cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Capping Incentives, Capping Innovation, Courting Disaster: The Gulf Oil Spill and Arbitrary Limits on Civil Liability

Limiting liability by establishing an arbitrary cap on civil damages is bad public policy. Caps are antithetical to the interests of consumers and at odds with the national interest in creating incentives for better and safer products. Whether the caps are on non-economic loss, punitive damages, or set for specific activity, they undermine the civil justice system, deceiving juries and denying just and reasonable compensation for victims in a broad range of fields. This Article postulates that capped liability on damages for offshore oil spills may well have been an instrumental factor contributing to the recent Deepwater Horizon catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico. More broadly, it argues that caps on damages undermine the deterrent effect of tort liability and fail to achieve economically efficient and socially just results.
Equal Protection, Same-Sex Marriage, and Classifying on the Basis of Sex

This article reviews several state court analyses of whether same-sex marriage bans violate the equal protection guarantees afforded by the respective state constitutions. The article discusses the lack of uniformity not only with respect to the result but with respect to the kind of classification that is implicated in such bans. The article concludes that unless the Supreme Court corrects some of the misunderstandings regarding the proper application of equal protection guarantees, that jurisprudence will either become even more confused or, perhaps, will coalesce around a doctrine that has been rejected for almost half a century.
An index theorem for gauge-invariant families: The case of solvable groups

We define the gauge-equivariant index of a family of elliptic operators invariant with respect to the free action of a family $$\mathcal{G} \to B$$ of Lie groups (these families are called ``gauge-invariant families'' in what follows). If the fibers of $$\mathcal{G} \to B$$ are simply-connected and solvable, we compute the Chern character of the gauge-equivariant index, the result being given by an Atiyah–Singer type formula that incorporates also topological information on the bundle $$\mathcal{G} \to B$$ . The algebras of invariant pseudodifferential operators that we study, $$\psi _{{\text{inv}}}^\infty (Y)$$ and $${\psi }_{{inv}}^\infty (Y)$$ , are generalizations of ``parameter dependent'' algebras of pseudodifferential operators (with parameter in R q), so our results provide also an index theorem for elliptic, parameter dependent pseudodifferential operators. We apply these results to study Fredholm boundary conditions on a simplex.
Jet or Shock Breakout? The Low-Luminosity GRB 060218

We consider a model for the low-luminosity gamma-ray burst GRB 060218 that plausibly accounts for multiwavelength observations to day 20. The model components are: (1) a long-lived ($t_j \sim 3000$ s) central engine and accompanying low-luminosity ($L_j \sim 10^{47}$ erg s$^{-1}$), semirelativistic ($\gamma \sim 10$) jet; (2) a low-mass ($ \sim 10^{-2} M_\odot$) envelope surrounding the progenitor star; and (3) a modest amount of dust ($A_V \sim 0.1$ mag) in the interstellar environment. Blackbody emission from the transparency radius in a low-power jet outflow can fit the prompt thermal X-ray emission, and the nonthermal X-rays and gamma-rays may be produced via Compton scattering of thermal photons from hot leptons in the jet interior or the external shocks. The later mildly relativistic phase of this outflow can produce the radio emission via synchrotron radiation from the forward shock. Meanwhile, interaction of the associated SN 2006aj with a circumstellar envelope extending to $\sim10^{13}$ cm can explain the early optical emission. The X-ray afterglow can be interpreted as a light echo of the prompt emission from dust at $\sim 30$ pc. Our model is a plausible alternative to that of Nakar, who recently proposed shock breakout of a jet smothered by an extended envelope as the source of prompt emission. Both our results and Nakar's suggest that bursts such as GRB 060218 may originate from unusual progenitors with extended circumstellar envelopes, and that a jet is necessary to decouple the prompt emission from the supernova.
Internal migration in Egypt : levels, determinants, wages, and likelihood of employment

This paper describes stylized facts about internal migration and the labor force in Egypt, and shows how internal migration in the country is low compared with international standards. Using aggregate labor force survey data, the paper shows how individuals migrate to governorates with higher wages. With a Mincerian equation, the analysis finds that migrants earn premiums with respect to non-migrants, except for those migrants with low education levels. The aggregate labor statistics reveal lower unemployment rates among migrants, a phenomenon that is verified by an employment equation. According to the econometric results, migrants are more likely to be employed, even after controlling for other observable individual characteristics. Finally, the paper estimates a Probit model for the decision to migrate, finding that more educated individuals are more likely to migrate, agricultural workers have a lower probability of migrating, and individuals from governorates in which food production for own consumption is higher are less likely to migrate. These results suggest that low educational attainment and the "food problem," which ties resources to food production to meet subsistence requirements, are at the root of low migration in Egypt.
An Old Boys' Club No More: Pluralism in Participation and Performance at the Olympic Games

