cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
THE VELOCITY WIDTH FUNCTION OF GALAXIES FROM THE 40% ALFALFA SURVEY: SHEDDING LIGHT ON THE COLD DARK MATTER OVERABUNDANCE PROBLEM

The ongoing Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA (ALFALFA) survey is a wide-area, extragalactic HI-line survey conducted at the Arecibo Observatory. Sources have so far been extracted over � 3000 deg 2 of sky (40% of its final area), resulting in the largest HI-selected sample to date. We measure the space density of HI-bearing galaxies as a function of their observed velocity width (uncorrected for inclination) down to w = 20 km s −1 , a factor of 2 lower than the previous generation HI Parkes All-Sky Survey. We confirm previous results that indicate a substantial discrepancy between the observational distribution and the theoretical one expected in a cold dark matter (CDM) universe, at low widths. In particular, a comparison with synthetic galaxy samples populating state-of-the-art CDM simulations imply a factor of � 8 difference in the abundance of galaxies with w = 50 km s −1 (increasing to a factor of � 100 when extrapolated to the ALFALFA limit of w = 20 km s −1 ). We furthermore identify possible solutions, including a keV warm dark matter scenario and the fact that HI disks in low mass galaxies are usually not extended enough to probe the full amplitude of the galactic rotation curve. In this latter case, we can statistically infer the relationship between the measured HI rotational velocity of a galaxy and the mass of its host CDM halo. Observational verification of the presented relationship at low velocities would provide an important test of the validity of the established dark matter model. Subject headings: galaxies:statistics — dark matter — galaxies: dwarf — galaxies: luminosity function, mass function — radio lines: galaxies — surveys
CAN STOCK MARKET LIBERALIZATION IN EMERGING ECONOMIES MITIGATE LEGAL SYSTEMS DEFICIENCIES

We document positive valuation effects around the time of stock market liberalization. We find that the valuation effects are larger for countries with civil law traditions compared with countries with common law origins. Similarly, we find that countries with weaker shareholder protections exhibit greater market valuation increases compared with countries with stronger shareholder protections. The results reinforce the importance of country legal systems and of shareholder protections in determining the quality of corporate governance systems and financial market outcomes. The findings suggest that stock market liberalization may mitigate deficiencies in the existing institutional environments not supportive of effective corporate governance systems.
Theory of the Dependence of Densification on Grain Growth During Intermediate-Stage Sintering

A semiempirical model for intermediate-stage sintering is developed based on simultaneously occurring volume and grain-boundary diffusion mechanisms of mass transport and explicitly incorporating the effects of grain growth. The sintering equation derived depends strongly on the reduction of pore number density associated with grain growth and is independent of the mechanism of grain growth. The time and temperature dependencies of densification predicted by the equation, which are tested using data for metal and ceramic powders, agree well with observations. The data indicate that grain-boundary diffusion contributes negligibly to densification.
Parameter estimation for distributed parameter models of complex, flexible structures

Distributed parameter modeling of structural dynamics has been limited to simple spacecraft configurations because of the difficulty of handling several distributed parameter systems linked at their boundaries. Although there is other computer software able to generate such models or complex, flexible spacecraft, unfortunately, neither is suitable for parameter estimation. Because of this limitation the computer software PDEMOD is being developed for the express purposes of modeling, control system analysis, parameter estimation and structure optimization. PDEMOD is capable of modeling complex, flexible spacecraft which consist of a three-dimensional network of flexible beams and rigid bodies. Each beam has bending (Bernoulli-Euler or Timoshenko) in two directions, torsion, and elongation degrees of freedom. The rigid bodies can be attached to the beam ends at any angle or body location. PDEMOD is also capable of performing parameter estimation based on matching experimental modal frequencies and static deflection test data. The underlying formulation and the results of using this approach for test data of the Mini-MAST truss will be discussed. The resulting accuracy of the parameter estimates when using such limited data can impact significantly the instrumentation requirements for on-orbit tests.
Skill-Biased Technological Change, Earnings of Unskilled Workers, and Crime

This paper investigates the impact of unskilled workers’ wages on crime. Following the literature on wage inequality and skill-biased technological change, we employ CPS data from 1980 to 2005 and create a state-and-year specific measure of skill-biased technological change, which is then used as an instrument for unskilled workers’ earnings in crime regressions. Regressions that employ state panels reveal that technology-induced variations in unskilled workers’ earnings impact property crime with an elasticity of -1.0. We find that earnings of non-college educated males impact crime, but that earnings of unskilled females have no influence on criminal activity. Estimating a structural crime equation using micro data from NLSY97 and instrumenting real wages of young workers with industry-year-state specific technology shocks, yields elasticities that are in the neighborhood of -1.7 for most types of crime. In both data sets there is evidence for asymmetric impact of unskilled workers earnings on crime. A decline in earnings has a larger effect on crime in comparison to an increase in earnings by the same absolute value.
Trouble Spots in Online Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Drug Promotion: A Content Analysis of FDA Warning Letters

