cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The phenomenology of Dvali–Gabadadze–Porrati cosmologies

Cosmologists today are confronted with the perplexing reality that the universe is currently accelerating in its expansion. Nevertheless, the nature of the fuel that drives today's cosmic acceleration is an open and tantalizing mystery. There exists the intriguing possibility that the acceleration is not the manifestation of yet another mysterious ingredient in the cosmic gas tank (dark energy), but rather our first real lack of understanding of gravity itself, and even possibly a signal that there might exist dimensions beyond that which we can currently observe. The braneworld model of Dvali, Gabadadze and Porrati (DGP) is a theory where gravity is altered at immense distances by the excruciatingly slow leakage of gravity off our three-dimensional Universe and, as a modified-gravity theory, has pioneered this line of investigation. I review the underlying structure of DGP gravity and those phenomenological developments relevant to cosmologists interested in a pedagogical treatment of this intriguing model.
Emulations between QSM, BSP and LogP: a framework for general-purpose parallel algorithm design

We present work-preserving emulations with small slowdown between LogP and two other parallel models: BSP and QSM. In conjunction with earlier work-preserving emulations between QSM and BSP, these results establish a close correspondence between these three general-purpose parallel models. Our results also correct and improve on results reported earlier on emulations between BSP and LogP. In particular we shed new light on the relative power of stalling and non-stalling LogP models.The QSM is a shared-memory model with only two parameters--p, the number of processors, and g, a bandwidth parameter. The simplicity of the QSM parameters makes QSM a convenient model for parallel algorithm design, and simple work-preserving emulations of QSM on BSP and QSM on LogP show that algorithms designed for the QSM will also map quite well to these other models. The simplicity and generality of QSM present a strong case for the use of QSM as the model of choice for parallel algorithm design.We present QSM algorithms for three basic problems--prefix sums, sample sort and list ranking. We show that these algorithms are optimal in terms of both the total work performed and the number of 'phases' for input sizes of practical interest. For prefix sums, we present a matching lower bound that shows our algorithm to be optimal over the complete range of these parameters. We then examine the predicted and simulated performance of these algorithms. These results suggest that QSM analysis will predict algorithm performance quite accurately for problem sizes that arise in practice.
A New Generalized Harmonic Evolution System

A new representation of the Einstein evolution equations is presented that is first order, linearly degenerate and symmetric hyperbolic. This new system uses the generalized harmonic method to specify the coordinates, and exponentially suppresses all small short-wavelength constraint violations. Physical and constraint-preserving boundary conditions are derived for this system, and numerical tests that demonstrate the effectiveness of the constraint suppression properties and the constraint-preserving boundary conditions are presented.
Inducing and quantifying forbidden reactivity with single-molecule polymer mechanochemistry

Forbidden reactions, such as those that violate orbital symmetry effects as captured in the Woodward-Hoffmann rules, remain an ongoing challenge for experimental characterization, because when the competing allowed pathway is available the reactions are intrinsically difficult to trigger. Recent developments in covalent mechanochemistry have opened the door to activating otherwise inaccessible reactions. Here we report single-molecule force spectroscopy studies of three mechanically induced reactions along both their symmetry-allowed and symmetry-forbidden pathways, which enables us to quantify just how 'forbidden' each reaction is. To induce reactions on the ~0.1 s timescale of the experiments, the forbidden ring-opening reactions of benzocyclobutene, gem-difluorocyclopropane and gem-dichlorocyclopropane require approximately 130 pN less, 560 pN more and 1,000 pN more force, respectively, than their corresponding allowed analogues. The results provide the first experimental benchmarks for mechanically induced forbidden reactions, and in some cases suggest revisions to prior computational predictions.
X-Ray Thread G0.13–0.11: A Pulsar Wind Nebula?

We have examined Chandra observations of the recently discovered X-ray thread G0.13-0.11 in the Galactic center Radio Arc region. Part of the Chandra data was studied by Yusef-Zadeh, Law, & Wardle, who reported the detection of 6.4 keV line emission in this region. We find, however, that this line emission is not associated with G0.13-0.11. The X-ray spectrum of G0.13-0.11 is well-characterized by a simple power law with an energy slope of 1.8 (90% confidence uncertainties). Similarly, the X-ray spectrum of the pointlike source embedded in G0.13-0.11 has a power-law energy slope of 0.9. The 2-10 keV band luminosities of these two components are ~3.2 × 1033 ergs s-1 (G0.13-0.11) and ~7.5 × 1032 ergs s-1 (point source) at the Galactic center distance of 8 kpc. The morphological, spectral, and luminosity properties strongly indicate that G0.13-0.11 represents the leading edge of a pulsar wind nebula, produced by a pulsar (point source) moving in a strong magnetic field environment. The main body of this pulsar wind nebula is likely traced by a bow-shaped radio feature, which is apparently bordered by G0.13-0.11 and is possibly associated with the prominent nonthermal radio filaments of the Radio Arc. We speculate that young pulsars may be responsible for various unique nonthermal filamentary radio and X-ray features observed in the Galactic center region.
The impact of the correlation between health expenditure and survival probability on the demand for insurance

