cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Full-field interferometric confocal microscopy using a VCSEL array

We present an interferometric confocal microscope using an array of 1200 vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) coupled to a multimode fiber. Spatial coherence gating provides ~18,000 continuous virtual pinholes, allowing an entire en face plane to be imaged in a snapshot. This approach maintains the same optical sectioning as a scanning confocal microscope without moving parts, while the high power of the VCSEL array (∼5 mW per laser) enables high-speed image acquisition with integration times as short as 100 μs. Interferometric detection also recovers the phase of the image, enabling quantitative phase measurements and improving the contrast when imaging phase objects.
Calcium hypochlorite-mediated oxidation of primary alcohols to methyl esters

Abstract Primary aliphatic alcohols can be converted to methyl esters using calcium hypochlorite as the oxidant. Primary benzyl alcohols can also be converted efficiently to methyl benzoates.
Timing driven co-design of networked embedded systems

Advances in microelectronics integration have led to the emergence of tightly integrated systems with high performance network interfaces. Design of such systems especially for single chip implementation is a delicate balance of functionality and available time budget to perform the tasks. Computer-aided design tools and methodologies are needed to ensure the correctness of the design and efficiency of the design process, especially for networked systems that have strict timing requirements both due to technology as well as networking needs. We present an overview of a timing-driven design methodology for networked systems, developed at the University of California, Irvine.
Oil-Free Shaft Support System Rotordynamics: Past, Present, and Future Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract Recent breakthroughs in Oil-Free technologies have enabled new high-speed rotor systems and turbomachinery. Such technologies can include compliant-surface gas bearings, magnetic bearings and advanced solid lubricants and tribo-materials. This presentation briefly reviews critical technology developments and the current state-of-the-art, emerging Oil-Free rotor systems and discusses obstacles preventing more widespread use. Key examples of “best practices” for deploying Oil-Free technologies will be presented and remaining major technical questions surrounding Oil-Free technologies will be brought forward.
The photoelectrochemistry of niobium doped α-Fe2O3

Abstract The photoelectrochemical properties of single crystals of niobium doped iron (III) oxides prepared by chemical vapor transport are presented. Evidence for the existence of a sub-bandgap energy level in Fe2O3 is also presented. Results from photopotential, capacitance, photocurrent transient and double beam photocurrent experiments suggest that the performance of the Fe2O3 photoanode is hampered by low carrier mobilities and slow charge transfer across the semiconductor/electrolyte interface.
On the Entropy Rate of Pattern Processes

We study the entropy rate of pattern sequences of stochastic processes, and its relationship to the entropy rate of the original process. We give a complete characterization of this relationship for independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) processes over arbitrary alphabets, stationary ergodic processes over discrete alphabets, and a broad family of stationary ergodic processes over uncountable alphabets. For cases where the entropy rate of the pattern process is infinite, we characterize the possible growth rate of the block entropy
Lieb-Robinson Bounds and the Exponential Clustering Theorem

We give a Lieb-Robinson bound for the group velocity of a large class of discrete quantum systems which can be used to prove that a non-vanishing spectral gap implies exponential clustering in the ground state of such systems.
Constraints in constructive solid geometry

The success of solid modelling in industrial design depends on facilities for specifying and editing parameterized models of solids through user-friendly interaction with a graphical front-end. Systems based on a dual representation, which combines Constructive Solid Geometry (CSG) and Boundary representation (BRep), seem most suitable for modelling mechanical parts. Typically they accept a CSG-compatible input (Boolean combinations of solid primitives) and offer facilities for parameterizing and editing part definitions. The user need not specify the topology of the boundary, but often has to solve three-dimensional trigonometric problems to compute the parameters of rigid motions that specify the positions of primitive solids.A front-end that automatically converts graphical input into rigid motions may be easily combined with boundary-oriented input, but its integration in dual systems usually complicates the editing process and limits the possibilities of parameterizing solid definitions. This report proposes a solution based on three main ideas: (1) enhance the semantics of CSG representations with rigid motions that operate on arbitrary collections of sub-solids regardless of their position in the CSG tree, (2) store rigid motions in terms of unevaluated constraints on graphically selected boundary features, (3) evaluate constraints independently, one at a time, in user-specified order. The third idea offers an alternative to known approaches, which convert all constraints into a large system of simultaneous equations to be solved by iterative numerical methods.The resulting front-end is inadequate for solving problems where multiple constraints must be met simultaneously, but provides a powerful tool for specifying and interactively editing parameterized models of mechanical parts and mechanisms. The order in which constraints are evaluated may also be used as a language for specifying the sequence of assembly and set-up operations.An implementation under way is based on the interpreter of a new object oriented programming language, enhanced with geometric classes. Constraint evaluation results in the activation of methods which compute rigid motions from surface information. The set of available methods may be extended by the users, and methods may be integrated in higher level functions whose algorithmic nature simplifies the treatment of degenerate cases. Graphic interaction is provided through a geometrical engine which lets the user manipulate shaded images produced efficiently from the CSG representation of solid models.
Colored resonant signals at the LHC: largest rate and simplest topology

We study the colored resonance production at the LHC in a most general approach. We classify the possible colored resonances based on group theory decomposition, and construct their effective interactions with light partons. The production cross section from annihilation of valence quarks or gluons may be on the order of 400–1000 pb at LHC energies for a mass of 1 TeV with nominal couplings, leading to the largest production rates for new physics at the TeV scale, and simplest event topology with dijet final states. We apply the new dijet data from the LHC experiments to put bounds on various possible colored resonant states. The current bounds range from 0.9 to 2.7 TeV. The formulation is readily applicable for future searches including other decay modes.
Phosphine polymerization by nitric oxide: experimental characterization and theoretical predictions of mechanism.

