Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Topological channel routing [VLSI]

A VLSI two-layer channel router designed to find solutions which minimize both wiring area and number of vias simultaneously is presented. The method, called topological channel routing, analyzes the topological relationship of wires before the wires are mapped onto the channel. A unique layout design rule called an interleaving mesh is used. The interleaving mesh prohibits long wires on one layer from overlapping with wires on the other layer, and thus has smaller crosstalk of signals because of smaller capacitive couplings between those wires on different layers. Experimental results show that the algorithm generates very good solutions. For example, a height of 41 for Deutsch's Difficult Example without any parallel overlaps of wires has been obtained and simultaneously, with a via count of 186, which is one of the best results ever reported in the literature. >
Approximate constraint satisfaction over a constraint hierarchy: a preliminary study

Given a problem represented as a set of constraints, the goal of constraint satisfaction is to find solutions that satisfy the constraints. A necessary requirement for constraint satisfaction is the discrimination of some potential solutions from others by investigating how well they satisfy constraints. Often, a practical constraint satisfaction problem involves a situation in which one potential solution is evaluated to be better than another if the former satisfies constraints significantly better than the latter does. Approximate constraint satisfaction aims at the selection of solutions or the seriation of potential solutions for such a problem in the presence of the notion of significant difference or "indifference interval". The underlying idea of approximate constraint satisfaction can be roughly stated that: (1) constraints under consideration are ordered by their importance in the selection of solutions; and (2) when potential solutions' satisfactions of a constraint are not significantly different, subsequent constraints are used to discriminate the potential solutions. Based on this idea, we propose two methods of approximate constraint satisfaction and discuss their properties.
Sufficient Condition for the Existence of the Compact Set in the RBF Neural Network Control

In this brief, sufficient conditions are proposed for the existence of the compact sets in the neural network controls. First, we point out that the existence of the compact set in a classical neural network control scheme is unsolved and its result is incomplete. Next, as a simple case, we derive the sufficient condition of the existence of the compact set for the neural network control of first-order systems. Finally, we propose the sufficient condition of the existence of the compact set for the neural-network-based backstepping control of high-order nonlinear systems. The theoretic result is illustrated through a simulation example.
Compact image representation from multiscale edges

The edges of an image can be detected at different scales from the local maxima of its wavelet transform. an algorithm is described that reconstructs images from their edges at dyadic scales. The wavelet maxima representation is a novel reorganization of the image information that makes it possible to develop algorithms uniquely based on edges for solving image processing and computer vision problems. The evolution of the wavelet maxima across scales gives a precise characterization of the edge type which can be used for pattern recognition. A coding algorithm is described that selects the most important image edges in order to obtain a compact representation. <<ETX>>
Promoter‐upstream activator sequences are required for expression of the xylS gene and upper‐pathway operon on the Pseudomonas TOL plasmid

Stimulation of transcription from the Pseudomonas TOL plasmid xylS gene promoter (Ps) and the upperpathway operon promoter (Pu) is dependent on the positive regulator protein XylR activated by an effector molecule such as 3‐cholorotoluene, and on RpoN, an RNA polymerase sigma factor. Mutational analysis of the Ps and Pu promoters showed that upstream activator sequences located between ‐110 and ‐218bp upstream of the main transcription initiation point are required for regulated expression from these promoters. A search for homologous nucleotide sequences in the ‐110to ‐218bp region in Pu and Ps revealed conserved sequences that may act as putative recognition sequences for the XylR protein. Ps and Pu exhibit another well‐conserved region at around 50 bp, which is homologous to corresponding sites in other RpoN‐dependent promoters and may constitute a binding site for integration host factor (IHF).
Quantitation of multidrug resistant MDR1 transcript in acute myeloid leukaemia by non‐isotopic quantitative cDNA‐polymerase chain reaction

Summary. Drug resistance in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) may be caused by overexpression of the P glycoprotein (PGP), an efflux pump encoded by the multidrug resistance mdr1 gene. Previous studies have suggested that increased PGP expression in the leukaemic blasts is of prognostic significance, and that use of PGP antagonists may be beneficial in treatment. We describe preliminary results with a non‐isotopic quantitative MDR1 cDNA‐PCR assay, using an artificial RNA construct sharing primer recognition sites with the target MDR1 mRNA (MDR1 nucleic acids 483–504 and 624–644) as an internal control. KB 3.1 parent and KB 8.5 MDR positive cell lines expressed 0·004 and 1·96 molecules MDR1 mRNA/pg total RNA. Semiquantitative screening of 60 RNA samples from 53 AML cases detected MDR1 transcript ranging from 0 to 1·81 molecules per pg RNA. The median value at presentation (33 patients) was 0·055 and was higher in 14 patients at relapse (0·13) and in seven patients with refractory disease (0.14). Quantitation of MDR1 transcript in serial samples in seven treated patients between presentation and relapse showed the decrease in three patients (0·18–0·02x) to be as marked as the increase in three other patients (3–16x). The method described is well suited for the study of clinical samples because it is sensitive, specific, rapid and requires small amounts of clinical material.
Particle Swarm Optimization applied to planar arrays synthesis using subarrays

