cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An iterative transmission algorithm incorporating cross-talk correction for SPECT.

Simultaneous emission/transmission acquisitions in cardiac SPECT with a Tc 99m / Gd 153 source combination offer the capability for nonuniform attenuation correction. However, cross-talk of Tc 99m photons downscattered into the Gd 153 energy window contaminates the reconstructed transmission map used for attenuation correction. The estimated cross-talk contribution can be subtracted prior to transmission reconstruction or incorporated in the reconstruction algorithm itself. In this work, we propose an iterative transmission algorithm (MLTG-S) based on the maximum-likelihood gradient algorithm (MLTG) that explicitly accounts for this cross-talk estimate. Clinical images were acquired on a three-headed SPECTcamera, acquiring Tc 99m emission and Gd 153 transmission images simultaneously. Subtracting the cross-talk estimate prior to transmission reconstruction can result in negative and zero values if the estimate is larger than or equal to the count in the transmission projection bin, especially with increased attenuator size or amount of cross-talk. This results in inaccurate attenuation coefficients for MLTG reconstructions with cross-talk subtraction. MLTG-S reconstructions on the other hand, yield better estimates of attenuation maps, by avoiding the subtraction of the cross-talk estimate. Comparison of emission slices corrected for nonuniform attenuation reveals that inaccuracies in the reconstructed attenuation map caused by cross-talk can artificially enhance the extra-cardiac activity, confounding the ability to visualize the left-ventricular walls.
Abundance analyses of cool extreme helium stars

ABSTRA C T Extreme helium stars (EHes) with effective temperatures from 8000 to 13 000 K are among the coolest EHes and overlap the hotter R CrB stars in effective temperature. The cool EHes may represent an evolutionary link between the hot EHes and the R CrB stars. Abundance analyses of four cool EHes, BD118 4381 (FQ Aqr), LS IV 2148 109, BD 218 3438 (NO Ser) and LS IV 218 002 (V2244 Oph), are presented. All these stars show evidence of H- and Heburning at earlier stages of their evolution. To test for an evolutionary connection, the chemical compositions of cool EHes are compared with those of hot EHes and R CrB stars. Relative to Fe, the N abundance of these stars is intermediate between those of hot EHes and R CrB stars. For the R CrB stars, the metallicity M derived from the mean of Si and S appears to be more consistent with the kinematics than that derived from Fe. When metallicity M derived from Si and S replaces Fe, the observed N abundances of EHes and R CrB stars fall at or below the upper limit corresponding to thorough conversion of initial C and O to N. There is an apparent difference between the composition of R CrB stars and EHes, the former having systematically higher [N/M] ratios. The material present in the atmospheres of many R CrB stars is heavily CN- and ON-cycled. Most of the EHes have only CN-cycled material in their atmospheres. There is an indication that the CN- and ON-cycled N in EHes was partially converted to Ne by a-captures. If EHes are to evolve to R CrB stars, fresh C in EHes has to be converted to N; the atmospheres of EHes have just sufficient hydrogen to raise the N abundance to the level of R CrB stars. If Ne is found to be normal in R CrB stars, the proposal that EHes evolve to R CrB stars fails. The idea that R CrB stars evolve to EHes is ruled out; the N abundance in R CrB stars has to be reduced to the level of EHes, as the C/He, which is observed to be uniform across EHes, has to be maintained. Hence the inferred [N/M], C/He and [Ne/M] ratios, and the H-abundances of these two groups indicate that the EHes and the R CrB stars may not be on the same evolutionary path. The atmospheres of H-deficient stars probably consist of three ingredients: a residue of normal H-rich material, substantial amounts of H-poor CN(O)-cycled material, and C(and O-) rich material from gas exposed to He-burning. This composition could be a result of final He-shell flash in a single post-AGB star (FF scenario), or a merger of two white dwarfs (DD scenario). Although the FF scenario accounts for Sakurai’s object and other stars (e.g., the H-poor central stars of planetary nebulae), present theoretical calculations imply higher C/He and O/He ratios than are observed in EHes and R CrB stars. Quantitative predictions are lacking for the DD scenario.
Ionizable Amphiphilic Dendrimer‐Based Nanomaterials with Alkyl‐Chain‐Substituted Amines for Tunable siRNA Delivery to the Liver Endothelium In Vivo

A library of dendrimers was synthesized and optimized for targeted small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery to different cell subpopulations within the liver. Using a combinatorial approach, a library of these nanoparticle-forming materials was produced wherein the free amines on multigenerational poly(amido amine) and poly(propylenimine) dendrimers were substituted with alkyl chains of increasing length, and evaluated for their ability to deliver siRNA to liver cell subpopulations. Interestingly, two lead delivery materials could be formulated in a manner to alter their tissue tropism within the liver – with formulations from the same material capable of preferentially delivering siRNA to (i) endothelial cells, (ii) endothelial cells and hepatocytes, or (iii) endothelial cells, hepatocytes and tumor cells in vivo. The ability to broaden or narrow the cellular destination of siRNA within the liver may provide a useful tool to address a range of liver diseases.
Progress toward the synthesis of the transtaganolide/basiliolide natural products: an Ireland–Claisen approach