Background: For the purpose of understanding the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) concerns regarding online promotion of prescription drugs advertised directly to consumers, this study examines notices of violations (NOVs) and warning letters issued by the FDA to pharmaceutical manufacturers. Methods: The FDA’s warning letters and NOVs, which were issued to pharmaceutical companies over a 10-year period (2005 to 2014) regarding online promotional activities, were content-analyzed. Results: Six violation categories were identified: risk information, efficacy information, indication information, product labeling, material information issues, and approval issues. The results reveal that approximately 95% of the alleged violations were found on branded drug websites, in online paid advertisements, and in online videos. Of the total 179 violations, the majority of the alleged violations were concerned with the lack of risk information and/or misrepresentation of efficacy information, suggesting that achieving a fair balance of benefit versus risk information is a major problem with regard to the direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of prescription drugs. In addition, the character space limitations of online platforms, eg, sponsored links on search engines, pose challenges for pharmaceutical marketers with regard to adequately communicating important drug information, such as indication information, risk information, and product labeling. Conclusion: Presenting drug information in a fair and balanced manner remains a major problem. Industry guidance should consider addressing visibility and accessibility of information in the web environment to help pharmaceutical marketers meet the requirements for direct-to-consumer promotion and to protect consumers from misleading drug information. Promotion via social media warrants further attention, as pharmaceutical manufacturers have already begun actively establishing a social media presence, and the FDA has thus begun to keep tabs on social media promotions of prescription drugs.
Formation and photophysics of a stable concave–convex supramolecular complex of C60 and a substituted s-triazine derivative

Spectroscopic, electrochemical and computational data show that C-60 and a highly phenylated s-triazine derivative form a stable supramolecular complex at micromolar concentrations in solution at ambient temperatures, due to strong van der Waals attraction between their complementary surfaces.
Arylethynyl receptors for neutral molecules and anions: emerging applications in cellular imaging

This critical review will focus on the application of shape-persistent receptors for anions that derive their rigidity and optoelectronic properties from the inclusion of arylethynyl linkages. It will highlight a few of the design strategies involved in engineering selective and sensitive fluorescent probes and how arylacetylenes can offer a design pathway to some of the more desirable properties of a selective sensor. Additionally, knowledge gained in the study of these receptors in organic media often leads to improved receptor design and the production of chromogenic and fluorogenic probes capable of detecting specific substrates among the multitude of ions present in biological systems. In this ocean of potential targets exists a large number of geometrically distinct anions, which present their own problems to the design of receptors with complementary binding for each preferred coordination geometry. Our interest in targeting charged substrates, specifically how previous work on receptors for cations or neutral guests can be adapted to anions, will be addressed. Additionally, we will focus on the design and development of supramolecular arylethynyl systems, their shape-persistence and fluorogenic or chromogenic optoelectronic responses to complexation. We will also examine briefly how the “chemistry in the cuvet” translates into biological media (125 references).
The value of natural products to future pharmaceutical discovery

Natural products have provided considerable value to the pharmaceutical industry over the past half century. In particular, the therapeutic areas of infectious diseases and oncology have benefited from numerous drug classes derived from natural product sources. Unfortunately, pharmaceutical companies have significantly decreased activities in natural product discovery during the past several years. Biotechnology companies working in the fields of combinatorial biosynthesis, genetic engineering and metagenomic approaches to identify novel natural product lead molecules have had limited success. Despite what appears to be a slow death of natural product discovery research, many new and interesting molecules with biological activity have been published in the past few years. If natural product materials continue to be tested for desirable therapeutic activities, we believe that significant progress in identifying new antibiotics, oncology therapeutics and other useful medicines will be made.
Learning by doing, adverse selection and firm structure

Abstract Much of the literature devoted to explaining the existence of firms has focused on the firm as either a transactions-cost economizing institution or as a means of allocating residual property rights to output. Contrastingly, this paper explores the implications for firm structure of a particular form of learning by doing which arises because of the relationship between jobs. It implies that a worker's productivity in some of these jobs depends on whether the worker had previously performed certain other jobs. This issue is analyzed using an overlapping-generations model. The analysis shows that when firms are specialized as to jobs, there is a misallocation of workers across productive activities. The allocation of workers is efficient when firms are integrated across the jobs. Further, when firm structure is an endogenous choice, the equilibrium is characterized by all firms being integrated across jobs.
Slepton co-NLSPs at the Tevatron

