cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and structure of The Novel Layered Phase CsTi2Cl7

Reactions in the CsClTiCl3Ti system afford CsTiCl3 (CsNiCl3 type, a = 7.3086(7) A, c = 6.0670(8) A) and the new phase CsTi2Cl7, the structure of which was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction means (P2/c, Z = 2, a = 7.0076(4) A, b = 6.2256(4) A, c = 12.000(2) A, β = 92.175(6)°, R/Rw = 0.026/0.035 for 1403 reflections, 2Θ ≤ 60°, MoKα). The structure can be generated by condensation of TiCl6 groups first through cis edges to form TiCl2Cl4/2 ribbons and then by interconnection of these with one chlorine per titanium to give layers, viz., [Ti(Cl)Cl4/2Cl1/2]−. The remaining, singly bonded chlorine projects into the interlayer region and has a TiCl distance 0.208 A less than the average for the five, 2.466 A, reflecting significant pi bonding of the chlorine to titanium. Possible interaction of the d orbitals on adjacent titanium(III) atoms is also considered. Synthese und Kristallstruktur der neuartigen Schichtverbindung CsTi2Cl7 Reaktionen im System CsClTiCl3Ti ergaben CsTiCl3 (CsNiCl3-Typ, a = 7,3086(7) A, c = 6,0670(8) A), und die neuen Verbindungen CsTi2Cl7, die durch eine Einkristall-Rontgen-Strukturanalyse charakterisiert wurde (P2/c, Z = 2, a = 7,0076(4) A, b = 6,2256(4) A, c = 12,000(2) A, β = 92,175(6)°, R/Rw = 0,026/0,035 fur 1 403 Reflexe, 2Θ ≤ 60°, MoKα). Die Struktur besteht aus TlCl6-Gruppen, die einerseits durch cis-Kantenverknupfung zu TiCl2Cl4/2-Bandern und diese dann weiterhin uber ein Chlor pro Titan zu Schichten [Ti(Cl)Cl4/2Cl1/2]− verbunden sind. Das eine verbliebene Chlor pro Titan ragt in den Bereich zwischen den Schichten und hat eine TiCl-Bindungslange, die 0,208 A kurzer als der Durchschnitt (2,466 A) fur die restlichen funf Bindungen ist, was auf einen bedeutenden π-Bindungsanteil in der ersteren hindeutet. Eine mogliche Wechselwirkung mit dem d-Orbital des gegenuberliegenden Titan(III)-Atoms wird auch in Betracht gezogen.
Edge contours using multiple scales

An edge linking agorithm is presented that first computes gradient magnitude then uses non-maxima suppression to reduce the search space. The gradient magnitude and direction information is used to assign weights to paths through the set of points, and the best path is chosen. The single scale algorithm uses a depth first search, but each point is allowed to occur in only one subtree. This algorithm is extended to one which links edge points detected at multiple scales. A second variation is presented which uses the gradient information at multiple scales in the non-maxima suppression operation. A modified version of the single scale algorithm then links these edge points into contours. The first multi-scale method fills in gaps in single-scale contours, however the second method provides better localization and separation of nearby edges. Both improve detection of edges over the single-scale algorithm without introducing the noisy edges detected at the smaller scales.
How can we increase translation of research into practice? Types of evidence needed.

AbstractThis review summarizes key factors that have interfered with translation of research to practice and what public health researchers can do to hasten such transfer, focusing on characteristics of interventions, target settings, and research designs. The need to address context and to utilize research, review, and reporting practices that address external validity issues—such as designs that focus on replication, and practical clinical and behavioral trials—are emphasized. Although there has been increased emphasis on social-ecological interventions that go beyond the individual level, interventions often address each component as if it were an independent intervention. Greater attention is needed to connectedness across program levels and components. Finally, examples are provided of evaluation models and current programs that can help accelerate translation of research to practice and policy.
Twistor String Theory and QCD

The author reviews recent progress in using twistor-inspired methods to compute perturbative scattering amplitudes in gauge theory, for application to collider physics.
Design and analysis of turbo codes on Rayleigh fading channels

The performance and design of turbo codes using coherent BPSK signaling on the Rayleigh fading channel is considered. In low signal-to-noise regions, performance analysis uses simulations of typical turbo coding systems. For higher signal-to-noise regions beyond simulation capabilities, an average upper bound is used in which the average is over all possible interleaving schemes. Fully interleaved and exponentially correlated Rayleigh channels are explored. Furthermore, the design issues relevant to turbo codes are examined for the correlated fading channel. Turbo interleaver design criteria are developed and architectural modifications are proposed for improved performance.
Two-dimensional unoriented strings and matrix models

