cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nucleoside carbonyl(di- and triphosphates)

The first examples of nucleoside di- and triphosphates containing the electrophilic and potentially reactive carbonyl group in place of a phosphoanhydride oxygen are reported, using the DNA polymerase inhibitors N2-(4-butylphenyl)-2′-deoxyguanosine 5′-triphosphate (BuPdGTP) and N2-(4-butylphenyl)-2′-deoxyguanosine 5′-diphosphate (BuPdGDP) as platforms. The P2,P3-carbonyltriphosphonate, BuPdGMPPCOP, was obtained by reaction between the phosphoro-N-methylimidazolidate of the monophosphate BuPdGMP and carbonyldiphosphonic acid (PCOP), and it was isolated by preparative reverse phase chromatography. The carbonyldiphosphonate analogue, BuPdGMPCOP, was obtained by displacement of the 5′-mesyl group of the corresponding 5′-mesylnucleoside with carbonyldiphosphonate. While BuPdGMPCOP was stable in aqueous solutions, BuPdGMPPCOP hydrolyzed to BuPdGMP and PCOP with a half-life of 3 hours. Both BuPdGMPPCOP and BuPdGMPCOP were potent, competitive inhibitors of human DNA polymerase α.
The Explanatory Power of Monetary Policy Rules

Over the past 20 years, the use of monetary policy rules has become pervasive in analyzing and prescribing monetary policy. This paper traces the development of such rules and their use in the analysis, prediction, and stabilization of national economies. In particular, rules provide insight into eras in which monetary policy was not effective as well as when it was, such as the persistence of the ongoing “Great Moderation.” The paper stresses the “scientific” contributions of rules, including their insight into fluctuations of housing construction and exchange rates, as well as into the term structure of interest rates.
Orthogonal matrix retrieval in cryo-electron microscopy

In single particle reconstruction (SPR) from cryo-electron microscopy (EM), the 3D structure of a molecule needs to be determined from its 2D projection images taken at unknown viewing directions. Zvi Kam showed already in 1980 that the autocorrelation function of the 3D molecule over the rotation group SO(3) can be estimated from 2D projection images whose viewing directions are uniformly distributed over the sphere. The autocorrelation function determines the expansion coefficients of the 3D molecule in spherical harmonics up to an orthogonal matrix of size (2l+1)×(2l +1) for each l = 0, 1, 2, · · ·. In this paper we show how techniques for solving the phase retrieval problem in X-ray crystallography can be modified for the cryo-EM setup for retrieving the missing orthogonal matrices. Specifically, we present two new approaches that we term Orthogonal Extension and Orthogonal Replacement, in which the main algorithmic components are the singular value decomposition and semidefinite programming. We demonstrate the utility of these approaches through numerical experiments on simulated data.
Analyzing Field Failures of Engine Valve Springs in Presence of Non Metallic Inclusions by Applying Statistical and Fracture Mechanics Models

An Engine valve spring, which is made of high strength, clean steel, is a very important component in an engine for controlling the movement of exhaust and the intake valve. It is designed to survive an infinite life under high cyclic stress. Hence, the reliability of engine valve spring is a very important issue from the warranty point of view. The relationship between the stresses applied on the valve spring during operation of an engine and the number of cycles (S-N) curve, is strongly influenced by the presence of inclusions which are microscopic particles of extraneous material within the metal matrix. This implies that the fatigue strength of the material will experience a drop and shift in the endurance and consequently a decrease in the Reliability level of the valve spring. Field and experimental data of engine valve springs failed due to inclusions will be utilized for predicting the fatigue strength of valve spring material by applying extreme value statistics and fracture mechanics models.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Metabolizable Energy Values of Some Poultry Feeds Determined by Various Methods and Their Estimation Using Metabolizability of the Dry Matter

Metabolizable energy(M.E.) values of 12 U.S. feedstuffs and 10 Korean feed ingredients for poultry were determined both by the total collection method and by the chromic oxide indicator method. It was found that M.E. values of most poultry feedstuffs can be measured accurately by either method. Limitation of feed intake to almost maintenance level(approximately 60% of ad libitum) did not increase or decrease the M.E. value of the feeds. An attempt was made to establish a prediction equation to estimate the M.E. values based on the apparent metabolizability of dry matter (D.M.) in the feedstuffs. The results indicated that linear relationships do exist between D.M. metabolizability and M.E. values of carbohydrate-rich feedstuffs (grains and their by-products) for protein-rich feed ingredients (oil seed meals and animal protein feeds) or lipid=rich feeds (fats and oils) as follows: The prediction equation for carbohydrate-rich feedstuffs was Y=0.0947x-3.498(r²=0.99, Sy.x=0.015); for protein-rich feed ingredients, it was Y=0.1294x-4.898(r²=0.99, Sy.x=0.027); and for lipid-rich feedstuffs it was Y=0.0844x+0.774(r²=0.99, Sy.x=0.032). where x=metabolizability of dry matter of feeds in %, and Y=metabolizable energy values in ㎉./g. The errors attached to these estimations were relatively small. Thus these prediction equations may be very useful for estimation of the M.E. values from D.M. apparent metabolizability of feeds, especially in areas of the world where calorimetry is not possible.
How land registration affects financial development and economic growth in Thailand

