cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Ureteroureterostomy for Distal Benign Ureteral Strictures with Long-Term Follow Up.

OBJECTIVES To demonstrate feasibility of robot-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) ureteroureterostomy (UU) for benign distal ureteral strictures (DUS) in our robotic reconstruction series with long term follow up. PATIENTS & METHODS In a retrospective review of our prospectively maintained RAL ureteral reconstruction database, we followed patients between 6/2012-2/2019 who underwent a UU for DUS. In addition to patient demographics, we recorded the etiology, stricture length and recurrence rates. Recurrence was defined as findings of recurrent or persistent obstruction by postoperative mercaptoacetyltriglycine diuretic renal scan or the need for additional intervention with ureteral drainage or revisional surgery. RESULTS We identified 22 patients who underwent a RAL-UU for DUS of benign etiologies. Median age was 42 years old (IQR 39-57) and 20 of 22 patients (90.1%) were female. Median stricture length was 1.5 cm (IQR 1-2). Iatrogenic surgical injury was noted in 16 patients (73%). All ureteral reconstruction was performed using RAL. Post-operative imaging consisted of renal ultrasonography, diuretic renal scan or cross-sectional radiology within 3 months of the index operation. Further imaging was dependent on clinical judgment. Twenty patients (90.1%) had success with median follow-up time of 54.6 months with two recurrences necessitating RAL ureteroneocystostomy (UNC). CONCLUSION RAL-UU for DUS is technically viable and shows promising efficacy in properly selected patients. This technique may serve a niche for preserving the natural anatomical drainage of the bladder and ureter in addition to obviating the sequela of vesicoureteral reflux as seen in UNC.
Spatial Changes in British Retailing: A Channel Metamorphosis

Any comparison of Britain and the United States reveals several important differences in their retailing landscapes. The purpose of the research reported here is to examine some of these differences and to speculate on some of the possible causes. Furthermore, the authors address recent locational trends in Britain which involve the decentralization of retailing activity and which represents a major change in the retailing scene. Finally, the paper concludes by considering whether as a result of this decentralization British cities will follow the scenario of the decline of retailing in the central business district (CBD) in the United States. These topics as presented in this paper are largely descriptive. Nonetheless, the research provides further insights and additional knowledge with respect to international retailing by examining spatial aspects of British retailing in comparison with those in the U.S.
Rough set uncertainty for robotic systems

The paper provides an overview of the various applications of rough set theory in dealing with uncertainty in modern robotic systems. Rough sets is a relatively young theory that has been gaining popularity in the field of artificial intelligence, and that has direct contribution for the advancement of robotics. This paper provides an introduction to robotics, explains the basics of rough set theory, discusses the various successful applications existing currently in the field of robotics systems, and suggests new areas of robotics that can benefit from rough set techniques.
Feeding in the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus

The laboratory feeding behavior of Brachionus calyciflorus varies depending upon the type of food cell available in suspension. When feeding on the yeast Rhodotorula glutinis, rotifers show a continuous increase in ingestion with increased cell density between 0.01 and 1000 μg dry weight ml-1. Effective clearance rates drop from ca. 50 μl animal-1 h-1 to less than 0.5 μl animal-1 h-1 over this food density range. When feeding on Englena gracilis, B. calyciflorus ingestion rates are constant between 1.0 and 100 μg ml-1 of available food, averaging close to 25 ng animal-1 h-1. The decrease in clearance rate is more striking than with R. glutinis, dropping from 45 μl animal-1 h-1 at 0.1 μg ml-1 to 0.13 μl animal-1 h-1 at 100 μg ml-1. Differences between the patterns obtained with the two food types indicate fundamental dissimilarities in the feeding behavior of this rotifer species when presented with these different foods.
Ribonucleic acid synthesis in vaccinia virus. II. Synthesis of polyriboadenylic acid.

Abstract Vaccinia virus cores catalyze the incorporation of ATP into polyriboadenylic acid sequences of approximately 150 nucleotides in length. This incorporation of ATP occurs also in the presence of all four natural ribonucleotides in the reaction mixture. Poly A sequences are found in high molecular weight RNA synthesized by cores and evidence is presented for a covalent association between the poly A sequences and the regular viral RNA moiety. The transcription of poly dT sequences in vaccinia DNA appears to be the likely source of poly A, since about 1% of vaccinia DNA contains regions which hybridize with synthetic poly A and poly U. In addition, the synthesis of poly A is inhibited by proflavin sulfate and ethidium bromide, which complex with DNA. Poly A sequences are also synthesized in vivo during the growth cycle of vaccinia virus in HeLa cells.
Fetal Alcohol Exposure Increases Mammary Tumor Susceptibility and Alters Tumor Phenotype in Rats

Background Altered fetal programming due to a suboptimal in utero environment has been shown to increase susceptibility to many diseases later in life. This study examined the effect of alcohol exposure in utero on N-nitroso-N-methylurea (NMU)-induced mammary cancer risk during adulthood.
Rapid Gas Chromatographic Method for Quantitation of Ethchlorvynol ("Placidyl") in Serum