A yellow solid material [PxHy] has been obtained in the reaction of phosphine (PH3) and nitric oxide (NO) at room temperature and characterized by thermogravimetric analysis mass spectrometry (TGA-MS) and attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. In this work using complete basis set (CBS-QB3) methods a plausible mechanism has been investigated for phosphine polymerization in the presence of nitric oxide (NO). Theoretical explorations with the ab initio method suggest (a) instead of the monomer the nitric oxide dimer acts as an initial oxidant, (b) the resulting phosphine oxides (H3P═O ↔ H3P+O−) in the gas phase draw each other via strong dipolar interactions between the P−O groups, and (c) consequently an autocatalyzed polymerization occurs among the phosphine oxides, forming P−P chemical bonds and losing water. The possible structures of polyhydride phosphorus polymer were discussed. In the calculations a series of cluster models was computed to simulate polymerization.
Fluorocarbanion chemistry. Tris(4-nitro-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl) methane and companions

Abstract The titled compound ( 2 ) is prepared by oxidation of tris(4-amino-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorophenyl) methane with 98% H 2 O 2 and trifluoroacetic anhydride. Compound 2 , a strong carbon acid, forms long-persisting deep blue solutions of the anion on reaction with alkalis, amines, and alcohols. Oxidation of the anion of 2 with KMnO 4 provides the corresponding triarylmethyl radical. Reaction of 2 with LiOCH 3 in methanol gives the stable blue lithium salt. The 4-cyano analog of 2 has also been prepared.
An Efficient Method for the Synthesis of Symmetrical Disiloxanes from Alkoxysilanes Using Meerwein’s Reagent

We report here a new and efficient route to symmetrical disiloxanes from their corresponding alkoxysilanes using Meerwein’s reagent as mediator and potassium carbonate as additive under mild reaction conditions in acetonitrile. Our methodology is very simple, economic, and high yielding. We have also proposed a reaction mechanism with the plausible silyloxonium intermediates.
Highly diastereofacial anti-aldol reaction: Practical synthesis of optically active anti-2-alkyl-3-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester units

A variety of esters derived from commercially available norephedrine were used in diastereoselective anti-aldol reactions. The aldol reaction of designed 2-(N-2-methylbenzyl-N-2,4,6-trimethylbenzyl)amino-1-phenylpropanol esters 4a-d with aldehydes furnished anti-2-alkyl-3-hydroxycarboxylic acid esters in excellent diastereomeric ratios (>98:2) when LDA-Cp2ZrCl2 (0.3 equiv) was used for enolization, followed by transmetalation into the zirconium enolate for aldolization. The novel auxiliary 3 for the anti-aldol reaction does not exhibit the ordinary basicity of tertiary amines; 3 can be extracted from acidic media with organic solvents. Its use is, therefore, very advantageous not only for extraction of the aldol products from the acidic water solutions, but also for recovering the chiral auxiliary 3 after the reductive cleavage. Treatment of aldol or 3-protected aldol products with DIBAL-H or LiAlH4 affords the versatile synthons, 2-alkyl-propane-1,3-diols or those 3-protected diols in >98% ee's together with 3 in nearly quantitative recovery.
GYO reductions, canonical connections, tree and cyclic schemas, and tree projections

Abstract Database schemas may be partitioned into two subclasses: three schemas and cyclic schemas. The analysis of tree vs . cyclic schemas introduced the concepts of GYO reductions, canonical connections, and tree projections. This paper investigates the intricate relationships among these concepts in the context of universal relation databases.
Total Synthesis of (−)-Laulimalide

(−)-Laulimalide (1), a structurally novel macrolide isolated in trace amounts from marine sponges, promotes abnormal tubulin polymerization and apoptosis in vitro, with a similar mode of action to that of Taxol®, but with potentially less susceptibility to multidrug resistance. Herein, a flexible and convergent asymmetric synthesis of (−)-laulimalide is described. This synthesis featured a highly diastereoselective Sakurai reaction of 2 with 3 and a regioselective macrolactonization of an unprotected vicinal diol. Laulimalide was synthesized in 25 steps (longest linear; 36 overall) in 3.5% overall yield, providing a uniquely short and efficient route to 1 and its analogues.
Groups of ribbon knots

