cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Wood residues from sawmills in California

Abstract Sawmill residue is an important component of biomass resources for California; however, factors allowing for projections of future resources are not well established. Differences exist relative to timber diameter class, species type, and milling technology used in other western states for which residue factors have been developed. In this study, sawmill residue production was estimated by two methods. The first utilized lumber production and a sawmill residue volume factor, while the second used total log consumption by sawmills and a sawmill residue weight factor. These two factors were developed based on literature, historic data, and experiences from timber specialists, which can be used to predict sawmill residue production in recent years in California. Estimated sawmill residue generation in California ranged from 2.2 to 2.6 Mt, dry weight basis, in 2002 and 2.2–2.5 Mt in 2003. Residues were also estimated for 1988, 1994, and 2000 for comparison to other reported estimates for sawmill residues in these years. Coarse and fine residues and bark accounted for approximately 45%, 32%, and 23% of total sawmill residues generated. Potentially, more than two million metric tons of sawmill residues are available for bioenergy production and could contribute to California's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) for increasing amounts of electricity from renewable resources and to other policy objectives for increasing amounts of renewable biofuels and bio-based products.
Choosing Brands: Fresh Produce versus Other Products

Assuming that brands contribute to quality risk reduction, prestige, and design, we derive and test hypothesis on the willingness to pay (WTP) for brands across different product categories (electronics, clothing, packaged food, and fresh produce). Using the random effect tobit model on the stated point value of WTP and the ordered probit model on the stated range of WTP, we find that WTP for brands of fresh produce is least among the four product categories controlling for relevant demographic variations. Simulations show that fresh produce has a higher optimal price premium for brands but with a much smaller market share. Copyright 2008, Oxford University Press.
The Severity of Bowel Dysfunction in Patients with Neurogenic Bladder

Purpose: Patients with neurological conditions often experience severe debilitating lower urinary and bowel dysfunction in addition to the physical disabilities. However, only the bladder has received the attention of medical providers with neurogenic bowel being poorly understood and characterized.Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional analysis of a prospective institutional neurogenic bladder database from 2010 to 2013.Results: Of the 175 patients 60.6% had traumatic spinal cord injury and 18.3% had multiple sclerosis. Median ± SD FISI (Fecal Incontinence Severity Index) scores were 18.0 ± 1.39 (moderate). The median neurogenic bowel dysfunction score was 11.0 ± 0.63 (moderate). Those scores were worse in those patients with spinal cord injury and spina bifida compared to those with other diseases and in younger patients (each p = 0.020), and those in the spinal cord injury group with higher levels of injury (p = 0.0046). Based on the Bristol stool scale 65% of patients had abnormal stool cons...
A dynamic rate control mechanism for source coded traffic in a fast packet network

To achieve better statistical gain for voice and video traffic and to relieve congestion in fast packet networks, a dynamic rate control mechanism is proposed. An analytical model is developed to evaluate the performance of this control mechanism for voice traffic. The feedback delay for the source node to obtain the network congestion information is represented in the model. The study indicates that significant improvement in statistical gain can be realized for smaller capacity links (e.g., links that can accommodate less than 24 voice calls) with a reasonable feedback time (about 100 ms). The tradeoff for increasing the statistical gain is temporary degradation of voice quality to a lower rate. It is shown that whether the feedback delay is exponentially distributed or constant does not significantly affect performance in terms of fractional packet loss and average received coding rate. It is also shown that using the number of calls in talkspurt or the packet queue length as measures of congestion provides comparable performance. >
Distributed asynchronous optimal routing in data networks

In this paper we study the performance of a class of distributed optimal routing algorithms of the gradient projection type under weaker and more realistic assumptions than those considered thus far. In particular, we show convergence to an optimal routing without assuming synchronization of computation at all nodes and measurement of link lengths at all links, while taking into account the possibility of link flow transients caused by routing updates. This demonstrates the robustness of these algorithms in a realistic distributed operating environment.
Sphere decoding algorithms with improved radius search

We start by identifying a relatively efficient version of sphere decoding algorithm (SDA) that performs exact maximum-likelihood (ML) decoding. We develop novel algorithms based on an improved increasing radius search (IIRS), which offer error performance and decoding complexity between two extremes: the ML receiver and the nulling-canceling (NC) receiver with detection ordering. With appropriate choices of parameters, our IIRS offers the flexibility to trade error performance for complexity. We provide design intuitions and guidelines, analytical parameter specifications, and a semianalytical error-performance analysis. Simulations illustrate that IIRS achieves considerable complexity reduction, while maintaining performance close to ML.
Countering trusting trust through diverse double-compiling

