cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An efficient algorithm for analyzing large-scale microstrip structures using adaptive integral method combined with discrete complex-image method

An efficient algorithm combining the adaptive integral method and the discrete complex-image method (DCIM) is presented in this paper for analyzing large-scale microstrip structures. The arbitrarily shaped microstrips are discretized using triangular elements with Rao-Wilton-Glisson basis functions. These basis functions are then projected onto a rectangular grid, which enables the calculation of the resultant matrix-vector product using the fast Fourier transform. The method retains the advantages of the well-known conjugate-gradient fast-Fourier-transform method, as well as the excellent modeling capability offered by triangular elements. The resulting algorithm has the memory requirement proportional to O(N) and the operation count for the matrix-vector multiplication proportional to O(N log N), where N denotes the number of unknowns. The required spatial Green's functions are computed efficiently using the DCIM, which further speeds up the algorithm. Numerical results for some microstrip circuits and a microstrip antenna array are presented to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of this method.
RNase H activation by stereoregular boranophosphate oligonucleotide.

Abstract A stereoregular all-(S p)-boranophosphate oligodeoxyribonucleotide (BH3 −-ODN) 15-mer was synthesized using an enzymatic approach. The BH3 −-ODN formed a hybrid with the complementary RNA 15-mer and induced RNase H hydrolysis of the RNA strand at ODN concentrations as low as 10 nM at 37°C, but with a lower efficiency than that of its natural phosphodiester analogue.
A junction tree framework for undirected graphical model selection

An undirected graphical model is a joint probability distribution defined on an undirected graph G*, where the vertices in the graph index a collection of random variables and the edges encode conditional independence relationships among random variables. The undirected graphical model selection (UGMS) problem is to estimate the graph G* given observations drawn from the undirected graphical model. This paper proposes a framework for decomposing the UGMS problem into multiple subproblems over clusters and subsets of the separators in a junction tree. The junction tree is constructed using a graph that contains a superset of the edges in G*. We highlight three main properties of using junction trees for UGMS. First, different regularization parameters or different UGMS algorithms can be used to learn different parts of the graph. This is possible since the subproblems we identify can be solved independently of each other. Second, under certain conditions, a junction tree based UGMS algorithm can produce consistent results with fewer observations than the usual requirements of existing algorithms. Third, both our theoretical and experimental results show that the junction tree framework does a significantly better job at finding the weakest edges in a graph than existing methods. This property is a consequence of both the first and second properties. Finally, we note that our framework is independent of the choice of the UGMS algorithm and can be used as a wrapper around standard UGMS algorithms for more accurate graph estimation.
Applications of One-Bead One-Compound Combinatorial Libraries and Chemical Microarrays in Signal Transduction Research

The "one-bead-one-compound" (OBOC) combinatorial library method synthesizes millions of random compounds such that each bead displays only one compound. Bead libraries are screened, and positive beads are isolated for structure analysis. Peptide substrates and inhibitors of protein kinases, and peptide ligands for cell surface receptors have been identified using this method. A novel encoding strategy for OBOC libraries has been developed to identify peptidomimetic and small-molecule ligands that specifically interact with cellular proteins. These ligands will be tested for their effects on cell signaling and used to construct chemical microarrays for further characterization of ligand-protein interactions.
The Consequences of Teenage Childbearing before Roe v. Wade

Abstract Using five cycles of the National Survey of Family Growth, we estimate the effect of teen motherhood on education, labor market, and marriage outcomes for teens conceiving from 1940 through 1968. Effects vary by marital status at conception, socioeconomic background, and year. Effects on teens married at conception were limited. However, teen mothers conceiving premaritally obtained less education and had a weaker marriage market. Teen mothers of the 1940s–1950s, affected by subsequent economic and social changes, were disadvantaged in the labor market of the 1970s. In the 1960s, teens for whom motherhood would be costly increasingly avoided pregnancy. (JEL I21, J13, J16, J23, J24, N32)
Measured spacecraft dynamic effects on atmospheric science instruments

In September 1991, NASA launched the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS). In addition to its atmospheric science mission, spacecraft dynamic effects on science measurements were analyzed. The investigation included two in-flight experiments to determine how each onboard instrument, subsystem, and environmental disturbance contributed to the spacecraft dynamic response and how these disturbances affected science measurements. Three case studies are presented that show the impact of spacecraft dynamic response on science measurements. The case studies have demonstrated that the influence of spacecraft dynamic response needs to be examined in most remote-sensing spacecraft that have attitude jitter levels commensurate to instrument pointing requirements. In the first case, correlation of independent atmospheric meridional wind measurements taken by two instruments with the spacecraft dynamic response demonstrated that excessive vibration (exceeding instrument pointing requirements) resulted in wind measurement disagreement. In the second case, solar array disturbances produced a spacecraft response signature on radiometer measurements. The signature explicitly demonstrated that if an instrument has sufficient spatial and temporal resolution, spacecraft dynamic response could impact measurements. In the final case, correlation of an instruments fine Sun-sensor data and CO/sub 2/ measurements demonstrated the effect of temporal and spatial sampling resolution and active pointing control on science measurements. The Sun sensor had a frequency modulated characteristic, due to spacecraft vibration and the periodic scanning of another instrument, which was not present on the CO/sub 2/ measurements.
LOWER BOUNDS OF THE SLOPE OF FIBRED THREEFOLDS

