cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clinical Thermofiltration: Initial Application

Guest Editor's Introduction: This paper was submitted for publication in June 1985 and published in the “Thought and Progress” section of Artificial Organs, Vol. 9, No. 4, 1985, pages 425–427. The first clinical thermofiltration procedures (plasma filtration near and above normal physiologic temperature) were performed on a secondary hypercholesterolemia patient. The intent of this filtration scheme is the selective removal of low density lipoprotins (LDL) and maintenance of high density limpoproteins (HDL) and other essential plasma proteins including albumin. The EVAL 4A filter, at a filtration temperature of 37°C, was selected for on-line thermofiltration. The sieving coefficients of LDL + very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and albumin were 0.02, 0.75, and 0.78, respectively. These results were comparable to in vitro filtration tests using the plasma of the same patient. This system is simple to apply and does not require replacement solution. Compared with plasma exchange, a high return of HDL and other essential plasma solutes can be returned to the patient by this method. Abstract: The first clinical thermofiltration procedures (plasma filtration near or above normal physiologic temperature) were performed on a secondary hypercholesterolemia patient. The intent of this filtration scheme is the selective removal of low density lipoproteins (LDL) and maintenance of high density lipoproteins (HDL) and other essential plasma proteins including albumin. The EVAL 4A filter, at a filtration temperature of 37°C, was selected for on-line thermofiltration. The sieving coefficients of LDL + very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and albumin were 0.02, 0.75, and 0.78, respectively. These results are comparable to in vitro filtration tests using the plasma of the same patient. This system is simple to apply and does not require replacement solution. Compared with plasma exchange, a high return of HDL and other essential plasma solutes can be returned to the patient by this method.
Halo dark matter and ultra-high energy cosmic rays

Abstract The decay of very heavy metastable relics of the Early Universe can produce ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) in the halo of our own Galaxy. On distance scales of the order of the halo size, energy losses are negligible – no Greisen–Zatsepin–Kuzmin cutoff is expected. In this letter we show that, as a consequence of the hierarchical build up of the halo, this scenario predicts the existence of small scale anisotropies in the arrival directions of UHECRs. We also suggest some consequences of this scenario which will be testable with upcoming experiments, as Auger.
Telescope wavefront aberration compensation with a deformable mirror in an adaptive optics system

With the goal of reducing the surface wavefront error of low-cost multi-meter-diameter mirrors from about 10 waves peak-to-valley (P-V), at 1μm wavelength, to approximately 1-wave or less, we describe a method to compensate for slowly varying wavefront aberrations of telescope mirrors. A deformable mirror is utilized in an active optical compensation system. The RMS wavefront error of a 0.3m telescope improved to 0.05 waves (0.26 waves P-V) from the original value of 1.4 waves RMS (6.5 waves P-V), measured at 633nm, and the Strehl ratio improved to 89% from the original value of 0.08%.
Microlensing of gamma ray bursts by stars and MACHOs

The microlensing interpretation of the optical afterglow of GRB 000301C seems naively surprising, since a simple estimate of the stellar microlensing rate gives less than one in 400 for a flat ΩΛ = 0.7 cosmology, whereas one event was seen in about 30 afterglows. Assuming baryonic MACHOs making up one-half the baryons in the universe, the microlensing probability per burst can be roughly 5% for a gamma-ray burst at redshift z = 2. We explore two effects that may enhance the probability of observing microlensed gamma-ray burst afterglows: binary lenses and double magnification bias. We find that the consideration of binary lenses can increase the rate only at the ~15% level. On the other hand, because gamma-ray bursts for which afterglow observations exist are typically selected on the basis of fluxes at widely separated wave bands that are not necessarily well correlated (e.g., localization in X-ray, afterglow in optical/infrared), magnification bias can operate at an enhanced level compared to the usual single-bias case. Using a simple model for the selection process in two bands, we compute the enhancement of the microlensing rate due to magnification bias in two cases: perfect correlation and complete independence of the flux in the two bands. We find that existing estimates of the slope of the luminosity function of gamma-ray bursts, while as yet quite uncertain, point to enhancement factors of more than 3 above the simple estimates of the microlensing rate. We find that the probability of observing at least one microlensing event in the sample of 27 measured afterglows can be 3%-4% for stellar lenses, or as much as 25 Ωlens for baryonic MACHOs. We note that the probability of observing at least one event over the available sample of afterglows is significant only if a large fraction of the baryons in the universe are condensed in stellar-mass objects.
The high-foot implosion campaign on the National Ignition Facility

Ignition has been a long sought-after goal needed to make fusion energy a viable alternative energy source, but ignition has yet to be achieved. For an inertially confined fusion (ICF) plasma to ignite, the plasma must be very well confined and very hot, to generate extremely high pressures needed for self-heating - achieving this state is not easy!
Oversampling generates super-wavelets