Abstract We prove that for each positive integer n , the V n -equivalence classes of ribbon knot types form a subgroup R n , of index two, of the free abelian group V n constructed by the author and Stanford. As a corollary, any non-ribbon knot whose Arf invariant is trivial cannot be distinguished from ribbon knots by finitely many independent Vassiliev invariants. Furthermore, except the Arf invariant, all non-trivial additive knot cobordism invariants are not of finite type. We prove a few more consequences about the relationship between knot cobordism and V n -equivalence of knots. As a by-product, we prove that the number of independent Vassiliev invariants of order n is bounded above by (n − 2)! 2 if n > 5, improving the previously known upper bound of ( n − 1)!.
A new cation-exchange method for accurate field speciation of hexavalent chromium

Abstract A new method for field speciation of Cr(VI) has been developed to meet present stringent regulatory standards and to overcome the limitations of existing methods. The method consists of passing a water sample through strong acid cation-exchange resin at the field site, where Cr(III) is retained while Cr(VI) passes into the effluent and is preserved for later determination. The method is simple, rapid, portable, and accurate, and makes use of readily available, inexpensive materials. Cr(VI) concentrations are determined later in the laboratory using any elemental analysis instrument sufficiently sensitive to measure the Cr(VI) concentrations of interest. The new method allows measurement of Cr(VI) concentrations as low as 0.05 μg l−1, storage of samples for at least several weeks prior to analysis, and use of readily available analytical instrumentation. Cr(VI) can be separated from Cr(III) between pH 2 and 11 at Cr(III)/Cr(VI) concentration ratios as high as 1000. The new method has demonstrated excellent comparability with two commonly used methods, the Hach Company direct colorimetric method and USEPA method 218.6. The new method is superior to the Hach direct colorimetric method owing to its relative sensitivity and simplicity. The new method is superior to USEPA method 218.6 in the presence of Fe(II) concentrations up to 1 mg l−1 and Fe(III) concentrations up to 10 mg l−1. Time stability of preserved samples is a significant advantage over the 24-h time constraint specified for USEPA method 218.6.
Relationship Between Spark Plugs and Engine-Radiated Electromagnetic Interference

The ignition system of any spark-ignited internal combustion engine-powered device is well recognized as a major source of radiated electromagnetic interference (EMI). Spark plus designs can be selected to aid in reducing ignition-related EMI. The effects of various spark plug designs such as resistor spark plugs, inductor spark plugs, and shielded spark plugs upon both EMI and ignition system performance are presented. In addition to studying the effect of spark plug design, the use of the SAE standard (J551b) and other EMI measurement techniques to determine effect of spark plug suppression designs are discussed. Generally, the addition of a resistor to the spark plug provides the most effective spark plug suppression. However, other designs may be effective as an addition to the resistor or as a substitute where resistors cannot be practically used.
Coca in the northwest Amazon.

The perspicacity in knowledge of psychotropic plants amongst the Indians of the northwest Amazon is uncanny. Even taking into account the millenia of living in intimate association with his ambient vegetation and his thousands of opportunities to learn through trial and error even considering these circumstances, his achievements at bending the properties of plants to his use are astonishing. There is little, however, that can compare with his use of the coca plant and its permeation into all of society and tribal customs. For throughout the northwestern Amazon, most Indian groups employ coca and have exalted it to a level never attained in the highland parts of the Andes, where its use has persisted from ancient times.
Regularized Traces and Taylor Expansions for the Heat Semigroup

The coefficients in asymptotics of regularized traces and associated trace (spectral) distributions for Schrodinger operators with short and long range potentials are computed. A kernel expansion for the Schrodinger semigroup is derived, and a connection with non-commutative Taylor formulas is established.
On the weak and ergodic limit of the spectral shift function

We investigate convergence properties of the spectral shift functions associated with a pair of Schrodinger operators with Dirichlet boundary conditions at the end points of a finite interval as the length of interval approaches infinity.
On the Range of the Attenuated Radon Transform in Strictly Convex Sets

We present new necessary and sufficient conditions for a function on@×S 1 to be in the range of the attenuated Radon transform of a sufficiently smooth function support in the convex set ⊂ R 2 . The approach is based on an explicit Hilbert transform associated with traces of the boundary of A-analytic functions in the sense of Bukhgeim. In this paper we are concerned with the range characterization of the attenuated Radon transform of function of compact support in the plane. Necessary and sufficient constraints on range of the non-att enuated (clas- sical) Radon transform in the Euclidean space have been known since the works in (6), (7), and (10). These constraints, known as the Cavalieri or the moment conditions, are in terms of the angular variable. For function in the Schwartz class, they are essentially unique due to a Paley-Wiener type the- orem. Moreover, the Helgason support theorem extends the conditions to smooth functions of compact support (8). However, in the case of functions of compact support, it is possible to obtain essentially dif ferent range con- ditions since more than one operator can annihilate functions of compact support in the range of the Radon transform. The results here constitute one such example. Inversion methods of the attenuated Radon transform in the plane ap- peared first in (1), and (14), and various developments can be found in (13), (3), (5), (2). The interest in range conditions stems out fro m their appli- cations to data enhancement in medical imaging methods such as Single Photon, or Positron Emission Computed Tomography (12). For the Eu- clidean attenuated Radon transform, some range characterization based on the inversion procedure in (14) can be found in (15). These constraints are also in terms of the angular variable. Different from the existing results above, our new characterization is in terms of a Hilbert transform associated with the A-analytic maps ` a la
Reply to Comments of Bassi, Ghirardi, and Tumulka on the Free Will Theorem

