bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electron density profile measurement using an ultrashort-pulsed radar reflectometer on large helical device
Authors: Kaneba T. , Tokuzawa T. , Kawahata K. , Ito Y. , Nagayama Y. ,   LHD Experimental Group
Published: October 2004

We have installed a six channel ultrashort-pulsed radar reflectometer system on the large helical device and performed electron density profile measurements. The delay time of the reflected pulses from each cutoff layer in the plasma is measured by a time-of-flight measurement technique in order to avoid the mixture of radiation effects and spurious reflections. The electron density profile is reconstructed using an Abel inversion method from the profile of the delay time as a function of the probing frequency. The reconstructed density profile is compared with the profile measured with the far-infrared (FIR) interferometer. It is found that the arrival time of each reflected pulse differs from the estimated time measured with the FIR interferometer.
Trains of particles in finite-Reynolds-number pipe flow
Authors: Matas Jean-Philippe , Glezer Virginie , Guazzelli Élisabeth , Morris Jeffrey F.
Published: October 2004

In finite-Reynolds-number pipe flow, we have observed long-lived trains of particles aligned with the flow. These trains are located on the Segré–Silberberg equilibrium position which is an annulus close to the wall at the large Reynolds numbers investigated. The effect seems to be controlled by inertia and more precisely by the particle Reynolds number.
Time resolved spectroscopy of ultrashort pulse laser generated x rays using von Hámos crystal spectroscopy
Authors: Shepherd Ronnie , Audebert Patrick , Booth Rex , Young Bruce , Bonlie Jim , Nelson Don , Shiromizu Steve , Price Dwight , Norman Douglas , Dunn Jim , Widmann Klaus , Springer Paul
Published: October 2004

A diagnostic currently being used for ultrashort pulse laser matter interactions at the Lawrence Livemore National Laboratory is presented. Two cylindrical curved crystals are used as collection optics and diffractive elements in the von Hámos geometry. The dispersed x rays are focused onto the slit of an ultrafast x-ray streak camera. The small nature of the streak camera allows the diagnostic to be positioned close to the target, maximizing the solid angle. Using the geometric layout, the spectral resolution is estimated at E/ΔE∼1000.
One-third spectrum in large scale Hall-magnetohydrodynamic turbulence
Authors: Krishan V. , Mahajan S. M.
Published: October 2004

In a recent study [H. Branover, A. Eidelman, and E. Golbraikh, “On the universality of large-scale turbulence,” Phys. Fluids 16, 845 (2004)] the properties of the large scale turbulence have been investigated theoretically and experimentally concluding that the kinetic energy spectrum goes as k1/3 at large spatial scales and citing a few examples for the existence of such a spectrum in natural systems [J. C. Kaimal, R. A. Eversole, D. H. Lenschow, B. B. Stankov, P. H. Kahn, and J. A. Businger, “Spectral characteristics of the convective boundary layer over uneven terrain,” J. Atmos. Sci. 39, 1098 (1982); I. Gultepe and D. O’C. Starr, “Dynamical structure and turbulence in cirrus clouds: Aircraft observations during FIRE,” ibid. 52, 4159 (1995)]. In this paper we show that the 1/3 spectrum for the kinetic energy is a direct consequence of the magnetic helicity invariant of the Hall-magnetohydrodynamic turbulence. We present the simultaneous kinetic and magnetic energy spectra and propose the verification of the latter in the laboratory and natural systems.
Simultaneous microwave imaging system for density and temperature fluctuation measurements on TEXTOR (invited)
Authors: Park H. , Mazzucato E. , Munsat T. , Domier C. W. , Johnson M. , Luhmann N. C. , Wang J. , Xia Z. , Classen I. G. J. , Donné A. J. H. , van de Pol M. J.
Published: October 2004

Diagnostic systems for fluctuation measurements in plasmas are, of necessity, evolving from simple one-dimensional (1D) systems to multidimensional systems due to the complexity of the magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) and turbulence physics of plasmas as illustrated by advanced numerical simulations. Using the recent significant advancements in millimeter wave imaging technology, microwave imaging reflectometry (MIR) and electron cyclotron emission imaging (ECEI), simultaneously measuring density and temperature fluctuations, have been developed for Toroidal EXperiment for Technology Oriented Research (TEXTOR). The MIR system was installed on Textor and the experiment was performed in September, 2003. Subsequent MIR campaigns have yielded poloidally resolved spectra and assessments of poloidal velocity. The 2D ECE imaging system (with a total of 128 channels), installed on TEXTOR in December, 2003, successfully captured the first true 2D images of Te fluctuations of m=1 oscillations (“sawteeth”) near the q∼1 surface.
Limitation on the use of slender-body theory in Stokes flow: Falling needle viscometer errata
Authors: Davis Anthony M. J.
Published: October 2004