An air force evaluation of Multics, and Ken Thompson's famous Turing award lecture "reflections on trusting trust, " showed that compilers can be subverted to insert malicious Trojan horses into critical software, including themselves. If this attack goes undetected, even complete analysis of a system's source code can not find the malicious code that is running, and methods for detecting this particular attack are not widely known. This paper describes a practical technique, termed diverse double-compiling (DDC), that detects this attack and some compiler defects as well. Simply recompile the source code twice: once with a second (trusted) compiler, and again using the result of the first compilation. If the result is bit-for-bit identical with the untrusted binary, then the source code accurately represents the binary. This technique has been mentioned informally, but its issues and ramifications have not been identified or discussed in a peer-reviewed work, nor has a public demonstration been made. This paper describes the technique, justifies it, describes how to overcome practical challenges, and demonstrates it
Economic Concepts for the Social Sciences

The primary purpose of this book is to present some of the key economic concepts that have guided economic thinking in the last century and to identify which of these concepts will continue to direct economic thought in the coming decades. This book is written in an accessible manner and is intended for a wide audience with little or no formal training in economics. It should also interest economists who want to reflect on the direction of the discipline and to learn concepts and achievements in other subfields. The author imparts his enthusiasm for the economic way of reasoning and its wide applicability. Through the abundant use of illustrations and examples, the author makes concepts understandable and relevant. Topics covered include game theory, the new institutional economics, market failures, asymmetric information, endogenous growth theory, general equilibrium, rational expectations, and others.
Theoretical study of the structural, electronic and vibrational properties of CdIn2Te4

Abstract The structural, electronic and vibrational properties of the ordered-vacancy compound CdIn 2 Te 4 have been studied theoretically in three phases. They are the tetragonal I4 and I42m phases, and a potential high-pressure Fd3m phase. We found that: (i) the I4 and I42m phases were virtually identical in total energy; (ii) a high pressure phase transition from either tetragonal phase to the Fd3m phase was unlikely; and (iii) the tetragonal phases were semiconducting with a direct band gap, while the Fd3m phase was metallic. We calculated the Raman and IR modes for the I42m phase and compared these with experimental values.
Sizing up plasmas using dimensionless parameters

This paper reviews the application to magnetic-confinement fusion experiments of dimensional analysis, which holds that the behavior of physical systems can be determined from the scaling of phenomena with the set of dimensionless parameters that embody the governing physics. This paper begins by explaining the two most well-known approaches to dimensional analysis, and shows that the principle of similarity has been demonstrated in high-temperature plasmas of different physical size. Next, the measured dependences of cross-magnetic-field transport and edge plasma characteristics on dimensionless parameters are examined. These dimensionless parameter scans are generally in good agreement with drift wave models of turbulent transport (i.e., microturbulence), although some discrepancies remain. Finally, the benefits of incorporating dimensional analysis into the extrapolation of plasma behavior from present-day experiments to future burning plasma devices are discussed. The experiments reviewed in this paper have greatly improved our understanding of the underlying physics of many plasma phenomena.
Multivariate Tensor-Based Brain Anatomical Surface Morphometry via Holomorphic One-Forms

Here we introduce multivariate tensor-based surface morphometry using holomorphic one-forms to study brain anatomy. We computed new statistics from the Riemannian metric tensors that retain the full information in the deformation tensor fields. We introduce two different holomorphic one-forms that induce different surface conformal parameterizations. We applied this framework to 3D MRI data to analyze hippocampal surface morphometry in Alzheimer's Disease (AD; 26 subjects), lateral ventricular surface morphometry in HIV/AIDS (19 subjects) and cortical surface morphometry in Williams Syndrome (WS; 80 subjects). Experimental results demonstrated that our method powerfully detected brain surface abnormalities. Multivariate statistics on the local tensors outperformed other TBM methods including analysis of the Jacobian determinant, the largest eigenvalue, or the pair of eigenvalues, of the surface Jacobian matrix.
The bar–halo interaction – II. Secular evolution and the religion of N-body simulations

This paper explores resonance-driven secular evolution between a bar and dark matter halo using N-body simulations. We make direct comparisons to our analytic theory to demonstrate the great difficulty that an N-body simulation has representing these dynamics for realistic astronomical interactions. In a dark matter halo, the bar's angular momentum is coupled to the central density cusp (if present) by the inner Lindblad resonance. Owing to this angular momentum transfer and self-consistent re-equilibration, strong realistic bars WILL modify the cusp profile, lowering the central densities within about 30 per cent of the bar radius in a few bar orbits. Past results to the contrary may be the result of weak bars or numerical artefacts. The magnitude of the effect depends on many factors and we illustrate the sensitivity of the response to the dark matter profile, the bar shape and mass and the galaxy's evolutionary history. For example, if the bar length is comparable to the size of a central dark matter core, the bar may exchange angular momentum without changing its pattern speed significantly. We emphasize that this apparently simple example of secular evolution is remarkably subtle in detail and conclude that an N-body exploration of any astronomical scenario requires a deep investigation into the underlying dynamical mechanisms for that particular problem to set the necessary requirements for the simulation parameters and method (e.g. particle number and Poisson solver). Simply put, N-body simulations do not divinely reveal truth and hence their results are not infallible. They are unlikely to provide useful insight on their own, particularly for the study of even more complex secular processes such as the production of pseudo-bulges and disc heating.
Stochastic Automata Games