We show that the second oversampling theorem for affine systems generates super-wavelets. These are frames generated by an affine structure on the space L 2 (R d ) � ... � L 2 (R d ) | {z } p times .
On the Utility of 13C (CPMAS) NMR in Conformational Studies of Simple Hydroxy-, Alkoxy- and Acetoxycalixarenes in the Solid State

The potentiality of 13C (CPMAS) NMR as a conformational probe for the oligomeric macrocycles p-(tert-butyl)calix-[n]arenes (n = 4, 6, 8) and their alkoxy/acetoxy derivatives in the solid state is explored.
Basin Analog Investigations Answer Characterization Challenges of Unconventional Gas Potential in Frontier Basins

To meet the global energy demand of the coming decades, the energy industry will need creative thinking that leads to the development of new energy sources. Unconventional gas resources, especially those in frontier basins, will play an important role in fulfilling future world energy needs. To develop unconventional gas resources, we must first identify their occurrences and quantify their potential. Basin analog assessment is a technique that can be used to rapidly and inexpensively identify and quantify potential unconventional gas resources. We have developed a basin analog methodology that is useful for rapidly and consistently evaluating the unconventional hydrocarbon resource potential in exploratory basins. The center of this approach is computer software, Basin Analog Systems Investigation (BASIN), which is used to identify analog basins. This software is linked to a database that includes geologic and petroleum systems information from intensely studied North America basins that contain well characterized conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon resources. To test BASIN, we selected 25 basins in North America that have a history of producing unconventional gas resources and began populating the database with critical data from these basins. These North American basins are “reference” basins that will be used to predict resources in other North American or international “target” or exploratory basins. The software identifies and numerically ranks reference basins that are most analogous to the target basin for the primary purpose of evaluating the potential unconventional resources in the target basin. We validated the software to demonstrate that it functions correctly, and we tested the validity of the process and the database. Accuracy of the results depends on the level of detail in the descriptions of geologic and petroleum systems. Finding a reference basin that is analogous to a frontier basin may provide critical insights into the frontier basin. Our method will help predict the unconventional hydrocarbon resource potential of frontier basins, guide exploration strategies, provide insights to reservoir characteristics, and help engineers make preliminary decisions concerning the best practices for drilling, completion, stimulation and production.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
A National Park Revisited Assessing Change in Recreational Use of Arthur's Pass National Park

At a time of increasing visitation and activity diversification, the relationship between use and conservation of New Zealand's national parks is under scrutiny. During this period it is especially important that resource use is understood and monitored over time. Using a replicative format this paper documents the findings of two visitation studies undertaken in Arthur's Pass National Park fifteen years apart. The findings suggest that, despite some strong elements of stability, there are indications of considerable change in use patterns at this site. Data presented are acquiescent in supporting the thesis that Arthur's Pass National Park is undergoing a transition initially shaped by wider social and economic pressures and manifest at the Park by increasing use for commercial purposes, an intensification of use, and increasing numbers of visitors from overseas. While continued research into visitation trends is encouraged, the authors also advise that the challenge of replicative studies in natural resource settings should not be underestimated.
Rules of thumb in games

Abstract A steady-state, random-matching game model is proposed in which rules of thumb, which assign strategies to individual games, are the units of choice for individuals. Costs, which reflect complexity or difficulty of use, are associated with the rules independently of the games in which they are employed. A population equilibrium is a distribution of rules across the population of players such that no individual has an incentive to change rules, given the current distribution. Examples illustrate the concept, and existence is demonstrated.
NMR of natural products at the ‘nanomole-scale’

Covering: up to the end of 2009 Over the last decade, dramatic improvements in mass-sensitivity of NMR through low-volume tube probes and capillary probes, coupled with cryogenically cooled radiofrequency (rf) coils and preamplifier components, have provided chemists with new capabilities for exploration of submilligram natural product samples. These innovations led to an approximate 20-fold increase in mass sensitivity compared with conventional NMR instrumentation at the same field. Now, full characterization by 1D and 2D NMR of natural products – some available only in vanishingly small amounts, down to ∼1 nanomole – can be achieved in reasonable time-frames. In this Highlight, some recent applications of the new NMR methodology to the area of natural products discovery are discussed, along with a perspective of practical limitations and potential future applications in new areas.
INTERACTION WITH A MIXED-INITIATIVE SYSTEM FOR EXPLORATORY DATA ANALYSIS

Abstract Exploratory data analysis (EDA) plays an increasingly important role in statistical analysis. EDA is difficult, however, even with the help of modern statistical software. We have developed an assistant for data exploration, based on Al planning techniques, that addresses some of the strategic shortcomings of conventional software. This paper describes the design and behavior of the system and discusses an experimental evaluation that demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach.
Double-beam Stacking to Infer Seismic Properties of Fractured Reservoirs

