cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Measuring True Stock Index Value in the Presence of Infrequent Trading

Based on the Beveridge-Nelson (1981) decomposition of an ARIMA process, I present a measure of true stock index value that is not directly observable due to infrequent trading of stocks. The technique is illustrated with daily observations of the Russell 2000 index. This new measure might well prove useful in studies of lead-lag relationships between index derivatives and spot market and futures basis measurements.
Cross-Calibration Between QuikSCAT and Oceansat-2

This paper presents the procedure to perform cross-calibration of radar backscatter between the QuikSCAT and Oceansat-2 ocean wind scatterometers. Both QuikSCAT and Oceansat-2 are Ku-band dual pencil beam, rotating antenna scatterometers with similar design. There has been a joint effort by the Indian Space Research Organization, NASA, KNMI, and NOAA to perform calibration and validation of Oceansat-2 in order to extend the climate data record of ocean surface vector winds obtained by QuikSCAT. This has resulted in significant improvement in the quality of the normalized radar cross section (NRCS) data and the quality of the resultant winds produced using the Oceansat-2 NRCS measurements. An important aspect of this calibration is the reduction of the calibration bias between QuikSCAT and Oceansat-2. The nonspinning QuikSCAT scatterometer was repointed to achieve the same incidence angles for its two HH and VV polarized antenna beams as those utilized by Oceansat-2. The magnitudes of the NRCS (backscatter) measurements of the two scatterometers were then compared for two years in order to determine NRCS bias in decibels as a function of time. Biases for both antenna beams were computed. A wind speed/wind-relative azimuth angle histogram-matched method was applied to ocean data from the two scatterometers to determine the time series of the bias between the two. It has been determined that there was an $\sim$ 0.5 dB drop in Oceansat-2 radar backscatter on August 20, 2010. As a result, we compute cross-calibration adjustments to apply to Oceansat-2 data before and after this distinct drop in backscatter.
Gravitational Magnification of the Cosmic Microwave Background

Some aspects of gravitational lensing by large-scale structure are investigated. We show that lensing causes the damping tail of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) power spectrum to fall less rapidly with decreasing angular scale than previously expected. This is because of a transfer of power from larger to smaller angular scales, which produces a fractional change in power spectrum that increases rapidly beyond l~2000. We also find that lensing produces a nonzero mean magnification of structures on surfaces of constant redshift if weighted by area on the sky. This is a result of the fact that light rays that are evenly distributed on the sky oversample overdense regions. However, this mean magnification has a negligible affect on the CMB power spectrum. A new expression for the lensed power spectrum is derived, and it is found that future precision observations of the high-l tail of the power spectrum will need to take lensing into account when determining cosmological parameters.
Theoretical aspects of light-activated microelectrodes in redox electrolytes

The behavior of semiconductor-based, light-activated microelectrodes in redox electrolytes has been examined theoretically using commercial software to self-consistently solve the transport equations for solid-state and solution-phase species and the electrostatic potential within the semiconductor phase, subject to the appropriate boundary conditions under steady state. The lightlimited currents for such spatially localized microelectrodes, observed for a high voltage bias, bias, under normal irradiation and a strict axisymmetric geometry, were proportional to the photon flux intensity. The results of these simulations afforded strong evidence that under high bias, holes generated by the light on an n-type semiconductor escape beyond the edge of the illuminated disk, leading to a net increase in the predicted current and thus in the effective area of the light-activated microelectrode.
Solar cell research and development using the hot wire CVD process

This article reviews the research and development of solar cells fabricated using the hot wire CVD (HWCVD) process. A short history of the technique is given, and the advantages of this deposition technique as they relate to solar cell fabrication are quantified. A chronological history of solar cell fabrication involving three major research groups, with a long history in HWCVD solar cell fabrication, is then given, as such histories illustrate the evolution of solar cell research involving HWCVD. Illustrative examples of activities of new research groups entering this field are then discussed, and the outlook for this field is given.
Short on shots: Are calls for cooperative restraint effective in managing a flu vaccines shortage?

Abstract We conducted a randomized experiment at the time of the 2004 flu vaccine shortage, providing information about the sharply reduced number of clinics and their schedule, and an appeal on cooperative restraint to a campus population. This strategy was intended to reduce demand for vaccination among non-priority individuals and to free available supplies for the priority population. It failed to achieve its purpose. Information induced a net increase in vaccines distributed and, perversely, the net increase originated entirely in non-priority individuals. The surprising finding is that calls on cooperative restraint induced an uncalled for positive response among priority individuals, while they induced an increase in cheating among non-priority individuals. Age as a qualifying factor was in particular widely abused, with the number of “65 years old” more than twice the predicted value, while about half of the predicted 61–64 years old were missing.
Pricing of Wireless Services: Service Pricing vs. Traffic Pricing

