cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Global Financial Crisis and Stochastic Convergence in the Euro Area

This paper analyzes the issue of convergence in the original Euro Area countries, and assesses the effect of the global financial crisis on the process of convergence. In particular, we consider whether the global financial crisis pulled the 12 economies of the Euro Area together or pushed them apart. We investigate the dynamics of stochastic convergence of the original Euro Area countries for inflation rates, nominal interest rates, and real interest rates. We test for convergence relative to Germany, taken as the benchmark for core EU standards, using monthly data over the period January 2001 to September 2010. We examine, in a time-series framework, three different profiles of the convergence process: linear convergence, nonlinear convergence, and linear segmented convergence. Our findings both contradict and support convergence. Stochastic convergence implies the rejection of a unit root in the inflation rate, nominal interest rate, and real interest rate differentials. We find that the differentials are consistent with a unit-root hypothesis when the alternative hypothesis is a stationary process with a linear trend. We frequently, but not always, reject the unit-root hypothesis when the alternative is a stationary process with a broken trend. We also note that the current financial crisis plays a significant role in dating the breaks.
Interruptions and the interpretation of conversation

(1981). Interruptions and the interpretation of conversation. Discourse Processes: Vol. 4, No. 2, pp. 171-188.
Characterization of some low spin complexes of ferric hemeoctapeptide from cytochrome-c

Abstract Complexes of hemeoctapeptide, derived from bovine cytochrome c , show similar magnetic properties to those of low spin complexes of cytochrome c and hemoglobin. The electronic properties of hemeoctapeptide and cytochrome complexes are also similar while the Soret and beta bands of these analogs are generally blue shifted from those of corresponding complexes of hemoglobin due largely to the differences in the type of heme. Electron spin resonance calculations were carried out using Taylor's method to elucidate d orbital splittings and structural differences in hemeoctapeptide, hemoglobin, and cytochrome c . A correlation between V , the rhombicity, and the position of the beta band was found to exist and was dependent on protein type. However, neither the electronic not magnetic data was largely dependent on protein bulk. A large rhombic splitting caused shifts to the blue, and showed a dependence of the porphyrin pi orbitals on the placement of the metal relative to the porphyrin plane. A structural basis for the degree of rhombic splitting and thermodynamic parameters for ligand binding is proposed.
LEARNING, EXTERNALITIES, AND THE SALE OF INVENTIONS TO FIRMS WITH CORRELATED VALUATIONS

I examine how an inventor's ability to learn affects the bargaining outcome when she attempts to sell a discovery to one of two oligopolistically competitive firms with correlated and private valuations. It is shown that learning gives the inventor an incentive to lower her proposed price to the first firm approached since being rejected would cause her to be pessimistic when dealing with the second firm. At the same time, however, the inventor would like to raise her proposed price since this pessimism is weaker if she is rejected upon making a high proposal. Another incentive to raise the proposal comes from the fact that learning increases the first firm's willingness to pay for the invention. Computational results suggest that the first effect dominates and thus the inventor lowers her proposal in the first round. When dealing with the second firm, it is shown that learning results in a lower equilibrium proposal and contracting with more types. Moreover, it is shown that the cost of lowering the proposed price outweighs the benefit of contracting with more types so that learning in general reduces the continuation value associated with contracting in the second round.
The Clinicopathologic Features of Molecular Apocrine Breast Cancer

Background: To elucidate the clinicopathologic features and their implications on the immunohistochemistry in cases of molecular apocrine breast cancer (MABC). Methods: Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for estrogen receptor (ER), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), cytokeratin (CK) 5/6, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), androgen receptor (AR), gammaglutamyltrasferase 1 (GGT1) and Ki-67 was performed on tissue microarray breast cancer samples from 204 patients. Phenotypes of breast cancer were divided based on the IHC status of ER, AR and GGT1 into the following: luminal type, ER positive and AR and/or GGT1 positive; basal type, ER, AR, and GGT1 negative; non-basal type, ER positive and AR and GGT1 negative; and MABC type, ER negative and AR and/or GGT1 positive. Results: In our series of patients (n= 204), there were 26 cases of MABC. Besides, there were 18, 60, and 100 cases of luminal type, basal type and non-basal type, respectively. The MABC demonstrated apocrine histology and a higher prevalence of HER-2 positivity than other phenotypes. With the basal type, the MABC manifested a more frequent expression of CK5/6 and EGFR and a higher Ki-67 index than other phenotypes (p< 0.001). There were no significant differences in patient prognosis between the phenotypes of breast cancer. Conclusions: MABC are distinguishable from other phenotypes based on the apocrine histology and a higher expression rate of HER-2.
On the origin of cold dark matter halo density profiles

