cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Novel Feature Extraction Technique for Fuzzy Relational Clustering of a Flexible Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor

This paper describes a novel clustering methodology for classifying over 700 conformations of a flexible analogue of GBR 12909, a dopamine reuptake inhibitor that has completed phase I clinical trials as a treatment for cocaine abuse. The major aspect of the clustering methodology includes an efficient data-conditioning scheme where a systematic feature extraction procedure based on the structural properties of the molecule was used to reduce the associated feature space. This allowed region-specific clustering that focused on individual pharmacophore elements of the molecule. For clustering of the reduced feature set, the fuzzy clustering partitional method was utilized. Due to the relational nature of the feature data, fuzzy relational clustering was employed, and it successfully detected natural groups defined by rotational minima around N(sp3)−C(sp3), O(sp3)−C(sp3), and C(sp3)−C(sp2) bonds. The proposed clustering methodology also employed several cluster validity measures, which corroborated the part...
Dark Cloud Cores and Gravitational Decoupling from Turbulent Flows

We test the hypothesis that the starless cores may be gravitationally bound clouds supported largely by thermal pressure by comparing observed molecular line spectra to theoretical spectra produced by a simulation that includes hydrodynamics, radiative cooling, variable molecular abundance, and radiative transfer in a simple one-dimensional model. The results suggest that the starless cores can be divided into two categories: stable starless cores that are in approximate equilibrium and will not evolve to form protostars, and unstable prestellar cores that are proceeding toward gravitational collapse and the formation of protostars. The starless cores might be formed from the interstellar medium as objects at the lower end of the inertial cascade of interstellar turbulence. In addition, we identify a thermal instability in the starless cores. Under particular conditions of density and mass, a core may be unstable to expansion if the density is just above the critical density for the collisional coupling of the gas and dust so that as the core expands, the gas-dust coupling that cools the gas is reduced and the gas warms, further driving the expansion.
Secure Location Verification Using Radio Broadcast

Secure location verification is a recently stated problem that has a number of practical applications. The problem requires a wireless sensor network to confirm that a potentially malicious prover is located in a designated area. The original solution to the problem, as well as solutions to related problems, exploits the difference between propagation speeds of radio and sound waves to estimate the position of the prover. In this paper, we propose a solution that leverages the broadcast nature of the radio signal emitted by the prover and the distributed topology of the network. The idea is to separate the functions of the sensors. Some sensors are placed such that they receive the signal from the prover if it is inside the protected area. The others are positioned so that they can only receive the signal from the prover outside the area. Hence, the latter sensors reject the prover if they hear its signal. Our solution is versatile and it deals with provers using either omni-directional or directional propagation of radio signals without requiring any special hardware besides a radio transceiver. We estimate the bounds on the number of sensors required to protect the areas of various shapes and extend our solution to handle complex radio signal propagation, optimize sensor placement, and operate without precise topology information
The Management of International Rivers as Demands Grow and Supplies Tighten: India, China, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh

In this study, we describe the challenges of managing Himalayan rivers as a result of climate change and the industrialization and economic growth of India and China. We discuss a range of conceptual issues relevant for negotiations over the management of Himalayan rivers. We introduce the concept of multi-track diplomacy, and apply it to the case of international river management, in the context of innovations incorporated in five international treaties signed in 1996 and 1997. We examine past problems with bilateralism in international river diplomacy, in particular as an obstacle to successful agreement and the potential of more multilateral approaches. We describe the wave of Himalayan water projects being designed and constructed at the beginning of the twenty-first century, based on earlier agreements as well as new initiatives. We note the subsequent implementation problems that have arisen, and the substantial issues that need to be addressed by an expanded group of countries depending on Himalayan rivers. Finally, we consider directions in which current innovations might be extended as bases of regional cooperation, using the multi-track diplomacy framework. We suggest that an independent regulatory agency could facilitate rational development, assist in the management of substantial uncertainties about future flows, and reduce the potential for conflict. We describe the possible structure and functioning of such a new institution.
COLD TRAPPED ATOMS: A MESOSCOPIC SYSTEM

The Bose–Einstein condensates recently created in trapped atomic gases are mesocopic systems, in two senses: (a) Their size fall between macroscopic and microscopic systems; (b) They have a quantum phase that can be manipulated in experiments. We review the theoretical and experimental facts about trapped atomic gases, and give examples that emphasize their mesocopic characters. One is the dynamics of collapse of a condensate with attractive interactions. The other is the creation of a one-dimensional kink soliton that can be used as a mode-locked atom laser.
Ecological economics at a crossroads

During the past decade theoretical and empirical advances in neoclassical economics have resulted in the virtual rejection of the two pillars of traditional welfare economics-- rational economic man and perfect competition. Surprisingly, many ecological economists are moving closer to the discredited neo-Walrasian welfare model just at the time it is being replaced within the mainstream. We call for a return to the roots of ecological economics and an engagement with current developments in mainstream theory. (This abstract was borrowed from another version of this item.)
Optimal anycast technique for delay-sensitive energy-constrained asynchronous sensor networks

