cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Circuit training time allotments in a typical physical education class period.

Abstract As an attempt in determining the relative effectiveness of three time allotments to circuit training and active games in a typical physical education class period, treatment groups were assigned either a 5- and 25-minute, a 10- and 20-minute, or a 15- and 15-minute distribution of time. Pre- and post-measures were taken on six circuit exercises: leg-exchanges, squat-thrusts, sit-ups, bench-steps, push-ups, and pull-ups. Significant improvement was observed for all three groups on all exercise. The 15-minute allotment to circuit training resulted in significantly better performances on sit-ups and leg-exchanges than the 5-minute allotment, but in lower performance on bench-steps when compared to the 10-minute allotment.
Exploring the robustness of BitTorrent peer-to-peer content distribution systems: Research Articles

This paper assesses BitTorrent's robustness against selfish peers who try to download content faster than their fair share by abusing existing protocol mechanisms. We present three exploits that can deliver potential benefits to a selfish peer and evaluate their impact on both public and private download sessions. Our results show that BitTorrent is quite robust against these exploits. Although selfish peers can sometimes attain high download throughput and compliant peers' download rates suffer slightly in consequence, we observe no significant degradation of the overall system's quality of service. We identify scenarios where a selfish peer could attain significant benefits at the expense of compliant peers, and discuss the protocol characteristics that render these scenarios unlikely and hence lead to the system's robustness. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. A shorter version of this work appeared at IPTPS'06 [1]
Verruciform xanthoma. Further light and electron microscopic studies, with the addition of a third case.

Abstract The authors report their third case of verruciform xanthoma confirmed by electron microscopy and frozen-section lipid stains. Studies of the blood in this case revealed normal levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, and glucose, just as in the previous two cases reported.1 An ultrastructural search for etiologic factors with the use of material from all three cases resulted in the hypothesis that this lesion is initiated within the epithelium. The authors propose that epithelial entrapment with degeneration and accumulation of lipid may be the logical sequence of early events leading to the formation of foam cells.
Urocortin trafficking in cerebral microvessel endothelial cells.

Urocortin, a potent peptide inhibitor of feeding behavior, can enter the brain from blood by leptin-facilitated permeation across the blood-brain barrier. Here, we show in cultured RBE4 cerebral microvessel endothelial cells that urocortin endocytosis is increased by leptin in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Fluorescently labeled urocortin (Alexa488-urocortin) shows vesicular trafficking localized in early endosomes at 1 min and the Golgi complex at 20 min. The endocytosis at 20 min was increased by 10 μg/mL, but not 2 μg/mL, of leptin. The facilitating effect of leptin at the dose of 10 μg/mL was seen at 20 and 30 min but not at 10 min. This increase could be abolished by excess unlabeled urocortin in radio-tracer uptake studies, indicating selective rather than nonsaturable entry. The specificity of the effect was further supported by the lack of changes in γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity and endothelial nitric oxide synthase upon stimulation by high doses of leptin and urocortin. Leptin did not affect the level of expression of the urocortin corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor (CRHR) after 30 min of treatment but appeared to slow the turnover of CRHRs induced by urocortin. In MDCK cells overexpressing CRHR2, leptin facilitated urocortin uptake, whereas ObRa coexpression did not exert an additional effect. Thus, urocortin endocytosis is a saturable process leading to vesicular intracellular transport that can be enhanced by cell-surface leptin.
An assessment model for atmospheric composition

Predicting future perturbations to global air quality and climate requires, as a prerequisite, prognostic models for the composition of the Earth's atmosphere. Such assessment models are needed to evaluate the impact on our environment of different social choices that affect emissions of the photochemically and radiatively important trace gases. Our presentation here of a prototype assessment model is intended to encourage public scientific discussions of the necessary components of the model and their interactions, with the recognition that models similar to this will likely be used by the Environmental Protection Agency and other regulatory agencies in order to assess the effect of changes in atmospheric composition on climate over the next century.
Emergent Star Networks with Ex Ante Homogeneous Agents

