cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the accuracy and response time of stat-mode continuous cardiac output

Abstract Objectives: This study was conducted to compare continuous cardiac output (CCO) with bolus thermodilution cardiac output (BTD) at steady state, and to compare the response time of STAT CCO with that of trend CCO, mean arterial pressure, and mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) during an acute hemodynamic change. Design: Prospective study. Setting: University hospital. Participants: Twenty-nine patients undergoing cardiac surgery or liver transplantation. Interventions: STAT and trend CCO were compared with BTD cardiac output during steady state intraoperatively and postoperatively in the intensive care unit. Ten patients, who required epicardial pacing after cardiac surgery, were studied to compare the response time of STAT CCO with that of trend CCO, mean arterial pressure, and SvO2 after a 10% to 20% increase in pacing rate. Measurements and Main Results: A total of 108 cardiac output data sets were analyzed at steady state. Steady state was defined as stable heart rate and mean arterial pressure (±5%) and stable central venous pressure (±2 mmHg) measured immediately before and after each data set. Cardiac output ranged from 2.3 to 8.5 L/min. The correlation between STAT CCO and BTD was r = 0.94, and for trend CCO and BTD was r = 0.94. The bias and precision for STAT CCO versus BTD were 0.06 L/min (CI 95%: −0.06 to 0.18) and 0.61 L/min. The bias and precision for trend CCO versus BTD were 0.06 L/min (CI 95%: −0.04 to 0.16) and 0.49 L/min. Eleven data sets were analyzed to study response time of STAT CCO, which was defined as the first time the percent change of the mean of each variable was significantly increased from baseline. Significant increases in mean arterial pressure and SvO2 were detected after 30 seconds (2.5%, p = 0.01) and 90 seconds (2.0%, p = 0.04), respectively. A significant increase in STAT CCO was reached at 270 seconds (4.4%, p = 0.006). Trend CCO tended to increase but did not reach statistical significance within 6 minutes. Conclusions: STAT and trend CCO are accurate and precise and show close agreement with BTD cardiac output at steady state. The faster algorithm of STAT CCO offers some advantage over trend CCO during an acute hemodynamic change. However, because of the averaging process for determining CCO, the response time of STAT CCO is slower than that of mean arterial pressure and SvO2.
First results from the updated NIST/DARPA EUV reflectometry facility

Currently the most demanding application of extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) optics is in lithography. A commercial extreme-ultraviolet stepper will likely have six or more normal-incidence reflective optics, and the largest of these will be tens of cm in diameter. Each of the Mo/Si multilayer stepper mirrors must have the highest attainable reflectivity at 13 nm, but more importantly the central wavelength of the reflectivity must be controlled to better than 0.01 nm and the peak reflectivity of the mask reticle to better than 0.1 percent. In order to meet these demands, our group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has implemented several improvements to our reflectometer. Additionally, the recent upgrade of the Synchrotron Ultraviolet Radiation Facility (SURF III) allows reliable operation at a variety of stored beam energies. Utilizing this capability, and a variety of filters, we analyzed the out-of-band radiation in the system. Under optimum conditions, the out-of-band contribution of the beam incident on the sample is held to 0.4 percent, and is primarily due to correctable effects of near-band scatter. We estimate that our total uncertainty, due to both systematic effects (accuracy of our out-of-band corrections) and random effects (noise, optics heating, etc.) is better than 0.3 percent. We will also discuss improvements that have been designed and are yet to be implemented.
Accuracy of least-squares methods for the Navier-Stokes equations

Recently there has been substantial interest in least-squares finite element methods for velocity-vorticity-pressure formulations of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations. The main cause for this interest is the fact that algorithms for the resulting discrete equations can be devised which require the solution of only symmetric, positive definite systems of algebraic equations. On the other hand, it is well-documented that methods using the vorticity as a primary variable often yield very poor approximations. Thus, here we study the accuracy of these methods through a series of computational experiments, and also comment on theoretical error estimates. It is found, despite the failure of standard methods for deriving error estimates, that computational evidence suggests that these methods are, at the least, nearly optimally accurate. Thus, in addition to the desirable matrix properties yielded by least-squares methods, one also obtains accurate approximations.
Government Is Whose Problem

This article addresses the political meaning of President Ronald Reagan's 1981 declaration that "government is the problem." Whereas, historically, the state had been used by elites to extract as much from producers as possible, with democratization of the franchise, the state became the sole instrument that could limit � or potentially end � this extraction. In principle, once control of the state is democratized by the ballot box, the fortunes of elites largely depend upon controlling ideology. In 1955, Simon Kuznets offered the highly influential conjecture that, while rising inequality characterizes early economic development, advanced development promises greater equality. However, rising inequality in most wealthy countries over the past four decades has challenged this hypothesis. What those who embraced Kuznets's conjecture failed to recognize is the dynamics by which the rich inevitably regain control over ideology � and thereby the state � with their far greater command over resources, education, and status. In the course of history, only the very severe crisis of the 1930s discredited the elites' ideology sufficiently to enable a sustained period of rising equality. However, by 1980, they had regained ideological ascendancy. This article examines how this struggle over ideology has unfolded in the US since the democratization of the franchise in the nineteenth century. It concludes with reflections on whether the current crisis holds promise of de-legitimating the elites' hold on power once more and of ushering in another period of rising equality.
Variability of the X-Ray P?Cygni Line Profiles from Circinus?X-1 near Zero Phase

