cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards Environment-to-Environment (E2E) multimedia communication systems

We present an approach to connect multiple remote environments over web for natural interaction among people and objects. Focus of current communication and telepresence systems severely restrict user affordances in terms of movement, interaction, peripheral vision, spatio-semantic integrity and even information flow. These systems allow information transfer rather than experiential interaction. We propose Environment-to-Environment (E2E) as a new paradigm for communication which allows users to interact in natural manner using text, audio, and video by connecting environments. Each Environment is instrumented using as many different types of sensors as may be required to detect presence and activity of objects. This object position and activity information is used by a scalable event-based multimodal information system called EventServer to share the appropriate experiential information with other environments as well as to present incoming multimedia information on right displays and speakers. This paper describes the design principles for E2E communication, discusses system architecture, and gives our experience in implementing prototypes of such systems in telemedicine and office collaboration applications. We also discuss the research challenges and a road-map for creating more sophisticated E2E applications in near future.
TI DISTRIBUTION IN GRAIN-SIZE FRACTIONS OF APOLLO SOILS 10084 AND 71501.

Abstract Much work has been devoted to the correlation between the remotely sensed UV–VIS slope and the TiO2 concentration of the lunar surface, and this correlation has been used to map the lunar surface TiO2 distributions using data obtained from various missions. However, additional work is needed to fully evaluate the UV–VIS–TiO2 correlation. Such work would help ongoing efforts to improve TiO2 mapping (e.g., as currently underway with LROC Wide Angle Camera (WAC) data). To evaluate the UV–VIS–TiO2 correlation, we are investigating soil petrographic factors (e.g., modal abundances of Ti bearing minerals, lithic, and glass hosts, ilmenite morphology, grain size, and maturity) that may influence the spectra. This “ground truth” approach will be useful in comparing between sample information and laboratory spectra to investigate the influence of petrographic factors on the spectra. In this work, we report the quantitative results of a systematic laboratory investigation of three size fractions (210–100 μm, 100–48 μm, 48–20 μm) of two high Ti lunar soils 10084 and 71501 using a combined digital imaging (backscattered electron image and X-ray maps) method. For each size fraction, the results include: (1) the modal abundances for single phase minerals and lithologic components; (2) the Ti distributions among Ti host components; and (3) the shape of ilmenite grains. We compile and compare the data together for the three size fractions of the two high Ti soils with different maturities as well as data from previous studies. Future work will include the investigation of finer size fractions (
Hydrodynamic studies of the nova outburst

Hydrostatic studies have shown that a thermonuclear runaway will occur in the hydrogen-rich material accumulated on the surface of a degenerate star. Results of earlier studies are used to obtain models for calculations which show that the resulting thermonuclear runaway produces a nova outburst; the characteristics of this outburst depending on the carbon-oxygen abundance in the envelope. (GHT)
High-performance reading machines

The architecture of a reading machine designed to achieve a high rate of correct interpretation of text as well as high speed in performing the interpretation is described. The refinement of the architecture for a specialized reading machine, to find and interpret addresses on a stream of postal letters, is also described. The addresses can be either machine-printed or handwritten. The primary subtasks correspond to finding the block of text corresponding to the destination address, recognizing characters and words within the address, and interpreting the text using postal directories. The need for multiple algorithms and multiple scales for recognition (holistic and analytic) and for methods for combining results of multiple algorithms, the efficacy of artificial neural nets and fuzzy matching, and the feasibility of reading unconstrained handwritten words when there exist accompanying numeric fields that limit word choices are shown. >
Vaginal birth after caesarean for women with three or more prior caesareans: assessing safety and success

Please cite this paper as: Cahill A, Tuuli M, Odibo A, Stamilio D, Macones G. Vaginal birth after caesarean for women with three or more prior caesareans: assessing safety and success. BJOG 2010;117:422–427. Objective To estimate the rate of success and risk of maternal morbidities in women with three or more prior caesareans who attempt vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC). Design Retrospective cohort design. Setting Multicentre, from 1996 to 2000, including 17 tertiary and community delivery centres in north-eastern USA. Population A total of 25 005 women who had had at least one prior caesarean delivery. Methods Women who attempted VBAC with three or more prior caesareans were compared with those who attempted after one and two prior caesareans. Univariable and stratified analyses were used to select factors for multivariable analyses for maternal morbidity. Maternal characteristics were compared using a Student’s t test, Mann–Whitney U test, chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test, as appropriate. Main outcome measures The primary outcome was composite maternal morbidity, defined as at least one of the following: uterine rupture, bladder or bowel injury, or uterine artery laceration. Secondary outcomes were VBAC success, blood transfusion and fever. Results Of 25 005 women, 860 had three or more prior caesarean deliveries: 89 attempted VBAC and 771 elected for repeat caesarean. Of the 89 who attempted VBAC, there were no cases of composite maternal morbidity. They were also as likely to have a successful VBAC as women with one prior caesarean (79.8% versus 75.5%, adjusted OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.81–2.41, P = 0.22). Conclusion Women with three or more prior caesareans who attempt VBAC have similar rates of success and risk for maternal morbidity as those with one prior caesarean, and as those delivered by elective repeat caesarean.
Label‐Free Quantitative Imaging of Cholesterol in Intact Tissues by Hyperspectral Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscopy

Current molecular analysis of cells and tissues routinely relies on separation, enrichment, and subsequent measurements by various assays. Here we demonstrate a platform of hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering microscopy for fast, quantitative and label-free imaging of biomolecules in intact tissues using spectroscopic fingerprints as the contrast mechanism.
Demand-Based Pricing Versus Past-Price Dependence: A Cost–Benefit Analysis

The authors develop a conceptual framework of the factors that motivate a retailer’s decision to rely on demand conditions and past prices in setting current and future prices. Specifically, they examine the circumstances under which retailers choose demand-based pricing versus past-price dependence for different brands and categories. Given scarce resources and costs of price adjustments, demand-based pricing is more likely when the customerdriven and firm-driven costs of adjusting pricing patterns are low or when the benefits of such adjustments are high. First, the customer-driven benefits of demand-based pricing are expected to be greater in categories with higher penetration and for brands with higher market share and higher demand sensitivity to price. Second, the firm-driven benefits are greater for categories with higher private-label share. Finally, the customer-driven costs are greater for expensive categories, whereas the firm-driven costs are greater for categories with many stockkeeping units. The empirical findings support the conceptual framework, implying that customer-driven and firm-driven benefits are the main stimulants in the retailer’s choice of demand-based pricing. In contrast, customer-driven and firm-driven costs significantly hinder retailer implementation of demand-based pricing. These insights enable retailers to identify problem areas and opportunities to improve the allocation of scarce pricing resources. The results also contribute to the ongoing debate in economics and marketing on the rationality of observed past-price dependence. Whereas previous research points to the negative impact on gross margins of this practice, the authors find that retailers weigh the costs and benefits of demand-based pricing rather than adhere to past-pricing patterns.
Iterative ranking from pair-wise comparisons

The question of aggregating pairwise comparisons to obtain a global ranking over a collection of objects has been of interest for a very long time: be it ranking of online gamers (e.g. MSR's TrueSkill system) and chess players, aggregating social opinions, or deciding which product to sell based on transactions. In most settings, in addition to obtaining ranking, finding 'scores' for each object (e.g. player's rating) is of interest to understanding the intensity of the preferences. In this paper, we propose a novel iterative rank aggregation algorithm for discovering scores for objects from pairwise comparisons. The algorithm has a natural random walk interpretation over the graph of objects with edges present between two objects if they are compared; the scores turn out to be the stationary probability of this random walk. The algorithm is model independent. To establish the efficacy of our method, however, we consider the popular Bradley-Terry-Luce (BTL) model in which each object has an associated score which determines the probabilistic outcomes of pairwise comparisons between objects. We bound the finite sample error rates between the scores assumed by the BTL model and those estimated by our algorithm. This, in essence, leads to order-optimal dependence on the number of samples required to learn the scores well by our algorithm. Indeed, the experimental evaluation shows that our (model independent) algorithm performs as well as the Maximum Likelihood Estimator of the BTL model and outperforms a recently proposed algorithm by Ammar and Shah [1].
Combining Beamforming and Space-Time Coding Using Noisy Quantized Feedback

The goal of combining beamforming and spacetime coding is to obtain full-diversity order and to provide additional received power (array gain) compared to conventional space-time codes. In this work, a class of code constellations is proposed, called generalized partly orthogonal designs (PODs) and both high-rate and low-rate feedback information is incorporated with possible feedback errors. A binary symmetric channel (BSC) model characterizes feedback errors. Two cases are studied: first, when the BSC bit error probability is known a priori to the transmission ends, and second, when it is not known exactly. Based on a minimum pairwise error probability (PEP) design criterion, we design a channel optimized vector quantizer (COVQ) for feedback information and a precoder matrix codebook to adjust the transmission codewords. The attractive property of our combining scheme is that it converges to conventional space-time coding with low-rate and erroneous feedback and to directional beamforming with high-rate and error-free feedback. This scheme also shows desirable robustness against feedback channel modeling mismatch.
Phosphatase of regenerating liver: a novel target for cancer therapy.

