cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Preparation of CIGSS Thin-Film Solar Cells by Rapid Thermal Processing

Rapid thermal processing (RTP) provides a way to rapidly heat substrates to an elevated temperature to perform relatively short duration processes, typically less than 2-3 min long. RTP can be utilized to minimize the process cycle time without compromising process uniformity, thus eliminating a bottleneck in CuIn 1-x Ga x Se 2-y S y (CIGSS) module fabrication. Some approaches have been able to realize solar cells with conversion efficiencies close or equal to those for conventionally processed solar cells with similar device structures. A RTP reactor for preparation of CIGSS thin films on 10 cm× 10 cm substrates has been designed, assembled, and tested at the Florida Solar Energy Center's PV Materials Lab. This paper describes the synthesis and characterization of CIGSS thin-film solar cells by the RTP technique. Materials characterization of these films was done by scanning electron microscopy, x-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and electrical characterization was done by current-voltage measurements on soda lime glass substrates by the RTP technique. Encouraging results were obtained during the first few experimental sets, demonstrating that reasonable solar cell efficiencies (up to 9%) can be achieved with relatively shorter cycle times, lower thermal budgets, and without using toxic gases.
An alternative strategy to foreign investment

The strategy of foreign investment by American multinational corporations is, in the language of economists, only the second-best solution to the challenge posed by foreign competition and the relative decline of the American economy. In simplest terms, what the United States has been doing is exporting or trading away its comparative advantages (technology, technical know-how, and management) and potential productivity gains in exchange for future foreign earnings. Insofar as the United States continues to move in this direction, it is converting itself into the type of rentier economy that is, one which lives off investment income that Great Britain became in the latter part of the nineteenth century. Overall, the United States in the second half of the twentieth century may be said to be facing much the same problems and choices that Great Britain faced in the latter half of the nineteenth. In the United States today, the idea of living off foreign investment income has become very attractive. In fact, in the short run, the balancing of America's international accounts through the return on foreign investment has become a critical factor in America's economic welfare and global political position. Without it the United States could not finance its foreign military commitments, its escalating imports of manufactures, petroleum, and raw materials, and other expenditures abroad. The loss of this income, under present circumstances, would necessitate either a drastic lowering of the American standard of living or a major retrenchment from overseas security commitments.
Downlink Rate Distribution in Heterogeneous Cellular Networks under Generalized Cell Selection

Considering both small-scale fading and long-term shadowing, we characterize the downlink rate distribution at a typical user equipment (UE) in a heterogeneous cellular network (HetNet), where shadowing, following any general distribution, impacts cell selection while fading does not. Most prior work either ignores the impact of channel randomness on cell selection or lumps all the sources of randomness into a single variable, with cell selection based on the instantaneous signal strength, which is unrealistic. As an application of the results, we study the impact of shadowing on load balancing in terms of the optimal per-tier selection bias needed for rate maximization.
Tricuspid regurgitation during pregnancy: Two-dimensional and pulsed doppler echocardiographic observations

Although precordial murmurs occur frequently during pregnancy, their origin is rarely known. To investigate the nature of these murmurs, 2-dimensional (2-D) and pulsed Doppler echocardiography was performed in 81 asymptomatic pregnant women who had new systolic precordial murmurs. End-systolic right atrial dimensions, early diastolic tricuspid anular diameters, and end-diastolic right ventricular diameters were measured from the apical 4-chamber view and compared with measurements from 26 young nonpregnant women without known heart disease. Tricuspid regurgitation (TR) was detected by pulsed Doppler echocardiography in 35 of 81 pregnant women. Thirty-two pregnant women had normal 2-dimensional and pulsed Doppler echocardiographic findings. Other valvular or congenital lesions were detected in 14 pregnant women. The right-sided intracardiac diameters were larger in all groups of pregnant women than in non-pregnant control subjects (p less than 0.001). The tricuspid anular diameter was larger in the pregnant women with TR than in pregnant women with normal pulsed Doppler echocardiographic findings (24 +/- 2 vs 22 +/- 3 mm, p less than 0.015). No patient had clinical difficulty associated with a murmur. Functional TR, therefore, often occurs in pregnancy and appears to be a result of dilation of the tricuspid anulus. TR may contribute to the development of murmurs in pregnant women.
Upward flame spread over thin solids in partial gravity