In this work, classical Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) based schemes have been appropriately modified by introducing a selection operator commonly used in Genetic Algorithms (GA), the tournament selection strategy, and the hybrid approaches proposed have been successfully applied to planar arrays complex synthesis, considering two different situations for the antennas: planar arrays divided or not into subarrays. Results of a preliminary study carried out to analyze the usefulness and limitations of the algorithm are included, considering as a theoretical canonical problem the synthesis of the complex weights of a square planar array consisting of microstrip patches so as to meet the far-field radiation requirements imposed by 3D-masks. Furthermore, representative synthesis results for a planar array to be considered as a 120 degrees sectored antenna for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) applications are also included.
Designing security for number sequences generated by means of the sawtooth chaotic map

In the paper, we describe how to design the security of number sequences generated by a generator, exploiting the concept of partition of the state space of the sawtooth chaotic map into disjoint subspaces. We prove that the generator can generate nonperiodic and periodic sequences with arbitrary order of elements when the map is implemented in an uncountable set, and periodic sequences with arbitrary order of elements when the map is implemented in a countable set. The numerical security of the generated sequences is shown to be comparable when we limit our observations to finite time intervals. A method of designing the security of sequences produced by the generator was proposed. It was also demonstrated that the existence of methods for reconstructing the linear congruential generator does not imply automatic reconstruction of the generator, exploiting the concept of partition of the state space of the sawtooth map implemented in a finite-state machine.
An Integrative Model for Organization‐wide Quality Improvement: Lessons from the Field

This article describes a model of CQI that is designed to characterize the elements necessary for successfully improving quality at an organization-wide level; describe and understand the organizational dynamics in implementing an organization-wide effort; and aid in diagnosing and solving common implementation challenges. Three cases illustrate the model and how it can be used.
Growth, Pigment Synthesis, and Ultrastructural Responses of Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Blue Lake to Intermittent and Flashing Light.

Growing bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Blue Lake) on cycles of 1 minute light-1 minute dark or 5 minutes light-5 minutes dark, providing an integrated 12 hours light-12 hours dark per day for each set of plants, led to production after 21 days of new leaves low or lacking in chloroplast pigments. Subsequently, dry weight increase was sharply cut. Leaf area was affected by the light regimes after the second week of growth. By the fourth week, plants on the 1 minute light-1 minute dark cycle showed about one-half the leaf area of the controls. Shoot growth was favored over root growth to the greatest degree on the 1 minute light-1 minute dark regimes. Chlorophyll a/b ratios were close to 3.0 in all of the intermittent light regimes, but the total amounts of chlorophyll in milligrams per primary leaf were higher from day 9 to day 23 for the 12 hour light-12 hours dark controls than for other plants.Although they produced chlorophyll, the plants receiving 1 or 2 milliseconds per second of light continued to lose weight at the same rate as the dark controls; thus, it is assumed there was no net photosynthesis. Plants receiving flashing light allocated significantly more food reserves from the seed to roots than did dark controls. Total chlorophyll formation was significantly accelerated by 2 milliseconds per second light. With 1 millisecond per second light, it took 5 days longer to achieve the same level of chlorophyll. After the 18th day, there was a steady decline in chlorophyll, b degrading more rapidly than a.It is thought that several light-driven reactions are involved in the observed pigment synthesis, photosynthesis, food allocation, and growth of bean. Some of these reactions may be cyclic and others linear. Collectively, they must reach a harmonic point for normal metabolism and development to occur. Because time courses for each of these reactions are different, the intermittent and flashing light technique offers the possibility of individually studying some of the key light-driven reactions.
Ischemic stroke: etiologic work-up with multidetector CT of heart and extra- and intracranial arteries.

