cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Independent Palestine: The Security Dimension

If negotiations produce an end to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict then a sovereign, independent Palestine may emerge. But what is required for it to succeed? Nothing is more important than the security of a Palestinian state–for itself, for Israel, and for the region: security trumps all else. In addition to the problem of dealing effectively with opposition to a peace agreement within Palestine or directed against it from outside, the nature and magnitude of the security challenge will depend in large part on three issues: the drawing of borders between Israel and Palestine–and whether they are porous or marked by a rigid line of barriers; whether Israeli settlements are withdrawn, or in part incorporated into Israel, perhaps through land swaps with Palestine; and what arrangements are made for Jerusalem. One answer is the creation of effective Palestinian military forces (in addition to police), but this course could be divisive; a second is the development of a series of Israeli–Palestinian confidence-building and share–security measures, including intelligence cooperation; a third is progress towards reducing external threats to Israel–Palestine, including success in Iraq and in defusing other Middle East problems. Most useful, however, would be the creation of an American-led peace enabling force, ideally modelled on NATO. This force would need to be agreed by both Israel and Palestine; it must be adequately staffed, trained and equipped; its duties and rules of engagement must make sense to all parties; and it must be part of a network of dispute-resolution and confidence-building measures in full partnership with Israeli and Palestinian authorities.
An appraisal of T cell subsets and the potential for autoimmune injury

The initiation of T cell dependent immune responses requires the T cell to utilize a heterodimeric cell surface antigen receptor to recognize an antigenic peptide in association with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules on the surface of antigen presenting cells (APCs). This is a necessary but insufficient signal for T cell activation. T cells must additionally receive a costimulatory signal that can be delivered through a variety of receptor-ligand pairs. Of these, the best characterized is the CD28-B7 (CD80 and CD86) couple. It has been appreciated for decades that the outcome of the T cell-APC interaction is highly variable and can lead to different forms of immune responses. The past decade has witnessed major advances in the definition of how distinct lymphocyte functions are dictated by expression of distinct cytokines, activation of defined signal transduction pathways, and, most recently, expression of distinct transcription factors. The production of ever increasing numbers of induced mutant mouse strains has created new reagents in which to analyze the role of particular cytokines or other proteins in defined immune responses. While the temptation remains to accomodate emerging information into reductionist models of T cell dependent immunopathology, it is our view that in vivo immune responses are highly complex and regulated events that defy simple categorization.
GABA A1a Receptors

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the most prevalent inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain, and it may play an important role in sleep regulation. The effects of GABA are mediated by activation of two classes of receptors, i.e. GABA A and GABA B receptors. GABA A receptors are assumed to have a pentameric glycoprotein structure, composed of different polypeptide subunits and, as a result, are highly heterogeneous. The GABA A1a receptor subclass (previously termed the benzodiazepine BDZ 1 receptor) represents approximately half of all GABA A receptors. BDZ hypnotics exert their sleep-inducing action by increasing the GABA A receptor-mediated chloride ion (Cl - ) current. Possibly due to their nonspecific effect at the different subtypes of GABA A receptors, these drugs can also induce daytime sedation, anterograde amnesia and rebound insomnia. Additionally, they affect the sleep EEG in a specific manner (the so-called 'spectral GABA-BDZ signature'), and may lead to tolerance and dependence. Given the drawbacks of BDZs, newer compounds with a preferential selectivity for GABA A1a receptors were developed. It was hoped that they would have fewer adverse effects than nonspecific BDZs. The available data, however, do not support the notion that the pharmacodynamics of these newer agents result in markedly different clinical effects compared with the BDZ hypnotics. As with the BDZs, the pharmacokinetics are clinically more important than the pharmacodynamics. It is concluded that there are no major differences in hypnotic efficacy and safety between the newer, selective GABA A1a receptor agonists and the classical, nonselective BDZs.
Cationic photopolymerizations of thick polymer systems: Active center lifetime and mobility

Abstract Cationic photopolymerizations are essentially non-terminating and the long-lived active centers may lead to “dark cure” long after the illumination has ceased. In this contribution, it is shown that long cationic active center lifetimes known to be responsible for dark cure can also lead to “shadow cure” of unilluminated regions of thick systems. “Shadow cure” occurs when the active centers migrate out of the illuminated region, leading to polymerization of unexposed monomer. Photopolymerizations of a cycloaliphatic diepoxide monomer were performed in which active centers were produced in the first 0.7 mm of a thick system by illuminating one end of the sample, and the shadow cure was monitored up to 8 h. A polymerization front (with a highly crosslinked polymer matrix on one side and unreacted monomer on the other) was observed to move from the illuminated region into the shadow region at a rate proportional to the square root of time. The effective shadow cure diffusion coefficient at 50 °C was found to be 1 × 10−5 cm2/s, and the temperature dependence of the diffusion coefficient was well described by the Arrhenius relationship with an activation energy of 89 kJ/mol. Studies based upon photoinitiator counter-ions of differing size revealed that the system with the larger counter-ion (and therefore a correspondingly higher propagation rate constant) exhibited a significantly higher effective shadow cure diffusion coefficient. All of the experimental observations are consistent with the hypothesis that the active center mobility responsible for shadow cure arises largely from reactive diffusion.
Chemotherapy of advanced prostatic cancer. Evaluation of response parameters.