Using an economy-wide conceptual framework, the author analyzes how land registration affects financial development and economic growth in Thailand. He uses contemporary techniques, such as error correction and co-integration, to deal with such problems as time-series data not being stationary. He also uses the auto-regressive distributed lag model to analyze long lags in output response to changes in land registration. His key findings: 1) Land titling has significant positive long-run effects on financial development. 2) Economic growth responds to land titling following a J curve, by first registering a fall and recovering gradually, thereafter to post a long, strong rally. 3) The quality of land registration services, as measured by public spending on land registration, has strongly positive and significant long-run effects on economic growth.
Trade insulation as social protection

In a world with volatile food prices, countries have an incentive to shelter their populations from induced real income shocks. When some agents are net food producers while others are net consumers, there is scope for insurance between the two groups. A domestic social protection scheme would therefore transfer resources away from the former group to the latter in times of high food prices, and do the reverse otherwise. This paper shows that in the presence of consumer preference heterogeneity, implementing the optimal social protection policy can potentially induce higher food price volatility. Such policy indeed generates a counter-cyclical demand shock that amplifies the effects of the underlying food shortage. The results call for a reassessment of food stabilization policies. In particular, the authors urge caution against the systematic condemnation of trade insulation practices.
Trip generation modeling using data collected in single and repeated cross‐sectional surveys

SUMMARY The majority of US metropolitan regions still use the four-step urban transportation modeling system to develop their travel forecasts. Trip generation, the first step of this system, has as objective of predicting the expected total travel demand in a region. The commonly used methods in planning practice for predicting this expected total travel demand typically use only the most recent cross-sectional data available from a study region for model development, which ties the resulting travel-forecast model to the economic environment prevailing at the time of data collection. Applying such models to generate forecasts of travel in economic environments significantly different from those embodied in the estimated model parameters could result in greater errors than would otherwise be the case. To address the aforementioned problem, this paper proposes the development of trip generation models estimated on multiple independent cross-sectional datasets collected in the same urban region but at different times representing different economic environments. Data used in the research were collected in cross-sectional household travel behavior surveys undertaken in the Greater Toronto Area, Canada in 1986, 1996, 2001, and 2006. The results lead to the conclusion that well-specified models, estimated on pooled multiple cross-sectional datasets, yield travel predictions in the base and horizon years, respectively, that have smaller error compared with corresponding travel predictions generated with single cross-sectional models. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the C∞ Chevalley's theorem

The group of orthogonal matrices K = SO(n) acts by conjugation on the vector space p of all n x II symmetric matrices, and the spectral theorem implies that every orbit intersects the subspace a c p of the diagonal matrices. In fact, every orbit K . X is orthogonal to a under the invariant inner product (X, Y) = Tr(XY) and the intersection is the orbit of the permutation group on n letters W = S, which permutes the eigenvalues of X. If we let
Improved synthesis of the iodine-free thyromimetic GC-1.

Synthesis of the TRβ-selective thyromimetic GC-1 has been improved using methoxymethyl (MOM) and triisopropylsilyl (TiPS) substituents as phenolic protecting groups. The new synthetic route is adaptable to analogue design.
Complete elimination of reflux symptoms does not guarantee normalization of intraesophageal acid reflux in patients with Barrett's esophagus

Complete elimination of reflux symptoms does not guarantee normalization of intraesophageal acid reflux in patients with Barrett's esophagus
Low Momentum Nucleon-Nucleon Interaction and Halo Nuclei

A low-momentum effective nucleon-nucleon (NN) interaction V l o w - k is derived by integrating out the high momentum modes of modern realistic NN potentials V N N . The Kuo-Lee-Ratcliff folded diagram method together withthe Andreozzi-Lee-Suzuki iteration method are employed to carry out the integration. Our V l o w - k is confined within a cut-off momentum A. The deuteron binding energy, low-energy phase shifts and half-on-shell T-matrix of V N N are all preserved by V l o w - k . For A within ∼ 2 fm - 1 , the V l o w - k derived from various NN potential models are very close to each other, although these models themselves are very different. V l o w - k is a smooth potential for A in the vicinity 2fm - 1 , and appears to be suitable for being used directly as the shell model effective interaction, without first calculating the Brueckner G-matrix. Application of V l o w - k to halo nuclei is discussed.
Coset Sum: An Alternative to the Tensor Product in Wavelet Construction

