cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparing absentee and precinct voters: A view over time

This paper examines the trend in absentee voting over the last 30 years in California. With the liberalization of absentee voting laws and practices, an increase in the numbers of absentee voters quickly followed. Absentee voters have already demonstrated their ability to influence the outcomes of local elections. An open question is what will become of absentee voters in the future. If they are the model for “voting at home,” and if technological advances allow such, then the behavior of current absentee voters may be indicative of the future electorate. The increasing trend of voters opting for absentee ballots is analyzed by using GLS on a random-effects time-series cross-section model with county-level data. The focus is on identifying structural factors such as changing voter demographics that have influenced the decision of voters to cast absentee ballots. Thirty-three recent statewide elections in California are the basis for this analysis, covering the statewide primary and general elections from November 1962 through November 1994. We find that the impact of demographics and time trends on absentee voting differ between general and primary elections. In addition, we find that a 1977 liberalization law in California had the effect of accelerating the usage of the absentee format. Finally, we conclude that absentee and precinct voting are substitutes in general elections but complements in primary elections.
PACS Workbench at Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (MIR)

Initial components of a Picture Archive and Communication System (PACS) workbench have been installed at the Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology (MIR) providing a set of basic “utilities” which facilitate comprehensive design studies and experiments. Each of the primary areas of picture acquisition, transport, processing, archiving and viewing are addressed by the PACS workbench.
Vectorization of gridded urban land use data

In the digital entertainment industry, cities are one of the largest artifacts modeled by artists. One alternative to modeling an entire city by hand is to use an urban simulation. Often, those simulations use a gridded terrain representation. Translating gridded simulation results into a more continuous, realistic representation can often be difficult. Our vectorization process transforms gridded urban land use data into a representation that mimics what might be seen in GIS or online mapping tools.
Space-time spreading and block coding for correlated fading channels in the presence of interference

We consider point-to-point wireless links with multiple antennas in the presence of interference, and exploit channel's spatial correlation and the temporal covariance of the interference to design multiantenna transmitters. We develop a space-time spreading scheme that maximizes average signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio, and an optimally power-loaded space-time beamforming (STBF) scheme which improves error-probability performance. In order to increase transmission rates, we combine orthogonal space-time block coding with STBF, optimize power loading across beams, and develop low-complexity receivers. Optimal training for least-squares error channel estimation, and STBF for minimum mean-square error channel estimation, are also studied. Our analytical and simulated results corroborate that STBF with optimal power loading can considerably reduce error probability and channel-estimation errors.
Integrated Communication and Control Systems: Part II—Design Considerations

The ICCS design issues for nonperiodic and stochastic delays are addressed and the framework for alternative design procedures is outlined. The impact of network-induced delays on system stability is investigated and their physical significance is demonstrated using a simulation. The negative effects of vacant sampling and message rejection at the controller are demonstrated.
Ruthenium Hydride-Promoted Dienyl Isomerization: Access to Highly Substituted 1,3-Dienes

Ruthenium hydrides were found to promote the positional isomerization of 1,3-dienes into more highly substituted 1,3-dienes in a stereoconvergent manner. The reaction can be conducted in one pot starting with terminal alkynes and alkenes by triggering decomposition of the Grubbs catalyst into a ruthenium hydride, which promotes the dienyl isomerization. The presence of an alcohol additive plays a helpful role in the reaction, significantly increasing the chemical yields. Mechanistic studies are consistent with hydrometalation of the geminally substituted alkene of the 1,3-diene and transit of the ruthenium atom across the diene framework via a π-allylruthenium intermediate.
Experimental measurement of dynamic failure and fragmentation properties of metals

An experimental method for determining failure and fragmentation properties of metals in catastrophic breakup events has been pursued in this work. Spherical samples of the test metals were launched at high velocities with a two-stage light-gas gun facility and subjected to controlled impulsive loading by impact on a stationary non-metallic plate. Fragmentation and motion of the debris were diagnosed with multiple flash radiography. Methods for determining critical failure properties and the fragmentation toughness of the test metals were explored.
Gravitational Nanolensing from Subsolar Mass Dark Matter Halos

We investigate the feasibility of extracting the gravitational nanolensing signal due to the presence of subsolar mass halos within galaxy-sized dark matter halos. We show that subsolar mass halos in a lensing galaxy can cause strong nanolensing events with shorter durations and smaller amplitudes than microlensing events caused by stars. We develop techniques that can be used in future surveys such as Pan-STARRS, LSST, and OMEGA to search for the nanolensing signal from subsolar mass halos.
New Developments in Developmental Research on Social Information Processing and Antisocial Behavior

The Special Section on developmental research on social information processing (SIP) and antisocial behavior is here introduced. Following a brief history of SIP theory, comments on several themes-measurement and assessment, attributional and interpretational style, response evaluation and decision, and the relation between emotion and SIP-that tie together four new empirical investigations are provided. Notable contributions of these studies are highlighted.
Very Sparse Additive Spanners and Emulators