The luminous X-ray binary Circinus X-1 has been observed twice near zero orbital phase using the High-Energy Transmission Grating Spectrometer (HETGS) on board Chandra. The source was in a high-flux state during a flare for the first observation, and it was in a low-flux state during a dip for the second. Spectra from both flux states show clear P Cygni lines, predominantly from H-like and He-like ion species. These indicate the presence of a high-velocity outflow from the Cir X-1 system, which we interpret as an equatorial accretion-disk wind, and from the blueshifted resonance absorption lines we determine outflow velocities of 200-1900 km s-1 with no clear velocity differences between the two flux states. The line strengths and profiles, however, are strongly variable both between the two observations as well as within the individual observations. We characterize this variability and suggest that it is due to both changes in the amount of absorbing material along the line of sight as well as changes in the ionization level of the wind. We also refine constraints on the accretion-disk wind model using improved plasma diagnostics such as the He-like Mg XI triplet, and we consider the possibility that the X-ray absorption features seen from superluminal jet sources can generally be explained via high-velocity outflows.
The changing face of mainstream economics

This article argues that economics is currently undergoing a fundamental shift in its method, away from neoclassical economics and into something new. Although that something new has not been fully developed, it is beginning to take form and is centered on dynamics, recursive methods and complexity theory. The foundation of this change is coming from economists who are doing cutting edge work and influencing mainstream economics. These economists are defining and laying the theoretical groundwork for the fundamental shift that is occurring in the economics profession.
Supercomputers for ordinary users

The best way to begin this paper is by explaining its title. I take "supercomputers" to mean those computers which are the biggest, fastest and most complicated available. And by "ordinary" users I mean "nonsuper" users, i.e., people who have had at most an introductory programming course. The point of this paper is to discuss how computer system design and organization could (and I believe should) proceed in the next ten or twenty years.
DO COUNTRIES DEFAULT IN “BAD TIMES”?

This paper uses a new dataset to study the relationship between economic output and sovereign default for the period 1820–2004. We find a negative but surprisingly weak relationship between economic output in the borrowing country and default on loans from private foreign creditors. Throughout history, countries have indeed defaulted during bad times (when output was relatively low), but they have also suspended payments when the domestic economy was favorable, and they have maintained debt service in the face of adverse shocks. This constitutes a puzzle for standard theories of international debt, which predict a much tighter negative relationship as default provides partial insurance against declines in output. (JEL: F21, F34, F41)
Power-Spectrum Analysis of Super-Kamiokande Solar Neutrino Data, Taking into Account Asymmetry in the Error Estimates

The purpose of this article is to carry out a power-spectrum analysis of the Super-Kamiokande five-day dataset that takes account of the asymmetry in the error estimates. Whereas for symmetrical error estimates the likelihood analysis involves a linear optimization procedure, for asymmetrical error estimates it involves a nonlinear optimization procedure. For most frequencies there is little difference between the power spectra derived from analyses of symmetrized error estimates and from asymmetrical error estimates, but this is not the case for the principal peak in the power spectrum at 9.43 yr −1. A likelihood analysis that takes account of the error asymmetry leads to a peak with power 13.24 at that frequency, and a Monte Carlo analysis shows that there is a chance of only 0.1% of finding a peak this big or bigger in the search band 1 – 36 yr −1. From this perspective, power-spectrum analysis that takes account of asymmetry of the error estimates gives evidence for variability that is significant at the 99.9% level. We comment briefly on an apparent discrepancy between power-spectrum analyses of the Super-Kamiokande and SNO solar neutrino experiments.
Total Syntheses of Epothilones A and B via a Macrolactonization-Based Strategy

The total syntheses of epothilones A (1) and B (2) and several analogues thereof are described. The reported strategy relies on a macrolactonization approach and features selective epoxidation of the macrocycle double bond in precursors 3 and 4 (Scheme 1), respectively, as well as high convergency and flexibility. Building blocks 9−12 and 15 were constructed by asymmetric processes and coupled via Wittig, aldol, and macrolactonization reactions to afford the basic skeleton of epothilones and that of several of their analogues by a relatively short route. The utilization of intermediate 14, obtained via a stereoselective Wittig reaction and its Enders coupling to SAMP hydrazone 13 (Scheme 8), in combination with a stereoselective aldol reaction with the modified substrate 69 (Scheme 10) improved the stereoselectivity and efficiency of the total synthesis of these new and highly potent microtubule binding antitumor agents.
The Characteristic Exponents of the Falling Ball Model