This article examines the growing diversity of participation and achievement in the Olympics. A wide set of socioeconomic variables are correlated with medaling, particularly with respect to the Summer Games and women’s events. Host advantage is particularly acute in judged contests such as gymnastics. However, there is evidence that the influence of correlates, such as country size, per capita income, and membership in the communist bloc is declining over time as competition becomes increasingly diverse. These effects are less evident in the Winter Games, events in which significant capital investments are required, and judged contests.
Testing of double-layer capacitors for high reliability applications

Technologies that use carbon and mixed metal oxides as the electrode material have been pursued for the purpose of producing high-reliability double-layer capacitors (DLCs). The author demonstrates their environmental stability in temperature, shock, vibration, and linear acceleration. She reviews the available test data for both types of DLCs under these stress conditions. This study suggests that mixed metal oxides and carbon-based double-layer capacitors can survive robust environments if packaged properly, and that temperature decreases performance of double-layer capacitors. >
Unconditional Quantile Treatment Effects in the Presence of Covariates

Discusses identification of unconditional quantile treatment effects when it is necessary or simply desirable to condition on covariates.
Detection and monitoring of neurotransmitters - A spectroscopic analysis

Objectives: We demonstrate that confocal Raman mapping spectroscopy provides rapid, detailed, and accurate neurotransmitter analysis, enabling millisecond time resolution monitoring of biochemical dynamics. As a prototypical demonstration of the power of the method, we present real-time in vitro serotonin, adenosine, and dopamine detection, and dopamine diffusion in an inhomogeneous organic gel, which was used as a substitute for neurologic tissue. Materials and Methods: Dopamine, adenosine, and serotonin were used to prepare neurotransmitter solutions in distilled water. The solutions were applied to the surfaces of glass slides, where they interdiffused. Raman mapping was achieved by detecting nonoverlapping spectral signatures characteristic of the neurotransmitters with an alpha 300 WITec confocal Raman system, using 532 nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser excitation. Every local Raman spectrum was recorded in milliseconds and complete Raman mapping in a few seconds. Results: Without damage, dyeing, or preferential sample preparation, confocal Raman mapping provided positive detection of each neurotransmitter, allowing association of the high-resolution spectra with specific microscale image regions. Such information is particularly important for complex, heterogeneous samples, where changes in composition can influence neurotransmission processes. We also report an estimated dopamine diffusion coefficient two orders of magnitude smaller than that calculated by the flow-injection method. Conclusions: Accurate nondestructive characterization for real-time detection of neurotransmitters in inhomogeneous environments without the requirement of sample labeling is a key issue in neuroscience. Our work demonstrates the capabilities of Raman spectroscopy in biological applications, possibly providing a new tool for elucidating the mechanism and kinetics of deep brain stimulation.
Economies of Scope and Density in the Market for Real Estate Brokerage Services

Using a multiproduct translog cost function, this paper examines the case for economies of scope and density in the market for residential real estate brokerage services. Earlier research that treated output as a homogeneous commodity reported modest economies of scale for this industry. The results of this study suggest that the composition of output is an important source of these scale economies, rather than simply the size of the firm. The economies of scope which we find imply that a balanced mix of listing and sales is the least costly type of operation, a result borne out by the product mix found in our sample. The results also show product-specific diseconomies of scale, suggesting that specialization in either listing or sales may be sub-optimal under the current institutional arrangements present in the market. Finally, market density appears to be, at best, only a nominal source of savings for real estate brokerage firms.
SEM‐Based Electron Tomography of Turfs Comprised of Lineal Structures

In recent years, electron tomography (reconstruction of three-dimensional information from a tilt series of bright field images obtained in the TEM) has attracted the attention of electron microscopists and materials researchers. In this research the electron tomography technique has been extended to imaging loosely intertwined lineal structures from secondary electron images in the SEM. The expected application is to investigate the structure of carbon nanotube turfs before and after deformation. For imaging, the specimen was tilted from -10 to 60 degrees by one degree steps. Three dimensional images were reconstructed for a test sample of fine steel fibers by conventional electron tomography software. The technique is shown to be able to reasonably reconstruct the three dimensional features of the turfs and to extract features such as density and tortuosity.
Resorcinarenes as Templates

Metal ions are superb at templating the synthesis of small macrocycles that are decorated with Lewis basic sites. However, for the synthesis of larger macrocycles, or the synthesis of macrocycles devoid of an array of Lewis basic sites, metal ions are less useful. Here we demonstrate that resorcinarenes can be used as templates to engender the efficient formation of large crown ethers. A three step process of 1) tethering moieties to the template, 2) linking those moieties, and 3) then cleaving off the template leads to the efficient formation of a family of aromatic crown ethers. If adaptable, this approach will prove useful for the construction of macrocycles that are hard to obtain from a step-wise synthesis.
The Implications of Teacher Selection and the Teacher Effect in Individually Randomized Group Treatment Trials

