cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
All in my head ? the play of exclusion and discrimination in the labor market

Labor market discrimination is very difficult to pinpoint, even more difficult to measure and almost impossible to “prove”. It has been studied in many disciplines of which economics and sociology are prime. The latter has focused more on the manner in which discrimination plays out and how it is related to different forms of social stratification. This paper reviews the literature and makes two main contributions: first, it builds a four-fold typology to think about discrimination—overt or covert; conscious or unconscious; legal or illegal and real or perceived. Second, it identifies screens and filters—devices through which discrimination plays out in the labor market. Unless more empirical studies identify the play of discrimination and exclusion, subordinate groups may well be told that discrimination is actually in their heads—that they are imagining it.
The mori cones of moduli spaces of pointed curves of small genus

We compute the Mori cones of the moduli spaces M g,n of n pointed stable curves of genus g, when g and n are relatively small. For instance we show that for g < 14 every curve in Mg is equivalent to an effective combination of the components of the locus of curves with 3g - 4 nodes. We completely describe the cone of nef divisors for the space M 0,6 , thus verifying Fulton's conjecture for this space. Using this description we obtain a classification of all the fibrations of M 0,6 .
Concept formation and statistical learning in nonhomogeneous neural nets

The authors present an analysis of complex nonhomogeneous neural nets, an adaptive statistical learning algorithm, and the potential use of these types of systems to perform a general sensor fusion problem. First, an extension to the theory of statistical neurodynamics is introduced to include the analysis of complex nonhomogeneous neuron pools consisting of three subnets. Second, a statistical learning algorithm is developed based on the differential geometrical theory of statistical inference for the adaptive updating of the synaptic interconnection weights. The statistical learning algorithm is merged with the subnets of nonhomogeneous nets, and it is shown how these ensembles of nets can be applied to solve a general sensor fusion problem. >
Evaluation of Germicides by a Manometric Method

The need for a method capable of evaluating germicides for chemotherapeutic use is universally recognized. Obviously, the first requirement is that the method should simulate as nearly as possible the conditions met in the animal body. In addition it should be relatively simple and should yield information regarding the action of the test substance on bacteria, and on animal tissues, in terms which would permit a direct comparison of the respective effects. The method of Lambert,1 employed more recently by Salle,2 does not seem to fulfill these requirements, since the parasitotropic and organotropic properties of the disinfectant are tested under profoundly different conditions. Moreover, it is based on a tissue-culture technic which is time consuming and laborious.The manometric method proposed here has proved simple, rapid, and remarkably flexible. It permits the conditions of testing to be modified at will, and at the same time allows wide latitude in the choice of animal and bacterial test-subjects. O...
Multilateral Trade Bargaining: A First Look at the GATT Bargaining Records

This paper empirically examines recently declassified data from the GATT/WTO on tariff bargaining. We document eight stylized facts about these interconnected high-stakes international negotiations. We use detailed product-level offer and counteroffer data to examine several questions about trade policy, including whether preferential tariffs were a stumbling block towards liberalization, and whether the relaxation of bilateral reciprocity to multilateral reciprocity aided liberalization. We organize the empirical analysis around a theoretical model of multi-party trade negotiations motivated by the terms-of-trade theory and respecting the institutional features of most-favored-nation status and reciprocity.
Muon spin relaxation studies of the interplay between magnetism and superconductivity in heavy fermion systems

The interplay between magnetism and superconductivity in heavy fermion systems is discussed and the role of muon spin relaxation in elucidating these properties is emphasized. Relevant properties of all six heavy fermion superconductors are briefly surveyed and instances where superconductivity and magnetism compete, coexist and couple with one another are pointed out. Current theoretical concepts underlying these phenomena are highlighted.
Efficacy and safety of telaprevir and boceprevir in patients with hepatitis C genotype 1: a meta-analysis

Summary What is known and objective Two NS3/4A protease inhibitors (PIs), telaprevir and boceprevir, were recently approved in the United States. The primary objective was to compare the efficacy and safety of triple therapies including either PI to dual therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1; the secondary objective was to conduct subgroup analyses to make comparisons based on patients' race. Methods Published and unpublished RCTs were selected if they: (i) had patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1, (ii) compared triple therapies (telaprevir or boceprevir + peg-interferon + ribavirin) and dual therapy (peg-interferon + ribavirin) and (iii) measured the outcome using sustained virologic response (SVR). Results A total of 4421 patients from 10 evaluated articles were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, triple therapy was significantly associated with a higher achievement of SVR than dual therapy: (i) telaprevir-based triple therapy in treatment-naive patients (relative risk [RR] = 1·62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1·47–1·78), (ii) telaprevir-based triple therapy in treatment-experienced patients (RR = 3·85; 95% CI, 3·03–4·90), (iii) boceprevir-based triple therapy in treatment-naive patients (PR = 1·70; 95% CI, 1·56–1·86) and (iv) boceprevir-based triple therapy in treatment-experienced patients (RR = 2·98; 95% CI, 2·29–3·87). Although black and non-black patients demonstrated the higher rates of achieving SVR with triple therapy compared to dual therapy, the rates of SVR were still lower among black patients than among non-black patients. Patients on triple therapies had the significantly increased incidences of treatment discontinuation attributable to adverse events and serious adverse events when compared to dual therapy, especially treatment-experienced patients. What is new and conclusions Regarding achieving SVR, triple therapies including either PI are superior to dual therapy for both treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients.
Distributed resource discovery through exchanges of examples and classifiers