Abstract A total of 125 patients with progressing advanced prostatic cancer were entered into a chemotherapy study comparing cyclophosphamide, 5 fluorouracil, and standard therapy. Parameters of response were studied in 110 patients who could be evaluated. Thirty-six patients (33 per cent) were considered to have an objective response, that is, becoming stable (29 patients) or in partial regression (7 patients). Negative response parameters (predictors of a poor response to chemotherapy or standard therapy leading to progress) included (1) bone marrow evidence of prostatic cancer, (2) abnormal liver scan, (3) prior radiation therapy (indirectly through increased toxicity to chemotherapy), and (4) luck of bilateral orchiectomy prior to randomization. Positive indicators (predictors of good responses) included (1) reduction of primary tumor mass, especially after administration of 5 fluorouracil or cyclophosphamide, and (2) hemoglobin values. There were more objective responders to cyclophosphamide than standard therapy whether the hemoglobin was initially normal or low. Indeterminate parameters of response included weight gain, presence of bony or soft tissue metastases, relief of pain, performance status, excretory urography, and biochemical determinations of liver and renal function.
Virtual Gate Large Signal Model of GaN HFETs

This work demonstrates a compact circuit model for GaN HFETs that includes the anomalous transient effect generally referred to as knee voltage walkout. Both the quiescent bias dependence and the time dependence of the transients are included in the model by adding a parasitic transistor in series with the main transistor. The model agrees well with experimental I-V curves and microwave output power versus supply voltage measurements.
THE EFFECT OF GENITAL PROLAPSE ON VOIDING

AbstractPurpose: We determined whether genital prolapse causes obstruction that may be relieved by a vaginal pessary as well as the degree to which voiding difficulty, urethral hypermobility, bladder outlet obstruction, occult stress incontinence, detrusor instability and impaired detrusor contractility are associated with prolapse.Materials and Methods: We prospectively evaluated 60 women with a mean age of 52 years who had genital prolapse, including 35 (58%) with grade 1 or 25 (42%) with grade 3 or 4 cystocele, using pressure-flow video urodynamics and cotton swab testing. Leak point pressure and uroflowmetry were repeated in patients with severe prolapse after insertion of a ring pessary.Results: Urethral hypermobility (p <0.05) and symptoms of voiding difficulty (p <0.01) were more common in women with grade 3 or 4 cystocele. Urodynamics revealed bladder outlet obstruction in 2 patients (4%) with grade 1 or 2 cystocele and 18 (58%) with grade 3 or 4 cystocele (p <0.001). After vaginal pessary placeme...
The natural history of primary dysmenorrhoea: a longitudinal study

Objective To describe the prevalence, severity, course and predictive factors of primary dysmenorrhoea in women of all reproductive ages. Design Prospective mailed surveys in 1985 and 1991. Setting University of Iowa, College of Nursing. Population We began with a stratified sample of 996 nurses who graduated between 1963 and 1984. We analysed data from 404 women who responded to both surveys, but denied endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease or uterine fibroids. Methods Participants were surveyed twice at an interval of six years (response rates 73% and 78%) regarding menstrual cycle characteristics. For analysis, dysmenorrhoea was dichotomised as none/mild or moderate/severe. We analysed predictive factors using χ2 tests and stepwise logistic regression. Main outcome measure Severity of dysmenorrhoea. Menstrual cramps as experienced when not taking medication to prevent discomfort were rated on a four-point scale: 0 = no dysmenorrhoea, 1 = minimal (can work, somewhat uncomfortable), 2 = moderate (can work, but quite uncomfortable) or 3 = severe dysmenorrhoea (miss work, have to be in bed). Results In 1985, 80% of respondents were >25 years old and 60% were parous. There were few changes over six years in the prevalence of mild (51% to 53%), moderate (22% to 20%) or severe dysmenorrhoea (4% to 2%). After adjusting for dysmenorrhoea in 1985, each live birth during follow up (OR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.08 to 0.53) and older age (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.86 to 0.98) were associated with less dysmenorrhoea in 1991. Conclusions Primary dysmenorrhoea affects most women throughout the menstrual years. Dysmenorrhoea severe enough to cause absence from work occurs in less than 5% of women. Although improvement and worsening are equally likely for all women, improvement is more likely in women who bear children.
Teaching about language and the sexes

Synopsis These language and the sexes course materials, designed through several years of teaching, can serve as a starting point for other teachers. More generally, they can suggest topeople in all disciplines, and those both within and without the university, the broad range of issues encompassed by the study of language and the sexes.
Post-heritage narratives: Migrancy and travelling theory in V.S. Naipaul’s The Enigma of Arrival and Andrea Levy’s Fruit of the Lemon:

This paper argues that V.S. Naipaul and Andrea Levy revise migrancy as a literary intervention into contemporary British discourses of cultural heritage and patriotism. Official, state-sponsored co...
Optical trapping and light-induced agglomeration of gold nanoparticle aggregates

This paper demonstrates the optical trapping of micron-sized gold nanoparticle aggregates (GNAs) with a ${\mathrm{TEM}}_{00}$ mode laser at $532\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$ and reports the observation of an unusual light-induced agglomeration phenomenon that occurs besides the trapping of the GNAs. The observed agglomerate has a $60--100\phantom{\rule{0.3em}{0ex}}\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ donut-shaped metal microstructure with the rate of formation dependent on the laser power used. Citrate capped gold nanoparticles also show light-induced agglomeration, yielding different sized microstructures from those produced with GNAs. While the observed trapping can be explained by a model including the optical radiation and radiometric forces, the light-induced agglomeration cannot be explained by these two forces alone as the size of the agglomerate is much greater than the waist of the Gaussian beam used in the optical trapping. We attribute the additional cause of the light-induced agglomeration to ion detachment from the surface of the nanoparticles (aggregates) due to light illumination or heating. This is supported by the observation of reversible electrical conductivity changes of the solution of the nanoparticles (aggregates) upon laser illumination or direct heating. Light-induced agglomeration can be useful in the design and fabrication of microstructures from nanomaterials for various device applications.
A solid state streak camera

A monolithic solid-state streak camera has been designed and fabricated in a standard 0.35 μm, 3.3V, thin-oxide digital CMOS process. It consists of a 1-D linear array of 150 integrated photodiodes, followed by fast analog buffers and on-chip, 150-deep analog frame storage. Each pixel's front-end consists of an n-diffusion / p-well photodiode, with fast complementary reset transistors, and a source-follower buffer. Each buffer drives a line of 150 sample circuits per pixel, with each sample circuit consisting of an n-channel sample switch, a 0.1 pF double-polysilicon sample capacitor, a reset switch to definitively clear the capacitor, and a multiplexed source-follower readout buffer. Fast on-chip sample clock generation was designed using a self-timed break-before-make operation that insures the maximum time for sample settling. The electrical analog bandwidth of each channels buffer and sampling circuits was designed to exceed 1 GHz. Sampling speeds of 400 M-frames/s have been achieved using electrical input signals. Operation with optical input signals has been demonstrated at 100 MHz sample rates. Sample output multiplexing allows the readout of all 22,500 samples (150 pixels times 150 samples per pixel) in about 3 ms. The chip’s output range was a maximum of 1.48 V on a 3.3V supply voltage, corresponding to a maximum 2.55 V swing at the photodiode. Time-varying output noise was measured to be 0.51 mV, rms, at 100 MHz, for a dynamic range of ~11.5 bits, rms. Circuit design details are presented, along with the results of electrical measurements and optical experiments with fast pulsed laser light sources at several wavelengths.
Recording Powder Flow Meters and Their Use in Pharmaceutical Technology

AbstractRecording Powder Flowmeters (RPF) have received relatively little attention in the literature. This paper reports on a modified RPF which utilizes a Mettler PR-1200 electronic balance rather than the traditional specifically fabricated flowmeter. The versatility of this modification is discussed as a cost effective modification. This modification provides for the use of RPF's in many areas of pharmaceutical technology. The reproducibility of RPF data with its sensitivity to processing and formulation variables has been investigated. Suggestions for the application of RPF data in quality control, preformulation and other research areas of pharmaceutical manufacturing are discussed.
Selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase modules encoded by RNA viruses

Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is the prototypical eukaryotic selenoprotein, with the rare amino acid selenocysteine (Sec) at the enzyme active site, encoded by the UGA codon in RNA. A DNA virus,Molluscum contagiosum, has now been shown to encode a functional selenium-dependent GPx enzyme. Using modifications of conventional sequence database searching techniques to locate potential viral GPx modules, combined with structurally guided comparative sequence analysis, we provide compelling evidence that Se-dependent GPx modules are encoded in a number of RNA viruses, including potentially serious human pathogens like HIV-1 and hepatitis C virus, coxsackievirus B3, HIV-2, and measles virus. Analysis of the sequences of multiple viral isolates reveals conservation of the putative GPx-related features, at least within viral subtypes or genotypes, supporting the hypothesis that these are functional GPx modules.
Characterization of High Frequency Radiation From Panels Subject to Broadband Excitation

