Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Contamination Cannot Explain The Lack Of Large-Scale Power In The Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation, Emory F. Bunn, Austin Bourdon

Physics Faculty Publications

Several anomalies appear to be present in the large-angle cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropy maps of the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe. One of these is a lack of large-scale power. Because the data otherwise match standard models extremely well, it is natural to consider perturbations of the standard model as possible explanations. We show that, as long as the source of the perturbation is statistically independent of the source of the primary CMB anisotropy, no such model can explain this large-scale power deficit. On the contrary, any such perturbation always reduces the probability of obtaining any given low value of …

Investigation Into The B(E2) Anomaly In 144Nd Using Coulomb Excitation, C. R. Fitzpatrick, V. Werner, R. F. Casten, E. Williams, H. Ai, C. W. Beausang, R. Cakirli, G. Gurdal, A. Heinz, E. A. Mccutchan, D. A. Meyer, E. Novitski, J. Qian, R. Winkler

Physics Faculty Publications

The ratio of B(E2) strengths between the lowest lying members of the ground state band in ¹⁴⁴Nd, B_4/2 = B(E2; 4⁺₁ → 2⁺₁)/B(E2; 2⁺₁ → 0⁺₁), which is used to quantify collectivity in nonmagic nuclei, has been remeasured by means of Coulomb excitation. Ambiguities in literature values for this ratio have been resolved. The results are discussed in terms of the interplay of collective and single-particle degrees of freedom, and in the context of the formation of collective structures in the A = 140 mass region, and more …

An Extended Multireference Study Of The Electronic States Of Para-Benzyne, Carol A. Parish, Evan B. Wang, Hans Lischka

Chemistry Faculty Publications

A state-averaged, multireference complete active space (CAS) approach was used for the determination of the vertical excitation energies of valence and Rydberg states of para-benzyne. Orbitals were generated with a 10- and 32-state averaged multiconfigurational self-consistent field approach. Electron correlation was included using multireference configuration interaction with singles and doubles, including the Pople correction for size extensivity, multireference averaged quadratic coupled cluster (MR-AQCC) and MR-AQCC based on linear response theory. There is a very high density of electronic states in this diradical system—there are more than 17 states within 7 eV of the ground state including two 3s …

Enhanced Mixing Of Intrinsic States In Deformed Hf Nuclei, E. A. Mccutchan, R. F. Casten, V. Werner, E. Williams, R. Winkler, A. Wolf, Z. Berant, G. Gurdal, J. Qian, H. Ai, L. Amon, C. W. Beausang, D. S. Brenner, R. Cakirli, R. J. Casperson, C. R. Fitzpatrick, D Franks, A. B. Garnsworthy, A. Heinz, R. Luttke, A. F. Mertz, Y. Oktem, N. Pietralla, P. H. Regan, B. Shoraka, J. R. Terry, N. J. Thompson

Physics Faculty Publications

Excited low-spin, nonyrast states in ^170,172,174Hf were populated in β + /∈decay and studied through off-beam γ-ray spectroscopy. New coincidence data allowed for a substantial revision of the level schemes of Hf^170,172 and a confirmation of the level scheme of ¹⁷⁴Hf. The Hf isotopes represent a unique situation in which a crossing of collective intrinsic excitations occurs, enhancing significantly the effects of mixing. Using branching ratios from excited 2⁺ states, this mixing is followed and studied. The resulting mixing matrix elements are found to be ∼30 keV—an …

One-Pot Enol Silane Formation-Mukaiyama Aldol-Type Addition To Dimethyl Acetals Mediated By Tmsotf, C. Wade Downey, Miles W. Johnson, Kathryn J. Tracy

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Various ketones, esters, amides, and thioesters add in high yield to dimethyl acetals in the presence of silyl trifluoromethanesulfonates and an amine base. Acetals derived from aryl, unsaturated, and aliphatic aldehydes are all effective substrates. The reaction proceeds in a single reaction flask, with no purification of the intermediate enol silane necessary.

Measurement Of Conversion Coefficients In Normal And Triaxial Strongly Deformed Bands In 167Lu, G. Gurdal, C. W. Beausang, D. S. Brenner, H. Ai, R. F. Casten, B. Crider, A. Heinz, E. Williams, D. J. Hartley, M. P. Carpenter, A. A. Hecht, R.V. F. Janssens, T.` Lauritsen, C. J. Lister, R. Raabe, D. Seweryniak, S. Zhu, J. X. Saladin

Physics Faculty Publications

Internal conversion coefficients have been measured for transitions in both normal deformed and triaxial strongly deformed bands in ¹⁶⁷Lu using the Gammasphere and ICE Ball spectrometers. The results for all in-band transitions are consistent with E2 multipolarity. Upper limits are determined for the internal conversion coefficients for linking transitions between TSD Band 2 and TSD Band 1, the n_w = 1 and n_w = 0 wobbling bands, respectively.