An attempt to model the “brush” flow, studied experimentally by Tachie et al. [Phys. Fluids 16, 445 (2004)], by means of slender-body theory revealed that a successful truncation procedure requires that a few orthogonal functions be sufficient to describe the singularity distributions. In previous applications, this was easily achieved. However, when walls and/or other slender bodies are in close proximity, a large number of basis functions are likely to be needed and a loss of diagonal dominance, indeed the eventual appearance of negative diagonal coefficients, precludes a successful truncation of the infinite system of linear equations. It was also noticed, but after the proofs had been checked, that a sign error, eradicating the above difficulty, had been made in the falling needle viscometer presentation [A. M. J. Davis and H. Brenner, Phys. Fluids 13, 3086 (2001)]. Fortunately, in that flow the bounding cylinder wall is sufficiently distant from the thin needle for a convergent truncation to be quickly achieved, and the modified numerical results, listed below, exhibit fairly limited changes.
Nonvesicular release of acetylcholine is required for axon targeting in theDrosophilavisual system
Authors: Yang Hong , Kunes Sam
Published: October 2004

We report evidence for a developmental role of acetylcholine in axon pathfinding in theDrosophilavisual system. Acetylcholine was detected on photoreceptor axons during their navigation to target sites in the brain, a time well before the formation of functional synapses. The pattern of photoreceptor axon projections was severely disrupted when acetylcholine synthesis or metabolism was altered or eliminated, or when transgenic α-bungarotoxin, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, was expressed in the developing eye or brain. The requirement for acetylcholine signaling exists before photoreceptor neurons form synaptic connections and does not require the function of vesicular acetylcholine transporter protein. That this early effect of acetylcholine is mediated through nonvesicular release is further supported by the observation that transgenic expression of tetanus toxin, a blocker of neurotransmitter release via synaptic vesicles, did not cause similar photoreceptor axon projection defects. These observations support the notion that a form of acetylcholine secretion mediates the behavior of growth cones during axon pathfinding.
Comprehensive gene expression profiles reveal pathways related to the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Ning Wen , Li Chao-Jun , Kaminski Naftali , Feghali-Bostwick Carol A. , Alber Sean M. , Di Yuanpu P. , Otterbein Sherrie L. , Song Ruiping , Hayashi Shizu , Zhou Zhihong , Pinsky David J. , Watkins Simon C. , Pilewski Joseph M. , Sciurba Frank C. , Peters David G. , Hogg James C. , Choi Augustine M. K.
Published: October 2004

To better understand the molecular basis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we used serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) and microarray analysis to compare the gene expression patterns of lung tissues from COPD and control smokers. A total of 59,343 tags corresponding to 26,502 transcripts were sequenced in SAGE analyses. A total of 327 genes were differentially expressed (1.5-fold up- or down-regulated). Microarray analysis using the same RNA source detected 261 transcripts that were differentially expressed to a significant degree between GOLD-2 and GOLD-0 smokers. We confirmed the altered expression of a select number of genes by using real-time quantitative RT-PCR. These genes encode for transcription factors (EGR1 and FOS), growth factors or related proteins (CTGF, CYR61, CX3CL1, TGFB1, and PDGFRA), and extracellular matrix protein (COL1A1). Immunofluorescence studies on the same lung specimens localized the expression of Egr-1, CTGF, and Cyr61 to alveolar epithelial cells, airway epithelial cells, and stromal and inflammatory cells of GOLD-2 smokers. Cigarette smoke extract induced Egr-1 protein expression and increased Egr-1 DNA-binding activity in human lung fibroblast cells. Cytomix (tumor necrosis factor α, IL-1β, and IFN-γ) treatment showed that the activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) was increased in lung fibroblasts from EGR1 control (+/+) mice but not detected in that of EGR1 null (-/-) mice, whereas MMP-9 was regulated by EGR1 in a reverse manner. Our study represents the first comprehensive analysis of gene expression on GOLD-2 versus GOLD-0 smokers and reveals previously unreported candidate genes that may serve as potential molecular targets in COPD.
A universal picture of chromophores in π-conjugated polymers derived from single-molecule spectroscopy
Authors: Schindler Florian , Lupton John M. , Feldmann Jochen , Scherf Ullrich
Published: October 2004

Single-molecule spectroscopy can provide insight into the fundamental photophysics of large macromolecules containing tens of thousands of carbon atoms by circumventing disorder broadening. We apply this technique to comparatively ordered ladder-type poly(para-phenylene) and highly disordered poly(phenylenevinylene) (PPV), both of which are materials of substantial technological interest. Identical spectroscopic features are observed on the single-chromophore level, independent of the chemical structure or the chain morphology. Both materials exhibit narrow fluorescence lines down to 0.5 nm wide, which we attribute to the single-chromophore zero-phonon line, accompanied by a discrete vibronic progression providing a signature of the chemical structure. The chromophore units display spectral diffusion, giving rise to dynamic disorder on the scale of the linewidth. Although the energetic range of spectral diffusion is small, it can influence intramolecular excitation energy transfer and thus the overall molecular emission. The spectral diffusion dynamics of single chromophores are identical in both material systems and follow a universal Gaussian distribution. In the case of emission from multiple chromophores situated on the molecule, which we observe for PPV, spectral diffusion follows Lorentzian-like statistics. The fundamental difference between the two materials is the possibility of coherent interchromophoric coupling in PPV, resulting in strong spectral broadening caused by aggregation or superradiance. Such behavior is absent in the ladder-type polymers, where the linewidth of the emissive species is identical for all molecules. Our results demonstrate that structure-property correlations in conjugated polymers derive mainly from chain morphology rather than chromophoric properties and should be considered extrinsic in nature.
Left insula activation: A marker for language attainment in bilinguals
Authors: Chee Michael W. L. , Soon Chun Siong , Lee Hwee Ling , Pallier Christophe
Published: October 2004