Experiments to observe upward and downward flame spread and extinction over a thin solid fuel in partial-gravity environments were conducted in an aircraft flying parabolic trajectories. In the upward spreading case, flames with constant lengths and steady spread rates were observed using narrow fuel samples in reduced pressures. The upward flame spread rates and the flame and pyrolysis lengths increased linearly with the gravity level. The proportionality constants, however, increased with pressure and sample width. For comparison, downward spreading tests were also conducted using the same reduced-pressure atmospheres needed to obtain steady flames in the upward spreading case. In downward spreading, the steady spread rates and the flammability boundary exhibited a non-monotonic dependence on gravity. This behavior is attributed to competition between finite-gas-phase residence times in the flame stabilization zone and radiative heat losses from the flame. Throughout the accessible range of partial gravity, the upward spreading flames propagated at higher speeds than the downward spreading flames and the fuel is more flammable in the upward spread direction. A three-dimensional concurrent-flow flame-spreading model, originally developed for forced flows in a duct at microgravity, was reformulated and numerically solved for buoyant flow. The numerical flame spread simulation provides detailed flame structure including gas flow and temperature fields, oxygen and fuel transport, and solid temperature and thickness distributions and predicts the essential three-dimensional features observed for the narrow, reduced pressure flames
Oil and Gas in the Energy Mix of the 21st Century

Etude des perspectives de croissance de la consommation energetique au 21 e me siecle, des sources d'energie qui seront disponibles pour la satisfaire et de la part du petrole et du gaz naturel. Analyse des perspectives de consommation du petrole et du gaz naturel en fonction de trois scenarios : poursuite de l'augmentation de la consommation actuelle, faible demande due a l'arret de l'utilisation du moteur a combustion interne et demande moyenne due a l'utilisation d'autres sources d'energie moins polluantes. Etude de l'evolution de la politique industrielle du secteur energetique qui devra etre plus respectueuse de l'environnement et qui sera sans doute moins axee sur les hydrocarbures en raison de l'emergence d'autres sources d'energie.
Solution ion pair structure of 2-lithio-1,3-dithianes in THF and THF-HMPA

Abstract An NMR study of 2-lithio-1,3-dithiane and 2-triorganosilyl-, 2-tert-butyl- and 2-phenyl-2-lithiodithianes reveals that all are contact ion pair species in THF and all become separated ions with excess HMPA. The dithianes differ greatly in their ease of ion separation, with the parent lithiodithiane the most difficult.
Endpoint restriction estimates for the paraboloid over finite fields

We prove certain endpoint restriction estimates for the paraboloid over finite fields in three and higher dimensions. Working in the bilinear setting, we are able to pass from estimates for characteristic functions to estimates for general functions while avoiding the extra logarithmic power of the field size which is introduced by the dyadic pigeonhole approach. This allows us to remove logarithmic factors from the estimates obtained by Mockenhaupt and Tao in three dimensions and those obtained by Iosevich and Koh in higher dimensions.
Anomalous Higgs Yukawa couplings

In the standard model, the Higgs boson h couples to the quarks and charged leptons according to the well-known formula , where or lepton and is its vacuum expectation value. Suppose is of radiative origin instead, then the effective Yukawa coupling will not be exactly . We show for the first time quantitatively how this may shift the observed branching fractions of and upward or downward. Thus, the precision measurements of the Higgs decay to fermions at the Large Hadron Collider, due to the resume operation in 2015, could be the key to possible new physics.
Synthesis and estrogen receptor binding of fluorinated diethylstilbestrol derivatives

Abstract Synthesis of fluorinated DES and hexestrol derivatives starting from 4-methoxybenzaldehyde is described. The structures of the fluorinated compounds were characterized by NMR. The fluorinated DES derivatives bind to the mouse uterine cytosol estrogen receptor with high affinity.
Invariant Differential Operators and FCR Factors of Enveloping Algebras

If  is a semisimple Lie algebra, we describe the prime factors of  () that have enough finite dimensional modules. The proof depends on some combinatorial facts about the Weyl group which may be of independent interest. We also determine, which finite dimensional  ()-modules are modules over a given prime factor. As an application we study finite dimensional modules over some rings of invariant differential operators arising from Howe duality.
Large-Scale Service Marketplaces: The Role of the Moderating Firm

Recently, large-scale, Web-based service marketplaces, where many small service providers compete among themselves in catering to customers with diverse needs, have emerged. Customers who frequent these marketplaces seek quick resolutions and thus are usually willing to trade prices with waiting times. The main goal of this paper is to discuss the role of the moderating firm in facilitating information gathering, operational efficiency, and communication among agents in service marketplaces. Surprisingly, we show that operational efficiency may be detrimental to the overall efficiency of the marketplace. Furthermore, we establish that to reap the “expected” gains of operational efficiency, the moderating firm may need to complement the operational efficiency by enabling communication among its agents. The study emphasizes the scale of such marketplaces and the impact it has on the outcomes. This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
Millisecond-timescale optical control of neural dynamics in the nonhuman primate brain.