We investigate unoriented strings and superstrings in two dimensions and their dual matrix quantum mechanics. Most of the models we study have a tachyon tadpole coming from the RP2 worldsheet which needs to be cancelled by a renormalization of the worldsheet theory. We find evidence that the dual matrix models describe the renormalized theory. The singlet sector of the matrix models is integrable and can be formulated in terms of fermions moving in an external potential and interacting via the Calogero-Moser potential. We show that in the double-scaling limit the latter system exhibits particle-hole duality and interpret it in terms of the dual string theory. We also show that oriented string theories in two dimensions can be continuously deformed into unoriented ones by turning on non-local interactions on the worldsheet. We find two unoriented superstring models for which only oriented worldsheets contribute to the S-matrix. A simple explanation for this is found in the dual matrix model.
Systemically diseased chicken identification using multispectral images and region of interest analysis

A simple image differentiation method for the identification of systemically diseased chickens was developed and cross-system validated using two different multispectral imaging systems. The first system acquired images at three wavelengths, 460nm, 540nm, and 700nm, for a batch of 164 wholesome and 176 systemically diseased chicken carcasses. The second system acquired images at four wavelengths, 488nm, 540nm, 580nm, and 610nm, for a second batch of 332 wholesome and 318 systemically diseased chicken carcasses. Image masking was performed using the wavelengths of 700nm and 610nm for the first and second imaging systems, respectively. The relative reflectance intensity at individual wavelengths, ratio of intensities between pairs of wavelengths, and intensity combinations based on principal component analysis (PCA) were analyzed. It was found that the wavelengths of 540nm and 580nm are vital for successful chicken image differentiation. With proper wavelength selection, PCA can be useful for multispectral image analysis. The wavelength of 540nm, selected as the key wavelength, was used in both imaging systems for image differentiation. An image processing algorithm was developed to define and locate the region of interest (ROI) as the differentiation area on the image. Based on ROI analysis, a single threshold was generated for image differentiation. The average relative reflectance intensity of the ROI was calculated for each chicken image. The classification and regression trees (CART) decision tree algorithm was used to determine the threshold value to differentiate systemically diseased chickens from wholesome ones. The first differentiation threshold, based on the first image batch and generated by the decision tree method, was applied to the second image batch for cross-system validation, and vice versa. The accuracy from validation was 95.7% for wholesome and 97.7% of systemically diseased chickens for the first image batch, and 99.7% for wholesome and 93.5% for systemically diseased chickens for the second image batch. The threshold values, each generated using only one of the two image batches, were similar. The results showed that using a single key wavelength and a threshold, this simple image processing and differentiation method could be used in automated on-line applications for chicken inspection.
Public Diplomacy and Soft Power

Soft power is the ability to affect others to obtain the outcomes one wants through attraction rather than coercion or payment. A country's soft power rests on its resources of culture, values, and policies. A smart power strategy combines hard and soft power resources. Public diplomacy has a long history as a means of promoting a country's soft power and was essential in winning the cold war. The current struggle against transnational terrorism is a struggle to win hearts and minds, and the current overreliance on hard power alone is not the path to success. Public diplomacy is an important tool in the arsenal of smart power, but smart public diplomacy requires an understanding of the roles of credibility, self-criticism, and civil society in generating soft power.
Ligand-Assisted Gold-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling with Aryldiazonium Salts: Redox Gold Catalysis without an External Oxidant.

Gold-catalyzed C(sp)–C(sp2) and C(sp2)–C(sp2) cross-coupling reactions are accomplished with aryldiazonium salts as the coupling partner. With the assistance of bpy ligand, gold(I) species were oxidized to gold(III) by diazonium without any external oxidants. Monitoring the reaction with NMR and ESI-MS provided strong evidence for the nitrogen extrusion followed by AuIII reductive elimination as the key step.
AN EFFICIENT APPROXIMATION OF THE CORONAL HEATING RATE FOR USE IN GLOBAL SUN-HELIOSPHERE SIMULATIONS

The origins of the hot solar corona and the supersonically expanding solar wind are still the subject of debate. A key obstacle in the way of producing realistic simulations of the Sun-heliosphere system is the lack of a physically motivated way of specifying the coronal heating rate. Recent one-dimensional models have been found to reproduce many observed features of the solar wind by assuming the energy comes from Alfven waves that are partially reflected, then dissipated by magnetohydrodynamic turbulence. However, the nonlocal physics of wave reflection has made it difficult to apply these processes to more sophisticated (three-dimensional) models. This paper presents a set of robust approximations to the solutions of the linear Alfven wave reflection equations. A key ingredient of the turbulent heating rate is the ratio of inward-to-outward wave power, and the approximations developed here allow this to be written explicitly in terms of local plasma properties at any given location. The coronal heating also depends on the frequency spectrum of Alfven waves in the open-field corona, which has not yet been measured directly. A model-based assumption is used here for the spectrum, but the results of future measurements can be incorporated easily. The resulting expression for the coronal heating rate is self-contained, computationally efficient, and applicable directly to global models of the corona and heliosphere. This paper tests and validates the approximations by comparing the results to exact solutions of the wave transport equations in several cases relevant to the fast and slow solar wind.
Lobbies and Technology Diffusion