Several lines of evidence suggest the importance of phonological working memory (PWM) in language acquisition. We investigated the neural correlates of PWM in young adults who were under compelling social pressure to be bilingual. Equal bilinguals had high proficiency in English and Chinese as measured by a standardized examination, whereas unequal bilinguals were proficient in English but not Chinese. Both groups were matched on several measures of nonverbal intelligence and working memory. In-scanner behavioral results did not show between-group differences. Of the regions showing load-dependent increments in activation, the left insula showed greater activation in equal bilinguals. Unequal bilinguals showed greater task-related deactivation in the anterior medial frontal region and greater anterior cingulate activation. Although unequal bilinguals kept apace with equal bilinguals in the simple PWM task, the differential cortical activations suggest that more optimal engagement of PWM in the latter may correlate with better second-language attainment.
Dead cells in melanoma tumors provide abundant antigen for targeted delivery of ionizing radiation by a mAb to melanin
Authors: Dadachova Ekaterina , Nosanchuk Joshua D. , Shi Li , Schweitzer Andrew D. , Frenkel Annie , Nosanchuk Jerome S. , Casadevall Arturo
Published: October 2004

Melanoma is a cancer with a rising incidence, and metastatic disease is almost always lethal. We investigated the feasibility of targeting melanin, an intracellular melanocyte pigment, to deliver cytotoxic radiation to human melanoma cellsin vivoby using a melanin-binding mAb (6D2). Nude mice bearing MNT1 pigmented human melanoma tumors were treated with mAb 6D2 labeled with 1.5 mCi (1 Ci = 37 GBq) of the β-emitter 188-Rhenium (188Re) and manifested inhibition of tumor growth and prolonged survival. mAb 6D2 bound tumor melanin and demonstrated no crossreactivity with normal melanized tissues in black mice. The mechanism of melanin targeting involved Ab binding to extracellular melanin released during tumor cell turnover or to dying cells with permeable membranes. In this approach, the cytotoxic radiation emanating from labeled Ab bound to melanin is presumably delivered by “crossfire” effect to the adjacent viable tumor cells. Our results establish the feasibility of targeting melanin released from dead melanoma cells in tumors with radiolabeled Abs to achieve a therapeutic effect. In contrast to conventional tumor antigens, melanin is insoluble, resistant to degradation, and can be expected to accumulate in targeted tissues, suggesting that the efficacy of therapy could increase with each subsequent treatment cycle.
A function of the hepatitis B virus precore protein is to regulate the immune response to the core antigen
Authors: Chen Margaret T. , Billaud Jean-Noel , Sällberg Matti , Guidotti Luca G. , Chisari Francis V. , Jones Joyce , Hughes Janice , Milich David R.
Published: October 2004

A unique characteristic of the hepatitis B virus is the production of a secreted form (precore or HBeAg) of the structural nucleocapsid (core or HBcAg). By using T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic (Tg) and TCR × HBc/HBeAg double- and triple-Tg pairs, we demonstrate that HBeAg elicits T cell tolerance, whereas HBcAg is nontolerogenic in this system. In fact, TCR × HBc double-Tg mice spontaneously seroconvert to IgG anti-HBc positivity at an early age. However, the presence of HBeAg in the serum of TCR × HBc × HBe triple-Tg mice prevents anti-HBc seroconversion. HBeAg mediates its immunoregulatory effect by eliciting tolerance in HBc/HBeAg-specific T cells. The results suggest that hepadnaviruses have retained a secretory form of the nucleoprotein because it functions as a T cell tolerogen and regulates the immune response to the intracellular nucleocapsid. This HBeAg-mediated immune regulation may predispose to chronicity during perinatal infections and prevent severe liver injury during adult infections.
Effect of contrast media on vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Takatsuki H. , Furukawa T. , Liu Y. , Hirano K. , Yoshikoshi A. , Sakanishi A.
Published: October 2004

Purpose: In order to alleviate the adverse effects of contrast media (CMs) on the vascular system, the role of Ca2+ in the viability of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) was investigated.

Material and Methods: VSMCs were obtained from swine thoracic aorta. The number of VSMCs was counted under a microscope using the trypan blue dye‐exclusion method 24 h after culture in RPMI containing physiological saline (SAL) as control, iothalamate (IOT), or iohexol (IOH) at 10% by volume with CaCl2 added at 0 to 2.0 mmol/l. Free Ca2+ in the above media was measured using an ion‐selective electrode.

Results: Free Ca2+ was 0.4 to 1.5 mmol/l with ionic IOT and 0.4 to 1.8 mmol/l with non‐ionic IOH as well as with control. The ratio of viable cells grown in the presence of CMs to those grown in the control was optimal at approximately 0.60 near 1 mmol/l Ca2+ and decreased markedly to 0.00 at 1.5 mmol/l Ca2+ in the presence of IOT and to 0.39 at 1.8 mmol/l Ca2+ in the presence of IOH, while the ratios decreased gradually to 0.28 in the presence of IOT and 0.53 in the presence of IOH at 0.4 mmol/l Ca2+.

