cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Locational Competition: A Neglected Paradigm in the International Division of Labour

Krugman's verdict that competitiveness of countries is a largely meaningless concept is a serious misjudgement of the economics profession. Countries compete for the mobile factors of production, most importantly for capital and technology. The exit-option of these factors and of firms changes the calculus of national governments. This paper sets out the main elements of the concept of competition between locations – locational competition – and analyses its impact on welfare and employment of the capital-exporting country. It also looks at whether competition between countries necessarily results in a race to the bottom or whether it can function as a controlling mechanism for governments and as a discovery device. The paper discusses under which conditions common rules are needed to reduce transaction costs and to prevent strategic, opportunistic behaviour of countries and which common rules thus reduce transaction costs. Finally, it deals with the question whether one institutional equilibrium in the world economy can be expected or whether many national equilibriums can coexist.
Mapping “At Risk” Snow in the Pacific Northwest

Abstract One of the most visible and widely felt impacts of climate warming is the change (mostly loss) of low-elevation snow cover in the midlatitudes. Snow cover that accumulates at temperatures close to the ice-water phase transition is at greater risk to climate warming than cold climate snowpacks because it affects both precipitation phase and ablation rates. This study maps areas in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States that are potentially at risk of converting from a snow-dominated to a rain-dominated winter precipitation regime, under a climate-warming scenario. A data-driven, climatological approach of snow cover classification is used to reveal these “at risk” snow zones and also to examine the relative frequency of warm winters for the region. For a rain versus snow temperature threshold of 0°C the at-risk snow class covers an area of about 9200 km2 in the Pacific Northwest region and represents approximately 6.5 km3 of water. Many areas of the Pacific Northwest would see an increa...
Efficient catalyst for the Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of potassium aryl trifluoroborates with aryl chlorides.

Palladium-catalyzed Suzuki−Miyaura cross-coupling reactions of aryl- and heteroaryl chlorides with potassium aryl- and heteroaryltrifluoroborates have been accomplished with the supporting ligand S-Phos in good to excellent yield. Hindered biaryls and substrates containing a variety of functional groups can be prepared. Suzuki−Miyaura couplings of a 3-pyridyl boron-based nucleophile with aryl- and heteroaryl chlorides proceed in good to very good yield.
Indole- and carbazole-substituted pyridinium iodide salts: a rare case of conformational isomerism in crystals.

A series of indole- and carbazole-substituted pyridinium iodide salts has been synthesized and characterized. X-ray analysis revealed that the iodide salt of the indole-substituted cation (E)-4-(1H-indol-3-yl­vinyl)-N-methyl­pyridinium (IMPE+), C16H15N2+·I−, (I), has two polymorphic modifications, (Ia) and (Ib), and a hemihydrate structure, C16H15N2+·I−·0.5H2O, (II). Until now, only one crystal modi­fication has been identified for the (E)-4-(9-ethyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl­vinyl)-N-methyl­pyridinium (ECMPE+) iodide salt, C22H21N2+·I−, (III). Crystals of (Ia) and (Ib) comprise stacks of antiparallel cations with iodide anions located in the channels between the stacks. Due to the presence of the water mol­ecules, the packing in (II) is quite different to that found in (Ia) and (Ib), and positional disorder involving a statistical superposition of two rotamers of IMPE+, with different orientations of the indole fragment, was found. Crystals of (III) contain two independent ECMPE+ rotamers with different orientations of their carbazole substituents. The cations are packed in stacks, with the iodide anions located in the channels between the stacks. In (III), the iodide was found to be disordered over two sites, with occupancies of 0.83 and 0.17.
Synthesis of flinderoles B and C by a gold-catalyzed allene hydroarylation

The recent development of new gold(I) catalysis methodologies has opened the door to new disconnections for the total synthesis of bioactive complex molecules. Below is described the application of a gold(I)-catalyzed hydroarylation of an allene with indole toward the total synthesis of flinderoles B–C, members of a new class of antimalarial bisindole alkaloids isolated from plants of the Flindersia genus. The key gold(I) step establishes both the pyrrolidine and isobutenyl functionalities unique to these compounds. Other important steps of the synthesis include a convergent Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons olefination to construct the bridging alkene and a new strategy for α-indole enolate alkylations.
Health insurance, treatment plan, and delegation to altruistic physician

Abstract We study delegating a consumer's treatment plan decisions to an altruistic physician. The physician's degree of altruism is his private information. The consumer's illness severity will be learned by the physician, and also will become his private information. Treatments are discrete choices, and can be combined to form treatment plans. We distinguish between two commitment regimes. In the first, the physician can commit to treatment decisions at the time a payment contract is accepted. In the second, the physician cannot commit to treatment decisions at that time, and will wait until he learns about the patient's illness to do so. In the commitment game, the first best is implemented by a single payment contract to all types of altruistic physician. In the noncommitment game, the first best is not achieved. All but the most altruistic physician earn positive profits, and treatment decisions are distorted from the first best.
Multiple‐channel and cross‐channel shopping behavior: role of consumer shopping orientations