We study the Tevatron signatures of promptly-decaying slepton co-NLSPs in the context of General Gauge Mediation (GGM). The signatures consist of trileptons plus and same-sign dileptons plus . Focusing first on electroweak production, where the Tevatron has an advantage over the early LHC, we establish four simple benchmark scenarios within the parameter space of GGM which qualitatively capture all the relevant phenomenology. We derive limits on these benchmarks from existing searches, estimate the discovery potential with 10 fb−1, and discuss ways in which these searches can be optimized for slepton co-NLSPs. We also analyze the Tevatron constraints on a scenario with light gluinos that could be discovered at the early LHC. Overall, we find that the Tevatron still has excellent reach for the discovery of SUSY in multilepton final states. Finally, we comment on the possible interpretation of a mild “excess” in the CDF same-sign dilepton search in terms of slepton co-NLSPs.
Total synthesis of (-)- and (+)-membrenone C.

A synthesis of the polypropionate marine defense substance (+)-membrenone C and its enantiomer that starts from (S)-2-methyl-3-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)propanal is described. Key steps include (1) additions of chiral allenylmetal reagents to effect both chain homologation and the concomitant introduction of four stereo centers, (2) a bis-intramolecular hydrosilylation−oxidation sequence to install β-hydroxy ketone subunits, and (3) a bis-intramolecular aldol reaction to construct the two dihydropyrone termini.
1035 Risk for Developing Adverse Outcomes in Suspected Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms Without High Risk or Worrisome Features

G A A b st ra ct s beta-sheet structures. Other observed changes corresponded to aliphatic and saccharide/ glycoprotein moieties. The spectra obtained from all four spectral methods were consequently processed by linear discriminant analysis (LDA) showing clear separation of controls and PCs (Figure 1). The quality of the established statistical model was confirmed by leave-oneout cross-validation (Table 1), where sensitivity and specificity reached 91% and 87%, respectively. The results obtained in this pilot study show a high potential of the combination of chiroptical and vibrational spectroscopy as a promising tool in the identification of new spectral biomarkers for PC diagnosis. The LDA confusion matrix for the cross-validation results
Applications of a parallel pressure-correction algorithm to 3D turbomachinery flows

A parallel algorithm for the solution of three-dimensional compressible flows in turbomachinery has been developed and demonstrated on a scalable distributed memory multicomputer. The algorithm solves the compressible form of the Euler or Navier-Stokes equations via a compressible pressure correction formulation. To achieve high accuracy for highly turning blade rows, the computational grid is constructed without requiring strict periodicity of the grid points along the periodic boundaries between the blade passages. The impact of this feature on code parallelization and computational efficiency is described. The algorithm has been demonstrated on up to 128 processors of an Intel iPSC/860. Performance 2.4 times faster than a single Cray Y-MP processor has been achieved for an inviscid turbomachinery calculation on 154000 grid points with 128 processors of the iPSC/860. >
Exchange Rate Choices of Microstates

In this paper I first explain why most microstates (countries with less than two million inhabitants) have gained independence only in the last 30 years. Despite the higher costs and risks microstates face, their ability to better accommodate local preferences, combined with a more integrated world economy, probably explains why there are now more benefits to independence. I explain why microstates at independence have chosen either dollarization, currency board arrangements, or fixed exchange rates rather than more flexible forms of exchange rate systems. I then, using the Geweke-Hajivassiliou-Keane multivariate normal simulator, model empirically the determinants of each of the different fixed exchange rate regimes in microstates and analyze the policy implications.
The Mixing Time Evolution of Glauber Dynamics for the Mean-Field Ising Model

We consider Glauber dynamics for the Ising model on the complete graph on n vertices, known as the Curie-Weiss model. It is well-known that the mixing-time in the high temperature regime (β 1 is exponential in n. Recently, Levin, Luczak and Peres proved that for any fixed β 0 with δ2n → ∞ and δ = o(1), there is no cutoff, and the mixing time has order \({\frac{n}{\delta}{\rm exp}\left((\frac{3}{4}+o(1))\delta^2n\right)}\).
Optimal scheduling of signature analysis for VLSI testing

A simple algorithm that shows how to optimally schedule the test-application and the signature-analysis phases of VLSI testing is presented. The testing process is broken into subintervals, the signature is analyzed at the end of each subinterval, and future tests are aborted if the circuit is found to be faulty, thus saving test time. The mathematical proofs associated with the algorithm are given. >
Multiple matching of parameterized patterns

Abstract We extend Baker's theory of parameterized string matching (1993) to algorithms that match multiple patterns in a text. We first consider the case where the patterns are fixed and preprocessed once, and then the case where the pattern set can change by insertions and deletions. Baker's algorithms are based on suffix trees, whereas ours are based on pattern matching automata.
Tropical images of intersection points

