cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Matching Supply and Demand: The Value of a Second Chance in Producing Seed Corn

This paper analyzes the supply chain for hybrid seed corn in which there are two sequential production periods with random yields before demand occurs. We show that the problem of managing the supply chain can be viewed as a multiperiod optimization model that is easily solved. By examining data that represents actual costs, prices, and yields encountered in the seed corn industry, we gain some insight into the value that the second production period provides. Using a representative sample of hybrids from a major seed corn producer, we show that margins could be enhanced considerably by using the model.
Scanning thermal profiler

Apparatus is provided for investigating surface structures irrespective of the materials involved. A fine scanning tip is heated to a steady state temperature at a location remote from the structure to be investigated. Thereupon, the scanning tip is moved to a position proximate to, but spaced from the structure. At the proximate position, the temperature variation from the steady state temperature is detected. The scanning tip is scanned across the surface sturcture with the aforesaid temperature variation maintained constant. Piezo electric drivers move the scanning tip both transversely of, and parallel to, the surface structure. Feedback control assures the proper transverse positioning of the scanning tip and voltages thereby generated replicate the surface structure to be investigated.
Einstein Metrics, Symplectic Minimality, and Pseudo-Holomorphic Curves

Let (M4, g,ω) be a compact, almost-Kahler–Einstein manifold of negative star-scalar curvature. Then (M,ω) is a minimal symplectic 4-manifold of general type. In particular, M cannot be differentiably decomposed as a connected sum $$N\,{\#}\,\overline{\mathbb{CP}}_2$$ .
Dynamics of Nucleation in the Ising Model

Reactive pathways to nucleation in a three-dimensional Ising model at 60% of the critical temperature are studied using transition path sampling of single spin flip Monte Carlo dynamics. Analysis of the transition state ensemble (TSE) indicates that the critical nuclei are rough and anisotropic. The TSE, projected onto the free energy surface characterized by cluster size, N, and surface area, S, indicates the significance of other variables in addition to these two traditional reaction coordinates for nucleation. The transmission coefficient, κ, along N is κ ≈ 0.35, and this reduction of the transmission coefficient from unity is explained in terms of the stochastic nature of the dynamic model.
Modeling of plasma virtual shape control of ram/scramjet inlet and isolator

The paper explores a concept of ram/scramjet propulsion control by energy addition and extraction in the propulsion flowpath and the reverse energy bypass concept. Instead of variable geometry, the concept relies on virtual shapes created by plasma/MHD devices or by other methods (including plasma-controlled external combustion). An inherent advantage of the proposed plasma/MHD control system is its flexibility, fast response, and the absence of moving parts. The fixed geometry is optimized for Mach 7 flight. At Mach numbers higher than the design value, an MHD generator placed at the first compression ramp and using ionization by electron beams can restore the shock-on-lip condition, while operating in self-powered regime. The magnetic field of 1.5-1.7 Tesla would be sufficient for Mach 8 flight. At Mach numbers below the design value, inlet performance can be controlled by energy addition, with the power supplied by an MHD generator placed downstream of the combustor. This concept is called the reverse energy bypass. In one scenario, the inlet flow spillage can be reduced by Virtual Cowl – a heated region placed upstream of the cowl and slightly below it. With optimally located Virtual Cowl, calculations with conservative assumption regarding power transmission losses show that the reverse bypass can increase thrust by about 10% at Mach 6. In another scenario, distributed heating of the flow upstream of the inlet throat in the ramjet regime (Mach 4-6), with the heating rate of about 6.3-8.5% of the total enthalpy flux, can bring the throat Mach number close to 1, thus making the isolator duct virtually unnecessary. Although the reverse bypass system with inlet heating would reduce thrust by about 16% at Mach 5, the performance penalty at the vehicle acceleration stage can be offset by the increased efficiency during the cruise due to the absence of weight and cooling burden normally caused by the long isolator duct.
Psychosocial interventions for cancer patients.

Purpose of reviewTo evaluate recent studies of psychosocial interventions to improve survival, health, quality of life, and somatic symptoms for patients with cancer.Recent findingsSurvival in advanced breast cancer was not affected by group therapy in two large randomized controlled studies. Howeve
Proceroside, an iridoid glucoside from Pedicularis procera

A new iridoid glucoside, proceroside, has been isolated from the leaves of Pedicularis procera. The structure of proceroside was established as 7-oxocapensioside by spectroscopic methods.
The Gerbe Of Higgs Bundles

(X, T \bar{X}) which itself parametrizes T \bar{X} torsors on X. This underlying group H1(X, T \bar{X}) can be described as a generalized Prym variety, whose connected component is either an abelian variety or a degenerate abelian variety. The main part of the work deals with abstract Higgs bundles; in the last two sections we derive the applications to Higgs bundles valued in a line bundle K and to bundles on elliptic fibrations.
Throughput of Cognitive Radio Systems with Finite Blocklength Codes