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of consumer shopping orientations on consumer's channel choice, cross‐channel shopping behavior, and shopping outcomes.Design/methodology/approach – Using multiple sources of data including surveys of store, web, and cross‐channel shoppers and their transaction information, the impact of consumer shopping orientations on comparison‐shopping, likelihood of cross‐channel usage, purchase outcomes including unplanned purchasing, retailer satisfaction, intent to return/abandon purchases, and share of category purchases are investigated.Findings – Results suggest that high‐thrift customers patronizing a cross‐channel retailer are less likely to search for competitive offerings online or offline than customers patronizing a multiple channel retailer. Further, retailer satisfaction is higher for cross‐channel compared to multi‐channel retailers irrespective of the transaction channel used by consumers.Research limitations/implications – The data have exte...
Do CEOs in Mergers Trade Power for Premium? Evidence from “Mergers of Equals”

I analyze CEO incentives to negotiate shared control in the post- merger go vernance of the surviving firm. In order to do this, I study abnormal returns in a sample of "mergers of equals" transactions in which the two firms are approximately equal in post- merger board representation. These transactions are friendly mergers generally characterized by pre- merger negotiations that result in both greater shared control (board and management) and more equal sharing of merger gains between the two firms. On average, the value created measured by combined event returns is no different between transactions with equal board representation and a matched sample of transactions. However, target shareholders capture less of the gains measured by event returns in transactions with shared governance. Moreover, both the value created and target shareholders' share of the gains are systematically related to variables representing post- merger control rights. Also, shared governance is more likely in transactions in which CEOs face greater incentives for control. The evidence suggests that CEOs trade power for premium by negotiating shared control in the merged firm in exchange for lower shareholder premiums.
Cyclic Shifts of the Van Der Corput Set

In 1980, K. Roth showed that the expected value of the L 2 discrepancy of the cyclic shifts of the N-point van der Corput set is bounded by a constant multiple of √log N, thus guaranteeing the existence of a shift with asymptotically minimal L 2 discrepancy. In the present paper, we construct a specific example of such a shift.
Low-dimensional factors of superelliptic Jacobians

Given a polynomial f ∈ C(x), we consider the family of superelliptic curves y d = f (x) and their Jacobians Jd for varying integers d. We show that for any integer g the number of abelian varieties up to isogeny of dimension ≤g which appear in any Jd is finite and their multiplicities are bounded.
Photoproduction of WH signal at electron-proton colliders

We present the photoproduction of an intermediate mass Higgs (IMH) boson associated with a W boson at the future electron-proton colliders using bremsstrahlung photon beam or laser backscattered photon beam. With bremsstrahlung photon beam the search for the IMH boson is unfavorable because of the small signal rate. But with laser photon beam the search is viable due to a much larger rate, and provided that the B-identification is efficient and m(bb) measurement has a good resolution.
Traveling waves and their tails in locally resonant granular systems

In the present study, we revisit the theme of wave propagation in locally resonant granular crystal systems, also referred to as mass-in-mass systems. We use three distinct approaches to identify relevant traveling waves. The first consists of a direct solution of the traveling wave problem. The second one consists of the solution of the Fourier tranformed variant of the problem, or, more precisely, of its convolution reformulation (upon an inverse Fourier transform) in real space. Finally, our third approach will restrict considerations to a finite domain, utilizing the notion of Fourier series for important technical reasons, namely the avoidance of resonances, which will be discussed in detail. All three approaches can be utilized in either the displacement or the strain formulation. Typical resulting computations in finite domains result in the solitary waves bearing symmetric non-vanishing tails at both ends of the computational domain. Importantly, however, a countably infinite set of anti-resonance conditions is identified for which solutions with genuinely rapidly decaying tails arise.
Photoinduced Paramagnetic Defects in Amorphous Silicon Dioxide

Several paramagnetic defects are created by exposure of amorphous SiO2 to sub-band-gap light. The spectra of the dominant centers can be isolated by using their annealing, microwave power, and excitation-photonenergy dependence. The results are discussed in terms of specific models for the intrinsic defects in a-SiO2.
Abundances in the uranium-rich star CS 31082-001

The recent discovery by Cayrel et al. of U in CS 31082-001 along with Os and Ir at greatly enhanced abundances but with [Fe/H] = -2.9 strongly reinforces the argument that there are at least two kinds of Type II supernova (SN II) sources for r-nuclei. One source is the high-frequency H events responsible for heavy r-nuclei (A > 135) but not Fe. The H-yields calculated from data on other ultra-metal-poor stars and the Sun provide a template for quantitatively predicting the abundances of all other r-elements. In CS 31082-001 these should show a significant deficiency at A < 135 relative to the solar r-pattern. It is proposed that CS 31082-001 should have had a companion that exploded as an SN II H event. If the binary survived the explosion, this star should now have a compact companion, most likely a stellar-mass black hole. Comparison of abundance data with predicted values and a search for a compact companion should provide a stringent test of the proposed r-process model. The U-Th age determined by Cayrel et al. for CS 31082-001 is, to within substantial uncertainties, in accord with the r-process age determined from solar system data. The time gap between the big bang and the onset of normal star formation allows r-process chronometers to provide only a lower limit on the age of the universe.
Series Estimation of Regression Functionals