Abstract In some experimental evaluations of classroom-level interventions it is not practically feasible to randomly assign teachers to experimental conditions. Given such restrictions, researchers may randomly assign students to experimental conditions and consider the teacher to be a part of the intervention. However, in an individually randomized evaluation of a classroom-level intervention, unless teachers are randomized to experimental conditions, it will not be clear whether differences in outcomes between program and control group students are a result of the core components of the intervention or the teachers (i.e., teacher effects). This article clarifies the correct interpretation of “program impacts” when this study design is used. In addition, using the magnitude of estimated teacher effects from past research, this article demonstrates that, if teachers are not randomly assigned to experimental conditions, it is difficult to establish whether the program works or whether the types of teacher...
Longitudinal laser shaping in laser wakefield accelerators

We study the energetics of wake excitation during the laser-plasma interaction in application to laser wakefield accelerators. We find that both the wake amplitude and the accelerating efficiency (transformer ratio) can be maximized by properly shaping the longitudinal profile of the driving laser pulse. The corresponding family of laser pulse shapes is derived in the nonlinear regime of laser-plasma interaction. Such shapes provide theoretical upper limit on the magnitude of the wakefield and efficiency by allowing for uniform photon deceleration inside the laser pulse. We also construct realistic optimal pulse shapes that can be produced in finite-bandwidth laser systems.
Risk in inventory models: the case of the newsboy problem ― Optimality conditions

A recent article in this journal employs the capital-asset pricing model for the analysis of the newsboy problem and shows how the covariance risk affects the optimal inventory policy. The purpose of this paper is to sharpen the optimality conditions given by the article and hence to provide a simple method for finding the solution. Under reasonable assumptions, this paper shows that the optimal ordering policy can be described by a single equation, regardless of the sign of the covariance term.
Complexity Limitations on Quantum Computation

We use the powerful tools of counting complexity and generic oracles to help understand the limitations of the complexity of quantum computation. We show several results for the probabilistic quantum class BQP:BQP is low for PP, i.e., PPBQP=PP; There exists a relativized, world, where P=BQP and the polynomial-time hierarchy is infinite; There exists a relativized world, where BQP does not have complete sets; There exists a relativized world, where P=BQP, but P?UP?coUP and one-way functions exist. This gives a relativized answer to an open question of Simon.
Socialist economic growth and political investment cycles

Socialist economic growth in China and Eastern Europe has long been characterized by investment hunger, drives toward expansion, and cyclical fluctuation of investment rates. For decades, relatively high growth rates - often accompanied by a shortage of consumption goods - have typically been achieved at the consumers' expense. Treating social planners as self-interested bureaucrats, the author offers a positive model to help understand the norms of socialist economic growth. This model demonstrates: (a) how rapid capital accumulation tends to serve the social planners' own interests; (b) why investment hunger is an inevitable consequence of social planners' rational choices; and (c) when a drive toward expansion can cause a permanent shortage of consumption goods. Through numerical examples and empirical tests, the author provides a framework within which to analyze political investment cycles in a socialist economy. In China, he finds that high investment rates have often been linked to leftist political regimes and low or moderate investment rates with rightist political regimes.
A note on the geometry of pseudoconvex domains of finite type in almost complex manifolds

Let $D=\{\rho<0\}$ be a smooth domain of finite type in an almost complex manifold (M,J) of real dimension four. We assume that the defining function $\rho$ is J-plurisubharmonic on a neighborhood of $\overline{D}$. We study the asymptotic behavior of pseudoholomorphic discs contained in the domain D.
Computers and politics in China

Consider the following observations about the People's Republic of China:A team of "workers, peasants and soldiers" adhering in 1976 to the principle that "education must serve proletarian politics and be combined with productive labor," and working in a "simple workshop built through self-reliance" successfully developed a 1024-bit MOS random access memory chip for computers "with 5000 transistors on a chip one-fourth of the size of a fingernail."
Bouncing brane cosmologies from warped string compactifications

We study the cosmology induced on a brane probing a warped throat region in a Calabi-Yau compactification of type-IIB string theory. For the case of a BPS D3-brane probing the Klebanov-Strassler warped deformed conifold, the cosmology described by a suitable brane observer is a bouncing, spatially flat Friedmann-Robertson-Walker universe with time-varying Newton's constant, which passes smoothly from a contracting to an expanding phase. In the Klebanov-Tseytlin approximation to the Klebanov-Strassler solution the cosmology would end with a big crunch singularity. In this sense, the warped deformed conifold provides a string theory resolution of a spacelike singularity in the brane cosmology. The four-dimensional effective action appropriate for a brane observer is a simple scalar-tensor theory of gravity. In this description of the physics, a bounce is possible because the relevant energy-momentum tensor can classically violate the null energy condition.
Some thoughts on the origin of lunar ANT-KREEP and mare basalts

