cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Magic Matters: On Sexed Bodies and Early Film

This chapter focuses on films from the early twentieth century dealing with gender confusion and gender transition. It examines the entanglement of popular and medical discourses by means of two short films. La lotion magique (France 1905) and Steinachs Forschungen (Germany 1922) cover a period in which sex change, gender reassignment, and rejuvenation on the basis of hormone treatment became part of public phantasies as well as practices. This history of imagining transformations of the sexed body and experimenting with them is traced up to Paul Preciado’s self-treatment with testosterone. Hormones can be understood, the article argues, as a pharmakon—a poison and its remedy at the same time.
Methemoglobinemia in an HIV patient.

He had restarted his home dapsone prophylaxis, but his dyspnea worsened and his urine became dark.
Social support modifies the negative effects of acculturation on obesity and central obesity in Mexican men

Background: This study examined the moderating role of social support in the acculturation-obesity/central obesity relationship in Mexican American (MA) men and women. Methods: Data from NHANES 1999-2008 were used. Acculturation derived from language use, country of birth and length of residence in the U.S. Social support assessed emotional and financial support. BMI (≥30) and waist circumference (≥88 cm for women; ≥102 cm for men) measured obesity and central obesity, respectively. Weighted multivariate logistic regression models were used to describe associations. Results: Compared to less acculturation, more acculturation was associated with higher odds of obesity (ORs 2.48; 95% CI 1.06-5.83) and central obesity (2.90; 1.39-6.08) among MA men with low/no social support, but not among MA men reporting high social support. The modifying effects was not observed among women. Conclusion: Higher amounts of social support appeared to attenuate the risk of obesity/central obesity associated with acculturation. Interventions enhancing social support maybe effective among acculturated MAs, particularly among men.
Self-destructiveness in adolescence: psychotherapeutic issues.

The treatment of self-destructive adolescents is rendered difficult by their inability to tolerate success. The very sense of progress which strengthens the efforts of most patients evokes a negati...
DISPOSITION OF 2,3,7,8-TETRACHLORODIBENZOFURAN IN GUINEA PIGS, RATS, AND MONKEYS

The distribution and metabolism of the toxic environmental pollutant, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran (TCDF) was studied after p.o. and i.v. administration of 14C-TCDF to male Hartley guinea pigs (0.02 μmoles/kg) and Fischer 344 rats (0.1 and 1.0 μmoles/kg), and after i.v. administration to male Rhesus monkeys (0.1 μmoles/kg). TCDF was readily and nearly completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract by rats and guinea pigs. Distribution was not affected by route of exposure. In each species examined, the liver was the initial major depot for TCDF, with lesser amounts in adipose tissue, skin and muscle, respectively. Rats, and to a lesser extent, monkeys, were able to metabolize and excrete TCDF-derived radioactivity. Guinea pigs were not able to metabolize TCDF and excreted only 6.5% of the dose in the feces as parent compound within 9 days. Toxicity was irreversible in the guinea pig and resulted in progressive weight loss and death. In contrast, the rat excreted metabolites of TCDF in the feces, which accounted for greater than 50% of the dose within 2 days, and recovered from symptoms of intoxication within one week. Rhesus monkeys showed an intermediate ability to metabolize TCDF and intermediate sensitivity to TCDF intoxication. The whole-body half-life of TCDF in guinea pigs, monkeys, and rats was estimated to be >20, 8, and <2 days, respectively. These studies indicate that metabolism of TCDF is a detoxification mechanism and that species which are able to metabolize and clear TCDF are more resistant to its acute toxicity.
Challenges and Opportunities in Molecular Beam Epitaxy Growth of 2D Crystals: An Overview

Abstract Layered materials have drawn intense attention lately due to the possibility of realizing highly scalable low power electronic and other novel devices. Although several proof-of-concept devices have been demonstrated recently with exfoliated micron-size flakes, controllable growth of large-area electronic grade material, essential for mass production, is in its infancy. Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) holds the promise to allow large area, layer-controlled uniform growth and in-situ probing. To this end, in this work we have summarized the literature in the field and fortified it with observations made by us on MBE grown materials like MoSe2, MoTe2, WSe2, SnSe2, MoSe2-xTex, their heterostructures and superlattices. We have summarized investigations on several substrates under different growth regimes that are being pursued in the community. This analysis sheds light on the strengths and limitations of various characterization techniques and the challenges to overcome defects in MBE 2D materials.
A High Ratio of Plasma: RBC Improves Survival in Massively Transfused Injured Children.