In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), asynchronous sleep-wake scheduling protocols can be used to significantly reduce energy consumption without incurring the communication overhead for clock synchronization needed for synchronous sleep-wake scheduling protocols. However, these savings could come at a significant cost in delay performance. Recently, researchers have attempted to exploit the inherent broadcast nature of the wireless medium to reduce this delay with virtually no additional energy cost. These schemes are called "anycasting," where each sensor node forwards the packet to the first node that wakes up among a set of candidate next-hop nodes. In this paper, we develop a delay-optimal anycasting scheme under periodic sleep-wake patterns. Our solution is computationally simple and fully distributed. Furthermore, we show that periodic sleep-wake patterns result in the smallest delay among all wake-up patterns under given energy constraints. Simulation results illustrate the benefit of our proposed schemes over the state of the art.
Relationship Banking and the Pricing of Financial Services

We investigate pricing effects of the joint production of loans and security underwritings. We control for firm and borrower characteristics, including differences in sequencing, which are important for pricing. Contrary to previous studies, when banks combine lending and underwriting within the same customer relationship they charge premiums for both loans and underwriting services. Abstracting from effects of joint production within relationships, depository banks engaged in underwriting price lending and underwriting more cheaply than stand alone investment banks. One advantage borrowers enjoy from bundling products within a banking relationship is a form of liquidity risk insurance, which is manifested in a reduced demand for lines of credit. We also find evidence of a “road show” effect; firms enjoy loan pricing discounts on loans that are negotiated at times close to the debt underwritings, whether or not the same bank provides both services. Relationship effects are only visible when lending and underwriting both occur, and are stronger for equity-loan relationships than for debt-loan relationships.
The Diazo Ketone Approach to the Isoprostanes

A general synthetic approach to the isoprostanes has been established, based on intermolecular aldol condensation of a diazo ketone with an unsaturated aldehyde, followed by cyclization of the resulting diazo ketone to the cyclopropane. Subsequent kinetic opening with thiophenol followed by further elaboration then leads to the isoprostane. The history of this approach and the details of its development are discussed.
The skeletal muscle transcript profile reflects accommodative responses to inadequate protein intake in younger and older males

Abstract Inadequate protein intake initiates adverse changes in skeletal muscle function and structure (i.e., an accommodative response). mRNA level changes due to short-term inadequate dietary protein might be an early indication of subsequent accommodation. The aims of this study were to assess the effects of dietary protein and the diet-by-age interaction on the skeletal muscle transcriptome. Twelve younger (21–43 y) and 10 older (63–79 y) men completed three controlled feeding trials with protein intakes of 0.50 (LPro: lower protein), 0.75 (MPro: medium protein) and 1.00 g protein·kg body weight−1·day−1 (HPro: higher protein). A fasting state biopsy was taken on Day 12 of each trial. Global changes in transcript levels were assessed with Affymetrix genechips and expression patterns determined using self-organizing maps. Nine hundred fifty-eight transcripts were differentially expressed (P
Development of an intelligent stretching device for ankle joints with contracture/spasticity

A stretching device with intelligent control was developed to treat spastic/contractured ankles of neurologically impaired patients and evaluate the outcome. The device stretched the ankle joint safely throughout the range of motion (ROM) to extreme positions until a specified peak resistance torque was reached with the stretching velocity controlled based on the resistance torque. The ankle was then held at the extreme position for a period of time to let the stress relax before it was rotated back to the other extreme position. The stretching was slow at the joint extreme positions, making it possible to reach a larger ROM safely, and it was fast in the middle ROM so the majority of the treatment was spent in stretching the problematic extreme ROM. The device was evaluated in five healthy subjects and used to treat four stroke patients. Furthermore, it was used to evaluate the treatment outcome in multiple aspects, including passive/active joint ROM, stiffness, viscous damping, and reflex excitability. The intelligent control and yet simple design of the device suggest that the device can be made portable at relatively low cost, making it available to patients/therapists for frequent use in clinics/home and allowing more effective treatment and long-term improvement.
Occam filters for stochastic sources with application to digital images

An Occam filter employs lossy data compression to separate signal from noise. Previously, it was shown that Occam filters can filter random noise from deterministic signals. Here, we show that Occam filters can also separate two stochastic sources, depending on their relative compressibility. We also compare the performance of Occam filters and wavelet-based denoising on digital images.
Dakin−West Synthesis of β-Aryl Ketones

Triethylamine and 1-methylimidazole were found to be selective catalysts for the Dakin−West synthesis of diaryl ketones and aryl methyl ketones, respectively. In the 1-methylimidazole-catalyzed reaction, catalysis is due to the simultaneous formation of both an effective acylating agent, 1-acyl-3-methylimidazolium, and a base, carboxylate anion. Hydrocinnamic acid, a compound previously reported to be unreactive under Dakin−West conditions, forms 4-phenyl-2-butanone when the reaction is catalyzed by 1-methylimidazole.
Fused Potts Models