The collective behavior of finite state stochastic automata is considered, which is of interest in view of the possibility of modeling group behavior of subjects in terms of these automata. The natural language for considering the collective behavior is that of game theory. After a brief introduction to a class of deterministic automata, the stochastic automaton is formulated and a nonlinear reinforcement specified. The finite state stochastic automaton is first considered in a game with nature, and conditions under which the automaton's winnings reach the Von Neumann value of the game are established. Next, two stochastic automata with an arbitrary number of states for each are considered in a game, the game matrix being specified. Performance of the automata for various conditions on the elements of the game matrix is considered. In a comparison of performance with deterministic automata, it is established that, for performance comparable to that of the finite state stochastic automaton, the deterministic automaton needs an infinite number of states. Finally, some games are simulated on a computer which verifies the general analysis and further sheds light on the details of the game.
An experiment on learning with limited information: nonconvergence, experimentation cascades, and the advantage of being slow

Abstract We present the results of an experiment on learning in a continuous-time low-information setting. For a dominance solvable version of a Cournot oligopoly with differentiated products, we find little evidence of convergence to the Nash equilibrium. In an asynchronous setting, characterized by players updating their strategies at different frequencies, play tends toward the Stackelberg outcome which favors the slower player. Convergence is significantly more robust for a “serial cost sharing” game, which satisfies a stronger solution concept of overwhelmed solvability. As the number of players grows, this improved convergence tends to diminish, seemingly driven by frequent and highly structured experimentation by players leading to a cascading effect in which experimentation by one player induces experimentation by others. These results have implications both for traditional oligopoly competition and for a wide variety of strategic situations arising on the Internet.
Searches for High Mass Resonances and Exotics at the Tevatron

In this paper I review some recent searches for physics beyond the standard model from the CDF and D0 experiments at the Fermilab Tevatron collider based on an integrated luminosity of 5 to 7 fb 1 from p ¯ p collisions at 1.96 TeV. I present a selection of recent results from both the CDF and D0 collaborations covering searches for 4th generation t 0 and b 0 quarks, exotic resonances that decay to t¯ t quark pairs or ZZ boson pairs, universal extra dimensions, and dark matter particles.
Investigating step-pool sequence stability

[1] Step-pool units, common features in steep, narrow streams, are highly dynamic systems that adjust during high flows and active sediment transport conditions. Consecutive step pools in a reach form a step-pool sequence, and though these features are prevalent in nature, quantifying the stability of such systems is challenging. This study focuses on the statistical relationships between 445 stable sequences of three or more steps and nine geometric and resistance-based parameters. Step sequence stability is parameterized through a sequence stability parameter, a metric of how long a given step-pool sequence exists relative to the total run time. Despite variability in the strength of the statistical relationships, the results allow identification of dominant trends between sequence stability and both roughness and geometric parameters. The sediment concentration ratio provides a means for comparing the relative strength of these statistical relationships. As sediment concentration ratios increase, the relations between flow resistance parameters and step stability change from dominantly inverse to dominantly direct. Thus, at higher sediment concentration ratios, sequence stability is more likely to increase with flow resistance, but the reverse is more likely at low sediment concentration ratios. A connection exists between bed morphology, flow resistance, and stability. For the majority of stable step sequences, resistance parameters increase over time, indicating some sequences adjust their geometry to increase stability during flood events. The influence of sediment concentration over the stability-geometric and stability-resistance parameter relationships may enable the use of the sediment concentration ratio as a predictor of step sequence stability during a flow event.
The Elasticity of Substitution Between Time and Market Goods: Evidence from the Great Recession

We document a change in household shopping behavior during the Great Recession. Households purchased more on sale, larger sizes, and generic products and increased coupon usage and shopping at discount stores. We estimate a decline in returns to shopping during the recession. Therefore, the increase in shopping behavior implies a significant decrease in households' opportunity cost of time. Using the estimated cost of time and time use data, we estimate a high elasticity of substitution between market expenditure and time spent on nonmarket work. We find that households smooth a sizable fraction of consumption by varying their time allocation during recessions.
Hotelling's Theory, Enhancement, and the Taking of the Redwood National Park