We respond to criticisms of our paper “The Free Will Theorem”, and produce a new form of the theorem based on weaker assumptions.
Determination of Meteor Showers on Other Planets Using Comet Ephemerides

Meteor showers on Earth occur at well-known times and are associated with the decay of comets or other minor bodies whose orbital paths pass close to Earth's trajectory. On the surface, determining the closest proximity of two orbital paths appears to be a computationally intensive procedure. This paper describes a simple geometric method for determining the proximity between the orbital paths of two bodies (i.e., a comet and a planet) in the solar system from the known ephemerides of the objects. The method is used to determine whether meteor showers on other planets in the solar system could be associated with any of 250 known comets.
Invariant Funnels around Trajectories using Sum-of-Squares Programming

Abstract This paper presents numerical methods for computing regions of finite-time invariance (funnels) around solutions of polynomial differential equations. The methods are compared on stabilized trajectories of a six-state model of a satellite. First, we present a method which exactly certifies sufficient conditions for invariance despite relying on approximate trajectories from numerical integration. Our second method relaxes the constraints of the first by sampling in time. On the model system, this recovered almost identical funnels but was much faster to compute. In both cases, funnels are verified using Sum-of-Squares programming to search over time-varying quadratic Lyapunov functions. We examine both time-varying rescalings of quadratic forms computed from linearizations and searching directly over time-varying quadratic Lyapunov functions. On the model system the latter provided larger funnels at the cost of increased computation time.
Novel dyestuffs containing dicyanomethylidene groups

Several series of novel compounds have been prepared containing dicyanomethylidene groups including 1-alkyl-3-dicyanomethylideneindol-2-ones and 6,6-dicyanofulvenes. Their visible absorption properties are recorded and discussed.
String Theory and the Donaldson Polynomial

It is shown that the scattering of spacetime axions with fivebrane solitons of heterotic string theory at zero momentum is proportional to the Donaldson polynomial.
Calibration of the CH and CN Variations Among Main-Sequence Stars in M71 and in M13*

An analysis of the CN and CH band strengths measured in a large sample of M71 and M13 main-sequence stars by Cohen is undertaken using synthetic spectra to quantify the underlying C and N abundances. In the case of M71 it is found that the observed CN and CH band strengths are best matched by the identical C/N/O abundances which fit the bright giants, implying: (1) little if any mixing is taking place during red giant branch ascent in M71, and (2) a substantial component of the C and N abundance inhomogeneities is in place before the main-sequence turn-off. The unlikelihood of mixing while on the main sequence requires an explanation for the abundance variations which lies outside the present stars (primordial inhomogeneities or intracluster self enrichment). For M13 it is shown that the 3883 A CN bands are too weak to be measured in the spectra for any reasonable set of expected compositions. A similar situation exists for CH as well. However, two of the more luminous program stars do appear to have C abundances considerably greater than those found among the bright giants, thereby suggesting deep mixing has taken place on the M13 red giant branch.
A fast pseudo-Boolean constraint solver

Linear pseudo-Boolean (LPB) constraints denote inequalities between arithmetic sums of weighted Boolean functions and provide a significant extension of the modeling power of purely propositional constraints. They can be used to compactly describe many discrete electronic design automation problems with constraints on linearly combined, weighted Boolean variables, yet also offer efficient search strategies for proving or disproving whether a satisfying solution exists. Furthermore, corresponding decision procedures can easily be extended for minimizing or maximizing an LPB objective function, thus providing a core optimization method for many problems in logic and physical synthesis. In this paper, we review how recent advances in satisfiability search can be extended for pseudo-Boolean constraints and describe a new LPB solver that is based on generalized constraint propagation and conflict-based learning. We present a comparison with other, state-of-the-art LPB solvers which demonstrates the overall efficiency of our method.
Advanced tape mastering system: Electronic features

A new "two-track" technique extends the weighted dynamic range of audio tape systems to at least 76 dB below three percent Third Harmonic Distortion. Simplest techniques are employed during recording. The extended range is achieved by continuous automatic selection of the optimum track for minimum distortion or quietest background during playback.
Photovoltaically active p layers of amorphous silicon

Abstract Studies on amorphous silicon p-n diodes have shown that the p layers are photovoltaically active. Detailed quantum efficiency measurements were performed as a function of bias voltage, p-layer thickness and boron doping. The data fit a simple depletion width model in which all photogenerated carriers created inside the depletion region are collected. An additional “reverse” barrier depletion width is assumed at the interface between the front transparent oxide electrode and the p layer to explain the results. A 10-nm thick p layer typically used in p-i-n cells could collect up to 1 mA/cm 2 if the electric field in the p layer is greater than 10 5 volt/cm.
Preorganization of DNA: Design Principles for Improving Nucleic Acid Recognition by Synthetic Oligonucleotides