In this paper, throughput achieved in cognitive radio channels with finite blocklength codes under buffer limitations is studied. Cognitive users first determine the activity of the primary users' through channel sensing and then initiate data transmission at a power level that depends on the channel sensing decisions. It is assumed that finite blocklength codes are employed in the data transmission phase. Hence, errors can occur in reception and retransmissions can be required. Primary users' activities are modeled as a two-state Markov chain and an eight-state Markov chain is constructed in order to model the cognitive radio channel. Channel state information (CSI) is assumed to be perfectly known by either the secondary receiver only or both the secondary transmitter and receiver. In the absence of CSI at the transmitter, fixed-rate transmission is performed whereas under perfect CSI knowledge, for a given target error probability, the transmitter varies the rate according to the channel conditions. Under these assumptions, throughput in the presence of buffer constraints is determined by characterizing the maximum constant arrival rates that can be supported by the cognitive radio channel while satisfying certain limits on buffer violation probabilities. Tradeoffs between throughput, buffer constraints, coding blocklength, and sensing duration for both fixed-rate and variable-rate transmissions are analyzed numerically. The relations between average error probability, sensing threshold and sensing duration are studied in the case of variable-rate transmissions.
Synthesis and solid-state dynamics of molecular dirotors

Abstract We report the design, synthesis, thermal properties, and dynamic NMR characterization of four new molecular dirotors, each containing two rotary 1,4-diethynyl phenylene units, a bridging 1,3-bis(diphenylmethyl) benzene stator, and two capping triphenylmethyl groups. These compounds are variations of the well-known wheel and axle structures. Ambient temperature quadrupolar echo 2 H NMR spectra of phenylene-deuterated samples revealed line shapes consistent with dynamic processes having exchange rates >10 8 s −1 , and more than the two minima typically observed for most phenylene rotators. Reasonable line-shape simulations were obtained with a model that involves four minima related by angular displacements of 0°, 30°, 180°, and 230°. Cooling the samples to 260 K revealed spectra consistent with samples that contain two or more components. These results indicate that novel wheel and axle structures do create a certain amount of free volume that allows for the desired mobility of the rotating units.
Looking for love: (in all the wrong places)

This paper is an extended abstract of the presentation at OOPSLA '04 and the full paper that will appear in the December issue of SIGPLAN Notices.
Linearization of the Closed-Loop Dynamics of a Dual-Spin Spacecraft

A dual-spin (spacecraft consists of a despun platform and a motor-coupled spinning member. Spin axis position control of the platform is achieved by closed-loop momentum interchange between the two bodies. A major control problem is the cross-coupling of the three axes dynamics, which under the influence of position control can lead to nutation buildup in an otherwise stable spacecraft. This paper derives a linearized transfer function from the dynamics, and demonstrates its use in a simple technique which can readily determine spacecraft nutational stability and its margins under the influence of the closed-loop control. The technique was used for the analysis of the ITOS-1 spacecraft and an example of a typical set of results is presented. These results illustrate the transition from stable to unstable spacecraft performance as selected parameters are varied and demonstrate how a clear insight into destabilizing parametric trends becomes readily apparent. The results are compared with equivalent results derived from a fully nonlinear, hybrid-computer simulation of the ITOS-1 spacecraft. The comparison provides very good correlation between the two sets of results, indicating the high degree of precision with which the linearization technique is capable of predicting stable operation.
Do potential SETI signals need to be decontaminated

Abstract Biological contamination from space samples is a remote but accepted possibility. Signals received by searches for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) could also contain harmful information in the spirit of a computer virus, the so-called “SETI Hacker” hypothesis. Over the last four decades extraterrestrial intelligence searches have given little consideration to this possibility. Some argue that information in an extraterrestrial signal could not attack a terrestrial computer because the computer logic and code is idiosyncratic and constitutes an impenetrable firewall. Suggestions are given on how to probe these arguments. Measures for decontaminating extraterrestrial intelligence signals (ETI) are discussed. Modifications to the current SETI detection protocol may be appropriate. Beyond that, the potential character of ETI message content requires much broader discussion.
On the linear complexity of feedback registers

Sequences generated by arbitrary feedback registers (not necessarily feedback shift registers) with arbitrary feedforward functions are studied. The definition of linear complexity of a sequence is generalized to the notions of strong and weak linear complexity of feedback registers. A technique for finding upper bounds for the strong linear complexities of such registers is developed. This technique is applied to several classes of registers. It is shown that a feedback shift register in which the feedback function is of the form x/sub 1/+h(x/sub 2/, . . . , x/sub n/) can generate long periodic sequences with high linear complexities only if its linear and quadratic terms have certain specific forms. >
A Prediction of Brown Dwarfs in Ultracold Molecular Gas

