cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and severity of neurovascular compression in hemifacial spasm patients.

Hemifacial spasm is typically caused by vascular compression of the proximal intracranial facial nerve. Although the prevalence of neurovascular compression has been investigated in a cohort of patients with classical trigeminal neuralgia, the prevalence and severity of neurovascular compression has not been well characterized in patients with hemifacial spasm. We aimed to investigate whether presence and severity of neurovascular compression are correlated to the symptomatic side in patients with hemifacial spasm. All patients in our study were evaluated by a physician who specializes in the management of cranial nerve disorders. Once hemifacial spasm was diagnosed on physical exam, the patient underwent a dedicated cranial nerve protocol magnetic resonance imaging study on a 3 T scanner. Exams were retrospectively reviewed by a neuroradiologist blinded to the symptomatic side. The presence, severity, vessel type, and location of neurovascular compression along the facial nerve was recorded. Neurovascular compression was graded as contact alone (vessel touching the facial nerve) versus deformity (indentation or deviation of the nerve by the culprit vessel). A total of 330 patients with hemifacial spasm were included. The majority (232) were female while the minority (98) were male. The average age was 55.7 years. Neurovascular compression (arterial) was identified on both the symptomatic (97.88%) and asymptomatic sides (38.79%) frequently. Neurovascular compression from an artery along the susceptible/proximal portion of the nerve was much more common on the symptomatic side (96.36%) than on the asymptomatic side (12.73%), odds ratio = 93.00, P < 0.0001. When we assessed severity of arterial compression, the more severe form of neurovascular compression, deformity, was noted on the symptomatic side (70.3%) much more frequently than on the asymptomatic side (1.82%) (odds ratio = 114.00 P < 0.0001). We conclude that neurovascular compression that results in deformity of the susceptible portion of the facial nerve is highly associated with the symptomatic side in hemifacial spasm.
Pulse pressure as a predictor of response to treatment for severe hypertension in pregnancy.

BACKGROUND Pulse pressure is a proposed means of tailoring antihypertensive therapy for treatment of acute-onset, severe hypertension in pregnancy. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to determine whether pulse pressure predicts response to the various first-line antihypertensive medications. STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective cohort study from a single academic tertiary care center between 2015 and 2018. Patients were screened for inclusion if they had severe hypertension (defined as systolic blood pressure of ≥160 mm Hg or diastolic blood pressure of ≥110 mm Hg) lasting at least 15 minutes and were initially treated with intravenous labetalol, intravenous hydralazine, or immediate-release oral nifedipine. If a patient had multiple episodes of acute treatment during the pregnancy, only one episode was included in the analysis. The primary outcome was time to resolution (in minutes) of severe hypertension. To adjust for factors that may have affected time to resolution, we first compared baseline characteristics on the basis of the antihypertensive agent received. We then assessed the association between baseline characteristics and resolution of severe hypertension within 60 minutes of treatment. Regression analysis incorporated pulse pressure and antihypertensive agents into a model to predict resolution within 60 minutes of onset of severe hypertension. RESULTS A total of 479 women hospitalized with severe maternal hypertension met the inclusion criteria. Hydralazine was the initial antihypertensive agent administered to 113 women, whereas 233 received labetalol, and 133 received nifedipine. Those who initially received nifedipine had a shorter mean time to resolution of severe hypertension (32.6 minutes vs 46.3 for hydralazine and 50.3 for labetalol; P 75 mm Hg at the time of treatment, initial treatment with labetalol, and gestational age of CONCLUSION Pulse pressure did not predict response to the various first-line antihypertensive agents. Initial treatment with oral nifedipine was associated with a higher likelihood of resolution of severe hypertension within 60 minutes of treatment than with intravenous labetalol.
Therapeutic Neuroradiology; Angioplasty and Stenting

Angioplasty and stenting for narrowing of cervical or intracranial vessels is commonly performed in several different clinical situations with good technical success. The most common application is for atherosclerotic stenosis. Angioplasty and stenting is well established as an alternative to surgical endarterectomy for atherosclerotic stenosis in the neck. In the head, it remains largely investigational for this indication. Other less-established indications include treatment of spontaneous or iatrogenic arterial dissection and venous outflow obstruction.
Chemical and Physical Models for the Emergence of Biological Homochirality

The past several decades have witnessed the development of a number of different experimental approaches to help understand how the homochirality of biological molecules might have evolved in a prebiotic world. This chapter reviews chemical and physical models with a special focus on recent developments in attrition-enhanced deracemization of conglomerates, a process that combines solution phase chemical interconversion of enantiomers with thermodynamic and kinetic considerations of solubility, crystal growth, and dissolution.
Blacks in Salvador: Racial Paths