A multivariate biorthogonal wavelet system can be obtained from a pair of multivariate biorthogonal refinement masks in multiresolution analysis setup. Some multivariate refinement masks may be decomposed into lower dimensional refinement masks. Tensor product is a popular way to construct a decomposable multivariate refinement mask from lower dimensional refinement masks. We present an alternative method, which we call coset sum, for constructing multivariate refinement masks from univariate refinement masks. The coset sum shares many essential features of the tensor product that make it attractive in practice: 1) it preserves the biorthogonality of univariate refinement masks, 2) it preserves the accuracy number of the univariate refinement mask, and 3) the wavelet system associated with it has fast algorithms for computing and inverting the wavelet coefficients. The coset sum can even provide a wavelet system with faster algorithms in certain cases than the tensor product. These features of the coset sum suggest that it is worthwhile to develop and practice alternative methods to the tensor product for constructing multivariate wavelet systems. Some experimental results using 2-D images are presented to illustrate our findings.
Inteins: nature's gift to protein chemists

Inteins are auto-processing domains found in organisms from all domains of life. These proteins carry out a process known as protein splicing, which is a multi-step biochemical reaction comprised of both the cleavage and formation of peptide bonds. While the endogenous substrates of protein splicing are specific essential proteins found in intein-containing host organisms, inteins are also functional in exogenous contexts and can be used to chemically manipulate virtually any polypeptide backbone. Given this, protein chemists have exploited various facets of intein reactivity to modify proteins in myriad ways for both basic biological research as well as potential therapeutic applications. Here, we review the intein field, first focusing on the biological context and phylogenetic diversity of inteins, followed by a description of intein structure and biochemical function. Finally, we discuss prevalent intein-based technologies, focusing on their applications in chemical biology, followed by persistent caveats of intein chemistry and approaches to alleviate these shortcomings. The findings summarized herein describe two and a half decades of research, leading from a biochemical curiosity to the development of powerful protein engineering tools.
TACIT COLLUSION IN AUCTIONS AND CONDITIONS FOR ITS FACILITATION AND PREVENTION: EQUILIBRIUM SELECTION IN LABORATORY EXPERIMENTAL MARKETS

The paper studies bidder behavior in simultaneous, continuous, ascending price auctions. We design and implement a “collusion incubator” environment based on a type of public, symmetrically “folded” and “item-aligned” preferences. Tacit collusion develops quickly and reliably within the environment. Once tacit collusion developed, it proved remarkably robust to institutional changes that weakened it as an equilibrium of a game-theoretic model. The only successful remedy was a non-public change in the preference of participants that destroyed the symmetrically, “folded” and “item aligned” patterns of preferences, creating head-to-head competition between two agents reminiscent of the concept of a “maverick.”
Optomechanical coupling in photonic crystal supported nanomechanical waveguides

We report improved optomechanical properties of a nano-mechanical beam resonator embedded in an optical race-track resonator. Precise control of the mechanical resonator is achieved by clamping the beam between two low-loss photonic crystal waveguide couplers. The low insertion loss and the rigid mechanical support provided by the couplers yield both good mechanical and optical Q-factors for improved signal quality.
Boxing with neutrino oscillations

We develop a characterization of neutrino oscillations based on the coefficients of the oscillating terms. These coefficients are individually observable; although they are quartic in the elements of the unitary mixing matrix, they are independent of the conventions chosen for the angle and phase parametrization of the mixing matrix. We call these reparametrization-invariant observables {open_quotes}boxes{close_quotes} because of their geometric relation to the mixing matrix, and because of their association with the Feynman box diagram that describes oscillations in field theory. The real parts of the boxes are the coefficients for the {ital CP}- or {ital T}-even oscillation modes, while the imaginary parts are the coefficients for the {ital CP}- or {ital T}-odd oscillation modes. Oscillation probabilities are linear in the boxes, so measurements can straightforwardly determine values for the boxes (which can then be manipulated to yield magnitudes of mixing matrix elements). We examine the effects of unitarity on the boxes and discuss the reduction of the number of boxes to a minimum basis set. For the three-generation case, we explicitly construct the basis. Using the box algebra, we show that {ital CP} violation may be inferred from measurements of neutrino flavor mixing even when the oscillatory factors have averaged.more » The framework presented here will facilitate general analyses of neutrino oscillations among n{ge}3 flavors. {copyright} {ital 1999} {ital The American Physical Society}« less
The Quantum Hall Effect on R^4

Zhang and Hu have formulated an SU(2) quantum Hall system on the four-sphere, with interesting three-dimensional boundary dynamics including gapless states of nonzero helicity. In order to understand the local physics of their model we study the U(1) and SU(2) quantum Hall systems on flat R4, with flat boundary R3. In the U(1) case the boundary dynamics is essentially one-dimensional. The SU(2) theory can be formulated on R4 for any isospin I, but in order to obtain a flat boundary theory we must take I→∞ as in Zhang and Hu. The theory simplifies in the limit, the boundary becoming a collection of one-dimensional systems. We also discuss general constraints on the emergence of gravity from nongravitational field theories. To cite this article: H. Elvang, J. Polchinski, C. R. Physique 4 (2003).
An optical fiber-taper probe for wafer-scale microphotonic device characterization