In the high frequency limit, a vibrating panel subject to spatially-random temporally-broadband forcing is shown to have broadband power and directivity properties that can be expressed in simple analytical terms by a limited set of parameters. A lightly-loaded fixed-fixed membrane with a distribution of broadband uncorrelated drive points is analyzed. The theory is developed using classical modal methods and asymptotic modal analysis, assuming small damping. The power and directivity of the radiated pressure field are characterized in terms of structural wave Mach number, damping ratio, and dimensionless frequency. The relatively simple directivity pattern that emerges can be shown to arise from edge radiation. From the point of view of edge radiation, assuming a lightly damped reverberant structure, the same radiation formula and directivity pattern can be derived in a much simpler manner. Broadband radiation from structures with subsonic and supersonic flexural wave speeds is discussed and characterized in terms of a simple interpretation of the surface wavenumber spatial transform. The results show that the physical idea of interpreting edge radiation in terms of uncancelled volumetric sources is not correct, and the effect of higher order edge singularities is in fact very significant. The approach implies a relationship between radiation and structural power flow that is potentially useful in energy-intensity based prediction methods, and can be generalized to more complex structures with application to vehicle interior noise prediction.© 2008 ASME
Segmental mastectomy without radiotherapy for T1 and small T2 breast carcinomas.

• We describe 111 patients with invasive breast cancer treated by segmental mastectomy at the University of Miami (Fla) since 1975. Postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy was recommended as optional rather than mandatory to 64 of these patients based on small (2.5 cm or less) primary tumor size, adequate resection margins, no lymphatic or vascular invasion within the segmental mastectomy specimen, and minimal associated in situ cancer. Fifty-one of these patients elected to forego postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. At 72 months median follow-up, relapse occurred in the ipsilateral breast in three patients who elected to forego postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy (6% by Kaplan-Meier analysis). Retrospective pathologic review revealed that tumor grade may also be important in determining whether postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy is necessary following segmental mastectomy. These data suggest that postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy may not be required in every patient treated by segmental mastectomy. Further studies to define which patients can be spared the inconvenience, expense, and potential morbidity of postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy are warranted. ( Arch Surg. 1990;125:364-369)
Osteopontin Modulates Inflammation, Mucin Production, and Gene Expression Signatures After Inhalation of Asbestos in a Murine Model of Fibrosis

Inflammation and lung remodeling are hallmarks of asbestos-induced fibrosis, but the molecular mechanisms that control these events are unclear. Using laser capture microdissection (LCM) of distal bronchioles in a murine asbestos inhalation model, we show that osteopontin (OPN) is up-regulated by bronchiolar epithelial cells after chrysotile asbestos exposures. In contrast to OPN wild-type mice (OPN+/+) inhaling asbestos, OPN null mice (OPN−/−) exposed to asbestos showed less eosinophilia in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids, diminished lung inflammation, and decreased mucin production. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid concentrations of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12 subunit p40, MIP1α, MIP1β, and eotaxin) also were significantly less in asbestos-exposed OPN−/− mice. Microarrays performed on lung tissues from asbestos-exposed OPN+/+ and OPN−/− mice showed that OPN modulated the expression of a number of genes (Col1a2, Timp1, Tnc, Eln, and Col3a1) linked to fibrosis via initiation and cross talk between IL-1β and epidermal growth factor receptor-related signaling pathways. Novel targets of OPN identified include genes involved in cell signaling, immune system/defense, extracellular matrix remodeling, and cell cycle regulation. Although it is unclear whether the present findings are specific to chrysotile asbestos or would be observed after inhalation of other fibers in general, these results highlight new potential mechanisms and therapeutic targets for asbestosis and other diseases (asthma, smoking-related interstitial lung diseases) linked to OPN overexpression.
Are PBDEs an environmental equity concern? Exposure disparities by socioeconomic status.

There has been a surge of new research highlighting thepotential health consequences of polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), brominated ﬂame retardants which havebeenaddedtoconsumerproductssincethe1970storeduceﬂammability of electronics and furniture. Due to theirpersistent nature and tendency to bioaccumulate, thesecompoundsareubiquitousandhavebeendetectedinhumantissues, marine mammals, house dust, and virtually anybiologicalorenvironmentalmediatakenfromanywhereonthe planet.Exposure assessment studies have documented bodyburden levels in various populations and investigatedcontributorsofhumanexposure.ThesestudiessuggestthatPBDEexposuresarenothomogeneousacrossdiversegroups.For example, recent studies have shown higher exposuresamong young children compared to adults (
A new synthetic route to authentic N-substituted aminomaleimides

A number of compounds reported in the literature as N-aminomaleimides (2) are, instead, isomeric N-aminoisomaleimides (3). The ubiquity of this mischaracterization and its propagation within the literature are discussed. In addition, the first general synthetic route to aliphatic and aromatic N-substituted aminomaleimides is described. As an illustration, the compound reported to be N-(4-bromophenylamino)maleimide (2b) was prepared and determined to be N-(4-bromophenylamino)isomaleimide (3b). The authentic compound was synthesized by the condensation of 4-bromophenylhydrazine (7b) and the exo-furan/maleic anhydride Diels-Alder adduct (8) in acetic acid to produce the furan-protected aminomaleimide 10b, followed by heating to remove furan through the retro Diels-Alder reaction. The structures of 2b, 3b, and 10b were established unequivocally by X-ray crystallography and other spectroscopic techniques.
Low-angle polarization control using PEC fins

Polarization-dependent reflection from a finite perfect electric conducting (PEC) ground affects the polarization composition of the radiated field from a dual-polarization antenna positioned near the ground plane, especially at low elevation angles. This study employs PEC fins to control the vertically polarized radiated fields and achieve similar vertical-polarization (V-pol) and horizontal-polarization (H-pol) near horizon. As will be demonstrated from simulation results, one can efficiently control the polarization ratio of the radiated fields near horizon by adjusting the dimensions and spacing of the fins.
The Legal Issues Surrounding the TAAS Case.