We study from a geographical point of view fibrations of threefolds over smooth curves f:T→B such that the general fibre is of general type. We prove the non-negativity of certain relative invariants under general hypotheses and give lower bounds for depending on other relative invariants. We also study the influence of the relative irregularity q(T)-g(B) on these bounds. A more detailed study of the lowest cases of the bounds is given.
An example of an asymptotically Hilbertian space which fails the approximation property

Following Davie's example of a Banach space failing the approximation property (1973), we show how to construct a Banach space E which is asymptotically Hilbertian and fails the approximation property. Moreover, the space E is shown to be a subspace of a space with an unconditional basis which is "almost" a weak Hilbert space and which can be written as the direct sum of two subspaces all of whose subspaces have the approximation property.
Performance Studies of High Gain Photomultiplier Having Z-Configuration of Microchannel Plates

The characteristics of a high gain type ITT F4129 photomultiplier having three microchannel plates in cascade for electron multiplications have been investigated. These plates are in the Z-configuration. Measurements are given of the gain, dark current, cathode quantum efficiency, anode pulse linearity, electron transit time, single and multiphoton time spreads, fatigue, and pulse height resolution. The gain as a function of transverse magnetic field has been measured and is discussed. Photomultiplier characteristics as a function of the input pulse repetition frequency have also been investigated and discussed.
Optimal control of two-level quantum systems

We study the manipulation of two-level quantum systems. This research is motivated by the design of quantum mechanical logic gates which perform prescribed logic operations on a two-level quantum system, a quantum bit. We consider the problem of driving the evolution operator to a desired state, while minimizing an energy-type cost. Mathematically, this problem translates into an optimal control problem for systems varying on the Lie group of special unitary matrices of dimension two, with cost that is quadratic in the control. We develop a comprehensive theory of optimal control for two-level quantum systems. This includes, in particular, a classification of normal and abnormal extremals and a proof of regularity of the optimal control functions. The impact of the results of the paper on nuclear magnetic resonance experiments and quantum computation is discussed.
Synthesis and stereochemical revision of a bioactive dihydroxyeicosanoid isolated from the red marine alga farlowia mollis

Chiral trans-enals derived from 2-deoxypyranoses by ylide-induced β-elimination were exploited for the synthesis and stereochemical revision of a novel, marine eicosanoid.
Fast transmit antenna selection algorithms for MIMO systems with fading correlation

Motivated by some properties of the determinant of Hermitian positive definite matrices, this paper develops some fast transmit antenna selection algorithms for MIMO systems, based on instantaneous channel information or channel statistics for a correlated fading channel. The performance of these algorithms is evaluated in terms of both the resulting system capacity and error rate. The novel G-circles method can achieve many advantages over other existing algorithms.
Energy-momentum tensor for the electromagnetic field in a dielectric

Abstract The total momentum of a thermodynamically closed system is unique, as is the total energy. Nevertheless, there is continuing confusion concerning the correct form of the momentum and the energy–momentum tensor for an electromagnetic field interacting with a linear dielectric medium. Rather than construct a total momentum from the Abraham momentum or the Minkowski momentum, we define a thermodynamically closed system consisting of a propagating electromagnetic field and a negligibly reflecting dielectric and we identify the Gordon momentum as the conserved total momentum by the fact that it is invariant in time. In the formalism of classical continuum electrodynamics, the Gordon momentum is therefore the unique representation of the total momentum in terms of the macroscopic electromagnetic fields and the macroscopic refractive index that characterizes the material. We also construct continuity equations for the energy and the Gordon momentum, noting that a time variable transformation is necessary to write the continuity equations in terms of the densities of conserved quantities. Finally, we use the continuity equations and the time–coordinate transformation to construct an array that has the properties of a traceless, symmetric energy–momentum tensor.
Paradoxical Leadership and the Competing Values Framework

The development and enactment of leadership involves paradoxical tensions. Cultural and organizational forces increasingly reflect an awareness of paradox. Leadership is correspondingly understood ...
Depression of Fast Excitatory Synaptic Transmission in Large Aspiny Neurons of the Neostriatum after Transient Forebrain Ischemia

