Measurement of d sigma/dM and forward-backward charge asymmetry for high-mass Drell-Yan e(+)e(-) pairs from pp macro collisions at square root of s = 1.8 TeV

We report on a measurement of the mass dependence of the forward-backward charge asymmetry, A(FB), and production cross section d sigma/dM for e(+)e(-) pairs with mass M(ee)>40 GeV/c(2). The data sample consists of 108 pb(-1) of pp macro collisions at square root of s = 1.8 TeV taken by the Collider Detector at Fermilab during 1992-1995. The measured asymmetry and d sigma/dM are compared with the predictions of the standard model and a model with an extra Z' gauge boson.     

Saturation of bunch-wave interaction in an active medium

We determine the set of equations which describe the dynamics of electrons in the presence of a wave propagating in an active medium. Simulation results indicate that, even when virtually all the energy is drained from the medium, electrons remain trapped by the accelerating wave. In spite of saturation, gradients of a few GV/m may become available.     

Stably just infinite rings

We study just infinite algebras which remain so upon extension of scalars by arbitrary field extensions. Such rings are called stably just infinite. We show that just infinite rings over algebraically closed fields are stably just infinite provided that the ring is either right noetherian (4.2) or countably generated over a large field (6.4). We give examples to show that, over countable fields, a just infinite algebra which is either affine or non-noetherian need not remain just infinite under extension of scalars. We also give a concrete classification of PI stably just infinite rings (5.5) and give two characterizations of non-PI stably just infinite rings in terms of Martindale's extended center (3.4), (3.5).     

Structure, bonding and physical properties of tetragonal and orthorhombic SiS2 from (hybrid) DFT calculations

The energetics, structure and physical properties of tetragonal and orthorhombic SiS₂ were calculated by periodic density functional theory (DFT) calculations, using both localized orbital and projected augmented wave basis-sets. All methods applied agree upon the relative energies of the different polymorphs but show differences in the predicted geometries, which are minimized upon improving the basis-set quality. The hybrid PBE0 functional was found to give the best match between experimental and calculated structures. When comparing SiS₂ with its much better studied oxide analog silica, we observe that upon substituting sulphur for oxygen, the energy landscape changes dramatically. Other effects of changing S for O are found to be smaller Si-X-Si angles, a broader distribution of X-Si-X angles, a more flexible framework and a significantly reduced band gap. The latter is in line with the experimental observation of photoluminescence in related GaGeS₂ compounds and suggests that SiS₂ might find application in UV light emitting diodes. Finally, a comparison of the maximally localized Wannier functions demonstrates that the Si-S bonds in SiS₂ have a considerably more covalent character than the Si-O bonds in silica.     

Forecasting demand variation when there are stockouts

This paper addresses the common problem of forecasting demand when there are a large number of stockouts. The well-known single period stochastic inventory (or ‘newsboy’) problem provides the optimum, single period, stocking level for a product subject to stochastic demand. There are many situations where repetitive ‘newsboy’ solutions are implemented to guide stocking of repeat, but related, products, such as newspapers, magazines, or perishable groceries. Implementation of the ‘newsboy’ solution requires forecasts of the distribution of demand, although there are many plausible cost parameters that lead to optimum stocking policies where there is a high probability of a stockout. The company is, therefore, faced with the problem of attempting to forecast demand when a high percentage of the available sales data reflects the stock available for sale, rather than the true demand.A procedure has been developed¹ to improve estimates of the mean and variance of the distribution of demand when there are stockouts, but this procedure fails when the percentage of stockouts increases above 50%. A modified stockout adjustment procedure is presented in this paper, and it is shown that use of this new procedure can lead to greatly improved estimates of demand parameters, and greatly improved profitability, when there are a high percentage of stockouts.     

Phosphoryl chloride induced ring contraction of 1,4-benzodiazepinones to chloromethylquinazolines

A ring contraction of 1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one to 2-chloromethylquinazoline in phosphoryl chloride is described. The intermediacy of an aziridinoquinazoline is proposed.     

DPSIR = A Problem Structuring Method? An exploration from the “Imagine” approach

The Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact and Response or DPSIR framework has been with us for over a decade now and it is widely used as a means to assess and measure and, eventually provide a guide to managing the environment. With its repertoire of diagnostic and analytical components the DPSIR can be argued to be a Problem Structuring Method or PSM. Criticisms of the framework abound but it has a resilience which is noteworthy. Some argue that DPSIR, by its nature, is a narrowly formulated, engineering device, incompatible with the multiple perspectives which human interaction in global ecology requires. Is there a value in DPSIR being more flexible in expression and experience of users? In this article it is shown how the DPSIR framework was applied within a multi-methodology approach called Imagine in a number of coastal management projects around the Mediterranean and in other contexts. The article argues that DPSIR, whilst admittedly limited in its scope and approach can, if applied in a participatory and systemic multi-methodology, combine with other tools and help to create outcomes of value to local populations.     

Short selling and replaning as tools to enhance revenues

Short selling and replaning have emerged from different sources as tools to enhance revenues. This paper presents these tools in the context of revenue management, and highlights their similarities and differences. Conditions under which the use of short selling and replanning enhance revenues are derived, and the impact of these tools on overbooking limits is investigated.     

Recognition of nonsense syllables by hearing-impaired listeners and by noise-masked normal hearers

In the present study, speech-recognition performance was measured in four hearing-impaired subjects and twelve normal hearers. The normal hearers were divided into four groups of three subjects each. Speech-recognition testing for the normal hearers was accomplished in a background of spectrally shaped noise in which the noise was shaped to produce masked thresholds identical to the quiet thresholds of one of the hearing-impaired subjects. The question addressed in this study is whether normal hearers with a hearing loss simulated through a shaped masking noise demonstrate speech-recognition difficulties similar to those of listeners with actual hearing impairment. Regarding overall percent-correct scores, the results indicated that two of the four hearing-impaired subjects performed better than their corresponding subgroup of noise-masked normal hearers, whereas the other two impaired listeners performed like the noise-masked normal listeners. A gross analysis of the types of errors made suggested that subjects with actual and simulated losses frequently made different types of errors.