Two-step estimators, where the first step is the predicted value from a nonparametric regression, are useful in many contexts. Examples include a non-parametric residual variance, probit with nonparametric generated regressors, efficient GMM estimation with randomly missing data, heteroskedasticity corrected least squares, semiparametric regression, and efficient nonlinear instrumental variables estimators. The purpose of this paper is the development of null consistency and asymptotic normality results when the first step is a series estimator. The paper presents the form of a correction term for the first step on the second-step asymptotic variance and gives a consistent variance estimator. Data-dependent numbers of terms are allowed for, and the regressor distribution can be discrete, continuous, or a mixture of the two. Results for several new estimators are given.
Diversity Loss Due to Interference Correlation

Interference in wireless systems is both temporally and spatially correlated. Yet very little research has analyzed the effect of such correlation. Here we focus on its impact on the diversity in Poisson networks with multi-antenna receivers. Most work on multi-antenna communication does not consider interference, and if it is included, it is assumed independent across the receive antennas. Here we show that interference correlation significantly reduces the probability of successful reception over SIMO links. The diversity loss is quantified via the diversity polynomial. For the two-antenna case, we provide the complete joint SIR distribution.
Microchips, microarrays, biochips and nanochips: personal laboratories for the 21st century.

Micro miniaturization of analytical procedures is having significant impact on diagnostic testing, and will enable highly complex clinical testing to be miniaturized and permit testing to move from the central laboratory into non-laboratory settings. The diverse range of micro analytical devices includes microchips, gene chips, bioelectronic chips. They have been applied to several clinically important assays (e.g., PCR, immunoassay). The main advantages of the new devices are integration of multiple steps in complex analytical procedures, diversity of application, sub-microliter consumption of reagents and sample, and portability. These devices form the basis of new and smaller analyzers (e.g., capillary electrophoresis) and may ultimately be used in even smaller devices useful in decentralized testing (lab-on-a-chip, personal laboratories). The impact of microchips on healthcare costs could be significant via timely intervention and monitoring, combined with improved treatments (e.g., microchip-based pharmacogenomic tests). Empowerment of health consumers to perform self-testing is limited, but microchips could accelerate this process and so produce a level of self-awareness of biochemical and genetic information hitherto unimaginable. The next level of miniaturization is the nanochip (nanometer-sized features) and the technological foundation for these futuristic devices is discernable in nanotubes and self-assembling molecular structures.
A Matched Alternating Direction Implicit (ADI) Method for Solving the Heat Equation with Interfaces

A novel Douglas alternating direction implicit (ADI) method is proposed in this work to solve a two-dimensional (2D) heat equation with interfaces. The ADI scheme is a powerful finite difference method for solving parabolic equations, due to its unconditional stability and high efficiency. However, it suffers from a serious accuracy reduction in space for interface problems with different materials and nonsmooth solutions. If the jumps in a function and its derivatives are known across the interface, rigorous ADI schemes have been successfully constructed in the literature based on the immersed interface method so that the spatial accuracy can be restored. Nevertheless, the development of accurate and stable ADI methods for general parabolic interface problems with physical interface conditions that describe jumps of a function and its flux, remains unsolved. To overcome this difficulty, a novel tensor product decomposition is proposed in this paper to decouple 2D jump conditions into essentially one-dimensional (1D) ones. These 1D conditions can then be incorporated into the ADI central difference discretization, using the matched interface and boundary technique. Fast algebraic solvers for perturbed tridiagonal systems are developed to maintain the computational efficiency. Stability analysis is conducted through eigenvalue spectrum analysis, which numerically demonstrates the unconditional stability of the proposed ADI method. The matched ADI scheme achieves the first order of accuracy in time and second order of accuracy in space in all tested parabolic interface problems with complex geometries and spatial-temporal dependent jump conditions.
Symmetrized trace and symmetrized determinant of odd class pseudo-differential operators

Abstract We introduce a new canonical trace on odd class logarithmic pseudo-differential operators on an odd dimensional manifold, which vanishes on commutators. When restricted to the algebra of odd class classical pseudo-differential operators our trace coincides with the canonical trace of Kontsevich and Vishik. Using the new trace we construct a new determinant of odd class classical elliptic pseudo-differential operators. This determinant is multiplicative up to sign whenever the multiplicative anomaly formula for usual determinants of Kontsevich–Vishik and Okikiolu holds. When restricted to operators of Dirac type our determinant provides a sign refined version of the determinant constructed by Kontsevich and Vishik. We discuss some applications of the symmetrized determinant to a non-linear sigma-model in superconductivity.
The Terminal Velocity of Fall of Small Spheres in Air