A recent model for the stellar initial mass function (IMF), in which the stellar masses are randomly sampled down to the thermal Jeans mass from hierarchically structured prestellar clouds, predicts that regions of ultracold CO gas, such as those recently found in nearby galaxies by Allen and collaborators, should make an abundance of brown dwarfs with relatively few normal stars. This result comes from the low value of the thermal Jeans mass, which scales as MJ ∝ T2/P1/2 for temperature T and pressure P, considering that the hierarchical cloud model always gives the Salpeter IMF slope above this lower mass limit. The ultracold CO clouds in the inner disk of M31 have T ~ 3 K and pressures that are probably 10 times higher than in the solar neighborhood. This gives a mass at the peak of the IMF equal to 0.01 M☉, well below the brown dwarf limit of 0.08 M☉. Using a functional approximation to the IMF given by [1 - e-(M/MJ)2]M -1.35d log M for M > MJ, which fits the local IMF for the expected value of MJ ~ 0.3 M☉, an IMF with MJ = 0.01 M☉ in M31 has 50% of the mass and 90% of the objects below the brown dwarf limit. The brightest of the brown dwarfs in M31 should have an apparent extinction-corrected K-band magnitude of ~30 mag in their pre-main-sequence phase. For typical star formation efficiencies of ≤10%, brown dwarfs and any associated stars up to ~2.5 M☉ should not heat the gas noticeably, but if the IMF continues up to arbitrarily high masses, then the star formation efficiency must be ≤10-4 to avoid heating from massive stars.
Measuring performance of international closed-end funds

Abstract This paper provides an empirical analysis of the performance of 45 international closed-end funds and compares alternate measures of performance using the sample of funds and 35 national market indices. The empirical evidence indicates that the risk-adjusted performance of the shares or the net asset values of the funds match the performance of their respective local market indices, as well as the world market index and do not exhibit superior timing ability. These findings are robust to conditioning on information.
Highly Selective Bis(imino)pyridine Iron-Catalyzed Alkene Hydroboration

Bis(imino)pyridine iron dinitrogen complexes have been shown to promote the anti-Markovnikov catalytic hydroboration of terminal, internal, and geminal alkenes with high activity and selectivity. The isolated iron dinitrogen compounds offer distinct advantages in substrate scope and overall performance over known precious metal catalysts and previously reported in situ generated iron species.
The Feasibility of Ranking Material Fracture Toughness by Ultrasonic Attenuation Measurements

A preliminary study was conducted to assess the feasibility of ultrasonically ranking material fracture toughness. Specimens of two grades of maraging steel for which fracture toughness values were measured were subjected to ultrasonic probing. The slope of the attenuation coefficient versus frequency curve was empirically correlated with the plane strain fracture toughness value for each grade of steel.
The origin of the C-2 hydroxyl in the isochorismate synthase reaction

Abstract Isochorismate synthase has been isolated from Enterobacter aerogenes 62-1 and partially purified through DEAE cellulose chromatography and ammonium sulfate precipitation. When chorismic acid, 8 , was treated with this preparation in 50% H 2 18 O, isochorismic acid 4a , labeled at the C-2 hydroxyl with 18 O, was produced, as demonstrated by 13 C NMR spectroscopy. Thus, the enzyme-catalyzed reaction is formally a double S N 2′ reaction involving water.
Adsorption of NO and CO on Rh/ZrO2(100)

Abstract The structure and adsorption properties of Rh films supported on a ZrO2(100) crystal have been examined using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and temperature programmed desorption (TPD) of NO and CO. For Rh vapor deposition at 300 K, film growth is close to two dimensional; however, metal particles are formed by heating above ≈500 K or exposure to air. Transmission electron diffraction (TED) indicates that the particles are preferentially oriented with respect to the substrate, which implies that interactions exist between the support and the Rh. TPD curves for CO are essentially independent of particle size and are similar to curves obtained on bulk Rh crystals. However, TPD curves for NO are strongly affected by particle size and film annealing. For particles between 3 and 10 nm formed by annealing, more than 98% of the NO dissociated during TPD from a saturation exposure. For the 10-nm particles, the TPD results were similar to curves on bulk metals in that N2 left the surface from two separate features: a sharp peak at 440 K due to NOad + Nad = N2 + Oad and a broad feature between 450 and 700 K due to Nad recombination. For smaller particles, only the recombination feature was observed at approximately the same temperature. The implications of these results to understanding support and particle size effects for NO reduction by CO are discussed. The results do not indicate strong electronic interactions between Rh and ZrO2, but do suggest that Rh particle morphologies may be altered by ZrO2, which could, in turn, affect catalytic properties.
The economics of software quality assurance

This paper presents an examination into the economics of software quality assurance. An analysis of the software life-cycle is performed to determine where in the cycle the application of quality assurance techniques would be most beneficial. The number and types of errors occurring at various phases of the software life-cycle are estimated. A variety of approaches in increasing software quality (including Structured Programming, Top Down Design, Programmer Management Techniques and Automated Tools) are reviewed and their potential impact on quality and costs are examined.
Ground Level Enhancement in the 2014 January 6 Solar Energetic Particle Event

