cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reform and Inequality during the Transition: An Analysis Using Panel Household Survey Data, 1990–2005

Using for the first time household survey data from 26 post-Communist countries, covering the period 1990-2005, this paper examines correlates of unprecedented increases in inequality registered by most of the economies. The analysis shows, after controlling for country fixed effects and type of survey used, that economic reform is strongly negatively associated with the income share of the bottom decile, and positively with the income shares of the top two deciles. However, breaking economic reform into its component parts, the picture is more nuanced. Large-scale privatization and infrastructure reform (mostly consisting of privatization and higher fees) are responsible for the pro-inequality effect; small-scale privatization tends to raise the income shares of the bottom deciles. Acceleration in growth is also pro-rich. But democratization is strongly pro-poor, as is lower inflation. Somewhat surprisingly, the analysis finds no evidence that greater government spending as share of gross domestic income reduces inequality.
Police Encounters Among Needle Exchange Clients in Baltimore: Drug Law Enforcement as a Structural Determinant of Health

Objectives. We piloted a monitoring mechanism to document police encounters around programs targeting people who inject drugs (PWID), and assessed their demographic predictors at 2 Baltimore, Maryland, needle exchange program (NEP) sites.Methods. In a brief survey, 308 clients quantified, characterized, and sited recent police encounters. Multivariate linear regression determined encounter predictors, and we used geocoordinate maps to illustrate clusters.Results. Within the past 6 months, clients reported a median of 3 stops near NEP sites (interquartile range [IQR] = 0–7.5) and a median of 1 arrest in any location (IQR = 0–2). Three respondents reported police referral to the NEP. Being younger (P = .009), being male (P = .033), and making frequent NEP visits (P = .02) were associated with reported police stops. Among clients reporting arrest or citation for syringe possession, Whites were significantly less likely than non-Whites to report being en route to or from an NEP (P < .001). Reported encounters...
Combining Theoretical Perspectives on the Organizational Structure-Performance Relationship

Much of the literature linking organization structure to performance falls into two broad research streams. One stream concerns formal structure – the hierarchy of authority or reporting relationships as well as the degree of standardization, formalization, specialization, etc. The impact of formal structure and other elements of organization design on performance is typically contingent on factors such as strategic orientation, task characteristics, and environmental conditions. The other research stream focuses on informal structure – a network of interpersonal and intra-organizational relationships. Properties of informal structure are typically shown to have a more direct (less contingent) impact on organizational performance. Despite these pronounced differences in the conceptualization of organization structure, considerable overlap and complementarity exist between the two research streams. In this article, I compare and contrast a pair of exemplars from each stream – the information processing perspective and the social network perspective – with respect to their conceptualizations of organization structure and its relationship to performance. Several recommendations for future research that combines the two approaches are offered.
ATLAST detector needs for direct spectroscopic biosignature characterization in the visible and near-IR

Are we alone? Answering this ageless question will be a major focus for astrophysics in coming decades. Our tools will include unprecedentedly large UV-Optical-IR space telescopes working with advanced coronagraphs and starshades. Yet, these facilities will not live up to their full potential without better detectors than we have today. To inform detector development, this paper provides an overview of visible and near-IR (VISIR; λ= 0.4 - 1.8 μm) detector needs for the Advanced Technology Large Aperture Space Telescope (ATLAST), specifically for spectroscopic characterization of atmospheric biosignature gasses. We also provide a brief status update on some promising detector technologies for meeting these needs in the context of a passively cooled ATLAST.
A New Radio Loudness Diagnostic for Active Galaxies: a Radio-To-Mid-Infrared Parameter

We have studied the relationship between the nuclear (high-resolution) radio emission, at 8.4GHz (3.6cm) and 1.4GHz (20cm), the [O IV) (gamma)25.89 micron, [Ne III] (gamma)l5.56 micron and [Ne II] (gamma)l2.81 micron emission lines and the black hole mass accretion rate for a sample of Seyfert galaxies. In order to characterize the radio contribution for the Seyfert nuclei we used the 8.4 GHz/[O IV] ratio, assuming that [0 IV] scales with the luminosity of the active galactic nuclei (AGN). From this we find that Seyfert 1 s (i.e. Seyfert 1.0s, 1.2s and 1.5s) and Seyfert 2s (i.e. Seyfert 1.8s, 1.9s and 2.0s) have similar radio contributions, relative to the AGN. On the other hand, sources in which the [Ne u] emission is dominated either by the AGN or star formation have statistically different radio contributions, with star formation dominated sources more 'radio loud', by a factor of approx.2.8 on average, than AGN dominated sources. We show that star formation dominated sources with relatively larger radio contribution have smaller mass accretion rates. Overall, we suggest that 8.4 GHz/[O IV], or alternatively, 1.4 GHz/[O IV] ratios, can be used to characterize the radio contribution, relative to the AGN, without the limitation of previous methods that rely on optical observables. Key words: Galaxy: stellar content - galaxies: Seyfert - infrared: galaxies
Three-dimensional spatial normal modes in compressible boundary layers

