cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum induces fetal acidosis in a pregnant ewe model.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiologic consequences of a pneumoperitoneum (pneumo) to the midterm fetus in a pregnant sheep model. The performance of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) during pregnancy is controversial. The primary concern regarding the safety of LC during pregnancy is the physiologic consequences of the CO2 pneumo to the fetus. Eight ewes with singlet pregnancies between 100 and 120 days of gestation were anesthetized and intubated. Carotid artery and internal jugular catheters were placed in the ewe and in the fetus. Two trocars were placed through the abdominal wall of the ewe and the abdomen was inflated with CO2 or N2O at 15 mmHg pressure for 90–120 min. Hemodynamic and blood gas data were obtained every 15 min before, during, and after the pneumo. In two ewes attempts were made to keep maternal Pco2 constant with hyperventilation. In two other animals the pneumo was increased stepwise in five mmHg increments to 25 mmHg. One fetus succumbed during the CO2 pneumo, but this animal appeared to be ill during the establishment of invasive monitoring. Fetal respiratory acidosis occurred, reproducibly, after establishment of CO2 pneumo but did not occur before insufflation or under N2O pneumo (P<0.0001). Hemodynamic changes were minimal with all agents but it appeared that there a was greater prevalence of fetal tachycardia and hypertension during CO2 pneumo than during N2O pneumo. Alterations in ventilator settings based on maternal capnography resulted in late and incomplete correction of respiratory acidosis. Despite clinical reports of successful LC during pregnancy, significant respiratory acidosis may be induced in the fetus with CO2 pneumo. Alternative gases (e.g., N2O) or abdominal suspension devices may be preferable to CO2 when performing laparoscopy in pregnant patients.
The cerebellar projection from the raphe nuclei in the cat as studied with the method of retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase

Following injections of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) in the cerebellar cortex and nuclei of the cat, the distribution of labeled cells in the raphe nuclei was mapped. The findings confirm those made previously in studies of retrograde cell degeneration following cerebellar ablations (Brodal et al., 1960a), and in addition reveal new details in the projection of the raphe nuclei onto the cerebellar cortex and nuclei.
Androgen treatment of male hypogonadism in older males

The treatment of primary and secondary hypogonadism with testosterone is well established. Recently, there has been increased awareness that low testosterone levels also occur in chronically ill persons and aging males. Because of sex hormone binding globulin changes, it is more appropriate to make the diagnosis using either free or bioavailable testosterone. A small number of controlled studies have suggested that testosterone replacement in older men improves libido, quality of erections, some aspects of cognition, muscle mass, muscles strength, and bone mineral density. It also decreases fat mass and leptin levels. A number of screening questionnaires for the andropause have been developed. Insufficient numbers of older men have been treated with testosterone to characterize the true incidence of side effects. There is a desperate need for well designed, large controlled trials to establish the value or otherwise of testosterone treatment in older males.
Protein-induced water 1H MR frequency shifts: contributions from magnetic susceptibility and exchange effects.

Abstract Defining the biophysics underlying the remarkable MRI phase contrast reported in high field MRI studies of human brain would lead to more quantitative image analysis and more informed pulse sequence development. Toward this end, the dependence of water 1 H resonance frequency on protein concentration was investigated using bovine serum albumin (BSA) as a model system. Two distinct mechanisms were found to underlie a water 1 H resonance frequency shift: (i) a protein-concentration-induced change in bulk magnetic susceptibility, causing a shift to lower frequency, and (ii) exchange of water between chemical-shift distinct environments, i.e., free (bulk water) and protein-associated (“bound”) water, including freely exchangeable 1 H sites on proteins, causing a shift to higher frequency. At 37 °C the amplitude of the exchange effect is roughly half that of the susceptibility effect.
Growth of epitaxial GaN on LiGaO2 substrates via a reaction with ammonia

Oriented GaN and LixGa(2−x)O2xN2(1−x) thin films were found to grow on LiGaO2 single-crystal (001) substrates via a reaction between ammonia (or reactive ammonia species) and substrate components at temperatures between 700 and 1000 °C. The compound LixGa(2−x)O2xN2(1−x), where x was determined to be ≈0.35, is a solid solution formed from a partial reaction of ammonia with the LiGaO2 substrate. Negligible lithium (i.e., x ≈ ≈ 0) was detected in the films formed with a constant high flow rate (164 cm3/min) of ammonia, indicating a complete reaction with the LiGaO2 single crystal. The growth of a partial surface film and surface pitting suggests a vapor reaction (via loss of LiNH2 or LiOH, and nitridation of Ga2O) similar to that observed when semiconductor grade reacts with N2 to form Si3N4. The resultant films have either a wurtzite structure or one approaching the wurtzite structure. Both films form on the substrate with the same orientation as the LiGaO2.
Masses of new particles containing b quarks