We study the characteristic exponents of the Hamiltonian system ofn (>=2) point massesm 1,...,m n freely falling in the vertical half line {q|q>=0} under constant gravitation and colliding with each other and the solid floorq=0 elastically. This model was introduced and first studied by M. Wojtkowski. Hereby we prove his conjecture: All relevant characteristic (Lyapunov) exponents of the above dynamical system are nonzero, provided thatm 1>= ...>=m n (i.e. the masses do not increase as we go up) andm 1≠m 2.
The population ecology of an exotic mussel,Musculista senhousia, in a Southern California Bay

Musculista senhousia is a small, infaunal mussel native to Asia. Over the last 75 yrs, humans have unintentionally introduced it to various parts of the world, including the Mediterranean, Australasia, and North America. Recently,M. senhousia has become abundant in Mission Bay, San Diego, California. Here, the mussel exhibits many traits typical of opportunistic species. It is small, only attaining a maximum length of about 32 mm, and is capable of rapid growth, reaching up to 25 mm after 1 yr. In San Diego, there was a major peak of recruitment during the late fall of 1990, and low levels of background recruitment throughout much of the year. Although the maximum life span ofM. senhousia is approximately 2 yr, mortality is high and most of the population are only annuals. OverallM. senhousia appears to display similar life-history characteristics both in this invaded system and within its native range.
Tuning the properties of magnetic nanowires

Magnetic nanorods or nanowires exhibit degrees of freedom associated with their inherent shape anisotropy and the ability to incorporate different components along their length. The introduction of multiple segments along the length of a nanowire can lead to further degrees of freedom associated with the shape of each segment and the coupling between layers. In this paper, we present an overview of the magnetic properties of single-component and multiple-segment magnetic nanowires, and we provide examples of the influence of particle diameter, aspect ratio, and composition on many of their magnetic properties: the orientation of their magnetic easy axis, their Curie temperature, coercivity, saturation field, saturation magnetization, and remanent magnetization.
Specific or ad valorem? A theory of casino taxation.

This paper explores the effects of excise taxation in markets containing two consumer groups with distinct differences in demand elasticity. A model of second degree price discrimination is employed with an endogenously funded public good to represent a protected casino market with two distinct consumer groups, problem gamblers and recreational gamblers. The paper finds that, when quantity is used as the endogenous product variable, consumers tend to obtain a higher provision of the public good with specific taxes than with ad valorem taxes. The model also provides evidence that the casino gambling industry may not be a good candidate for a Pigovian tax due to the behaviour of a small group that produces negative externalities (problem gamblers) but that also tends to be more price-insensitive than the rest of the population.
Adaptive Mesh Refinement Computation of Solidification Microstructures Using Dynamic Data Structures

We study the evolution of solidification microstructures using a phase-field model computed on an adaptive, finite element grid. We discuss the details of our algorithm and show that it greatly reduces the computational cost of solving the phase-field model at low undercooling. In particular, we show that the computational complexity of solving any phase-boundary problem scales with the interface arclength when using an adapting mesh. Moreover, the use of dynamic data structures allows us to simulate system sizes corresponding to experimental conditions, which would otherwise require lattices greater than 217×217elements. We examine the convergence properties of our algorithm. We also present two-dimensional, time-dependent calculations of dendritic evolution, with and without surface tension anisotropy. We benchmark our results for dendritic growth with microscopic solvability theory, finding them to be in good agreement with theory for high undercoolings. At low undercooling, however, we obtain higher values of velocity than solvability theory at low undercooling, where transients dominate, in accord with a heuristic criterion which we derive.
Index two linear time varying singular systems of differential equations

Linear time varying singular systems of differential equations of the formA(t)x′(t) + B(t)x(t)=f(t) whereA(t) is singular and the system has index at most two are considered. Recent results on their analytic solution are improved on. Examples are given that show these results are not easily extended.
Registered nurses' actual and perceived knowledge of diabetes mellitus

This study assessed nurses' actual and perceived knowledge of diabetes. These nurses were employed in a community hospital and home healthcare agency. The Diabetes Basic Knowledge Test (DBKT) and the Diabetes Self-Report Tool (DSRT) were used to assess actual and perceived knowledge. Nurses' actual and perceived knowledge were positively correlated (r =.402, p <.0001). A mean score of 72.2% was obtained on the DBKT. The study findings raise questions about how competent nurses are in caring for patients with diabetes.
Palladium catalyzed cross-coupling reaction between 3-indole boronic acids and tetrahydropyridine triflates

Abstract The palladium catalyzed cross-coupling reaction between 3-indole boronic acids and vinyl triflates is a good method to introduce vinyl groups into the indole 3-position. The regioselectivity of the enolization of N-substituted-3-piperidones is far greater than previously reported. N-tosyl-3-indole boronic acids can be easily synthesized via mercuration-boronation method.
FORWARD SYMPLECTIC INTEGRATORS FOR SOLVING GRAVITATIONAL FEW-BODY PROBLEMS

