cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The rat canalicular conjugate export pump (Mrp2) is down-regulated in intrahepatic and obstructive cholestasis

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The excretion of various organic anions into bile is mediated by an adenosine triphosphate-dependent conjugate export pump, which has been identified as the canalicular isoform of the multidrug resistance protein (Mrp2). Mrp2 function is impaired in various experimental models of intrahepatic and obstructive cholestasis, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate these molecular mechanisms. METHODS: The effects of endotoxin, ethinylestradiol, and common bile duct ligation (CBDL) on Mrp2 protein, messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, and Mrp2 tissue localization were determined in rat livers by Northern blotting, Western analysis, and tissue immunofluorescence. To assess whether changes were specific for Mrp2, we also examined the expression of canalicular ecto-adenosine triphosphatase (ecto-ATPase) and mdr P- glycoproteins (P-gp). RESULTS: All three cholestatic models resulted in a marked decrease in Mrp2 protein (P < 0.01) and its tissue localization at the canalicular membrane. Mrp2 mRNA levels diminished profoundly after endotoxin (P < 0.0005) and CBDL (P < 0.05), but did not change after ethinylestradiol. In contrast to Mrp2, protein expression of ecto-ATPase and P-gp remained unchanged in endotoxin- and ethinylestradiol-treated animals, whereas P-gp levels increased after CBDL (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Down-regulation of Mrp2 expression may explain impaired biliary excretion of amphiphilic anionic conjugates in these models of cholestasis. (Gastroenterology 1997 Jul;113(1):255-64)
Statistical Riemann Problems and a Composition Law for Errors in Numerical Solutions of Shock Physics Problems

We seek error models for shock physics simulations that are robust and understandable. The purpose of this paper is to formulate and validate a composition law to estimate errors in the solutions of composite problems in terms of the errors from simpler ones. We illustrate this idea in a simple context. This paper employs several simplifying assumptions (restriction to one spatial dimension, use of a simplified (gamma law) equation of state, and consideration of a single numerical method). In separate papers we will address the effect of these assumptions.
Investigation of energy deposited by femtosecond electron transfer in collisions using hydrated ion nanocalorimetry.

Ion nanocalorimetry is used to investigate the internal energy deposited into M2+(H2O)n, M = Mg (n = 3−11) and Ca (n = 3−33), upon 100 keV collisions with a Cs or Ne atom target gas. Dissociation occurs by loss of water molecules from the precursor (charge retention) or by capture of an electron to form a reduced precursor (charge reduction) that can dissociate either by loss of a H atom accompanied by water molecule loss or by exclusively loss of water molecules. Formation of bare CaOH+ and Ca+ by these two respective dissociation pathways occurs for clusters with n up to 33 and 17, respectively. From the threshold dissociation energies for the loss of water molecules from the reduced clusters, obtained from binding energies calculated using a discrete implementation of the Thomson liquid drop model and from quantum chemistry, estimates of the internal energy deposition can be obtained. These values can be used to establish a lower limit to the maximum and average energy deposition. Not taking into accou...
Synthesis, Crystal Structure, Magnetic, and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Properties of a Spiroconjugated Biradical. Evidence for Spiroconjugation Exchange Pathway

A spiroconjugated nitronyl nitroxide biradical, 6,6‘-(4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazolidine-3-oxide-1-oxyl)-3,3,3‘,3‘-tetramethyl-1,1‘-spirobisindane (1), has been prepared by functionalization of a 3,3,3‘,3‘-tetramethyl-1,1‘-spirobisindane framework followed by Ullman condensation and subsequent oxidation. The biradical crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with four molecules in the unit cell of dimensions a = 24.861(10) A, b = 12.129(3) A, and c = 12.258(6) A. X-ray analysis of a blue-plate single crystal has revealed dihedral angles of 28° between the nitronyl nitroxide moiety and aromatic ring with intramolecular through space radical−radical distances of 8.25 and 10.11 A. In the solid state, the temperature dependence of the molar magnetic susceptibility reveals antiferromagnetic interactions. These interactions are best fit using a pair model, affording the value J = −4.0 cm^(-1) where J is the interaction parameter appearing in the spin Hamiltonian H = −JS_1·S_2. The field dependence of the magnetization measured at 2 K is consistent with a pair model. Frozen matrix EPR spectra of biradical 1 in CH_2Cl_2 at 100 K shows a half field transition at 1700 G. Temperature dependence of the half field transition intensity has been found to be consistent with a ground singlet state and thermally accessible triplet state. The magnetic interaction observed in the solid state is also observed in solution. Thus, room-temperature solution spectra display a nine-line pattern, with hyperfine coupling to four “equivalent” nitrogen atoms and a hyperfine coupling constant a_N = 3.8 G. Temperature dependence of the solution EPR spectra of biradical 1 displays alternating line width effects caused by conformational dynamics in solution. This behavior has been attributed to modulation of exchange and hyperfine interactions most likely caused by rotational motion about the nitronyl nitroxide−phenyl bond. Biradical 1 therefore exists as a ground-state singlet with a thermally accessible triplet at ca. 4 cm^(-1) higher in energy with a conformational dependence of intramolecular exchange in solution. This coupling may present evidence for spiroconjugation as an exchange pathway. Density functional calculations (B3/6-311G(D)) have been performed to investigate this possibility.
Simulation of ESR spectra of the oxygen-sensitive spin-label probe CTPO

