Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Principles of international water law: creating effective transboundary water resources management

This article summarises the principles of international water law related to transboundary water resources management and analyses to what extent these principles are incorporated in recent international conventions and treaties. The study reveals that principle of equitable and reasonable utilisation, obligation not to cause significant harm, principles of cooperation, information exchange, notification, consultation and peaceful settlement of disputes are widely acknowledged by modern international conventions, agreements and treaties. These principles could facilitate effective transboundary water resources management involving riparian countries of shared watercourses and hence, promote sustainable development around the world.
Introduction: The MIRAB model in the twenty‐first century

The papers collected in this volume were originally presented at a conference in February 2004, on the theme 'Beyond MIRAB: The Political Economy of Small Islands in the Twenty-First Century'. Several of the papers in the collection point towards the emergence of a new three-way taxonomy of small-island socioeconomic formations, comprising MIRAB, PROFIT and SITE ideal- types. The key economic flows in the first are remittances and aid; in the second, jurisdictionally- related flows such as tax-haven and money-laundering transactions; and in the third, tourism revenues. All three ideal-types correspond to potentially sustainable temporary equilibria, but in all cases the existing set-up is path-dependent, and subject to regime switch if disturbed. Conceptualisation of the small-island world as a field of multiple equilibria and path dependence points to the future importance of event studies by island researchers. The collection includes also new research on the theory of remittances, and case studies of the MIRAB process and the transnational migrant diaspora.
Differences in arachidonic acid metabolism by human myelomonocytic cell lines

The production of arachidonic acid metabolites by the HL60, ML3, and U937 human phagocyte cell lines was determined after incubation with interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ, 500 U/ml) or vehicle for 4 days. Cells were prelabeled with tritiated arachidonic acid, [3H]AA, for 4 h, and media supernatants were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography. None of the cell lines produced [3H]AA metabolites in large amounts during an unstimulated, basal release period (30 or 60 min). In response to 10 μM calcium ionophore A23187 incubation (30 min), undifferentiated and IFN‐γ‐differentiated HL60 cells formed both cyclooxygenase products (thromboxane and prostaglandins) and lipoxygenase products (leukotrienes and hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids). In contrast to the HL60 cells, IFN‐γ‐differentiated U937 cells formed primarily cyclooxygenase products and undifferentiated and IFN‐γ–differentiated ML3 cells did not form any [3H]AA metabolites in response to A23187. These results indicate the need to be careful in selecting a cell line for use in a phagocyte assay system when cyclooxygenase and/or lipoxygenase products could influence the assay results.
Gapless spin-1 neutral collective mode branch for graphite.

Using the standard tight binding model of 2D graphite with short range electron repulsion, we predict a gapless spin-1, neutral collective mode branch below the particle-hole continuum with energy vanishing linearly with momenta at the Gamma and K points in the Brillouin zone. This spin-1 mode has a wide energy dispersion, 0 to approximately 2 eV, and is not Landau damped. The "Dirac cone spectrum" of electrons at the chemical potential of graphite generates our collective mode, so we call this "spin-1 zero sound" of the "Dirac sea. " Epithermal neutron scattering experiments and spin polarized electron energy loss spectroscopy can be used to confirm and study our collective mode.
Distribution of human papillomavirus types in cervical cancers in Hong Kong: Current situation and changes over the last decades