A rapid, simple, and sensitive method for quantitation of ethchlorvynol by gas chromatography has been developed. Instrument response is linear to a concentration of 200 mg/liter (2.0-ml sample of serum). Day-to-day (20 days) precision of a 15 mg/liter serum pool was 0.85 mg/liter (SD) and 5.6% (CV). For 30 samples analyzed by both the gas chromatographic method and a colorimetric method, the correlation plot had a slope of 0.989, x and y intercepts near zero, and a correlation coefficient of 0.997. Mean recovery of ethchlorvynol added to serum was 87%. Subsequently, all standards were prepared in serum, to compensate for the nonquantitative yield and to help assure accuracy. Sera from healthy controls and from hospitalized patients contain no endogenous interfering substances, nor did any of a series of commonly prescribed drugs interfere.
Wrongful Convictions and the National Academy of Sciences: From Forensics to Eyewitness Identification

In creating a test to admit eyewitness identifications, the Supreme Court in Manson v. Brathwaite held as its most important value the reliability of this evidence. Thirty-five years later, hundreds of tests, research projects, and papers have shown exactly how unreliable the Court’s admissibility test is. The Supreme Court has failed to live up to its own standard.The National Academy of Sciences new Report, Identifying the Culprit: Assessing Eyewitness Identification, may be the needed impetus to change the nationally governing standard. The Report takes readers above and beyond the current Manson test. Indeed, Identifying the Culprit predicts a national impact on our executive, judicial, and legislative branches. Five years from today, the U.S. Supreme Court may use these findings to completely overhaul the admission of eyewitness testimony in the courtroom.This piece provides a brief sketch of a prior NAS Report, Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward, and the impact it has had on all branches of government. The growing influence and reforms of the field of forensic science then lead into questions of the reliability of eyewitness evidence. The role of innocence cases ultimately culminates in a discussion of Identifying the Culprit: Assessing Eyewitness Identification and the impact of these connected Reports.
Electrochemical Charge Transfer to Diamond

Electrochemically mediated charge transfer has been primarily studied by its effect on the surface conductivity of diamond. In this paper we show that the effect is not restricted to diamond, but may occur in other material systems as well, for example, semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes and gallium nitride.
A comparative study of thromboxane and prostacyclin release from ex vivo cultured bovine vascular endothelium

Abstract Thromboxane B2, 6-keto-Prostaglandin F1α, and Prostaglandin E2 release have been quantitated from cultured adult by bovine endothelial cell monolayers and from ex Vivo vascular segments employing specific radioimmunoassay and thin layer chromatography. Release of all three prostaglandins was demonstrable from both endothelial cell systems under basal conditions and following exposure to the ionophore A23187 and arachidonic acid. In culture, the quantity of 6-keto-PGF1α released was diminished compared to amounts released from the vessel segments while thromboxane B2 and prostaglandin E2 release were similar in the two endothelial model systems. However, the amount of thromboxane B2 assayed was small and the quantity of thromboxane A2 it represents is probably of little in Vivo significance to prostacyclin.
Evidence for specific solvation of two halocarbene amides.

Laser flash photolysis (LFP, 308 nm) of endo-10-halo-10’-N,N-dimethylcarboxamidetricyclo[4.3.1.0]-deca-2,4-diene (1Cl and 1F) releases indan and halocarbene amide (2Cl and 2F). Although the carbenes are not UV-vis active, they react rapidly with pyridine to form ylides (4Cl, 4F), which are readily detected in LFP experiments (lambda(max) = 450 nm). Dioxane decreases the observed rate of carbene reaction with pyridine in CF(2)ClCFCl(2). Small amounts of THF decrease the observed rate of reaction of carbene 2F with pyridine but increase the rate of reaction of carbene 2Cl with pyridine. LFP (266 nm) of dienes 1Cl and 1F in CF(2)ClCFCl(2) with IR detection produces carbenes 2Cl and 2F with carbonyl vibrations at 1635 and 1650 cm(-1), respectively. In dioxane or THF solvent, LFP produces the corresponding ether ylides (5Cl, 5F) by capture of carbenes 2Cl and 2F. The ylides have broad carbonyl vibrations between 1560 and 1610 cm(-1). The addition of a small amount of dioxane in CFCl(2)CF(2)Cl extends the lifetime of the carbene. This observation, together with the ether-induced retardation of the rates of carbene capture by tetramethylethylene and pyridine, is evidence for solvation of the carbene by dioxane.
Multi-objective evolutionary algorithm based filters for image enhancement

Multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEAs) have been utilized in many fields to optimize designs and constraints using biologically inspired methods. In this research, MOEAs are used to determine more optimal DCT based filter coefficient sets in order to enhance images under various image processing attacks and functions. The filter coefficients are adapted to minimize the mean squared error and to remove noise-induced artifacts. The capabilities of the proposed enhanced image filters are demonstrated on multiple digital images.
Power Conversion Gain as a design metric for RFID systems