We estimate a reduced form model of the redwood timber industry that is consistent with Hotelling's exhaustible resource theory. The consequences for this theory of various assumptions about the elasticity of expectations are derived. The estimated equations are used to test the hypotheses about expectations. We also use these equations to find the amount that owners of redwood not taken for the Redwood National Park benefited from the park's establishment.
A vision for residential broadband services: ATM-to-the-home

The arrival of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) networks has enabled a wide range of new interactive multimedia applications for the residential market. The article presents a vision for supporting universal residential broadband services based on an ATM-to-the-home (ATTH) network architecture. This network architecture applies to the various residential access network (RAN) architectures being deployed today, such as hybrid fiber/coax (HFC), fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC), fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), and asymmetric digital subscriber loop (ADSL) technologies. The article addresses today's residential networks and applications, to understand why a switched broadband residential network is required to support residential broadband services. After exploring residential broadband application requirements, a new class of service is proposed to support a very important class of residential broadband applications that has been not addressed. Then, the technical and strategic motivations for using the ATTH architecture are discussed in detail. A universal model for residential broadband network architecture based on ATTH is described, which is shown to apply to various RAN architectures. Finally, it discusses the signaling requirements of residential broadband services and explain why the ATM multiconnection per-call model is much more efficient than the digital stored media command and control (DSM-CC) session control protocol approach for the ATTH architecture. >
Household Need for Liquidity and the Credit Card Debt Puzzle

In the 2001 U.S. Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), 27% of households report simultaneously revolving signicant credit card debt and holding sizeable amounts of low-return liquid assets; this is known as the \credit card debt puzzle". In this paper, I quantitatively evaluate the role of liquidity demand in accounting for this puzzle: households that accumulate credit card debt may not pay it o using their money in the bank, because they anticipate needing that money in situations where credit cards cannot be used. I characterize the puzzle in survey data, and calibrate a dynamic stochastic heterogeneous-agent model of household portfolio choice, where consumer credit and liquidity coexist as means of consumption and saving, where households consume a cash good and a credit good, and where cash consumption is subject to uncertainty. The model accounts for between 44% and 56% of the households in the data who hold consumer debt and liquidity simultaneously, and for 100% of the liquidity held by a median such household. Under reasonable calibration alternatives, the model can capture the entire puzzle group size as well. One-half of money demand in the model is precautionary.
Carbon Nanotube-Reinforced Thermotropic Liquid Crystal Polymer Nanocomposites

This paper focuses on the fabrication via simple melt blending of thermotropic liquid crystal polyester (TLCP) nanocomposites reinforced with a very small quantity of modified carbon nanotube (CNT) and the unique effects of the modified CNT on the physical properties of the nanocomposites. The thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties of modified CNT-reinforced TLCP nanocomposites are highly dependent on the uniform dispersion of CNT and the interactions between the CNT and TLCP, which can be enhanced by chemical modification of the CNT, providing a design guide of CNTreinforced TLCP nanocomposites with great potential for industrial uses.
Studies on prostatic cancer: I. The effect of castration, of estrogen and of androgen injection on serum phosphatases in metastatic carcinoma of the prostate

Carcinoma of the prostate gland is peculiarly favorable for endocrine investigation since frequent serial observations of the activity of phosphatases in serum were found to provide objective indices of activity of the neo/~i~m when the enzymes were increased in amount above normal. In the present paper data are given for the values of serum phosphatases in carcinoma of the prostate and in normal men. We shall demonstrate that the acid phosphatase of serum is reduced in metastatic carcinoma of the prostate by decreasing the activity of androgens through castration or estrogenic injections and that this enzyme is increased by injecting androgens. We have been unable to find previous observations indicating any relationship of hormones to carcinoma of the prostate gland. An enzyme capable of hydrolyzing phosphoric esters was discovered by Grosser and Husler (4) in intestinal mucosa and kidney. Robison (16) found that this enzyme was particularly high in activity in growing bone and cartilage and that its activity was greatest at pH 9 to 9.5. This ~alkaline phosphatase," was found by Kay (9) to be increased in the serum in certain bone diseases including metastasis of neoplasms to bone and later work has shown that among these conditions is carcinoma of the prostate. Davies (3) and Bamann and Riedel (1) discovered that there occurs in the spleen and kidney of swine and cattle, in addition to the alkaline phosphatase, a phosphatase with an activity maximum at pH 4.8. An enzyme believed to be identical with this "acid phosphatase" was found by Kutscher and Wolbergs (11) to be present in very large amount in the human prostate gland. This finding of great activity of acid phosphatase in the prostate gland was confirmed and extended to include prostatic cancer by Gutman, Sproul, and Gutman (7). The serum of certain patients with disseminated prostatic carcinoma was found by Gutman and Gutman (6) and Barringer and Woodard (2) to exhibit increased acid phosphatase activity. Robinson, Gutman, and Gutman'~I5) summarized the acid phosphatase activity levels of 44 patients with carcinoma of the prostate. They concluded that a marked rise in acid phosphatase in serum is associated with the appearance or spread of roentgenologically demonstrable skeletal metastases and implies dissemination of the primary tumor and thus is of unfavorable prognostic significance. METttODS AND MATERIALS
THE EFFECTS OF STATE TAX STRUCTURE ON BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONAL FORM

