cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On space-bounded synchronized alternating Turing machines

We continue the study of the computational power of synchronized alternating Turing machines (SATM) introduced in (Hromkovic 1986, Slobodova 1987, 1988a, b) to allow communication via synchronization among processes of alternating Turing machines. We are interested in comparing the four main classes of space-bounded synchronized alternating Turing machines obtained by adding or removing off-line capability and nondeterminism (1SUTM(S(n)), SUTM(S(n)), 1SATM(S(n)), and SATM(S(n)) against one another and against other variants of alternating Turing machines. Denoting the class of languages accepted by machines in C by L(C), we show as our main results that L(1SUTM(S(n))) ⊂ L(SUTM(S(n))) ⊂ L(1SATM(S(n)))= L(SATM(S(n))) for all space-bounded functions S(n)ϵo(n), and L(1SUTM(S(n)))= L(SUTM(S(n))) ⊂ L(1SATM(S(n)))=L(SATM(S(n))) for S(n)) ⩾ n. Furthermore, we show that for log log(n) ⩽ S(n)ϵo(log(n)), L(1SUTM(S(n))) is incomparable to L[1] ATM(S(n))). L(UTM(S(n))), L(1MUTM(S(n))), and L(MUTM(S(n))), where MATMs are alternating Turing machines with modified acceptance proposed in (Inoue 1989); in contrast, we show that these relationships become proper inclusions when log(n) ⩽ S(n)ϵo(n). For deterministic synchronized alternating finite automata with at most k processes (1DSA(k)FA and DSA(k)FA) we establish a tight hierarchy on the number of processes for the one-way case, namely, L(1DSA(n)FA) ⊂ L(1DSA(n+1)FA) for all n > 0, and show that L(1DFA(2)) − ∪k=1∞L(DSA(k)FA) ≠ ∅, where DFA(k) denotes deterministic k-head finite automata. Finally we investigate closure properties under Boolean operations for some of these classes of languages.
On the Shoaling of Solitary Waves in the Presence of Short Random Waves

Overhead video from a small number of laboratory tests conducted by Kaihatu et al. at the Tsunami Wave Basin at Oregon State University shows that the breaking point of a shoaling solitary wave shifts to deeper water if random waves are present. The analysis of the laboratory data collected confirms that solitary waves indeed tend to break earlier in the presence of random wave field, and suggests that the effect is the result of the radiationstresses gradientinduced by the randomwavefields.A theoreticalapproachbased on the forced KdV equation is shown to successfully predict the shoaling process of the solitary wave. An ensemble of tests simulated using a state-of-the-art nonhydrostatic model is used to test the statistical significance of the process. The results of this study point to a potentially significant oceanographic process that has so far been ignored and suggest that systematic research into the interaction between tsunami waves and the swell background could increase the accuracy of tsunami forecasting.
Delegated Monitoring and Bank Structure in a Finite Economy

Abstract When banks act as delegated monitors of borrowing firms in a finite economy, two factors help banks dominate direct lending: portfolio diversification, which increases with bank size, and bank capitalization, which diminishes with size. With free entry into banking, intermediated equilibria are possible even when direct lending cannot overcome autarky. There are usually multiple intermediated equilibria; these may not be Pareto-ranked by bank size, since smaller banks are better captialized and may Pareto-dominate larger banks. Even when one large bank would be most efficient, assigning a monopoly bank charter to coordinate beliefs on the single bank equilibrium may be unattractive: in some cases, a monopoly bank cannot overcome autarky even though free-entry banking can, and in other cases, the monopoly bank reduces production from the direct lending level. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: G21, L13, O16.
Structures and magnetism of rubidium and cesium salts of dimeric oxovanadium(IV) tartrate(4−) complexes

Abstract Complexes of type A4[VO(tart)]2·nH2O, where A = Rb or Cs and tart =d,l-tartrate(4−) (n = 2) or d,d-tartrate(4−) (n = 2 for Rb and n = 3 for Cs), were prepared from an aqueous mixture of V2O5, AOH and H4tart. These complexes were studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods: Rb4[VO(d,l-tart)]2·2H2O, space group P1 with a = 8.156(1),b = 8.246(1),c = 8.719(1)A, α = 66.09(1)°, β = 65.07(1)°, γ = 82.40(1)°,Z = 2, 1917 observed reflections, and final Rw = 0.035; Cs4[VO(d,l-tart)]2·2H2O, space group P21/c with a = 9.350(1),b = 13.728(2),c = 8.479(1)A, β = 106.77(1)°,Z = 4, 2235 observed reflections, and final Rw = 0.054; Rb4[VO(d,d-tart)]2·2H2O, space group P4122 with a = 8.072(1),c = 32.006(3)A,Z = 8, 1014 observed reflections and final Rw = 0.038; Cs4[VO(d,d-tart)]2·3H2O, space group P122 with a = 8.184(1),c = 33.680(5)A,Z = 8, 1310 observed reflections, and final Rw = 0.063. Bulk magnetic susceptibility data (1.5–300 K) for these compounds and A4[VOl,l-tart)]2·nH2O (A = Rb, Cs) were obtained on polycrystalline samples. These data were analyzed in terms of a Van Vleck exchange coupled S = 1/2 model which was modified to include an interdimer exchange parameters Θ. Analysis of the low-temperature (1.5–20 K) susceptibility data gave 2J = +1.30 cm−1 and Θ = −1.86 K for Rb4[VO(d,l-tart)]2·2H2O, 2J = +1.16 cm−1 and Θ = −1.69 K for Cs4[VO(d,l-tart)]2·2H2O, 2J = +1.90 cm−1 and Θ = −0.82 K for Rb4[VO(d,d-tart)]2·2H2O, 2J = +2.04 cm−1 and Θ = −0.80 K for Rb4[VO(l,l-tart)]2·2H2O, 2J = +1.52 cm−1 and Θ = −0.25 K for Cs4[VO(d,d-tart)]2·3H2O, and 2J = +1.64 cm−1 and Θ = −0.31 K for Cs4[VO(l,l-tart)]2·3H2O. These results suggest the magnitudes of intradimer (ferromagnetic and interdimer (antiferromagnetic) exchange interactions are similar in these complexes, as observed for the analogous Na salts.
Enantioselective Mukaiyama-aldol and aldol-dihydropyrone annulation reactions catalyzed by a tryptophan-derived oxazaborolidine