AT the recent Winnipeg meeting of the British Association we presented some results on the terminal velocity of fall of approximately spherical spores, which were not in agreement with Stokes's formula (see NATURE, October 14, p. 472). We have succeeded since in making minute spheres of paraffin wax, a certain black wax, and mercury, and have determined their terminal velocities over a wide range of sizes by the same method as in the preceding investigation. The velocities obtained for these spheres are in close agreement with Stokes's formula. The reason for the deviations in the former cases is not clear.
The structural basis of RNA-catalyzed RNA polymerization

Early life presumably required polymerase ribozymes capable of replicating RNA. Known polymerase ribozymes best approximating such replicases use as their catalytic engine an RNA-ligase ribozyme originally selected from random RNA sequences. Here we report 3.15-A crystal structures of this ligase trapped in catalytically viable preligation states, with the 3'-hydroxyl nucleophile positioned for in-line attack on the 5'-triphosphate. Guided by metal- and solvent-mediated interactions, the 5'-triphosphate hooks into the major groove of the adjoining RNA duplex in an unanticipated conformation. Two phosphates and the nucleophile jointly coordinate an active-site metal ion. Atomic mutagenesis experiments demonstrate that active-site nucleobase and hydroxyl groups also participate directly in catalysis, collectively playing a role that in proteinaceous polymerases is performed by a second metal ion. Thus artificial ribozymes can use complex catalytic strategies that differ markedly from those of analogous biological enzymes.
Orthogonality and probability: beyond nearest neighbor transitions

In this article, we will explore why Karlin-McGregor method of using orthogonal polynomials in the study of Markov processes was so successful for one dimensional nearest neighbor processes, but failed beyond nearest neighbor transitions. We will proceed by suggesting and testing possible fixtures.
Abnormal stock returns, for the event firm and its rivals, following the event firm's large one‐day stock price drop

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine intra‐industry contagion and the following apparent violations of the efficient market hypothesis around large one‐day price decline events in individual stocks.Design/methodology/approach – The paper examines daily stock returns around one‐day price declines of 10 percent or more for event stocks and their rivals. Using techniques similar to those used in Bremer and Sweeney and Cox and Peterson, the paper includes event stocks whose prices are at least $10 per share prior to the event to reduce the possible price reversal induced by bid‐ask price bounce. As is typical for the literature, the stock daily abnormal return (AR) is calculated as the difference between the actual daily stock return and the estimated stock return based on the market model estimated over a 200‐trading‐day pre‐event period [−220, −21]. Cumulative abnormal returns (CARs) for each stock are formed by aggregating the individual daily stock ARs. Denoting the large price decline event ...
Experimental Curriculum in Diagnostics and Control of Unsteady Flows

To be a successful experimenter, the engineer must continually learn and integrate concepts and skills from various disciplines. Unconventional techniques are needed to overcome traditional obstacles and integrate such experimental learning into the crowded undergraduate curriculum, and to tie the curriculum to the leading edge of technology. This paper describes the experiments and learning methods of a Flow Imaging and Control Laboratory and the integration of its products into the fluid dynamics curriculum. Obstacles to laboratory development were circumvented by empowering students and applying an iterative approach both to the development of the program and to the methods of learning. New courses in diagnostics and control of fluid dynamics were developed and tested. A visual database has been established as a vehicle to continually integrate research advances into the curriculum. A mechanism for self-sustainment and evolution of the curriculum has been devised. Learning fluid dynamics is improved by providing visual access to the dynamics of fluids, enhancing hands-on participation, integrating flow control problems, and enabling resonance between research and undergraduate education.
Effects of Structural Variation on Organolithium Compounds

1 The Nature of Structural Effects 2 Electrical Effects 3 Steric Effects 4 Intermolecular Forces 5 Properties of the Group 1 Elements 6 Applications 7 Appendix Glossary Keywords: Structure–Property Quantitative Relationships (SPQR); comparative molecular field analysis (COMFA); structural effects - electrical, steric and intermolecular force effects; classical inductive effect (CIE); classical field effect (CFE) models; triparametric electrical effect model; van der Waals interactions; Group 1 element (alkali metals) properties
Determination of the Compass Orientation and Length of Hydraulic Fractures by Pulse Testing

Field tests have shown that compass orientations and lengths of hydraulic fractures can be determined by pulse testing before and after fracturing. In this technique, pulse tests were conducted in different directions from wells before fracturing. After fracturing, an identical series of pulse tests was run. Comparison of results before and after fracturing provided sufficient information to define compass orientations and lengths of the hydraulic fractures. Visual inspection of the time-lag ratios before and after fracturing sufficed to approximate the orientation of the fracture. Detailed analyses of the results with appropriate mathematical models of the fractured reservoir were necessary to better define both fracture orientation and length. The advantages of this method are that it determines orientation by sampling a large portion of the reservoir and it is applicable to cased holes.
Progress in laser-spectroscopic techniques for aerodynamic measurements - An overview