As the ability to measure technology resource usage gets easier with increased connectivity, the question whether a technology resource should be priced by the amount of the resource used or by the particular use of the resource has become increasingly important. We examine this issue in the context of pricing of wireless services: should the price be based on the service, e.g., voice, multimedia messages, short messages, or should it be based on the traffic generated? Many consumer advocates oppose discriminatory pricing across services believing that it enriches carriers at the expense of consumers. The opposition to discrimination has grown significantly, and it has even prompted the U.S. Congress to question executives of some of the biggest carriers. With this ongoing debate on discrimination in mind, we compare two pricing regimes here. One regime, namely, service pricing, involves pricing different services differently. The other one, namely, traffic pricing, involves pricing the traffic (i.e., byt...
Electromagnetic Signals from Planetary Collisions

Planet-planet collisions are expected during the early stages of the formation of extrasolar planets and are also possible in mature planetary systems through secular planet-planet perturbations. We investigate the electromagnetic signals accompanied with these planetary collisions and their event rate and explore the possibility of directly detecting such events. A typical Earth-Jupiter collision would give rise to a prompt EUV soft X-ray flash lasting for hours and a bright IR afterglow lasting for thousands of years. It is suggested that with the current and forthcoming observational technology and facilities, some of these collisional flashes or the postcollision remnants could be discovered.
Crossplane Velocimetry of a Transverse Supersonic Jet in a Transonic Crossflow

Stereoscopic particle image velocimetry has been employed to study the interaction created by a supersonic axisymmetric jet exhausting transversely from a flat plate into a transonic crossflow. Data have been acquired in the crossplane of the interaction at a single station in the far field, from which the velocity field identifies the induced counter-rotating vortex pair as well as the remnant of the horseshoe vortex that wraps around the jet plume as it first exhausts from the nozzle. Data taken for four different values ofthejet-to-freestream dynamic pressure ratio reveal the resulting change in the vortex characteristics, where the vortex strength, size, and position are established from the derived vorticity field. Sufficient data were acquired at one condition to determine all six unique components of the turbulent stress tensor, providing the mean spatial character of the anisotropic turbulence. A measureable degree of asymmetry is observed in the size and lateral position of the counter-rotating vortex pair. Self-similarity is established laterally when dimensions are scaled by either the vortex diameter or the horizontal vortex spacing; in the wall-normal direction, scaling is found with the vortex diameter once the vortex penetration is accounted.
Aqueous phosphoric acid as a mild reagent for deprotection of the t-butoxycarbonyl group

Aqueous phosphoric acid (85 wt%) is an efficient and mild reagent for the deprotection of N-BOC groups. Acid sensitive functionalities including benzyl and methyl esters, TBDMS ether, CBZ and isopropylidene groups are compatible with the reaction conditions. The reactions are high yielding, and the workup is convenient.
El ultraizquierdismo: enfermedad infantil de la academia

En el contexto postneoliberal en el que nos encontramos en este momento, el paradigma que gobierna la constelacion de los estudios culturales latinoamericanos se ha vuelto anacronico y necesita ser modificado. El autor sostiene que las corrientes vinculadas a la exploracion del concepto de “posthegemonia” representan, dentro del latinoamericanismo actual, una forma de ultraizquierdismo academico. En este articulo se analizan algunas de las implicaciones intelectuales y politicas de dicha posicion en relacion con los nuevos gobiernos de la “marea rosada”.
Fragmentation of Golgi membranes by norrisolide and designed analogues

The effect of norrisolide (4) and designed analogues on the Golgi membranes is presented. We found that 4 is the first compound known to induce an irreversible vesiculation of these membranes. To investigate the chemical origins of this new effect we synthesized and evaluated a series of norrisolide analogues in which the chemical functionalities present in the parent structure were altered. Such structure/function studies suggest that the perhydroindane core of 4 is critical for binding to the target protein, while the C21 acetate unit is essential for the irreversible vesiculation of the Golgi membranes.
Spectral dependence of the diffuse attenuation coefficient of light in ocean waters

A study of the spectral nature of the diffuse attenuation coefficient of light, K(X), for various types of oceanic waters has been performed. These attenuation spectra were computed from downwelling spectral irradiance data Ed(X) obtained by U.S., French, and Japanese in-vestigators working in widely separated oceanic regions and using different measuring techniques and equipment. Attenuation properties were calculated over the spectral region from 365 to 700 nm and for depths from near-surface to in excess of 100 m. Examining the K(X) data, we find that strong, simple, and useful relationships exist between the value of K at some selected reference wavelength, Xo, and the value of K at some other wavelength such that K(X) = M(X) [K(X0)-Kw(X0)] + Kw(X), where Kw is the attenuation coefficient for pure sea water. For oceanic waters (for example, Jerlov types I through III), the relationships are linear. These relationships appear to be useful throughout the entire spectral range examined and are particularly good between 420 and, say, 580 nm. The significance of the existence of such relationships is that they allow the inference of the spectral attenuation coefficient at all wavelengths from the attenuation value at a single wavelength and also provide analytical expressions for modeling the spectral nature of the attenuation in ocean and clear coastal water.
Analysis of GMSK with differential detection in land mobile radio channels

