cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Saturn Forms by Core Accretion in 3.4 Myr

We present two new in situ core accretion simulations of Saturn with planet formation timescales of 3.37 Myr (model S0) and 3.48 Myr (model S1), consistent with observed protostellar disk lifetimes. In model S0, we assume rapid grain settling reduces opacity due to grains from full interstellar values. In model S1, we do not invoke grain settling, instead assigning full interstellar opacities to grains in the envelope. Surprisingly, the two models produce nearly identical formation timescales and core/atmosphere mass ratios. We therefore observe a new manifestation of core accretion theory: at large heliocentric distances, the solid core growth rate (limited by Keplerian orbital velocity) controls the planet formation timescale. We argue that this paradigm should apply to Uranus and Neptune as well.
Scanning gate microscopy on graphene: charge inhomogeneity and extrinsic doping.

We have performed scanning gate microscopy (SGM) on graphene field effect transistors (GFET) using a biased metallic nanowire coated with a dielectric layer as a contact mode tip and local top gate. Electrical transport through graphene at various back gate voltages is monitored as a function of tip voltage and tip position. Near the Dirac point, the response of graphene resistance to the tip voltage shows significant variation with tip position, and SGM imaging displays mesoscopic domains of electron-doped and hole-doped regions. Our measurements reveal substantial spatial fluctuation in the carrier density in graphene due to extrinsic local doping from sources such as metal contacts, graphene edges, structural defects and resist residues. Our scanning gate measurements also demonstrate graphene’s excellent capability to sense the local electric field and charges. (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)
Chemistry in Restricted Spaces: Select Photodimerizations in Cages, Cavities, and Capsules

Carrying out chemical transformations under environmentally sustainable conditions has become one of the important current goals of chemistry. In this context, conducting reactions under solvent-free conditions (crystals, zeolites, clay, etc.) and in water has attracted considerable attention. Since most molecules either do not crystallize and or do not dissolve in water, the two approaches are complimentary. To make molecules solubilize in water one needs to employ water-soluble hosts such as micelles, cavitands, and capsules. To achieve selectivity, one should provide a confined environment within which the motions of reactant molecules are restricted to that in free solution. The confined space in which the reaction takes place independent of the host environment could be defined in terms of the "reaction cavity" originally presented by Cohen and Schmidt. In this mini-review, examples of photodimerization of olefins carried out in cavitands such as cucurbiturils, cyclodextrins, calixarenes, and octa acid are presented. Results are discussed in terms of the reaction cavity concept, which is applicable to reactions in both solids and water.
Position tolerance verification using simulated gaging

One of the routine manual tasks in dimensional inspection is the assembly verification of circular features by mechanical gaging. With the aid of coordinate measuring machines or vision systems, this task can be performed more efficiently through simulation or soft gaging. A for mulation is presented for interpretation of 2D position tol erance specifications. Simulated gages are constructed from datum features as a set of constraint relationships. The measure of perfect-form position-imperfection is determined as the distance between the measured and the nominal feature positions subject to datum constraint requirements. The derived formulation is applied to an example part with a hole-slot datum-priority frame. This formulation results in a three-variable optimization prob lem that is solved by an augmented Lagrange multipliers technique. The extension of the formulation to 3D is also discussed, but without reference to a specific representa tion.
Joint Transmit Precoding for the Relay Interference Broadcast Channel

Relays in cellular systems are interference limited. The highest end-to-end sum rates are achieved when the relays are jointly optimized with the transmit strategy. Unfortunately, interference couples the links together, making joint optimization challenging. Further, the end-to-end multihop performance is sensitive to rate mismatch when some links have a dominant first link, whereas others have a dominant second link. This paper proposes an algorithm for designing the linear transmit precoders at the transmitters and relays of the relay interference broadcast channel, which is a generic model for relay-based cellular systems, to maximize the end-to-end sum rates. First, the relays are designed to maximize the second-hop sum rates. Next, approximate end-to-end rates that depend on the time-sharing fraction and the second-hop rates are used to formulate a sum-utility maximization problem to design the transmitters. This problem is solved by iteratively minimizing the weighted sum of mean square errors (MSEs). Finally, the norms of the transmit precoders at the transmitters are adjusted to eliminate rate mismatch. The proposed algorithm allows for distributed implementation and has fast convergence. Numerical results show that the proposed algorithm outperforms a reasonable application of single-hop interference management strategies separately on two hops.
OPTIMAL WAGE TAXATION WHEN HUMAN CAPITAL AND EMPLOYMENT ARE ENDOGENOUS

This paper studies how optimal wage tax conclusions from the classic two-period life cycle model of human capital accumulation are affected by endogenizing the number of taxpaying workers. In the absence of a corrective policy, young individuals underinvest in human capital from a social perspective because tax premiums for transfers to nonworkers are not actuarially adjusted downward for human capital attainment. A combination of wage taxes and wage subsidies can restore proper price signals. Numerical simulations suggest that even modest employment elasticities can be sufficient to substantially impact the magnitudes and even the signs of optimal wage tax rates. (JEL H21, H3, J24)
Intramolecular Aminocyanation of Alkenes by N ? CN Bond Cleavage