N-body simulations predict that cold dark matter (CDM) halo-assembly occurs in two phases: (i) a fast-accretion phase with a rapidly deepening potential well; and (ii) a slow-accretion phase characterized by a gentle addition of mass to the outer halo with little change in the inner potential well. We demonstrate, using one-dimensional simulations, that this two-phase accretion leads to CDM haloes of the Navarro, Frenk & White (NFW) form and provides physical insight into the properties of the mass-accretion history that influence the final profile. Assuming that the velocities of CDM particles are effectively isotropized by fluctuations in the gravitational potential during the fast-accretion phase, we show that gravitational collapse in this phase leads to an inner profile p(r) ∝ r -1 . Slow accretion on to an established potential well leads to an outer profile with p(r) ∝ r -3 . The concentration of a halo is determined by the fraction of mass that is accreted during the fast-accretion phase. Using an ensemble of realistic mass-accretion histories, we show that the model predictions of the dependence of halo concentration on halo formation time and, hence, the dependence of halo concentration on halo mass, and the distribution of halo concentrations all match those found in cosmological N-body simulations. Using a simple analytic model that captures much of the important physics, we show that the inner r -1 profile of CDM haloes is a natural result of hierarchical mass assembly with an initial phase of rapid accretion.
Exact solutions for bond and option prices with systematic jump risk

A variety of realistic economic considerations make jump-diffusion models of interest rate dynamics an appealing modeling choice to price interest-rate contingent claims. However, exact closed-form solutions for bond prices when interest rates follow a mixed jump-diffusion process have proved very hard to derive. This paper puts forward two new models of interest-rate dynamics that combine infrequent, discrete changes in the interest-rate level, modeled as a jump process, with short-lived, mean reverting shocks, modeled as a diffusion process. The two models differ in the way jumps affect the central tendency of interest rates; in one case shocks are temporary, in the other shocks are permanent. We derive exact closed-form solutions for the price of a discount bond and computationally tractable schemes to price bond options.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Bicyclic Amidines via Rhodium-Catalyzed [2+2+2] Cycloaddition of Carbodiimides

A highly enantioselective rhodium-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition of terminal alkynes and alkenyl carbodiimides has been developed. This reaction demonstrates the feasibility of olefin insertion into carbodiimide-derived metalacycles and provides a new class of chiral bicyclic amidines as the major products. An isonitrile migration process responsible for the formation of the minor cycloadduct can be observed and is highly sensitive to the electronics of alkynyl substrates.
Enantioselective Metallophosphite-Catalyzed C-Acylation of Nitrones

Metallophosphites derived from tartaric acid catalyze the enantioselective addition of acyl silanes to nitrones. The product α-N-silyloxyamino ketones are obtained in moderate to good yields (36−94%) with excellent enantioselectivity (er ≥ 95:5). The nitrone oxygen is essential in facilitating the silyl transfer that is required for catalyst turnover. This represents, to the best of our knowledge, the first example of C-acylation of nitrones and the most highly enantioselective catalytic addition of an acyl anion equivalent to an azomethine electrophile. The N−O bond of the product may be reductively cleaved under mild conditions to provide N-aryl α-amino ketones with negligible loss of enantiopurity.
Surfaces violating Bogomolov-Miyaoka-Yau in positive characteristic

The Bogomolov-Miyaoka-Yau inequality asserts that the Chern numbers of a surface X of general type in characteristic 0 satisfy the inequality c 2 1 ≤ 3c 2 , a consequence of which is K 2 X/x(O x ) ≤ 9. This inequality fails in characteristic p, and here we produce infinite families of counterexamples for large p. Our method parallels a construction of Hirzebruch, and relies on a construction of abelian covers due to Catanese and Pardini.
Importance sampling in rigid body diffusion Monte Carlo

We present an algorithm for rigid body diffusion Monte Carlo with importance sampling, which is based on a rigorous short-time expansion of the Green's function for rotational motion in three dimensions. We show that this short-time approximation provides correct sampling of the angular degrees of freedom, and provides a general way to incorporate importance sampling for all degrees of freedom. The full importance sampling algorithm significantly improves both calculational efficiency and accuracy of ground state properties, and allows rotational and bending excitations in molecular van der Waals clusters to be studied directly.
A Remotely Sensed Global Terrestrial Drought Severity Index

Regional drought and flooding from extreme climatic events are increasing in frequency and severity, with significant adverse ecosocial impacts. Detecting and monitoring drought at regional to global scales remains challenging, despite the availability of various drought indices and widespread availability of potentially synergistic global satellite observational records. The authors have developed a method to generate a near-real-time remotely sensed drought severity index (DSI) to monitor and detect drought globally at 1-km spatial resolution and regular 8-day, monthly, and annual frequencies. The new DSI integrates and exploits information from current operational satellite-based terrestrial evapo-transpiration (ET) and vegetation greenness index [normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)] products, which are sensitive to vegetation water stress. Specifically, this approach determines the annual DSI departure from its normal (2000–11) using the remotely sensed ratio of ET to potential ET (PET) and ...
Cosmic Superstring Scattering in Backgrounds

We generalize the calculation of cosmic superstring reconnection probability to non-trivial backgrounds. This is done by modeling cosmic strings as wound tachyon modes in the 0B theory, and the spacetime effective action is then used to couple this to background fields. Simple examples are given including trivial and warped compactifications. Generalization to (p,q) strings is discussed.
WHAT TO STABILIZE IN THE OPEN ECONOMY