The acquisition and dispersion of information, a critical aspect of economic decisions, can occur through a network of agents (Jackson, 2009). Empirical and theoretical findings suggest that an efficient information dispersion network takes the form of a star: small numbers of agents gather information and distribute it to a large group. Despite these findings, controlled tests of this theory failed to find evidence of the emergence of such networks with an exception of Goeree et al (2008), which reports frequent star network formation with ex ante heterogeneous agents and perfect information. Empirical evidence suggests that these conditions may not always be feasible in natural environments (Feick and Price, 1987; Conley and Udry, 2010). Complement to earlier experimental research, we study institutional conditions under which star networks emerge in the presence of ex ante homogeneous agents. We find that investment limits and the "right-of-first-refusal," both of which regularly coexist with star networks in natural environments, have a surprisingly strong ability to promote the formation of star networks with ex ante homogeneous agents. Using a cluster analysis, we trace the large positive effects of these institutions to the impact they have on individual's behavioral rules. In particular, we find that these institutions encourage individual rationality as well as positive habits, which then lead to the frequent and stable emergence of star networks. Our results may have important implications for environments characterized by ex ante homogeneous agents, e.g., those found in technology, marketing and agricultural sectors.
Standard vs. Nonstandard Distinction: A Watershed in the Foundations of Mathematics

In this paper, I will discuss a conceptual distinction, or a contrast, between two opposing ideas, that has played an extremely important role in the foundations of mathematics. The distinction was first formulated explicitly, though not quite generally, by Leon Henkin in 1950.1 He called it a distinction between the standard and the nonstandard interpretation of higher-order logic. I will follow his terminology, even though it may not be the most fortunate one. One reason for saying that this nomenclature is not entirely happy is that it is not clear which interpretation is the “standard” one in the sense of being a more common one historically. Another reason is that one can easily characterize more than one nonstandard interpretation of higher-order logic, even though Henkin considered only one.2 Furthermore, it turns out that the distinction (rightly understood) is not restricted to higher-order logics.’ Last but not least, it is far from clear how Henkin’s notion of standard interpretation or standard model is related to logicians’ idea of the standard model of such first-order theories as elementary arithmetic, in which usage “standard model” means simply “intended model”.
Alternative Splicing and Human Disease

Almost all human protein coding genes undergo alternative splicing, and an increasing number of diseases is associated with the selection of ‘wrong’ splice sites. Alternative missplicing can be caused by deoxyribonucleic acid point mutations, changes in repetitive sequences or alterations in proteins that regulate splicing. The effect of these mutations can be evaluated by bioinformatic means, but these predictions need to be verified experimentally. With the exception of premature stop codons that are introduced by aberrantly spliced exons, the mechanism of pathological exon usage that leads to a disease is generally poorly understood. A pathological change in the activity of splicing factors typically results in numerous small changes in exon usage. Numerous screening efforts identified oligonucleotides and small molecular weight substances that can be tested as therapeutic approaches for diseases caused by missplicing. Key Concepts: Alternative splice site selection is regulated by combinatorial control through a network of protein–protein, protein–RNA and RNA–RNA interactions. Mutations in the splice sites, exonic and intronic sequences lead to aberrant exon usage. Mutations can cause exon skipping, a change in the degree of exon usage or activate sequences on the pre-mRNA to become a new exon. Synonymous mutations in exons can cause their aberrant usage, which can be a disease mechanism. A pathological change in the activity of splicing regulatory proteins results in numerous, individually small changes of alternative exon usage. Aberrant exon usage can be targeted by rationale therapies, several oligonucleotide-based treatments are tested in clinical trials and small molecules were identified that change splice site selection by high-throughput screens. Keywords: alternative splicing; splicing regulatory elements; disease causing mutations; exon enhancer; exon silencer
Child Language: On the nature of language growth

We have seen that aspects of phonology, syntax and semantics develop separately and in parallel, beginning in the first twelve months of life, appearing to cohere with the architecture of the Language Faculty in figure 2.2. The development of language and the development of thought appear to proceed independently, though interactively. We have also seen that many questions remain regarding how different components of knowledge interact in language acquisition as it proceeds over time. How does language “grow” over time? Debates persist: does language development involve qualitative changes in the structure of children's language knowledge or in their computational mechanisms, e.g., is language acquisition analogous to a discontinuous “tadpole-to-frog”-like development, or do children continuously employ formal analyses? This chapter will focus on mechanisms of developmental change especially after the first twelve months. It will briefly introduce several areas where significant cross-linguistic variation in adult grammars exists and where language development is delayed; here language acquisition must involve some induction. It will briefly introduce several proposed mechanisms of growth. If language acquisition involves continuous linguistic computation, as previous chapters have suggested, then such mechanisms of growth will involve continuous linguistic computation by children. If the architecture of the Language Faculty is in place continuously, then children will not be forced to resort solely to general non-linguistic conceptual means, even at early periods.
The phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor ORG 9935 inhibits oocyte maturation in the naturally selected dominant follicle in rhesus macaques.