A small depression is created in a straight optical fiber taper to form a local probe suitable for studying closely spaced, planar microphotonic devices. The tension of the “dimpled” taper controls the probe-sample interaction length and the level of noise present during coupling measurements. Practical demonstrations with high-Q silicon microcavities include testing a dense array of undercut microdisks (maximum Q = 3.3×106) and a planar microring (Q = 4.8×106).
The complexity of synchronous iterative Do-All with crashes

The ability to cooperate on common tasks in a distributed setting is key to solving a broad range of computation problems ranging from distributed search such as SETI to distributed simulation and multi-agent collaboration. Do-All, an abstraction of such cooperative activity, is the problem of performing N tasks in a distributed system of P failure-prone processors. Many distributed and parallel algorithms have been developed for this problem and several algorithm simulations have been developed by iterating Do-All algorithms. The efficiency of the solutions for Do-All is measured in terms of work complexity where all processing steps taken by all processors are counted. Work is ideally expressed as a function of N, P, and f, the number of processor crashes. However the known lower bounds and the upper bounds for extant algorithms do not adequately show how work depends on f. We present the first non-trivial lower bounds for Do-All that capture the dependence of work on N, P and f. For the model of computation where processors are able to make perfect load-balancing decisions locally, we also present matching upper bounds. We define the r-iterative Do-All problem that abstracts facts the repeated use of Do-All such as found in typical algorithm simulations. Our f-sensitive analysis enables us to derive tight bounds for r-iterative Do-All work (that are stronger than the r-fold work complexity of a single Do-All). Our approach that models perfect load-balancing allows for the analysis of specific algorithms to be divided into two parts: (i) the analysis of the cost of tolerating failures while performing work under "free" load-balancing, and (ii) the analysis of the cost of implementing load-balancing. We demonstrate the utility and generality of this approach by improving the analysis of two known efficient algorithms. We give an improved analysis of an efficient message-passing algorithm. We also derive a tight and complete analysis of the best known Do-All algorithm for the synchronous shared-memory model. Finally we present a new upper bound on simulations of synchronous shared-memory algorithms on crash-prone processors.
Breakdown of universality in random matrix models

Abstract We calculate smoothed cotrelators for a large random matrix model with a potential containing products of two traces tr W1 (M) · tr W2 (M) in addition to a single trace tr V (M). Connected correlation function of density eigenvalues receives corrections besides the universal part derived by Brezin and Zee and it is no longer universal in a strong sense.
Comparative mirror cleaning study: a study on removing particulate contamination

A mirror cleaning study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of three cleaning methods in their ability to remove particulate contamination from reflective mirror surfaces. Presently, the detergent bath, solvent rinse, and CO 2 snow cleaning methods are the most commonly used optical cleaning techniques within the optics industry. These techniques are also commonly used by the Optics Branch/Code 551 at Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) to remove particulate contamination from optical surfaces. In this experimental study, the above-mentioned cleaning methods were used to clean twelve uncoated silicon wafers, twelve gold coated silicon wafers, and twelve gold coated silicon wafers with a silicon oxide protective coating. CO 2 snow cleaning had an average removal percentage of 84%, followed by the solvent rinse at 74%, and the detergent bath at 61%. In addition to the average removal percentage, this comparative study was designed to: (1) determine the cleaning ability of each method based on the number and size of removed particles; (2) assess the risk of surface damage for each cleaning procedure; (3) evaluate each cleaning method as a function of its initial "qualitative" contamination level ("fairly clean", "dirty", and "very dirty"). The particulate cleanliness of all wafers was characterized using Image Analysis and Image-Pro Plus 5.0 software. In addition, the experimental design and experimental results were analyzed using JMP/Statistical Analytical Software Version 6.0.
INTEGRABLE SYSTEMS DETERMINED BY DIFFERENTIAL FORMS FOR MOVING FRAMES ON IMMERSED SUBMANIFOLDS

It is shown how a system of differential forms can reproduce the complete set of differential equations generated by an SO(m) matrix Lax pair. By selecting the elements in the given matrices appropriately, examples of integrable nonlinear equations can be produced. The SO(3) case is discussed in detail, then extended to an m - 1 dimensional manifold immersed in Euclidean space.
Fracturing of rock with expansive cement

A study was conducted to determine the efficiency of a highly expansive cement (called Bristar) used to fracture rock and concrete. The 48-hour expansive pressure of the cement, calculated to be about 46 MPa (6700 psi), is independent of hole size when tested in steel, thick-walled cylinders. Because the pressure is constant, a scaling relationship of S/d emanates from elastic theory, where S is the spacing between boreholes and d is the borehole diameter. However, the rate of pressure development is a function of cement temperature; consequently thermodynamic considerations may be as important as hole spacing. At the same scaled distances, 38-mm (1.5-in.) boreholes fracture dolomite 24-48 hours sooner than 12.7-mm (0.5-in.) holes. Optimal spacings in dolomite ranged between 8 and 16 borehole diameters.
FREE CASH FLOW (FCF), ECONOMIC VALUE ADDED (EVA™), AND NET PRESENT VALUE (NPV):. A RECONCILIATION OF VARIATIONS OF DISCOUNTED-CASH-FLOW (DCF) VALUATION