The effect of intersymbol interference (ISI) of Gaussian filtered minimum shift keying (GMSK) on the probability of error of one bit differential detection is analyzed theoretically in fast Rayleigh fading characterizing land mobile radio channels. A closed-form expression is derived for the probability of error as a function of the fading rate, IF filter bandwidth, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and ISI. Numerical results are presented for cases of practical interest to researchers and designers of cellular land mobile radio systems.
Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of the ternary nitride La3V2N6

Abstract Using gallium as a flux we were able to synthesize the rare earth – transition metal ternary nitride La 3 V 2 N 6 . This compound crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I 4/ mmm (No. 139) with a = b =3.9050(3) A and c =20.215(2) A. It is isostructural with the recently discovered ternary nitrides Ln 3 T 2 N 6 (Ln=La, Ce or Pr; T=Nb or Ta) and with the high T c superconducting copper oxide La 2− x Sr x CaCu 2 O 6 . LAPW band structure calculations show that Ln 3 V 2 N 6 contains VN 2 conducting layers. However, magnetic measurements show that La 3 V 2 N 6 is not a high T c superconductor. A comparison between Ln 3 V 2 N 6 and the cuprates is attempted to understand the discrepancy in their electronic behavior.
Triazole-based monophosphine ligands for palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of aryl chlorides.

A variety of triazole-based monophosphines (ClickPhos) have been prepared via efficient 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of readily available azides and acetylenes. Their palladium complexes provided excellent yields in the amination reactions and Suzuki−Miyaura coupling reactions of unactivated aryl chlorides. Ligand 7i, which has a 2,6-dimethoxybenzene moiety, provided good results in Suzuki−Miyaura reaction to form hindered biaryls. A CAChe model for the Pd/7i complex shows that the likelihood of a Pd−arene interaction might be a rationale for its high catalytic reactivity.
Guidon-Watch: a graphic interface for viewing a knowledge-based system

Multiple windows, menus,and a mouse help students browse through a complex medical consulting database and view reasoning processes during a consultation.
Survivable Monitoring in Dynamic Networks

We present a monitoring system for a dynamic network in which a set of domain nodes shares the responsibility for producing and storing monitoring information about a set of visitors. This information is stored persistently when the set of domain nodes grows and shrinks. Such a system can be used to store traffic or other logs for auditing or can be used as a subroutine for many applications to allow significant increases in functionality and reliability. The features of our system include authenticating visitors, monitoring their traffic through the domain, and storing this information in a persistent, efficient, and searchable manner. The storage process is O(log n)-competitive in the number of network messages with respect to an optimal offline algorithm; we show that this is as good as any online algorithm can achieve and significantly better than many commonly used strategies for distributed load balancing
The [3 + 2] Nitrone–Olefin Cycloaddition Reaction

Early researchers studying the condensation product of carbonyl compounds with N-substituted hydroxylamines elected to coin the term “nitrone” as a combination of the words “nitrogen” and “ketone.” This was done to emphasize the parallel between this newly discovered functionality and the already rich chemistry of the carbonyl group. For example, nitrones are capable of reacting with carbanions of various types, a consequence of the iminium species embedded in the nitrone that renders the functionality susceptible to nucleophilic attack. Thus C-phenyl-N-methylnitrone undergoes a Reformatsky reaction with ethyl bromoacetate in complete analogy with benzaldehyde. The intermediate zinc alkoxide cyclizes to 2-methyl-3-phenylisoxazolidin-5-one, a type of compound that can also be prepared by the related nucleophilic addition of dialkyl malonates to nitrones. This chapter deals with a unique property of nitrones not shared by the corresponding carbonyl compounds, namely, a marked ability to undergo a [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction in the presence of a dipolarophile. The reactions of nitrones with substituted olefins, both intermolecular and intramolecular are addressed. This process yields isoxazolidines directly, affording products related to those obtained in the Reformatsky reaction but arising by a different reaction mode. The intent of the review presented in this chapter is to provide a thorough understanding of the nitrone–olefin [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction and to illustrate its power by describing some significant applications to complex synthetic problems. Various aspects have been reviewed. This documentation of the nitrone–olefin cycloaddition reaction begins with the preparation and stability of the nitrone component and is followed by mechanistic considerations. A presentation of the dipolarophile syntheses is beyond the scope of this chapter; however, the tabular survey provides leading references to specific examples. The important concepts of regio- and stereo-selectivities are introduced next. Since the general rules of regiochemistry that apply in the intermolecular version of the reaction are often reversed in the intramolecular version, the latter are dealt with separately. Finally, important applications to the total synthesis of natural products are presented. The versatile utility of the nitrone–olefin cycloaddition reaction in the synthesis of natural products has been the major driving force in the development of this long-neglected chemistry. An in-depth understanding of the key transformations of the isoxazolidines afforded by the reaction will place this chemistry firmly within the arsenal of organic reactions. Keywords: cycloaddition reactions; [3 + 2] reaction; nitrone; olefins; nitrone stability; mechanism; regioselectivity; intermolecular reaction; intramolecular reaction; C-alkenylnitrones; N-alkenylnitrones; natural products; alkaloids; biotin; aldehyde-derived nitrones; ketone-derived nitrones; endocyclic nitrones; exocyclic nitrones; amino glycosides; adaline; nitrogen-free systems; experimental procedures
Information wants someone else to pay for it: Laws of information economics and scholarly publishing