Abstract This paper studies the effects of health shocks on the demand for health insurance and annuities, along with precautionary saving in a dynamic life-cycle model. I argue that when the health shock can simultaneously increase health expenses and reduce longevity, rational agents would neither fully insure their uncertain health expenses nor fully annuitize their wealth because the correlation between health expenses and longevity provides a self-insurance channel for both uncertainties. That is, when the agent is hit by a health shock (which simultaneously increases health expenses and reduces longevity), she can use the resources originally saved for consumption in the reduced period of life to pay for the increased health expenses. Since the two uncertainties partially offset each other, the precautionary saving generated in the model should be smaller than in a standard model without the correlation between health expenses and longevity. In a quantitative life-cycle model calibrated using the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey dataset, I find that the health expenses are highly correlated with the survival probabilities, and this correlation significantly reduces the demand for actuarially fair health insurance, while its impact on the demand for annuities and precautionary saving is relatively small.
Design and initial performance of SHARP, a polarimeter for the SHARC-II camera at the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory

We have developed a foreoptics module that converts the Submillimeter High Angular Resolution Camera generation II (SHARC-II) camera at the Caltech Submillimeter Observatory into a sensitive imaging polarimeter at wavelengths of 350 and 450 μm. We refer to this module as "SHARP." SHARP splits the incident radiation into two orthogonally polarized beams that are then reimaged onto opposite ends of the 32×12 pixel detector array in SHARC-II. A rotating half-wave plate is used just upstream from the polarization-splitting optics. The effect of SHARP is to convert SHARC-II into a dual-beam 12×12 pixel polarimeter. A novel feature of SHARP's design is the use of a crossed grid in a submillimeter polarimeter. Here we describe the detailed optical design of SHARP and present results of tests carried out during our first few observing runs. At 350 μm, the beam size (9 arc sec), throughput (75%), and instrumental polarization (<1%) are all very close to our design goals.
Out-of-Band Response of Antenna Arrays

The response of antenna arrays to out-of-band frequencies has been analyzed using the effective-aperture approach. An average value of effective aperture can be obtained by averaging the incidence angle and the polarization of the incidence field. Far-field patterns have also been calculated by treating the array element excitations as random variables. The randomness in the element excitations causes a decrease in directivity and an increase in sidelobe level. Out-of-band measurements on a slotted-waveguide array confirm these trends.
Extinction law variations and dust excitation in the spiral galaxy NGC 300

We investigate the possible origin of the strong radial gradient in the ultraviolet-to-infrared ratio in the nearby late-type spiral galaxy NGC 300 and emphasize the importance of local variations in the geometry of the interstellar medium, concluding that they cannot be neglected with respect to metallicity effects. This analysis is based on a combination of maps obtained both from space using GALEX (1350 to 2750 A) and Spitzer (3-160 μm) and from the ground (UBVRI, Hα, and Hβ). We select ionizing stellar clusters associated with H II regions of widely varying morphologies and derive their fundamental parameters from population synthesis fitting of their spectral energy distributions, carefully measured to eliminate local background emission accurately. From these fits, we conclude that the stellar extinction law is highly variable in the line of sight of young clusters of similar ages. In the particular model geometry that we consider most appropriate to the sampled regions, we checked that our findings are not significantly altered by the correct treatment of radiative transfer effects. The variations are systematic in nature, in the sense that extinction laws of the Milky Way or LMC type, with a prominent 2175 A absorption feature and a modest far-ultraviolet slope, are associated with compact H II regions (the compactness being quantified in two different ways), while clusters surrounded by diffuse H II regions follow extinction laws of the 30 Doradus or SMC type, with a weaker 2175 A feature and a steeper far-ultraviolet rise. The Calzetti starburst attenuation law, although most often degenerate with the 30 Doradus extinction law, overpredicts ionizing photon fluxes by large amounts. We also find that the extinction law variations are correlated with the column density of dust species emitting in the near- and mid-infrared. Finally, we briefly discuss the nebular to stellar extinction ratios and the excitation of aromatic band carriers, invalidating their claimed association with cold dust.
Pd-Catalyzed Conversion of Aryl Chlorides, Triflates, and Nonaflates to Nitroaromatics

An efficient Pd catalyst for the transformation of aryl chlorides, triflates, and nonaflates to nitroaromatics has been developed. This reaction proceeds under weakly basic conditions and displays a broad scope and excellent functional group compatibility. Moreover, this method allows for the synthesis of aromatic nitro compounds that cannot be accessed efficiently via other nitration protocols. Mechanistic insight into the transmetalation step of the catalytic process is also reported.
Highly Enantio- and Diastereoselective Hetero-Diels-Alder Reactions Catalyzed by New Chiral Tridentate Chromium(III) Catalysts.