SUMMARY To understand how brain states and behaviors are generated by neural circuits, it would be useful to be able to perturb precisely the activity of specific cell types and pathways in the nonhuman primate nervous system. We used lentivirus to target the light-activated cation channel channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) specifically to excitatory neurons of the macaquefrontalcortex.Usingalaser-coupledoptical fiber in conjunction with a recording microelectrode, we showed that activation of excitatory neurons resulted in well-timed excitatory and suppressive influences on neocortical neural networks. ChR2 wassafelyexpressed,andcouldmediateopticalneuromodulation, in primate neocortex over many months. These findings highlight a methodology for investigating the causal role of specific cell types in nonhuman primate neural computation, cognition, and behavior, and open up the possibility of a new generation of ultraprecise neurological and psychiatric therapeutics via cell-type-specific optical neural control prosthetics.
Syntheses and characterization of the palladium(II) and copper(II) complexes of the new 1,1-dithiolate ligand, 1,3-dithiepin-2-carbodithiolate

Abstract The synthesis of a new 1,1-dithiolate ligand, 1,3-dithiepin-2-carbodithiolate (L2−), has been accomplished from the reaction of carbon disulfide with the lithium salt of 1,3-dithiepin. Copper(II) and palladium(II) complexes of the formula ML22− were isolated as the tetraethylammonium salts. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra of the free ligand and the palladium salt suggest a good deal of ‘Huckel’ aromatic character in the seven membered dithiepin ring. Electron spin resonance spin Hamiltonian parameters obtained from frozen glass samples of the copper(II) complex suggest a highly delocalized four membered chelate ring. Taken together, these data suggest the dithiepin ring is a strong π-acceptor in these complexes.
The "State-of-The Art" in Nuclear Particle Detectors

The theoretical and experimental characteristics of semiconductor particle detectors have been discussed at several conferences. The purpose of this paper is to discuss some of the recent results obtained with conventional p-n and surface-barrier detectors as well as to indicate the performance of ion-drifted p-i-n and high-resistivity gallium-arsenide and silicon "conductivity" detectors. The operation of conventional devices in regard to resolution and stability measurements, the existence of a fission fragment energy defect, irradiation effects, and base resistivity variations is discussed. The response, resolution, and rise time of p-i-n detectors (depletion widths from 1 to 5 mm) are presented along with some of the factors influencing the characteristics of the ion-drift process. Work with high-resistivity gallium-arsenide and silicon detectors has shown the influence of recombination processes. The limitations and further improvements in these devices are indicated.
A simple LP relaxation for the asymmetric traveling salesman problem

It is a long-standing open question in combinatorial optimization whether the integrality gap of the subtour linear program relaxation (subtour LP) for the asymmetric traveling salesman problem (ATSP) is a constant. The study on the structure of this linear program is important and extensive. In this paper, we give a new and simpler LP relaxation for the ATSP. Our linear program consists of a single type of constraints that combine both the subtour elimination and the degree constraints in the traditional subtour LP. As a result, we obtain a much simpler relaxation. In particular, it is shown that the extreme solutions of our program have at most 2n − 2 non-zero variables, improving the bound 3n − 2, proved by Vempala and Yannakakis, for the ones obtained by the subtour LP. Nevertheless, the integrality gap of the new linear program is larger than that of the traditional subtour LP by at most a constant factor.
MRI estimates of brain iron concentration in normal aging: Comparison of field-dependent (FDRI) and phase (SWI) methods

Different brain structures accumulate iron at different rates throughout the adult life span. Typically, striatal and brain stem structures are higher in iron concentrations in older than younger adults, whereas cortical white matter and thalamus have lower concentrations in the elderly than young adults. Brain iron can be measured in vivo with MRI by estimating the relaxivity increase across magnetic field strengths, which yields the Field-Dependent Relaxation Rate Increase (FDRI) metric. The influence of local iron deposition on susceptibility, manifests as MR phase effects, forms the basis for another approach for iron measurement, Susceptibility-Weighted Imaging (SWI), for which imaging at only one field strength is sufficient. Here, we compared the ability of these two methods to detect and quantify brain iron in 11 young (5 men, 6 women; 21 to 29 years) and 12 elderly (6 men, 6 women; 64 to 86 years) healthy adults. FDRI was acquired at 1.5 T and 3.0 T, and SWI was acquired at 1.5 T. The results showed that both methods detected high globus pallidus iron concentration regardless of age and significantly greater iron in putamen with advancing age. The SWI measures were more sensitive when the phase signal intensities themselves were used to define regions of interest, whereas FDRI measures were robust to the method of region of interest selection. Further, FDRI measures were more highly correlated than SWI iron estimates with published postmortem values and were more sensitive than SWI to iron concentration differences across basal ganglia structures. Whereas FDRI requires more imaging time than SWI, two field strengths, and across-study image registration for iron concentration calculation, FDRI appears more specific to age-dependent accumulation of non-heme brain iron than SWI, which is affected by heme iron and non-iron source effects on phase.
CROSS: A Multicriteria Group-Decision-Making Model for Evaluating and Prioritizing Advanced-Technology Projects at NASA