Summary We develop a theory for using 3D beam interference to infer scattering properties of a fractured reservoir using reflected seismic P data. For the sake of simplicity, we use Gaussian beams. The scattering properties are important to infer fracture spacing, orientation and compliance. The method involves the interference of two beams, one from the source region and the other from the receiver region. Each beam is formed by first windowing the data in space and time and then performing f-k filtering. The interference pattern depends on frequency, the incident angle, the reflection angle, and the azimuth. We try to interpret the interference pattern using local Born scattering in the target region. This interpretation is motivated by the observation that full-wave finite difference simulation of waves propagating through a set of vertical fractures using Schoenberg’s linear-slip boundary condition and fracture compliances consistent with those inferred from field and laboratory data shows that single scattering dominates in the reflection data. The methodology is versatile in that by adjusting the window sizes we can obtain plane wave interference as well as interference for a single shot or receiver gather. By suitable choice of pairs of source and receiver beams, the spatially varying fracture properties as well as the fracture orientation can be inferred.
Algorithmic information theory may explain the pathogenic number of DNA repeats in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (and in similar diseases)

Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1), the most common form of adult-onset muscular dystrophy, is caused by an abnormal number of repeats of the trinucleotide sequence CTG outside of the protein-coding part of DNA -- more than fifty repeats can cause disease. Several other diseases are caused by similar repeats in non-coding regions; in most of these diseases, up to approximately fifty repeats is normal, while pathogenic cases usually have > 50 repetitions. The fact that this level of approximately fifty repeats can be seen in many diseases, with different repeating sequences, indicates that there may be a fundamental explanation for this threshold. In this paper, we conjecture that such an explanation may come from Algorithmic Information Theory. Crudely speaking, this threshold can be viewed as a measure of the redundancy in healthy DNA; this indirect estimate of the measure of redundancy is in good accordance with a more direct estimate { based on the fact that approximately 1=50 of DNA is directly functionally useful (e.g., protein-coding).
Infrared Photometry and Dust Absorption in Highly Inclined Spiral Galaxies

We have begun an extensive study of the structure and kinematics of bulges, especially those with boxy or peanut shaped morphology. In particular, we wish to investigate the possible connection between boxy bulges and bars (e.g., Kuijken & Merrifield 1995)
Conversion of Synthesis Gas to Isobutylene over Zirconium Dioxide Based Catalysts

Abstract Recent amendments to the Clean Air Act have renewed interest in synthesizing isobutylene from coal derived synthesis gas for use in producing methyl-tertiary-butyl ether. Previous work in isosynthesis was performed at extreme conditions or at very low conversions. This paper reports on both the process conditions and the catalyst that give the highest yield of isobutylene. The catalysts were zirconia based and were synthesized by both a precipitation and a hydrothermal method. The effects of sodium, titanium, manganese, cerium, and thorium additives were investigated. Catalysts prepared by the precipitation method were most active while those prepared hydrothermally were more selective to the i-C4′s. Results for the most active catalyst for each preparation method are as follows. A CO conversion of 35% (34% CH4, 20% i-C4′s, 26% C5+, wt basis) was achieved at 673 K, 50 atm, 1/1 CO/H2 ratio, and 150 sec space time over a precipitated 7% (wt) Ce-ZrO2. A 1.6% Na, 10.3% Ti, ZrO2 prepared hydrothermally gave a CO conversion of 16.7% (37% CH4, 30% i-C4′s, 22% C5+) under the same conditions.
An information retrieval system based on superimposed coding

The cost of storing information in machine-accessible form has declined markedly in the last decade, and promises are such that one can look forward to having complete libraries available in such form. This places increased importance on algorithms which make it possible to search large files efficiently.
Flame propagation in solids and high-density fluids with arrhenius reactant diffusion

Abstract The combustion of solids and high-density fluids, such as the combustion synthesis of refractory materials or the high-pressure oxidation of organic compounds in supercritical water, is often characterized by a highly temperature-dependent mass diffusivity. In particular, the case of an Arrhenius dependence of this quantity on temperature is considered, where the activation energy of reactant diffusion is of the same order as that of the overall chemical reaction. Exploiting the asymptotic limit of large activation energies, it is shown that reactant diffusion becomes significant in the thin reaction zone, where a balance among convection, reaction, and diffusion is maintained. Relative to the case of either a zero or constant mass diffusion coefficient, this leads to modifications in the steady, planar flame-speed eigenvalue. A new asymptotic model is then derived that predicts corresponding shifts in the neutral stability boundary that marks the transition from steady to nonsteady modes of flame propagation.
The influence of agent delivery mode on cardiomyocyte injury induced by myocardial contrast echocardiography in rats