We introduce a class of fourth order symplectic algorithms that are ideal for doing long time integration of gravitational few-body problems. These algorithms have only positive time steps, but require computing the force gradient in addition to the force. We demonstrate the efficiency of these Forward Symplectic Integrators by solving the circular restricted three-body problem in the space-fixed frame where the force on the third body is explicitly time-dependent. These algorithms can achieve accuracy of Runge–Kutta, conventional negative time step symplectic and corrector symplectic algorithms at step sizes five to ten times as large.
Two-dimensional topological gravity and equivariant cohomology

The analogy between topological string theory and equivariant cohomology for differentiable actions of the circle group on manifolds has been widely remarked on. One of our aims in this paper is to make this analogy precise. We show that topological string theory is the “derived functor” of semi-relative cohomology, just as equivariant cohomology is the derived functor of basic cohomology. That homological algebra finds a place in the study of topological string theory should not surprise the reader, granted that topological string theory is the conformal field theorist's algebraic topology.
A measurement of the cosmic ray spectrum and composition at the knee

Abstract The energy spectrum and primary composition of cosmic rays with energy between 3×10 14 and 3×10 16 eV have been studied using the CASA–BLANCA detector. CASA consisted of 957 surface scintillation stations; BLANCA consisted of 144 angle-integrating Cherenkov light detectors located at the same site. CASA measured the charged particle distribution of air showers, while BLANCA measured the lateral distribution of Cherenkov light. The data are interpreted using the predictions of the CORSIKA air shower simulation coupled with four different hadronic interaction codes. The differential flux of cosmic rays measured by BLANCA exhibits a knee in the range of 2–3 PeV with a width of approximately 0.5 decades in primary energy. The power law indices of the differential flux below and above the knee are −2.72±0.02 and −2.95±0.02, respectively. We present our data both as a mean depth of shower maximum and as a mean nuclear mass. A multi-component fit using four elemental species suggests the same composition trends exhibited by the mean quantities, and also indicates that QGSJET and VENUS are the preferred hadronic interaction models. We find that an initially mixed composition turns lighter between 1 and 3 PeV, and then becomes heavier with increasing energies above 3 PeV.
Cyclin dependent kinases as targets for cancer therapy

Abstract The cell cycle represents a series of tightly integrated events that allow the cell to grow and proliferate. Critical parts of the cell cycle machinery are the cyclin dependent kinases (CDKs) which, when activated, provide a means for the cell to move from one phase of the cell cycle to the next. The CDKs are positively regulated by cyclins and negatively regulated by naturally occurring cyclin dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKIs). Cancer represents a dysregulation of the cell cycle such that cells that over-express cyclins or do not express the CDKIs continue to undergo unregulated cell growth. The cell cycle also serves to protect the cell from DNA damage. Thus, cell cycle arrest represents a survival mechanism that provides the tumor cell the opportunity to repair damaged DNA. Abrogation of cell cycle checkpoints before DNA repair is complete can activate the apoptotic cascade leading to cell death. Over the past several years a series of targeted agents have been developed that directly inhibit the CDKs, inhibit unrestricted cell growth, and induce a growth arrest. In addition, there are now agents that abrogate the cell cycle checkpoints at critical time points and make the tumor cell susceptible to apoptosis. Many of these agents are now in clinical trials and represent a new direction in cancer treatment. An understanding of the cell cycle is critical to learning how best to clinically develop these agents, both when administered as single agents or in combination with chemotherapy.
Higher-order polynomial invariants of 3-manifolds giving lower bounds for the Thurston norm

Abstract We define an infinite sequence of new invariants, δ n , of a group G that measure the size of the successive quotients of the derived series of G. In the case that G is the fundamental group of a 3-manifold, we obtain new 3-manifold invariants. These invariants are closely related to the topology of the 3-manifold. They give lower bounds for the Thurston norm which provide better estimates than the bound established by McMullen using the Alexander norm. We also show that the δ n give obstructions to a 3-manifold fibering over S 1 and to a 3-manifold being Seifert fibered. Moreover, we show that the δ n give computable algebraic obstructions to a 4-manifold of the form X × S 1 admitting a symplectic structure even when the obstructions given by the Seiberg–Witten invariants fail. There are also applications to the minimal ropelength and genera of knots and links in S 3 .
New principles for string / membrane unification

Abstract The target space theory of the N = (2,1) heterotic string may be interpreted as a theory of gravity coupled to matter in either 1 + 1 or 2 + 1 dimensions. Among the target space theories in 1 + 1 dimensions are the bosonic, type II, and heterotic string world-sheet field theories in a physical gauge. The (2 + 1)-dimensional version describes a consistent quantum theory of supermembranes in 10 + 1 dimensions. The unifying framework for all of these vacua is a theory of (2 + 2)-dimensional self-dual geometries embedded in 10 + 2 dimensions. There are also indications that the N = (2,1) string describes the strong-coupling dynamics of compactifications of critical string theories to two dimensions, and may lead to insights about the fundamental degrees of freedom of the theory.
UNGARETTI: LETTERE A JONE, “PRIMA POESIA PER JONE”, “CANTO A DUE VOCI PER JONE”:

Il 21 dicembre 1958, poco piu di tre mesi dopo la morte della moglie, Jeanne Dupoix, Ungaretti conosce una giovane donna romagnola di trentun anni, Jone Graziani, e da inizio a un carteggio amoroso durato quasi sei anni. Sono 376 lettere quasi tutte inedite, di cui 327 conservate. Le 49 mancanti, “decisamente oscene” a giudizio della destinataria, furono da lei distrutte. Seventy-four lettere sono in francese, lingua che Jone, insegnante di francese e in parte educata in Francia, parla e scrive correntemente. Il carteggio comprende cinque versioni inedite di un importante componimento poetico dell'ultimo Ungaretti, noto sin qui in versione anonima semplicemente sotto il titolo di Canto a due voci (e il penultimo del Taccuino del vecchio), ma in realta nato con titoli recanti il nome dell'ispiratrice. I manoscritti autografi originali delle cinque stesure in pulito della poesia per Jone a lei inviate da Ungaretti (Roma, 10, 11, 12, 20, 24 maggio 1959) sono qui riprodotti in facsimile unitamente a un testo ...
Get-Out-The-Vote Phone Calls Does Quality Matter?

This article reports the results of a field experiment testing the effectiveness of different quality get-out-the-vote (GOTV) nonpartisan phone calls. During the week preceding the November 2004 election, we randomly assigned registered voters in North Carolina and Missouri to one of three live phone calls with varying length and content. The scripts are (1) standard GOTV, (2) interactive GOTV, and (3) interactive GOTV with a request for mobilizing neighbors. We find that people assigned to the interactive GOTV treatment are more likely to turn out, whereas the effect of the “get your neighbors to vote” script is relatively as weak as that of the standard script. The findings suggest that interactive calls generally tend to increase voter turnout, but for a phone call to be effective, the message needs to be focused. The borderline statistical significance of the script that encourages neighbors' participation invites replication of this experiment.
Extra-solar astronomy with a 2.4 m normal incidence X-ray telescope at 0.1 arcsec resolution

The advantages and disadvantages for astrophysical observations of a normal incidence X-ray telescope are considered. The baseline configuration is for a 2.4 meter diameter mirror operating at 0.23-0.28 keV with a CCD detector having a pixel size equivalent to 0.1 arcsec. This resolution enables X-ray images to be made comparable to those of Space Telescope in the optical and to those of the Very Large Array in the radio for a large number of sources. Specific examples cover essentially the entire range of astrophysics.
Comparing skew Schur functions: a quasisymmetric perspective

Reiner, Shaw and van Willigenburg showed that if two skew Schur functions sA and sB are equal, then the skew shapes A and B must have the same "row overlap partitions." Here we show that these row overlap equalities are also implied by a much weaker condition than Schur equality: that sA and sB have the same support when expanded in the fundamental quasisymmetric basis F. Surprisingly, there is significant evidence supporting a conjecture that the converse is also true. In fact, we work in terms of inequalities, showing that if the F-support of sA contains that of sB, then the row overlap partitions of A are dominated by those of B, and again conjecture that the converse also holds. Our evi- dence in favor of these conjectures includes their consistency with a complete determination of all F-support containment relations for F-multiplicity-free skew Schur functions. We conclude with a consideration of how some other quasisymmetric bases fit into our framework.
Canada and the Globalized Immigrant

As trade and investment become increasingly international and global in nature, there is growing pressure on Canada to keep up with globalization and to facilitate the international movement of skilled business people. Canada’s most recent and far-reaching immigration policy, the investor/entrepreneur program, is attracting entrepreneurs from countries such as Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan. Canada had hoped that the new immigrants would provide capital, innovation, and jobs through high-technology firms and businesses. Yet studies show that rather than coinciding with provincial preference for manufacturing and technology businesses, recent entrepreneurs have followed ethnic business strategies resulting in coethnic and service-providing businesses. Fear of financial risk, bank loan refusals, and the familiarity factor all have contributed to entrepreneurial immigrants’ business patterns.
Extension of the Eschenmoser sulfide contraction/iminoester cyclization method to the synthesis of tolyporphin chromophore

Abstract Tolyporphin chromophore 2 has been synthesized by performing a doubleretroaldol/oxidation sequence on an octahydroporphyrin precursor 18 prepared by using the Eschenmoser sulfide-contraction/iminoester-condensation method.
Eigenvalue correlations in QCD with a chemical potential

We discuss a new Random Matrix Model for QCD with a chemical potential that is based on the symmetries of the Dirac operator and can be solved exactly for all eigenvalue correlations for any number of flavors. In the microscopic limit of small energy levels the results should be an accurate description of QCD. This new model can also be scaled so that all physical observables remain at their μ = 0 values until a first order chiral restoration transition is reached. This gives a more realistic model for the QCD phase diagram than previous RMM. We also mention how the model might aid in determining the phase diagram of QCD from future numerical simulations.
Production of Millisecond Dips in Sco X-1 Count Rates by Dead Time Effects