The spectrum of the spin label 3-carbamoyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3-pyrroline-1-yloxyl in water showing resolved proton superhyperfine couplings has been simulated assuming 12 equivalent methyl protons with a temperature independent coupling of 0.2 G, one strongly coupled proton with a coupling that varies from 0.54 G at 1°C to 0.46 G at 80°C, and a peak-to-peak derivative Lorentzian linewidth that varies from 0.12 G at 1 °C to 0.17 G at 80°C. When a(ring proton) > 2.5 a(methyl proton), an even number of lines is seen; an odd number occurs when the inequality is reversed. In the presence of oxygen, spectra can be simulated by changing only the linewidth. The absolute value of the change is consistent with the assumption that every encounter within 4.5 A or less between spin label and oxygen leads to a Heisenberg-exchange event. This work contributes to the foundation of spin-label oximetric methodology.
Anisotropic s-wave gap and nuclear magnetic resonance in high-temperature superconductors.

The Knight shift and the nuclear magnetic relaxation rates ${\mathit{W}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\perp}}}^{63}$, ${\mathit{W}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\parallel}}}^{63}$, and ${\mathit{W}}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\parallel}}}^{17}$ are calculated for temperatures below the superconducting transition temperature of the high-temperature cuprate superconductors; the superscripts refer to the $^{63}\mathrm{Cu}$ and the $^{17}\mathrm{O}$ nuclei while the subscripts refer to the direction of the magnetic field with respect to the CuO layers. The calculations are based on a recently proposed interlayer tunneling mechanism of superconductivity in these materials. In general, the results are consistent with experiments even though the superconducting gap respects the full point-group symmetry of the lattice (anisotropic s wave); the anisotropy of the magnitude of the gap is an essential element.
Cyclic AMP mediates the activity of steroid hormones

Abstract There are two classes of hormones, those derived from amino acids and those with a steroid nucleus. Those from amino acids are said to act by raising intra-cellular levels of cyclic AMP. Because the glucocorticoids (and, in general, all steroid hormones) do not raise tissue levels of cyclic AMP, their activity is not considered to be mediated by this nucleotide. I hypothesize that the role of glucocorticoids is to sensitize the cell to the effector molecule, cyclic AMP. This concept is founded on the following, oft-repeated observations from the literature:- Cyclic AMP can always mimic glucocorticoid activity. Tissues from adrenalectomized animals show greatly diminished sensitivity to cyclic AMP. Hormones which act by elevating cyclic AMP levels, and exogenously added cyclic AMP, exert their effect only at levels much higher than are required in normal tissue. If the ability of cyclic AMP and glucocorticoids to initiate a particular activity is compared, cyclic AMP is the more rapid effector. A system maximally stimulated by cyclic AMP is but slightly enhanced by the addition of a glucocorticoid, whereas a system maximally stimulated by glucocorticoids is strongly stimulated by adding cyclic AMP.
100-ps framing-camera tube.

The optoelectronic framing‐camera tube described is capable of recording two‐dimensional image frames with high spatial resolution in the <100‐ps range. Framing is performed by streaking a two‐dimensional electron image across narrow slits. The resulting dissected electron line images from the slits are restored into framed images by a restorer deflector operating synchronously with the dissector deflector. The number of framed images on the tube's viewing screen equals the number of dissecting slits in the tube. Performance has been demonstrated in a prototype tube by recording 135‐ps‐duration framed images of 2.5‐mm patterns at the cathode. The limitation in the framing speed is in the external drivers for the deflectors and not in the tube design characteristics. Faster frame speeds in the <100‐ps range can be obtained by use of faster deflection drivers.
The Harkis: The Wound That Never Heals. By Vincent Crapanzano. (Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 2011. Pp. xii, 240. $35.00.)

Between 1954 and 1962 the French army and its European and Algerian supporters battled Algerian Muslims in a war that ranks as extraordinarily brutal even by the bloody standards of the twentieth c...
Monte Carlo simulation of plutonium gamma-ray standards

Abstract We are developing a new method which uses Monte Carlo simulation of photon transport to synthesize radioactive gamma-ray standards. Our first study involves simulations of energy spectra observed of seven plutonium gamma-ray standards from a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. We have found good agreement (in both isotopic contents and spectral behavior) between simulated and experimentally measured gamma-ray spectra of these seven standards. We also addressed a problem in the simulation which involves a modification to the Klein-Nishina correction for photon scattering with electrons in a crystal lattice. We have developed a method to correct this problem.
T cell targeting and phagocytosis of apoptotic biliary epithelial cells in primary biliary cirrhosis.