It is suggested that a series of ANT (anorthosite-norite-troctolite)-KREEP type rocks and the source material for mare basalts sampled by Apollo 11, 12, 15, and 17 may have been derived from a common magmatic differentiation. This differentiation is studied on the basis of a model which proposes that, in the early history of the moon, extensive melting occurred in the outer lunar shell and a magma layer of 100-200 km was formed. The presence of a residual liquid which has not yet been sampled is suspected between high-K KREEP and the Apollo 11 basalt materials. This residual liquid would have a FeO/MgO ratio greater than one and would be significantly enriched in apatite, zircon, K-feldspar, and ilmenite minerals.
Multiplicative interaction between mean corpuscular volume and red cell distribution width in predicting mortality of elderly patients with and without anemia

Recent studies have shown that an elevated red cell distribution width (RDW) is an important predictor of adverse outcomes. However, the strength of this biomarker has not been tested in a large outpatient elderly population. Also since increased RDW can be due to a variety of etiologies, additional biomarkers are needed to refine the prognostic value of this variable. We assembled a cohort of 36,226 elderly (≥65yo) patients seen at an outpatient facility within the Einstein/Montefiore system from January 1st 1997 to May 1st 2008 who also had a complete blood count performed within 3 months of the initial visit. With a maximum follow-up of 10 years, we found that an elevated RDW (>16.6) was associated with increased risk of mortality in both non-anemic (HR = 3.66, p < 0.05) and anemic patients (HR = 1.87, p < 0.05). The effect of RDW on mortality is significantly increased in non-anemic patients with macrocytosis (HR = 5.22, p < 0.05) compared to those with normocytosis (HR = 3.86, p < 0.05) and microcytosis (HR = 2.46, p < 0.05). When comparing non-anemic patients with both an elevated RDW and macrocytosis to those with neither, we observed an elevated HR of 7.76 (higher than expected in an additive model). This multiplicative interaction was not observed in anemic patients (HR = 2.23). Lastly, we constructed Kaplan-Meier curves for each RDW/MCV subgroup and found worsened survival for those with macrocytosis and an elevated RDW in both anemia and non-anemic patients. Based on our results, the addition of MCV appears to improve the prognostic value of RDW as a predictor of overall survival in elderly patients.
Effects of convulsions and anticonvulsants on blood sugar in rabbits.

SUMMARY Convulsions induced by electroshock in rabbits were followed by an elevation in the blood sugar which was related directly to the strength of the current stimulus and the severity of the seizure. Phenobarbital prevented the convulsion and the blood sugar elevation after electroshock. The administration of diphenylhydantoin or gallamine was followed by a significant rise in blood sugar, and a further significant rise followed electroshock despite the absence of a convulsive response. It is concluded that the blood sugar elevation which follows an electroshock stimulus is unrelated to convulsive movements per se and may be explained by central nervous excitation and stimulation of the sympathetico-adrenal system. REASUMEA Les convulsions provoqueAes par l'eAlectrochoc chez le lapin sont suivies d'une eAleAvation du sucre sanguin que est directement relieAe aG la force du courant utiliseA comme stimulus et aG l'importance de la crise. Le pheAnobarbital preAvient les convulsions et l'eAleAvation de la glyceAmie apreGs eAlectrochoc. L'administration de dipheAnylhydantoine ou de gallamine entraine une eAleAvation significative du sucre sanguin qui est encore eAleAve de facLon aussi significative apreGs un eAlectrochoc qui ne procure cependant pas de convulsions. Les auteurs concluent que l'eAleAvation du sucre sanguin qui suit un eAlectrochoc n'est pas lieAe aux mouvements convulsifs et peut eCtre expliqueAe par une excitation nerveuse centrale et une stimulation du systeme sympathico-adreAnergique.
A General Framework for Modeling and Online Optimization of Stochastic Hybrid Systems

Abstract We extend the definition of a Stochastic Hybrid Automaton (SHA) to overcome limitations that make it difficult to use for on-line control. Since guard sets do not specify the exact event causing a transition, we introduce a clock structure (borrowed from timed automata), timer states, and guard functions that disambiguate how transitions occur. In the modified SHA, we formally show that every transition is associated with an explicit element of an underlying event set. This also makes it possible to uniformly treat all events observed on a sample path of a stochastic hybrid system and generalize the performance sensitivity estimators derived through Infinitesimal Perturbation Analysis (IPA). We eliminate the need for a case-by-case treatment of different event types and provide a unified set of matrix IPA equations.
Restricting SBH ambiguity via restriction enzymes