A key issue in tropical geometry is the lifting of intersection points to a non-Archimedean field. Here, we ask: where can classical intersection points of planar curves tropicalize to? An answer should have two parts: first, identifying constraints on the images of classical intersections, and, second, showing that all tropical configurations satisfying these constraints can be achieved. This paper provides the first part: images of intersection points must be linearly equivalent to the stable tropical intersection by a suitable rational function. Several examples provide evidence for the conjecture that our constraints may suffice for part two.
Thermal Diffusivity/Conductivity of Alumina—Silicon Carbide Composites

Thermal diffusivity and conductivity values for several Al2O3-SiC whisker composites were determined. The thermal diffusivity values spanned the range from 373 to 1473 K, and thermal conductivity data wre obtained between 305 and 365 K. The thermal diffusivity decreased with increasing temperature and increased with SiC-whisker content. An estimate of the thermal conductivity of the whiskers was obtained from the direct thermal conductivity measurements, but attempts to derive whisker conductivity values from the thermal diffusivity data were not successful because the laser flash method lacks the required accuracy and precision. Specimens were subjected to two different thermal quench experiments to investigate the effect of thermal history on diffusivity. In the most severe case, multiple 1073- to 373-K quenches, radial cracks were observed in the test specimens; however, there was no change in diffusivity. The lack of sensitivity to thermal cycling appears to be related to the sample size.
The early stages of robotics

The early stages of robotics are recalled by tracing the evolution of robot manipulator programming languages. Initial manipulator control was by means of procedures embedded in a high-level language. This evolved into a geometric-based planning and execution system where planning was time-independent and execution was time-efficient. With the addition of sensor feedback and the need to develop the ad hoc procedures involved in assembly, an interpretative system evolved. Finally, we have come full circle with manipulator control once again embedded in a high-level language. This is now possible because of the development of high-level languages, the simplification of manipulator-control eliminating of the need to plan trajectories and to precalculate dynamics, and the increasing computer power available to provide for the economic real-time control of the manipulator.
Resolving SNR 0540-6944 from LMC X-1 with Chandra.

We examine the supernova remnant SNR 0540-697 in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) using data from the Chandra Advanced CCD Imaging Spectrometer. The X-ray emission from this supernova remnant (SNR) had previously been hidden in the bright emission of the nearby X-ray binary LMC X-1; however, new observations with Chandra can finally reveal the SNR's structure and spectrum. We find the SNR to be a thick-shelled structure about 19 pc in diameter, with a brightened northeast region. Spectral results suggest a temperature of 0.31 keV and an X-ray luminosity (0.3-3.0 keV) of 8.4 × 1033 ergs s-1. We estimate an age of 12,000-20,000 yr for this SNR, but note that this estimate does not take into account the possibility of cavity expansion or other environmental effects.
An out-of-core implementation of the COLUMBUS massively-parallel multireference configuration interaction program

In this paper, we describe a novel parallelization approach we developed to solve the largest multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) problem ever attempted. From the mathematical perspective, the program solves the eigenvalue problem for a very large, sparse, symmetric Hamilton matrix. Using an out-of-core approach, shared memory programming model, improved data compression algorithms, and dynamic load balancing we were able to solve a problem six times larger than previously reported. The potential curve for the chromium dimer was calculated with a Hamilton matrix of dimension 1.3 billion (1,295,937,374). This task involved moving 1.5 terabytes of data between main memory and secondary storage per MRCI iteration. Furthermore, by employing Active Messages and user-level striping to combine multiple files on local disks on the IBM SP into a single logically-shared file, the execution time of the program was reduced by a factor of three, as compared to our initial implementation on top of the IBM PIOFS parallel filesystem.
Transition‐Metal‐Catalyzed Alkylations of Amines with Alkyl Halides: Photoinduced, Copper‐Catalyzed Couplings of Carbazoles

N-alkylations of carbazoles with a variety of secondary and hindered primary alkyl iodides can be achieved by using a simple precatalyst (CuI) under mild conditions (0 °C) in the presence of a Bronsted base; at higher temperature (30 °C), secondary alkyl bromides also serve as suitable coupling partners. A Li[Cu(carbazolide)_2] complex has been crystallographically characterized, and it may serve as an intermediate in the catalytic cycle.
Correlated wave packet treatment of neutrino and neutral meson oscillations

A quantum wave packet treatment of neutrino and neutral K and B meson oscillations is presented which incorporates the recoil particle in the production process, and includes the effect of the localization and lifetime of the source assumed to be a resonance or unstable particle. This approach removes the ambiguities in the conventional single particle treatment of these oscillations, and elucidates the role of quantum correlations with the recoil particle. A fundamental connection between the stochastic decay time of the source and the space-time coordinates of the correlated final state particles is derived.
The Genetics of Sex: Exploring Differences