Introduction: Phosphatases of regenerating livers (PRLs) are novel oncogenes that interact with many well-established cell signaling pathways that are misregulated in cancer, and are known to drive cancer metastasis when overexpressed. Areas covered: This review covers basic information of the discovery and characteristics of the PRL family. We also report findings on the role of PRL in cancer, cell functions and cell signaling. Furthermore, PRL's suitability as a novel drug target is discussed along with current methods being developed to facilitate PRL inhibition. Expert opinion: PRLs show great potential as novel drug targets for anticancer therapeutics. Studies indicate that PRL can perturb major cancer pathways such as Src/ERK1/2 and PTEN/PI3K/Akt. Upregulation of PRLs has also been shown to drive cancer metastasis. However, in order to fully realize its therapeutic potential, a deeper understanding of the function of PRL in normal tissue and in cancer must be obtained. Novel and integrated biochemic...
Distance-Sensitive information brokerage in sensor networks

In a sensor network information from multiple nodes must usually be aggregated in order to accomplish a certain task. A natural way to view this information gathering is in terms of interactions between nodes that are producers of information, e.g., those that have collected data, detected events, etc., and nodes that are consumers of information, i.e., nodes that seek data or events of certain types. Our overall goal in this paper is to construct efficient schemes allowing consumer and producer nodes to discover each other so that the desired information can be delivered quickly to those who seek it. Here, efficiency means both limiting the redundancy of where producer information is stored, as well as bounding the consumer query times. We introduce the notion of distance-sensitive information brokerage and provide schemes for efficiently bringing together information producers and consumers at a cost proportional to the separation between them — even though neither the consumers nor the producers know about each other beforehand. Our brokerage scheme is generic and can be implemented on top of several hierarchical routing schemes that have been proposed in the past, provided that they are augmented with certain key sideway links. For such augmented hierarchical routing schemes we provide a rigorous theoretical performance analysis, which further allows us to prove worst case query times and storage requirements for our information brokerage scheme. Experimental results demonstrate that the practical performance of the proposed approaches far exceeds their theoretical (worst-case) bounds. The presented algorithms rely purely on the topology of the communication graph of the sensor network and do not require any geographic location information.
Performance analysis of third-order nonlinear Wiener adaptive systems

This paper presents a detailed performance analysis of third-order nonlinear adaptive systems based on the Wiener model. In earlier work, we proposed the discrete Wiener model for adaptive filtering applications for any order. However, we had focused mainly on first and second-order nonlinear systems in our previous analysis. Now, we present new results on the analysis of third order systems. All the results can be extended to higher-order systems. The Wiener model has many advantages over other models such as the Volterra model. These advantages include fewer number of coefficients and faster convergence. The Wiener model performs a complete orthogonalization procedure to the truncated Volterra series and this allows us to use linear adaptive filtering algorithms like the LMS to calculate all the coefficients efficiently. Unlike the Gram-Schmidt procedure, this orthogonalization method is based on the nonlinear discrete Wiener model. It contains three sections: a single-input multioutput linear with memory section, a multi-input, multi-output nonlinear no-memory section and a multi-input, single-output amplification and summary section. Computer simulation results are also presented to verify the theoretical performance analysis results.
Effect of Lead Compounds on the Properties of Stannous Fluorophosphate Glasses

The effects of PbO or PbF2 additions on the density, thermal-expansion behavior, and chemical durability of stannous fluorophosphate glasses have been determined. Lead compounds dramatically improve the chemical durability of these glasses in water, resulting in low-melting-temperature glasses (Tg<150°C) which have durabilities approaching those of commercial soda–lime–silica glasses. Possible causes of these effects are discussed.
The Medicaid Notch, Labor Supply, and Welfare Participation: Evidence from Eligibility Expansions

I assess the impact of losing public health insurance on labor market decisions of women by examining a series of Medicaid eligibility expansions targeted toward young children. These targeted expansions severed the historical tie between AFDC and Medicaid eligibility. The reforms allowed a mother's earnings to increase without losing public health insurance for her young children. Increasing the income limit for Medicaid resulted in a decrease in AFDC participation and an increase in labor force participation among these women. The effects were large for ever married women, and negligible for never married women.
Congestion pricing and the future of transit

Congestion pricing provides opportunities for transit to become more self-reliant. Both the theory of congestion pricing and its use in congested US corridors are examined. A 5% increase in commuter demand for transit is estimated in suburban corridors. New opportunities for transit are required if transit is to remain competitive in the USA. Automobile commuting is faster and more convenient as well as generously cross-subsidized for most US urban commuters.
A systematic approach for design of digit-serial signal processing architectures