Ranges of predicted masses for as yet unseen particles containing {ital b} quarks are obtained and compared with previous estimates. Nonrelativistic models are found to yield likely values in the ranges {ital M}({ital B}{sub {ital s}})=5345--5388 MeV, {ital M}({ital B}{sub {ital s}}{sup *})=5400--5433 MeV, {ital M}({ital B}{sub {ital c}})=6194--6292 MeV, {ital M}({ital B}{sub {ital c}}{sup *})=6284--6357 MeV, {ital M}({Lambda}{sub {ital b}})=5600--5630 MeV, with {Sigma}{sub {ital b}} and {Sigma}{sub {ital b}}{sup *} not far above 5800 MeV.
Does Luck Exclude Control

Many think that luck excludes control—roughly, that an event is lucky for you only if the event is beyond your control. Jennifer Lackey [2008] argues against such a requirement on luck. I show that Lackey's argument fails. I also consider a novel argument against such requirements that differs from—but ultimately fares no better than—Lackey's argument.
Certification in Critical Care Medicine

Excerpt Next November the American Board of Internal Medicine ABIM) will administer to qualified diplomates its first examination in critical care medicine. Certification of competence in critical ...
Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses of the pervasive developmental disorders rating scale for young children with autistic disorder.

In this study, the authors examined the construct validity of the Pervasive Developmental Disorder Rating Scale (PDDRS; R. C. Eaves, 1993), which is a screening instrument used to identify individuals with autistic disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders. The PDDRS is purported to measure 3 factors-arousal, affect, and cognition-that collectively make up the construct of autism. Using scores from 199 children (aged 1-6 years) diagnosed with autistic disorder, the authors submitted data to exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. In the 1st series of analyses, the authors analyzed a user-specified 3-factor solution using principal axis factor analysis with a promax rotation to evaluate the assertion of a correlated 3-factor structure. Next, the authors analyzed 1-factor and 2-factor solutions to determine if they provided a better factor structure for the data. In the 2nd series, the authors conducted confirmatory factor analyses, which compared the theorized hierarchical 2nd-order factor...
506 p53 Activation of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSC) Partially Abrogates Microenvironment-Mediated Resistance to FLT3 Inhibition in FLT3/ITD AML

Abstract 2151 Fms-like tyrosine kinase-3 (FLT3) inhibitors have recently been introduced to overcome the dismal prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with FLT3/ITD mutations. However, while ciculating blasts are rapidly eliminated, bone marrow (BM) responses are in general less impressive (Zhang et al., JCI 2009). One potential explanation for the reduced bone marrow response compared to the striking activity against circulating blast cells may be microenvironmental resistance to FLT3 inhibitors, including protection of FLT3/ITD+ blasts through the SDF-1 (CXCL12)/CXCR4 axis (Zeng et al., BLOOD 2009) and novel strategies to overcome microenvironmental resistance may further enhance the clinical benefit of FLT3 inhibitors. Here we investigated the role of p53 in bone marrow stromal cells in stromal cell-mediated resistance to FLT3 inhibition in FLT3/ITD AML. We confirmed that Mdm2-p53 interaction and mutant FLT3 signaling in leukemic blasts were inhibited by the Mdm2 inhibitor Nutlin-3a and the selective FLT3 inhibitor FI-700, respectively, as previously reported (Kojima et al., BLOOD 2004; Kojima et al., LEUKEMIA 2009). BM samples were obtained from normal individuals or from FLT3/ITD AML patients with more than 70% leukemia cells after informed consent. BM-derived stromal cells were seeded in 12-well plates in MEM-alpha medium and exposed to Nutlin-3a for 24 hours, gamma-irradiated (2 Gy), or treated with 100 nM doxorubicin. The wells were then washed three times and AML cells were added. Cell cycle distribution was determined by propidium iodide staining and apoptosis by Annexin V binding. In FLT3/ITD AML cell lines and primary cells, apoptosis was induced by FI-700, but apoptosis induction was diminished under stromal coculture conditions (43.2 ± 0.5% versus 17.0 ± 1.2% in MOLM-13; p Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Ultrastructure of 40-Million-Year-Old Insect Tissue

Examination of the ultrastructure of preserved tissue in the abdomen of a fossil fly (Mycetophilidae: Diptera) entombed in Baltic amber revealed recognizable cell organelles. Structures that corresponded to muscle fibers, nuclei, ribosomes, lipid droplets, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondria were identified with the transmission electron microscope. Preservation was attributed to inert dehydration as well as the presence of compounds in the original sap which functioned as natural fixatives. This evidence of cell organelles in fossilized soft tissues represent an extreme form of mummification since Baltic amber is considered to have formed about 40 million years ago.
Molecular Epidemiologic Comparison of 2 Unusual Clusters of Group A Streptococcal Necrotizing Fasciitis in Hawaii

Two clusters of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) due to group A streptococcus (GAS) were identified on the Hawaiian islands of Kauai and Maui during 1997 and 2002, respectively. The emm gene sequence types and the pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns were determined for 6 isolates recovered from patients with NF and for 116 isolates recovered from patients with temporally associated community-acquired GAS infection. No predominant emm type was identified, and the emm types of 64 (52.5%) of the isolates were considered to be uncommon in the continental United States. These findings suggest that unusual emm types might be responsible for invasive GAS infections in patients from Hawaii.
Who wears the pants here? The policing of women's dress in nineteenth‐century England, Germany and France

(1993). Who wears the pants here? The policing of women's dress in nineteenth‐century England, Germany and France. Nineteenth-Century Contexts: Vol. 17, No. 1, pp. 17-33.
Mortality in North Korean migrant households: a retrospective study.

