results are informative for music managers determining playlists, for the promotion of music events and products, and for advertisers selecting the most potentially lucrative music venues.
Secure and verifiable outsourcing of large-scale biometric computations

Cloud computing services are becoming more prevalent and readily available today, bringing to us economies of scale and making large-scale computation feasible. Security and privacy considerations, however, stand in the way of fully utilizing the benefits of such services and architectures. In this work we address the problem of secure outsourcing of large-scale biometric experiments to a cloud or grid in a way that the client can verify that with very high probability the task was computed correctly. We conduct thorough theoretical analysis of the proposed techniques and provide implementation results that indicate that our solution imposes modest overhead.
Effect of Traffic on Sales and Conversion Rates of Retail Stores

Attracting shoppers to stores and converting the incoming traffic into sales profitably are vital for the financial health of retailers. In this paper, we use proprietary data pertaining to an apparel retailer to study the relationship between store traffic, labor, and sales performance. We decompose sales volume into conversion rate (defined as the ratio of number of transactions to traffic) and basket value (defined as the ratio of sales volume to number of transactions) and analyze the impact of traffic on sales and its components. We find that store sales volume exhibits diminishing returns to scale with respect to traffic, and labor moderates the impact of traffic on sales. For example, we find that for values of traffic and labor corresponding to the mean, increasing average traffic per hour by one unit increases average sales volume per hour by $9.97. Further, we find that the marginal returns to traffic increases from $10.00 to $11.32 when labor increases by one standard deviation. In addition, we find that the conversion rate declines with increasing traffic and a lower conversion rate is associated with a decrease in future traffic growth. Our study underscores the importance of in-store operations in driving the financial performance of retailers.
Chiral Fermions and Anomalies on a Finite Lattice

Abstract Recently Kaplan proposed a new method to simulate chiral fermions on the lattice by introducing a space dependent mass term that looks like a domain wall. He showed that if one starts with an odd-dimensional lattice theory the lower (even-) dimensional world on the domain will have a chiral zero mode and the corresponding anomaly. I test this proposal by computing the gauge and Goldstone-Wilczek currents and their derivatives on a three-dimensional finite lattice. By determining the spectrum of the finite lattice hamiltonian I demonstrate that the theory one obtains is chiral below a critical momentum. Furthermore I show that one can see the anomaly on the finite lattice and that in the case of the 3–4–5 model the anomalies in the gauge currents cancel as in the continuum.
Work Ethic, Employment Contracts, and Firm Value

We analyze how the work ethic of managers impacts a firm’s employment contracts, riskiness, growth potential, and organizational structure. Flat contracts are optimal for diligent managers because they reduce risk-sharing costs, but they attract egoistic agents who shirk and unskilled agents who add no value. Stable, bureaucratic firms with low growth potential are more likely to gain value from managerial diligence. Firms that hire from a virtuous pool of agents are more conservative in their investments and have a horizontal corporate structure. Our theory also yields several testable implications that distinguish it from standard agency models. EVER SINCE BERLE AND MEANS (1932) recognized that the separation of ownership and control impacts firm value, economists have focused on ways to mitigate the agency problems that arise between shareholders and managers. Agency theory is now ubiquitous in corporate finance as an important determinant of