We obtain new upper bounds on the additive distortion for graph emulators and spanners on relatively few edges. We introduce a new subroutine called "strip creation," and we combine this subroutine with several other ideas to obtain the following results: Every graph has a spanner on O(n1+e) edges with O(n{1/2 - e/2) additive distortion, for arbitrary e ∈ [0,1].Every graph has an emulator on O(n1+e) edges with O(n{1/3 -- 2e/3) additive distortion whenever e ∈ [0, 1/5].Every graph has a spanner on O(n1 + e) edges with O(n2/3 -- 5e/3) additive distortion whenever e ∈ [0, 1/4].Our first spanner has the new best known asymptotic edge-error tradeoff for additive spanners whenever e ∈ [0, 1/7]. Our second spanner has the new best tradeoff whenever e ∈ [1/7, 3/17]. Our emulator has the new best asymptotic edge-error tradeoff whenever e ∈ [0, 1/5].
Computing the orthographic projection aspect graph of solids of revolution

Abstract Several researchers have recently addressed the problem of computing the aspect graph of an object by deriving the exact partition of viewpoint space from the object's geometry. Algorithms have been developed to handle general polyhedral objects, with viewpoint space modeled as either the Gaussian sphere or as 3-D space. This paper presents the first algorithm to handle a defined class of curved-surface objects. The algorithm automatically computes the partition of the Guassian sphere, and thereby the aspect graph, for solids of revolution defined as Right, Circular, Straight, Homogeneous Generalized Cylinders.
An adaptive middleware for supporting time-critical event response

There are many applications where a timely response to an important event is needed. Often such response can require significant computation and possibly communication, and it can be very challenging to complete it within the time-frame the response is needed. At the same time, there could be application-specific flexibility in the computation that may be desired. This paper presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a middleware that can support such applications. Each of the services in our target applications could have one or more service parameters, which can be modified, within the pre-specified ranges, by the middleware. The middleware enables the time-critical event handling to achieve the maximum benefit, as per the user-defined benefit function, while satisfying the time constraint. Our middleware is also based on the existing Grid infrastructure and Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) concepts. We have evaluated our middleware and its support for adaptation using a volume rendering application and a Great Lake forecasting application. The evaluation shows that our adaptation is effective, and has a very low overhead.
Phase transition in rigid string coupled to Kalb-Ramond fields

Polyakov has argued that the QCD string should have long range order. We show that a phase transition does exist in a generalization of string theory characterized by the addition of the curvature of the world sheet (rigidity) and the long range Kalb-Ramond interactions to the Nambu-Goto action. Although rigid strings coupled to long range interactions exhibit the typical pathologies of higher derivative theories at the classical level, we comment based on previous results in rigid paths coupled to long range Coulomb interactions that both phases of the quantum theory are free of ghosts and tachyons.
Sexual partner preference of adult rams (Ovis aries) as affected by social experiences during rearing

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine whether the failure of some adult rams to mate estrous ewes originates from a preference for rams instead of ewes. Eight rams had been reared in all-male groups and, as adults, subjected to a heterosexual mating test. During the testing, four of the animals exhibited normal levels of sexual performance while the other four showed little interest in estrous ewes (low-response rams). Within the all-male rearing environments, those rams that subsequently showed little interest in estrous ewes had engaged in significantly more sex-like behavior with other rams than did those rams that subsequently showed normal sexual behavior toward ewes. In the present study, the four rams that previously showed little interest in estrous ewes and the four normal rams were presented with choice situations consisting of a tethered estrous ewe and a tethered ram. The rams that showed little interest in ewes consistently preferred to direct sexual behavior patterns toward the tethered ram, whereas the normal rams preferred to direct sexual behavior toward the estrous ewe. Therefore, it is concluded that the failure of some adult rams to mate estrous ewes is a consequence of their preference for rams as sexual partners.
Unstable motivic homotopy categories in Nisnevich and cdh-topologies

Abstract The motivic homotopy categories can be defined with respect to different topologies and different underlying categories of schemes. For a number of reasons (mainly because of the Gluing Theorem) the motivic homotopy category of smooth schemes with respect to the Nisnevich topology plays a distinguished role but in some cases it is desirable to be able to work with all schemes instead of the smooth ones. In this paper we prove that, under the resolution of singularities assumption, the unstable motivic homotopy category of all schemes over a field with respect to the cdh-topology is almost equivalent to the unstable motivic homotopy category of smooth schemes over the same field with respect to the Nisnevich topology.
Effects of Land-use Change on Nutrient Discharges from the Patuxent River Watershed