A systematic unfolding transformation technique for transforming bit-serial architecture into equivalent digit-serial ones is presented. The novel feature of the unfolding technique lies in the generation of functionally correct control circuits in the digit-serial architectures. For some applications bit-serial architectures may be too slow, and bit-parallel architectures may be faster than necessary and may require too much hardware. The desired sample rate in these applications can be achieved using the digit-serial approach, where multiple bits of a sample are processed in a single clock cycle. The number of bits processed in one clock cycle in the digit-serial systems is referred to as the digit size; the digit size can be any arbitrary integer (the digit size was restricted to be a divisor of wordlength in past ad hoc designs). Digit-serial implementation of two's complement adders and multipliers is described. Least-significant-bit-first bit-serial implementation of two's complement division, square-root, and compare-select operations are presented, and the corresponding digit-serial architectures for these operations are obtained using the unfolding algorithm. Unfolding of multiple-rate operations (such as interpolators and decimators) is also addressed. >
No Switchbacks: Rethinking Aspiration-Based Dynamics in the Ultimatum Game

Aspiration-based evolutionary dynamics have recently been used to model the evolution of fair play in the ultimatum game showing that incredible threats to reject low offers persist in equilibrium. We focus on two extensions of this analysis: we experimentally test whether assumptions about agent motivations (aspiration levels) and the structure of the game (binary strategy space) reflect actual play, and we examine the problematic assumption embedded in the standard replicator dynamic that unhappy agents who switch strategies may return to a rejected strategy without exploring other options. We find that the resulting “no switchback” dynamic predicts the evolution of play better than the standard dynamic and that aspirations are a significant motivator for our participants. In the process, we also construct and analyze a variant of the ultimatum game in which players can adopt conditional (on their induced aspirations) strategies.
High-performance induction motor speed control using exact feedback linearization with state and state derivative feedback

This paper presents a novel nonlinear speed/position control strategy for the induction motor utilizing exact feedback linearization with state and state derivative feedback. The speed/position and flux control loops utilize nonlinear feedback which eliminates the need for tuning, while ordinary proportional-integral controllers are used to control the stator currents. The control scheme is derived in rotor field coordinates and employs an appropriate estimator for the estimation of the rotor flux angle, flux magnitude, and their derivatives. The overall control scheme can be easily implemented with a microprocessor-based control platform. An error sensitivity analysis is included which proves the system to be robust to parameter variation and even more, immune to rotor resistance variation. Simulation and experimental results validate the theoretical part of the paper and reveal the high performance and advantages of the novel control scheme.
Formation and Properties of Calcia-Calcium Fluoride-Alumina Glasses

The glass formation region has been determined for the CaO-CaF2-Al2O3 ternary system. The glass transformation temperature of these glasses decreases as the CaF2 concentration increases, whereas the thermal expansion coefficient and electrical conductivity increase. MAS-NMR (magic-angle-spinning nuclear magnetic resonance) indicates that the aluminum ions in these glasses are in tetrahedral coordination. The structures of these glasses are proposed to be analogous to those of similar silicate glasses, with aluminum ions replacing silicon ions and fluorine acting as a nonbridging anion.
Intercalated graphite fiber composites as EMI shields in aerospace structures

The requirements for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding in aerospace structures are more complicated than those for ground structures because of their weight limitations. As a result, the best EMI shielding materials must combine low density, high strength, and high elastic modulus with high shielding ability. EMI shielding characteristics were calculated for shields formed from pristine and intercalated graphite fiber/epoxy composites and compared to preliminary experimental results for these materials and to the characteristics of shields made from aluminum. Calculations indicate that effective EMI shields could be fabricated from intercalated graphite composites which would have less than 12% of the mass of conventional aluminum shields, based on mechanical properties and shielding characteristics alone. >
Swirl combustor flow visualization studies in a water tunnel

The flowfield in a swirl combustor with a confinement ratio of 1.0, secondary downstream injection, aspiration holes, and a large central hub was simulated. Data was collected from visualization with neutral density plastic beads in water and velocity and turbulence measurements in cold air. The baseline case produced negligible recirculation. Increasing the confinement ratio to 2.1 by insert rings strengthened the central zone to a state of incipient recirculation. Use of a convergent/divergent ring after the swirler had further beneficial effects. The bypass flow reduced the radial size and intensified the incipient recirculation. Extended hubs, although having little effect in the burner, produced a rotating helix in the afterburner.
Inferring privacy policies for social networking services

Social networking sites have come under criticism for their poor privacy protection track record. Yet, there is an inherent difficulty in deciding which principals should have access to user's information or actions, without requiring them to constantly manage their privacy settings. We propose to extract automatically such privacy settings, based on the policy that information produced within a social context should remain in that social context, both to ensure privacy as well as maximising utility. A machine learning approach is used to extract automatically such social contexts, as well as a tentative evaluation.
ENDOGENOUS SHORT-SALE CONSTRAINT, STOCK PRICES AND OUTPUT CYCLES