Background The study was conducted to determine whether the phosphodiesterase (PDE) 3 inhibitor ORG 9935 prevents the resumption of meiosis in primate oocytes during natural menstrual cycles.
Discounting the future, yet again:

The question of `discounting the future' is one on which philosophers and economists have divergent professional views. There is a lot of talking at cross-purposes across the disciplinary divide he...
Are cometary nuclei primordial rubble piles

Whipple's icy conglomerate model for the cometary nucleus has had considerable sucess in explaining a variety of cometary phenomena such as gas production rates and nongravitational forces. However, as discussed here, both observational evidence and theoretical considerations suggest that the cometary nucleus may not be a well-consolidated single body, but may instead be a loosely bound agglomeration of smaller fragments, weakly bonded and subject to occasional or even frequent disruptive events. The proposed model is analogous to the 'rubble pile' model suggested for the larger main-belt asteroids, although the larger cometary fragments are expected to be primordial condensations rather than collisionally derived debris as in the asteroid case. The concept of cometary nuclei as primordial rubble piles is proposed as a modification of the basic Whipple model, not as a replacement for it.
Print-to-print: a facile multi-object micro-patterning technique

In recent years, micropatterning techniques have gained increasing popularity from a broad range of engineering and biology communities for the promise to establish highly quantitative investigations on miniature biological objects (e.g., cells and bacteria) with spatially defined microenvironments. However, majority of the existing techniques rely on cleanroom-based microfabrication and cannot be easily extended to a regular biological laboratory. In this paper, we present a simple versatile printing-based method, referred to as Print-to-Print (P2P), to form multi-object micropatterns for potential biological applications, along with our recent efforts to deliver out-of-cleanroom microfabrication solutions to the general public (Zhao et al. 2009), (Xing et al. 2011), (Wang et al. 2009), (Pan and Wang 2011), (Zhao et al. 2011). The P2P method employs only a commercially available solid-phase printer and custom-made superhydrophobic films. The entire patterning process does not involve any thermal or chemical treatment. Moreover, the non-contact nature of droplet transferring and printing steps can be highly advantageous for sensitive biological uses. Using the P2P process, a minimal feature resolution of 229 ± 17 μm has been successfully demonstrated. In addition, this approach has been applied to form biological micropatterning on various substrates as well as multi-object co-patterns on the commonly used surfaces. Finally, the reusability of superhydrophobic substrates has also been illustrated.
Environment for simulation and animation of sensor-based robots

Abstract In this paper, a new design of an environment for simulation and animation of sensor-based robots is presented.As sensor technology advances, increasing numbers of robots are equipped with various types of sophisticated sensors.The main goal of creating the visualization environment is to aid the off-line programming capability of sensor-basedrobots. The software system will help the users visualize the motion and reaction of the sensor-based robot undertheir control program, thereby increasing the efficiency of program development and reliability of the control program,ensuring the safety of robot operation, and reducing the cost of new software development. Most of the conventionalcomputer-graphics-based robot simulation and animation software packages lack robot sensing simulation capabilities.Our system is designed to overcome this deficiency. 1 Introduction: Need for Robot Simulation Environment Sensor-based robots rely on information acquired from their sensory devices to accomplish their assigned tasks.The flow of operation and system behavior of these robots are influenced by their perception of the world through thesensors. There are two basic programming modes in developing control programs for the robots: on-line programming
The aggregation of colloidal alumina dispersions by adsorbed surfactant ions

Abstract The stability ratios of suspensions of α-alumina in aqueous solutions of sodium dodecyl sulfonate at constant ionic strength were determined at pH 6.9 and 7.2 at 25°C. and at pH 6.9 at 45°C, by measuring the rate of change of turbidity. Measurements of adsorption of surfactant by alumina and of electrophoretic mobilities of alumina particles and the extent of coagulation of the same system gave isotherms of the same general form. This indicates that coagulation in this system results mainly by reduction in diffuse layer potential because of surfactant adsorption. The dependence of surfactant adsorption and coagulation on pH is extremely marked; there is a much lesser dependence on temperature. Stability ratios were also calculated from the electrophoretic mobility data, and the variation of the ratios with concentration was compared with that evaluated from turbidity measurements.
A VLSI Electro-Optical Crossbar For Signal Processing

In this paper, we study an electro-optical crossbar for highly parallel computing. This VLSI architecture interconnects a set of processors on a single chip using Gallium Arsenide laser diodes and has a switching time in the order of nano-seconds. We also propose modified versions of this model for non-Von-Neumann computations such as, neural and data-flow computing. In the last section, we discuss applications in signal processing.
Estimation of the Average Density of a Nonuniform Poisson Process