We present a study of the 2014 January 6 solar energetic particle event which produced a small ground level enhancement (GLE), making it the second GLE of this unusual solar cycle 24. This event was primarily observed by the South Pole neutron monitors (increase of approximately 2.5 percent) while a few other neutron monitors recorded smaller increases. The associated coronal mass ejection (CME) originated behind the western limb and had a speed of 1960 kilometers per second. The height of the CME at the start of the associated metric type II radio burst, which indicates the formation of a strong shock, was measured to be 1.61 solar radii using a direct image from STEREO-A/EUVI. The CME height at the time of the GLE particle release (determined using the South Pole neutron monitor data) was directly measured as 2.96 solar radii based on STEREO-A/COR1 white-light observations. These CME heights are consistent with those obtained for GLE71, the only other GLE of the current cycle, as well as cycle-23 GLEs derived using back-extrapolation. GLE72 is of special interest because it is one of only two GLEs of cycle 24, one of two behind-the-limb GLEs, and one of the two smallest GLEs of cycles 23 and 24.
Prostitution and Trauma in U.S. Rape Law

ABSTRACT Although the rapes that prostitutes suffer are especially frequent and violent, prostitutes rarely report having been attacked to police and, when they do, those reports rarely end in convictions of their attackers. One reason for this low conviction rate is the admission of evidence of the complainant's prior prostitution at trial to prove that she consented to the sexual intercourse alleged to have been rape. Some courts hold that such evidence is admissible when the defendant claims that what happened on the instance in question was an act of prostitution. Other courts hold that it is inadmissible unless it proves the complainant's bias or a motive to fabricate a claim of rape. Still other courts hold that it is inadmissible unless it reveals prior threats to retaliate against a customer.
Computational Inlet-Fairing Effects and Plume Characterization on a Hypersonic Powered Model

A three-dimensio nal computational study has been performed addressing issues related to the wind-tunnel testing of a hypersonic powered-simulation model. The study consisted of two related objectives. The first objective was to determine the three-dimensional flow effects on the aftbody created by fairing over the inlet; this was accomplished by comparing the computational fluid dynamics solutions of two closed-inlet powered configurations with a flowing-inlet powered configuration. Results at four freestream Mach numbers indicate that the exhaust plume tends to isolate the aftbody surface from most forebody flowfield differences, a smooth inlet fairing provides the least aftbody force and moment variation compared to a flowing inlet. The second objective was to predict and understand the three-dimensional characteristic s of exhaust plume development at selected points on a representative flight path of a single-stage-to-orbit vehicle. Results showed a dramatic effect of plume expansion onto the wings as the freestream Mach number and corresponding nozzle pressure ratio are increased. Nomenclature M = Mach number NPR = nozzle pressure ratio, pt,-}ejp*, p = pressure, Pa Re = Reynolds number, 1/m T = temperature, K a = angle of attack, deg AM = Mach number increment, see Figs. 3-5 p = density, kg/m3 Subscripts throat = conditions at the internal nozzle throat t, jet = jet total conditions wall = conditions at a solid wall boundary 00 = freestream conditions
Association between adiposity in midlife and older age and risk of diabetes in older adults.

Context Adiposity is a well-recognized risk factor for type 2 diabetes among young and middle-aged adults, but the relationship between body composition and type 2 diabetes is not well described among older adults. Objective To examine the relationship between adiposity, changes in adiposity, and risk of incident type 2 diabetes in adults 65 years of age and older. Design, Setting, and Participants Prospective cohort study (1989-2007) of 4193 men and women 65 years of age and older in the Cardiovascular Health Study. Measures of adiposity were derived from anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance data at baseline and anthropometry repeated 3 years later. Main Outcome Measure Incident diabetes was ascertained based on use of antidiabetic medication or a fasting glucose level of 126 mg/dL or greater. Results Over median follow-up of 12.4 years (range, 0.9-17.8 years), 339 cases of incident diabetes were ascertained (7.1/1000 person-years). The adjusted hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval [CI]) of type 2 diabetes for participants in the highest quintile of baseline measures compared with those in the lowest was 4.3 (95% CI, 2.9-6.5) for body mass index (BMI [calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared]), 3.0 (95% CI, 2.0-4.3) for BMI at 50 years of age, 4.2 (95% CI, 2.8-6.4) for weight, 4.0 (95% CI, 2.6-6.0) for fat mass, 4.2 (95% CI, 2.8-6.2) for waist circumference, 2.4 (95% CI, 1.6-3.5) for waist-hip ratio, and 3.8 (95% CI, 2.6-5.5) for waist-height ratio. However, when stratified by age, participants 75 years of age and older had HRs approximately half as large as those 65 to 74 years of age. Compared with weight-stable participants (±2 kg), those who gained the most weight from 50 years of age to baseline (≥9 kg), and from baseline to the third follow-up visit (≥6 kg), had HRs for type 2 diabetes of 2.8 (95% CI, 1.9-4.3) and 2.0 (95% CI, 1.1-3.7), respectively. Participants with a greater than 10-cm increase in waist size from baseline to the third follow-up visit had an HR of type 2 diabetes of 1.7 (95% CI, 1.1-2.8) compared with those who gained or lost 2 cm or less. Conclusion Among older adults, overall and central adiposity, and weight gain during middle age and after the age of 65 years are associated with risk of diabetes.
Measurement of ice accretion using ultrasonic pulse-echo techniques