Generalizing the mapping between the Potts model with nearest neighbour interaction and the six vertex model, we build a family of ”fused Potts models” related to the spin k/2 Uqsu(2) invariant vertex model and quantum spin chain. These Potts models have still variables taking values 1, . . . , Q ( p Q = q + q −1 ) but they have a set of complicated multi spin interactions. The general technique to compute these interactions, the resulting lattice geometry, symmetries, and the detailed examples of k = 2,3 are given. For Q > 4 spontaneous magnetizations are computed on the integrable first order phase transition line, generalizing Baxter’s results for k = 1. For Q � 4, we discuss the full phase diagram of the spin one (k = 2) anisotropic and Uqsu(2) invariant quantum spin chain (it reduces in the limit Q = 4 (q = 1) to the much studied phase diagram of the isotropic spin one quantum spin chain). Several critical lines and massless phases are exhibited. The appropriate generalization of the Valence Bond State method of Affleck et al. is worked out.
Intelligent failure-tolerant control

An overview of failure-tolerant control is presented, focusing on the control of continuous-time dynamic systems (or plants) whose motions can be represented by integrals of nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Failure tolerance may be called upon to improve system reliability, maintainability, and survivability, and the issues attached to achieving these goals are examined. Robustness, which is required in some degree by all failure-tolerant systems, is discussed. The use of parallel redundancy is examined. Analytical redundancy, the principal functions of which are failure detection, failure identification, and control-system reconfiguration, is also considered. The use of expert systems and neural networks is discussed. >
Extragalactic Point Source Search in WMAP 61 and 94 GHz Data

We report the results of an extragalactic point-source search using the 61 and 94 GHz (V- and W-band) temperature maps from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP). Applying a method that cancels the "noise" due to the CMB anisotropy signal, we find in the |b| > 10° region 31 sources in the first-year maps and 64 sources in the three-year co-added maps at a 5 σ level. The 1 σ position uncertainties are 1.6' and 1.4', respectively. The increased detections and improved positional accuracy are expected from the higher signal-to-noise ratio of the WMAP three-year data. All sources detected in the first-year maps are repeatedly detected in the three-year maps, which is a strong indication of the consistency of this method. Of all the sources, 97% are identified with either the WMAP three-year source catalog or plausible extrapolations of lower frequency data, which indicates that our method is also reliable. The two unidentified sources have been recently confirmed to be false detections, using the WMAP five-year data. We derive the source count distribution at the WMAP V band by combining our verified detections with sources from the WMAP three-year catalog. If we assume that the effect of source clustering is negligible, the contribution to the power spectrum from faint sources below 0.75 Jy is estimated to be (2.4 ± 0.8) × 10−3 μK2 sr for the V band, which implies a source correction amplitude of A = 0.012 ± 0.004 μK2 sr.
Syntheses and characterization of six quaternary uranium chalcogenides A2M4U6Q17 (A = Rb or Cs; M = Pd or Pt; Q = S or Se).

The A2M4U6Q17 compounds Rb2Pd4U6S17, Rb2Pd4U6Se17, Rb2Pt4U6Se17, Cs2Pd4U6S17, Cs2Pd4U6Se17, and Cs2Pt4U6Se17 were synthesized by the high-temperature solid-state reactions of U, M, and Q in a flux ...
Nonlinear stability of combustion-driven acoustic oscillations in resonance tubes

The leading-order fluid motions and frequencies in resonance tubes coupled to a combustion-driven flow source, such as occurs in various types of pulse combustors, are usually strongly related to those predicted by linear acoustics. However, in order to determine the amplitudes of the infinite number of classical acoustic modes predicted by linear theory alone, and hence the complete solution, a nonlinear analysis is required. In the present work, we adopt a formal perturbation approach based on the smallness of the mean-flow Mach number which, as a consequence of solvability conditions at higher orders in the analysis, results in an infinitely coupled system of nonlinear evolution equations for the amplitudes of the linear acoustic modes
Sketching as a Tool for Numerical Linear Algebra

This survey highlights the recent advances in algorithms for numericallinear algebra that have come from the technique of linear sketching,whereby given a matrix, one first compresses it to a much smaller matrixby multiplying it by a (usually) random matrix with certain properties.Much of the expensive computation can then be performed onthe smaller matrix, thereby accelerating the solution for the originalproblem. In this survey we consider least squares as well as robust regressionproblems, low rank approximation, and graph sparsification.We also discuss a number of variants of these problems. Finally, wediscuss the limitations of sketching methods.
Biocatalysis as a Rational Approach to Enantiodivergent Synthesis of Highly Oxygenated Compounds: (+)‐ and (—)‐Pinitol and Other Cyclitols