Efforts toward the synthesis of the transtaganolide natural product family are described. A highly efficient Ireland–Claisen/Diels–Alder approach has been developed, which rapidly constructs the highly oxygenated and stereochemically rich core of these natural products.
Balancing Exploration and Exploitation in Alliance Formation

Do firms balance exploration and exploitation in their alliance formation decisions and, if so, why and how? We argue that absorptive capacity and organizational inertia impose conflicting pressure...
Sequential Probability Ratio Test Using Scaled Time-Intervals for Environmental Radiation Monitoring

Sequential probability ratio test (SPRT) of scaled time-interval data (time to record N radiation pulses), SPRT_scaled, was evaluated against commonly used single-interval test (SIT) and SPRT with a fixed counting interval, SPRT_fixed, on experimental and simulated data. Experimental data were acquired with a DGF-4C (XIA, Inc) system in list mode. Simulated time-interval data were obtained using Monte Carlo techniques to perform a random radiation sampling of the Poisson distribution. The three methods (SIT, SPRT_fixed and SPRT_scaled) were compared in terms of detection probability and average time to make a decision regarding the source of radiation. For both experimental and simulated data, SPRT_scaled provided similar detection probabilities as other tests, but was able to make a quicker decision with fewer pulses at relatively higher radiation levels. SPRT_scaled has a provision for varying the sampling time depending on the radiation level, which may further shorten the time needed for radiation monitoring. Parameter adjustments to the SPRT_scaled method for increased detection probability are discussed.
The Notion of Vertex Operator Coalgebra and a Geometric Interpretation

The notion of vertex operator coalgebra is presented and motivated via the geometry of conformal field theory. Specifically, we describe the category of geometric vertex operator coalgebras, whose objects have comultiplicative structures meromorphically induced by conformal equivalence classes of worldsheets. We then show this category is isomorphic to the category of vertex operator coalgebras, which is defined in the language of formal algebra. The latter has several characteristics which give it the flavor of a coalgebra with respect to the structure of a vertex operator algebra and several characteristics that distinguish it from a standard dual—both of them will be highlighted.
Applying operating system principles to SDN controller design

Rather than creating yet another network controller which provides a framework in a specific (potentially new) programming language and runs as a monolithic application, in this paper we extend an existing operating system and leverage its software ecosystem in order to serve as a practical SDN controller. This paper introduces yanc, a controller platform for software-defined networks which exposes the network configuration and state as a file system, enabling user and system applications to interact through standard file I/O, and to easily take advantage of the tools available on the host operating system. In yanc, network applications are separate processes, are provided by multiple sources, and may be written in any language. Applications benefit from common and powerful technologies such as the virtual file system (VFS) layer, which we leverage to layer a distributed file system on top of, and Linux namespaces, which we use to isolate applications with different views (e.g., slices). In this paper we present the goals and design of yanc. Our initial prototype is built with the FUSE file system in user space on Linux and has been demonstrated with a simple static flow pusher application. Effectively, we are making Linux the network operating system.
Surface properties of ancient cratered terrain in the northern hemisphere of Mars

Viking high resolution IR data is used in an examination of the hilly and cratered material of Scott and Carr (1978), supposed to be the oldest extensively exposed surface on Mars. Measured nighttime temperatures at 11 and 20 microns indicate inertia blocks, surrounded by lower thermal inertia soil. Geologic features crossed by the Viking data generally show no difference from the regional properties. Imaging data from within and around the Arabia low thermal inertia region indicate that subdued surface morphology is not always associated with low thermal inertias. The mantling of ancient northern hemisphere cratered terrain by fine grained material does not allow thermal measurements to be directly related to rock unit properties, but less mantling may be present in southern hemisphere locations of this material.
Stochastic equicontinuity in nonlinear time series models

Summary In this paper, I provide simple and easily verifiable conditions under which a strong form of stochastic equicontinuity holds in a wide variety of modern time series models. In contrast to most results currently available in the literature, my methods avoid mixing conditions. I discuss several applications in detail.
The Influence of Forecast Dispersion on the Incremental Explanatory Power of Earnings, Book Value, and Analyst Forecasts on Market Prices

This study investigates the influence of analyst forecast dispersion on Ohlson's (2001) proposed linear information dynamics where consensus analyst forecasts are suggested as a proxy for other information. Our results indicate that Ohlson's proposed valuation model is most descriptive of market pricing when forecast dispersion, and hence information asymmetry, is high. Our results also suggest that when analysts are confronted with high information asymmetry, they tend to focus less on accounting fundamentals and rely more on other nonaccounting information, thus decreasing the correlation between the explanatory power of analyst forecasts and that of earnings and book value.
A highly efficient microwave-assisted suzuki coupling reaction of aryl perfluorooctylsulfonates with boronic acids.