Many figures are given to illustrate the measurement of ice deposition using ultrasonic pulse echo techniques. The basic concept is to measure the thickness of the ice by relating the pulse echo time to the speed of sound. The measurements are made in an icing research tunnel (IRT), where echo patterns are videotaped during icing exposures under a variety of conditions. Typical echo patterns for different types of ice are illustrated. A table summarizing the icing rates measured in the IRT, along with the presence or absence of surface water is also given.
Superior laryngeal nerve injury from thyroid surgery

Background. Injury to the recurrent laryngeal nerve is a well-recognized complication of thyroid surgery. Injury to the superior laryngeal nerve is less documented, perhaps due to the difficulty in recognizing its manifestations. This study was designed to document the incidence of injury to the superior laryngeal nerve in a series of patients who underwent thyroidectomy. Methods. Twenty consecutive patients with thyroidectomy during a 9-month period underwent evaluation for superior laryngeal nerve injury 3 months postoperatively. Methods for evaluation included laryngeal videostroboscopy, laryngeal electromyography, and a subjective interview. Results. One patient (5%) was diagnosed with unilateral superior laryngeal nerve injury. Conclusions. The risk of injury to the superior laryngeal nerve during thyroidectomy is significant, and the result may be devastating to those patients who rely on their voices professionally. Laryngeal videostroboscopy and electromyography may be necessary to diagnose superior laryngeal nerve injury. © 1995 Jons Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Water quality impacts of corn production to meet biofuel demands.

The overall goal of this project was to quantify the long-term water quality impacts of land management changes associated with increased demands for corn as a transportation biofuel feedstock in the United States. A modeling approach that considers a nonpoint source model, Groundwater Loading Effects of Agricultural Management Systems and National Agricultural Pesticide Risk Analysis, was used to simulate annual losses in runoff, percolation, erosion, nitrate-nitrogen, total phosphorus, atrazine (1-chloro-3-ethylamino-5-isopropylamino-2,4,6-triazine), and pyraclostrobin (Methyl {2-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yloxymethyl] phenyl} methoxycarbamate) to the edge-of-field and bottom-of-root zones associated with multiple cropping scenarios. Model results for representative soils, throughout Indiana, were analyzed to determine 10% (worst case) and 50% (average case) probability of exceedence in the aforementioned water quality indicators. Modeling results indicated significant differences (p<0.05) in water quality indicators between continuous corn and corn-soybean rotations. The results showed that agricultural management decisions would have greater impacts on nutrient, runoff, erosion, and pesticides losses from agricultural fields compared to water quality indicators associated with the projected changes in crop rotation systems. The model results point to the need for additional research to fully understand the water impacts of land management decisions associated with corn grain as a feedstock for biofuel production.
Deflagration-to-Detonation Transition in Thermonuclear Supernovae

We derive the criteria for deflagration to detonation transition (DDT) in a Type Ia supernova. The theory is based on two major assumptions: (1) detonation is triggered via the Zeldovich gradient mechanism inside a region of mixed fuel and products, and (2) the mixed region is produced by a turbulent mixing of fuel and products either inside an active deflagration front or during the global expansion and subsequent contraction of an exploding white dwarf. We determine the critical size of the mixed region required to initiate a detonation in a degenerate carbon-oxygen mixture. This critical length is much larger than the width of the reaction front of a Chapman-Jouguet detonation. However, at densities greater than 5 × 106 g cm-3, it is much smaller than the size of a white dwarf. We derive the critical turbulent intensity required to create the mixed region inside an active deflagration front in which a detonation can form. We conclude that the density ρtr at which a detonation can form in a carbon-oxygen white dwarf is low, less than 2-5 × 107 g cm-3 but greater than 5 × 106 g cm-3.
Lunar-solar power system

Solar power must become the primary source of commercial power for everyone in the world to achieve the same high standard of living. A power system is needed that is independent of Earth's biosphere and provides abundant energy at low cost. To do this mankind must collect dependable solar power in space and reliably send it to receivers on Earth. The Moon is the key. Here, the author details the needs, concept, challenges and pay-offs of a lunar-solar power system.
On series solutions of Volterra equations

We derive formulae for the calculation of Taylor coefficients of solutions to systems of Volterra integral equations, both linear and nonlinear, either without singularities or with singularities of Abel type and logarithmic type. We also obtain solutions to certain systems of Volterra equations of the first kind. In all cases except the case of logarithmic singularities, we obtain recursive formulae for the calculation of the Taylor coefficients. In certain cases, we give proofs of convergence and rigorous estimates of the radius of convergence.
Two-level heaps: a new priority queue structure with applications to the single source shortest path problem

The single source shortest paths problem with positive edge weights (SSSPP) is one of the more widely studied problems in operations research and theoretical computer science, on account of its wide applicability to practical situations. This problem was first solved in polynomial time by Dijkstra, who showed that by extracting vertices with the smallest distance from the source and relaxing its outgoing edges, the shortest path to each vertex is obtained. Variations of this general theme have led to a number of algorithms which work well in practice. At the heart of a Dijkstra implementation is the technique used to implement a priority queue. It is well known that using Dijkstra’s approach requires Ω(n log n) steps on a graph having n vertices, since it essentially sorts vertices based on their distances from the source. Accordingly, the fastest implementation of Dijkstra’s algorithm on a graph with n vertices and m edges should take Ω(m + n · log n) time, and consequently, the Dijkstra procedure for SSSPP using Fibonacci Heaps is optimal in the comparison-based model. In this paper, we introduce a new data structure to implement priority queues called two-level heap (TLH) and a new variant of Dijkstra’s algorithm called Phased Dijkstra. We contrast the performance of Dijkstra’s algorithm (both the simple and the phased variants) using a number of data structures to implement the priority queue and empirically establish that TLH are far superior to Fibonacci heaps on every graph family considered. It is to be noted that our profiling includes both sparse and dense graphs.
Distributor Sharing of Strategic Information with Suppliers