We developed an empirical model integrating nonpoint source (NPS) runoff, point sources (PS), and reservoir management to predict watershed discharges of water, sediment, organic carbon, silicate, nitrogen, and phosphorus to the Patuxent River in Maryland. We estimated NPS discharges with linear models fit to measurements of weekly flow and 10 material concentrations from 22 study watersheds. The independent variables were the proportions of cropland and developed land, physiographic province (Coastal Plain or Piedmont), and time (week). All but one of the NPS models explained between 62% and 83% of the variability among concentration or flow measurements. Geographic factors (land cover and physiographic province) accounted for the explained variability in largely dissolved material concentrations (nitrate [NO3], silicate [Si], and total nitrogen [TN]), but the explained variability in flow and particulates (sediment and forms of phosphorus) was more strongly related to temporal variability or its interactions with land cover and province. Average concentrations of all materials increased with cropland proportion and also with developed land (except Si), but changes in cropland produced larger concentration shifts than equivalent changes in developed land proportion. Among land cover transitions, conversions between cropland and forest-grassland cause the greatest changes in material discharges, cropland and developed land conversions are intermediate, and developed land and forest-grassland conversions have the weakest effects. Changing land cover has stronger effects on NO3 and TN in the Piedmont than in the coastal Plain, but for all other materials, the effects of land-use change are greater in the Coastal Plain. We predicted the changes in nutrient load to the estuary under several alternate land cover configurations, including a state planning scenario that extrapolates current patterns of population growth and land development to the year 2020. In that scenario, declines in NPS discharges from reducing cropland are balanced by NPS discharge increases from developing an area almost six times larger than the lost cropland. When PS discharges are included, there are net increases in total water, total phosphorus, and TN discharges.
Catalyst dependent mechanistic paths in the reactions of ethyl diazoacetate with β-keto esters

Abstract The catalyzed decomposition of ethyl diazoacetate in the presence of β-keto esters produces regioisomeric enol ethers and the diester from formal carbenoid insertion into the α-C-H bond. The product distribution is very catalyst dependent.
Data Fusion Trees for Detection: Does Architecture Matter?

We consider the problem of decentralized detection in a network consisting of a large number of nodes arranged as a tree of bounded height, under the assumption of conditionally independent and identically distributed (i.i.d.) observations. We characterize the optimal error exponent under a Neyman-Pearson formulation. We show that the Type II error probability decays exponentially fast with the number of nodes, and the optimal error exponent is often the same as that corresponding to a parallel configuration. We provide sufficient, as well as necessary, conditions for this to happen. For those networks satisfying the sufficient conditions, we propose a simple strategy that nearly achieves the optimal error exponent, and in which all non-leaf nodes need only send 1-bit messages.
SYNTHESIS AND MOLECULAR STRUCTURE OF SPIROARSORANES DIFFERING IN RING UNSATURATION. DISTORTION COORDINATES FOR FIVE-COORDINATED ARSENIC

Abstract The new compound 2-phenyl-2,2′-spirobi(1,3,2-naphthodioxarsole), (C10H6O2)2AsPh, 6, was prepared by reacting phenylarsonic acid and 2,3-dihydroxynaphthalene, similar to the preparation of the arsolanes (Me2C2O3)2AsPh, 5, and (C2H4O2)2AsPh, 7. The X-ray structures of 5-7, which were determined, varied from near trigonal bipyramidal (TBP), 5, to an intermediate geometry, 7, to rectangular pyramidal (RP), 6. For phenyl-substituted spirocyclic arsoranes containing like ring atoms directly bound to arsenic, the order of increasing displacement from the TBP toward RP parallels the order of increasing ring electron delocalization. It is found that the structures of arsoranes followed the C2v constraint of the Berry pseudorotational coordinate similar to that reported for phosphoranes. The “limiting” RP for arsoranes has a trans basal angle, θ, of 151.4° similar to that found for other main-group five-coordinated elements. Arsolane 5 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C21c with a = 11.622 (3) A, ...
Mitigating moduli messes in low-scale SUSY breaking

We discuss the physics of moduli (light scalar fields with Planck-suppressed couplings to matter) in the case of low-scale supersymmetry breaking such as gauge mediation. We argue that even if the mechanism of moduli stabilization is decoupled from the mechanism of SUSY breaking, moduli masses will generically be parametrically related to the gravitino mass once the cancellation of the cosmological constant is taken into account. For low-scale SUSY breaking, this implies that moduli fields are light, long-lived relics that will generically drive the universe into a matter-dominated phase, in contradiction to standard BBN. We discuss two scenarios for evading this problem. The first is to consider very tuned supergravity potentials that can make the moduli heavy enough to decay at early times and reheat above the temperature of BBN. Viable cosmology can be achieved in this scenario, which has a population of highly relativistic light gravitinos arising from decays of moduli. Next, we consider the more natural scenario with light moduli. The saxion field associated with the solution of the strong CP problem provides the most natural candidate for driving thermal inflation, which dilutes the moduli. We construct an explicit model for this scenario, when the PQ symmetry breaking scale is larger than the messenger scale. The combination of the constraints on relic abundance and gamma-ray flux from decay of the moduli favors a particular region of SUSY breaking scale, 2 × 103 − 104 TeV. For either scenario, we find that it is generic for low-scale SUSY to be associated with late entropy production and accompanying low reheating temperatures.
Is foreign direct investment good for growth? Evidence from sectoral analysis of China and Vietnam