A new strategy to improve the efficiency of Suzuki coupling reactions is introduced by combining fast microwave reaction with easy fluorous separation. Aryl perfluorooctylsulfonates derived from the corresponding phenols are coupled with aryl boronic acids to form biaryls under general microwave conditions. Both intermediates and products are purified by solid-phase extraction over FluoroFlash silica gel. Application of this tagging strategy to multistep synthesis of biaryl-substituted hydantoin is also described.
Sierra Leone's infrastructure : a continental perspective

Infrastructure has contributed significantly to the growth of West African economies during the past decade. In Sierra Leone, infrastructure added only around 0.51 percentage points to the per capita growth rate over 2003-07. Similarly to other countries in the region and the rest of the continent, the boost to historic growth came predominately from the ICT (Information and Telecommunications Technology) revolution while power-sector deficiencies and poor roads held back growth. After nine years of peace, economic activity is flourishing at every level in Sierra Leone. Political stability, high government accountability, good governance standards, and streamlined tax reform helped Sierra Leone to become a bright success story, turning the country into the easiest and quickest place to start business in West Africa. Sierra Leone's image in the eyes of investors is strengthened as the country ranked as one of the top five countries in Africa for investor protection. Looking ahead, the country faces a number of critical infrastructure challenges. Perhaps the most daunting of these challenges lies in the power sector, the poor state of which retards development of other sectors. Access to power is very low, at around 1 to 5 percent in urban areas, and is nonexistent in the countryside. The country's installed power-generation capacity is around 13 megawatts per million people, which is lower than what other low-income and fragile states have installed. The entire existing power infrastructure is concentrated in the western part of the country, and even with the functioning of the Bumbuna power plant, only half the suppressed demand for Freetown, let alone that for the rest of the country, is being met. Regardless of recent reduction in tariffs, Sierra Leoneans still pay some of the highest tariffs in Africa. In 2010, Sierra Leoneans paid three times as much for power as did residents of African countries that relied on hydropower. Making investments in more cost-effective power generation options is therefore an important strategic objective for Sierra Leone, without which further electrification will simply be unaffordable for the wider population.
RESIDENCE TIMES OF PARTICLES IN DIFFUSIVE PROTOPLANETARY DISK ENVIRONMENTS. II. RADIAL MOTIONS AND APPLICATIONS TO DUST ANNEALING

The origin of crystalline grains in comets and the outer regions of protoplanetary disks remains a mystery. It has been suggested that such grains form via annealing of amorphous precursors in the hot, inner region of a protoplanetary disk, where the temperatures needed for such transformations were found, and were then transported outward by some dynamical means. Here we develop a means of tracking the paths that dust grains would have taken through a diffusive protoplanetary disk and examine the types and ranges of environments that particles would have seen over a 106 yr time period in the dynamic disk. We then combine this model with three annealing laws to examine how the dynamic evolution of amorphous grains would have led to their physical restructuring and their delivery to various regions of the disk. It is found that "sibling particles"—those particles that reside at the same location at a given period of time—take a wide range of unique and independent paths through the disk to arrive there. While high temperatures can persist in the disk for very long time periods, we find that those grains that are delivered to the cold outer regions of the disk are largely annealed in the first few ×105 yr of disk history. This suggests that the crystallinity of grains in the outer disk would be determined early and remain unchanged for much of disk history, in agreement with recent astronomical observations.
Causality in the freedom-growth relationship

This paper addresses the issue of causality in the relationship between various types of institutions—namely, political and economic freedom—and long-run economic growth. It is shown that existing empirical studies of these relationships provide evidence of correlation, but not causation. Granger causality tests of freedom vs. growth, and freedom vs. investment are conducted using aggregate measures of freedom as well as underlying components of freedom when available. The results suggest which aspects of freedom are most important in fostering growth in a causal sense. The paper closes with a causal analysis of changes in the different types of freedom themselves.
Experimental evaluation of certification trails using abstract data type validation

The authors report on an attempt to assess the performance of algorithms utilizing certification trails on abstract data types. Specifically, they have applied this method to the following problems: heapsort, Huffman tree, shortest path, and skyline. Previous results used certification trails specific to a particular problem and implementation. The approach allows certification trails to be localized to data structure modules making the use of this technique transparent to the user of such modules. >
Investigations towards the synthesis of (-)-coprinolone, via a thermal 8π-6π electrocyclization cascade of 1,5,7-trien-4-ones

Abstract Herein the investigation of a thermal 8π–6π electrocyclization cascade of 1,5,7-trien-4-ones, as a key step towards the synthesis of (−)-coprinolone is described.
A parameterization technique for nonlinear spectral models