> In this commentary, Michelle Arbeitman et al. , examine the topic of the [Genetics of Sex][1] as explored in this month's issues of GENETICS and G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics . These inaugural articles are part of a joint [Genetics of Sex][1] collection (ongoing) in the GSA journals. SEX differences
Conjectural Equilibrium in Water-Filling Games

This paper considers a non-cooperative game in which competing users sharing a frequency-selective interference channel selfishly optimize their power allocation in order to improve their achievable rates. Previously, it was shown that a user having the knowledge of its opponents' channel state information can make foresighted decisions and substantially improve its performance compared with the case in which it deploys the conventional iterative water-filling algorithm, which does not exploit such knowledge. This paper discusses how a foresighted user can acquire this knowledge by modeling its experienced interference as a function of its own power allocation. To characterize the outcome of the multi-user interaction, the conjectural equilibrium is introduced, and the existence of this equilibrium for the investigated water-filling game is proved. Interestingly, both the Nash equilibrium and the Stackelberg equilibrium are shown to be special cases of the generalization of conjectural equilibrium. We develop practical algorithms to form accurate beliefs and search desirable power allocation strategies. Numerical simulations indicate that a foresighted user without any a priori knowledge of its competitors' private information can effectively learn the required information, and induce the entire system to an operating point that improves both its own achievable rate as well as the rates of the other participants in the water-filling game.
Right Heart Failure: Toward a Common Language

In this perspective, the International Right Heart Foundation Working Group moves a step forward to develop a common language to describe the development and defects that exemplify the common syndrome of right heart failure. We first propose fundamental definitions of the distinctive components of the right heart circulation and provide consensus on a universal definition of right heart failure. These definitions will form the foundation for describing a uniform nomenclature for right heart circulatory failure with a view to foster collaborative research initiatives and conjoint education in an effort to provide insight into echanisms of disease unique to the right heart.
Similar risk of depression and anxiety following surgery or hospitalization for crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis

Similar Risk of Depression and Anxiety Following Surgery or Hospitalization for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Principles of appropriate antibiotic use for acute pharyngitis in adults: background

The following principles of appropriate antibiotic use for adults with acute pharyngitis apply to immunocompetent adults without complicated comorbid conditions, such as chronic lung or heart disease, and history of rheumatic fever. They do not apply during known outbreaks of group A streptococcus. 1. Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) is the causal agent in approximately 10% of adult cases of pharyngitis. The large majority of adults with acute pharyngitis have a self-limited illness, for which supportive care only is needed. 2. Antibiotic treatment of adult pharyngitis benefits only those patients with GABHS infection. All patients with pharyngitis should be offered appropriate doses of analgesics and antipyretics, as well as other supportive care. 3. Limit antibiotic prescriptions to patients who are most likely to have GABHS infection. Clinically screen all adult patients with pharyngitis for the presence of the four Centor criteria: history of fever, tonsillar exudates, no cough, and tender anterior cervical lymphadenopathy (lymphadenitis). Do not test or treat patients with none or only one of these criteria, since these patients are unlikely to have GABHS infection. For patients with two or more criteria the following strategies are appropriate: (a) Test patients with two, three, or four criteria by using a rapid antigen test, and limit antibiotic therapy to patients with positive test results; (b) test patients with two or three criteria by using a rapid antigen test, and limit antibiotic therapy to patients with positive test results or patients with four criteria; or (c) do not use any diagnostic tests, and limit antibiotic therapy to patients with three or four criteria. 4. Throat cultures are not recommended for the routine primary evaluation of adults with pharyngitis or for confirmation of negative results on rapid antigen tests when the test sensitivity exceeds 80%. Throat cultures may be indicated as part of investigations of outbreaks of GABHS disease, for monitoring the development and spread of antibiotic resistance, or when such pathogens as gonococcus are being considered. 5. The preferred antibiotic for treatment of acute GABHS pharyngitis is penicillin, or erythromycin in a penicillin-allergic patient.
Major mergers of galaxy haloes: cuspy or cored inner density profile?

We present the results from a series of collisionless N-body simulations of major mergers of galaxy dark matter haloes with density profiles having either inner cusps or cores. Our simulations range from 2 × 10 5 to 10 7 particles, allowing us to probe the phase-space distribution of dark matter particles in the innermost regions (less than 0.005 virial radii) of cold dark matter haloes, a subject of much recent debate. We find that a major merger of two cored haloes yields a cored halo and does not result in a cuspy profile seen in many cosmological simulations. This result is unchanged if we consider mergers with parent mass ratios of 3 : 1 instead of 1 : 1. Mergers of a cuspy halo with either a cored halo or a second cuspy halo of equal mass, on the other hand, produce cuspy haloes with a slightly reduced inner logarithmic slope. Cuspy haloes, once formed, therefore appear resilient to major mergers. We find the velocity structure of the remnants to be mildly anisotropic, with a Maxwellian velocity distribution near the centre but not in the outer portions of the final haloes. Violent relaxation is effective only during the early phase of mergers, with phase mixing likely to be the dominant relaxation process at late times.
Calculating the effects of linear dependencies in m-sequences used as test stimuli