We consider the question how “best” to maintain price-level stability in an open economy, and evaluate three possible policy choices: (a) a constant money growth rate rule; (b) a fixed exchange rate; and (c) a policy of explicit commitment to a price-level target. In each case we assume that policy is conducted by injecting reserves into or withdrawing reserves from the “banking system.” In evaluating the three regimes, we adopt the criterion that the “best” policy should leave the least scope for indeterminacy and “excessive” economic volatility. In a steady-state equilibrium, the choice of regime is largely irrelevant; any steady-state equilibrium under one regime can be duplicated by an appropriate choice of the “control” variable under any other regime. However, we show that the sets of equilibria under the three regimes are dramatically different. When all countries follow the policy of fixing a constant rate of money growth, there are no equilibria displaying endogenously arising volatility and there is no indeterminacy of equilibrium. Under a regime of fixed exchange rates, indeterminacies and endogenously arising fluctuations are impossible if and only if the country with the low “reserve-to-deposit” ratio is charged with maintaining the fixed rate. Finally, when one country targets the time path of its price level, under very weak conditions, there will be indeterminacy of equilibrium and endogenously arising volatility driven by expectations.
Choosing between Big-Bang and Gradualist Reforms: An Option Price Approach☆

Abstract We derive the exact conditions for choosing between the big-bang strategy and a gradualist package following the model of Dewatripont and Roland (1995, Amer. Econ. Rev. 85, 5:1207–1223). We consider gradualism as an option of early bailout and derive its option price. We show how the option price can be used to select between gradualism and the big-bang strategy, between different gradualist packages, and between the best gradualist package and the big-bang strategy. Our results show that the fundamental proposition of Dewatripont and Roland is incorrect so that we conclude that their case against the big-bang strategy is overstated.J. Comp. Econom., March 2000, 28(1), pp. 95–107. Stern School of Business, New York University, 44 West 4th Street, New York, New York 10012.
3EG J2016)3657: CONFIRMING AN EGRET BLAZAR BEHIND THE GALACTIC PLANE

We recently identified the blazar-like radio source G74.87+1.22 (B2013+370) as the counterpart of the high-energy γ-ray source 3EG J2016+3657 in the Galactic plane. However, since most blazar identifications of EGRET sources are only probabilistic in quality even at high Galactic latitude, and since there also exists a population of unidentified Galactic EGRET sources, we sought to obtain additional evidence to support our assertion that 3EG J2016+3657 is a blazar. These new observations consist of a complete set of classifications for the 14 brightest ROSAT X-ray sources in the error circle, of which B2013+370 remains the most likely source of the γ-rays. We also obtained further optical photometry of B2013+370 itself which shows that it is variable, providing additional evidence of its blazar nature. Interestingly, this field contains, in addition to the blazar, the Crab-like supernova remnant CTB 87, which is too distant to be the EGRET source, and three newly discovered cataclysmic variables, all five of these X-ray sources falling within 16' of each other. This illustrates the daunting problem of obtaining complete identifications of EGRET sources in the Galactic plane.
A Mixed-Mesh and New Angular Space Discretization Scheme of Discontinuous Finite Element Method for Three-Dimensional Radiative Transfer in Participating Media

We present a discontinuous finite element method for the numerical solution of internal thermal radiation problems in three-dimensional (3D) geometries using an unstructured mesh of mixed elements. Mathematical formulation, numerical implementation, and computational details are given. The different domain discretization methods are presented, and a new angular space discretization is also given. Numerical examples are presented for 3D radiative transfer in emitting, absorbing, and scattering media. Computed results compare well with analytical solutions whenever available. The localized formulation intrinsic in discontinuous finite elements is considered particularly useful for computational radiation heat transfer in participating media.
Perturbative corrections to zero recoil inclusive B decay sum rules

Abstract Comparing the result of inserting a complete set of physical states in a time ordered product of b decay currents with the operator product expansion gives a class of zero recoil sum rules. They sum over physical states with excitation energies less than Δ, where Δ is much greater than the QCD scale and much less than the heavy charm and bottom quark masses. These sum rules have been used to derive an upper bound on the zero recoil limit of the B → D ∗ form-factor, and on the matrix element of the kinetic energy operator between B meson states. Perturbative corrections to the sum rules of order αs(Δ) Δ 2 m c,b 2 have previously been computed. We calculate the corrections of order αs(Δ) and αs2(Δ) β0 keeping all orders in Δ m c,b , and show that these perturbative QCD corrections suppressed by powers of Δ m c,b significantly weaken the upper bound on the zero recoil B → D ∗ form-factor, and also on the kinetic energy operator's matrix element.
Working with simple machines

A set of examples is provided that illustrate the use of work as applied to simple machines. The ramp, pulley, lever and hydraulic press are common experiences in the life of a student, and their theoretical analysis therefore makes the abstract concept of work more real. The mechanical advantage of each of these systems is also discussed so that students can evaluate their usefulness as machines.
Vibration of an eccentrically clamped annular plate