An overview is given of the capabilities and recent progress in laser-spectroscopic measurement techniques for use in aerodynamic test facilities and flight research vehicles. It includes a survey of the literature which is centered on this application of laser spectroscopy. The intended reader is the specialist in experimental fluid dynamics who is not intimately familiar with the physics or applications of laser spectroscopy. Thus, some discussion is also included of the nature of each laser-spectroscopic technique and the practical aspects of its use for aerodynamic measurements. The specific techniques reviewed include laser absorption, laser-induced fluorescence, laser Rayleigh scattering, and laser Raman scattering including spontaneous and coherent processes.
CP asymmetries in B decays with new physics in decay amplitudes

Abstract We make a systematic analysis of the effects of new physics in the B decay amplitudes on the CP asymmetries in neutral B decays. Although these are expected to be smaller than new physics effects on the mixing amplitude, they are easier to probe in some cases. The effects of new contributions to the mixing amplitude are felt universally across all decay modes, whereas the effects of new decay amplitudes could vary from mode to mode. In particular the prediction that the CP asymmetries in the Bd decay modes with b → c c s , b → c c d , b → c u d and b → s s s should all measure the same quantity (sin 2β in the Standard Model) could be violated. Since the above Standard Model prediction is very precise, new decay amplitudes which are a few percent of the Standard Model amplitudes can be probed. Three examples of models where measurable effects are allowed are given: effective supersymmetry, models with enhanced chromomagnetic dipole operators, and supersymmetry without R parity.
Design and implementation of a hands-free electrolarynx device controlled by neck strap muscle electromyographic activity

The electrolarynx (EL) voice prosthesis is widely used, but suffers from the inconvenience of requiring manual control. Therefore, a hands-free EL triggered by neck muscle electromyographic (EMG) activity was developed (EMG-EL). Signal processing circuitry in a belt-mounted control unit transforms EMG activity into control signals for initiation and termination of voicing. These control signals are then fed to an EL held against the neck by an inconspicuous brace. Performance of the EMG-EL was evaluated by comparison to normal voice, manual EL voice, and tracheo-esophageal (TE) voice in a series of reaction time experiments in seven normal subjects and one laryngectomy patient. The normal subjects produced voice initiation with the EMG-EL that was as fast as both normal voice and the manual EL. The laryngectomy subject produced voice initiation that was slower than with the manual EL, but faster than with TE voice. Voice termination with the EMG-EL was slower than normal voice for the normal subjects, but not significantly different than with the manual EL. The laryngectomy subject produced voice termination with the EMG-EL that was slower than with TE or manual EL. The EMG-EL threshold was set at 10% of the range of vocal-related EMG activity above baseline. Simulations of EMG-EL behavior showed that the 10% threshold was not significantly different from the optimum threshold produced through the process of error minimization. The EMG-EL voice reaction time appears to be adequate for use in a day-to-day conversation.
Improving the Reliability of Object-Oriented Software through Object-Level Behavioral Simulation

In this paper we propose an Object-level Behavior Simulation Model (OBSM) that simulates the behavior of each object according to the message pattern exhibited by behavioral design pattern to verify it for its correctness. The model evaluates the existing reliability of the object-oriented software and allows developer to improve it during early phases of the development.
The automated mapping of plans for plan recognition

To coordinate with other agents in its environment, an agent needs models of what the other agents are trying to do. When communication is impossible or expensive, this information must be acquired indirectly via plan recognition. Typical approaches to plan recognition start with a specification of the possible plans the other agents may be following, and develop special techniques for discriminating among the possibilities. Perhaps more desirable would be a uniform procedure for mapping plans to general structures supporting inference based on uncertain and incomplete observations. In this paper, we describe a set of methods for converting plans represented in a flexible procedural language to observation models represented as probabilistic belief networks.
Wave reflection from natural beaches

Abstract The reflection of wave energy from natural beaches is a quantity that is rarely measured. This paper addresses the question as to whether the reflected wave energy from a beach is an important component of energy flux from an engineering point of view. Wave run-up and wave set-up are important nearshore processes in which wave reflection appears to play a major role and, consequently, the prediction of reflected wave energy from the offshore forcing irregular wave train energy at natural beaches is a first step in a better understanding of these processes. The present paper reports on wave reflection measurements at two natural beaches with different characteristics. The issue of wave reflection is addressed via separation of input and output signals using coincident pressure and velocity measurements. In the present limited analysis, reflected wave energy was not found to be significant.
Five-list-coloring graphs on surfaces I. Two lists of size two in planar graphs