PURPOSE To assess the potential of a single-session multidetector computed tomography (CT) protocol, as compared with established methods, for the etiologic work-up of acute ischemic stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients found to have recently experienced an ischemic stroke were recruited for this prospective study after institutional review board approval was obtained. Each patient was scheduled for two evaluation strategies: (a) a standard approach involving transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), duplex ultrasonography (US) of the neck vessels, and magnetic resonance (MR) angiography of the neck and brain vessels; and (b) a protocol involving single-session multidetector CT of the heart, neck, and brain vessels. The authors sought to determine the major etiologic factors of stroke, including cardiac sources of embolism and atheroma of the aortic arch and the extra- and intracranial vessels, by using both strategies. RESULTS Multidetector CT, MR imaging, and duplex US were performed in 46 patients, 39 of whom also underwent TEE. The sensitivity and specificity of multidetector CT were 72% (18 of 25 cases) and 95% (20 of 21 cases), respectively, for detection of cardiac sources and 100% (24 of 24 cases) and 91% (20 of 22 cases), respectively, for detection of major arterial atheroma. For the 46 cases of stroke, the final etiologic classifications determined by using the standard combination approach were cardiac sources in 20 (44%) cases, major arterial atheroma in nine (20%), multiple sources in four (9%), and cryptogenic sources in 13 (28%). Multidetector CT facilitated correct etiologic classification for 38 (83%) of the 46 patients. CONCLUSION Multidetector CT is a promising tool for etiologic assessment of ischemic stroke, although the identification of minor cardiac sources with this examination requires the establishment of robust criteria.
Does adoption of international accounting standards promote economic growth in developing countries?

___________________________________________________________________________ Abstract This paper’s main objective is to identify certain explanatory factors likely clarify the choice of applying IAS / IFRS adopted by developing countries (DCs) up until the year 2008. Based on a sample consisting of 74 DCs, the empirical results have indicated that the DCs most likely to adopt IAS/IFRS have a high level of economic growth, along with a legal system of common law and an advanced educational level. Copyright © www.acascipub. com, all rights reserved.
Seniors and Information Technology in China

Technology, particularly information technology (IT), is changing rapidly and offers many advantages for users. IT has the potential to improve one’s quality of life, but only if used. Research has shown that, in most developed and developing nations, senior use of IT lags behind that of other segments of society. This “gray divide” is a concern for government, business, and others. Concern about senior adoption and use of IT has been the motivation for numerous studies and is the motivation for this study of Chinese seniors. This exploratory study examines urban Chinese seniors’ IT use, computers and mobile phones in particular, but also their attitudes and behaviors as they relate to the use of those devices. More specifically it examines several potential factors that motivate or hinder senior’s use of information technology, including self-efficacy, satisfaction, comfort with technology, and both positive and negative attitudes. This study provides some insight into the quantity and diversity of Chinese senior technology use in urban China. Particularly noteworthy, the study found that technology ownership was quite high, and in general the Chinese seniors studied had positive attitudes and beliefs concerning information technology. This is generally good news for the Chinese government, which must efficiently provide services for the growing population of Chinese seniors, as well as for businesses that wish to capitalize on one of the largest senior populations in the world.
Precision object manipulation with a multifingered robot hand

This paper outlines several key issues associated with precision manipulation for robot hands. Precision manipulation is defined as the control of a grasped object using fingertip contacts alone. A set of primitive manipulation functions is defined. They are generalizable in the sense that they take parameters for different object geometry, speed, and direction of motion. A single manipulation can be performed with a number of different grasp topologies. With each manipulation there are several associated computations: 1) the trajectories of the contact points can be calculated a priori from knowledge of the desired object motion; 2) a workspace analysis is performed to determine that the manipulation is within the workspaces of all of the fingers simultaneously; and 3) task partitioning is performed to specify force- and position-controlled directions of the contact points. This partitioning controls the grasping forces on the object during the grasping and manipulation phases. The paper also describes how the primitive manipulations can be combined into complex tasks. The complex example of removing a top from a childproof bottle is presented. The manipulations were implemented on a Utah/MIT dextrous robot-hand system.
Profile, needs, and expectations of information professionals: What we learned from the 2003 ASIST membership survey

A survey of American Society for Information Science and Technology members was administered via the Web in May 2003. The survey gathered demographic data about members and their preferences and expectations in regard to conferences and other ASIST products and services. With about a 32% return rate, findings were compared with an earlier survey conducted in 1979, which provides a glimpse of how the Society has changed and what needs to be done to ensure a healthy future development. The gender split has remained the same but members are about 5 years older on average than they were in 1979. A significant shift has occurred in members' institutional affiliations, from the largest group being in the industrial sector to the largest group being in educational institutions. Members on average reported slightly higher incomes (after adjusting for inflation) in 2003 than in 1979. Since 1979, a larger percentage of members have earned a doctoral degree. The most common field of study is library and information science. About half of the respondents reported that ASIST is their primary professional society. Their primary reason for maintaining ASIST membership is “learning about new developments/issues in the field. ” The most common responses to the question about what factors would make ASIST conferences more appealing related to lowering costs. Other responses related to attitudes about the ASIST Bulletin and the value of other proposed products and services are summarized and reported. Detailed analyses of relationships among different variables made possible a deeper understanding of members' needs and expectations, which provides directions for design of programs and services.
Cloning and characterization of a novel RNA involved in cellular growth regulation

