cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract B87: NK cells lose their ability to control MHC-I-deficient tumor cells outside circulation

A common tumor immune-evasion mechanism is downregulation of major histocompatibility complex Class-I (MHC-I) that enables malignant cell escape from cytotoxic T-cell responses. This strategy also contributes to nonresponsiveness of tumors to T-cell targeted immune-checkpoint blockade. MHC-I is an antigen-presenting molecule that also functions as an inhibitory ligand for natural killer (NK) cells. Thus, loss of MHC-I should render cells susceptible to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. However, this does not always occur. Previously it was demonstrated that NK cells were able to strongly reject MHC-I-deficient bone marrow cells in the circulation, yet they failed to reject MHC-I-deficient organ grafts, suggesting restricted NK cell cytotoxicity in tissues. We hypothesized that a similar NK cell tolerance to MHC-I-deficient cells occurs in the context of solid cancers. We compared NK cell recruitment and activation using WT and MHC-I-deficient B16F10 melanoma models. We demonstrated that NK cells eradicate circulating MHC-I−/− B16F10 cells, effectively preventing tumor metastasis to the lungs. In contrast, NK cells failed to clear MHC-I−/− B16F10 tumors when implanted subcutaneously, nor was the growth of these tumors affected by NK cell depletion. Interestingly, spontaneous lymph node (LN) metastasis from MHC-I-deficient solid tumors was fully abrogated in an NK cell-dependent manner, indicating functional inhibition of NK cells in peripheral tissues, but not in circulation or draining lymphatics. In conclusion, we demonstrate NK cell tolerance to MHC-I-deficient tumor cells in tissues, but not in circulation, which suggests the presence of non-MHC-I NK cell-inhibitory signals in solid organs. Our research uncovers a fundamental aspect of NK cell biology and will open up the possibility of new NK cell-based therapeutic strategies to control solid tumors that escape cytotoxic CD8+ T-cell responses by downregulating MHC-I. Citation Format: Marta Requesens, Mark Bunting, Maulik Vyas, Shawn Demehri. NK cells lose their ability to control MHC-I-deficient tumor cells outside circulation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2019 Nov 17-20; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B87.
Timing of syrinx reduction and stabilization after posterior fossa decompression for pediatric Chiari malformation type I

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the timeline of syrinx regression and to identify factors mitigating syrinx resolution in pediatric patients with Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) undergoing posterior fossa decompression (PFD). METHODS The authors conducted a retrospective review of records from pediatric patients (< 18 years old) undergoing PFD for the treatment of CM-I/syringomyelia (SM) between 1998 and 2015. Patient demographic, clinical, radiological, and surgical variables were collected and analyzed. Radiological information was reviewed at 4 time points: 1) pre-PFD, 2) within 6 months post-PFD, 3) within 12 months post-PFD, and 4) at maximum available follow-up. Syrinx regression was defined as ≥ 50% decrease in the maximal anteroposterior syrinx diameter (MSD). The time to syrinx regression was determined using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Multivariate analysis was conducted using a Cox proportional hazards model to determine the association between preoperative, clinical, and surgery-related factors and syrinx regression. RESULTS The authors identified 85 patients with CM-I/SM who underwent PFD. Within 3 months post-PFD, the mean MSD regressed from 8.1 ± 3.4 mm (preoperatively) to 5.6 ± 2.9 mm within 3 months post-PFD. Seventy patients (82.4%) achieved ≥ 50% regression in MSD. The median time to ≥ 50% regression in MSD was 8 months (95% CI 4.2-11.8 months). Using a risk-adjusted multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, the patients who underwent tonsil coagulation (n = 20) had a higher likelihood of achieving ≥ 50% syrinx regression in a shorter time (HR 2.86, 95% CI 1.2-6.9; p = 0.02). Thirty-six (75%) of 45 patients had improvement in headache at 2.9 months (IQR 1.5-4.4 months). CONCLUSIONS The maximum reduction in syrinx size can be expected within 3 months after PFD for patients with CM-I and a syrinx; however, the syringes continue to regress over time. Tonsil coagulation was associated with early syrinx regression in this cohort. However, the role of surgical maneuvers such as tonsil coagulation and arachnoid veil identification and sectioning in the overall role of CM-I surgery remains unclear.
Chapter 56 – Vascular Neuropathies

Vascular neuropathies include a heterogeneous group of disorders that involve vascular walls in the setting of a primary or secondary inflammatory condition. Because vasculitic neuropathies could be debilitating and are potentially treatable, diagnosing their underlying condition for appropriate and timely management is important. This chapter briefly reviews the classification and diagnosis of vasculitis neuropathies.
Physical stability and release properties of lumefantrine amorphous solid dispersion granules prepared by a simple solvent evaporation approach.