Conclusion: Ionic IOT is more cytotoxic to VSMCs than non‐ionic IOH. However, the cytotoxicity was minimal and similar between both CMs at 1 mmol/l Ca2+ in accordance with the sodium‐calcium balance.
Magnetic resonance imaging with true fast imaging with steady‐state precession and half‐fourier acquisition single‐shot turbo spin‐echo sequences in cases of suspected placenta accreta
Authors: Kim J.‐A. , Narra V. R.
Published: October 2004

Purpose: To present the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of placenta accreta in suspected cases of placenta accreta with true fast imaging with steady‐state precession (True FISP) and half‐Fourier acquisition single‐shot turbo spin‐echo (HASTE) sequences.

Material and Methods: Five patients underwent MRI with HASTE ( n=5) and/or True FISP ( n=4) sequences for suspected placenta accreta. Retrospective review of MRI was performed to define the location and extent of the implantation abnormality.

Results: The uteroplacental interface was visualized as three layers; inner low signal intensity layer, middle high signal intensity layer of myometrium, and outer low signal intensity layer of uterine serosa. Three cases were diagnosed with placenta accreta on MRI and focal non‐visualization of the inner layer was demonstrated.

Conclusion: The finding of focal non‐visualization of the inner layer between the placenta and myometrium by MRI with True FISP and HASTE sequences was the diagnostic finding for placenta accreta.
Computed‐tomography‐guided percutaneous core needle biopsies of suspected malignant lymphomas: impact of biopsy, lesion, and patient parameters on diagnostic yield
Authors: Hesselmann V. , Zähringer M. , Krug B. , Wesselmann C. , Haferkamp K. , Wickenhauser C. , Lackner K.
Published: October 2004

Purpose: To investigate the diagnostic yield of core needle biopsy in patients with malignant lymphoma.

Material and Methods: Computed‐tomography‐guided core needle biopsies in patients with malignant lymphoma performed in the period 1996 to 2001 were evaluated retrospectively. A biopsy was considered as “fully diagnostic” if a histological diagnosis, including the histologic subtype in the event of malignant lymphoma, was achieved and the clinical course and CT follow‐up of at least 6 months confirmed the biopsy results. A biopsy was regarded as “partly diagnostic” if histological work‐up defined malignant lymphoma but not the histological subtype, and if histological diagnosis bore therapeutic relevance. Diagnostic yield was correlated with features such as size of specimen, location and depth of the target lesion, and experience of the investigator.

Results: 45 biopsies were performed in 40 patients. With respect to definite histopathological diagnosis, 31 biopsies (68.9%) were diagnostic and 14 (31.1%) non‐diagnostic. In 4 cases (8.8%), biopsies yielded partly diagnostic results, since therapy could be scheduled after biopsy without final sub‐classification. Statistical analysis of biopsy parameters revealed that sample sizes were significantly larger in the diagnostic group.

Conclusion: CT‐guided biopsy can be considered as an alternative for lymphoma diagnosis and should be the first interventional procedure. The most important parameter for diagnostic success is the size of the specimen.
Diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the evaluation of focal cerebral tubercular lesions
Authors: Batra A. , Tripathi R. P.
Published: October 2004

Purpose: To review magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and spectroscopy findings in patients with focal cerebral tuberculosis and to assess whether these techniques can adequately characterize focal cerebral tubercular lesions.

Material and Methods: Sixteen patients with single or multiple lesions were evaluated on a 1.5T MR system. DWI was performed with three ‘b’ values of 50, 500, and 1000 s/mm2 and the apparent diffusion coefficient maps were calculated. MR spectroscopy was performed using the point‐resolved single‐voxel technique with 2 echo time values of 135 ms and 270 ms. The signal intensities of the tubercular lesions on diffusion images and the apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of their centers, along with MR spectroscopy findings, were analyzed in relation to their T2‐weighted MR appearances.

Results: DWI identified 17 of the 20 lesions evaluated. Increased signal intensity was seen in 9 of the 17 lesions. The ADCs of the lesions ranged from 0.406 to 2.64×10−3 mm2/s (mean±SD: 1.038±0.609 mm2/s). Most of the lesions with hyperintense centers on T2‐weighted images were of increased intensity on diffusion images, while those with hypointense centers on T2‐weighted images were of decreased signal intensity on diffusion images. However, no statistical difference in the ADCs was found between lesions with increased and those with decreased signal intensity centers on T2‐weighted images. MR spectroscopy revealed a lipid peak at 0.9–1.3 ppm in all of the 14 lesions evaluated. An increase in normalized choline:creatine ratio was found in all the lesions in which the spectra were obtained with the voxel, including a variable portion of the lesion wall.

Conclusion: DWI and MR spectroscopy help in determining the nature of cerebral tubercular lesions; however, since the findings are varied, they do not help in specific characterization.
Evaluation of 99mTc‐L‐methionine brain SPECT for detection of recurrent brain tumor: a pilot study with radiological and pathological correlation
Authors: Barai S. , Bandopadhayaya G. P. , Julka P. K. , Kale S. S. , Malhotra A. , Haloi A. K. , Seith A. , Sing N. Gopendro
Published: October 2004

Purpose: To evaluate technetium labeled l‐methionine for imaging recurrent brain tumors.