Summary Background A deteriorating economy, coupled with a series of natural disasters in 1995–97, led to a severe food crisis in North Korea. Although the country has received substantial international aid since 1996, demographic assessments of crisis impact have been limited. We assessed mortality trends in North Korea since 1995. Methods At 15 randomly selected sites in China, 440 North Korean adult migrants were interviewed during July-September, 1998. Respondents were asked about births, deaths, and migration patterns in their households between mid-1994 and mid-1998, and about household food sources. The respondents also provided basic demographic information about the households of their relatives. We compared mortality rates from migrant households with data from the 1993 census and with data about households of non-migrant relatives. Findings Households that included a recent migrant to China showed increasing mortality: crude death rates rose from 28·9 per 1000 in 1995, to 45·6 per 1000 in 1996, and to 56·0 per 1000 in 1997 (p=0·0001), with a 3-year average rate of 42·8 per 1000. The crude 3-year birth rate was 11·0 per 1000. Average household size declined from 4·0 at the beginning of 1995 to 3·4 at the end of 1997 (p=0·0002). Among 259 households of non-migrant relatives, the crude death rate was 43·2 per 1000 and the crude birth rate was 8·8 per 1000. In these households, the 3-year trend of increasing mortality was significant (p=0·001), as was the decline in average household size from 4·3 at the beginning of 1995 to 3·7 at the end of 1997 (p=0·0001). Interpretation Among North Korean households that include a recent migrant to China, mortality has increased and household size has declined since 1995. This trend raises concern about the state of the general population, at least in the province of North Hamkyong, from where most of the migrants originated.
Patterned Permalloy and Barium Strontium Titanate Thin Film Enabled Tunable Slow Wave Elements for Compact Multi-Band RF Applications

We have designed and proposed tunable slow wave RF elements enabled with patterned Permalloy (Py) and barium strontium titanate (BST) nano thin films. A slow wave element structure with discontinuous signal width is designed and implemented in an IBM 45 nm CMOS technology. Effects of pitch length and signal width ratio on slow wave effects are discussed. Inductance variations of Py embedded transmission lines for different dc levels are studied, and capacitance variations of BST thin film are investigated and measured. Results show that the designed slow wave element can have both 2:1 inductance and capacitance tuning ratio with 50 mA dc current and 5 V voltage applied respectively. Multi-band, multi-functionality RF components with miniaturized size can be achieved using this design.
Cognitive Strategy Instruction in Mathematics for Students with Learning Disabilities

This article provides a context for understanding and using cognitive strategy instruction to improve students' performance in mathematics. The theoretical and research base for strategy instruction is reviewed, and characteristics of students who have difficulties in mathematics are discussed from a developmental perspective. Then, a practical illustration of cognitive strategy instruction used to assess and teach mathematical problem solving to middle school students with learning disabilities is presented.
Ordering of nanostressors on free-standing silicon nanomembranes and nanoribbons

Epitaxial growth of self-assembled quantum dots (QDs) on single- crystal nanomembranes yields organized arrays of QDs via a growth mode mediated by QD-induced strains in the membrane. A crucial aspect of this effect arises because epitaxial growth on thin Si sheets and nanostructures derived from them can occur simultaneously on two surfaces separated only by the 10-nm-scale thickness of the membrane. A QD on one surface of a free-standing membrane causes the nucleation of QDs in specific positions on the opposite surface. Control experiments using molecular beam epitaxy to deposit QDs on a single surface do not yield long-range order. Through-membrane elastic interactions consistent with predictions from finite-element-based mechanics models are observed using synchrotron x-ray microdiffraction. The role of crystallographic anisotropy is evident in finite-element predictions of the strains that bias the nucleation events. The scaling of the dot spacing with membrane thickness is consistent with the spacing of nucleation sites predicted using the mechanical model.
Is Hsp90 a regulator of evolvability