Abstract Amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) of lumefantrine, which has low aqueous solubility, have been shown to improve bioavailability relative to crystalline formulations. Herein, the crystallization tendency and release properties of a variety of lumefantrine ASD granules, formed on a blend of microcrystalline cellulose and anhydrous lactose, prepared using a simple solvent evaporation method, were evaluated. Several polymers, a majority of which contained acidic moieties, and different drug loadings were assessed. Crystallinity as a function of time following exposure to stress storage conditions of 40 °C and 75% relative humidity was monitored for the various dispersions. Release testing was performed and ASD characteristics were further evaluated using infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A large difference in stability to crystallization was observed between the various ASDs, most notably depending on polymer chemistry. This could be largely rationalized based on the extent of drug-polymer interactions, specifically the degree of lumefantrine-polymer salt formation, which could be readily assessed with XPS spectroscopy. Lumefantrine release from the ASDs also varied considerably, whereby the best polymer for promoting physical stability did not lead to the highest extent of drug release. Several formulations led to concentrations above the amorphous solubility of lumefantrine, with the formation of nano-sized drug-rich aggregates. A balance between the ability of a given polymer to promote physical stability and drug release may need to be sought.
Queer-free majors?: LGBTQ + college students’ accounts of chilly and warm academic disciplines

Once enrolled in college, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) students may have to navigate heterosexism within higher education. In doing so, they might deem some fields of stu...
Cyclic Stress-Strain and Constitutive Behaviors of SAC-Bi-Ni-Sb Solder Alloys During Fatigue Testing

Fatigue of solder joints is considered to be one of the major methods of failure in electronic packages. Every electronic assembly is made up of different parts with varying thermal expansion coefficients (CTE). Many applications subject such assemblies to fluctuating temperature conditions. Mismatches in the CTE values of the components of the electronic assembly bring about a cyclic loading on the solder joints. Prolonged cyclic loading subsequently leads to the fatigue failure of these solder joints, thus resulting in the failure of the whole electronic package.The main focus of this investigation was to study the damage accumulated in bulk lead free solder alloys by analyzing the stress-strain behavior and the corresponding constitutive properties in SAC-Bi-Ni-Sb lead free solder (Innolot) subjected to fatigue testing. Circular cross- sectioned solder specimens were reflowed, and these samples were then mechanically cycled. The cyclic stress-strain curves obtained were studied to observe the degradation of hysteresis loop properties (peak stress, hysteresis loop area and plastic strain range) with cycling. In addition, samples with various durations of prior cycling were subjected to tensile and creep testing to determine the effect that mechanical cycling has on the modulus of elasticity, ultimate tensile strength, and creep strain rate of the material. The measured data were compared to the results from previous studies conducted on SAC305 and SAC+Bi (SAC_Q) lead free alloys.
Tensile deformation behavior of twist grain boundaries in CoCrFeMnNi high entropy alloy bicrystals.

High entropy alloys (HEA) are a class of materials that consist of multiple elemental species in similar concentrations. The use of elements in far from dilute concentrations introduces a multi-dimensional composition design space by which the properties of metallic systems can be tailored. While the mechanical behavior of HEAs has been the subject of active research recently, the role of grain boundaries (GBs) in their deformation behavior remains poorly understood. Motivated by recent experiments on HEAs demonstrating that GBs act as nucleation sites for deformation twins, herein, we leverage atomistic simulations to construct a series of equiatomic CoCrFeMnNi HEA bicrystals with $$\langle 110 \rangle$$ and $$\langle 111 \rangle$$ symmetric twist GBs and examine their tensile behavior and underlying deformation mechanisms at 77 K. Simulation results reveal that plastic deformation proceeds by the nucleation of partial dislocations from GBs, which then grow with further loading by bowing into the bulk crystals leaving behind stacking faults. Variations in the nucleation stress exist as function of GB character, defined in this work by the twist angle. Our results provide future avenues to explore GBs as a microstructure design tool to develop HEAs with tailored properties.
Theoretical Tension and Doctrinal Discord: Analyzing Development Impact Fees as Takings

One of the lingering questions about the law of regulatory takings concerns the proper scope and application of the Supreme Court’s exactions jurisprudence, known as the Nollan/Dolan test. A recurring issue in the case law, and of particular importance to this article, is the extent to which the Nollan/Dolan framework applies to takings challenges brought against development impact fees. By and large, the decisions on the issue split over two primary issues. First, there is a debate about whether Nollan/Dolan is limited to physical exactions or whether the test might also apply to monetary exactions as well. Second, there is a difference of opinion over whether Nollan/Dolan applies only to exactions imposed in an ad hoc, adjudicative manner or also to those that are more broadly-applicable and established legislatively. These questions are important, but the primary emphasis on them has diminished other issues that also require attention. Particularly, there is a need to situate impact fees within the law of local government financing – i.e., determining whether they operate as fees or taxes – as that will have some bearing on the proper level of Takings Clause scrutiny to which they should be subjected. Only after wrestling with all of these issues can one move to the ultimate query of what analytical test is most appropriate. This article attempts to answer these questions, fit impact fees into the Court’s current takings jurisprudence, propose a new rule of decision for impact fee cases, and demonstrate how that rule might apply to basic factual situations. In short, I demonstrate that impact fees are hybrid animals that occupy a space at the theoretical and doctrinal crossroads of takings jurisprudence, property law, and the rules applicable to municipal finance. Second, in light of this hybrid quality, I propose that takings challenges to impact fees be analyzed under a hybrid framework that combines elements of Nollan/Dolan with the more flexible factor-balancing reserved for the majority of takings cases. Finally, I suggest several larger questions implicated by the impact fee problem that continue to require judicial and scholarly attention.
Eating behaviors of American adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