Even moderately nucleophilic dienes react with simple aldehydes in the presence of a new CrIII catalyst in a hetero-Diels–Alder reaction [Eq. (1)]. Tetrahydropyranyl products with up to three stereogenic centers are generated in near-perfect diastereoselectivities and with greater than 90 % ee (99 % ee for the example shown). TBAF=tetrabutylammonium fluoride; TBS=tert-butyldimethylsilyl; TES=triethylsilyl.
The geometric complexity of special Lagrangian T 2 -cones

We prove a number of results on the geometric complexity of special Lagrangian (SLG) T2-cones in ℂ3. Every SLG T2-cone has a fundamental integer invariant, its spectral curve genus. We prove that the spectral curve genus of an SLG T2-cone gives a lower bound for its geometric complexity, i.e. the area, the stability index and the Legendrian index of any SLG T2-cone are all bounded below by explicit linearly growing functions of the spectral curve genus. We prove that the cone on the Clifford torus (which has spectral curve genus zero) in S5 is the unique SLG T2-cone with the smallest possible Legendrian index and hence that it is the unique stable SLG T2-cone. This leads to a classification of all rigid “index 1” SLG cone types in dimension three. For cones with spectral curve genus two we give refined lower bounds for the area, the Legendrian index and the stability index. One consequence of these bounds is that there exist S1-invariant SLG torus cones of arbitrarily large area, Legendrian and stability indices. We explain some consequences of our results for the programme (due to Joyce) to understand the “most common” three-dimensional isolated singularities of generic families of SLG submanifolds in almost Calabi-Yau manifolds.
Measurements in Film Cooling Flows: Hole L/D and Turbulence Intensity Effects

Hot-wire anemometry measurements of simulated film cooling are presented to document the influence of the free-stream turbulence intensity and film cooling hole length-to-diameter ratio on mean velocity and on turbulence intensity. Measurements are taken in the zone where the coolant and free-stream flows mix. Flow from one row of film cooling holes with a streamwise injection of 35 deg and no lateral injection and with a coolant-to-free-stream flow velocity ratio of 1.0 is investigated under free-stream turbulence levels of 0.5 and 12 percent. The coolant-to-free-stream density ratio is unity. Two length-to-diameter ratios for the film cooling holes, 2.3 and 7.0, are tested. The measurements document that under low free-stream turbulence conditions pronounced differences exist in the flowfield between L/D = 7.0 and 2.3. The differences between L/D cases are less prominent at high free-stream turbulence intensities. Generally, short-L/D injection results in jetting of the coolant farther into the free-stream flow and enhanced mixing. Other changes in the flowfield attributable to a rise in free-stream turbulence intensity to engine-representative conditions are documented.
Radiologic Decision Making And Physical Image Properties

The objective of this work is to relate the performance of radiologists as measured by the probability of detecting a nodular abnormality on a chest film to the properties of the nodule and its surrounding structures measured by a microdensitometer from the film. A parameter called conspicuity has been defined. It consists of measurements of the size, shape, contrast, and the edge gradient of the nodule divided by a measurement of the complexity of the surrounding structures that tend to camouflage the nodule. Conspicuity has been measured for simulated nodules and for a series of real nodules that were originally missed in clinical practice but later detected. Correlation between film reader performance and conspicuity was found.
Effects of cognitive-behavioral treatment for panic disorder with agoraphobia on concurrent alcohol abuse*

Research has shown that panic disorder with agoraphobia (PDA) and alcohol abuse co-occur frequently. One theory suggests that alcohol consumption is motivated by the goal of tension reduction and that “self-medication” will decrease with successful treatment of the anxiety disorder as more adaptive coping skills are employed by the patient. The present study is a series of three case studies examining the effects of a cognitive-behavioral treatment for PDA on concurrent alcohol abuse. At posttreatment, two patients reported a remission of PDA while the third patient had a decline, but not a remission, in the severity of PDA. All patients had diagnoses of alcohol abuse in early full remission at posttreatment. At 6-month follow-up, one patient continued to have no clinical diagnoses, one patient had a clinical diagnosis of PDA but no alcohol abuse, and one patient had clinical diagnoses of PDA and alcohol abuse. Suggestions for future research with this population are discussed.
Synthetic Versatility in C—H Oxidation: A Rapid Approach to Differentiated Diols and Pyrans from Simple Olefins

Conventionally, C–H oxidation reactions are used to install functional groups. The use of C–H oxidation to transform simple starting materials into highly versatile intermediates, which enable rapid access to a range of complex target structures, is a new area with tremendous potential in synthesis. Herein we report a Pd(II)/sulfoxide-catalyzed allylic C–H oxidation to form anti-1,4-dioxan-2-ones from homoallylic oxygenates. These versatile building blocks are rapidly elaborated to differentiated syn-1,2-diols, stereodefined amino-polyols, and syn-pyrans, structures ubiquitous in medicinally important complex molecules found in Nature. We also demonstrate that a C–H oxidation approach to the synthesis of these motifs is orthogonal and complementary to other state-of-the-art methods.
Some results on tries with adaptive branching