Abstract Distributor sharing of strategic information with suppliers is an important but underresearched issue within the marketing discipline. The authors develop and test a conceptual framework based on exchange theory that focuses on the degree to which distributors share external and internal strategic information with associated suppliers. Relying on survey data collected from 479 distributors across three industries, the authors find that distributors share strategic information with suppliers according to factors that affect the perceived benefits, costs, and risks of such behavior. The sharing of internal strategic information has distinct determinants compared with those of external strategic information. The interrelationships between environmental uncertainty and the sharing of internal strategic information, including both main and interactive effects, are especially notable.
Cellulose Sulfuric Acid: An Efficient Biodegradable and Recyclable Solid Acid Catalyst for the One-Pot Synthesis of 3,4-Dihydropyrimidine-2(1H)-ones

Biosupported cellulose sulfuric acid has been found to be an efficient solid acid catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones. The advantages of this method are avoidance of harsh reaction conditions, ecofriendly chemistry, operational simplicity, high yield, and reusable catalyst.
Optimal Desaturation of Momentum Exchange Control Systems

Optimal momentum exchange desaturation in attitude control systems for orbiting spacecraft, concerning gravity gradient and disturbance torques
Exact amplitudes in four dimensional non-critical string theories

Abstract The large N expansion of N =2 supersymmetric Yang–Mills theory with gauge group SU(N) has recently been shown to break down at singularities on the moduli space. We conjecture that by taking N→∞ and approaching the singularities in a correlated way, all the observables of the theory have a finite universal limit yielding amplitudes in string theories dual to field theories describing the light degrees of freedom. We explicitly calculate the amplitudes corresponding to the Seiberg–Witten period integrals for an An−1 series of multicritical points as well as for other critical points exhibiting a scaling reminiscent of the c=1 matrix model. Our results extend the matrix model approach to non-critical strings in less than one dimension to non-critical strings in four dimensions.
Application of Seismic Array Processing to Earthquake Early Warning

Earthquake early warning (EEW) systems that issue warnings prior to the arrival of strong shaking are essential in mitigating earthquake hazard. Currently operating EEW systems work on point‐source assumptions and are of limited effectiveness for large events, for which ignoring finite‐source effects result in magnitude underestimation. Here, we explore the concept of characterizing rupture dimensions in real time for EEW using small‐aperture seismic arrays located near active faults. Back tracing array waveforms allow estimation of the extent of the rupture front (as a proxy of the rupture size) and directivity in real time, providing complementary EEW capabilities for M>7 earthquakes to existing EEW systems. We implement it in a simulated real‐time environment and analyze the 2004 M 6 Parkfield, California, earthquake recordings by the U.S. Geological Survey Parkfield dense Seismograph ARray (UPSAR) array and the 2010 M 7.2 El Mayor–Cucapah earthquake recordings by strong‐motion sensors in San Diego, California. We find it important to correct for the bias in back azimuth induced by dipping structures beneath the UPSAR array, based on data from smaller events. Our estimated rupture length is 30% shorter than those inferred from other studies but still reasonable for EEW purposes. We attribute this difference to rupture directivity effects and the limited field of view of a single array. The accuracy of the approach may be improved with a network of arrays with overlapping fields of view. We demonstrate this by tracking the 2011 Tohoku earthquake rupture with two clusters of Hi‐net stations in Kyushu and northern Hokkaido. The obtained results are consistent with teleseismic back‐projection results and yield reasonable estimates of rupture length and directivity. Compared with other proposed finite‐fault EEW approaches, the array method is less affected by the coarseness of a Global Positioning System or seismic network and provides a high‐frequency characterization of the rupture that yields more suitable predictors of ground shaking for certain structures.
NEW NLO STILBENE DERIVATIVES BEARING PHOSPHONATE ESTER ELECTRON-WITHDRAWING GROUPS

The synthesis and characterization of a new class of electron donor-acceptor substituted stilbenes bearing a phosphonate ester as the electron-withdrawing functionality is described. Phosphorylation of aromatic rings was accomplished using Ni-catalyzed Arbuzov reactions, while Pd-catalyzed Heck-type coupling reactions were employed to construct the stilbene derivatives. Through determination of an electro-optic coefficient (r33), it was demonstrated that the phosphonate ester group is effective as an electron-withdrawing group for stilbene-based second-order NLO materials. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Causal capture: Contextual effects on the perception of collision events