This article provides an overview of the legal claims made by plaintiffs challenging the State’s required passage of the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills (TAAS) exit-level test for graduation in GI Forum et al. v. Texas Education Agency et al. The plaintiffs filed their case alleging that the State’s graduation requirement violated minority students’ equal protection and due process rights as well as Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Educational Opportunity Act. Part 1 of the article summarizes the plaintiffs’ initial complaint and the effect of the court’s pretrial orders on the plaintiffs’ ability to introduce crucial expert evidence to support a pattern of discriminatory State educational policies. Part 2 of the article describes the role of the expert testimony provided at trial for the plaintiffs’ claims and also provides lessons for future litigation.
Biological networks for predicting chemical hepatocarcinogenicity using gene expression data from treated mice and relevance across human and rat species.

Background Several groups have employed genomic data from subchronic chemical toxicity studies in rodents (90 days) to derive gene-centric predictors of chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity. Genes are annotated to belong to biological processes or molecular pathways that are mechanistically well understood and are described in public databases.
Filtering and prediction techniques for model-based prognosis and uncertainty management

Managing and reducing prognostic uncertainty is of significant importance to the success of PHM applications. The focus of prognosis uncertainty management is to identify and manage the reducible uncertainties by applying available data using appropriate uncertainty management algorithms. Particularly for dynamic model-based systems, opportunities exist to apply nonlinear filtering to provide a systematic way of dealing with the propagation of system damage at some future time, whenever imprecise diagnostic information is obtained. The goal of this paper is to present a foundation for prediction and filtering of the failure process using nonlinear prognostic models and filters, and illustrate how prognostic uncertainties are addressed within three types of filtering frameworks, namely the exact filtering, particle filtering and multiple-model filtering. Examples and illustrative simulation results are provided.
Soil C and N changes on conservation reserve program lands in the Central Great Plains

The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) was initiated to reduce water and wind erosion on marginal, highly erodible croplands by removing them from production and planting permanent, soil-conserving vegetation such as grass. We conducted a field study at two sites in Wyoming, USA, in order to quantify changes in soil C and N of marginal croplands seeded to grass, and of native rangeland plowed and cropped to wheat-fallow. Field plots were established on a sandy loam site and a clay loam site on wheat-fallow cropland that had been in production for 60+ years and on adjacent native rangeland. In 1993, 6 years after the study was initiated, the surface soil was sampled in 2.5 cm depth increments, while the subsurface soil was composited as one depth increment. All soil samples were analyzed for total organic C and N, and potential net mineralized C and N. After 60+ years of cultivation, surface soils at both study sites were 18-26% lower (by mass) in total organic C and N than in the A horizons of adjacent native range. Six years after plowing and converting native rangeland to cropland (three wheat-fallow cycles), both total and potential net mineralized C and N in the surface soil had decreased and NO 3 -N at all depths had increased to levels found after 60+ years of cultivation. We estimate that mixing of the surface and subsurface soil with tillage accounted for 40-60% of the decrease in surface soil C and N in long-term cultivated fields; in the short-term cultivated fields, mixing with tillage may have accounted for 60-75% of the decrease in C, and 30-60% of the decrease in N. These results emphasize the need to evaluate C and N in the entire soil solum, rather than in just the surface soil, if actual losses of C and N due to cultivation are to be distinguished from vertical redistribution. Five years after reestablishing grass on the sandy loam soil, both total and potential net mineralized C and N in the surface soil had increased to levels equal to or greater than those observed in the A horizon of the native range. On the clay loam soil, however, significant increases in total organic C were observed only in the surface 2.5 cm of N-fertilized grass plots, while total organic N had not significantly increased from levels observed in the long-term cultivated fields.
Worldwide institutional and individual rankings in econometrics over the period 1989-1999: An update

This paper updates rankings of academic institutions by Hall (1990, Econometric Theory 6, 1–16) and Baltagi (1998, Econometric Theory 14, 1–43) by publication activity in econometrics over the period 1989–1999. This is based on 15 leading international journals that publish econometrics articles. In addition, a list of the top 150 individual producers of econometrics in these 15 journals over this period is provided. This is done for theoretical econometrics and also for all contributions in econometrics. Sensitivity analysis is provided using (i) alternative conversion factors given to the 15 journals based on citation impact factors, (ii) alternative ranking using the number of articles published in these journals, (iii) separate rankings for both institutions and individuals by journal, (iv) rankings for institutions and individuals based on publications in three core journals.I thank Peter C.B. Phillips for entrusting me with this study, three referees and the editor for their comments and suggestions, and P.M. Kisor for research assistance.
Convergence to the long-run equilibrium: the case of natural gas markets