Evaluating and prioritizing advanced-technology projects is a particularly difficult task for the staff at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) shuttle project engineering office. Because the evaluation process is complex and unstructured, decision makers (DMs) must consider vast amounts of diverse information concerning safety, systems engineering, cost savings, process enhancement, reliability, and implementation. Intuitive methods developed in the past have helped them to use large volumes of information in evaluating projects. However, these intuitive methods do not provide a structured framework for systematic evaluation. CROSS (consensus-ranking organizational-support system) is a multicriteria group-decision-making model that I implemented successfully at KSC to capture the DMs' beliefs through sequential, rational, and analytical processes. CROSS uses the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), subjective probabilities, the entropy concept, and the maximize-agreement heuristic (MAH) to enhance the DMs' intuition in evaluating sets of projects.
Unification with enlarged Kaluza-Klein dimensions

Abstract In minimal theories with extra spatial dimensions at scales μ 0 much lower than the conventional GUT scale, unification can give too-large predictions for α 3 ( M Z ) given α 1 ( M Z ) and α 2 ( M Z ) as empirical input. We systematically study the effects of adding extra states above the compactification scale on running of the gauge couplings and find several simple examples that give unification where all α i ( M Z ) are consistent with low-energy data. We study both the supersymmetric and nonsupersymmetric unification.
Heavy ions at LHC: Theoretical issues

We give a brief overview of our current theoretical understanding of ultra-relativistic heavy ion collision and the properties of super-hot nuclear matter. We focus on several issues that have been discussed in connection with experimental results from the CERN SPS and from the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider RHIC. We give an extrapolation of our current knowledge to LHC energies and ask which physics questions can be addressed at the LHC. PACS: 24.85.+p – 25.75.Nq – 13.85.-t
Large Eddy Simulations of a Cylindrical Film Cooling Hole

Large-eddy simulations are used to explore the unsteady jet-in-crossflow interactions arising from discrete hole film cooling from a cylindrical hole. The numerical grids are created using GridPro and solved in OpenFOAM. A recycling-rescaling technique is used to generate a realistic turbulent incoming boundary layer upstream of injection. The simulations match the conditions of an experiment in the open literature for the robust validation of the numerical solution and turbulence modeling. The current study tests the ability of large-eddy simulations in predicting film cooling flows using detailed experimental measurements. The large-eddy simulation results compared favorably with the experimental data except in areas close to the injection site and close to the wall. Grid resolution is discussed in terms of the percent turbulent kinetic energy resolved and related to the success of the large eddy simulation predictions in different regions of the jet. No substantial benefit was seen by using a dynamic S...
Philosophical Foundations of Information Modeling

This article attempts to provide some philosophical grounding for the practice of information modeling by introducing four key metaphysical concepts that are at the heart of information modeling. These are the concept of identity, the problem of universals, teleology, and the correspondence vs. coherence views of truth. These concepts are first explained and then their relevance to information modeling is discussed. Implications for the practice of information modeling and research in information modeling are also addressed.
How to Track Your Data: Rule-Based Data Provenance Tracing Algorithms

As cloud computing and virtualization technologies become mainstream, the need to be able to track data has grown in importance. Having the ability to track data from its creation to its current state or its end state will enable the full transparency and accountability in cloud computing environments. In this paper, we showcase a novel technique for tracking end-to-end data provenance, a meta-data describing the derivation history of data. This breakthrough is crucial as it enhances trust and security for complex computer systems and communication networks. By analyzing and utilizing provenance, it is possible to detect various data leakage threats and alert data administrators and owners; thereby addressing the increasing needs of trust and security for customers' data. We also present our rule-based data provenance tracing algorithms, which trace data provenance to detect actual operations that have been performed on files, especially those under the threat of leaking customers' data. We implemented the cloud data provenance algorithms into an existing software with a rule correlation engine, show the performance of the algorithms in detecting various data leakage threats, and discuss technically its capabilities and limitations.
Analysis of the three dimensional flow in a turbine scroll

The present analysis describes the three-dimensional compressible inviscid flow in the scroll and the vaneless nozzle of a radial inflow turbine. The solution to this flow field, which is further complicated by the geometrical shape of the boundaries, is obtained using the finite element method. Symmetric and nonsymmetric scroll cross sectional geometries are investigated to determine their effect on the general flow field and on the exit flow conditions.
Emission angle dependent HBT at RHIC and beyond

Abstract We study the geometrical features of non-central heavy ion collisions throughout their dynamical evolution from equilibration to thermal freeze-out within a hydrodynamic picture. We discuss resulting observables, in particular the emission angle dependence of the HBT radii and the relation of these oscillations to the geometry at the final stage.
The characteristics of countries with generational account imbalances

Abstract This article empirically tests competing explanations for intergenerational policy differences using a cross section of generational accounts from Kotlikoff and Leibfritz (1999). Generational imbalance rises when a public transfer program is created that benefits living generations and harms future generations. Generational imbalance is greatest in countries with a large elderly population, high income growth rate, greater income Inequality, and dispersed political parties. The results are consistent with successful rent seeking by the elderly and poor, and suggest that countries with a high income growth rate and coalition government are less able to resist intergenerational redistribution.
Hamiltonian evolution for the hybrid Monte Carlo algorithm