Three-dimensional spatially growing perturbations in a two-dimensional compressible boundary layer are considered within the scope of linearized Navier{Stokes equations. The Cauchy problem is solved under the assumption of a flnite growth rate of the disturbances. It is shown that the solution can be presented as an expansion into a biorthogonal eigenfunction system. The result can be utilized for decomposition of ∞ow flelds derived from computational studies when pressure, temperature, and all the velocity components, together with some of their derivatives, are available. The method can be used also if partial data are available when a priori information may be utilized in the decomposition alogorithm. Properties of the discrete spectrum for a boundary layer over a cone with an adiabatic wall at the edge Mach number 5.6 is explored. It is shown that the synchronism of the slow discrete mode with acoustic waves at a low frequency or a low Reynolds number is primarily two-dimensional. At high angles of disturbance propagation, the fast discrete mode is no longer synchronized with entropy and vorticity modes.
STUDIES ON THE HEMORRHAGIC SWEET CLOVER DISEASE IV. THE ISOLATION AND CRYSTALLIZATION OF THE HEMORRHAGIC AGENT

1. The hemorrahgic agent is spoiled sweet clover hay (Melilotus alaba) has been isolatd in a pure state, m. p. 288-289°, from experimentally produced spoiled hays as well as form hyas that killed cattle in argicultural practice. 2. This substance has the empirical formula C12H12O6. It is optically inactive. There are two acidic hydroxyls in the molecule. The acidity of the pure substance falls between that of the phenols and the carboxylic acids. A crystalline dimethyl other C12H12O4(OCH2)2 with a melting point fo 168-170° (physiologically inactive) has been prepared by methylation with diazomethane. 3. In the pure state the substance has a low soulubility in the ordinary organic solvents. It is insoluble in acid media. Basic solvenets. and dilute alkali effect solution radily (salt formation). 4. The substance could not be characterized or identified on the basis of its behavior towards the usual identification reagents. Its occurrence in nature has not previosly been reproted. 5. 1.5 mg. of hte crystalline hemorrhagic agent cause approximately the same reduciton in the prothrombin level or activity of the plasma of standardized susceptible reabbits in 40 hours as 50 gm. of the standard spoiled hay sample. 6. Spoiled sweet cover hays produced experimentally from Melilotus alba and those relized in agricultural parctice contain approximately 0.003 per cent of the hemorrhagic agent on the dry substance basis. The over-all yield of the subsance in a fractionation scheme involving sixteen steps approximates 86 per cent of the quantity present.
Exposing strategic assets to create new competencies: The case of technological acquisition in the waste management industry in Europe and North America

This paper presents a model that complements the research stream of transaction cost economics with the dynamic capabilities approach. The paper shows that, even though technological alliances involving specific assets deployed in emerging industries are exposed to high transaction costs, they possess attributes that make them attractive. First, they facilitate the creation of tacit competencies, and second, they reduce the uncertainty arising from technological innovation and regulatory changes. The model is empirically tested in the hazardous waste management industry by using primary data collected through the use of questionnaires. The method links governance structure choices to managers' perceptions of the uncertainty surrounding the acquisition of technology.
A Model of Production with Supply Management for the Canadian Agricultural Sector

The production structure of the Canadian agricultural sector is modeled by an output-constrained multiproduct profit function to account for the existence of supply management policies. The le Chatelier effects of supply constraints are illustrated, and the comparative statics of supply management is shown to depend, under input normality, on the type of jointness. Convexity is tested and accepted, and nonjointness is rejected by the estimated normalized quadratic profit function. The results support the hypothesis of nonjointness due to allocatable fixed factors. Decreasing the supply of managed commodities will increase the supply of unrestricted commodities, while total input use is reduced.
Electrodeposition of zinc + nickel alloy phases and electrochemical stripping studies of the anomalous codeposition of zinc

Abstract The electrodeposition of zinc + nickel alloy phases has been studied on platinum, glassy carbon and nickel film electrodes to investigate the depolarization and the anomalous codeposition of zinc. A model involving the coupling of charge transfer and heterogeneous interaction is proposed to calculate the partial Zn currents during the deposition of the α-phase of Zn + Ni in the absence of mass transfer limitations. Potentiodynamic and galvanostatic stripping techniques have been used to characterize the chemical and phase compositions of Zn + Ni films deposited under various conditions. The stripping results demonstrate the strong inhibition of nickel deposition by submonolayer amounts of underpotentionally deposited zinc. Earlier models on anomalous codeposition of zinc are examined critically, and the new experimental and theoretical results are used to show that anomalous deposition is caused mainly by two factors. They are the effect of electrode potential on the deposition of various zinc + nickel phases from the same electrolyte and the influence of underpotentially deposited zinc on the polarization for nickel deposition.
Does Agriculture Generate Local Economic Spillovers? Short-Run and Long-Run Evidence from the Ogallala Aquifer †