Abstract The (S)-tryptophan derived catalyst 1, has been used to effect enantioselective Mukaiyama-aldol and aldol-dihydropyrone annulation reactions of trimethylsilyloxy olefins and dienes.
Good Degree Bounds on Nullstellensatz Refutations of the Induction Principle

This paper gives nearly optimal, logarithmic upper and lower bounds on the minimum degree of Nullstellensatz refutations (i.e., polynomials) of the propositional induction principle
Metoclopramide in trauma CT scanning: Preventing emesis of oral radiographic contrast

Vomiting of gastric contents is common among multisystem trauma patients and may cause significant morbidity. A study was conducted to examine whether metoclopramide (Reglan), an antiemetic and promotility agent, could decrease vomiting after administration of oral radiographic contrast in stable multisystem trauma patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen ("trauma CT patients"). The charts of 193 patients listed in the Duke Trauma Registry who underwent abdominal CT scanning from January, 1992 until February, 1993 were reviewed. The emergency department record was reviewed for documentation of vomiting, use of intravenous metoclopramide, and other potential confounders of vomiting such as age, pharmacologic paralysis, and head injury as measured by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Patients who received intravenous metoclopramide were six times less likely to vomit after administration of oral radiographic contrast than those who did not receive the drug. This effect increased to a twelvefold protective effect after correcting for age, pharmacologic paralysis, and GCS. These preliminary findings strongly suggest that routine use of metoclopramide may prevent vomiting of gastric contents after administration of oral radiographic contrast in trauma CT patients. A future prospective study is recommended to confirm these results.
On the fundamental limitations of performance for distributed decision-making in robotic networks

This paper studies formal models and fundamental limitations of performance for distributed decision-making in robotic networks. The class of decision-making problems we consider encompasses a number of prototypical problems such as average-based consensus as well as distributed optimization, leader election, majority voting, MAX, MIN and evaluation of logical formulas. Specifically, we first propose a formal model that is based on the concept of I/O automata and is inspired by the Computer Science literature on distributed computing clusters. Then, we present a number of bounds on time, message, and byte complexity, which we use to investigate the relative performance of a number of algorithmic approaches for distributed decision-making. From a methodological standpoint, our work sheds light on the relation between the tools developed by the Computer Science and Controls communities on the topic of distributed computation.
Acute Colonic Pseudo-obstruction

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) is a syndrome of massive dilation of the colon without mechanical obstruction that develops in hospitalized patients with serious underlying medical and surgical conditions. Increasing age, cecal diameter, delay in decompression, and status of the bowel significantly influence mortality, which is approximately 40% when ischemia or perforation is present. Evaluation of the markedly distended colon involves excluding mechanical obstruction and other causes of toxic megacolon such as Clostridium difficile infection and assessing for signs of ischemia and perforation. The risk of colonic perforation in ACPO increases when cecal diameter exceeds 12 cm and when the distention has been present for greater than 6 days. Appropriate management includes supportive therapy and selective use of neostigmine and colonoscopy for decompression. Early recognition and management are critical in minimizing complications.
Bringing Us Together or Driving Us Apart: The Effect of Soliciting Consumer Input on Consumers’ Propensity to Transact with an Organization

This research examines a novel process by which soliciting consumer input can affect subsequent purchase and engagement, namely, by changing consumers’ subjective perception of their relationship with the organization. We contrast different types of consumer input and propose that, relative to no input, soliciting advice tends to have an intimacy effect whereby the individual feels closer to the organization, resulting in increases in subsequent propensity to transact and engage with the organization. However, soliciting expectations tends to have the opposite effect, distancing the individual from the organization. We demonstrate these relationship effects of consumer input in four studies involving both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Implications for theory and practice of brand relationship as well as consumer judgment and decision making are discussed.
Speech transmission in packet-switched store-and-forward networks