Abstract We discuss a class of reversible, discrete approximations to Hamilton's equations for use in the hybrid Monte Carlo algorithm and derive an asymptotic formula for the step-size-dependent errors arising from this family of approximations. For lattice QCD with Wilson fermions, we construct several different updates in which the effect of fermion vacuum polarization is given a longer time step than the gauge field's self-interaction. On a 44 lattice, one of these algorithms with an optimal choice of step size is 30% to 40% faster than the standard leapfrog update with an optimal step size.
The value of information about product quality

Both consumers and a monopolist producer are uncertain about a good's quality. I derive conditions under which the value of public information about quality will be positive or negative to consumers and the firm. I find that the firm always prefers more information, but consumers may not. I identify two properties of cost functions which lead to a negative value of information for consumers: increasing returns to scale and "sufficiently" convex marginal costs. If, however, demand and cost functions are linear, then consumers always prefer more information. I also analyze the aggregate value of information and extensions to nonmonopolistic markets.
Distribution theory on P.C.F. fractals

We construct a theory of distributions in the setting of analysis on post-critically finite self-similar fractals, and on fractafolds and products based on such fractals. The results include basic properties of test functions and distributions, a structure theorem showing that distributions are locally-finite sums of powers of the Laplacian applied to continuous functions, and an analysis of the distributions with point support. Possible future applications to the study of hypoelliptic partial differential operators are suggested.
Flow and equation of state in heavy-ion collisions

Abstract The status of flow in heavy-ion collisions and of inference of hadronic-matter properties is reviewed.
Tetramethylammonium phenyltrialkylborates in the photoinduced electron transfer reaction with benzophenone. Generation of alkyl radicals and their addition to activated alkenes

Abstract Photoinduced one electron oxidation of tetramethylammonium phenyltrialkylborates by the excited state of benzophenone in an acetonitrile/benzene solution containing an excess of activated alkene produces substantially more than one equivalent of the alkyl radicals. The corresponding adducts of alkyl radicals to the alkenes are produced in good yields. No phenyl radical adducts are observed.
Remote preparation of arbitrary ensembles and quantum bit commitment

The Hughston–Jozsa–Wootters theorem shows that any finite ensemble of quantum states can be prepared “at a distance,” and it has been used to demonstrate the insecurity of all bit commitment protocols based on finite quantum systems without superselection rules. In this paper, we prove a generalized HJW theorem for arbitrary ensembles of states on a C*-algebra. We then use this result to demonstrate the insecurity of bit commitment protocols based on infinite quantum systems, and quantum systems with Abelian superselection rules.
Monopole and dyon bound states in N = 2 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories

We study the existence of monopole bound states saturating the BPS bound in N = 2 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theories. We describe how the existence of such bound states relates to the topology of index bundles over the moduli space of BPS solutions. Using an L2 index theorem, we prove the existence of certain BPS states predicted by Seiberg and Witten based on their study of the vacuum structure of N = 2 Yang-Mills theories.
A 10-kW series resonant converter design, transistor characterization, and base-drive optimization

The Westinghouse D60T and development D7ST transistors are characterized for use as switches in resonant circuit applications. A base drive circuit to provide the optimal base drive to these transistors under resonant circuit conditions is developed and then used in the design, fabrication and testing of a breadboard, space-borne-type 10-kW series resonant converter.
Phase separation in giant planets: inhomogeneous evolution of Saturn

Abstract We present the first models of Jupiter and Saturn to couple their evolution to both a radiative-atmosphere grid and to high-pressure phase diagrams of hydrogen with helium and other admixtures. We find that prior calculated phase diagrams in which Saturn's interior reaches a region of predicted helium immiscibility do not allow enough energy release to prolong Saturn's cooling to its known age and effective temperature. We explore modifications to published phase diagrams that would lead to greater energy release, and propose a modified H–He phase diagram that is physically reasonable, leads to the correct extension of Saturn's cooling, and predicts an atmospheric helium mass fraction Yatmos=0.185, in agreement with recent estimates. We also explore the possibility of internal separation of elements heavier than helium, and find that, alternatively, such separation could prolong Saturn's cooling to its known age and effective temperature under a realistic phase diagram and heavy element abundance (in which case Saturn's Yatmos would be solar but heavier elements would be depleted). In none of these scenarios does Jupiter's interior evolve to any region of helium or heavy-element immiscibility: Jupiter evolves homogeneously to the present day. We discuss the implications of our calculations for Saturn's primordial core mass.
EVOLUTION OF THE HUMAN CAPACITY FOR BELIEFS

. Evolution of the human capacity for beliefs is considered in relation to the emergence in human phylogeny of the ability to formulate propositions, evaluate their worth as bases for action, and make emotional attachments to them. Most of the relevant capabilities had appeared in primate evolution before the emergence of the Hominidae. The combination of capabilities peculiar to evolving hominines was that involved in the development of language, which ontogenetic evidence suggests began as a tool for implementing intentionality in social interaction and whose subsequent elaboration was associated with later reportorial and narrative uses.
Energetics and dynamics of peptide fragmentation from multiple-collision activation and surface-induced dissociation studies.