Agriculture may support the local nonagricultural economy in rural areas, though agricultural expansion may also crowd-out nonagricultural activity. On the United States Plains, areas over the Ogallala aquifer experienced windfall agricultural gains when post-WWII technologies increased farmers’ access to groundwater. Comparing counties over the Ogallala with similar counties, nonagricultural sectors experienced only short-run relative benefits. Despite substantial and persistent agricultural gains, there was no long-run relative expansion of nonagricultural sectors in Ogallala counties. Agricultural development may still encourage regional or national nonagricultural development, but agriculture does not appear to generate local economic spillovers that differentially encourage local nonagricultural activity. (JEL Q12, Q15, Q18, Q25, R11)
An open-air infrasonic thermoacoustic engine

A low-frequency open-air thermoacoustic engine in a Helmholtz resonator has been constructed. Tests indicate that the system resonates in the Helmholtz mode for modest thermoacoustic stack temperature differences using stacks of varying type and pore size located within the neck of the Helmholtz resonator. The maximum acoustic pressure radiated from the open end of the resonator corresponds to 81 dB-SPL ref 20 μPa at a stack temperature difference of 185 K and an input electric power of 276 W. The system is well characterized by a numerical model of a representative stack.
Performance evaluation of aluminum test cell designed for determining the heat resistance of bacterial spores in foods

Abstract Thermal inactivation kinetic studies are necessary to determine heat resistances of spores in the development of new thermal processes for low-acid shelf-stable products. Most currently available sample holders used for solid and semi solid samples in the kinetic studies take long time to reach the target sample temperature, hence fail to provide isothermal condition. In this research, novel aluminum test cells were developed to facilitate easy loading and unloading samples in a hermetically sealed 1 ml cavity to evaluate the heat resistance of bacterial spores when heated at temperatures above 100 °C. Design of the test cell was governed by minimum come-up time. A finite element model based on the commercial software ‘FEMLAB’ was used to simulate transient heat transfer and finalize the test cell dimensions. Performance of the new test cell was evaluated against capillary and aluminum thermal death time tube methods in characterizing the heat resistance of Clostridium sporogenes PA 3679 spores in a phosphate buffer and mashed potato at 121 °C. D121 values of PA 3679 spores in both the phosphate buffer and mashed potato using the new test cells were not significantly different (P>0.05) from those by the capillary tube method. The results indicated that the new test cell is appropriate for studying the inactivation kinetics of bacterial spores in microbial validation of conventional and novel thermal processes for low-acid shelf-stable foods.
Z(2) vortices and the string tension in SU(2) gauge theory

Abstract We exhibit the appropriate variables allowing the plus-minus (Z(2)) ‘reduction’ of the Wilson loop operator which provides a direct measure of the thin, thick and ‘mixed’ Z(2) topological, gauge-invariant vortices in SU(2) LGT. Simulations with the Wilson action, as well as a perfect action smoothing procedure, show the string tension to be reproduced from the contributions of these excitations.
Exact correlators of BPS Operators from the 3d superconformal bootstrap

We use the superconformal bootstrap to derive exact relations between OPE coecients in three-dimensional superconformaleld theories withN � 4 supersymmetry. These relations follow from a consistent truncation of the crossing symmetry equations that is associated with the cohomology of a certain supercharge. InN = 4 SCFTs, the non-trivial cohomology classes are in one-to-one correspondence with certain half-BPS operators, provided that these operators are restricted to lie on a line. The relations we �nd are powerful enough to allow us to determine an innite number of OPE coecients in the interacting SCFT (U(2)2� U(1) 2 ABJ theory) that constitutes the IR limit of O(3) N = 8 super-Yang-Mills theory. More generally, in N = 8 SCFTs with a unique stress tensor, we are led to conjecture that many superconformal multiplets allowed by group theory must actually be absent from the spectrum, and we test this conjecture in known N = 8 SCFTs using the superconformal index. For generic N = 8 SCFTs, we also improve on numerical bootstrap bounds on OPE coecients of short and semi-short multiplets and discuss their relation to the exact relations between OPE coecients we derived. In particular, we show that the kink previously observed in these bounds arises from the disappearance of a certain quarter-BPS multiplet, and that the location of the kink is likely tied to the existence of the U(2)2� U(1) 2 ABJ theory, which can be argued to not possess this multiplet.
Get out the vote: Determining support or opposition from Congressional floor-debate transcripts

We investigate whether one can determine from the transcripts of U.S. Congressional floor debates whether the speeches represent support of or opposition to proposed legislation. To address this problem, we exploit the fact that these speeches occur as part of a discussion; this allows us to use sources of information regarding relationships between discourse segments, such as whether a given utterance indicates agreement with the opinion expressed by another. We find that the incorporation of such information yields substantial improvements over classifying speeches in isolation.
Deciphering Radical Transport in the Large Subunit of Class I Ribonucleotide Reductase