Abstract This paper explores whether lobbies slow down technology diffusion. To answer this question, we exploit the differential effect of various institutional attributes that should affect the costs of erecting barriers when the new technology has a technologically close predecessor but not otherwise. We implement this test using a data set that covers the diffusion of twenty technologies for 23 countries over the past two centuries. We find that each of the relevant institutional variables that affect the costs of erecting barriers has a significantly larger effect on the diffusion of technologies with a competing predecessor technology than when no such technology exists. These effects are quantitatively important. Thus, we conclude that lobbies are an important barrier to technology adoption and to development.
Efficient Generation of Random Bits From Finite State Markov Chains

The problem of random number generation from an uncorrelated random source (of unknown probability distribution) dates back to von Neumann's 1951 work. Elias (1972) generalized von Neumann's scheme and showed how to achieve optimal efficiency in unbiased random bits generation. Hence, a natural question is what if the sources are correlated? Both Elias and Samuelson proposed methods for generating unbiased random bits in the case of correlated sources (of unknown probability distribution), specifically, they considered finite Markov chains. However, their proposed methods are not efficient or have implementation difficulties. Blum (1986) devised an algorithm for efficiently generating random bits from degree-2 finite Markov chains in expected linear time, however, his beautiful method is still far from optimality on information-efficiency. In this paper, we generalize Blum's algorithm to arbitrary degree finite Markov chains and combine it with Elias's method for efficient generation of unbiased bits. As a result, we provide the first known algorithm that generates unbiased random bits from an arbitrary finite Markov chain, operates in expected linear time and achieves the information-theoretic upper bound on efficiency.
Characterization of the Behavior of Confined Laminar Round Jets

Laminar jets have been very important in the understanding of fluid dynamics in practical applications. Several examples include expansions in pipes and flow of gas into a large plenum. While much previous research has given consideration to heat transfer behavior and pressure gradients within the confinement, little attention has been paid to quantify the velocity profiles and transitions between various flow regimes. Using a finite volume CFD code, OpenFOAM ®, the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations were solved for a varying expansion ratio and varying Reynolds numbers. In the present analysis, three separate Reynolds numbers are tested (32.2, 48.3, 64.4, based on the inlet jet diameter and velocity), while the expansion ratio is varied from 40-100. Results suggest that initially, the flow characteristics are identical to a free jet. At some downstream location, the presence of the enclosure is felt by the jet and deviations begin to be seen from free jet behavior. This transition region continues until at a sufficiently large downstream location, the flow becomes fully developed, internal Poiseuille flow. In this thesis, analysis is conducted for these transition regions and explanations are offered with practical correlations to successfully predict the important flow physics that occur between free jet behavior and Poiseuille flow. Of primary focus are predictive correlations for the jet centerline velocity and the jet half width, as a function of jet Reynolds number and expansion ratio. Similar functional dependence is also determined for the “linear” decay region of the jet and the reattachment location on the enclosure wall. Key dimensionless parameters are identified, the magnitude of which can be used to classify the flow conditions.
Generating an efficient broadcast sequence using reflected Gray codes

One-to-all broadcast is frequently implemented on multicomputers using a binomial tree communication pattern. The source processor, at the root of the broadcast tree, completes the broadcast before the processors at the leaves of the tree. This imbalance can degrade performance when a data-parallel algorithm requires a series of broadcasts from different source processors. In this paper, we show that using a reflected Gray code to order broadcasts minimizes the communication time.
PYRANOSYL SUGAR AMINO ACID CONJUGATES: THEIR BIOLOGICAL ORIGINS, SYNTHETIC PREPARATIONS, AND STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION

Sometimes it is true that everything old is new again, which can be disheartening for the originators of an idea who see others receiving credit years later. In some cases, an idea consistently evo...
Benzylidene Acetal Fragmentation Route to 6-Deoxy Sugars: Direct Reductive Cleavage in the Presence of Ether Protecting Groups, Permitting the Efficient, Highly Stereocontrolled Synthesis of β-d-Rhamnosides from d-Mannosyl Glycosyl Donors. Total Synthesis of α-d-Gal-(1→3)-α-d-Rha-(1→3)- β-d-Rha-(1→4)-β-d-Glu-OMe, the Repeating Unit of the Antigenic Lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia hermannii ATCC 33650 and 33652