Monolayer-Protected Nanoparticle Film Assemblies As Platforms For Controlling Interfacial And Adsorption Properties In Protein Monolayer Electrochemistry, Andrew F. Loftus, Katelyn P. Reighard, Susanna A. Kapourales, Michael C. Leopold

Chemistry Faculty Publications

Assembled films of nonaqueous nanoparticles, known as monolayer-protected clusters (MPCs), are investigated as adsorption platforms in protein monolayer electrochemistry (PME), a strategy for studying the electron transfer (ET) of redox proteins. Modified electrodes featuring MPC films assembled with various linking methods, including both electrostatic and covalent mechanisms, are employed to immobilize cytochrome c (cyt c) for electrochemical analysis. The background signal (non-Faradaic current) of these systems is directly related to the structure and composition of the MPC films, including nanoparticle core size, protecting ligand properties, as well as the linking mechanism utilized during assembly. Dithiol-linked films of Au225(C6)75 are …

Truncated Toeplitz Operators On Finite Dimensional Spaces, William T. Ross, Joseph A. Cima, Warren R. Wogen

Department of Math & Statistics Faculty Publications

In this paper, we study the matrix representations of compressions of Toeplitz operators to the finite dimensional model spaces H²ƟBH², where B is a finite Blaschke product. In particular, we determine necessary and sufficient conditions - in terms of the matrix representation - of when a linear transformation on H²ƟBH² is the compression of a Toeplitz operator. This result complements a related result of Sarason [6].

Indestructible Blaschke Products, William T. Ross

Department of Math & Statistics Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Algorithm-Independent Optimal Input Fluxes For Boundary Identification In Thermal Imaging, Kurt Bryan, Lester Caudill

Department of Math & Statistics Faculty Publications

An inverse boundary determination problem for a parabolic model, arising in thermal imaging, is considered. The focus is on intelligently choosing an effective input heat flux, so as to maximize the practical effectiveness of an inversion algorithm. Three different methods, based on different interpretations of the term “effective", are presented and analyzed, then demonstrated through numerical examples. It is noteworthy that each of these flux-selection methods is independent of the particular inversion algorithm to be used.

The Bar-Natan Skein Module Of The Solid Torus And The Homology Of (N,N) Springer Varieties, Heather M. Russell

Department of Math & Statistics Faculty Publications

This paper establishes an isomorphism between the Bar-Natan skein module of the solid torus with a particular boundary curve system and the homology of the (n, n) Springer variety. The results build on Khovanov's work with crossingless matchings and the cohomology of the (n, n) Springer variety. We also give a formula for comultiplication in the Bar-Natan skein module for this specific three-manifold and boundary curve system.

G-Perfect Nonlinear Functions, James A. Davis, Laurent Poinsot

Department of Math & Statistics Faculty Publications

Perfect nonlinear functions are used to construct DES-like cryptosystems that are resistant to differential attacks. We present generalized DES-like cryptosystems where the XOR operation is replaced by a general group action. The new cryptosystems, when combined with G-perfect nonlinear functions (similar to classical perfect nonlinear functions with one XOR replaced by a general group action), allow us to construct systems resistant to modified differential attacks. The more general setting enables robust cryptosystems with parameters that would not be possible in the classical setting. We construct several examples of G-perfect nonlinear functions, both Z₂ -valued and Z^{a …}

Length Bias In The Measurements Of Carbon Nanotubes, Paul H. Kvam

Department of Math & Statistics Faculty Publications

To measure carbon nanotube lengths, atomic force microscopy and special software are used to identify and measure nanotubes on a square grid. Current practice does not include nanotubes that cross the grid, and, as a result, the sample is length-biased. The selection bias model can be demonstrated through Buffon’s needle problem, extended to general curves that more realistically represent the shape of nanotubes observed on a grid. In this article, the nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator is constructed for the length distribution of the nanotubes, and the consequences of the length bias are examined. Probability plots reveal that the corrected length …

Load Sharing Models, Paul H. Kvam, Jye-Chyi Lu

Department of Math & Statistics Faculty Publications

Consider a system of components whose lifetimes are governed by a probability distribution. Load sharing refers to a model of stochastic interdependency between components that operate within a system. If components are set up in a parallel system (see Parallel, Series, and Series–Parallel Systems) for example, the system survives as long as at least one component is operating. In a typical load-sharing system, once a component fails, the remaining components suffer an increase in failure rate due to the extra “load” they must encumber due to the failed component.

Degradation Models, Suk Joo Bae, Paul H. Kvam

Department of Math & Statistics Faculty Publications

Reliability testing typically generates product lifetime data, but for some tests, covariate information about the wear and tear on the product during the life test can provide additional insight into the product’s lifetime distribution. This usage, or degradation, can be the physical parameters of the product (e.g., corrosion thickness on a metal plate) or merely indicated through product performance (e.g., the luminosity of a light emitting diode). The measurements made across the product’s lifetime are degradation data, and degradation analysis is the statistical tool for providing inference about the lifetime distribution from the degradation data.