Abstract Background Massive transfusion protocols with balanced blood product ratios have been associated with improved outcomes in adult trauma. The impact on pediatric trauma is unclear. Material and methods A retrospective review of the Pediatric Trauma Quality Improvement Program data set was performed using data from January 2015 to December 2016. Trauma patient's ≤ 18 y of age, who received red blood cells (RBCs) and were massively transfused were included. Children with burns, dead on arrival, and nonsurvivable injuries were excluded. Outcome data and mortality were assessed based on low ( Results There were 465 children included in the study (median age, 8 [2-16] y; median injury severity score, 34 [29-34]; mortality rate, 38%). Those transfused a medium plasma:RBC ratio received the greatest blood product volume in 24 h (90 [56-164] mL/kg; P Conclusions A high ratio of plasma:RBC may result in decreased mortality in severely injured children receiving a massive transfusion. Prospective, multicenter studies are needed to determine optimal resuscitation strategies for these critically ill children.
Notch signaling regulates arterial vasoreactivity through opposing functions of Jagged1 and Dll4 in the vessel wall

The present study unveils novel roles for ligand-specific Notch signaling in arterial function. Smooth muscle Jagged1 and endothelial cell delta-like protein-4 ligands exhibit selective regulation ...
Average View Factors for Extended Surfaces with Fractal Perforations

Abstract Extended surfaces are often used for passive thermal management of electronic devices. By perforating extended surfaces in accordance with the Sierpinski carpet fractal pattern, an increase in surface area and a decrease in mass can be achieved. Intersurface thermal radiation, within the perforations, can account for a significant percentage of the total radiative heat transfer rate. As the perforations are of a non-uniform size, a correlation for the average fin view factor as a function of fractal iteration and width-to-thickness ratio was developed. For example, while a fin inspired by the fourth iteration of the Sierpinski carpet fractal pattern has 23.30% more surface area than a solid rectangular fin of equal width-to-thickness ratio the same fin only exchanges 67.37% of the radiation emitted with the surroundings due to intersurface thermal radiation. Regardless of width-to-thickness ratio, there was found to be a finite number of fractal iterations after which the average view factor of the extended surface approached zero. Similarly, the percentage of the total surface area that the perforations account for approaches an asymptote at approximately 100% by 10 iterations, regardless of width-to-thickness ratio. Finally, while there is an exponential increase in surface area with iteration, the increase in area did not offset the decrease in average view factor.
Regulating ER protein homeostasis by differentially processing mRNAs

Author(s): LI, WEIHAN | Advisor(s): Walter, Peter | Abstract: The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein folding capacity is balanced with the protein folding burden to prevent accumulation of un- or misfolded proteins. The ER-membrane resident kinase/RNase Ire1 maintains ER protein homeostasis by initiating two distinct mRNA processing programs. First, in both metazoans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Ire1 catalyzes the non-conventional cytoplasmic mRNA splicing of XBP1 (metazoans) or HAC1 (S. cerevisiae)—thereby initiating a transcriptional response that increases the ER folding capacity. Second, in metazoans and Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Ire1 selectively degrades ER-localized mRNAs—thereby post-transcriptionally reducing the ER’s protein folding burden. Thus, Ire1 orthologs in S. cerevisiae and S. pombe are specialized to only one of the two functional outputs, while Ire1 in metazoans can perform both. Here, we show that the respective Ire1 orthologs have become specialized for their functional outputs by divergence of their RNase specificities. In addition, RNA structural features separate the splicing substrates from the decay substrates. Using these insights, we de novo engineered non-conventional mRNA splicing in S. pombe, which confers S. pombe with both Ire1 functional outputs.
Testing a Theoretical Model of Perceived Audience Legitimacy: The Neglected Linkage in the Dialogic Model of Police–community Relations

Objectives:Democratic policing involves an ongoing dialogue between officers and citizens about what it means to wield legitimate authority. Most of the criminological literature on police legitima...
Class Actions: Legal

A class action is a procedure in civil litigation whereby a claimant (or, rarely, a defendant) is constituted as a representative for all persons in a described group and permitted to sue (or be sued) with conclusive effect as to all of those persons. The procedure originated in English equity practice but has atrophied in most common law jurisdictions. The class suit has come into wide use in the United States and has attracted attention in other legal systems. It permits a claimant to act as a ‘private attorney general,’ that is, in a quasi-official capacity on behalf of others, particularly in claims concerning civil rights and in certain ‘mass’ wrongs including shareholder and consumer claims. The procedure is governed in detail for federal courts by Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and by similar provisions in state courts. It is a remedy both very powerful and readily subject to abuse and has been continuously controversial.
A Milliwatt-Level 70–110 GHz Frequency Quadrupler With >30 dBc Harmonic Rejection

This article presents a two-channel 70–110-GHz frequency quadrupler in the GF8HP 0.12- $\mu \text{m}$ SiGe BiCMOS process. The $\times 4$ frequency multiplication is based on cascaded frequency doublers with an interstage bandpass filter to reject undesired harmonics. The measured peak output power is −1.5 to 3 dBm at 70–110 GHz, with a worst case harmonic rejection ratio (HRR) of >30 dBc. The chip size is 1.9 mm2 and consumes 240 mW for the two-channel operation. To the best of our knowledge, this article represents state-of-the-art in terms of bandwidth, output power, and excellent HRR. Application areas include mm-wave multi-channel, mm-wave network analyzers, and wideband sources for radar and imaging systems and reconfigurable E-band radios.
[Influencing factors for high level measles antibodies among 6-15 year-old children in Zhejiang province].