The past few years have seen a widespread and growing application of packet-switched store-and-forward networks for data communication between geographically separated computer installations. Such networks can provide connections between facilities with the many desirable properties of dedicated communication lines but at reduced costs which result from the time-sharing of the actual lines among many customers. Barring the failure of local terminal equipment, such a network provides connections among its customers which implicitly exist regardless of the load being placed on the network. However, the network characteristics seen by an individual customer will vary with overall network traffic, since the network will tend to deliver messages less frequently and with increased delay (possibly beyond the point of usefulness) as load increases. This property of packet-switched networks---guaranteed connections with variable throughput and delay---is just the reverse of that exhibited by circuit-switched networks such as the telephone system. When circuit-switched systems are heavily loaded, delay may be experienced in making a connection, but once it is established, its throughput and delay will not vary with other system activity.
A Multiwavelength Investigation of Unidentified EGRET Sources

Statistical studies indicate that the 271 point sources of high-energy gamma rays belong to two groups: a galactic population and an isotropic extragalactic population. Many unidentified extragalactic sources are certainly blazars, and it is the intention of this work to uncover gamma-ray blazars missed by previous attempts. Until recently, searches for blazar counterparts to unidentified EGRET sources have focused on finding AGN that have 5-GHz radio flux densities S5 near or above 1 Jy. However, the recent blazar identification of 3EG J2006-2321 (S5 = 260 mJy) and other work suggest that careful studies of weaker flat-spectrum sources may be fruitful. In this spirit, error circles of four high-latitude unidentified EGRET sources have been searched for 5-GHz sources. The gammaray sources are 3EG J1133+0033, 3EG J1212+2304, 3EG J1222+2315, and 3EG J1227+4302. Within the error contours of each of the four sources are found six radio candidates; by observing the positions of the radio sources with the 0.81-m Tenagra II telescope it is determined that 14 of these 24 radio sources have optical counterparts with R < 22. Eight of these from two different EGRET sources have been observed in the B, V, and R bands in more than one epoch and the analysis of these data is ongoing. Any sources that are found to be variable will be the objects of multi-epoch polarimetry studies.
Temporal model of an optically pumped co-doped solid state laser

Currently, research is being conducted on the optical properties of materials associated with the development of solid-state lasers in the 2 micron region. In support of this effort, a mathematical model describing the energy transfer in a holmium laser sensitized with thulium is developed. In this paper, we establish some qualitative properties of the solution of the model, such as non-negativity, boundedness, and integrability. A local stability analysis is then performed from which conditions for asymptotic stability are obtained. Finally, we report on our numerical analysis of the system and how it compares with experimental results.
A wavelet-based approach to detect shared congestion

Per-flow congestion control helps endpoints fairly and efficiently share network resources. Better utilization of network resources can be achieved, however, if congestion management algorithms can determine when two different flows share a congested link. Such knowledge can be used to implement cooperative congestion control or improve the overlay topology of a P2P system. Previous techniques to detect shared congestion either assume a common source or destination node, drop-tail queueing, or a single point of congestion. We propose in this paper a novel technique, applicable to any pair of paths on the Internet, without such limitations. Our technique employs a signal processing method, wavelet denoising, to separate queueing delay caused by network congestion from various other delay variations. Our wavelet-based technique is evaluated through both simulations and Internet experiments. We show that, when detecting shared congestion of paths with a common endpoint, our technique provides faster convergence and higher accuracy while using fewer packets than previous techniques, and that it also accurately determines when there is no shared congestion. Furthermore, we show that our technique is robust and accurate for paths without a common endpoint or synchronized clocks; more specifically, it can tolerate a synchronization offset of up to one second between two packet flows.
Cavities and gas penetrations from blasts in stressed rock with flooded joints

Abstract Columnar, 13.6–13,000 kg charges of water gel explosive containing 30% aluminum were detonated in well-stemmed vertical holes in jointed and water-flooded shale under known tectonic stresses at depths of 23–137 m. Cavity volumes were measured and, for the shallower shots, permeabilities also. For shots at 23 m depth, a zone of uniformly increased permeability extended from 30 out to 123 cylindrical charge radii and merged into an outer zone of reduced permeability restorable by flushing fines from the formation. Similar results were obtained in other experiments, to be reported elsewhere, wherein patterns of single and paired charges at different depths also showed a wide zone of uniform fragmentation. These findings seem to fit the hypothesis that a pattern of gas-pressured radial fractures grew outward through the rock, preceded by shear deformation of outlying joints with concomitant sliding, abrasion of asperities to produce fines, and dilation. Following this, uniform fragmentation resulted from point load failures within that part of the dilated structure of blocks overrun and therefore compressed by the gas-pressured fractures. Calculations assuming cool gas-pressured fractures with about 1 10 the calculated cavity volume gave uniformly fragmented zones of the observed size. Explosion cavities at less than a critical depth gradually decreased in size with increasing depth and tectonic stress. They had about 64% of the calculated volume, suggesting temperature gradients equivalent to a hot gas-pressured fracture volume 4.5 times that of the cool gas-pressured fracture volume. When tectonic stresses exceeded a critical level approximately that required to cause compressive failure in the skin of an unsupported vertical hole, measured cavity volumes diverged from calculated ones and approached zero. The tectonic principal stresses, measured by hydraulic fracturing at 26–133 m depths at two locations 1.4 km apart showed high shear stresses have a linear relationship with the compressive stresses. The stresses in this vicinity may lie on the long-term failure envelope of the massif.
Surfactant protein-A in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from neonates with RDS on conventional and high-frequency oscillatory ventilation.