Abstract Intuitively, the persistence of a shock may last longer in futures contracts with a longer maturity. Estimation of the speed with which different contract lengths converges to the long-run equilibrium following a shock, provides a means for comparing the informational efficiency of the contracts. Standard empirical investigation of the response of a market to a shock utilizes impulse response analysis. However, this analysis is problematic since there is not a unique variance–covariance decomposition. Pesaran and Shin [Pesaran, M.H., Shin, Y., 1996. Cointegration and speed of convergence to equilibrium. J. Econ. 71, 117–143] introduced an alternative to the standard impulse response analysis, the persistence profile. By estimating the one step ahead forecast error for the entire system, the persistence profile provides a unique measure of the effect of the shock. This paper empirically estimates persistence profiles for the natural gas futures market. The findings indicate that the persistence of a shock does increase with the contract length.
Introducción a la antropología poética chilena

En este articulo daremos cuenta del surgimiento en los ultimos 25 anos en Chile de un tipo textual original bastante desconocido para los circuitos academicos, que representa un desafio desde el punto de vista de su clasificacion y analisis; denominamos al conjunto de estos textos como "antropologia poetica". El intento es ubicar nuestra interrogante tipologica en el tema puntual del "genero" en el cual es posible ubicar a estas obras. La hipotesis del presente articulo consistira en afirmar que el conjunto de obras compuesto por la "antropologia poetica chilena" consiste basicamente en un tipo distinto de produccion textual, iniciadora de un nuevo genero discursivo. Este genero es poseedor de un caracter hibrido, y sus fuentes se encuentran en el articulo cientifico antropologico y en la literatura, particularmente en la dimension poetica y novelistica de esta ultima, relacionandose en el ambito de su contexto con el movimiento postmoderno.
Minimal knowledge problem: a new approach

Abstract In this paper we propose a new logic of minimal knowledge. Our approach falls into the general scheme of Shoham's preference semantics. It stems from an earlier work on logics of minimal knowledge by Halpern and Moses, Lin and Shoham, and Lifschitz. The novelty of our work is in a procedure for minimizing knowledge which we propose in this paper, and which is different from earlier proposals. We show that our logic preserves most desirable properties of earlier formalisms and at the same time avoids some of their drawbacks. In addition to a semantic definition of our system, we provide its equivalent syntactic characterization which relates our logic with the nonmonotonic modal logic S4F and allows us to use in our investigations standard modal logic techniques.
Quantum and Other Oscillations of the Nuclear Spin-Lattice Relaxation Rate inn−InSb

Measurements of the nuclear spin-lattice relaxation rate $\frac{1}{{T}_{1}}$ for ${\mathrm{In}}^{115}$, ${\mathrm{Sb}}^{121}$, and ${\mathrm{Sb}}^{123}$ in $n$-type InSb at low temperatures (1.3-4.2\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K) are presented as a function of magnetic field $H$ and crystal orientation for several conduction-electron concentrations in the range 2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{14}$ to 1.2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{16}$ ${\mathrm{cm}}^{\ensuremath{-}3}$. The observed relaxation rate is separated into four components, primarily on the basis of their magnetic field dependence. Three components exhibit sharp peaks in the variation of $\frac{1}{{T}_{1}}$ with magnetic field, whereas the fourth component appears as a smoothly varying background. One of the peaked components is identified as quantum oscillations (QO) in $\frac{1}{{T}_{1}}$. As in the case of analogous phenomena, such as the de Haas---van Alphen effect, they are caused by the oscillations in the density of conduction-electron states at the Fermi energy which occur when the magnetic field is varied. The other peaks, of an as yet undetermined origin, are labeled type-A and type-B peaks. They occur at values of the magnetic field above that at which the last QO should occur. Explicit calculations of some of the properties of the QO in the limit of low temperatures are also presented.
The gametophyte of some Jamaican thelypteroid ferns

A study of the development of the gametophyte of 16 thelypteroid ferns from Jamaica reveals similarities and some differences among them which may have some bearing on their taxonomic position. They all possess a hairy, relatively long-lived thallus which at maturity is cordate, relatively delicate for its size, with a wide cushion, broad wings, abundant colourless or pale tan rhizoids and sex organs of the advanced type. Although spore ornamentation, length of gametophytic simple hair and form and dehiscence of the antheridium are features which differ among the species, two gametophytic characteristics set apart the goniopteroid representatives: a branched hair and the development of the cell plate from subterminal cells of the germination filament when the filament ends in a hair. The presence of these with other minor and inconsistent differences suggests a not very close relationship of Goniopteris with Meniscium and supports those authors who prefer generic distinction.
Creativity and Psychopathology: a Theoretical Model