The average density \lambda (t) of a Poisson process is estimated by a nonstationary shot noise process s(t) . The process s(t) is generated by a time-varying system whose impulse response h (t, \alpha) is so determined as to minimize the mean-square (ms) estimation error. It is shown that, under realistic assumptions, h (t, \alpha ) is a truncated parabola in the variable α . The analysis is extended to two-dimensional processes. The resulting smoothing kernel is an elliptic paraboloid.
Non-perturbative stability of supergravity and superstring vacua

Abstract We investigate the possibility of false vacuum decay in N = 1 supergravity theories. By establishing a Bogomol'nyi bound for the energy density stored in the domain wall of the O(4) invariant bubble, we show that supersymmetric vacua remain absolutely stable against false vacuum decay into another supersymmetric vacuum. This conforms with and completes the previous perturbative analysis of Weinberg. Implications for dynamical supersymmetry breaking and decompactification instabilities in superstring theory are discussed. In addition, we show that there are no compact static spherical domain walls.
Lipopolysaccharides decrease angiotensin converting enzyme activity expressed by cultured human endothelial cells

Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) is present on endothelial cells and plays a role in regulating blood pressure in vivo by converting angiotensin I to angiotensin II and metabolizing bradykinin. Since ACE activity is decreased in vivo in sepsis, the ability of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to suppress endothelial cell ACE activity was tested by culturing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) for 0-72 hr with or without LPS and then measuring ACE activity. ACE activity in intact HUVEC monolayers incubated with LPS (10 micrograms/ml) decreased markedly with time and was inhibited by 33%, 71%, and 76% after 24 hr, 48 hr, and 72 hr, respectively, when compared with control, untreated cells. The inhibitory effect of LPS was partially reversible upon removal of the LPS and further incubation in the absence of LPS. The LPS-induced decrease in ACE activity was dependent on the concentrations of LPS (IC50 = 15 ng/ml at 24 hr) and was detectable at LPS concentrations as low as 1 ng/ml. That LPS decreased the Vmax of ACE in the absence of cytotoxicity and without a change in Km suggests that LPS decreased the amount of ACE present on the HUVEC cell membrane. While some LPS serotypes (Escherichia coli 0111:B4 and 055:B5, S. minnesota) were more potent inhibitors of ACE activity than others (E. coli 026:B6 and S. marcescens), all LPS serotypes tested were inhibitory. These finding suggest that LPS decreases endothelial ACE activity in septic patients; in turn, this decrease in ACE activity may decrease angiotensin II production and bradykinin catabolism and thus play a role in the pathogenesis of septic shock.
Religious Experience as an Observational Epistemic Practice

William Alston proposed an understanding of religious experience modeled after the triadic structure of sense perception. However, a perceptual model falters because of the unobservability of God as the object of religious experience. To reshape Alston’s model of religious experience as an observational practice we utilize Dudley Shapere’s distinction between the philosophical use of ‘observe’ in terms of sensory perception and scientists’ epistemic use of ‘observe’ as being evidential by providing information or justification leading to knowledge. This distinction helps us to understand how religious experience of an unobservable God can be an epistemic practice that satisfies our epistemic obligations and justifies religious belief.
Quantitative lattice measurement of thin Langmuir-Blodgett films by atomic-force microscopy

We have quantitatively determined the nature of the surface order of the outermost layer of monolayer and multilayer Langmuir-Blodgett films of cadmium arachidate, in air and under water, using atomic-force microscopy. Molecular-resolution images of 1200-${\mathrm{nm}}^{2}$ areas show that the alkyl chains of 2\char21{}5-layer films have a noncentered rectangular lattice with lattice constants of 0.482\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.004 and 0.748\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.006 nm, in good agreement with diffraction measurements of bulk aliphatic systems. We show unambiguously that the unit cell consists of two molecules. In contrast with the highly ordered multilayers, monolayer films have a disordered surface. Images taken under water of the head-group surface show that the bilayer surface is disordered, while thicker films show order of the alkyl chains. The presence of an underlying head-group\char21{}head-group interface with its associated cadmium ion bridging is shown to be the critical feature needed to obtain a stable and ordered surface layer.
Remote Medical Monitoring

The commoditization of computer hardware and software has enabled a new computing paradigm whereby computers will sense, calculate, and act on our behalf, either with or without human interaction as best fits the circumstances. Further, this will occur in an everyday environment, not just when a person is working at a desk. This paradigm shift was made possible by the inexorable increase in computing capabilities as we moved from mainframes (one computer, many people) to the personal computer (one computer, one person) to ubiquitous computing (many computers, one person). It is not uncommon to find a single person managing a desktop PC, laptop, cell phone, PDA, and portable media player. Today, these devices are discrete and managed individually. But as ubiquitous computing evolves, the computers will become both more numerous and less visible; they will be integrated into everyday life in a way that does not call attention to their presence. In the context of medicine, ubiquitous computing presents an exciting challenge and a phenomenal opportunity. Proactive computing is a form of ubiquitous computing in which computers anticipate the needs of people around them. Wearable computing results from placing computers and sensors on the body to create a body area network (BAN) that can sense, process, and report on some set of the wearer's attributes. Proactive computing and wearable computing working in tandem let computers fade into the woodwork, enriching quality of life and engendering independence.
Genetically uniform seeds: Important starting materials for molecular studies