This study examines the effect of short-sale constraints on a stock market, in particular, on stock prices, trading volume, and the relationship between stock price movements and output cycles. The economic model features incomplete markets and heterogeneous agents. The short-sale constraint is endogenously determined in the economy and is a function of agents’ risk aversion, time preference, and exogenous driving forces. The dynamic model is solved using a policy function iteration algorithm. We find that, for an array of reasonable time-preference parameters and risk-aversion coefficients, the short sale limits range from 27 to 45% of total outstanding shares. Imposing short-sale constraints causes stock prices to move upward. Trading volume is high when some agents have a large amount of stock holdings but incur a negative shock on their nonfinancial income and is low when some agents have few stock holdings and also incur a negative shock to their nonfinancial income. Stock prices are found to be countercyclical and the expected stock returns are procyclical. These countercyclical stock-price movements are shown to be related to the imposition of a short-sale constraint.
Response Generation in Collaborative Negotiation

In collaborative planning activities, since the agents are autonomous and heterogenous, it is inevitable that conflicts arise in their beliefs during the planning process. In cases where such conflicts are relevant to the task at hand, the agents should engage in collaborative negotiation as an attempt to square away the discrepancies in their beliefs. This paper presents a computational strategy for detecting conflicts regarding proposed beliefs and for engaging in collaborative negotiation to resolve the conflicts that warrant resolution. Our model is capable of selecting the most effective aspect to address in its pursuit of conflict resolution in cases where multiple conflicts arise, and of selecting appropriate evidence to justify the need for such modification. Furthermore, by capturing the negotiation process in a recursive Propose-Evaluate-Modify cycle of actions, our model can successfully handle embedded negotiation subdialogues.
Performance Analysis of Networks with Unreliable Components

In evaluating the performance of a communication network with unreliable components, researchers have traditionally approached the problem by enumerating all possible states of the system. Since the number of states of a communication network with n failure-prone components is 2nthese methods are restricted to small systems. We present a new solution technique that is not doomed by the "statespace explosion" problem. Instead of enumerating all possible fail states, we consider only the most probable states. Since the network operates in these states most of the time, we can get upper and lower bounds and, hence, a good approximation of the network performance without having to analyze all possible states. We illustrate our solution technique by analyzing network reliability, the expected number of communicating pairs, and network average delay for some particular networks.
Coordination‐Like Chemistry of Phosphinidenes by Phosphanes

This microreview examines chemistry of phosphane adducts of phosphinidenes (phosphanylidene-σ4-phosphoranes, RP=PR3) whose formation or reactions are reminiscent of the coordination chemistry of phosphane ligands in transition metal complexes.
Rheology of an emulsion of viscoelastic drops in steady shear

Abstract Steady shear rheology of a dilute emulsion with viscoelastic inclusions is numerically investigated using direct numerical simulations. Batchelor's formulation for rheology of a viscous emulsion is extended for a viscoelastic system. Viscoelasticity is modeled using the Oldroyd-B constitutive equation. A front-tracking finite difference code is used to numerically determine the drop shape, and solve for the velocity and stress fields. The effective stress of the viscoelastic emulsion has three different components due to interfacial tension, viscosity difference (not considered here) and the drop phase viscoelasticity. The interfacial contributions – first and second normal stress differences and shear stresses – vary with Capillary number in a manner similar to those of a Newtonian system. However the shear viscosity decreases with viscoelasticity at low Capillary numbers, and increases at high Capillary numbers. The first normal stress difference due to interfacial contribution decreases with increasing drop phase viscoelasticity. The first normal stress difference due to the drop phase viscoelasticity is found to have a complex dependence on Capillary and Deborah numbers, in contrast with the linear mixing rule. Drop phase viscoelasticity does not contribute significantly to effective shear viscosity of the emulsion. The total first normal stress difference shows an increase with drop phase viscoelasticity at high Capillary numbers. However at low Capillary numbers, a non-monotonic behavior is observed. The results are explained by examining the stress field and the drop shape.
Robust network supercomputing with malicious processes

Internet supercomputing is becoming a powerful tool for harnessing massive amounts of computational resources. However in typical master-worker settings the reliability of computation crucially depends on the ability of the master to depend on the computation performed by the workers. Fernandez, Georgiou, Lopez, and Santos [12,13] considered a system consisting of a master process and a collection of worker processes that can execute tasks on behalf of the master and that may act maliciously by deliberately returning fallacious results. The master decides on the correctness of the results by assigning the same task to several workers. The master is charged one work unit for each task performed by a worker. The goal is to design an algorithm that enables the master to determine the correct result with high probability, and at the least possible cost. Fernandez et al. assume that the number of faulty processes or the probability of a process acting maliciously is known to the master. In this paper this assumption is removed. In the setting with n processes and n tasks we consider two different failure models, viz., model ${\mathcal F}_a$, where f-fraction, $0 0. This algorithm runs in O(logn) time, O(log2n) message complexity, and O(log2n) task-oriented work and O(nlogn) total-work complexities. We also provide a randomized algorithm for detecting the faulty processes, i.e., identifying the processes that have non-zero probability of failures in model ${\mathcal F}_a$, with task-oriented work O(n), and time O(logn). A lower bound on the total-work complexity of performing n tasks correctly with high probability is shown. Finally, two randomized algorithms to perform n tasks with high probability are given for both failure models with closely matching upper bounds on total-work and task-oriented work complexities, and time O(logn).
Randomized broadcast channel access algorithms for ad hoc networks