In a recent paper, Rutherford and Lindquist (1998. Nature 396:336-342) identi- fied mutations in the Hsp90 protein that act to unmask hidden genetic variation with a variety of phenotypic effects. The Hsp90 protein has a number of properties that suggest a role in regulating the expression of genetic variation and therefore in adjusting the evolvability of the organism. In this paper we reflect upon the evolutionary feasibility of such mechanisms and suggest some pos- sible ways of testing the adaptation-for-evolvability hypothesis in more detail. We conclude that Hsp90 holds promise as a molecular model system for the evolution of evolvability. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 285:116-118, 1999. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc. It has long been known that the sensitivity of an organism's phenotype to environmental and ge- netic factors (phenotypic variability sensu Wagner and Altenberg, '96) is genetically regulated. In- deed, mutations with major phenotypic effects such as Scute in Drosophila and Tabby in mice unmask hidden genetic variation, which indicates the increased sensitivity of the mutant phenotype to genetic variation (Scharloo, '91). Similarly, ex- treme environmental conditions can also unmask genetic variation for traits (Hoffmann and Par- sons, '97). In a recent paper, Rutherford and Lindquist ('98) have provided one of the first glimpses into the molecular mechanisms that un- derlie the genetic regulation of phenotypic vari- ability. They have shown that loss of function mutations at the Drosophila Hsp83 locus (encod- ing the heat-shock protein Hsp90) lead to an in- crease in the genetic variation of a number of phenotypic traits. Hsp90 is a highly conserved molecular chaper- one that, in addition to participating in the cell stress-response system by helping to refold dena- tured proteins, also has a more specific role in sig- nal transduction. Through repeated low-affinity interactions, Hsp90 keeps inherently unstable pro- teins involved in signal transduction pathways poised for action. Presumably, the rampant devel- opmental disturbances observed in Hsp83 loss-of- function mutants, or by chemically inhibiting Hsp90 protein function, result from destabilized signal-transduction pathways that are less robust against genetic and environmental perturbations. Rutherford and Lindquist have shown that some of the exposed developmental changes are heritable and that it is possible to reinforce these variants
Young sea ice signatures in the deep Arctic during the fall freeze-up

The authors performed radar backscatter measurements early in the fall freeze-up as part of the 1991 International Arctic Ocean Expedition (IAOE'91) to investigate the ability of observing and distinguishing between young sea ice types with radar. Measurements were taken at all four linear polarizations (VV, HH, VH, HV) with a C-band FM-CW radar system built at The University of Kansas Radar Systems and Remote Sensing Laboratory (RSL). A number of young ice types were investigated during IAOE'91. These included light nilas, dark nilas, and pancake and slush sea ice types. Monitoring the early stages of sea ice growth is vital because the changing sea ice cover controls the heat exchange between the ocean and air. New ice growth is also responsible for adding brine into the upper portion of the water column. Thin sea ice also significantly affects the albedo of the surface as it changes from a sea surface to an ice surface. These radar measurements indicate that for spaceborne radar sensors such as the ERS-1 SAR and the Canadian RADARSAT SAR to be able to observe dark nilas ice they must be able to measure /spl sigmasup 0/ as low as -30 dB for VV polarization (ERS-1) and -34 dB for HH polarization (RADARSAT). The ERS-1 SAR should be able to observe slightly older sea ice types, such as light nilas and pancake ice, due to the higher backscatter from these ice types. To observe the cross-polarized response of these young ice formations a radar sensor must be capable of measuring /spl sigmasup 0/ values as low as -35 to -50 dB. >
Expression of Heat Shock Protein 70 and Heat Shock Cognate 70 Messenger RNAs in Rat Cortex and Cerebellum After Heat Shock or Amphetamine Treatment

The expression of strictly inducible hsp70 mRNAs and constitutively expressed hsc70 mRNAs was compared in cerebellum and cerebral cortex of control rats, heat-shocked rats, and rats made hyperthermic with amphetamine. An hsc70-specific oligonucleotide probe identified a 2.55-kb mRNA in cerebellum and cerebral cortex of all rats. An hsp70-specific oligonucleotide probe identified a 3.05-kb mRNA and a 3.53-kb mRNA in cerebellum and cerebral cortex of heat-shocked and amphetamine-treated rats, but not in control rats. Quantitation demonstrated that both hsp70 and hsc70 mRNA levels, relative to 18S rRNA levels, were increased following each treatment. The relative levels of both mRNAs were higher in cerebellum than in cerebral cortex. In amphetamine-treated rats, hsc70 mRNA relative levels increased at body temperatures greater than 39 degrees C, whereas hsp70 mRNA synthesis was induced at temperatures greater than 40 degrees C. Total thermal response values and relative levels of both mRNAs were compared. The results suggested that both the transcription and turnover of hsp70 mRNAs differed between cerebellum and cerebral cortex. At equivalent total thermal response values, amphetamine-treated rats had higher relative levels of hsp70 mRNAs than heat-shocked rats, suggesting that amphetamine enhanced the induction of hsp70 mRNAs.
GATE Simulation of a BGO Based High Sensitivity Small Animal PET Scanner