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is characterized by loss of tolerance against ubiquitously expressed mitochondrial autoantigens followed by biliary and salivary gland epithelial cell (BEC and SGEC) destruction by autoreactive T cells. It is unclear why BECs and SGECs are targeted. Previous work demonstrated that the reduced form of the major PBC autoantigen predominated in apoptotic BECs and SGECs as opposed to an oxidized form in other apoptotic cells. This led to the hypothesis that presentation of novel self-peptides from phagocytosed apoptotic BECs might contribute to BEC targeting by autoreactive T cells. The effect of autoantigen redox status on self-peptide formation was examined along with the phagocytic ability of BECs. Oxidation of PBC autoantigens first was shown to be due to protein S-glutathionylation of lipoyllysine residues. Absence of protein S-glutathionylation generated novel self-peptides and affected T cell recognition of a lipoyllysine containing peptide. Liver biopsy staining revealed BEC phagocytosis of apoptotic BECs (3.74 ± 2.90% of BEC) was present in PBC (7 of 7 cases) but not in normal livers (0 of 3). BECs have the ability to present novel mitochondrial self-peptides derived from phagocytosed apoptotic BECs. Apoptotic cell phagocytosis by non-professional phagocytes may influence the tissue specificity of autoimmune diseases.
Pathological characteristics of BRCA-associated breast cancers in Hispanics

The immunophenotype of BRCA-associated breast cancer has been studied in predominantly non-Hispanic whites (NHW). We evaluated the pathological characteristics of BRCA-associated invasive breast cancer in Hispanics. A case–control study was conducted on breast cancers from Hispanic and NHW women who enrolled in an IRB-approved registry and underwent BRCA gene analysis. BRCA negative controls (41 Hispanic, 39 NHW) were matched on age and ethnicity to BRCA positive cases (39 Hispanic, 35 NHW). A tissue array was constructed to characterize the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), HER2, Ki-67 and p53 by immunohistochemistry. Mean age at diagnosis was 37.1 years (range 24–59) for Hispanics (80% with Mexican ancestry) and 40.1 years (range 21–63) for NHW (P = 0.03). Hispanic BRCA1 cases were more likely than BRCA negative controls to have tumors that were ER-negative (P < 0.001) and PR-negative (P = 0.001), had higher levels of Ki-67 (P = 0.001) and p53 expression, and lower levels of HER2 overexpression. When stratified by genes, there were no significant differences in expression of ER, Ki-67, HER2, and p53 by ethnicity among mutation carriers. However, a significantly higher proportion of BRCA-positive Hispanics had PR-negative tumors compared to BRCA-positive NHW (80 vs. 57%, OR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.0–8.1, P = 0.04). Hispanic BRCA-associated breast cancers were found to have the unique immunophenotype associated with BRCA mutations; however, there was a trend toward a difference in PR expression among Hispanic BRCA1 and BRCA2 cases. Additional research on the molecular mechanisms involved in the loss of PR in this population is warranted as it could have important implications for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer in Hispanics.
Effects of dairy products on oral health

Dr Johansson has presented an excellent and fascinating review of the effects of milk and dairy products on oral health in Scandinavian Journal of Nutrition, issue 3, 2002 (1). Although milk is one of the more commonly eaten foods it has been the subject of remarkably little clinical research concerning its ine uence on oral disease. The composition of milk has been compared with that of saliva, and like saliva it harbours a multitude of antibacterial agents, including immunoglobulins, and possesses remarkable physical properties. There is growing evidence that the antimicrobial effects of saliva probably act in concert and that the separation of its constituents may not be the ideal way to investigate their effects; a similar situation may prevail with milk. There appears to be confusion in the minds of some paediatric dentists on the role of milk in cariogenesis. It is perhaps important to have a clear idea of some dee nitions. Cariogenic applies to any substance that promotes caries; non-cariogenic applies to agents that neither promote nor reduce the prevalence or incidence of dental caries. Cariostatic refers to substances that prevent or reduce the incidence of dental caries in the presence of a cariogenic challenge. It has been claimed that milk when given in a bottle may contribute to ‘‘nursing bottle caries’’ or early childhood caries. However, reports fail to account for the remainder of the diet that infants ingest, nor do they recognize the physical effect of the nipple, which obstructs the e ow of saliva (2‐4). All of the available evidence suggests that milk is simply non-cariogenic and may have modest cariostatic properties under well-dee ned circumstances. Desalivated rats given milk as a sole source of nutrition orally remained essentially caries free (2); these observations are consistent with the results on the pH effects of milk on dental plaque as cited by Johansson. Furthermore, caries induced by 4% lactose (the same concentration found in cow’s milk) far exceeded that observed in rats fed whole milk. It is also noteworthy that the number and extent of carious lesions induced by milk containing up to 10% added sucrose were signie cantly less than observed in rats given 10% sucrose in water (3). Under these circumstances milk exerts a cariostatic effect, i.e. it overcomes to a large extent the harmful effects of sucrose. However, if the animals are fed a normal cariogenic diet separately and offered milk to drink, a reduction in incidence of caries is not observed. Specie c constituents of milk, even in the presence of saliva, can be adsorbed on to hydroxyapatite surfaces and thereby affect pellicle formation. There is some evidence to suggest that the micelles in milk (similar to saliva) are adsorbed to salivacoated hydroxyapatite (pHA). Several constituents in milk have the capacity to adsorb to pHA, including phosphopeptides and glycosylated
The role of the SnO2 interphase in an alumina/glass composite: a fractographic study

