bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vitamin D Deficiency in Rats Causes Cardiac Dysfunction by Inducing Myocardial Insulin Resistance
Authors: Nizami Hina Lateef , Katare Parmeshwar , Prabhakar Pankaj , Kumar Yashwant , Arava Sudheer Kumar , Chakraborty Praloy , Maulik Subir Kumar , Banerjee Sanjay Kumar
Published: May 2019

Scope

Cause‐effect relationship between vitamin D deficiency and cardiometabolic abnormalities remains undefined. The aim is to investigate the role of vitamin D deficiency in cardiac failure, through possible involvement in myocardial insulin signaling.

Methods and results

Male SD rats (n = 6) are fed a normal diet (Con), vitamin D‐deficient diet [Con(‐)], or high‐fat, high fructose diet (HFHFrD) for 20 weeks. Cardiac hypertrophy and fetal gene program are confirmed in Con(‐) group. Cardiac dysfunction is assessed by echocardiography. Elevated renin, TGF‐β and collagen‐1α mRNAs, p‐ERK1/2, and perivascular fibrosis indicate cardiac remodeling in Con(‐) group. Increased serum insulin, triglycerides, and blood pressure, and decreased glucose tolerance and HDL cholesterol are observed in Con(‐) rats. Decreased p‐Akt/Akt, GLUT4, SOD2, and catalase, and increased NF‐κB, TNF‐α, and IL‐6 are observed in Con(‐) hearts. In H9c2 cells, calcitriol attenuates palmitate‐induced insulin resistance. VDR‐silenced H9c2 cells show reduced Akt phosphorylation, GLUT4 translocation, and 2‐NBDG uptake. Findings in Con(‐) and HFHFrD groups are comparable.

Conclusion

Vitamin D deficiency in rats mimic high‐fat‐, high‐fructose‐induced metabolic syndrome and cardiac dysfunction. This study demonstrates that vitamin D deficiency is an independent risk factor for heart failure, at least in part, through induction of myocardial insulin resistance.
Dystrophin is expressed in smooth muscle and afferent nerve fibers in the rat urinary bladder
Authors: Lionarons Judith M. , Hoogland Govert , Hendriksen Ruben G. F. , Faber Catharina G. , Hellebrekers Danique M. J. , Van Koeveringe Gommert A. , Schipper Sandra , Vles Johan S. H.
Published: May 2019

Introduction

With increasing life expectancy, comorbidities become overt in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Although micturition problems are common, bladder function is poorly understood in DMD. We studied dystrophin expression and multiple isoform involvement in the bladder during maturation to gain insights into their roles in micturition.

Methods

Dystrophin distribution was evaluated in rat bladders by immunohistochemical colocalization with smooth muscle, interstitial, urothelial, and neuronal markers. Protein levels of Dp140, Dp71, and smooth muscle were quantitated by Western blotting of neonatal to adult rat bladders.

Results

Dystrophin colocalized with smooth muscle cells and afferent nerve fibers. Dp71 was expressed two‐ to threefold higher compared with Dp140, independently of age. Age‐related muscle mass changes did not influence isoform expression levels.

Discussion

Dystrophin is expressed in smooth muscle cells and afferent nerve fibers in the urinary bladder, which underscores that micturition problems in DMD may have not solely a myogenic but also a neurogenic origin. Muscle Nerve 60: 202–210, 2019
Sub‐phenotyping Metabolic Disorders Using Body Composition: An Individualized, Nonparametric Approach Utilizing Large Data Sets
Authors: Linge Jennifer , Whitcher Brandon , Borga Magnus , Dahlqvist Leinhard Olof
Published: May 2019

Objective

This study performed individual‐centric, data‐driven calculations of propensity for coronary heart disease (CHD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D), utilizing magnetic resonance imaging‐acquired body composition measurements, for sub‐phenotyping of obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods

A total of 10,019 participants from the UK Biobank imaging substudy were included and analyzed for visceral and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue, muscle fat infiltration, and liver fat. An adaption of the k‐nearest neighbors algorithm was applied to the imaging variable space to calculate individualized CHD and T2D propensity and explore metabolic sub‐phenotyping within obesity and NAFLD.

Results

The ranges of CHD and T2D propensity for the whole cohort were 1.3% to 58.0% and 0.6% to 42.0%, respectively. The diagnostic performance, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (95% CI), using disease propensities for CHD and T2D detection was 0.75 (0.73‐0.77) and 0.79 (0.77‐0.81). Exploring individualized disease propensity, CHD phenotypes, T2D phenotypes, comorbid phenotypes, and metabolically healthy phenotypes were found within obesity and NAFLD.