Spiny neurons in the neostriatum die within 24 hr after transient global ischemia, whereas large aspiny (LA) neurons remain intact. To reveal the mechanisms of such selective cell death after ischemia, excitatory neurotransmission was studied in LA neurons before and after ischemia. The intrastriatally evoked fast EPSCs in LA neurons were depressed < or =24 hr after ischemia. The concentration-response curves generated by application of exogenous glutamate in these neurons were approximately the same before and after ischemia. A train of five stimuli (100 Hz) induced progressively smaller EPSCs, but the proportion of decrease in EPSC amplitude at 4 hr after ischemia was significantly smaller compared with control and at 24 hr after ischemia. Parallel depression of NMDA receptor and AMPA receptor-mediated EPSCs was also observed after ischemia, supporting the involvement of presynaptic mechanisms. The adenosine A1 receptor antagonist 8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine blocked the inhibition of evoked EPSCs at 4 hr after ischemia but not at 24 hr after ischemia. Electron microscopic studies demonstrated that the most presynaptic terminals in the striatum had a normal appearance at 4 hr after ischemia but showed degenerating signs at 24 hr after ischemia. These results indicated that the excitatory neurotransmission in LA neurons was depressed after ischemia via presynaptic mechanisms. The depression of EPSCs shortly after ischemia might be attributable to the enhanced adenosine A1 receptor function on synaptic transmission, and the depression at late time points might result from the degeneration of presynaptic terminals.
Good Things Come in Threes: Single-Parent Multigenerational Family Structure and Adolescent Adjustment

Using data from the National Educational Longitudinal Study (NELS), we found that teenagers who live in nonmarried families are less likely to graduate from high school or to attend college, more likely to smoke or drink, and more likely to initiate sexual activity. Not all nonmarried families are alike, however. In particular, teenagers living with their single mothers and with at least one grandparent in multigenerational households have developmental outcomes that are at least as good and often better than the outcomes of teenagers in married families. These findings obtain when a wide array of economic resources, parenting behavior, and home and school characteristics are controlled for.
Improved prostate cancer imaging with SPECT/CT and MRI/MRSI

We propose a combined imaging technique for prostate cancer using /sup 111/In-ProstaScint SPECT/CT and MRI/MRSI. When used alone, either SPECT/CT or MRI/MRSI has limitations in assessing the patient undergoing clinical prostate cancer management. However, combined imaging can use MRI/MRSI to assess the prostate gland while SPECT/CT /sup 111/In-ProstaScint imaging can evaluate nearby and distant lymph nodes for metastases. The combined imaging study thereby provides complementary information useful for the cancer management. /sup 111/In-ProstaScint SPECT data are reconstructed using an iterative algorithm that includes CT-derived attenuation correction and depth-dependent collimator blurring compensation. 3D MR spectra are overlaid on the T2-weighted MR image. Image data from 3 patient studies demonstrate the potential role of combined /sup 111/In-ProstaScint SPECT/CT and MRI/MRSI imaging of prostate cancer. In the first, SPECT/CT revealed increased uptake of /sup 111/In-ProstaScint, but that occurred beyond the sensitive region of MRSI. Images from a second patient sequentially received /sup 111/In-ProstaScint SPECT/CT and MRI/MRSI in one and half months and were correlative and complementary to each other. Images from a third patient who had undergone androgen deprivation therapy show that MRI improved anatomical definition in comparison to CT, with /sup 111/In-ProstaScint indicating disease where MRSI was either equivocal or indicated atrophy. Overall, MRI/MRSI generally provided better specificity for the cancer detection within the prostate in the absence of androgen deprivation therapy, and better anatomic details of the prostate than /sup 111/In-ProstaScint SPECT/CT. Yet, /sup 111/In-ProstaScint SPECT/CT improves sensitivity for detection of distant lymph node metastases, and also is more sensitive when the patient is undergoing androgen deprivation therapy and thereby provides useful diagnostic information that complements the MRI/MRSI study alone.
Optimization of Power Generation From Shrouded Wind Turbines

In recent years, a number of studies have shown that shrouded wind turbines can generate greater power compared to bare turbines. The objective of this study is to determine the potential of shrouded wind turbines for increased power generation by employing numerical simulations. An analytical/computational study is performed by employing the commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software FLUENT. An actuator disc model is used to model the turbine. The incompressible Navier-Stokes equations and a two equation realizable k – e model are employed in the calculations. Power coefficient and generated power are calculated for a large number of cases for horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT) of various diameters and wind speeds for both bare and shrouded turbines. The design of the shroud is optimized by employing a single objective genetic algorithm; the objective being the maximization of the generated power and power coefficient Cp (power generated by the turbine/kinetic energy of the wind facing the turbine swept area). It was found that the shroud indeed increases the generated power and Cp beyond the Betz’s limit; this effect is consistent with that found in the recent literature that the shrouded wind-turbines can generate greater power than the bare turbines. The optimized shape of the shroud or diffuser further increases the generated power and Cp.
On reorienting linked rigid bodies using internal motions