The problem of broadcast channel access in single-hop and multihop ad hoc networks is considered. Two novel randomized and distributed channel access algorithms are developed and analyzed for single-hop and multihop networks, respectively. These algorithms are designed based on maximizing the worst-case channel efficiency, by optimizing some key parameters, including the backoff probability distribution and slot length. The proposed algorithm for single-hop networks offers significantly higher throughput than the CSMA methods when the traffic load is heavy, while still achieving good performance when the load is light or medium. The proposed algorithm for multihop networks can flexibly adapt to the traffic load, and offers much better throughput performance than the existing broadcast scheduling algorithms in light or medium load.
Reliability-Centric High-Level Synthesis

The importance of addressing soft errors in both safety critical applications and commercial consumer products is increasing, mainly due to ever shrinking geometries, higher-density circuits, and employment of power-saving techniques such as voltage scaling and component shut-down. As a result, it is becoming necessary to treat reliability as a first-class citizen in system design. In particular, reliability decisions taken early in system design can have significant benefits in terms of design quality. Motivated by this observation, this paper presents a reliability-centric high-level synthesis approach that addresses the soft error problem. The proposed approach tries to maximize reliability of the design while observing the bounds on area and performance, and makes use of our reliability characterization of hardware components such as adders and multipliers. We implemented the proposed approach, performed experiments with several designs, and compared the results with those obtained by a prior proposal.
Variation of P-wave reflectivity with offset and azimuth in anisotropic media

P-wave amplitudes may be sensitive even to relatively weak anisotropy of rock mass. Recent results on symmetry‐plane P-wave reflection coefficients in azimuthally anisotropic media are extended to observations at arbitrary azimuth, large incidence angles, and lower symmetry systems. The approximate P-wave reflection coefficient in transversely isotropic media with a horizontal axis of symmetry (HTI) (typical for a system of parallel vertical cracks embedded in an isotropic matrix) shows that the amplitude versus offset (AVO) gradient varies as a function of the squared cosine of the azimuthal angle. This change can be inverted for the symmetry‐plane directions and a combination of the shear‐wave splitting parameter γ and the anisotropy coefficient δ(V). The reflection coefficient study is also extended to media of orthorhombic symmetry that are believed to be more realistic models of fractured reservoirs. The study shows the orthorhombic and HTI reflection coefficients are very similar and the azimuthal v...
ON THE AXIOMATICS OF RESOURCE ALLOCATION: INTERPRETING THE CONSISTENCY PRINCIPLE

An allocation rule is ‘consistent’ if the recommendation it makes for each problem ‘agrees’ with the recommendation it makes for each associated reduced problem, obtained by imagining some agents leaving with their assignments. Some authors have described the consistency principle as a ‘fairness principle’. Others have written that it is not about fairness, that it should be seen as an ‘operational principle’. We dispute the particular fairness interpretations that have been offered for consistency, but develop a different and important fairness foundation for the principle, arguing that it can be seen as the result of adding ‘some’ efficiency to a ‘post-application’ and efficiency-free expression of solidarity in response to population changes. We also challenge the interpretations of consistency as an operational principle that have been given, and here identify a sense in which such an interpretation can be supported. We review and assess the other interpretations of the principle, as ‘robustness’, ‘coherence’ and ‘reinforcement’.
Static decentralized control of a single-integrator network with Markovian sensing topology

Static stabilization of a decentralized discrete-time single-integrator network that is subject to Markovian variation in the communication/sensing topology is considered. In particular, we develop conditions on the Markovian topology that are sufficient for mean-square stabilization using a decentralized static controller that has no knowledge of the underlying Markov state. Our analysis exposes a deep connection between decentralized control of single-integrator networks with Markovian topology and those with fixed topology: static stabilization of the network with Markovian topology is possible whenever the steady-state time-average of the Markovian topology is amenable to static (fixed-topology-based) decentralized control.
Modeling and Simulation of Flexible Flight Vehicles