This paper presents a novel method for determining the power available to a passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag, the Power Conversion Gain (PCG). The power conversion gain of a tag combines the tag's antenna pattern with its charge pump efficiency to give the system designer the tag's output power as a function of angle and maximum received input power. This metric is more useful for system designers because it helps to determine the tag's sensitivity to orientation which is exaggerated by the non-linearity of the charge pump. This paper demonstrates the use of PCG using measured results from a 4-stage Dickson charge pump operating at 5.8 GHz and a directional antenna as a worst case scenario.
Path Optimization for Graph Partitioning Problems

This paper presents a new heuristic for graph partitioning called Path Optimization PO, and the results of an extensive set of empirical comparisons of the new algorithm with two very well known algorithms for partitioning: The Kernighan-Lin algorithm and simulated annealing. Our experiments are described in detail, and the results are presented in such a way as to reveal performance trends based on several variables. Sufficient trials are run to obtain 99% confidence intervals small enough to lead to a statistical ranking of the implementations for various circumstances. The results for geometric graphs, which have become a frequently-used benchmark in the evaluation of partitioning algorithms, show that PO holds an advantage over the others. In addition to the main test suite described above, comparisons of PO to more recent partitioning approaches are also given. We present the results of comparisons of PO with a parallelized implementation of Goemans'' and Williamson''s 0.878 approximation algorithm, a flow-based heuristic due to Lang and Rao, and the multilevel algorithm of Hendrickson and Leland.
Molecular phylogenetics and evolutionary history of the neotropical Satyrine Subtribe Euptychiina (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae).

Abstract The Euptychiina is one of the more diverse lineages of satyrine butterflies, represented by over 300 species. The first phylogenetic analyses of the subtribe is presented based on 2506 aligned nucleotide sequences obtained from 69 individuals spanning 28 ingroup genera and nine outgroup genera. Two genes were used, the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase 1 (1268 bp) and the nuclear gene elongation factor-1α (1238 bp). The subtribe is never recovered as monophyletic in analyses using parsimony, maximum likelihood, or Bayesian inference. Several euptychiine genera are placed basal to the ingroup, but support is found only for Euptychia and Oressinoma. Three main lineages within the ingroup were clearly defined and many taxonomic groupings within the clades strongly supported. The majority of genera tested were paraphyletic or polyphyletic. Based on results presented here and novel host use, a close relationship of Euptychia to the Indo-Australian tribe Ragadiini is hypothesized. Origins of the group remain unclear, but the basal position of most of the Nearctic genera is discussed.
Lipid composition of nuclear membranes isolated from bovine liver.

Abstract 1. 1. Nuclear membrane fractions were prepared from rat-liver nuclei by treatment with deoxyribonuclease and MgCl2. 2. 2. The lipid distribution and fatty acid composition of total lipids and individual phospholipids was determined. 3. 3. The ratio of protein to total lipid was 2.96. Phospholipids accounted for 62% of the total lipid fraction. The remainder was accounted for as neutral lipids. Non-phosphorus-containing polar lipids were not detected. Based on lipid phosphorus distribution the major phospholipids were phosphatidylcholine (55%), phosphatidylethanolamine (23%), phosphatidylinositol (8%), phosphatidylserine (6%) and sphingomyelin (6%). Cholesterol and free fatty acids were the major constituents of the neutral lipid fraction, accounting for t6 and t3%, respectively, of the total membrane lipids. 4. 4. Phosphatidylcholine was the least saturated and sphingomyelin the most saturated of the major phospholipids. Eighteen-carbon chain-length fatty acids accounted for 70% of the acyl residues of the total lipid fraction. The palmitic acid to oleic acid ratio of the total lipid fraction was 0.55.
Teaching dynamic programming techniques using permutation graphs

Dynamic programming is one of important techniques in algorithm design. The permutation graph is a special type of graphs with theoretical significance and practical applications. Many graph problems such as the domination, and independent set problems can be solved efficiently using dynamic programming schemes by exploring the structural properties of permutation diagrams. Most of current algorithm textbooks use the knapsack problem and matrix chain product as examples for teaching this technique. This paper introduces an incremental and comprehensive approach to teaching dynamic programming using permutation graphs.
Cisplatin-induced Ototoxicity Is Mediated by Nitroxidative Modification of Cochlear Proteins Characterized by Nitration of Lmo4

Tyrosine nitration is an important sequel of cellular signaling induced by reactive oxygen species. Cisplatin is an anti-neoplastic agent that damages the inner ear through reactive oxygen species and by the formation of DNA adducts. This study reveals a correlation between cisplatin-mediated hearing loss and nitroxidative modification of cochlear proteins and is the first to report nitration of Lmo4. Cisplatin induced a dose-dependent increase in hearing loss in Wistar rats. A 10-15-dB decrease in distortion product amplitude and massive loss of outer hair cells at the basal turn of the cochlea was observed 3 days post-treatment after a 16 mg/kg dose. Cisplatin induced nitration of cellular proteins within the organ of Corti, spiral ganglion, and stria vascularis, which are known targets of cisplatin ototoxicity. Nitration of a 76-kDa cochlear protein correlated with cisplatin dose. The nitrated protein was identified as Lmo4 (LIM domain only 4) by MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight) mass spectrometry and confirmed by reciprocal immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting. Co-localization of nitrotyrosine and Lmo4 was particularly high in outer hair cell nuclei after cisplatin treatment. Cochlear levels of Lmo4 were decreased in rats treated with cisplatin. In vitro studies supported the repression of Lmo4 in nitroxidative conditions and the induction of apoptosis upon repression of Lmo4. Inhibition of cochlear protein nitration prevented cisplatin-induced hearing loss. As Lmo4 is a transcriptional regulator that controls the choice between cell survival and cell death, these results support the hypothesis that nitration of Lmo4 influences cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.
Fast Approximation Framework for Timing and Power Analysis of Ultra-Low-Voltage Circuits