The objective was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eating behaviors of a cross section of the US adult population. Participants (N=844) completed a survey via Amazon Mechanical Turk which evaluated frequency of consumption of five food categories - mixed dishes, salty, sweet, creamy foods and beverages during perceived stress. Physical, emotional and psychological self-care and demographics were also collected. Males eating behaviors especially mixed dishes, sweet foods, and creamy foods decreased when stressed. However, in females there was an increase in the consumption of sweet and creamy foods. When compared to their counterpart, there was a reduction in food choices among minorities and Hispanics. Participants with higher BMI had increased eating behaviors of mixed dishes, salty, and sweet foods. The physical self-care scale revealed there was limited consumption of sweet foods but the psychological self-care demonstrated that there was an increase in creamy food intake
Creating Realistic Power Distribution Networks using Interdependent Road Infrastructure

It is well known that physical interdependencies exist between networked civil infrastructures such as transportation and power system networks. In order to analyze complex nonlinear correlations between such networks, datasets pertaining to such real infrastructures are required. However, such data are not readily available due to their proprietary nature. This work proposes a methodology to generate realistic synthetic power distribution networks for a given geographical region. A network generated in this manner is not the actual distribution system, but its functionality is very similar to the real distribution network. The synthetic network connects high voltage substations to individual residential consumers through primary and secondary distribution networks. Here, the distribution network is generated by solving an optimization problem which minimizes the overall length of the network subject to structural and power flow constraints. This work also incorporates identification of long high voltage feeders originating from substations and connecting remotely situated customers in rural geographic locations while maintaining voltage regulation within acceptable limits. The proposed methodology is applied to the state of Virginia and creates synthetic distribution networks which are validated by comparing them to actual power distribution networks at the same location.
Acronyms Used to Define Variables in Equations

This chapter presents all acronyms used to define variables in the book and their definitions.
Narrative: Review of Anterior Knee Pain Differential Diagnosis (Other than Patellofemoral Pain)

This review presents a framework for constructing a differential diagnosis for chronic anterior knee pain associated with overuse other than patellofemoral pain. Traumatic, systemic, and pediatric injuries will not be covered. From superficial to deep, the anterior knee can be conceptually organized into four layers: (1) soft tissue, (2) extensor mechanism, (3) intracapsular/extrasynovial, and (4) intra-articular. From superficial to deep, diagnoses to consider include bursitis, patellar and quadriceps tendinosis, fat pad impingement, and plica syndromes.
Estimation of local time-varying reproduction numbers in noisy surveillance data

A valuable metric in understanding infectious disease local dynamics is the local time-varying reproduction number, i.e. the expected number of secondary local cases caused by each infected individual. Accurate estimation of this quantity requires distinguishing cases arising from local transmission from those imported from elsewhere. Realistically, we can expect identification of cases as local or imported to be imperfect. We study the propagation of such errors in estimation of the local time-varying reproduction number. In addition, we propose a Bayesian framework for estimation of the true local time-varying reproduction number when identification errors exist. And we illustrate the practical performance of our estimator through simulation studies and with outbreaks of COVID-19 in Hong Kong and Victoria, Australia.
The economic theory of regulation and inequality

Stigler (Bell J Econ Manag Sci 2:3–21, 1971) proposed that regulation benefits politically influential interest groups rather than advancing the public interest. The Stiglarian perspective predicts that regulation raises barriers to entry that limit competition and creates economic rents for incumbents. Apart from the direct economic harm of such policies, regulation generates additional consequences. One hypothesized consequence ushered by anticompetitive rules is the widening of income disparities. This article therefore surveys the growing empirical literature that studies whether regulation ultimately exacerbates income inequality. Beginning with the literature on entry and start-up regulation, we find that these rules, as predicted by Stigler, limit entry and dampen entrepreneurship. Moreover, recent studies also indicate that these regulations are associated with higher income inequality. We also review the literature on occupational licensure. Consistent with Stigler (Bell J Econ Manag Sci 2:3–21, 1971), the literature chronicles widespread use of barriers to entry in labor markets, which have documented regressive effects on the distribution of income. Finally, we review research on financial regulation, in which studies have shown that some financial regulations are associated with less entrepreneurship and higher income inequality. Taken together, the recent empirical literature buttresses and extends the implications in Stigler (Bell J Econ Manag Sci 2:3–21, 1971). Regulation tends to benefit incumbents by limiting entry of economic participants, be it firms or workers, and exacerbates income inequality.
Amino acid transporter SLC38A5 regulates developmental and pathological retinal angiogenesis