Bacterial oxygenation of halogenated aromatic compounds yields arene cis-diols of type 2 of high enantiomeric purity. Further oxygenation of these extremely versatile synthetic intermediates provides for stereo- and regioselective introduction of additional functionalities such as hydroxyl groups. Several rational methods of oxygenation (epoxidation, osmylation, singlet oxygen addition, and ozonolysis) are used to produce, in short synthetic routes, cyclitol derivatives of medicinal importance. Proper symmetry considerations lead to the development of enantiodivergent synthetic design of target compounds from a single enantiomer of a starting diol. These principles are illustrated on the short syntheses of (+)- and (-)-pinitol. Stereocontrolled oxidative transformation of diols of type 2 are exemplified in the synthesis of conduritol C and dihydroconduritol C. Full experimental details are provided for all compounds. A guide to the stereorational design of any stereoisomer of cyclohexane (poly)ols or carbohydrates is provided at the end of the paper.
Comparison of methods for uniform laser scanning of centrifuged blood tubes for data acquisition in a hematology analyzer

This paper compares various methods for developing a low-cost, uniform velocity laser-scanning beam to be used for scanning a centrifuged blood tube in the hematology analyzer. For this product, blood is collected from the vein and placed in a hollow tube about 80 mm in length and 2 mm in diameter. The tube is then centrifuged at high speed and the content settles in layers according to the density of the different components in the blood. These components consist of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. The glass tube is coated with special chemicals to accent the color of the different components of the blood. The tube is then placed in an instrument that scans each tube eight times with a laser beam to measure the band lengths and then calculates the value of each of these components in the blood. Various scanning methods are compared to determine the best low-cost uniform beam scanning technique for this data acquisition application.
SIMPLE NON-ABELIAN FINITE FLAVOR GROUPS AND FERMION MASSES

The use of non-Abelian discrete groups G as family symmetries is discussed in detail. Out of all such groups up to order g=31, the most appealing candidates are two subgroups of SU(2): the dicyclic (double dihedral) group G=Q6=(d)D3(g=12) and the double tetrahedral group . Both can allow a hierarchy t>b, τ>c>s, μ>u, d, e. The top quark is uniquely allowed to have a G symmetric mass. Sequential breaking of G and radiative corrections give the smaller masses. Anomaly freedom for gauging G⊂SU(2) is a strong constraint in assignment of fermions to representations of G.
Gravity duals of fractional branes and logarithmic RG flow

Abstract We study fractional branes in N =2 orbifold and N =1 conifold theories. Placing a large number N of regular D3-branes at the singularity produces the dual AdS 5 ×X 5 geometry, and we describe the fractional branes as small perturbations to this background. For the orbifolds, X 5 = S 5 /Γ and fractional D3-branes excite complex scalars from the twisted sector which are localized on the fixed circle of X5. The resulting solutions are given by holomorphic functions and the field-theoretic beta-function is simply reproduced. For N regular and M fractional D3-branes at the conifold singularity we find a non-conformal N =1 supersymmetric SU(N+M)×SU(N) gauge theory. The dual Type I B background is AdS 5 × T 1,1 with NS–NS and R–R 2-form fields turned on. This dual description reproduces the logarithmic flow of couplings found in the field theory.
The Ellipticity of the Disks of Spiral Galaxies

The disks of spiral galaxies are generally elliptical rather than circular. The distribution of ellipticities can be fitted with a lognormal distribution. For a sample of 12,764 galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey Data Release 1 (SDSS DR1), the distribution of apparent axis ratios in the i band is best fit by a lognormal distribution of intrinsic ellipticities with ln � ¼� 1:85 � 0:89. For a sample of nearly face-on spiral galaxies analyzed by Andersen & Bershady using both photometric and spectroscopic data, the best-fitting distribution of ellipticities has ln � ¼� 2:29 � 1:04. Given the small size of the Andersen & Bershady sample, the two distributions are not necessarily inconsistent with each other. If the ellipticity of the potential were equal to that of the light distribution of the SDSS DR1 galaxies, it would produce 1.0 mag of scatter in the Tully-Fisher relation, greater than is observed. The Andersen & Bershady results, however, are consistent with a scatter as small as 0.25 mag in the Tully-Fisher relation. Subject headings: galaxies: fundamental parameters — galaxies: photometry — galaxies: spiral
SHIM: a deterministic model for heterogeneous embedded systems

Typical embedded hardware/software systems are implemented using a combination of C and an HDL such as Verilog. While each is well-behaved in isolation, combining the two gives a nondeterministic model of computation whose ultimate behavior must be validated through expensive (cycle-accurate) simulation. We propose an alternative for describing such systems. Our software/hardware integration medium (shim) model, effectively Kahn networks with rendezvous communication, provides deterministic concurrency. We present the Tiny-shim language for such systems and its semantics, demonstrate how to implement it in hardware and software, and discuss how it can be used to model a real-world system. By providing a powerful, deterministic formalism for expressing systems, designing systems, and verifying their correctness will become easier
Catalytically Active Gold: From Nanoparticles to Ultrathin Films

Ordered gold (Au) mono- and bilayer structures have been synthesized on a highly reduced titania surface. The Au bilayer exhibits a significantly higher catalytic activity for carbon monoxide oxidation than does the Au monolayer structure. This is the first report of Au completely wetting an oxide surface and demonstrates that ultrathin Au films on an oxide surface have exceptionally high catalytic activity, comparable to the activity observed for Au nanoparticles. This discovery is a key to understanding the nature of the active site of supported Au catalysts.
Orthogonal enantioselectivity approaches using homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyst systems: Friedel-Crafts alkylation of indole.