During the course of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (oligo) inhibition experiments investigating the role of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in the WI-38 cell cycle, we found that a sense-strand oligo (S oligo), used as a control, inhibited DNA synthesis 90 to 95%. S1 nuclease protection assays demonstrated that this S oligo formed intracellular duplexes with WI-38 RNA, and Northern (RNA) hybridization analyses demonstrated specific hybridization of this 32P-labeled S oligo to 1.8-, 2.3-, and 3.2-kb RNAs. We have cloned and sequenced a 2,251-bp cDNA, designated BB1, corresponding to the 2.3-kb RNA. Decoding of the BB1 cDNA sequence reveals several open reading frames arranged in a motif similar to that seen in proteins subject to translational control mechanisms. Homology searches of nucleic acid and protein data bases reveal no significant homology of BB1 with known sequences other than a 234-bp region in the BB1 5' untranslated region that shared 97% homology with a region in the 3' untranslated region of the human cdc42 mRNA. S1 nuclease protection analyses performed with IGF-I gene fragments and computer homology searches demonstrated that the BB1 RNA does not derive from transcription from the opposite strand of the IGF-I gene. Northern hybridization analyses of RNA extracted from serum-starved HeLa S3 cells demonstrated that steady-state BB1 RNA levels increased upon serum growth stimulation, with steady-state levels peaking 4 h after release from the block induced by serum starvation. Antisense oligo inhibition experiments using specific BB1 antisense oligos targeted to the putative open reading frames of the BB1 RNA reduce DNA synthesis of HeLa S3 cells to 15% of control levels, indicating that the BB1 RNA is essential for cell cycle traversal and, as such, encodes a growth-reguLating gene product.
Star-derived transforms in lossless text compression

This paper presents a study of transforms method used in lossless text compression in order to preprocess the text by exploiting the inner redundancy of the source file. The transform methods are derived from the Star (*) Transform. LIPT, ILPT, NIT, and LIT applied to text files emphasize their positive effects on a set of test files picked up from the classical corpora of both English and Romanian texts. Experimental results and comparisons with universal lossless compressors were performed, and set of interesting conclusions and recommendations are driven on their basis.
A Solution to the Hidden-Line Problem for Computer-Drawn Polyhedra

The "hidden-line problem" for computer-drawn polyhedra is the problem of determining which edges, or parts of edges, of a polyhedra are visible from a given vantage point. This is an important problem in computer graphics, and its fast solution is especially critical for on-line CRT display applications. The method presented here for solving this problem is believed to be faster than previously known methods. An edge classification scheme is described that eliminates at once most of the totally invisible edges. The remaining, potentially visible edges are then tested in paths, which eventually cover the whole polyhedra. These paths are synthesized in such a way as to minimize the number of calculations. Both the case of a cluster of polyhedra and the illumination problem in which a polyhedron is illuminated from a point source of light are treated as applications of the general algorithm. Several illustrative examples are included.
What predicts mortality in Parkinson disease?

Objective: To identify independent risk factors of mortality in a community-based Parkinson disease (PD) cohort during prospective long-term follow-up. Methods: A community-based prevalent sample of 230 patients with PD from southwestern Norway was followed prospectively with repetitive assessments of motor and nonmotor symptoms from 1993 to 2005. Information on vital status until October 20, 2009, was obtained from the National Population Register in Norway. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to identify independent predictors of mortality during follow-up. Chronological age, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) motor score, levodopa equivalent dose, probable REM sleep behavior disorder, psychotic symptoms, dementia, and use of antipsychotics were included as time-dependent variables, and age at onset (AAO) and sex as time-independent variables. Results: Of 230 patients, 211 (92%) died during the study period. Median survival time from motor onset was 15.8 years (range 2.2–36.6). Independent predictors of mortality during follow-up were AAO (hazard ratio [HR] 1.40 for 10-years increase, p = 0.029), chronological age (HR 1.51 for 10-years increase, p = 0.043), male sex (HR 1.63, p = 0.001), UPDRS motor score (HR 1.18 for 10-point increase, p < 0.001), psychotic symptoms (HR 1.45, p = 0.039), and dementia (HR 1.89, p = 0.001). Conclusions: This population-based long-term study demonstrates that in addition to AAO, chronological age, motor severity, and dementia, psychotic symptoms independently predict increased mortality in PD. In contrast, no significant impact of antipsychotic or antiparkinsonian drugs on survival was observed in our PD cohort. Early prevention of motor progression and development of psychosis and dementia may be the most promising strategies to increase life expectancy in PD.