OBJECTIVE To determine measles antibody levels and influencing factors among children aged 6 to 15 years in Zhejiang province. METHODS Blood samples were collected from 2069 children aged 6 to 15 years in Changxing county (Huzhou) and Liandu district (Lishui) of Zhejiang province. Serum level of measles IgG antibody was measured using ELISA, and 800 mIU/mL was applied as the cut-off point of high antibody level. Chi-square or trend Chi-square test was used to analyze difference in positive rates of high antibody level among children with different characters, and the factors related to high antibody level in the vaccinated children were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS Among 2069 subjects, positive rate of high measles antibody level was 36.06% (746/2069). Multivariate logistic regression showed that the high measles antibody level was significantly associated with age of children and the age of first measles vaccine inoculation. The positive rate of high measles antibody level decreased with age(OR=0.866, 95%CI:0.830-0.904, P<0.01), and the positive rate in children whose first vaccination at ≥ 12 months of age was higher than those whose first vaccination at 8 months of age(OR=0.633, 95%CI:0.498-0.805, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS In order to obtain high measles antibody level and to maintain high levels of population immune barrier, it is suggested that first dose of vaccination can be appropriately delayed in low epidemic areas, and elder children should have timely catch-up vaccination.
FEPPCON X: Part 2: Four Summaries From the Technical Sessions

In the December 2019 issue of IEEE Power Electronics Magazine , we presented summaries of three technical sessions and a plenary talk as the first part of the 10th IEEE Future of Electronic Power Processing and Conversion (FEPPCON X), which was held in June 2019 in Tromso, Norway. They included "Batteries as Energy Storage Technology," by Prof. Braham Ferreira, "Power Electronics System View of Energy Storage," by Prof. Sudip K. Mazumder, and "New Technology and Solutions Needed for High-Power Applications," by Prof. Jin Wang. The keynote talk, "Global Climate Change," by Kim Holm?n, was covered by yours truly.
Thermodynamic and kinetic hydricity of transition metal hydrides

The prevalence of transition metal-mediated hydride transfer reactions in chemical synthesis, catalysis, and biology has inspired the development of methods for characterizing the reactivity of transition metal hydride complexes. Thermodynamic hydricity represents the free energy required for heterolytic cleavage of the metal–hydride bond to release a free hydride ion, H−, as determined through equilibrium measurements and thermochemical cycles. Kinetic hydricity represents the rate of hydride transfer from one species to another, as measured through kinetic analysis. This tutorial review describes the common methods for experimental and computational determination of thermodynamic and kinetic hydricity, including advice on best practices and precautions to help avoid pitfalls. The influence of solvation on hydricity is emphasized, including opportunities and challenges arising from comparisons across several different solvents. Connections between thermodynamic and kinetic hydricity are discussed, and opportunities for utilizing these connections to rationally improve catalytic processes involving hydride transfer are highlighted.
Photo-mediated Ultrasound Therapy to Treat Retinal Neovascularization

This report describes a novel therapeutic technique called photo-mediated ultrasound therapy (PUT). PUT applies synchronized short pulse duration (nanosecond) laser and ultrasound burst on targeted tissue, offering high-precision localized treatment. PUT is based on controlled induction and promotion of micro-cavitation activity in the target tissue. PUT is able to safely and effectively treat retinal neovascularization in rabbits with persistent nonperfusion up to 4 weeks after PUT in the choroidal vasculature.Clinical Relevance— PUT can selectively remove retinal angiogenesis in clinically-relevant disease models in humansized eyes (rabbit) without damaging surrounding tissue.
Improving CPAP Adherence for Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Practical Application Primer on CPAP Desensitization

Introduction Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common medical condition with well-established morbidity and mortality. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a highly effective treatment pr...
Humanized Mice as a Tool to Study Sepsis-More Than Meets the Eye.

(1) Background. Repetitive animal studies that have disappointed upon translation into clinical therapies have led to an increased appreciation of humanized mice as a remedy to the shortcomings of rodent-based models. However, their limitations have to be understood in depth. (2) Methods. This is a narrative, comprehensive review of humanized mice and sepsis literature to understand the model’s benefits and shortcomings. (3) Results: Studies involving humanized models of sepsis include bacterial, viral, and protozoan etiology. Humanized mice provided several unique insights into the etiology and natural history of sepsis and are particularly useful in studying Ebola, and certain viral and protozoan infections. However, studies are relatively sparse and based on several different models of sepsis and humanized animals. (4) Conclusions. The utilization of humanized mice as a model for sepsis presents complex limitations that, once surpassed, hold some potential for the advancement of sepsis etiology and treatment.
Intercultural Theology as a (Post)colonial Project? Reflections from Central Europe

In this article, then, I explore the relation between IT and postcolonial studies—the questions I aim to answer are these: How can the postcolonial paradigm shift be adequately implemented into IT, and what does its reception entail for the theological status of IT?
Programming Fluorogenic DNA Probes for Rapid Detection of Steroids

The ability of aptamers to recognize a variety of different molecules has fueled their emergence as effective recognition agents to probe complex media and cells. Many detection strategies necessitate an aptamer binding to its target to result in a dramatic change in structure, typically from an unfolded to a folded state. Here, we report a strategy based on forced-intercalation (FIT) that increases the scope of aptamer recognition by transducing subtle changes in aptamer structures into fluorescent readouts. By screening a library of green-fluorescent FIT-aptamers whose design is guided by computational modeling, we were able to identify hits that sense steroids like dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) down to 1.3 µM with no loss in binding affinity compared to the unmodified aptamer. Ultimately, this enabled us to study DHEAS in clinical serum samples with several advantages over gold standard methods, including rapid readout (<30 min), simple instrumentation (plate-reader), and low sample volumes (10 µL).
Salto Talaris Total Ankle System and Salto Talaris XT Primary and Revision Total Ankle System