Heterogeneous chiral catalysts have attracted considerable attention from a wide range of scientific disciplines because of their fundamental and practical importance. Recent efforts have focused on the development of more efficient and practical immobilization methods for homogeneous chiral catalysts, and notable success has been achieved by using covalent tethering strategies in asymmetric reactions. Although different conformational preferences between homogeneous and heterogeneous systems are possible, successful orthogonal enantioselectivity using heterogeneous systems—that is, orthogonal to that observed with homogeneous systems—has not yet been achieved. Herein we describe the first example of such selectivity. Our rationale was based on the premise that solid supports, such as zeolites and silicates, would immobilize homogeneous chiral metal complexes, which are generated from rigid multifunctional brucine-derived ligands 1, through electrostatic interactions. This mode is believed to provide a facile mechanism for inducing conformational changes with immobilized chiral complexes.
Context aware education for agriculture

This paper reports results of an ethnographic study undertaken to support the development of an educational tool for a context-aware computing project. This research looked at how teachers use an agricultural context (i.e., school gardens) to teach and how farmers learn within the context of a farm. The goal of this research was to define a set of needs that we could address in developing an educational application that makes use of a mobile device that includes high-definition video, broadband connectivity, and various on-board sensors. More importantly, this mobile device will, on the basis of these data, generate inferences to be used in computer vision and other applications. Our immediate future work is to explore ways in which devices of this type can influence learning and teaching.
Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Treatment of Localized Prostate Cancer and Risk of Second Primary Malignancies

Background:While androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is a common treatment for prostate cancer, little is known regarding its long term health effects, particularly as it relates to the development of second primary malignancies. Therefore, the goal of this study was to assess the association between ADT use and second primary malignancies among men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer. Methods:We assessed whether use of ADT (specifically, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists) was associated with the development of second primary malignancies in a retrospective cohort of 24,038 men ages >18 years who were diagnosed with localized prostate cancer between 1998 and 2007, and followed through 2009. We used proportional hazards regression to estimate the risk of developing a second primary cancer among men who were treated with ADT compared to men who were not. Results:Men who were treated with ADT were not more likely to develop any second primary malignancy compared to those who were not treated with ADT after adjustment for age, race, date of diagnosis, utilization, clinical stage, Gleason score and radiation therapy (HR: 1.10, 95%CI: 0.98, 1.22). Radiation therapy, diabetes and obesity did not modify the association between ADT use and second primary cancer risk. Conclusions: Our results suggest among men with localized prostate cancer, androgen deprivation therapy is not associated with an increased risk of second primary malignancies. Impact:When evaluating the risks and benefits of using ADT as a treatment for localized prostate cancer, considering the risk of second primary malignancies may not be clinically important.
Stress Analysis of Porous Rooted Dental Implants

A model based on a continuously bonded interface predicts high punching stresses at the apex of the implant and low stresses in the cortical plates. A model based on a continuously bonded interface predicts high stiffness and a resultant low implant displacement-load ratio. A model based on a tissue ingrowth-bonded interface predicts uniform distribution of stresses around the implant through the cortical plates. A model based on a tissue ingrowth-bonded interface predicts an implant displacement-load ratio close to the ratio measured with actual implant specimens.
The Maya Codices

AbstractResearch over the past decade has significantly advanced our understanding of the prehispanic Maya codices, both in terms of their content (i.e., hieroglyphic texts, calendrical structure, and iconography) as well as the physical documents themselves (where and when they were painted, and by whom). Recent avenues of exploration include a new emphasis on linguistic and textual analyses; novel methodologies for interpreting calendrical structure; and comparisons with other manuscript traditions, in particular those from highland central Mexico. As a result of these studies, researchers have found that some codical almanacs functioned as real-time instruments to document important astronomical events; others were used to schedule rituals as part of the 52-year calendar that guided civic and religious life in Mesoamerica during the Late Postclassic period (circa A.D. 1250 to 1520). Evidence of connections with central Mexico, documented in terms of interchange among codical scribes, suggests the need ...
Optimization of spectroscopic surveys for testing non-Gaussianity