In addition to perceiving the colors, shapes, and motions of objects, observers can perceive higher-level properties of visual events. One such property is causation, as when an observer sees one object cause another object to move by colliding with it. We report a striking new type of contextual effect on the perception of such collision events. Consider an object (A) that moves toward a stationary object (B) until they are adjacent, at which point A stops and B starts moving along the same path. Such “launches” are perceived in terms beyond these kinematics: As noted in Michotte's classic studies, observers perceive A as being the cause of B's motion. When A and B fully overlap before B's motion, however, observers often see this test event as a completely noncausal “pass”: One object remains stationary while another passes over it. When a distinct launch event occurs nearby, however, the test event is “captured”: It too is now irresistibly seen as causal. For this causal capture to occur, the context e...
Interactions between corticosteroids and fractions of mitochondria and nuclei from normal rat liver cells.

Abstract The interactions of cortisol and corticosterone with fractions prepared from nuclei and from mitochondria of rat liver cells have been studied. The acid protein and the globulin fractions from nuclei show highest binding expressed as corticosterone bound per mg nitrogen. A very small amount of steroid was associated with the histone fraction. Sonication of mitochondria and subsequent separation of fractions by differential centrifugation shows that disruption of mitochondria does not decrease the uptake of cortisol or corticosterone, and the steroids are associated almost entirely with the particulate fractions; very little of these two steroids is attached to the soluble proteins. Continuous flow electrophoresis of sonicated mitochondria resolves three protein peaks of which only two display combining affinity for corticosterone.
Charge emission from silicon and germanium surfaces irradiated with KrF excimer laser pulses

Time-resolved measurements of the emission of positive and negative charges from Si and Ge surfaces irradiated with 248-nm KrF excimer laser pulses is reported.' With pulse energies both below and above the melting threshold, the time evolution of the emission currents is complex and strikingly different for Si and Ge. The positive ion emission signal from Ge persists only for the duration of the laser pulse (<60 ns), but in sharp contrast, the signal from Si continues for several microseconds. A tentative suggestion is made that the positive ions encounter a Knudsen layer created just above the surface of the Si target.
Vibration Isolation Design for the Micro-X Rocket Payload

Micro-X is a NASA-funded, sounding rocket-borne X-ray imaging spectrometer that will allow high precision measurements of velocity structure, ionization state and elemental composition of extended astrophysical systems. One of the biggest challenges in payload design is to maintain the temperature of the detectors during launch. There are several vibration damping stages to prevent energy transmission from the rocket skin to the detector stage, which causes heating during launch. Each stage should be more rigid than the outer stages to achieve vibrational isolation. We describe a major design effort to tune the resonance frequencies of these vibration isolation stages to reduce heating problems prior to the projected launch in the summer of 2014.
Inverse scattering and diffraction tomography in cylindrical background media

A recently developed inverse scattering method based on the distorted-wave Born approximation (DWBA) that applies to objects embedded in known background media [Inverse Probl.19, 855 (2003);20, 1307 (2004)] is implemented for the special case of circularly symmetric scatterers embedded in circularly symmetric backgrounds. The newly developed scheme is applied in a computer-simulation study of optical diffraction tomography (ODT), and the results are compared and contrasted with reconstructions obtained using the filtered backpropagation algorithm (FBP algorithm). Unlike the DWBA-based inversion algorithm, the FBP algorithm does not take into account multiple scattering within the known background, and it is found that the newly implemented scheme yields reconstructions much superior to those obtained using the FBP algorithm. The research reported applies to a number of important applications that include ultrasound nondestructive evaluation testing of cylinders for defects as well as ODT.
DECISION MAKING WITH THE ANALYTIC HIERARCHY PROCESS

Decisions involve many intangibles that need to be traded off. To do that, they have to be measured along side tangibles whose measurements must also be evaluated as to, how well, they serve the objectives of the decision maker. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a theory of measurement through pairwise comparisons and relies on the judgements of experts to derive priority scales. It is these scales that measure intangibles in relative terms. The comparisons are made using a scale of absolute judgements that represents, how much more, one element dominates another with respect to a given attribute. The judgements may be inconsistent, and how to measure inconsistency and improve the judgements, when possible to obtain better consistency is a concern of the AHP. The derived priority scales are synthesised by multiplying them by the priority of their parent nodes and adding for all such nodes. An illustration is included.
The jets of the Vela pulsar