The Salto Talaris Total Ankle System prosthesis is an anatomically designed fixed-bearing prosthesis available in the United States based on the successful design of the Salto Mobile Version prosthesis available outside the United States. The Salto Talaris XT Primary and Revision Total Ankle System prosthesis is a flat-top version of the Salto Talaris Total Ankle System talar component and also includes thicker ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene insert options to allow for complicated primary and revision total ankle replacements to be performed. For each system, the original mobile-bearing morphology has been redesigned and mobile-bearing concept was transferred to the precision instrumentation at the trial phase evaluation for the fixed-bearing version. Instrumentation and technique allow the surgeon to determine the functional joint axis prior to final implantation. Both systems have updated instrumentation to reduce operating room time, an extended XL tibial tray to provide complete tibial plafond coverage, and a size 0 talar component for smaller individuals. The Salto Talaris Total Ankle System and Salto Talaris XT Primary and Revision Total Ankle System designs blend minimal bone resection and optimize surface area, cortical contact, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene conformity. In this chapter, the surgical techniques for both systems are reviewed step-by-step and pearls for successful application of both systems are provided.
Genetic Risk Score for Type 2 Diabetes and Traits Related to Glucose-Insulin Homeostasis in Youth: The Exploring Perinatal Outcomes Among Children (EPOCH) Study.

OBJECTIVE The metabolic phenotype of youth-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) differs from that of adult-onset T2D, but little is known about genetic contributions. We aimed to evaluate the association between a T2D genetic risk score (GRS) and traits related to glucose-insulin homeostasis among healthy youth. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We used data from 356 youth (mean age 16.7 years; 50% female) in the Exploring Perinatal Outcomes Among Children (EPOCH) cohort to calculate a standardized weighted GRS based on 271 single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with T2D in adults. We used linear regression to assess associations of the GRS with log-transformed fasting glucose, 2-h glucose, HOMA of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), oral disposition index, and insulinogenic index adjusted for age, sex, BMI z score, in utero exposure to maternal diabetes, and genetic principal components. We also evaluated effect modification by BMI z score, in utero exposure to maternal diabetes, and ethnicity. RESULTS Higher weighted GRS was associated with lower oral disposition index (β = −0.11; 95% CI −0.19, −0.02) and insulinogenic index (β = −0.08; 95% CI −0.17, −0.001), but not with fasting glucose (β = 0.01; 95% CI −0.01, 0.02), 2-h glucose (β = 0.03; 95% CI −0.0004, 0.06), or HOMA-IR (β = 0.02; 95% CI −0.04, 0.07). BMI z score and in utero exposure to maternal diabetes increased the effect of the GRS on glucose levels. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that T2D genetic risk factors established in adults are relevant to glucose-insulin homeostasis in youth and that maintaining a healthy weight may be particularly important for youth with high genetic risk of T2D.
Cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction with acute hepatitis following COVID-19 vaccine.

Here, we present a report of a generalized cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction with liver dysfunction following the COVID-19 vaccine.
Fighting an Armed Doctrine: The Struggle to Modernize German Propaganda During World War I (1914–1918):

During the First World War (1914–1918), all belligerent governments realized that propaganda proficiency was critical to selling their causes and stirring up support for the war. Yet German propaga...
Abstract 16378: Growth Differentiation Factor-15 Independently Predicts 2 Year Mortality in Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome: Observations From the A to Z Trial

BACKGROUND: Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) is an inflammatory biomarker upregulated in the setting of myocardial stress that we and others have shown to have potential prognostic value in cardiovascular (CV) disease. However, any role for GDF-15 along with traditional CV risk factors and biomarkers in predicting long term mortality after ACS remains investigational. METHODS: We measured the plasma concentration of GDF-15 after stabilization of ACS in 4,179 patients (pts) presenting with UA/NSTEMI or STEMI enrolled in the A to Z Trial. Established, pre-specified cutoffs of GDF-15 ( 1800 ng/L) were used for analysis. Outcomes were followed through the end of the study (median 2 years). RESULTS: Pts with GDF-15 >1800 ng/L had significantly higher 2 year mortality rates than those with levels of 1200-1800 or 1800 ng/L were at a significantly higher risk of death at 2yr (HR 1.88; 95% CI, 1.25-2.83) compared to those with GDF-15 levels 1800 ng/L was associated with higher mortality risk compared with pts with levels of 1200-1800 or CONCLUSIONS: GDF-15 obtained in patients with established CAD stabilized after ACS is independently associated with increased mortality at 2 yrs. GDF-15 identifies additional mortality risk not currently captured by cardiovascular risk factors, BNP, or CRP. This finding supports GDF-15 as a potential aid for prognostic assessment in patients with ACS.
Brain Injury Caused by Intraventricular Hemorrhage: Is Indomethacin the Silver Bullet for Prevention?