We study a modification of digital trees (or tries) with adaptive multi-digit branching. Such tries can dynamically adjust degrees of their nodes by choosing the number of digits to be processed per lookup. While we do not specify any particular method for selecting the degrees of nodes, we assume that such selection can be accomplished by examining the number of strings remaining in each sub-tree, and/or estimating parameters of the input distribution. We call this class of digital trees adaptive multi-digit tries (or AMD-tries) and provide a preliminary analysis of their expected behavior in a memoryless model. We establish the following results: (1) there exist AMD-tries attaining a constant expected time of a successful search; (2) there exist AMD-tries consuming a linear (in the number of strings inserted) amount of space; (3) both constant search time and linear space usage can be attained if the (memoryless) source is symmetric. We accompany our analysis with a brief survey of several known types of adaptive trie structures, and show how our analysis extends (and/or complements) previous results.
Brownian motion of a domain wall and the diffusion constants

We have studied interactions between a domain wall and phonons in a one-dimensional-model system of a structurally unstable lattice with a double-well local potential and nearest-neighbor coupling. We find that a nonlinear effect in the interacting phonon amplitudes gives rise to a Brownian-like motion of isolated domain walls at low temperatures as well as higher harmonic generation of transmitted and reflected phonons. When there is a domain wall at rest, it was known that the linearized equation of motion has three types of independent solutions: "translation mode," "amplitude oscillation" of the domain wall, and propagating "phonons." In the second-order approximation, these modes interact. An incoming phonon produces a translation of the wall, giving rise to its Brownian motion. The magnitude of the translation is computed together with the amplitude and phase shift of the higher harmonics. We estimate the diffusion constant of walls, using the fluctuation-dissipation theorem and the thermal average over the phonons, to be $D=0.516$ ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}{l}^{2}{(\frac{{k}_{B}T}{{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{0}^{2}{\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}^{2}})}^{2}$, where $l$ is the lattice spacing and ${\ensuremath{\omega}}_{0}$ is the frequency of small oscillation of the ion (with mass $m$) around ${u}_{0}$, a minimum point of an isolated double-well potential.
A model of daily time allocation to discretionary out-of-home activities and trips

Abstract This paper presents a model of discrete activity choice and continuous resource allocation which is based on the premise of random utility maximization and which can be conveniently estimated using existing statistical software packages. The model derivation involves virtually no approximations and adheres strictly to the utility maximization concept. The empirical analysis applies the model to the participation choice and resource (time) allocation to nonwork, out-of-home activities by workers. The statistical results show that activity choice and time allocation are governed by the same mechanism as the utilitarian assumptions indicate and support the theoretical framework employed in the model development.
Mini-batch stochastic approximation methods for nonconvex stochastic composite optimization

This paper considers a class of constrained stochastic composite optimization problems whose objective function is given by the summation of a differentiable (possibly nonconvex) component, together with a certain non-differentiable (but convex) component. In order to solve these problems, we propose a randomized stochastic projected gradient (RSPG) algorithm, in which proper mini-batch of samples are taken at each iteration depending on the total budget of stochastic samples allowed. The RSPG algorithm also employs a general distance function to allow taking advantage of the geometry of the feasible region. Complexity of this algorithm is established in a unified setting, which shows nearly optimal complexity of the algorithm for convex stochastic programming. A post-optimization phase is also proposed to significantly reduce the variance of the solutions returned by the algorithm. In addition, based on the RSPG algorithm, a stochastic gradient free algorithm, which only uses the stochastic zeroth-order information, has been also discussed. Some preliminary numerical results are also provided.
A performance analysis for UMTS packet switched network based on multivariate KPIs

Mobile data services are penetrating mobile markets rapidly. The mobile industry relies heavily on data service to replace the traditional voice services with the evolution of the wireless technology and market. A reliable packet service network is critical to the mobile operators to maintain their core competence in data service market. Furthermore, mobile operators need to develop effective operational models to manage the varying mix of voice, data and video traffic on a single network. Application of statistical models could prove to be an effective approach. This paper first introduces the architecture of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) packet switched (PS) network and then applies multivariate statistical analysis to Key Performance Indicators (KPI) monitored from network entities in UMTS PS network to guide the long term capacity planning for the network. The approach proposed in this paper could be helpful to mobile operators in operating and maintaining their 3G packet switched networks for the long run.
Investors' Trade Size and Trading Responses around Earnings Announcements: An Empirical Investigation