A BGO based small animal PET scanner dedicated for imaging small rodent was simulated by GATE. The virtual PET scanner had the same ring diameter, axial field of view (FOV) and crystal arrangement as the LSO based Siemens Inveon PET system, but was simulated with varied crystal lengths. The simulated system sensitivity was 11.6%, 19.3% and 25.5% for 10, 15 and 20 mm BGO at an energy window of 250-750 keV. The spatial resolution was measured at radial offsets of 0, 15 and 28 mm from the center of the FOV for the three crystal thicknesses. The FWHM in the radial and tangential directions was below 2.5 mm and 1.8 mm respectively for all three crystal thicknesses, up to a 30 mm diameter FOV. Scatter fraction and count rate performance were measured using a line source inserted in a water cylinder 70 mm long and 25 mm diameter for the 20 mm BGO system. The maximum NECR was 0.99 Mcps at 24 MBq and the phantom scatter fraction was 4.5% with an energy window of 250-750 keV and a timing window of 12 ns. The BGO based PET scanner was compared with the Inveon and the microPET Focus 220 systems. With the same crystal thickness, the BGO scanner had higher system sensitivity than the LSO and further improvement in sensitivity can be achieved by using thicker crystals without sacrificing much spatial resolution. Both radial and tangential resolutions were comparable to the LSO based systems. At the evaluated energy window of 250-750 keV, the phantom scatter fraction was similar to the Inveon system, while the crystal scatter fraction was about 10% lower. The maximum NECR was lower than Inveon and was achieved at a lower activity level. Simulation of the BGO PET scanner proved the design concept of a high sensitivity small animal PET scanner, with comparable spatial resolution, similar phantom scatter fraction, and acceptable count rate performance.
Diffusion-weighted imaging provides support for secondary neuronal damage from intraparenchymal hematoma

It is controversial whether an intracerebral hematoma (ICH) causes ischemia of surrounding brain. By virtue of its high sensitivity to acute cerebral infarction, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) helps answer this question. We used this technique to assess the parenchyma surrounding ICH for restricted diffusion. Echoplanar DWI (b 1000 s/mm2) and conventional MRI sequences were performed in 30 subjects (symptom duration 7–75 h) with primary ICH, mean volume: 13±15 cm3. We calculated mean apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) within high signal regions around the hematoma on DWI or T2-weighted images and within the ICH itself, comparing them to the contralateral brain. We used the Student's t -test to examine for differences between these regions and linear regression to relate changes to the age of the ICH. A thin rim of high signal on DWI and a wider rim on T2-weighted images surrounded all hematomas. The ADC within the rim on DWI showed a maximum reduction of 40%, in two patients imaged within 10 h of symptom onset. They rose during the first day (r2=0.84; P <0.03) and then showed a mild decrease, becoming the same as ADC in other areas of the brain (r2=0.5; P <0.03). The rim on T2-weighting showed a mean increase of 50% and ADC within the ICH were reduced by a mean of 38%; these variations showed no relationship with ICH age and no group showed any relationship with ICH size. The ADC within the three regions was significantly different from each other. The presence of restricted diffusion in the parenchyma surrounding ICH provides support for secondary neuronal damage.
The sensitivity of yeast mutants to oleic acid implicates the peroxisome and other processes in membrane function.

The peroxisome, sole site of β-oxidation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is known to be required for optimal growth in the presence of fatty acid. Screening of the haploid yeast deletion collection identified ∼130 genes, 23 encoding peroxisomal proteins, necessary for normal growth on oleic acid. Oleate slightly enhances growth of wild-type yeast and inhibits growth of all strains identified by the screen. Nonperoxisomal processes, among them chromatin modification by H2AZ, Pol II mediator function, and cell-wall-associated activities, also prevent oleate toxicity. The most oleate-inhibited strains lack Sap190, a putative adaptor for the PP2A-type protein phosphatase Sit4 (which is also required for normal growth on oleate) and Ilm1, a protein of unknown function. Palmitoleate, the other main unsaturated fatty acid of Saccharomyces, fails to inhibit growth of the sap190Δ, sit4Δ, and ilm1Δ strains. Data that suggest that oleate inhibition of the growth of a peroxisomal mutant is due to an increase in plasma membrane porosity are presented. We propose that yeast deficient in peroxisomal and other functions are sensitive to oleate perhaps because of an inability to effectively control the fatty acid composition of membrane phospholipids.
Optical phase locking of a 2.86-GHz harmonically mode-locked free-electron laser

We have phase locked the picosecond optical pulse train from the Mark III free-electron laser at the 2.86-GHz rf frequency, using a Michelson resonator to couple adjacent intracavity pulses, and have externally filtered a single axial mode from the optical spectrum at 3 μm, using a solid etalon in series with a monochrometer. The interpulse phase coherence is manifest in the optical spectrum as a reduction in the number of axial modes per rf band and was confirmed with a spectrum analyzer capable of distinguishing adjacent modes. The high-power resonator employed a sapphire beam splitter of novel design and yielded a peak single-mode output power of 28 W and an average unfiltered macropulse power of 3 kW with a frequency stability appropriate for high-resolution spectroscopy. We demonstrate stable, interferometric tuning of the axial modes and also measure the detuning and desynchronism properties of the resonator to be in complete agreement with previous theoretical analyses.
On feedback invariants for linear dynamical systems