Distributed resource discovery is an essential step for information retrieval and providing information services. This step is usually used for determining the location of an information/data repository that has relevant information/data. The most fundamental challenge is the potential lack of semantic interoperability among these repositories. In this paper, we proposed an algorithm to enable distributed resource discovery. In the proposed method, the distributed repositories achieve pair wise semantic interoperability through the exchange of both examples. For each repository, the local classifier is used to classify the examples sent by the remote repository, and the classifier from the remote repository is used to classify the examples from the local repository. The correspondence of the class labels from two repositories can then be established by examining the classification results.
A structural model for metallic glasses

Despite the intense interest in metallic glasses for a variety of engineering applications, many details of their structure remain a mystery. Here, we present the first compelling atomic structural model for metallic glasses. This structural model is based on a new sphere-packing scheme—the dense packing of atomic clusters. Random positioning of solvent atoms and medium-range atomic order of solute atoms are combined to reproduce diffraction data successfully over radial distances up to ∼1 nm. Although metallic glasses can have any number of chemically distinct solute species, this model shows that they contain no more than three topologically distinct solutes and that these solutes have specific and predictable sizes relative to the solvent atoms. Finally, this model includes defects that provide richness to the structural description of metallic glasses. The model accurately predicts the number of solute atoms in the first coordination shell of a typical solvent atom, and provides a remarkable ability to predict metallic-glass compositions accurately for a wide range of simple and complex alloys.
The efficacy of rhinoplasty alone in facial rejuvenation.

Abstract Purpose The aim of the study was to demonstrate whether rhinoplasty alone is a rejuvenating procedure for the aging face. Materials and methods Photographs of the right profile of 48 white females older than 55 years were recorded using standardized techniques. Each of the subjects' noses underwent computer-simulated rhinoplasty to conform to aesthetic canons of the ideal nose. Forty-eight evaluators, blinded to the purpose of the study, were shown either the natural right profile or the morphed image. The evaluators then estimated subject age. Results Evaluators were divided into younger and older cohorts. Computer-simulated rhinoplasty alone did not prove to be statistically rejuvenating (Hotelling-Lawley Trace, P = .203). This finding held true for both the younger and older cohort of evaluators ( P = .98). Although not statistically significant, evaluators estimated the age of the morphed images to be 6.5 years (mean) younger than actual age for all subjects. Conclusions Rhinoplasty alone is not statistically rejuvenating in the profile view of white females older than 55 years. However, age estimation may be less accurate than was hypothesized for the profile view, possibly because of other visual queues.
Comparing vertical restraints

Abstract When faced with the need to protect dealer provision of promotional services for their products, manufacturers have continued to impose resale price maintenance (RPM) in preference to providing exclusive territories, even though the latter are legal while RPM is not. This paper compares RPM and territories, finding that RPM raises retail prices by less, but also supports less service provision than the exclusive territories alternative. Indeed, exclusive territories raise prices and generate more services than full manufacturer integration into distribution. This result calls into question the current contrasting legal treatment of territories and RPM.
AGREEMENT BETWEEN EXPERT-SYSTEM AND HUMAN RATERS' SCORES ON COMPLEX CONSTRUCTED-RESPONSE QUANTITATIVE ITEMS

This study evaluated agreement between expert-system and human scores on 12 constructed-response algebra word problems taken by Graduate Record Examination General Test examinees. Problems were drawn from three content classes (rate × time, work, and interest) and presented in four constructed-response formats (open ended, goal specification, equation setup, and faulty solution). Agreement was evaluated for each item separately by comparing the system's scores to the mean scores taken across five content experts. The expert system produced scores for all responses and duplicated the judgments of raters with reasonable accuracy; the median of 12 correlations between the system and human scores was .88, and the largest average discrepancy was 1.2 on a 16-point scale. No obvious differences in scoring agreement between constructed-response formats or content classes emerged. Ideas are discussed for using expert scoring systems in large-scale assessment programs and in interactive diagnostic assessment.
Monte Carlo Estimation of American Call Options on the Maximum of Several Stocks