Prior research suggests that the earnings expectations of a segment of the market can be described by the seasonal random‐walk model. Prior research also provides evidence that less wealthy and less informed investors tend to make smaller trades (small traders) than wealthier and betterinformed investors (large traders). I hypothesize that it is the earnings expectations of small traders that are associated with predictions from the seasonal random‐walk model. By directly analyzing the trading activities of small and large traders, this study provides evidence that is largely consistent with the hypotheses. Specifically, small traders' trading response around earnings announcements is increasing in the magnitude of seasonal random‐walk forecast errors, even after controlling for absolute analyst forecast errors, contemporaneous price changes, and market‐wide trading. Supplementary analysis reveals that this effect is largely confined to firms with relatively impoverished information environments (i.e., sm...
A Littlewood–Richardson rule for Macdonald polynomials

Macdonald polynomials are orthogonal polynomials associated to root systems, and in the type A case, the symmetric Macdonald polynomials are a common generalization of Schur functions, Macdonald spherical functions, and Jack polynomials. We use the combinatorics of alcove walks to calculate products of monomials and intertwining operators of the double affine Hecke algebra. From this, we obtain a product formula for Macdonald polynomials of general Lie type.
The relationship between Machiavellianism and undergraduate student attitudes about hypothetical marketing moral dilemmas

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the Machiavellianism of undergraduates and how it relates to their attitudes about hypothetical marketing moral dilemmas.Design/methodology/approach – The 309 participants are presented with nine ethical scenarios after completing the Mach IV scale.Findings – As hypothesized, undergraduates low in Machiavellianism believe the ethically questionable action is wrong, anticipate guilt if they consider doing the same thing, and say they would not do it. All correlations are significant at the 0.01 level (two‐tail).Practical implications – Organizations can use the data to increase their global competitiveness.Originality/value – The investigation is the first to assess the association of Machiavellianism and purely marketing moral scenarios. Educators can focus business ethics training on high Machs.
Electronic Effects in the Pt-Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of Propargylic Esters: Synthesis of 2,3-Disubstituted Indolizines as a Mechanistic Probe

The initial 5-exo versus 6-endo cyclization of the acyl group onto the activated alkyne of propargylic esters has been found to be dependent on electronic effects of the acyl, alkyne, and propargylic carbon substituents. These electronic effects control the ratio of 2,3-disubstituted versus 1,3-disubstituted indolizine products formed when substrates bearing pyridines at the alkyne terminus are used.
Ramsey-Type Problem for an Almost Monochromatic $K_4$

In this short note we prove that there is a constant $c$ such that every $k$-edge-coloring of the complete graph $K_n$ with $n \geq 2^{ck}$ contains a $K_4$ whose edges receive at most two colors. This improves on a result of Kostochka and Mubayi, and is the first exponential bound for this problem.
Do high interest rates stem capital outflows

Abstract Conventional wisdom posits that high interest rates stem capital flight. But if higher interest rates increase the probability of debt default, they might have anti-orthodox effects. This note develops a framework for evaluating conditions under which this might occur.
Acute Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis in SJL/J Mice Induced by a Synthetic Peptide of Myelin Proteolipid Protein

Clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural characteristics of acute experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by sensitization with a synthetic peptide corresponding to mouse myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) residues 139-151 HCLGKWLGHPDKF were studied in SJL/J mice. Groups of mice were immunized with 20, 50, or 100 nmol of the peptide and were killed from seven to 28 days after sensitization or when they were moribund. Beginning on Day 9, the mice showed signs of EAE and the disease progressed rapidly to paralysis. Central nervous system (CNS) inflammation, edema, gliosis, and demyelination were found in all mice killed between Days 10 and 28 and white matter lesion areas correlated with clinical score at the time the mice were killed. Peripheral nerve roots and the cauda equina did not have lesions. Within the range studied, the severity of clinical or histologic disease was the same regardless of the PLP peptide dose. Two of ten mice immunized with 100 nmol and none of 14 mice given smaller doses of a synthetic peptide of mouse myelin basic protein (MBP) showed clinical EAE. These mice had small numbers of CNS lesions that were indistinguishable from those in PLP peptide-sensitized mice. These findings demonstrate that immunization of SJL/J mice with PLP peptide 139-151 produces a disease with the clinical and morphologic features of CNS tissue-, whole PLP-, whole MBP-, and MBP peptide-induced acute EAE. Thus, PLP is a major encephalitogen and immune reactions to epitopes of different myelin proteins may induce identical patterns of injury in the CNS.
BROADBAND TERAHERTZ WAVE GENERATION, DETECTION AND COHERENT CONTROL USING TERAHERTZ GAS PHOTONICS

Terahertz (THz) gas photonics uses gas as THz emitter and sensor for time-domain spectroscopy. Unique properties of the gas promise scalable, strong THz wave generation with broad spectral range covering the entire THz gas (0.3 THz to 35 THz). The systematic study of THz wave generation and detection in different gases shows that the generation efficiency is monotonically decreasing with the ionization potential of the gas molecules while the detection efficiency is linearly proportional to the third order nonlinear coefficient of the gas molecules. We also discuss the development of THz wave detection using laser-induced fluorescence and coherent control with THz gas photonics.
Aid and regulation