Material and Methods: Brain SPECT with 99mTc‐l‐methionine was performed to evaluate tumor viability in 42 patients with primary brain tumor. Findings of SPECT were correlated with radiological and histopathological findings as reference.

Results:99mTc‐l‐methionine showed localized increased uptake in 40 patients with tumor recurrence, whereas 2 patients with post‐radiation gliosis did not show tracer accumulation. A low differential uptake rate (DUR) 2.43±0.74 and methionine retention (MR) index 0.93±0.03 was seen in cases of post‐radiation gliosis. A high DUR (36.20±10.31) and MR index (4.87±2.37) was seen in cases of recurrent tumor. Mean DUR in high‐grade tumors (44.01±8.46) was significantly higher ( P<0.001) than in low‐grade tumors (30.42±7.38), and mean MR index in high‐grade tumors (7.03±2.05) was significantly higher than in low‐grade tumors (3.27±0.82) ( P<0.001).

Conclusion:99mTc‐l‐methionine can be used as a SPECT tracer to differentiate tumor recurrence from post‐radiation gliosis.
Direct percutaneous embolization of a carotid body tumor with n‐butyl cyanoacrylate: an alternative method to endovascular embolization
Authors: Harman M. , Etlik Ö. , Ünal Ö.
Published: October 2004

We report ultrasound‐guided direct percutaneous injection of n‐butyl cyanoacrylate for preoperative embolization of carotid body tumor in a 50‐year‐old patient. Angiographic road map assistance was used for protection of parent arteries during the injection. After embolization, complete devascularization of the tumor was achieved without complications. The tumor was removed surgically with minimal blood loss. This procedure is effective and promising for preoperative embolization of carotid body tumors.
Displaced anterior column acetabular fracture: closed reduction and percutaneous CT‐navigated fixation
Authors: Huegli R. W. , Staedele H. , Messmer P. , Regazzoni P. , Steinbrich W. , Gross T.
Published: October 2004

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of computer‐tomography‐navigated closed reduction and percutaneous fixation (CRPF) in a patient with an externally rotated left acetabular fracture. After a follow‐up of 18 months the patient was pain‐free and had a normal range of motion in both hip joints. Radiologically, the fracture was fully consolidated, remodelled, and there were no signs of osteoarthritis. To our knowledge, CT‐navigated CRPF of a rotated acetabular fracture has not been reported before. Further studies regarding the feasibility of the method are warranted.
Three‐dimensional angiography using rotational digital subtraction angiography: usefulness in transarterial embolization of hepatic tumors
Authors: Tanigawa N. , Komemushi A. , Kojima H. , Kariya S. , Sawada S.
Published: October 2004

Purpose: To assess the usefulness of three‐dimensional (3D) angiography using rotational digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in transarterial embolization of hepatic tumors.

Material and Methods: Thirty‐one 3D angiographies were conducted using rotational DSA during abdominal angiography for transarterial embolization of hepatic tumors. The quality of visualization of the tumor and feeder arteries as imaged by 3D angiography versus DSA anterioposterior (AP) images was compared.

Results: 3D rotational angiography provided excellent 3D visualization of the vascular structures of the hepatic artery, and was especially useful in patients with overlapping tumors on DSA AP images and in patients with complex vascular anatomies. Compared to DSA AP images, however, tumor stains could not be detected on 3D‐A, but could be detected on DSA in four patients (13%). In 9 patients, feeding arteries could not be detected on 3D‐A, but could be detected on DSA (29%).

Conclusion: 3D rotational angiography alone may not be suitable for pre‐procedural mapping in transarterial embolization of hepatic tumors, but may be of value when information supplementary to DSA AP images is needed.
Transient diffusion‐weighted imaging changes in a patient with reversible leukoencephalopathy syndrome
Authors: Wartenberg K. E. , Patsalides A. D. , Yepes M.
Published: October 2004

A 66‐year‐old man developed a focal status epilepticus and left hemiparesis 4 days after an orthotopic liver transplantation and administration of FK 506. The magnetic resonance image revealed areas of increased signal on diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) equally distributed to all vascular territories, most of which resolved completely within 2 weeks after discontinuation of FK 506. We conclude that DWI cannot reliably distinguish between reversible and irreversible lesions and that the presence of hyperintense lesions on DWI is not a definitive predictor of poor prognosis in reversible leukoencephalopathy patients.
Acromegaly due to an ectopic pituitary adenoma in the sphenoid sinus
Authors: Gondim J. A. , Schops M. , Ferreira E. , Bulcão T. , Mota J. I. , Silveira C.
Published: October 2004

An ectopic pituitary adenoma, exclusively involving the sphenoid sinus, associated with a normal size pituitary gland and an empty sella is a rare clinical entity. Only four cases have been found in the literature. We describe the case of a 47‐year‐old woman with clinical and biochemical acromegaly. Computed tomography (CT) appeared to show expansion of the sellar floor inferiorly into the sphenoid sinus, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated an empty sella and a mass lesion confined to the sphenoid sinus. The tumor was totally resected by taking a transnasal endoscopic approach and the dura mater of the base of the pituitary fossa was confirmed intact.
Terrorism and International Law
Authors: Guillaume Gilbert
Published: October 2004