Among numerical methods for valuing derivatives, lattice- based models like the binomial are useful for pricing American options, but have difficulty with path dependent contracts. Monte Carlo simulation is good for path- dependent problems, but has trouble with American early exercise. And for all methods, computation time increases sharply when there is more than one stochastic variable. Yet derivative instruments with all of these difficult features are being created daily, an example is an American option on the maximum of several stock prices. In this article, Raymar and Zwecher present an enhanced Monte Carlo technique designed to handle these problems. Their method is fast and accurate in basic cases and can be used easily on much more complex options, like a call on the maximum of ten stocks. The biggest problem in assessing its performance on the most difficult cases is that there are no benchmarks available for accuracy; the Raymar and Zwecher technique solves valuation problems that no other approach can touch.
Timing of Prenatal Smoking Cessation or Reduction and Infant Birth Weight: Evidence from the United Kingdom Millennium Cohort Study

Smoking during pregnancy is a key contributor to poor infant health. Our study presents a dynamic relationship between the timing of prenatal smoking cessation or reduction and infant birth weight. Using a large representative dataset of a birth cohort in the United Kingdom, we apply regression analysis to examine the influences of cessation in smoking or reduction in smoking intensity at different months or trimesters on infant birth weight. For robustness checks, we use a rich set of additional covariates, a series of variable selection procedures, alternative birth outcome measures, and stratified samples. We find robust evidence that mothers who quit smoking by the third month of pregnancy or the end of the first trimester have infants of the same weight as those infants of nonsmokers. However, we find smoking cessation in the fourth month or any time beyond is associated with substantially lower infant birth weights. Two-thirds of the total adverse smoking impact on infant birth weight occurs in the second trimester. Our study also shows mothers who smoke throughout pregnancy but cut smoking intensity by the third month in pregnancy deliver infants of the same weight as those infants born to persistent light smokers. Our research suggests the efficacy of prenatal smoking cessation services can be significantly improved, if health professionals can encourage more pregnant women to quit smoking or reduce smoking intensity timely by the end of the first trimester.
Asymmetric Induction in [3 + 2] Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions of Nitrile Oxides with Chiral (α-Oxyallyl)silanes

Abstract The dipolar cycloaddition reactions of(α-oxyallyl)silanes 12a-g with 2,2-dimethylpropanenitrile oxide and benzonitrile oxide have been studied. Mixtures of anti (14a-g and 16a-g) and syn (15a-g and 17a-g) Δ2-isoxazolines are formed. The direction and magnitude of asymmetric induction depends on the allylie oxygen substituent: a free hydroxy provides a modest excess of the syn diastereomer, a silyl ether shows good selectivity for the anti diastereomer, and various acyl derivatives show low diastereoselectivity. The significance of these results is discussed in terms of two current models for asymmetric induction.
Enantioselective Synthesis of Indolizidines Bearing Quaternary Substituted Stereocenters via Rhodium-Catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloaddition of Alkenyl Isocyanates and Terminal Alkynes

An enantioselective synthesis of indolizidines bearing quaternary substituted stereocenters by way of a rhodium-catalyzed [2+2+2] cycloaddition of substituted alkenyl isocyanates and terminal alkynes is described. The reaction provides lactam products using aliphatic alkynes, whereas aryl alkynes give rise to vinylogous amide products. Through modification of the phosphoramidite ligand, high levels of enantioselectivity, regioselectivity, and product selectivity are obtained for both products.
A Determination of the Intergalactic Redshift Dependent UV-Optical-NIR Photon Density Using Deep Galaxy Survey Data and the Gamma-ray Opacity of the Universe

We calculate the intensity and photon spectrum of the intergalactic background light (IBL) as a function of redshift using an approach based on observational data obtained in many different wavelength bands from local to deep galaxy surveys. This allows us to obtain an empirical determination of the IBL and to quantify its observationally based uncertainties. Using our results on the IBL, we then place 68% confidence upper and lower limits on the opacity of the universe to gamma-rays, free of the theoretical assumptions that were needed for past calculations. We compare our results with measurements of the extragalactic background light and upper limits obtained from observations made by the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope.
BF3-H2O catalyzed hydroxyalkylation of aromatics with aromatic aldehydes and dicarboxaldehydes: efficient synthesis of triarylmethanes, diarylmethylbenzaldehydes, and anthracene derivatives.

BF3-monohydrate is found to be an efficient and strong acid catalyst as well as an effective protosolvating medium suitable for the hydroxyalkylation of arenes with aromatic aldehydes. This reaction has been extended to aromatic dialdehydes, such as terephthalic dicarboxaldehyde and isoterephthalic dicarboxaldehyde, for the efficient synthesis of diarylmethylbenzaldehydes, which are useful synthons for various organic transformations. Further, successful one step convergent synthesis of various synthetically useful anthracene derivatives from phthalaldehyde was also achieved. BF3−H2O is less expensive and acts as an efficient substitute for nonoxidizing strong protic acids/superacids.
Quadrature domains and kernel function zipping

It is proved that quadrature domains are ubiquitous in a very strong sense in the realm of smoothly bounded multiply connected domains in the plane. In fact, they are so dense that one might as well assume that any given smooth domain one is dealing with is a quadrature domain, and this allows access to a host of strong conditions on the classical kernel functions associated to the domain. Following this string of ideas leads to the discovery that the Bergman kernel can be “zipped” down to a strikingly small data set.
Field theories of paramagnetic Mott insulators