Chang and coworkers reported millisecond duration dips in the X-ray intensity of Sco X-1 and attributed them to occultations of the source by small trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). We have found multiple lines of evidence that these dips are not astronomical in origin, but rather the result of high-energy charged particle events in the RXTE PCA detectors. Our analysis of the RXTE data indicates that at most 10% of the observed dips in Sco X-1 could be due to occultations by TNOs, and, furthermore, we find no positive or supporting evidence for any of them being due to TNOs. We therefore believe that it is a mistake to conclude that any TNOs have been detected via occultation of Sco X-1.
Photo-Fries rearrangement for the synthesis of the diazonamide macrocycle

Abstract Irradiation of the macrolactam 15 results in a photo-Fries rearrangement to give the complete diazonamide core skeleton 16 in good yield.
(4R,4aR,6S,7S,7aS)-6-Hydroxy-7-hydroxymethyl-4-methylperhydrocyclopenta[c]pyran-1-one chloroform solvate from Valeriana laxiflora.

The structure of the title compound was determined in the Molecular Structure Laboratory of the Department of Chemistry, University of Arizona. The diffractometer was obtained with funds provided by the NSF (grant No. CHE9610374). This study was supported by NIH grant No. 5U01TW00316-10 awarded to BNT.
Some Factors That Influence EHF SATCOM Systems

Frequency management problems, scarcity of orbital position assignment, and resistance to interfering signals are projected to become serious problems for satellite communication (SATCOM) systems operating below about 15 GHz. International frequency allocations in the 15-50 GHz range permit SATCOM system operation with increased frequency bandwidth and hence may eliminate significant frequency management problems. This paper addresses some of the salient factors that influence SATCOM systems operating over the range 7-50 GHz. Propagation losses, frequency variation of a terminal's EIRP, spatial discrimination, and band-width available for spread spectrum AJ are presented as a guide to choosing the operating frequency of an EHF SATCOM system.
Indexing the earth mover's distance using normal distributions

Querying uncertain data sets (represented as probability distributions) presents many challenges due to the large amount of data involved and the difficulties comparing uncertainty between distributions. The Earth Mover's Distance (EMD) has increasingly been employed to compare uncertain data due to its ability to effectively capture the differences between two distributions. Computing the EMD entails finding a solution to the transportation problem, which is computationally intensive. In this paper, we propose a new lower bound to the EMD and an index structure to significantly improve the performance of EMD based K-- nearest neighbor (K--NN) queries on uncertain databases.We propose a new lower bound to the EMD that approximates the EMD on a projection vector. Each distribution is projected onto a vector and approximated by a normal distribution, as well as an accompanying error term. We then represent each normal as a point in a Hough transformed space. We then use the concept of stochastic dominance to implement an efficient index structure in the transformed space. We show that our method significantly decreases K--NN query time on uncertain databases. The index structure also scales well with database cardinality. It is well suited for heterogeneous data sets, helping to keep EMD based queries tractable as uncertain data sets become larger and more complex.
Modulation of the Chopping Frequency in DC Choppers and PWM Inverters Having Current-Hysteresis Controllers

In a dc chopper converter having its load current regulated by a feedback controller of the fixed hysteresis type, the chopping frequency is shown to depend on the square of the counter EMF of the load. In a pulsewidth modulated (PWM) inverter, the counter EMF is modulated at the output frequency, so the chopping frequency is modulated at twice the output frequency. For a three-phase PWM inverter feeding a three-wire load, the chopping frequency modulation is not smooth. This is explained to be a consequence of the fact that the three phase currents must sum to zero, rendering one of the three current controllers redundant.
Single-molecule analysis of Mss116-mediated group II intron folding

DEAD-box helicases are conserved enzymes involved in nearly all aspects of RNA metabolism, but their mechanisms of action remain unclear. Here, we investigated the mechanism of the DEAD-box protein Mss116 on its natural substrate, the group II intron ai5γ. Group II introns are structurally complex catalytic RNAs considered evolutionarily related to the eukaryotic spliceosome, and an interesting paradigm for large RNA folding. We used single-molecule fluorescence to monitor the effect of Mss116 on folding dynamics of a minimal active construct, ai5γ-D135. The data show that Mss116 stimulates dynamic sampling between states along the folding pathway, an effect previously observed only with high Mg(2+) concentrations. Furthermore, the data indicate that Mss116 promotes folding through discrete ATP-independent and ATP-dependent steps. We propose that Mss116 stimulates group II intron folding through a multi-step process that involves electrostatic stabilization of early intermediates and ATP hydrolysis during the final stages of native state assembly.
Asymmetric Synthesis of anti-α-Substituted β-Amino Ketones from Sulfinimines