This account summarizes the energetics and dynamics of peptide fragmentation obtained using a new approach recently developed in our laboratory. The approach involves RRKM modeling of time- and energy-resolved MS/MS data obtained using collisional activation. We demonstrate that surface-induced dissociation (SID) on a long timescale of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer (FT-ICR MS) is perfectly suited for studying the energetics and dynamics of peptide fragmentation. The advantages provided by SID include very fast ion activation, which eliminates possible discrimination against higher-energy dissociation pathways, and efficient amplification of small changes in dissociation parameters. We present a summary of results obtained for small alanine-containing peptides as well as larger peptides including angiotensin analogs and a series of peptides containing the LDIFSDF motif.
An Eccentric- and Concentric-Strength Profile of Shoulder External and internal Rotator Muscles in Professional Baseball Pitchers

The purpose of this study was to establish a data base on the isokinetic eccentric muscular performance characteristics of external and internal rotator muscles in the shoulders of professional baseball pitchers. Concentric data are also included and compared with previously published concentric studies. Twenty-five professional baseball pitchers were evaluated with a Kin-Com isokinetic dynamometer. The subjects tested had a mean age of 23.5 years and a mean body weight of 199 pounds. Eccentric and concentric isokinetic tests were performed at 60 and 120 deg/sec. The testing protocol was standardized for each subject. Test results indicated no statistically significant difference in mean torque between throwing and nonthrowing shoulders for either external or internal rotator muscle groups. Eccentric strength was significantly greater than concentric strength for all muscle groups tested. The external-to-internal rotator muscle strength ratios were well above those previously published for high school through professional pitchers. Mean torque-to-lean body weight ratios were also included to establish a data base. This study establishes one of the first data bases for eccentric isokinetic muscle strength of shoulder rotator muscles in professional baseball pitchers. The data may help clinicians prevent and rehabilitate shoulder injuries in professional throwing athletes.
Effective aid : how democracy allows development aid to improve the quality of life

Abstract Research into foreign aid has mostly focused on its ability to affect economic (i.e., GDP per capita) growth. Conclusions have been mixed. I consider aid’s effectiveness differently: by its ability to improve quality of life. I find that, though aid does not affect quality of life in the aggregate, it is effective when combined with democracy, and ineffective (and possibly harmful) in autocracies. The results suggest that aid would be more effective if it were combined with efforts to encourage democratization.
The single-source precursor concept. A case study of gallium arsenide

Abstract The viability of the GaAs single-source chemical beam epitaxy (CBE) precursors [Me 2 Ga(μ-As i Pr 2 )] 3 ( 1 ), [Me 2 Ga(μ-As t Bu 2 )] 2 ( 2 ), [Et 2 Ga(μ-As t Bu 2 )] 2 ( 3 ) and Ga(As t Bu 2 ) 3 ( 4 ) has been explored. Precursor 1 (and analogous trimeric molecules) fail to yield satisfactory thin films of GaAs because of facile loss of tetraalkyldiarsine. Both 2 and 3 afford epitaxial p-type films of GaAs at > 500°C and 10 −5 Torr pressure. However, thin films grown from 3 exhibit anomalous Hall mobilities due to Ga island formation. The best thin films of GaAs were grown from the homoleptic precursor 4 at 480°C and 10 −5 Torr pressure. These thin films are n-type, of low carbon content, and exhibit an exciton peak in the 4.2 K photoluminescence spectra. Pyrolysis studies (10 −2 Torr pressure) have been carried out on 1–3 . These studies confirm that the diarsine As 2 ( i Pr) 4 is readily eliminated from 1 . For both 2 and 3 , the t Bu ligands begin to react at ∼330°C with formation of both isobutane and isobutene. Methane elimination from 2 commences at 445°C. However, the Et groups of 3 begin to react at a significantly lower temperature (350°C), thus explaining the formation of Ga islands. Temperature programmed desorption (TPD) studies at 2 × 10 −10 Torr pressure yield similar results and, in addition, indicate that in the case of 4 the sequence of reactions is t Bu ligand desorption, β-hydride elimination from t Bu 2 As moieties, followed by H 2 desorption and Ga—As bond cleavage. The potential use of single-source precursors for nanosize particle formation, access to metastable or unusual phases, selective deposition, and growth modification is also discussed.
Probabilistic finite element analysis of a non-gasketed flange

Stress analysis of a non-gasketed flange was computationally simulated by a finite-element method and probabilistically evaluated in view of several uncertainties in the performance parameters. Cumulative distribution functions and sensitivity factors were computed for overall heat transfer rate due to the structural and thermodynamic random variables. These results can be used to quickly identify the most critical design variables in order to optimize the design and make it cost effective. The analysis leads to the selection of the appropriate measurements to be used in structural and heat transfer analysis and to the identification of both the most critical measurements and parameters
High-Order Energy Stable WENO Schemes