Abstract In recent decades, one of the objectives of international development assistance has been to encourage developing country governments to reorient their economies from highly regulated and centrally controlled to deregulated and market-based. However, poor economic performance on its own might well necessitate such a shift. Does aid from donors accelerate this process by providing additional incentives and critical resources (finance and advice)? Or do donor funds slow the retreat of the state by lessening financial crises and indirectly promoting state control (e.g., through state-run development projects)? This paper contributes to the empirical analysis of this question by examining the link between aid flows and regulatory burden. Using an instrumental variables method on panel data from 71 aid receiving countries from 1970 to 1995, estimation results support the first position. Donor funds favor more heavily regulated economies and successfully promoted deregulation. This apparent example of successful conditionality points to the importance of a more disaggregate analysis of the interaction of aid and policy in developing countries.
High resolution portable holocamera.

The design, construction, and testing of a portable hologram microscope are described. The instrument is based on a small, reliable, pulsed ruby laser to avoid the degrading effects of vibration; the instrument weighs 7.9 kg and measures 30.5 cm × 33 cm × 15.5 cm. A magnifying relay lens is used in a design such that resolution is limited by the effects of speckle. These effects can be reduced by incoherent superposition of images from the four independent holograms of each object that are automatically recorded. Resolution is 3–4 μm, field of view is 4.5 mm, and depth of field is 4 mm. Results of measurements on resolution, image quality, image intensity fluctuations, and image signal-to-noise ratio are presented.
Continuous families of isophasal scattering manifolds

We construct continuous families of scattering manifolds with the same scattering phase. The manifolds are compactly supported metric perturbations of Euclidean $\mathbf{R}^{n}$ for $n\geq8$. The metric perturbation may have arbitrarily small support.
New reagents, reactions, and peptidomimetics for drug design.

It has been a major focus in our laboratories to prepare novel reagents and peptidomimetic structures for drug design. We have designed and prepared novel guanidinylation reagents that can be employed in solution or as solid phase reagents. We and others have utilized the reagent 3-(diethoxyphosphoryloxy)-1,2,3-benzotriazin-4(3H)-one (DEPBT) for amide bond formation to couple sterically hindered structures. These couplings proceed with remarkably strong resistance to racemization. In the area of peptidomimetics, we have incorporated novel building blocks to create biologically active compounds. These building blocks include thioether and alkylamine bridges, beta-methylated, and beta,beta-dimethylated amino acid residues. These mimetic structures have been incorporated into specific target molecules such as opioids to obtain cyclic peptidomimetics with potent and selective biological activity.
Exact nonperturbative unitary amplitudes for 1 → 8 transitions in a field theoretic model

Abstract We present a quantum mechanical model with an infinite number of (discrete) degrees of freedom, which can serve as a laboratory for multiparticle production in a collision. There is a cubic coupling between modes without, however, any problems associated with unstable ground states. The model is amenable to precise numerical calculations of nonperturbative 1 → N transition amplitudes. On an ordinary workstation, time and memory limitations effectively restrict N to be ⩽ 8, and we present results for this case. We find (1) that there is reasonable period of time for which there is a constant rate for the 1 → 8 transition; (2) at the end of the linear period, the eight particle amplitude attains a maximum value | A 8 | max which is about 3–4 orders of magnitude larger than the comparable amplitude for excitation of the N =8 state in the anharmonic oscillator; (3) for values of the coupling in the region where the Born approximation fails, the amplitude is much larger than the naive estimates A 8≅exp(−1/ g 2 ) or exp(−8); it is more like A 8 ∼exp(−0.20/ g 2 ).
Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of vinyl sulfone based anticancer agents

Abstract Several vinyl sulfone based substrates exhibited excellent in vitro activity against the HT-29 colon cancer cell line and also demonstrated in vitro differential cytotoxicity against ras transformed rat kidney epithelial cell lines. Evaluation of three agents in animal trials revealed no anticancer activity.
Lead-time setting, capacity utilization, and pricing decisions under lead-time dependent demand

This research examines the lead-time setting, capacity utilization, and pricing decisions facing a firm serving customers that are sensitive to quoted lead-times. We model the firm's operations as an M/M/1 queue and treat the demand as being linear in price and quoted lead-time. We analyze the quoted lead-time, capacity utilization, and price that maximize revenues less total variable production costs, WIP holding costs, and lateness penalty costs. We use this analysis to show that the capacity utilization should be lower when (1) customers are more sensitive to lead-times and/or (2) the firm incurs higher congestion related costs and/or (3) the penalty for lateness is higher. Further, we study the robustness of optimal profit contributions when the model parameters are mis-estimated.
Characteristic features of the exotic superconductors: a summary

Abstract We summarize the results of a comprehensive examination of the characteristic features of the exotic superconductors, the superconductors so-labelled by Uemura and co-workers. In both the electronic and crystal chemistry properties, we find anomalous features which appear to be “universal” for these materials, as well as other features which are clearly not universal but common enough to be considered typical for these materials. Some implications of these anomalies are discussed.
Lattices acting on right-angled buildings