Incorporation of 2,3,6-trifluorotyrosine (F3Y) and a rhenium bipyridine ([Re]) photooxidant into a peptide corresponding to the C-terminus of the β protein (βC19) of Escherichia coli ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) allows for the temporal monitoring of radical transport into the α2 subunit of RNR. Injection of the photogenerated F3Y radical from the [Re]–F3Y−βC19 peptide into the surface accessible Y731 of the α2 subunit is only possible when the second Y730 is present. With the Y–Y established, radical transport occurs with a rate constant of 3 × 105 s–1. Point mutations that disrupt the Y–Y dyad shut down radical transport. The ability to obviate radical transport by disrupting the hydrogen bonding network of the amino acids composing the colinear proton-coupled electron transfer pathway in α2 suggests a finely tuned evolutionary adaptation of RNR to control the transport of radicals in this enzyme.
Lattice dynamics of simple superionic conductors

Abstract Using harmonic lattice dynamics we are able to calculate 1st order Raman results in the superionic conducting phases of AgI and CuI. We find that much of the calculated response is allowed because of the structural disorder that occurs in these materials. The evidence for the 1st order nature of the experimental results is given and the calculation is compared to experiment. It is also pointed out that Raman experiments (and calculations) can be performed on oriented single crystals of these disordered cubic materials yielding response that transforms as the A, E, and T irreducible representations of the cubic point groups.
Fluorinated carbohydrates as potential plasma membrane modifiers and inhibitors. Synthesis of 2-acetamido-2,6-dideoxy-6-fluoro-d-galactose

Reaction of benzyl 2-acetamido-3,4-di-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-6-O-mesyl-alpha-D-galactopyran oside with cesium floride gave benzyl 2-acetamido-3,6-anhydro-4-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-alpha-D-galactopyranoside instead of the desired 6-fluoro derivative. Acetonation of benzyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-6-O-mesyl-alpha-D-galactopyranoside gave the corresponding 3,4-O-isopropylidene derivative. The 6-O-mesyl group was displaced by fluorine with cesium fluoride in boiling 1,2-ethanediol, and hydrolysis and subsequent N-acetylation gave the target compound. In another procedure, treatment of 2-acetamido-1,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-alpha-D-galactose with N-(diethylamino)sulfur trifluoride gave 2-acetamido-1,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-2,6-dideoxy-6-fluoro-D-galactose which, on acid hydrolysis followed by N-acetylation, gave 2-acetamido-2,6-dideoxy-6-fluoro-D-galactose.
The predictive power of risk preference measures for farming decisions

This paper uses a lottery-choice mechanism to measure farmer preferences over money-denominated risks. We look at the ability of these choice data to predict farming decisions for an in-person sample of 68 farmers. A coarse version of our risk preference measure has substantial explanatory power but in an unexpected direction: a farmer who was more risk averse under our measure was less likely to have diversified his operation and less likely to have a crop insurance contract. A fine version of our risk preference measure has essentially no explanatory power. We conclude that despite their widespread use in the lab, lottery-choice measures of risk preferences are unproven for predicting real world farming behaviour. , Oxford University Press.
8'-Acetylene ABA: an irreversible inhibitor of ABA 8'-hydroxylase

Abstract (+)-8'-Acetylenic ABA has been synthesized through the ligand assisted nucleophilic addition of a Grignard reagent to quinol 6 and is shown to be the first known irreversible inhibitor of ABA 8'-hydroxylase. A series of ABA analogues has been prepared using this procedure.
Expansion coding: Achieving the capacity of an AEN channel

A general method of coding over expansions is proposed, which allows one to reduce the highly non-trivial problem of coding over continuous channels to a much simpler discrete ones. More specifically, the focus is on the additive exponential noise (AEN) channel, for which the (binary) expansion of the (exponential) noise random variable is considered. It is shown that each of the random variables in the expansion corresponds to independent Bernoulli random variables. Thus, each of the expansion levels (of the underlying channel) corresponds to a binary symmetric channel (BSC), and the coding problem is reduced to coding over these parallel channels while satisfying the channel input constraint. This optimization formulation is stated as the achievable rate result, for which a specific choice of input distribution is shown to achieve a rate which is arbitrarily close to the channel capacity in the high SNR regime. Remarkably, the scheme allows for low-complexity capacity-achieving codes for AEN channels, using the codes that are originally designed for BSCs. Extensions to different channel models and applications to other coding problems are discussed.
Globalization Sources and Effects on National States and Societies

The world polity and cultural system are relatively stateless, but they legitimate strong nation-state identities as the dominant actors. This produces very strong tendencies for the adoption of co...
Basic Properties of Microstrip Circuit Elements on Nonreciprocal Substrate-Superstrate Structures

The spectral domain-exponential matrix method is developed to evaluate the full-wave dyadic Green's function for generalized anisotropic substrate-superstrate structures. The method of moments is employed to obtain the basic dispersive characteristics of microstrip and inverted microstrip circuit elements on such structures. A collection of results are presented for the propagation constant and characteristic impedance of microstrip elements on generalized anisotropic layers. Emphasis will be placed on the investigation of microstrip properties on a biased ferrite-semiconductor interface. The modeling accounts for arbitrarily-oriented dc bias magnetic fields. The phenomenon of forward and backward wave propagation on this type of nonreciprocal structure will be highlighted.
Elasticity Maps of Living Neurons Measured by Combined Fluorescence and Atomic Force Microscopy