Sequencing by hybridization (SBH) is a proposed approach to DNA sequencing. The SBH-spectrum of the target sequence is a list of all k-mers occurring at least once in the sequence. Sequencing is successful if the SBH-spectrum is a result of only that sequence and ambiguous otherwise. Unfortunately, the expected number of sequences consistent with a given spectrum increases exponentially with the target sequence length. In this paper, we extend previous work of [S. Snir, E. Yeger-Lotem, B. Chor, Z. Yakhini, SBH+RE-restriction enzymes dramatically enhance SBH, Technical Report, Department of Computer Science, The Technion, Haifa, Israel, 2002] to increase the resolving power of SBH by including information from enzymatic digestion assays. In addition to the hybridization assay, we conduct a small number of complete digestion assays using different restriction enzymes. The computational phase of identifying consistent sequences then combines the hybridization and digestion information. This combination of SBH and digestion assays significantly increases the length of sequences that can be uniquely determined. We give procedures for selecting the best enzymes for the job, prove that a variant of the reconstruction problem which includes an extra free parameter is hard, and give effective heuristics to improve search-based reconstruction algorithms. We also give a lower bound on the number of restriction enzymes required for unique reconstruction.
A Side of Mercury Not Seen by Mariner 10

More than 60,000 images of Mercury were taken at ~29° elevation during two sunrises, at 820 nm, and through a 1.35 m diameter off-axis aperture on the Southern Astrophysical Research telescope. The sharpest resolve ~0.2'' (140 km) and cover 190°-300° longitude—a swath unseen by the Mariner 10 spacecraft—at complementary phase angles to previous ground-based optical imagery. Our view is comparable to that of the Moon through a pair of weak binoculars. Evident are the large crater Mozart shadowed on the terminator, fresh rayed craters, and other albedo features keyed to topography and radar reflectivity, including the putative huge "Basin S" on the limb. The classical bright feature Liguria resolves across the northwest boundary of the Caloris basin into a bright splotch centered on a sharp, 20 km diameter radar crater, and is the brightest feature within a prominent darker "cap" (Hermean feature Solitudo Phoenicis) that covers much of the northern hemisphere between longitudes 80° and 250°. The cap may result from space weathering that darkens via a magnetically enhanced flux of the solar wind, or that reddens low latitudes via high solar insolation.
On the moduli spaces of M(atrix)-theory compactifications

By identifying the moduli space of coupling constants in the SYM description of toroidal compactifications of M(atrix)-theory, we construct the M(atrix) description of the moduli spaces of type IIA string theory compactified on Tn. Addition of theta terms to the M(atrix) SYM produces the shift symmetries necessary to recover the correct global structure of the moduli spaces. Up to n = 3, the corresponding BPS charges transform under the proper representations of the U-duality groups. For n = 4, 5, if we make the ansatz of including the BPS charges corresponding to the wrapped M-theory 5-brane, the correspondence with type IIA continues to hold. However, for n = 6, we find additional charges for which there are no obvious candidates in M(atrix)-theory.
The effects of postpartum depression on maternal-infant interaction : A meta-analysis

A meta-analysis of 19 studies was conducted to determine the magnitude of the effect of postpartum depression on maternal-infant interaction during the first year after delivery. Maternal-infant interaction was divided into three subcategories: maternal interactive behavior, infant interactive behavior, and dyadic interactive behavior. Substantive, methodological, and miscellaneous variables were extracted and coded by both the researcher and two research assistants. Combinations were calculated as unweighted, weighted by sample size, and weighted by the quality index score. Effects for maternal interactive behavior ranged from .32 to .36 for the r index, .68 to .78 for the d index, and .33 to .38 for the Fischer's Z. For infant interactive behavior, effects ranged from .35 to .38, .75 to .83, and .37 to .41 for the r, d, and Fisher's Z indexes, respectively. Effects for dyadic interactive behavior ranged from .47 to .50 for the r index, 1.07 to 1.15 for the d index, and .51 to .55 for Fisher's Z. Results of the meta-analysis indicate that postpartum depression has a moderate to large effect on maternal-infant interaction. Nursing interventions for depressed mother-infant dyads during the first year after delivery are addressed.
Variability and persistence of post-fire biological legacies in jack pine-dominated ecosystems of northern Lower Michigan

Abstract On the dry, flat, jack pine (Pinus banksiana Lamb.)-dominated ecosystems of the northern Lake States and eastern Canada, wildfire behavior often produces narrow, remnant strips of unburned trees that provide heterogeneity on a landscape historically shaped by stand-replacing wildfires. We used landscape metrics to analyze a chronosequence of aerial imagery to examine these “stringers” of mature trees within historical wildfires in northern Lower Michigan. Our major objective was to describe the natural range of variability of stringer patterns and their persistence and change during the fire-free interval. Field studies were then used to examine stringer composition and structural variability. Stringers were found to occur in all fires >1000 ha, in about one-third of wildfires >80 ha, but never in fires
Cyclopentannulation of Conjugated Enones Using a Vinyldiazomethane-Based Reagent

Herein, we describe a two-step method for the cyclopentannulation of conjugated enones using methyl 3-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-2-diazo-3-butenoate (1) as a bifunctional reagent. The enol silane and stabilized diazoalkane functionalities are exploited independently in sequential Mukaiyama–Michael and diastereoselective α,α′-diketone coupling. Di-, tri-, and tetrasubstituted enones are amenable to annulation under this protocol. Overall, this chemistry is an effective surrogate for a substituted “acetone 1,3-dipole”.
A review of catalytic approaches to waste minimization: case study—liquid‐phase catalytic treatment of chlorophenols