Genetically pure seeds are important starting materials for experiments on gene structure and function. For critical experiments, seeds must be carefully tested for genetic uniformity and increased under conditions that preclude accidental contamination by alien germplasm. Seeds with missing or altered proteins may be present in agronomically pure seedlots. Such seeds, if they go undetected, may give rise to misleading experimental results.
Inhibition of acquired resistance in cowpea chlorotic mottle virus-infected hypersensitive soybean by 2-thiouracil.

Abstract Cowpea chlorotic mottle virus infection of hypersensitive soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr. cv Bragg] led to the development of acquired resistance in noninfected halves of primary leaves and in newly formed trifoliolate leaves. The level of acquired resistance was dependent on time, inoculum concentration, temperature, and host age. Application of 1 m m 2-thiouracil via roots to plants 0–24 hr after primary inoculation abolished the development of acquired resistance. The time of application of thiouracil relative to that of primary inoculation was critical for thiouracil to inhibit acquired resistance. During the inhibition of acquired resistance, thiouracil appears to act on an event(s) which takes place between 0 and 24 hr after primary inoculation.
Huntingtin is associated with cytomatrix proteins at the presynaptic terminal

Huntington's disease (HD) is a single gene disorder produced by expansion of the gene encoding huntingtin (htt), a large protein with features of a multi-functional scaffold. Expansion of htt's polyglutamine domain induces novel, toxic interactions and likely also disrupts normal htt function. Because of its predicted role as a scaffold, pursuit of huntingtin function and HD pathogenesis has focused on identifying htt-interacting proteins. Here we present a focused screen designed to identify htt-interacting proteins in the presynaptic terminal. To identify interactions that occur in situ, synaptosomes (isolated nerve terminals) from cerebral cortices, striata and hippocampi were subjected to chemical crosslinking followed by denaturation, immunoprecipitation using an anti-htt antibody, and nano-flow liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC–MS/MS) analyses. The presynaptic cytomatrix proteins Bassoon, Piccolo/Aczonin and Ahnak were among the most consistently identified binding partners. Co-immunoprecipitation and co-fractionation studies support the conclusion that huntingtin is a component of the presynaptic cytomatrix, a complicated network of proteins that regulates the positioning and priming of synaptic vesicles. These findings implicate htt in presynaptic functioning, and suggest that aberrant organization of presynaptic components may contribute to the neurological pathology associated with HD.
Conjugated polymers atypically prepared in water

Processability remains a fundamental issue for the implementation of conducting polymer technology. A simple synthetic route towards processable precursors to conducting polymers (main chain and side chain) was developed using commercially available materials. These soluble precursor systems were converted to conjugated polymers electrochemically in aqueous media, offering a cheaper and greener method of processing. Oxidative conversion in aqueous and organic media each produced equivalent electrochromics. The precursor method enhances the yield of the electrochromic polymer obtained over that of electrodeposition, and it relies on a less corruptible electrolyte bath. However, electrochemical conversion of the precursor polymers often relies on organic salts and solvents. The ability to achieve oxidative conversion in brine offers a less costly and a more environmentally friendly processing step. It is also beneficial for biological applications. The electrochromics obtained herein were evaluated for electronic, spectral, and morphological properties.
Neutral stability calculations for boundary‐layer flows

An analysis is presented of the parallel neutral stability of three‐dimensional incompressible, isothermal boundary‐layer flows. A Taylor‐series expansion of the dispersion relation is used to derive the general eigenvalues. These equations are functions of the complex group velocity. These relations are verified by numerical results obtained for two‐ and three‐dimensional disturbances in two‐ and three‐dimensional flows.
The use of vital and morbidity statistics for the detection of adverse drug reactions and for monitoring of drug safety.