The role of tin dioxide (SnO2) interphase for the alumina/glass composite system was investigated using fractography. Alumina (Al2O3) and glass form a strong chemical bond which is undesirable for toughness in a ceramic matrix composite. SnO2 interphase was incorporated to prevent this strong bond between alumina and glass. SnO2 was deposited on Al2O3 substrates via chemical vapour deposition and bonded with glass. The role of the interphase was then studied by characterizing the fracture surfaces of the bend test and special composite disc samples loaded in diametral compression. Bend tests results showed that the SnO2 interphase and/or the SnO2/Al2O3 interface acted as a plane of weakness. Secondary cracking at 90° to the major crack direction was observed along this plane of weakness, which appears to be in accord with the Cook and Gordon model. Crack deflection and secondary cracking were also observed in the SnO2 region of the compression samples. These results indicate the suitability of SnO2 interphase for the alumina/glass composite system.
Impact of multiple injections on immunization rates among vulnerable children

Abstract Background: In 1997, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended a switch from oral polio vaccine (OPV) to inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) for the first two infant doses. The ACIP also recommended use of diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP) for infants. These recommendations resulted in two additional injections at the 2- and 4-month immunization visits. This study evaluates the implementation of new IPV and DTaP immunization recommendations and their impact on immunization coverage levels. Methods: Immunization coverage was assessed in public clinics in three urban areas before and after the recommendations. One pre- and three post-recommendation cohorts were followed to 12 months of age. Results: Almost all (≥88%) infants in the pre-recommendation cohort received OPV, DTP, and only one or two injections. Almost all (≥78%) infants in the post-recommendation cohorts received IPV, DTaP, and three or four injections. The percentage of infants in the post-recommendation cohorts up-to-date for immunizations at 12 months of age was slightly higher than those in the pre-recommendation cohort. Conclusions: Providers rapidly switched from OPV and DTP to IPV and DTaP. Coverage at 12 months of age was higher among IPV/DTaP recipients than among OPV/DTP recipients. Provider and parent acceptance of four injections at a visit was high. The recent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine recommendations potentially add a fifth injection at 2 and 4 months of age. Acceptance or rejection of five injections by providers and parents needs early assessment.
HIV/AIDS in Women and Racial/Ethnic Minorities in the U.S.

The clinical issues affecting women with HIV/AIDS differ little from those affecting men. However, current research shows that treatment and outcome disparities affect many women with HIV, hypothesized to result from a complex interplay of socioeconomic and gender role influences. These disparities are also a reflection of racial/ethnic differences in treatment and outcome, since 80% of women with HIV/AIDS are black or Hispanic. Women have unique needs for HIV prevention — both prevention of sexual transmission to or from sexual partners and prevention of perinatal transmission. Racial/ethnic minorities continue to be disproportionately affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the U.S. Minorities are less likely to be in care and on HAART than others with HIV/AIDS. These disparities result in poorer outcomes for minorities, especially blacks, with HIV/AIDS. New strategies for optimizing engagement and retention in care, and for prevention hold great promise for women and minorities with HIV in the U.S.
Direct release of synthetic antiferromagnetic nanoparticles fabricated by defect-free thermal imprinting

We report an improved process, using a defect-free thermal imprinting process that directly releases homogeneously patterned lithographic nanoparticles from a large-area wafer to water. Our method has a substantially larger yield and avoids all the pitfalls that are associated with the sacrificial layers in the traditional imprinting methods. By using an ethylene tetrafluoroethylene mold and a bi-layer resist lift-off, defect-free imprints were achieved in areas larger than 1 × 1 cm2. Illustrating the effectiveness of this method, high-quality planar Fe/Ta multi-layered magnetic nanoparticles, 300 nm in diameter, were deposited by ion-beam sputtering and their basic magnetic properties are characterized. These particles prepared by direct release with tunable magnetic properties and good engineering possibilities are ideal for a wide range of applications, including those specifically for biomedicine.
Growth of homoepitaxial silicon at low temperatures using silane-helium mixtures

Epitaxial single crystalline films of silicon on (111) silicon substrates have been grown using silane in a helium carrier gas with growth rate as high as 3 ώ per min at the temperature 910°C. Surface preparation is observed to be the most crucial factor in obtaining single crystalline silicon layers using silane-helium mixtures. It was found that (100) and (110) orientation offers no observable advantage to (111) for the growth of high perfection silicon epitaxial layers at low temperature. Growth rate studies showed that a boundary layer is present, and the growth rate within certain limits could be controlled by adjusting the flow rate of the carrier gas alone. Furthermore, it was observed that a plateau region exists in the growth rate dependence of single crystalline silicon layers onflow rate of carrier gas. For concentrations of silane in helium of either 1 or 2 pct, silicon layers grown in this plateau region had fewer defects than layers grown at either higher or lower growth rates.
Extending the human life span: an exploratory study of pro- and anti-longevity attitudes.