Abstract The goal of this paper is to prove that, if R is a commutative ring containing a (non-zero) finitely generated maximal ideal M containing its annihilator, such that every unit of R/ M lifts to a unit of R , then the category of reachable systems over R is “wild” in the sense of classical representation theory. From this it follows that a canonical form for a reachable system over a PID is not likely to be found. More specifically, canonical forms are unlikely to be found for systems over Z and k[T] , when k is a field.
Update on sentinel lymph node biopsy in gynecologic cancers

The sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) holds the promise of more accurate staging of the primary tumor and fewer wound complications and lymphedema than associated with lymphadenectomy. Regional lymphadenectomy may no longer be a requirement in SLNB-negative patients if the SLN procedure is adequately validated in prospective clinical trials for gynecologic malignancies.
Particle and gas dry deposition: A review

Abstract Published numerical values of particle and gas dry deposition velocities are summarized, but results have not been generalized. The deposition velocities for particles range over three orders of magnitude and the deposition velocities for gases range over four orders of magnitude. For numerical prediction purposes, a model developed by Sehmel and Hodgson is recommended.
MicroRNA control in the development of systemic autoimmunity

Mammalian immune responses are intended to eradicate microbial pathogens and thus protect individuals from the harmful effects of such infections. However, unresolved inflammation can be devastating to the host and cause tissue damage and organ malfunction. Immune responses can even mistakenly target self-antigens and mediate autoimmune inflammation. Consequently, a variety of cellular and molecular mechanisms have evolved to control the inflammatory responses, and many of these safeguards or triggers are perturbed in the setting of autoimmunity. In this review, we discuss the emerging roles of cellular non-coding RNAs, and in particular microRNAs (miRNAs), in the regulation of autoimmune inflammation. How miRNAs function to impact the onset, magnitude, and resolution of inflammatory responses and recent observations regarding links between miRNAs and specific autoimmune disorders will be addressed. Finally, the diagnostic and therapeutic relevance of miRNAs involved in autoimmunity will be considered. It is clear that, taken together, mammalian miRNAs are integral to the pathogenesis of mammalian autoimmune diseases and may be effective targets of next-generation therapeutics aimed at eradicating tissue inflammation.
The Responsibilities of Lead Lawyers and Judges in Multi-District Litigations

Recent developments in multi-district litigations (MDLs) raise interesting and important questions about the responsibilities of lead attorneys and judges. Increasingly, lead attorneys use their control of settlement negotiations to enrich themselves. In a prior article co-authored with Professor Geoffrey P. Miller, I argued that this conduct violates lead lawyers’ duties. But judges approve and encourage this behavior instead of reining it in.Judge Eldon E. Fallon, who presides over the massive Vioxx MDL, found my critique of the lead lawyers’ conduct in that MDL unconvincing. In an order on common benefit fees and costs, he explained why, in his view, the self-enriching actions of the lead attorneys were appropriate. He also criticized the proposal Professor Miller and I set out for selecting and compensating lead lawyers in MDLs. When doing so, he relied on a draft study by Carolyn Dubay, formerly a researcher at the Federal Judicial Center (FJC), who also found our proposal wanting. In this Article, I describe Fallon’s and Dubay’s criticisms and respond to them. The analysis builds on my work with Professor Miller and also on the article in this issue I co-authored with Professor Lynn Baker. I encourage readers to become familiar with those writings before tackling this one.
Behavioral economic analysis of opioid consumption in heroin-dependent individuals: Effects of alternative reinforcer magnitude and post-session drug supply

Abstract This study investigated the extent to which hydromorphone (HYD) choice and behavioral economic demand were influenced by HYD unit price (UP), alternative money reinforcement magnitude and post-session HYD supply. Heroin-dependent research volunteers ( n = 13) stabilized on buprenorphine 8 mg/day first sampled two HYD doses (12 and 24 mg IM, labeled Drug A [session 1] and Drug B [session 2]). In each of the final six sessions, volunteers were given access to a 12-trial choice progressive ratio (PR) task and could earn a HYD unit dose (2 mg, fixed) or money ($2 or $4, varied across sessions), administered immediately after the work session. Before the PR task, volunteers were told which HYD supplemental dose (none, Drug A or B) would be available 3 h after receiving the PR-contingent dose. PR-contingent HYD choice significantly decreased when $4 relative to $2 was concurrently available. Information about the post-session HYD supplement moderated this effect: when subjects were told a supplemental dose was available, HYD-seeking behavior decreased when the money alternative was smaller ($2), but this information did not further attenuate HYD choice, which was already low, when the money alternative was higher ($4). HYD demand elasticity was only increased by the $4 relative to $2 alternative without the HYD supplement. In summary, opioid-seeking behavior is influenced by the availability of concurrent non-drug and drug alternatives. These findings show that drug availability and non-drug alternatives interact to modulate drug-seeking behavior.
Soil C Accumulation in a White Oak CO2-Enrichment Experiment via Enhanced Root Production