Abstract Myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) can induce bioeffects in rat hearts by local activation of the contrast agent gas bodies. This study was designed to examine the influence of agent delivery mode on the magnitude of cardiomyocyte injury. A total of 69 hairless rats were anesthetized and mounted vertically in a water bath. Evans blue dye was injected as vital stain for cardiomyocyte injury. Definity® contrast agent was diluted in saline and injected via tail vein at 20 or 80 μL/kg in bolus or infusion mode. In 12 rats, 0.57 mg/kg dipyridamole was given to simulate a stress test. MCE in a short axis view with 1:4 or 1:16 ECG triggering was performed at 1.5 MHz for 5 or 20 min. The peak rarefactional pressure amplitude was set to 1.1 or 2.0 MPa. Premature beats were counted from the ECG record. Evans blue fluorescent cells were counted on frozen sections from the center of the scan plane of heart samples obtained 24 h postMCE. Infusion of the contrast agent led to more cardiomyocyte injury than did bolus injection. Dipyridamole stress also increased the effect. Varying the infusion rate or trigger interval was less important than the overall dosage during scanning. Exposure at 1.1 MPa and 80 μL/kg yielded significant cell killing relative to shams. Premature beats generally followed the same trends as cell injury, except that lower infusion rates tended to increase this effect. Contrast agent delivery mode, as well as dose and peak rarefactional pressure amplitude, has a significant influence on the bioeffects potential of MCE. (E-mail: douglm@umich.edu)
On the solution of topological Landau-Ginzburg models with c=3

Abstract The solution is given for the c=3 topological matter model whose underlying conformal theory has Landau-Ginzburg model W= −1 4 (x 4 +y 4 )+αx 2 y 2 . While consistency conditions are used to solve it, this model is probably at the limit of such techniques. By using the flatness of the metric of the space of coupling constants I rederive the differential equation that relates the parameter α to the flat coordinate t. This simpler method is also applied to the (x3+y6)-model.
Gravity-assisted trajectories to solar-system targets.

Gravity assisted trajectories to solar system targets analyzed by two-dimensional solar system model
An Improved Synthesis Route to Functionalized 2-Alkyn-1-ylboronates: Useful Intermediates for the Preparation of α-Allenic Alcohols

Functionalized 2-alkyn-1-ylboronates were successfully prepared in good yields by reacting various acyclic and cyclic (iodomethyl)boronates with various alkynyllithium salts. Amongst various (iodomethyl)boronates studied, 2-(iodomethyl)-1,3,2-dioxa-4,4,5,5-tetramethylborolane provided improved chemical yields of 2-alkyn-1-ylboronates with pyran- and triisopropylsilyl-substituted alkynyllithium salts. 2-Alkyn-1-ylboronate bearing an acid sensitive structure (pyran) was successfully synthesized which would be very difficult to achieve under previously reported reaction conditions. The exceptionally rapid rearrangement of the “ate” complex derived from the pinacol (iodomethyl)boronate, suppression of the side product formation, and the stability of the pinacol 2-alkyn-1-ylboronate are some of the notable merits of this protocol. This new procedure offers a simple and convenient alternative route to the existing methodologies, in terms of the milder reaction conditions, functional group compatibility, and the ease of the operation. The synthesis scope of this class of 2-alkyn-1-ylboronates was demonstrated by reacting the pinacol 2-alkyn-1-ylboronate with benzaldehyde, which yielded the α-allenic alcohol in good yield and regioselectivity.
HIV treatment as prevention: not an argument for continuing criminalisation of HIV transmission

HIV prevention and treatment are undergoing impressive technological and practice changes. In-home rapid testing, prophylaxis before risky sex, and treatment as prevention give cause for remarkable optimism and suggest the possibility of an AIDS-free generation. These changes in HIV prevention and treatment might affect HIV policy in several different directions. One direction would be further entrenchment of the currently prevailing punitive approach. A different direction would be a shift away from use of the criminal law as a method for discouraging risky behaviour and towards a strategy aimed to encourage the use of the new treatment and prevention possibilities. When such abrupt technological changes are accompanied by sharp changes in regulatory regimes, they are identified in the public policy literature as a ‘punctuated equilibrium’. A shift away from criminalisation in HIV policy, if sufficiently widespread and transformative, could reach the level of a punctuated equilibrium. This paper presents a critical assessment of the implications of the changes in available forms of treatment and prevention for the continued appeal of criminalisation as an approach to HIV policy. We conclude that criminalisation is less justifiable in the light of what might be circumstances ripe for a punctuated equilibrium.
A structural theory of machine diagnosis

The present trend in large scale integration of microelectronic technology has focussed a heavy emphasis on the maintenance and diagnostic aspects of large computers. Efficient techniques of diagnosis are important in multi-processors with reconfiguring capabilities to provide high availability. Also, a need exists for simple but effective means of understanding, visualizing and analyzing the problems associated with diagnostics. This paper presents a unified approach based on graph theory, which seems to provide a new insight into the problem without regard to the level of detail under consideration.
Synthesis and stoichiometry of MgB2

Abstract The system Mg x B 2 has been studied to investigate possible nonstoichiometry in MgB 2 . When synthesized at 850 °C, MgB 2 is a line compound with a possible Mg vacancy content of about 1%. Small changes in lattice constants as a function of starting composition result from grain-interaction stresses, whose character is different in the Mg-rich, near-stoichiometric, and Mg-deficient regimes. A small linear decrease of the superconducting transition temperature, T c , in the Mg-rich regime results from accidental impurity doping.
Price leadership and asymmetric price rigidity