Let G be a plane graph with outer cycle C, let v 1 , v 2 ? V ( C ) and let ( L ( v ) : v ? V ( G ) ) be a family of sets such that | L ( v 1 ) | = | L ( v 2 ) | = 2 , | L ( v ) | ? 3 for every v ? V ( C ) ? { v 1 , v 2 } and | L ( v ) | ? 5 for every v ? V ( G ) ? V ( C ) . We prove a conjecture of Hutchinson that G has a (proper) coloring ? such that ? ( v ) ? L ( v ) for every v ? V ( G ) . We will use this as a lemma in subsequent papers.
Six-Degree-of-Freedom Model of a Controlled Circular Parachute

Abstract : The paper continues a series of publications devoted to modern advances in aerodynamic decelerator system technology started recently (Journal of Aircraft, Vol. 38, No. 5, 2001) and addresses the development of a six-degree- of-freedom model of a guided circular parachute. The paper reviews existing circular parachute models and discusses several modeling issues unresolved within the frame of existing approaches or completely ignored so far. These issues include using data obtained in the aerodynamic experiments and computational-fluid-dynamics modeling for both undistorted (uncontrolled) and distorted (controlled) canopy shapes, introducing and computing control derivatives, and providing comparison with the real flight data. The paper provides step-by-step development of the mathematical model of circular parachute that includes the basic equations of motion, analysis and computation of the aerodynamic forces and moments, and investigation with modeling of special modes observed in flight. It then introduces a new application of a two-step aerodynamic parameters identification algorithm that is based on comparison with two types of the air-drop data (uncontrolled set and controlled one). The paper ends with summary of the obtained results and proposes a vital direction for the further elaboration of the developed model.
Stem Cell–Derived Tissue–Engineered Constructs for Hemilaryngeal Reconstruction

Objectives:As an initial step toward our goal of developing a completely tissue-engineered larynx, the aim of this study was to describe and compare three strategies of creating tissue-engineered muscle-polymer constructs for hemilaryngeal reconstruction.Methods:Cartilage-mimicking polymer was developed from electrospun poly(D,L-lactide-co-e-caprolactone) (PCL). Primary muscle progenitor cell cultures were derived from syngeneic F344 rat skeletal muscle biopsies. Twenty F344 rats underwent resection of the outer hemilaryngeal cartilage with the underlying laryngeal adductor muscle. The defects were repaired with muscle stem cell–derived muscle–PCL constructs (5 animals), myotube-derived muscle–PCL constructs (5 animals), motor end plate–expressing muscle–PCL constructs (5 animals), or PCL alone (controls; 5 animals). The outcome measures at 1 month included animal survival, muscle thickness, and innervation status as determined by electromyography and immunohistochemistry.Results:All of the animals surviv...
Multiscale Inverse Compositional Alignment for Subdivision Surface Maps

We propose an efficient alignment method for textured Doo-Sabin subdivision surface templates. A variation of the inverse compositional image alignment is derived by introducing smooth adjustments in the parametric space of the surface and relating them to the control point increments. The convergence properties of the proposed method are improved by a coarse-to-fine multiscale matching. The method is applied to real-time tracking of specially marked surfaces from a single camera view.
Optical TiO and VO Band Emission in Two Embedded Protostars: IRAS 04369+2539 and IRAS 05451+0037

Archival spectra from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey of two optically faint flat-spectrum protostars, IRAS 04369+2539 and IRAS 05451+0037, show strong emission-line features including—notably—clear and broad emission across several molecular bands of TiO and VO. The molecular emission is indicative of dense, warm circumstellar gas and has been seen previously in only one object: the flat-spectrum protostar IRAS 20496+4354 during a strong optical outburst (PTF 10nvg). The presence of broad molecular emission features in two additional objects having similar mid-infrared properties (but not known to be undergoing outbursts) could provide new insight into phases of rapid accretion/outflow at early stages of the protoplanetary disk. At present, the relevant geometry and the formation or heating mechanisms responsible for the observed TiO/VO cooling emission remain unexplained.
Tracking NAFTA's shadow 10 years on : introduction to the symposium

The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is arguably the first case study of what may be expected from the increasing number of preferential trade agreements involving both developed and developing economies. Ten years after the treaty's inception, it is time to assess how its outcomes compare with initial expectations. The articles in this symposium issue provide insights into the effects of NAFTA on economic geography, trade, wages and migration, and foreign investment from Mexico's perspective. The contributions paint a complex post-NAFTA reality characterized by persistent intra-bloc trade barriers, interregional inequality within Mexico, labor market outcomes that seem closely tied to migration patterns and international trade and investment, and foreign investment flows that appear weakly related to trade agreements.
Passive coordination of nonlinear bilateral teleoperated manipulators