In medical practice the clinician is primarily interested in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease in the individual patient. While the epidemiologist is also interested in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, he focuses on the distribution and determinants of disease in populations and communities rather than on the individual patient. It is this broader perspective that has sometimes enabled epidemiologists to uncover adverse drug reactions, revealed by variations in the geographic, seasonal, or age distribution patterns of certain diseases and, particularly, by changes in the secular trends of disease as revealed by scrutiny of vital statistics and morbidity rates.
Searching for RNA genes using base-composition statistics

The hypothesis that genomic regions rich in non-protein-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) can be identified using local variations in single-base and dinucleotide statistics has been investigated. (G+C)%, (G–C)% difference, (A–T)% difference and dinucleotide-frequency statistics were compared among seven classes of ncRNAs and three genomes. Significant variations were observed in (G+C)% and, in Methanococcus jannaschii, in the frequency of the dinucleotide ‘CG’. Screening programs based on these two base-composition statistics were developed. With (G+C)% screening alone, a 1% fraction of the M.jannaschii genome containing all 44 known transfer RNAs, ribosomal RNAs and signal recognition particle RNAs could be identified. When (G+C)% combined with CG dinucleotide-frequency screening was used, 43 of the 44 known M.jannaschii structural ncRNAs were again identified, while the number of presumably false hits overlapping a known or putative protein-coding gene was reduced from 15 to 6. In addition, 19 candidate ncRNAs were identified including one with significant homology to several known archaeal RNaseP RNAs.
RegularRoute: An Efficient Detailed Router Applying Regular Routing Patterns

In this paper, we propose RegularRoute, an efficient detailed router encouraging regular routing patterns. RegularRoute is proposed for potentially better design rule satisfaction based on a correct-by-construction methodology. Given the underlying spacing-based design rules, 2-D global routing solution, and 3-D detailed routing tracks, RegularRoute generates a 3-D detailed routing solution in a bottom-up layer-by-layer framework. At the beginning, local nets, i.e., nets or subnets that are inside one G-cell, are routed using vertical spine routing topology. Routing usage of local nets is treated as blockage when assigning global segments. Then, for each layer we formulate the problem of global segment assignment inside each panel, i.e., grouped routing tracks, as a maximum weighted independent set (MWIS) problem. We propose a fast and effective heuristic to solve the MWIS problem. Unassigned segments are partially routed by a greedy technique. For the unrouted portion of each segment, its terminals are promoted so that the assignment is deferred to the upper layers. At the top layers, we apply the panel merging and maze routing techniques to improve routability. RegularRoute generates a detailed routing solution that satisfies the basic spacing-based design rules. To satisfy all the design rules, we propose an abstract idea of local optimization based on local shift and rip-up-and-reroute, assuming that most design rules are complex functions of local and neighboring geometries. Because of the unavailability of proper academic grid-based detailed routing benchmarks, we propose two sets of detailed routing test cases derived from ISPD98 and ISPD05/06 placement benchmark suites, respectively. Our experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of RegularRoute.
Ideal-self responding on the MMPI.

Summary The MMPI was administered to 29 college students under standard and ideal-self instructions in order to determine whether or not there is agreement as to what constitutes favorable adjustment. A profile analysis of the ideal-self responses yielding an intraclass correlation of .62 (p < .001). This result substantiates previous studies suggesting that an identifiable profile exists. Items changed between the self and ideal administrations were analyzed for their social favorability, interpretive ambiguity, obviousness, and scale membership. The first three factors were found to significantly influence responding under the ideal-self set. Implications of such item changes and of ideal-self profile were discussed.
Modeling the Climatic Response to Orbital Variations

According to the astronomical theory of climate, variations in the earth's orbit are the fundamental cause of the succession of Pleistocene ice ages. This article summarizes how the theory has evolved since the pioneer studies of James Croll and Milutin Milankovitch, reviews recent evidence that supports the theory, and argues that a major opportunity is at hand to investigate the physical mechanisms by which the climate system responds to orbital forcing. After a survey of the kinds of models that have been applied to this problem, a strategy is suggested for building simple, physically motivated models, and a time-dependent model is developed that simulates the history of planetary glaciation for the past 500,000 years. Ignoring anthropogenic and other possible sources of variation acting at frequencies higher than one cycle per 19,000 years, this model predicts that the long-term cooling trend which began some 6000 years ago will continue for the next 23,000 years.
XPS investigation of electron beam effects on a trimethylsilane dosed Si(100) surface