Successful efforts by biologists to substantially increase the life span of non-human animals has raised the possibility of extrapolation to humans, which in turn has given rise to bioethical argum...
Entropy and information: A multidisciplinary overview

The concept of entropy, from the second law of thermodynamics, has been used by numerous writers on information theory. Basic relationships between entropy, order, information, and meaning have been observed by writers in disciplines as diverse as biology, economics, information science, the arts, and religion. This article, while not attempting comprehensive treatment, cites representative extensions of the concept, including its use as metaphor.
Cobra venom phospholipase A2 immobilized to porous glass beads

Abstract Phospholipase A 2 (EC 3.1.1.4) from cobra venom ( Naja naja naja ) has been covalently immobilized to aryl amine porous glass beads by diazo coupling. The attachment of the enzyme to the glass beads is apparently through tyrosine. The activity of the immobilized enzyme toward phospholipid substrate has been monitored using the Triton X-100/phospholipid mixed micelle assay system. The activity of the immobilized phospholipase A 2 toward phosphatidylcholine is about 160 μmol min −1 ml −1 of glass beads, and the specific activity is about 13 μmol min −1 mg −1 of protein in this assay system. The pH rate profile and apparent p K a in 10 m m Ca 2+ of the immobilized enzyme parallels that of the soluble enzyme. The substrate specificity of the immobilized enzyme toward individual phospholipid species in mixed micelles is phosphatidylcholine ⪢ phosphatidylethanolamine. In binary lipid mixtures in mixed micelles containing phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine together, a reversal in specificity is observed, and phosphatidylethanolamine is the preferred substrate. This unusual specificity reversal in binary mixtures is also observed for the soluble enzyme. The activity of the immobilized enzyme toward phospholipid inserted in mixed micelles is the same as toward a synthetic phospholipid which forms monomers, while a 20-fold decrease in activity toward monomeric substrate is observed for the soluble enzyme. The immobilized enzyme is stable at temperatures of 90 °C as is the soluble enzyme. However, p -bromphenacyl bromide, a reagent which inactivates the soluble enzyme, does not inactivate the immobilized enzyme. The immobilized enzyme can be stored frozen for several months and is reusable. The mechanism of action of immobilized phospholipase A 2 from cobra venom and the potential usefullness of the bound enzyme as a probe for phospholipids in surfaces of membranes is considered.
“Hop on board”: the importation and future development of high‐speed rail (HSR) in China

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe, as a case study, the recent developments in high‐speed rail (HSR) technological development and economic and business development in China.Design/methodology/approach – The authors use a descriptive case study design examining the factors behind the importation of foreign HSR technology and its development within the Chinese context. Various secondary sourced data are used to build the case that educational development in transportation technologies and strategic focus at the national level have created the ability to pursue the development and creation of a national strategic competency in HSR technology for the Chinese.Findings – The authors find that a major factor behind HSR development in China appears to be the result of a need for the Chinese Government to build the competencies of strategic technologies at the national level. Given present usage levels of HSR, the internal development of HSR systems is not justified by the economic rationales of ...
HEMOLYSIS BY SAPONIN AND SODIUM TAUROCHOLATE, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE SERIES OF RYVOSH

1. The series of Ryvosh is obtained when hemolysis of the red cells of the animals concerned occurs with saponin as the lytic agent. 2. The series of Ryvosh is not obtained when R∞ is taken as the resistance constant and sodium taurocholate is used to hemolyse the cells of the same animals. 3. The hemolysin sodium taurocholate has been found to differ from saponin in that the time-dilution curves are found to approach their respective asymptotes with different values of κ.
An unusual cause of chronic headaches: answer

In the setting of a negative infectious and autoimmune workup as well as a history of rheumatoid arthritis, the biopsy results supported the diagnosis of rheumatoid pachymeningitis in this patient. Rheumatoid pachymeningitis is a rare complication of rheumatoid arthritis, and few case reports exist in the literature. Rheumatoid pachymeningitis can occur without concurrent symptoms of arthritis and may present early or late in the course of rheumatoid disease [1,2]. Other neurologic complications of rheumatoid arthritis include cerebral hemorrhage, infarction, vasculitis and spinal cord compression secondary to vertebral subluxation [3,4]. There are no defined diagnostic criteria for rheumatoid meningitis. Manifestations include seizure, headache, confusion, cranial nerve palsies, cortical blindness, and sensorineural hearing loss [2,4]. MRI typically demonstrates focal or diffuse pachymeningeal and/or leptomeningeal thickening with contrast enhancement, while cerebrospinal fluid studies show mild pleocytosis, elevated protein and hypoglycorrhachia, as was seen in our patient [4]. Typically, a biopsy is performed to support the diagnosis or to rule out other etiologies. Histopathologic findings may include rheumatoid nodules, inflammatory changes in the pachymeninges and/or leptomeninges, and vasculitis [5]. Rheumatoid nodules in the dura have typically been found only on autopsy as tissue sampling is limited during biopsy, requiring that other etiologies of pachymeningitis be ruled out [2]. The differential diagnosis for
Dynamic optical property changes: Implications for reflectance feedback control of photocoagulation