This study examines business organizational form decisions as a source of tax base mobility. We posit that organizational form responses to state tax policy allow for an indirect means of exploring mobility through business tax planning. Using state-level IRS data for the years 1997–2008, we examine the decision to fi le as a partnership or corporation and how those decisions are affected by a variety of state tax policies. The results suggest that state tax policy, especially corporate and personal income tax rates, affects business entity choice decisions and impacts business planning opportunities within and across states.
Primordial nucleosynthesis: Theory and observations

We review the cosmology and physics underlying Primordial Nucleosynthesis and survey current observational data in order to compare the predictions of Big Bang Nucleosynthesis with the inferred primordial abundances. From this comparison we report on the status of the consistency of the standard hot big bang model, we constrain the universal density of baryons (nucleons), and we set limits to the numbers and/or e!ective interactions of hypothetical new ‘lighta particles (equivalent massless neutrinos). ( 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Visual terrain mapping for Mars exploration

One goal for future Mars missions is for a rover to be able to navigate autonomously to science targets not visible to the rover, but seen in orbital or descent images. This can be accomplished if accurate maps of the terrain are available for the rover to use in planning and localization. We describe techniques to generate such terrain maps using images with a variety of resolutions and scales, including surface images from the lander and rover, descent images captured by the lander as it approaches the planetary surface, and orbital images from current and future Mars orbiters. At the highest resolution, we process surface images captured by rovers and landers using bundle adjustment. At the next lower resolution (and larger scale), we use wide-baseline stereo vision to map terrain distant from a rover with surface images. Mapping the lander descent images using a structure-from-motion algorithm generates data at a hierarchy of resolutions. These provide a link between the high-resolution surface images and the low-resolution orbital images. Orbital images are mapped using similar techniques, although with the added complication that the images may be captured with a variety of sensors. Robust multi-modal matching techniques are applied to these images. The terrain maps are combined using a system for unifying multi-resolution models and integrating three-dimensional terrains. The result is a multi-resolution map that can be used to generate fixed-resolution maps at any desired scale.
ENOL VARIANTS OF THE COPE REARRANGEMENT OF CIS-2,3-DIVINYL EPOXIDES AND THE FURTHER FUNCTIONALIZATION OF THE OXEPIN NUCLEUS

Abstract The Cope rearrangement cis -2,3-divinyl epoxides containing a silyl enol ether or enol triflate leads to 4,5-dihydrooxepins that are functionalized to allow for the further elaboration of the oxeprin ring.
A Facile One-Pot Conversion of Aldehydes into Nitriles

A facile one-pot synthesis of nitriles starting with aldehydes has been developed employing hydroxylamine hydrochloride in dimethylsulfoxide at 100°C.
Exchange rate regimes and independent central banks: A correlated choice of imperfectly credible institutions

Theory and empirical evidence show that low inflation is a precondition for economic growth. Independent central banks and fixed exchange rates are institutional mechanisms that help keep inflation low by lending monetary policy credibility to governments. However, the two institutions are commonly analyzed as substitutes that tie the hands of inflation prone governments. Thus, the literature has difficulties describing why governments would adopt both institutions and the interaction between them. This paper presents a model that allows policymakers the simultaneous choice of monetary institutions and shows that imperfectly credible institutions will overlap: when exchange rates are fixed but adjustable and central bank independence is not fully ascertainable, governments choose both institutions. More generally, the paper generates hypotheses about the conditions that make fixed exchange rates and independent central banks complements or substitutes, thus contributing to an explanation of the diversity of global monetary institutions in the post–Bretton Woods period.
Pipelined encoding for deterministic and noisy relay networks

Recent coding strategies for deterministic and noisy relay networks are related to the pipelining of block Markov encoding. For deterministic networks, it is shown that pipelined encoding improves encoding delay, as opposed to end-to-end delay. For noisy networks, it is observed that decode-and-forward exhibits good rate scaling when the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) increases.
Achieving robust stability by sensing additional system outputs

In this note we investigate the problem of robust stability in the context of linear time-invariant multivariable systems which are affected by structured parametric type uncertainty. We demonstrate that by generating additional outputs which are then made available for feedback, and thus using sensors for more measurements, robust closed-loop system stability can be achieved. We state and prove results that suggest when this is possible, and show how it can be done.
Save the poor, shoot some bankers