Significant research has been aimed at the development and control of teleoperator systems due to both the practical importance and the challenging theoretical nature of the problem. Two controllers are developed in this paper for a nonlinear teleoperator system that target coordination of the master and slave manipulators and passivity of the overall system. The first controller is proven to yield a semi-global asymptotic result in the presence of parametric uncertainty in the master and slave manipulator dynamic models. The second controller yields a global asymptotic result despite unmeasurable user and environmental input forces. To develop each controller, a transformation encodes the coordination and passivity objectives in the closed loop system. The coordinated system is forced to track a dynamic system to assist in meeting all control objectives. Finally, continuous nonlinear integral feedback terms are used to accommodate for incomplete system knowledge for both controllers. Lyapunov-based techniques are used to prove that all control objectives are met and that all signals are bounded.
Newly reducible iterates in families of quadratic polynomials

For fixed n 3 and nearly all values of , we show that there are only finitely many m such that g; m has a newly reducible n-th iterate. For nD 2 we show a similar result for a much more restricted set of . These results complement those obtained by Danielson and Fein (Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 130:6 (2002), 1589‐1596) in the higher-degree case. Our method involves translating the problem to one of finding rational points on certain hyperelliptic curves, determining the genus of these curves, and applying Faltings’ theorem.
Image motion estimation algorithms using cumulants

A class of algorithms is presented that estimates the displacement vector from two successive image frames consisting of signal plus noise. In the model, the signals are assumed to be either non-Gaussian or (quasistationary) deterministic; and, via a consistency result for cumulant estimators, the authors unify the stochastic and deterministic signal viewpoints. The noise sources are assumed to be Gaussian (perhaps spatially and temporally correlated) and of unknown covariance. Viewing image motion estimation as a 2D time delay estimation problem, the displacement vector of a moving object is estimated by solving linear equations involving third-order auto-cumulants and cross-cumulants. Additionally, a block-matching algorithm is developed that follows from a cumulant-error optimality criterion. Finally, the displacement vector for each pel is estimated using a recursive algorithm that minimizes a mean 2D fourth-order cumulant criterion. Simulation results are presented and discussed. >
Aspects of Job Scheduling

A mathematical model for job scheduling in a specified context is presented. The model uses both linear programming and combinatorial methods. While designed with a view toward optimization of scheduling of facility and plant operations at the Deep Space Communications Complex, the context is sufficiently general to be widely applicable. The general scheduling problem including options for scheduling objectives is discussed and fundamental parameters identified. Mathematical algorithms for partitioning problems germane to scheduling are presented.
Public Investment Policy in Life-Science Research

The article presents a dynamic model of research investment. This model allows us to examine three important channels through which public investment policy can affect the private sector's research investment, that is, the productivity, replacement, and wage effects. Two alternative empirical approaches are introduced to implement the model. Through a unified examination of the productivity, replacement, and wage effects, the empirical estimation of this model will provide insight into whether public-sector research investment crowds in or crowds out private-sector research investment.
Herniorrhaphy With Polypropylene Mesh Causing Inguinal Vasal Obstruction: A Preventable Cause of Obstructive Azoospermia

Inguinal vasal obstruction (IVO) is an uncommon and potentially unrecognized cause of azoospermia in the male infertility patient. Consequently, the true incidence of vasal obstruction is unknown. Known causes of IVO usually are related to inguinal herniorrhaphy and may result from iatrogenic vasal ligation or injury, vascular compromise, or extrinsic compression. Recently, we have identified a group of patients with IVO associated with polypropylene mesh used in inguinal herniorrhaphy. Inguinal herniorrhaphy is the operation most commonly performed by general surgeons with approximately 750,000 performed annually in the United States.1 An estimated 80% of these hernia operations involve placement of a knitted polypropylene monofilament mesh prosthesis to patch the defect in the floor of the inguinal canal.2 A “tension-free” repair is created and the spermatic cord is carefully placed on top of the mesh before closing.3 Subsequently, the prosthetic mesh induces an acute inflammatory reaction followed by a chronic foreign-body fibroblastic response that creates scar tissue and imparts strength to the floor.4–7 Clinically, open hernia repairs using the tension-free technique with polypropylene mesh have been shown to result in fewer recurrences than repairs using nonmesh methods.8 Laparoscopic hernia repairs using mesh apparently provide reports similar to those of open repairs but long-term data have not been reported.9 Regardless of surgical technique, little clinical information is available regarding the long-term effects of the polypropylene mesh on the vas deferens and other structures within the spermatic cord. One possible reason is that most men undergoing hernia repairs tend to be older and not concerned about maintaining their reproductive potential.7 However, with its widespread acceptance and ease of placement, polypropylene mesh repair is being offered increasingly to younger patients whose fertility status may well be an issue in the future. Although the estimated incidence of injury to the vas deferens is 0.3% in adult hernia repairs,10 only 1 case has been reported in the literature attributing secondary infertility to hernia repair with mesh.11 We report on a multiinstitutional experience of inguinal vasal obstruction related to tension-free herniorrhaphy using polypropylene mesh.
Dynamic Monetary Equilibrium in a Random Matching Economy