A. Coverage of This Review This review describes design principles which chemists have applied to the construction of DNA analogues for use in the recognition of specific DNA and RNA sequences. The focus is primarily on molecular strategies which are aimed at increasing binding affinity and specificity, the benchmarks of successful molecular recognition. The field of oligonucleotide chemistry has grown explosively in the last 10 years. For that reason this review is not intended to comprehensively cover the entire field of oligonucleotide chemistry, but will instead focus on this more narrow topic. The reader is invited to visit other recently published reviews for surveys of oligonucleotide synthesis1,2 and of oligonucleotide conjugates, 3 and for in-depth coverage of antisense or antigene therapeutic strategies.4–7
Relationship between Anomalous Pancreaticobiliary Ductal Union and Pathologic Inflammation of Bile Duct in Choledochal Cyst

Purpose Choledochal cyst is a cystic dilatation of common bile duct. Although the etiology is presently uncertain, anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union (APBDU) is thought to be a major etiology of choledochal cyst. In this study, we analyzed the clinical and anatomical characteristics and pathologies of patients diagnosed with choledochal cyst in a single institute for 25 years. Methods A total of 113 patients, diagnosed with choledochal cyst and who received an operation in Severance Children's Hospital from January 1988 to May 2013, were included. Medical records were reviewed, including clinical and demographic data, surgical procedures. Abdominal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, and intraoperative cholangiography were used as diagnostic tools for evaluation and classification of choledochal cyst and the presence of anomalous pancreaticobiliary ductal union. Todani's classification, and relationship between APBDU and surgical pathology. Results Among 113 patients, 77 patients (68.1%) presented symptoms such as hepatitis, pancreatitis and/or cholecystitis. Eighty three patients (73.5%) had APBDU, and 94 patients (83.2%) showed inflammatory pathologic changes. APBDU, pathologic inflammation, and serological abnormalities such as hepatitis or pancreatitis showed a statistically significant correlation to one another. Conclusion APBDU is thought to be one of the etiologic factors of choledochal cyst. It is related to the inflammatory changes in bile duct that can lead to the cystic dilatation.
Synthesis of certain 6-alkylthio-2,2'-anhydro-5-azauridines

β-D-Arabinofurano[1′,2′:4,5]oxazolo-s-triazin-4-one-6-thione (7b) and its t-butyldimethylsilyl protected counterpart 7a were synthesized by treating the appropriate 2-amino-β-D-arabinofurano[1′,2′:4,5]-2-oxazoline with ethoxycarbonyl isothiocyanate. These 2,2′-anhydro-s-triazine nucleosides were then subjected to alkylation under similar reaction conditions. Alkylation of 3′,5′-bis(O-t-butyldimethylsilyl)-β-D-arabinofurano[1′,2′:-4,5]oxazolo-s-triazin-4-one-6-thione (7a) provided the targeted S-alkylated nucleosides, i.e., the C6-SCH3 (9a), C6-SCH2-CH = CH2 (10a), and C6-S-CH2-C = CH (11a), in reasonable yields. Attempted deprotection of these nucleosides failed. In order to circumvent this problem, 7b was alkylated with the same reagents. In each case, instead of the expected S-alkylated anhydronucleosides, a mixture of the 5-N-alkylanhydro-s-triazine-4,6-dione and 5-N-alkylanhydro-s-triazin-4-one-6-thione derivatives were obtained. The 2,2′-anhydro linkage of 7a was also found to be more stable than the s-triazine ring to mild base. Basic conditions displaced the C6-sulfur substituent and eventually caused ring opening of the s-triazine aglycone.
Time limitations and geometrical parameters in the design of microfluidic comparators

The ability to control the flow of particles (e.g., droplets and cells) in microfluidic environments can enable new methods for synthesis of biomaterials (Mann and Ozin in Nature 382:313–318, 1996), biocharacterization, and medical diagnosis (Pipper et al. in Nat Med 13:1259–1263, 2007). Understanding the factors that affect the particle passage can improve the control over the particles’ flow through microchannels (Vanapalli et al. in Lab Chip 9:982, 2009). The first step to understand the particle passage is to measure the resulting flow rate, induced pressure drop across the channel, and other parameters. Flow rates and pressure drops during passage of a particle through microchannels are typically measured using microfluidic comparators. Since the first microfluidic comparators were reported, a few design factors have been explored experimentally and theoretically, e.g., sensitivity (Vanapalli et al. in Appl Phys Lett 90:114109, 2007). Nevertheless, there is still a gap in the understanding of the temporal and spatial resolution limits of microfluidic comparators. Here we explore, theoretically and experimentally, the factors that affect the spatial and temporal resolution. We determined that the comparator sensitivity is defined by the device geometry adjacent and upstream the measuring point in the comparator. Further, we determined that, in order of importance, the temporal resolution is limited by the convective timescale, capacitive timescale due to channel expansion, and unsteady timescale due to the flow inertia. Finally, we explored the flow velocity limits by characterizing the transition between low to moderate Reynolds numbers (Re <<1 to Re ~ 50). The present work can guide the design of microfluidic comparators and clarify the limits of this technique.
A splicing defect due to an exon-intron junctional mutation results in abnormal β-hexosaminidase α chain mRNAs in Ashkenazi Jewish patients with Tay-Sachs disease