Bringing In The Green: Pharma Stands To Win Hearts, Minds, And Tax Credits By Launching An Eco Bandwagon, Porcher L. Taylor Iii, David E. Kitchen

School of Professional and Continuing Studies Faculty Publications

A green mind-set can lead to a black bottom line. Becoming nvironmentally friendly can help boost brand image and ROi -- and pharma can get there with a few easy steps.

First, with about 90,000 sales representatives on the road, the industry could lead a revolution in transportation if it bought hybrid cars. By replacing the current fleet, the benefits would be substantial. Each hybrid is cheaper to maintain, more fuel-efficient, and leaves a far smaller greenhouse-gas footprint on the environment. Imagine extrapolating these benefits to thousands of ca rs: That's an environmentally friendly signature that shows leadership in the …

Pentadienyl Complexes Of Alkali Metals: Structure And Bonding, Erick Cerpa, Francisco J. Tenorio, Maryel Contreras, Manuel Villanueva, Hiram I. Beltran, Thomas Heine, Kelling J. Donald, Gabriel Merino

Chemistry Faculty Publications

A systematic density functional study of the structure and bonding in the alkali-metal pentadienyl complexes C₅H₇E (E = Li-Cs) and their analogues derived from the 2,4-dimethylpentadienyl ligand is performed. The bonding in these structures has been analyzed in some detail with reference to molecular orbital analysis, and energy partition analysis, obtained by density functional calculations. An energy decomposition analysis indicates that the electrostatic interaction is the main factor to be considered in the stabilization of the gas-phase complexes we have studied. The stability of the U-shaped minimum energy structure decreases (the potential energy surface becomes more …

Guyana, Mary Finley-Brook

Geography and the Environment Faculty Publications

Guyana's low-elevation coast hosts the majority of its population. It is predicted to become one of the world's top 10 most impacted nations from sea level rise in terms of the percentage of the population and extent of urban area implicated. Ranging from a low estimate of 16 percent to a high estimate of 103 percent, Guyana is expected to have one of the greatest losses in gross domestic product in the Caribbean as a result of climate change. One of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere, Guyana remains reliant on foreign assistance to mitigate potential consequences. Researchers have …

Nicaragua, Mary Finley-Brook

Geography and the Environment Faculty Publications

Nicaragua is bounded on all sides by water: to the east and west lie oceans, and most of the northern and southern borders are large rivers. Although the country has experienced growth in export processing and tourism, Nicaragua remains reliant on agriculture and fishing. The country experiences seasonal climate shifts, with pronounced wet and dry seasons. There is a tendency for flooding in the east and drought in the west. Knowledge about climate change mitigation is poorly developed within the country, in spite of vulnerability to natural disasters due to poverty, low investment in infrastructure, and poor interagency coordination. International …

Vermont, Mary Finley-Brook

Geography and the Environment Faculty Publications

Known as the Green Mountain State, Vermont underwent widespread reforestation following farm abandonment in the mid-1800s. In addition to the existence of several land trusts, the Green Mountain Club has protected more than 55 mi. (88 km.) along a hikers' Long Trail. There is a strong state environmental movement, with local groups and chapters of national organizations. Vermont hosts one of the nation's leading environmental law and policy programs at the Vermont Law School. The state government has invested in energy efficiency and joined regional efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Climate change and global warming concern Vermonters because …

Sir Francis Galton, Sandra J. Peart, David M. Levy

Jepson School of Leadership Studies articles, book chapters and other publications

Cousin to Charles Darwin and a talented statistician, Sir Francis Galton had an influence on social science that was profound. His major contributions to mathematical statistics included the initial development of quantiles and linear regression techniques. Along with F. Y. Edgeworth and Karl Pearson, he developed general techniques of multiple regression and correlation analysis, statistical devices that serve as substitutes for experiments in social science. Galton had a major impact on economics, and with W. R. Greg, was instrumental in creating the “science” of eugenics.

Venezuela, Mary Finley-Brook

Geography and the Environment Faculty Publications

Venezuela is a major oil-producing state and a founding member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). Its leaders resist global efforts to accelerate cuts in carbon dioxide emissions, and the country's low-cost oil supply to Latin America and the Caribbean countries may stall regional transition to alternative energy sources. Venezuela has been criticized for encouraging energy inefficiency with oil subsidies, but new state environmental programs promote conservation.

Resources For The Future, Mary Finley-Brook

Geography and the Environment Faculty Publications

Resources for the Future (RFF) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with headquarters in Washington, D.C. Founded in 1952 under the Truman Administration, RFF initially had a domestic focus, but has since shifted to include international affairs. With a variety of outlets for data dissemination, RFF provides intellectual leadership in environmental economics. Research methods are ·based in the social sciences and quantitative economic analysis, including cost-benefit trade-offs, valuations, and risk assessments. RFF. scholars compile core knowledge on a range of environmental topics, with the goal of contributing to scholarship, teaching, debate, and decision making. One major division of research is energy, …