Surfactant protein-A (SP-A) was measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) samples from ventilated neonates in order to study the concentration of SP-A with regard to: 1) high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) vs. conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV); 2) the postnatal course and ontogeny of SP-A; and 3) the correlation with measurements of pulmonary function. Patients on HFOV had markedly lower BAL SP-A concentrations on days 1 and 2 compared to those on CMV, which may indicate influence of mode of ventilation on surfactant metabolism. The SP-A concentrations increased postnatally concurrent with resolution of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Finally, there were only weak correlations between BAL SP-A concentration and dynamic lung compliance and oxygen requirement. Pediatr Pulmonal 1990; 9:166–169.
The future of pore-pressure prediction using geophysical methods

Predrill pressure prediction has historically been done using very simple models and overly simplistic estimates of the earth's velocity field. The methods usually incorporate a locally calibrated set of curves for pressure. The advent of the effective stress concept and pressure prediction methods that developed from that concept have led to a much-needed inclusion of fundamental physics into the art of pressure prediction. The use of effective stress methods has become the standard for pressure prediction. This technique has many variants including the Eaton method, the Bowers method, and the Sperry Sun method.
Observations of solar cyclical variations in geocoronal Hα column emission intensities

[1] Observations of thermospheric + exospheric Hα column emissions by the Wisconsin Hα Mapper (WHAM) Fabry-Perot (Kitt Peak, Arizona) over the 1997–2001 rise in solar cycle 23 show a statistically significant solar cyclical variation. The higher signal-to-noise WHAM observations corroborate suggestions of a solar cycle trend in the Hα emissions seen in Wisconsin observations over solar cycle 22. Here we compare WHAM 1997 and 2000–2001 winter solstice geocoronal Hα observations toward regions of the sky with low galactic emission. The observed variation in geocoronal hydrogen column emission intensities over the solar cycle is small compared with variations in hydrogen exobase densities. Higher Hα emissions are seen during solar maximum periods of the solar cycle. At a mid range shadow altitude (3000 km), WHAM geocoronal Hα intensities are about 45% higher during solar maximum than during solar minimum.
Interactions between liquid-wall vapor and edge plasmas

Abstract The use of liquid walls for fusion reactors could help solve problems associated with material erosion from high plasma heat-loads and neutronic activation of structures. A key issue analyzed here is the influx of impurity ions to the core plasma from the vapor of liquid side-walls. Numerical 2D transport simulations are performed for a slab geometry which approximates the edge region of a reactor-size tokamak. Both lithium vapor (from Li or Sn–Li walls) and fluorine vapor (from Flibe walls) are considered for hydrogen edge-plasmas in the high- and low-recycling regimes. It is found that the minimum influx is from lithium with a low-recycling hydrogen plasma, and the maximum influx occurs for fluorine with a high-recycling hydrogen plasma.
The longer-term effects of human capital enrichment programs on poverty and inequality: Oportunidades in Mexico

Previous empirical research has shown that Mexico’s Oportunidades program has succeeded in increasing schooling and improving health of disadvantaged children. This paper studies the program’s potential longer-term consequences for the poverty and inequality of these children. It adapts methods developed in DiNardo, Fortin and Lemieux (1996) and incorporates existing experimental estimates of the program’s effects on human capital to analyze how Oportunidades will affect future earnings of program participants. We nonparametrically simulate earnings distributions, with and without the program, and predict that Oportunidades will increase future mean earnings but have only modest effects on poverty rates and earnings inequality.
Modeling Electrochemical Decomposition of Fluoroethylene Carbonate on Silicon Anode Surfaces in Lithium Ion Batteries

Fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) shows promise as an electrolyte additive for improving passivating solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) films on silicon anodes used in lithium ion batteries (LIB). We apply density functional theory (DFT), ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD), and quantum chemistry techniques to examine excess-electron-induced FEC molecular decomposition mechanisms that lead to FEC-modified SEI. We consider one- and two-electron reactions using cluster models and explicit interfaces between liquid electrolyte and model Li(x)Si(y) surfaces, respectively. FEC is found to exhibit more varied reaction pathways than unsubstituted ethylene carbonate. The initial bond-breaking events and products of one- and two-electron reactions are qualitatively similar, with a fluoride ion detached in both cases. However, most one-electron products are charge-neutral, not anionic, and may not coalesce to form effective Li+-conducting SEI unless they are further reduced or take part in other reactions. The implications of these reactions to silicon-anode based LIB are discussed.
Leonard pairs and the q-Racah polynomials