Let X be a right-angled building. We show that the lattices in Aut.X/ share many properties with tree lattices. For example, we characterise the set of covolumes of uniform and of nonuniform lattices in Aut.X/, and show that the group Aut.X/ admits an infinite ascending tower of uniform and of nonuniform lattices. These results are proved by constructing a functor from graphs of groups to complexes of groups.
Mapping genes for fatness and growth on pig chromosome 13: a search in the region close to the pig PIT1 gene

Previous research has shown that PIT1 polymorphisms in several resource populations and the chromosomal region near PIT1 in some populations have been significantly associated with fatness and growth QTLs on pig chromosome 13. To confirm these previous results and to clarify the role of the PIT1 gene in the putative QTL region, this research project was enlarged to include two microsatellite markers flanking each side of the PIT1 gene (Swr1008, S0068, Sw398 and Sw1056). The ISU Chinese × US resource families were used and the traits analysed were birth weight, 21 day weight, 42 day weight, longissimus muscle area, back-fat thickness at several locations, meat colour, marbling and firmness on the carcass, and growth rate for selected time periods. The total number of F2 pigs used ranged from 241 to 330. The data were analysed using interval mapping for each breed-cross separately as well as with the pooled data, and single marker least squares analyses for the pooled data. Significant evidence of a QTL for first rib back-fat thickness was detected approximately 20 cM from the PIT1 gene by using both single marker (p < 0.01) and interval mapping analyses in the pooled data (p < 0.0001) as well as in one family (p < 0.01). Evidence of a QTL for birth weight was detected at the estimated PIT1 position in the interval mapping analysis by using the pooled data (p < 0.014) and verified by the single marker analyses. These results confirmed the previously published QTL work on pig chromosome 13 for the birth weight QTL but suggest that other genes in the region may be partly responsible for the earlier results on the back-fat thickness QTL in our resource families.
BPRS: Belief Propagation based iterative recommender system

In this paper we introduce the first application of the Belief Propagation (BP) algorithm in the design of recommender systems. We formulate the recommendation problem as an inference problem and aim to compute the marginal probability distributions of the variables which represent the ratings to be predicted. However, computing these marginal probability functions is computationally prohibitive for large-scale systems. Therefore, we utilize the BP algorithm to efficiently compute these functions. Recommendations for each active user are then iteratively computed by probabilistic message passing. As opposed to the previous recommender algorithms, BPRS does not require solving the recommendation problem for all the users if it wishes to update the recommendations for only a single active. Further, BPRS computes the recommendations for each user with linear complexity and without requiring a training period. Via computer simulations (using the 100K MovieLens dataset), we verify that BPRS iteratively reduces the error in the predicted ratings of the users until it converges. Finally, we confirm that BPRS is comparable to the state of art methods such as Correlation-based neighborhood model (CorNgbr) and Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) in terms of rating and precision accuracy. Therefore, we believe that the BP-based recommendation algorithm is a new promising approach which offers a significant advantage on scalability while providing competitive accuracy for the recommender systems.
Functional specialization of ribosomes

Ribosomes are highly conserved macromolecular machines that are responsible for protein synthesis in all living organisms. Work published in the past year has shown that changes to the ribosome core can affect the mechanism of translation initiation that is favored in the cell, which potentially leads to specific changes in the relative efficiencies with which different proteins are made. Here, I examine recent data from expression and proteomic studies that suggest that cells make slightly different ribosomes under different growth conditions, and discuss genetic evidence that such differences are functional. In particular, I argue that eukaryotic cells probably produce ribosomes that lack one or more core ribosomal proteins (RPs) under some conditions, and that core RPs contribute differentially to translation of distinct subpopulations of mRNAs.
Palladium in Quinoline Synthesis

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the important preparative methods of the quinoline substrates, both as electrophiles and nucleophiles, and their synthetic utilities in palladium-mediated reactions. The unique characteristics of quinoline chemistry stem from the stereo-electronic effects that the nitrogen atom has exerted on the quinoline molecule. A popular method to prepare haloquinolines is the halogenation of quinolones using oxyphosphorus halides, most notably POCl3. Among the cross-coupling reactions with organometallic reagents that involve a quinoline fragment, the Suzuki and Stille coupling reactions are more prevalent, whereas there have been limited precedents for the Negishi and Hiyama reactions. Sonagashira reaction represents a palladium-catalyzed coupling between a nucleophile (e.g. aryl- and vinyl halides) and a terminal alkyne in the presence of an aliphatic amine and catalytic palladium and CuI or CuBr. Palladium-mediated reactions, especially cross-coupling reactions, have found many applications in quinoline synthesis. With the advent of the palladium chemistry and more commercially available organometallic substrates, more palladium-mediated quinoline syntheses are to be added to the repertoire of quinoline chemistry.
On the interaction between true source, training, and testing language models