Provides algorithms for reorienting linked rigid bodies floating in space. The dynamics of these systems conserve both linear and angular momentum. The conservation of angular momentum is a nonintegrable or nonholonomic constraint. The authors derive this constraint by applying Noether's theorem to the Lagrangian of the system. When the total angular momentum is zero, the authors may dualize the constraint to a control system. The problem of reorienting the satellite becomes a steering problem for a drift free control system. The authors give explicit solutions for steering a planar skater and a satellite with two rotors. The planar skater has been simulated and animated on a graphics workstation. The authors also discuss the hardware setup which they built to verify the theoretical results. >
A Model of Sequential City Growth

There is strong evidence showing that in most countries cities develop sequentially, with the initially largest city being the first to grow. This paper presents a growth model of optimal city size that rationalizes this particular growth pattern. Increasing returns to scale is the force that favors agglomeration of resources in a city, and convex costs associated with the stock of installed capital represent the congestion force that limits city size. The key to generate sequential growth is the assumption of irreversible investment in physical capital. The presence of a positive external effect of aggregate city capital on individual firms makes the competitive equilibrium inefficient.
Limit Cycle Oscillation Flight-Test Results for Asymmetric Store Configurations

A conventional approach for flutter certification of asymmetric external store configurations on fighter aircraft is to analyze each side of the aircraft using half-span models. The flutter speed for the asymmetric configuration is then assumed to be no less than the flutter speed of either half-span solution. Recent certification efforts on the F-16 have involved asymmetrically carried stores that were previously certified for symmetric carriage. For the present work, asymmetric F-16 external store configurations were studied to investigate their aeroelastic behavior and relationship to similar symmetrically loaded external store configurations. Linear flutter analyses utilizing full-span finite element and aerodynamic models were used to predict the flutter boundaries of the asymmetric external store configurations. It was found that solutions using full-span models predicted lower flutter speeds in some cases for an asymmetric configuration than the comparable flutter speeds using the half-span model. The mode shapes of the asymmetric configuration indicate coupling mechanisms on at least one wing are similar to the symmetric configurations; however, they are unique in that the frequencies of these modes have shifted. Flutter flight tests on the F-16 were performed to validate the analytical results. The test results from the asymmetrically loaded configurations were compared to the test results for similar symmetrically loaded configurations. The oscillatory response behavior of the asymmetric configurations is shown to be primarily antisymmetric. Also, the flight-test results show limit-cycle oscillation behavior that correlates to the full-span linear flutter analysis. Specifically, it is shown that two flutter sensitive half-span configurations can be combined into one asymmetric configuration that exhibits no aeroelastic instabilities in flight. Conversely, it is shown that two aeroelastically stable, half-span configurations can be combined asymmetrically, which results in a configuration with lower, aeroelastically critical flutter speeds. These cases demonstrate the need for flutter analyses of the full aircraft structure for certification of asymmetric external store configurations.
An Interpretation of Max Weber's Theory of Law: Metaphysics, Economics, and the Iron Cage of Constitutional Law

Among legal scholars, Anthony T. Kronman and David M. Trubek have provided the leading interpretations of Weber's theory of law. Kronman and Trubek agree on two important points: Weber's theory is fundamentally contradictory, and Weber's theory relates primarily to private law subjects such as contracts. This article contests both of these points. Building on a foundation of Weber's neo-Kantian metaphysics and his sociological categories of economic action, this article shows that Weber's theory of law is not fundamentally inconsistent; rather it explores the inconsistencies that are inherent within Western society itself, including its legal systems. Furthermore, Weber's insights can be applied to modern constitutional jurisprudence. Weberian theory reveals that modern constitutional law is riddled with irreconcilable tensions between process and substance—between formal and substantive rationality. In the context of racial discrimination cases involving equal protection and the Fifteenth Amendment, the Supreme Court's acceptance of John Hart Ely's theory of representation-reinforcement demonstrates the Court's resolute pursuit of formal rationality, which insures that the substantive values and needs of minorities will remain unsatisfied.
A one-step radical synthesis of pyrrol-2-acetic acids

Pyrrol-2-acetic acids were generated following a procedure involving I-transfer radical addition of iodoacetic acids to pyrrole with spontaneous loss of HI. This procedure also allows for efficient syntheses of 2-alkyl pyrroles through subsequent thermolytic decarboxylation.
A simple green procedure for the synthesis of 2H-azirines