We investigate optimization strategies to measure primordial non-Gaussianity with future spectroscopic surveys. We forecast measurements coming from the 3D galaxy power spectrum and compute constraints on primordial non-Gaussianity parameters f_(NL) and n_(NG). After studying the dependence on those parameters upon survey specifications such as redshift range, area, number density, we assume a reference mock survey and investigate the trade-off between number density and area surveyed. We then define the observational requirements to reach the detection of f_(NL) of order 1. Our results show that while power spectrum constraints on non-Gaussianity from future spectroscopic surveys can be competitive with current CMB limits, measurements from higher-order statistics will be needed to reach a sub unity precision in the measurements of the non-Gaussianity parameter f_(NL).
Prohibitions on punishments in private contracts

Abstract In most contemporary economies loan contracts that mandate exclusionary penalties such as imprisonment or other non-pecuniary punishments for defaulting debtors are illegal, despite the fact that in some cases contracting parties might gain by being able to use them. A possible rationale for contracting restrictions of this type is that exclusion imposes negative externalities on individuals not party to the original loan contract. We explore the ability of such externalities to account for these restrictions. We contrast exclusion with enforceable collateral seizure, a widespread feature of developed financial systems. We also consider “behavioral” agents who underestimate their chances of being punished, and show that overconfidence of this type is a less compelling justification for restrictions on exclusionary punishments than is often argued.
A comparison of shot-encoding schemes for wave-equation migration

In the last decade the seismic imaging industry has begun collecting data volumes with a substantial amount of data redundancy through new acquisition geometries including: wide-azimuth, rich-azimuth and full-azimuth geometries. The increased redundancy significantly improves image quality in areas with complex geology, but requires considerably greater computational power to construct an image because of the additional data and the need to use advanced imaging algorithms. One way to reduce the computational cost of processing such datasets is to blend shot-records, using shot-encoding, together prior to imaging which reduces the number of migrations necessary for imaging. The downside to doing so is that blending introduces strong, non-physical, cross-talk noise into the final image. By carefully choosing the shot-encoding scheme, we can reduce the additional noise inserted into the image and maximally reduce the number of migrations necessary. We describe a theory of blended imaging that explains all shot-encoding schemes, and use the theory to design a new class of encodings that use amplitude weights instead of phase-shifts or time-delays. We are able to use amplitude encoding to produce blended images of the same quality as previous encoding schemes at a similiar computational cost. Furthermore, we compare the results of amplitude encoding with the results from well-known shot-encoding schemes from previous work including: plane-wave migration, random-time delay, modulated-shot migration, and decimated shot-record migration. In our comparison, we find that plane-wave migration is in many ways an optimal shot-encoding scheme. However, we find that plane-wave migration produces results that are comparable to decimated shot-record migration when the total cost of imaging is taken into account, thereby calling into question the utility of shot-encoding in general. Overall, this work questions the potential for shot-encoding in standard (shot-record) seismic imaging because blended imaging does not appear to sufficiently reduce the cost of imaging given the quality of the blended image compared to decimated shot-record migration.
Genetic basis of photopigment variations in human dichromats

Abstract The spectral sensitivities of the X-encoded pigments in dichromats were studied using the electroretinogram. The action spectra measured for these subjects correspond to four distinctly different X-encoded visual pigments, two different middle-wave pigments spectrally separated by 7 nm and two different long-wave pigments separated by 5 nm. Amino acid sequences were deduced from examination of the genes encoding the pigments. Pairwise comparisons of the opsin structures and pigment spectra confirm and clarify earlier conclusions. Substitutions in exon 5 of the genes produce the spectral difference that separates human X-encoded pigments into middle- and long-wave classes. Polymorphisms in exons 2–4 produce subtypes of pigments that fall within those major classes. Substitution of half of a middle-wave gene with long-wave sequence (exons 1–3) does not shift the middle-wave spectrum. Combined substitutions at positions 230, 233 and 180 produce a 7 nm shift in the middle-wave pigment spectrum. Two subtypes of long-wave pigments that differ in the presence of serine or alanine at position 180 and occur in dichromats, deuteranomalous trichromats, and color normals are spectrally separated by 5–7 run.
Nitrosation of β′-hydroxylamino-α,β-unsaturated oximes: synthesis of 1,7-dioxa-2,6-diaza-spiro[4,4]nona-2,8-diene ring system

Abstract Nitrosation of bis arylidene acetone oximes with nitrous acid in glacial acetic acid gives 3-vinyl pyrazolone-N,N′-dioxides in 32–37% yield. Similar reactions of 2-arylidene-6-(hydroxylamino-aryl-methyl)-cyclohexanone oximes give tricyclic compounds with dioxa-2,6-diaza-spiro[4,4]nona-2,8-diene ring systems in 77–84% yield.
The physiological effects of psychological stress

The study of behavior is a powerful tool in the captive management of wild animals. It can, if properly applied, provide insight into a wide variety of problems. The interpretation of behavioral observations requires a firm understanding and characterization of the environmental parameters that can induce the physiological state of stress through neurological means in the study subjects. These factors include, but are not limited to, territorial factors, including social and physical accommodations, photo factors, and acoustical factors. Proper interpretation of behavioral observations also requires a basic understanding of the biochemical and physiological impacts of neuroendocrine-mediated stress. These include alterations in an individual's ability to metabolize toxic substances, resist infections, and reproduce. Confounding effects of these alterations must be considered in the examination of behavioral data. The most powerful experimental designs in comparative behavior are those that concurrently examine environmental stressors, physiological status, and behavior.
Recent progress in ellagitannin chemistry