An objective parameterization technique is developed for general nonlinear hydrodynamical systems. The typical structure of hydrodynamical systems, regardless of their complexity, is one in which the rates of change of the dependent variables depend on homogeneous quadratic and linear forms, as well as on inhomogeneous forcing terms. As a prototype of the generic problem containing this typical structure, the parameterization technique is applied to various three component subsets of a five component nonlinear spectral model of forced, dissipative quasi-geostrophic flow in a channel. The results obtained lead to specification of the necessary data coverage requirements for applying the technique in general.
Enhancing Virtual Product Representations for Advanced Design Repository Systems

This paper describes the transformation of an existing set of heterogeneous product knowledge into a coherent design repository that supports product design knowledge archival and web-based search, display, and design model and tool generation. Guided by design theory, existing product information was analyzed and compared against desired outputs to ascertain what information management structure was needed to produce design resources pertinent to the design process. Several test products were catalogued to determine what information was essential without being redundant in representation. This set allowed for the creation of a novel single point of entry application for product information and the development of a relational database for design knowledge archival. Web services were then implemented to support design knowledge retrieval through search, browse, and real-time design tool generation. Further explored in this paper are the fundamental enabling technologies of the design repository system. Additionally, repository-generated design tools are scrutinized alongside human-generated design tools for validation. Through this process researchers have been able to improve the way in which artifact data are gathered, archived, distributed and used.
The Thermodynamics of Phosphate versus Phosphorothioate Ester Hydrolysis

Phosphorothioate esters are phosphate esters in which one of the nonbridging oxygen atoms has been replaced by sulfur. In the comparative hydrolysis reactions of phosphorothioate and phosphate esters, the sulfur substitution accelerates the rates of the monoesters while slowing the rates of diesters and of triesters. Previously measured enthalpies and entropies of activation for the hydrolysis reactions of the monoesters, p-nitrophenyl phosphate and p-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate, were compared to the activation parameters measured herein for the diesters, ethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate and ethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate, and the triesters, diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate and diethyl p-nitrophenyl phosphorothioate. A consistent trend of a greater DeltaH++ for the phosphorothioate analogue was found in all three classes of ester. In the monoester case, a more positive DeltaS++ arising from a mechanistic difference (D(N) + A(N) for the phosphorothioate versus A(N)D(N) for the phosphate) compensates, resulting in a lower DeltaG++ for the phosphorothioate monoester. Spectroscopic investigations indicate there is no significant difference in bond order to the leaving group in phosphates, as compared to their phosphorothioate analogues, ruling this out as a contribution to the consistently higher enthalpies of activation.
The need for speed and stability in data center power capping

Abstract Data centers can lower costs significantly by provisioning expensive electrical equipment (such as UPS, diesel generators, and cooling capacity) for the actual peak power consumption rather than server nameplate power ratings. However, it is possible that this under-provisioned power level is exceeded due to software behaviors on rare occasions and could cause the entire data center infrastructure to breach the safety limits. A mechanism to cap servers to stay within the provisioned budget is needed, and processor frequency scaling based power capping methods are readily available for this purpose. We show that existing methods, when applied across a large number of servers, are not fast enough to operate correctly under rapid power dynamics observed in data centers. We also show that existing methods when applied to an open system (where demand is independent of service rate) can cause cascading failures in the software service hosted, causing the service performance to fall uncontrollably even when power capping is applied for only a small reduction in power consumption. We discuss the causes for both these short-comings and point out techniques that can yield a safe, fast, and stable power capping solution. Our techniques use admission control to limit power consumption and ensure stability, resulting in orders of magnitude improvement in performance. We also discuss why admission control cannot replace existing power capping methods but must be combined with them.
MEASURING CRACK COCAINE AND ITS IMPACT

Numerous social indicators turned negative for Blacks in the 1980s and rebounded a decade later. We explore whether crack cocaine explains these patterns. Absent a direct measure, we construct a crack prevalence index using multiple proxies. Our index reproduces spatial and temporal patterns described in ethnographic accounts of the crack epidemic. It explains much of the 1980s rise in Black youth homicide and more moderate increases in adverse birth outcomes. Although our index remains high through the 1990s, crack's deleterious social impact fades. Changes over time in behavior, crack markets, and the user population may have mitigated crack's damaging impacts. (JEL K42, J15, I30)
Palladium catalyzed C-N bond formation in the synthesis of 7-amino-substituted tetracyclines

A facile synthesis of 7-alkylamino- and 7-cycloalkylaminotetracycline derivatives has been accomplished using an in situ generated aminostannane precursor. This procedure is advantageous in that it allows the concise synthesis of a number of unreported tetracycline derivatives that are cumbersome to prepare through traditional methods. These compounds are crucial to understanding structure activity relationships in the D-ring of tetracycline-type antibiotics and the acquired efflux resistance mechanism to this class of antibiotics.
On the continuity and incremental‐gain properties of certain saturated linear feedback loops