An efficient and environmentally friendly method preparing 2H-azirines in good yield has been achieved by microwave irradiation of vinyl azides in solvent free conditions.
Dynamic node activation in networks of rechargeable sensors

We consider a network of rechargeable sensors, deployed redundantly in a random sensing environment, and address the problem of how sensor nodes should be activated dynamically so as to maximize a generalized system performance objective. The optimal sensor activation problem is a very difficult decision question, and under Markovian assumptions on the sensor discharge/recharge periods, it represents a complex semi-Markov decision problem. With the goal of developing a practical, distributed but efficient solution to this complex, global optimization problem, we first consider the activation question for a set of sensor nodes whose coverage areas overlap completely. For this scenario, we show analytically that there exists a simple threshold activation policy that achieves a performance of at least 3/4 of the optimum over all possible policies. We extend this threshold policy to a general network setting where the coverage areas of different sensors could have partial or no overlap with each other, and show by simulations that the performance of our policy is very close to that of the globally optimal policy. Our policy is fully distributed, and requires the sensor nodes to only keep track of the node activation states in its immediate neighborhood. We also consider the effects of spatial correlation on the performance of the threshold activation policy, and the choice of the optimal threshold.
GRAPEVINE: hybrid cooperative opportunistic routing for challenged wireless networks using fountain coding

This paper present Grapevine, a wireless networking protocol designed to be used in challenged environments such an emergency response network. These environments typically experience a lot of noise, interference, disconnections and high mobility resulting in high packet loss rates. As often critical data needs to be disseminated to other nodes it is important to have a protocol that efficiently delivers data under these conditions, but which is also efficient under good conditions. Grapevine uses to fountain coding to opportunistically and cooperatively to efficiently delivers data in high throughput wireless multi hop networks, as well as lossy and delay tolerant networks. Results show that our flooding based protocol is more efficient than traditional protocols in lossy networks both in terms of lower delay and lower overhead.
Computers and the shape of the future: Implications for teaching and learning

There are reasonable inferences (as well as bold speculations) we can make about the nature of work over the next few decades. If these inferences are correct, then we face fundamental questions about how and what we teach and how and what we must learn. There is already some evidence concerning the transformation which underscores both the challenge and the promise of electronic technology in education. After a general overview of the challenges facing education, four general topics are explored. The first is a general outline of what the future will be like. This is followed by a summary of ways in which computers can be used in teaching and learning. Next, the notion of the computer as a tool for the future is outlined. Finally, some suggestions and strategies are sketched about how to ensure that computers are used creatively and appropriately as we move towards the full integration of computers and electronic technology into education in the next decade.
Approximate linearization of nonlinear control systems

Abstract The paper address the problem of approximate linearization of a nonlinear control system by state feedback or dynamic feedback. The main result proved is that if the fast k d- relative degrees are equal to each other, then the input-output response of a nonlinear control system can be linearized to degree k . Any system having linear d- relative degree can be linearized to any degree by dynamic feedbacks. One example of signal tracking using dynamic feedback linearization method to improve the performance is also given.
Drosophila X-linked Genes Have Lower Translation Rates than Autosomal Genes

In Drosophila, X-linked and autosomal genes achieve comparable expression at the mRNA level. Whether comparable X-autosome gene expression is realized at the translational and, ultimately, the protein levels is, however, unknown. Previous studies suggest the possibility of higher translation rates for X-linked genes owing to stronger usage of preferred codons. In this study, we use public ribosome profiling data from Drosophila melanogaster to infer translation rates on the X chromosome versus the autosomes. We find that X-linked genes have consistently lower ribosome densities than autosomal genes in S2 cells, early embryos, eggs, and mature oocytes. Surprisingly, the lower ribosome densities of X-linked genes are not consistent with faster translation elongation but instead imply slower translation initiation. In particular, X-linked genes have sequence features known to slow translation initiation such as stronger mRNA structure near start codons and longer 5'-UTRs. Comparison to outgroup species suggests that stronger mRNA structure is an evolved feature of Drosophila X chromosomes. Finally, we find that the magnitude of the X-autosome difference in ribosome densities is smaller for genes encoding members of protein complexes, suggesting that stoichiometry constrains the evolution of translation rates. In sum, our analyses suggest that Drosophila X-linked genes have evolved lower translation rates than autosomal genes despite stronger usage of preferred codons.
Designing Visible Light‐Cured Thiol‐Acrylate Hydrogels for Studying the HIPPO Pathway Activation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