After a series of promising but inconclusive reports concerning the role of neonatal administration of indomethacin in prevention of IVH (see earlier discussion), the largest and most recent study (n = 431), reported by Ment et al, 4 indicates that indomethacin led to a decrease in incidence and severity of the lesion. The clinically important grade 4 IVH appeared to be nearly eliminated in the indomethacin-treated group. Thus, is it now clear that indomethacin should be administered at 6 to 12 hours of life to all very low birth weight neonates? Although such a recommendation might be appropriate, I have several concerns. First, as discussed earlier, experimental studies and observations of human infants indicate that indomethacin is a cerebral vasoconstrictor, leads to a decrease in cerebral blood flow, blunts adaptive vasodilatory responses, and may cause decreases in cerebral oxygen delivery marked enough to impair oxygen utilization. The threat of cerebral ischemia after indomethacin seems real, but notably in the study of Ment et al 4 the frequency of ultrasonographic evidence of cerebral ischemic injury was no different in the indomethacin versus the placebo-treated neonates. This reassuring finding must be tempered by the awareness that cranial ultrasonography is somewhat insensitive in the detection of periventricular ischemic injury in the premature infant. 41,42 A second concern relates to factors associated with the study of Ment et al. 4 As discussed earlier, the placebo-treated group had an unusual preponderance of grade 4 versus grade 3 IVH, and the relatively large proportion of neonates with onset of IVH before 6 to 11 hours of age were not included in the study. Would earlier administration of indomethacin benefit the neonates with early IVH, or would complications be more prominent? A third concern relates to the recent study of the neonatal complications in infants exposed antenatally to indomethacin for treatment of preterm labor. 43 Thus, when compared with a matched group of untreated infants, infants exposed to indomethacin before delivery exhibited a higher incidence of IVH (28% vs 9%, P = .02) and of necrotizing enterocolitis (29% vs 8%, P = .005). However, it is quite possible that the adverse effect of antenatal indomethacin on the occurrence of IVH related to the interaction of factors associated with labor and delivery (eg, increases in cerebral venous pressure) and associated with indomethacin (eg, inhibition of platelet aggregation). Such an interaction of factors would not occur with postnatal administration of indomethacin. Nevertheless, the findings of Norton et al 43 are arresting in this context. Finally, Ment et al 4 are to be congratulated for a carefully designed and well-executed study. The data are very promising and indicate the importance of a multicenter study to evaluate the role of indomethacin administered at or very shortly after birth on the subsequent occurrence of IVH and periventricular hemorrhagic infarction.
Zur Entwicklung des Glaskörpers und der Zonula

Es wurde der Einbau von radioaktiv markierten Aminosauren und 3H-Glucose in die Zonula der Maus wahrend der Entwicklung untersucht. Verwendet wurden einerseits 3H-Prolin und 3H-Glycin, weil diese Substanzen, normalerweise reichlich in Kollagen vorhanden sind, und andererseits 3H-Lysin. 3H-Methionin und 3H-Cystin, welche ublicherweise kaum oder gar nicht in Kollagen nachgewiesen werden konnen. 3H-Glucose wurde als Aminoglycan-Vorlaufer benutzt. In einem ersten Experiment an 380 Albinomausen wurde das Verhalten der Aminosauren nach einer einzelnen intraperitonealen Injektion untersucht. Mause im Alter von 2–60 Tagen standen im Versuch. In einem zweiten Experiment wurde die Akkumulation und die Zeit des Verschwindens der 3H-markierten Substanzen uberpruft. Die Tiere erhielten alle 12 Std repetierte Injektionen wahrend mehreren Tagen. In einer ersten Serie begann das Experiment mit Mausen im Alter von 1 Tag, in einem zweiten im Alter von 12 Tagen. Die Tiere wurden nach verschieden langen Akkumulationsperioden getotet, die langste betrug 14 Tage.
Zero- and low-temperature behavior of the two-dimensional ±J Ising spin glass.

Scaling arguments and precise simulations are used to study the square lattice $\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}J$ Ising spin glass, a prototypical model for glassy systems. Droplet theory explains, and our numerical results show, entropically stabilized long-range spin-glass order at zero temperature, which resembles the energetic stabilization of long-range order in higher-dimensional models at finite temperature. At low temperature, a temperature-dependent crossover length scale is used to predict the power-law dependence on temperature of the heat capacity and clarify the importance of disorder distributions.
Culture and the Question of Rights: Forests, Coasts, and Seas in Southeast Asia

Culture and the Question of Rights: Forests, Coasts, and Seas in Southeast Asia. Charles Zerner, ed. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2003. 289 pp.
ADSORPTION OF WATER VAPOR ON MOLECULAR SIEVE 13X

Abstract Adsorption isotherms of water vapor on molecular sieve 13X were obtained at 288, 298, and 308 K. The isotherms were of Type 1 and exhibited hysteresis upon desorption. The heat of adsorption data indicated that water was held on the surface by physical forces and the molecular sieve 13X provided a heterogeneous surface for the water vapor. The equilibrium data were correlated by the Polanyi potential theory and the theory of the pore volume filling proposed by Dubinin and co-workers.
Relative Quantity of Cerebrospinal Fluid Herpes Simplex Virus DNA in Adult Cases of Encephalitis and Meningitis