This paper discusses various continuity and incremental-gain properties for neutrally stable linear systems under linear feedback subject to actuator saturation. The results complement our previous ones, which applied to the same class of problems and provided finite-gain stability.
Sample-path analysis of stochastic discrete-event systems

This paper presents a unified sample-path approach for deriving distribution-free relations between performance measures for stochastic discrete-event systems extending previous results for discrete-state processes to processes with a general state space. A unique feature of our approach is that all our results are shown to follow from a single fundamental theorem: the sample-path version of the renewal-reward theorem (Y=λX). As an elementary consequence of this theorem, we derive a version of the rate-conservation law under conditions more general than previously given in the literature. We then focus on relations between continuous-time state frequencies and frequencies at the points of an imbedded point process, giving necessary and sufficient conditions for theASTA (Arrivals See Time Averages), conditionalASTA, and reversedASTA properties. In addition, we provide a unified approach for proving various relations involving forward and backward recurrence times. Finally, we give sufficient conditions for rate stability of an input-output system and apply these results to obtain an elementary proof of the relation between the workload and attained-waiting-time processes in aG/G/l queue.
Consistency In Time And Frequency Domains In Presentation Of Measured Infrared Background Data

Infrared background data are usually presented in the form of time histories and various statistics. The statistics in the time domain include means, variances, a utocorrelations, and histograms of various types. The statistic usually presented in the frequency domain is power spectral density. The data in either the time or the frequency domain may be useful, depending on how the system designer chooses to implement his filtering system and perform his system calculation. This paper examines the requirement for consistency in the two domains and shows how well certain windowing techniques assure con-sistency between the time and frequency domains. A particular technique is shown to give virtually perfect consistency. Data from the Balloon Altitude Mosaic Measurement (BAMM) are used to illustrate the results.
SMEs, age, and jobs : a review of the literature, metrics, and evidence

The subject of which firms are the key employers—and which of these create or destroy jobs at a faster rate—is eminently important for academics and policy makers. The relative importance of small versus large firms and old versus young firms has in particular been extensively debated and studied. Nevertheless, the results often hinge on the questions that are asked. Moreover, the categorical definitions used to define firm size and age, and the nature and coverage of the data used have important effects. This paper lays out the relevant definitions and metrics that are central to the debate, reviewing the main findings to date on the subject (with particular emphasis on results in developing economies). The paper adds updated results for 117 developing economies using the World Bank’s Enterprise Survey Data, finding that (i) small and medium enterprises and older establishments are the dominant employers in the nonagricultural private sector labor force in developing economies, and (ii) net job creation is negatively correlated with establishment age and, although the effect of size is also negative, its significance is sensitive to the definition and methods used.
A synthesis of 3′-α-fluoro-2′,3′-dideoxyadenosine via a bromine rearrangement during fluorination with MOST reagent

Abstract A facile method for the synthesis of 3′-α-fluoro-2′,3′-dideoxyadenosine 6 has been developed. Fluorination of 5′- O -acetyl-3′-β-bromo-3′-deoxyadenosine 3 with MOST gave 2′-β-bromo-3′-α-fluoro-2′,3′-dideoxyadenosine 4 via a rearrangement of the 3′-β-bromine to the 2′-β position during 3′-α fluorination. The 2′-β bromine was reduced by radical reduction and then the 5′- O -acetyl group was removed to afford 3′-α-fluoro-2′,3′-dideoxyadenosine 6 in good yield. A possible mechanism for the rearrangement is discussed.
Quinoline synthesis by improved Skraup–Doebner–Von Miller reactions utilizing acrolein diethyl acetal

A robust synthetic method has been developed as an improvement to the venerable Skraup–Doebner–Von Miller reaction providing access to various quinoline products. The straightforward procedure utilizes acrolein diethyl acetal as a three-carbon annulation partner with aniline substrates in a monophasic, organic solvent-free reaction medium. Differentially substituted aniline precursors were found to be compatible with the reaction conditions and the corresponding quinoline products are isolated in moderate to good yields.
Understanding Pay Differentials Among Health Professionals, Nonprofessionals, And Their Counterparts In Other Sectors

About half of the $2.1 trillion of US health services spending constitutes compensation to employees. We examined how the wages paid to health-sector employees compared to those paid to workers with similar qualifications in other sectors. Overall, we found that health care workers are paid only slightly more than workers elsewhere in the US economy, but the patterns are starkly different for nonprofessional and professional employees. Nonprofessional health care workers earn slightly less than their counterparts elsewhere in the economy. By contrast, the average nurse earns about 40 percent more than the median comparable worker in a different sector. The average physician earns about 50 percent more than a comparable worker in another sector of the economy, and this differential has increased sharply since 1993. Cost containment is likely to lead to reductions in the earnings of health care professionals, but it will also require using fewer or less skilled employees to produce a given service.
Combination OX40 agonism/CTLA-4 Blockade With HER2 Vaccination Reverses T-cell Anergy and Promotes Survival in Tumor-Bearing Mice