We estimate the impact of FDI on growth using sectoral data for FDI inflows to China and Vietnam. Previous empirical studies, using either cross-country growth regressions or firm-level micro-econo...
Electrically driven magnetism on a Pd thin film

Using first-principles density-functional calculations, we demonstrate that ferromagnetism can be induced and modulated on an otherwise paramagnetic Pd metal thin-film surface through application of an external electric field. As free charges are either accumulated or depleted at the Pd surface to screen the applied electric field, there is a corresponding change in the surface density of states. This change can be made sufficient for the Fermi-level density of states to satisfy the Stoner criterion, driving a transition locally at the surface from a paramagnetic state to an itinerant ferromagnetic state above a critical applied electric field, ${E}_{c}$. Furthermore, due to the second-order nature of this transition, the surface magnetization of the ferromagnetic state just above the transition exhibits a substantial dependence on electric field, as the result of an enhanced magnetoelectric susceptibility. Using a linearized Stoner model, we explain the occurrence of the itinerant ferromagnetism and demonstrate that the magnetic moment on the Pd surface follows a square-root variation with electric field, $m\ensuremath{\propto}{(E\ensuremath{-}{E}_{c})}^{1/2}$, consistent with our first-principles calculations.
Key Agreement from Close Secrets over Unsecured Channels

We consider information-theoretic key agreement between two parties sharing somewhat different versions of a secret w that has relatively little entropy. Such key agreement, also known as information reconciliation and privacy amplification over unsecured channels, was shown to be theoretically feasible by Renner and Wolf (Eurocrypt 2004), although no protocol that runs in polynomial time was described. We propose a protocol that is not only polynomial-time, but actually practical, requiring only a few seconds on consumer-grade computers. Our protocol can be seen as an interactive version of robust fuzzy extractors (Dodis et al., Crypto 2006). While robust fuzzy extractors, due to their noninteractive nature, require w to have entropy at least half its length, we have no such constraint. In fact, unlike in prior solutions, in our solution the entropy loss is essentially unrelated to the length or the entropy of w , and depends only on the security parameter.
External memory data structures

In many massive dataset applications the data must be stored in space and query efficient data structures on external storage devices. Often the data needs to be changed dynamically. In this chapter we discuss recent advances in the development of provably worst-case efficient external memory dynamic data structures. We also briefly discuss some of the most popular external data structures used in practice.
Physics with a millimole of muons

The eventual prospect of muon colliders reaching several TeV encourages us to consider the experimental opportunities presented by very copious stores of muons, approaching 10{sup 21} per year. I summarize and comment upon some highlights of the Fermilab Workshop on Physics at the First Muon Collider and at the Front End of a Muon Collider. Topics include various varieties of {mu}{mu} colliders, {mu}p colliders, and applications of the intense neutrino beams that can be generated in muon storage rings.
A nanoparticle size series for in vivo fluorescence imaging

Any design of nanoparticle vectors for cancer therapy or imaging must take into account the interaction of the nanoparticles with the tumor microenvironment. Size, charge, and shape have been shown to dominate this interaction.[1, 2] In vivo probing of solid tumors with particles of different sizes simultaneously has thus far been challenging due to the limitations of available nano-sized probes.[3–5] Fluorescent dextrans and other macromolecule probes have been used in studies with intravital microscopy, but heterogeneities across samples has prevented their use for the simultaneous imaging of a size series of probes within the same tumour.[5] MRI contrast agents are another attractive set of probes due to the minimally-invasive nature of the technology,[6, 7] but the lower spatial resolution of MRI limits the imaging of heterogeneity within tumors, and the technique does not allow for simultaneous imaging and tracking of a size series of probes within the same tumor.
Significance of Term Relationships on Anonymization

Sharing data provides great benefit to the research community. But disclosing identifiable, sensitive information such as medical records can cause irreparable damage. A number of methods have been proposed to anon Mize sensitive information. With some approaches, term relationships in the data may help to re-identify the original data given the de-identified data. This papers studies the significance of correlation in data and then analyzes the effect on anonymization techniques including t-plausibility and k-manonymity. Finally, we show how to address correlation in thet-plausibility model.
UHECRs from magnetic reconnection in relativistic jets