ABSTRACT The paper assists the user of DCF methods by clearly setting forth the relationship of free-cash-flow (FCF) and economic value added (EVA™) concepts to each other and to the more traditional applications of DCF thinking. We follow others in demonstrating the equivalence between EVA and NPV, but our approach is more general in that it links the problems of security valuation, enterprise valuation, and investment project selection. Additionally, our approach relates more directly to use of standard financial accounting information. Beginning with cash budget identity, we show that the discounting of appropriately defined cash flows under the free-cash-flow valuation approach (FCF) is mathematically equivalent to the discounting of appropriately defined economic profits under the EVA™ approach. The concept of net operating profit after-tax (NOPAT), found by adding after-tax interest payments to net profit after taxes, is central to both approaches, but there the computational similarities end. The F...
Measurements of the Sunyaev-Zeldovich Effect in the Nearby Clusters A478, A2142, and A2256

An X-ray flux-limited sample of nearby clusters of galaxies has been defined for observations of the Sunyaev-Zeldovich effect (SZE) to be carried out on the Owens Valley 5.5 m telescope at 32 GHz. The X-ray sample selection minimizes the systematic errors introduced by cluster elongation in the determination of H0. Owing to their proximity, these clusters are well studied in the X-ray wave bands. The measurement of the SZE in three of these clusters is reported in this paper: ΔT = -375 ± 28 μK (A478), -437 ± 25 μK (A2142), and -243 ± 29 μK (A2256). These values have been corrected for radio source contamination, but have not been corrected for the beam dilution and switching (which are model dependent). There is an additional overall calibration uncertainty of 7%. If the temperature profile of the clusters is known, then the SZE provides a direct probe of the baryonic mass in the hot ionized phase of the medium. We find surface baryonic mass densities of (7.5 ± 2.5) × 1013 M☉ Mpc-2 within the 735 FWHM Gaussian beam of the 5.5 m telescope projected on the cluster centers. For A2142, A2256, and the Coma cluster previously observed by Herbig et al., we find a consistent value for the ratio of the SZE determined baryonic mass to the gravitational binding mass of Msze/Mtot = 0.061 ± 0.011 h-1. Note that this is a lower limit on the total baryon fraction, as there may be significant contributions from other baryons. Comparison with the standard big bang nucleosynthesis prediction ΩBh2 = 0.013±0.02 gives a value for the cosmological density parameter of Ω0h 0.21±0.05, assuming our limit on the baryon fraction in clusters applies to the universe as a whole. This density is in agreement with independently determined values from large-scale structure studies. Recent values for ΩBh2 based upon deuterium abundances are outside the previously accepted range, and in combination with our data lead to significantly higher or lower Ω0. Finally, we present preliminary determinations of the Hubble constant using X-ray models gleaned from the literature. The data from the three clusters, along with the results previously obtained using the same telescope on the Coma Cluster, yield a sample average value H0 = 54 ± 14 km s-1 Mpc-1. We discuss the uncertainties in these results and future prospects for this method.
Ordered porous materials for emerging applications

"Space—the final frontier." This preamble to a well-known television series captures the challenge encountered not only in space travel adventures, but also in the field of porous materials, which aims to control the size, shape and uniformity of the porous space and the atoms and molecules that define it. The past decade has seen significant advances in the ability to fabricate new porous solids with ordered structures from a wide range of different materials. This has resulted in materials with unusual properties and broadened their application range beyond the traditional use as catalysts and adsorbents. In fact, porous materials now seem set to contribute to developments in areas ranging from microelectronics to medical diagnosis.
Synthesis of 1‐halophenyl 4‐(2‐imidazolyl)‐1‐butanones and 5‐(2‐imidazolyl)‐1‐pentanones and their ketalization with glycerol

An alternate synthesis of 1-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-(2-imidazolyl)-1-butanones 5d is presented after 1-[(dimethylamino)methyl- and 1-methyl]-2-lithioimidazole failed to be substituted satisfactorily by 2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(3-iodopropyl)-1,3-dioxolane (3b). The Pinner addition of ethanol to 2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-2-(3-cyanopropyl)-1,3-dioxolane yielded the corresponding imidate which was reacted with 1-amino-2,2-dimethoxyethane to form an amidine. Hot dilute hydrochloric acid converted this ami-dine to the 2-imidazolyl ketone 5b. Syntheses of homologous 1-(4-chloro- and 2,4-dichlorophenyl)-4-(2-imidazolyl)-1-pentanones 20 are described. Ketalizations of 5 and 20 with glycerol formed imidazolyl 1,3-dioxolanyl alcohols. Selective N- and O-alkylations of some of these imidazolyl alcohols are described.
Fixed wake theory for vertical axis wind turbines