Ultra-low-voltage operation can greatly reduce the power consumption of circuits. However, there is no fast, effective, and comprehensive technique for designers to estimate power, delay, or effects of process variation of a design operating in the ultra-low-voltage region. This paper presents a simulation framework that can quickly and accurately characterize a circuit from nominal voltage to the subthreshold region. The framework uses the nominal frequency and power of a target circuit, obtained using gate-level or transistor-level simulation tools, and normalized ring oscillator curves to predict delay and power characteristics at lower operating voltages. Specific contributions of this article include a weighted average method, an improvement to a previously published form of this framework, as well as a methodology to estimate the effects of process variation based on the same framework. The weighted averages framework takes into account the types of gates that are used in the circuit and critical path to give a more accurate power and timing characterization. Despite the varying results by several orders of magnitude, the errors are no greater than 20.01%, 15.30%, and 8.870% for circuit delay, active energy, and leakage power, respectively, for the weighted averages technique. To validate the framework, a detailed analysis is given in the presence of a variety of design parameters as well as a range of benchmark circuits.
Multi-mode control of series and parallel converters for bidirectional power systems

A method for smooth transitions between voltage, current, and power regulation (multi-mode control) for bidirectional power converters is proposed. This method extends existing work on multi-mode control of power converters to bidirectional systems. Additionally it is shown how inherent power sharing can be achieved in systems with parallel or series connected converters. These improvements over previous methods make this approach a good candidate for the fast bidirectional systems composed of multiple converter modules increasingly found in emerging DC power grids. Experimental results are shown for two 1 kW, 500 V, 4 A parallel output, isolated, bidirectional series resonant converters (SRCs).
An Alliance Based Peering Scheme for P2P Live Media Streaming

While recent measurement studies have shown the effectiveness of P2P network in media streaming, there have been questions raised about the quality of service (QoS), reliability of streaming services and sub optimal uplink utilization in particular. P2P streaming systems are inherently less reliable because of churn, internet dynamics, node heterogeneity and randomness in the swarm. We present a new model for P2P media streaming based on clustering of peers, called alliances. We show that alliance formation is a loosely coupled and an effective way to organize the peers. We show that our model maps to a ldquosmall-worldrdquo network, which form efficient overlay structures and are robust to network perturbations such as churn. We present a comparative simulation based study of our model with CoolStreaming/DONet and present a quantitative performance evaluation. Simulation results are promising and show that our model scales well under varying workloads and conditions, delivers near optimal levels of QoS, and for most cases, performs at par or even better than CoolStreaming/DONet.
Life cycle variants of Physarum polycephalum that lack the amoeba stage.

The myxomycete life cycle ordinarily proceeds in the sequence plasmodium-spore- amoeba-plasmodium. Extraordinary variants are described in which the sequence is plasmodium-spore-plasmodium.
The Detailed Dependence of Implanted Phosphorus Profiles in (100) Single-Crystal Si on Key Implant Parameters

The continued decrease in semiconductor device feature size has required much smaller thermal processing budgets in order to achieve the required compact doping profiles. As a result, the impurity profiles have a larger dependence on the ion implant parameters, and more attention must be given to minimizing channeling, which results in deeper implanted profiles. Thus, there is a need for a detailed understanding of the dependence of the implanted profile on the key implant parameters. Since such an understanding does not exist for phosphorus implants in silicon, a detailed study has been performed by obtaining experimental phosphorus impurity profiles for a wide range of implant energies (15 - 180 keV), doses (lx1013- 8×1015 cm–2), tilt angles (0° - 10°), and rotation angles (0° - 360°). Channeling along the <100 axial channel dominates the variations. (110) planar channeling is the next most important channeling effect, appearing at higher (5°) tilt angles, where <100 axial channeling is suppressed. (100) planar channeling is not observed at the lower energies but does manifest itself for energies of 80keV and greater. Dose dependencies play a large role beginning around lxlO14 cm-2.
On the use of piecewise linear models in nonlinear programming

This paper presents an active-set algorithm for large-scale optimization that occupies the middle ground between sequential quadratic programming and sequential linear-quadratic programming methods. It consists of two phases. The algorithm first minimizes a piecewise linear approximation of the Lagrangian, subject to a linearization of the constraints, to determine a working set. Then, an equality constrained subproblem based on this working set and using second derivative information is solved in order to promote fast convergence. A study of the local and global convergence properties of the algorithm highlights the importance of the placement of the interpolation points that determine the piecewise linear model of the Lagrangian.
Guest Editors' Introduction: Top Picks from the Computer Architecture Conferences of 2007