This is a summary of a central argument in recent review articles by the author (Physica A 313, 252 (2002), Annals of Physics 303, 226 (2003), and Rev. Mod. Phys, July 2003). An effective field theory is derived for the low energy spin singlet excitations in a paramagnetic Mott insulator with collinear spin correlations.
Integrating edge and surface information for range image segmentation

Abstract Most conventional range image segmentation algorithms could be classified as either surface-based or edge-based depending on whether they extract the parameters of the surface or the surface discontinuities. Thus the processes of extracting the surface parameters and the surface discontinuities are treated as distinct from each other. In this paper we show that the synergetic combination of both surface- and edge-based segmentation processes can lead to more accurate segmentation results than just either of them alone. A segmentation algorithm is proposed which integrates edge and surface information in order to come up with a high-level description of a scene given a range image. Although the segmentation technique at this time is limited to polyhedral objects, it can be extended to include objects with parametric curved surfaces of quadratic order such as cones, cylinders and spheres that lead to parametric curves of discontinuity that are conic sections such as circles, ellipses and parabolas.
High-Resolution Coarse-Grained Modeling Using Oriented Coarse-Grained Sites.

We introduce a method to bring nearly atomistic resolution to coarse-grained models, and we apply the method to proteins. Using a small number of coarse-grained sites (about one per eight atoms) but assigning an independent three-dimensional orientation to each site, we preferentially integrate out stiff degrees of freedom (bond lengths and angles, as well as dihedral angles in rings) that are accurately approximated by their average values, while retaining soft degrees of freedom (unconstrained dihedral angles) mostly responsible for conformational variability. We demonstrate that our scheme retains nearly atomistic resolution by mapping all experimental protein configurations in the Protein Data Bank onto coarse-grained configurations and then analytically backmapping those configurations back to all-atom configurations. This roundtrip mapping throws away all information associated with the eliminated (stiff) degrees of freedom except for their average values, which we use to construct optimal backmappi...
A tutorial view of simulation model development

Working from the background of simulation language developments, we develop an understanding of the current status of simulation model development. Factors characterizing the current status include a shift in emphasis from program to model, more commitment to modeling tools, and the lingering impedance of simulation language isolation. Current and future needs are identified. Specific approaches to meeting these needs are cited in an extensive description of current research, and in summary we conclude that the technology of simulation model development is in a transitional period that portends more rapid changes for the future.
A new paradigm in data intensive computing: Stork and the data-aware schedulers

The unbounded increase in the computation and data requirements of scientific applications has necessitated the use of widely distributed compute and storage resources to meet the demand. In a widely distributed environment, data is no more locally accessible and has thus to be remotely retrieved and stored. Efficient and reliable access to data sources and archiving destinations in such an environment brings new challenges. Placing data on temporary local storage devices offers many advantages, but such "data placements" also require careful management of storage resources and data movement, i.e. allocating storage space, staging-in of input data, staging-out of generated data, and de-allocation of local storage after the data is safely stored at the destination. Traditional systems closely couple data placement and computation, and consider data placement as a side effect of computation. Data placement is either embedded in the computation and causes the computation to delay, or performed as simple scripts which do not have the privileges of a job. The insufficiency of the traditional systems and existing CPU-oriented schedulers in dealing with the complex data handling problem has yielded a new emerging era: the data-aware schedulers. One of the first examples of such schedulers is the Stork data placement scheduler. In this paper, we discuss the limitations of the traditional schedulers in handling the challenging data scheduling problem of large scale distributed applications; give our vision for the new paradigm in data-intensive scheduling; and elaborate on our case study: the Stork data placement scheduler.
Open problems in cosmology

The main task for cosmology today is the completion of the program of cosmological tests that commenced in the 1930s. I offer comments on the state of the program and the issues to be addressed to establish a convincing large-scale picture of the observable universe.
A PRIMEVAL MAGELLANIC STREAM AND OTHERS

The Magellanic Stream (MS) might have grown out of tidal interactions at high redshift, when the young galaxies were close together, rather than from later interactions among the Magellanic Clouds and Milky Way (MW). This is illustrated in solutions for the orbits of Local Group (LG) galaxies under the cosmological condition of growing peculiar velocities at high redshift. Massless test particles initially near and moving with the Large Magellanic Cloud in these solutions end up with distributions in angular position and redshift similar to the MS, though with the usual overly prominent leading component that the MW corona might have suppressed. Another possible example of the effect of conditions at high redshift is a model primeval stream around the LG galaxy NGC 6822. Depending on the solution for LG dynamics, this primeval stream can end up with a position angle similar to the H I around this galaxy and a redshift gradient in the observed direction. The gradient is much smaller than observed but might have been increased by dissipative contraction. Presented also is an even more speculative illustration of the possible effect of initial conditions, primeval stellar streams around M31.
Unitary and hermitian matrices in an external field (II). The Kontsevich model and continuum Virasoro constraints