The view advanced here differs from traditional psychoanalytic notions. Distinctions are drawn between creativity and psychopathology. Different capacities and processes are postulated for each by virtue of a three-factor model which considers: (1) levels of primary and secondary process thinking, (2) the role of the preconscious, and (3) the nature of the synthetic ego operations. Furthermore, this view diverges from the traditional conceptions of primary and secondary processes which are based upon a hydraulic model wherein a reciprocal relationship between the two processes has been postulated. The present model is more consistent with the views advanced in psychoanalytic ego psychology. Emphasis is placed here not only on the significance of the role of the preconscious and the active posture of the ego during the creative process, but more specifically upon the crucial role of synthetic ego operations, that is, the integrating and organizing capacity itself. An attempt is made to draw attention to th...
Genetic relationships determined by a DNA heteroduplex mobility assay: analysis of HIV-1 env genes

The genetic diversity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major concern thought to impact on immunologic escape and eventual vaccine efficacy. Here, simple and rapid methods are described for the detection and estimation of genetic divergence between HIV strains on the basis of the observation that DNA heteroduplexes formed between related sequences have a reduced mobility in polyacrylamide gels proportional to their degree of divergence. Reliable phylogenetic subtypes were assigned for HIV-1 strains from around the world. Relationships between viruses were closest when derived from the same or epidemiologically linked individuals. When derived from epidemiologically unlinked individuals, the relationships between viruses in a given geographic region correlated with the length of time HIV-1 had been detected in the population and the number of strains initiating widespread infection. Heteroduplex mobility analysis thus provides a tool to expedite epidemiological investigations by assisting in the classification of HIV and is readily applicable to the screening and characterization of other infectious agents and cellular genes.
Simultaneous determination of hemes a, b, and c from pyridine hemochrome spectra

Two procedures for analyzing overlapping optical spectra of mixtures of pyridine hemochromes are described, and extinction coefficients of pyridine hemochromes are provided for use with these methods. In the first procedure, absorbance is measured at a number of wavelengths equal to the number of components to be analyzed. This is the minimum amount of spectral data from which the concentration of each species can be calculated. In the second procedure, absorbance is measured at a number of wavelengths greater than the number of components to be analyzed. This redundancy of information makes it impossible to fit spectra which contain contributions from additional components, unless the spectra of the additional components are equal to linear combinations of the spectra of the species being analyzed. These two procedures are generally applicable to analyses of absolute or difference spectra of mixtures of components obeying Beer's law. The sensitivity to error in the absorbance measurements is only slightly greater than that for measuring a pure component at a single wavelength.
Reflections on the lessons of the recent endovascular stroke trials.

Science is simply common sense at its best, that is, rigidly accurate in observation, and merciless to fallacy in logic. Thomas Henry Huxley As the stroke community is invigorated by the recent results of the four trials showing the overwhelming efficacy of endovascular therapy for large vessel occlusion,1–4 we should reflect upon lessons that were learned that may help future clinical initiatives. It has been almost 16 years since the PROACT-II trial showed a 15% absolute difference in outcomes in patients treated with intra-arterial pro-urokinase for a middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion compared with medical therapy.5 Although the trial did not compare an endovascular approach with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), we must acknowledge that the journey from the presentation of PROACT-II (ironically at the International Stroke Conference in 1999 in Nashville also) to today has been arduous and protracted. I would like to share a story of a patient I treated last year, prior to the recent data. A patient of roughly the …
Management of a fire in the operating room

Operating room (OR) fires remain a significant source of liability for anesthesia providers and injury for patients, despite existing practice guidelines and other improvements in operating room safety. Factors contributing to OR fires are well understood and these occurrences are generally preventable. OR personnel must be familiar with the fire triad which consists of a fuel supply, an oxidizing agent, and an ignition source. Existing evidence shows that OR-related fires can result in significant patient complications and malpractice claims. Steps to reduce fires include taking appropriate safety measures before a patient is brought to the OR, taking proper preventive measures during surgery, and effectively managing fire and patient complications when they occur. Decreasing the incidence of fires should be a team effort involving the entire OR personnel, including surgeons, anesthesia providers, nurses, scrub technologists, and administrators. Communication and coordination among members of the OR team is essential to creating a culture of safety.
Assessment of ROC curves for inspection of random fields

Inspection by non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques of existing structures is not perfect and it has become a common practice to model their reliability in terms of probability of detection (PoD), probability of false alarms (PFA) and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. These results are generally the main inputs needed by owners of structures in order to achieve inspection, maintenance and repair plans (IMR). The assessment of PoD and PFA is even deduced from intercalibration of NDT tools or from the modelling of the noise and the signal. In this last case when the noise and the signal depend on the location on the structure PoD and PFA are spatially dependent. This paper presents how to define PoD and PFA when damage and detection are stochastic fields or spatially dependent. Corrosion of coastal structures in harbours is considered for illustration and ROC curves are deduced. Identification of probability density functions on polynomial chaos is shown to be more suitable than predefined probability distribution functions (pdf) in view of fitting noise and signal plus noise distributions.
Rectus femoris muscle grafts performed with and without vascular anastomosis: an experimental study in the rabbit