Abstract A trimethylsilane covered Si(100) surface at temperature −120°C was bombarded by 1.3 keV electrons for various time intervals. The core level Si2p and C1s electrons were studied after each electron bombardment by use of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The spontaneous dissociation of TMSiH on the Si(100) surface was observed judging from the formation of CC bonds. The CC and CSi bonds increased initially and then saturated after ∼ 20 min of electron exposure. The binding energy of C1s in CC and CSi bonds and that of Si2p in SiC bonds showed an opposite behavior under electron irradiation. The former increased and the latter decreased at the beginning of the irradiation and then both increase rate and decrease rate reduced. From the previous results of electron stimulated desorption and temperature programmed desorption, and the variation of electron density distribution around C and Si, it is concluded that the de-hydrogenation in CHn and SiCHm bonds was induced and new SiC and CSi bonds were formed by electron irradiation on TMSiH covered Si(100) surface.
WLC03-5: Leveraging Downlink for Regulation of Distributed Uplink CDMA

In this paper, we formulate an optimal rate allocation scheme for uplink and downlink in a single-cell CDMA system. Using concepts from game theory, we show that it is possible to construct a game in which the socially optimal rate allocation arises as a subgame perfect Nash equilibrium. We further show that this equilibrium can be achieved via a distributed algorithm at the uplink using practical signaling mechanisms.
Rectifier Fault Currents---II

A comprehensive procedure for the analysis of fault currents in power rectifiers has been developed and some of the more usual cases have been analyzed for the 6-phase double-Y circuit. However, further analyses are still required to cover all the conditions which may be encountered in practice and provide a ready means for determining fault currents.
Propositional unity: what’s the problem, who has it and who solves it?

At least since Russell’s influential discussion in The Principles of Mathematics, many philosophers have held there is a problem that they call the problem of the unity of the proposition. In a recent paper, I argued that there is no single problem that alone deserves the epithet the problem of the unity of the proposition. I there distinguished three problems or questions, each of which had some right to be called a problem regarding the unity of the proposition; and I showed how the account of propositions formulated in my book The Nature and Structure of Content [2007 Oxford University Press] solves each of these problems. In the present paper, I take up two of these problems/questions yet again. For I want to consider other accounts of propositions and compare their solutions to these problems, or lack thereof, to mine. I argue that my account provides the best solutions to the unity problems.
Sex Offender Reintegration: Consequences of the Local Neighborhood Context

In this paper we seek to assess the effects of the neighborhood context on sex offenders’ perceptions of their neighbor’s willingness to support them upon release. We also examine the effect of the neighborhood context on sex offenders’ feelings of stress and the need for secrecy, potential risk factors for recidivism. Using survey data obtained from a sample of 333 in-treatment sex offenders, we find that the neighborhood social context exerts an important influence on sex offenders’ perceptions of neighborhood support. We also find that offenders are less likely to worry about the negative repercussions of their status as a sex offender when they perceive higher levels of neighborhood support. Despite the limitations of the sample, implications of this research indicate a need for policies that promote public awareness of local sex offenders while also offering education and understanding about potential barriers to successful sex offender reintegration.
An array of directable mirrors as a photovoltaic solar concentrator

Abstract Calculations of the optics of heliostats for use in large thermal power towers have been carried out in considerable detail, chiefly by Vant-Hull et al .[1, 2]. This paper describes a simplified method for calculating the images generated by a special type of concentrator, i.e. an array of independently steered mirrors on a single frame, intended to direct the solar image onto a flat photovoltaic solar cell target. The case of interest is one in which the field of illumination on the target is as uniform as possible, and the emphasis is thus on small “rim angle” geometries (a configuration which also minimizes mirror interference effects). Calculations are presented for constructing the individual mirror target images in terms of three angles: (1) The angle between the photovoltaic target normal and the reflecting mirror (celled here the mirror position angle). (2) The angle between the target center and the sun as measured from the center of the reflecting mirror, and (3) The angle at which the plane defined by the center of the sun, the mirror center and the target center intersects the plane of the target. The overall system efficiency for various mirror configurations, charaterized by such parameters as the maximum mirror angle (i.e. “rim angle”), target-mirror plane separation, and mirror aiming accuracy is discussed in terms of the specifications desirable in an optical concentrator designed specifically to illuminate uniformly a photovoltaic solar cell target.
Causes of weight reduction effects of material substitution on constant stiffness components