Abstract During laser treatment, coagulation affects the optical properties of the tissue. In particular, the formation of a white lesion significantly increases the scattering coefficient. This change in the optical properties in turn affects the laser light distribution in the tissue. The white lesion formed during photocoagulation of the retina has a dynamic effect upon reflection and fluence rate. This problem has been simulated on a model medium consisting of a thin absorbing layer covered with a 1 cm thick layer of albumin. The albumin layer is subdivided into coagulated (white) and uncoagulated (clear) layers. The optical properties of each layer have been determined and these values have been used to model light distribution in the medium. One-dimensional adding—doubling and three-dimensional Monte Carlo methods have provided light distributions in the medium for varying thicknesses of the coagulated albumin. Computed fluence reaching the absorbing layer decreased in the presence of a 275 μm or thicker coagulated layer. The coagulated layer attenuates light because it is highly scattering; however, this scattering also leads to a sub-surface peak in fluence rate at a level higher than the incident fluence. The latter effect outweighed the former for coagulated layer thicknesses less than 275 μm. Computed reflectance of argon laser light from a semi-infinite coagulated region initially increased linearly as a function of thickness. As the coagulation thickness increased beyond 4–5 optical depths, the reflectance approached a constant value, R∞, at 9 optical depths (2 mm). Experimentally measured total reflectance is shown to be an inadequate indicator of the thickness of a lesion (finite coagulated volume); however, central reflectance from a lesion measured with a CCD camera confirmed the computed trends. These results provide a theoretical foundation for control of lesion thickness using reflectance images.
Modeling of Transformation Superplastic Forming of Ti Alloys

Transformation superplastic forming is an attractive alternative forming technique to microstructural superplastic forming, since it requires no special microstructures and, therefore, eliminates the limitation of superplastic forming capability to only expensive materials with stable high-temperature fine grains. Transformation superplasticity occurs through biasing the internal stress produced from an allotropic phase transformation by a small external stress. In this work, finite element modeling was implemented to study the transformation superplastic forming of domes from flat circular thin plate samples. The evolution and distribution of stress, strain, and dome thickness was analyzed in detail. The thickness distributions in the formed domes were compared with the theoretical predictions of two models, which assume different stress states in the domes. The appropriate stress state was identified through this comparison. Different gas pressure amplitudes were applied during forming to investigate the effect on the formed-dome apex height, when the forming time was fixed.
China's synthetic natural gas revolution

China has recently pushed for investments in large-scale coal-fuelled synthetic natural gas plants. The associated carbon emissions, water needs and wider environmental impacts are, however, mostly neglected and could lock the country into an unsustainable development path.
Understanding Soccer Team Supporters' Behavior and Culture in a Globalized Society from Social Learning Theory.

Whereas there have been many academic studies on European soccer team supporters, relatively few studies have looked at supporters in Asia, especially regarding their supporting behavior and culture. Broadly, the purpose of this paper is to describe the behavior and culture of supporters of the Korean professional soccer league (K-League). Specifically, this discourse is intended to reflect on the experiences of supporters who utilize the game of soccer to voice and express the ‘elite fandom’ they have observed, imitated and learned from European supporters. Drawing upon Bandura's social learning theory, this paper focuses on modeling and imitating concepts as a conceptual guide to grasp the behavior and cultures of these supporters.
Dipole orientation in a liquid-crystal polymer: a study by electric field FTIR

Le polymere etudie est un polycondensat de 40 mol% de polyethylene terephtalate et de 60 mol% d'acide p-acetoxybenzoique
Lessons of the Crash of 1987

In the light of the Crash of 1987, should the regulation of financial markets be changed? Charles Seeger of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, reviews, amongst others, the Brady Commission report on the working of the American markets and concludes that little good would be done by more regulation.
Hydrogen abstraction dynamics in solution studied by picosecond infrared spectroscopy.