ABSTRACT Ultra-high-energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) may be produced in active galactic nuclei(AGN) or gamma-ray burst (GRB) jets. I argue that magnetic reconnection in jets can accel-erate UHECRs rather independently of physical processes in the magnetic dissipation region.First order Fermi acceleration can eﬃciently take place in the region where the unrecon-nected (upstream) magnetized ﬂuid converges into the recon nection layer. I ﬁnd that protonscan reach energies up to E ∼ 10 20 eV in GRB and powerful AGN jets while iron nuclei canreach similar energies in AGN jets of more moderate luminosity.Key words: Cosmic rays: ultra-high energies – gamma rays: bursts – galaxies: active – mag-netic reconnection 1 INTRODUCTIONThe origin of UHECRs (particles with energy E>∼10 19 eV) remainsa mystery. The fact that magnetic ﬁelds cannot conﬁne them in theGalaxy and the observed spectral cutoﬀat ∼ 6×10 19 eV point to ex-tragalactic sources at these energies (Abbasi et al. 2008; Abrahamet al. 2008). For any astrophysical source to accelerate particles tothe highest observed energies of E
Efficient preparation of 1,4,8-trimethylcyclam and its conversion into a thioalkyl-pendant pentadentate chelate

A facile synthesis of 1,4,8-trimethylcyclam and a thioalkyl-pendant derivative are reported, and the X-ray crystal structure of a nickel(II) complex illustrates structural consequences of appending the thiolate donor onto the macrocycle.
The complex pendulum

Abstract This talk proposes a generalization of conventional quantum mechanics. In conventional quantum mechanics one imposes the condition H † =H , where † represents complex conjugation and matrix transpose, to ensure that the Hamiltonian has a real spectrum. By replacing this mathematical condition with the weaker and more physical requirement H ‡ =H , where ‡ = PT represents combined parity reflection and time reversal, one obtains new infinite classes of complex Hamiltonians whose spectra are also real and positive. These PT-symmetric theories may be viewed as analytic continuations of conventional theories from real to complex-phase space. This talk describes the unusual classical and quantum properties of PT-symmetric quantum-mechanical and quantum-field-theoretic models.
Kaleidoscope: a cooperative menu-guided query interface (SQL version)

Kaleidoscope's approach is presented in the context of seeking improvement in the usability of interactive structured query language (SQL) interfaces. The system's cooperation is summarized as proposing valid query constituents step-by-step and providing lexical and semantic feedback immediately to users. To implement this intraquery guidance, the context-free grammar (CFG) is extended to capture the constraints useful for intraquery guidance, and the knowledge useful for pruning nonsensical queries and providing semantic feedback is articulated. For the SQL interface, this knowledge includes a strong domain concept, functional dependency, and integrity constraint rules, which can be acquired once in the database design step. The same types of knowledge are useful both for postquery cooperation and intraquery guidance. As SQL is supported bv virtually all database management system (DBMS) vendors, the approach presents a practical solution for casual database access. >
Multiple equilibria in a growth model with monopolistic competition

The standard neoclassical growth model is modified by introducing a market structure characterized by monopolistic competition and variable demand elasticities. In equilibrium, the price elasticity of the demand schedule facing a typical firm is a function of the aggregate savings rate. The latter feature results from an assumed wedge between the elasticity of substitution across goods in productive activities and that in consumption. In contrast with most examples in the literature our model does not require increasing returns (internal or external) in order to generate multiple equilibria.
Innovations, Stakeholders & Entrepreneurship

In modern societies entrepreneurship and innovation are widely seen as key sources of economic growth and welfare increases. Yet entrepreneurial innovation has also meant losses and hardships for some members of society: it is destructive of some stakeholders’ wellbeing even as it creates new wellbeing among other stakeholders. Both the positive benefits and negative externalities of innovation are problematic because entrepreneurs initiate new ventures before their private profitability and/or social costs can be fully recognized. In this paper we consider three analytical frameworks within which these issues might be examined: pre-commitments, contractarianism, and an entrepreneurial framework. We conclude that the intersection of stakeholder theory and entrepreneurial innovation is a potentially rich arena for research.
Synthesis and hydriding behavior of Li2MgPt

Abstract We describe preparation of the ternary intermetallic Li 2 MgPt and determination of its crystal structure and hydrogen sorption behavior. Phase formation was suggested by density functional theory calculations. The compound crystallizes in the cubic P 4 ¯ 3 m space group and is isostructural to Li 2 MgSi and Li 2 MgIr. Its reaction with hydrogen proceeds according to Li 2 MgPt + H 2 → MgPt + 2LiH, in which MgPt is a new member of the Mg–Pt binary phase diagram.
Acoustic transfer function of the ocean for a motional source

The motional-source transfer characteristics of long-range acoustic propagations are derived based on the discrete multipath propagation model predicted by geometrical acoustics. Parameters are those associated with the characteristic solutions of the eikonal equation. A modified transfer function is formulated which relates the received signal to a particularly useful transformation of the source signal. The modified transfer function shows that a remotely received signal consists of the weighted superposition of a number of modified source signals both slightly compressed (or expanded) and translated in time. Both the compression and translation factors are random processes with deterministic means. Application of the model transfer function to a specific ocean profile exemplifies the ocean filter characteristics and the complex nature of the received signal from a cw source in motion.
Selection effects, biases, and constraints in the calan/tololo supernova survey