Various polymerization mechanisms have been developed to prepare peptide-immobilized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels, a class of biomaterials suitable for studying cell biology in vitro. Here, a visible light mediated thiol-acrylate photopolymerization scheme is reported to synthesize dually degradable PEG-peptide hydrogels with controllable crosslinking and degradability. The influence of immobilized monothiol pendant peptide is systematically evaluated on the crosslinking of these hydrogels. Further, methods are proposed to modulate hydrogel crosslinking, including adjusting concentration of comonomer or altering the design of multifunctional peptide crosslinker. Due to the formation of thioether ester bonds, these hydrogels are hydrolytically degradable. If the dithiol peptide linkers used are susceptible to protease cleavage, these thiol-acrylate hydrogels can be designed to undergo partial proteolysis. The differences between linear and multiarm PEG-acrylate (i.e., PEGDA vs PEG4A) are also evaluated. Finally, the use of the mixed-mode thiol-acrylate PEG4A-peptide hydrogels is explored for in situ encapsulation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells (Huh7). The effects of matrix stiffness and integrin binding motif (e.g., RGDS) on Huh7 cell growth and HIPPO pathway activation are studied using PEG4A-peptide hydrogels. This visible light poly-merized thiol-acrylate hydrogel system represents an alternative to existing light-cured hydrogel platforms and shall be useful in many biomedical applications.
Spectrum sensitivity, energy yield, and revenue prediction of PV and CPV modules

Impact on module performance of spectral irradiance variation has been determined for III–V multijunctions compared against the four most common flat-plate module types (cadmium telluride, multicrystalline silicon, copper indium gallium selenide, and monocrystalline silicon. Hour-by-hour representative spectra were generated using atmospheric variables for Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA. Convolution with published values for external quantum efficiency gave the predicted current output. When combined with specifications of commercial PV modules, energy yield and revenue were predicted. This approach provides a means for optimizing PV module design based on various site-specific temporal variables.
The Missed Opportunity and Challenge of Capital Regulation

Capital regulation is critical to address distortions and externalities from intense conflicts of interest in banking and from the failure of markets to counter incentives for recklessness. The approaches to capital regulation in Basel III and related proposals are based on flawed analyses of the relevant tradeoffs. The flaws in the regulations include dangerously low equity levels, a complex and problematic system of risk weights that exacerbates systemic risk and adds distortions, and unnecessary reliance on poor equity substitutes. The underlying problem is a breakdown of governance and lack of accountability to the public throughout the system, including policymakers and economists.
S-Duality and Helicity Amplitudes

We examine interacting Abelian theories at low energies and show that holomorphically normalized photon helicity amplitudes transform into dual amplitudes under SL(2, $$ \mathrm{\mathbb{Z}} $$ ) as modular forms with weights that depend on the number of positive and negative helicity photons and on the number of internal photon lines. Moreover, canonically normalized helicity amplitudes transform by a phase, so that even though the amplitudes are not duality invariant, their squares are duality invariant. We explicitly verify the duality transformation at one loop by comparing the amplitudes in the case of an electron and the dyon that is its SL(2, $$ \mathrm{\mathbb{Z}} $$ ) image, and extend the invariance of squared amplitudes order by order in perturbation theory. We demonstrate that S-duality is a property of all low-energy effective Abelian theories with electric and/or magnetic charges and see how the duality generically breaks down at high energies.
A Kaleidoscope Perspective: Change in the Semantics and Structure of Facets and Isolates in Analytico-Synthetic Classification

Examines the limitations of the dynamic theory of classification in accommodating the changes and rapid growth of new topics in the universe of knowledge. Change in an analytico-synthetic scheme for classification is much more a web of connections and mapping these changes is a complex process. Suggests that there is need for exploration of this complexity for both improving systems, and revisiting our theory.
Radiation and Human Health

The growing controversy over low-level radiation risks stems from challenges to the assumptions that had been made about dose rate, linear theory, and total-body exposure. The debate has focused on whether there is a risk threshold or whether linearity overstates low-level risks, both theories being consistent with the available data. The generally accepted consensus on the risks of cancer and genetic effects are examined for several occupational groups and compared with recent studies which use different methodologies and reach conflicting conclusions. The weaknesses of the more recent studies are noted and the conclusion is reached that adherence to the earlier assumptions is probably the conservative position. Since the relationship of exposure to small doses of carcinogenic agents to cancer is a weak link and difficult to verify statistically, the prognosis is poor for resolving the question of linearity. It is important that the costs of reducing the risks be carefully balanced with the available evidence.
Charles Davies Sherborn and the “Indexer’s Club”