Detailed knowledge of mechanical parameters such as cell elasticity, stiffness of the growth substrate, or traction stresses generated during axonal extensions is essential for understanding the mechanisms that control neuronal growth. Here, we combine atomic force microscopy-based force spectroscopy with fluorescence microscopy to produce systematic, high-resolution elasticity maps for three different types of live neuronal cells: cortical (embryonic rat), embryonic chick dorsal root ganglion, and P-19 (mouse embryonic carcinoma stem cells) neurons. We measure how the stiffness of neurons changes both during neurite outgrowth and upon disruption of microtubules of the cell. We find reversible local stiffening of the cell during growth, and show that the increase in local elastic modulus is primarily due to the formation of microtubules. We also report that cortical and P-19 neurons have similar elasticity maps, with elastic moduli in the range 0.1–2 kPa, with typical average values of 0.4 kPa (P-19) and 0.2 kPa (cortical). In contrast, dorsal root ganglion neurons are stiffer than P-19 and cortical cells, yielding elastic moduli in the range 0.1–8 kPa, with typical average values of 0.9 kPa. Finally, we report no measurable influence of substrate protein coating on cell body elasticity for the three types of neurons.
Conformational change induced by metal ions through coordination

Abstract The structure of a metal complex may be determined by the structure of the ligand or by the electronic configuration of the metal. In the latter case, the metal can induce a conformational change in the ligand. Such a conformational change is a usual result in coordination reactions, and is particularly significant in biological macromolecules, such as nucleic acids, proteins, and enzymes. We have recently obtained evidence for a mechanism that involves a metal participating in conformational changes that occur in both enzyme and substrate simultaneously.
Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma

(1968). Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma. Clinical and Experimental Optometry: Vol. 51, No. 2, pp. 33-44.
Health Monitoring of Civil Structures

Health monitoring of civil infrastructure systems is cost-effective and necessary since these systems are generally the most expensive investments/assets in any country. In the U.S. these assets are estimated at $20 trillion. In addition, these systems have long service life compared with any other kinds of commercial product, and are rarely replaceable once they are erected. Yet the feedback and controls on the "state of health" of constructed systems are practically nonexistent. Nondestructive evaluation (NDE), sensing and smart structures are essential parts of this feedback and monitoring system for infrastructures. The NSF NDE initiative as well as workshops and related awards/projects are described in this paper.
Cosmic‐Ray Rejection by Linear Filtering of Single Images

We present a convolution-based algorithm for finding cosmic rays in single well-sampled astronomical images. The spatial filter used is the point-spread function (approximated by a Gaussian) minus a scaled delta function, and cosmic rays are identified by thresholding the filtered image. This filter searches for features with significant power at spatial frequencies too high for legitimate objects. Noise properties of the filtered image are readily calculated, which allows us to compute the probability of rejecting a pixel not contaminated by a cosmic ray (the false alarm probability). We demonstrate that the false alarm probability for a pixel containing object flux will never exceed the corresponding probability for a blank-sky pixel, provided we choose the convolution kernel appropriately. This allows confident rejection of cosmic rays superposed on real objects. Identification of multiple-pixel cosmic-ray hits can be enhanced by running the algorithm iteratively, replacing flagged pixels with the background level at each iteration.
Conduction in ion implanted single crystal diamond

We have implanted sodium, phosphorus and arsenic into single crystal type IIa diamond as possible n-type dopants. Particular emphasis was applied to the implantation of sodium at different temperatures and doses; combined implantation energies of 55,80 and 120 keV were used to provide a uniformly doped layer over approximately 100 nm depth. The implanted layers exhibited semiconducting behavior with a single exponential activation energy between 0.40 and 0.48 eV, as determined by temperature dependent resistance measurements. A sample implanted to a concentration of 5.10{sup 19} Na{sup +}/cm{sup 3} at 550{degrees}C exhibited a single activation energy of 0.415 eV over a temperature range from 25 to 500{degrees}C. Thermal annealing above 900{degrees}C was found to remove implantation damage as measured by optical absorption and RBS/channeling. However, concomitant increases in the resistance and the activation energy were observed. Implantation of {sup 22}Ne was used to introduce a damage density equivalent to the {sup 23}Na implant, while not introducing an electrically active species. The activation energy and electrical resistance were similar but higher than those produced by implantation with sodium. We conclude that the electrical properties of the Na-implanted samples were at least partly due to electrically active Na, but that residual implantation damagemore » was still important.« less
Money, competitive efficiency, and intergenerational transactions

Abstract This paper shows that a three-period overlapping-generations model with an inverse-V life-cycle endowment structure can generally restore the first welfare theorem without imposing price-characterization conditions. Even when Walras's law fails, a Walrasian equilibrium may be optimal in a three-period model, depending on the endowment and generational structure. If middle-aged generations have sufficiently high income so that both the old and the young are net borrowers, transactions are generation-by-generation bilaterally balanced, thus ruling out potentially better but unenforceable contracts in equilibrium and ensuring competitive efficiency. When there are imbalances, fiat money, which serves as a medium of intergenerational exchanges, becomes valuable.
Andreev bound states in normal and ferromagnet/high-Tc superconducting tunnel junctions