Abstract The substitution of lightweight materials, such as aluminum or magnesium alloys, to produce lightweight car bodies, has been the subject of intensive research in recent years. It has been established that an aluminum body is lighter than a steel body for constant stiffness. The causes of this weight reduction have not been established. In particular, since the specific modulus (modulus of elasticity/density) of steel, aluminum and magnesium are nearly identical, there is no easy answer for their ability to reduce weight. In this paper, it is shown that there are thin-walled effects that are dependent on the thickness of the material. These thin-walled effects appear in joints and other parts with complex geometry and loading conditions and can significantly weaken the part. For example, the flanges on a curved beam in flexure have an effective (load-bearing) width that increases as the material is thickened. A part made of thicker material uses its material more efficiently (has a higher percentage of load-bearing material) than a thinner part. This thickness dependence is important because thin-walled parts made from lightweight materials, such as aluminum, are thicker than their steel counterparts; hence the parts made from lightweight materials use their material more efficiently. It is further shown that reducing these thin-walled effects through better reinforcements produces significant weight reduction effects and also reduces the weight reduction effects of substituting aluminum for steel. Thus a strong, lightweight body can be achieved using steel and proper design of joints and other complex geometry parts. This is a more cost-effective way of achieving a lightweight body. The concept of a structural index, λ , is developed and applied to the joints of a truck cab. It is assumed that when performing material substitution, only the thickness, t , is changed. It is shown that the stiffness, K , of the beam can be defined as a function of t λ , that 1≤ λ ≤3, and that λ can be used to predict the weight savings from material substitution where stiffness is held constant. It is then demonstrated that λ can be used to predict the weight savings from material substitution in the more complex cases of the joints of a light truck cab.
Social status and cultural consumption in the United States

Abstract We analyze the patterns of response to a range of items fielded in the Culture Module of the 2002 General Social Survey. Our aim is to determine how social status – as distinct from social class, education, or income – is associated with styles of cultural consumption and to assess the magnitude of such associations relative to other factors. To this end, we are guided by three broad views of the relationship between social stratification and culture: the homology argument, the individualization argument, and the omnivore–univore thesis. Latent class analysis reveals that contemporary cultural consumers cluster into a small number of recognizable patterns. The patterns that emerge are more consistent with the omnivore–univore thesis than they are with the alternatives. Multinomial logistic regression establishes that these styles of consumption have strong roots in the stratification system, but in social status rather than in social class. Social status is found to be central to the distinction between those who are active cultural consumers (i.e., “omnivores” or “paucivores”) and those who are comparatively inactive, and to be especially relevant to the definition of omnivore and “inactive” styles.
Elastic–plastic property closures for hexagonal close-packed polycrystalline metals using first-order bounding theories

Abstract Property closures delineate the complete set of theoretically feasible combinations of macroscale (homogenized) properties in a given material system. A novel spectral framework called microstructure sensitive design (MSD) was recently formulated and demonstrated to be capable of delineating elastic–plastic property closures in a number of composite material systems. In particular, it was successfully applied to cubic polycrystals, where it was assumed that the crystallographic texture had a dominant influence on the macroscale properties of interest. Application of these procedures to hexagonal polycrystals posed significant computational difficulties, because of the need to represent the texture in the hcp polycrystals in a much larger number of dimensions in the Fourier space compared with what was needed for the cubic polycrystals. This paper reports new computational schemes for delineating elastic–plastic closures for hcp polycrystals using the spectral framework of MSD. The primary focus of this paper continues to be on the influence of the crystallographic texture (in the hcp polycrystal) on the components of the macroscale anisotropic elastic stiffness, macroscale anisotropic tensile yield strength, and the macroscale R ratios (ratio of the transverse strains in tensile deformation mode) exhibited by the material.
Fast scanning confocal microscopy with a rotary mirror array

We have developed a novel confocal microscopy system, which can perform both axial and lateral scanning at an ultra high speed. A rotary mirror array (RMA) consists of 36 small mirrors deployed on the surface of a round plate with a small tilting angle and a discrete rotational symmetry. When the RMA rotates at a constant speed, the focal point is scanned inside a sample periodically and linearly. We have demonstrated a scanning rate of 2400 lines per second, which can be readily improved to more than 20000 lines per second. Our scheme can also be used in a fast scanning multi-photon microscope.
Radial artery patency: are aortocoronary conduits superior to composite grafting?

Abstract Background The radial artery (RA) can be used as either an aortocoronary (RA-Ao) or composite graft (T graft). Optimum use for the RA has yet to be established. We compared RA patency with these two techniques. Methods Between October 1993 and June 2001, 1505 patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting using the RA as either a composite (n = 1022) or RA-Ao graft (n = 483). Angiograms performed on 203 (13.5%) patients with signs or symptoms of ischemia at an average of 26.1 ± 18.5 months postoperatively were reviewed. Results Patients with RA-Ao grafts had a greater incidence of postoperative angiography versus patients with composite grafts (19% versus 11%; p p p p p p = 0.50). Conclusions The site of the proximal anastomosis does not appear to influence patency. Both RA-Ao and composite conduits are sensitive to target location and stenosis. Advantages of composite grafting include greater conduit length and minimizing aortic manipulation at the expense of increased complexity and the potential for hypoperfusion. These factors should be considered when choosing an RA grafting strategy.