Cette contribution traite de la trajectoire historique des communautes noires au Bresil dans une ville du Nord-Est, Salvador. L'A. s'est interesse a deux aspects : 1) la societe preindustrielle pendant les annees qui ont precede l'abolition (Premiere Republique, 1889-1930) ; 2) la societe moderne et capitaliste des annees 1960 jusqu'aujourd'hui. La situation specifique des Noirs de Salvador ne se differencie pas d'autres regions du Bresil : une grande privation des formes elementaires d'existence, l'inegalite dans le marche du travail et le monde de la consommation, la presence marquee et constante du racisme et de la discrimination raciale.
INPUT-OUTPUT DECOUPLING AND LINEARIZATION VIA RESTRICTED STATIC-STATE FEEDBACK

Abstract In this paper we tackle the problem of nonlinear input-output decoupling and linearization via restricted static-state feedback. The major contribution of this paper is that we do not require the β(x) matrix in the feedback control law to be nonsingular as in the regular case. Instead we use the feedback control law of the type u = (β(x)α(x) + β(x)v. Necessary and sufficient conditions are obtained for both single and block input-output decoupling and linearization problems. Our results generalize that of the regular single input-output decoupling problem. In the block decoupling case we further require that, after feedback, the input and output satisfy linear differential equations. This requirement enables us to get an algorithm for output controllability. Our results also give a full characterization of the feedback control laws. Internal stability is considered for a special class of systems.
Sectoral Productivity Gains and Induced Inflation

Abstract The paper uses a fixprice-flexprice macroeconomic model to develop a simple but plausible theory of inflation. The primary driving force of this theory is the relative change in sectoral productivity gains which occurred around 1970. A 12 equation macroeconomic model is developed and estimated using data from the period 1950-1969. These estimates are then used to simulate inflation and output paths for the 1970’s. Optimal control theory is used to identify appropriate monetary, fiscal, and incomes policy responses. Significant qualitative differences are identified and evaluated.
An Empirical Comparison of Coffee Price Transmission in Vietnam and Colombia

This study applies an Error Correction Model to identify the market integration and price transmission between the grower price and the world price in Colombia and Vietnam, with an emphasis on the price long-run relationship and short-run adjustment across coffee varieties. The results show that both Vietnam and Colombia coffee market are well integrated with world market in the long run. Moreover, high quality coffee from Colombia is integrated in a higher degree than low quality from Vietnam. In the short run, price is asymmetrically transmitted in different direction for both countries, which implies that policy makers should consider quality issue when they implement any intervention.
The Ahlfors Lemma and Picard's Theorems

The article introduces Ahlfors' generalization of Schwarz' lemma. With this powerful geometric tool of complex functions in one variable, we are able to prove some theorems concerning the size of images under holomorphic mappings, including celebrated Picard's theorems. The article concludes with a brief insight into the theory of Kobayashi hyperbolic complex manifolds. Although this survey paper does not contain any new results, it may be useful for the beginner in complex analysis to better understands the concept of hyperbolicity in complex geometry.
Monosaccharide isothiocyanates and thiocyanates: synthesis, chemistry, and preparative applications.

Publisher Summary This chapter presents the synthesis, chemistry, and preparative applications of monosaccharide isothiocyanates and thiocyanates. The ability of the isothiocyanate group to participate in nucleophilic reaction provides an attractive approach to nucleoside analogs and other nitrogen and sulfur heterocycles. Sugar thiocyanates are generally good precursors for the synthesis of thio and deoxy sugars and they are readily synthesized by a variety of methods from the corresponding halides. The thermodynamically more-stable isothiocyanate may also be formed by a secondary, isomerization reaction. It is found that that the treatment of semicarbazide with a nitroso acid at 0° affords the 1,2,3,4-thiatriazole derivative by addition and cyclization. The same 1,2,3,4-thiatriazole derivative 39 was obtained by the treatment of isothiocyanate 2 with hydrazoic acid. It is observed that isothiocyanate reacts with glycine, as well as with β-alanine, in tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution with the formation of corresponding N -(carboxyalky1)- d -gluconamides by nucleophilic attack of the amino group on the hard site, with simultaneous elimination of a molecule of thiocyanogen. The ability of aryl and alkyl isothiocyanates to react with reducing agents such as triethyl phosphite, triethylphosphine, or triphenyltin hydride to form the corresponding isocyanide is also elaborated in the chapter.
A Leave-One-out Cross Validation Bound for Kernel Methods with Applications in Learning

In this paper, we prove a general leave-one-out style cross-validation bound for Kernel methods. We apply this bound to some classification and regression problems, and compare the results with previously known bounds. One aspect of our analysis is that the derived expected generalization bounds reflect both approximation (bias) and learning (variance) properties of the underlying kernel methods. We are thus able to demonstrate the universality of certain learning formulations.
Domain Knowledge-Based Automatic Workflow Generation