When pseudorandom patterns generated by a linear feedback shift register (LFSR) are used as test stimuli, there is always a concern about the linear dependencies within the sequence of patterns. It is possible for these linear dependencies to preclude a specific test pattern from being present in the sequence of applied patterns. These dependencies and ways to calculate their effects on a particular test are discussed, with the goal of developing the means of analyzing a digital circuit which is connected to a source of pseudorandom patterns to determine whether or not linear dependencies are encountered by a particular connection. >
Convex analysis of invariant sets for a class of nonlinear systems

We study the invariance of the convex hull of an invariant set for a class of nonlinear systems satisfying a generalized sector condition. The generalized sector is bounded by two odd symmetric functions which are convex/concave in the right-half plane. In a recent paper, we showed that, for this class of systems, the convex hull of a group of invariant ellipsoids is invariant. This paper shows that the convex hull of a general invariant set need not be invariant, and that the convex hull of a contractively invariant set is, however, invariant.
MASS FLOWS IN A PROMINENCE SPINE AS OBSERVED IN EUV

We analyze a quiescent prominence observed by the Solar Dynamics Observatory's Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) with a focus on mass and energy flux in the spine, measured using Lyman continuum absorption. This is the first time this type of analysis has been applied with an emphasis on individual features and fluxes in a quiescent prominence. The prominence, observed on 2010 September 28, is detectable in most AIA wavebands in absorption and/or emission. Flows along the spine exhibit horizontal bands 5''-10'' wide and kinetic energy fluxes on the order of a few times 105 erg s–1cm–2, consistent with quiet sun coronal heating estimates. For a discrete moving feature we estimate a mass of a few times 1011 g. We discuss the implications of our derived properties for a model of prominence dynamics, the thermal non-equilibrium model.
Trade-diverting free trade agreements, external tariffs, and feasibility

There has been a proliferation of preferential trade agreements within the last two decades. This paper analyzes the effects of free trade agreements (FTAs) on external tariffs in small economies where protection decisions are made politically. Our model determines tariff rates endogenously instead of assuming they are fixed during or after the formation of FTAs as commonly done in the literature. We show that when an FTA is established, the tariff rates that apply to non-members essentially decline. More importantly, we investigate the interaction between endogenous tariff determination and the feasibility of an FTA. We find that the expectation of tariff reductions under endogenous tariffs could make an otherwise feasible FTA if tariffs were fixed become infeasible. However, if domestic import-competing sectors are relatively smaller and the government places a significant weight on political contributions relative to social welfare, an FTA with endogenous tariffs may be more likely to be feasible than ...
Ruling out bosonic repulsive dark matter in thermal equilibrium

Self-interacting dark matter, especially bosonic, has been considered a promising candidate to replace cold dark matter (CDM) as it resolves some of the problems associated with CDM. Here, we rule out the possibility that dark matter is a repulsive boson in thermal equilibrium. We develop the model first proposed by Goodman in 2000 and derive the equation of state at finite temperature. Isothermal spherical halo models indicate a Bose–Einstein condensed core surrounded by a non-degenerate envelope, with an abrupt density drop marking the boundary between the two phases. Comparing this feature with observed rotation curves constrains the interaction strength of our model's dark matter particle, and Bullet Cluster measurements constrain the scattering cross-section. Both ultimately can be cast as constraints on the particle's mass. We find these two constraints cannot be satisfied simultaneously in any realistic halo model – and hence dark matter cannot be a repulsive boson in thermal equilibrium. It is still left open that dark matter may be a repulsive boson provided it is not in thermal equilibrium; this requires that the mass of the particle be significantly less than a millivolt.
Heegaard splittings and the pants complex

We define integral measures of complexity for Heegaard splittings based on the graph dual to the curve complex and on the pants complex defined by Hatcher and Thurston. As the Heegaard splitting is stabilized, the sequence of complexities turns out to converge to a non-trivial limit depending only on the manifold. We then use a similar method to compare different manifolds, defining a distance which converges under stabilization to an integer related to Dehn surgeries between the two manifolds.
Dynamic gratings and the associated self diffractions and wavefront conjugation processes in nematic liquid crystals

The origins and the dynamics of optical nonlinearities in nematic liquid crystal films, namely, laser-induced molecular reorientational and thermal refractive index changes, are analyzed in the context of optical wave mixings. Theoretical expressions for the basic non-linearities, the rise and decay time, diffraction efficiencies, and other pertinent parameters involved in the dynamic grating formation are derived. Experimental results obtained with visible and infrared laser pulses are analyzed. Some newly observed novel nonlinear processes are also reported.
International Migration, Remittances, and the Brain Drain : A Study of 24 Labor-Exporting Countries