Immunotherapy is gathering momentum as a primary therapy for cancer patients. However, monotherapies have limited efficacy in improving outcomes and benefit only a subset of patients. Combination therapies targeting multiple pathways can augment an immune response to improve survival further. Here, we demonstrate that dual aOX40 (anti-CD134)/aCTLA-4 (anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4) immunotherapy generated a potent antigen-specific CD8 T-cell response, enhancing expansion, effector function, and memory T-cell persistence. Importantly, OX40 and CTLA-4 expression on CD8 T cells was critical for promoting their maximal expansion following combination therapy. Animals treated with combination therapy and vaccination using anti-DEC-205 (dendritic and epithelial cells, 205 kDa)-HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) had significantly improved survival in a mammary carcinoma model. Vaccination with combination therapy uniquely restricted Th2-cytokine production by CD4 cells, relative to combination therapy alone, and enhanced IFNγ production by CD8 and CD4 cells. We observed an increase in MIP-1α (macrophage inflammatory protein-1α)/CCL3 [chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 3], MIP-1β/CCL4, RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T-cell expressed and excreted)/CCL5, and GM-CSF production by CD8 and CD4 T cells following treatment. Furthermore, this therapy was associated with extensive tumor destruction and T-cell infiltration into the tumor. Notably, in a spontaneous model of prostate adenocarcinoma, vaccination with combination therapy reversed anergy and enhanced the expansion and function of CD8 T cells recognizing a tumor-associated antigen. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the addition of a vaccine with combined aOX40/aCTLA-4 immunotherapy augmented antitumor CD8 T-cell function while limiting Th2 polarization in CD4 cells and improved overall survival.
GENDER PRODUCTION DIFFERENTIALS IN AFRICA

In many West African countries, large rural multigenerational households farm common household plots as well as allocate individual plots to different family members. Multiple studies have found that women plot managers achieve lower yields than men. This work uses a unique 17-year panel dataset from southern Mali to investigate this gender production differential. The long-span and specificity of the data allow us to simultaneously test many of the reasons put forth in the literature for gender production differentials: input & labor use, land tenure, polygamy, and social status. We find that female plot managers in this dataset do achieve significantly lower yields than men and that the effect is mostly explained by labor allocation and social status within the Malian household.
Dynamic Pricing and Distributed Energy Management for Demand Response

The problem of dynamic pricing of electricity in a retail market is considered. A Stackelberg game is used to model interactions between a retailer and its customers; the retailer sets the day-ahead hourly price of electricity and consumers adjust real-time consumptions to maximize individual consumer surplus. For thermostatic demands, the optimal aggregated demand is shown to be an affine function of the day-ahead hourly price. A complete characterization of the tradeoffs between consumer surplus and retail profit is obtained. The Pareto front of achievable tradeoffs is shown to be concave, and each point on the Pareto front is achieved by an optimal day-ahead hourly price. Effects of integrating renewables and local storage are analyzed. It is shown that benefits of renewable integration all go to the retailer when the capacity of renewable is relatively small. As the capacity increases beyond a certain threshold, the benefit from renewable that goes to consumers increases.
Innovation and Trade with Endogenous Market Failure: The Case of Genetically Modified Products

A partial-equilibrium, two-country model is developed to analyze implications from the introduction of genetically modified (GM) products. In the model, innovators hold proprietary rights, farmers are (competitive) adopters, some consumers deem GM food to be inferior in quality to traditional food, and the mere introduction of GM crops affects the costs of non-GM food (because of costly identity preservation). Among the results derived, it is shown that, although GM innovations have the potential to improve efficiency, some groups can be made worse off. Indeed, it is even possible that the costs induced by GM innovations outweigh the efficiency gains.
The expectation differences among stakeholders in the financial valuation fitness of auditors

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate if there is an expectation gap among accounting academics, accounting practitioners, and users of financial statements in the financial valuation fitness of auditors. Complex reporting standards and current market expectations have the potential to create differences between what third-party users consider to be the responsibilities of the auditor and what auditors believe to be their responsibilities in auditing fair value estimates. Design/methodology/approach – This study surveys the perceptions of accounting academics, accounting practitioners, and users of financial statements and the degree to which an expectation gap exists in the financial valuation fitness of auditors. Survey respondents chose from a five-point Likert scale ranging from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree.” Findings – This paper proposes two hypotheses. The results for all nine survey items have provided significant evidence that there is a difference in the expectation of ...
The Cross-section of Expected Stock Returns