Theeffectsofe exibility on thee ightdynamicsoflargeaircraft havebeen shown to bequitesignie cant, especially as the frequencies of the elastic modes become lower and approach those of the rigid-body modes. The handling characteristics of such vehicles are altered signie cantly from those of a rigid vehicle, and the design of the e ightcontrol system may become drastically more complex. Consequently, the need to model accurately the dynamics of such vehicles, and to develop valid simulations, is becoming particularly acute. The theoretical development of a generic e exible-aircraft model is reviewed. This modeling technique allows for the e exible degrees of freedom to be added to an existing simulation model of the vehicle’ s rigid-body dynamics. The data necessary for modeling a specie c vehicle include aerodynamic stability derivatives, aerodynamic ine uence coefe cients, elastic mode shapes, modal frequencies and damping, and generalized masses. Two case studies are presented, both involving the developmentofmotion-basedsimulationsinNASALangleyResearchCenter’ ssimulationfacility.Thee rstexample investigatesanaircraftsimilaringeometrytotheB-1,whereasthesecondinvestigatesalargehighspeedcommercial transport. The dynamic responses (time and frequency domain ) for these vehicles are presented, along with the evaluations of the effects of dynamic aeroelasticity on their handling characteristics. The vehicle responses are critical to evaluating hardware and software requirements for simulation e delity, for example, visual and motion cues. Finally, a brief assessment of the effects of limitations of the simulation facility is presented. Limitations considered include digital time delay, motion hardware bandwidth, and motion washout logic.
Closed-loop performance comparisons of switching regulators with current-injected control

The authors verify the validity of applying state-space averaging and linearization to the control law of current-injected switching regulators for designs with wideband first-order open-loop responses without right-hand plane (RHP) zeros. Quantitative closed-loop performance comparisons are made of current-injected versus voltage control for the boost and buck switching regulator topologies. In buck-topology regulators, current-injected control implemented using pole cancellation, does not yield categorically better closed-loop performance than what is obtained by using lead compensated voltage control. For the boost regulator, the advantages of current-injected control are greater since lead-compensation cannot usually be used due to the duty-factor-dependent complex pole and RHP zero. >
Hybrid influence diagrams using mixtures of truncated exponentials

Mixtures of truncated exponentials (MTE) potentials are an alternative to discretization for representing continuous chance variables in influence diagrams. Also, MTE potentials can be used to approximate utility functions. This paper introduces MTE influence diagrams, which can represent decision problems without restrictions on the relationships between continuous and discrete chance variables, without limitations on the distributions of continuous chance variables, and without limitations on the nature of the utility functions. In MTE influence diagrams, all probability distributions and the joint utility function (or its multiplicative factors) are represented by MTE potentials and decision nodes are assumed to have discrete state spaces. MTE influence diagrams are solved by variable elimination using a fusion algorithm.
An efficient synthesis of C-11 substituted 6H-pyrido[4,3-b]carbazoles

Abstract A synthesis of the natural product 5-methyl-6H-pyrido[4,3-b]carbazole-11-methanol, 5 from the ketolactam 7 is described. Compound 7 was treated with one equivalent of MeLi followed by quenching of the reaction mixture with water to give the lactone 19 Compound 19 was treated with a number of organolithium reagents such as methyllithium. n-butyllithium, ethoxyvinyl lithium and the lithio derivative of formaldehyde diethyl mercaptal to give, after sodium borohydride reduction, 1, 15, 30, and 31 respectively. Compounds 30 and 31 were hydrolyzed and then reduced to give compounds 5 and 6 respectively, in an overall yield of 21%. Compounds 16 and 22 were identified as the intermediates in the Saulnier-Gribble synthesis of ellipticine.
Axis of travel: Modeling non-work destination choice with GPS data

Abstract The advent of GIS and GPS has revolutionized how we monitor and model destination choice. New methodologies in building choice sets can be developed and new insights on travel behavior can be gained given the real-time GPS travel data. To this end, this research investigates how land use, road network structure, and axis of travel influence home-based, non-work destination choice based on in-vehicle GPS travel data in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Metropolitan Area in 2008. We propose a novel choice set formation approach combining survival analysis and random selection and a new approach to deciding choice set size. Mixed-effects logit models are used to model our data with repeated observations for each participant. Our findings identify the following factors that influence non-work destination choice: (1) Walkable opportunities and diversity of services at destinations, (2) Route-specific factors such as turn index and speed discontinuity, and (3) Axis of travel measured by relative travel time to work, home, and downtown. A destination closer to the axis of home and work, all else equal, is more likely to be selected. A destination far away from downtown is more attractive to auto users. This research contributes to methodologies in building choice sets for modeling non-work destination choice. The results enhance our understanding of non-work destination choice and have implications for transportation and land use planning.
Gauge Theories and Macdonald Polynomials