The first few words of the title of this symposium are "Anchoring Biodiversity Information". In order to properly anchor anything for a long-lasting future, a solid foundation needs to have been laid. For the zoological portion of biodiversity information, that firm foundation is best exemplified in the works of Charles Davies Sherborn. This man, like others of his ilk, was intimately focused on indexing names. This incredible focus was a life-long passion for him and culminated in his 9500-page Index Animalium of over 400,000 names of animals. This Index represents not only one of the most prodigious efforts in publication by a single man and the single most important reference to names in zoology, but a permanent legacy to the efforts of an indexer that proved to be an inspiration to many.
Proof of a refinement of Blum’s conjecture on hexagonal dungeons

Abstract Matt Blum conjectured that the- number of tilings of a hexagonal dungeon with side-lengths a , 2 a , b , a , 2 a , b (for b ≥ 2 a ) equals 1 3 2 a 2 1 4 ⌊ a 2 ∕ 2 ⌋ . Ciucu and the author of the present paper proved the conjecture by using Kuo’s graphical condensation method. In this paper, we investigate a 3-parameter refinement of the conjecture and its application to enumeration of tilings of several new types of the hexagonal dungeons.
The ethical imperative of constructive engagement in a world confounded by the commons dilemma, social traps and geopolitical conflicts

Marketers, consumers and policy makers must function in a complex, dynamic and conflicted world of various systems and competing interests that require myriad decisions. While it is hoped those decisions are ethical, tradeoffs are inevitable. These tradeoffs have consequences for individuals and global stakeholders, immediately and over time; they raise questions about the extent to which any given decision was/is indeed ethical. To explore some issues regarding ethical conduct in complex and conflicted systems that require choices about finite resources -with implications for consumer and societal welfare -this chapter revisits literature on macromarketing, the commons dilemma and other social traps; it examines the acts and omissions doctrine, and consequentialism. Building on those literatures, the author argues for constructive engagement. Such engagement should be inclusive, transparent, equitable, sustainable, traceable, and accountable, to ensure the best possible outcomes for the largest number of people, over time. Examples, including an analysis of the Mekong River Basin and a model for constructive engagement of the stakeholders with vested interests in that geopolitically conflicted commons dilemma, are used to make key points. Some considerations for marketing policy and management are discussed.
Prices, Profits, and Preference Dependence

We develop a new approach to discrete choice demand for differentiated products, using copulas to separate the marginal distribution of consumer values for product varieties from their dependence relationship, and apply it to the issue of how preference dependence affects market outcomes in symmetric multiproduct industries. We show that greater dependence lowers prices and profits under certain conditions, suggesting that preference dependence is a distinct indicator of product differentiation. We also find new sufficient conditions for the symmetric multiproduct monopoly and the symmetric single-product oligopoly prices to be above or below the single-product monopoly price.
Adjusted Empirical Likelihood for Time Series Models

Empirical likelihood method has been applied to dependent observations by Monti (Biometrika, 84, 395–405 1997) through the Whittle’s estimation method. Similar asymptotic distribution of the empirical likelihood ratio statistic for stationary time series has been derived to construct the confidence regions for the parameters. However, Monti’s approach is valid only when the error terms follow a Gaussian distribution. Nordman and Lahiri (Ann. Statist., 34, 3019–50 2006) derived estimating functions and empirical likelihood ratio statistic using frequency domain empirical likelihood approach for non-Gaussian error term distributions. Nonetheless, the required numerical problem of computing profile empirical likelihood function which involves constrained maximization has no solution sometimes, which leads to the drawbacks of using the original version of the empirical likelihood ratio. In this paper, we propose an adjusted empirical likelihood ratio statistic to modify the one proposed by Nordman and Lahiri so that it guarantees the existence of the solution of the required maximization problem, while maintaining the similar asymptotic properties as Nordman and Lahiri obtained. Simulations have been conducted to illustrate the coverage probabilities obtained by the adjusted version for different time series models which are competitive to the ones based on Nordman and Lahiri’s version, especially for small sample sizes.
Diabetic retinopathy: Battling the global epidemic.

In 1969, William Beetham published his work in the journal, Transactions of the American Ophthalmological Society about the efficacy of ruby laser in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).[1] Encouraged by these findings, the Diabetic Retinopathy Study, a National Institute of Health-sponsored landmark clinical trial confirmed the benefits of the panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) laser in PDR patients. Since then, the argon PRP laser became the main-stay treatment in these patients. In the same paper, the authors attributed the successful results to the “reduction in the functioning retina., or the vasoformative factor, or both.” Later this vasoformative factor proved to be vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and was targeted in many clinical trials in different retinal diseases. Almost four decades later, another landmark clinical trial, Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network just published that monthly anti-VEGF injections are no inferior to the gold standard PRP laser treatment and have the advantages of no visual field loss seen with the PRP laser.[2] Thus, we have now two effective evidence-based treatments available for regression of retinal neovascularization in PDR patients. Many other large randomized trials in diabetic retinopathy (DR) in between have taught us how to treat DR patients effectively in DME, PDR, and even in early stages of DR. Ophthalmologists have now several novel drugs including anti-VEGF drugs and steroid implants available in their armamentarium for treating patients with DME and PDR. Many more drugs are in the pipeline in different phases of clinical trials.
Architectural considerations of a signal processor under microprogram control