Abstract In this paper we present a simple price leadership model in which equilibrium behavior exhibits price rigidity following downward demand shocks and price flexibility after an upturn in demand. The source of this asymmetric rigidity lies in the fact that leader-follower equilibrium prices are lower than their collusive levels and that any firm leading a round of price adjustment must anticipate the optimal price response of the follower. In addition, we find that there is a range of shocks, both positive and negative, in which the identity of the price leader is endogenous; the previous price leader is the only firm that prefers leading a round of price setting to keeping the status quo.
High-Purity Telecom-Band Entangled Photon-Pairs via Four-Wave Mixing in Dispersion-Shifted Fiber

We have studied the purity of entangled photon-pairs generated in a dispersion- shifted fiber at various temperatures. Two-photon interference with visibility > 98% is observed at 77K, without subtraction of the background Raman photons.
Understanding decision-making deficits in neurological conditions: insights from models of natural action selection.

Models of natural action selection implicate fronto-striatal circuits in both motor and cognitive ‘actions’. Dysfunction of these circuits leads to decision-making deficits in various populations. We review how computational models provide insights into the mechanistic basis for these deficits in Parkinson’s patients and those with ventromedial frontal damage. We then consider implications of the models for understanding behaviour and cognition in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Incorporation of cortical noradrenaline function into the model improves action selection in noisy environments and accounts for response variability in ADHD. We close with more general clinical implications.
Multiple-order radial-grating shearing interferometer.

A shearing interferometer suitable for coherent phasing of multiple-aperture optical systems is described. The interferometer uses the properties of a rotating radial square wave grating to simplify interaperture phase measurements. A theoretical development and the results of experiments conducted at a wavelength of 10.6 μm are presented.
A density matrix approach to multiconfiguration calculations

Determination of density matrix components for multiconfiguration wave functions and Hamiltonian interaction matrices
Structurally Characterized Coinage-Metal–Ethylene Complexes

Despite the interest in them, easily isolable and thermally stable CuI, AgI, and AuI complexes of ethylene are stilllimited and get increasingly sparse as one descends the group 11 triad towards gold. Recently, there have been some notable developments in this field, including the isolation of gold–ethylene complexes and coinage-metal adducts with more than one ethylene molecule on a metal center. This article focuses on the chemistry of coinage-metal–ethylene adducts that have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography. Thus far, bidentate and tridentate donors based on nitrogen appear to be the ligands of choice forstabilizing species with an M–C2H4 (M = CuI, AgI, and AuI) moiety. Weakly donating ligands and anions are also commonly used, as they do not interfere with and displace the ethylene from the metal center. The ethylene 13C NMR chemical shift provides useful information about the nature of the metal–ethylene interaction. In some adducts (especially those with relatively weak M–C2H4 interactions), the change in the C=C bond length upon coordination to the metal site is difficult to discern because it falls within the errors associated with the crystallographically determined C=C bond length value. IR and Raman C=C stretching data would be useful but, probably due to the very weak nature of the IR band and the lack of convenient access to the Raman instruments, are often not reported. In this microreview, results from some computational and gas-phase spectroscopic studies are also provided for comparison.(© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Successive sampling and software reliability

The connection between successive sampling and exponential order statistics (EOS) models of software failures is highlighted. Maximum likelihood and unbiased estimators designed for successive sampling inference can be applied to software failure data generated by EOS models. They lead naturally to predictive estimators of waiting times to future failures based on an observed software failure history.
Vehicle Steering Intervention Through Differential Braking

This paper examines the usefulness of a brake steer system (BSS) which uses differential brake forces for steering intervention in the context of Intelligent Transportation Systems. The resulting moment on the vehicle affects yaw rate and lateral position, thereby providing a limited steering function. The steering function achieved through BSS can then be used to control lateral position in an unintended road departure system. Control design models for the vehicle and the brake system are presented. A state feedback regulator and PID controller are developed to explore BSS feasibility and capability. Computer simulation results, using a nonlinear seven degree-of-freedom vehicle model are included, and show the feasibility and limitations of BSS.
Recalibration of the NBS Glass Standards of Spectral Transmittance