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) remains an important cause of meningitis and encephalitis in adults, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based tests are the “gold standard” for diagnosis. The objective of this study was to assess differences in semiquantitative PCR values, based on the crossing threshold (Ct) value for cases of HSV meningitis and encephalitis. A retrospective chart review was performed for 29 patients with a documented diagnosis of HSV meningitis or encephalitis during the course of 5 years from a large urban academic hospital. Demographic information, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) laboratory findings, and PCR data were obtained for each patient. There was no statistically significant difference in the Ct values in patients with meningitis or encephalitis. In addition, no differences were found in CSF chemistry and hematology parameters. There is a broad range in relative concentrations of HSV DNA in the CSF in cases of meningitis and encephalitis.
Ethanol inhibition of NMDA mediated depolarizations is increased in the presence of Mg2

The inhibitory potency of ethanol upon excitatory amino acid induced depolarizations of rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells was assessed in the presence and absence of magnesium (Mg2+) using the grease-gap technique. Ethanol shifted the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) dose-response curves to the right in a non-parallel manner. In the presence of Mg2+, ethanol appeared to be a more effective NMDA antagonist (IC50 47 mM) than in the absence of Mg2+ (IC50 107 mM). The IC50 for ethanol upon non-NMDA mediated CA1 pyramidal cell depolarizations was in excess of 170 mM. These results strongly suggest a preferential inhibitory action of ethanol against NMDA, rather than non-NMDA, mediated responses. Experiments in which ethanol and Mg2+ were covaried indicated that these substances act by two distinct mechanisms to antagonize the action of NMDA. These effects of ethanol, at concentrations which elicit intoxication (less than 50 mM) but not anesthesia, suggest that the NMDA receptor complex may play an important role in the acute effects of ethanol.
Subsurface arbuckle group (cambro-ordovician) in the Bowman #4 Well of the Wilburton field in the Arkoma Basin, Oklahoma: Depositional facies, diagenetic signatures, petrophysical aspects, and economic potential

Detailed petrographic and petrophysical analyses were performed on a core section of the Nicor #4 Bowman Well, Arkoma Basin, Oklahoma. The studied interval represents the Cambro-Ordovician Arbuckle Group. Petrographic analyses of core samples distinguish six lithofacies. They are as follows from the bottom to the top of the studied core: (1) Quartzose dolostone, (2) conglomeritic dolostone, (3) brecciated dolostone, (3a) crackle breccia, (3b) dissolution-collapse breccia, (4) oolitic dolostone, (5) stylolitic dolostone, and (6) stromatolitic dolostone. Diagenetic evolution has affected the petrophysical properties of these different lithofacies. The diagenetic history of the selected section records early to late dolomitization, stylolitization, dedolomitization (calcification), and silicification. Petrophysical analyses employing mercury porosimetric techniques determine three distinct petrofacies. These petrofacies are as follow: (1) low porosity and high recovery efficiency, (2) low porosity and low recovery efficiency, and (3) high porosity and high recovery efficiency. Based on petrophysical analyses, the best reservoir candidate is the crackle breccia petrofacies because it has intermediate porosity and high recovery efficiency values, plus this lithofacies is bounded by strata with low porosity and recovery efficiency values (impermeable layer). The Arbuckle Group carbonates were uplifted and subaerially exposed, which, led to the development of an unconformity surface. Consequently, karstification developed and modified various petrophysical properties of the core.
Multiwavelength NRZ-to-RZ conversion with significant timing-jitter suppression and SNR improvement

Abstract We demonstrate a novel, polarization-insensitive scheme for multiwavelength nonreturn-to-zero to return-to-zero format conversion at 10 Gb/s rate with significant timing-jitter suppression and signal-to-noise ratio improvement. The scheme utilizes a self-starting electroabsorption-modulator based optoelectronic oscillator that simultaneously generates a 10 GHz-rate microwave signal and a train of 15 ps-wide optical pulses with ∼40 fs timing jitter (100–10 MHz range). Under direct optical injection locking of the oscillator with an incoming data stream, we demonstrate the extraction of a high-quality clock that enables in-line format conversion of multiple, synchronized nonreturn-to-zero channels.
Effects of dynamic contact angle on liquid withdrawal from capillary tubes: (Semi)-analytical solutions

The displacement of a gas by a liquid in both horizontal and inclined capillary tubes where the tube inlet is connected to a liquid reservoir of constant pressure can be described by the Lucas-Washburn theory. One can also use the Lucas-Washburn theory to model the reverse flow, that is, liquid withdrawal, even though the latter case has received relatively little attention. In this paper, we derive analytical solutions for the travel time of the gas-liquid interface as a function of interface velocity. The interface position can be obtained by numerically integrating the numerically inverted interface velocity. Therefore we refer to these solutions as (semi)-analytical. We neglect inertial forces. However, we account for a dynamic contact angle where the nondimensional non-equilibrium Young force depends on the capillary number in the form of either a power law or a power series. We explore the entire nondimensional parameter space. The analytical solutions allow us to show that five different liquid withdrawal scenarios may occur that differ in the direction of flow and the sign of the acceleration of the gas-liquid interface: horizontal, upward, steady-state downward, accelerating downward, and decelerating downward flow. In the last case, the liquid is withdrawn from the tube either completely or partially. The (semi)-analytical solutions are also valid within the limit where the contact angle is constant.
Human Pregnane X Receptor: Genetic Polymorphisms, Alternative mRNA Splice Variants, and Cytochrome P450 3A Metabolic Activity