An approach to the stereocontrolled synthesis of β-d-rhamnopyranosides is described in which 2,3-O-benzyl or related 4,6-O-[α-(2-(2-iodophenyl)ethylthiocarbonyl)benzylidene]-mannosyl thioglycosides are first used to introduce the β-d-mannopyranoside linkage in high yield and stereoselectivity. Following glycosylation, treatment with tributyltin hydride in toluene at reflux brings about reductive radical fragmentation directly to the 6-deoxy sugar in high yield. A variation of these donors bearing a carboxylated donor on O3 is a highly α-selective mannosyl and, after radical fragmentation, α-d-rhamnosyl donor. Using this stereoselective glycosylation/radical-fragmentation approach, a concise synthesis of the title tetrasaccharide is realized in which both the β-d- and α-d-rhamnopyranosyl units are obtained in a single step by a double radical fragmentation of the modified benzylidene acetals.
Switching boundary geometry and the control of single-phase inverters

A geometric approach to switching power converter control design is investigated for the single-phase voltage-sourced inverter. A method for deriving switching boundaries based on steady-state trajectories of the asymptotic model is presented as a generalization of the DC-DC converter case. It is shown that for an elliptical switching boundary, it is possible to produce sinusoidal output without any time-varying reference signal. The nonlinear feedback control law derived provides two degrees of freedom for adjustment of steady-state performance. Simulation and experimental results for the proposed controller are summarized. >
Using Ex Ante Approaches to Obtain Credible Signals for Value in Contingent Markets: Evidence from the Field

While contingent valuation remains the only option available for measurement of total economic value of nonmarketed goods, the method has been criticized due to its hypothetical nature. We analyze field experimental data to evaluate two ex ante approaches to attenuating hypothetical bias, directly comparing value statements across four distinct referenda: hypothetical, “cheap talk,” “consequential,” and real. Our empirical evidence suggests two major findings: hypothetical responses are significantly different from real responses; and responses in the consequential and cheap talk treatments are statistically indistinguishable from real responses. We review the potential for each method to produce reliable results in the field.
Generic Hecke algebras for monomial groups

In this paper we define a two-variable, generic Hecke algebra, H, for each complex reflection group G(b,1,n). The algebra H specializes to the group algebra of G(b,1,n) and also to an endomorphism algebra of a representation of GL(n,q) induced from a solvable subgroup. We construct Kazhdan-Lusztig "R-polynomials" for H and show that they may be used to define a partial order on G(b,1,n). Using a generalization of Deodhar's notion of distinguished subexpressions we give a closed formula for the R-polynomials. After passing to a one-variable quotient of the ring of scalars, we construct Kazhdan-Lusztig polynomials for H that reduce to the usual Kazhdan-Lusztig polynomials for the symmetric group when b=1.
Analog codes on graphs

Many channels (e.g., the broadcast channels) require combined coding and modulation to approach capacity. Furthermore, it is often desirable to have a graceful degradation of information rate with decreasing SNR. In these situations, codes over large alphabets are advantageous. In this work, we consider analog codes, whose alphabet is the real line K. Traditionally, decoding analog codes has been difficult. Herein, we introduce capacity-approaching codes defined on graphs along with a novel superposition strategy that admits infinitely many resolutions. This superposition strategy makes it possible to derive an efficient iterative decoder for our analog codes, based on the sum-product algorithm. The resulting coding scheme performs close to the Shannon capacity of a band-limited AWGN channel, over a wide range of SNRs. Furthermore, we construct bandwidth efficient codes by truncating analog codes, and find that these perform well in comparison to MPSK cutoff rates.
Risk Management, Capital Budgeting, and Capital Structure Policy for Insurers and Reinsurers

This article builds on Froot and Stein in developing a framework for analyzing the risk allocation, capital budgeting, and capital structure decisions facing insurers and reinsurers. The model incorporates three key features: (i) value-maximizing insurers and reinsurers face product-market as well as capital-market imperfections that give rise to well-founded concerns with risk management and capital allocation; (ii) some, but not all, of the risks they face can be frictionlessly hedged in the capital market; and (iii) the distribution of their cash flows may be asymmetric, which alters the demand for underwriting and hedging. We show these features result in a three-factor model that determines the optimal pricing and allocation of risk and capital structure of the firm. This approach allows us to integrate these features into: (i) the pricing of risky investment, underwriting, reinsurance, and hedging; and (ii) the allocation of risk across all of these opportunities, and the optimal amount of surplus capital held by the firm.
Diffusion enhances spontaneous electroweak baryogenesis

Abstract We include the effects of diffusion in the electroweak spontaneous baryogenesis scenario and show that it can greatly enhance the resultant baryon density, by as much as a factor of 1/α w 4 ∼ 10 6 over previous estimates. Furthermore, the baryon density produced is rather insensitive to parameters characterizing the first order weak phase transition, such as the width and propagation velocity of the phase boundary.
Accelerator-Oriented Algorithm Transformation for Temporal Data Mining