This special issue represents the fifth anniversary of IEEE Micro's Top Picks from the Computer Architecture Conferences. A program committee of 33 highly respected architects from industry and academia selected 10 of 70 submissions for inclusion in the issue. The guest editors describe the rigorous selection process and introduce the selected articles.
The elastic moduli of mortar as a porous-granular material

Abstract The effects of sand concentration and porosity on the elastic properties of mortar and cement paste were studied. Acoustic wave measurements were performed on mortar specimens with 0 to 60 percent sand concentration, and on cement paste specimens with 28 to 53 percent porosity. The experimental results were compared with the predictions of various theories available for multi-phase materials, with the Kuster-Toksoz model giving the best fit.
Effect of the Posterior Tibial Tendon on the Arch of the Foot During Simulated Weightbearing: Biomechanical Analysis

A cadaver study was performed to determine the effect of the posterior tibial tendon (PTT) on the stability of the foot in simulated midstance phase of gait. Thirteen fresh-frozen human foot specimens were used. Loads were applied axially and to each tendon. Three-dimensional positions of tarsal bones before and after tendon loading were determined with the use of a magnetic tracking device. Significant differences in tarsal bone positions were observed with application of loads to the Achilles, posterior tibial, flexor digitorum longus, peroneus longus, and peroneus brevis tendons at the metatarsotalar, calcaneotalar, and talotibial joints and in overall arch height. These tendon loads caused position changes toward arch flattening or mild pes planus deformity. Significant differences in tarsal bone positions were observed with PTT loading compared with no PTT loading in metatarsotalar, calcaneotalar, and talotibial levels as well as arch height. The PTT caused position changes toward restoring the arch alignment. These data suggest that the PTT is an important stabilizer of the arch of the foot.
Evanescent pressure gradient response in the upper ocean to subinertial wind stress forcing of finite wavelength

A schematic model is used to interpret field observations related to the mixed layer response to wind stress at subinertial frequencies. It is shown that subinertial density and pressure fluctuations can arise locally from the finite wavelength character of the wind stress forcing as a fundamental part of the upper ocean transient, wind-driven response on time scales of 2-10 pendulum days. Evanescent vertical motions arise which alter the density field of the pycnocline, and hence the pressure field over the entire upper ocean. It is thus found that in the real ocean driven by wind stress, a transient geostrophic response exists which can be as large or larger than the transient Eckman response.
Software Piracy among College Students: A Comprehensive Review of Contributing Factors, Underlying Processes, and Tackling Strategies

This article reviewed empirical studies published in the past 30 years that examined software piracy among college students. It focused on three areas of study: (a) major factors that affect colleg...
Estimating the accuracy of geographical imputation

Background To reduce the number of non-geocoded cases researchers and organizations sometimes include cases geocoded to postal code centroids along with cases geocoded with the greater precision of a full street address. Some analysts then use the postal code to assign information to the cases from finer-level geographies such as a census tract. Assignment is commonly completed using either a postal centroid or by a geographical imputation method which assigns a location by using both the demographic characteristics of the case and the population characteristics of the postal delivery area. To date no systematic evaluation of geographical imputation methods ("geo-imputation") has been completed. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of census tract assignment using geo-imputation.
RELATIONS AMONG SCHOOL ASSETS, INDIVIDUAL RESILIENCE, AND STUDENT ENGAGEMENT FOR YOUTH GROUPED BY LEVEL OF FAMILY FUNCTIONING

Given the importance of student engagement for healthy outcomes, research needs to investigate whether school-based assets promote student engagement beyond individual and family influences. Unfortunately, such research has been limited by a lack of valid instrumentation. After examining the psychometrics of the California Healthy Kids Survey Resilience Youth Development Module, we used this risk and resilience instrument with a randomly selected sample of 10,000 diverse 7th-, 9th-, and 11th-grade students to test a model of relations between school assets, individual resilience, and student engagement for students grouped by level of family assets. Although youth in the low family asset group reported lower student engagement, contrary to hypothesis, multigroup structural equation modeling revealed that school assets did not have a differential relation for low family asset youth compared to their high family asset peers. School assets were associated with student engagement for all groups, even accounting for individual resilience. Implications and future directions are provided. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preferential trade agreements between asymmetric countries: Free trade areas (with rules of origin) vs. customs unions ☆