Abstract Let K denote a field, and let V denote a vector space over K with finite positive dimension. We consider a pair of linear transformations A : V → V and A * : V → V that satisfy the following two conditions: (i) There exists a basis for V with respect to which the matrix representing A is irreducible tridiagonal and the matrix representing A * is diagonal. (ii) There exists a basis for V with respect to which the matrix representing A is diagonal and the matrix representing A * is irreducible tridiagonal. Wecall such a pair a Leonard pair on V . In the appendix to [Linear Algebra Appl. 330 (2001), p. 149] we outlined a correspondence between Leonard pairs and a class of orthogonal polynomials consisting of the q -Racah polynomials and some related polynomials of the Askey scheme. We also outlined how, for the polynomials in this class, the 3-term recurrence, difference equation, Askey–Wilson duality, and orthogonality can be obtained in a uniform manner from the corresponding Leonard pair. The purpose of this paper is to provide proofs for the assertions which we made in that appendix.
A plasma analogy and Berry matrices for non-abelian quantum Hall states

Abstract We present an approach to the computation of the non-abelian statistics of quasiholes in quantum Hall states, such as the Pfaffian state, whose wavefunctions are related to the conformal blocks of minimal model conformal field theories. We use the Coulomb gas construction of these conformal field theories to formulate a plasma analogy for the quantum Hall states. A number of properties of the Pfaffian state follow immediately, including the Berry phases, which demonstrate the quasiholes' fractional charge, the abelian statistics of the two-quasihole state, and equal-time ground state correlation functions. The non-abelian statistics of multi-quasihole states follows from an additional assumption.
Contingent decision behavior.

Reviews the literature showing the effects of task and context variables on decision behavior and evaluates alternative theories for handling task and context effects. These frameworks include (a) cost/benefit principles, (b) perceptual processes, and (c) adaptive production systems. Both the cost/b
Exchange-rate regimes in transition: Italy 1974

In order to explain the behavior of the lira during the operation of the Italian two-tier exchange market in 1973–74, we develop a model of exchange-rate regimes in transition. On the assumption that the market will set exchange rates so as to eliminate speculative profits at the time of transition, the model indicates that expectations of a transition, combined with uncertainty about the nature of the post-transition regime, can cause a jump in exchange rates at the moment of transition as well as volatile exchange-rate movements prior to the transition. The model suggests that the perceived temporariness of an exchange-rate regime should be treated as a market fundamental.
Unilateral approximation of gibbs random field images

Abstract We exploit the relationship between a general Gibbs random field and a mutually compatible Gibbs random field image, we investigate the possibility of approximating a general Gibbs random field by a mutually compatible Gibbs random field, and we study the consequences of such an approximation. This study is important, since, in some cases, various problems related to the modeling of images via Gibbs random fields may be simplified by restricting our interest to a special and convenient class of Gibbs random fields, the class of mutually compatible Gibbs random fields. A general analysis is presented, which results in some interesting conclusions about the desired relationship. We consider two approaches to the approximation problem. The first approach, which is more accurate, can be easily applied to the case of binary images. For nonbinary images this approach becomes cumbersome, since it requires the solution of a large system of nonlinear equations. The second approach, which is simpler but less accurate, is based on the direct relationship between the parameters of a general Gibbs random field and the parameters of a mutually compatible Gibbs random field. Simulation examples demonstrate various aspects of our analysis.
The Coefficient of Party Influence

In a 2000 article in American Journal of Political Science, James Snyder and Tim Groseclose develop and apply an innovative method for detecting and estimating the frequency and magnitude of party influence in congressional roll call voting. This paper presents a framework for assessing the coefficient that the authors interpret as "party influence." The analysis reveals that, and shows why, the coefficient manifests two trou blesome characteristics. The coefficient cannot discriminate between disparate types of party influence because the mapping between types of partison influence and signs of the coefficient is not one-to-one. Similarly, the coefficient has a responsiveness problem be cause a marginal increase in one party's influence can cause the estimate of the coefficient to increase, decrease, or remain constant. Because the literature on parties in Congress emphasizes majority-party strength, the inability of the coefficient to isolate party-specific effects is a serious drawback in the ongoing hunt for genuine party discipline.
Multiple Communities and Controlling Corruption

Corruption presents an assurance problem to businesses: all businesses are best off if none act corruptly but in the event that corruption occurs are better off if they act corruptly than if they do not, and because there is no assurance that other actors are not cheating a business does not know how to act. The usual solution to an assurance problem – criminal sanctions imposed on cheaters – does not work in a corrupt system. Integrative Social Contract Theory suggests a solution to the assurance problem. Application of Integrative Social Contract Theory to corruption demonstrates that in the case of corruption it has advantages over international law, and that the theory’s elegance lies in its recognition of norms generated by multiple communities.
An exploratory study of the sales‐production relationship and customer satisfaction

Over the past three decades, many researchers have studied the relationship between sales and production departments. This has raised the question: Does the quality of the relationship between production and sales affect the customer? This study uses survey methodology to examine the link between customer satisfaction and the interface variables (connectedness, conflict, coordination) from both a sales and a production perspective. Customer satisfaction responses are aggregated for each sales‐production combination and analyzed to determine the impact of the relationship between production and sales personnel. Product type (i.e. engineered‐to‐order (ETO)) is introduced as a moderating variable. Results indicate that there is a significant impact on customer satisfaction as a result of the cross‐functional situation when moderated by product type. The main managerial implication is that the internal relationship between sales and production is important to the customer, specifically in ETO product situations.
Mitochondrial Ca2+ Uniporter and CaMKII in heart