The traditional workflow design paradigm relies heavily on humans who statically specify business processes. However, such a manual design approach is not suitable for many cases: (a) Inter-agency work-flows that cross autonomous organizational boundaries require experts who possess knowledge required for defining workflows composed of services from the constituent organizations; (b) Customized workflows that require many variations make it infeasible and error-prone to predefine the complex workflow in advance. This paper presents an alternative design paradigm that allows automatic on-the-fly generation of a workflow schema. This dynamically integrated workflow composition approach utilizes conceptual ontologies of domain services (tasks) and domain integration knowledge that serves as a model for workflow integration (composition) rules. It also uses user profiles (preferences) as part of (transient) compositional rule base. We present a prototype system for "registering a new business" in the State of New Jersey that implements this automatic workflow design methodology.
Optimistic Fair Secure Computation

We present an efficient and fair protocol for secure two-party computation in the optimistic model, where a partially trusted third party T is available, but not involved in normal protocol executions. T is needed only if communication is disrupted or if one of the two parties misbehaves. The protocol guarantees that although one party may terminate the protocol at any time, the computation remains fair for the other party. Communication is over an asynchronous network. All our protocols are based on efficient proofs of knowledge and involve no general zero-knowledge tools. As intermediate steps we describe efficient verifiable oblivious transfer and verifiable secure function evaluation protocols, whose security is proved under the decisional Diffie-Hellman assumption.
Engaging Bodhisattva Compassion in Pedagogical Aporias

In teaching culturally sensitive and difficult issues, tensions and interruptions may arise, and educators and students may retreat to their respective comfort zones to avoid conflict and suffering, a pedagogical aporia occurs. This article introduces and examines Bodhisattva compassion from the Buddhist tradition, which offers insights and wisdom in transforming unexamined emotional responses into healthy and nonviolent expressions and embodiment of difference and dissonance. By tracing the Chinese etymological history of the term compassion and its use in Buddhist literature, I argue that Bodhisattva compassion embodies 悲心, a somatic, but unattached and awakened responsive heartmind. Bodhisattva compassion recognizes and accepts the unavoidability of human suffering, but it also liberates us from the common assumption of fellow-feeling and pity subsumed in sorrow and suffering. Guided by the concepts of wisdom and transforming the mind in Buddhism, bodhisattva compassion focuses on lucid awareness of one’s responsive heartmind and skillful actions to engage suffering. Pedagogy enlightened by bodhisattva compassion has curricular and instructional implications. In the struggle of identity politics or for social justice, it is probably more critical to develop ethical and undifferentiated compassion pedagogy than wrestling with power dynamics in our teaching.
Research Directions and Needs in African Rural Geography

Obviously everything needs to be done immediately. This is the first desperate thought one has in contemplating the undone tasks which litter the geographical research landscape of Africa. The urgency of the tasks, their intellectual allure, and the tiny band of geographers which lightly peoples this landscape make for a kind of permanent agony of the mind. A first priority would seem to lie in helping more Africans to become professional geographers; more than anything, we need colleagues. Given more colleagues, the research needs would come increasingly to be met and the research directions would move along new and vital paths. While we work toward this longed-for estate, it is appropriate to take stock of what has been going on in geographical research in Africa, more especially, rural Africa, which is the particular focus of this publication. Other contributors to this issue have their say on specific subfields of rural geography, or on specific research strategies. My comments deal with: 1) the questions geographers are now asking in rural research, and 2) the means at our disposal to answer these questions. The Questions
Spot pricing of electricity and ancillary services in a competitive California market

Typically, in competitive electricity markets, the vertically integrated utilities that were responsible for ensuring system reliability in their own service territories, or groups of territories, cease to exist. The burden falls to an independent system operator (ISO) to ensure that enough ancillary services (AS) are available for safe, stable, and reliable operation of the grid, typically defined, in part, as compliance with officially approved engineering specifications for minimum levels of AS. In order to characterize the behavior of market participants (generators, retailers, and an ISO) in a competitive electricity market with reliability requirements, spot markets for both electricity and AS are modeled. By assuming that each participant seeks to maximize its wealth and that all markets clear, we solve for the optimal quantities of electricity and AS traded in the spot market by all participants, as well as the market clearing prices for each.
Differential expression analysis of RNA sequencing data by incorporating non-exonic mapped reads

RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) is a powerful tool for genome-wide expression profiling of biological samples with the advantage of high-throughput and high resolution. There are many existing algorithms nowadays for quantifying expression levels and detecting differential gene expression, but none of them takes the misaligned reads that are mapped to non-exonic regions into account. We developed a novel algorithm, XBSeq, where a statistical model was established based on the assumption that observed signals are the convolution of true expression signals and sequencing noises. The mapped reads in non-exonic regions are considered as sequencing noises, which follows a Poisson distribution. Given measureable observed and noise signals from RNA-seq data, true expression signals, assuming governed by the negative binomial distribution, can be delineated and thus the accurate detection of differential expressed genes. We implemented our novel XBSeq algorithm and evaluated it by using a set of simulated expression datasets under different conditions, using a combination of negative binomial and Poisson distributions with parameters derived from real RNA-seq data. We compared the performance of our method with other commonly used differential expression analysis algorithms. We also evaluated the changes in true and false positive rates with variations in biological replicates, differential fold changes, and expression levels in non-exonic regions. We also tested the algorithm on a set of real RNA-seq data where the common and different detection results from different algorithms were reported. In this paper, we proposed a novel XBSeq, a differential expression analysis algorithm for RNA-seq data that takes non-exonic mapped reads into consideration. When background noise is at baseline level, the performance of XBSeq and DESeq are mostly equivalent. However, our method surpasses DESeq and other algorithms with the increase of non-exonic mapped reads. Only in very low read count condition XBSeq had a slightly higher false discovery rate, which may be improved by adjusting the background noise effect in this situation. Taken together, by considering non-exonic mapped reads, XBSeq can provide accurate expression measurement and thus detect differential expressed genes even in noisy conditions.
The high-speed channel (HSC) standard

The high-speed channel (HSC) is a simple high-performance, point-to-point channel for transmitting digital data at peak data rates of 800 or 1600 Mb/s. The transmission distance between data-processing equipment using copper cabling can be up to 25 m. A distance-independent protocol allows the average data rate to approach the peak data rate. This is a benefit for future, fiber-optic version of the HSC. The HSC and its uses are described, followed by a description of the efforts to develop an ANSI standard for the HSC. >
Intermediate subfactors with no extra structure

Let N ? M be Hi factors with [M : N] kM admit an action of the operad of planar tangles as in [19] and [21]. In more usual notation the vector space Pk is the relative commutant N' C\ Mk-i in the tower Mk of [16]. The conditional expectation En from M to N is in P2 and generates a planar subalgebra called the Temperley-Lieb algebra. In [4], Bisch and the second author studied the planar subalgebra of the Pk generated by the conditional expectation onto a single intermediate subfactor N ? P C M. The resulting planar algebra is called the Fuss-Catalan algebra and was generalised by Bisch and the second author to a chain of intermediate subf act ors; see also [26]. These planar algebras are universal in that they are always planar subalgebras of the standard invariant for any subfactor possessing a chain of intermediate subfactors. If Pi ? P?+1 is the chain, there are no restrictions on the individual inclusions of Pi in P?+i. Moreover the existence of the Fuss-Catalan planar algebra together with a theorem of Popa in [32] allows one to construct a "free" increasing chain where the individual inclusions Pi Q Pi+i have "no extra structure"; i.e., their own standard invariants are just the Temperley-Lieb algebra. Thus the standard invariants for the P? ? Pi+1 are "decoupled" from the algebraic symmetries coming from the existence of a chain of intermediate subfactors.
Diastereoselective Synthesis of γ-Lactones through Reaction of Enediolates with α,β-Unsaturated Sulfoxonium Salts

Studies of the reaction of lithium enediolates with α,β-unsaturated sulfoxonium salts are described. γ-Lactones were formed in very good to excellent yields (82% → 99% for 11 examples) and with very good to excellent diastereoselectivity (dr >90:10 for 10 examples), favoring the trans-diastereomer.
Uncollapsing the wavefunction

The undoing of quantum measurements is discussed in the broader context of irreversibility in physics. We give explicit examples of how a wavefunction can be uncollapsed in two solid-state experimental set-ups. Wavefunction uncollapse shows the quantum observer paradox in a new and significantly clearer way.
Impacts of Logging on Storm Peak Flows, Flow Volumes and Suspended Sediment Loads in Caspar Creek, California

