cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Unlocking land values for urban infrastructure finance : international experience - considerations for Indian policy

Despite strong economic growth, investment in basic urban infrastructure -- water supply, wastewater removal and treatment, roads, and other capital-intensive systems -- has failed to keep pace with urban growth, leaving a critical urban infrastructure deficit. At the same time, urban lands in these many developing countries are among the most expensive in the world. Much of this land is owned by public authorities. Significant parts of it lie vacant, unused for public service provision or inappropriate for conversion to higher-valued economic activity. A composite public-sector balance sheet for India's urban areas would show an asset mix strong on public-sector landholdings but weak on infrastructure. This raises the following questions: Can some excess public-sector land be exchanged for infrastructure, in a manner that is politically acceptable and economically efficient? Can public land sales be a realistic source of finance for critically needed urban infrastructure investment? This paper considers the policy context that has shaped different land-disposal and earmarking initiatives, provides details about the actual workings of institutions, and examines international experience in infrastructure investment. This study contributes to the consultative process underway in India to consider strategies to unlock public land values to help finance urban infrastructure investment.
Achieving leakage resilience through dual system encryption

In this work, we show that strong leakage resilience for cryptosystems with advanced functionalities can be obtained quite naturally within the methodology of dual system encryption, recently introduced by Waters. We demonstrate this concretely by providing fully secure IBE, HIBE, and ABE systems which are resilient to bounded leakage from each of many secret keys per user, as well as many master keys. This can be realized as resilience against continual leakage if we assume keys are periodically updated and no (or logarithmic) leakage is allowed during the update process. Our systems are obtained by applying a simple modification to previous dual system encryption constructions: essentially this provides a generic tool for making dual system encryption schemes leakage-resilient.
To what extent are Bangladesh's recent gains in poverty reduction different from the past?

The poor in Bangladesh are more likely to belong to households with a larger number of dependents and lower education among household members, be engaged in daily wage labor, own little land, and be less likely to receive remittances. This poverty profile for 2005 is similar to the profile in the mid-1980s and hence at first glance it would appear that little has changed over time. A closer look at national household survey data suggests a more nuanced story. This paper uses the latest two rounds of the Bangladesh Household Income and Expenditure Survey to decompose the micro-determinants of poverty reduction between 2000 and 2005, closely following a similar analysis using five earlier rounds of the Survey. The comparison of results shows that the spatial distribution of poverty seen in earlier decades has changed with time and the drivers of poverty reduction are different in several respects.
MR imaging and T2 mapping of femoral cartilage: in vivo determination of the magic angle effect.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to perform a quantitative evaluation of the effect of static magnetic field orientation on cartilage transverse (T2) relaxation time in the intact living joint and to determine the magnitude of the magic angle effect on in vivo femoral cartilage.MATERIALS AND METHODS. Quantitative T2 maps of the femoral—tibial joint were obtained in eight asymptomatic male volunteers using a 3-T magnet. Cartilage T2 profiles (T2 vs normalized distance from subchondral bone) were evaluated as a function of orientation of the radial zone of cartilage with the applied static magnetic field (B0).RESULTS. At a normalized distance of 0.3 from bone, cartilage T2 is 8.6% longer in cartilage oriented 55° to B0 compared with cartilage oriented parallel with B0. Greater orientation variation is observed in more superficial cartilage. At a normalized distance of 0.6, cartilage T2 is 18.3% longer. The greatest orientation effect is observed near the articular surface where T2 is 29.1% longer at...
Oriented matroid theory and loop quantum gravity in (2+2) and eight dimensions

We establish a connection between oriented matroid theory and loop quantum gravity in (2+2) (two time and two space dimensions) and 8-dimensions. We start by observing that supersymmetry implies that the structure constants of the real numbers, complex numbers, quaternions and octonions can be identified with the chirotope concept. This means, among other things, that normed divisions algebras, which are only possible in 1, 2, 4 or 8-dimensions, are linked to oriented matroid theory. Therefore, we argue that the possibility for developing loop quantum gravity in 8-dimensions must be taken as important alternative. Moreover, we show that in 4-dimensions, loop quantum gravity theories in the (1+3) or (0+4) signatures are not the only possiblities. In fact, we show that loop quantum gravity associated with the (2+2)-signature may also be an interesting physical structure.
Does Mediation Make Us Better? Exploring the Capacity‐Building Potential of Community Mediation

The prevailing measures of the success of mediation have largely focused on rates of settlement and satisfaction while overlooking the capacity-building goals expressed by many mediation advocates. I address this through empirical study of the effects of mediation on participant capacity at two community mediation organizations in Toronto. I find that mediation has the potential to build participant capacity, but in the majority of cases, it does not have these lasting effects on participants. Based on these findings I conclude that mediation advocates should scale back and reconceptualize, though not entirely abandon, their claims about the capacity-building potential of mediation.
Shifting comparative advantages in Tajikistan : implications for growth strategy