A metal-free, Lewis acid promoted intramolecular aminocyanation of alkenes was developed. B(C6F5)3 activates N-sulfonyl cyanamides, thus leading to a formal cleavage of the NCN bonds in conjunction with vicinal addition of sulfonamide and nitrile groups across an alkene. This method enables atom-economical access to indolines and tetrahydroquinolines in excellent yields, and provides a complementary strategy for regioselective alkene difunctionalizations with sulfonamide and nitrile groups. Labeling experiments with 13C suggest a fully intramolecular cyclization pattern due to the lack of label scrambling in double crossover experiments. Catalysis with Lewis acid is realized and the reaction can be conducted under air.
Combinatorial approaches to carbohydrates

Carbohydrates comprise an extremely important class of biological molecules but little is known about how they mediate their effects. This gap in understanding is largely due to the fact that obtaining pure carbohydrates in amounts large enough for biochemical studies is extremely difficult. The advent of combinatorial strategies to make carbohydrates promises to revolutionize the field of carbohydrate chemistry and biochemistry.
Characterizing transiting extrasolar planets with narrow-band photometry and GTC/OSIRIS

We report the first extrasolar planet observations from the 10.4-m Gran Telescopio Canarias (GTC), currently the world's largest, fully steerable, single-aperture optical telescope. We used the Optical System for Imaging and low Resolution Integrated Spectroscopy (OSIRIS) tunable filter imager on the GTC to acquire high-precision, narrow-band photometry of the transits of the giant exoplanets, TrES-2b and TrES-3b. We obtained near-simultaneous observations in two near-infrared wavebands (790.2 and 794.4 ± 2.0 nm) specifically chosen to avoid water vapour absorption and skyglow so as to minimize the atmospheric effects that often limit the precision of ground-based photometry. Our results demonstrate a very-high photometric precision with minimal atmospheric contamination despite relatively poor atmospheric conditions and some technical problems with the telescope. We find the photometric precision for the TrES-2 observations to be 0.343 and 0.412 mmag for the 790.2- and 794.4-nm light curves, and the precision of the TrES-3 observations was found to be 0.470 and 0.424 mmag for the 790.2- and 794.4-nm light curves, respectively. We also discuss how future follow-up observations of transiting planets with this novel technique can contribute to the characterization of Neptune- and super-Earth-size planets to be discovered by space-based missions like CoRoT and Kepler, as well as measure atmospheric properties of giant planets, such as the strength of atmospheric absorption features.
Spontaneous origin of topological complexity in self-organizing neural networks

Attention is drawn to the possibility that self-organizing biological neural networks could spontaneously acquire the capability to carry out sophisticated computations. In particular, it is shown that the effective action governing the organization of feature detectors in neural networks which incorporate Kohonen-like self-organization can spontaneously lead to structures that are topologically non-trivial in both a two- and a four-dimensional sense. It is suggested that the appearance of biological neural structures with a non-trivial four-dimensional topology is the fundamental organizational development underlying the advanced cognitive capabilities of the mammalian brain.
RF phase measurement at PHERMEX using time-to-digital converters

Recent advances in time-to-digital converters (TDCs) have made 50-MHz RF phase measurement possible without the use of double-balanced mixers. These advances allow zero crossing discriminators to be used in conjunction with fast CAMAC TDCs to make amplitude-independent phase measurements. This method uses a time interval proportional to the phase angle, thus eliminating the calculations and calibration required with double-balanced mixers. The detection system is capable of accurate (+or-2 degrees ) measurement of phase angle between signals of unknown amplitude at 50 MHz. It is concluded that, in terms of simplicity, accuracy, cost, and flexibility, the method is superior to the double-balanced mixer approach previously used at the Los Alamos PHERMEX (Pulsed High Energy Radiographic Machine Emitting X-rays) facility. >
Income-Based Inequality in Educational Outcomes: Learning From State Longitudinal Data Systems

We report results from our long-standing research partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. We make two primary contributions. First, we illustrate the wide range of informative analyses that can be conducted using a state longitudinal data system and the advantages of examining evidence from multiple cohorts of students. Second, we document large income-based gaps in educational attainments, including high school graduation rates and college-going rates. Importantly, we show that income-related gaps in both educational credentials and academic skill have narrowed substantially over the past several years in Massachusetts.
Selenocatalytic α-halogenation

Through a 2e- oxidation-reduction cycle, phenylselenides catalytically activate N-chlorosuccinimide toward electrophilic reactions with ketones, resulting in α-haloketones.
Probability and reliability, the 1990 NESC