Arising from M. A. Joiner et al. , 269–273 (2012); doi:10.1038/nature1023410.1038/nature11444 The influx of cytosolic Ca2+ into mitochondria is mediated primarily by the mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU)1, a small-conductance, Ca2+-selective channel2,3,4,5,6—MCU modulates intracellular Ca2+ transients and regulates ATP production and cell death1. Recently, Joiner et al. reported that MCU is regulated by mitochondrial CaMKII, and this regulation determines stress response in heart7. They reported a very large current putatively mediated by MCU that was about two orders of magnitude greater than the MCU current (IMCU) that we previously measured in heart mitochondria3; furthermore, the current traces presented by Joiner et al. showed unusually high fluctuations incompatible with the low single-channel conductance of MCU. Here we performed patch-clamp recordings from mouse heart mitochondria under the exact conditions used by Joiner et al.7, and confirm that IMCU in cardiomyocytes is very small and is not directly regulated by CaMKII; thus, the currents presented by Joiner et al. do not appear to correspond to MCU, and there is no direct electrophysiological evidence that CaMKII regulates MCU. There is a Reply to this Brief Communication Arising by Joiner, M. A. et al. Nature 513, http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature13627 (2014).
Determination of the Electromagnetic Lagrangian from a System of Poisson Brackets

The Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of electromagnetism are reviewed and the Maxwell equations are obtained from the Hamiltonian for a system of many electric charges. It is shown that three of the equations which were obtained from the Hamiltonian, namely the Lorentz force law and two Maxwell equations, can be obtained as well from a set of postulated Poisson brackets. It is shown how the results derived from these brackets can be used to reconstruct the original Lagrangian for the theory aided by some reasoning based on physical concepts.
Iron-mediated aromatic allylation

Abstract Electron rich aromatic and heteroaromatic compounds react with (n3-allyl)Fe(CO)4BF4 to produce allylated aromatics in moderate to good yields. Unsymmetrically substituted allyl complexes afford the corresponding butenyl-, 1,1-dimethylallyl-, cinnamyl-, and geranyl-derivatives with moderate to excellent regioselectivity and complete stereoselectivity.
The protection of ketones and aldehydes as 4-trimethylsilylmethyl-1,3-dioxolanes

Abstract The 1,3-dioxolanation of carbonyl compounds with 2,3-bis(trimethylsilyloxy)-trimethylsilylpropane (BTTP) in the presence of catalytic amounts of trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate (TMSOTf) has been investigated. BTTP readily converted unhindered ketones and aldehydes to their corresponding 4-trimethylsilylmethyl-1,3-dioxolanes, but failed for more hindered substrates. The 4-trimethylsilylmethyl-1,3-dioxolane can be selectively cleaved to regenerate the carbonyl compound in the presence of a 1,3-dioxolane using either LiBF 4 or HF in acetonitrile.
Quadruple points of regular homotopies of surfaces in 3-manifolds

Abstract Let GI denote the space of all generic immersions of a surface F into a 3-manifold M. Let q(H t ) denote the number mod 2 of quadruple points of a generic regular homotopy H t : F→M . We are interested in defining an invariant Q : GI→ Z /2 such that q(H t )=Q(H 0 )−Q(H 1 ) for any generic regular homotopy H t : F→M . Such an invariant exists iff q=0 for any closed generic regular homotopy (abbreviated CGRH). We prove that indeed q(H t )=0 for any CGRH H t : F→ R 3 where F is any system of surfaces. We prove the same for general 3-manifolds in place of R 3 under certain assumptions. We demonstrate the need for these assumptions with various counter-examples. We give an explicit formula for the invariant Q for embeddings of a system of tori in R 3 .
Cladding metallurgy and fracture behavior during reactivity-initiated accidents at high burnup

Abstract High-burnup fuel failure during a reactivity-initiated accident has been a subject of safety-related concern. Because of wide variations in cladding metallurgical and simulation test conditions, it has been difficult to understand the complex failure behavior observed in tests in the SPERT, NSRR and CABRI reactors. In this paper, we propose a failure model that is based on temperature-sensitive tensile properties and fracture toughness. The model assumes that dynamic fracture toughness and high-strain-rate tensile properties of high-burnup cladding are sensitive to temperature and exhibit ductile–brittle transition phenomena similar to those of bcc alloys. Significant effects of temperature and shape of the pulse are predicted when a simulated test is conducted near the cladding material's ductile–brittle transition temperature. Temperature dependence of tensile properties and fracture toughness is, in turn, sensitive to cladding microstructural characteristics such as density, distribution and orientation of hydrides; distribution of oxygen in the metallic phase; and irradiation-induced damage. Because all of these characteristics are strongly influenced by corrosion, the key parameters that influence susceptibility to failure are oxide layer thickness and hydriding behavior. Therefore, high-burnup fuel failure is predicted to be more sensitive to local cladding corrosion (e.g. grid span location) than to fuel burnup.
Enantioselective Nucleophile-Catalyzed Synthesis of Tertiary Alkyl Fluorides via the α-Fluorination of Ketenes: Synthetic and Mechanistic Studies