The future development of the Tajik economy will be shaped by its comparative advantage on world markets. Exploiting comparative advantage enables an economy to reap gains from trade. Tajikistan's most important comparative advantage is its hydropower potential, which is far larger than the economy's domestic requirements. Yet, high capital costs of building hydropower plants and the unstable geopolitical situation in the transit region to reach South Asian export markets are constraining the realization of this potential. In the short term, the sector, which provides the greatest opportunity for Tajikistan to diversify its exports, appears to be agro-industry and, to a lesser extent, clothing. For both sectors, the main export market is likely to be the regional market. Tajikistan also has a comparative advantage in labor exports, which it has successfully exploited since the mid-2000s. To harness the full potential for labor exports will require improving the skills base of migrant workers and, in particular, their command of the Russian language. In the medium term, the paper argues that an export diversification strategy should tap the agglomeration economies generated by cities. More specifically, establishing Tajikistan's two leading cities, Dushanbe and Khujand, and their surroundings as enclave economies, linked to each other and to major regional markets through improved transport infrastructure so as to minimize production and transportation costs. The two enclave economies should provide the supporting services (finance, logistics, transport and storage) for private sector businesses. In the long term, regional cooperation on trade and transport facilitation could be pursued to reduce transport costs to attractive regional markets such as China, India, Russia and Turkey.
The Standardisation and Sequencing of Solar Eclipse Images for the Eclipse Megamovie Project

We present a new tool, the Solar Eclipse Image Standardisation and Sequencing (SEISS), developed to process multi-source total solar eclipse images by adjusting them to the same standard of size, resolution, and orientation. Furthermore, by analysing the eclipse images, we can determine the relative time between the observations and order them to create a movie of the observed total solar eclipse sequence. We successfully processed images taken at the 14 November 2012 total solar eclipse that occurred in Queensland, Australia, and created a short eclipse proto-movie. The SEISS tool was developed for the Eclipse Megamovie Project (EMP: ), with the goal of processing thousands of images taken by the public during solar eclipse events. EMP is a collaboration among multiple institutes aiming to engage and advance the public interest in solar eclipses and the science of the Sun–Earth connection.
Dynamic OLS estimation of the U.S. import demand for Mexican crude oil

This paper estimates the U.S. import demand for crude oil from Mexico. The analysis is based on time series from January 1990 to December 2010. Time series properties of the processes that generate the data are assessed in order to specify the order of integration for each series. According to results from unit root tests, all the series under study are unit root non-stationary. The paper then estimates the cointegrating import demand regression using Dynamic OLS procedure. Residuals from the DOLS cointegrating regression are tested and found to be stationary; thus, the cointegrating regression is not spurious. According to estimation results, U.S. import demand for Mexican crude oil is income inelastic, perfect price inelastic, and responsive to changes in both U.S. stock of oil (excluding SPR) and unemployment rate in the U.S. Also, this paper points to the estimate bias from omitting relevant variables as it is common in the mainstream literature on crude oil import demand.
The role of professional economists in the financial markets

Economists have always been interested in the workings of the financial markets, but most of them neither seek nor get the opportunity to work in a financial institution as a professional economist. Here we detail how (a minority of) economists became involved in the financial markets, and what that professional involvement has entailed, in order to come up with implications for economists who are considering working in the financial markets as well as for the universities that provide training for future economists.
Dynamic responses of the Earth’s outer core to assimilation of observed geomagnetic secular variation

Assimilation of surface geomagnetic observations and geodynamo models has advanced very quickly in recent years. However, compared to advanced data assimilation systems in meteorology, geomagnetic data assimilation (GDAS) is still in an early stage. Among many challenges ranging from data to models is the disparity between the short observation records and the long time scales of the core dynamics. To better utilize available observational information, we have made an effort in this study to directly assimilate the Gauss coefficients of both the core field and its secular variation (SV) obtained via global geomagnetic field modeling, aiming at understanding the dynamical responses of the core fluid to these additional observational constraints. Our studies show that the SV assimilation helps significantly to shorten the dynamo model spin-up process. The flow beneath the core-mantle boundary (CMB) responds significantly to the observed field and its SV. The strongest responses occur in the relatively small scale flow (of the degrees L≈30 in spherical harmonic expansions). This part of the flow includes the axisymmetric toroidal flow (of order m=0) and non-axisymmetric poloidal flow with m≥5. These responses can be used to better understand the core flow and, in particular, to improve accuracies of predicting geomagnetic variability in the future.
A spin glass perspective on ferroic glasses