Temporal data mining algorithms are becoming increasingly important in many application domains including computational neuroscience, especially the analysis of spike train data. While application scientists have been able to readily gather multi-neuronal datasets, analysis capabilities have lagged behind, due to both lack of powerful algorithms and inaccessibility to powerful hardware platforms. The advent of GPU architectures such as Nvidia's GTX 280 offers a cost-effective option to bring these capabilities to the neuroscientist's desktop. Rather than port existing algorithms onto this architecture, we advocate the need for algorithm transformation, i.e., rethinking the design of the algorithm in a way that need not necessarily mirror its serial implementation strictly. We present a novel implementation of a frequent episode discovery algorithm by revisiting 'in-the-large' issues such as problem decomposition as well as 'in-the-small' issues such as data layouts and memory access patterns. This is non-trivial because frequent episode discovery does not lend itself to GPU-friendly data-parallel mapping strategies. Applications to many datasets and comparisons to CPU as well as prior GPU implementations showcase the advantages of our approach.
Forming the Dusty Ring in HR 4796A

We describe planetesimal accretion calculations for the dusty ring observed in the nearby A0 star HR 4796A. Models with initial masses of 10-20 times the minimum-mass solar nebula produce a ring with a width of 7-15 AU and a height of 0.3-0.6 AU at 70 AU in ~10 Myr. The ring has a radial optical depth of ~1. These results agree with limits derived from infrared images and from the excess infrared luminosity.
SEMIPARAMETRIC ESTIMATION IN MODELS OF FIRST-PRICE, SEALED-BID AUCTIONS WITH AFFILIATION ∗

Within the affi liated private-values paradigm, we develop a tractable empirical model of equilibrium behaviour at first-price, sealed-bid auctions. The model is non-parametrically identified, but the rate of convergence in estimation is slow when the number of bidders is even moderately large, so we develop a semiparametric estimation strategy, focusing on the Archimedean family of copulae and implementing this framework using particular members—the Clayton, Frank, and Gumbel copulae. We apply our framework to data from low-price, sealed-bid auctions used by the Michigan Department of Transportation to procure road-resurfacing services, rejecting the hypothesis of independence and finding significant (and high ) affi liation in cost signals.
Macroeconomic Analysis Without the Rational Expectations Hypothesis

The article presents a temporary equilibrium framework for macroeconomic analysis that allows for a wide range of possible specifications of expectations but reduces to a standard new Keynesian model in the limiting case of rational expectations. This common framework is then used to contrast the assumptions and implications of several different ways of relaxing the assumption of rational expectations. As an illustration of the method, the implications of alternative assumptions for the selection of a monetary policy rule are discussed. Other issues treated include the conditions required for Ricardian equivalence and for existence of a deflation trap.
BioWardrobe: an integrated platform for analysis of epigenomics and transcriptomics data

High-throughput sequencing has revolutionized biology by enhancing our ability to perform genome-wide studies. However, due to lack of bioinformatics expertise, modern technologies are still beyond the capabilities of many laboratories. Herein, we present the BioWardrobe platform, which allows users to store, visualize and analyze epigenomics and transcriptomics data using a biologist-friendly web interface, without the need for programming expertise. Predefined pipelines allow users to download data, visualize results on a genome browser, calculate RPKMs (reads per kilobase per million) and identify peaks. Advanced capabilities include differential gene expression and binding analysis, and creation of average tag -density profiles and heatmaps. BioWardrobe can be found at http://biowardrobe.com .
Polarized platforms and moderate policies with checks and balances

Abstract In standard spatial models of elections, parties with policy preferences take divergent positions. Their platform positions are less separated than are the parties’ ideal policies. If policy is the result of an executive–legislative compromise, the policy preferences of the parties can be moderated by voter behavior. Divided government may result. Since parties anticipate the moderated outcomes, they have an added incentive to choose separated platforms. Consequently, divergence in platforms is greater than in the standard model, especially when uncertainty is high and the legislature more powerful than the executive. For some parameters, parties may even ‘posture’ by adopting platforms that are more extreme than their ‘true’ ideal points.
EXACT HAUSDORFF MEASURE OF CERTAIN NON-SELF-SIMILAR CANTOR SETS

We establish a formula yielding the Hausdorff measure for a class of non-self-similar Cantor sets in terms of the canonical covers of the Cantor set.
MoDeep: A Deep Learning Framework Using Motion Features for Human Pose Estimation

In this work, we propose a novel and efficient method for articulated human pose estimation in videos using a convolutional network architecture, which incorporates both color and motion features. We propose a new human body pose dataset, FLIC-motion (This dataset can be downloaded from http://cs.nyu.edu/~ajain/accv2014/.), that extends the FLIC dataset [1] with additional motion features. We apply our architecture to this dataset and report significantly better performance than current state-of-the-art pose detection systems.
Clinical Course of Rectal Bleeding Following I-125 Prostate Brachytherapy