Human pregnane X receptor (hPXR) gene polymorphisms (spanning exon 2 to exon 5) and alternative mRNA splicing were investigated as possible contributors to individual variability in CYP3A metabolic activity measured both in vivo and in vitro. None of the 9 variants evaluated, including the 2 most common nonsynonymous variants (Pro27Ser and Gly36Arg), was found to be associated with midazolam 1'-hydroxylation rate measured in a bank of human livers (48 European Americans, 4 African Americans, 2 Hispanics). In contrast, 3 linked hPXR variants (g.252A > G, g.275A > G, and g.4760G > A) were significantly (P < .05) associated with oral midazolam clearance in a mixed race/ethnicity population (n = 26) and the African American subpopulation (n = 14) but not in European Americans (n = 9). Although the amount of hPXR mRNA normally spliced at the exon 4-5 junction correlated well with midazolam 1'-hydroxylation activities (P < .05), none of the 6 hPXR mRNA splice variants identified was associated with midazolam 1'-hydroxylation. In conclusion, several hPXR polymorphisms have been identified that may have predictive value for oral midazolam clearance, particularly in African Americans.
Endotoxin disrupts the estradiol-induced luteinizing hormone surge: Interference with estradiol signal reading, not surge release

Three experiments were conducted to investigate whether the immune/inflammatory stimulus endotoxin disrupts the estradiol-induced LH surge of the ewe. Ovariectomized sheep were set up in an artificial follicular phase model in which luteolysis is simulated by progesterone withdrawal and the follicular phase estradiol rise is reproduced experimentally. In the first experiment, we tested the hypothesis that endotoxin interferes with the estradiol-induced LH surge. Ewes were either infused with endotoxin (300 ng/kg/h, i.v.) for 30 h beginning at onset of a 48-h estradiol stimulus or sham infused as a control. Endotoxin significantly delayed the time to the LH surge (P < 0.01), but did not alter surge amplitude, duration, or incidence. The second experiment tested the hypothesis that the delaying effects of endotoxin on the LH surge depend on when endotoxin is introduced relative to the onset of the estradiol signal. Previous work in the ewe has shown that a 14-h estradiol signal is adequate to generate GnRH and LH surges, which begin 6-8 h later. Thus, we again infused endotoxin for 30 h, but began it 14 h after the onset of the estradiol signal. In contrast to the first experiment, endotoxin given later had no effect on any parameter of the LH surge. In the third experiment, we tested the hypothesis that endotoxin acts during the first 14 h to disrupt the initial activating effects of estradiol. Estradiol was delivered for just 14 h, and endotoxin was infused only during this time. Under these conditions, endotoxin blocked the LH surge in five of eight ewes. In a similar follow-up study, endotoxin again blocked the LH surge in six of seven ewes. We conclude that endotoxin can disrupt the estradiol-induced LH surge by interfering with the early activating effects of the estradiol signal during the first 14 h (reading of the signal). In contrast, endotoxin does not disrupt later stages of signal processing (i.e. events during the interval between estradiol signal delivery and surge onset), nor does it prevent actual hormonal surge output. Thus, endotoxin appears to disrupt estrogen action per se rather than the release of GnRH or LH at the time of the surge.
Reticulo-endothelial Function in Thymectomized Rats

ANIMALS thymectomized at, or shortly after, birth show a decreased ability to develop a normal immune response. This is manifested by an impaired ability to reject homografts1–3 and heterografts1,3 and a lowering of the levels of circulating antibody to various antigens, both soluble and particulate1,3–5. This failure to develop immunological maturity possibly results from the loss of a major source of lymphoid cells, to be seeded in peripheral lymphoid organs, or the loss of the source of a humoral factor which would permit existing lymphoid tissue to participate in the immune responses5.
Bulk solution techniques to fabricate high Jc YBCO coated conductors

Abstract Low-cost, non-vacuum bulk solution technique has been developed to deposit epitaxial Gd 2 O 3 and La 2 Zr 2 O 7 (LZO) buffer layers directly onto both textured Ni and mechanically strengthened biaxially textured Ni–W(3 at.%)–Fe(1.7 at.%) (hereafter referred to as Ni–W) substrates. A reel-to-reel continuous dip-coating unit was used to produce meter lengths of highly textured, crack-free Gd 2 O 3 and LZO buffers on Ni and Ni–W tapes. Auger electron spectroscopy analysis of the textured Ni–W substrates indicated the presence of sulfur segregation to the surface, which possibly facilitated the growth of solution seed layers directly on Ni–W substrates. On dip-coated seed layers, a reel-to-reel sputtering unit was used to deposit epitaxially 200 nm thick YSZ layers followed by 10 nm thick CeO 2 to complete the RABiTS architecture. Pulsed laser deposition was used to grow YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7− δ (YBCO) films on these tapes in short lengths. YBCO films with J c values of 1.2×10 6 and 1.9×10 6 A/cm 2 at 77 K were obtained on Gd 2 O 3 and LZO buffered Ni–W substrates, respectively. YBCO films grown by ex situ BaF 2 precursor process on 80 cm long, 1 cm wide CeO 2 /YSZ/Gd 2 O 3 /Ni tapes exhibited end-to-end J c of 6.25×10 5 A/cm 2 at 77 K and self-field. This demonstrates that the solution layers provide a very good crystallographic template for the growth of high current density YBCO films, with performance approaching that of vacuum-deposited seed layers.
The logic of inquiry in post-Soviet studies: Art or science?