Abstract After four growing seasons, soil below white oak trees exposed to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide levels (ambient + 300 ppm) had an average of 14% more soil carbon than soil below trees exposed to ambient levels of carbon dioxide. The soil carbon inventories in five soil cores collected from ambient chambers and six soil cores collected from elevated chambers at the Global Change Field Research Site, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, were measured. The authors conclude that the increase in soil carbon was due to an increase in belowground soil carbon input, because aboveground litter inputs were excluded by experimental design. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that elevated carbon dioxide levels are increasing the amount of carbon stored in soil.
Reversible coma and Duret hemorrhage after intracranial hypotension from remote lumbar spine surgery: case report

Intracranial hypotension is a rare condition caused by spontaneous or iatrogenic CSF leaks that alter normal CSF dynamics. Symptoms range from mild headaches to transtentorial herniation, coma, and death. Duret hemorrhages have been reported to occur in some patients with this condition and are traditionally believed to be associated with a poor neurological outcome. A 73-year-old man with a remote history of spinal fusion presented with syncope and was found to have small subdural hematomas on head CT studies. He was managed nonoperatively and discharged with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15, only to return 3 days later with obtundation, fixed downward gaze, anisocoria, and absent cranial nerve reflexes. A CT scan showed Duret hemorrhages and subtle enlargement of the subdural hematomas, though the hematomas remained too small to account for his poor clinical condition. Magnetic resonance imaging of the spine revealed a large lumbar pseudomeningocele in the area of prior fusion. His condition dramatically improved when he was placed in the Trendelenburg position and underwent repair of the pseudomeningocele. He was kept flat for 7 days and was ultimately discharged in good condition. On long-term follow-up, his only identifiable deficit was diplopia due to an internuclear ophthalmoplegia. Intracranial hypotension is a rare condition that can cause profound morbidity, including tonsillar herniation and brainstem hemorrhage. With proper identification and treatment of the CSF leak, patients can make functional recoveries.
Magnetic Properties of Vanadium Oxide Nanotubes, Nanourchins, and Nanorods.

A better understanding of magnetic interactions, charge distribution, and redox properties of vanadium oxide nanotubes (VONTs) is necessary for accurate structure and mechanism of formation determination. Magnetic properties have been determined for pristine and lithiated VONTs and for the VONTs arranged in nanourchin morphology. Presence of paramagnetic V4+ ions and V4+ ions coupled in magnetic dimers is found, and their amounts are estimated. Both lithiation and change of morphology to nanourchin destroy the spin-gap behavior, which indicate changes in charge distribution. No ferromagnetic response is observed in lithiated VONTs. Magnetic properties of vanadium oxide nanorods with δ-V4O10 structure are also characterized.
Power and Persuasion in Constitution Making: Constitutional Agenda-Setting During Transitions to Democracy

In this paper I argue that constitution making is a central arena of transitional politics. By discussing examples from recent transitions such as Egypt and historical transition processes such as South Africa, Poland and Brazil, I show that transitional politics seem to have an important constitutional dimension that so far has not been sufficiently considered.In a second step, I cast doubt on the conventional view in constitution making research that (elite) individual agency and preferences are solely responsible for constitutional outcomes such as constitutional rights. During the entire transition, because of the overall democratization context, elites have to legitimize and institutionalize their constitutional decision making democratically. To do so they engage in other constitutive practices such as constituency formation, the creation of representative relations to citizens, party formation, and electoral campaigning. During democratic constitution making, thus, drafters are at the same time party politicians and (partisan) representatives.Based on these considerations, I introduce an agenda-setting model of constitution making in which drafters, parliamentarians and popular agents are seen as constitutional rights initiators. According to this model a combination of the type of rights initiating agent, and the question whether the rights proposal becomes subject to partisan conflict determines the specific path the conflict over rejection or inclusion takes. I briefly illustrate this model with two examples of rights inclusion conflicts in the constitution making processes of Poland (1989-1997) and South Africa (1990-1996). In the end of the paper I derive four general conclusions on the political dynamics of, and agents involved in contemporary constitution making as part of democratic transitions.
Current and Future Trends in Drug Discovery and Development Related to Nicotinic Receptors