Effective waste management must address waste reduction, reuse, recovery/recycle and, as the least progressive option, waste treatment. Catalysis can serve as an integral green processing tool, ensuring lower operating pressures/temperatures with a reduction in energy requirements while providing alternative cleaner synthesis routes and facilitating waste conversion to reusable material. The case study chosen to illustrate the role that catalysis has to play in waste minimization deals with the conversion of toxic chlorophenols in wastewater. The presence of chloro-organic emissions is of increasing concern with mounting evidence of adverse ecological and public health impacts. A critical overview of the existing treatment technologies is provided with an analysis of the available literature on catalytic dechlorination. The efficacy of Pd/Al2O3 to promote the hydrogen-mediated dechlorination of mono- and dichlorophenols is demonstrated, taking account of both the physical and chemical contributions in this three-phase (solid catalyst and liquid/gaseous reactants) system. Hydrodechlorination activity and selectivity trends are discussed in terms of chloro-isomer structure, the influence of temperature is discussed, the role of base (NaOH) addition is examined and the feasibility of catalyst reuse is addressed. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry
Digital restoration of scanning electrochemical microscope images

Images obtained from the scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM) have been restored by digital computer techniques. SECM images are inherently blurred by the diffusion process that occurs in the oxidation-reduction reaction at the probe tip. Restoration of an image of the bottom surface of a Ligustrum sinensis leaf as well as the image of a conductive inverse indium tin oxide grid structure is described here. The authors present two techniques for restoring SECM images. The first is an inverse filtering technique and the second is a smoothed Taylor series approximation of the unblurred image via a modification of a procedure given in Rosenfeld and Kak.
The oxetane ring in taxol.

Numerous structure−activity studies combining synthesis and bioassay have been performed for the anti-cancer drug Taxol. The four-membered D-ring, an oxetane, is one of four structural features reg...
Democratizing innovation: The evolving phenomenon of user innovation

Almost 30 years ago, researchers began a systematic study of innovation by end users and user firms. At that time, the phenomenon was generally regarded as a minor oddity. Today, it is clear that user-centered innovation is a very powerful and general phenomenon. It is rapidly growing due to continuing advances in computing and communication technologies. It is becoming both an important rival to and an important feedstock for manufacturer-centered innovation in many fields. In this article, I provide an overview of what the international research community now understands about user-centered innovation.
Resolution limits of migrated images

Far-field formulas are derived for the point scatterer responses, the horizontal resolution limits, and the dynamic ranges of 2-D and 3-D migrated images. Numerical tests verify the validity of these formulas for practical CDP geometries. Our results show that in the far field, where the depth is much greater than the width of the recording aperture, the horizontal resolution limit for migrated images is proportional to the depth of the scatterer and inversely proportional to the wavenumber and aperture size. Given the same recording aperture size, the 2-D prestack migration image has the same horizontal resolution limit as the corresponding 2-D poststack image. For the same aperture size, the 3-D poststack migration image has twice the resolution as the 3-D prestack migration with sources and receivers distributed in fixed areas. Also, prestack migration images have a better dynamic range than poststack migration images, and dynamic range improves with an increase in width of the recording aperture. The resolution limits are based on a Rayleigh-like zero crossing criterion.
An Efficient Buffer Design Algorithm for Production Line Profit Maximization

In this paper, we present an accurate and fast algorithm for maximizing profits through buffer size optimization for production lines. We consider both buffer space cost and average inventory cost with distinct cost coefficients for different buffers, and we include a nonlinear production rate constraint. To solve the problem, a corresponding unconstrained problem is introduced and a nonlinear programming approach is adopted. Numerical results are provided to show the efficiency and accuracy of our algorithm for both short and long lines.
Visual navigation: image profiles for odometry and control

This paper investigates the extent to which image profiles, pixel-intensity sums across subsets of a video stream, offer a basis for autonomous robotics. Building on previous work that uses image profiles for odometry, we introduce an improved algorithm for odometric estimation based on visual input alone. In addition, we extend prior results by showing how image profiles can support control and exploration tasks. We validate these new approaches through results implemented atop a low-cost vision-only vehicle consisting of a laptop and an iRobot Create.
Scaling in tournaments