The increasing volume and complexity of research, scholarly publication, and research information puts an added strain on traditional methods of scholarly communication and evaluation. Information goods and networks are not standard market goods – and so we should not rely on markets alone to develop new forms of scholarly publishing. The affordances of digital information and networks create many opportunities to unbundle the functions of scholarly communication – the central challenge is to create a range of new forms of publication that effectively promote both market and collaborative ecosystems.
Efficient propensity score regression estimators of multivalued treatment effects for the treated

Abstract When a multivalued treatment is randomly assigned conditional on observables, valid causal comparisons for a subpopulation treated at a particular treatment level require two propensity scores—one for the treated level and one for the counterfactual level. We contribute efficient propensity score regression estimators to a class of treatment effects for the treated, under the cases when the propensity scores are unknown and when they are known. Our efficient estimator matches on a normalized propensity score that combines the true propensity score and the nonparametric estimate. Our asymptotic theory takes into account that the propensity scores are nonparametrically or parametrically estimated as generated regressors.
Nanoparticle sensing using whispering-gallery-mode resonators: Plasmonic and Rayleigh scatterers

Nanoparticle sensing using whispering-gallery-mode resonators is investigated for both plasmonic and Rayleigh scatterers. We showed that the number of adsorbed Rayleigh particles can be accurately determined from the transmission spectrum
The Influence of Repetitive Health Messages and Sensitivity to Fluency on the Truth Effect in Advertising

Although merely repeating a product claim does not influence the objective validity of the claim, it often increases the subjective validity of the claim (the truth effect). Research notes that the truth effect plays an important role in health advertising. The present research investigates the moderating role of sensitivity to feelings of fluency (or processing ease) on the truth effect. The truth effect was more pronounced when the need for affect was high rather than low (Study 1) and when consumers were primed to trust their feelings (Study 2). Finally, Study 3 and Study 4 replicate these findings using advertising appeals. Advertisements that encourage consumers to focus on their feelings increase susceptibility to the truth effect.
Stable logarithmic maps to Deligne-Faltings pairs II

We make an observation which enables one to deduce the existence of an algebraic stack of logarithmic maps for all generalized Deligne-Faltings logarithmic structures (in particular simple normal crossings divisors) from the simplest case with characteristic generated by $\mathbb{N}$ (essentially the smooth divisor case).
Analysis of the expected number of bit comparisons required by quickselect

When algorithms for sorting and searching are applied to keys that are represented as bit strings, we can quantify the performance of the algorithms not only in terms of the number of key comparisons required by the algorithms but also in terms of the number of bit comparisons. Some of the standard sorting and searching algorithms have been analyzed with respect to key comparisons but not with respect to bit comparisons. In this extended abstract, we investigate the expected number of bit comparisons required by Quickselect (also known as Find). We develop exact and asymptotic formulae for the expected number of bit comparisons required to find the smallest or largest key by Quickselect and show that the expectation is asymptotically linear with respect to the number of keys. Similar results are obtained for the average case. For finding keys of arbitrary rank, we derive an exact formula for the expected number of bit comparisons that (using rational arithmetic) requires only finite summation (rather than such operations as numerical integration) and use it to compute the expectation for each target rank.
Methods for prediction of soil dielectric properties: a review

Electromagnetic sensors such as ground penetrating radar and electromagnetic induction sensors are among the most widely used methods for the detection of buried land mines and unexploded ordnance. However, the performance of these sensors depends on the dielectric properties of the soil, which in turn are related to soil properties such as texture, bulk density, and water content. To predict the performance of electromagnetic sensors it is common to estimate the soil dielectric properties using models. However, the wide variety of available models, each with its own characteristics, makes it difficult to select the appropriate one for each occasion. In this paper we present an overview of the available methods, ranging from phenomenological Cole-Cole and Debye models to volume-based dielectric mixing models, and (semi-) empirical pedotransfer functions.
MODULAR FEMORAL COMPONENTS FOR COMPLEX REVISIONS