Abstract Amino acid metabolism in vascular endothelium is important for sprouting angiogenesis. SLC38A5 (solute carrier family 38 member 5), an amino acid (AA) transporter, shuttles neutral AAs across cell membrane, including glutamine, which may serve as metabolic fuel for proliferating endothelial cells (ECs) to promote angiogenesis. Here we found that Slc38a5 is highly enriched in normal retinal vascular endothelium, and more specifically in pathological sprouting neovessels. Slc38a5 is suppressed in retinal blood vessels from Lrp5-/- and Ndpy/- mice, both genetic models of defective retinal vascular development with Wnt signaling mutations. Additionally, Slc38a5 transcription is directly regulated by Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Genetic deficiency of Slc38a5 in mice substantially delays retinal vascular development and suppresses pathological neovascularization in oxygen-induced retinopathy modeling ischemic proliferative retinopathies. Inhibition of SLC38A5 in retinal vascular ECs impairs EC proliferation and angiogenic function, suppresses glutamine uptake, and dampens vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Together these findings suggest that SLC38A5 is a new metabolic regulator of retinal angiogenesis by controlling AA nutrient uptake and homeostasis in ECs. Significance Statement Amino acid metabolism in vascular endothelium is important for angiogenesis. SLC38A5 (solute carrier family 38 member 5) is an amino acid (AA) transporter for shuttling neutral AAs such as glutamine across cell membrane. Our work demonstrate that Slc38a5 is highly enriched in retinal vascular endothelium. SLC38A5 regulates endothelial cell glutamine uptake and vascular growth factor receptors to impact blood vessels growth in retinal development and in retinopathies. This work uncovered a novel role of SLC38A5 as a metabolic regulator of retinal angiogenesis by controlling AA nutrient uptake and homeostasis in blood vessel endothelium. Findings from this study also suggest that targeting SLC38A5 or relevant AAs can be a new way to protect against retinopathy.
Toward a Lower Bound for Sorting Networks

A sorting network for N items, or an N-sorter, is a circuit with inputs I = {i1, i2, ..., iN} and outputs O = {o1, o2, ..., oN}, such that O is a monotonically increasing permutation of I. Sorting networks can be constructed using ranks of a basic cell called a comparator, which is essentially a 2-sorter. For example, the 4-sorter depicted in Fig. 1 employs five comparators, which all emit their larger input on their higher output lead.
Preparation and Properties of Cardiac Cytochrome c1

Abstract In a continuation of our studies of the sequential fragmentation of the respiratory chain, we have worked out a method of isolating cytochrome c1 from succinate cytochrome c reductase. The purified cytochrome c1 was stable in neutral solution and soluble in aqueous media. It contained 25 nmoles of heme per mg of protein and a small amount of carbohydrate. The absorption spectrum of the reduced cytochrome c1 possessed maxima at 552.5, 530, 522.5, 512, 417, 317, and 276 nm, and the oxidized at 558, 522, 411, 355, and 276 nm. Neither carbon monoxide nor oxygen affected its spectral behavior. At -160°, the α-band of reduced cytochrome c1 split into at least three bands and the β-band into nine. The low temperatures intensified the α- and β-bands by 6- to 7-fold but did not cause any significant shift of the positions of the maxima. The extinction coefficient at 23° for Ared552.5 — Ared540 was found to be 17.5 mm-1 cm-1 from the total iron assay and 18.5 by titration with DPNH in the presence of phenazine methosulfate. The cytochrome c1 can be used as an electron donor or acceptor in interaction with the electron transfer system in submitochondrial particles of bovine heart.
A Three-Dimensional Bucking System for Optimal Bucking of Central Appalachian

An optimal tree stem bucking system was developed for central Appalachian hardwood species using three-dimensional (3D) modeling techniques. ActiveX Data Objects were implemented via MS Visual C++/OpenGL to manipulate tree data which were supported by a backend relational data model with five data entity types for stems, grades and prices, logs, defects, and stem shapes. A network analysis algorithm was employed to achieve the optimal bucking solution with four different alternative stage intervals under the bucking by value principle. A total of 264 tree stems were measured in the field including stem dimensions, defects, sweep, and the manual bucking solution of each stem. Results when using the 3D optimal bucking system suggest that compared to manual bucking the total log value and volume gain from each tree stem could be increased on average by 31 to 38 percent and 16 to 17 percent, respectively. Results also show the individual tree stem utilization rate could be increased by 10 to 11 percent. The optimal bucking system developed can be used as a training tool on desktop PCs and can also be installed on field PCs to aid field buckers and operators of sawbucks. The 3D bucking optimization system developed in this research should be valuable to operators in the central Appalachian region due to the variability in tree stems and species of hardwoods.
Characterizing the relationship between in-hospital measures and workers' compensation outcomes among severely injured construction workers using a data linkage strategy