On 11 September 2001 commercial passenger jets hijacked by suicide commandos were flown into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York. As the Towers imploded and collapsed, the death of several thousand people was witnessed live on television screens throughout the world. Those attacks, together with that on the Pentagon and the failed attempt that ended in Pennsylvania, aroused profound indignation and led to immediate reactions against the perpetrators or their protectors and sponsors, and more generally against international terrorism.
CHOICE OF LAW IN CONTRACT: THE MISSING PIECES OF THE ARTICLE 4 JIGSAW?
Authors: Atrill Simon
Published: October 2004

Article 4 of the Rome Convention determines the law governing a contract in the absence of choice by the parties. Despite its practical importance, and several decisions of the Court of Appeal, the correct construction of Article 4 remains unclear. This article considers the existing approaches and the Commission's proposal for reform, ventures to suggest an alternative, and analyses the recent cases in this light.
THE COMMUNITARIZATION OF DIVORCE RULES: WHAT IMPACT FOR ENGLISH AND SCOTTISH LAW?
Authors: Mceleavy Peter
Published: October 2004

Family law may not be an area one immediately associates with the European Community but in recent years it has rapidly emerged as an important element of the ever-expanding portfolio of the Justice and Home Affairs Directorate General.1Facilitating the circulation of family law orders through the harmonization of private international law rules is viewed in Community circles as essential if the free movement of persons is to be guaranteed within the European Union.2The merits of this policy and the manner in which the transformation of the Brussels II Convention3into a Council Regulation4was used to acquire wider competence in respect of family law matters have both previously been considered.5In the present paper such policy considerations are left aside to allow for a detailed analysis of those rules which deal with divorce and their effect on English and Scottish law.
THE PROTECTION OF THE RIGHT TO PROPERTY IN OCCUPIED TERRITORIES
Authors: Loucaides Loukis G
Published: October 2004

The right to property was accorded the status of a human right as a result of its incorporation in international human rights instruments in the second part of the twentieth century. The right has acquired special importance as part of the freedom of the individual, his economic autonomy in modern democratic societies and generally as a significant element for the development of the individual's personality.1Its recognition as a separate human right and its legal protection on an international level was the result of gradual efforts. It is still in the process of further legal elaboration, as regards both its scope and effect, by legal theory and jurisprudence.
SUBSTANCE AND PROCEDURE IN THE CONFLICT OF LAWS: A CONTINUING DEBATE IN RELATION TO DAMAGES
Authors: Carruthers Janeen M
Published: October 2004

The distinction between substance1 and procedure2 is central to conflict of laws methodology. It cannot be determined what law governs a particular issue until, crucially, that issue has been characterized as substantive, on the one hand, or procedural,3 on the other. The distinction is the fulcrum, or axis, of the choice of law process.
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONS AND RELIGIOUS CONFLICT IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION
Authors: Evans Carolyn
Published: October 2004

The last decade has seen the rise of a potentially significant development in the Asia-Pacific region in regard to human rights—the establishment of National Human Rights Institutions (particularly Human Rights Commissions) in numerous States.2National Human Rights Commissions (hereafter NHRC) established in compliance with United Nations standards have been established in Australia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.3In many of these States, however, human rights abuses are still widespread and serious. The establishment of NHRC, which generally do not have the power to make enforceable decisions, could easily be derided as an attempt by governments to create a fac.ade of respect for human rights while failing to take the enforcement of those rights seriously.4While this criticism has a degree of validity, NHRC have played a constructive, if limited role, in the promotion and protection of human rights in the Asia-Pacific region.
IV. OIL PLATFORMS (ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN v UNITED STATES OF AMERICA), MERITS, JUDGMENT OF 6 NOVEMBER 2003
Authors: Orakhelashvili Alexander
Published: October 2004

On 6 November 2003 the International Court of Justice delivered its judgment in the Case Concerning Oil Platforms,1 which involves multiple aspects of international law, most notably the issues of treaty interpretation, use of force, hierarchy of norms and the nature of international judicial competence. The case arose out of forcible action by US naval forces in the Persian Gulf against certain Iranian oil platforms.
PUBLIC INTERNATIONAL LAW: I. IMMUNITY AND INTERNATIONAL CRIMES IN ENGLISH LAW
Authors: Warbrick Colin
Published: October 2004

The texts of two brief judgments by district judges at Bow Street are reproduced below. In each case, an application was made for proceedings against a serving foreign official to answer allegations in England of conduct which constituted crimes against international law which were within the jurisdiction of the English court, even though committed abroad and by non-UK nationals. In each case, the judge decided that the official was protected by the law of State immunity rationae personae against the proceedings and the applications were dismissed.
Decentralization and Democracy in Indonesia: A Critique of Neo‐Institutionalist Perspectives
Authors: Hadiz Vedi R.
Published: October 2004

This article assesses some of the major premises of neo‐institutionalist explanations of decentralization policy and practices, but focuses especially on the relationship between decentralization and democracy, in the context of the recent and ongoing Indonesian experience with decentralization. In the last two decades ‘decentralization’ has become, along with ‘civil society’, ‘social capital’ and ‘good governance’, an integral part of the contemporary neo‐institutionalist lexicon, especially that part which is intended to draw greater attention to ‘social’ development. The concern of this article is to demystify how, as a policy objective, decentralization has come to embody a barely acknowledged political, not just theoretical, agenda. It also suggests alternative ways of understanding why decentralization has often failed to achieve its stated aims in terms of promoting democracy, ‘good governance’, and the like. What is offered is an understanding of decentralization processes that more fully incorporates the factors of power, struggle and interests, which tend to be overlooked by neo‐institutionalist perspectives. The current Indonesian experience clearly illustrates the way in which institutions can be hijacked by a wide range of interests that may sideline those that champion the worldview of ‘technocratic rationality’.
Exercising Exit, Voice and Loyalty: A Gender Perspective on Transnationalism in Haiti
Authors: Gammage Sarah
Published: October 2004

This article explores gendered patterns of migration and transnationalism in Haiti. A combination of factors has prompted extensive rural–urban migration and emigration over the last three decades: violence, repression, economic collapse and the implementation of neo‐liberal reforms have left many Haitians with few options other than to seek a new life elsewhere. Although many Haitians abroad naturalize and take citizenship in host countries, emigration does not mean that ties to their homeland are severed. Indeed, a substantial number of Haitians remain intimately connected to Haiti, visiting, sending remittances and gifts, investing in land and exercising political voice in Haiti and in their country of residence. This article focuses on the gender dimension of Haitian migration and transnationalism drawing on Hirschman's typology of exit, voice and loyalty. These options are uniquely gendered. Although most analyses of transnational citizenship focus on men, women and women's movements in Haiti have also benefited from transnational organizing and the transnational links forged over the past three decades. Through migration, women have participated in changing the financial architecture and political landscape of Haiti. Expressions of voice and loyalty by women are challenging traditional gender roles in Haiti and contributing to an emerging transnationalism that has profound effects on Haitians and their communities at home and abroad.
Family and Collective Remittances to Mexico: A Multi‐dimensional Typology
Authors: Goldring Luin
Published: October 2004

The development potential of remittances has resurfaced as a topic of analysis, based in part on dramatic increases in migration and amounts of money ‘sent home’, and partly in the growing interest and involvement by states and non‐state actors in gaining leverage over remittances. The trend is indicative of an emerging remittance‐based component of development and poverty reduction planning. This article uses the case of Mexico to make two broad arguments, one related to the importance of extra‐economic dimensions of remittances, particularly the social and political meanings of remittances, and the other based on a disaggregation of remittances into family, collective or community‐based, and investment remittances. Key dimensions of this typology include the constellation of remitters, receivers, and mediating institutions; the norms and logic(s) that regulate remittances; the uses of remittances (income versus savings); the social and political meanings of remittances; and the implications of such meanings for various interventions. The author concludes that policy and programme interventions need to recognize the specificity of each remittance type. Existing initiatives to bank the un‐banked and reduce transfer costs, for example, are effective for family remittances, but attempts to expand the share of remittances allocated to savings, or to turn community donations into profitable ventures, or small investments into large businesses, are much more complex and require a range of other interventions.
Phylogenetic analysis of Geotrupidae (Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea) based on larvae
Authors: Verdú José R. , Galante Eduardo , Lumaret Jean‐Pierre , Cabrero‐Sañudo Francisco J.
Published: October 2004

Abstract.  Thirty‐eight characters derived from the larvae of Geotrupidae (Scarabaeoidea, Coleoptera) were analysed using parsimony and Bayesian inference. Trees were rooted with two Trogidae species and one species of Pleocomidae as outgroups. The monophyly of Geotrupidae (including Bolboceratinae) is supported by four autapomorphies: abdominal segments 3–7 with two dorsal annulets, chaetoparia and acanthoparia of the epipharynx not prominent, glossa and hypopharynx fused and without sclerome, trochanter and femur without fossorial setae. Bolboceratinae showed notable differences with Pleocomidae, being more related to Geotrupinae than to other groups. Odonteus species (Bolboceratinae s.str.) appear to constitute the closest sister group to Geotrupinae. Polyphyly of Bolboceratinae is implied by the following apomorphic characters observed in the ‘Odonteus lineage’: anterior and posterior epitormae of epipharynx developed, tormae of epipharynx fused, oncyli of hypopharynx developed, tarsal claws reduced or absent, plectrum and pars stridens of legs well developed and apex of antennal segment 2 with a unique sensorium. A ‘Bolbelasmus lineage’ is supported by the autapomorphic presence of various sensoria on the apex of the antennal segment, and the subtriangular labrum (except Eucanthus). This group constituted by Bolbelasmus, Bolbocerosoma and Eucanthus is the first evidence for a close relationship among genera, but more characters should be analysed to test the support for the clade. A preliminary classification at tribe level of Geotrupinae is suggested as follows: Chromogeotrupini (type genus Chromogeotrupes), Lethrini (type genus Lethrus), Taurocerastini (type genus Taurocerastes) and Geotrupini (type genus Geotrupes). Some ecological facts of Geotrupidae evolution could also be explained by the present results, such as those related to diet and nesting behaviour. Both coprophagy and male–female co‐operation in nesting appear as derived traits.
Reproductive incompatibility and cytochrome oxidase I gene sequence variability amongst host‐adapted and geographically separate Bemisia tabaci populations (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Maruthi M. N. , Colvin John , Thwaites Richard M. , Banks Gina K. , Gibson Gabriella , Seal Susan E.
Published: October 2004

