Stein approximation for functionals of independent random sequences

We derive Stein approximation bounds for functionals of uniform random variables, using chaos expansions and the Clark-Ocone representation formula combined with derivation and finite difference operators. This approach covers sums and functionals of both continuous and discrete independent random variables. For random variables admitting a continuous density, it recovers classical distance bounds based on absolute third moments, with better and explicit constants. We also apply this method to multiple stochastic integrals that can be used to represent U-statistics, and include linear and quadratic functionals as particular cases

Periodically rippled graphene: growth and spatially resolved electronic structure

We studied the growth of an epitaxial graphene monolayer on Ru(0001). The graphene monolayer covers uniformly the Ru substrate over lateral distances larger than several microns reproducing the structural defects of the Ru substrate. The graphene is rippled with a periodicity dictated by the difference in lattice parameter between C and Ru. The theoretical model predict inhomogeneities in the electronic structure. This is confirmed by measurements in real space by means of scanning tunnelling spectroscopy. We observe electron pockets at the higher parts of the ripples.Comment: 5 page

Small x resummation in collinear factorisation

The summation of the small x-corrections to hard-scattering QCD amplitudes by collinear factorisation method is reconsidered and the K-factor is derived in leading ln x approximation with a result differing from the corresponding expression by Catani and Hautmann (Nucl. Phys. B 427, 475, 1994). The significance of the difference is demonstrated in the examples of structure function F_L and of exclusive vector meson electroproduction. The formulation covers the channels of non-vanishing conformal spin n paving the way for new applications.Comment: 34 pages, 6 figure

Optimal contracts in continuous-time models

We present a unified approach to solving contracting problems with full information in models driven by Brownian motion. We apply the stochastic maximum principle to give necessary and sufficient conditions for contracts that implement the so-called first-best solution. The optimal contract is proportional to the difference between the underlying process controlled by the agent and a stochastic, state-contingent benchmark. Our methodology covers a number of frameworks considered in the existing literature. The main finance applications of this theory are optimal compensation of company executives and of portfolio managers

Did the Maastricht treaty matter for macroeconomic performance?

We explore the impact of the Maastricht treaty on fiscal and macroeconomic outcomes in the EU with the difference-in-difference methodology. Our dataset covers 23 OECD countries over the 1975-2006 period. EU 15 countries are classified as the treatment and eight non-EU OECD countries as the control group. The results indicate that the provisions in the Maastricht treaty have been either irrelevant or even harmful for fiscal and macroeconomic developments in the EU. Evidence for a detrimental impact of the Maastricht criteria is particularly strong for the period after the start of the third stage of EMUBalanced budget rules; Economic and Monetary Union (EMU); Maastricht treaty

Could difference in plant roots between covers contribute to differences in cover function?

In May 2015, the Army notified Regulatory Agencies that the amount of water collected by Lys 001 and Lys 002 on the Shell Disposal Trench RCRA-equivalent cover exceeded the compliance standard of 1.3 mm/yr (Navarro report, 17 Sep 2015). The purpose of the project reported here is to Investigate root development as possible contribution to this excessive percolation