Abstract We give a simple derivation of the Virasoro constraints in the Kontsevich model, first derived by Witten. We generalize the method to a model of unitary matrices, for which we find a new set of Virasoro constraints. Finally we discuss the solution for symmetric matrices in an external field.
Ada simulation technology - methods and metrics

This paper describes the impact of the Ada programming language on the development and use of simulation models. Based upon the development in Ada of a discrete-event simulation package (A*SIM), Ada is shown to provide numerous language features and methodologies that are ideally suited for modeling and simulation. Productivity and performance metrics collected during development and extensive use of A*SIM are also presented to provide quantitative comparisons of Ada-based modeling and simulation with previous approaches.
Coordination compounds formed using three-center hydrogen bridge bonds: An extension of the Lewis donor—acceptor coordinate bond

Abstract In 1959 it was suggested by Parry and Edwards that the concept of a coordinate covalent bond could be extended to include three-center bridge bonds. Although the bond was soon seen in metal borohydrides and salts of metals with other boron hydride anions, questions about ionic contributions to bonding in these structures rendered questionable the concept of valid coordination to a metal through a [boron-hydrogen-metal] three-center bond. Now complexes have been characterized with formulas of ZnCl2·L, (CuClL)2, CuPφ3LCl, Ni(CO)2L, Cr(CO)4L, Mo(CO)4L, and W(CO)4L where L is the bidentate, neutral, σ-bonding ligand which can be compared in some sense to ethylenediamine: In these compounds, as in some of the boron hydrides such as B2H6, the linkage is clearly and unequivocally the basis for compound stability. Relatively unstable complexes of the formula M(CO)5[B2H4 · 2P(CH3)3] have also been characterized where M is Cr and W, and where the [B2H4 · 2P(CH3)3] is a monodentate ligand. Even less stable monodentate complexes of formula Cr(CO)5(H3B · Base) and W(CO)5(H3B · Base) have been characterized where the bases fastened to BH3 are P(CH3)3, N(CH3), and P(C6H5)3. These borane ligands are excellent leaving groups.
Synthesis, Reactions, and Preliminary Evaluations of Enaminone Esters

□ The objective of this work was to design enaminone esters that would possess potential medicinal properties. The reaction between β-hydroxyketo esters and primary or secondary amines yielded secondary or tertiary enaminone esters, respectively. The UV spectra of the enaminone esters were determined in acidic, alkaline, and neutral media; the spectra have a hypsochromic shift in acidic media in comparison with neutral media. The enaminone esters provided nucleophilic and electrophilic sites for a variety of reactions. Thus, the enaminone esters were converted into enaminone amides and O-alkylation products exclusively. Although the enaminone esters were generally resistant to reduction by metal hydrides, one unhindered enaminone ester was reduced to an alcohol with sodium borohydride. Another enaminone ester reacted with guanidine to give the corresponding quinazolinone. Due to the variety of nucleophilic and electrophilic sites in the enaminone system, enaminone esters possess a great potential as reaction intermediates and medicinal compounds. Preliminary evaluations of the enaminone esters revealed a hista- minergic effect, uterine relaxant properties, and anticonvulsant activity.
Studies of background levels for the NIF yield diagnostics from neutron and gamma radiation

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is nearing completion of construction and is preparing for the National Ignition Campaign (NIC) with potentially significant yield in 2010. The design of a wide range of yield diagnostics in and outside the target-bay of the NIF must consider scattered background neutrons and neutron-induced gamma rays to measure neutrons and x-rays from target. The large and complex target chamber and facility make the calculation of scattered neutrons and gamma rays extremely challenging. The NIF was designed with shielded locations for many of the yield diagnostics including the neutron alcove and four diagnostic mezzanines. Accurate calculation of the background levels in these shielded locations requires advanced Monte Carlo techniques, e.g., variance reduction. Placement, size, and materials of collimators on the line of sight (LOS) through the shielding must be evaluated to trade off signal levels and unwanted backgrounds. The background at these locations is also affected by neutrons that pass through the laser beam tubes and scatter off of structures and walls in the switch yards. Detailed 3D Monte Carlo analyses are performed to determine neutron and gamma fluxes for some of the yield diagnostics.
On Secure Network Coding With Nonuniform or Restricted Wiretap Sets

The secrecy capacity of a network, for a given collection of permissible wiretap sets, is the maximum rate of communication such that observing links in any permissible wiretap set reveal no information about the message. This paper considers secure network coding with nonuniform or restricted wiretap sets, for example, networks with unequal link capacities where a wiretapper can wiretap any subset of k links, or networks where only a subset of links can be wiretapped. Existing results show that for the case of uniform wiretap sets (networks with equal capacity links/packets where any k can be wiretapped), the secrecy capacity is given by a cut-set bound if random keys are injected at the source (and decoded at the sink), whether or not the communicating users have information about the choice of wiretap set. In contrast, we show that for the nonuniform case, this secrecy rate is achievable for the case of known but not unknown wiretap set. We give achievable linear optimization-based strategies where random keys are canceled at intermediate nonsink nodes or injected at intermediate nonsource nodes. Finally, we show that determining the secrecy capacity is an NP-hard problem.
Krakatau 1883: A classic geophysical event