A new third-order Energy Stable Weighted Essentially NonOscillatory (ESWENO) finite difference scheme for scalar and vector linear hyperbolic equations with piecewise continuous initial conditions is developed. The new scheme is proven to be stable in the energy norm for both continuous and discontinuous solutions. In contrast to the existing high-resolution shock-capturing schemes, no assumption that the reconstruction should be total variation bounded (TVB) is explicitly required to prove stability of the new scheme. A rigorous truncation error analysis is presented showing that the accuracy of the 3rd-order ESWENO scheme is drastically improved if the tuning parameters of the weight functions satisfy certain criteria. Numerical results show that the new ESWENO scheme is stable and significantly outperforms the conventional third-order WENO finite difference scheme of Jiang and Shu in terms of accuracy, while providing essentially nonoscillatory solutions near strong discontinuities.
QUANTUM WALKS AND THEIR ALGORITHMIC APPLICATIONS

Quantum walks are quantum counterparts of Markov chains. In this article, we give a brief overview of quantum walks, with emphasis on their algorithmic applications.
Contagion or Competition: Going Concern Audit Opinions for Real Estate Firms

We examine whether intra–industry information transfers from going–concern audit opinion announcements create contagion or competitive stock price reactions for other real estate firms operating in the same line of business. Using returns from publicly-traded land subdivision/development firms and Real Estate Investment Trusts, we find modest evidence supporting a competitive effect among rival firms as a result of another real estate firm announcing the receipt of a Going Concern Opinion (GCO) from its independent auditors.
Numerical studies of fluid leakage from a geologic disposal reservoir for CO2 show self-limiting feedback between fluid flow and heat transfer

[1] Leakage of CO2 from a hypothetical geologic storage reservoir along an idealized fault zone has been simulated, including transitions between supercritical, liquid, and gaseous CO2. We find strong non-isothermal effects due to boiling and Joule-Thomson cooling of expanding CO2. Leakage fluxes are limited by limitations in conductive heat transfer to the fault zone. The interplay between multiphase flow and heat transfer effects produces non-monotonic leakage behavior.
Avionics: A "New" Senior Partner in Aeronautics

The application of electronic devices to aviation, particularly to air vehicles, has given rise to the term avionics. This term is now widely understood. The extent to which the technology that it represents is pervading aeronautics, however, is much less so. Although avionics often refers only to mission equipment packages (MEPs), increasing use of the term vehicle management system (VMS) by practitioners indicates its broader usage, and both MEP and VMS uses of avionics are considered in this paper. Several specific engineering developments that have made the influence of avionics so profound for aeronautics are summarized. It is noted that the earliest applications were in the form of equipment add-ons to existing vehicle types. However, the benefits of exploiting avionics and the increasing need to rely on them have now reached a level that requires their capabilities to be accounted for at every stage of aeronautical vehicle system design. As a result, the integration of avionics into the aircraft development process is now a matter of primary concern. Further, with the power of present-day digital technology, the associated software has become as complex and crucial as hardware. After reviewing the growing number of functions for which the capabilities of avionics are being used, the additional impact of so-called smart materials and structures is introduced, and the implications of avionics for aircraft designers and aerospace engineering educators are discussed.
BiBr3 initiated cyclization–addition reactions: effect of π-nucleophile on oxocarbenium ion addition and total syntheses of (+)-(S,S)-(cis-6-methyltetrahydropyran-2-yl)acetic acid and its trans-diastereomer

Abstract For BiBr 3 initiated tandem cyclization–additions of very reactive silyl ketene acetal nucleophiles with δ-silyloxy aldehydes to afford 2,6-disubstituted THP products, diastereoselectivities range from 5–6:1 (trans-/cis-). The selectivity for axial attack on the intermediate oxocarbenium ion is inversely proportional to π-nucleophilicity. We have utilized this chemistry to convert a common starting material to both cis- and trans-diastereomers of an acid first isolated from the secretions of Viverra civetta .
syn-1,2-Amino Alcohols via Diastereoselective Allylic C−H Amination

A novel Pd/sulfoxide catalyzed diastereoselective allylic C−H amination reaction of chiral homoallylic N-tosyl carbamates is reported. Densely oxygenated α-olefin substrates with multiple stereogenic centers undergo allylic C−H amination in excellent yields and with diastereoselectivities that are controlled by the stereocenter that bears the N-tosyl carbamate. Streamlined routes to stereochemically defined anti-oxazolidinones that can be further elaborated to medicinally and biologically relevant 1,2-amino alcohols are also demonstrated. Evidence is provided that this reaction proceeds via a Pd/sulfoxide-mediated allylic C−H cleavage to form a π-allylPd intermediate followed by Pd(II) counterion-assisted deprotonation of the nitrogen nucleophile to effect functionalization.
Predicting the phase composition curve in frozen soils using index properties: A physico-empirical approach