We study a stochastic process that mimics single-game elimination tournaments. In our model, the outcome of each match is stochastic: the weaker player wins with upset probability q 1/2, and the stronger player wins with probability 1 − q. The loser is eliminated. Extremal statistics of the initial distribution of player strengths governs the tournament outcome. For a uniform initial distribution of strengths, the rank of the winner, x∗, decays algebraically with the number of players,N ,a sx∗ ∼ N −β . Different decay exponents are found analytically for sequential dynamics, βseq =1 − 2q, and parallel dynamics, βpar =1+ ln(1−q) ln 2 . The distribution of player strengths becomes self-similar in the long time limit with an algebraic tail. Our theory successfully describes statistics of the US college basketball national championship tournament. Copyright c EPLA, 2007 A wide variety of processes in nature and society involve competition. In animal societies, competition is responsible for social differentiation and the emergence of social strata. Competition is also ubiquitous in human society: auctions, election of public officials, city plans, grant awards, and sports involve competition. Minimalist, physics-based competition processes have been recently developed to model relevant competitive phenomena such as wealth distributions (1-3), auctions (4-6), social dyna- mics (7-10), and sports leagues (11). In physics, compe- tition also underlies phase ordering kinetics, in which large domains grow at the expense of small domains that eventually are eliminated (13,14). In this study, we investigate N -player tournaments with head-to-head matches. The winner of each match remains in the tournament while the loser is eliminated. At the end of a tournament, a single undefeated player, the tournament winner, remains. Each player is endowed with a fixed intrinsic strength x 0t hat is drawn from a normalized distribution f0(x). We define strength so that smaller x corresponds to a stronger player and we henceforth refer to this strength measure as "rank" The result of competition is stochastic: in each match the weaker player wins with the upset probability q 1/2 and the stronger player wins with probability p =1 − q. Schematically, when two players with ranks x1 and x2
A note on incomplete markets

Abstract We adapt an elegant piece of reasoning by Y. Balasko [Balasko, Y., 1979. Economies with a finite but large number of equilibria. J. Math. Econ. 6, 145–147.] to the incomplete markets modelled by D. Duffie and W. Shafer [Duffie, D., Shafer, W., 1985. Equilibrium in incomplete markets: I. A basic model of generic existence. J. Math. Econ. 14, 285–300.], and prove that on compact sets of such markets, the Lebesgue measure of economies with m equilibria is O( 1 m ).
Supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory and Riemannian Geometry

Abstract We introduce new local gauge invariant variables for N = 1 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory, explicitly parameterizing the physical Hilbert space of the theory. We show that these gauge invariant variables have a geometrical interpretation, and can be constructed such that the emergent geometry is that of N = 1 supergravity: a Riemannian geometry with vector-spinor generated torsion. Full geometfzation of supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory is carried out, and geometry-independent divergences associated to the inversion of a differential operator with zero modes - that were encountered in the non-supersymmetric case - do not arise in this situation.
Interleukin-18 stimulates a positive feedback loop during renal obstruction via interleukin-18 receptor.

Purpose: Interleukin-18 is a proinflammatory cytokine that is an important mediator of obstruction induced renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis independent of tumor necrosis factor-α and β1 activity. We hypothesized that interleukin-18 stimulates a positive feedback loop during obstruction via interleukin-18 receptor to increase interleukin-18 gene expression and protein production.Materials and Methods: Male C57BL6 interleukin-18 receptor knockout (The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine) and control wild-type mice underwent unilateral ureteral obstruction or sham operation and were sacrificed 1 week after surgery. Renal cortical tissue samples were harvested and analyzed for interleukin-18 protein by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and for interleukin-18 and interleukin-18 receptor gene expression by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The specific cellular localization of interleukin-18 and interleukin-18 receptor expression during obstruction was assessed using dual labeling immunofluorescence s...
Incremental reconstruction of generalized Voronoi diagrams on grids

We present an incremental algorithm for constructing and reconstructing Generalized Voronoi Diagrams (GVDs) on grids. Our algorithm, Dynamic Brushfire, uses techniques from the path planning community to efficiently update GVDs when the underlying environment changes or when new information concerning the environment is received. Dynamic Brushfire is an order of magnitude more efficient than current approaches. In this paper we present the algorithm, compare it to current approaches on several experimental domains involving both simulated and real data, and demonstrate its usefulness for multirobot path planning.
Subquadratic-time factoring of polynomials over finite fields

New probabilistic algorithms are presented for factoring univariate polynomials over finite fields. The algorithms factor a polynomial of degree n over a finite field of constant cardinality in time O(n 1.815 ). Previous algorithms required time Θ(n 2+o(1) ). The new algorithms rely on fast matrix multiplication techniques. More generally, to factor a polynomial of degree n over the finite field F q with q elements, the algorithms use O(n 1.815 log q) arithmetic operations in F q . The new baby step/giant step techniques used in our algorithms also yield new fast practical algorithms at super-quadratic asymptotic running time, and subquadratic-time methods for manipulating normal bases of finite fields.
Short-Distance Radio Telemetering of Physiological Information

A completely transistorized radio transmitter and a receiving system are described operating at 104 mc. The weight of the transmitter is under two pounds without the use of miniature parts. Design is for transmission of up to ten channels with bandwidths of 250 and 1000 cps. The channel reported has a carrier frequency of 2100 cps and was tested for EKG recording. Satisfactory calibrated records were obtained while walking and while on treadmill.
Head Start and Urban Children’s School Readiness: A Birth Cohort Study in 18 Cities