Models are fit to 11 years of storm peak flows, flow volumes, and suspended sediment loads on a network of 14 stream gaging stations in the North Fork Caspar Creek, a 473ha coastal watershed bearing a second-growth forest of redwood and Douglas-fir. For the first 4 years of monitoring, the watershed was in a relatively undisturbed state, having last been logged prior to 1904, with only a county road traversing the ridgetops. Nearly half the watershed was clear-cut over a period of 3 years, and yarded primarily using uphill skyline cable systems to spur roads constructed high on the slopes. Three tributaries were maintained as controls and left undisturbed. Four years of data were collected after logging was completed. Exploratory analysis and model fitting permit characterization and quantification of the effects of watershed disturbances, watershed area, antecedent wetness, and time since disturbance on storm runoff and suspended sediment. Model interpretations provide insight into the nature of certain types of cumulative watershed effects. INTRODUCTION This paired-watershed study in the North Fork of Caspar Creek was motivated by a desire to understand how a particular logging system affects storm peak flows, flow volumes, and suspended sediment loads in a second-growth coastal redwood forest. The logging system consisted of clear-cutting with streamside buffers, and yarding primarily by skyline to spur roads located on upper slopes and ridges. Primary objectives were to quantify how impacts vary with different levels of disturbance and how the effects of a given disturbance vary downstream. Pursuant to these objectives, a statistical model was developed for a treatment-and-control experimental design involving multiple watersheds. The study was also an opportunity for testing new technologies, and demonstrates two new automated schemes for suspended sediment sampling. Techniques for estimating sediment loads from these samples are tested and applied. Storm Peaks Throughout much of the Pacific Northwest, a large soil moisture deficit develops during the dry summer. With the onset of the rainy season in the fall, the dry soil profile begins to be recharged with moisture. In the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest in the Oregon Cascades, the first storms of the fall produced streamflow peaks from a 96-ha clear-cut watershed that ranged from 40% to 200% larger than those predicted from the pre-logging relationship [Rothacher, 1971; 1973]. In the Alsea watershed near the Oregon coast, Harris [1977] found no significant change in the mean peak flow after clear-cutting a 71-ha watershed or patch cutting 25% of an adjacent 303-ha watershed. However, when Harr [1976] added an additional 30 smaller early winter runoff events to the data, average fall peak flow was increased 122%. In Caspar Creek, Ziemer [1981] reported that selection cutting and tractor yarding of an 85-year-old second-growth redwood and Douglas-fir forest increased the first streamflow peaks in the fall about
How Much Redistribution Should There Be

Egalitarianism ties people’s fortunes together. It takes the good and bad things in people’s lives—their blessings and their afflictions—and shares them out, or redistributes them, among their fellows. Where egalitarianism operates, each person’s fortunes and misfortunes cease to be just her own and become, to the extent egalitarianism recommends, a part of communal fortunes and misfortunes, shared in by all those who come under egalitarianism’s purview. Egalitarian political theories are not the only ones to tie people’s fortunes together; feudal theories, for example, do so as well. But egalitarianism differs from these and other political theories in the manner of its tying. Egalitarianism insists that all people’s lives are equally important and, accordingly, that no person’s fortune may be subordinated to anyone else’s. Egalitarian intuitions call for redistribution that takes from the betteroff—the rich, the healthy, and the fulfilled—and gives to the worse-off— the poor, the sick, and the desolate. But these intuitions stand in need of elaboration, and an egalitarian theory answers this need by presenting an articulate account of nonsubordination among persons.
Structure and Performance of the Services Sector in Transition Economies

This paper examines the structure and performance of the services sector in Eastern European and Central Asian countries during 1997-2004. Services represent an increasing share of total value added and employment with the major sub-sectors being wholesale trade, retail trade, inland transport, telecommunications, and real estate activities. A clear divide separates EU-5 countries from South Eastern European countries and Ukraine in terms of services labor productivity. Although a large gap in productivity also separates EU-8 countries from EU-15 countries, that gap was reduced from 1997 to 2004 as most services sub-sectors experienced fast productivity growth. High skill intensive sub-sectors and information and communications technology producers and users have exhibited higher productivity levels and growth rates relative to other sub-sectors since 2000. The author finds a positive effect of services liberalization on the productivity growth of services sub-sectors. The author also finds a positive and significant effect of services liberalization in both finance and infrastructure on the productivity of downstream manufacturing.
Volatility Persistence in Commodity Futures:Inventory and Time-to-Delivery Effects

Most financial asset returns exhibit volatility persistence. We investigate this phenomenon in the context of daily returns in commodity futures markets. We show that the time gap between the arrival of news to the markets and the delivery time of futures contracts is the fundamental variable in explaining volatility persistence in the lumber futures market. We also find an inverse relationship between inventory levels and lumber futures volatility.
Design Pressure for a Reactor Containment Vessel

Magnitude of reactor accident against which containment vessel must provide protection; limiting accident is analyzed; numerical example and generalized curves are presented.
Land Retirement Program Design and Empirical Assessments In the Presence of Crop Insurance Subsidies

The U.S. Federal Government implements environmental, biofuels and crop insurance programs that influence land use. They are not well-integrated in that cost savings from crop insurance subsidies are not acknowledged when screening land for retirement or when calculating the cost of land retirement programs. We identify and evaluate an optimal benefit index for enrollment in a land retirement program that includes a sub-index to rank land according to insurance subsidy savings. All else equal, land ranked higher in the Lorenz stochastic order should be retired first. Empirical analysis based on field level data will be provided.
Processing Photometric Full-Disk Solar Images