Abstract This paper examines differences in welfare implications between a free trade area (FTA) and a customs union (CU) for member countries differing in their market sizes. In a stylized three-country model of trade under oligopoly, we take into account the conditions that FTA members set external tariffs to induce their exporting firms to comply with rules of origin (ROO) within the trade bloc. This approach rules out trade deflection and regime switches in forming an effective FTA. The key findings are as follows: (i) Unless the difference in market size is too large and ROO are too restrictive, an FTA can be welfare-improving to countries with market size differential. (ii) The formation of a preferential trade agreement (either an FTA or a CU) is more likely to emerge between countries of similar market size. However, forming a CU allows for a greater degree of market size asymmetry than forming an FTA. (iii) Compared to the pre-PTA equilibrium, the greater reductions in external tariffs under an FTA than under a CU remain valid even for the case with market size asymmetry and preferential ROO. As such, a non-member country is relatively better off under an FTA. (iv) World welfare is higher under an FTA than under a CU when the market size asymmetry is moderate and ROO are less restrictive.
The Power to Regulate Tobacco

In August, President Clinton announced broad measures designed to drastically decrease teenage smoking. The President directed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to regulate cigarettes and declare nicotine an addictive drug. The proposed FDA regulations govern the sale, marketing, and distribution of nicotine-containing cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products to children and adolescents in order to address the serious public health problems caused by tobacco. President Clinton’s intention is to meet the goals established in the government’s “Healthy People 2000” report by cutting teenage tobacco use in half. If this objective is not met within 7 years of the date of publication of the final rule, the FDA will take additional measures to help achieve the reduction in the use of tobacco products by young people. The President does not intend to limit the adult use of tobacco products. As FDA Commissioner Dr David Kessler described it, smoking is a pediatric disease. Every day, 3000 children take a puff of their first cigarette. As …
The Contribution of the Interannual ENSO Cycle to the Spatial Pattern of Decadal ENSO-Like Variability*

Abstract A defining feature of Pacific decadal ENSO-like variability is the similarity between its spatial expression in sea surface temperature (SST) and the spatial structure of interannual ENSO variability. This similarity may indicate that the decadal variability is merely a long-term average over interannual ENSO variability. In contrast, subtle differences (namely the meridionally broadened tropical SST signature and emphasized midlatitude SST anomalies for the decadal ENSO-like pattern) may indicate that fundamentally different processes are responsible for generating variability on the decadal to interdecadal time scale. The present study attempts to reconcile the subtly different spatial structures of interannual ENSO and decadal ENSO-like variability by relating the decadal pattern to various SST patterns associated with the development of the interannual ENSO cycle. First, a statistical analysis is used to reconstruct the decadal ENSO-like SST pattern as a linear combination of interannual SST ...
Interaction of steroids with some pyrimidine and purine derivatives

Abstract Molecular interactions of purine and pyrimidine derivatives with steroids in dilute aqueous solution appear to occur optimally with steroids generally unsubstituted on the “α” side; in a series of testosterone derivatives, a “β” oriented, free 17-hydroxyl group gave more intense interaction. For a given steroid, generally greater interaction occurs with those pyrimidines or purines having greater electron-donating capacities.
A fundamental study of polymer melt devolatilization. Part I: Some experiments on foam‐enhanced devolatilization

A systematic, experimental study was conducted on the elementary process of devolatilization (DV) and the various parameters affecting it, using a specially designed apparatus, which is devoid of the flow complexities present in industrial equipment and which permits independent control of all pertinent parameters. The device simulates a flow configuration present in all rotating machinery used in DV, viz. the rotating melt pool. Parameters studied include exposure time, agitation rate, surface-to-volume ratio, melt viscosity, vapor pressure of volatile contaminant, applied vacuum level, concentration level of contaminant, and addition of inert substances for DV enhancement. The results of most parametric studies are presented here, but some will be published in a subsequent paper. All feed and product contaminant levels were analyzed using gas chromatography.
Decay of 34Ar

The mass excess and half life measured for 34Ar are −18394 ± 15 keV and 1.2 ± 0.3 s. Decay proceeds to the ground (log ft ⪆ 3.60) and 0.67 MeV (3.31 ⪅ log ft < 5.16) states of 34Cl. Jπ = 1+ is determined for the state at 0.67 MeV.
Overview of optical fiber sensors embedded in concrete

In this paper an analysis is presented on the use of embedded optical fiber sensors in concrete elements and structures for the non-destructive measurement of internal stress and strain as well as for the assessment of structural integrity. A discussion of the fundamental materials and micro-mechanical aspects regarding the fiber/matrix interaction is given. In addition, a summary of the experimental results obtained to date is made along with the applications sought for this new technology.
Goodness-of-fit tests for generalized logarithmic series distribution

Abstract Goodness-of-fit test statistics based on the empirical distribution function (EDF) are considered for the generalized logarithmic series distribution. The α levels of the tests for small or moderate sample sizes are close to the chosen nominal 5% and 10% significance levels. For small or moderate sample sizes, the tests are compared with respect to their simulated power of detecting some alternative hypotheses against a null hypothesis of generalized logarithmic series distribution. The discrete version of the Cramer–von Mises and Anderson–Darling tests are found to be the most powerful pair among the EDF tests.
In situ measurements of carbon dioxide gradients in a soil-plant-atmosphere system