Background To characterize the relationship between acute measures of severity and three important workers' compensation outcomes associated with a worker's ability to return to work and the cost of a work-related injury. Methods Probabilistic data linkage of workers' compensation claims made by injured construction workers from 2000 to 2005 with two Illinois medical record registries. Multivariable robust regression models were built to assess the relationship between three in-hospital measures and three outcomes captured in the Workers' Compensation data. Results In the final multivariable models, a categorical increase in injury severity was associated with an extra $7,830 (95% CI: $4,729–$10,930) of monetary compensation awarded, though not with temporary total disability (TTD) or permanent partial disability (PPD). Our models also predicted that every extra day spent in the hospital results in an increase of 0.51 (95% CI: 0.23–0.80) weeks of TTD and an extra $1,248 (95% CI: $810–$1,686) in monetary compensation. Discharge to an intermediate care facility following the initial hospitalization was associated with an increase of 8.15 (95% CI: 4.03–12.28) weeks of TTD and an increase of $23,440 (95% CI: $17,033–$29,847) in monetary compensation. Conclusions We were able to link data from the initial hospitalization for an injured worker with the final workers' compensation claims decision or settlement. The in-hospital measures of injury severity were associated with total monetary compensation as captured in the workers' compensation process. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:1149–1156, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Virus-induced autoimmunity: Epitope spreading to myelin autoepitopes in theiler's virus infection of the central nervous system

Epidemiological studies indicate that host immunogenetics and history of infection, particularly by viruses, may be a necessary cofactor for the induction of a variety of autoimmune diseases. To date, however, there is no clear-cut evidence, either in experimental animal models or in human autoimmune disease, that supports either molecular mimicry (Wucherpfennig and Strominger, 1995; Fujinami and Oldstone, 1985) or a role for superantigens (Scherer et al., 1993) in the initiation of T cell-mediated autoimmunity. In contrast, the current data provide compelling evidence in support of a major role for epitope spreading in the induction of myelin-specific autoimmunity in mice persistently infected with TMEV. It is significant that two picornaviruses closely related to TMEV, coxsackievirus (Rose and Hill, 1996) and encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) (Kyu et al., 1992), have been similarly shown to persist (either the viral RNA or the infectious virus) in their target organs and have been associated with the development of chronic autoimmune diseases, including myocarditis and diabetes. Thus, inflammatory responses induced by viruses that trigger proinflammatory Th1 responses, and have the ability to persist in genetically susceptible hosts, may lead to chronic organ-specific autoimmune disease via epitope spreading. Epitope spreading has important implications for the design of antigen-specific therapies for the potential treatment of MS and other autoimmune diseases. This process indicates that autoimmune diseases are evolving entities and that the specificity of the effector autoantigen-specific T cells varies during the chronic disease process. Our experiments employing tolerance in R-EAE clearly indicate that antigen-specific treatment of ongoing disease is possible for preventing disease relapses, provided the proper relapse-associated epitope is targeted (Vanderlugt et al., 1999). However, the ability to identify relapse-associated epitopes in humans will be a difficult task because immunodominance will vary in every individual. The use of costimulatory antagonists that can induce anergy without requiring prior knowledge of the exact epitopes (Miller et al., 1995b), or the use of therapies that induce bystander suppression (Nicholson et al., 1997; Brocke et al., 1996), may thus be more practical current alternative therapies for the treatment of human autoimmune disease.
Ruminative Coping with Depression

Abstract Most people have periods in which they become at least moderately depressed: they feel sad, they lose their motivation and interest in their usual activities, they slow down and are chronically fatigued, and so on. For most people, these periods last only a few days and their symptoms never become debilitating. For others, these periods last weeks or months, and their symptoms become worse with time. I suggest that the ways people initially try to regulate or cope with their symptoms of depression can affect the severity and duration of these symptoms. Specifically, people who have a ruminative style of responding to their initial symptoms of depression will have longer and more severe episodes of depressed mood than people who have more active, less ruminative response styles. A ruminative response style for depression is defined as the tendency to focus passively and repetitively on one's symptoms of depression and on the possible causes and consequences of those symptoms without taking action to relieve them. Ruminative responses to depression exacerbate and prolong periods of depression through at least three mechanisms. First, rumination enhances the negative effects of depressed mood on thinking, making depressive interpretations of events and negative memories more accessible and more likely to be used in ongoing deliberations about one's life. Second, rumination interferes with complex interpersonal problem-solving, in part because it enhances pessimistic, distorted thinking. Third, rumination inhibits people from engaging in everyday instrumental behaviors that could enhance their sense of control and lift their moods.
Energy taxes in the Netherlands : What are the dividends?