This week marks the 100th anniversary of Krakatau's 1883 eruption, perhaps the most famous volcanic event in recorded history. During a 23-hour period on August 26 and 27, 1883, more than 18 km3 of volcanic debris thundered upward from Krakatau, resulting in the death of more than 36,000 people and causing widespread devastation to the surrounding area. Moreover, the 1883 events at Krakatau caused geophysical phenomena that were observed around the world, making it (at least up until Mount St. Helens' 1980 eruption) the household word for a classic volcanic catastrophe. One hundred years ago, Krakatau was a 5×9 km island in the Sunda Straits, between Java and Sumatra in the Dutch East Indies. It was a familiar landmark, both to the tens of thousands of nearby coastal residents and to the crews of thousands of ships from Europe and the Americas that passed through the Straits each year on their way to and from the far east. The volcano had last erupted in 1681 and was not regarded as a likely site for renewed and catastrophic activity.
Synthesis and biodistribution of p‐iodophenyl analogues of a naturally occurring imidazole ribonucleoside

A model iodophenyl imidazole ribonucleoside has been synthesized to study biodistribution properties in laboratory animals. The key intermediate 5-amino-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-acetyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl)imidazole-4-[N-(p-iodophenyl)carboxamide] (5) was synthesized by coupling N-succinimidyl-5-amino-1-(2,3,5-tri-O-acetyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl)imidazole-4-carboxylate (4) and p-iodoaniline. Deacetylation of the intermediate compound gave 5-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosylimidazole-4-[N-(p-iodophenyl)]carboxamide (6). Ring annulation via diazotization of 5 gave 7-(2,3,5-tri-O-acetyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl)imidazo[4,5-d]-v-triazin-[3-N-(p-iodophenyl)]-4-one (7). Subsequent deacetylation of 7 afforded 7-β-D-ribofuranosylimidazo[4,5-d]-v-triazin-[3-N-(p-iodophenyl)]-4-one (8). The radiolabeled compounds, [125I]5 and [125I]6 were prepared in a manner similar to the corresponding unlabeled compounds except that p-[125I]iodoaniline was used for coupling with 4. Biodistribution studies of iodine-125-labeled 5 and 6 were performed in female Fischer rats and tumor bearing nude mice. Compound 6 showed uptake in the brain and proliferating tissues such as tumor and bone-marrow.
Financial deregulation and household saving

The last decade has seen widespread domestic financial deregulation in the industrial world, particularly in the United States, United Kingdom and the Nordic countries, resulting in an increase in competition both between banks and saving institutions (thrifts or building societies) as they moved into each others services, and within each-sector.' This opened up new financial options, particularly for households, the sector that was probably most affected by government regulation. For example, there was a significant increase in equity withdrawals from personal housing wealth in both the United Kingdom and United States over the ig8os.2 This period also saw a significant change in household consumption behaviour, the most dramatic illustration being the fall in the household saving ratio in those countries where the process of deregulation has gone furthest. This paper reports the results from estimating a model of household saving using regional data for the United Kingdom, with a particular emphasis on the interaction between household saving and financial deregulation. The estimates are used to calculate the relative importance of different factors in the fall in personal saving over the I98os. I conclude that deregulation lowered the equilibrium level of saving over the I98os, probably 2' percentage points per annum, as well as making saving significantly more dependent on changes in wealth, income and real interest rates. There have been a number of earlier empirical studies looking at the interaction between financial deregulation and household behaviour. Manchester and Poterba (i 989), Miles (I 992) and Koskela et al. (I 992) present empirical evidence on the interaction between deregulation, the housing market, and saving in the United States, United Kingdom and Finland, respectively. Others have estimated saving functions which include variables representing the effects of financial deregulation or have considered the impact of financial deregulation on liquidity constraints in consumption.3 The
Genetics of single-cell protein abundance variation in large yeast populations

Variation among individuals arises in part from differences in DNA sequences, but the genetic basis for variation in most traits, including common diseases, remains only partly understood. Many DNA variants influence phenotypes by altering the expression level of one or several genes. The effects of such variants can be detected as expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL). Traditional eQTL mapping requires large-scale genotype and gene expression data for each individual in the study sample, which limits sample sizes to hundreds of individuals in both humans and model organisms and reduces statistical power. Consequently, many eQTL are probably missed, especially those with smaller effects. Furthermore, most studies use messenger RNA rather than protein abundance as the measure of gene expression. Studies that have used mass-spectrometry proteomics reported unexpected differences between eQTL and protein QTL (pQTL) for the same genes, but these studies have been even more limited in scope. Here we introduce a powerful method for identifying genetic loci that influence protein expression in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We measure single-cell protein abundance through the use of green fluorescent protein tags in very large populations of genetically variable cells, and use pooled sequencing to compare allele frequencies across the genome in thousands of individuals with high versus low protein abundance. We applied this method to 160 genes and detected many more loci per gene than previous studies. We also observed closer correspondence between loci that influence protein abundance and loci that influence mRNA abundance of a given gene. Most loci that we detected were clustered in 'hotspots' that influence multiple proteins, and some hotspots were found to influence more than half of the proteins that we examined. The variants that underlie these hotspots have profound effects on the gene regulatory network and provide insights into genetic variation in cell physiology between yeast strains.
Photochemistry as a tool for elucidating organometallic reaction mechanisms