Abnormal beta-hexosaminidase alpha chain mRNAs from an Ashkenazi Jewish patient with the classical infantile Tay-Sachs disease contained intact or truncated intron 12 sequences. Sequence analysis showed a single nucleotide transversion at the 5' donor site of intron 12 from the normal G to C. This provides the first evidence that this junctional mutation, also found independently in two other laboratories by analysis of genomic clones, results in functional abnormality. Analysis with normal and mutant oligonucleotides as probes indicated that our patient was a compound heterozygote with only one allele having the transversion. The patient studied in the other two laboratories was also a compound heterozygote. Another Ashkenazi Jewish patient was normal in this region in both alleles. Thus, the splicing defect is the underlying genetic cause in some but not all Ashkenazi Jewish patients with Tay-Sachs disease.
Flexible and tunable silicon photonic circuits on plastic substrates

Flexible microelectronics has shown tremendous promise in a broad spectrum of applications, especially those that cannot be addressed by conventional microelectronics in rigid materials and constructions. These unconventional yet important applications range from flexible consumer electronics to conformal sensor arrays and biomedical devices. A recent paradigm shift in implementing flexible electronics is to physically transfer highly integrated devices made in high-quality, crystalline semiconductors on to plastic substrates. Here we demonstrate a flexible form of silicon photonics using the transfer-and-bond fabrication method. Photonic circuits including interferometers and resonators have been transferred onto flexible plastic substrates with preserved functionalities and performance. By mechanically deforming, the optical characteristics of the devices can be tuned reversibly over a remarkably large range. The demonstration of the new flexible photonic systems based on the silicon-on-plastic (SOP) platform could open the door to many future applications, including tunable photonics, optomechanical sensors and biomechanical and bio-photonic probes.
Solution to the Ward identities for superamplitudes

Supersymmetry and R-symmetry Ward identities relate on-shell amplitudes in a supersymmetric field theory. We solve these Ward identities for NKMHV amplitudes of the maximally supersymmetric \( \mathcal{N} = 4 \) and \( \mathcal{N} = 8 \) theories. The resulting superamplitude is written in a new, manifestly supersymmetric and R-invariant form: it is expressed as a sum of very simple SUSY and \( {\text{SU}}{\left( \mathcal{N} \right)_R} \)-invariant Grassmann polynomials, each multiplied by a “basis amplitude”. For NKMHV n-point superamplitudes the number of basis amplitudes is equal to the dimension of the irreducible representation of SU(n − 4) corresponding to the rectangular Young diagram with \( \mathcal{N} \) columns and K rows. The linearly independent amplitudes in this algebraic basis may still be functionally related by permutation of momenta. We show how cyclic and reflection symmetries can be used to obtain a smaller functional basis of color-ordered single-trace amplitudes in \( \mathcal{N} = 4 \) gauge theory. We also analyze the more significant reduction that occurs in \( \mathcal{N} = 8 \) supergravity because gravity amplitudes are not ordered. All results are valid at both tree and loop level.
Collaborative exploration with a Micro Aerial Vehicle: a novel interaction method for controlling a mav with a hand-held device

In order to collaboratively explore an environment with a Micro Aerial Vehicle (MAV), an operator needs a mobile interface, which can support the operator's divided attention. To this end, we developed the Micro Aerial Vehicle Exploration of an Unknown Environment (MAV-VUE) interface, which allows operators with minimal training the ability to remotely explore their environment with a MAV. MAV-VUE employs a concept we term Perceived First-Order (PFO) control, which allows an operator to effectively "fly" a MAV with no risk to the vehicle. PFO control utilizes a position feedback control loop to fly the MAV while presenting rate feedback to the operator. A usability study was conducted to evaluate MAV-VUE. This interface was connected remotely to an actual MAV to explore a GPS-simulated urban environment.
MODELS OF STOCK MARKET PREDICTABILITY

I briefly review the success of past studies purporting to explain equity valuations and predict future equity returns. The Campbell-Shiller mean reversion models are contrasted with an expanded version of the so-called Federal Reserve model. At least from 1970 to 2003, Federal Reserve–type models did somewhat better at predicting long-horizon returns than did a mean reversion model based on dividend yields and price-earnings multiples. However, timing investment strategies based on any of these prediction models do no better than a buy-and-hold strategy. Although some predictability of returns exists, there is no evidence of any systematic inefficiency that would enable investors to earn excess returns.
The Takeover Wave of the 1980s

The takeover wave of the 1980s moved large enterprises toward specialization and away from the diversification of the 1960s. The easy availability of funds made acquisitions affordable, while the hands-off antitrust policy allowed mergers between two firms in the same industry. Hostile takeovers and leveraged buyouts fostered the break up of conglomerates and the sell-off of divisions to buyers in the same industry; they helped speed the economy-wide move toward specialization. The poor performance of conglomerates indicates that this trend toward specialization is likely to make U.S. industry more competitive. Current state antitakeover laws are probably the result of intense lobbying by managers trying to entrench themselves; these laws do not promote competitiveness of U.S. industry. In contrast, the current accommodating federal antitrust stance encourages specialization.
The direct and reverberant response of strings and membranes to convecting, random pressure fields