An interaction has been found between the true source language model, the training language model, and the testing language model. This interaction has implications for vocabulary independent modeling, testing methodologies, discriminative training, and the adequacy of many of the current databases for continuous speech recognition development. >
The long run industrial growth of Veracruz state, 1955-2008

Purpose – Has the Mexican inter-regional growth and convergence experience also occurred within single regions? Using the important southern region of Veracruz, the purpose of this paper is to examine this question over a 48-year period within a single Mexican state. Design/methodology/approach – Growth is examined using a standard two input stochastic production function (SPF) that creates a measure of technical efficiency. Convergence is measured using a convergence equation from the literature but which also included the results from the SPF analysis to incorporate not only initial levels of inputs but also the ability of a municipio to utilize these inputs. Data collection in Mexico and online included a long run database of 149 municipios in Veracruz from 1960 thru 2008. Findings – A stochastic Cobb-Douglas technology is found to fit the long run growth of Veracruz province well. In the 1960s, 2000s and the long run (1960-2008), weak evidence for the municipios in Veracruz appear to be converging wit...
Constraints imposed by CP conservation in the presence of pseudoparticles

We elaborate on an earlier discussion of CP conservation of strong interactions which includes the effect of pseudoparticles. We discuss what happens in theories of the quantum-chromodynamics type when we include weak and electromagnetic interactions. We find that strong CP conservation remains a natural symmetry if the full Lagrangian possesses a chiral U(1) invariance. We illustrate our results by considering in detail a recent model of (weak) CP nonconservation.
Evolution of the Internet AS-level ecosystem

We present an analytically tractable model of Internet evolution at the level of Autonomous Systems (ASs). We call our model the multiclass preferential attachment (MPA) model. As its name suggests, it is based on preferential attachment. All of its parameters are measurable from available Internet topology data. Given the estimated values of these parameters, our analytic results predict a definitive set of statistics characterizing the AS topology structure. These statistics are not part of model formulation. The MPA model thus closes the “measure-model-validate-predict” loop, and provides further evidence that preferential attachment is the main driving force behind Internet evolution.
The electrochemical fluorination as a locomotive for the development of fluorine chemistry

Abstract The dawning of a field of organic chemistry in Japan is described, which was initiated systematically at GIRIN (later became NIRIN) in 1952. Electrochemical fluorination began with difficulties, but since then has played an important role in the achievement of many research works at GIRIN, has played an important role for the achievement of many research works at GIRIN providing us with starting materials for making fluorine-containing high-performance materials such as fluoropolymers, an artificial blood substitute, liquid crystals, surface-active agents and Halon alternatives, etc.
Quantity rationing of credit and the Phillips curve

Abstract Quantity rationing of credit, when some firms are denied loans, has macroeconomic effects not fully captured by measures of borrowing costs. This paper develops a monetary DSGE model with quantity rationing and derives a Phillips curve relation where inflation dynamics depend on excess unemployment, a risk premium and the fraction of firms receiving financing. Excess unemployment is defined as that which arises from disruptions in credit flows. GMM estimates using data from a survey of bank managers confirms the importance of these variables for inflation dynamics.
H-phosphonate DNA synthesis without amino protection

Abstract DNA synthesis by H-phosphonate method does not require the use of amino protecting groups. The cytosine amino group, and the guanine 06/N1 positions, do react with the condensing agent to some extent, but these derivatives are cleaved under the standard aqueous ammonia conditions commonly used for deproctection and cleavage of the oligonucleotide from the solid support.
The dilepton-production cross section in principal value resummation

Abstract Using a recent calculation of the perturbative hard part for dilepton production that sums large threshold corrections to all orders in perturbative QCD, we compute the corresponding cross sections. The hard part has been evaluated using principal value resummation and contains all singular momentum-dependent corrections. We also include a resummation of large Sudakov terms, which are independent of parton momenta. We give predictions for the dilepton-mass distribution, the rapidity distribution and the rapidity-integrated K-factor at fixed-target energies and compare with various experimental results in several kinematic regimes. We find that principal value resummation produces cross sections that are finite and well-behaved. For both protons and anti-protons on fixed targets, the resummed cross sections are, in general, in excellent agreement with the data.
A study of nonadiabatic boundary-layer stabilization time in a cryogenic tunnel for typical wing and fuselage models

A theoretical study has been made of the time varying effect of nonadiabatic wall conditions on boundary layer properties for a two-dimensional wing section and an axisymmetric body of revolution typical of a fuselage. The wing section and body of revolution are representative of the root chord and fuselage of what is considered to be a typical size transport model for the National Transonic Facility. The transient analysis was made at a Mach number of 0.85, for stagnation pressures of 2, 6, and 9 atmospheres at several cryogenic values of total temperature for a solid wing and for three different fuselage skin thickness configurations. The analysis considered wing and fuselage sections made from stainless steel, beryllium copper, and aluminum. Examples are presented that may be used to determine the time required to reach an adiabatic condition after a change in total temperature.