A range of ferroic glasses, magnetic, polar, relaxor and strain glasses, are considered together from the perspective of spin glasses. Simple mathematical modelling is shown to provide a possible conceptual unification to back similarities of experimental observations, without considering all possible complexities and alternatives.
Explaining gender differentials in agricultural production in Nigeria

This paper uses data from the General Household Survey Panel 2010/11 to analyze differences in agricultural productivity across male and female plot managers in Nigeria. The analysis utilizes the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition method, which allows for decomposing the unconditional gender gap into (i) the portion caused by observable differences in the factors of production (endowment effect) and (ii) the unexplained portion caused by differences in returns to the same observed factors of production (structural effect). The analysis is conducted separately for the North and South regions, excluding the west of the country. The findings show that in the North, women produce 28 percent less than men after controlling for observed factors of production, while there are no significant gender differences in the South. In the decomposition results, the structural effect in the North is larger than the endowment at the mean. Although women in the North have access to less productive resources than men, the results indicate that even if given the same level of inputs, significant differences still emerge. However for the South, the decomposition results show that the endowment effect is more important than the structural effect. Access to resources explains most of the gender gap in the South and if women are given the same level of inputs as men, the gap will be minimal. The difference in the results for the North and South suggests that policy should vary by region.
Hypolipidemic effects of 6‐amino‐2‐mercapto‐5‐methylpyrimidine‐4‐carboxylic acid in rats and tissue culture cells

Abstract 6-Amino-2-mercapto-5-methylpyrimidine-4-carboxylic acid (AMMPCA) was found to be a potent hypolipidemic agent at oral closes of 10 and 20 mg/kg/day in rodents. This agent was observed to affect de novo lipid synthesizing enzyme activities in a manner that resulted in lower lipid levels in tissues including the aorta wall. Very low density lipoprotein and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were reduced, whereas high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were significantly increased. AMMPCA interfered with low density receptor activity, suggesting that the drug blocked lipid uptake by peripheral tissue while stimulating binding of lipid to the high density lipoprotein receptor, which should accelerate lipid clearance from the tissues and blood. A second mode of action of the drug is enhanced biliary excretion of lipids, but there was no evidence of a lithogenic effect. Acute toxicity studies in rodents support the fact that AMMPCA is safe in its therapeutic dose range.
Failure in Complex Social Networks

A class of inhomogenously wired networks called ‘‘scale-free’’ networks have been shown to be more robust against failure than more homogenously connected exponential networks. The robustness of scale-free networks consists in their ability to remain connected even when failure occurs. The diffusion of information and disease across a network only requires a single contact between nodes, making network connectivity the crucial determinant of whether or not these ‘‘simple contagions’’ will spread. However, for ‘‘complex contagions,’’ such as social movements, collective behaviors, and cultural and social norms, multiple reinforcing ties are needed to support the spread of a behavior diffusion. I show that scale-free networks are much less robust than exponential networks for the spread of complex contagions, which highlights the value of more homogenously distributed social networks for the robust transmission of collective behavior.
Subspace identification with guaranteed stability using constrained optimization

In system identification, the true system is often known to be stable. However, due to finite sample constraints, modeling errors, plant disturbances and measurement noise, the identified model may be unstable. We present a constrained optimization method to ensure asymptotic stability of the identified model in the context of subspace identification methods. In subspace identification, we first obtain an estimate of the state sequence or extended observability matrix and then solve a least squares optimization problem to estimate the system parameters. To ensure asymptotic stability of the identified model, we write the least-squares optimization problem as a convex linear programming problem with mixed equality, quadratic, and positive-semidefinite constraints suitable for existing convex optimization codes such as SeDuMi. We present examples to illustrate the method and compare to existing approaches.
How Bayesian Analysis Cracked the Red-State, Blue-State Problem

In the United States as in other countries, political and economic divisions cut along geographic and demographic lines. Richer people are more likely to vote for Republican candidates while poorer voters lean Democratic; this is consistent with the positions of the two parties on economic issues. At the same time, richer states on the coasts are bastions of the Democrats, while most of the generally lower-income areas in the middle of the country strongly support Republicans. During a research project lasting several years, we reconciled these patterns by fitting a series of multilevel models to perform inference on geographic and demographic subsets of the population. We were using national survey data with relatively small samples in some states, ethnic groups and income categories; this motivated the use of Bayesian inference to partially pool between fitted models and local data. Previous, non-Bayesian analyses of income and voting had failed to connect individual and state-level patterns. Now that our analysis has been done, we believe it could be replicated using non-Bayesian methods, but Bayesian inference helped us crack the problem by directly handling the uncertainty that is inherent in working with sparse data.
Exploring the phenomenon of company-specific Production Systems: One-best-way or own-best-way?

This explorative study investigates the phenomenon of the company-specific production system (XPS). It has been a strong and recent trend across many manufacturing industries to develop and deploy such a corporate improvement programme. Five propositions regarding the uniqueness of XPSs are derived from universalistic versus contingent perspectives on improvement programmes. The main XPS principles of 30 renowned multinationals are analysed for similarities and differences. In conclusion, XPSs largely represent variants of the same in content. They represent an own-best-way approach to the one-best-way paradigm. Even though a tight relationship to the Toyota Production System (TPS) and lean production is established, the findings raise a red flag that XPSs might suffer under a too rigid, path-dependent development process from what has become an overly technical understanding of the TPS. This study also questions whether modern manufacturers have sufficiently integrated other essential elements of modern ...
Electrochemical synthesis of 2,2-dinitropropanol

This paper describes electrochemical approaches to the synthesis of 2,2-dinitropropanol (DNPOH) and discusses the potential for pilot-plant scale synthesis. In this work, the anode of the electrochemical cell replaces the chemical oxidants used in the conventional synthesis for the purpose of reducing secondary waste and the consequent disposal cost. The electrosynthesis reactions described in this work use the common starting material, nitroethane (NE). The synthesis of the end-product DNPOH involves two steps: (1) electrochemical oxidative nitration (addition of a geminal NO2 group); and, (2) condensation with formaldehyde. Electrochemical oxidation of NE was first attempted by direct oxidation on a Pt electrode surface resulting in low yield and significant generation of undesirable by-product. Alternatively, two different mediators were employed resulting in a dramatic improvement of yield for the oxidative nitration step. The two different mediators used, Ag+/Ag0 and Fe(CN) 6 −3/−4 , were derived from the chemical oxidants known to perform the oxidative nitration. The Fe(CN) 6 −3/−4 mediator demonstrated the best promise for scale-up and industrial production due to the lower cost of the mediator and the solubility of the mediator lending it to greater ease-of-use in conventional electrochemical cell designs.
Valsalva Leak Point Pressure and Bladder Volume

Twenty-nine females with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were evaluated with fluoro-urodynamics, including Valsalva leak point pressure (VLLP) determinations. VLPP was determined at bladder volumes of 150 ml, 300 ml, and total bladder capacity. The VLPP determinations were analyzed using the signed rank and sign tests. Fluoroscopy was used to analyze change in type of SUI based on bladder volume. No significant difference in VLPP determinations was noted at various bladder volumes. No change in type of SUI was noted at various bladder volumes. We believe the volume in the bladder does not alter the category of SUI or statistically change the VLPP determination. Neurourol. Urodynam. 17:3–7, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Impact of race, socioeconomic status, and the health care system on the treatment of advanced-stage ovarian cancer in California

Objective We sought to investigate the impact of race, socioeconomic status (SES), and health care system characteristics on receipt of specific components of National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline care for stage IIIC/IV ovarian cancer. Study Design Patients diagnosed with stage IIIC/IV epithelial ovarian cancer between Jan. 1, 1996, through Dec. 31, 2006, were identified from the California Cancer Registry. Multivariate logistic regression analyses evaluated differences in surgery, chemotherapy, and treatment sequence according to race, increasing SES (SES-1 to SES-5), and provider annual case volume. Results A total of 11,865 patients were identified. Median age at diagnosis was 65.0 years. The overall median cancer-specific survival was 28.2 months. African American race (odds ratio [OR], 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45–2.87) and care by a low-volume physician (OR, 19.72; 95% CI, 11.87–32.77) predicted an increased risk of not undergoing surgery. Patients with SES-1 (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.60–0.85) and those treated at low-volume hospitals (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.77–0.99) or by low-volume physicians (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.70–0.92) were less likely to undergo debulking surgery. African American race (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.24–1.93) and SES-1 (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.35–2.39) were both significant predictors of not receiving chemotherapy. African American patients were also more likely than whites to receive no treatment (OR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.45–2.99) or only chemotherapy (OR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.10–2.18). Patients with low SES were more likely to receive no treatment (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.44–2.64) or surgery without chemotherapy (OR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.38–2.03). Conclusion Among patients with advanced-stage ovarian cancer, African American race, low SES, and treatment by low-volume providers are significant and independent predictors of receiving no surgery, no debulking surgery, no chemotherapy, and nonstandard treatment sequences.
Jovimagnetic secular variation

Long term variations of a planetary magnetic field are one of the few observables available in the study of planetary interiors and dynamo theory. While variations of the geomagnetic field were accessible to direct measurement for centuries, knowledge of the secular variations of other planetary dynamos is limited. New limits on Jovimagnetic secular variations were found by comparison of a Jovian internal field model obtained from the Voyager 1 magnetic field observations at epoch 1979.2 with the epoch 1974.9 Pioneer 11 O4 model. No significant secular variation of either the magnitude or position of the Jovidipole is found for the years 1974.9 through 1979.2, although a small Earth-like variation cannot be ruled out.
Work group structures and computer support: a field experiment

It is frequently suggested that work groups that have computer technology to support activities such as text editing, data manipulation, and communication develop systematically different structures and working processes from groups that rely on more conventional technologies such as memos, phone calls, and meetings. However, cross-sectional or retrospective research designs do not allow this hypothesis to be tested with much power. This field experiment created two task forces, each composed equally of recently retired employees and employees still at work but eligible to retire. They were given the identical tasks of preparing reports for their company on retirement planning issues, but they were randomly assigned to different technology conditions. One group had full conventional office support; the other had, in addition, networked microcomputers with electronic mail and routine office software. Structured interviews were conducted four times during the year-long project; in addition, electronic mail activity was logged in the on-line group. Although both groups produced effective reports, the two differed significantly in the kind of work they produced, the group structures that emerged, and evaluations of their own performance. Although the standard group was largely dominated by the employees through the extensive reliance on informal meetings, the electronic technology used by the other task force allowed the retirees to exercise primary leverage. We conclude that use of computer support for cooperative work results in both quantitative and qualitative changes but that effective participation in such electronically supported groups requires significant investments of time and energy on the part of its members to master the technology and a relatively high level of assistance during the learning process.
Measuring Exchange Market Pressure and Intervention in Interdependent Economies: A Two‐Country Model

In this article, operational exchange market pressure and intervention indices are derived for a world composed of two interdependent economies. The model-consistent formulae, which can be calculated from observed data, are obtained by applying general definitions of exchange market pressure and intervention activity to a two-country rational-expectations model. It is demonstrated that the functional forms used to measure exchange market pressure and intervention activity depend on whether intervention is direct or indirect and also on whether foreign exchange reserves are held as currency or in the form of bonds.
An Analytic Approximation for Plane Parallel Compton Scattering Near Accretion Disks

Compton scattering by a locally plane-parallel atmosphere is analyzed within the Kompaneets approximation. In contrast to almost all previous analytic calculations of inverse Compton scattering, we assume neither homogeneity nor isotropy of the photon distribution. However, we do adopt an assumed angular distribution of the photons. For any specified energy dependence of the flux entering the base of the atmosphere, an analytic expression is obtained for the flux at any optical depth. Only integrals over the input flux are involved. If the thickness of the atmosphere is much less than its radial position on an accretion disk, the contribution from all radii may be summed. The initial motivation (addressed in a subsequent paper) is the computation of the energy spectrum of (possibly modulated) photons originating from a specified radial region of an accretion disk, relative to the total energy spectrum.
Rotational spectra of benzyl cyanide assignment of the planar conformer and evidence of a low barrier to internal rotation

Abstract Rotational spectra of benzyl cyanide were obtained at a very low temperature in a pulsed beam Fourier transform microwave spectrometer, and over a range of much higher temperatures in a continuous wave spectrometer. The ground state rotational constants, A = 4346.815 (5) MHz, B = 1057.373(3) MHz and C =856.642(3) MHz, and five centrifugal distortion constants were derived from transitions measured between 7.5 and 17 GHz and are only consistent with a heavy-atom planar structure. The 14 N quadrupole coupling constant, X aa = −1.313(2) MHz and X bb = −0.657 (3) MHz, is also only consistent with a planar heavy-atom structure if the electric field gradient in the CN group is assumed cylindrically symmetrical with X zz = −3.9 MHz. Temperature dependent low resolution microwave spectra between 18 and 26.5 GHz display R -branch a -type bands from two types of species. The planar ground state produces a band series with B + C = 1927(2) MHz. At 300 K three series of bands of steadily diminishing intensity are displaced to higher frequency from the ground state bands; they are assigned to three torsionally excited species. Relative intensities of these satellites indicate a low internal rotation barrier. Superposed on this satellite pattern are broader bands of another species whose characteristics are incompatible with another conformational isomer. Its intensity relative to the series assigned to the ground state increases from 0.5 to 4 when the temperature is increased from 280 to 360 K. This series may originate from many weakly bound and/or freely rotating torsional satellites with similar rotational constants.
EXTRACTING INFORMATION FROM MEGA-PANELS AND HIGH-FREQUENCY DATA

Author(s): Granger, Clive W.J. | Abstract: Very large data sets in economics are already available and will soon become commonplace. The econometric techniques currently in use may not be relevant and new techniques will have to be devised. It can be argued that most tests of significance, linear models, assumptions of normality, and procedures to reduce bias, for example, will be replaced. The usefulness of asymptotic theory is discussed. It is suggested that methods for extracting conditional distributions will be becomes especially useful and a few particular possible techniques are suggested.
A Lower Bound for the Wehrl Entropy of Quantum Spin with Sharp High-Spin Asymptotics

A lower bound for the Wehrl entropy of a single quantum spin is derived. The high-spin asymptotics of this bound coincides with Lieb’s conjecture up to, but not including, terms of first and higher order in the inverse spin quantum number. The result presented here may be seen as complementary to the verification of the conjecture in cases of lowest spin by Schupp [Commun. Math. Phys. 207, 481 (1999)]. The present result for the Wehrl-entropy is obtained from interpolating a sharp norm bound that also implies a sharp lower bound for the so-called Renyi-Wehrl entropy with certain indices that are evenly spaced by half of the inverse spin quantum number.
Do national cancer screening guidelines reduce mortality

The effectiveness of cancer screening is a salient health policy issue that remains unresolved. This article sheds new light on the benefits of population-wide cancer screening. We investigate changes in mortality after the introduction of screening guidelines for breast and prostate cancers in the USA and UK. We use differences in the timing of guideline adoption, differences in ages recommended for screening, and differences in which cancers are detectable by screening to identify the effect of cancer screening guidelines. Our quadruple-differencing strategy finds a moderately sized mortality benefit from mammography and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening guidelines among recommended age groups and little change in mortality rates among age groups not recommended to receive screening. As a falsification test, we verify that prostate cancer rates among men did not fall after the introduction of mammography screening and breast cancer rates among women did not fall after the introduction of the PSA test.
Documentation of affiliated bodies, institutes and specialized agencies: Reference, statistical and legal materials

Abstract This lecture deals with the following members of the UN family: affiliated bodies, institutes and specialized agencies. It includes some valuable suggestions for obtaining the often hard-to-get literature produced by these organizations. In addition to a discussion of the main reference sources for UN material, there is an extensive listing of statistical materials produced by the UN in various subject areas. The last section describes the major legal reference works generated by the UN system.
Improved reflectivity control of APEX-E positive tone deep UV photoresist

A study optimizing the actinic absorbance of APEX-E positive deep UV photoresist was performed using a variety of dye additives. The selection of a dye and the optimization of dye content for APEX-E positive photoresist has led to substantial process enhancements in reduction of reflective notching and of thin film interference effects. The usual side effects as found in dyed I- line resists such as significant loss of photospeed, decreased focus latitude and sidewall angle decrease were not apparent with selected conjugated aromatic dyes. The benefit of added absorbance has allowed the direct use of dyed APEX-E to counteract the step interference (notching) problems over the severe topography of CMOS gate level and eliminate the reflective notching of surface strap level in the fabrication of 16 Mb devices. In addition, the depth of focus window was enhanced and process latitude was maintained. Geometries of 250nm were printed, with dyed APEX-E for optical densities ranging from 0.4 to 0.8 per micron with a DUV optical scanner.
Scaling of broadband dielectric data of glass-forming liquids and plastic crystals

The Nagel scaling and the modified scaling procedure proposed recently by Dendzik et al. have been applied to broadband dielectric data on two glass-forming liquids (glycerol and propylene carbonate) and three plastic crystals (ortho-carborane, meta-carborane, and 1-cyano-adamantane). Our data extend the upper limit of the abscissa range to considerably higher values than in previously published analyses. At the highest frequencies investigated, deviations from a single master curve show up which are most pronounced in the Dendzik scaling plot. The loss curves of the plastic crystals do not scale in the Nagel plot, but they fall onto a separate master curve in the Dendzik plot. In addition, we address the question of a possible divergence of the static susceptibility near the Vogel-Fulcher temperature. For this purpose, the low-temperature evolution of the high-frequency wing of the dielectric loss peaks is investigated in detail. No convincing proof for such a divergence can be deduced from the present broadband data.
Occlusal results after open or closed treatment of fractures of the mandibular condylar process.

Abstract Purpose: This study compared the occlusal relationships after open or closed treatment for fractures of the mandibular condylar process. Patients and Methods: A total of 137 patients with unilateral fractures of the mandibular condylar process (neck or subcondylar), 77 treated closed and 65 treated open, were included in this study. Standardized occlusal photographs obtained at several postsurgical time intervals were examined and scored by a surgeon and an orthodontist. Standard statistical methods were used to assess differences between groups. Results: Patients treated by closed techniques had a significantly greater percentage of malocclusion compared with patients treated by open reduction, in spite of the fact that the initial displacement of the fractures was greater in patients treated by open reduction. Conclusions: ased on this study, more consistent occlusal results can be expected when fractures of the mandibular condylar process are treated by open reduction.
Printed circuit board diagnosis using artificial neural networks and circuit magnetic fields

Testing of electronic systems using conventional testing methods has become more difficult and costly as these systems have become more complex and compact. Conventional testing methods and systems often require lengthy analysis to define testing strategies. These test systems may require lengthy test periods, complex stimulus and measurement instrumentation as well as complicated fixturing. The results are often ambiguous and require further interpretation. This paper presents an exploration of a "non-intrusive" test method based on interpreting changes in the magnetic field close to a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). Currents moving between devices on the PCB produce these magnetic fields. Changes of the PCB operational status due to faults cause changes in the associated magnetic field pattern that can be interpreted by Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) for fault identification. An apparatus to collect magnetic field measurements is described along with some problems of collecting data. Typical magnetic field patterns for "known-good" and faulted PCBs are presented. Possible extensions of the method are discussed. This paper resulted from internally funded work at Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) concerning non-intrusive diagnostic techniques. >
Gain in computational efficiency by vectorization in the dynamic simulation of multi-body systems

Abstract This paper presents a new technique developed for increasing the computational efficiency of the dynamic simulation of multi-body systems, providing the computer code with the speed of execution, which is an order of magnitude ahead of the procedure outlined in S. K. Ider and F. M. L. Amirouche [J. appl. Mech.56, (2) (1989)]. This technique is useful with the finite element based algorithm for the solution of dynamical equations of motion for the constrained and unconstrained systems with flexible/rigid interconnected bodies. The implementation of the technique has totally eliminated the costly multiplications of large Boolean matrices, where intensive cpu utilization was required. The overall expensive computer time has been drastically reduced, particularly for the three-dimensional systems involving large degrees of freedom, as a result of their intricate geometry. The algorithmic procedure has been presented in a matrix form and is based on the recursive formulation using Kane's equation, strain energy, mode synthesis, finite element approach, a stable and efficient method for reducing the number of equations subsequent to the constraints resulting from closed loops and/or prescribed motions. Further enhancement in the speed of execution has been achieved by subjecting the developed code to vectorization on the vector-processing machine. A study of simple robot with flexible links has been presented comparing the execution times on the scalar machine (IBM-3081) and the vector-processor (IBM-3090) with and without vector options. Performance figures has been plotted demonstrating the large gains achieved by the technique developed.
Dynamics of the dinucleus

Abstract Damped reactions between heavy nuclei have revealed the temporary formation and evolution of a novel nuclear system, the dinucleus. This system possesses macroscopic degrees of freedom not present in the more ordinary mononucleus. Most important are: the energy associated with the relative dinuclear motion, the partition of the microscopic excitation energy (heat) and the total mass and charge among the two parts of the dinucleus, and their angular momenta. This paper briefly highlights the characteristic features of the dynamics of these dinuclear degrees of freedom and our current understanding of them.
Fracture Properties of Polycrystalline Lithia-Stabilized β“- Alumina

The critical stress-intensity factor, K1C, and the fracture strength, σf, have been investigated on both hot-pressed and sintered lithia-stabilized β”-alumina. The hot-pressed material possessed a strong preferred orientation with many of the basal planes aligned perpendicular to the direction of hot-pressing. Both K1C and σf were found to be orientation-dependent. Two regimes of fracture were identified. In fine-grained material (<120 μm), the strength was slightly dependent on grain size. For larger grain sizes, the strength decreased rapidly with increasing grain size and the fracture mode was almost entirely transgranular. The K1C values for sintered β”-alumina were in the same range as those obtained on the hot-pressed material.
The Orbit and Position of the X-ray Pulsar XTE J1855-026: An Eclipsing Supergiant System

A pulse timing orbit has been obtained for the X-ray binary XTEJ1855-026 using observations made with the Proportional Counter Array on board the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer. The mass function obtained of approximately 16 solar mass together with the detection of an extended near-total eclipse confirm that the primary star is supergiant as predicted. The orbital eccentricity is found to be very low with a best fit value of 0.04 +/- 0.02. The orbital period is also refined to be 6.0724 +/- 0.0009 days using an improved and extended light curve obtained with RXTE's All Sky Monitor. Observations with the ASCA satellite provide an improved source location of R.A.= 18 hr 55 min 31.3 sec, decl.= -02 deg 36 min 24.0 sec (2000) with an estimated systematic uncertainty of less than 12 min. A serendipitous new source, AX J1855.4-0232, was also discovered during the ASCA observations.
Quantum stability of the phase transition in rigid QED

Abstract Rigid QED is a renormalizable generalization of Feynman's space-time action characterized by the addition of the curvature of the worldline (rigidity). We have recently shown that a phase transition occurs in the leading approximation of the large N limit. The disordered phase essentially coincides with ordinary QED, while the ordered phase is a new theory. We have further shown that both phases of the quantum theory are free of ghosts and tachyons. In this letter, we study the first subleading quantum corrections leading to the renormalized mass gap equation. Our main result is that the phase transition does indeed survive these quantum fluctuations.
On Rationality of W -algebras

We study the problem of classification of triples (\( \mathfrak{g} \); f; k), where g is a simple Lie algebra, f its nilpotent element and k ∈ \( \mathbb{C} \), for which the simple W-algebra Wk(\( \mathfrak{g} \); f) is rational.
Aeroelastic and Aerothermoelastic Analysis of Hypersonic Vehicles: Current Status and Future Trends

A review of the state-of-the-art in hypersonic aeroelasticity and aerothermoelasticity is provided. Recently, the main focus in this area has been on the development of computational aeroelastic and aerothermoelastic methods capable of studying complete hypersonic vehicles. Thus, in addition to a survey of studies conducted in this area over the past six decades, two important issues are a focus of this review, namely: 1) modeling unsteady hypersonic aerodynamics; and 2) incorporation of the heat transfer between the fluid and the structure into the aeroelastic solution process. Finally, future directions of hypersonic aeroelasticity and aerothermoelasticity are outlined. Since air-breathing hypersonic vehicles exhibit strong coupling between the airframe, propulsion, and control systems, future directions point to the incorporation of advanced computational aerothermoelastic methods into a comprehensive vehicle analysis.
Mannich reactions using benzyl azide as a latent N- (phenylamino)methylating agent

Abstract Treatment of benzyl azide with triflic acid or titanium tetrachloride effects 1,2-phenyl migration with concomitant liberation of molecular nitrogen. The resulting N-phenyl iminium ion intermediate readily combines with enolizable carbonyl substrates to form Mannich bases.
A Comparison of FE Beam and Continuum Elements for Typical Nitinol Stent Geometries

With interest in improved efficiency and a more complete description of the SMA material, this paper compares finite element (FE) simulations of typical stent geometries using two different constitutive models and two different element types. Typically, continuum elements are used for the simulation of stents, for example the commercial FE software ANSYS offers a continuum element based on Auricchio's SMA model. Almost every stent geometry, however, is made up of long and slender components and can be modeled more efficiently, in the computational sense, with beam elements. Using the ANSYS user programmable material feature, we implement the free energy based SMA model developed by Mueller and Seelecke into the ANSYS beam element 188. Convergence behavior for both, beam and continuum formulations, is studied in terms of element and layer number, respectively. This is systematically illustrated first for the case of a straight cantilever beam under end loading, and subsequently for a section of a z-bend wire, a typical stent sub-geometry. It is shown that the computation times for the beam element are reduced to only one third of those of the continuum element, while both formulations display a comparable force/displacement response.
Copper(I) bromide - dimethyl sulfide complex - an alternative to copper(I) triflate for removal of the thiophenoxide group

Abstract Commercially available copper(I) bromide - dimethyl sulfide complex is comparable to the far more expensive copper(I) triflate in assisting the removal of the thiophenoxide group from certain substrates.
Spectroscopic Applications of Laser-Induced Plasmas

Abstract Recent spectroscopic applications of laser-induced plasmas are reviewed. Virtually all substances are susceptible to breakdown when illuminated by a sufficiently intense laser beam. In a plasma, matter breaks apart into atoms, ions, and electrons, producing a visible flash and an audible popping sound due to the acoustical shock wave generated by the sudden, high-velocity expansion of matter outward from the plasma volume. Useful information about the elemental composition of the target material can be obtained from analysis of the emissions emanating from the plasma volume. Among the applications currently being tested in many laboratories are studies of particulate as well as gaseous pollutants in air, toxic substances present in flowing wastewater, elemental content of alloys, composition of iron ores and coal samples, contaminants on the surface of microcircuit boards, and the contents of fluid inclusions in geological samples. The beauty of laser-induced plasma spectroscopy is sample accessi...
Visualizing Graphene Based Sheets by Fluorescence Quenching Microscopy

Graphene based sheets have stimulated great interest due to their superior mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. A general visualization method that allows quick observation of these single atomic layers would be highly desirable as it can greatly facilitate sample evaluation and manipulation, and provide immediate feedback to improve synthesis and processing strategies. Here we report that graphene based sheets can be made highly visible under a fluorescence microscope by quenching the emission from a dye coating, which can be conveniently removed afterward by rinsing without disrupting the sheets. Current imaging techniques for graphene based sheets rely on the use of special substrates. In contrast, the fluorescence quenching mechanism is no longer limited by the type of substrate. Graphene, reduced graphene oxide, or even graphene oxide sheets deposited on arbitrary substrates can now be readily visualized with good contrast for layer counting. Direct observation of suspended sheets in solution was also demonstrated. The fluorescence quenching microscopy offers unprecedented imaging flexibility and could become a general tool for characterizing graphene based materials.