The femoral diaphysis presents the best opportunity for fixation during revision THA. Both fully coated cylindrical and modular fluted tapered titanium stems have demonstrated excellent results. Cylindrical stems have demonstrated concerning rates of failure when used in larger, osteopenic canals or in canals with post-isthmal divergent morphologies. Modular stems offer the advantage of separating distal fixation needs from proximal version, leg length, and offset needs via a modular junction. Although early designs demonstrated some breakages at the taper or through thin proximal bodies, newer generation implants have not demonstrated such mechanical concerns. Additionally, the modular junctions do not appear to be having any problems with corrosion. Mid- to long-term data with various designs now support the safety and efficacy of these constructs that can handle a wide variety of challenges during femoral revision. Careful attention to detail is necessary to minimise the risk of subsidence and intra-operative fracture or femoral perforation.
Identifying hydrologic flowpaths on arctic hillslopes using electrical resistivity and self potential

Shallow subsurface flow is a dominant process controlling hillslope runoff generation, soil development, and solute reaction and transport. Despite their importance, the location and geometry of these flow paths are difficult to determine. In arctic environments, shallow subsurface flow paths are limited to a thin zone of seasonal thaw above permafrost, which is traditionally assumed to mimic the surface topography. We have used a combined approach of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and self-potential (SP) measurements to map shallow subsurface flow paths in and around water tracks, drainage features common to arctic hillslopes. ERT measurements delineate thawed zones in the subsurface that control flow paths, whereas SP is sensitive to groundwater flow. We have found that areas of low electrical resistivity in the water tracks were deeper than manual thaw depth estimates and varied from the surface topography. This finding suggests that traditional techniques might underestimate active-layer thaw and the extent of the flow path network on arctic hillslopes. SP measurements identify complex 3D flow paths in the thawed zone. Our results lay the groundwork for investigations into the seasonal dynamics, hydrologic connectivity, and climate sensitivity of spatially distributed flow path networks on arctic hillslopes.
Why Do Simple Algorithms for Triangle Enumeration Work in the Real World

Listing all triangles is a fundamental graph operation. Triangles can have important interpretations in real-world graphs, especially social and other interaction networks. Despite the lack of provably efficient (linear, or slightly super linear) worst-case algorithms for this problem, practitioners run simple, efficient heuristics to find all triangles in graphs with millions of vertices. How are these heuristics exploiting the structure of these special graphs to provide major speedups in running time?We study one of the most prevalent algorithms used by practitioners. A trivial algorithm enumerates all paths of length 2, and checks if each such path is incident to a triangle. A good heuristic is to enumerate only those paths of length 2 in which the middle vertex has the lowest degree. It is easily implemented and is empirically known to give remarkable speedups over the trivial algorithm.We study the behavior of this algorithm over graphs with heavy-tailed degree distributions, a defining feature of r...
Expanding License Plate Matching Capabilities with Secondary Self-Learning Algorithm

To perform the postprocessing matching of license plates between two license plate recognition (LPR) stations, a self-learning matching algorithm was employed. The key component of this algorithm is an association matrix that is a unique translator, associating two LPR units in relation to how they may see or recognize the same characters differently, for a host of reasons. This association matrix consists primarily of high-confidence matches between two LPR stations estimated directly from a set of matched character pairs. The matching algorithm’s performance decreases as the distance between the two LPR stations increases because of vehicles no longer traveling within an average travel time window, a low sample of vehicles traveling between the two LPR stations, or both. This paper proposes using a third LPR station to generate additional information to derive a better association matrix for an existing pair of LPR stations and thus replaces the existing learned-association matrix. In other words, the a...
Extensibility of a linear rapid robust design methodology

The extensibility of a linear rapid robust design methodology is examined. This analysis is approached from a computational cost and accuracy perspective. The sensitivity of the solution's computational cost is examined by analysing effects such as the number of design variables, nonlinearity of the CAs, and nonlinearity of the response in addition to several potential complexity metrics. Relative to traditional robust design methods, the linear rapid robust design methodology scaled better with the size of the problem and had performance that exceeded the traditional techniques examined. The accuracy of applying a method with linear fundamentals to nonlinear problems was examined. It is observed that if the magnitude of nonlinearity is less than 1000 times that of the nominal linear response, the error associated with applying successive linearization will result in errors in the response less than 10% compared to the full nonlinear error.
Pre-Darcy flow revisited under experimental investigation

Sufficient literature has been published about Pre-Darcy flow in non-petroleum disciplines. Investigators dissent about the significance of deviation of Darcy’s law at very low fluid velocities. Most of their investigations are based on coarse, unconsolidated porous media with an aqueous fluid. However little has been published regarding the same for consolidated oil and gas reservoirs. If a significant departure from Darcy’s law is observed, then this could have multiple implications on: reservoir limit tests, under prediction of reserves, unrecognized prospecting opportunities etc. This study performs a comprehensive review of the literature. Experiments were conducted to confirm the presence and the significance of Pre-Darcy flow effect in petroleum rocks. The review of literature and experiments indicate the presence of Pre-Darcy effect. Contributing factors to Pre-Darcy effect are discussed and some reasons causing this effect are postulated. The experiments also show that this effect is significant. Pre-Darcy effect is significant because it is the dominant flow regime in typical petroleum reservoirs.
A Preference for War: How Fairness and Rhetoric Influence Leadership Incentives in Crises