Abstract This paper reviews recent studies in these laboratories in which laser flash photolysis with time-resolved IR and optical detection was used to probe the reactivities and structures of intermediates relevant to the catalytic activation of carbon monoxide. Of particular interest are mechanisms of the carbonylations of metal-alkyl bonds. Summarized here are studies of the model systems (ϱ 5 -C 5 H 5 )Fe(CO) 2 (COCH 3 ) and Mn(CO) 5 (000H 3 ) as well as initial investigations on the catalytic species Co(CO) 3 (PPh 3 )(000H 3 ).
Ne++C60: Collision energy and impact parameter dependence for endohedral complex formation, fragmentation, and charge transfer

We report measurements of C60−2nNe+ and C+60−2n formation in collisions of Ne+ with C60 over a range from 2–212 eV (CM). Activation energies and crude angular information are given for each channel. Endohedral complex formation and fragmentation both require low impact parameter collisions, while charge transfer can occur with larger impact parameters as well.
Synthesis of the Kopsia alkaloids (±)-11,12-demethoxylahadinine B, (±)-kopsidasine and (±)-kopsidasine-N-oxide

The key intermediate homoannular diene 10 was converted into (±)-11,12-demethoxylahadinine 6 via the conjugate reduction and oxidation of 15 with Mn(dpm)2/PhSiH3/O2 at 0°C. Oxidation of 14 with PhI(OAc)2/MeOH followed by reduction gave 17, which was converted into (±)-kopsidasine 19 and kopsidasine-N-oxide 20. The structure of the latter was confirmed by comparison with an authentic sample, and by X-ray crystallography.
Ligand-enabled cross-coupling of C(sp3)–H bonds with arylboron reagents via Pd(II)/Pd(0) catalysis

There have been numerous developments in C-H activation reactions in the past decade. Attracted by the ability to functionalize molecules directly at ostensibly unreactive C-H bonds, chemists have discovered reaction conditions that enable reactions of C(sp(2))-H and C(sp(3))-H bonds with a variety of coupling partners. Despite these advances, the development of suitable ligands that enable catalytic C(sp(3))-H bond functionalization remains a significant challenge. Herein we report the discovery of a mono-N-protected amino acid ligand that enables Pd(II)-catalysed coupling of γ-C(sp(3))-H bonds in triflyl-protected amines with arylboron reagents. Remarkably, no background reaction was observed in the absence of ligand. A variety of amine substrates and arylboron reagents were cross-coupled using this method. Arylation of optically active substrates derived from amino acids also provides a potential route for preparing non-proteinogenic amino acids.
Temperature-dependent refractive index of silicon and germanium

Silicon and germanium are perhaps the two most well-understood semiconductor materials in the context of solid state device technologies and more recently micromachining and nanotechnology. Meanwhile, these two materials are also important in the field of infrared lens design. Optical instruments designed for the wavelength range where these two materials are transmissive achieve best performance when cooled to cryogenic temperatures to enhance signal from the scene over instrument background radiation. In order to enable high quality lens designs using silicon and germanium at cryogenic temperatures, we have measured the absolute refractive index of multiple prisms of these two materials using the Cryogenic, High-Accuracy Refraction Measuring System (CHARMS) at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, as a function of both wavelength and temperature. For silicon, we report absolute refractive index and thermo-optic coefficient (dn/dT) at temperatures ranging from 20 to 300 K at wavelengths from 1.1 to 5.6 pin, while for germanium, we cover temperatures ranging from 20 to 300 K and wavelengths from 1.9 to 5.5 microns. We compare our measurements with others in the literature and provide temperature-dependent Sellmeier coefficients based on our data to allow accurate interpolation of index to other wavelengths and temperatures. Citing the wide variety of values for the refractive indices of these two materials found in the literature, we reiterate the importance of measuring the refractive index of a sample from the same batch of raw material from which final optical components are cut when absolute accuracy greater than k5 x 10" is desired.
A label-free, microfluidics and interdigitated array microelectrode-based impedance biosensor in combination with nanoparticles immunoseparation for detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in food samples