Abstract The relationship between unfrozen water content and temperature in frozen soils, which is referred to as the phase composition curve (PCC), is a fundamental relationship in cold regions engineering. In a previous study, the authors succeeded in developing a physical description and a physically-based equation for the PCC, which overcomes the limitations of the existing empirical approaches. Here, the authors propose a physico-empirical approach to predict the parameters in this equation to facilitate the calculation of the PCC in practice. An accurate prediction of the PCC will only need simple soil index properties and one measured data point for constraint. In this approach, the four parameters in the PCC equation are first calculated from soil index properties using accepted formulas. Two selected parameters are then adjusted by a curve fitting process using the measured data point. A criterion was suggested for obtaining the best point. This new approach was implemented using a computer program to automate the process. Validations with data from several soils indicated that the approach offers consistent and accurate predictions of PCCs when used with Zapata's model for plastic soils and with the Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) model for non-plastic soils. This study thus bridges an important gap between the theory and application of PCCs.
Chern-Simons currents and chiral fermions on the lattice

Abstract We compute the Chern-Simons current induced by lattice fermions on a d(=2n+1)-dimensional lattice, using a topological interpretation of the fermion propagator as a map from the torus to the sphere, Td→Sd. Our techniques clarify the dependence of the current on short-distance physics. We show explicitly that for Wilson fermions it changes discontinuously at d+1 different values for the mass m. This result is relevant for a recently proposed model of chiral fermions as zeromodes bound to a domain wall.
Soft Physics From STAR

New results on soft hadron distributions and correlations measured with the STAR experiment are presented. Knowledge about the bulk properties of relativistic heavy-ion collisions offered by these results is discussed.
Combustion rates for selected low-rank coal chars

Abstract Burning rates for pulverized coal chars prepared by a variety of thermal and chemical pretreatments from three US low-rank coals are reported for gas temperatures from 760 to 1270 K. The combustion of individual particles was observed in a laminar flow reactor with very dilute suspension loadings. Overall combustion rates were inferred from measured temperatures of individual particles (1329 to 1825 K), and were found to exceed the diffusion-limited rates based on conversion to CO at oxygen concentrations below 12%. The extreme reactivity is rationalized by diffusion-limited conversion of carbon to both CO and CO 2 . Model predictions satisfactorily depict changes with size, ambient gas temperature and oxygen concentration, and yield an activation energy difference for CO CO 2 selectivity of 271 KJ mol −1 . It is suggested that conversion to CO 2 at the char surface arises from catalytic impurities in the char.
Detection Of Radio-Frequency Modulated Optical Signals By Two And Three Terminal Microwave Devices

An interdigitated photoconductor (two terminal device) on GaAlAs/GaAs heterostructure was fabricated and tested by an electro-optical sampling technique. Further, the photoresponse of GaAlAs/GaAs HEMT (three terminal device) was obtained by illuminating the device with an optical signal modulated up to 8 GHz. Gain-bandwidth product, response time, and noise properties of photoconductor and HEMT devices were obtained. Monolithic integration of these photodetectors with GaAs microwave devices for optically controlled phased array antenna applications is discussed.
Psychometric characteristics of Chicano and non-Hispanic White children's performance on the preschool inventory☆

Abstract Two studies are reported that independently examined the psychometric characteristics of children's performance on the Preschool Inventory. The sample in Study I consisted of 100 Chicano children tested longitudinally at ages 3 1 2 and 4 years. The sample in Study II consisted of 200 Chicano and non-Hispanic White children matched on mothers' schooling level in a cross-sectional design involving two age levels—prekindergarten-age children and children enrolled in kindergarten. Comparisons were made by ethnic group, sex, and age level with regard to item characteristics, internal-consistency reliabilities, test—retest stability, standard errors of measurement, validity, and performance level. Comparisons also were made between the psychometric characteristics of the Chicano children's performance on the Preschool Inventory and the psychometric characteristics reportedly by other investigators for the same instrument administered to children of other ethnic, socioeconomic, and sociolinguistic backgrounds. The results provide impressive evidence of the Preschool Inventory's psychometric strengths and demonstrate that the examined psychometric characteristics of the Preschool Inventory are as exemplary when the test is administered to Chicano children as they are exemplary when it is administered to children of other ethnic backgrounds. Certain limitations of the Preschool Inventory are identified. Recommendations are made regarding possible avenues for future test development efforts.
Fast non-blocking N×N optical switch using diffractive MOEMS

We have developed a scalable free-space optical switch with a 12 microsecond reconfiguration time that can be implemented into an all-optical-cross connect for data communication architecture, or as a wavelength selective switch in a CDC ROADM for telecommunication networks. The foundation of the switch is the Texas Instruments DLP™ MOEMS that is used as a diffractive element displaying computer generated holograms to redirect the signal from any port to any port.