In this paper the environmental and economic effects of the introduction of a unilateral energy tax in the Netherlands are analysed using an applied general equilibrium (AGE) model. The effects of a small user energy tax and a general energy tax are compared, while taking into account different tax recycling mechanisms. The model contains a great level of detail with respect to emissions and environmental indicators (greenhouse effect, acidification, eutrophication and waste), which is helpful for assessing environmental quality. The results show that the introduction of a small environmental tax reform not only improves the environment but also raises non-environmental welfare, which is due to an improvement of the efficiency of the tax structure.
Chaos in Dissipative Systems

A crucial distinction exists between the dissipative systems and conservative Hamiltonian systems. By Liouville’s Theorem, the solution flow for a conservative Hamiltonian system preserves volumes in phase space. Dissipative systems, by contrast, usually give rise to solution flows which contract volumes in phase space. This volume contraction gives rise to a bounded set called an attractor in the phase space, which ultimately contains the solution flow, once the transients associated with initial conditions have died away. Indeed, dissipative systems of dimensions equal to and greater than three can have bounded trajectories, which may be attracted not by a fixed point nor by a periodic/quasi-periodic orbit, but by an object of complicated infinitely many-layered structure called a strange attractor. The trajectories on this attractor diverge continually from each other locally, but remain bounded globally. Besides, the evolution on the attractor is essentially aperiodic. Strange attractors are sometimes modeled by fractals which are geometric objects that are very suited for characterizing roughness and illustrating the difference between the mathematical properties of continuity and differentiability. Adoption of fractal geometry therefore releases one from bondage to smooth surfaces and smooth curves and enables one to come to terms with nature, for as Mandelbrot (The Fractal Geometry of Nature, Freeman, 1983) put it—“clouds are not spheres, mountains are not (cones), and bark is not smooth, nor does lightning travel in a straight line”. (Indeed, the fractal structure of a natural object is closely intertwined with its functionality (like the light-catching capacity of trees or the electrical connectivity of neurons).) Further, fractals are self-similar objects which have the same shape at all scales.
Management of ventricular tachycardia in patients with structural heart disease.

Patients with structural heart disease and ventricular tachycardia (VT) can be difficult to manage clinically. Many treatment options are available, but no single approach can be applied to every patient. This review aims to discuss the current options available for the management of this population. VT can be associated with cardiomyopathy of any etiology, both ischemic and nonischemic. Antiarhythmic drugs have not been shown to decrease mortality in this patient population, but they can help reduce episodes. While the advent of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator has revolutionized the treatment of VT, patients with recurrent shocks for VT have high morbidity and mortality. The development of catheter ablation over the past few decades has greatly aided the ability to control VT in these patients. The approach to patients with VT and structural heart disease is multifaceted. Often, a combination of therapeutic techniques is required to obtain the best result.
Ideology versus Partisanship: Regulatory Behavior and Cyclical Political Influence

We employ a unique data set of 41,137 commissioner votes in 8,252 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decisions and orders, reflecting every voted commission decision from 1976-2003, in order to examine those factors that determined commissioner voting at the FCC. We discover a cyclical relationship between commissioner party-line voting and the presidential election. We hypothesize a partisanship effect, tied to the presidential election cycle, which works separately from commissioners' ideological preferences.
Economics and Religion

My assignment is not only the conventional one of a respondent: to assess and comment on the six case studies in this volume. In addition to assessing the case studies, I have been asked to evaluate how well the overall evidence provided by the six case studies in this volume bears on the central question of the volume: Is the attempt to combine into a normative social theory the (putative) insights of theology with the (putative) scientific knowledge supplied by economics either or both intellectually defensible and actually fruitful? In short, do these six particular case studies shed light on the larger question of whether mixing economics and religion together to create normative social theory is in general a useful endeavour?
A compact array processor based on self-timed simultaneous bidirectional signalling

A bundled self-timed simultaneous bidirectional signaling protocol is used to remove the clock dependency and minimize latency in the communication network of an array processor. The use of the same data for bidirectional data transfer effectively doubles the I/O bandwidth of such a communication network. This also permits making the input data transfer cycles independent of the output data transfer cycles, thus decoupling the data and resulting waves in a wavefront array processor. As a vehicle to demonstrate the merit of this protocol and to compare it to the more conventional wavefront array based processing (WAP) protocols, the design of a two-dimensional array processing structure for matrix multiplication using such a protocol is described. A computation element based on a bit-serial multiplier accumulator is chosen with a data dependent computation time. This permits the design of an array where neither the computation nor the communication speeds are bound by any clock speeds. It is shown that such an approach reduces the latency of the array structure without increasing I/O pin count. >
Actavis and 'Large and Unjustified' Payments

This short piece responds to Alan Morrison’s post on SCOTUSblog that the Supreme Court’s Actavis decision is unclear because of its emphasis on “large and unjustified” payments.The piece first explains that the payments at issue in "reverse payment" cases are, by definition, likely to be large since payments less than the average $5 to $10 million in litigation costs will typically not present antitrust concern. And above this level, the analysis boils down to whether the payment is justified. This question will often be easier than it first appears when (as the facts of the Actavis case itself reveal) the brand has no legitimate interest in the generics’ services.The piece then discusses the likelihood of settlements without reverse payments. And it concludes by discussing two congressional bills that could provide additional assistance: S.214 (which creates a standard of presumptive illegality in cases brought by the Federal Trade Commission) and S.504 (which expands the 180-day exclusivity period reserved for the first-filing generic to later generics that win court decisions finding the patent to be invalid or not infringed).
Periodic scratch marks on ground surfaces