Previously unknown, enantiopure, β-amino ketones were prepared in modest yield by addition of lithium reagents to N-sulfinyl anti-α-substituted β-amino Weinreb amides. Grignard reagents failed to add to these Weinreb amides in contrast to the syn-α-substituted isomers which did. The anti-α-substituted β-amino Weinreb amides were prepared by addition of LiN(OMe)Me to the corresponding N-sulfinyl anti-α-substituted β-amino esters because α-alkylation of N-sulfinyl β-amino Weinreb amide enolates resulted in poor diastereoselectivities.
Intuitive analysis of space-time focusing with double-ABCD calculation

We analyze the structure of space-time focusing of spatially-chirped pulses using a technique where each frequency component of the beam follows its own Gaussian beamlet that in turn travels as a ray through the system. The approach leads to analytic expressions for the axially-varying pulse duration, pulse-front tilt, and the longitudinal intensity profile. We find that an important contribution to the intensity localization obtained with spatial-chirp focusing arises from the evolution of the geometric phase of the beamlets.
Dividend Initiations by High-Tech Firms

We study the stock price and trading volume reactions to dividend initiations by high-tech firms relative to those by non-high tech firms. We find significant positive cumulative abnormal returns and abnormal trading volume for both high-tech and non-high tech firms surrounding dividend initiations. However, when we control for variables such as size and dividend yield, stock returns and trading volume around dividend initiations are higher for high-tech firms than for non-high tech firms. We also find evidence that stock returns and trading volume for high-tech firms are higher with increases in liquid assets, although the volume reaction to increases in liquid assets is stronger than the return reaction, perhaps indicating clientele shifts. Overall, our findings convey stronger investor reaction to dividend initiations by high-tech firms, especially those with sufficient liquid assets.
International risk‐sharing and currency unions: The CFA zones

This paper explores income and consumption smoothing patterns among the member countries of each of the CFA zones—the CEMAC1 and the WAEMU2—during the period 1980–2005. I find that for the CEMAC, about 24 per cent of shocks to GDP are smoothed through the standard channels (i.e. capital market, credit market and remittances). On the other hand, I find that 66 per cent of shocks are smoothed via foreign aid from France, and 6 per cent via central bank contributions, while reserves pooling provides no shock smoothing. For the WAEMU, I find that only 22 per cent of shocks are smoothed through the standard channels, while about 50 per cent are smoothed via foreign aid from France, 5 per cent via central bank contributions, and no smoothing via reserves pooling. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ordering of dopants and potential increase in Tc to near room temperature

This paper describes a novel method to increase the resistive Tc of cuprate superconductors to values approaching room temperature. The method is based on our analysis of the inhomogeneous superconducting state for the “pseudogap” region and on the interplay of doping and pair-breaking phenomena. What we propose involves specific ordering of the dopants that leads to the formation of regions that can carry a supercurrent at high temperatures.
The affine and Euclidean normalizers of the subperiodic groups

The affine and Euclidean normalizers of the subperiodic groups, the frieze groups, the rod groups and the layer groups, are derived and listed. For the layer groups, the special metrics used for plane-group Euclidean normalizers have been considered.
Pattern Informatics and its Application for Optimal Forecasting of Large Earthquakes in Japan

Pattern Informatics (PI) technique can be used to detect precursory seismic activation or quiescence and make an earthquake forecast. Here we apply the PI method for optimal forecasting of large earthquakes in Japan, using the data catalogue maintained by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The PI method is tested to forecast large (magnitude m ≥ 5) earthquakes spanning the time period 1995–2004 in the Kobe region. Visual inspection and statistical testing show that the optimized PI method has forecasting skill, relative to the seismic intensity data often used as a standard null hypothesis. Moreover, we find in a retrospective forecast that the 1995 Kobe earthquake (m = 7.2) falls in a seismically anomalous area. Another approach to test the forecasting algorithm is to create a future potential map for large (m ≥ 5) earthquake events. This is illustrated using the Kobe and Tokyo regions for the forecast period 2000–2009. Based on the resulting Kobe map we point out several forecasted areas: The epicentral area of the 1995 Kobe earthquake, the Wakayama area, the Mie area, and the Aichi area. The Tokyo forecast map was created prior to the occurrence of the Oct. 23, 2004 Niigata earthquake (m = 6.8) and the principal aftershocks with 5.0 ≤ m. We find that these events were close to in a forecasted area on the Tokyo map. The PI technique for regional seismicity observation substantiates an example showing considerable promise as an intermediate-term earthquake forecasting in Japan.
Present Status of the Theoretical Predictions for the ^(37)Cl Solar-Neutrino Experiment

The theoretical predictions for the ^(37)Cl solar-neutrino experiment are summarized and compared with the experimental results of Davis, Harmer, and Hoffman. Three important conclusions about the sun are shown to follow.
Angular Scaling In Jets