The vibratory response of strings and membranes to convecting random pressure fields is discussed, with particular attention being paid to the travelling wave component of the response. A closed form Green function describes the string response and a Corcos representation for the cross-spectral density of the pressure field describes the excitation. The response of a finite string is shown to divide naturally into a direct response characterized by the convection velocity and decay rate of the pressure field, and a reverberant response characterized by the wave velocity and damping of the string and which exhibits modal resonances. The analysis is extended to include membranes by expanding the lateral membrane response in a modal summation. Each lateral mode is treated analogously to the string. It is shown approximately for small damping that the longitudinal space-time response cross-correlation has a reverberant component symmetric about zero time delay and a direct component symmetric about the convection time (spatial separation/convection velocity). These symmetry properties are used to obtain values of the convection velocity from experimental measurements of the response. Values of the convection velocity are obtained also from response cross-spectral density measurements.
Dilithium Tetrachlorocuprate Catalyzed Coupling of Allylmagnesium Bromide with α,ω-Dihaloalkanes

Abstract Allylmagnesium bromide has been shown to cross-couple with α,ω-dihaloalkanes in the presence of dilithium tetrachlorocuprate to yield, depending on reaction conditions, mono-coupled haloalkenes or di-coupled alkadienes. The order of the reactivity of the dihalides is I > Br ≥ Cl and secondary halides show greater reactivity than primary halides.
Strength Degradation by Projectile Impacts

The impacting of ceramic components by small projectiles can lead to strength degradation caused by the formation of Hertzian cracks. The conditions which produce degradation are analyzed in terms of the momentum and elastic properties of the projectile. A critical momentum must be exceeded before strength loss can occur, and the critical condition depends on the surface condition of the ceramic. Comparison of the analytical predictions with data for SiC confirms the reliability of the analysis.
Relaxation time for a dimer covering with height representation

This paper considers the Monte Carlo dynamics of random dimer coverings of the square lattice, which can be mapped to a rough interface model. Two kinds of slow modes are identified, associated respectively with long-wavelength fluctuations of the interface height, and with slow drift (in time) of the system-wide mean height. Within a continuum theory, the longest relaxation time for either kind of mode scales as the system sizeN. For the real, discrete model, an exactlower bound ofO(N) is placed on the relaxation time, using variational eigenfunctions corresponding to the two kinds of continuum modes
Molecular Theories and Simulation of Ions and Polar Molecules in Water

Recent developments in molecular theories and simulation of ions and polar molecules in water are reviewed. The hydration of imidazole and imidazolium is used to exemplify the theoretical issues. The treatment of long-ranged electrostatic interactions in simulations is discussed extensively. It is argued that the Ewald approach is an easy way to get correct hydration free energies corresponding to thermodynamic limit from molecular calculations. Molecular simulations with Ewald interactions and periodic boundary conditions can also be more efficient than many common alternatives. The Ewald treatment permits a conclusive extrapolation to infinite system size. Accurate results for well-defined models have permitted careful testing of simple theories of electrostatic hydration free energies, such as dielectric continuum models. The picture that emerges from such testing is that the most prominent failings of the simplest theories are associated with solvent proton conformations that lead to non-Gaussian fluc...
The multiplier algebra of a nuclear quasidiagonal C*-algebra

The subject of quasidiagonality is of much interest in many places - among other things, in the classification program for simple unital separable nuclear C*-algebras. In this note, we give two characterizations of nuclearity and quasidiagonality (for simple unital separable C*-algebras). Our first characterization is the nuclear analogue of Dadarlat's characterization of exact quasidiagonal C*-algebras. Our second characterizatiion is "dual" to the interesting (and important) Popa property first studied by Popa.
Backscattering dual circular polarization raman optical activity in ephedrine molecules

Abstract We report the first measurements of Raman optical activity (ROA) in ephedrine molecules. In-phase dual circular polarization (DCP I ) ROA spectra have been recorded for (1S,2R)-ephedrine, (1S,2R)-norephedrine, (1S,2S)-pseudoephedrine and (1S,2S)-norpseudoephedrine as hydrochloride salts in H 2 O solution. The spectra are interpreted in relation to the small changes in molecular structure among these four molecular species.
Space-based Lasers for Remote Sensing Applications

There are currently three operational lidar systems orbiting the Earth, the Moon and the planet Mercury gathering scientific data and images to form a better understanding of our Earth and solar system. In this paper we will present an overview of the spaceborne laser programs and offer insights into future spaceborne lasers for remote sensing applications.
HYPERVELOCITY STARS. I. THE SPECTROSCOPIC SURVEY