Abstract Continuing studies on the total synthesis of ellagitannin plant metabolites have led to the preparation of the dimeric antitumor compound, coriariin A, as well as designed structural analogues. In related investigations, the synthesis of a 2,4-hexahydroxydiphenoyl (HHDP)-bearing glucopyranose structure has been achieved. This species is related to the geraniin family of ellagitannins, and its subsequent chemistry is suggestive of a mechanistic rationale for the observation that the HHDP units within (3,6-bridged)2,4-HHDP-containing ellagitannins invariably are oxidized further in vivo. Companion studies designed to assay the immunomodulatory properties of coriariin A and analogues have led to the thesis that tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) serves as a mediator of this ellagitannin’s tumor remissive activity. Furthermore, certain tannins and tannin analogues appear to act in an immunosuppressive capacity with peripheral blood monocytes that were exposed to the bacterially derived septic shock inducing agent lipid A.
Heat Kernel Coefficients for Laplace Operators on the Spherical Suspension

In this paper we compute the coefficients of the heat kernel asymptotic expansion for Laplace operators acting on scalar functions defined on the so called spherical suspension (or Riemann cap) subjected to Dirichlet boundary conditions. By utilizing a contour integral representation of the spectral zeta function for the Laplacian on the spherical suspension we find its analytic continuation in the complex plane and its associated meromorphic structure. Thanks to the well known relation between the zeta function and the heat kernel obtainable via Mellin transform we compute the coefficients of the asymptotic expansion in arbitrary dimensions. The particular case of a d-dimensional sphere as the base manifold is studied as well and the first few heat kernel coefficients are given explicitly.
SENSITIVITY OF INVESTOR REACTION TO MARKET DIRECTION AND VOLATILITY: DIVIDEND CHANGE ANNOUNCEMENTS

We examine whether investor reactions are sensitive to the recent direction or volatility of underlying market movements. We find that dividend change announcements elicit a greater change in stock price when the nature of the news (good or bad) goes against the grain of the recent market direction during volatile times. For example, announcements to lower dividends elicit a significantly greater decrease in stock price when market returns have been up and more volatile. Similarly, announcements to raise dividends tends to elicit a greater increase in stock price when market returns have been normal or down and more volatile, although this latter tendency lacks statistical significance. We suggest an explanation for these results that combines the implications of a dynamic rational expectations equilibrium model with behavioral considerations that link the responsiveness of investors to market direction and volatility.
Continuous‐Flow Synthesis of Functionalized Phenols by Aerobic Oxidation of Grignard Reagents

Phenols are important compounds in chemical industry. An economical and green approach to phenol preparation by the direct oxidation of aryl Grignard reagents using compressed air in continuous gas-liquid segmented flow systems is described. The process tolerates a broad range of functional groups, including oxidation-sensitive functionalities such as alkenes, amines, and thioethers. By integrating a benzyne-mediated in-line generation of arylmagnesium intermediates with the aerobic oxidation, a facile three-step, one-flow process, capable of preparing 2-functionalized phenols in a modular fashion, is established.
Imaging that exploits multipath scattering from point scatterers

This paper develops a method for making an image of an object when there are extra point-like scatterers in the environment. Once the location of these scatterers is known, they can be exploited in the imaging process. Here the extra point scatterers are assumed to lie between the sensor and the object of interest. A single-scattering model is used for the object itself. Detailed analysis is carried out for the case of a single extra scatterer in the foreground; the extension to the case of many scatterers is expected to be similar.
Replication-Coupled Chromatin Assembly Generates a Neuronal Bilateral Asymmetry in C. elegans

Summary Although replication-coupled chromatin assembly is known to be important for the maintenance of patterns of gene expression through sequential cell divisions, the role of replication-coupled chromatin assembly in controlling cell differentiation during animal development remains largely unexplored. Here we report that the CAF-1 protein complex, an evolutionarily conserved histone chaperone that deposits histone H3-H4 proteins onto replicating DNA, is required to generate a bilateral asymmetry in the C. elegans nervous system. A mutation in 1 of 24 C. elegans histone H3 genes specifically eliminates this aspect of neuronal asymmetry by causing a defect in the formation of a histone H3-H4 tetramer and the consequent inhibition of CAF-1-mediated nucleosome formation. Our results reveal that replication-coupled nucleosome assembly is necessary to generate a bilateral asymmetry in C. elegans neuroanatomy and suggest that left-right asymmetric epigenetic regulation can establish bilateral asymmetry in the nervous system.
Dynamic Analysis of Noncollocated Flexible Arms and Design of Torque Transmission Mechanisms