We study the $${\mathcal{N}=2}$$ four-dimensional superconformal index in various interesting limits, such that only states annihilated by more than one supercharge contribute. Extrapolating from the SU(2) generalized quivers, which have a Lagrangian description, we conjecture explicit formulae for all A-type quivers of class $${\mathcal S}$$ , which in general do not have one. We test our proposals against several expected dualities. The index can always be interpreted as a correlator in a two-dimensional topological theory, which we identify in each limit as a certain deformation of two-dimensional Yang-Mills theory. The structure constants of the topological algebra are diagonal in the basis of Macdonald polynomials of the holonomies.
Rendering Natural Waters

Creating and rendering realistic water is one of the most daunting tasks in computer graphics. Realistic rendering of water requires that the sunlight and skylight illumination are correct, the water surface is modeled accurately and that the light transport within water body is properly handled. This paper describes a method for wave generation on a water surface using a physically-based approach. The wave generation uses data from the oceanographical observations and it is controlled by intuitive parameters such as wind speed and wind direction. The optical behavior of the water surfaces is complex but is well-described in the ocean science literature. We present a simple and intuitive light transport approach that is easy to use for many different water types such as deep ocean water, muddy coastal water, and fresh water bodies. We demonstrate our model for a number of water and atmospheric conditions.
Courtesy, Confrontation, Cooperation: Jewish-Christian/Catholic Relations in the United States

One of my early experiences in Jewish-Christian relations was an exciting venture in Arizona in the 1970s when I served as executive director of a cluster of five Protestant churches, one Catholic church and two synagogues (one Conservative and one Reform), known as the North Phoenix Corporate Ministry. My task was coordinating the interfaith activities of twenty-five priests, ministers and rabbis, and involved lay people from the seven congregations. We developed programs in education, social justice, liturgy and communications and became a model for ecumenical/interfaith groups in the West. We grew in remarkable relationships—many of which continue to this day. I preached my first sermon in a synagogue in 1970—and was known as either “the Temple nun” or “the synagogue Sister” depending on whether I was in the Reform or the Conservative Jewish congregation. Weekly, with very few exceptions, we had wonderful wild clergy luncheons! They consisted of prayer, kosher food, business, theological discussion and a lot of laughter. On one occasion, Rabbi Albert Plotkin announced to the group: “If Jesus came to Phoenix, Arizona, he would not go to any of your churches! He would come to my synagogue! He was a good Reform rabbi!” After a hearty laugh—we all agreed with him. Prior to Vatican II most Christians would have been taken aback by such a statement. What is the American experience of Jewish-Catholic relations? It is only a slice of the larger picture of Jewish-Christian relations in the United States, therefore some consideration of Protestant-Jewish relations is required for context. In this essay I will (1) briefly sketch a tapestry background of Jewish-Christian relations in the United States to Vatican II; (2) discuss the Second Vatican Council and the significant relationship of Catholics and Jews as it has evolved in the United States to 1995; and (3) reflect on how Jewish-Catholic relations in three areas—academia, religious institutional structures, and “grass roots” experiences—have allowed the United States to make unique contributions to the dialogue.
Labor Market Flexibility and Unemployment: New Empirical Evidence of Static and Dynamic Effects

The aim of this paper is to analyze the relationship between labor market flexibility and unemployment outcomes. Using a panel of 97 countries from 1985 to 2008, the results of the paper suggest that improvements in labor market flexibility have a statistically and significant negative impact on unemployment outcomes (over unemployment, youth unemployment, and long-term unemployment). Among the different labor market flexibility indicators analyzed, hiring and firing regulations and hiring costs are found to have the strongest effect.
Evaluation of Negative-Ion-Beam Driver Concepts for Heavy Ion Fusion

The feasibility of producing and using atomically neutral heavy ion beams produced from negative ions as drivers for an inertial confinement fusion reactor is evaluated. Bromine and iodine appear to be the most attractive elements for the driver beams. Fluorine and chlorine appear to be the most appropriate feedstocks for initial tests of extractable negative-ion current densities. With regard to ion sources, photodetachment neutralizers, and vacuum requirements for accelerators and beam transport, this approach appears feasible within existing technology, and the vacuum requirements are essentially identical to those for positive-ion drivers except in the target chamber. The principal constraint is that this approach requires harder vacuums in the target chamber than do space-charge-neutralized positive-ion drivers. With realistic (but perhaps pessimistic) estimates of the total ionization cross section, limiting the ionization of a neutral beam to <5% while traversing a 3-m path would require a chamber pressure of no more than 1.3 x 10{sup -5} torr. However, it appears that substantial improvements in the beam spot size on target might be achieved at pressures a factor of 10 or more higher than this. Alternatively, even at still higher chamber pressures that would strongly ionize atomically neutral beams, the negative-ion approach maymore » still have significant appeal, since it precludes the possibly challenging problem of electron contamination of a positive-ion beam during acceleration, drift compression, and focusing.« less