Purpose: Despite the occurrence of some rectal complications in most large series of patients treated with radiation, there is surprisingly little information regarding their management. We report here the clinical course of such patients after I-125 brachytherapy, in an effort to help delineate a rational management policy. Methods and Materials: 109 patients with stage T1 to T2 prostatic carcinoma and Gleason score 2 to 7 were treated with I-125 implantation from 1988 through 1995. No external radiation was given. The prescribed minimum radiation dose to the prostate was 140 to 160 Gy. Results: Nineteen of 109 patients (actuarial incidence: 19%) developed persistent, bright red rectal bleeding, from 1 to 28 months following I-125 implantation. Most occurred in the early part of the implant experience. Bleeding resolved in 6 of the 19 patients, from 9 to 48 months from the time of onset. Nine patients were treated with steroid enemas. Laser coagulation was used in three patients, and six patients had no intervention. There was no obvious difference in the resolution rate between groups. There was no obvious difference in the rectal wall radiation for patients who did or did not experience resolution of their bleeding. Conclusion: Persistent, minor radiation-related bleeding after prostate brachytherapy can be a source of consternation to patients. They should be reassured that spontaneous healing is likely to occur eventually in a large portion of patients, and should be cautioned against invasive treatment, unless absolutely necessary. © 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.
Evaluating error functions for robust active appearance models

Active appearance models (AAMs) are generative parametric models commonly used to track faces in video sequences. A limitation of AAMs is they are not robust to occlusion. A recent extension reformulated the search as an iteratively re-weighted least-squares problem. In this paper we focus on the choice of error function for use in a robust AAM search. We evaluate eight error functions using two performance metrics: accuracy of occlusion detection and fitting robustness. We show for any reasonable error function the performance in terms of occlusion detection is the same. However, this does not mean that fitting performance is the same. We describe experiments for measuring fitting robustness for images containing real occlusion. The best approach assumes the residuals at each pixel are Gaussianally distributed, then estimates the parameters of the distribution from images that do not contain occlusion. In each iteration of the search, the error image is used to sample these distributions to obtain the pixel weights.
Learning optimal fuzzy rules using simulated annealing

Fuzzy systems can uniformly approximate continuous functions, but the number of rules increases geometrically with system dimension. Fast simulated annealing that uses alpha stable generating functions to search locally and tunnel through space can solve large optimization problems. Alpha values less than 1 can find the optimal fuzzy rules that approximate a function. The thick tails of these distributions help the annealing algorithm quickly search the solution space. This method can find the fuzzy rules for one and two input fuzzy systems.
The impact and targeting of social infrastructure investments : lessons from the Nicaraguan Social Fund

This brief summarizes the impact and targeting of social infrastructure investments: lessons from the Nicaraguan Social Fund. The fund was created in 1990. The benefit incidence and impact of projects financed by the Nicaraguan Emergency Social Investment Fund are investigated using a sample of beneficiaries, a national household survey, and two distinct comparison groups. The first group is constructed on the basis of geographic proximity between similar facilities and their corresponding communities; the second is drawn from the national living standards measurement study survey sample using propensity score matching techniques. The analysis finds that the social fund investments in latrines, schools, and health posts are targeted to poor communities and households, whereas those in sewerage are targeted to the better-off. Investments in water systems are poverty-neutral. Education investments have a positive, significant impact on school outcomes regardless of the comparison group; the analysis finds that use of health investments is less clear. Using one comparison group, the analysis finds that use of health clinics increased as a result of the investments; using both it finds higher use of clinics for children under age six with diarrhea. With neither comparison group does it find improvements in health outcomes. Social fund investments in water and sanitation improve access to services but have no effect on health outcomes.
Sustainability, limited substitutability, and non-constant social discount rates

Abstract The paper shows how limited substitutability in consumption between different classes of goods affects the magnitude and time development of social discount rates. It decomposes the discount rates into an absolute growth and a relative growth or substitutability effect. The paper relates between-good and intertemporal substitutability to the notions of weak and strong sustainability. It analyzes under which circumstances low as opposed to high between-good substitutability increases the weights given to long-run environmental services.
Structural Configuration Examples of an Integrated Optimal Design Process

Structural optimization procedures usually start from a given design topology and vary proportions or boundary shapes of the design to achieve optimality of an objective under various constraints. This article presents examples of the application of a novel approach for initiating formal structural optimization at an earlier stage, where the design topology is rigorously generated. A three-phase design process is used. In Phase I, an optimal initial topology is created by a homogenization method as a gray-scale image. In Phase II, the image is transformed to a realizable design using computer vision techniques. In Phase III, the design is parameterized and treated in detail by conventional size and shape optimization techniques. Fully-automated procedures for optimization of two-dimensional solid structures are outlined, and several practical design problems for this type of structures are solved using the proposed procedure, including a crane hook and a bicycle frame.
Conceptual models for automatic generation of knowledge-acquisition tools