Abstract.  Reciprocal‐crossing experiments were carried out and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene (mtCOI) sequences were compared for allopatric and sympatric Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) populations collected from Africa and India, and from the host‐plants cassava, sweet‐potato and a common weed, Euphorbia geniculata. Three incompatible mating groups were discovered, which involved the cassava B. tabaci colonies from Africa and India, the cassava and sweet‐potato B. tabaci populations from Uganda, and the cassava and E. geniculata B. tabaci from India. Successful reciprocal mating occurred between cassava‐specific B. tabaci from Uganda, Tanzania and Ghana, and between two Indian cassava B. tabaci populations. The parsimony and neighbour‐joining analyses of 699 bp mtCOI gene sequences divided the colonies primarily into those originating from Africa and India. Further subgrouping corresponded to host‐plant specialization. Cassava‐specific Ugandan, Tanzanian and Ghanaian colonies formed a single group and the sympatric sweet‐potato colony from Uganda grouped separately from them. The two geographically distant Indian cassava B. tabaci populations were similar and formed a single group, whereas the sympatric E. geniculata colony formed a sister clade. The clades generated by the phylogenetic analyses were maintained, with highly supported bootstrap values, when other published mtCOI gene sequences were included in the tree‐building process and the divisions matched those revealed by the reciprocal‐crossing experiments. These data suggest that biologically discrete populations exist within B. tabaci (sensuRussell, 1957).
Bank Consolidation, Internationalization, and Conglomeration: Trends and Implications for Financial Risk
Authors: Nicoló Gianni De , Bartholomew Philip , Zaman Jahanara , Zephirin Mary
Published: October 2004

This paper documents trends in bank activity, consolidation, internationalization, and financial firm conglomeration with data on more than 100 countries, and explores the extent to which financial firm risk and systemic risk potential in banking are related to consolidation and conglomeration. The relationship between consolidation, conglomeration and financial risk is documented using financial data on the largest 500 financial firms worldwide and on large banks in about 90 countries. We find that (a) large conglomerate firms did not exhibit levels of risk‐taking lower than smaller and specialized firms in 1995, while they exhibited higher levels of risk‐taking in 2000; (b) highly concentrated banking systems exhibited levels of systemic risk potential higher than less concentrated systems during the 1993–2000 period, and this relationship has strengthened during the 1997–2000 period. We outline research directions aimed at explaining why bank consolidation and conglomeration may not necessarily yield either safer financial firms or more resilient banking systems.
SR proteins preferentially associate with mRNAs in the nucleus and facilitate their export to the cytoplasm
Authors: Masuyama Kaoru , Taniguchi Ichiro , Kataoka Naoyuki , Ohno Mutsuhito
Published: October 2004

Different classes of RNA are exported to the cytoplasm by distinct mechanisms. Each class of RNA forms distinct complexes with nuclear proteins prior to its export to the cytoplasm. In our attempt to obtain comprehensive information of protein factors that specifically associate with mRNAs in the nucleus, we performed in vivo UV‐crosslinking analysis after microinjection of various RNAs into Xenopus oocyte nucleus. We found a group of proteins preferentially crosslinked to mRNAs. Immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that some of the crosslinked signals corresponded to SR (serine/arginine‐rich) proteins, a family of essential RNA‐binding proteins involved in pre‐mRNA splicing. It was previously suggested that some members of SR protein family are involved in export of a specific intronless mRNA, histone H2A mRNA and some spliced mRNAs. However, it is still to be clarified if SR proteins are involved in export of general mRNAs, especially general intronless mRNAs that do not contain specific RNA export elements. When we microinjected an antibody against SR proteins into the nucleus, export of mRNAs was severely inhibited, regardless of whether the mRNAs were produced via pre‐mRNA splicing or not, whereas export of other RNAs was not affected. These results unequivocally showed that SR proteins are involved in export of both general intronless and spliced mRNAs.
DREF is required for EGFR signalling during Drosophila wing vein development
Authors: Yoshida Hideki , Kwon Eunjeong , Hirose Fumiko , Otsuki Kyoko , Yamada Mikihiro , Yamaguchi Masamitsu
Published: October 2004

The DNA replication‐related element binding factor (DREF) has been suggested as being involved in regulation of DNA replication‐ and proliferation‐related genes in Drosophila. Recently, by searching the Drosophila genome database, we also found DRE‐like sequences in the 5′‐flanking regions of many genes with other functions. In addition, immunostaining of polytene chromosomes with an anti‐DREF monoclonal antibody revealed that DREF can bind to a hundred regions of polytene chromosomes, suggesting regulation of multiple genes and multiple roles in vivo. When we over‐expressed DREF protein or inverted repeat RNA of the DREF gene in wing imaginal discs using the GAL4‐UAS targeted expression system in Drosophila, the results were veins of increased width and a loss of veins, respectively. With DREF over‐expression, Rolled, a Drosophila MAPK homologue, was ectopically activated. Furthermore, half reduction of the D‐raf gene dose suppressed this DREF‐induced vein of increased width phenotype. In addition, when DREF transcripts were reduced by introducing double‐stranded RNA of the DREF gene into S2 cells, the D‐raf gene promoter activity was diminished to 4%. These data indicate that DREF is involved in regulation of vein formation through the activation of EGFR signalling in the Drosophila wing imaginal discs.