While the level of international migration and remittances continues to grow, data on international migration remains unreliable. At the international level, there is no consistent set of statistics on the number or skill characteristics of international migrants. At the national level, most labor-exporting countries do not collect data on their migrants. Adams tries to overcome these problems by constructing a new data set of 24 large, labor-exporting countries and using estimates of migration and educational attainment based on United States and OECD records. He uses these new data to address the key policy question: How pervasive is the brain drain from labor-exporting countries? Three basic findings emerge: With respect to legal migration, international migration involves the movement of the educated. The vast majority of migrants to both the United States and the OECD have a secondary (high school) education or higher. While migrants are well-educated, international migration does not tend to take a very high proportion of the best educated. For 22 of the 33 countries in which educational attainment data can be estimated, less than 10 percent of the best educated (tertiary-educated) population of labor-exporting countries has migrated. For a handful of labor-exporting countries, international migration does cause brain drain. For example, for the five Latin American countries (Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica and Mexico) located closest to the United States, migration takes a large share of the best educated. This finding suggests that more work needs to be done on the relationship between brain drain, geographical proximity to labor-receiving countries, and the size of the (educated) population of labor-exporting countries.
Discovery of a Clustered Quasar Pair at z~5: Biased Peaks in Early Structure Formation

We report the discovery of a quasar at z = 4.96 ? 0.03 within a few Mpc of the quasar SDSS 0338+0021 at z = 5.02 ? 0.02. The newly found quasar has SDSS i and z magnitudes of ?21.2, and an estimated absolute magnitude MB ? -25.2. The projected separation on the sky is 196'', and the redshift difference ?z = 0.063 ? 0.008. The probability of finding this quasar pair by chance in the absence of clustering in this particular volume is ~10-4 to 10-3. We conclude that the two objects probably mark a large-scale structure, possibly a protocluster, at z ? 5. This is the most distant such structure currently known. Our search in the field of 13 other QSOs at z 4.8 so far has not resulted in any detections of comparable luminous QSO pairs, and it is thus not yet clear how representative is this structure at z ? 5. However, along with the other evidence for clustering of quasars and young galaxies at somewhat lower redshifts, the observations are at least qualitatively consistent with a strong biasing of the first luminous and massive objects, in agreement with general predictions of theoretical models. More extensive searches for clustered quasars and luminous galaxies at these redshifts will provide valuable empirical constraints for our understanding of early galaxy and structure formation.
Semidefinite Programming and Reachable Sets of Dissipative Bilinear Control Systems

In this manuscript, we investigate optimal control problems arising in connection with manipulation of dissipative quantum dynamics. These problems motivate the study of a class of dissipative bilinear control systems. For these systems it is shown that the optimal solution and the reachable set can be found by solving a semidefinite program. In practice, solutions to these problems generate optimal methods for control of quantum mechanical phenomena in presence of dissipation. In the area of coherent spectroscopy, this translates into the maximum signal that can be obtained in a spectroscopy experiment.
Quasars as probes of late reionization and early structure formation

Observations of QSOs at z ~ 5.7–6.4 show the appearance of Gunn–Peterson troughs around z ~ 6, and a change in the slope of the IGM optical depth τ(z) near z ~ 5.5. These results are interpreted as a signature of the end of the reionization era, which probably started at considerably higher redshifts. However, there also appears to be a substantial cosmic variance in the transmission of the IGM, both along some lines of sight, and among different lines of sight, in this intriguing redshift regime. We suggest that this is indicative of a spatially uneven reionization, possibly caused by the bias-driven primordial clustering of the reionization sources. There is also some independent evidence for a strong clustering of QSOs at z ~ 4–5 and galaxies around them, supporting the idea of the strong biasing of the first luminous sources at these redshifts. Larger samples of high-z QSOs are needed in order to provide improved, statistically significant constraints for the models of these phenomena. We expect that the Palomar-Quest (PQ) survey will soon provide a new set of QSOs to be used as cosmological probes in this redshift regime.
Trust but verify? Voluntary regulation programs in the nonprofit sector

In this article we examine how information problems can cause agency slippages and lead to governance failures in nonprofit organizations. Drawing on the principal‐agent literature, we provide a theoretical account of an institutional mechanism, namely, voluntary regulation programs, to mitigate such slippages. These programs seek to impose obligations on their participants regarding internal governance and use of resources. By joining these programs, nonprofit organizationsseektodifferentiatethemselvesfromnonparticipantsandsignaltotheirprincipalsthatthey are deploying resources as per the organizational mandate. If principals are assured that agency slippages are lower in program participants, they might be more likely to provide the participants with resources to deliver goods and services to their target populations. However, regulatory programs for nonprofit organizations are of variable quality and, in some cases, could be designed to obscure rather than reveal information. We outline an analytical framework to differentiate the credible clubs from the“charity washes.”A focus on the institutional architecture of these programs can help to predict their efficacy in reducing agency problems.
Strategic Arrivals into Queueing Networks: The Network Concert Queueing Game