In 1934, Gibson, Walker, and Brown developed sets of four colored glass filters to serve as working standards of spectral transmittance for checking the reliability of spectrophotometers. Several sets of these glasses were measured carefully and reserved and designated as future reference standards. Duplicate standards evaluated by comparison with the reference standards are available by purchase to the public. The current set of reference standards was established in the years 1945 to 1947, and one of these reference standards (selenium red) was recalibrated in 1952. This paper reports a recalibration, made in 1961 and 1962, of all four glasses (selenium red, carbon yellow, copper green, cobalt blue) on three spectrophotometers (Cary 14, Beckman DU, Konig–Martens). Except for the cobalt blue standard, the values of spectral transmittance found differ from those previously assigned by amounts differing at some wavelengths by as much as or slightly more than the uncertainties estimated for the present values, though not by amounts exceeding the combined uncertainties of the present and previous determinations. The indicated changes for these three standards are fairly regular, however, and support the view that the selenium red and carbon yellow standards are changing chiefly by formation of a reflectance-reducing film on the surfaces. The indicated rate of upward drift is slow, and suggests that it takes about 10 years for the drift to exceed the assigned uncertainty.
Permutations with short monotone subsequences

We consider permutations of 1,2,...,n^2 whose longest monotone subsequence is of length n and are therefore extremal for the Erdos-Szekeres theorem. Such permutations correspond via the Robinson-Schensted correspondence to pairs of square nxn Young tableaux. We show that all the bumping sequences are constant and therefore these permutations have a simple description in terms of the pair of square tableaux. We deduce a limit shape result for the plot of values of the typical such permutation, and other properties of these extremal permutations.
The sensitivity in tests of the efficiency of a portfolio and portfolio performance measurement

Abstract A theoretical rationale and empirical evidence for the sensitivity of the test of the efficiency of a given portfolio (or the test of the CAPM if appropriately designed) are provided. Stock and bond data are employed as the ‘left hand side’ assets to show that a misspecification in the ‘left-hand-side’ (or LHS) assets may cause the sensitivity in testing the efficiency of a given portfolio and the measurement in portfolio performance. Also, the results support the use of an ‘asset class factor model’ in measuring portfolio performance.
A simple procedure for assessing thermal comfort in passive solar heated buildings

Abstract The Fanger thermal comfort equation is linearized and used to develop a procedure for assessing thermal comfort levels in passive solar heated buildings. In order to relate comfort levels in non-uniform environments to uniform conditions, a new thermal index called the “equivalent uniform temperature” is introduced.
Non-degenerate curves with maximal Hartshorne-Rao module

Extending results for space curves we establish bounds for the cohomology of a non-degenerate curve in projective $n$-space. As a consequence, for any given $n$ we determine all possible pairs $(d, g)$ where $d$ is the degree and $g$ is the (arithmetic) genus of the curve. Furthermore, we show that curves attaining our bounds always exist and describe properties of these extremal curves. In particular, we determine the Hartshorne-Rao module, the generic initial ideal and the graded Betti numbers of an extremal curve.
Periodic orbits in the restricted four-body problem.

Abstract One solution to the restricted three-body problem is that of three-dimensional, periodic halo orbits. These orbits emanate from the three collinear libration points and exist at all possible mass ratios of the primaries, with infinite possible trajectories. Their existence motivated this study of the effect of an additional gravitational influence on the motion. The approach is to seek a solution in the restricted four-body problem using halo solutions as an initial approximation. The method first solves for periodic, coplanar motion of the three primaries under their mutual gravitational attractions and represents them as trigonometric series. Then, under the modified gravity force model, a three-dimensional solution is obtained in the problem of four bodies, periodic with respect to the synodic system of the three primaries. The additional primary remains relatively far removed and acts as a perturbing influence on the original motion. Some shape and stability characteristics are presented for three such solutions.
On–off minimum‐time control with limited fuel usage: near global optima via linear programming

A method for finding a global optimum to the on–off minimum-time control problem with limited fuel usage is presented. Each control can take on only three possible values: maximum, zero, or minimum. The simplex method for linear systems naturally yields nearly such a solution for the re-formulation presented herein because the simplex method always produces an extreme point solution to the linear program. Numerical examples for the benchmark linear flexible system are presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Boom–Bust Cycles and the Forecasting Performance of Linear and Non-Linear Models of House Prices

The tremendous rise in house prices over the last decade has been both a national and a global phenomenon. The growth of secondary mortgage holdings and the increased impact of house prices on consumption and other components of economic activity imply ever-greater importance for accurate forecasts of home price changes. Given the boom–bust nature of housing markets, nonlinear techniques seem intuitively very well suited to forecasting prices, and better, for volatile markets, than linear models which impose symmetry of adjustment in both rising and falling price periods. Accordingly, Crawford and Fratantoni (Real Estate Economics 31:223–243, 2003) apply a Markov-switching model to U.S. home prices, and compare the performance with autoregressive-moving average (ARMA) and generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedastic (GARCH) models. While the switching model shows great promise with excellent in-sample fit, its out-of-sample forecasts are generally inferior to more standard forecasting techniques. Since these results were published, some researchers have discovered that the Markov-switching model is particularly ill-suited for forecasting. We thus consider other non-linear models besides the Markov switching, and after evaluating alternatives, employ the generalized autoregressive (GAR) model. We find the GAR does a better job at out-of-sample forecasting than ARMA and GARCH models in many cases, especially in those markets traditionally associated with high home-price volatility.
Lanczos-Lovelock and f(R) Gravity from Clifford Space Geometry