Small amplitude vibration of an eccentric annular plate, which is free along its outer edge and clamped along the interior, is investigatd through experimental and analytical methods. A disk with this geometry, or a stacked array in which the clamping and symmetry axes of each disk are nominally coincident, is common in data storage and brake systems applications. In the present case, the geometric imperfections on the boundary can have important implications for the disk's dynamic response. The natural frequencies and modes are found through global discretization of the Kamke quotient for a classical thin plate
Infall Models of Class 0 Protostars

We have carried out radiative transfer calculations of infalling, dusty envelopes surrounding embedded protostars to understand the observed properties of the recently identified "class 0" sources. To match the far-infrared peaks in the spectral energy distributions of objects such as the prototype class 0 source VLA 1623, pure collapse models require mass infall rates ~10-4 M☉ yr-1. The radial intensity distributions predicted by such infall models are inconsistent with observations of VLA 1623 at submillimeter wavelengths, in agreement with the 1993 results of Andre and coworkers who found a density profile of ρ ∝ r-1/2 rather than the expected ρ ∝ r-3/2 gradient. To resolve this conflict while still invoking infall to produce the outflow source at the center of VLA 1623, we suggest that the observed submillimeter intensity distribution is the sum of two components: an inner infall zone plus an outer, more nearly constant density region. This explanation of the observations requires that roughly half the total mass observed within a 2000 AU radius of the source lies in a region external to the infall zone. The column densities for this external region are comparable to those found in the larger Oph A cloud within which VLA 1623 is embedded. This decomposition into infall and external regions is not unique, owing to uncertainty in the structure of the molecular gas outside of the infall zone, which in turn implies some uncertainty in estimating the infall rate. Nevertheless, the environment of Oph A is so dense that any protostellar clouds that fragment out are likely to collapse at very high infall rates, consistent with our spectral energy distribution modeling. The extreme environments of class 0 sources lead us to suggest an alternative or additional interpretation of these objects: rather than simply concluding with Andre and coworkers that class 0 objects represent only the earliest phases of protostellar collapse and ultimately evolve into older "class I" protostars, we suggest that many class 0 sources could be the protostars of very dense regions, and class I objects found in lower density regions may be in comparable evolutionary states.
Ab initio studies of methylenecarbene and isoelectronic species

Optimum equilibrium geometries, energetics, harmonic vibrational frequencies, and infared intensities within the double harmonic approximation are computed for methylenecarbene, CCH2, and isoelectronic species involving silicon and germanium at both the SCF level of theory and the level of second-order perturbation theory using a 6-311G(2df, 2p) basis set or its equivalent. Optimum equilibrium geometries and energetics are also computed at both levels of theory using a smaller 6-311G(d, p) basis set or its equivalent. This investigation of these species is the first to include all of the systems with germanium. In addition, this present work is the first study to includef-type polarization functions in a systematic investigation of the molecular structure and properties of all the molecules in the series. Acetylenic structures are also computed for energy comparisons. Of all the linear isomers, only acetylene is found to be a minimum on the potential energy surface. However, all of the C2v structures are found to be local minima. Both the C2v and linear structures will serve as a basis for future work involving mapping the entire hyperenergy surfaces of all of the molecular systems in the series.
First passage time densities in non-Markovian models with subthreshold oscillations

Motivated by the dynamics of resonant neurons we consider a differentiable, non-Markovian random process x(t) and particularly the time after which it will reach a certain level xb for the first time. The probability density of this first passage time is expressed as infinite series of integrals over joint probability densities of x and its velocity . Approximating higher-order terms of this series through the lower-order ones leads to closed expressions in the cases of vanishing and moderate correlations between subsequent crossings of xb. For a linear oscillator driven by white or coloured Gaussian noise, which models a resonant neuron, we show that these approximations reproduce the complex structures of the first passage time densities characteristic for the underdamped dynamics, where Markovian approximations (giving monomodal first passage time distribution) fail.
REFINING GENETICALLY INFERRED RELATIONSHIPS USING TREELET COVARIANCE SMOOTHING.

Recent technological advances coupled with large sample sets have uncovered many factors underlying the genetic basis of traits and the predisposition to complex disease, but much is left to discover. A common thread to most genetic investigations is familial relationships. Close relatives can be identified from family records, and more distant relatives can be inferred from large panels of genetic markers. Unfortunately these empirical estimates can be noisy, especially regarding distant relatives. We propose a new method for denoising genetically—inferred relationship matrices by exploiting the underlying structure due to hierarchical groupings of correlated individuals. The approach, which we call Treelet Covariance Smoothing, employs a multiscale decomposition of covariance matrices to improve estimates of pairwise relationships. On both simulated and real data, we show that smoothing leads to better estimates of the relatedness amongst distantly related individuals. We illustrate our method with a large genome-wide association study and estimate the “heritability” of body mass index quite accurately. Traditionally heritability, defined as the fraction of the total trait variance attributable to additive genetic effects, is estimated from samples of closely related individuals using random effects models. We show that by using smoothed relationship matrices we can estimate heritability using population-based samples. Finally, while our methods have been developed for refining genetic relationship matrices and improving estimates of heritability, they have much broader potential application in statistics. Most notably, for error-in-variables random effects models and settings that require regularization of matrices with block or hierarchical structure.
DIVERGENT EXPECTATIONS AND THE ASIAN FINANCIAL CRISIS OF 1997