The catalytic asymmetric synthesis of alkyl fluorides, particularly α-fluorocarbonyl compounds, has been the focus of substantial effort in recent years. While significant progress has been described in the formation of enantioenriched secondary alkyl fluorides, advances in the generation of tertiary alkyl fluorides have been more limited. Here, we describe a method for the catalytic asymmetric coupling of aryl alkyl ketenes with commercially available N-fluorodibenzenesulfonimide (NFSI) and C6F5ONa to furnish tertiary α-fluoroesters. Mechanistic studies are consistent with the hypothesis that the addition of an external nucleophile (C6F5ONa) is critical for turnover, releasing the catalyst (PPY*) from an N-acylated intermediate. The available data can be explained by a reaction pathway wherein the enantioselectivity is determined in the turnover-limiting transfer of fluorine from NFSI to a chiral enolate derived from the addition of PPY* to the ketene. The structure and the reactivity of the product of this proposed elementary step, an α-fluoro-N-acylpyridinium salt, have been examined.
Synthesis and characterization of discrete luminescent erbium-doped silicon nanocrystals

The preparation of discrete erbium-doped silicon nanoparticles prepared by the co-pyrolysis of disilane and the volatile complex Er(tmhd)3 (tmhd = 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3,5-heptanedionato) is described. The nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, X-ray dispersive spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and UV−visible absorption spectroscopies. Erbium-doped silicon nanoparticles possess a distinctive dark contrast in the transmission electron microscope, and the presence of erbium is confirmed by X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. The mean diameter of the nanoparticle aggregates can be shifted by altering the length of the pyrolysis oven employed. Chacteristic Er3+ near-infrared photoluminescence at 1540 nm is detected in these doped nanoparticles; preliminary excitation and power dependence measurements of this luminescence suggest a carrier-mediated emission mechanism.
The precordial electrocardiogram in high lateral myocardial infarction.

Abstract Six cases of suspected infarction of the basal parts of the lateral wall of the left ventricle are reported. The usual unipolar limb leads and the six standard precordial leads failed to furnish unequivocal evidence of myocardial infarction in these cases. Unipolar leads from points on the anterolateral, lateral, and posterolateral aspects of the upper left thorax supplied electrocardiographic data of greater diagnostic value. The types of lesions differentiated have been classified as high anterolateral, high lateral, and high posterolateral infarcts on the basis of the vertical lines in which the most significant electrocardiographic changes were recorded. The opinion is expressed that in these instances the electrocardiographic changes typical of infarction were most pronounced in leads from the upper left thorax because the infarcted region was more basal and more lateral than is usually the case. It is, however, admitted that rotation of the heart or some other change in the relations of its surfaces to the usual leads may have been responsible for some of the electrocardiographic peculiarities encountered. It is recommended that unipolar leads from the higher levels of the left thorax be taken when the clinical history and Lead I, or Lead V L , both suggest that myocardial infarction has occurred and the standard leads from the left side of the precordium fail to display changes of the kind and magnitude expected.
Compact Nuclei in Moderately Redshifted Galaxies

The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 is being used to obtain high-resolution images (?015 FWHM) in the V (F606W) and I (F814W) bands for several thousand distant galaxies as part of the Medium Deep Survey (MDS). An important scientific aim of the MDS is to identify possible active galactic nucleus (AGN) candidates from these images in order to measure the faint end of the AGN luminosity function, as well as to study the host galaxies of AGNs and nuclear starburst systems. We are able to identify candidate objects based on morphology. Candidates are selected by fitting bulge + disk models and bulge + disk + point-source nuclei models to HST-imaged galaxies and determining the best model fit to the galaxy light profile. We present results from a sample of MDS galaxies with I 21.5 mag that have been searched for AGN/starburst nuclei in this manner. We identify 84 candidates with unresolved nuclei in a sample of 825 galaxies. For the expected range of galaxy redshifts, all normal bulges are resolved. Most of the candidates are found in galaxies that display exponential disks, with some containing an additional bulge component. Five percent of the hosts are dominated by an r-1/4 bulge. The V - I color distribution of the nuclei is consistent with a dominant population of Seyfert-type nuclei combined with an additional population of starbursts. Our results suggest that ~10% ? 1% of field galaxies at z 0.6 may contain AGN/starburst nuclei that are 1-5 mag fainter than their host galaxies.
Matrix description of heterotic theory on K3

Abstract The Matrix description of certain E 8 × E 8 heterotic theories on T 4 / Z 2 is shown to correspond to the world-volume theory of Spin (32)/ Z 2 heterotic five-branes on the dual T 4 / Z 2 × S 1 .
Lunar dynamics and selenodesy: Results from analysis of VLBI and laser data