We have observed scratch marks corresponding to the k ratio and chatter frequencies during contour grinding with resin tools (2~4 µm diamond abrasives). Both scratch marks are described quantitatively and possible generation mechanisms are presented.
300 TRANSPLACENTAL TRANSFER, METABOLISM & PHARMACOKINETICS OF DIETHYLSTILBESTROL(DES) AND ESTRADIOL 17ß(E 2 ) IN PREGNANT RHESUS MONKEYS

Pregnant rhesus monkeys(120-145 days) were anesthetized with Ketamine, and a femoral maternal artery catheter and fetal umbilical artery and/or vein were cannulated by an extra-amniotic technique. Either [UL-14C] DES, [monoethyl-l-3H] DES or [6, 7, 3H] E2 in 20% ethanol was given in a maternal vein. Blood samples were collected for a 2 hr period. The maternal T½ for the 14C-DES was 35 min as compared to 100 min for 3H DES. The T½ for E2 was 45 min. Both DES and E2 appeared in the fetal circulation within 5 min and reached a maximum total radioactivity at 40-60 min. Radioactivity accumulated primarily in fetal liver, lung, intestine, uterus and brain of animals dissected immediately after the experiment. Complete analysis was performed on the total fecal and urinary products in one animal. Urinary conjugates were purified by XAD-2 and Sephadex LH-20(ME0H/ET0H 1:1). Three urinary conjugate fractions were obtained, hydrolyzed, and the aglycones identified by GC/MS to be cis/trans DES and possibly dienestrol. The principal fecal product found after extraction and LH-20 purification(benzene/MEOH 80:20) was identified thru GC/MS as DES. The fecal conjugates were chromatographically similar to the urinary conjugates. This is the first non-human primate evidence that DES crosses the placenta and accumulates in the fetus. DES pharmaco-kinetics and metabolism appear similar to natural estrogens.
Emotional valence influences the neural correlates associated with remembering and knowing.

In the present study, we examined whether emotional valence modulates the neural processes that are engaged during the encoding of information that is later vividly remembered versus that which is only known to be familiar. Participants underwent an fMRI scan while viewing positive, negative, and neutral stimuli. Later, recognized items were labeled as either remembered or known. Negative items that were later vividly remembered recruited temporo-occipital regions associated with sensory processing more than did positive or neutral items that were vividly remembered. The encoding of positive information later known recruited the cingulate gyrus and bilateral frontal and parietal areas—regions associated with episodic and semantic retrieval and self-referential processing—more than did the encoding of negative or neutral items that were later known. These results suggest that memories for negative items may be vividly recollected due to increased sensory processing during encoding, whereas enhanced gist-based processing of positive information may lead to increased feelings of familiarity.
Sub-Poissonian shot noise of a high internal gain injection photon detector

The noise performance of an infrared injection photon detector with very high internal gain was investigated at a wavelength of 1.55 µm. The devices showed sub-Poissonian shot noise with Fano factors around 0.55 at 0.7 V at room temperature. Optical to electrical conversion factors of 3000 electrons per absorbed photon were recorded at 0.7 V. The change in noise-equivalent power with respect to bias voltage was evaluated. The optical to electrical conversion factor and Fano factor were measured under increasing illumination and compared to theoretical expectations.
Tuning luminescent properties through solid-solution in (Ba1−xSrx)9Sc2Si6O24:Ce3+,Li+

Abstract A solid-solution of cerium-substituted alkaline earth scandium silicate phosphors, (Ba1−xSrx)9Sc2Si6O24:Ce3+,Li+ (x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1), have been prepared by solid-state reaction. The structures, characterized using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction, show the solid-solution closely follows Vegard's law. The substitution of Sr for Ba results in a decrease of the alkaline earth–oxygen bond distances by more than 0.1 A at all three crystallographic sites, leading to changes in optical properties. The room temperature photoluminescent measurements show the structure has three excitation peaks corresponding to Ce3+ occupying the three independent alkaline earth sites. The emission of (Ba1−xSrx)9Sc2Si6O24:Ce3+,Li+ is red-shifted from the near-UV (λmax = 384 nm) for x = 0 to blue (λmax = 402 nm) for x = 1. The red-shifted photoluminescent quantum yield also increases when Sr is substituted for Ba in these compounds.
Inhibition of bone resorption by α‐difluoromethylornithine may not be mediated by polyamine depletion