Daily, photometric, full-disk digital solar images have been taken at the San Fernando Observatory (SFO) at two resolutions and in several wavelengths for more than eleven years. We describe the standard data processing techniques used for these images, including: calibration, limb fitting, geometric correction, and production of a solar contrast map by limb-darkening removal. The resulting contrast maps have a photometric accuracy which is often a few tenths of a percent. We show that the geometric accuracy of our images, as measured by the reproducibility of disk and sunspot areas, is very high as well. The techniques described in this paper should be applicable to any instrument producing full-disk photometric images.
A Model of Interbank Settlement

A settlement system is a set of rules and procedures that govern when and how funds are transferred between banks. Perhaps the most crucial feature of a settlement system is the frequency with which settlement occurs. On the one hand, a higher frequency of settlement limits the risk of default should a bank be rendered insolvent. On the other hand, a lower frequency of settlement is less costly for banks to operate. We construct a model of the banking sector in which this trade-off between cost and risk arises endogenously. We then complete the economy with a trading sector that has a micro-founded role for credit as a media of exchange. The result is a general equilibrium model that allows for welfare and policy analysis. We parameterize the economy and study the optimal intra-day borrowing policy that the operator of a settlement system should impose on member banks. We also determine conditions under which one settlement system is more appropriate than another
How secure is secure: some thoughts on security metrics

This is a summery of the general chair’s opening remarks presented at the 1995 IFIP 11.3 Working Conference on Database Security. It addresses the issue of analyzing a security-critical information system in order to determine if the system is considered secure enough. The central idea of the remarks is to introduce the idea of a relative secure system that has an appropriate performance level of security fault tolerance or fault acceptance as specified by the security policy that govern the system. A set of commonly acceptable security metrics will be necessary to guide security policy makers for the establishment of rational security policies and for security designers to design and select security fault tolerance techniques appropriate to the policy of the system. A data value and analysis approach are introduced for motivating researchers for the development of the high desired data security metrics.
The Best of Times, the Worst of Times: Understanding Pro-cyclical Mortality

It is well known that mortality rates are pro-cyclical. In this paper, we attempt to understand why. We find little evidence that cyclical changes in individuals' own employment-related behavior drives the relationship; own-group employment rates are not systematically related to own-group mortality. Further, most additional deaths that occur when the economy is strong are among the elderly, particularly elderly women and those residing in nursing homes. We also demonstrate that staffing in nursing homes moves counter-cyclically. These findings suggest that cyclical fluctuations in the quality of health care may be a critical contributor to cyclical movements in mortality.
Geomagnetic semiannual variation is not overestimated and is not an artifact of systematic solar hemispheric asymmetry

[1] Mursula et al. (2011, hereafter MTL11) suggest that there is a 22-year variation in solar wind activity that coupled with the variation in heliographic latitude of the Earth during the year, gives rise to an apparent semiannual variation of geomagnetic activity in averages obtained over several solar cycles. They suggest that the observed semiannual variation is seriously overestimated and is largely an artifact of this inferred 22-year variation. We show: (1) that there is no systematically alternating annual variation of geomagnetic activity or of the solar driver, changing with the polarity of the solar polar fields, (2) that the universal time variation of geomagnetic activity at all times has the characteristic imprint of the equinoctial hypothesis rather than that of the axial hypothesis required by the suggestion of MTL11, and (3) that the semiannual variation is not an artifact, is not overestimated, and does not need revision.
The Jones polynomial: quantum algorithms and applications in quantum complexity theory

We analyze relationships between quantum computation and a family of generalizations of the Jones polynomial. Extending recent work by Aharonov et al., we give efficient quantum circuits for implementing the unitary Jones-Wenzl representations of the braid group. We use these to provide new quantum algorithms for approximately evaluating a family of specializations of the HOMFLYPT two-variable polynomial of trace closures of braids. We also give algorithms for approximating the Jones polynomial of a general class of closures of braids at roots of unity. Next we provide a self-contained proof of a result of Freedman et al. that any quantum computation can be replaced by an additive approximation of the Jones polynomial, evaluated at almost any primitive root of unity. Our proof encodes two-qubit unitaries into the rectangular representation of the eightstrand braid group. We then give QCMA-complete and PSPACE-complete problems which are based on braids. We conclude with direct proofs that evaluating the Jones polynomial of the plat closure at most primitive roots of unity is a #P-hard problem, while learning its most significant bit is PP-hard, circumventing the usual route through the Tutte polynomial and graph coloring.
Explaining Long-Term Trends in Health and Longevity

1. Foreword Stanley Engerman 2. Secular changes in American and British stature and nutrition 3. Second thoughts on the European escape from hunger: famines, chronic malnutrition, and mortality rates 4. Trends in physiological capital: implications for equity in health care 5. Changes in disparities and chronic diseases through the course of the twentieth century 6. Some common problems in analysis and measurement 7. Afterword: a conversation with the author.
The Reorganization of Russia's Environmental Bureaucracy: Implications and Prospects