Abstract In an effort to make explicit methodological principles in the logic of inquiry of post-Soviet studies, this article examines and critiques positions advanced by some leading Sovietologists that (1) there is a qualitative difference between the natural and social sciences (antinaturalism) and (2) communist regimes were somehow unique and therefore beyond the pale of social science research methods. In addition, there are pragmatic reasons to press the naturalist position in order to facilitate the acquisition of a systematic knowledge base in the study of post-communist regimes and societies. The consequences of assumptions based on scientific realism in recent methodological discussions are also examined.
Synaptic competition and the elimination of polyneuronal innervation follwoing reinnervation of adult frog sartorius muscles

The elimination of polyneuronal innervation (synapse elimination) that occurs following reinnervation was studied in sartorius muscles of adult Rana pipiens. The percentage of neuromuscular junctions that were polyneuronally innervated declined from 47% at 40–80 days after nerve crush to 22% at greater than 250 days after nerve crush. We measured the size, synaptic strength, and position of competing nerve terminals at identified dually innervated neuromuscular junctions at these two different periods of synapse elimination. Our goal was to determine if any of these parameters play a role in the competition between nerve terminals that ultimately results in the elimination of polyneuronal innervation. Our data support the hypothesis that polyneuronal innervation will persist if competing nerve terminals are of similar synaptic efficacies but will be eliminated if the competing terminals are of different synaptic efficacies. We also tested, but failed to find any evidence, that the spatial proximity of competing nerve terminals at the same synaptic site influences the elimination of polyneuronal innervation.
Effects of oxotremorine on neuronal RNA and chromatin in thalamic cholinoceptive sites.

Abstract Neuronal nucleic acid responses were examined within the rat thalamic ventro-basal nuclear complex (VBC) and nucleus reticularis (NR) following single intraperitoneal injections of the central muscarinic-cholinergic (M2) receptor agonist oxotremorine (0.1, 0.7, or 1.0 mg/kg). After stoichiometric azure B and Feulgen staining of brain sections, scanning-integrating cytophotometry was used to quantify azure B-ribonucleic acid (RNA) content, Feulgen-DNA levels, and changes in the susceptibility of chromatin to Feulgen acid hydrolysis (F-DNA yield) of neurons on an individual basis. Changes in neuronal nucleolar volume were also determined histometrically. Within the VBC, oxotremorine produced marked dose-dependent elevations in neuronal RNA content and nucleolar volume with increased F-DNA yield (chromatin activation) in a proportion of VBC neurons. In contrast, within the NR, oxotremorine elicited reductions in RNA levels, F-DNA yield and nucleolar volume. The data demonstrate that oxotremorine-induced central muscarinic receptor stimulation is associated with metabolic correlates of thalamic VBC neuroexcitation and NR neuron depression. The overall study lends further credence to the hypothesis that muscarinic-cholinergic mechanisms are operative within the mammalian thalamus.
Differential expression of microRNA species in human uterine leiomyoma versus normal myometrium.

Objective To determine whether microRNAs (miRNAs) are differentially expressed in human leiomyoma versus matched myometrial tissue. Design Microarray with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) validation. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) Premenopausal subjects (n = 15), who were undergoing hysterectomies for leiomyoma-related symptoms. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Statistically differential expression of miRNAs in leiomyoma versus myometrium. Result(s) Forty-six miRNA species were differentially expressed in leiomyoma versus normal myometrium. Of these, 19 were overexpressed and 27 were underexpressed in leiomyomas. The changes ranged from 1.2-fold to 11.8-fold. These findings were confirmed using real-time reverse transcriptase PCR for selected miRNAs (miRNAs 21, 34a, 125b, 139, and 323). Conclusion(s) Our findings indicate that miRNAs are differentially expressed between human leiomyoma and matched myometrium. Given this differential expression, miRNAs may play a role in the pathogenesis of uterine leiomyoma and may serve as future therapeutic targets for the treatment of these tumors.
Phase‐controlled epitaxial growth of iron oxide thin films on MgO(001) and LaAlO3(001) substrates

We have deposited epitaxial iron oxide thin films on MgO(001) and LaAlO3(LAO)(001) substrates, resulting in different phase stabilities. Atomic force microscopy images revealed a smooth surface. Detailed X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements were performed to confirm the epitaxial growth and to analyze the atomic growth configuration. We found that (00l) oriented γ-Fe2O3 was the stable phase on MgO(001) substrates, whereas oriented α-Fe2O3 was stable on LAO(001). Magnetic hysteresis loop measurements revealed typical ferrimagnetic behavior for γ-Fe2O3 on MgO, whereas the magnetization of α-Fe2O3 on LAO was relatively small and consistent with an antiferromagnetic order. (© 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)