An important question concerning integration of global financial markets is whether local investors in an equity market react differently from international investors, particularly during periods of financial crisis. Considering local investors are closer to information, they might turn pessimistic before foreign investors before a crisis. We examine whether local investors in each of the six Asian stock markets—Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Thailand—reacted differently from international investors during the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Our empirical results indicate that, in general, closed-end country fund share prices (mainly driven by foreign investors) Granger-cause the respective net asset values (NAVs, mainly driven by local investors). Moreover, this one-way Granger-causality effect from share prices to NAVs becomes much stronger during the crisis period after controlling for U.S. stock returns. Our results suggest international investors turned pessimistic before local investors. JEL classification: G15
Changing aid regimes? U.S. foreign aid from the Cold War to the War on Terror

Abstract This paper explores how U.S. bilateral economic aid has changed over time, focusing on how the recent era–in which the War on Terror has played a prominent role in the Bush administration's aid policy–differs from previous eras. In particular, has the renewed geopolitical role of aid coincided with a reduction of aid to the poorest countries or less weight on need in U.S. aid allocation decisions? We start with an analysis of annual U.S. aid budgets from 1955 to 2006. Controlling for domestic political and economic conditions, we find that the War on Terror's effect on the aid budget is significantly larger than is immediately apparent. To explore how the emphasis on need may have changed over time, we use country-level panel data on aid allocations to 119 countries across the same time period. This shows that U.S. aid flows–for the poorest as well as other developing countries–increased with the War on Terror. However, after rising for 35 years, the emphasis placed on need has been falling steadily for core aid recipients during the War on Terror.
On the social role of computer communications

Computer-communication systems appear essential to meeting many needs in our society resulting from greater interdependence and complexity of operation and from rising expectations. There are, in principle, different ways of utilizing them for the same purposes, with radically different social consequences. The choice, which amounts in effect to a social decision, is, in practice, severely restricted by the computer hardware and software and by the communication facilities that happen to be available at the time. The paper discusses some of the pressures that lead to more widespread use of computers in the operation of society and illustrates how specific characteristics of computer-communication systems may influence social trends and, in particular, individual freedom.
Derivative method unfolding of gamma-ray spectra from NE-213 spectrometers

Abstract Derivative method unfolding used in MATXUF for on-line analysis of fast neutron spectra has been applied to the analysis of gamma-ray spectra measured by an NE-213 liquid scintillation spectrometer. To eliminate the negative fluxes in the unfolded spectrum created by the Compton scatter behaviour in the plateau portion of the knee response correcting equations using a linearized approximation to the electron recoil spectrum has been developed and incorporated in the MATXUF unfolding code.
Student performance in first year, mathematics, and physics courses: Implications for success in the study of electrical and computer engineering

Mathematics and physics courses are recognized as a crucial foundation for the study of engineering, and often are prerequisite courses for the basic engineering curriculum. But how does performance in these prerequisite courses affect student performance in engineering courses? This study evaluated the relationship between grades in prerequisite math and physics courses and grades in subsequent electrical engineering courses. Where significant relationships were found, additional analysis was conducted to determine minimum grade goals for the prerequisite courses. Relationships were found between five course pairs: calculus II and differential equations; calculus II and physics I (mechanics); physics II (electricity and optics) and circuits analysis II; physics II (electricity and optics) and signals and systems; and circuits analysis II and signals and systems. The results indicate that a grade of C+ or higher in calculus II, and a grade of B- or higher in physics II and circuits analysis II will lead to higher grades in subsequent mathematics, circuits, and signals and systems courses. This information will be used to aid faculty in making decisions about imposing minimum grade requirements.
Quadratic algebras with Ext algebras generated in two degrees

Abstract Green and Marcos (2005) [2] call a graded k -algebra δ -Koszul if the corresponding Yoneda algebra Ext ( k , k ) is finitely generated and there exists a function δ : N → N such that Ext i , j ( k , k ) is zero if j ≠ δ ( i ) . For any integer m ≥ 3 we exhibit a noncommutative quadratic δ -Koszul algebra for which the Yoneda algebra is generated in degrees ( 1 , 1 ) and ( m , m + 1 ) . These examples answer a question of Green and Marcos. These algebras are not Koszul but m -Koszul (in the sense of Backelin).
Trade in Financial Services – Has the IMF Been Involved Constructively?