We conduct a survey experiment to examine the effects of international compromise, war, and foreign government rhetoric on presidential approval. We find that, in certain conflicts, popular approval tracks fairness heuristics—leaders seeking to maximize voter approval prefer equitable divisions of disputed goods and are risk acceptant for divisions below this threshold. Moreover, aggressive rhetoric by a foreign leader increases domestic leaders’ expected approval from war, decreases the value of compromise, and provides them with powerful incentives to fight harder. Thus, leaders motivated by popular approval have preferences that are inconsistent with the non-satiated, risk-averse preferences defined over shares of an objective good—that is, with those that much of the rationalist literature on conflict assumes. Fairness heuristics and the rhetorical framing of disputes during the conflict process may be at least as important as material factors in understanding why some disputes result in war.
Test positivity for chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis infection among a cohort of individuals released from jail in Marion County, Indiana.

Background Individuals entering jails have high rates of sexually transmitted infections (STI) but there are few data on STI in the post-incarceration period. This study aimed to describe rates of chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis infection among individuals released from Marion County (Indianapolis), Indiana jails.
Carbon Nanofiber-Network Sensor Films for Strain Measurement in Composites

A carbon nanofiber-based sensor film is designed and calibrated for force measurement. The sensor is designed for use in structural health monitoring of composite materials. The sensing scheme is based on creating a network of carbon nanofibers on the surface of the composite material. In the experimental scheme a patch of nanofiber reinforced epoxy resin film is developed and adhesively bonded to the laminate. The extension of the sensor film due to the applied force leads to a change in the connectivity of carbon nanofibers in the film, resulting in the change in the resistance of the network. Results show that such sensing schemes have high sensitivity and repeatability. Use of nanofibers can provide a low cost and more efficient alternative to other sensor films that rely on carbon nanotubes.
Guiding Principles in the Design of Molecular Bioconjugates for Vaccine Applications

Antigen- and adjuvant-based bioconjugates that can stimulate the immune system play an important role in vaccine applications. Bioconjugates have demonstrated unique physicochemical and biological properties, enabling vaccines to be delivered to key immune cells, to target specific intracellular pathways, or to mimic immunogenic properties of natural pathogens. In this Review we highlight recent advances in such molecular immunomodulators, with an emphasis on the structure–function relationships that provide the foundation for rational design of safe and effective vaccines and immunotherapies.
Control extension in a recursive language

Techniques for language extension are of interest today as a means for language design experimentation without language proliferation. Attention thus far has been focused on methods for data structure definition and manipulation. The problem of program control extensibility has been recognized by workers in the field but less thoroughly treated. This paper outlines an approach to control extensibility applicable on the source language level to appropriate programming languages.
E-residency and blockchain

Abstract In December 2014, Estonia became the first nation to open its digital borders to enable anyone, anywhere in the world to apply to become an e-Resident. Estonian e-Residency is essentially a commercial initiative. The e-ID issued to Estonian e-Residents enables commercial activities with the public and private sectors. It does not provide citizenship in its traditional sense, and the e-ID provided to e-Residents is not a travel document. However, in many ways it is an international ‘passport’ to the virtual world. E-Residency is a profound change and the recent announcement that the Estonian government is now partnering with Bitnation to offer a public notary service to Estonian e-Residents based on blockchain technology is of significance. The application of blockchain to e-Residency has the potential to fundamentally change the way identity information is controlled and authenticated. This paper examines the legal, policy, and technical implications of this development.
Highly Enantioselective Rh2(S-DOSP)4-Catalyzed Cyclopropenation of Alkynes with Styryldiazoacetates

Dirhodium tetrakis((S)-N-(dodecylbenzenesulfonyl)prolinate) (Rh2(S-DOSP)4) is an effective catalyst for highly enantioselective cyclopropenation reactions between terminal alkynes and arylvinyldiazoacetates. The resulting vinylcyclopropenes can undergo rhodium-catalyzed regioselective rearrangement to cyclopentadienes. Computational studies indicate that the high enantioselectivity of the process is governed by the specific orientation of the alkyne during its approach to the carbenoid through a relatively late transition state. The specific orientation occurs due to the presence of a hydrogen bonding interaction between the alkyne hydrogen and a carboxylate ligand on the dirhodium catalyst.
Eye movement abnormalities in systemic lupus erythematosus