Abstract A microfluidic flow cell with embedded gold interdigitated array microelectrode (IDAM) was developed and integrated with magnetic nanoparticle-antibody conjugates (MNAC) into an impedance biosensor to rapidly detect pathogenic bacteria in ground beef samples. The flow cell consisting of a detection microchamber and inlet and outlet microchannels was fabricated by bonding an IDAM chip to a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microchannel. The detection microchamber with a dimension of 6 mm × 0.5 mm × 0.02 mm and a volume of 60 nL was used to collect bacterial cells in the active layer above the microelectrode for sensitive impedance change. MNAC were prepared by conjugating streptavidin-coated magnetic nanoparticles with biotin-labeled polyclonal goat anti-E. coli antibodies and were used in the separation and concentration of target bacteria. The cells of E. coli O157:H7 inoculated in a food sample were first captured by the MNAC, separated, and concentrated by applying a magnetic field, washed, and then suspended in mannitol solution and finally injected through the microfluidic flow cell for impedance measurement. This impedance biosensor was able to detect as low as 1.6 × 102 and 1.2 × 103 cells of E. coli O157:H7 cells present in pure culture and ground beef sample, respectively. The total detection time from sampling to measurement was 35 min. Equivalent circuit analysis indicated that the bulk medium resistance, double layer capacitance, and dielectric capacitance were responsible for the impedance change due to the presence of E. coli O157:H7 cells on the surface of IDAM. Sample pre-enrichment, secondary antibodies on the microelectrode surface, and redox probes were not required in this impedance biosensor.
Catalytic Enantioselective Decarboxylative Protonation

We report a highly enantioselective, general catalytic system for the facile synthesis of tertiary stereocenters by protonation adjacent to cyclic ketones. The method relies on catalytic decarboxylative protonation of readily accessible racemic quaternary β-ketoesters. A range of substituted cycloalkanone compounds can be accessed through this process with high levels of enantioselectivity.
Predictors of survival and recurrence after temporal bone resection for cancer

Malignant tumors of the temporal bone and external auditory canal are uncommon, with annual incidence estimated at between 1 and 6 per million.1,2 Cancers of the external auditory canal/temporal bone comprise <0.2% of head and neck cancers.3 The rarity and anatomic complexity of these tumors hampered the development of an en bloc ablative operation until 1954, when Parsons and Lewis4 from Memorial Hospital in New York first described the technique of subtotal temporal bone resection. Conley and Novack5 refined this technique further in 1960 with the description of lateral temporal bone resection. Subsequent developments in imaging, microsurgery, reconstruction, and neuroanesthesia have all contributed to advancements in skull base surgery. As a result, oncologic temporal bone procedures, including lateral, subtotal, and total temporal bone resection, have become the standard of care for malignant disease involving the external auditory canal/temporal bone. Survival and recurrence outcomes in patients with cancer of the external auditory canal/temporal bone have been reported in several single-institution series. Most cohorts have been limited to squamous cell histology, and comprehensive outcomes analyses have been limited.2,6–24 Further complicating analysis, there is no recognized American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) or Union Internationale Contre le Cancer (UICC) staging system for tumors of the external auditory canal/temporal bone, with multiple systems having been proposed.3,16,25,26 To date, the most widely used system is the University of Pittsburgh staging system, first described in 1990 by Arriaga and colleagues25 and modified in 2000 by Moody et al.3 Other than Pittsburgh stage and surgical margin status, no other factors have been consistently demonstrated to be associated with outcome, and multivariable analyses of factors affecting outcome have not been reported.7,16,20,21 Such a comprehensive analysis of patient and tumor characteristics that are predictive of survival outcomes would aid clinical decision making and risk stratification. The objective of this study was to identify factors predictive of survival and recurrence in a contemporary cohort of patients undergoing temporal bone resection for cancer involving the external auditory canal/temporal bone.
A randomized prospective trial of radiation therapy for AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma

Abstract Purpose : The optimal dose of radiation in the treatment of AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma has been controversial based on previous nonrandomized retrospective studies. Methods and Materials : Seventy-one cutaneous AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma lesions were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 radiation dose regimens-8 Gy in 1 fraction, 20 Gy in 10 fraction. and 40 Gy in 20 fractions. Lesions were measured prior to and following treatment. Complete resolution of palpable tumor was considered a complete response, regardless of residual purple pigmentation. Reduction in palpable tumor to less than 50% of pretreatment area was considered an objective response. Less than 50% reduction in tumor size was considered a nonresponse. Results : Complete response was higher (p = .04) with 40 Gy (83%) and 20 Gy (79%) than with 8 Gy (50%). Absence of residual purple pigmentation was greater (p = .005) with 40 Gy (43%) than with 20 Gy (8%) or 8 Gy (8%). Lesion failure was lower (p = .03) with 40 Gy (52%) than with 20 Gy (67%) or 8 Gy (88%). Median time to failure was 43 weeks with 40 Gy, 26 weeks with 20 Gy, and 13 weeks with 8 Gy (p = .003). Conclusion : Fractionated radiotherapy to higher total doses resulted in improved response and control of cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma. This dose-dependence should be considered in determining the optimal radiotherapeutic regimen for individual patients treated for epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma.