cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Strategic Advantage of Negatively Interdependent Preferences

Abstract We study certain classes of supermodular and submodular games which are symmetric with respect to material payoffs but in which not all players seek to maximize their material payoffs. Specifically, a subset of players have negatively interdependent preferences and care not only about their own material payoffs but also about their payoffs relative to others. We identify sufficient conditions under which members of the latter group have a strategic advantage in the following sense: at all intragroup symmetric equilibria of the game, they earn strictly higher material payoffs than do players who seek to maximize their material payoffs. The conditions are satisfied by a number of games of economic importance. We discuss the implications of these findings for the evolutionary theory of preference formation and the theory of strategic delegation. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C72, D62.
It's not what you know, but who you know: a social approach to last-resort authentication

Backup authentication mechanisms help users who have forgotten their passwords regain access to their accounts-or at least try. Today's systems fall short in meeting both security and reliability requirements. We designed, built, and tested a new backup authentication system that employs a social-authentication mechanism. The system employs trustees previously appointed by the account holder to verify the account holder's identity. We ran three experiments to determine whether the system could (1) reliably authenticate account holders, (2) resist email attacks that target trustees by impersonating account holders, and (3) resist phone-based attacks from individuals close to account holders. Results were encouraging: seventeen of the nineteen participants who made the effort to call trustees authenticated successfully. However, we also found that users must be reminded of who their trustees are. While email-based attacks were largely unsuccessful, stronger countermeasures will be required to counter highly-personalized phone-based attacks.
Regioselective one pot synthesis of 2‐alkyl/aryl‐4h‐benzo[1,4] thiazine‐3‐one via microwave irradiation

A series of 2-alkyl/aryl-4H-benzo[1,4]thiazine-3-ones have been synthesized by microwave irradiation of ethyl-2-bromo-2-alkyl/aryl acetate and 2-amino thiophenol in the presence of 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0] undec-7-ene and N-methylpiperidine. All compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR and elemental analyses, and by X-ray crystallography in the case of 2-methyl-4H-benzo[1,4]thiazin-3-one.
Data discretization unification

Data discretization is defined as a process of converting continuous data attribute values into a finite set of intervals with minimal loss of information. In this paper, we prove that discretization methods based on informational theoretical complexity and the methods based on statistical measures of data dependency are asymptotically equivalent. Furthermore, we define a notion of generalized entropy and prove that discretization methods based on Minimal description length principle, Gini index, AIC, BIC, and Pearson’s X 2 and G 2 statistics are all derivable from the generalized entropy function. We design a dynamic programming algorithm that guarantees the best discretization based on the generalized entropy notion. Furthermore, we conducted an extensive performance evaluation of our method for several publicly available data sets. Our results show that our method delivers on the average 31% less classification errors than many previously known discretization methods.
Exumolides A and B: Antimicroalgal cyclic depsipeptides produced by a marine fungus of the genus Scytalidium

Abstract Two new cyclic hexadepsipeptides, exumolides A ( 1 ) and B ( 2 ) were produced by a marine fungus, identified as a Scytalidium sp., collected in the Bahamas. Two dimensional NMR methods, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS-MS), were used to establish the structures of the new compounds. The exumolides exhibit antimicroalgal activity against the unicellular chlorophyte Dunaliella sp. at 20 μg ml −1 in liquid media cell growth assays.
EXES: a progress report on the development of a high-resolution mid-infrared grating spectrograph for SOFIA

ABSTRACT We are developing a high spectral resolution grating spectrograph as a PT instrument for the Stratospheric Observa-tory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA). The Echelon-Cross-Echelle Spectrograph (EXES) will operate at 5.5-28.5 pm in three spectroscopic modes: R iO, 2 x i04, and 4000. We use an echelon, a coarsely ruled, steeply blazeddiffraction grating to achieve high resolution. Cross-dispersion is done with an echelle used at relatively low order.The detector is a 256 x 256 pixel Si:As IBC array. A very similar instrument, the Texas Echelon-Cross-EchelleSpectrograph (TEXES), has had a successful telescope run at the McDonald Observatory. We give here a progressreport on the design of EXES and the status of TEXES.Keywords: Infrared, Spectrograph, SOFIA 1. INTRODUCTION Molecules provide the best tracers of the changes in density, temperature, bulk velocity, and chemical state asdiffuse clouds become stars with disks and planets. Our current picture of star formation has benefited greatly
Induced Chern-Simons terms at high temperature

Abstract The CP non-conserving part of the gauge field effective action of a left-right assymetric gauge field theory with a non-zero fermion density is computed. To the leading order in the high temperature expansion the result is proportional to the Chern-Simons term for the gauge fields but with an imaginary coefficient. The physical interpretation of this is also discussed.
Bank Risk and Real Estate: An Asset Pricing Perspective

While a number of papers have investigated the time-series behavior ofex post bank stock returns and real estate returns, no study has comprehensively studied the relationship betweenex ante risk premiums on both assetsand the time-varying nature of such premiums in relationship to economic and real estate market conditions. In this study, we investigate how the changing nature of bank risk taking, especially in the real estate market, has affected theex ante pricing of risk in the market for bank stocks. We find that the time variation in bank risk premiums are partly determined by interest rate and real estate market conditions. We also discover that the real estate factor has been important for banks in the 1980s.
Buckling of particle-laden interfaces.

In this paper, we investigate the buckling of an oil–water interface populated by micron-sized latex particles using a Langmuir trough. In this work, we extend results of buckling of particle-laden interfaces from the millimeter down to the submicron range while investigating the effect of a different capillary length on the resulting wavelength. The experimental data is compared to the existing theoretical framework. An unexpected deviation from the prediction of theory of the dominant wavelength of buckling is observed for particles smaller than one micron. Those observations suggest that there is a transition to a new buckling regime involving the formation of trilayers below one micron. For the first time in particle rafts, cascading of the dominant wavelength similar to that observed in thin polymer films is reported. In addition a series of transitions between wavelengths not observed in thin films is observed within the same particle raft. Lastly, the effect of compression history on the macroscopic arrangement of particles is investigated, along with its effect on the buckling wavelength.
Optical guiding in planar-wiggler-based free-electron lasers

Abstract Optical guiding in a free-electron laser is studied. Previous analyses have typically concentrated on planar wiggler configurations using a wiggler-averaged orbit analysis. However, the interaction arises from the beating of the wiggler and radiation fields which produces both upper- and lower-beat waves. The upper-beat wave results in a slowly varying ponderomotive wave while the lower-beat wave introduces an oscillation at half the wiggler period which vanishes in the wiggler-average approximation. Indeed, the lower-beat wave cancels out entirely for a helical wiggler whether or not a wiggler average is performed. In contrast, the lower-beat wave is present in planar configurations and causes the power and phase of the wave to oscillate at half the wiggler period. We have speculated that this effect may result in an oscillation in the guiding of the signal. The three-dimensional, multimode waveguide code WIGGLIN has been adapted to treat the short-wavelength regime. The effect of the lower-beat wave upon the optical guiding can be studied in this way since no wiggler-average approximation is made in WIGGLIN. The analysis assumes the injection of a Gaussian mode for a master oscillator into the wiggler in synchronism with the electron beam. The Gaussian mode is assumed to be focussed down to the minimum spot size upon entry to the wiggler, and is then decomposed into the modes of a rectangular waveguide, which satisfy the boundary conditions. Results indicate that the optical guiding of the resultant signal is indeed oscillatory at one-half of the wiggler period. In addition, side lobes about the principal radiation signal are observed to grow which may adversely affect the bulk guiding of the wave. Implications of these results upon future FEL designs are discussed.
Eta invariants of Dirac operators on circle bundles over riemann surfaces and virtual dimensions of finite energy Seiberg-Witten moduli spaces

Using an adiabatic collapse trick we determine, by two different methods, the eta invariants of many Dirac type operators on circle bundles over Riemann surfaces. These results, coupled with a delicate spectral flow computation, are then used to determine the virtual dimensions of moduli spaces of finite energy Seiberg-Witten monopoles on 4-manifolds bounding such circle bundles.
Efficient Selective Frame Discard Algorithms for Stored Video Delivery Across Resource Constrained Networks

Video delivery from a server to a client across a network is an important component of many multimedia applications. While delivering a video stream across a resource constrained network, loss of frames may be unavoidable. Under such circumstances, it is desirable to find a server transmission schedule that can efficiently utilize the network resources while maximizing the perceived quality-of-service (QoS) at the client. To address this issue, in this paper we introduce the notion ofselective frame discard at the server and formulate the optimal selective frame discard problem using a QoS-based cost function. Given network bandwidth and client buffer constraints, we develop an O (N log N) algorithm to find the minimum number of frames that must be discarded in order to meet these constraints. The correctness of the algorithm is also formally established. We present a dynamic programming based algorithm for solving the problem of optimal selective frame discard. Since the computational complexity of the optimal algorithm is prohibitively high in general, we also develop several efficient heuristic algorithms for selective frame discard. These algorithms are evaluated using JPEG and MPEG video traces.
Implicit DC-DC downconversion through charge-recycling

This paper describes an energy-efficient means to achieve on-chip dc-dc conversion for digital CMOS circuits. The approach uses balanced voltage islands running at fractions of the off-chip supply voltage. Charge "discarded" by one domain is "recycled" to supply energy for another. When the domains are ideally balanced, all the energy dissipated by electrons in "dropping" to lower potentials is used for active computation. We describe the design and measurement of a prototype system in a 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS process that provides active on-chip voltage regulation and controlled dc-dc conversion with this technique.
Imaging with the tunneling and force microscopes

Two instruments for viewing small structures are reviewed. The theory, construction, and microfabrication of the scanning tunneling microscope and the atomic force microscope are discussed. Some results are included. >
Life, the Universe, and Nothing: Life and Death in an Ever-expanding Universe

Current evidence suggests that the cosmological constant is not zero, or that we live in an open universe. We examine the implications for the future under these assumptions, and find that they are striking. If the universe is cosmological constant-dominated, our ability to probe the evolution of large-scale structure will decrease with time; presently observable distant sources will disappear on a timescale comparable to the period of stellar burning. Moreover, while the universe might expand forever, the integrated conscious lifetime of any civilization will be finite, although it can be astronomically long. We argue that this latter result is far more general. In the absence of possible exotic and uncertain strong gravitational effects, the total information recoverable by any civilization over the entire history of our universe is finite. Assuming that consciousness has a physical computational basis, and therefore is ultimately governed by quantum mechanics, life cannot be eternal.
Recirculating accelerator driver for a high-power free-electron laser: a design overview

Jefferson Lab is building a free-electron laser (FEL) to produce continuous-wave (cw), kW-level light at 3-6 /spl mu/m wavelength. A superconducting linac will drive the laser, generating a 5 mA average current, 42 MeV energy electron beam. A transport lattice will recirculate the beam back to the linac for deceleration and conversion of about 75% of its power into rf power. Bunch charge will range up to 135 pC, and bunch lengths will range down to 1 ps in parts of the transport lattice. Accordingly, the space charge in the injector and coherent synchrotron radiation in magnetic bends come into play. The machine will thus enable studying these phenomena as a precursor to designing compact accelerators of high-brightness beams. The FEL is scheduled to be installed in its own facility by 1 October 1997. Given the short schedule, the machine design is conservative, based on modifications of the CEBAF cryomodule and MIT-Bates transport lattice. This paper surveys the machine design.
Where Politics and Evaluation Research Meet

TRACES are what evaluators left behind—discoveries, records, tracks—which made marks on the profession of program evaluation. Published here are excerpts from our past (e.g., articles, passages fro...
Transient two-dimensional spectroscopy with linear absorption corrections applied to temperature-jump two-dimensional infrared

Multidimensional spectroscopies provide increased spectral information but time resolution is often limited by the picosecond lifetimes of the transitions they probe. At the expense of additional complexity, transient multidimensional techniques extend the accessible timescales for studying nonequilibrium chemical and biophysical phenomena. Transient temperature-jump (T-jump) experiments are particularly versatile, since they can be applied to any temperature-dependent change of state. We have developed a method to correct transient nonlinear techniques for distortions resulting from transient linear absorption of the probing pulses, distortions which can lead to false interpretations of the data. We apply these corrections in the collection of T-jump transient two-dimensional infrared spectra for the peptides diglycine and the β-hairpin peptide trpzip2. For diglycine, the T-jump induces changes in H-bonding, a response which is inherent to all aqueous systems. The trpzip2 results probe the hairpin unfolding kinetics and reveal two time scales: <10 ns increased flexibility and 1.1 μsβ-hairpin disordering.
Total Synthesis of (+/-)-Gelsemine.

Acomplexmolecularreorganization (1→2), a sequential anionic aza-Cope rearrangement and Mannich cyclization, and an unprecedented intramolecular Heck reaction of the tetrasubstituted double bond of a vinylogous carbamate are key steps in a new total synthesis of (±)-gelsemine (3). MOM=methoxymethyl, DBU=1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene.
PARALLEL APPROXIMATE MATCHING

Determining the parallel complexity of maximum cardinality matching in bipartite graphs is one of the most famous open problems in parallel algorithm design. The problem is known to be in RNC, but all known fast (polylogarithmic running time) parallel algorithms that find maximum cardinality matchings require the use of random numbers. Moreover, they are based on matrix algebra, so they are inherently inefficient for sparse graphs. Therefore, we are interested in the problem of finding an approximate maximum cardinality matching. The parallel matching algorithm of Goldberg, Plotkin and Vaidya (FOCS 1988) can be modified so that it runs in O(a2log3n) time on an EREW PRAM with n + m processors and finds a matching of size (1 - 1/a)p when given a graph with n vertices, m edges, and a maximum cardinality matching of size p. The resulting algorithm is deterministic.
A robust estimator of the small-scale galaxy correlation function

We present a new estimator, {omega}, of the small-scale galaxy correlation function that is robust against the effects of redshift-space distortions and large-scale structures. The estimator is a weighted integral of the redshift space or angular correlation function and is a convolution of the real-space correlation function with a localized filter. This allows a direct comparison with theory, without modeling redshift-space distortions and the large-scale correlation function. This has a number of advantages over the more traditional w{sub p} estimator, including (1) an insensitivity to large-scale structures and the details of the truncation of the line-of-sight integral, (2) a well-localized kernel in {zeta}(r) and (3) being unbinned. We discuss how this estimator would be used in practice, applying it to a sample of mock galaxies selected from the Millennium simulation.
Cosmological constraints on general, single field inflation

Inflation is now an accepted paradigm in standard cosmology, with its predictions consistent with observations of the cosmic microwave background. It lacks, however, a firm physical theory, with many possible theoretical origins beyond the simplest, canonical, slow-roll inflation, including Dirac-Born-Infeld inflation and k-inflation. We discuss how a hierarchy of Hubble flow parameters, extended to include the evolution of the inflationary sound speed, can be applied to compare a general, single field inflationary action with cosmological observational data. We show that it is important to calculate the precise scalar and tensor primordial power spectra by integrating the full flow and perturbation equations, since values of observables can deviate appreciably from those obtained using typical second-order Taylor expanded approximations in flow parameters. As part of this, we find that a commonly applied approximation for the tensor-to-scalar ratio, $r\ensuremath{\approx}16{c}_{s}ϵ$, becomes poor (deviating by as much as 50%) as ${c}_{s}$ deviates from 1 and hence the Taylor expansion including next-to-leading order contribution terms involving ${c}_{s}$ is required. By integrating the full flow equations, we use a Monte-Carlo-Markov-Chain approach to impose constraints on the parameter space of general single field inflation, and reconstruct the properties of such an underlying theory in light of recent cosmic microwave background and large-scale structure observations.
An improved approach to the synthesis of adenosine-5′-N-ethyluronamides of interest as adenosine receptor agonists

Abstract Adenosine-5′-N-ethyluronamides which are modified at the 6-amino group are of considerable interest as adenosine receptor agonists. This report describes a new and efficient approach to the synthesis of this class of biologically active compounds.
Real-time 3-D pose estimation using a high-speed range sensor

This paper describes a system which can perform full 3-D pose estimation of a single arbitrarily shaped, rigid object at rates up to 10 Hz. A triangular mesh model of the object to be tracked is generated offline using conventional range sensors. Real-time range data of the object is sensed by the CMU high speed VLSI range sensor. Pose estimation is performed by registering the real-time range data to the triangular mesh model using an enhanced implementation of the Iterative Closest Point (ICP) Algorithm introduced by Besl and McKay (1992). The method does not require explicit feature extraction or specification of correspondence. Pose estimation accuracies of the order of 1% of the object size in translation, and 1 degree in rotation have been measured. >
Room Temperature Ballistic Conduction in Carbon Nanotubes

Multiwalled carbon nanotubes are shown to be ballistic conductors at room temperature, with mean free paths of the order of tens of microns. The measurements are performed both in air and in high vacuum in the transmission electron microscope on nanotubes that protrude from unprocessed arc-produced nanotubecontaining fibers that contact with a liquid metal surface. These experiments follow and extend the original experiments by Frank et al. (Science 1998, 280 1744), which demonstrated for the first time the large current carrying capability, very low intrinsic resistivities, and evidence for quantized conductance. This indicated 1D transport, that only the surface layer contributes to the transport, and ballistic conduction at room temperature. Here, we follow up on the original experiment including in-situ electron microscopy experiments and a detailed analysis of the length dependence of the resistance. The per unit length resistance F 65 Im, unambiguously demonstrates ballistic conduction at room temperature up to macroscopic distances. The nanotube-metal contact resistances are in the range from 0.1 to 1 k?Im. Contact scattering can explain why the measured conductances are about half of the expected theoretical value of 2 G0. For V > 0.1 V, the conductance rises linearly (dG/dV0.3 G0/V) reflecting the linear increase in the density-of-states in a metallic nanotube above the energy gap. Increased resistances ( F) 2-10 k?/ Im) and anomalous I-V dependences result from impurities and surfactants on the tubes. Evidence is presented that ballistic transport occurs in undoped and undamaged tubes for which the top layer is metallic and the next layer is semiconducting. The diffusive properties of lithographically contacted multiwalled nanotubes most likely result from purification and other processing steps that damage and dope the nanotubes, thereby making them structurally and electronically different than the pristine nanotubes investigated here.
Can subsidies for MARs be procompetitive

In contrast to recent literature, we show that market access requirements (MARs) can be implemented in a procompetitive manner even in the absence of threats in related markets. By focusing on subsidies that are paid only when the requirement is met, we show that a MAR can increase aggregate output relative to free trade provided that the right set of firms is targeted. In the context of a model with multiple Japanese and U.S. firms, we show that a MAR on U.S. imports is procompetitive as long as the U.S. firms are the ones targeted to receive the subsidy. JEL Classification: F13 Est-ce que les subventions pour promouvoir la penetration du marcheetranger peuvent promouvoir la concurrence? Contrairement a ce qui ressort de la litterature specialisee recente, les auteurs montrent que l'on peut mettre en place des mesures pour promouvoir la penetration du marcheetranger de telle maniere que cela promeuve la concurrence, et ce meme en l'absence de menaces dans des marches relies. En mettant l'accent sur les subventions payees quand les objectifs de penetration sont remplis, on montre que de telles pratiques peuvent accroire le niveau de production par rapport a ce qu'il serait dans un monde de libre-echange pourvu que le bon ensemble de firmes soit cible. Dans un modele ou coexistent plusieurs firmes americaines et japonaises, on montre que de tels efforts quand ils portent sur les importations en provenance des Etats-Unis promeuvent la concurrence tant que ce sont les firmes americaines qui recoivent la subvention.
Addressable Microlens Array to Improve Dynamic Range of Shack–Hartmann Sensors

In this paper, we have demonstrated an addressable array (5-by-5) of high-quality microlenses suitable for application in a Shack-Hartmann (SH) sensor in a microoptical system. Specific lenses in the array can be addressed using a new selection scheme (that we have designed, built, and tested) in which the mechanical resonant frequencies of individual lens-support carriages are varied. Thus, by changing the frequency of the drive voltage, we require only two electrical connections per row in the lens system to identify the selected lens by its resonating focal image. We show that using this lens-identification method will allow us to improve the dynamic range of SH sensors by a factor of 12-46 above values reported for conventional SH designs
Expectation confirmation in information systems research: a test of six competing models

Expectation confirmation research in general, and in information systems (IS) in particular, has produced conflicting results. In this paper, we discuss six different models of expectation confirmation: assimilation, contrast, generalized negativity, assimilation-contrast, experiences only, and expectations only. Relying on key constructs from the technology acceptance model (TAM), we test each of these six models that suggests different roles for expectations and experiences of the key predictor--here, perceived usefulness--and their impacts on key outcomes--here, behavioral intention, use, and satisfaction. Data were collected in a field study from 1,113 participants at two points in time. Using polynomial modeling and response surface analysis, we provide the analytical representations for each of the six models and empirically test them to demonstrate that the assimilation-contrast is the best existing model in terms of its ability to explain the relationships between expectations and experiences of perceived usefulness and important dependent variables--namely, behavioral intention, use, and satisfaction--in individual-level research on IS implementations.
Is Risk Aversion Really Correlated with Wealth? How Estimated Probabilities Introduce Spurious Correlation

Economists frequently focus on correlations between wealth and risk preferences but rarely observe the probabilities needed to test this relationship empirically. These unobserved probabilities are typically estimated via profit or production functions conditioned on wealth correlates, which may leave statistical fingerprints on subsequently-estimated risk aversion coefficients and confound correlations between wealth and risk preferences. Using data from an experiment with observable probabilities, we compare risk aversion coefficients based on true probabilities with those based on probabilities estimated using standard approaches and show how estimated probabilities can change risk aversion coefficients substantially and introduce spurious correlation between risk aversion and wealth.
On the scattering power of radiotherapy protons.

Purpose: First, to show that accurate formulas for scattering power T must take into account the competition between the Gaussian core and the single scattering tail of the angular distribution, which affects the rate of change in the Gaussian width and leads to the single scattering correction (SSC). Second, to show that the SSC requires that T(x) be nonlocal: Besides material properties and energy at the point of interest, it must depend in some fashion on how much multiple scattering has already taken place. Third, after reviewing five previous formulas (three local and two nonlocal), to derive an improved ''differential Moliere'' formula T{sub dM}. Last, to investigate, by studying some practical cases, when an accurate formula for T is actually needed. Methods: We first take the numerical derivative of the Moliere/Fano/Hanson in order to find the true SSC. We simplify the formula for T{sub IC} (ICRU Report 35) for protons, introducing a new material dependent property, the ''scattering length''X{sub S}, analogous to radiation length X{sub 0}. We then use T{sub IC} as a basis for T{sub dM} by including a nonlocal correction factor f{sub dM} which, by virtue of the Oeveraas approximation, parametrizes the single scattering correction. Results:more » The improved scattering power is T{sub dM}{identical_to}f{sub dM}(pv,p{sub 1}v{sub 1})x(E{sub s}/pv){sup 2}1/X{sub S} where f{sub dM}{identical_to}0.5244+0.1975 lg(1-(pv/p{sub 1}v{sub 1}){sup 2})+0.2320 lg(pv)-0.0098 lg(pv)lg(1-(pv/p{sub 1}v{sub 1}){sup 2}), p{sub 1}v{sub 1} (MeV) is the initial product of proton momentum and speed, pv is the same at the point of interest, and E{sub s}=15.0 MeV. T{sub dM} is easily computed and generalizes readily to mixed slabs because f{sub dM} is not material dependent. Conclusions: Whether an accurate formula for T is required depends very much on the problem at hand. For beam spreading in water, five of the six formulas for T give almost identical results, suggesting that patient dose calculations are insensitive to T. That is not true, however, of beam spreading in Pb. At the opposite extreme, the projected rms beam width at the end of a Pb/Lexan/air stack, analogous to the upstream modulator in a passive beam spreading system, is sensitive to T. In this case a simple experiment would discriminate between all but two of the six formulas discussed. Scattering power applies as much to Monte Carlo as to deterministic transport calculations. Using T in any of its forms will avoid step size dependence. Using the best available T could be important in general purpose Monte Carlo codes, which are expected to give the correct answer to many different problems.« less
A time domain approach to robust fault detection of linear time-varying systems

This paper gives the optimal solutions to several robust fault detection problems such as @?"-/@?"~, @?"2/@?"~ and @?"~/@?"~ problems for linear time-varying systems in a time domain, which extends the previous results on linear time-invariant systems in a frequency domain. It is shown that all three problems have the same optimal detection filter and the filter is a simple observer obtained by solving a standard differential Riccati equation. Finally, an example is given to illustrate our results.
CMieux: adaptive strategies for competitive supply chain trading

Existing supply chain management practices consist primarily of static interactions between established partners. Global competition, shorter product life cycles and the emergence of Internet-mediated business solutions create an incentive for exploring more dynamic supply chain practices. The Supply Chain Trading Agent Competition (TAC SCM) was designed to explore approaches to dynamic supply chain trading. TAC SCM pits against one another trading agents developed by teams from around the world. This paper presents Carnegie Mellon University's 2005 TAC SCM entry, the CMieux supply chain trading agent. CMieux implements a novel approach to coordinating supply chain bidding, procurement and planning, with an emphasis on the ability to rapidly adapt to changing market conditions. We present empirical results based on 200 games involving agents entered by 25 different teams during what can be seen as the most competitive phase of the 2005 tournament. Not only did CMieux perform among the top five agents, it significantly outperformed these agents in procurement while matching their bidding performance.
Horn Image Guide Leaky-Wave Antenna

A novel approach for designing a frequency-scanning millimeter-wave antenna is described. The antenna is constructed by using an image wide leaky-wave antenna embedded in a long trough with metal flares along both sides. The optimum flare angle for achieving maximum gain is theoretically predicted. The design of the leaky-wave antenna, which is comprised of metallic-strip perturbations on top of a dielectric guide, is also discussed.
Coarse Network Coding: A Simple Relay Strategy to Resolve Interference

Reminiscent of the parity function in network coding for the butterfly network, it is shown that forwarding the sign of a linear combination of two source signals recovers 1 bit of information at the two destinations in a noiseless interference channel where interference is treated as noise. Based on this observation, a coding strategy is proposed to improve the rate of both users at the same time using a relay node in a noisy interference channel. In this strategy, the relay observes a linear combination of signals sent by the two sources, and broadcasts a common message to the two destinations over a shared digital link of a constant rate $R_0$ bits per channel use. The relay message consists of the bin index of a structured binning scheme obtained from a $2^{R_0}$-way partition of the squared lattice in the complex plane. The source nodes encode their message using bit-interleaved coded-modulation (BICM), and the destination nodes decode the corresponding source codeword according to log-likelihood ratios enhanced by the extra bits received from the relay. This coding strategy is a practical implementation of the extended hash-and-forward scheme, and is shown to improve the achievable rates of each user by as much as $R_0$ bits, asymptotically at high signal to noise ratios (SNR).
Cell-cycle-specific transcription termination within the human histone H3.3 gene is correlated with specific protein-DNA interactions.

In vitro studies using highly purified calf thymus RNA polymerase II and a fragment spanning the first intron of H3.3 as template DNA have demonstrated the existence of a strong transcription termination site consisting of thymidine stretches. In this study, nuclear run-on experiments have been performed to assess the extent to which transcription elongation is blocked in vivo using DNA probes corresponding to regions 5′ and 3′ of the in vitro termination sites. These studies suggest that H3.3 expression is stimulated following the inhibition of DNA synthesis through the elimination of the transcription elongation block. Interestingly, both the in vivo and in vitro experiments have revealed that the transcriptional block/termination sites are positioned immediately downstream of a 73 bp region that has been over 90% conserved between the chicken and human H3.3 genes. The extreme conservation of this intronic region suggests a possible role in maintaining cis-acting function. Electrophoretic mobility shift experiments show that HeLa cell nuclear extracts contain protein factors that bind specifically to the region of transcription elongation block. Furthermore, we demonstrate a correlation between the protein binding activity and the transcriptional block in cells that have been either arrested at the initiation of S phase or were replication-interrupted by hydroxyurea. DNA footprinting experiments indicate that the region of protein binding is at the 3′ end of the conserved region and overlaps with one of the three in-vitro-mapped termination sites.
Executions, Deterrence, and Homicide: A Tale of Two Cities

We compare homicide rates in two quite similar cities with vastly different execution risks. Singapore had an execution rate close to one per million per year until an explosive 20-fold increase in 1994–1995 and 1996 to a level that we show was probably the highest in the world. Then, over the next 11 years, Singapore executions dropped by about 95 percent. Hong Kong, by contrast, had no executions at all during the last generation and abolished capital punishment in 1993. Homicide levels and trends are remarkably similar in these two cities over the 35 years after 1973, with neither the surge in Singapore executions nor the more recent steep drop producing any differential impact. By comparing two closely matched places with huge contrasts in actual execution but no differences in homicide trends, we have generated a unique test of the exuberant claims of deterrence that have been produced over the past decade in the United States.
Rotor Airloads Prediction Using Loose Aerodynamic/Structural Coupling

A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code and rotorcraft computational structural dynamics (CSD) code are coupled to calculate helicopter rotor airloads across a range of flight conditions. An iterative loose (weak) coupling methodology is used to couple the CFD and CSD codes on a per revolution, periodic basis. The CFD code uses a high fidelity, Navier‐Stokes, overset grid methodology with first principles-based wake capturing. Modifications are made to the CFD code for the aeroelastic analysis. For a UH-60A Blackhawk helicopter, three challenging level flight conditions are computed: 1) high speed, μ = 0.37, with advancing blade negative lift, 2) low speed, μ = 0.15, with blade‐vortex interaction, and 3) high thrust with dynamic stall, μ = 0.24. Results are compared with UH-60A Airloads Program flight test data. For all cases the loose coupling methodology is shown to be stable, convergent, and robust with full coupling of normal force, pitching moment, and chord force. In comparison with flight test data, normal force and pitching moment phase and magnitude are in good agreement. The shapes of the airloads curves are well captured. Overall, the results are a noteworthy improvement over lifting line aerodynamics used in rotorcraft comprehensive codes.
Self-Organized Criticality, Evolution and the Fossil Extinction Record

Statistical analysis indicates that the fossil extinction record is compatible with a distribution of extinction events whose frequency is related to their size by a power law with exponent т ≈ 2. This result is in agreement with predictions based on self-organized critical models of extinction, and might well be taken as evidence of critical behaviour in terrestrial evolution. We argue however that there is a much simpler explanation for the appearance of a power law in terms of extinctions caused by stresses (either biotic or abiotic) to which species are subjected by their environment. We give an explicit model of this process and discuss its properties and implications for the interpretation of the fossil record.
Calculation of Unsteady Wake/Rotor Interaction

This paper presents a numerical analysis of wake/rotor interaction using a time-marching solution of the unsteady, nonlinear Euler equations. The incoming wakes are specified through the unsteady inflow boundary conditions. The lagged periodic boundary condition that arises due to unequal rotor/stator pitches is handled by a new technique that inclines the computational plane in time. Comparison of results for a flat-plate cascade with results using a linear analytic theory demonstrates the method's capability to accurately predict unsteady forces, moments, and radiated sound. Results are also presented for a low-speed turbine.
The Pan American Health Organization and the Mainstreaming of Human Rights in Regional Health Governance

In the absence of centralized human rights leadership in an increasingly fragmented global health policy landscape, regional health offices have stepped forward to advance the rights-based approach to health. Reviewing the efforts of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), this article explores the evolution of human rights in PAHO policy, assesses efforts to mainstream human rights in the Pan American Sanitary Bureau (PASB), and analyzes the future of the rights-based approach through regional health governance, providing lessons for other regional health offices and global health institutions. This article explores PAHO's 15-year effort to mainstream human rights through PASB technical units, national capacity-building, the Inter-American human rights system, and the PAHO Directing Council. Through documentary analysis of PAHO policies and semi-structured interviews with key PASB stakeholders, the authors analyze the understandings and actions of policymakers and technical officers in implementing human rights through PAHO governance. Analyzing the themes arising from this narrative, the authors examine the structural role of secretariat leadership, state support, legal expertise, and technical unit commitment in facilitating a rights-based approach to the health in the Americas. Human rights are increasingly framing PAHO efforts, and this analysis of the structures underlying PAHO's approach provides an understanding of the institutional determinants of the rights-based approach to health, highlighting generalizable themes for the mainstreaming of human rights through regional health governance. With this regional-level understanding of health governance, future national-level research can begin to understand the causal forces linking regional human rights work with national policy reforms and public health outcomes.
Scheduling Precedence Constrained Parallel Tasks on Multiprocessors Using the Harmonic System Partitioning Scheme

We present an algorithm for scheduling precedence constrained parallel tasks on multiprocessors with noncontiguous processor allocation. The algorithm is called LLH(subscript m) (Level-by-level and List scheduling using the Harmonic system partitioning scheme), where m≥1 is a positive integer, which is a parameter for the harmonic system partitioning scheme. Three basic techniques are employed in algorithm LLH(subscript m). First, a task graph is divided into levels, and tasks are scheduled level by level to follow the precedence constraints. Second, tasks in the same level are scheduled using algorithm H(subscript m) developed in [16] for scheduling independent parallel tasks. The list scheduling method is used to implement algorithm H(subscript m). Third, the harmonic system partitioning scheme is used for processor allocation. It is shown here that for wide task graphs and some common task size distributions, as the size of a computation and m increase, and as the task sizes become smaller, the average-case performance ratio of algorithm LLH(subscript m) approaches one.
The topology of the universe: the biggest manifold of them all

Clues as to the geometry of the universe are encoded in the cosmic background radiation. Hot and cold spots in the primordial radiation may be randomly distributed in an infinite universe while in a universe with compact topology distinctive patterns can be generated. With improved vision, we could actually see whether the universe is wrapped into a hexagonal prism or a hyperbolic horn. We discuss the search for such geometric patterns in predictive maps of the microwave sky.
Septic pulmonary embolism.

Seven patients with septic pulmonary embolism (SPE) are presented. Four, two of whom were heroin addicts, had staphylococcal tricuspid endocarditis. Three had suppurative pelvic thrombophlebitis. Dominant clinical findings were shaking chilis, high fever, and marked sinus tachycardia. Chest roentgenograms demonstrated significant parenchymal disease in each case and provided the first clue to the true nature of the illness in four. Lung scans and pulmonary arteriograms were done in two patients. The scan in both cases showed decreased radioactivity over regions of lung containing large parenchymal infiltrates, while the arteriogram was normal in one and revealed occlusion of numerous segmental arteries in the other. Four patients died. Of the survivors, one recovered after use of antimicrobial agents alone, while two required surgical intervention. When the source of infection remains obscure and signs of SPE persist despite seemingly adequate antibiotic therapy, management is difficult. If, in that circumstance, the patient is a man or a heroin addict of either sex, we recommend increasing the dose or changing the type of antibiotic(s). By contrast, if the patient is a woman and not a heroin addict, we favor ligation of the inferior vena cava and both ovarian veins.
A Novel Method to Determine The Mechanical Properties of Ultra-Thin Films.

Recent experimental results based on x-ray reflectivity[1, 2], and ellipsometry[3] have demonstrated that physical properties of polymer films thinner than one micron may deviate significantly from bulk values[4]. The mechanical properties of the ultra-thin films (sub-micron) are experimentally difficult to determine with precision. The quartz crystal microbalance is an established technique for measuring properties of polymer thin films of a few microns thick. [5–7] Recently this quartz crystal microbalance technique has been modified for measuring the mechanical properties of sub-micron polymer films with high precision. The details and preliminary results from this recently modified quartz crystal microbalance technique will be presented.
Protection of high voltage power and programming pins

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection of an integrated circuit's (IC's) high voltage power pins is achieved without damage to thin oxides by dividing the steady-state voltage and arranging weak forward bias of the diodes of a cantilever clamp. Also, V/sub pp/ programming pins are protected by cantilever clamps of various kinds, including some which turn on when breakdown is detected and turn off after V/sub cc/ is powered up.
Junction leakage analysis using scanning capacitance microscopy

We developed a technique to study junction leakage in an advanced complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) device using scanning capacitance microscopy (SCM). Devices marginally failing for leakage testing were particularly selected. Progressive metal cuts and direct probing were performed to isolate the affected test structure. A reverse bias voltage was applied across the n-well and p-type diffusion layer. The current-voltage (I--V) curves obtained confirmed presence of a leakage path between the n-well and the p+ diffusion. The SCM data revealed that the marginal leakage current was due to higher n-well doping level of the device compared to the control unit. Furthermore, the diode-tunneling equation was simulated and the results were in good agreement with empirical data. The SCM technique can, therefore, be very useful for defect localization and physical failure analysis of samples without interconnects or electrodes to aid in root cause identification.
The effects of health insurance and self-insurance on retirement behavior

This paper provides an empirical analysis of the effects of employer-provided health insurance, Medicare, and Social Security on retirement behavior. Using data from the Health and Retirement Study, we estimate a dynamic programming model of retirement that accounts for both saving and uncertain medical expenses. Our results suggest that Medicare is important for understanding retirement behavior, and that uncertainty and saving are both important for understanding the labor supply responses to Medicare. Half the value placed by a typical worker on his employer-provided health insurance is the value of reduced medical expense risk. Raising the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 67 leads individuals to work an additional 0.074 years over ages 60–69. In comparison, eliminating 2 years worth of Social Security benefits increases years of work by 0.076 years.
Parabolic and elliptic equations with VMO coefficients

An Lp-theory of divergence and non-divergence form elliptic and parabolic equations is presented. The main coefficients are supposed to belong to the class VMOx, which, in particular, contains all functions independent of x. Weak uniqueness of the martingale problem associated with such equations is obtained.