Objective: To describe eye movement abnormalities in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Design: Between January 1,1970, and June 30,1995,113 patients with a clinical diagnosis of SLE were examined. Of these, 33 had ocular motor abnormalities and a diagnosis of SLE as defined by the revised criteria of the American College of Rheumatology. Setting: Patients hospitalized on the wards of the Los Angeles County—University of Southern California Medical Center, Los Angeles. Subjects: Thirty-three patients, 82% women, ranging in age from 19 to 58 years (mean, 33.5 years). The average duration of SLE was 3.5 years, and 10 patients had been symptomatic for 5 years or longer. Results: Of 55 ocular motor signs, 33 involved limitation of eye movements or abnormal eye position at rest; abnormal spontaneous eye movements occurred 12 times; ptosis was seen in eight patients and psychogenic signs in two. Sixteen patients (48%) had brainstem infarcts; 11 had other known causes, including three with meningitis, two with hysteria, and one each with ocular myositis, pseudotumor cerebri, both ocular myositis and pseudotumor cerebri, Guillain-Barre syndrome, hyperosmolality, and hypoxic encephalopathy. In four patients with isolated sixth nerve palsies and two with isolated ptosis, the cause remained unknown. Conclusions: Ocular motor signs in SLE are uncommon and often transitory. When present, they help to ascertain the location, and often the cause, of neurologic involvement.
Benzannulation via ruthenium-catalyzed diol-diene [4+2] cycloaddition: one- and two-directional syntheses of fluoranthenes and acenes.

A new benzannulation protocol is described and applied to the synthesis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Ruthenium(0)-catalyzed diol–diene [4+2] cycloaddition delivers cyclohex-1-ene-4,5-diols, which are subject to aromatization upon dehydration or Nicholas diol deoxydehydration. Employing diol and tetraol reactants, benzannulation can be conducted efficiently in one- and two-directional modes, respectively, as illustrated in the construction of substituted fluoranthenes and acenes.
Identification of Accelerators and Antioxidants in Compounded Rubber Products

Abstract A new, simple, and comprehensive approach to the identification of the accelerators and antioxidants used in rubber products is described. This procedure is unusual in that it utilizes the tendency of accelerators to decompose during mixing or vulcanization, or on extraction from compounded stocks. The accelerator fragments are isolated using distillation and liquid-liquid extraction principles. The identification of the fragments is simple, rapid, and unambiguous. The accelerators used are then determined from a knowledge of the decomposition behavior of known compounds. The antioxidants are recovered unchanged and can be identified by their ultraviolet absorption characteristics and color tests. This method is applicable to all types of rubber products, including cements, and is particularly valuable in the identification of accelerators which decompose on mixing, vulcanization, or extraction. Most of the commonly used accelerators and amine antioxidants can be classified or identified by the a...
A Robust Method for Characterization of Optical Waveguides and Couplers

We propose a simple yet powerful method to characterize waveguide propagation loss and $2\times 2$ waveguide coupler’s coupling coefficient simultaneously. The method, based on the spectrum analysis of transmission through an unbalanced Mach–Zehnder interferometer, requires only a single test structure and is insensitive to variation of input coupling losses. We show that, in most general cases, it is possible to determine both the propagation loss and the coupling of both couplers that can have different coupling coefficients.
Application of a Database-Independent Approach To Assess the Quality of Operational Taxonomic Unit Picking Methods.

ABSTRACT Assignment of 16S rRNA gene sequences to operational taxonomic units (OTUs) allows microbial ecologists to overcome the inconsistencies and biases within bacterial taxonomy and provides a strategy for clustering similar sequences that do not have representatives in a reference database. I have applied the Matthews correlation coefficient to assess the ability of 15 reference-independent and -dependent clustering algorithms to assign sequences to OTUs. This metric quantifies the ability of an algorithm to reflect the relationships between sequences without the use of a reference and can be applied to any data set or method. The most consistently robust method was the average neighbor algorithm; however, for some data sets, other algorithms matched its performance.
Clinicians as secondary users of patient-centered mobile technology in complex healthcare settings

This paper describes the preliminary research findings and prototype development of a Personal Health Record mobile application. A pilot study about patient-clinician interaction guided by common ground theory was performed. The goal of the pilot study was to gather requirements to support development of a smartphone application to be used in a future experimental study. Findings from the pilot study suggest that smartphones could be used to manage health information considered important for a successful healthcare consultation.
RISK FACTORS FOR STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS NASAL COLONIZATION IN JOINT REPLACEMENT PATIENTS