Bilateral or multilateral organizations control about 90% of official overseas development assistance (ODA), much of which is wasted. This note traces aid failure to the daisy chain of principal-agent-beneficiary relationships linking rich donors to aid bureaucrats to poor recipients. Waste results when aid middlemen (un)intentionally misdirect ODA. Waste can be reduced by clarifying domestic goals for ODA, using fewer middlemen with greater intrinsic motivation, empowering recipients, and/or replacing bureaucracy with markets.
Pseudoephenamine: A Practical Chiral Auxiliary for Asymmetric Synthesis

Pseudoephenamine is shown to be a versatile chiral auxiliary for asymmetric synthesis. It is free from regulatory restrictions and exhibits remarkable stereocontrol in alkylation reactions, especially those that form quaternary carbon centers. Amides derived from pseudoephenamine exhibit a high propensity to be crystalline substances and provide sharp, well-defined peaks in NMR spectra.
Phases of gauge theories

One of the most fundamental questions we can ask about a given gauge theory is its phase diagram. In the Standard Model, we observe three fundamentally different types of behavior: QCD is in a confined phase at zero temperature, while the electroweak sector of the Standard Model combines Coulomb and Higgs phases. Our current understanding of the phase structure of gauge theories owes much to the modern theory of phase transitions and critical phenomena, but has developed into a subject of extensive study. After reviewing some fundamental concepts of phase transitions and finite-temperature gauge theories, we discuss some recent work that broadly extends our knowledge of the mechanisms that determine the phase structure of gauge theories. A new class of models with a rich phase structure has been discovered, generalizing our understanding of the confinement?deconfinement transition in finite-temperature gauge theories. Models in this class have spacetime topologies with one or more compact directions. On R3 ? S1, the addition of double-trace deformations or periodic adjoint fermions to a gauge theory can yield a confined phase in the region where the S1 circumference L is small, so that the coupling constant is small, and semiclassical methods are applicable. In this region, Euclidean monopole solutions, which are constituents of finite-temperature instantons, play a crucial role in the calculation of a non-perturbative string tension. We review the techniques used to analyze this new class of models and the results obtained so far, as well as their application to finite-temperature phase structure, conformal phases of gauge theories and the large-N limit.
Bourdieu in American Sociology, 1980-2004

This article traces the transatlantic diffusion of Pierre Bourdieu’s ideas into American sociology. We find that rather than being received as abstract theory, Bourdieu has been actively put to use to generate new empirical research. In addition, American sociologists have used their findings to problematize and extend his theory. Bourdieu’s sociology, in other words, has inspired a progressive research program in the United States. We trace this process in the two main forums for presenting research: journal articles and books. Content analysis of articles published in four major sociology journals reveals that, far from a recent fad, Bourdieu’s ideas steadily diffused into American sociology between 1980 and 2004. Case studies of four influential books in turn illustrate how researchers have used Bourdieu’s key concepts (capital, field, habitus, and symbolic power) to inform debates in four core subfields (political, economic, cultural, and urban sociology).
Improving the evidence base on multimorbidities through better research: a commentary on the U.S. HHS initiative, Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Strategic Framework.

“ Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Strategic Framework” is a seminal report and the heart of a US strategic initiative, released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in December 2010, to focus the attention and resources of the US government on the research, practice, and policy implications of multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) [1]. The specific purpose of the report is “to catalyze change within the context of how chronic illnesses are addressed in the United States – from an approach focused on individual chronic diseases to one that uses a multiple chronic condition approach” [1]. The report observes that this process represents “a culture change, or paradigm shift, and the subsequent implementation of these strategies that will provide a foundation for realizing the vision of optimal health and quality of life for individuals with multiple chronic conditions” [1]. Journal of Comorbidity 2013;3(2)18–21
Capital Services in U.S. Agriculture: Concepts, Comparisons, and the Treatment of Interest Rates

This paper begins with a review of the methods and assumptions used to measure capital service flows. Two data series on capital inputs in U.S. agriculture are briefly described and compared. We show that measures of capital services are sensitive to the treatment of interest rates. Notably, the use of fixed versus variable market rates significantly affects measures of the quantity and productivity of agricultural capital in the United States. We conclude that when calculating capital usage in U.S. agriculture, the use of a fixed interest rate generates more plausible estimates than the use of an annual market rate.
On the verification of sequential machines at differing levels of abstraction

An algorithm is presented for the verification of the equivalence of two sequential circuit descriptions at the same of differing levels of abstraction, namely, at the register-transfer (RT) level and the logic level. The descriptions represent general finite automata at the differing levels. A finite automaton can be described in ISP-like language and its equivalence to a logic level implementation can be verified using this algorithm. Two logic-level automata can be similarly verified for equivalence. The technique is shown to be computationally efficient for complex circuits. The efficiency of the algorithm lies in the exploitation of don't care information derivable from the RT or logic-level description during the verification process. Using efficient cube enumeration procedures at the logic level, the equivalence of finite automata with a large number of states in small amounts of CPU time was verified. A two-phase enumeration-simulation algorithm for verifying the equivalence of two logic-level finite automata with the same or differing number of latches is also presented. >
Multilevel fast multipole method solution of volume integral equations using parametric geometry modeling