A rigorous construction of Clifford-space Gravity is presented which is compatible with the Clifford algebraic structure and permits the derivation of the generalized connections in Clifford spaces (C-space) in terms of derivatives of the C-space metric. We continue by arguing how Lanczos-Lovelock higher curvature gravity can be embedded into gravity in Clifford spaces and suggest how this might also occur for extended gravitational theories based on f(R),f(Rμν),… actions, for polynomial-valued functions. Black-strings and black-brane metric solutions in higher dimensions D>4 play an important role in finding specific examples.
Ellipsis and quantification: a substitutional approach

The paper describes a substitutional approach to ellipsis resolution giving comparable results to (Dalrymple et al., 1991), but without the need for order-sensitive interleaving of quantifier scoping and ellipsis resolution. It is argued that the order-independence results from viewing semantic interpretation as building a description of a semantic composition, instead of the more common view of interpretation as actually performing the composition.
SYNTHESES OF DISCODERMOLIDES USEFUL FOR INVESTIGATING MICROTUBULE BINDING AND STABILIZATION

Discodermolide is a marine natural product reported to inhibit the proliferation of T cells and exhibit immunosuppresive activity. Total syntheses of the natural antipode of discodermolide and several variants are reported. These studies provide reagents to investigate discodermolide's recently discovered ability to bind and stabilize microtubules in cells. Retrosynthetically, the polypropionate is divided into three fragments of approximately equal complexity. This modular strategy provides convergency in the synthesis and facilitates the preparation of discodermolide-based reagents.
Massive Dark Matter Halos and Evolution of Early-Type Galaxies to z ~ 1

The combination of gravitational lensing and stellar dynamics breaks the mass-anisotropy degeneracy and provides stringent constraints on the distribution of luminous and dark matter in early-type (E/S0) galaxies out to z ≈ 1. We present new observations and models of three lens systems (CFRS 03.1077, HST 14176+5226, HST 15433+5352) and the combined results from the five field E/S0 lens galaxies at z ≈ 0.5-1.0 analyzed as part of the Lenses Structure and Dynamics (LSD) Survey. Our main results are as follows: (1) Constant mass-to-light ratio models are ruled out at greater than 99% CL for all five E/S0 galaxies, consistent with the presence of massive and extended dark matter halos. The range of projected dark matter mass fractions inside the Einstein radius is fDM = 0.37-0.72, or 0.15-0.65 inside the effective radius Re for isotropic models. (2) The average effective power-law slope of the total (luminous plus dark; ρtot ∝ r) mass distribution is γ' = 1.75 ± 0.10 (1.57 ± 0.16) for Osipkov-Merritt models with anisotropy radius ri = ∞ (Re) with an rms scatter of 0.2 (0.35), i.e., marginally flatter than isothermal (γ' = 2). The ratio between the observed central stellar velocity dispersion and that from the best-fit singular isothermal ellipsoid (SIE) lens model is fSIE = σ/σSIE = 0.87 ± 0.04 with 0.08 rms, consistent with flatter-than-isothermal density profiles. Considering that γ' > 2 and fSIE > 1 have been reported for other systems (i.e., B1608+656 and PG 1115+080), we conclude that there is a significant intrinsic scatter in the slope of the mass-density profile of lens galaxies (rms ~ 15%), similar to what is found for local E/S0 galaxies. Hence, the isothermal approximation is not sufficiently accurate for applications that depend critically on the slope of the mass-density profile, such as the measurement of the Hubble constant from time delays. (3) The average inner power-law slope γ of the dark matter halo is constrained to be γ = 1.3 (68% CL), if the stellar velocity ellipsoid is isotropic (ri = ∞), or an upper limit of γ < 0.6, if the galaxies are radially anisotropic (ri = Re). The observed range of slopes of the inner dark matter distribution is consistent with the results from numerical simulations only for an isotropic velocity ellipsoid and if baryonic collapse and star formation do not steepen dark matter density profiles. (4) The average stellar mass-to-light ratio evolves as d log(M*/LB)/dz = -0.72 ± 0.10, obtained via a fundamental plane analysis. An independent analysis based on lensing and dynamics gives an average d log(M*/LB)/dz = -0.75 ± 0.17. Both values indicate that the mass-to-light ratio evolution for our sample of field E/S0 galaxies is slightly faster than those in clusters, consistent with the hypothesis that field E/S0 galaxies experience secondary bursts (~10% in mass) of star formation at z < 1. These findings are consistent with pure luminosity evolution of E/S0 galaxies in the past 8 Gyr and would be hard to reconcile with scenarios involving significant structural and dynamical evolution.
Typical medium theory of Anderson localization: A local order parameter approach to strong-disorder effects