We use Monte Carlo simulations of the Cal{acute a}n/Tololo photographic supernova survey to show that a simple model of the survey{close_quote}s selection effects accounts for the observed distributions of recession velocity, apparent magnitude, angular offset, and projected radial distance between the supernova and the host galaxy nucleus for this sample of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). The model includes biases due to the flux-limited nature of the survey, the different light-curve morphologies displayed by different SNe Ia, and the difficulty of finding events projected near the central regions of the host galaxies. From these simulations we estimate the bias in the zero point and slope of the absolute magnitude-decline rate relation used in SNe Ia distance measurements. For an assumed intrinsic scatter of 0.15 mag about this relation, these selection effects decrease the zero point by 0.04 mag. The slope of the relation is not significantly biased. We conclude that despite selection effects in the survey, the shape and zero point of the relation determined from the Cal{acute a}n/Tololo sample are quite reliable. We estimate the degree of incompleteness of the survey as a function of decline rate and estimate a corrected luminosity function for SNe Ia in which themore » frequency of SNe appears to increase with decline rate (the fainter SNe are more common). Finally, we compute the integrated detection efficiency of the survey in order to infer the rate of SNe Ia from the 31 events found. For a value of H{sub 0} =65 km s{sup {minus}1} Mpc{sup {minus}1} we obtain a SN Ia rate of 0.21{sup {plus}0.30} {sub {minus}0.13} SNu. This is in good agreement with the value 0.16{plus_minus}0.05 SNe recently determined by Capellaro et al. {copyright} {ital {copyright} 1999.} {ital The American Astronomical Society}« less
Development of a High-Sensitivity Radiation Detector for Chromatography

We describe a radiotracer imaging system for measuring the biochemical production rates of organic compounds from animals or plants. It uses a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column to separate the compounds and a parallel-plane radiation detector to measure the disintegrations from each compound over a period of time. Because the measurement time is much longer than conventional techniques, the sensitivity is greatly improved. This high-sensitivity radiation detector can be used to image radioactivity in the HPLC flow cell or column and can be used for a variety of analytical HPLC applications. The detector is comprised of 8 Siemens ECAT EXACT HR+ PET detector modules arranged into a parallel plane and read out with modified Siemens ECAT HRRT electronics. This high-sensitivity radiation detector was placed in line after a conventional HPLC radiation detector (a small CsI:Tl scintillator crystal coupled to a PIN photodiode) to allow a direct comparison. If we inject 9.3 μCi of [18F]FDG into the system, we see consistently shaped peaks with an excellent signal-to-noise ratio from both radiation detectors. If we inject only 5.4 nCi of [18F]FDG, we measure a signal-to-noise ratio of 28:1 with the high-sensitivity radiation detector and 5:1 with the conventional radiation detector. We have therefore achieved a sensitivity gain of 32 at low radioactivity concentrations using our high-sensitivity radiation detector compared to a conventional radiation detector. We believe that a high-sensitivity radiation detector, using parallel-plane PET detector modules, could become an important tool for analytical HPLC research.
Food Safety in a Globalizing World: Opportunities and Challenges for India

Rising incomes and urbanization, increasing consumer awareness prompted by widely publicized food safety crises, and an expansion in agricultural exports have been important drivers for the increased attention to food safety in India. But the development of effective food safety systems is hampered by a number of factors: restrictive government marketing regulations, a weak policy and regulatory framework for food safety, inadequate enforcement of existing standards, poor market infrastructure and agricultural support services, and the predominance of small farms. Addressing food safety concerns in India is likely to require adoption of appropriate legislation; strengthening capacity to enforce rules; promoting adoption of good agricultural, manufacturing, and hygiene practices; greater collective action; and some targeted investments. Joint efforts by the government and the private sector are needed to implement these actions.
Industry Categories and the Politics of the Comparable Firm in CEO Compensation

We examine the blending of informational and political forces in organizational categorizations in the context of chief executive officer (CEO) compensation. By law, corporate boards are required to provide shareholders with annual justifications for their CEO pay allocations that contain an explicit performance comparison with a set of peer companies that are selected by the board. We collected and analyzed information on the industry membership of chosen peers from a 1993 sample of 280 members of the Standard and Poor's (S&P) 500. Our results suggest that boards anchor their comparability judgments within a firm's primary industry, thus supporting the argument that boards' peer definitions center around commonsense industry categories. At the same time, however, we found that boards selectively define peers in self-protective ways, such that peer definitions are expanded beyond industry boundaries when firms perform poorly, industries perform well, CEOs are paid highly, and when shareholders are powerfu...
Neutrino Oscillations with Recently Measured Sterile-Active Neutrino Mixing Angle

This brief report is an extension of a prediction of neutrino oscillation with a sterile neutrino using parameters of the sterile neutrino mass and mixing angle recently extracted from experiment.
Congenital anomalies and anthropometry of 42 individuals with deletions of chromosome 18q.