Ag/BSCCO and Fe/Ag/BSCCO planar tunnel junctions were constructed in order to study experimentally the effect of an exchange potential on the spin polarized current transported through Andreev bound states appearing at the interface with a superconductor with broken time reversal pairing symmetry. The zero bias conductance peak (ZBCP) resulting from the Andreev bound states (ABS) is split into two symmetric peaks shifted at finite energies when the counterelectrode is normal. Four asymmetric peaks are observed when the ferromagnetic spin polarized charge reservoir is added, due to the combined effect of a spin filtering exchange energy in the barrier, which is a spin dependent phenomenon, and the spin independent effect of a broken time reversal symmetry (BTRS). The polarization in the iron layer leads to asymmetry. Due to the shift of ABS peaks to finite energies, the conductance at zero energy behaves as predicted by recent theoretical developments for pure d-wave junctions without Andreev reflections.
Limited information estimators and exogeneity tests for simultaneous probit models

A two-step maximum likelihood procedure is proposed for estimating simultaneous probit models and is compared to alternative limited information estimators. Conditions under which each estimator attains the Cramer–Rao lower bound are obtained. Simple tests for exogeneity based on the new two-step estimator are proposed and are shown to be asymptotically equivalent to one another and to have the same local asymptotic power as classical tests based on the limited information maximum likelihood estimator. Finite sample comparisons between the new and alternative estimators are presented based on some Monte Carlo evidence. The performance of the proposed tests for exogeneity is also assessed.
Point modules over regular graded skew Clifford algebras

Abstract Results of Vancliff, Van Rompay and Willaert in 1998 [8] prove that point modules over a regular graded Clifford algebra (GCA) are determined by (commutative) quadrics of rank at most two that belong to the quadric system associated to the GCA. In 2010, in [4] , Cassidy and Vancliff generalized the notion of a GCA to that of a graded skew Clifford algebra (GSCA). The results in this article show that the results of [8] may be extended, with suitable modification, to GSCAs. In particular, using the notion of μ -rank introduced recently by the authors in [9] , the point modules over a regular GSCA are determined by (noncommutative) quadrics of μ -rank at most two that belong to the noncommutative quadric system associated to the GSCA.
A little large N group theory

Abstract We discuss the group theory relevant to the ground-state baryons in large N c QCD. For very large representation, the group generators become classical variables. We find the form of the classical generators for the completely symmetric N index representation of SU ( m ) as N → ∞ and derive an integral formula for the matrix elements of an arbitrary polynomial in the group generators between low-spin baryon states in the large N limit.
Hidden surface removal for rectangles

Abstract A simple but important special case of the hidden surface removal problem is one in which the scene consists of n rectangles with sides parallel to the x- and y-axes, with viewpoint at z=∞ (that is, an orthographic projection). This special case has application to overlapping windows in computer displays. An algorithm with running time O(n log n + k log n) is given for static scenes, where k is the number of line segments in the output. Algorithms are given for a dynamic setting (that is, rectangles may be inserted and deleted) that take time O(log2n log log n + k log2 n) per insert or delete, where k is now the number of visible line segments that change (appear or disappear). Algorithms for point location in the visible scene are also given.
An application of the ireland reaction to the stereospecific synthesis of fused carbocyclic systems.

Abstract The sequence: group transfer Michael addition, aldol / lactonization and Claisen rearrangement provides access to the title compounds.
Direct products of modules and the pure semisimplicity conjecture

It is shown that, if R is either an Artin algebra or a commutative noetherian domain of Krull dimension 1, then infinite direct products of R-modules resist direct sum decomposition as follows: If is a family of non-isomorphic, finitely generated, indecomposable R-modules, then is not a direct sum of finitely generated modules. The bearing of this direct product condition on the pure semisimplicity problem is discussed.
Byzantine broadcast in point-to-point networks using local linear coding

The goal of Byzantine Broadcast (BB) is to allow a set of fault-free nodes to agree on information that a source node wants to broadcast to them, in the presence of Byzantine faulty nodes. We consider design of efficient algorithms for BB in synchronous point-to-point networks, where the rate of transmission over each communication link is limited by its "link capacity". The throughput of a particular BB algorithm is defined as the average number of bits that can be reliably broadcast to all fault-free nodes per unit time using the algorithm without violating the link capacity constraints. The capacity of BB in a given network is then defined as the supremum of all achievable BB throughputs in the given network, over all possible BB algorithms. We develop NAB - a Network-Aware BB algorithm - for tolerating f faults in arbitrary point-to-point networks consisting of f ≥ 3f+1 nodes and having ≥ 2f+1 directed node disjoint paths from each node i to each node j. We also prove an upper bound on the capacity of BB, and conclude that NAB can achieve throughput at least 1/3 of the capacity. When the network satisfies an additional condition, NAB can achieve throughput at least 1/2 of the capacity. To the best of our knowledge, NAB is the first algorithm that can achieve a constant fraction of capacity of Byzantine Broadcast (BB) in general point-to-point networks.
The transition from galactic to extragalactic cosmic rays