This paper studies the cross-sectional properties of return forecasts derived from Fama-MacBeth regressions. These forecasts mimic how an investor could, in real time, combine many firm characteristics to obtain a composite estimate of a stockâs expected return. Empirically, the forecasts vary substantially across stocks and have strong predictive power for actual returns. For example, using ten-year rolling estimates of Fama- MacBeth slopes and a cross-sectional model with 15 firm characteristics (all based on low-frequency data), the expected-return estimates have a cross-sectional standard deviation of 0.87% monthly and a predictive slope for future monthly returns of 0.74, with a standard error of 0.07.
Hermitian u-invariants over function fields of p-adic curves

Let $p$ be an odd prime. Let $F$ be the function field of a $p$-adic curve. Let $A$ be a central simple algebra of period 2 over $F$ with an involution $\sigma$. There are known upper bounds for the $u$-invariant of hermitian forms over $(A, \sigma)$. In this article we compute the exact values of the $u$-invariant of hermitian forms over $(A, \sigma)$.
When Do the Rich Vote Less Than the Poor and Why? Explaining Turnout Inequality across the World

The conventional wisdom that the poor are less likely to vote than the rich is based upon research on voting behavior in advanced industrialized countries. However, in some places, the relationship between turnout and socioeconomic status is reversed. We argue that the potential tax exposure of the rich explains the positive relationship between income and voting in some places and not others. Where the rich anticipate taxation, they have a greater incentive to participate in politics, and politicians are more likely to use fiscal policy to gain support. We explore two factors affecting the tax exposure of the rich—the political salience of redistribution in party politics and the state's extractive capacity. Using survey data from developed and developing countries, we demonstrate that the rich turn out to vote at higher rates when the political preferences of the rich and poor diverge and where bureaucratic capacity is high.
Global Banks, Fiscal Policy and International Business Cycles

The worldwide financial crisis that erupted in 2007 has revealed the fragility of major financial institutions and it triggered the sharpest global recession since the 1930s. Before the crisis, standard macro theory largely abstracted from financial intermediaries, and macro forecasting models ignored information on bank balance sheets. The dramatic events since 2001 require a rethinking of the role of global finance for real activity, and will represent a challenge for economic research for years to come. This article describes recent research by the author that deals with these issues. That research develops novel theoretical and empirical analyses of the role of global banks for business cycles in the EU and in the world economy. These contributions also highlight the stabilising role of government support to banks, during a financial crisis.
Spectral goodness of fit for network models

Abstract We introduce a new statistic, ‘spectral goodness of fit’ (SGOF) to measure how well a network model explains the structure of the pattern of ties in an observed network. SGOF provides a measure of fit analogous to the standard R 2 in linear regression. Additionally, as it takes advantage of the properties of the spectrum of the graph Laplacian, it is suitable for comparing network models of diverse functional forms, including both fitted statistical models and algorithmic generative models of networks. After introducing, defining, and providing guidance for interpreting SGOF, we illustrate the properties of the statistic with a number of examples and comparisons to existing techniques. We show that such a spectral approach to assessing model fit fills gaps left by earlier methods and can be widely applied.
A high-order solver for unsteady incompressible Navier-Stokes equations using the flux reconstruction method on unstructured grids with implicit dual time stepping

We report development of a high-order compact flux reconstruction method for solving unsteady incompressible flow on unstructured grids with implicit dual time stepping. The method falls under the class of methods now referred to as flux reconstruction/correction procedure via reconstruction. The governing equations employ Chorin's classic artificial compressibility formulation with dual time stepping to solve unsteady flow problems. An implicit non-linear lower-upper symmetric Gauss-Seidel scheme with backward Euler discretization is used to efficiently march the solution in pseudo time, while a second-order backward Euler discretization is used to march in physical time. We verify and validate implementation of the high-order method coupled with our implicit time stepping scheme using both steady and unsteady incompressible flow problems. The current implicit time stepping scheme is proven effective in satisfying the divergence-free constraint on the velocity field in the artificial compressibility formulation within the context of the high-order flux reconstruction method. This compact high-order method is very suitable for parallel computing and can easily be extended to moving and deforming grids.
1,2,3-Triazole amine as directing group in promoting catalytic oxidative C–H olefination under aerobic conditions

Abstract A practical ortho C–H olefination of phenyl acetic acid derivatives was achieved with a 1,2,3-triazole auxiliary directing group. Good to excellent yields were achieved with O2 as terminal oxidant. Other bidentate directing groups, such as 8-aminoquinoline, gave poor reactivity under this aerobic condition, highlighting the unique reactivity of triazole in promoting C–H activation.
Cycling by choice or necessity? Exploring the gender gap in bicycling in Oregon