This paper considers the key policy issues related to liberalisation of trade in financial services that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) should be concerned with, and the role the IMF has played in advising on policies related to trade in financial services in its bilateral and multilateral surveillance and in conditionality attached to lending programmes. The IMF staff were generally aware of the literature and country experiences showing the benefits of financial liberalisation. But Fund advice in support of liberalisation can be best interpreted to be in support of country unilateral policy actions and the dynamics of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) accession process.
Siloxacyclopentenes as Dienophile-Linked Directing Groups in Intramolecular Diels-Alder Reactions

The synthesis and intramolecular Diels−Alder reactions of trienes 5 and 6 with a siloxacyclopentene-constrained dienophile are described. These reactions provide the primary cycloadducts 7 and 8 with high diastereoselectivity. These cycloadducts possess trans-relationships between the ring fusion proton and the adjacent C(1) alkoxy group and can be further elaborated to alcohols 9 and 11 (via protiodesilylation) or to 10 and 12 (via Fleming−Tamao oxidation) depending on the substitutent R.
Auxiliary-Assisted Palladium-Catalyzed Arylation and Alkylation of sp2 and sp3 Carbon-Hydrogen Bonds

We have developed a method for auxiliary-directed, palladium-catalyzed β-arylation and alkylation of sp3 and sp2 C−H bonds in carboxylic acid derivatives. The method employs a carboxylic acid 2-methylthioaniline- or 8-aminoquinoline amide substrate, aryl or alkyl iodide coupling partner, palladium acetate catalyst, and an inorganic base. By employing 2-methylthioaniline auxiliary, selective monoarylation of primary sp3 C−H bonds can be achieved. If arylation of secondary sp3 C−H bonds is desired, 8-aminoquinoline auxiliary may be used. For alkylation of sp3 and sp2 C−H bonds, 8-aminoquinoline auxiliary affords the best results. Some functional group tolerance is observed and amino- and hydroxy-acid derivatives can be functionalized. Preliminary mechanistic studies have been performed. A palladacycle intermediate has been isolated, characterized by X-ray crystallography, and its reactions have been studied.
Diabetes mellitus and inflammatory periodontal diseases

Purpose of review Periodontal diseases are inflammatory conditions that were once thought to have manifestations localized to the oral cavity alone, and were therefore considered the concern of only dentists and other oral health professionals. Emerging evidence has changed this view and now suggests that periodontal diseases may play a role in numerous conditions that impact systemic well being, including diabetes mellitus. This review examines the relationships that exist between periodontal diseases and diabetes mellitus, with a focus on potential common pathophysiologic pathways including those associated with inflammation, altered host responses, and insulin resistance. Recent findings Periodontal inflammation is associated with an elevated systemic inflammatory state and an increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke, adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preeclampsia, low birth weight and preterm birth, and altered glycemic control in people with diabetes. Intervention trials suggest that periodontal therapy, which decreases the intraoral bacterial bioburden and reduces periodontal inflammation, can have a significant impact on systemic inflammatory status. Evidence suggests that periodontal therapy is associated with improved glycemic control in many patients with both diabetes and periodontal diseases. Summary Recognition of the bilateral relationships between oral and systemic health will challenge physicians and dentists to work together closely in the future when managing patients with diabetes and periodontal disease.
Effects of Wall Conduction on Heat Transfer for Turbulent Flow in a Circular Tube

Utilisation d'une procedure analytique pour determiner la temperature a l'interface paroi-fluide et le nombre de Nusselt local pour un ecoulement turbulent dans un tube circulaire en tenant compte de la conduction thermique axiale et radiale de la paroi. Etude de l'influence de la conduction de la paroi en fonction de 4 parametres: nombres de Reynolds et de Prandtl, rapport des conductivites thermiques de la paroi et du fluide et epaisseur sans dimension de la paroi
MR imaging in abdominal emergencies

Cross-sectional imaging has become an essential part in the diagnostic algorithm of the acutely ill patient. Ultrasound (US) and computed tomography (CT) have been integrated in most diagnostic algorithms in these patients. US is particularly well suited for the evaluation of severely ill patients because it can be performed at bedside, is rapid, and does not require intravenous contrast. CT indications for the assessment of these patients have increased continuously during the last decades as CT scanners have become more accessible and CT examinations faster. Abdominal-pelvic MR imaging is most often used in a problem-solving capacity. It often is a second-line, alternative imaging modality for those patients with an unclear diagnosis and is not routinely performed in the evaluation of the acutely ill patient. Impediments to a more widespread use in the acute setting include a limited availability of MR imaging scanners, and the complexity, length, and cost of the MR imaging examinations. Multiplanar imaging, lack of ionizing radiation, and safety of the currently available contrast materials, however, are favorable features for MR imaging. Furthermore, if studies can demonstrate a decrease in test redundancy or a more rapid diagnosis andappropriatetriagetheearlytreatment,MRimaging mayprovetobeacost-effectivestrategyforimagingin the emergency or urgent setting. The authors have experienced an increased reliance on MR imaging in this setting and have capitalized on the inherent, excellent soft tissue contrast available and newer techniques that can allow for consistent and rapid diagnoses. This article describes a range of applications for which MR imaging can be of value in the assessment of the patient with acute abdominal emergencies.
Right-to-Work Laws and Geographic Differences in Living Costs: An Analysis of Effects of the "Union Shop" Ban for the Years 1974, 1976, and 1978