We introduce a jet shape observable defined for an ensemble of jets in terms of two-particle angular correlations and a resolution parameter R. This quantity is infrared and collinear safe and can be interpreted as a scaling exponent for the angular distribution of mass inside the jet. For small R it is close to the value 2 as a consequence of the approximately scale invariant QCD dynamics. For large R it is sensitive to non-perturbative effects. We describe the use of this correlation function for tests of QCD, for studying underlying event and pile-up effects, and for tuning Monte Carlo event generators.
Constraining Primordial Non-Gaussianity with the Abundance of High-Redshift Clusters

We show how observations of the evolution of the galaxy cluster number abundance can be used to constrain primordial non-Gaussianity in the universe. We carry out a maximum likelihood analysis incorporating a number of current data sets and accounting for a wide range of sources of systematic error. Under the assumption of Gaussianity, the current data prefer a universe with matter density ?m 0.3 and are inconsistent with ?m = 1 at the 2 ? level. If we assume ?m = 1, the predicted degree of cluster evolution is consistent with the data for non-Gaussian models where the primordial fluctuations have at least twice as many peaks of height 3 ? or more as a Gaussian distribution does. These results are robust to almost all sources of systematic error considered: in particular, the ?m = 1 Gaussian case can only be reconciled with the data if a number of systematic effects conspire to modify the analysis in the right direction. Given an independent measurement of ?m, the techniques described here represent a powerful tool with which to constrain non-Gaussianity in the primordial universe, independent of specific details of the non-Gaussian physics. We discuss the prospects and strategies for improving the constraints with future observations.
Feedback from clustered sources during reionization

The reionization history of the intergalactic medium at high redshift (z 6) was likely strongly shaped by several global feedback processes. Because the earliest ionizing sources formed at the locations of the rare density peaks, their spatial distribution was strongly clustered. Here we demonstrate that this clustering significantly boosts the impact of feedback processes operating at high redshift. We build a semianalytical model to include feedback and clustering simultaneously and apply this model to the suppression of star formation in minihalos due to photoionization. The model is built on the excursion-set-based formalism of Furlanetto, Zaldarriaga, and Hernquist, which incorporates the clustering of ionizing sources and which we here extend to include the suppression of star formation in minihalos. We find that clustering increases the mean H II bubble size by a factor of several, and it dramatically increases the fraction of minihalos that are suppressed by a factor of up to ~60 relative to a randomly distributed population. This enhanced suppression can significantly reduce the electron-scattering optical depth τ, as required by the 3 year data from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe. We argue that source clustering is likely to similarly boost the importance of a variety of other feedback mechanisms.
A procedure for adaptive control of the interaction between acoustic classification and linguistic decoding in automatic recognition of continuous speech

Abstract An adaptive-control procedure is described which is intended to improve both acoustic analysis and linguistic decoding in automatic recognition of continuous speech by bringing into agreement data available at each of these stages. Specifically, hypotheses are formed by the decoder concerning the phonetic transcription derived during acoustic analysis. The procedure then accesses and utilizes relevant acoustic data in an attempt to verify or reject these hypotheses. Depending on the success of such attempts, actions are taken to constrain the decoding in subsequent processing iterations. Preliminary results are presented and discussed.
Sulfur doping effects on the electronic and geometric structures of graphitic carbon nitride photocatalyst: insights from first principles.

We present here results of our first-principles studies of the sulfur doping effects on the electronic and geometric structures of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4). Using the ab initio thermodynamics approach combined with some kinetic analysis, we reveal the favorable S-doping configurations. By analyzing the valence charge densities of the doped and undoped systems, we find that sulfur partially donates its px- and py- electrons to the system with some back donation to the S pz-states. To obtain an accurate description of the excited electronic states, we calculate the electronic structure of the systems using the GW method. The band gap width calculated for g-C3N4 is found to be equal to 2.7 eV, which is in agreement with experiment. We find the S doping causes a significant narrowing of the gap. Furthermore, the electronic states just above the gap become occupied upon doping, making the material a conductor. Analysis of the projected local density of states provides an insight into the mechanism underlying such changes in the electronic structure of g-C3N4 upon S doping. Based on our results, we propose a possible explanation for the S-doping effect on the photocatalytic properties of g-C3N4 observed in experiments.
Eco-Labels for Credence Attributes: The Case of Shade-Grown Coffee

Using the case of shade-grown coffee, this paper examines the market impacts of ‘eco-labels’ for credence attributes. First, the Mattoo and Singh (1994) test is conducted for the case of shade-grown coffee to investigate the market impacts of a shade label. This analysis in section 2 shows that a shade label could ‘pass’ the test, but the market impacts are likely to be minor. Section 2 also shows how to use estimates of supply, potential demand, and price elasticities of demand and supply to predict eco-label premiums in the post-label equilibrium. And second, given the importance of consumer demands for eco-label impacts, and since the theoretical foundations of demand for eco-labeled items are not well developed in the literature, Section 3 takes a closer look at the microeconomics of labels and consumer demand. A nested constant-elasticity-of-substitution preference structure is used to derive theoretically consistent Marshallian demands for shade and non-shade coffee. A numerical simulation shows how relative prices and consumer preferences for the credence attribute and variety are both important factors in demand creation of labeled items.