Human papillomavirus (HPV) type distribution among cervical cancers and its possible changes over time are key issues that determine the cost‐effectiveness of HPV vaccines. Cervical cancers diagnosed during 3 periods (1997–2007, N = 280; 1984–1986, N = 74; 1972–1973, N = 81) in Hong Kong were examined for HPV type distribution using sensitive broad‐catching methods. The results showed a variation in HPV distribution between histological groups. Among cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases diagnosed over the past 10 years, HPV16 was most commonly found (61.2%), followed by HPV18 (17.7%), HPV52 (14.7%) and HPV58 (9.9%), whereas adeno/adenosquamous cell carcinoma was dominated by HPV18 (56.3%) and HPV16 (50.0%). The proportion of HPV16‐positive SCC showed a significant linear trend of increase with time (45.2% for 1972–1973, 58.8% for 1984–1986, 61.2% for 1997–2007; pTrend = 0.023), whereas HPV52‐positive SCC decreased with time (30.1% for 1972–1973; 29.4% for 1984–1986, 14.7% for 1997–2007; pTrend = 0.001). Vaccines comprising HPV16/18 cover 62.6% of SCC and 93.8% of adeno/adenosquamous carcinoma in Hong Kong, and inclusion of HPV52 and HPV58 can increase the coverage by 18.4% for SCC and 4.1% for adeno/adenosquamous cell carcinoma. HPV type distribution may change over time. Further investigations to reveal the determinants for such changes and continuous monitoring for possible type replacement as a result of widespread long‐term use of HPV vaccines are warranted. Multiple infections are commonly revealed by sensitive broad‐catching methods such as those used in this study. However, their implication on vaccine efficacy and cost‐effective analyses should be taken cautiously. © 2009 UICC
Left Ventricular Aneurysm: Preoperative Hemodynamics, Chamber Volume, and Results of Aneurysmectomy

Angiocardiographic characteristics of the residual contracting left ventricle (LV) have been examined in 16 patients with anterolateral ventricular aneurysms (VA). In each patient a contractile section (CS) of the LV was clearly demarcated from the remaining aneurysmal section (AS). Using a double hemispheroid model, volumes of CS and AS were separately estimated by a modified area-length method. The volume of CS plus AS agreed closely with the volume of total LV estimated by the conventional area-length method. End-diastolic volume (EDV) of total LV ranged from 79 to 312 ml/m2. Aneurysmal section volume ranged from 8 to 264 ml/m2. End-diastolic volume of the contractile section ranged from 52 to 159 ml/m2 (mean, 100 ± 8 (se); normal, 78 ± 6). Contractile section ejection fraction (EF) showed a wide range, from 15% to 79% (mean 40% ± 17% sd). Nine patients underwent resection of VA. Three of six operated patients with CS EF < 44% died; no survivor in this group has improved by more than one functional class (New York Heart Association classification). Three operated patients had CS EF > 45%; all survived and are improved, two having moved from class IV to class I. These data suggest that the EF of the contracting residual LV may be an important predictor of the outcome of resection of VA.
A Dysfunctional Role of High Frequency Trading in Electronic Markets

This paper shows that high frequency trading may play a dysfunctional role in financial markets. Contrary to arbitrageurs who make financial markets more efficient by taking advantage of and thereby eliminating mispricings, high frequency traders can create a mispricing that they unknowingly exploit to the disadvantage of ordinary investors. This mispricing is generated by the collective and independent actions of high frequency traders, coordinated via the observation of a common signal.
Evolutionary Stability in Asymmetric Oligopoly

It is a very well-known result that in terms of evolutionary stability the long-run outcome of a Cournot oligopoly market with fi nitely many fi rms approaches the perfectly competitive Walrasian market outcome (Vega-Redondo, 1997). However, in this paper we show that an asymmetric structure in the cost functions of fi rms may change the long-run outcome. Contrary to Tanaka (1999) we show that the evolutionarily stable price in an asymmetric Cournot oligopoly needs not equal the marginal cost, it may rather equal a weighted average of (diff erent) marginal cost. We apply a symmetrization technique in order to transform the game with asymmetric fi rms into a symmetric oligopoly game and then extend Schaff er’s defi nition (1988) of a fi nite population ESS (FPESS) to this setup. Moreover, we show that the FPESS in this game represents a stochastically stable state of an evolutionary process of imitation with experimentation.
Transition cropping system impacts on organic wheat yield and quality

Abstract Organic wheat and small grains are produced on relatively few acres in the inland Pacific Northwest. The objective of this study was to examine how the nitrogen (N) dynamics of cropping systems (CSs) produced during the transition phase impacted organic wheat yield and protein levels in the first 2 years of certified organic production. Certified organic spring wheat (SW) was produced in 2006 and winter wheat (WW) in 2007 following nine, 3-year transitional cereal, small grain and legume-intensive CSs. SW and WW following perennial alfalfa + oat/pea forage or 3 years of legume green manure tended to be more productive than wheat that followed systems that contained a small grain crop for at least 1 year during the transition. In addition to increasing soil N, well-established stands of forage and green manure provided adequate cover to reduce weed establishment prior to organic production. Effective weed control strategies were as important as increasing soil inorganic N levels for improving organic wheat production. Choice of crop type, cultivar and rotation is important in organic wheat systems and in this study, WW had better stand establishment, competition with weeds and higher overall yield than SW and would be a better-suited class of wheat for organic production in situations where spring weeds are the dominant problem. Regardless of CS or crop type, supplemental soil fertility (primarily N) during the organic production phase will be necessary to maintain high soil N levels and wheat yields in these dryland systems.
Fluorine-18-fluoroethylcholine PET/CT in the detection of prostate cancer: a South African experience.

OBJECTIVE Imaging with fluorine-18-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography ((18)F-FDG PET/CT) has, until recently provided disappointing results with low sensitivity ranging from 31%-64% in patients with well-differentiated prostate cancer (PC) at all prostatic specific antigen (PSA) levels while fluorine-18-fluoroethylcholine ((18)F-FECh) PET/CT showed about 85% sensitivity in restaging patients after relapse. We present our experience of the sensitivity of (18)F-FECh PET/CT in the early stages of PC. SUBJECT AND METHODS Fifty patients were prospectively recruited and imaged, of which 40 fulfilled all inclusion criteria. Our patients had an average age of 65.5 years. Fifteen patients were referred for initial staging, with the remaining 25 referred for restaging and all patients had histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma. Patients were imaged by (18)F-FECh PET/CT. Findings were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively and compared to the results of histology, PSA, Gleason score and bone scintigraphy. The prostate SUVmax was also used. RESULTS Thirty-one patients demonstrated abnormal pelvic- and or extra- pelvic findings on (18)F-FECh PET/CT, which was consistent with malignant or metastatic involvement. The prostate SUVmax could not be used to predict the presence or absence of metastatic disease. CONCLUSION Findings of this paper suggest that (18)F-FECh PET/CT in 30/40 cases (estimated as 75%) was helpful in the initial staging, restaging and lymph node detection of patients with PC. The SUVmax was not helpful. We diagnosed more PC cases in our African-American patients as compared to the Caucasian patients.
Osmoregulatory changes in Myo‐inositol content and Na+/Myo‐inositol contransport in rat cortical astrocytes

Exposure of cortical astrocytes to 325, 350, or 390 mosM culture media for 48 h caused a 1.4‐, 2.1‐, and 3.5‐fold increase, respectively, in cellular content of the compatible osmolyte myo‐inositol. Elevated myo‐inositol levels accounted for ∼56‐100% of the solute needed by the cells for complete volume regulation under hypertonic conditions. Myo‐inositol accumulation was associated with 4‐5‐fold (peak rate) and 1.8‐2‐fold (steady‐state rate) increases in the rate of Na+ ‐dependent myo‐inositol uptake when cells were acclimated to 390 mosM culture medium for 12 h or 24‐96 h, respectively. When medium osmolality was elevated by 25 mosM, peak and steady‐state increases in myo‐inositol uptake of 1.7‐fold and 1.3‐fold, respectively, were observed. Exposure to 390 mosM medium for 12‐48 h induced a 3‐8‐fold increase in cotransporter mRNA levels suggesting that the increase in myo‐inositol uptake is brought about by increased cotransporter gene expression. Abrupt return of hypertonic cells to an isotonic medium induced a rapid increase in myo‐inositol efflux and a return of cotransporter mRNA to control values in <2 h. In contrast, the cotransporter remained fully activated at hypertonic levels for 16 h. Between 16‐24 h after the transfer, the rate of myo‐inositol uptake returned to control values. The remarkable sensitivity of the cotransporter to hypertonic stress indicates that upregulation of myo‐inositol transport in glial cells is likely to occur in a variety of disease states that cause an elevation of plasma osmolality. Slow downregulation of the cotransporter may be responsible in part for the slow loss of myo‐inositol and cerebral edema that occurs with too rapid correction of chronic plasma hypertonicity.
Synthesis and physicochemical, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of an anisotropic, nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite bisque scaffold with parallel‐aligned pores mimicking the microstructure of cortical bone

Scaffolds for bone regeneration are mostly prepared with an isotropic, sponge‐like structure mimicking the architecture of trabecular bone. We have developed an anisotropic bioceramic with parallel aligned pores resembling the honeycomb arrangement of Haversian canals of cortical bone and investigated its potential as a scaffold for tissue engineering. Parallel channel‐like pores were generated by ionotropic gelation of an alginate–hydroxyapatite (HA) slurry, followed by ceramic processing. Organic components were thermally removed at 650 °C, whereas the pore system was preserved in the obtained HA bioceramic in the processing stage of a bisque. Even without further sintering at higher temperatures, the anisotropic HA bisque (AHAB) became mechanically stable with a compressive strength (4.3 MPa) comparable to that of native trabecular bone. Owing to the low‐temperature treatment, a nanocrystalline microstructure with high porosity (82%) and surface area (24.9 m2/g) was achieved that kept the material dissolvable in acidic conditions, similar to osteoclastic degradation of bone. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) adhered, proliferated and differentiated into osteoblasts when osteogenically induced, indicating the cytocompatibility of the bisque scaffold. Furthermore, we demonstrated fusion of human monocytes to osteoclast‐like cells in vitro on this substrate, similar to the natural pathway. Biocompatibility was demonstrated in vivo by implantation of the bisque ceramic into cortical rabbit femur defects, followed by histological analysis, where new bone formation inside the channel‐like pores and generation of an osteon‐like tissue morphology was observed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adopting Inflation Targeting in Pakistan: An Empirical Analysis

The objective of this paper is to assess the conditions for inflation targeting in Pakistan. The recent inflationary surge in Pakistan calls for rethinking monetary policy afresh. This paper argues the case for inflation targeting in Pakistan as a policy option to achieve price stability. The country experienced an inflation rate of just below 10 percent during 1970-2009, which makes it a potential candidate for inflation targeting. Applying the VAR technique to data for the same period, inflation is shown to be adaptive in nature, leading us to reject the accelerationist hypothesis. The Lucas critique holds as people are found to use forward-looking models in forming expectations about inflation. The paper also sheds some light on the State Bank of Pakistan’s level of preparedness for the possibility of adopting inflation targeting, for which transparency and autonomy are prerequisites. The interest rate channel can play the role of a nominal anchor in the long run.
Tumor Necrosis Factor/Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Signaling Augments Resistance Artery Myogenic Tone in Diabetes

Diabetes strongly associates with microvascular complications that ultimately promote multiorgan failure. Altered myogenic responsiveness compromises tissue perfusion, aggravates hypertension, and sets the stage for later permanent structural changes to the microcirculation. We demonstrate that skeletal muscle resistance arteries isolated from patients with diabetes have augmented myogenic tone, despite reasonable blood glucose control. To understand the mechanisms, we titrated a standard diabetes mouse model (high-fat diet plus streptozotocin [HFD/STZ]) to induce a mild increase in blood glucose levels. HFD/STZ treatment induced a progressive myogenic tone augmentation in mesenteric and olfactory cerebral arteries; neither HFD nor STZ alone had an effect on blood glucose or resistance artery myogenic tone. Using gene deletion models that eliminate tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or sphingosine kinase 1, we demonstrate that vascular smooth muscle cell TNF drives the elevation of myogenic tone via enhanced sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) signaling. Therapeutically antagonizing TNF (etanercept) or S1P (JTE013) signaling corrects this defect. Our investigation concludes that vascular smooth muscle cell TNF augments resistance artery myogenic vasoconstriction in a diabetes model that induces a small elevation of blood glucose. Our data demonstrate that microvascular reactivity is an early disease marker and advocate establishing therapies that strategically target the microcirculation.
The presence of the Trim5α escape mutation H87Q in the capsid of late stage HIV-1 variants is preceded by a prolonged asymptomatic infection phase

Background:Recently, the tripartite interaction motif 5α (Trim5α) has been identified as an inhibitory factor blocking infection of a broad range of retroviruses in a species-specific manner. In particular, HIV-1 replication can be efficiently blocked by Trim5α from Old World monkeys. The cyclophilin A binding region in the HIV-1 capsid is believed to be the viral determinant for Trim5α, and mutations in this region lift the restriction in simian cells. Human Trim5α is also able to inhibit HIV-1 replication in vitro, implying that Trim5α may contribute to host control of HIV-1 replication in vivo. Methods:HIV-1 variants from participants of the Amsterdam cohort studies were analysed for Trim5α escape mutations in the capsid. Patients who harboured HIV-1 variants with Trim5α escape mutations were compared with patients who lacked such variants in terms of clinical course of infection. Results:Trim5α escape mutants emerged in the late phase of infection and were ultimately present in 13.7% of HIV-1 infected individuals. Patients who developed Trim5α escape variants late in infection had a significantly lower set-point plasma viral RNA load and concomitantly a prolonged asymptomatic survival as compared to individuals who lacked Trim5α escape mutants. This protective effect was stronger in individuals who later developed X4 variants. In addition, X4-emergence was delayed in individuals who later developed Trim5α escape variants, compatible with suppression of viral replication. Conclusion:Our data are compatible with Trim5α-mediated suppression of viral replication, resulting in prolonged asymptomatic survival and ultimately the selection of Trim5α escape variants.
Quality Risk Ratings in Global Supply Chains

Extended enterprises face many challenges in managing the product quality of their suppliers. Consequently characterizing the quality risk posed by value‐chain partners has become increasingly important. There have been several recent efforts to develop frameworks for rating the quality risk posed by suppliers. We develop an analytical model to examine the impact of such quality ratings on suppliers, manufacturers, and social welfare. While it might seem that quality ratings would benefit high‐quality suppliers and hurt low‐quality suppliers, we show that this is not always the case. We find that such quality ratings can hurt both types of suppliers or benefit both, depending on the market conditions. We also find that quality ratings do not always benefit the most demanding manufacturers who desire high‐quality suppliers. Finally, we find that social welfare is not always improved by risk ratings. These results suggest that public policy initiatives addressing risk ratings must be carefully considered.
Sensitivity analysis of Kalman Filter based capacity estimation for electric vehicles

In this paper, a sensitivity analysis of Kalman Filter based capacity estimation for electric vehicle batteries is performed. In order to represent different user driving behaviours a random drive cycle data generator is introduced and used in the analysis. An asymmetric equivalent circuit is used for both data generation and estimation. Different aspects and sources of measurement and modeling error are introduced to investigate their impact on accuracy. It is demonstrated the nonlinear nature of the open circuit voltage and modeling errors of its curvature are among the greatest sources of estimation error. Additional analysis to study effects of error resulting from measurement error, discretization, and smoothing are also presented.
Integrated Resource Planning with Environmental Costs in Developing Countries

This paper presents an integrated approach to dealing with the twin problems of environmental degradation and capital costs associated with the rapid expansion of electric power in developing countries. The integrated resource planning framework developed here calls for a careful balancing of supply and demand side options. Interruptible technologies are an important option in those developing countries where capital is scarcer and shortage costs are higher. When environmental costs of conventional generating technologies are included, the balance shifts even further in favor of demand side measures. This integrated perspective at the planning phase must be complemented by pricing policies that accurately reflect the cost of providing electric power, and organization structures that provide strong incentives for efficient operation.
Integrated overcurrent protection system for class-D audio power amplifiers

A fully integrated overcurrent protection system is presented suitable for application in integrated class-D audio power amplifiers. Accurate overcurrent detection is used based on parallel measurement of the voltage drop across the DMOS power transistors. A logic circuit enables continuous current limiting during overload situations. Actual short circuits can be distinguished from load impedance minima using a simple short-circuit discrimination method.