A theory for vertical axis wind turbines has been developed using a fixed wake approach. The theory combines some of the best features of vortex and streamtube approaches. This approach accounts for flow differences between fore-and-aftblade positions that are predicted by vortex methods while retaining the low computation costs associated with streamtube theories. The theory is applied to high tip speed ratio operation of a Darrieus Rotor where the use of linear aerodynamics results in explicit calculation of the induced velocities. Comparison to test results shows good agreement.
Enumerative Lattice Algorithms in any Norm Via M-ellipsoid Coverings

We give a novel algorithm for enumerating lattice points in any convex body, and give applications to several classic lattice problems, including the Shortest and Closest Vector Problems (SVP and CVP, respectively) and Integer Programming (IP). Our enumeration technique relies on a classical concept from asymptotic convex geometry known as the M-ellipsoid, and uses as a crucial subroutine the recent algorithm of Micciancio and Voulgaris (STOC 2010)for lattice problems in the l2 norm. As a main technical contribution, which may be of independent interest, we build on the techniques of Klartag (Geometric and Functional Analysis, 2006) to give an expected 2^O(n)-time algorithm for computing an M-ellipsoid for any n-dimensional convex body. As applications, we give deterministic 2^O(n)-time and -space algorithms for solving exact SVP, and exact CVP when the target point is sufficiently close to the lattice, on n-dimensional lattices in any (semi-)norm given an M-ellipsoid of the unit ball. In many norms of interest, including all lp norms, an M-ellipsoid is computable in deterministic poly(n) time, in which case these algorithms are fully deterministic. Here our approach may be seen as a derandomization of the âAKS sieveâfor exact SVP and CVP (Ajtai, Kumar, and Siva Kumar, STOC2001 and CCC 2002). As a further application of our SVP algorithm, we derive an expected O(f*(n))^n-time algorithm for Integer Programming, where f*(n) denotes the optimal bound in the so-called âflatnesstheorem, â which satisfies f*(n) = O(n^(4/3) polylog(n))and is conjectured to be f*(n) = O(n). Our runtime improves upon the previous best of O(n^2)^n by Hildebrand and Koppe(2010).
The influence of Austrian humanism in Theodor Herzl's vision of a Jewish state

Theodor Herzl's thought was a product of an austrian political and humanist culture. His political values were formed within a multinational, cameralist tradition that at its best bred a tolerance for differing persons and cultures but isolated the private individual from a responsible role in his or her own governance. The problem of governmental power in relation to the members of its society became for Herzl a conundrum whose solution was a redistribution of that power downward. Herzl's depiction of the future Jewish state in his 1896 The Jewish State and in his 1902 novel Old-New Land offers the vision of a privatized society in which each citizen may eventually become a cooperative owner. An examination of Herzl's vision reveals a thread of Austrian humanistic concepts and values that have characterized social-economic thought in Austria since the Enlightenment.
Tandem reductive lithiations — Carbanionic cyclizations yielding sulfur stabilized cyclopropyl- and cyclobutylcarbinyllithiums

Abstract Reductive lithiation of 1,4- or 1,5-bis(phenylthio)-1-alkenes with an aromatic radical-anion results in replacement with a lithium atom of only that phenylthio group which is attached to the sp 3 carbon atom. The resulting carbanion executes an intramolecular nucleophilic addition to the vinyl sulfide group, usually at −78 °C, leading to a phenylthio-stabilized cyclopropyl- or cyclobutylcarbinyllithium. The substrates were prepared by Wittig or Peterson olefination of carbonyl compounds which were in turn generated by conjugate addition of thiophenol or of the cuprate of a phenylthio-stabilized carbanion to an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compound.
New insights into prebiotic chemistry from Stanley Miller's spark discharge experiments

1953 was a banner year for biological chemistry: The double helix structure of DNA was published by Watson and Crick, Sanger's group announced the first amino acid sequence of a protein (insulin) and the synthesis of key biomolecules using simulated primordial Earth conditions has demonstrated by Miller. Miller's studies in particular transformed the study of the origin of life into a respectable field of inquiry and established the basis of prebiotic chemistry, a field of research that investigates how the components of life as we know it can be formed in a variety of cosmogeochemical environments. In this review, I cover the continued advances in prebiotic syntheses that Miller's pioneering work has inspired. The main focus is on recent state-of-the-art analyses carried out on archived samples of Miller's original experiments, some of which had never before been analyzed, discovered in his laboratory material just before his death in May 2007. One experiment utilized a reducing gas mixture and an apparatus configuration (referred to here as the “volcanic” apparatus) that could represent a water-rich volcanic eruption accompanied by lightning. Another included H2S as a component of the reducing gas mixture. Compared to the limited number of amino acids Miller identified, these new analyses have found that over 40 different amino acids and amines were synthesized, demonstrating the potential robust formation of important biologic compounds under possible cosmogeochemical conditions. These experiments are suggested to simulate long-lived volcanic island arc systems, an environment that could have provided a stable environment for some of the processes thought to be involved in chemical evolution and the origin of life. Some of the alternatives to the Miller-based prebiotic synthesis and the “primordial soup” paradigm are evaluated in the context of their relevance under plausible planetary conditions.
Enantioselective Syntheses of syn- and anti-β-Hydroxyallylsilanes Via Allene Hydroboration-Aldehyde Allylboration Reactions