Very-long-baseline interferometry (VLBI) observations of lunar radio transmitters have been combined with data from laser ranging to lunar retroreflectors to estimate simultaneously (i) parameters in models of the lunar orbit and libration; and (ii) the selenodetic coordinates of the radio transmitters and retroreflectors. For the ratio of the mass of the sun to that of the earth plus moon, we obtain 328,900.50 ± 0.03. For the lunar moment-of-inertia ratios we find β[Ξ(C-A)/B] = (631.27 ± 0.03) x 10-6 and ϒ[Ξ(B-A)/C] = (227.7 ± 0.7) x 10-6. The value implied for C/MR2 is 0.392 ± 0.003, with the uncertainty being dominated by that of the coefficient, J2, of the second zonal gravity harmonic, obtained by Gapcynski et al. from analysis of Explorer spacecraft orbital data. The values and most of the uncertainties that we obtain for the third-degree harmonics of the moon’s gravity field are comparable to those which have been obtained by others from observations of lunar-orbiting spacecraft. However, our determination of β appears to be the best available, and our results for two third-degree gravity coefficients, C31 = (26 ± 4) x 10-6 and C33 = (2 ± 2) x 10-6, have much less uncertainty than determinations based on laser data alone. For the relative-position vectors of both the lunar radio transmitters and the retroreflectors our estimates have uncertainties of about 30 m along the earth-moon direction and about 10 m in each of the two transverse coordinates.
Mechanical properties of the Shuttle Orbiter thermal protection system strain isolator pad

An experimental investigation conducted to determine the static and fatigue properties of the Strain Isolator Pad (SIP) used on the Shuttle Orbiter Thermal protection system is described. Static tension-compression and shear test results show that the SIP is highly nonlinear and that it possesses a large hysteresis, a large low modulus region for low stress levels, and stress-strain properties that are highly sensitive to strain rate and previous load history. In addition, the shear properties are also found to be sensitive to forces applied normal to the plane of the pad and to the orientation of the material. For the undensified tile/SIP system, static and fatigue failure takes place at the SIP/tile interface at low stress levels and for a small number of cycles.
A design of a fast and area efficient multi-input Muller C-element

A multi-input Muller C-element has frequently been used for joining signal transitions or completion time detection in self-timed circuits. An n-input Muller C-element design which uses the multilevel logic design technique and has a symmetric format for any integer n >or=2 is presented. In comparison with series-parallel MOS structure implementations and C-element tree implementations, the present design has fewer restrictions in terms of n, less path delay, less delay variance from inputs to output, and less area consumption. Experimental validation based on an industrial standard cell library is presented. >
Fracturing of a deviated well

The fracturing of a deviated well and the deviation of a hydraulically induced fracture plane were analyzed by applying three-dimensional (3D) elasticity theory. It was demonstrated that, under the influence of the off-plane shear-stress components, the fracture lines on the well surface were inclined at an angle with respect to the direction of the well axis and that the plane initiated from these fracture lines deviates from the plane formed by these initial fracture lines.
Habitable planet formation in extreme planetary systems: systems with multiple stars and/or multiple planets

Understanding the formation and dynamical evolution of habitable planets in extrasolar planetary systems is a challenging task. In this respect, systems with multiple giant planets and/or multiple stars present special complications. The formation of habitable planets in these environments is strongly affected by the dynamics of their giant planets and/or their stellar companions. These objects have profound effects on the structure of the disk of planetesimals and protoplanetary objects in which terrestrial-class planets are formed. To what extent the current theories of planet formation can be applied to such “ extreme ” planetary systems depends on the dynamical characteristics of their planets and/or their binary stars. In this paper, I present the results of a study of the possibility of the existence of Earth-like objects in systems with multiple giant planets (namely υ Andromedae, 47 UMa, GJ 876, and 55 Cnc) and discuss the dynamics of the newly discovered Neptune-sized object in 55 Cnc system. I will also review habitable planet formation in binary systems and present the results of a systematic search of the parameter-space for which Earth-like objects can form and maintain long-term stable orbits in the habitable zones of binary stars.
Modeling thermal fluctuations: phase mixing and percolation

Abstract We consider the nonequilibrium dynamics of a real scalar field in a double-well potential. The system is initially prepared in one well and coupled to a thermal bath. Using a simple analytical model, we compute the equilibrium fraction of the total volume in each phase as a function of the parameters of the potential. We also show how complete phase mixing, i.e. symmetry restoration, is related to percolation, which is dynamically driven by domain instability. Our method describes quantitatively recent numerical results, and is applicable to systems in the Ising universality class.
The Interplanetary Internet implemented on a terrestrial testbed

Future space exploration demands a space network that will be able to connect spacecrafts with one another and in turn with Earth's terrestrial Internet and hence efficiently transfer data back and forth. The feasibility of this technology would enable everyone to directly access telemetric data from distant planets and satellites. The concept of an Interplanetary Internet (IPN) is only in its incubation stage and considerable amount of common standards and research is required before widespread deployment can occur to make IPN feasible.Delay is an important factor in space communication and its nature is completely different from terrestrial delay environments. Moreover, space deployments and testing in space environments are very costly and time consuming. We propose a design of the IPN and implement it with the Interplanetary Overlay Network (ION) software module on physical nodes on the terrestrial ORBIT testbed. Two space network scenarios are designed and experimentally evaluated to verify the correctness of the network implementation. We also focus on the study of bundle transmission delay and separately evaluate the effect of bundle size and number of bundles. The experimental evaluation provides insights into the factors which caused delay in bundle transmission such as custody refusal, expiration of bundle lifetime and congestion.