The application of microprogramming to seismic, acoustic and radar processing is well-known. The system architecture required to address wide bandwidth signal processing problems is of a general form shown in Figure 1. In order to provide the high throughput which is required by digital signal processing, parallelism is generally accepted as the proper design concept for the signal processing arithmetic element. A microprogram processor (or a host processor) could be used to control the arithmetic element which can be either an associative processor, functional memory, parallel ensemble, matrix array processor or a vector processor. The efficient design of the microprogram processor is the key to insure the high duty cycle utilization of the expensive arithmetic element hardware. Parallel architectures fall far short of their expectations because of the control problem associated with keeping all the hardware usefully occupied all the time.
On CFT and quantum chaos

We make three observations that help clarify the relation between CFT and quantum chaos. We show that any 1+1-D system in which conformal symmetry is non-linearly realized exhibits two main characteristics of chaos: maximal Lyapunov behavior and a spectrum of Ruelle resonances. We use this insight to identify a lattice model for quantum chaos, built from parafermionic spin variables with an equation of motion given by a Y-system. Finally we point to a relation between the spectrum of Ruelle resonances of a CFT and the analytic properties of OPE coefficients between light and heavy operators. In our model, this spectrum agrees with the quasi-normal modes of the BTZ black hole.
Effects of State Cervical Cancer Insurance Mandates on Pap Test Rates.

Objective To evaluate the effects of state insurance mandates requiring insurance plans to cover Pap tests, the standard screening for cervical cancer that is recommended for nearly all adult women. Data Sources Individual-level data on 600,000 women age 19–64 from the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Study Design Twenty-four states adopted state mandates requiring private insurers in the state to cover Pap tests from 1988 to 2000. We performed a difference-in-differences analysis comparing within-state changes in Pap test rates before and after adoption of a mandate, controlling for the associated changes in other states that did not adopt a mandate. Principal Findings Difference-in-differences estimates indicated that the Pap test mandates significantly increased past 2-year cervical cancer screenings by 1.3 percentage points, with larger effects for Hispanic and non-Hispanic white women. These effects are plausibly concentrated among insured women. Conclusions Mandating more generous insurance coverage for even inexpensive, routine services with already high utilization rates such as Pap tests can significantly further increase utilization.
Bayesian Nonparametric Modeling for Multivariate Ordinal Regression

ABSTRACTUnivariate or multivariate ordinal responses are often assumed to arise from a latent continuous parametric distribution, with covariate effects that enter linearly. We introduce a Bayesian nonparametric modeling approach for univariate and multivariate ordinal regression, which is based on mixture modeling for the joint distribution of latent responses and covariates. The modeling framework enables highly flexible inference for ordinal regression relationships, avoiding assumptions of linearity or additivity in the covariate effects. In standard parametric ordinal regression models, computational challenges arise from identifiability constraints and estimation of parameters requiring nonstandard inferential techniques. A key feature of the nonparametric model is that it achieves inferential flexibility, while avoiding these difficulties. In particular, we establish full support of the nonparametric mixture model under fixed cut-off points that relate through discretization the latent continuous r...
Tools to Assess Behavioral and Social Science Competencies in Medical Education: A Systematic Review.

PurposeBehavioral and social science (BSS) competencies are needed to provide quality health care, but psychometrically validated measures to assess these competencies are difficult to find. Moreover, they have not been mapped to existing frameworks, like those from the Liaison Committee on Medical
Entangled Fock States for Robust Quantum Optical Sensors

We exploit a class of path-entangled photon Fock states for robust quantum sensors in the presence of loss. We use a loss model based on beamsplitters and derive a reduced density matrix formalism from which we examine how photon loss affects coherence. It is shown that particular entangled number states, which contain a special superposition of photons in both arms of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer, are resilient to environmental decoherence. We demonstrate an order of magnitude greater visibility with loss, than possible with N00N states.
Imperfect Patent Protection and Innovation

The paper studies the effect of strengthening protection on R&D incentives in the context of process innovation. It shows that for non-drastic innovations, that do not render the pre-existing technology obsolete, the innovator might favor imitation if the expected royalty rate determined by the court is sufficiently high. Since imitation is discouraged for very high levels of patent protection, R&D investment is maximized for an intermediate level of patent strength. This finding provides a theoretical explanation for emerging empirical evidence questioning the effectiveness of strengthening protection on innovation incentives. It also serves as a justification for the imperfections of the existing patent system that allows for some infringement.