Background Several studies have shown that Staphylococcus aureus ( S.aureus ) nasal colonization is associated with postoperative surgical site infection and that preoperative decolonization can reduce infection rates. Up to 30% of joint replacement patients have positive S.aureus nasal swabs and patient risk factors for colonization remain largely unknown. Many joint replacement patients continue to undergo surgery without being screened. Study Question Is there a specific patient population at increased risk of S.aureus nasal colonization? Methods This study is a retrospective review of 716 consecutive patients undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery between 2011 and 2015. All patients were screened preoperatively for nasal colonization and patients who screened positive for S.aureus were treated with mupirocin. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analysis was used to assess risk factors for nasal colonization. Results 716 patients undergoing joint replacement had preoperative nasal screening. 125 (17.50%) nasal swabs were positive for methicillin susceptible S.aureus (MSSA), 13 (1.80%) were positive methicillin resistant S.aureus (MRSA), 84 (11.70%) were positive for other organisms, and 494 (69.00%) were negative for colonization (Table 1) . In bivariate analysis, diabetes ( p = 0.04), renal insufficiency ( p = 0.03), and immunosuppression ( p = 0.02) were predictors of nasal colonization with MSSA/MRSA while smoking ( p = 0.02) and immunosuppression ( p = 0.001) were predictors of colonization with other bacteria. In multivariate analysis, immunosuppression ( p = 0.04, OR: 1.95, 95%CI: 1.03–3.71) and renal insufficiency ( p = 0.04, OR: 2.49, 95%CI: 1.01–6.18) were independent predictors of nasal colonization with MSSA/MRSA while smoking ( p = 0.02, OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.10–2.88) and immunosuppression ( p = 0.01, OR: 2.95, 95% CI: 1.45–5.86) were independent predictors of nasal colonization with other bacteria. Conclusion Our study shows that one third of patients screened positive for nasal colonization. Patients with diabetes, renal insufficiency, and immunosuppression are at increased risk of being colonized with S.aureus . Given that these comorbidities are already known independent risk factors for periprosthetic joint infection, these patients in particular should be screened and when necessary, decolonized.
Health Expenditure Concentration and Characteristics of High-Cost Enrollees in CHIP

Devising effective cost-containment strategies in public insurance programs requires understanding the distribution of health care spending and characteristics of high-cost enrollees. The aim was to characterize high-cost enrollees in a state's public insurance program and determine whether expenditure inequality changes over time, or with changes in cost-sharing policies or program eligibility. We use 1999-2011 claims and enrollment data from the Alabama Children's Health Insurance Program, ALL Kids. All children enrolled in ALL Kids were included in our study, including multiple years of enrollment (N = 1,031,600 enrollee-months). We examine the distribution of costs over time, whether this distribution changes after increases in cost sharing and expanded eligibility, patient characteristics that predict high-cost status, and examine health services used by high-cost children to identify what is preventable. The top 10% (1%) of enrollees account for about 65.5% (24.7%) of total program costs. Inpatient and outpatient costs are the largest components of costs incurred by high-cost utilizers. Non-urgent emergency department costs are a relatively small portion. Average expenditure increases over time, particularly after expanded eligibility, and the share of costs incurred by the top 10% and 1% increases slightly. Multivariable logistic regression results indicate that infants and older teens, Caucasian children, and those with chronic conditions are more likely to be high-cost utilizers. Increased cost sharing does not reduce cost concentration or average expenditure among high-cost utilizers. These findings suggest that identifying and targeting potentially preventable costs among high-cost utilizers are called for to help reduce costs in public insurance programs.
An analysis of 1-to-first matching in iris recognition

Iris recognition systems are a mature technology that is widely used throughout the world. In identification (as opposed to verification) mode, an iris to be recognized is typically matched against all N enrolled irises. This is the classic "1-to-N search". In order to improve the speed of large-scale identification, a modified "1-to-First" search has been used in some operational systems. A 1-to-First search terminates with the first below-threshold match that is found, whereas a 1-to-N search always finds the best match across all enrollments. We know of no previous studies that evaluate how the accuracy of 1-to-First search differs from that of 1-to-N search. Using a dataset of over 50,000 iris images from 2,800 different irises, we perform experiments to evaluate the relative accuracy of 1-to-First and 1-to-N search. We evaluate how the accuracy difference changes with larger numbers of enrolled irises, and with larger ranges of rotational difference allowed between iris images. We find that False Match error rate for 1-to-First is higher than for 1-to-N, and the the difference grows with larger number of enrolled irises and with larger range of rotation.
Rhodium-Catalyzed Enantioselective Silylation of Cyclopropyl C−H Bonds

Hydrosilyl ethers, generated in situ by the dehydrogenative silylation of cyclopropylmethanols with diethylsilane, undergo asymmetric, intramolecular silylation of cyclopropyl C-H bonds in high yields and with high enantiomeric excesses in the presence of a rhodium catalyst derived from a rhodium precursor and the bisphosphine (S)-DTBM-SEGPHOS. The resulting enantioenriched oxasilolanes are suitable substrates for the Tamao-Fleming oxidation to form cyclopropanols with conservation of the ee value from the C-H silylation. Preliminary mechanistic data suggest that C-H cleavage is likely to be the turnover-limiting and enantioselectivity-determining step.
Configuration synthesis for programmable analog devices with Arco

Programmable analog devices have emerged as a powerful computing substrate for performing complex neuromorphic and cytomorphic computations. We present Arco, a new solver that, given a dynamical system specification in the form of a set of differential equations, generates physically realizable configurations for programmable analog devices that are algebraically equivalent to the specified system. On a set of benchmarks from the biological domain, Arco generates configurations with 35 to 534 connections and 28 to 326 components in 1 to 54 minutes.