A Frisch-Newton Algorithm for Sparse Quantile Regression

Recent experience has shown that interior-point methods using a log barrier approach are far superior to classical simplex methods for computing solutions to large parametric quantile regression problems. In many large empirical applications, the design matrix has a very sparse structure. A typical example is the classical fixed-effect model for panel data where the parametric dimension of the model can be quite large, but the number of non-zero elements is quite small. Adopting recent developments in sparse linear algebra we introduce a modified version of the Prisch-Newton algorithm for quantile regression described in Portnoy and Koenker~([28]). The new algorithm substantially reduces the storage (memory) requirements and increases computational speed. The modified algorithm also facilitates the development of nonparametric quantile regression methods. The pseudo design matrices employed in nonparametric quantile regression smoothing are inherently sparse in both the fidelity and roughness penalty components. Exploiting the sparse structure of these problems opens up a whole range of new possibilities for multivariate smoothing on large data sets via ANOVA-type decomposition and partial linear models.     

Muon-electron transitions in models of radiative lepton masses

In models where both the electron and muon acquire radiative masses, the same mechanism often allows μ-e transitions as well at a certain level. We discuss the phenomenological constraints on some recently proposed models of this type and show that they are incompatible with present experimental limits on μ→eγ, and in one case also μ→eee, without the fine tuning of parameters which these models are supposed to avoid.     

Semiconductor Emitters in Entropy Sources for Quantum Random Number Generation

Random number generation (RNG) is needed for a myriad of applications ranging from secure communication encryption to numerical simulations to sports and games. However, generating truly random numbers can be elusive. Pseudorandom bit generation using computer algorithms provides a high random bit generation rate. Nevertheless, the reliance on predefined algorithms makes it deterministic and predictable once initial conditions are known. Relying on physical phenomena (such as measuring electrical noise or even rolling dice) can achieve a less predictable sequence of bits. Furthermore, if the physical phenomena originate from quantum effects, they can be truly random and completely unpredictable due to quantum indeterminacy. Traditionally, physical RNG is significantly slower than pseudorandom techniques. To meet the demand for high-speed RNG with perfect unpredictability, semiconductor light sources are adopted as parts of the sources of randomness, i.e., entropy sources, in quantum RNG (QRNG) systems. The high speed of their noise, the high efficiency, and the small scale of these devices make them ideal for chip-scale QRNG. Here, the applications and recent advances of QRNG are reviewed using semiconductor emitters. Finally, the performance of these emitters is compared and discuss their potential in future technologies.     

香港花岗岩风化分级化学指标体系与风化壳分带

火成岩的化学风化过程实质上就是碱、碱土金属组分水解淋失与脱硅富铁铝化的地球化学过程。不同风化程度的岩石处于整个化学风化过程的不同阶段,因而具有不同的化学成分和风化度指标。笔者在对香港九龙两个地方5个钻孔共计150件不同深度、不同风化程度的样品化学全分析结果与岩土风化程度宏观判别结果的相互对比、选择和确认的基础上,建立了香港地区花岗岩风化岩土风化程度工程分级的化学指标体系。这一研究成果的提出不仅有利于提高花岗岩风化岩土工程分类的科。学性、可靠性和实用性,而且可以为风化岩土工程特性与风化作用关系研究提供理论依据。     

Strain gage evaluation with four-point bending at moderate temperatures

This paper describes the application of the traditional four-point bending technique to conduct strain gage performance tests at moderate temperatures. The tests measure the apparent strain, linearity, drift, creep and hysteresis behavior to ascertain the reliability of strain gages to be used in the testing of experimental cylindrical vessels subjected to thermal loading. The four-point bending rig was designed to take advantage of the advances in personal computer datalogging and graphical processing software. The test rig is designed to provide a thermal barrier to minimize the heat losses and thermal isolation of the test beam while maintaining structural continuity. A low wattage and lightweight electric foil heater incorporating a precise temperature controller minimizes weight and enhances temperature stability. Gage performance data on five candidate strain gages at temperatures ranging from ambient to 215°C (419°F) are presented, and the evaluation procedure is outlined. The strain gage with the most acceptable performance was identified within the validity limits from ambient to a temperature of 215°C and from zero to a maximum strain of 1000 .     

Concerted Ring Opening and Cycloaddition of Chiral Epoxy Enolsilanes with Dienes

Silyl‐triflate‐catalyzed (4+3) cycloadditions of epoxy enolsilanes with dienes provide a mild and chemoselective synthetic route to seven‐membered carbocycles. Epoxy enolsilanes containing a terminal enolsilane and a single stereocenter undergo cycloaddition with almost complete conservation of enantiomeric purity, a finding that argues against the involvement of oxyallyl cation intermediates which have been previously proposed for these types of reactions. Reported are theoretical and experimental investigations of the cycloaddition mechanism. The major enantiomers of the cycloadducts are derived from S_N2‐like reactions of the silylated epoxide with the diene, in which stereospecific ring opening and formation of the two new C? C bonds occur in a single step. Calculations predict, and experiments confirm, that the observed small losses of enantiomeric purity are traced to a triflate‐mediated double S_N2 cycloaddition pathway.     

Two Uranyl Complexes with Pyromellitic Acid. A Heterometallic Complex with U=O–CuII Interaction

Two uranyl complexes based on pyromellitic acid were hydrothermally synthesized, and their X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction structures were determined. Complex [UO₂(Hbtec)]^–(Himd)⁺ · H₂O ( 1 ) (H₄btec = pyromellitic acid, imd = imidazole), is an ionic complex, which shows a typical (4, 4) topological structure in the space. A heterometallic complex, UO₂Cu(btec)(phen) ( 2 ) (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline) results from the reaction of uranyl nitrate and copper(II) bromide with pyromellitic acid. The structure of complex 2 revealed that the chains of UO₇ and CuO₃N₂ units were connected to each other through the carboxyl groups and U=O–Cu interactions to create a two‐dimensional framework.     

Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography method for measuring the composition of aquatic humic substances

A hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) method was developed to measure the composition of humic substances from river, reservoir, and treated wastewater based on their physicochemical properties. The current method fractionates the humic substances into four well-defined groups based on parallel analyses with a neutral and a cationic HILIC column, using mobile phases of varied compositions and pH. The results indicate that: (i) the proportion of carboxylic acids in the humic substances from terrestrial origins is less than half of that from treated wastewater (Jeddah, KSA), (ii) a higher content of basic compounds was observed in the humic substances from treated wastewater and Ribou Reservoir (Cholet, France) than in the sample from Loire River (France), (iii) a higher percentage of hydrophobic macromolecules were found in the humic substances from Loire River than in the other samples, and (iv) humic substances of treated wastewater contained less ionic neutral compounds (i.e., pK_a 5–9) than the waters from terrestrial origins. The physicochemical property disparity amongst the compounds in each humic substances sample was also evaluated. The humic substances from the lightly humic Loire river displayed the highest disparity, whereas the highly humic Suwannee river (Georgia, USA) showed the most homogeneous humic substances.