In order to more fully understand carbon dioxide dynamics in a soil-plant-atmosphere system, an in situ sampling technique has been developed to measure carbon dioxide concentration within the soil profile as well as in the atmosphere. Gas samples are automatically pumped in sequence from six porous collectors within the soil profile and five aboveground inlets through an infrared gas analyzer. Field measurements in a first year field, indicated that carbon dioxide concentrations reached a maximum value (∼1800 ppm) in the deepest soil sampling site (-180 cm). Temporal and spatial variations of carbon dioxide concentration were related to the development of root and vegetation structure as well as the position of the groundwater table.
Release of radon-222 by vascular plants : effect of transpiration and leaf area

At disposal sites for wastes containing radium (Ra), vegetative stabilization may allow escape of radon (Rn) via uptake and mass flow of the gas in the plant transpiration stream. The main objectives of this work were to determine the magnitude and factors of such transport. Corn (Zea mays L.), sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.), and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) were grown in uranium mill railings solids containing ²²⁶Ra (4.4 × 103 Bq kg⁻¹). The quantities of ²²²Rn released by the plants in a controlled environment chamber were measured in relation to water transpired and leaf areas. The ²²⁶Ra and ²²²Rn in corn xylem liquid, and diffusion of ²²²Rn across paraffin wax barriers, were also measured. The ²²²Rn release rates by the plants ranged from about 8 to 28 mBq s⁻¹ m⁻² of leaf area, and were unrelated to the quantity of water transpired. Generally, the plants tended to release twice as much radon at 15°C than at 30°C, a phenomenon explained in part by the increased solubility of Rn in water at the lower temperature. We suggest that the bulk of ²²²Rn released by the plants is taken up by mass flow in water, but at the leaf mesophyll Rn diffuses independently of water, through the entire leaf cross-section, unimpeded by the cuticle and epicuticular wax. The species of plant does not appear to be a major factor in the quantity of Rn released to the air; rather, the amount of Rn released into the atmosphere from a given area of vegetated land is expected to be in direct proportion to the leaf area index.
SENSES: a knowledge-based sensor selection system

Abstract A key component in any measurement and control system is the sensor. To operate reliably a sensor must meet all of the critical application specifications. Due to the myriad of factors that must be taken into consideration in a sensor selection process, it is very difficult for any user, especially those who are not familiar with sensors, to select an acceptable, cost effective sensor. This paper presents a knowledge-based system (KBS) developed to assist in the sensor selection process. The KBS runs on a micro-computer and uses a group technology coding scheme for sensor classification and fast data retrieval from an external database. The system output includes the operational and dimensional parameters of the recommended sensor as well as the price and the vendor information.
Tunable waveguide lattices with nonuniform parity-symmetric tunneling

We investigate the single-particle time evolution and two-particle quantum correlations in a one-dimensional $N$-site lattice with a site-dependent nearest-neighbor tunneling function ${t}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}}(k)={t}_{0}[k(N\ensuremath{-}k)]{}^{\ensuremath{\alpha}/2}$. Since the bandwidth and the energy-level spacings for such a lattice both depend upon $\ensuremath{\alpha}$, we show that the observable properties of a wave packet, such as its spread and the relative phases of its constituents, vary dramatically as $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ is varied from positive to negative values. We also find that the quantum correlations are exquisitely sensitive to the form of the tunneling function. Our results suggest that arrays of waveguides with position-dependent evanescent couplings will show rich dynamics with no counterpart in present-day, traditional systems.
A general design platform for ionic liquid ions based on bridged multi-heterocycles with flexible symmetry and charge

A conceptual design platform for new ionic liquids with variable heterocycles, bridges, symmetry, and charge was developed using simple alkylation, click, and ionic liquid chemistries and demonstrated with 1-(2-(5-tetrazolidyl)ethyl)-3-(5-1H-tetrazolyl)methylimidazolium and its conversion into room-temperature ionic liquids as cation or as anion.
Tumor endothelial inflammation predicts clinical outcome in diverse human cancers.

Background Vascular endothelial cells contribute to the pathogenesis of numerous human diseases by actively regulating the stromal inflammatory response; however, little is known regarding the role of endothelial inflammation in the growth of human tumors and its influence on the prognosis of human cancers. Methods Using an experimental model of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-mediated inflammation, we characterized inflammatory gene expression in immunopurified tumor-associated endothelial cells. These genes formed the basis of a multivariate molecular predictor of overall survival that was trained and validated in four types of human cancer. Results We report that expression of experimentally derived tumor endothelial genes distinguished pathologic tissue specimens from normal controls in several human diseases associated with chronic inflammation. We trained these genes in human cancer datasets and defined a six-gene inflammatory signature that predicted significantly reduced overall survival in breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and glioma. This endothelial-derived signature predicted outcome independently of, but cooperatively with, standard clinical and pathological prognostic factors. Consistent with these findings, conditioned culture media from human endothelial cells stimulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines accelerated the growth of human colon and breast tumors in immunodeficient mice as compared with conditioned media from untreated endothelial cells. Conclusions This study provides the first prognostic cancer gene signature derived from an experimental model of tumor-associated endothelial inflammation. These findings support the notion that activation of inflammatory pathways in non-malignant tumor-infiltrating endothelial cells contributes to tumor growth and progression in multiple human cancers. Importantly, these results identify endothelial-derived factors that could serve as potential targets for therapy in diverse human cancers.
Vincristine, doxorubicin and mitomycin (VAM) in patients with advanced breast cancer previously treated with cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil (CMF) - A clinical trial of the piedmont oncology association (POA)