Deletions of chromosome 18q are among the most common segmental aneusomies compatible with life. The estimated frequency is approximately 1/40,000 live births [Cody JD, Pierce JF, Brkanac Z, Plaetke R, Ghidoni PD, Kaye CI, Leach RJ. 1997. Am. J. Med. Genet. 69:280-286]. Most deletions are terminal encompassing as much as 36 Mb, but interstitial deletions have also been reported. We have evaluated 42 subjects with deletions of 18q at our institution. This is the largest number of individuals with this chromosome abnormality studied by one group of investigators. Here we report the physical findings in these individuals. We have compared our findings with those of previously reported cases and have found a significantly different incidence of several minor anomalies in our subjects. We also describe here several anomalies not previously reported in individuals with deletions of 18q, including short frenulum, short palpebral fissures, disproportionate short stature, overlap of second and third toes, and a prominent abdominal venous pattern. Characteristics found in subjects were analyzed for correlation with cytogenetic breakpoints. Several traits were found to correlate with the extent of the deletion. Large deletions were associated with significantly decreased head circumference and ear length as well as the presence of proximally placed and/or anomalous thumbs. Individuals with the smallest deletions were more likely to have metatarsus adductus. Although relatively few genotype/phenotype correlations were apparent, these data demonstrate that correlations with breakpoint are possible. This implies that more correlations will become evident when the more precise molecularly based genotyping is completed. These correlations will identify critical regions on the chromosome in which genes responsible for specific abnormal phenotypes are located.
A "click and activate" approach in one-pot synthesis of a triazolyl-pyridazinone library.

A “click and activate” strategy was designed and executed in a four-component, stepwise condensation that led to a trisubstituted triazolyl-pyridazinone library. This one-pot process included regioselective azide substitution at 2-substituted-4,5-dichloropyridazinones, followed by a Cu(I) catalyzed triazole formation which triggered subsequent nucleophilic substitution at the neighboring position to achieve three points of diversity.
Generic entry, price competition, and market segmentation in the prescription drug market

Abstract This paper studies the effects of generic entry on post-patent price competition for 18 prescription drugs recently exposed to competition. An independent, validating test of the “generic competition paradox” is conducted using a newly created data set. Each generic entrant is associated with an average 1% increase in the branded price. The one-way error component model accounts for intermolecular competition, market segmentation, and endogeneity of entry and finds branded prices increasing by 2%. Alternative definitions of entry suggest that price competition is confined to the generic market. The unique payer-type feature of the data offers empirical evidence supporting market segmentation.
The Distortion of Upward Communication in Hierarchical Organizations

Distortion of upward communication by subordinates is viewed as instrumental for attainment of need-goals. The study investigates relationships between distortion of upward communication, needs of subordinates, and aspects of organizational climate. Distortion of upward communication is negatively related to level of security and positively related to achievement needs; also positively related to a "heteronomous" organizational climate and negatively related to an "autonomous" climate.
Reducing state estimation uncertainty through fuzzy logic evaluation of power system measurements

State estimation is widely used for bad data detection and identification. To further insure the validity of measurements from the power system, additional information is incorporated into sensor fault detection and isolation schemes. In particular, we develop a fuzzy logic-based state estimation method that includes data such as historical usage trends and component reliability. Results from applying this hybrid fuzzy classifier system to the IEEE 14-bus test system are presented
SIMILARITY ANALYSIS OF NONLINEAR EQUATIONS AND BASES OF FINITE WAVELENGTH SOLITONS

We introduce a generalized similarity analysis which grants a qualitative description of the localised solutions of any nonlinear differential equation. This procedure provides relations between amplitude, width, and velocity of the solutions, and it is shown to be useful in analysing nonlinear structures like solitons, dublets, triplets, compact supported solitons and other patterns. We also introduce kink-antikink compact solutions for a nonlinear-nonlinear dispersion equation, and we construct a basis of finite wavelength functions having self-similar properties.
Porphyrin Synthesis by the “3+1” Approach: New Applications for an Old Methodology

Acid-catalyzed condensation of tripyrranes with pyrrole-2,5-dicarboxaldehydes, followed by oxidation with an electron-deficient quinone, affords porphyrin products in excellent yields. This previously little used methodology has now been exploited in the synthesis of novel porphyrin structures, including tetrapyrrolic compounds with fused aromatic rings. By utilizing other aromatic or unsaturated dialdehydes, the “3+1” approach also allows the synthesis of new aromatic porphyrinoid systems, including benzene- and pyridine-containing macrocycles and carbaporphyrins.
Dimensional synthesis of Bennett linkages