The kinetic hydroboration of allenylsilane 5 with (dIpc)2BH at −40 °C provides allylborane 9Z with ≥12:1 selectivity. When the hydroboration is performed at temperatures above −40 °C, 9Z isomerizes to the thermodynamically more stable allylborane 9E with >20:1 selectivity. Subsequent treatment of 9Z or 9E with aldehydes at −78 °C provides syn- or anti-β-hydroxyallylsilanes, 7 or 8, respectively.
Harmonically Confined, Semiflexible Polymer in a Channel: Response to a Stretching Force and Spatial Distribution of the Endpoints

We consider an inextensible, semiflexible polymer or worm-like chain which is confined in the transverse direction by a parabolic potential and subject to a longitudinal force at the ends, so that the polymer is stretched out and backfolding is negligible. Simple analytic expressions for the partition function, valid in this regime, are obtained for chains of arbitrary length with a variety of boundary conditions at the ends. The spatial distribution of the end points is also analyzed.
Robust performance of decentralized control systems by independent designs

Abstract Decentralized control systems have fewer tuning parameters, are easier to understand and retune, and are more easily made failure tolerant than general multivariable control systems. In this paper the decentralized control problem is formulated as a series of independent designs. Simple bounds on these individual designs are derived, which when satisfied, guarantee robust performance of the overall system. The results provide a generalization of the μ-interaction measure introduced by Grosdidier and Morari ( Automatica , 22, 309–319 (1986)).
Derivatives Within Frontier Markets

The objective of this study is to develop a practical comprehensive survey of derivatives presently trading within frontier markets for use by money managers and hedgers, assessing the array of derivative types and their uses. A literature search reveals that no frontier market survey of this kind currently exists. In this study, exchange-traded and over-the-counter (OTC) derivatives include the following instruments: futures, forwards, swaps, options, and contracts for differences. The survey also includes ETFs. Where data exist, the survey provides information on the location and availability of frontier market derivative contract descriptions and price and volume data. Such information on derivatives is of increasing practical value and convenience to both investors and hedgers transacting in today’s frontier markets.
FAST AND EFFICIENT OPERATIONS ON PARALLEL PRIORITY QUEUES

The Parallel Priority Queue (PPQ) data structure supports parallel operations for manipulating data items with keys, such as inserting n new items, deleting n items with the first n smallest keys, creating a new PPQ that contains a set of items, and melding two PPQ’s into one. In this paper, we present fast and efficient parallel algorithms for performing operations on the PPQ’s that maintain data items with real-valued keys. The data structures that we use for implementing the PPQ’s are the unmeldable and meldable parallel heaps. Our algorithms have considerably less time and/or work bounds than the previously best known algorithms, and use a less powerful parallel computational model (EREW PRAM). The new ideas that make our improvement possible are two partition schemes dynamically maintained on the parallel heap structures: the minimal- path partition and the right-path partition. These partition schemes could be of interest in their own right. Our results also lead to optimal parallel algorithms for implementing sequential operations on several commonly-used heap structures.
A new copper acetate-bis(oxazoline)-catalyzed, enantioselective Henry reaction

A highly enantioselective, nitroaldol reaction catalyzed by a chiral Cu(II) bis(oxazoline) complex has been developed. The reaction scope includes both aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes (15 examples) affording products in good yields and enantioselectivities (87−94% ee). An X-ray structure of the catalyst has been provided along with a rationalization of the sense of asymmetric induction.
Tracking controllers for systems linear in the unmeasured states

We introduce a class of extended strict feedback nonlinear systems in which unmeasured states enter the system equations in a linear (affine) fashion. For such systems, we present a procedure for constructing dynamic partial state feedback controllers that achieve the global asymptotic tracking of given reference trajectories while maintaining internal boundedness. The controller dynamic order is equal to the number of unmeasured states. To illustrate our design procedure, we construct such a tracking controller for a nonlinear electromechanical rotor/platform system.
Enantioselective Reductive Coupling of Acetylene to N-Arylsulfonyl Imines via Rhodium Catalyzed C−C Bond-Forming Hydrogenation: (Z)-Dienyl Allylic Amines

The first highly enantioselective catalytic vinylation of aldimines to furnish allylic amines is reported. Exposure of aromatic and aliphatic N-arylsulfonyl aldimines 1a−12a to equal volumes of acetylene and hydrogen gas at 45 °C and ambient pressure in the presence of chirally modified cationic rhodium catalysts provides the (Z)-dienyl allylic amines 1b−12b in highly optically enriched form (93−98% ee) and as single geometrical isomers (>95:5, Z/E). The coupling products 1b−12b arise via multicomponent coupling of four molecules: two molecules of acetylene, a molecule of aldimine, and elemental hydrogen. Unlike other imine additions involving nonstabilized carbanions, the present protocol circumvents use of preformed organometallic reagents.
Volcanic eruption plumes on Io