Abstract Chandra observations of the Vela pulsar-wind nebula (PWN) have revealed a jet in the direction of the pulsar’s proper motion, and a counter-jet in the opposite direction, embedded in diffuse nebular emission. The jet consists of a bright, 8″-long inner jet, between the pulsar and the outer arc, and a dim, curved outer jet that extends up to ∼100″ in approximately the same direction. From the analysis of thirteen Chandra observations spread over ≈2.5 years we found that this outer jet shows particularly strong variability, changing its shape and brightness. We observed bright blobs in the outer jet moving away from the pulsar with apparent speeds (0.3– 0.6) c and fading on time-scales of days to weeks. The spectrum of the outer jet fits a power-law model with a photon index Γ=1.3±0.1. For a distance of 300 pc, the apparent average luminosity of the outer jet in the 1–8 keV band is about 3×1030 erg s−1, compared to 6×1032 from the whole PWN within 42″ from the pulsar. The X-ray emission of the outer jet can be interpreted as synchrotron radiation of ultrarelativistic electrons/positrons. This interpretation allows one to estimate the magnetic field, ∼100 μG, maximum energy of X-ray emitting electrons, ∼2×1014 eV, and energy injection rate, ∼8×1033 erg s−1, for the outer jet. In the summed PWN image we see a dim, ∼2′-long outer counter-jet, which also shows a power-law spectrum with Γ≈1.2–1.5. Southwest of the jet/counter-jet (i.e., approximately perpendicular to the direction of pulsar’s proper motion), an extended region of diffuse emission is seen. Relativistic particles responsible for this radiation are apparently supplied by the outer jet.
On dumb holes and their gravity duals

Inhomogeneous fluid flows which become supersonic are known to produce acoustic analogs of ergoregions and horizons. This leads to Hawking-like radiation of phonons with a temperature essentially given by the gradient of the velocity at the horizon. We find such acoustic dumb holes in charged conformal fluids and use the fluid-gravity correspondence to construct dual gravity solutions. A class of quasinormal modes around these gravitational backgrounds perceive a horizon. Upon quantization, this implies a thermal spectrum for these modes.
Reactions of nitriles which contain the NF or NF2 functional group with boron halides

Abstract Dimeric insertion products [R f CXNBX 2 ] 2 (R f F 2 NCClF, F 2 NCF 2 , CF 3 C(NF), FC(NF); XCl, Br) are obtained when F 2 NCClFCN, F 2 NCF 2 CN, CF 3 C(NF)CN and FC(NF)CN are reacted with boron trichloride or boron tribromide, respectively. The structures of these water-sensitive materials is supported by infrared, 19 F and 11 B nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectral data, and by elemental analyses.
The Advanced Photon Source: Performance and Results from Early Operation

The Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory is now providing researchers with high-brilliance undulator radiation from below 1 keV to beyond 100 keV. All technical facilities and components are operational and have met design specifications. Fourteen research teams, with responsibility for 40 beamlines on the APS experiment hall floor, are currently installing beamline instrumentation or actively taking data. An overview is presented for the first operational year of the Advanced Photon Source. Emphasis is on the performance of accelerators and insertion devices, as well as early scientific results and future plans.
Single-metal-ion-based molecular building blocks (MBBs) approach to the design and synthesis of metal-organic assemblies

The single-metal-ion-based molecular building blocks (MBBs) approach for the construction of metal–organic assemblies, in which heterocoordinated single metal ions are rendered rigid and directional via nitrogen–oxygen chelation with judiciously selected ligands, has been implemented. Single-metal-ion-based MBBs of the general formula MNx(CO2)y constitute the building units of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and metal–organic polyhedra (MOPs) presented herein. The octahedral MBB, MN2(CO2)4, can occur as two structural isomers depending on the positioning of nitrogen atoms. The MN2(CO2)4 MBBs contain two rings of heterochelation, and depending on the position of the oxygen atoms involved in heterochelation it is possible to generate three different building units (BUs) from the cis-MN2(CO2)4 MBB and two BUs from the trans-MN2(CO2)4 MBB. Assembly of the different BUs derived from the cis-MN2(CO2)4 MBB, through a bifunctional ligand such as 2,5
Surface-Induced Optical Bistability in Coupled Exciton-Phonon Systems

Abstract Nonlinear optical responses of exciton-phonon coupling systems near a reflecting surface are investigated. For a polydiacetylene chain lying parallel to the surface, optical bistability induced by the surface is discovered. It is also found that the threshold and contrast of the bistability can be controlled by adjusting the distance of the system from the surface, and that vacuum fluctuations are reduced whenever the bistability occurs. The nature of the bistability and its origin are discussed.
Asymmetric syntheses of highly hydrophobic chimeric aromatic amino acids: 2-Amino-3,3'-diarylpropionic acids

Abstract Four conformationally constrained, highly hydrophobic, and enantiomerically pure chimeric aromatic amino acids have been asymmetrically synthesized in 7 steps with overall yields of 20–30%.
A new chiral catalyst for the enantioselective synthesis of secondary alcohols and deuterated primary alcohols by carbonyl reduction

Abstract An efficient synthesis of (S) -(−)-2-(di-β-naphthylhydroxymethyl)pyrrolidine ( 1 ) makes available the oxazaborolidine derivatives 2 and 3 which are excellent catalysts for borane reduction of a variety of achiral ketones to chiral secondary alcohols, e.g. acetophenone, 98% ee; α-tetralone, 95% ee; and methyl-4-oxo-4-phenyl butyrate, 96% ee. The synthesis of chiral 1-deuterio primary alcohols from achiral aldehydes with B- n -butyloxazaborolidine ( 4 ) as catalyst in the presence of 2 H-catecholborane as reductant has also been demonstrated, e.g. benzaldehyde, 95% ee; cyclohexanecarboxaldehyde, 92% ee; and n -octanal, 90% ee.