The potential of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) as therapeutic targets has evolved over the last 50 years. First focused on peripheral, muscle and ganglionic, therapeutics, it evolved toward more CNS focus, mainly thanks to the identification and cloning of various CNS nAChRs. A minimalistic approach was initially taken to identify drugs that worked on recombinant versions of the two main CNS nAChRs: the homomeric α7 and the heteromeric α4β2. From the early 1990s to the present, selective α4β2 agonists and modulators have been discovered. In the last decade highly selective α7 agonists and positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) have emerged. Unfortunately, success in the clinic has been limited. Improved understanding of the molecular nature of drug–receptor interactions, molecules with optimized pharmaceutical properties, biomarkers that reflect pharmacodynamic and clinical benefit, and foundational understanding of the underlying disease physiopathology are all needed for delivering the new nicotinic drugs of the twenty-first century. We here review advances in some of these areas, summarizing the growing evidence that CNS nAChRs represent a family of receptors with significant roles in human diseases and a strong potential for delivering much needed therapies to patients with unmet medical needs.
Abstract 515: Central Angiotensin (ang) (1-7) Inhibits the Sensitizing Effects of a Low Dose Ang Ii in Hypertension Produced by a Subsequent Slow Pressor Dose of Ang Ii in Male and Female Rats

Previous studies using an Induction-Delay-Expression (I-D-E) experimental design demonstrated that pre-treatment with ANG II for 1 week produces a sensitized hypertensive response to subsequent ANG...
Different damping responses explain vertical endpoint error differences between visual conditions

Upright people making goal-directed movements in dark environments often vertically undershoot remembered target locations when compared to performances in illuminated environments. In this study, we wanted to determine whether influences of the gravitational pull and/or type of muscle activation could explain differences in vertical endpoint precision between movements to visually remembered target locations with and without allocentric cues available. We also used a simple damping model for movement trajectories to describe potential differences in behavior between visual conditions. Subjects performed straight arm pointing movements to REAL target locations or remembered target locations in darkness (DARK) or normal room lighting (LIGHT). Performances were made from UPRIGHT and INVERTED (upside down) body orientations. Starting arm position (UP by the ear; DOWN on the thigh) also varied so that eccentric or concentric muscle contractions for arm flexion or extension movements occurred primarily along the earth-fixed vertical either with or against the gravitational pull. Effects of visual condition (LIGHT, DARK), body orientation (UPRIGHT, INVERTED), starting arm position (UP, DOWN), and target level (Near, Middle, Far) on elevation endpoint errors revealed that subject's errors in the DARK were more negative than those in the LIGHT. Errors correlated well with movement displacement to reveal the common vertical undershooting bias in darkness exacerbated by inverting the body or requiring greater movement excursions. Although influences of gravitational pull and muscle activation type could not explain differences between visual conditions, modeling revealed critically damped behavior in the DARK and under-damped behavior in the LIGHT to indicate muscle energy dissipation without vision.
Self-Limitation of Native Oxides Explained

Silicon is one of many materials whose surface will oxidize in ambient conditions. However it is one of few materials whose native oxide will self-limit its growth in a matter of hours at a thickness of ∼2 nm. In this work, we show through the theory of repulsive van der Waals forces that this self-limitation is due, at least in part, to the interaction between the inherent material properties of a native silicon oxide film on silicon and oxidizing molecules. These molecules are not just hindered from even entering the system at all, but those that do enter the native oxide film are repelled away from the silicon – silicon oxide interface, preventing additional growth by oxidation. We also show how this repulsion is overcome by increasing ambient temperatures to subsequently increase the kinetic energy of the oxidizing molecules, calculated by the Boltzmann-Maxwell distribution, and allow oxidation to continue.
Revisiting Political Islam: Explaining the Nexus Between Political Islam and Contentious Politics in the Arab World*

Objective This study (1) introduces a new framework to conceptualize and measure political Islam, and (2) examines the empirical nexus among Islamic religiosity, ideological support for political Islam (ISPI), and collective protests in the Arab Middle East. Methods Analyzing cross-national attitudes in five Arab states, I conduct a principal component analysis to construct a new index to account for a variation in ISPI, and examine the effects thereof on participation in collective protests. Results The evidence shows that Islamic religiosity matters in challenging political elites via collective action. While politically moderate Muslims appear more likely to engage in nonviolent, collective political protests, political radicals seem less likely to do so. Conclusion The findings suggest that political ideology plays a central role in moderating the intricate relationship between Islam and collective political activism. The evidence also supports the resource mobilization thesis, among other factors, to explain the dynamics of collective action in the Arab world.
Laparoscopic Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection: A Review of 103 Consecutive Cases

AbstractLaparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection is a recently introduced technique for the surgical evaluation of the regional pelvic lymph nodes in genitourinary malignancies. We report the results of a laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection performed on 103 consecutive patients for staging of clinically localized prostatic, bladder and penile carcinomas. In 20 patients (group 1) the adequacy of the laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection was evaluated with a subsequent open dissection. In this group 87 to 95% of the lymph nodes within a modified template could be reliably removed laparoscopically. In 73 patients (group 2) laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection was performed as a solitary operation. Mean hospitalization was 1.6 ± 2.4 days, while postoperative narcotic requirements were minimal. Mean operative time for bilateral laparoscopic pelvic lymph node dissection was 156 ± 41.2 minutes. The overall complication rate in these 2 groups was 13.5%. Group 3 includes 10 patients (9.7% of the to...