We have examined the effect of alpha-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) on bone polyamine content and parathyroid hormone (PTH)- and calcitriol-stimulated bone resorption in cultures of neonatal mouse calvaria. Polyamine content in bone homogenates was determined by reverse-phase paired-ion HPLC. Treatment with 5 mM DFMO for 48 h reduced putrescine from 0.4 nmol/bone to nondetectable levels, slightly decreased spermidine, and did not affect spermine. Bone resorption elicited by 48 h of treatment with PTH or calcitriol was inhibited by concentrations of DFMO greater than or equal to 5 mM added 48 h prior to hormone. This observation supported the concept that polyamines may play a role in bone resorption. However, other observations cast uncertainty on this conclusion. Measurement of calvarial polyamine content at 2 h intervals revealed no increase in endogenous polyamines for up to 10.5 h after calcitriol addition. Although addition of putrescine restored bone polyamine content, exogenous polyamines failed to reverse the inhibitory effects of DFMO on calcitriol-stimulated resorption. These results suggest that a mechanism other than depletion of polyamines could be contributing to the inhibitory effect of DFMO on resorption.
Shelf sedimentation off the Ganges-Brahmaputra river system: Evidence for sediment bypassing to the Bengal fan

The nature of shelf sedimentation seaward of the world9s largest sediment dispersal system is examined by using sedimentological and geochronological techniques on a unique suite of sediment cores and grab samples. Sediments from the Ganges-Brahmaputra river system are currently accumulating on the shelf in water depths of less than about 80 m, forming a clinoform-like deposit similar to subaqueous deltas found off other major river systems. The highest sediment accumulation rates on the shelf occur near the head of the Swatch of No Ground, a major submarine canyon that indents the shelf west of the present river mouths. This observation, together with textural data, suggests that river sediments are transported seaward and westward and that the Swatch of No Ground is currently a major conduit for the transport of sediments from the Bengal shelf.
Political Cynicism and the Mobilization of Black Voters

Objective. This article analyzes National Election Study data from the 1996 and 2000 elections in order to explain the increased turnout among blacks in recent presidential elections. Methods. A bivariate analysis of registration and voter turnout across the races is conducted, followed by three probit models of voter turnout, including various demographic and attitudinal variables. Results. Our findings show that more blacks were registered to vote, and more registered blacks actually voted in 2000 than in 1996. We also found that political cynicism, or distrust, appears to increase the propensity of blacks to vote, in direct contrast to the behavior of white respondents. Inefficacy has less effect on black turnout, although it depresses turnout among whites. Conclusions. These findings underscore an important difference between racial groups with regard to the effect of attitudinal factors on voter turnout. Political cynicism can serve to mobilize blacks, while feelings of internal and external inefficacy had little effect on black turnout in these elections.
Antiviral therapy for varicella and herpes zoster

Varicella-zoster virus (VZV) causes 2 clinical illnesses, varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles). The purpose of this review is to describe the role of antiviral therapy in the treatment of VZV infections in healthy and immunocompromised children. Acyclovir is the drug of choice for varicella and herpes zoster. The route of administration may be intravenous or oral, depending on the immunocompetence of the host. The clinical impact of acyclovir therapy is related directly to its use early in the clinical course and to the likely susceptibility of the patient to severe or life-threatening VZV infection. Patients who have the most clinical benefit are otherwise healthy adolescents with varicella infection and high-risk populations of immunocompromised children who have varicella or herpes zoster. The morbidity and mortality of VZV infections are reduced substantially by initiating acyclovir treatment early in the course of the disease.
State SLD Identification Policies and Practices

Specific learning disabilities (SLD) conceptual defini- tions and classification criteria were examined through a survey of state education agency (SEA) SLD contact persons in an effort to update information last published in 1996. Most prior trends continued over the last decade. Results showed that SEA SLD clas- sification criteria continue to be dominated by three features, severe discrepancy between intellectual ability and achievement, specified achievement areas, and exclusion factors. Significant variability between states also continues to exist in SLD preva- lence, conceptual definitions, and classification criteria. SLD diag- nostic decisions depend heavily on SEA classification criteria, producing potential changes in the eligibility of children for special education depending on their state of residence. Dissatis- faction with current SLD criteria is discussed along with likely future trends.
Comparison of angiotensin metabolism by brain membranes from SHR and WKY rats.

Abstract The ability of membrane-associated peptidases from the brains of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats to metabolize iodinated angiotensin ( 125 I-Ang II) and 125 I-Ang III was compared. 125 I-Ang II was metabolized to 125 I-Ang III and other fragments exclusively by membrane-associated peptidases. In contrast to 125 I-Ang III which was effectively degradated by both membrane-associated and residual cytosolic peptidases, 125 I-Ang II was unaltered by contanimating cytosolic enzymes. The ability of SHR-derived membranes to metabolize 125 I-Ang II and produce 125 I-Ang III was enhanced when compared to membranes from WKY rats. No difference was observed in the ability of membrane or cytosolic enzymes from SHR and WKY rats to degrade 125 I-Ang III. These data are consistent with an increased availability of Ang III in the brains of SHRs.