We used longitudinal data from a birth cohort study, the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, to investigate the links between Head Start and school readiness in a large and diverse sample of urban children at age 5 (N = 2,803; 18 cities). We found that Head Start attendance was associated with enhanced cognitive ability and social competence and reduced attention problems but not reduced internalizing or externalizing behavior problems. These findings were robust to model specifications (including models with city-fixed effects and propensity-scoring matching). Furthermore, the effects of Head Start varied by the reference group. Head Start was associated with improved cognitive development when compared with parental care or other nonparental care, as well as improved social competence (compared with parental care) and reduced attention problems (compared with other nonparental care). In contrast, compared with attendance at pre-kindergarten or other center-based care, Head Start attendance was not associated with cognitive gains but with improved social competence and reduced attention and externalizing behavior problems (compared with attendance at other center-based care). These associations were not moderated by child gender or race/ethnicity.
Aerodynamic Design Criteria for Supersonic Climb-Cruise Missiles

An analytical technique is presented which establishes the relationship between aerodynamic characteristics and total mission performance for ramjet-powered missiles which are launched at low altitude and must climb to high altitude for a long-range cruise at supersonic speeds. The analytical expressions obtained can be used to determine desirable aerodynamic characteristics and their variation with velocity given missile propulsion and design parameters such as specific fuel consumption, thrust coefficient, planform area, nozzle exit area, and weight. The expressions are derived for Rutowski minimum fuel-to-climb profiles and optimum specific fuel consumption cruise conditions. The low-altitude segment of the climb is shown to be dominated by the drag coefficient CD . and its variation with velocity. At high altitudes during the climb, the induced drag factor K becomes important. Therefore, reducing Q>min at low supersonic speeds and K at high supersonic speeds reduces fuel consumption during the climb. The desirable lift coefficient at minimum drag CL() is shown to be small at low speeds and to increase with velocity. The ideal climb-cruise configuration will have a Q>mjn and K which are low at low speeds and decrease strongly with increasing speed. The CL() will also be low at low speed but increase greatly with increasing speed. These results and the analytical expressions derived can be used by the missile designer as aerodynamic design criteria during configuration development.
The adsorption of metal oxyanions on alumina

Abstract The adsorption of perrhenate, permanganate, molybdate, tungstate, and chromate on alumina was studied at pH 4.5. The effect of nitrate in the impregnation solution on the adsorption of these ions was examined as well as the effect of washing the freshly prepared catalysts. The uptake of perrhenate and permanganate decreased with increasing nitrate in the impregnation solution; the uptake of molybdate, tungstate, and chromate was unaffected. Washing the catalysts almost completely removed perrhenate, permanganate, and chromate, but allowed a significant amount of molybdate and tungstate to remain on the alumina. It is concluded that tungstate and molybdate adsorb on two types of surface sites, producing loosely and tightly bound surface species. From the amounts of molybdate and tungstate adsorbed, and from EXAFS results from washed and unwashed Mo/Al2O3 samples, both loosely and tightly bound molybdate and tungstate are polymeric in nature. The results are discussed in terms of electrostatic and surface reaction models.
In praise of unstable fixed points: the way things actually work

Abstract In recent years a fashion has grown up to ascribe great importance to “quantum critical points” at T =0, at the boundary between the basins of attraction to the stable fixed points of ordered ground states. I argue that more physical significance in connecting microscopic interactions with observed phenomena lies in the common phenomenon of partially ordered “liquid” states at higher temperatures, unstable phases which define the relevant degrees of freedom and may order in many different ways as the temperature is further lowered.
Heparin-protein interactions

Heparin, a sulfated polysaccharide belonging to the family of glycosaminoglycans, has numerous important biological activities, associated with its interaction with diverse proteins. Heparin is widely used as an anticoagulant drug based on its ability to accelerate the rate at which antithrombin inhibits serine proteases in the blood coagulation cascade. Heparin and the structurally related heparan sulfate are complex linear polymers comprised of a mixture of chains of different length, having variable sequences. Heparan sulfate is ubiquitously distributed on the surfaces of animal cells and in the extracellular matrix. It also mediates various physiologic and pathophysiologic processes. Difficulties in evaluating the role of heparin and heparan sulfate in vivo may be partly ascribed to ignorance of the detailed structure and sequence of these polysaccharides. In addition, the understanding of carbohydrate-protein interactions has lagged behind that of the more thoroughly studied protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions. The recent extensive studies on the structural, kinetic, and thermodynamic aspects of the protein binding of heparin and heparan sulfate have led to an improved understanding of heparin-protein interactions. A high degree of specificity could be identified in many of these interactions. An understanding of these interactions at the molecular level is of fundamental importance in the design of new highly specific therapeutic agents. This review focuses on aspects of heparin structure and conformation, which are important for its interactions with proteins. It also describes the interaction of heparin and heparan sulfate with selected families of heparin-binding proteins.