(2001). The Reorganization of Russia's Environmental Bureaucracy: Implications and Prospects. Post-Soviet Geography and Economics: Vol. 42, No. 1, pp. 65-76.
QUADRILATERAL MESHING BY CIRCLE PACKING

We use circle-packing methods to generate quadrilateral meshes for polygonal domains, with guaranteed bounds both on the quality and the number of elements. We show that these methods can generate meshes of several types: (1) the elements form the cells of a Voronoi diagram, (2) all elements have two opposite 90° angles, (3) all elements are kites, or (4) all angles are at most 120°. In each case the total number of elements is O(n), where n is the number of input vertices.
A Road Network Embedding Technique for K-Nearest Neighbor Search in Moving Object Databases

A very important class of queries in GIS applications is the class of K-nearest neighbor queries. Most of the current studies on the K-nearest neighbor queries utilize spatial index structures and hence are based on the Euclidean distances between the points. In real-world road networks, however, the shortest distance between two points depends on the actual path connecting the points and cannot be computed accurately using one of the Minkowski metrics. Thus, the Euclidean distance may not properly approximate the real distance. In this paper, we apply an embedding technique to transform a road network to a high dimensional space in order to utilize computationally simple Minkowski metrics for distance measurement. Subsequently, we extend our approach to dynamically transform new points into the embedding space. Finally, we propose an efficient technique that can find the actual shortest path between two points in the original road network using only the embedding space. Our empirical experiments indicate that the Chessboard distance metric (L∞) in the embedding space preserves the ordering of the distances between a point and its neighbors more precisely as compared to the Euclidean distance in the original road network.
Geodetic positioning using a global positioning system of satellites

Geodetic positioning using range, integrated Doppler, and interferometric observations from a constellation of twenty-four Global Positioning System satellites is analyzed. A summary of the proposals for geodetic positioning and baseline determination is given which includes a description of measurement techniques and comments on rank deficiency and error sources. An analysis of variance comparison of range, Doppler, and interferometric time delay to determine their relative geometric strength for baseline determination is included. An analytic examination to the effect of a priori constraints on positioning using simultaneous observations from two stations is presented. Dynamic point positioning and baseline determination using range and Doppler is examined in detail. Models for the error sources influencing dynamic positioning are developed. Included is a discussion of atomic clock stability, and range and Doppler observation error statistics based on random correlated atomic clock error are derived.
The Economic Content of Interest Rates, Monetary Policy and Time-Varying Risk Premia

The term structure of interest rates is a rich source of economic information and thus can be a powerful tool for policy making. However, this information is difficult to extract given its dependence on the actual policy regime and the existence of time-varying term premia. This paper provides an analysis of the economic content of interest rates when term premia vary over time and monetary policy is optimal. The analysis is complemented with a potentially welfare-improving application for policy making: the formulation of optimal policy rules based on term-structure information. The analysis is conducted for policies with high or low weights on inflation stabilization. It shows that a high inflation weight increases the compensation for real risks in the term structure. As a result, forward rates are less informative about expected future monetary policy, and the term spreads and short-term rate predict better real economic activity and inflation, respectively. In addition, the optimal responses in an interest-rate rule to the lagged short-rate and term spreads decline. JEL Classification: D51, E43, E52, G12. ∗Ross School of Business, The University of Michigan, fpal@bus.umich.edu.
Features of sound propagation through and stability of a finite shear layer

The plane wave propagation, the stability, and the rectangular duct mode problems of a compressible, inviscid, linearly sheared, parallel, homogeneous flow are shown to be governed by Whittaker's equation. The exact solutions for the perturbation quantities are essentially the Whittaker M-functions where the nondimensional quantities have precise physical meanings. A number of known results are obtained as limiting cases of the exact solutions. For the compressible finite thickness shear layer it is shown that no resonances and no critical angles exist for all Mach numbers, frequencies, and shear layer velocity profile slopes except in the singular case of the vortex sheet.
Randomized speedup of the Bellman-Ford algorithm

We describe a variant of the Bellman--Ford algorithm for single-source shortest paths in graphs with negative edges but no negative cycles that randomly permutes the vertices and uses this randomized order to process the vertices within each pass of the algorithm. The modification reduces the worst-case expected number of relaxation steps of the algorithm, compared to the previously-best variant by Yen (1970), by a factor of 2/3 with high probability. We also use our high probability bound to add negative cycle detection to the randomized algorithm.
Initial performance of advanced designs for IPV nickel-hydrogen cells

Advanced designs for individual pressure vessel nickel hydrogen cells were conceived which should improve the life cycle at deep depths of discharge and improve thermal management. Features of the designs which are new and not incorporated in either of the contemporary cells (Air Force/Hughes, Comsat) are: (1) the use of alternate methods of oxygen recombination, (2) use of serrated edge separators to facilitate movement of gas within the cell while still maintaining required physical contact with the wall wick, and (3) use of an expandable stack to accommodate some of the nickel electrode expansion. The designs also consider electrolyte volume requirements over the life of the cells, and are fully compatible with the Air Force/Hughes design.
On approximating the sum-rate for multiple-unicasts