Abstract Solution-phase bimolecular reactions are observed directly for the first time using transient infrared absorption spectroscopy. Laser photolysis of Cl 2 using a UV pulse at 355 nm creates chlorine radicals in neat cyclohexane solution and initiates a hydrogen abstraction reaction to form HCl or DCl (in deuterated solvent) as products. Picosecond infrared pulses at 3.3 or 5 μm probe the vibrational state populations to determine the time development of the product formation. The observed reaction rate of HCl formation is (5.6 ± 1) × 10 9 M −1 s −1 , which is approximately 14±6 times slower than previously reported gas-phase kinetic results.
Extracellular matrix regulation of inflammation in the healthy and injured spinal cord

Throughout the body, the extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structure and organization to tissues and also helps regulate cell migration and intercellular communication. In the injured spinal cord (or brain), changes in the composition and structure of the ECM undoubtedly contribute to regeneration failure. Less appreciated is how the native and injured ECM influences intraspinal inflammation and, conversely, how neuroinflammation affects the synthesis and deposition of ECM after CNS injury. In all tissues, inflammation can be initiated and propagated by ECM disruption. Molecules of ECM newly liberated by injury or inflammation include hyaluronan fragments, tenascins, and sulfated proteoglycans. These act as "damage-associated molecular patterns" or "alarmins", i.e., endogenous proteins that trigger and subsequently amplify inflammation. Activated inflammatory cells, in turn, further damage the ECM by releasing degradative enzymes including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). After spinal cord injury (SCI), destabilization or alteration of the structural and chemical compositions of the ECM affects migration, communication, and survival of all cells - neural and non-neural - that are critical for spinal cord repair. By stabilizing ECM structure or modifying their ability to trigger the degradative effects of inflammation, it may be possible to create an environment that is more conducive to tissue repair and axon plasticity after SCI.
Race, Class, and Gender and the Impact of Racial Segregation on Black-White Income Inequality

African Americans have yet to achieve parity with whites in terms of income. A growing number of studies have identified several factors that have influenced the size of the racial gap, which has been found to vary by social class status and gender as well as across space. While most research has examined these factors separately, they may interact with each other in shaping racial inequality. Using an intersectional approach with a multilevel model, this study focuses on the impact of residential segregation and social class on racial differences in earnings for men and women. Findings indicate that (1) earning differences between African Americans remain after controls for socioeconomic status, gender, and other control variables; (2) racial differences increase with rising social class status; (3) segregation increases the disparity between African American and white males; and (4) among males only, segregation worsens the disparity that increases with rising social class.
Contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance angiography of carotid arterial wall in pigs

This study was designed to investigate the effects of contrast agents on MR images of balloon-injured carotid arteries containing atherosclerotic-like lesions. We have evaluated an intravascular contrast agent, MS-325 (METASYN INC., Cambridge, MA) and an extravascular contrast agent, Optimark, (Mallinckrodt Medical Inc., St. Louis, MO) on MR angiograms obtained 4 weeks after balloon hyperinflation-induced injury of the left common carotid artery in 12 hypercholesterolemic minipigs. High in-plane resolution (.8 x .4 mm2), thin slice (1 mm) time-of-flight gradient echo sequences were used to acquire the MR angiographic images. Vascular lumen definition was compared before and after a single bolus intravenous injection of a contrast agent. Digital subtraction angiograms were obtained from all pigs after MR imaging. High grade stenosis developed in 1 of the 12 pigs and five pigs had complete occlusion of the injured vessel. The remaining pigs exhibited essentially no visible stenoses as assessed either by MR angiography or digital subtraction angiography. The vessel walls of the stenosed and occluded vessels were visible after the injection of either intravascular or extravascular contrast agent. Histologic analyses showed well developed neovascularization in the neointima or occlusive thrombosis. We conclude that the observed contrast-enhanced vessel wall is caused by an increased vascular supply associated with thrombosis and neointimal thickening that leads to an accumulation of contrast agent in the abnormal vessel walls after the injection of the T1-shortening paramagnetic contrast agent.
Comments on "A Law of Information Growth"

Notes added in proof of an earlier paper on an empirical "law" of information growth in evolution, and in response to questions raised therein.
Phylogenetic Relationships Among Pediastrum sPP. and Hydrodictyon sPP.

Within the class Chlorophyceae, the family Hydrodictyaceae (order Sphaeropleales) consists of taxa that form flat or net-like coenobia and reproduce asexually by way of biflagellated zoospores. Two taxa within this family, Pediastrum and Hydrodictyon, share many features during development, especially the manner of daughter colony formation. The colonies of Pediastrum differ from Hydrodictyon in that growth is planar resulting in two-dimensional colonies, while three-dimensional nets are formed in Hydrodictyon. Studies of the Chlorophyceae using morphological and ultrastructural data, as well as molecular sequence data, have supported the close relationship of Pediastrum and Hydrodictyon and they have remained in the family Hydrodictyaceae throughout major classification revisions. However, in these studies only single species of Pediastrum (P. duplex) and Hydrodictyon (H. reticulatum) were included, therefore the exact relationship of these two taxa could not be explored. Preliminary molecular data from a second species of Pediastrum, P. boryanum, indicate that Hydrodictyon may be derived from Pediastrum. In this analysis, H. reticulatum resolves as sister taxon to P. duplex with P. boryanum the ancestral taxon. Further molecular studies of the family Hydrodictyaceae allow exploration of the relationships between Pediastrum spp. and Hydrodictyon spp., and assist in determining whether they are monophyletic. Preliminary analyses include H. reticulatum and H. africanum and several species of Pediastrum, P. duplex, P. boryanum, P. tetras, P. biradiatum and P. simplex. An understanding of the phylogenetic relationships among the species of Pediastrum and Hydrodictyon will allow a more complete comparison of colony formation.
A method for imputing missing data in longitudinal studies