We present a self-consistent theory of Anderson localization that yields a simple algorithm to obtain the typical local density of states as an order parameter, thereby reproducing the essential features of a phase diagram of localization-delocalization quantum phase transition in the standard lattice models of the disordered electron problem. Due to the local character of our theory, it can easily be combined with dynamical mean-field approaches to strongly correlated electrons, thus opening an attractive avenue for a genuine non-perturbative treatment of the interplay of strong interactions and strong disorder.
Credible negotiation statements and coherent plans

Criteria are developed to determine which negotiation statements are credible with respect to a reference payoff allocation for the negotiator's possible types. An attractive reference allocation is any limit of reference allocations that admit no credible statements. A coherent plan is a negotiation statement that all types can make with likelihood one that is credible with respect to an attractive reference allocation. Coherent plans are shown to exist. Semicoherent plans are also defined, without reference allocations. Sequentially coherent plans are defined for multistage games with no simultaneous moves. Other negotiation structures are considered, including mechanism design by an informed principal.
The Secular Icon: Secularist Practice and Indian Visual Culture

Since the 1980s, modernist artists, like much of India's secular intelligentsia, have struggled to understand the nature of the threat that Hindu nationalism poses to more inclusive forms of national culture. Visual culture, and particularly Hindu iconography, was perhaps the form most obviously targeted by Hindu nationalist political practices. Artist and writer K. G. Subramanyan has been the most influential articulator of a secularist form of visual culture. A semiotic analysis of Subramanyan's modernist versions of Hindu icons not only explicates his model but also shows how his images facilitate a social interaction between artist and viewer that can be seen as a practice of secularism in everyday life. By studying secular forms of visual culture as social practice, this article contributes to the anthropology of secularism without reducing visual culture to a mere reflection of political ideology.
Efficient and distributed access control for sensor networks

Sensor networks are a promising computing paradigm for monitoring the physical environment and providing observations for various uses. In hostile situations, it is critical to enforce network access control to ensure the integrity, availability, and at times confidentiality of the sensor data. A natural idea is to adopt a centralized design where every access request from users goes through a trusted base station. However, this idea is not practical due to the cost and efficiency issues. This paper proposes two efficient and distributed access control methods, uni-access query and multi-access query. The uni-access query uses only symmetric cryptographic operations; it allows (1) a user to directly access the data on any sensor node in the network without going through the base station and (2) a sensor to protect its data so that only authorized users can access. Compared to existing solutions, this scheme is much more flexible and efficient. In addition, this scheme can also support privilege delegation, which allows a user to delegate all or part of its privilege to others without using the base station. The multi-access query applies public key cryptography to provide an additional feature, which allows a user to access the data on many sensor nodes via a single query. Compared to existing solutions that require a user to send at least one request for every sensor node to be queried, the multi-access query reduces the communication overhead significantly. The theoretical analysis and simulation evaluation show that the proposed schemes are practical for access control in sensor networks.
Detailed investigation of transmission and emission data smoothing protocols and their effects on emission images

Measured attenuation correction in PET is routinely performed using transmission scans. Acquisition time and noise considerations necessitate low-pass filtering of the transmission data before generating the attenuation correction matrix. This smoothing operation reduces noise propagation from transmission into emission data but also introduces image artifacts that are mostly pronounced around areas of strongly varying attenuation coefficients. The source of these artifacts, which lies in the mismatch of the spatial resolutions of emission and transmission data, was investigated in this study. The effect of different transmission and emission sinogram smoothing protocols on the emission images was also investigated. A method is proposed that addresses the problem, in conjunction with the filtering step during reconstruction. Instead of the standard in-plane low-pass filtering of the emission data during reconstruction, emission and transmission sinograms can be volumetrically filtered to the desired image resolution prior to attenuation correction while reconstruction is performed with no smoothing (Ramp filter). This operation reduces or eliminates resolution mismatch and consequent image artifacts, especially in cardiac studies. The proposed method improves the accuracy of the activity distribution in emission images with minimal computational and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) cost.
On the economic impact of university proof of concept centers

University proof of concept centers (PoCCs) are an organizational innovation intended to improve the dissemination and commercialization of new knowledge. During the past 15 years, at least 32 university-affiliated PoCCs have been established at universities within the United States. Despite this recent growth, little systematic empirical research exists relating to the organization or impact of PoCCs. Analyzing data published by the Association of University Technology Managers, we find that universities affiliated with a PoCC enjoy a positive and statistically significant increase in the number of spinoffs established each year after adoption. While additional research is needed, our findings are consistent with the presumption that PoCCs may offer a promising new tool for regional and national economic development.
Retirement plan choices and outcomes

Employees are increasingly opting for defined contribution plans over defined benefit plans when given a choice. But this may not always be the best option. Using data from retirement plans available to employees of public educational institutions we show that, over the last fifty years, employees opting for defined benefit plans would have earned higher pension annuities than defined contribution plan participants in a suprisingly large number of scenarios. This is particularly true for employees who worked in an educational institution for 25 years or less before retirement.