We present a multilevel fast multipole method (MLFMM) solution for volume integral equations dealing with scattering from arbitrarily shaped inhomogeneous dielectrics. The solution accuracy, convergence, computer time and memory savings of the method are demonstrated. Previous works have employed the MLFMM for impenetrable targets. In this paper, we integrate the MLFMM with the volume integral equation method for scattering by inhomogeneous targets. Of particular importance is the use of curvilinear elements for better volume representation and the use of simple basis functions for ease of parallelization.
Fusarium Wilt of Banana

Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the world's most important fruits. In 2011, 145 million metric tons, worth an estimated $44 billion, were produced in over 130 countries. Fusarium wilt (also known as Panama disease) is one of the most destructive diseases of this crop. It devastated the 'Gros Michel'-based export trades before the mid-1900s, and threatens the Cavendish cultivars that were used to replace it; in total, the latter cultivars are now responsible for approximately 45% of all production. An overview of the disease and its causal agent, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, is presented below. Despite a substantial positive literature on biological, chemical, or cultural measures, management is largely restricted to excluding F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense from noninfested areas and using resistant cultivars where the pathogen has established. Resistance to Fusarium wilt is poor in several breeding targets, including important dessert and cooking cultivars. Better resistance to this and other diseases is needed. The history and impact of Fusarium wilt is summarized with an emphasis on tropical race 4 (TR4), a 'Cavendish'-killing variant of the pathogen that has spread dramatically in the Eastern Hemisphere.
Enantio- and Diastereoselective Synthesis of syn-β-Hydroxyallylsilanes via a Chiral (Z)-γ-Silylallylboronate

syn-β-Hydroxyallylsilanes of general structure 11 and 28 are prepared in 50−86% yield and 91−95% ee (for aliphatic aldehydes; 50% ee for benzaldehyde) via the BF3·Et2O-promoted γ-silylallylboration reactions, using reagents 14 and 15.
Processor mapping techniques toward efficient data redistribution

Run-time data redistribution can enhance algorithm performance in distributed-memory machines. Explicit redistribution of data can be performed between algorithm phases when a different data decomposition is expected to deliver increased performance for a subsequent phase of computation. Redistribution, however, represents increased program overhead as algorithm computation is discontinued while data are exchanged among processor memories. In this paper, we present a technique that minimizes the amount of data exchange for BLOCK to CYCLIC(c) (or vice-versa) redistributions of arbitrary number of dimensions. Preserving the semantics of the target (destination) distribution pattern, the technique manipulates the data to logical processor mapping of the target pattern. When implemented on an IBM SP, the mapping technique demonstrates redistribution performance improvements of approximately 40% over traditional data to processor mapping. Relative to the traditional mapping technique, the proposed method affords greater flexibility in specifying precisely which data elements are redistributed and which elements remain on-processor.
An experimental computer-stored, augmented catalog of professional literature

This paper reports on progress in the development and application of computer programs for storage and retrieval operations associated with the Project Intrex augmented catalog experiments. A general review of Project Intrex and details of other Intrex developments are given in companion papers.
Structural breaks and portfolio performance in global equity markets

Traditional asset pricing models such as the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) of Sharpe (1964), Lintner (1965), and Mossin (1966); Merton’s (1973) Intertemporal Capital Asset Pricing Model (ICAPM...
Determinants of Short-term Lender Location and Interest Rates

This study tests the degree to which payday and title lenders differentiate their store location and interest rates based on the socioeconomic characteristics of the areas in which they operate. We use store-level lender data, geographically matched IRS income data, and Census Bureau demographic data to answer these questions. In the case of lender location, we find that payday and title lenders tend to locate in areas with lower median age, a larger population of not married households, more restaurants, and more pawn shops. We also find a nonlinear relationship between lender location and individual incomes in the surrounding area. Regarding lender interest rates, we find that competition among lenders reduces average interest rates and that riskiness of borrowers, as measured by defaults, increases average interest rates. We also find that payday and title lenders have higher interest rates in areas with lower educational attainment, smaller proportions of Black residents, and fewer married households. This evidence seems to contradict the argument that payday and title lenders prey on minorities.
The p-torsion of curves with large p-rank