Queueing networks models typically assume that the arrival process is exogenous and unaffected by admission control, scheduling policies, etc. In many situations, however, users choose the time of their arrival strategically, taking delay and other metrics into account. In this paper, we develop a framework to study such strategic arrivals into queueing networks. We study the population game wherein users strategically choose when to arrive at a parallel queueing network and upon arrival, which of the queues to join. The queues start service at given times, which can potentially be different. We characterize the strategic arrival process at each of the queues and the price of anarchy of the ensuing strategic arrival game. We then extend the analysis to multiple populations of users, each with a different cost metric. The equilibrium arrival profile and price of anarchy are derived. Finally, we extend this to general feedforward network architectures by modeling the arrival timing game as a two-stage extensive form game. We prove the existence and essential uniqueness of equilibria. We also study more specific network topologies, like tandem and trellis networks, and we derive the equilibrium arrival and routing profiles. We show that there exists an equivalent parallel queueing network that has the same equilibrium arrival profile. Thus, the price of anarchy of the arrival game is then implied by that of the parallel queueing network.
The breaking strength of perfect polymer fibers

The breaking strength, strain at break, and work to rupture of perfect fibers prepared with polymers of finite molecular weight are calculated by treating the perfect fiber as a stressed crystal undergoing a crystal-melt phase transition. In this view, a tensile load destabilizes the crystal and depresses its melting point. When the load is sufficient to lower the melting temperature to the ambient condition the fiber melts—i.e., fails. The theoretical equations (extremely simple) are applied to several common polymer fibers. The maximum tensile strength of polyethylene, for example, is calculated to be 7 to 9 GPa, in good agreement with current experimental results.
The effects of total sleep deprivation on bayesian updating

Subjects perform a decision task (Grether, 1980) in both a well-rested and experimentally sleep-deprived state. We have two main results: 1) final choice accuracy is unaffected by sleep deprivation, and yet 2) the estimated decision model differs significantly following sleep-deprivation. Following sleep deprivation, subjects place significantly less weight on new information in forming their beliefs. Because the altered decision process still maintains decision accuracy, it may suggest that increased accident and error rates attributed to reduced sleep in modern society stem from reduced auxiliary function performance (e.g., slowed reaction time, reduced motor skills) or other components of decision making, rather than the inability to integrate multiple pieces of information.
Feature extraction from wavelet coefficients for pattern recognition tasks

An efficient feature extraction method based on the fast wavelet transform is presented. The paper especially deals with the assessment of process parameters or states in a given application using the features extracted from the wavelet coefficients of measured process signals. Since the parameter assessment using all wavelet coefficients will often turn out to be tedious or leads to inaccurate results, a preprocessing routine that computes robust features correlated to the process parameters of interest is highly desirable. The method presented divides the matrix of computed wavelet coefficients into clusters equal to row vectors. The rows that represent important frequency ranges (for signal interpretation) have a larger number of clusters than the rows that represent less important frequency ranges. The features of a process signal are eventually calculated by the Euclidean norms of the clusters. The effectiveness of this new method has been verified on a flank wear estimation problem in turning processes and on a problem of recognizing different kinds of lung sounds for diagnosis of pulmonary diseases.
Satellite dwarf galaxies in a hierarchical universe: The prevalence of dwarf-dwarf major mergers

Mergers are a common phenomenon in hierarchical structure formation, especially for massive galaxies and clusters, but their importance for dwarf galaxies in the Local Group remains poorly understood. We investigate the frequency of major mergers between dwarf galaxies in the Local Group using the ELVIS suite of cosmological zoom-in dissipationless simulations of Milky Way- and M31-like host halos. We find that ~10% of satellite dwarf galaxies with Mstar > 10^6 M_☉ that are within the host virial radius experienced a major merger of stellar mass ratio closer than 0.1 since z = 1, with a lower fraction for lower mass dwarf galaxies. Recent merger remnants are biased toward larger radial distance and more recent virial infall times, because most recent mergers occurred shortly before crossing within the virial radius of the host halo. Satellite–satellite mergers also occur within the host halo after virial infall, catalyzed by the large fraction of dwarf galaxies that fell in as part of a group. The merger fraction doubles for dwarf galaxies outside of the host virial radius, so the most distant dwarf galaxies in the Local Group are the most likely to have experienced a recent major merger. We discuss the implications of these results on observable dwarf merger remnants, their star formation histories, the gas content of mergers, and massive black holes in dwarf galaxies.