This article concerns an infinite horizon economy where trade must occur pairwise, using a double auction mechanism, and where fiat money overcomes lack of double coincidence of wants. Traders are anonymous and lack market power. Goods are divisible and perishable, and are consumed at every date. Preferences are defined by utility-stream overtaking. Money is divisible and not subject to inventory constraints. The evolution of individual and economywide money holdings distributions is characterized. There is a welfare-ordered continuum of single price equilibria, reflecting indeterminacy of the price level rather than of relative prices.
Cosmic-Ray Rejection by Laplacian Edge Detection

Conventional algorithms for rejecting cosmic rays in single CCD exposures rely on the contrast between cosmic rays and their surroundings and may produce erroneous results if the point-spread function is smaller than the largest cosmic rays. This paper describes a robust algorithm for cosmic-ray rejection, based on a variation of Laplacian edge detection. The algorithm identifies cosmic rays of arbitrary shapes and sizes by the sharpness of their edges and reliably discriminates between poorly sampled point sources and cosmic rays. Examples of its performance are given for spectroscopic and imaging data, including Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 images.
SIZE AND VALUE RISK IN FINANCIAL FIRMS

Abstract The Fama and Frenchs three factor model ( Fama and French, 1992 , Fama and French, 1993 ) is now the most popular replacement for CAPM. In the model, the fact that the model excludes financial firms is significant because financial firms are a large fraction of the value of the U.S. stock market. Also, there is no theoretical reason for excluding financial firms. Modigliani and Miller, 1958 , Modigliani and Miller, 1963 suggest that leverage affects beta, but it does not invalidate the capital asset pricing model. It would therefore be more satisfying if the pricing model applied generally, rather than being restricted to non-financial corporations. Thus, we assess the validity of size and value risk as common risk factors to measure of the cross-section of expected stock returns in financial companies. Empirical asset pricing tests suggest two findings. First, size and value risk premia commonly exists in both nonfinancial and financial firms, even if two factors are less explicable in financial firms. Second, an interest rate risk premium ( Δ L / L ) which defined as a financial firm specific risk factor only appears in financial companies.
Saints, demons, wizards and systems: why information technology reforms fail or underperform in public bureaucracies in Africa

Building computerized information systems in weak African bureaucracies is a formidable task. Information systems often succumb to organizational constraints and either fail or underperform. This article examines why and provides a model of how they can succeed. The thesis is that African bureaucracy and, surprisingly, information systems development are contingent structures and processes. Given the right combination of government reformers (saints) and appropriate technical assistance specialists (wizards), the personal and contingent nature of African bureaucracies can facilitate the rapid introduction of information technology reform. The difficult task is to sustain the reform in a context where government staff are apathetic or even hostile to the reform (demons). An information system is sustained when it is insulated—its output is revered and tampering is feared. In African bureaucracies, information systems fail or underperform more often than they succeed, because the saints are few, the demons are many, the wizards are inappropriate, the systems are complex and the organizations are weak. The article concludes by reviewing five conundra of systems development in African bureaucracies: building systems without saints, managing demons, compartmentalizing systems, integrating system compartments and insulating systems. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TAKEOVER EXPOSURE, AGENCY, AND THE CHOICE BETWEEN PRIVATE AND PUBLIC DEBT

We examine how governance characteristics are related to the corporate choice between public and private debt. We find that firms with fewer takeover defenses and larger outside blockholder ownership are more likely to borrow from banks and to issue 144A debt. We also document that public debt cost is more sensitive to takeover exposure than bank debt cost. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that banks mitigate the expected negative effect of takeovers on debt value through covenants and debt renegotiations. Moreover, we show that firms with weaker internal monitoring are less likely to borrow from banks.
A Convenient Synthesis of 7,9,9-Trimethyl-1-oxaspiro[4,5]-6-decen-2-one

Abstract The allylic lactone 1 was prepared from the reaction of lithium 3-lithiopropanoate (5) with isophorone (3) followed by mild acid treatment of the hydroxy acid adduct.
Fatigue Response in Bridge Deck Connection Composed of Field-Cast Ultra-High-Performance Concrete

The use of prefabricated concrete bridge deck components can offer many advantages over conventional cast-in-place construction techniques. However, completing the overall bridge system requires the installation of connecting elements. The state of the practice for these connecting elements has been deficient in resilience, durability, and ease of construction. An ongoing research effort at FHWA, in conjunction with partners from the New York State and Iowa Departments of Transportation, is focused on engaging the advantageous properties of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) to develop a new type of detail applicable to deck-level connections between prefabricated modular bridge components. This physical testing program investigated the structural performance of a field-cast UHPC connection under repeated truck wheel loading. The connection—150 mm (5.9 in.) thick and 152 mm (6 in.) wide—was designed as a noncontact lap splice with straight 16M (No. 5) steel reinforcement. After more than 11 million st...