cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A constrained channel coding approach to joint communication and channel estimation

A joint communication and channel state estimation problem is investigated, in which reliable information transmission over a noisy channel, and high-fidelity estimation of the channel state, are simultaneously sought. The tradeoff between the achievable information rate and the estimation distortion is quantified by formulating the problem as a constrained channel coding problem, and the resulting capacity-distortion function characterizes the fundamental limit of the joint communication and channel estimation problem. The analytical results are illustrated through case studies, and further issues such as multiple cost constraints, channel uncertainty, and capacity per unit distortion are also briefly discussed.
Collateralized borrowing and increasing risk

This paper uses a general equilibrium model with collateralized borrowing to show that increases in risk can have ambiguous effects on leverage, loan margins, loan amounts, and asset prices. Increasing risk about future payoffs and endowments can lead to riskier loans with larger balances and lower spreads even when lenders are risk averse and borrowers can default. As well, increasing the covariance of either agents’ endowments with the asset payoff can have ambiguous consequences for equilibrium. Though the effects are ambiguous, key determinants of how increased risk translates into changes in prices and allocations are the covariance of agents’ endowments with the asset payoff, agents’ risk aversion, and the location of increased risk in the distribution of future states. Some restricted changes in the borrower’s or lender’s endowments can have unambiguous but asymmetric effects on equilibrium.
Ultrafast Plasmonic Control of Second Harmonic Generation

Efficient frequency conversion techniques are crucial to the development of plasmonic metasurfaces for information processing and signal modulation. In principle, nanoscale electric-field confinement in nonlinear materials enables higher harmonic conversion efficiencies per unit volume than those attainable in bulk materials. Here we demonstrate efficient second-harmonic generation (SHG) in a serrated nanogap plasmonic geometry that generates steep electric field gradients on a dielectric metasurface. An ultrafast control pulse is used to control plasmon-induced electric fields in a thin-film material with inversion symmetry that, without plasmonic enhancement, does not exhibit an even-order nonlinear optical response. The temporal evolution of the plasmonic near-field is characterized with ∼100 as resolution using a novel nonlinear interferometric technique. The serrated nanogap is a unique platform in which to investigate optically controlled, plasmonically enhanced harmonic generation in dielectric mat...
Design of Prestressed Concrete Buildings for Earthquake Resistance

Basic requirements for the design of concrete buildings for earthquake resistance are given. The elastic behavior of prestressed components and their allowable stresses and load factors are evaluated with respect to earthquake loads. The energy absorption capacity of prestressed members under flexure, shear, combined bending, and shear is reviewed. Prestressing of concrete slabs, shafts, and rigid frames for earthquake resistance in buildings is described. Seismic design of tall buildings for dynamic loads is compared to design for static loads using code values.
Iron-Catalyzed Borylation of Alkyl Electrophiles

The use of low-cost iron(III) acetoacetate (Fe(acac)3) and tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) enables the direct cross-coupling of alkyl halides with bis(pinacolato)diboron. This approach allows for the borylation of activated or unactivated primary, secondary, and tertiary bromides. Moreover, even the borylation of benzylic or allylic chlorides, tosylates, and mesylates are possible. The reactions proceed under mild conditions at room temperature and show broad functional-group compatibility and “robustness” as measured by a modified Glorius robustness screen.
SECURITIES LENDING AROUND PROXIES: IS THE INCREASE IN LENDING DUE TO PROXY ABUSE OR A RESULT OF DIVIDENDS?

The notion of empty voting, or borrowing shares of stock to vote without an equivalent economic interest, has captured the attention of both the financial press and financial researchers. We investigate the securities lending market around proxy record dates for evidence of proxy abuse. We verify a weak statistical effect for share capture at the proxy. However, after controlling for dividend record dates (when more stock lending activity occurs), incremental equity lending activity at the proxy is indistinguishable from zero.
Perspectives of Solar-Driven Hydrogen Production

This presentation will provide an overview of recent progress in solar-driven photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical production of hydrogen. The emphasis will be surface and interface engineering that could improve solar absorption and charge transport.
One-pot, regiospecific assembly of (E)-benzamidines from δ- and γ-amino acids via an intramolecular aminoquinazolinone rearrangement

The efficient generation of novel, N-linked benzamidines resulting from a regiospecific rearrangement of quinazolinones is described. This methodology study explored reaction parameters including the effect of changing solvent and temperature, as well as varying electronic substituents on the structural core. The transformation was extensively optimized in terms of reaction conditions and scope, resulting in a protocol that consistently affords diversely functionalized amidines in high yield. The process permits regional structural derivatization that was previously inaccessible, and the multistep process was also reduced to a telescoped, five-step sequence that efficiently affords pharmacologically unique (E)-benzamidoamidines from N-BOC protected γ- and δ-amino acids.
No Acid Required: 4π and 6π Electrocyclization Reactions of Dienyl Diketones for the Synthesis of Cyclopentenones and 2H-Pyrans

The 1,6-conjugate addition of nucleophiles to dienyl diketones produces either cyclopentenone or 2H-pyran products with high selectivity through either Nazarov (4π) or 6π electrocyclization, respectively. The outcome of the reaction is dependent upon the nature of the nucleophile used. Nucleophiles that are anionic or easily deprotonated exclusively produce cyclopentenones via Nazarov cyclization, whereas the neutral nucleophile DABCO promotes 6π cyclization to afford 2H-pyrans. Experimental evidence is presented for both retro-4π and -6π electrocyclization in these systems, lending support to the bifurcated mechanistic hypothesis proposed for these cyclizations.
COTS-Based Stick-On Electricity Meters for Building Submetering

We demonstrate a low-cost, 19 mm × 12 mm prototype peel-and-stick electricity meter (PASEM) PCB to replace traditional in-circuit-breaker-panel current and voltage sensors for building submetering. The PASEM sensors are installed on the external face of circuit breakers to generate voltage and current signals at a 1920 Hz sample rate. This allows for the computation of real and apparent power as well as capturing harmonics created by nonlinear loads. The prototype sensor is built using commercially available components, resulting in a component cost of under $10 per PASEM in moderate quantities. With no high-voltage install work requiring an electrician, this leads to an installed system cost that is roughly ten times lower than traditional submetering technology. Measurement results from lab characterization as well as a real-world residential dwelling installation are presented, verifying the operation of our proposed PASEM sensor. The PASEM sensor can resolve breaker power levels below 10 W and consumes ~16 mA from a 5 V supply.
Do Declines in Bank Health Affect Borrowers’ Voluntary Disclosures? Evidence from International Propagation of Banking Shocks

I examine whether declines in banks� financial health affect their borrowers� disclosures. Prior studies indicate that, in relationship lending, banks and borrowers rely on private communication, rather than public disclosures, to resolve information asymmetries. When banking relationships are threatened, borrowers must turn to new funding sources, inducing them to reconsider their disclosure policies. This paper predicts that borrowers, whose banking relationships are threatened by declining bank health, change their public disclosures of forward-looking information. Using the emerging-market financial crises in the late 1990s as shocks to the health of certain U.S. banks, I find that affected banks� U.S. borrowers increase both the quantity and informativeness of their management forecasts following these shocks compared to borrowers of unaffected banks. The results are similar using conference calls or the length of the Management's Discussion and Analysis section as alternative proxies for voluntary disclosure. Overall, these results provide new insights into the impact of availability of relationship lending on firms� disclosure choices.
A Unified Theory for the Great Plains Nocturnal Low-Level Jet

AbstractA theory is presented for the Great Plains low-level jet in which the jet emerges in the sloping atmospheric boundary layer as the nocturnal phase of an oscillation arising from diurnal variations in turbulent diffusivity (Blackadar mechanism) and surface buoyancy (Holton mechanism). The governing equations are the equations of motion, mass conservation, and thermal energy for a stably stratified fluid in the Boussinesq approximation. Attention is restricted to remote (far above slope) geostrophic winds that blow along the terrain isoheights (southerly for the Great Plains). Diurnally periodic solutions are obtained analytically with diffusivities that vary as piecewise constant functions of time and slope buoyancies that vary as piecewise linear functions of time. The solution is controlled by 11 parameters: slope angle, Coriolis parameter, free-atmosphere Brunt–Vaisala frequency, free-atmosphere geostrophic wind, radiative damping parameter, day and night diffusivities, maximum and minimum surfa...
Quadrilateral Meshes for PSLGs

We prove that every planar straight line graph with n vertices has a conforming quadrilateral mesh with $$O(n^2)$$O(n2) elements, all angles $$\le $$≤ 120$$^\circ $$? and all new angles $$\ge $$? 60$$^\circ $$?. Both the complexity and the angle bounds are sharp.
A Fault Detection and Classification Technique Based on Sequential Components

This paper presents a fault classification technique for transmission lines based on the fault sequence components, for fast and reliable operation of protective relays. First, symmetrical components of fault current and voltage signals are extracted. Next, the fault type is classified using the zero and negative sequences. To realize the faulted phases in ground faults, a criterion index based on the zero and negative sequences is defined. The imaginary part of the defined criterion index is used. This index is maximum in the faulted phase in single-phase-to-ground faults, and it is minimum in one of the faulted phases in phase-to-phase-to-ground faults. In addition, to identify ungrounded faults, a different criterion index using the positive and negative sequences is defined. The results show that the scheme provides a fast fault classification, without the need for a threshold to operate.
On a limit of the method of Tashkinov trees for edge-colouring

The main technique used to edge-colour graphs requiring Δ + 2 or more colours is the method of Tashkinov trees. We present a specific limit to this method, in terms of Kempe changes. We also provide a new Tashkinov tree extension.
Diffusivity and derivatives for interstitial solutes: activation energy, volume, and elastodiffusion tensors

Computational atomic-scale methods continue to provide new information about geometry, energetics and transition states for interstitial elements in crystalline lattices. This data can be used to determine the diffusivity of interstitials by finding steady-state solutions to the master equation. In addition, atomic-scale computations can provide not just the site energy, but also the stress in the cell due to the introduction of the defect to compute the elastic dipole. We derive a general expression for the fully anistropic diffusivity tensor from site and transition state energies, and three derivatives of the diffusivity: the elastodiffusion tensor (derivative of diffusivity with respect to strain), the activation barrier tensor (logarithmic derivative of diffusivity with respect to inverse temperature) and activation volume tensor (logarithmic derivative of diffusivity with respect to pressure). Computation of these quantities takes advantage of crystalline symmetry, and we provide an open-source impl...
The Simultaneous Communication of Disjointness with Applications to Data Streams

We study k-party number-in-hand set disjointness in the simultaneous message-passing model, and show that even if each element \(i\in [n]\) is guaranteed to either belong to all k parties or to at most O(1) parties in expectation (and to at most \(O(\log n)\) parties with high probability), then \(\varOmega (n \min (\log 1/\delta , \log k) / k )\) communication is required by any \(\delta \)-error communication protocol for this problem (assuming \(k = \varOmega (\log n)\)).
Evaluating a leading indicator: an application—the term spread

This paper analyzes the procedures that have previously been used to evaluate indicators. These methods determine whether the indicator correctly classifies periods when there was (not) a recession. These approaches do not show whether or not an indicator signaled a turn or failed to predict it. This paper then presents a new approach and applies it to the term spread series. The results are mixed because the indicator predicts every recession but also generates a large number of false signals. This result may explain why economists do not always place great weight on this series.
A quantitative determination of perfusion fibrinolysis.

Summary Fifty consecutive patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass procedures were evaluated from the standpoint of postoperative bleeding and its possible relationship to plasminogen activation. With the use of quantitative assay of fibrinolytic activity, it was found that some degree of activity is present in almost every patient undergoing bypass. This was found to be significant and related to excessive oozing in 29 of the 50 patients. The practical application of this assay is discussed.
Neutral excitations in the Gaffnian state

We study a model fractional quantum Hall (FQH) wave function called the Gaffnian state, which is believed to represent a gapless, strongly correlated state that is very different from conventional metals. To understand this exotic gapless state better, we provide a representation based on work of Halperin in which the pairing structure of the Gaffnian state becomes more explicit. We employ the single-mode approximation introduced by Girvin, MacDonald, and Platzman, here extended to three-body interactions, in order to treat a neutral collective excitation mode in order to clarify the physical origin of the gaplessness of the Gaffnian state. We discuss approaches to extract systematically the relevant physics in the long-distance, large-electron-number limit of FQH states using numerical calculations with relatively few electrons. In Appendices, we provide second-quantized expressions for many-body Haldane pseudopotentials in various geometries including the plane, sphere, cylinder, and torus based on the proper definition of the relative angular momentum.
Social media and corporate reputation during crises: the viability of video-sharing websites for providing counter-messages to traditional broadcast news

ABSTRACTExemplification, or the use of highly emotional and arousing messages to elicit responses based on impression formation, has been shown to influence perceptions of events, individuals, and organizations. News coverage concerning the use of lean finely textured beef (LFTB) is one such example, and anecdotal evidence suggests that this coverage may have had a negative impact on public perception of the manufacturers producing LFTB. The current study examined the use of social media (specifically video-sharing sites) as a means of combating the negative effects of exemplars concerning LFTB. Respondents reported their perceptions of threat severity, susceptibility, behavioral intentions to avoid LFTB, and perceptions of organizational trust and reputation associated with the manufacturer. The findings are consistent with exemplification theory and indicate that message ordering can influence exemplification effects. Results are discussed in terms of implications for public relations and risk communica...
Using Big Data to Study Resilience of Taxi and Subway Trips for Hurricanes Sandy and Irene

Hurricanes Irene and Sandy had a significant impact on New York City; the result was devastating damage to the New York City transportation systems, which took days, even months to recover. This study explored posthurricane recovery patterns of the roadway and subway systems of New York City on the basis of data for taxi trips and for subway turnstile ridership. Both data sets were examples of big data with millions of individual ridership records per month. The spatiotemporal variations of transportation system recovery behavior were investigated by using neighborhood tabulation areas as units of analysis. Recovery curves were estimated for each evacuation zone category to model time-dependent recovery patterns of the roadway and subway systems. The recovery rate for Hurricane Sandy was found to be lower than that for Hurricane Irene. In addition, the results indicate a higher resilience of the road network compared with the subway network. The methodology proposed in this study can be used to evaluate t...
THE MONOBLOCK CUP: BECAUSE IT WORKS

There are many types and articulating surfaces in acetabular cups. Most of the designs currently available are modular, the liner snapping into a locking mechanism of some type. These modular inserts may be polyethylene, usually highly crosslinked polyethylene, or ceramic. Metal shells used in metal on metal devices are usually of a monoblock design. The elliptical monoblock design has been available for 20 years and was originally made of Titanium with a compression molded polyethylene liner. Tantalum (trabecular metal) was used as the shell material in the more recent designs and the polyethylene is actually molded directly into the tantalum framework. Monoblock acetabular components have a number of advantages. They do not allow access to the ilium because there are no holes in the socket shell with the monoblock construct. They require no locking mechanism which may increase metallic debris. No back surface liner wear can occur because all motion is eliminated at the liner/shell interface. However, because of this absence of screw holes there is an inability to visualise the floor of the acetabulum and perfect coaptation between the shell and the acetabular floor may not occur. The presence of dome gaps of greater than 1.5mm have been noted in 5% of these components but these have not compromised implant stability and in a review of over 600 cups there has been no change in implant position. The elliptical shape of the cup makes the mouth of the acetabular component 2mm greater than the dome so that an exceptionally strong acetabular rim fit results. Results with over 258 monoblock cups with a minimum of 10-year follow up (10–15 years) have been excellent (Poultsides, et al.). The incidence of pelvic osteolysis was not seen in any patient in this series. There were 3 revisions for instability but none for mechanical failure. There were three femoral revisions for loosening but the cup was intact and not revised in these patients. Utilising the Livermore measurement method polyethylene wear averages 0.08mm per year (0.06mm-0.13mm) and there have been no revisions for wear. Radiographic evaluation demonstrates stable bony interface in all patients. At minimum 10-year follow up the monoblock acetabular component with compression molded polyethylene confirms the theoretical advantages of this design and results have been excellent. Moen et al. have demonstrated no osteolysis in CT scans in tantalum monoblock cups at a follow up of 10.3 years.
Circadian Rhythm Disruption Promotes Lung Tumorigenesis

Circadian rhythms are 24-hr oscillations that control a variety of biological processes in living systems, including two hallmarks of cancer, cell division and metabolism. Circadian rhythm disruption by shift work is associated with greater risk for cancer development and poor prognosis, suggesting a putative tumor-suppressive role for circadian rhythm homeostasis. Using a genetically engineered mouse model of lung adenocarcinoma, we have characterized the effects of circadian rhythm disruption on lung tumorigenesis. We demonstrate that both physiologic perturbation (jet lag) and genetic mutation of the central circadian clock components decreased survival and promoted lung tumor growth and progression. The core circadian genes Per2 and Bmal1 were shown to have cell-autonomous tumor-suppressive roles in transformation and lung tumor progression. Loss of the central clock components led to increased c-Myc expression, enhanced proliferation, and metabolic dysregulation. Our findings demonstrate that both systemic and somatic disruption of circadian rhythms contribute to cancer progression.
Long-term surgical outcomes of retinal detachment in patients with Stickler syndrome.

Purpose The aim of the study was to present the long-term anatomical and visual outcomes of retinal detachment repair in patients with Stickler syndrome.
Demand for new cities: Property value capitalization of municipal incorporation

Abstract This paper investigates property value capitalization of municipal incorporation. Using detailed data from the metropolitan Atlanta area, our empirical strategy combines difference-in-differences hedonics with a relatively underutilized matching method from the class of monotonic imbalance bounding methods that approximates a fully blocked randomized experiment. We find that new city formation is positively capitalized into property values within the new city, increasing 4–5% in the two years following new city formation compared to the two years prior and 12–13% over the entire analysis period. The results also indicate that capitalization is stronger for parcels with greater potential for redistribution.
Do low levels of blood lead reduce children's future test scores?

We construct a unique individual-level dataset linking preschool blood lead levels with third grade test scores for Rhode Island children born 1997-2005. Using two identification strategies, we show for the first time that reductions of lead from even historically low levels have significant positive effects. A one-unit decrease in average blood lead levels reduces the probability of being substantially below proficient in reading (math) by 0.96 (0.79) percentage points on a baseline of 12 (16) percent. Since disadvantaged children have greater exposure to lead, lead poisoning may be one of the causes of continuing disparities in test scores.
Positive changes among patients with advanced colorectal cancer and their family caregivers: a qualitative analysis

Objective: This study assessed positive changes in patients with advanced colorectal cancer and their family caregivers following diagnosis. We compared self-reported positive changes within patient-caregiver dyads as well as self-reports and patient reports of positive changes in caregivers.Design: Individual, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 23 patients with advanced colorectal cancer and 23 caregivers. A theoretical thematic analysis of interview transcripts was framed by posttraumatic growth theory.Results: Patients and caregivers described five positive changes: closer relationships with others, greater appreciation of life, clarifying life priorities, increased faith, and more empathy for others. Additionally, only caregivers reported better health habits following the cancer diagnosis, and a minority of patients and caregivers reported no positive changes. In about half of cases, patients reported at least one positive change that was identical to that of their caregiver. ...
Densification strategies for anytime motion planning over large dense roadmaps

We consider the problem of computing shortest paths in a dense motion-planning roadmap G. We assume that n, the number of vertices of G, is very large. Thus, using any path-planning algorithm that directly searches G, running in O(VlogV + E) ≈ O(n2) time, becomes unacceptably expensive. We are therefore interested in anytime search to obtain successively shorter feasible paths and converge to the shortest path in G. Our key insight is to provide existing path-planning algorithms with a sequence of increasingly dense subgraphs of G. We study the space of all (r-disk) subgraphs of G. We then formulate and present two densification strategies for traversing this space which exhibit complementary properties with respect to problem difficulty. This inspires a third, hybrid strategy which has favourable properties regardless of problem difficulty. This general approach is then demonstrated and analyzed using the specific case where a low-dispersion deterministic sequence is used to generate the samples used for G. Finally we empirically evaluate the performance of our strategies for random scenarios in R2 and R4 and on manipulation planning problems for a 7 DOF robot arm, and validate our analysis.
Hysteresis in a Three-Equation Model

This paper introduces two post-Keynesian hysteresis mechanisms into a standard textbook three-equation model. The mechanisms work through wage bargaining and price setting. Workers are assumed to change their wage aspirations when the actual wage differs from their target wage, and firms are assumed to change their mark-up norm when the actual profit share differs from their target share. These mechanisms do not themselves guarantee hysteresis. A pure inflation shock will create hysteresis even if expectations are anchored to the central bank’s inflation target. After a demand shock, if inflation expectations are not anchored, these mechanisms generate persistence but not true hysteresis. But if expectations are partially (as they seem to be) or fully anchored, a demand shock will have a permanent effect on output, employment, and the real wage, because in this case the central bank is not obligated to reflate as aggressively in order to manage expectations. Hysteresis effects may explain the absence of disinflation and the fall in the wage share in the aftermath of Global Financial Crisis.
Long Single-Molecule Reads Can Resolve the Complexity of the Influenza Virus Composed of Rare, Closely Related Mutant Variants

As a result of a high rate of mutations and recombination events, an RNA-virus exists as a heterogeneous “swarm” of mutant variants. The long read length offered by single-molecule sequencing technologies allows each mutant variant to be sequenced in a single pass. However, high error rate limits the ability to reconstruct heterogeneous viral population composed of rare, related mutant variants. In this paper, we present 2SNV, a method able to tolerate the high error-rate of the single-molecule protocol and reconstruct mutant variants. 2SNV uses linkage between single nucleotide variations to efficiently distinguish them from read errors. To benchmark the sensitivity of 2SNV, we performed a single-molecule sequencing experiment on a sample containing a titrated level of known viral mutant variants. Our method is able to accurately reconstruct clone with frequency of 0.2 % and distinguish clones that differed in only two nucleotides distantly located on the genome. 2SNV outperforms existing methods for full-length viral mutant reconstruction. The open source implementation of 2SNV is freely available for download at http://alan.cs.gsu.edu/NGS/?q=content/2snv.
Computer vision localization based on pseudo-satellites

In following the “Signals of Opportunity” theme of the NAECON '09 Grand Challenge, we explore the use of computer-vision technique proposed in [3]. The proposed approach is not affected by the strength of the microwave, and is more accurate than the conventional time of arrival approaches. Methods based on limited and varying information of markers is discussed. Simple applications and experimentation based on augmenting a motorized wheelchair for vision applications is discussed.
IEEE 1394: a growing computer connectivity standard for automated test

This paper describes the latest trends in the IEEE 1394 ("firewire/sup TM/" or "iLink/sup TM/") standards and why it is becoming the connectivity standard of choice for automatic test applications. Why move to IEEE 1394, what are the possible risks with doing so, what are some of the myths associated with IEEE 1394 and a practical example of an automatic test application will all be presented with the prime emphasis on giving the latest information that will help you get IEEE 1394 integrated into your automatic test system.
Organometallic Vapor Phase Epitaxy of n-GaSb and n-GaInAsSb for Low Resistance Ohmic Contacts

A comparison of n-GaSb and n-GaInAsSb epilayers for ohmic contacts in GaSb-based devices is studied. The epilayers were grown by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy and doped with Te. At similar electron concentrations, the atomic Te concentration, as determined by secondary ion mass spectroscopy, is more than 2 times higher in n-GaSb compared to n-GaInAsSb. In addition, the electron mobility is lower in n-GaSb than n-GaInAsSb at similar electron concentrations. The electron concentration saturates at about 1.3 x 10{sup 18} cm{sup -3} for n-GaSb, but linearly increases for n-GaInAsSb. Pd/Ge/Au/Pt/Au metallization was studied for ohmic contacts. A specific contact resistivity of 1 x 10{sup -5}{Omega}-cm{sup 2} for n-GaSb was measured. The specific contact resistivity can be greatly improved by contacting n-GaInAsSb, and a significantly lower specific contact resistivity of 2 x 10{sup -6} {Omega}-cm{sup 2} for n-GaInAsSb was measured.
Near Minimax Line Spectral Estimation

This paper establishes a nearly optimal algorithm for denoising a mixture of sinusoids from noisy equispaced samples. We derive our algorithm by viewing line spectral estimation as a sparse recovery problem with a continuous, infinite dictionary. We show how to compute the estimator via semidefinite programming and provide guarantees on its mean-squared error rate. We derive a complementary minimax lower bound on this estimation rate, demonstrating that our approach nearly achieves the best possible estimation error. Furthermore, we establish bounds on how well our estimator localizes the frequencies in the signal, showing that the localization error tends to zero as the number of samples grows. We verify our theoretical results in an array of numerical experiments, demonstrating that the semidefinite programming approach outperforms three classical spectral estimation techniques.
A cubic transformation formula for Appell–Lauricella hypergeometric functions over finite fields

We define a finite field version of Appell–Lauricella hypergeometric functions built from period functions in several variables, paralleling recent development by Fuselier, Long, Ramakrishna, and the last two authors in the single variable case. We develop geometric connections between these functions and the family of generalized Picard curves. In our main result, we use finite field Appell–Lauricella functions to establish a finite field analogue of Koike and Shiga’s cubic transformation for the Appell hypergeometric function $$F_1$$ , proving a conjecture of Long. We use our multivariable period functions to construct formulas for the number of $$\mathbb {F}_p$$ -points on the generalized Picard curves. We also give some transformation and reduction formulas for the period functions, and consequently for the finite field Appell–Lauricella functions.
Cilia and Obesity.

The ciliopathies Bardet-Biedl syndrome and Alstrom syndrome cause obesity. How ciliary dysfunction leads to obesity has remained mysterious, partly because of a lack of understanding of the physiological roles of primary cilia in the organs and pathways involved in the regulation of metabolism and energy homeostasis. Historically, the study of rare monogenetic disorders that present with obesity has informed our molecular understanding of the mechanisms involved in nonsyndromic forms of obesity. Here, we present a framework, based on genetic studies in mice and humans, of the molecular and cellular pathways underlying long-term regulation of energy homeostasis. We focus on recent progress linking these pathways to the function of the primary cilia with a particular emphasis on the roles of neuronal primary cilia in the regulation of satiety.
Relative importance of βcyto- and γcyto-actin in primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts

The highly homologous β (βcyto) and γ (γcyto) cytoplasmic actins are hypothesized to carry out both redundant and unique essential functions, but studies using targeted gene knockout and siRNA-mediated transcript knockdown to examine βcyto- and γcyto-isoform--specific functions in various cell types have yielded conflicting data. Here we quantitatively characterized actin transcript and protein levels, as well as cellular phenotypes, in both gene- and transcript-targeted primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts. We found that the smooth muscle αsm-actin isoform was the dominantly expressed actin isoform in WT primary fibroblasts and was also the most dramatically up-regulated in primary βcyto- or β/γcyto-actin double-knockout fibroblasts. Gene targeting of βcyto-actin, but not γcyto-actin, led to greatly decreased cell proliferation, decreased levels of cellular ATP, and increased serum response factor signaling in primary fibroblasts, whereas immortalization induced by SV40 large T antigen supported fibroblast proliferation in the absence of βcyto-actin. Consistent with in vivo gene-targeting studies in mice, both gene- and transcript-targeting approaches demonstrate that the loss of βcyto-actin protein is more disruptive to primary fibroblast function than is the loss of γcyto-actin.
Invention and artificial intelligence

Invention, like scientific discovery, sometimes occurs through a heuristic search process where an inventor seeks a successful invention by searching through a space of inventions. For complex inventions, such as the airplane or model rockets, the process of invention can be expedited by an appropriate strategy of invention. Two case studies will be used to illustrate these general principles: the invention of the airplane (1799-1909) and the invention of a model rocket by a group of high school students in rural West Virginia in the late 1950’s. Especially during the invention of the airplane, inventors were forced to make scientific discoveries to complete the invention. Then we consider the enterprise of artificial intelligence and argue that general principles of invention may be applied to expedite the development of AI systems.
Transnational insurgents: Evidence from Colombia's FARC at the border with Chávez's Venezuela

Abstract Many insurgent groups operate across international borders, but transnational insurgent activities are seldom observable and little is known about their consequences. In this paper I show that activity by Colombian insurgent group FARC increased disproportionately in Colombian municipalities next to the border with Venezuela after Hugo Chavez became president of the latter. I argue that FARC's reliance on short-range weaponry and non-mechanized transportation limited the area in which the group could expand its operations as a result of access to a cross-border safe haven. In consequence, the finding above constitutes evidence of increased FARC presence in Venezuela during the Chavez administration. Exploiting the plausibly exogenous change of government in Venezuela, I find that Colombian municipalities more exposed to a cross-border guerrilla sanctuary experience large increases in the intensity of violence, as well as reductions in local tax revenue and educational enrolment.
Does radiative feedback by the first stars promote or prevent second generation star formation

We study the effect of starlight from the first stars on the ability of other minihaloes in their neighbourhood to form additional stars. The first stars in the A cold dark matter (ACDM) universe are believed to have formed in minihaloes of total mass ∼ 10 5-6 M ⊙ at redshifts z ≥ 20, when molecular hydrogen (H 2 ) formed and cooled the dense gas at their centres, leading to gravitational collapse. Simulations suggest that the Population III (Pop III) stars thus formed were massive (∼100 M ⊙ ) and luminous enough in ionizing radiation to cause an ionization front (I-front) to sweep outward, through their host minihalo and beyond, into the intergalactic medium. Our previous work suggested that this I-front was trapped when it encountered other, nearby minihaloes, and that it failed to penetrate the dense gas at their centres within the lifetime of the Pop III stars (≤3 Myr). The question of what the dynamical consequences were for these target minihaloes, of their exposure to the ionizing and dissociating starlight from the Pop III star requires further study, however. Towards this end, we have performed a series of detailed, one-dimensional (1D), radiation-hydrodynamical simulations to answer the question of whether star formation in these surrounding minihaloes was triggered or suppressed by radiation from the first stars. We have varied the distance to the source (and, hence, the flux) and the mass and evolutionary stage of the target haloes to quantify this effect. We find (1) trapping of the I-front and its transformation from R-type to D-type, preceded by a shock front; (2) photoevaporation of the ionized gas (i.e. all gas originally located outside the trapping radius); (3) formation of an H 2 precursor shell which leads the I-front, stimulated by partial photoionization; and (4) the shock-induced formation of H 2 in the minihalo neutral core when the shock speeds up and partially ionizes the gas. The fate of the neutral core is mostly determined by the response of the core to this shock front, which leads to molecular cooling and collapse that, when compared to the same halo without external radiation, is (a) expedited, or (b) delayed, or (c) unaltered, or (d) reversed or prevented, depending upon the flux (i.e. distance to the source) and the halo mass and evolutionary stage. When collapse is expedited, star formation in neighbouring minihaloes or in merging subhaloes within the host minihalo sometimes occurs within the lifetime of the first star. Roughly speaking, most haloes that were destined to cool, collapse and form stars in the absence of external radiation are found to do so even when exposed to the first Pop III star in their neighbourhood, while those that would not have done so are still not able to. A widely held view that the first Pop III stars must exert either positive or negative feedback on the formation of the stars in neighbouring minihaloes should, therefore, be revisited.
CEMENTING THE PERFECT HIP: “BOTH SIDES NOW”

A) Mastering the Art of Cemented Femoral Stem Fixation Abstract: Fixation of cemented femoral stems is reproducible and provides excellent early recovery of hip function in patients 60–80 years old. The durability of fixation has been evaluated up to 20 years with 90% survivorship. The mode of failure of fixation of cemented total hip arthroplasty is multi-factorial; however, good cementing techniques and reduction of polyethylene wear have been shown to reduce its incidence. The importance of surface roughness for durability of fixation is controversial. This presentation will describe my personal experience with the cemented femoral stem over 30 years with 3 designs and surface roughness (RA) ranging from 30 to 150µm. Results: Since 1978, three series of cemented THA have been prospectively followed using periodic clinical and radiographic evaluations. All procedures were performed by the author using the posterior approach. Excellent results and Kaplan-Meier survivorship ranged from 90% to 99.5% in the best case scenario were noted at 10–20 year follow-up. Conclusion: With a properly-designed femoral stem, good cement technique, proper cement mantle, and surface roughness of 30–40 microinches, the cemented femoral stem provides a durable hip replacement in patients 60–80 years old with up to 95% survivorship at 10–20 year follow-up. B) Cemented Primary Acetabulum Introduction: I am going to present a technique of cementing an all-poly socket, a brief review of our clinical experience, and all-poly socket design features. Since 1991, we have been using direct compression molded polyethylene sockets. The minimum thickness of poly is 8mm. We keep the socket orientation at 45 degrees of lateral opening and 15 degrees of anteversion. The preparation of the socket involves multiple fixation holes with Midas Rex. The bone is cleaned with water lavage. The cement is pressurised at a doughy state. Radiographic Features: The cement/bone interface has been classified into three types of radiograph. Type 1 has a perfect merge of the cement into the cancellous bone in all three zones. Type III interface shows radiolucency in one or more zones. A commonly asked question is, “is this technique reproducible?” The answer is “yes”. Our Data: We have looked at our all-poly socket from 1992 to 1998 and the total number of hips are over 1,000, with a follow-up of 2–8 years. We have not revised a single socket for fixation failure. Summary: The indication are patients 60 years and older with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis. Relative contraindications are excessive bleeding, extensive cyst formation, weak cancellous bone such as in rheumatoid, JRA, DDH, and protrusio patients. Cemented THA in patients 60 years and older with DJD and molded all-poly cup have provided the best results in terms of a high degree of reproducibility, high quality of function, and durability.
On optimal portfolios of dynamic resource allocations

We consider the optimal allocation of generic resources among multiple generic entities of interest over a finite planning horizon, where each entity generates stochastic returns as a function of its resource allocation during each period. The main objective is to maximize the expected return while at the same time managing risk to an acceptable level for each period. We devise a general solution framework and establish how to obtain the optimal dynamic resource allocation.
Combining the k-CNF and XOR phase-transitions

The runtime performance of modern SAT solvers on random k-CNF formulas is deeply connected with the 'phase-transition' phenomenon seen empirically in the satisfiability of random k-CNF formulas. Recent universal hashing-based approaches to sampling and counting crucially depend on the runtime performance of SAT solvers on formulas expressed as the conjunction of both k-CNF and XOR constraints (known as k-CNF-XOR formulas), but the behavior of random k-CNF-XOR formulas is unexplored in prior work. In this paper, we present the first study of the satisfiability of random k-CNF-XOR formulas. We show empirical evidence of a surprising phase-transition that follows a linear trade-off between k-CNF and XOR constraints. Furthermore, we prove that a phase-transition for k-CNF-XOR formulas exists for k = 2 and (when the number of k-CNF constraints is small) for k > 2.
The Future Is Now: Esports Policy Considerations and Potential Litigation

Competitive video gaming is rapidly gaining mainstream attention. Major U.S. television networks have commenced broadcasting such competitions. The term esports has been assigned to the practice, but it remains to be seen whether lawmakers and regulators agree that the contests are indeed sports. This paper provides a comprehensive examination, analysis, and application of the tests that have previously been used to determine whether an activity is a sport. We illustrate potential streams of litigation, some of which are specific to activities classified as sport. The emergence of esports in the United States has highlighted the absence of a legal definition of sport. Be it the newest form of sport or not, esports afford a glimpse to the future of creative competition, business innovation, and the related legal, policy, and litigation implications emerging alongside this new (sporting or otherwise competitive) activity.
Time and Temperature Dependence of the Ultimate Properties of an SBR Rubber at Constant Elongations

The ultimate properties of amorphous rubbers at temperatures above Tg are considered in terms of stress‐strain curves to rupture measured at different strain rates and temperatures. The consideration indicates that a specimen held at a fixed elongation should break eventually, provided the elongation exceeds a critical value. This expected behavior was found by studying an SBR rubber. For samples maintained at different elongations for up to seven days, both the time to break and the stress at break were measured at eight temperatures from 1.7° to 60°C. For comparison, the ultimate properties were also measured at different strain rates and temperatures. The comparison indicates that for a given ultimate elongation and stress at break, the time to break under conditions of constant elongation is less than under conditions of constant strain rate.
Knowing factors or factor loadings, or neither? Evaluating estimators of large covariance matrices with noisy and asynchronous data

Abstract We investigate estimators of factor-model-based large covariance (and precision) matrices using high-frequency data, which are asynchronous and potentially contaminated by the market microstructure noise. Our estimation strategies rely on the pre-averaging method with refresh time to solve the microstructure problems, while using three different specifications of factor models with a variety of thresholding methods, respectively, to battle the curse of dimensionality. To estimate a factor model, we either adopt the time-series regression (TSR) to recover loadings if factors are known, or use the cross-sectional regression (CSR) to recover factors from known loadings, or use the principal component analysis (PCA) if neither factors nor their loadings are assumed known. We compare the convergence rates in these scenarios using the joint in-fill and increasing dimensionality asymptotics. To evaluate the empirical trade-off between robustness to model misspecification and statistical efficiency among all 30 combinations of estimation strategies, we run a horse race on the out-of-sample portfolio allocation with Dow Jones 30, S&P 100, and S&P 500 index constituents, respectively, and find the pre-averaging-based strategy using TSR or PCA with location thresholding dominates, especially over the subsampling-based alternatives.
The Representation of Numbers by States in Quantum Mechanics

The representation of numbers by tensor product states of composite quantum systems is examined. Consideration is limitedto k — ary representations of length L and arithmetic mod K L An abstract representation on an L fold tensor product Hilbert space H arith of number states and operators for the basic arithmetic operation is described. Unitary maps onto a physical parameter based tensor product space H phy are defined and the relations between these two spaces and the dependence of algorithm dynamics on the unitary maps is discussed. The important condition of efficient implementation by physically realizable Hamiltonians of the basic arithmetic operations is also discussed.