Preliminary analyses of the eight volcanic eruption plumes detected on Io by Voyager 1 are presented. Plumes were observed on the bright and dark limbs of the satellite corresponding to half of the surface and range from 10,000 to 75 km in width and 280 to 70 km in height. Most plumes were observed to be umbrella-shaped, however one consists of a very diffuse cloud lacking columnar fountain characteristics. Plume sources are characterized by a dark central area, surrounded by a bright ring, which in turn is surrounded by a broad, diffuse region; the presence of similar markings in regions not observed at the limb indicates additional volcanic activity on Io. No changes were detected in the sizes or intensities of the eruptions over the 6.5-day viewing period, however a change in the appearance of a region near one plume suggests a short-lived eruption between observations. Seven of the eight plumes are located within 30 deg of the equator, implying that equatorial surfaces are generally younger than those in the polar regions.
Rate constants for the gas phase reactions of OH with C5 through C7 aliphatic alcohols and ethers: Predicted and experimental values

Absolute rate constants were determined at 298 K for the gas phase reactions of hydroxyl radicals with several C5 through C7 aliphatic alcohols and ethers using the flash photolysis resonance fluorescence technique. The values obtained (in units of 10−12 cm3 molecule−1 s−1) were: 3-methyl-2-butanol, (12.4 ± 0.7); 2-pentanol, (11.8 ± 0.8); 3-pentanol, (12.2 ± 0.7); cyclopentanol, (10.7 ± 0.7); 1-hexanol, (12.4 ± 0.7); 2-hexanol, (12.1 ± 0.7); 1-heptanol, (13.6 ± 1.3); methyl-n-butylether, (16.4 ± 0.6); ethyl-n-butylether, (22.8 ± 0.9); ethyl-t-butylether, (8.12 ± 0.32); and methyl-t-amylether, (7.91 ± 0.42). These results are discussed in terms of group reactivities in such molecules and are compared with values estimated from an additive structure-reactivity index.
Energy Efficiency Management of an Integrated Serial Production Line and HVAC System

Modern manufacturing facilities waste many energy savings opportunities (ESO) due to the lack of integration between the facility and the production system. To explore the energy savings opportunities, this paper combines the two largest energy consumers in a manufacturing plant: the production line and the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The concept of the energy opportunity window (OW) is utilized, which allows each machine to be turned off at set periods of time without any throughput loss. The recovery time of each machine is the minimum amount of time a machine must be operational between opportunity windows to guarantee zero production loss and it is explored both analytically and numerically. The opportunity window for the production line is synced with the peak periods of energy demand for the HVAC system to create a heuristic rule to optimize the energy cost savings. This integrated system is modeled and tested using simulation studies.
Analyst Behavior and Underwriter Choice

We examine the role that analysts play in a firm's choice of underwriter using a sample of major U.S. investment banks. In order to best capture the competitive environment, which is critical to the potential role that analysts play, we limit our sample of firms to 161 real estate investment trusts (REITs) issuing debt or equity between 1996 and 2004. Using the estimation technique of Ljungqvist et al. (Journal of Finance 61:301–340 2006), which accounts for the endogeneity of analyst behavior and the coverage self-selection decision, we find that target prices that are optimistic relative to competitors' target prices, significantly increase an underwriter's probability of attracting underwriting business. This result holds for both equity and debt issues with fees greater than one million dollars. We also find evidence consistent with the notion that increased regulatory scrutiny of conflicts of interest between analysts and investment banks has decreased the impact of analyst behavior on underwriter choice.
A partial ordering on slices of planar Lagrangians

A collection of simple closed curves in \( {\mathcal{R}}^3\) is called a negative slice if it is the intersection of a flat-at-infinity planar Lagrangian surface and {y2 = a} for some a < 0. Examples and non-examples of negative slices are given. Embedded Lagrange cobordisms define a relation on slices and in some (and perhaps all) cases this relation defines a partial order. The set of slices is a commutative monoid and the additive structure has an interesting relationship with the ordering relation.
Modular programming conventions in assembly languages

The methodology of modular programming has received increased attention in which the most basic yet important part is the intermodule communication. Circumstances may dictate the use of assembly language in software development. However, linkage conventions at this level are generally lacking or unworkable. This paper proposes a calling sequence convention and a calling sequence handler for intermodule communication. This scheme is simple to use and enhances good programming practices, such as simplicity, flexibility, comprehensibility and integrity.
Abelian BF Theories and Knot Invariants

In the context of the Batalin–Vilkovisky formalism, a new observable for the Abelian BF theory is proposed whose vacuum expectation value is related to the Alexander–Conway polynomial. The three-dimensional case is analyzed explicitly, and it is proved to be anomaly free. Moreover, at the second order in perturbation theory, a new formula for the second coefficient of the Alexander–Conway polynomial is obtained. An account on the higher-dimensional generalizations is also given.