Abstract To study the effect of vascular repair on muscle transplants, rectus femoris muscles in rabbits were grafted orthotopically with and without microsurgical blood vessel repair. The function and structure of the grafts were evaluated 90 days after operation. Contractile properties were measured in vivo . Muscle biopsies were stained for nerve and motor end-plate regeneration. The twitch tension and maximal tetanic tension returned respectively to 32±6% and 32±7% of control values in the vascular transplants. In the avascular transplants twitch tension and maximal tetanic tension were respectively 6±1% and 8±1% of control values. Poor regeneration of muscle fibres, infection, fibrosis and immature reinnervation were the reasons for failure of avascular transplants. The avascular muscle grafts had insufficient contractile properties and were more static than dynamic. In conclusion, large avascular muscle grafts should be avoided because of the likelihood of poor revascularisation with extensive ischaemic necrosis, resulting in scar tissue.
Selective broadcast interconnection: a novel scheme for fiber-optic local-area networks.

A passive, unswitched scheme is introduced for directly interconnecting N stations, each of which has C transmitters and receivers. Implementations using fiber optics with spatial multiplexing and optionally wavelength multiplexing are discussed. This scheme utilizes the same resources as standard topologies with C parallel buses but outperforms them in two respects: (1) the aggregate throughput is proportional to C squared rather than to C; and (2) the power of each transmitter need reach only N/C, instead of N, receivers.
Microbial communities in rice rhizosphere altered by intermittent and continuous flooding in fields with long-term arsenic application

Abstract Rice cultivated on arsenic (As)-contaminated soils can, under some conditions, accumulate high concentrations of As in grain, mostly as a result of the continuous flooding practices commonly used for rice cultivation. Intermittent flooding, as opposed to continuous flooding, might reduce soluble As concentrations in the rice rhizosphere, but it might also alter soil microbial populations that may impact As chemistry. A field-scale study was conducted to analyze As concentrations and microbial populations in the rice rhizosphere, in response to intermittent and continuous flooding in plots that were historically amended with “As-containing” pesticide and unamended soil. Rhizosphere, pore-water and grain As concentrations were quantified, and microbial populations in the rhizosphere were characterized using community quantitative-PCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Pore-water As concentrations decreased by 41–81% and grain As by 31–48% in the intermittently flooded plots relative to the continuously flooded plots. The relative abundance of bacteria increased over the course of the growing season, while archaeal and fungal gene abundances decreased. Bacterial community structure and composition were significantly different between As amended and unamended plots, as well as between the flooding treatments. Proteobacteria was the predominant phylum detected in most treatments with relative abundance of 24–29%. The relative abundance of iron-reducing bacteria was higher with the continuous flood compared to the intermittent-flood treatment, implying greater relative iron reduction and possibly As release from the iron oxides under the continuously flooded conditions. These differences in rhizosphere-microbial communities may have contributed to the lower pore-water arsenic concentrations in the intermittently flooded conditions.
Use of Cell Proliferation Data in Cancer Risk Assessment: FDA View

The possible uses of cell proliferation data in cancer risk assessment can be divided into three categories: direct use of mathematical models that incorporate rates of cell proliferation, use of experimental data on secondary mechanisms produced by cell proliferation, and using studies of cellular growth rates to extend the dose range of bioassay data. These three approaches are briefly discussed and some indication of their potential application to cancer risk assessment is outlined.
Extruded Saloplastic Polyelectrolyte Complexes

Tough, dense polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) with well-defined cross-sections are prepared using a laboratory extruder and plasticizing the complexes with salt water. Stoichiometric starting materials yield stoichiometric complexes of poly(diallyldimethylammonium) (PDADMA) and poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS). As an example of this enabling technology, macroscopic tubes of PEC are produced. Microscopy images of cross-sections of rods, tape, and tubes show a pore volume of less than 10% in the bulk of the extruded complex and fully dense material towards the surface, where the shear is greatest. Thermal gravimetric analysis reveals the expected salt content for PECs doped with NaCl, and a lack of salt for PECs rinsed in water. The fact that doped PECs are transparent suggests they are supersaturated with salt. Residual stress following extrusion is relieved by exposure to solutions of NaCl. Stress relaxation experiments show decreasing equilibrium moduli as a function of increasing salt doping, consistent with prior results on multilayers of the same polymers.
Long-term rectal administration of high-dose sustained-release morphine tablets

Two proprietary sustained-release morphine tablets for oral administration are available in the USA, and the authors have found that rectal administration of these provide excellent analgesia although their use by this route is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. An illustrative case in a 72-year-old patient with prostate cancer is reported.