Thirty-six evaluable patients with advanced breast cancer who had failed prior CMF therapy [15 (42%) as adjuvant treatment and 21 (58%) for advanced disease] were treated with a combination of vincristine, doxorubicin, and mitomycin (VAM). There was one CR and 10 PR, giving a response rate of 31% (P, 95% confidence interval, 15%–47%). Response was not significantly related to age, performance status, disease-free interval, dominant site of disease, number of sites of disease, or estrogen receptor status. The median duration of response was 5 months for patients attaining CR or PR and 4.6 months for patients with stable disease. The median survival for patients with CR or PR of 7.9 months was not better than for those with stable disease (8.0 months), but both groups had significantly longer survival than those with initial progression. Patients who received VAM after failing adjuvant CMF had a 53% response rate (8 of 15), as against a 14% response rate (3 of 21) in those failing CMF for advanced disease (P<0.05). In spite of this difference, the survival distributions for these two groups were not significantly different. Myelosuppression was moderate and no cardiac toxicity was seen. The addition of mitomycin to vincristine and doxorubicin in previously treated patients does not appear to improve the results obtained with vincristine and doxorubicin alone.
17β-Estradiol Differentially Regulates Blood-Brain Barrier Permeability in Young and Aging Female Rats

Because both brain and its vasculature are potent targets of estrogen, age-related decline in estrogen levels or alterations in estrogen receptors may disrupt the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, leading to increased influx of toxic products. The present study tested the hypothesis that the blood-brain barrier is more permeable in reproductive senescent animals and will respond differently to estrogen replacement as compared with young adult females. Young adult and reproductive senescent rats were ovariectomized and replaced with an estrogen or control pellet. We found a 2- to 4-fold increase in extravasation of dye in the olfactory bulb and hippocampus of reproductive senescent females compared with young adults. Furthermore, estrogen significantly reduced dye extravasation in both olfactory bulb and hippocampus in young adults compared with age-matched counterparts that received a control pellet. However, estrogen replacement increased dye extravasation in the hippocampus of reproductive senescent females compared with age-matched control-pellet replaced animals, whereas dye extravasation was unchanged by estrogen in the olfactory bulb of senescent females. There were no age- and estrogen-related differences in dye accumulation in the pituitary gland, which is a circumventricular organ. These results support the hypothesis that the hormonal decline that marks reproductive senescence leads to increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier, which is further exacerbated by estrogen treatment in specific regions.
Effects of D-limonene on hepatic microsomal monooxygenase activity and paracetamol-induced glutathione depletion in mouse

1. D-Limonene, a monoterpenoid constituent of citrus fruit oil, blocks tumour induction by chemical carcinogens in laboratory animals, apparently by preventing bioactivation of procarcinogens and by enhancing conjugation of proximal carcinogenic metabolites. 2. Inhibitory effects of D-limonene were measured in vitro using cytochrome P450 isoform-specific substrates. D-Limonene inhibited p-nitrophenol hydroxylase (pNP) activity in vitro in liver microsomes from acetone-, phenobarbital (PB)- and beta-naphthoflavone (BNF)-treated mouse, and 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity in microsomes from PB- and BNF-treated mouse. p-Nitrophenol and ethoxyresorufin are substrates for cytochromes P2E1 and P1A1, respectively. No inhibition of benzphetamine (BNZP) or aminopyrine (AP) demethylases by D-limonene was observed. 3. EROD, BNZP and AP activities in liver microsomes were increased 18 h after i.p. administration of D-limonene to acetone-induced mouse, while pNP activity was unchanged. The immunodetectable protein level of cytochrome P2B1 in non-acetone treated mouse was increased 18 h after D-limonene, with no differences in P2E1 or P1A1. 4. Acute D-limonene did not protect against paracetamol (acetaminophen)-induced depletion of liver reduced glutathione (GSH). A prolonged paracetamol challenge (0.6% diet for 10 days) elevated liver cytosolic GSH-S-transferase activity (GST) two-fold and decreased liver GSH to 46% of control values. Dietary D-limonene (1.0% diet for 10 days) maintained liver GSH concentrations at 92% of control values in the paracetamol-challenged mouse without altering GST activity. D-Limonene also increased liver GSH concentration (23%) in mouse fed 1.0% D-limonene alone.
The structured assessment interview: A psychometric review

Abstract Recent efforts have been made to develop structured interviews for assessing psychopathology in children, although the history of the effort is less extensive for children than for adult interviewing. The interviews that have emerged serve as useful departure points for the development of school-based interview formats. In this review, five structured interview formats for direct use with children are examined. Descriptive information illustrating specific characteristics of each interview is presented. Reliability and validity data are presented from a critical perspective, and implications are drawn for the use of interviews in school settings. Several suggestions are offered for the development of structured formats and for avenues of future research.