Interactive knowledge-acquisition (KA) programs allow users to enter relevant domain knowledge according to a model predefined by the tool developers. KA tools are designed to provide conceptual models of the knowledge to their users. Many different classes of models are possible, resulting in different categories of tools. Whenever it is possible to describe KA tools according to explicit conceptual models, it is also possible to edit the models and to instantiate new KA tools automatically for specialized purposes. Several meta-tools that address this task have been implemented. Meta-tools provide developers of domain-specific KA tools with generic design models, or meta-views , of the emerging KA tools. The same KA tool can be specified according to several alternative meta-views.
Facilitating reuse in hardware models with enhanced type inference

High-level hardware modeling is an essential, yet time-consuming, part of system design. However, effective component-based reuse in hardware modeling languages can reduce model construction time and enable the exploration of more design alternatives, leading to better designs. While component overloading and parametric polymorphism are critical for effective component-base reuse, no existing modeling language supports both. The lack of these features creates overhead for designers that discourages reuse, negating any benefits of reuse. This paper presents a type system which supports both component overloading and parametric polymorphism. It proves that performing type inference for any such system is NP-complete and presents a heuristic that works efficiently in practice. The result is a type system and type inference algorithm that can encourage reuse, reduce design specification time, and lead to better designs.
Functionalized spiro- and fused-ring heterocycles via oxidative demetalation of cyclohexadienyl ruthenium complexes.

Electron-rich alkoxy- and chloro-substituted azaspirocyclic cyclohexadienyl Ru(II) complexes have been converted to either azaspiro[4.5]decane derivatives or functionalized tetrahydroisoquinolines ...
Image Registration Using Adaptive Polar Transform

Image registration is an essential step in many image processing applications that need visual information from multiple images for comparison, integration, or analysis. Recently, researchers have introduced image registration techniques using the log-polar transform (LPT) for its rotation and scale invariant properties. However, it suffers from nonuniform sampling which makes it not suitable for applications in which the registered images are altered or occluded. Inspired by LPT, this paper presents a new registration algorithm that addresses the problems of the conventional LPT while maintaining the robustness to scale and rotation. We introduce a novel adaptive polar transform (APT) technique that evenly and effectively samples the image in the Cartesian coordinates. Combining APT with an innovative projection transform along with a matching mechanism, the proposed method yields less computational load and more accurate registration than that of the conventional LPT. Translation between the registered images is recovered with the new search scheme using Gabor feature extraction to accelerate the localization procedure. Moreover an image comparison scheme is proposed for locating the area where the image pairs differ. Experiments on real images demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed approach for registering images that are subjected to occlusion and alteration in addition to scale, rotation, and translation.
The 3-D multidomain pseudospectral time-domain algorithm for inhomogeneous conductive media

A three-dimensional (3-D) multidomain pseudospectral time-domain (PSTD) method with a strongly well-posed perfectly matched layer (PML) is developed as an accurate and flexible tool for the simulation of electromagnetic wave propagation and scattering in inhomogeneous and conductive media. This approach allows for an accurate treatment of curved geometries by multidomain decomposition and curvilinear coordinate transformation. Numerical experiments show the results agree excellently with analytical solutions and results of other well-known algorithms, and demonstrate a remarkable improvement in accuracy and efficiency over the FDTD method. The 3-D multidomain PSTD algorithm is then applied to calculate radar cross sections (RCS).
Genome halving problem revisited

The Genome Halving Problem is motivated by the whole genome duplication events in molecular evolution that double the gene content of a genome and result in a perfect duplicated genome thatcontains two identical copies of each chromosome. The genome then becomes a subject to rearrangements resulting in some rearranged duplicated genome. The Genome Halving Problem (first introduced and solved by Nadia El-Mabrouk and David Sankoff) is to reconstruct the ancestral pre-duplicated genome from the rearranged duplicated genome. The El-Mabrouk–Sankoff algorithm is rather complex and in this paper we present a simpler algorithm that is based on a generalization of the notion of the breakpoint graph to the case of duplicated genomes. This generalization makes the El-Mabrouk–Sankoff result more transparent and promises to be useful in future studies of genome duplications.
Homonymy and Polysemy in Information Retrieval

This paper discusses research on distinguishing word meanings in the context of information retrieval systems. We conducted experiments with three sources of evidence for making these distinctions: morphology, part-of-speech, and phrases. We have focused on the distinction between homonymy and polysemy (unrelated vs. related meanings). Our results support the need to distinguish homonymy and polysemy. We found: 1) grouping morphological variants makes a significant improvement in retrieval performance, 2) that more than half of all words in a dictionary that differ in part-of-speech are related in meaning, and 3) that it is crucial to assign credit to the component words of a phrase. These experiments provide better understanding of word-based methods, and suggest where natural language processing can provide further improvements in retrieval performance.
Higher-Dimensional Quantum Hall Effect in String Theory