The existence in a geographic area of right-to-work laws prohib­iting the union shop tends to generate a labor-market environment with less union power and thus less labor-market pressure to elevate labor costs. To the extent that right-to-work legislation leads to lower labor costs and hence to lower unit production costs, there is a tendency for the overall cost of living in the area to be lower. Using ordinary least squares, this paper examines this hypothesis for the years 1974, 1976, and 1978 for some 38 metropolitan areas in the United States. In a variety of different empirical models, this study generates very strong support for this right-to-work law/living-cost relationship.
Dependent random choice

We describe a simple and yet surprisingly powerful probabilistic technique which shows how to find in a dense graph a large subset of vertices in which all (or almost all) small subsets have many common neighbors. Recently this technique has had several striking applications to Extremal Graph Theory, Ramsey Theory, Additive Combinatorics, and Combinatorial Geometry. In this survey we discuss some of them. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2011 © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Julia sets and wild Cantor sets

There exist uniformly quasiregular maps $$f:\mathbb {R}^3 \rightarrow \mathbb {R}^3$$ whose Julia sets are wild Cantor sets.
Insights from simulations of star formation

Although the basic physics of star formation is classical, numerical simulations have yielded essential insights into how stars form. They show that star formation is a highly nonuniform runaway process characterized by the emergence of nearly singular peaks in density, followed by the accretional growth of embryo stars that form at these density peaks. Circumstellar discs often form from the gas being accreted by the forming stars, and accretion from these discs may be episodic, driven by gravitational instabilities or by protostellar interactions. Star-forming clouds typically develop filamentary structures, which may, along with the thermal physics, play an important role in the origin of stellar masses because of the sensitivity of filament fragmentation to temperature variations. Simulations of the formation of star clusters show that the most massive stars form by continuing accretion in the dense cluster cores, and this again is a runaway process that couples star formation and cluster formation. Star-forming clouds also tend to develop hierarchical structures, and smaller groups of forming objects tend to merge into progressively larger ones, a generic feature of self-gravitating systems that is common to star formation and galaxy formation. Because of the large range of scales and the complex dynamics involved, analytic models cannot adequately describe many aspects of star formation, and detailed numerical simulations are needed to advance our understanding of the subject.
Densification of Silicon Nitride: Effect of Chlorine Impurities

The effect of chlorine impurities on the densification of hot-pressed silicon nitride has been simulated by the addition of chlorine (H2PtCl6 6H2O) to the starting powders. The presence of chlorine retards the α-β phase transformation during hot-pressing. Microstructurally, it is found that the chlorine is incorporated in the inter granular noncrystalline phase. In the Y2O3 hot-pressed material, the chlorine appears to prevent the Y2Si2O7 phase from crystallizing.
An Operator Calculus for Surface and Volume Modeling

The mathematical techniques which form the foundation for most of the surface and volume modeling techniques used in practice are briefly described. An outline of what may be termed an operator calculus for the approximation and interpolation of functions of more than one independent variable is presented. By considering the linear operators associated with bivariate and multivariate interpolation/approximation schemes, it is shown how they can be compounded by operator multiplication and Boolean addition to obtain a distributive lattice of approximation operators. It is then demonstrated via specific examples how this operator calculus leads to practical techniques for sculptured surface and volume modeling.
Some New Nazarov Chemistry

The Nazarov cyclization is a 4π-electron conrotatory cyclization of a pentadienyl cation that leads to a five-membered ring, typically a cyclopentenone. Because the mechanism is well defined, it is often possible to make accurate and useful stereochemical predictions regarding the course of the reaction. Because the reaction intermediates are carbocations, it is also possible to devise tandem processes whereby the initial cyclization is followed by one or more C–C bond forming processes. In recent years, a number of advances have been made in the asymmetric version of the Nazarov cyclization, adding to its usefulness in total synthesis. It is the goal of this review to introduce the reader to some of the newer methodological advances roughly spanning the past ten years, and to do so within a mechanistic framework. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Majority Rule at Low Temperatures on the Square and Triangular Lattices

We consider the majority-rule renormalization group transformation applied to nearest neighbor Ising models. For the square lattice with 2 by 2 blocks we prove that if the temperature is sufficiently low, then the transformation is not defined. We use the methods of van Enter. Fewrnandez, and Sokal, who proved the renormalized measure is not Gibbsian for 7 by 7 blocks if the temperature is too low. For the triangular lattice we prove that a zero-temperature majorityrule transformation may be defined. The resulting renormalized Hamiltonian is local with 14 different types of interactions.
Simple, Efficient Catalyst System for the Palladium-Catalyzed Amination of Aryl Chlorides, Bromides, and Triflates