The change proposals for the load and strength sections of the 1990 National Electric Safety Code (NESC) are discussed. In the transition from prior code editions, loads and load factors approach independence from structure materials. Working Group 5.1 of the SC5 subcommittee of the NESC proposed an additional method to load wood structures and crossarms with load factors similar to those for other materials. The dual methods permit use of a logical rationale for analysis and design of composite structures and components under equivalent loads. Direct comparisons of the performances of structures or components with composite materials and economic evaluation of structures of unlike materials can be made on an equal loading basis. The performance under the required load will allow review of the true safety inherent in overload factors. Potentially, the separation of the overload capacity factor into component factors of safety, load change, materials, and location will be possible. The probability of load, the reliability of materials, and safety expectations can then be taken into account. >
The 16 August 1997 Novaya Zemlya seismic event as viewed from GSN stations KEV and KBS

Using current and historic seismic records from Global Seismic Network stations KEV and KBS, the authors find that S minus P arrival time comparisons between nuclear explosions and the 16 August 1997 seismic event (m{sub b} {approx} 3.6) from near Novaya Zemlya clearly indicate that (relative to KEV) the 16 August event occurred at least 80 km east of the Russian test site. Including S minus P arrival times from KBS constrains the location to beneath the Kara Sea and in good agreement with previously reported locations, over 100 km southeast of the test site. From an analysis of P{sub n}/S{sub n} waveform ratios at frequencies above 4 Hz, they find that the 16 August event falls within the population of regional earthquakes and is distinctly separated from Novaya Zemlya and other northern Eurasian nuclear explosion populations. Thus, given its location and waveform characteristics, they conclude the 16 August event was an earthquake. The 16 August event was not detected at teleseismic distances, and thus, this event provides a good example of the regional detection, location, and identification efforts that will be required to monitor the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty below m{sub b} {approx} 4.
Alfred Werner Revisited: The Coordination Chemistry of Anions

A series of macrocyclic receptors were designed to probe the influence of four factors, hydrogen bonding, charge, dimensionality, and topology, on anion binding. Monocyclic and bicyclic polyammonium and polyamide receptors were synthesized from either 2,2‘-diaminodiethylamine derivatives (dien) or 2,2‘,2‘ ‘-aminoethylamine (tren) building blocks, plus aromatic or heterocyclic spacers. Supramolecular complexes of these hosts with three simple anion topologies were probed: spherical (halides), trigonal planar (nitrate), and tetrahedral (sulfate). Results indicate a number of corollaries with transition-metal coordination chemistry in terms of binding concepts such as the chelate effect and dual valencies, as well as geometries for anion complexes that are strikingly similar to those observed in transition-metal coordination chemistry.
A two-sided game for non-local competitive systems with control on source terms

A two-sided game for the control of a stationary semilinear competitive system with non-local interaction terms is considered. The controls of the system are the autonomous sources. The saddle point of the system, i.e. the optimal solution of the game, is characterized as the unique solution of the associated optimality system (OS). The OS consists of two elliptic partial differential equation state equations coupled with two adjoint equations. The solution of the OS is constructed by an alternating monotonic iteration scheme. >
Cognitive Radio Universal Software Hardware

Cognitive radio (CR) allows a pair of wireless communicating devices to intelligently adapt their transmission parameters based on the characteristics of the radio frequency (RF) environment, possibly using vacant portions of licensed frequency bands. A key step in this process is spectrum sensing, where the presence of primary users of the spectrum is detected by sending raw samples from the front-end to the host computer, a process that incurs significant processing delay. In this paper we introduce the Cognitive Radio Universal Software Hardware (CRUSH) platform that revisits the classical software defined radio (SDR) architecture by including a Xilinx ML605 FPGA board, thereby flexibly sharing the processing load with the host computer. CRUSH shifts the spectrum sensing overhead closer to the front-end. Our design results in orders of magnitude speedup and can flexibly connect up to three SDRs together, resulting in a powerful platform suitable for time-sensitive CR functions.
Volume Ratio, Sparsity, and Minimaxity Under Unitarily Invariant Norms

This paper studies non-asymptotic minimax estimation of high-dimensional matrices and provides tight minimax rates for a large collection of loss functions in a variety of problems via information-theoretic methods. Based on the convex geometry of finite-dimensional Banach spaces, we first develop a volume ratio approach for determining minimax estimation rates of unconstrained mean matrices under all unitarily invariant norm losses, which turn out to only depend on the norm of identity matrix. In addition, we establish the minimax rates for estimating normal mean matrices with submatrix sparsity, where the sparsity constraint introduces an additional term in the rate which, in contrast to the unconstrained case, is determined by the smoothness (Lipschitz constant) of the norm. This method is also applicable to the low-rank matrix completion problem and extends well beyond the additive noise model. In particular, it yields tight rates in covariance matrix estimation and Poisson rate matrix estimation problems for all unitarily invariant norms.
The Selective Functionalisation of Saturated Hydrocarbons. Gif and All That

The Gif family of systems for the selective oxidation of saturated hydrocarbons are briefly described. The mechanism of the reaction is analysed in terms of four intermediates. The first is well characterised as an "Fe o-carbon bond species and the last has been fully identified, at least in the case of cyclohexane, as a hydroperoxide. The utility of dynamic 13C NMR spectroscopy in iron containing systems is demonstrated. Gif type chemistry is closely related to the unusual enzyme methane monmxygenase.
Product Switching in a Model of Learning

Abstract New exporters add and drop products with much greater frequency than old exporters. This paper explains this behavior with a model of demand learning in which an exporter's profitability on the demand side is determined by a time-invariant firm–destination appeal index, and transient firm–destination–year preference shocks. New exporters must learn about their appeal indices in the presence of these shocks, and respond to fluctuations in demand by adding and dropping products more frequently than older exporters because they have less information about their attractiveness to consumers. Calibrated to match cross-sectional and dynamic moments of the distribution of sales and scope, the model quantitatively accounts for two thirds of the extent of product switching. The model further predicts that in response to a decline in trade costs, existing exporters add new products and new exporters enter a destination. Counterfactual implies that the contribution of product adding to export growth resulting from a fall in trade costs is substantially larger than the contribution of exporter entry.
Discerning Exoplanet Migration Models Using Spin–Orbit Measurements

We investigate the current sample of exoplanet spin-orbit measurements to determine whether a dominant planet migration channel can be identified, and at what confidence. We use the predictions of Kozai migration plus tidal friction and planet-planet scattering as our misalignment models, and we allow for a fraction of intrinsically aligned systems, explainable by disk migration. Bayesian model comparison demonstrates that the current sample of 32 spin-orbit measurements strongly favors a two-mode migration scenario combining planet-planet scattering and disk migration over a single-mode Kozai migration scenario. Our analysis indicates that between 34% and 76% of close-in planets (95% confidence) migrated via planet-planet scattering. Separately analyzing the subsample of 12 stars with T_(eff)>6250 K—which Winn et al. predict to be the only type of stars to maintain their primordial misalignments—we find that the data favor a single-mode scattering model over Kozai with 85% confidence. We also assess the number of additional hot star spin-orbit measurements that will likely be necessary to provide a more confident model selection, finding that an additional 20-30 measurement has a >50% chance of resulting in a 95% confident model selection, if the current model selection is correct. While we test only the predictions of particular Kozai and scattering migration models in this work, our methods may be used to test the predictions of any other spin-orbit misaligning mechanism.
Unraveling Trauma and Stress, Coping Resources, and Mental Well-Being Among Older Adults in Prison: Empirical Evidence Linking Theory and Practice

Purpose of Study: A theoretical integration of the life course perspective, cumulative advantage, disadvantage or inequality, and stress processing theories provide an important integrated lens to study the relationship between accumulated interpersonal, social-structural, and historical trauma and stressful experiences on mental well-being mental well-being in later life. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study builds upon the extant literature by examining the mediating role of coping resources on the relationship between trauma and stressful life experiences, post traumatic stress symptoms, and mental well-being among a sample of 677 adults aged 50 and older in prison. RESULTS: The majority (70%) reported experiencing one or more traumatic or stressful life experiences during their life span. Participants also reported on average 11 occurrences of multilevel trauma and stressful life events and lingering subjective distress related to these events. Results of a structural equation model revealed that internal and external coping resources (e.g., cognitive, emotional, physical, spiritual, and social) had a significant and inverse effect on the relationship between trauma and stressful life experiences and mental well-being. IMPLICATIONS: As prisons are forced to deal with an aging population, research in this area can take the preliminary steps to enhance understanding of risk and resilience among older adults in prison. This understanding will aid in the development and improvement of integrated theory-based interventions seeking to increase human rights, health, and well-being among older adults in prison. Language: en
The Rhodococcus opacus TadD protein mediates triacylglycerol metabolism by regulating intracellular NAD(P)H pools.

The Gram-positive actinomycete Rhodococcus opacus is widely studied for its innate ability to store large amounts of carbon in the form of triacylglycerol (TAG). Several groups have demonstrated that R. opacus PD630 is capable of storing anywhere from 50 to 76% of its cell dry weight as TAG. While numerous studies have focused on phenomenological aspects of this process, few have sought to identify the underlying molecular and biochemical mechanisms responsible for the biosynthesis and storage of this molecule. Herein we further our previous efforts to illuminate the black box that is lipid metabolism in actinomycetes using a genetic approach. Utilizing a simple, colorimetric genetic screen, we have identified a gene, referred to herein as tadD (t riacylglycerol a ccumulation d eficient), which is critical for TAG biosynthesis in R. opacus PD630. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the purified protein product of this gene is capable of oxidizing glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate, while simultaneously reducing NAD(P)+ to NAD(P)H. Supporting this biochemical data, we observed that the ratio of NAD(P)H to NAD(P)+ is elevated in wildtype cultures grown under lipid production conditions as compared to cultures grown under vegetative growth conditions, while the mutant strain demonstrated no change irrespective of growth conditions. Finally, we demonstrate that over-expressing a putative phosphorylative glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase leads to decreased TAG production during growth on TAG accumulation conditions. Taken together, the data support the identification of a key metabolic branch point separating vegetative growth and lipid accumulation lifestyles in Rhodococcus.
Modeling exchange rate passthrough after large devaluations

Large devaluations are generally associated with large declines in real exchange rates. Burstein, Eichenbaum, and Rebelo (2005) argue that the primary force causing these declines is often the slow adjustment in the price of nontradable goods and services. We develop a model which embodies two complementary forces that account for the large declines in the real exchange rate that occur in the aftermath of large devaluations. The first force is sticky nontradable goods prices. Instead of simply assuming that nontradable goods prices are sticky, we develop conditions under which this phenomenon can emerge as an equilibrium outcome. The second force is the impact of real shocks that often accompany large devaluations. These real shocks lead to a decline in the price of nontradable goods relative to traded goods. We argue that sticky nontradable goods prices generally play an important role in explaining post-devaluation movements in real exchange rates. However, there are cases in which sticky nontradable goods prices are not sustainable as an equilibrium phenomenon. In these cases real shocks are the primary driver of real exchange rate movements. J.E.L. Classification: F31
Weak convergence of CD kernels and applications

We prove a general result on equality of the weak limits of the zero counting measure, dνn, of orthogonal polynomials (defined by a measure dμ) and (1/n)Kn(x, x)dμ(x). By combining this with the asymptotic upper bounds of Mate and Nevai [16] and Totik [33] on nλn(x), we prove some general results on ∫ Ι(1/n)Kn(x, x)dμs → 0 for the singular part of dμ and ∫ Ι |ρE(x) − (w(x)/n)Kn(x, x)| dx → 0, where ρE is the density of the equilibrium measure and w(x) the density of dμ.
Index Insurance, Production Practices, and Probabilistic Climate Forecasts

The failure of the development of commercially viable traditional crop insurance products and innovations in financial markers has fed a renewed interest in the search for alternatives to help producers in developing countries manage their risk exposure. Salient among these is the proposal of several index insurance schemes against weather events. Among the basic tenets are that the presence of index insurance allows producers to intensify their operations and reduce the risks of default and hence may induce creditors to offer loans at affordable rates. The two factors combined are touted as key to help producers in developing countries escape poverty traps. Improvements in seasonal climate forecasts create challenges for the design and effective functioning of the insurance against climate risks. However, very little is known about potential synergies or conflicting impacts of these two institutions, and the interactions between them and input management decisions by producers. We find that insurance and forecast may have synergistic or conflicting effects on input decisions. In the presence of (state contingent) actuarially fair insurance, producers may prefer the forecast information not to be available, especially if the management options available do not result in sufficient changes in profitability. Perhaps surprisingly, we find that forecast information may induce producers to increase the amount of insurance purchased.
Event rates vs. cross sections at neutrino telescopes

One of the major goals of neutrino astronomy is to explore the otherwise unknown fluxes and interactions of ultrahigh energy neutrinos. The existing neutrino telescopes look at three types of events: particle showers, muons, and taus. In this paper we discuss the dependence of the event rates on the neutrino nucleon cross-sections as we scale the cross sections, with energy, in different scenarios beyond the standard model. Our focus will be on the IceCube detector.
Welfare and Integration

This article argues that the terms-of-trade and volume-of-trade taxonomy from the theory of tariffs constitutes an attractive alternative to Viner's trade diversion and creation effects for the analysis of preferential trading arrangements. In applications of the alternative approach, the article establishes that results by Lipsey and Riezman on large versus small preunion trade flows for choice of partners are not ‘contradictory’ and that under some conditions a small country's optimal strategy is to seek membership of multiple free-trade areas.
Hubble Space Telescope Observations of Star Clusters in M101

Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) images are used to identify and study star cluster candidates in the nearby spiral galaxy M101. About 3000 round, slightly resolved cluster candidates are identified in 10 ACS pointings covering an area of 106 arcmin2. The cluster candidates' color and size distributions are consistent with those of star clusters in other nearby spirals. The majority of the M101 candidates are blue and more likely to be associated with the galaxy's spiral arms, implying that they are young. The galaxy-luminosity-normalized number of young massive clusters in M101 is similar to that found in other spirals, as is the cluster density at a fiducial absolute magnitude. We confirm a previous finding that M101 has a large number of faint red star clusters: if these are old globular clusters, then this galaxy has a very large globular cluster population. More plausible is that the faint red clusters are reddened young clusters; their colors and luminosities are also consistent with this explanation.
Simultaneous equations with covariance restrictions

Abstract Full-information maximum-likelihood and minimum-distance estimators are derived for the simultaneous-equations model with covariance restrictions. Linearization yields estimators that are easy to compute and have an instrumental-variables interpretation. The efficient three-stage least-squares estimator in the presence of covariance restrictions is shown to be a special case. Modified estimators which take into account possible nonnormality in the errors are also discussed.
Mortality in prostatic carcinoma

One hundred forty-seven patients definitively irradiated for biopsy-proved adenocarcinoma of the prostate from December, 1975, to March, 1979, have either died after a median survival of forty-five months or have been followed up for a minimum of seven years. Seventy-six patients (52%) are currently alive, 62 of them with no evidence of disease. Seventy-one patients (48%) have died, 28 without disease. In addition, 12 patients died with prostatic carcinoma but of other causes. In assessing the characteristics of those patients who remain disease-free following treatment, a significant difference in disease control was seen based on tumor stage, histologic differentiation, pelvic lymph node status, and whether or not tumor was present microscopically at rebiopsy. Of those deceased patients with recurrent prostate cancer, more than one-half had distant metastasis only. In all, 61 percent of patients had no further evidence of prostatic carcinoma after definitive irradiation, 20 percent had distant metastasis alone, and only 18 percent had locally recurrent disease along with distant disease spread.
Arbitrary robust eigenvalue placement by a static-state feedback

It is demonstrated that robust eigenvalue placement in the disk of an arbitrary radius r centered at -2r can be achieved by a static-state feedback for systems with so-called matched perturbations of uncertain parameters in the state coefficient matrix A (i.e. with perturbations of A in the range of the input matrix B). This implies, in particular, that such systems can be robustly stabilized with an arbitrarily fixed degree of exponential decay, and thus it extends previously known results on robust stabilization without eigenvalue placement conditions. This result is in sharp contrast with the case of general perturbations in either A or B or both, where there are limits for the degree of exponential stabilizability which depend on the size of perturbations.
Impact of Basic Computerized Prescribing on Outpatient Medication Errors and Adverse Drug Events

Few data exist about the impact of computerized prescribing systems on outpa- tient medication errors (MEs) and adverse drug events (ADEs). We compared the rates of MEs and ADEs in handwritten sites versus sites with basic computerized prescribing. These systems reduced ME rates but did not significantly reduce ADE rates. Failure to monitor accounted for a large per- centage of preventable ADEs. More advanced computerized prescribing systems with decision sup- port and monitoring functions may be necessary to reduce outpatient ADE rates.
Gallium phosphide photonic crystal nanocavities in the visible

Photonic crystal nanocavities at visible wavelengths are fabricated in a high refractive index gallium phosphide membrane. The cavities show resonances at wavelengths as low as 645 nm at room temperature, with quality factors 500-1700.
Neuropsychology and advances in memory function

Recent developments in the functional and neural bases of several aspects of memory are described including long term cortical memory storage, the transition from immediate to permanent memory mediated by medial temporal structures, working memory, memory retrieval, and implicit memory. These are linked to current data on the nature of anterograde and retrograde amnesia in the degenerative diseases, and also to issues in the clinical diagnosis of memory impairments. Understanding the bases of memory can inform the diagnosis of memory impairments in degenerative diseases, and the patterns of impairment seen in the degenerative diseases can help contribute to knowledge of the mechanisms of normal memory.
The quantifier structure of sentences that characterize nondeterministic time complexity

For every nondeterministic Turing machineM of time complexityT(n), there is a second-order sentence σ of a very restricted form, whose set of finite models encodes the set of strings recognized byM. Specifically, σ has a relational symbol which is interpreted as addition restricted to finite segments of the natural numbers, and a prefix consisting of existentially quantified unary second-order variables followed by a universal-existential first-order part. Here, every input stringx is encoded by a model of sizeT(|x|). Using a closely related encoding of strings as models where the size of the model is the length of the string, a consequence is that ifT(n)=n d, then there is a sentence with a similar prefix but whose second-order variables ared-ary and whose finite models encode the strings accepted byM. Potential applications to low-level complexity are discussed.
A Weinreb amide approach to the synthesis of trifluoromethylketones

A novel route to access trifluoromethylketones (TFMKs) from Weinreb amides is reported. This represents the first documented case of the Ruppert–Prakash reagent (TMS–CF3) reacting in a constructive manner with an amide and enables synthesis of TMFKs without risk of over-trifluoromethylation.
Decentralized control of cooperative systems: categorization and complexity analysis

Decentralized control of cooperative systems captures the operation of a group of decision-makers that share a single global objective. The difficulty in solving optimally such problems arises when the agents lack full observability of the global state of the system when they operate. The general problem has been shown to be NEXP-complete. In this paper, we identify classes of decentralized control problems whose complexity ranges between NEXP and P. In particular, we study problems characterized by independent transitions, independent observations, and goal-oriented objective functions. Two algorithms are shown to solve optimally useful classes of goal-oriented decentralized processes in polynomial time. This paper also studies information sharing among the decision-makers, which can improve their performance. We distinguish between three ways in which agents can exchange information: indirect communication, direct communication and sharing state features that are not controlled by the agents. Our analysis shows that for every class of problems we consider, introducing direct or indirect communication does not change the worst-case complexity. The results provide a better understanding of the complexity of decentralized control problems that arise in practice and facilitate the development of planning algorithms for these problems.
A Palladium Nanoparticle–Nanomicelle Combination for the Stereoselective Semihydrogenation of Alkynes in Water at Room Temperature

The addition of NaBH4 to Pd(OAc)2 in water containing nanomicelles leads to the generation of H2 and Pd nanoparticles. Subsequent reduction of disubstituted alkynes affords Z-alkenes in high yields. These reactions are general, take place in water at ambient temperatures, and offer recycling of the aqueous reaction mixture along with low overall E Factors.
Asymmetric catalytic Strecker reaction of N-phosphonyl imines with Et2AlCN using amino alcohols and BINOLs as catalysts

The asymmetric catalytic Strecker reaction of achiral N-phosphonyl imines with Et(2)AlCN has been established. Both free amino alcohols and BINOLs have been proven to be effective catalysts to afford excellent enantioselectivities and yields. The N-phosphonyl group can be readily cleaved under mild conditions and enable purification of crude products by simple washing with hexane. The cleaved N,N-dialkyl diamine auxiliary can be recovered quantitatively via n-BuOH extraction. The scope for both N-phosphonyl imines and catalysts was vastly studied for this new catalytic system.
On a method for mending time to failure distributions

Many software reliability growth models assume that the time to next failure may be infinite; i.e., there is a chance that no failure will occur at all. For most software products this is too good to be true even after the testing phase. Moreover, if a non-zero probability is assigned to an infinite time to failure, metrics like the mean time to failure do not exist. In this paper, we try to answer several questions: Under what condition does a model permit an infinite time to next failure? Why do all non-homogeneous Poisson process (NHPP) models of the finite failures category share this property? And is there any transformation mending the time to failure distributions? Indeed, such a transformation exists; it leads to a new family of NHPP models. We also show how the distribution function of the time to first failure can be used for unifying finite failures and infinite failures NHPP models.
Phase control of trapped ion quantum gates

There are several known schemes for entangling trapped ion quantum bits for large-scale quantum computation. Most are based on an interaction between the ions and external optical fields, coupling internal qubit states of trapped ions to their Coulomb-coupled motion. In this paper, we examine the sensitivity of these motional gate schemes to phase fluctuations introduced through noisy external control fields, and suggest techniques for suppressing the resulting phase decoherence.
A Framework for Analyzing Information Flows in Public Policy Decision-making: A Move towards Building Sustainable Policy Instruments

The purpose of this paper is to explain a framework that focuses on information flows as a means of understanding public policy decision-making, with a specific emphasis on information relating to sustainable development. The goal of this framework is to further aid in identifying and explaining the extent to which sustainability goals are being implemented in public policy decisions. The suggestion is that by focusing on the information flows directly related to sustainable information, instances can be isolated where specific pieces of information are not making their way to final decision-making processes, or alternatively, where new information interferes with sustainable information becoming part of the final decision-making process. This paper begins with an overview of the theoretical framework in the first part, and then gives an overview of how the framework can be applied to sustainability information. It concludes by suggesting the use of the framework can offer substantial insight into questions of sustainable policy development. While the approach described offers the potential to better understand organizational decision-making dynamics, the true value of the framework will lie in its future use to both predict and assess the relationship between sustainable outcomes and related decision-making processes.
Rearrangements of bicyclic nitrones to lactams: comparison of photochemical and modified Barton conditions.

The rearrangement of nitrones to lactams can be carried out by photochemical activation or by treatment with Tf2O followed by KOH-promoted rearrangement (a modification of conditions originally introduced by Barton). Substrates in which the nitrone is part of a fused bicyclic ring system have traditionally proven problematic for this kind of reaction. In this study, a series of mono-, bi-, and tricyclic ring-fused nitrones were prepared to investigate the dependence of products on nitrone ring size and tether length. Results indicated that photochemical rearrangement of nitrones in benzene afforded reasonably good yields (30−68%) of lactams, while the two-step nonphotochemical process provided slightly better average yields (30−95%) of the same targets.
The evolution of radio-loud active galactic nuclei as a function of black hole spin

Recent work on the engines of active galactic nuclei jets suggests that their power depends strongly and perhaps counter-intuitively on black hole spin. We explore the consequences of this on the radio-loud population of active galactic nuclei and find that the time evolution of the most powerful radio galaxies and radio-loud quasars fits into a picture in which black hole spin varies from retrograde to prograde with respect to the accreting material. Unlike the current view, according to which jet powers decrease in tandem with a global downsizing effect, we argue for a drop in jet power resulting directly from the paucity of retrograde accretion systems at lower redshift z caused by a continuous history of accretion dating back to higher z. In addition, the model provides simple interpretations for the basic spectral features differentiating radio-loud and radio-quiet objects, such as the presence or absence of disc reflection, broadened iron lines and signatures of disc winds. We also briefly describe our models' interpretation of microquasar state transitions. We highlight our result that the most radio-loud and most radio-quiet objects both harbour highly spinning black holes but in retrograde and prograde configurations, respectively.
Selective Oxidation of Steroidal Homoallylic Alcohols Using Pyridinium Chlorochromate (PPC)

Abstract Pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC), in the presence of anhydrous calcium carbonate, has been found to be an effective and convenient reagent for the selective oxidation of steroidal homoallylic alcohols to the corresponding β,δ-unsaturated ketones in good yield.
(Z)-(2-bromovinyl)-MIDA boronate: a readily accessible and highly versatile building block for small molecule synthesis.

Iterative cross-coupling represents a potentially general approach for the simple, efficient, and flexible construction of natural products, pharmaceuticals, and materials. N-Methyliminodiacetic acid (MIDA) boronates represent a promising platform for the development of this type of synthesis strategy. This report describes the discovery that vinyl MIDA boronate (1) is an air- and chromatographically stable compound that can be conveniently prepared on a multigram scale and serve as a versatile starting material for the preparation of a range of new MIDA boronate building blocks. Analogous to tert-butylethylene, 1 is also an excellent substrate for olefin cross-metathesis, providing access to a range of trans-alkenyl MIDA boronates as single stereoisomers. An improved synthesis of the very versatile bifunctional building block trans-(2-bromovinyl) MIDA boronate (2) is also described. Collectively, these results contribute to the expanding generality of the iterative cross-coupling approach.
Gender differences in the marriage and cohabitation income premium.

Using data from the 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, I identify causal effects of marriage and cohabitation on total family income. My goals are to compare men’s and women’s changes in financial status upon entering unions and to assess the relative contributions of adjustments in own income, income pooling, and changes in family size. Changes in own income that are due to intrahousehold specialization prove to be minor for both men and women relative to the effects of adding another adult’s income to the family total. Women gain roughly 55% in needs-adjusted, total family income, regardless of whether they cohabit or marry, whereas men’s needs-adjusted income levels remain unchanged when men make these same transitions.
A Unified Perspective on Resource Allocation: Limited Arbitrage is Necessary and Sufficient for the Existence of a Competitive Equilibrium, the Core and Social Choice

Social diversity is central to resource allocation. People trade because they are different. Gains from trade and the scope for mutually advantageous reallocation depend on the diversity of the traders’ preferences and endowments. The market owes its existence to the diversity of those who make up the economy.
A nearly optimal construction of flash codes

Flash memory is a non-volatile computer memory comprised of blocks of cells, wherein each cell can take on q different values or levels. While increasing the cell level is easy, reducing the level of a cell can be accomplished only by erasing an entire block. Since block erasures are highly undesirable, coding schemes—known as floating codes or flash codes—have been designed in order to maximize the number of times that information stored in a flash memory can be written (and re-written) prior to incurring a block erasure. An (n, k, t) q flash code ℂ is a coding scheme for storing k information bits in n cells in such a way that any sequence of up to t writes (where a write is a transition 0 → 1 or 1 → 0 in any one of the k bits) can be accommodated without a block erasure. The total number of available level transitions in n cells is n(q−1), and the write deficiency of ℂ, defined as δ(ℂ) = n(q−1)−t, is a measure of how close the code comes to perfectly utilizing all these transitions. For k ≫ 6 and large n, the best previously known construction of flash codes achieves a write defficiency of O(qk2). On the other hand, the best known lower bound on write deficiency is Ω(qk). In this paper, we present a new construction of flash codes that approaches this lower bound to within a factor logarithmic in k. To this end, we first improve upon the so-called “indexed” flash codes, due to Jiang and Bruck, by eliminating the need for index cells in the Jiang-Bruck construction. Next, we further increase the number of writes by introducing a new multi-stage (recursive) indexing scheme. We then show that the write defficiency of the resulting flash codes is O(qk log k) if q ⩾ log 2 k, and at most O(k log2 k) otherwise.
Compact low-power time-based conversion with noise immunity similar to digital conversion

An analog signal representation based on the inter-pulse-interval (IPI) time is presented. Voltage-to-IPI and IPI-to-voltage conversion circuits based on the representation are described. The circuits have been fabricated using a 0.35 μm mixed-signal CMOS process. Simulation and test results agree with the theory. Voltage-to-IPI conversion needs significantly less area and power than ADC and is significantly more immune to noise and other problems than using analog voltage/current signals.