Consider the moduli space of smooth curves of genus g and p-rank f defined over an algebraically closed field k of characteristic p. It is an open problem to classify which group schemes occur as the p-torsion of the Jacobians of these curves for f < g - 1. We prove that the generic point of every component of this moduli space has a-number 1 when f = g - 2 and f = g - 3. Likewise, we show that a generic hyperelliptic curve with p-rank g - 2 has a-number 1 when p ≥ 3. We also show that the locus of curves with p-rank g - 2 and a-number 2 is non-empty with codimension 3 in $\mathcal{M}_g$ when p ≥ 5. We include some other results when f = g - 3. The proofs are by induction on g while fixing g - f. They use computations about certain components of the boundary of $\mathcal{M}_g$.
On the Group Front and Group Velocity in a Dispersive Medium Upon Refraction From a Nondispersive Medium

Conventional definitions of velocities associated with the propagation of modulated waves cannot clearly describe the behavior of the wave packet in a multidimensional dispersive medium. The conventional definition of the phase velocity, which is perpendicular to the wave front, is a special case of the generalized phase velocity defined in this work, since there exist an infinite number of solutions to the equation describing the wave-front movement. Similarly, the generalized group-front velocity is defined for the movement of a wave packet in an arbitrary direction. The group-front velocity is the smallest speed at which the group-front travels in the direction normal to the group front. The group velocity, which is the velocity of energy flow in a nondissipative medium, also satisfies the group-front equation. Because the group-front velocity and the group velocity are not always the same, the direction in which the wave porker travels is not necessarily normal to the group front. In this work, two examples are used to demonstrate this behavior by considering the refraction of a wave packet from vacuum to either a positive-index material (PIM) or a negative-index material (NIM).
Corporate financial hedging with proprietary information

Abstract If a firm has information pertinent to its own dividend stream that is not made available to its shareholders, it may be in the interests of the firm and its shareholders to adopt a financial hedging policy. This is in contrast with the Modigliani-Miller Theorem, which implies that, with informational symmetry, such financial hedging is irrelevant. In certain cases, hedging policies are identified that are unanimously supported by shareholders.
Acid-catalyzed reactions of aromatic aldehydes with ethyl diazoacetate: an investigation on the synthesis of 3-hydroxy-2-arylacrylic acid ethyl esters.

Several commercial Lewis acids, including those of the Bronsted type, specifically HBF4·OEt2, are able to catalyze the reaction between aromatic aldehydes and ethyl diazoacetate to produce 3-hydroxy-2-arylacrylic acid ethyl esters and 3-oxo-3-arylpropanoic acid ethyl esters. Reactions catalyzed by the iron Lewis acid [(η5-C5H5)Fe+(CO)2(THF)]BF4- (i.e., 1) have the best yields and greatest ratio of 3-hydroxy-2-arylacrylic acid ethyl ester. The product distribution of 1 is not affected in the presence of Proton Sponge, but is dependent on temperature and the nature of the substrate aldehyde, whereas the activity of HBF4·OEt2 is affected by the presence of Proton Sponge and is reactive at temperatures as low as −78 °C. Consequently, both 1 and HBF4·OEt2 are valuable catalysts in producing important 3-hydroxy-2-arylacrylic acid ethyl esters as precursors to biologically active compounds.
Towards Antitumor Active trans-Platinum Compounds

Substitution of NH3 by a range of amines in trans-[PtCl2(NH3)2] produces compounds with cytotoxicity significantly improved over the parent transplatin and in many cases equivalent to that of cisplatin. This microreview summarizes the chemistry and biology of trans-platinum compounds containing principally planar amines and succinctly reviews the current status of anticancer relevance of the trans-platinum geometry. The nature of bifunctional DNA adducts (intrastrand, interstrand) is remarkably dependent on the nature of the amine. Further, the stability of monofunctional adducts allows for competitive production of DNA–protein cross-links and overall the results suggest that the trans-platinum chemotype may offer significant potential for design of selective DNA–protein cross-linking agents. A subset of proteins known to bind to DNA modified by trans-platinum is that comprising zinc fingers – model studies show the potential for formation of heteronuclear thiolate-bridged species as precedent for zinc displacement from the biomolecule.(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
Multi-line gamma-ray spectrometer performance of a Si(Li) detector stack

Experimental data is presented which for the first time displays multi-line spectrometer performance of a Si(Li) detector stack at elevated temperature. The stack consists of four elements, each with a 2 cm diameter active area. /sup 133/Ba and /sup 110m/Ag spectra are obtained using various techniques to enhance the peak-to-background ratio. Spectral data are shown as a function of temperature (94 K/spl les/T/spl les/230 K) using optimized peak shaping. >
Synthesis and Determination of Absolute Configuration of the Bicyclic Guanidine Core of Batzelladine A

[reaction: see text] The synthesis of a selectively protected form of the bicyclic guanidine fragment of batzelladine A from L-aspartic acid is reported, thereby establishing the absolute configuration of the bicyclic guanidine ring system within the natural product.