Palladium complexes supported by (o-biphenyl)P(t-Bu)2 (3) or (o-biphenyl)PCy2 (4) are efficient catalysts for the catalytic amination of a wide variety of aryl halides and triflates. Use of ligand 3 allows for the room-temperature catalytic amination of many aryl chloride, bromide, and triflate substrates, while ligand 4 is effective for the amination of functionalized substrates or reactions of acyclic secondary amines. The catalysts perform well for a large number of different substrate combinations at 80−110 °C, including chloropyridines and functionalized aryl halides and triflates using 0.5−1.0 mol % Pd; some reactions proceed efficiently at low catalyst levels (0.05 mol % Pd). These ligands are effective for almost all substrate combinations that have been previously reported with various other ligands, and they represent the most generally effective catalyst system reported to date. Ligands 3 and 4 are air-stable, crystalline solids that are commercially available. Their effectiveness is believed t...
A new protocol for antimicrobial testing of oils

This paper describes modifications of the Food and Drug Administration's 1991 proposed rule for topical antimicrobial drug products for over-the-counter human use, affecting first aid antiseptic drug product testing for recovery of test bacteria from tea tree oil. Because the FDA's proposed method provided for the testing of water soluble and/or miscible products, along with the use of a chemical neutralizer, Mitech Laboratories, Inc. developed a new method for testing of water insoluble oils using a non-toxic solvent. In a bactericidal assay, specific sterile diluting fluids are used as a non-toxic solvent followed by a rinse. The bacteriological retentative membrane filtration method, rather than chemical neutralization, is used for recovery of bacteria along with accurate organism counting. This new method provides a mechanism to enable general recognition of effectiveness for oil-based antiseptic drug products in compliance with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
Crystal growth and structural investigation of A2BReO6 (A=Sr, Ba; B=Li, Na)

Single crystals of the double perovskite rhenates A{sub 2}BReO{sub 6} (A=Sr, Ba; B=Li, Na) were grown out of molten hydroxide fluxes. Single crystals of orange/yellow Ba{sub 2}LiReO{sub 6}, Ba{sub 2}NaReO{sub 6} and Sr{sub 2}LiReO{sub 6} were solved in the cubic, Fm-3m space group with a=8.1214(11) A, 8.2975(3) A, and 7.9071(15) A, respectively, while Sr{sub 2}NaReO{sub 6} was determined to be monoclinic P2{sub 1}/n with a=5.6737(6) A, b=5.7988(6) A, c=8.0431(8) A, and {beta}=90.02(6){sup o}. The cubic structure consists of a rock salt lattice of corner-shared ReO{sub 6} and MO{sub 6} (M=Li, Na) octahedra which, in the monoclinic structure, are both tilted and rotated. A discrepancy exists between the symmetry of Sr{sub 2}LiReO{sub 6} indicated by the single-crystal refinement of flux-grown crystals (cubic, Fm-3m) and the symmetry indicated by the powder diffraction data collected on polycrystalline samples prepared by the ceramic method (tetragonal, I4/m). It is possible that the cubic crystals are a kinetic product that forms in small quantities at low temperatures, while the powder represents the more stable polymorph that forms at higher reaction temperature. - Graphical abstract: Single-crystal structure analyses of double perovskite rhenates, Sr{sub 2}LiReO{sub 6}, Ba{sub 2}LiReO{sub 6} and Ba{sub 2}NaReO{sub 6} indicate cubic symmetry while thatmore » of Sr{sub 2}NaReO{sub 6} shows monoclinic symmetry.« less
Bromo-boronolactonization of olefins.

Exposure of a variety of mono- and disubstituted ortho-alkenylarylboronic acids to NBS in THF/H2O under neutral conditions affords bromo-boronolactones, in some instances, with exceptional regiocontrol. The adducts, analogous to those formed by carboxylic acids, are shown to be useful synthetic intermediates.
Don't trust the cloud, verify: integrity and consistency for cloud object stores

Cloud services have turned remote computation into a commodity and enable convenient online collaboration. However, they require that clients fully trust the service provider in terms of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Towards reducing this dependency, this paper introduces a protocol for verification of integrity and consistency for cloud object storage (VICOS), which enables a group of mutually trusting clients to detect data-integrity and consistency violations for cloud storage. It aims at services where multiple clients cooperate on data stored remotely on a potentially misbehaving service. VICOS enforces the consistency notion of fork-linearizability, supports wait-free client semantics for most operations, and reduces the computation and communication overhead compared to previous protocols. VICOS is based in a generic way on any authenticated data structure. A prototype of VICOS that works with the key-value store interface of commodity cloud storage has been implemented, and an evaluation demonstrates its advantage compared to existing systems.
Soliton Collisions in the Ion Acoustic Plasma Equations

Numerical experiments involving the interaction of two solitary waves of the ion acoustic plasma equations are described. An exact 2-soliton solution of the relevant KdV equation was fitted to the initial data, and good agreement was maintained throughout the entire interaction. The data demonstrates that the soliton interactions are virtually elastic