This paper presents a synthesis procedure for a spatial 4R linkage, known as Bennett’s linkage. It is known that the two solutions of the RR chain synthesis equations form a Bennett linkage. While analytical solutions to these equations have been developed previously, this paper uses the cylindroid that is known to exist for a Bennett linkage to simplify the solution process. It is interesting that geometric constraint associated with the spatial 4R chain simplifies the solution of the RR chain design equations. An example design is presented.
A facility for experimentation in man-machine interaction

The broad objective of the project of which the work reported below is a part is to explore and develop techniques in man-machine interaction. The situation involving a person interacting with a machine in the performance of a task generally requires that the person be on-line with the machine. The amount of machine time wasted while the person is carrying out his part of a task may require, even in an experimental situation, a timesharing system.
H(curl) auxiliary mesh preconditioning

This paper analyses a two-level preconditioning scheme for H(curl) bilinear forms. The scheme utilizes an auxiliary problem on a related mesh that is more amenable for constructing optimal order multigrid methods. More specifically, we analyse the case when the auxiliary mesh only approximately covers the original domain. The latter assumption is important since it allows for easy construction of nested multilevel spaces on regular auxiliary meshes. Numerical experiments in both two and three space dimensions illustrate the optimal performance of the method. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A point process analysis of sensory encoding

Nowhere is the sparse nature of neuronal coding more evident than in the sensory cortex, where neuronal response becomes increasingly tuned to specific features of the sensory environment. For such situations, where rate modulation schemes do not accurately describe the neuronal response to sensory stimuli, statistical descriptions based on point process events are particularly appropriate. Intensity measures derived from experimental data in the rat somatosensory cortex enable the direct analysis of statistical structure within spike trains, as well as inter-relationships between tactile stimuli and neuronal response. Intensity measures capture structure in spontaneous as well as driven activity, and provide a means for simulation and/or prediction. Second order intensities reveal strong dependencies upon temporal patterns of tactile stimulation, which are at least partly responsible for frequency dependent adaptation characteristics in neuronal response.
The impact of the 1992 Cable Act on household demand and welfare

I measure the benefit to households of the 1992 Cable Act in light of strategic responses by cable systems to the regulations mandated by the act. A discrete-choice differentiatedproduct model of household demand for all offered cable television services forms the basis of the analysis. Aggregation over households and service combinations to the level of the data permits estimation on a cross-section of cable markets from before and after the act. The results indicate that while the regulations mandated price reductions of 10‐17% for cable services, observed system responses yielded no change in household welfare. Post-act changes in cable prices are responsible for most of the difference.
Pharmacokinetics: Interactions of New Drugs and the Human Body

new drug is only as good as it proves itself to be once it is studied in humans. Theoretical calculations and animal models are used only as pre- dictors of how a drug will act once it gets into the body. The extensive animal safety testing that is performed for a new product is designed to weed out drugs that may cause acute poisoning, lead to long-term toxicities, or pre- sent an undesirable number of adverse effects.
Camel Spider (Solifugae) Use of Prairie Dog Colonies

Solifugids (camel spiders) are widespread throughout arid regions of western North America and are thought to be important in structuring desert arthropod communities. Despite the ubiquity of camel spiders, little is known about their ecology. Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) are also widespread in western North America and are important ecosystem engineers, but they have been reduced in extent because of human activity. Here we report significantly greater numbers of camel spiders on black-tailed prairie dog colonies in southern New Mexico. The difference in vegetation structure created by prairie dog activity is likely the reason for the increased prevalence of camel spiders on colonies. Because camel spiders are important predators and prey, the observation that colonies sup- port higher numbers of these animals provides a mechanism explaining differences in arthropod communities on and off colonies and explaining the preferential foraging behavior of vertebrates associated with prairie dog colonies.
Deep reactive ion etching of silicon using an aluminum etching mask

A method for fast and efficient deep etching of bulk silicon, using parallel capacitively coupled plasma is presented. The effects of the masking materials and RIE conditions are discussed. Based on the experimental results, a 1000 /spl Aring/ thick Al film sufficiently protects the unexposed substrate while allowing the etching of a 350 /spl mu/m deep hole with an area of 3/spl times/3mm/sup 2/ when etching with SF/sub 6//CHF/sub 3//O/sub 2/ plasma. A 2000 /spl mu/m long and 100 /spl mu/m wide (with layers of Al/SiO/sub 2//Si and thickness of 0.1/spl mu/m/2.2/spl mu/m/40/spl mu/m respectively) cantilever has been achieved. A silicon etch rate up to 2.5 to 2.8/spl mu/m/min has been obtained and an anisotropy of A = 0.5 (A=I-V/H, where V=horizontal undercut, H=etch depth) has been obtained. The technique was developed mainly for bulk micromachining of silicon or composite silicon cantilever structures.