We discuss the region of transition between galactic and extragalactic cosmic rays. The exact shapes and compositions of these two components contain information about important parameters of powerful astrophysical sources and the conditions in extragalactic space. Several types of experimental data, including the exact shape of the ultrahigh energy cosmic rays, their chemical composition and their anisotropy, and the fluxes of cosmogenic neutrinos have to be included in the solution of this problem.
Risk-based capital adequacy standards for a sample of 43 major banks

Abstract The paper extends the option-theoretic framework for the estimation of risk-adjusted deposit premiums to the calculation of risk-based capital adequacy standards. Based on market data for equity and the book value of debt, the model solves for the market value of the capital infusion required to lower the implied deposit premium to acceptable levels of risk. This capital infusion can then be translated into market-value capital adequacy standards and book-value capital-asset ratios, the determination of which is within the current statutory discretion of regulatory agencies. The model is empirically applied to a sample of 43 major U.S. banks.
Simple Methodology for Heck Arylation at C‐8 of Adenine Nucleosides

A simple method for the arylation of 8-vinyladenine nucleoside derivatives is reported. With a broad set of aryl iodides and bromides, the reaction is catalyzed by the simple combination palladium acetate/tris(o-tolyl)phosphine/triethylamine [Pd-(OAc)2/(o-tol)3P/Et3N]. As expected, aryl chlorides are more difficult coupling partners but some undergo reactions with more exotic catalysts. Although trans-olefins are the major products, minor amounts of cis-isomers are detected in some cases, and a post-arylation mechanism for their formation is proposed. Finally, by subtle catalyst modulation chemoselective N-arylation of the nucleoside can be achieved in the presence of the vinyl moiety.
Pd(II)-catalyzed enantioselective C-H activation of cyclopropanes.

Systematic ligand development has led to the identification of novel mono-N-protected amino acid ligands for Pd(II)-catalyzed enantioselective C–H activation of cyclopropanes. A diverse range of organoboron reagents can be used as coupling partners, and the reaction proceeds under mild conditions. These results provide a new retrosynthetic disconnection for the construction of enantioenriched cis-substituted cyclopropanecarboxylic acids.
Manual optimization of ill-structured problems

This paper describes an empirical study on human operators optimizing ill-structured problems over a variety of problem conditions. Performance and exploratory characteristics of the operators were examined as a function of these conditions relative to the random automatic optimization method. Manual optimization performance exceeded that of the automatic method under most conditions. In those problems containing more controls to be optimized and where there were few trials available, manual optimization was far more effective. Operator performance was impaired in solving problems which contained noise in the reported pay-off. Exploratory characteristics of these operators changed with the problem conditions. Based upon these characteristics, manual optimization may be described as a low-order gradient optimizer with adaptation to different problem conditions.
Asymmetric, Stereodivergent Synthesis of (−)‐Clusianone Utilizing a Biomimetic Cationic Cyclization

We report a stereodivergent, asymmetric total synthesis of (-)-clusianone in six steps from commercial materials. We implement a challenging cationic cyclization forging a bond between two sterically encumbered quaternary carbon atoms. Mechanistic studies point to the unique ability of formic acid to mediate the cyclization forming the clusianone framework.
Synthesis and rearrangement of a bridged thioamide

The synthesis of a bridged thiolactam is described. This thiolactam is shown to undergo an unusual C–N bond cleavage reaction under conditions of its synthesis. Spectroscopic properties of the thiolactam indicate a considerable degree of twist of the thioamide bond.
Charge dependence and electric quadrupole effects on single-nucleon removal in relativistic and intermediate energy nuclear collisions

Single-nucleon removal in relativistic and intermediate energy nucleus-nucleus collisions is studied using a generalization of Weizsacker-Williams theory that treats each electromagnetic multipole separately. Calculations are presented for electric dipole and quadrupole excitations and incorporate a realistic minimum impact parameter, Coulomb recoil corrections, and the uncertainties in the input photonuclear data. Discrepancies are discussed. The maximum quadrupole effect to be observed in future experiments is estimated and also an analysis of the charge dependence of the electromagnetic cross sections down to energies as low as 100 MeV/nucleon is made.
All Globalization Is Local: Countervailing Forces and the Influence on Higher Education Markets

trends and innovations in the instructional technologies are widely believed to be creating new markets and forcing a revolution in higher education. Much of the rhetoric of "globalists" has presented a simplistic analysis of a paradigm shift in higher education markets and the way nations and institutions deliver educational services. This essay provides an analytical framework for understanding global influences on national higher education systems. It then identifies and discusses the "countervailing forces" to globalization that help to illuminate the complexities of the effects of globalization (including the General Agreement on Trade and Services) and new instructional technologies on the delivery and market for teaching and learning services. Globalization does offer substantial and potentially sweeping changes to national systems of higher education, but there is no uniform influence on nation-states or institutions. All globalization is in fact subject to local (or national and regional) influences.
Diels-Alder reactions of N-silyloxy 1-azadienes