In Oregon, as in other areas of the United States, a greater percentage of men than women bicycle. This study illuminates the gender gap in bicycling by exploring differences in bicycling between women and men in Oregon. A one-day statewide travel survey of more than 30,000 adults was examined. Comparisons between individual, household, and trip and activity characteristics for people grouped by gender (women versus men) and bicycling (made a bicycle trip or normally commuted by bicycle versus did not bicycle) were assessed using chi-square tests of independence. Many significant differences were found. In particular, women who lived alone, were not working, had no high school degree or driver’s license, and lived in low-income households or zero-vehicle households were less likely to bicycle than other women. Men with similar characteristics did not exhibit the same trends; sometimes they were even more likely to bicycle. These findings are consistent with a perspective that women who bicycle are more li...
A Hydrazone-Based exo-Directing-Group Strategy for β C-H Oxidation of Aliphatic Amines

Described is a new hydrazone-based exo-directing group (DG) strategy developed for the functionalization of unactivated primary β C−H bonds of aliphatic amines. Conveniently synthesized from protected primary amines, the hydrazone DGs are shown to site-selectively promote the β-acetoxylation and tosyloxylation via five-membered exo-palladacycles. Amines with a wide scope of skeletons and functional groups are tolerated. Moreover, the hydrazone DG can be readily removed, and a one-pot C−H acetoxylation/DG removal protocol was also discovered.
Droop-Controlled Inverters are Kuramoto Oscillators

Abstract Motivated by the recent interest in smart grid technology and by the push towards distributed and renewable energy, we study the parallel operation of DC/AC inverters in a lossless microgrid. We show that the parallel interconnection of DC/AC inverters equipped with conventional droop controllers is precisely described by the Kuramoto model of coupled phase oscillators. This novel description, together with results from the theory of coupled oscillators, allows us to characterize the behavior of the network of inverters. Specifically, we provide a necessary and sufficient condition for the existence of a synchronized solution that is unique and exponentially stable. Remarkably, we find that the existence of such a synchronized solution does not depend on the selection of droop coefficients. We prove that the inverters share the network power demand in proportion to their power ratings if and only if the droop coefficients are selected proportionally, and we characterize the set of feasible loads which can be serviced. These results hold without assumptions on identical line characteristics or voltage magnitudes.
Reducing Implicit Prejudice

Implicit prejudices are social preferences that exist outside of conscious awareness or control. In this review, we summarize evidence for three mechanisms that influence the expression of implicit prejudice: associative change, contextual change, and change in control over implicit prejudice. We then review the evidence (or lack thereof) for answers to five open issues in implicit prejudice reduction research: (1) what shows effectiveness in real-world application; (2) what doesn’t work for implicit prejudice reduction; (3) what interventions produce long-term changes in implicit prejudice; (4) measurement diversity in implicit prejudice reduction research; and (5) the relationship between implicit prejudice and behavior. Addressing these issues provides an agenda for clarifying the conditions and implications of reducing implicit prejudice.
New utilizations of the phenacyloxy protecting group in peptide synthesis

Es wird uber weitere Verwendungsmoglichkeiten der Phenacyloxy-Gruppe in der Peptidsynthese berichtet. Phenacyloxyester reagieren leicht mit Hydrogencyanid unter Bildung der entsprechenden 2-Cyano-2-phenyl-vinyl-ester, welch letztere Derivate sich als gute Acylierungsmittel erwiesen.
6-Hydroxychroman-2-carboxylic acids: Novel antioxidants

6-Hydroxychroman-2-carboxylic acids (I) have been found to be effective antioxidants in animal fats, vegetable oils, and emulsion systems. Two new Open image in new window syntheses of these compounds have been developed. Structure-activity correlations for I with various substitutents at C2, C5, C7, and C8 in various test systems have been obtained. In addition, the homologous chroman acetic acids, which are also antioxidants, and a number of other derived compounds have been synthesized. The most effective antioxidant in this series is the tetramethyl compound I (R2=R5=R7=R8=CH3). This compound has activity which compares well with the better commercial antioxidants.
Surveillance Colonoscopy following Resection of Colorectal Polyps and Cancer

Patients undergoing clearing colonoscopy with resection of adenomas should generally have their next examination at three years. Exceptions include large sessile adenomas removed piecemeal (re-examine at two to six months until no evidence of recurrent polyp, then at one year), average risk patients with a single tubular adenoma (next examination at five years) and patients with 'numerous' adenomas (next examination at one or two years). Patients with surgically resected colorectal cancer should have a clearing colonoscopy preoperatively or within two to three months of surgery in obstructed patients, even if the preoperative barium enema is negative for proximal lesions. After the clearing colonoscopy, subsequent examinations can be performed based on the associated adenoma findings.
Trajectory-based Modeling of Coupled Processes With Applications to Fluid Flow And Geophysics

Accurate modeling of processes associated with the geophysical monitoring of fluid flow commonly leads to coupled systems of nonlinear equations. Using an asymptotic technique, valid for a medium with smoothly-varying heterogeneity, one can derive an expression for the slowness of a propagating solution for such a system. The formula for the slowness clearly indicates those properties influencing the propagation time of the transient disturbance. An example from two-phase fluid flow illustrates this approach.