We discuss our targeted search for hypervelocity stars (HVSs), stars traveling with velocities so extreme that dynamical ejection from a massive black hole is their only suggested origin. Our survey, now half-complete, has successfully identified a total of four probable HVSs plus a number of other unusual objects. Here we report the two most recently discovered HVSs: SDSS J110557.45+093439.5 and possibly SDSS J113312.12+010824, traveling with Galactic rest-frame velocities at least +508 ± 12 and +418 ± 10 km s-1, respectively. The other late B-type objects in our survey are consistent with a population of post-main-sequence stars or blue stragglers in the Galactic halo, with mean metallicity [Fe/H] = -1.3 and velocity dispersion 108 ± 5 km s-1. It is interesting to note that the velocity distribution shows a tail of objects with large positive velocities that may be a mix of low-velocity HVSs and high-velocity runaway stars. Our survey also includes a number of DA white dwarfs with unusually red colors, possibly extremely low mass objects. Two of our objects are B supergiants in the Leo A dwarf, providing the first spectroscopic evidence for star formation in this dwarf galaxy within the last ~30 Myr.
The carboalkoxyallylsilane terminator for biomimetic polyene cyclizations. A route to 21-hydroxyprogesterone types

Abstract Polyene 3 containing a carboalkoxyallylsilane terminator was cyclized to give pro-steroid 6 in 68–75% yield. Unequivocal proof for the structure of 6 was obtained by conversion to the racemic form of the natural cortical hormone 17-desoxycorticosterone ( 15 ).
Magnetic properties of the double-exchange model

We study the ferromagnetic (FM) Kondo lattice model in the strong-coupling limit (the double-exchange (DE) model). The DE mechanism proposed by Zener to explain ferromagnetism is found to have unexpected properties when there is more than one itinerant electron. We find that, in general, the many-body ground state of the DE model is not globally FM ordered (except for in special filled-shell cases). Furthermore, the low-energy excitations of this model are distinct from those in usual Heisenberg ferromagnets, which will result in unusual dynamic magnetic properties.
Remarks on the Global Regularity for the Super-Critical 2D Dissipative Quasi-Geostrophic Equation

Abstract In this article we apply the method used in the recent elegant proof by Kiselev, Nazarov and Volberg of the well-posedness of critically dissipative 2D quasi-geostrophic equation to the super-critical case. We prove that if the initial value satisfies ‖ ∇ θ 0 ‖ L ∞ 1 − 2 s ‖ θ 0 ‖ L ∞ 2 s c s for some small number c s > 0 , where s is the power of the fractional Laplacian, then no finite time singularity will occur for the super-critically dissipative 2D quasi-geostrophic equation.
Analysis of differential protein expression in normal and neoplastic human breast epithelial cell lines.

High-resolution two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and database analysis was used to establish protein expression patterns for cultured normal human mammary epithelial cells and thirteen breast cancer cell lines. The Human Breast Epithelial Cell database contains the 2-DE protein patterns, including relative protein abundances, for each cell line, plus a composite pattern that contains all the common and specifically expressed proteins from all the cell lines. Significant differences in protein expression, both qualitative and quantitative, were observed not only between normal cells and tumor cells, but also among the tumor cell lines. Eight percent (56/727) of the consistently detected proteins were found in significantly (P< 0.001) variable levels among the cell lines. Eight proteins present in normal cultured breast epithelial cells were not detected in any of the tumor cell lines. We identified a subset of the differentially expressed proteins using a combination of immunostaining, protein sequencing, comigration, and subcellular fractionation. These identified proteins include the intermediate filament components vimentin and cytokeratins. The cell lines can be classified into four distinct groups based on their intermediate filament protein profile. We also identified heat shock proteins; hsp27 and hsp60 varied in abundance and in some cases in the relative phosphorylation levels among the cell lines. Many of the differentially expressed proteins we identified have roles in cellular proliferation and differentiation, including annexin V, elongation initiation factor 5A, Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor, and prohibitin. We identified inosine-5-monophosphate dehydrogenase in each of the cell lines, and found the levels of this enzyme in the tumor cell lines elevated 2- to 20-fold relative to the levels in normal cells. These results expand the human breast epithelial cell protein database (http:// www.anl.gov/CMB/PMG) which is being built to assist researchers with the identification of abnormal patterns of expression and pathways associated with malignancy.
Application of fiber optic sensors in pavement maintenance

Design and development of a fiber optic polarization sensor for pavement maintenance application is reported. Sensor is designed to measure stress distribution inside the sample caused by applied loads on the sample in the range of 0 to 1000 pounds. Sensor reaction to the temperature variations in the range of 70 °F to 90 0 F is investigated.
Agricultural Outputs and Conflict Displacement: Evidence from a Policy Intervention in Rwanda

Abstract In 1997 Rwanda introduced a resettlement policy for refugees displaced during previous conflicts. I exploit geographic variation in the speed of implementation of this policy to investigate the impact of conflict‐induced displacement and the resettlement policy on household agricultural output and on skill spillover mechanisms between returnees and stayers. I find that returns to on‐farm labor are higher for returnees relative to stayers, although the evidence suggests that the policy contributed little additional effect to this differential. More speculatively, these differentials suggest that, upon return from conflict‐induced exile, returnees are more motivated to increase their economic performance.