A new actuation method for one-link flexible arms is presented. The endpoint control of a flexible arm has been known as a nonminimum phase system due to the noncollocated sensor and actuator. By relocating the actuator near the endpoint, the system can be modified to approximate a minimum phase system. In order to implement this, transmission mechanisms are developed which transform the actuator torque to a combination of force and torque and transmit them to an appropriate point on the arm link
Determinants of Structural Adequacy of Dwellings

This article investigates the determinants of structural adequacy, which is viewed as an attribute of housing quality. Data from the American Housing Survey of Metropolitan Areas for seven areas— A...
Association of solar wind proton flux extremes with pseudostreamers

[1] We investigate the characteristics and solar origins of a subpopulation of the solar wind that possesses extreme values of proton flux. Ulysses observations including solar wind magnetic flux, proton flux, number density and velocity, and ionic composition are examined in this study. We find that the departures of solar wind proton flux from its constancy occur for time intervals leading up to and encompassing the past two solar minima, and the extreme-proton-flux wind possesses the following characteristics: (1) it generally originates from sources middle-distant from the Heliospheric Current Sheet (HCS); (2) it is associated with a broad range of velocities and electron temperatures but excludes very fast/cold wind; (3) it exhibits anticorrelation between electron temperature and proton velocity, as does the rest of the solar wind; (4) it has extreme proton density values relative to the rest of the solar wind; and (5) the extreme-high-proton-flux wind has radial component of open magnetic flux (Br) greater than the rest of the solar wind, and both extreme-high and extreme-low wind do not possess the lowest values of Br flux. Comparing with SOHO EIT 195 A coronal images, we find the observed extreme-proton-flux wind has temporal and spatial coincidence with the appearance of low-latitude coronal holes present in the recent two solar minima; the magnetic field lines extrapolated by the Potential Field Source Surface model confirm there are coronal pseudostreamer structures involved. So we propose that these extreme-proton-flux winds can be associated with mid- to low-latitude coronal holes and “pseudostreamer” structures.
Representations of controllers that achieve robust performance for systems with real parameter uncertainty

Abstract Consider a family of single input single output plants described by transfer functions that involve real parameter uncertainty. Parameter values are known to lie in a hypercube. Assume that a class of available controllers has been prescribed, along with a bound for the sensitivity transfer function to ensure tracking. It is of interest to determine whether a controller from the given class exists that guarantees robust stability and robust asymptotic tracking. In this paper we present a problem formulation and then provide a solution based on it. Not only do we address the existence question but also give representation of controllers from the class that meet the robustness requirements.
NEW DIRECTIONS OF CLUSTER CHEMISTRY – THE STORY OF THE [Re6(μ3-Se)8]2+ CLUSTERS

ABSTRACT Transition metal clusters are a unique class of chemical substances. Not only do they have well-defined molecular structures, they also exhibit interesting and potentially useful properties that are inherent to metal-metal bonded species. In this Comment our recent results in developing synthetic methodologies necessary to bring a cluster system out of the limited sphere of fundamental cluster chemistry and into general synthetic applicability are summarized. Specifically, we have explored the uses of site-differentiated cluster complexes, featuring the [Re6(μ3-Se)8]2+ core, as stereospecific building blocks for supramolecular construction. A great variety of cluster-supported molecular and supramolecular architectures have been realized, some of which display rather interesting electronic and spectroscopic properties. Following a distinctly different line of research, we have also pursued the activation of nitriles toward nucleophilic attack, as a result of their prior coordination to the Lewis ...
Image Noise And Smoothing In Computed Tomography (CT) Scanners

The question of what spatial frequency response gives optimum image quality in computed tomography (CT) images is studied. We have developed a technique for smoothing these images by using a modified back projection filter with attenuated high frequency response. The results are images with a blurred appearance but dramatically reduced image noise. On processing raw data from the EMI head scanner in this way, grey and white matter distributions are clearly visualized with no increase in radiation dose. These results are analyzed in terms of the Weiner spectrum and correlation properties of CT noise. In particular, a "noise equivalent aperture" is defined in a way analogous to that of Schade. It is shown that the prediction of the simple Rose model of noise sampling cannot explain the improvement produced by smoothing, even when the correlated character of the noise is taken into account.
Structure-activity relationship studies on anti-HCV activity of ring-expanded ('fat') nucleobase analogues containing the imidazo[4,5-e][1,3]diazepine-4,8-dione ring system.

Abstract In continuation of our structure–activity relationship studies on anti-HCV activity of the title imidazo[4,5-e][1,3]diazepine ring system, we report here the synthesis and effect on biological activity of introducing hydrophobic substituents at the 2-position of the heterocycle. Our results suggest that there is no particular advantage to that end as the observed antiviral activity of the test compounds was lower than that of the unmodified 2-bromo derivative used for comparison. The activity/toxicity profile of all target compounds, however, was still better than that of the reference compound ribavirin used in the antiviral assay, but not as good as that of interferon-α, the other reference compound used in the assay.