Abstract Purpose In a cohort in which racial data are unknown for some persons, race-specific persons and person-years are imputed using a model-based iterative allocation algorithm (IAA). Methods An EM algorithm-based approach to address misclassification in a censored data regression setting can be adapted to estimate the probability that a person of unknown race is white. The corresponding race-specific person-years are obtained as a by-product of the estimation procedure. Variance estimates are computed using the bootstrap. The proposed approach is compared with the proportional allocation method (PAM). Results In an occupational cohort where racial data were missing for 41% of the workers, the age-time-race-specific person-years were estimated within a relative variation of approximately 20%, using the IAA. The deaths were less reliably estimated. The standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) for all-cause mortality estimated using the IAA and the PAM were more similar for the non-white workers than for a smaller subgroup of white workers. Conclusions The IAA provides a method to reliably estimate race-specific person-year denominators in cohort studies with missing racial data. This method is applicable to other incompletely observed non–time-dependent categorical covariates. Internal cohort rates or SMRs can be computed and modeled, with bootstrap confidence intervals that account for the uncertainty in the determination of race.
Negotiating Provisions Defining the Crime of Aggression, its Elements and the Conditions for ICC Exercise of Jurisdiction Over It

In February 2009, the International Criminal Court's Special Working Group on the Crime of Aggression concluded its efforts to draft the �provision� called for in Article 5(2) of the Rome Statute �defining the crime [of aggression] and setting out the conditions under which the Court shall exercise jurisdiction with respect to this crime�. It produced two draft Articles: Article 8bis, the �definition�, and Article 15bis, the �conditions�. There was substantial agreement on the definition (and on �Elements� of the crime produced in June 2009); there was much disagreement concerning the conditions. The author examines the most significant drafting issues. For the definition, these include: applying General Assembly Resolution 3314 to individual responsibility; articulating the �leadership� nature of this crime; the threshold requirement that the violation of the United Nations Charter be �manifest�; and consistency with provisions in the Statute, especially those in the �general part�. In respect of conditions, the difficult issue surrounds the role of the Security Council and the many variations on that theme in draft Article 15bis. The contribution concludes with a fundamental procedural question: can the amendment be applied erga omnes or does it apply only to those states specifically accepting it?
Shades of gray—the impact of gray markets on authorized distribution channels

Gray markets refer to the diversion of unauthorized products from a market or channel with low prices to another market or channel with higher prices. In this paper, we study the effects of gray markets on the profitability of distribution channel members under different channel structures with different parallel importer identities. We show that a manufacturer can benefit from parallel importation by a third party or by an authorized dealer. However, channel structure is critical in determining both who benefits and the mechanism by which this benefit occurs. In addition, we show whether the parallel importer is a third party or a retailer has significant effects on channel members’ profits. Although this research is motivated by international marketing practices, the modeling approach and the results apply more generally to cases where a manufacturer sells to different customer segments at different prices.
Esterified Estrogens With and Without Methyltestosterone Decrease Arterial LDL Metabolism in Cynomolgus Monkeys

Although both epidemiological and experimental evidence suggests that estrogen replacement therapy reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, the mechanisms for this beneficial effect are largely unknown. Furthermore, the addition of progestins or androgens to estrogen replacement therapy is of concern. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of esterified estrogens alone or in combination with an androgen on arterial LDL metabolism and early atherogenesis in ovariectomized female cynomolgus monkeys. Arterial LDL metabolism was assessed by using dual-labeled LDL that was injected 24 hours before necropsy. Arterial LDL degradation was reduced by 64% to 84% and cholesteryl ester content was decreased by approximately 50% in the thoracic aorta in both treatment groups compared with controls. In addition, aortic lipid peroxidation products, as assessed by thiobarbituric acid reaction, were significantly lower in animals treated with esterified estrogens, with a similar trend for combined estrogen-androgen treatment. Both treatments also reduced plasma concentrations of apoB-containing lipoproteins, reduced LDL particle size, and increased total-body LDL catabolism. The combination of decreased arterial LDL metabolism, decreased arterial lipid peroxidation, and improved plasma lipoprotein metabolism may explain some of the protective effects of estrogens on coronary heart disease and indicate that beneficial actions extend to a combination of estrogen and androgen.
Some remarks on bayes solutions to the inventory problem

A functional equation is described for the inventory problem in which the demand distribution contains an unknown parameter with a known a priori distribution. If the demand distribution is a member of the exponential family, then the minimum cost is a function of two variables: current stock and past mean demand. Some properties of the optimum policies are described, and some conditions are given which imply that the functional equation can be reduced to one involving functions of one variable only. Under these conditions, the computation of optimal policies becomes no more difficult than the corresponding computation with a known demand distribution.