We construct a string theory realization of the 4+1d quantum Hall effect recently described by Zhang and Hu. The string theory picture contains coincident D4-branes forming an S4 and having D0-branes (i.e. instantons) in their world-volume. The charged particles are modelled as string ends. Their configuration space approaches in the large-N limit a CP3, which is an S2 fibration over S4, the extra S2 being made out of the Chan-Paton degrees of freedom. An alternative matrix theory description involves the fuzzy S4. We also find that there is a hierarchy of quantum Hall effects in odd-dimensional spacetimes, generalizing the known cases in 2+1d and 4+1d.
The preface of the 4th International Workshop on Location-Based Social Networks

We briefly introduce the 4th international workshop on location-based social networks (LBSN 2012), describing its objective, importance, and results.
Constrained SPSA controller for operations processes

Continuous quality improvement calls for employing methodologies that assist in continual reduction of variations in process performance characteristics around their target values. The study considers a case in which some of the operations process parameters/inputs are required to take values in pre-specified ranges. To improve the process performance while accounting for these requirements, the study employs a neural network-based model-free controller along with the penalty function. Simultaneous perturbation stochastic gradient approximation method is used to iteratively estimate the weights of neural network and as a result to estimate the control values. Furthermore, the study uses a special cause control chart to monitor the performance of the controller in reducing the process variations and to signal the change in the process dynamics. Simulation findings indicate that the neural network model-free provides control values that result in fewer nonconforming outputs than when the requirements are not incorporated in optimization process.
Strategic judgment proofing

A liquidity-constrained entrepreneur raises capital to finance a business activity that may harm bystanders. The entrepreneur raises senior (secured) debt to shield assets from the tort victims in bankruptcy. For a fixed level of borrowing, senior debt creates better incentives for precaution taking than either junior debt or outside equity. The entrepreneur’s level of borrowing is, however, socially excessive. Giving tort victims priority over senior debtholders in bankruptcy prevents overleveraging but leads to suboptimal incentives. Lender liability exacerbates the incentive problem even further. A limited seniority rule dominates these alternatives. Shareholder liability, mandatory liability insurance, and punitive damages are also discussed.
Birefringence as a Mechanism for the Broadening and Depolarization of Pulsar Average Profiles

The broadening and depolarization of pulsar average profiles may be due to the birefringence of the plasma above pulsar polar caps. The broadening at low radio frequency is caused by the separation of the individual beams of the two propagation modes, and the depolarization at high frequency results from the merger of their orthogonal polarizations. Observed spectra of pulse width and fractional linear polarization are consistent with this interpretation. Pulse profiles can depolarize rapidly with frequency when the linear polarizations of the beams are comparable. A comparison of the relative frequency of occurrence of the orthogonal modes, as observed in distributions of polarization position angle, with measured rates of depolarization suggests that pulsars depolarize via superposed modes of orthogonal radiation.
Cross-national diffusion of mental health policy.

Background Following the tenets of world polity and innovation diffusion theories, I focus on the coercive and mimetic forces that influence the diffusion of mental health policy across nations. International organizations’ mandates influence government behavior. Dependency on external resources, namely foreign aid, also affects governments’ formulation of national policy. And finally, mounting adoption in a region alters the risk, benefits, and information associated with a given policy. Methods I use post-war, discrete time data spanning 1950 to 2011 and describing 193 nations’ mental health systems to test these diffusion mechanisms. Results I find that the adoption of mental health policy is highly clustered temporally and spatially. Results provide support that membership in the World Health Organization (WHO), interdependence with neighbors and peers in regional blocs, national income status, and migrant sub-population are responsible for isomorphism. Aid, however, is an insufficient determinant of mental health policy adoption. Conclusion This study examines the extent to which mental, neurological, and substance use disorder are addressed in national and international contexts through the lens of policy diffusion theory. It also adds to policy dialogues about non-communicable diseases as nascent items on the global health agenda.
Digital pulse-shape analyzer based on fast sampling of an integrated charge pulse

A novel configuration for pulse-shape analysis and discrimination has been developed. The current pulse from the detector is sent to a gated integrator and then sampled by a flash analog-to-digital converter(ADC). The sampled data are processed digitally, thus allowing implementation of a near-optimum weighting function and elimination some of the instabilities associated with the gated integrator. The analyzer incorporates pileup rejection circuit that reduces the pileup effects at high counting rates. The system was tested using a liquid scintillator. Figures of merit for neutron-gamma pulse-shape discrimination were found to be: 0.78 for 25 keV (electron equivalent energy) and 3.5 for 500 keV. >