We study upper bounds on the sum-rate of multiple-unicasts. We approximate the Generalized Network Sharing Bound (GNS cut) of the multiple-unicasts network coding problem with k independent sources. Our approximation algorithm runs in polynomial time and yields an upper bound on the joint source entropy rate, which is within an O(log2 k) factor from the GNS cut. It further yields a vector-linear network code that achieves joint source entropy rate within an O(log2 k) factor from the GNS cut, but not with independent sources: the code induces a correlation pattern among the sources. Our second contribution is establishing a separation result for vector-linear network codes: for any given field F there exist networks for which the optimum sum-rate supported by vector-linear codes over F for independent sources can be multiplicatively separated by a factor of k1−δ, for any constant δ > 0, from the optimum joint entropy rate supported by a code that allows correlation between sources. Finally, we establish a similar separation result for the asymmetric optimum vector-linear sum-rates achieved over two distinct fields F p and F q for independent sources, revealing that the choice of field can heavily impact the performance of a linear network code.
Statistical Modeling and Probabilistic Analysis of Cellular Networks With Determinantal Point Processes

Although the Poisson point process (PPP) has been widely used to model base station (BS) locations in cellular networks, it is an idealized model that neglects the spatial correlation among BSs. This paper proposes the use of the determinantal point process (DPP) to take into account these correlations, in particular the repulsiveness among macro BS locations. DPPs are demonstrated to be analytically tractable by leveraging several unique computational properties. Specifically, we show that the empty space function, the nearest neighbor function, the mean interference, and the signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) distribution have explicit analytical representations and can be numerically evaluated for cellular networks with DPP-configured BSs. In addition, the modeling accuracy of DPPs is investigated by fitting three DPP models to real BS location data sets from two major U.S. cities. Using hypothesis testing for various performance metrics of interest, we show that these fitted DPPs are significantly more accurate than popular choices such as the PPP and the perturbed hexagonal grid model.
Superconductivity in a two-dimensional electron gas

In a series of recent experiments, Kravchenko and colleagues1,2 observed unexpectedly that a two-dimensional electron gas in zero magnetic field can become conducting at low temperatures: the two-dimensionality was imposed by confining the electron gas to the interface between two semiconductors. The observation of this conducting phase is surprising, as the conventional theory of metals precludes the existences of a metallic state at zero temperature in two dimensions3. Nevertheless, there are now several experiments confirming the existence of the new conducting phase in dilute two-dimensional electron gases in zero magnetic field4,5,6,7. Here we argue, on the basis of an analysis of these experiments and general theoretical grounds, that this phase is in fact a superconductor with an inhomogeneous charge density.
Nuclear Decay Following Deep-Inelastic Scattering at 500 GeV

Neutron spectra from nuclear decay have been measured in coincidence with scattering muons from Fermilab experiment E665, for targets of H, D, C, Ca and Pb. The momentum and energy transfer to the struck quark is measured by detecting the scattered muon in the E665 spectrometer. The hadronization process following quark propagation can excite the nucleus to high energies. The nucleus can then decay by neutron emission, as given by standard statistical models. The shape of the neutron spectra and the neutron multiplicities will be compared to these models for several excitation energies of the residual nucleus. The dependence of Q{sup 2} and {nu} for the neutron spectra will also be presented.
Zakat on retirement and pension plans

Purpose – This paper aims to compare and contrast alternative pension plans in the market place and their status as zakatable wealth or property. These plans differ in terms of who is responsible for providing funds for pension benefit to the retirees upon retirement and who is responsible for bearing investment risk. Whether a pension plan is subject to zakat immediately or upon receipt at retirement depends on immediate accessibility to and ownership of the funds in the account. It makes no difference whether employer and/or the employee is (are) responsible for funding the plan and who bears the investment risk. Design/methodology/approach – Descriptive and analytical methods were used. Findings – There is consensus among Muslim jurists and shariah scholars that mandatory retirement plans offered as a part of compensation and benefit package for a job are subject to zakat when money is received upon retirement and non-mandatory plans offered as replacement for or supplement to employer-sponsored plans ...
Cut numbers of 3-manifolds

We investigate the relations between the cut number, c(M), and the first Betti number, b 1 (M), of 3-manifolds M. We prove that the cut number of a generic 3-manifold M is at most 2. This is a rather unexpected result since specific examples of 3-manifolds with large b 1 (M) and c(M) < 2 are hard to construct. We also prove that for any complex semisimple Lie algebra g there exists a 3-manifold M with b 1 (M) = dims and c(M) < ranks. Such manifolds can be explicitly constructed.