Abstract Novel 1-(t-butyldimethylsilyloxy)-1-aza-1,3-butadienes 1 and 2 are prepared by the reaction of O-(t-butyldimethylsilyloxy)hydroxylamine with methyl vinyl ketone and methacrolein, respectively. Azadienes 1 and 2 through sharing of oxygen nonbonding electrons are activated and thus their Diels-Alder reactions with a number of halobenzoquinones, napthoquinones and N-phenylmaleimide regiospecifically give low to good yields of various pyridine heterocycles.
Beyond Models and Metaphors: Visual Formalisms in User Interface Design

A challenging problem for user interface research is the design of user interfaces for information-intensive applications in which the organization, display and manipulation of dense, complex data are important. From what vantage point can we approach the design of such interfaces, and what computational building blocks will support their development? Two popular schools of thought hold that mental models and metaphors provide useful points of departure for user interface design. Considering the literature of cognitive science, we evaluate each as a basis for the design of information-intensive interfaces, and evaluate a third, newer approach, that of visual formalisms. We compare the advantages and disadvantages of mental models, metaphors and visual formalisms, with particular attention to the practical solutions each provides to application developers.
Subrings invariant under endomorphisms

Abstract Let S and R be the rings of regular functions on affine algebraic varieties over a field of characteristic 0, R be embedded as a subring in S, and F :S→S be an endomorphism such that F(R)⊂R. Suppose that every ideal of height 1 in R generates a proper ideal in S, and the spectrum of R has no self-intersection points. We show that if F is an automorphism so is F| R :R→R . When R and S have the same transcendence degree then the fact that F|R is an automorphisms implies that F is an automorphism.
A Copula based sampling method for residual life prediction of engineering systems under uncertainty

Successful health prognostics of engineering systems will allow engineers to shift the traditional breakdown and time based maintenance to the state-of-art predictive and condition-based maintenance. Performing the right type of maintenance activity at the right time will minimize maintenance costs and the downtime of engineering systems. However, techniques and methodologies for health prognostics are typically application-specific. This paper aims at developing a generic real time sensor-based prognostic methodology for predicting residual life of engineering systems by modeling explicit relationship between the failure time and the time realizations at different degradation levels. Specifically, a Copula based sampling method is proposed with four technical components for off-line training and on-line life prediction. First of all, degradation signals are pre-processed to have non-decreasing degradation data sets. Next, degradation data sets are dicretized into a certain number of degradation levels with associated time realizations. Then, explicit statistical dependence modeling between the failure time and the time realizations at different degradation levels is conducted using the Bayesian Copula approach and the semi-Copula model. Finally, probability density function of the failure time and the residual life are efficiently predicted using the sampling method provided that we know some true time realizations at a certain number of degradation levels. Residual life predictions of electric cooling fans are employed to demonstrate the proposed method.
Natural history of homonymous hemianopia

Objective: To describe the characteristics of spontaneous recovery of homonymous hemianopia (HH). Methods: The authors reviewed medical records of all patients with HH confirmed by formal visual field testing and seen in follow-up in their service between 1989 and 2004. Clinical characteristics, causes, neuroradiologic definition of lesion location, final outcome, and evolution of the visual field defects were recorded. The associations among final visual field defect outcome, time from injury, and clinical features were analyzed. Results: A total of 254 patients with 263 HH were included in this study. Spontaneous visual field defect recovery was observed in 101 HH (38.4%). The likelihood of spontaneous recovery decreased with increasing time from injury to initial visual field testing ( p = 0.0003). The probability of improvement was related to the time since injury ( p = 0.0003) with a 50 to 60% chance of improvement for cases tested within 1 month after injury that decreased to about 20% for cases tested at 6 months after surgery. No other factor was found to correlate with the final outcome of the visual field defects. Improvement after 6 months from injury was mild and usually related to improvement of the underlying disease. Conclusion: Spontaneous improvement of homonymous hemianopia is seen in at least 50% of patients first seen within 1 month of injury. In most cases, the improvement occurs within the first 3 months from injury. Spontaneous improvement after 6 months postinjury should be interpreted with caution as it is most likely related to improvement of the underlying disease or to improvement in the patient’s ability to perform visual field testing reliably.
Nonlinear State Estimation and Feedback Control of Nonlinear and Bilinear Distributed Parameter Systems

This paper presents a theory of nonlinear state observers for nonlinear and bilinear distributed parameter systems. Convergence results are proved for these observers. Linear feedback control derived from such state observers is applied to the distributed parameter system and conditions are presented for closed-loop stability. The emphasis is on finite dimensional state observers and controllers (which can be implemented with on-line computers) and conditions for their successful operation with infinite dimensional distributed parameter systems.