Conclusions

The adaptive k‐nearest neighbors algorithm allowed an individual‐centric assessment of each individual’s metabolic phenotype moving beyond discrete categorizations of body composition. Within obesity and NAFLD, this may help in identifying which comorbidities a patient may develop and consequently enable optimization of treatment.
Unmet Need for Workplace Accommodation
Authors: Maestas Nicole , Mullen Kathleen J. , Rennane Stephanie
Published: May 2019

We use experimental survey methods in a nationally representative survey to test alternative ways of identifying (1) individuals in the population who would be better able to work if they received workplace accommodation for a health condition; (2) the rate at which these individuals receive workplace accommodation; and (3) the rate at which accommodated workers are still working four years later, compared to similar workers who were not accommodated. We find that question order in disability surveys matters. We present suggestive evidence of priming effects that lead people to understate accommodation when first asked about very severe disabilities. We also find a sizeable fraction of workers who report they receive a workplace accommodation for a health problem but do not report work limitations per se. Our preferred estimate of the size of the accommodation‐sensitive population is 22.8 percent of all working‐age adults. We find that 47 to 58 percent of accommodation‐sensitive individuals lack accommodation and would benefit from some kind of employer accommodation to either sustain or commence work. Finally, among accommodation‐sensitive individuals, workers who were accommodated for a health problem in 2014 were 13.2 percentage points more likely to work in 2018 than those who were not accommodated in 2014.
Kratom Use and Toxicities in the United States
Authors: Eggleston William , Stoppacher Robert , Suen Kyle , Marraffa Jeanna M. , Nelson Lewis S.
Published: May 2019

Background

Kratom is an herbal supplement containing alkaloids with opioid properties. This review was conducted to determine toxicities associated with kratom use in the United States in order to provide insight into its safety as a dietary supplement.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of kratom exposures reported to the National Poison Data System to determine the toxicities associated with kratom use. We also reviewed records from a county medical examiner's office in New York State to identify kratom‐associated fatalities.

Results

A total of 2312 kratom exposures were reported, with 935 cases involving kratom as the only substance. Kratom most commonly caused agitation (18.6%), tachycardia (16.9%), drowsiness (13.6%), vomiting (11.2%), and confusion (8.1%). Serious effects of seizure (6.1%), withdrawal (6.1%), hallucinations (4.8%), respiratory depression (2.8%), coma (2.3%), and cardiac or respiratory arrest (0.6%) were also reported. Kratom was listed as a cause or contributing factor in the death of four decedents identified by the county medical examiner's office.

Conclusions

Kratom use is increasing and is associated with significant toxicities. Our findings suggest kratom is not reasonably expected to be safe and poses a public health threat due to its availability as an herbal supplement.
Full Logarithmic Conformal Field theory — an Attempt at a Status Report
Authors: Fuchs Jürgen , Schweigert Christoph
Published: May 2019

Logarithmic conformal field theories are based on vertex algebras with non‐semisimple representation categories. While examples of such theories have been known for more than 25 years, some crucial aspects of local logarithmic CFTs have been understood only recently, with the help of a description of conformal blocks by modular functors. We present some of these results, both about bulk fields and about boundary fields and boundary states. We also describe some recent progress towards a derived modular functor.

This is a summary of work with Terry Gannon, Simon Lentner, Svea Mierach, Gregor Schaumann and Yorck Sommerhäuser.
Retracted: Lipopolysaccharides‐mediated injury to chondrogenic ATDC5 cells can be relieved by Sinomenine via downregulating microRNA‐192
Authors: Wang Yang , Yu Chuandong , Zhang Hanyang
Published: May 2019

Sinomenine (SIN) is an isoquinoline derived from Caulis Sinomenii that has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis for several decades in China. This study aims to reveal the effects of SIN on mouse chondrogenic ATDC5 cells growth and inflammation. SIN was used to treat ATDC5 cells injured by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The following parameters were determined for evaluating the treatment effects of SIN: cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species generation, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines release. Besides, the expression of LPS‐sensitive miRNA (miR‐192) and the activation of NF‐κB and MAPK signaling were studied to explain SIN's function. SIN with concentration of 30 μM significantly attenuated LPS‐induced cell damage via increasing cell viability, inhibiting apoptosis and reactive oxygen species generation, and declining IL‐6 and TNF‐α release. miR‐192 was downregulated by SIN treatment. Restoration of miR‐192 expression by miRNA transfection could significantly impede SIN's protective action. Besides, the inhibitory effects of SIN on the activation of NF‐κB and MAPK signaling were attenuated by miR‐192 overexpression. Furthermore, GDF11 was found to be a target gene of miR‐192. LPS‐mediated injury to chondrogenic ATDC5 cells can be relieved by SIN via downregulating miR‐192 and subsequently repressing the activation of NF‐κB and MAPK signaling.
Investigating variability in cochlear implant electrode array alignment and the potential of visualization guidance
Authors: Yasin Rashid , Dedmon Matthew , Dillon Neal , Simaan Nabil
Published: May 2019

Background

Internal cochlear anatomy is difficult to discern from external inspection, hindering cochlear implant electrode insertion.

Methods

A user study characterized the repeatability of standard surgical technique and examined the role of visual inspection and guidance cues in reducing electrode array insertion misalignment.

Results

Without guidance, a large spread in angles of insertion, up to 30°, was observed, highlighting the need for intraoperative guidance. Visual inspection did not significantly improve overall orientation, suggesting the need for alternate intracochlear visualization methods and/or increased training to effectively improve surgeon understanding of the visualized images. Visual cues and guidance software increased repeatability of surgeon performance, reducing one metric of repeatability to ±2°.

Conclusions

This study establishes a baseline for surgeon variability in cochlear implant insertion and supports the need and lays the groundwork for future intraoperative guidance techniques.
The Role of Awareness of Cross‐Language Suffix Correspondences in Second‐Language Reading Comprehension
Authors: Lam Katie , Chen Xi (Becky) , Deacon S. Hélène
Published: May 2019

Understanding text in a second language can be particularly challenging. The authors explored the contribution of morphological awareness in children's first and second languages to development in second‐language reading comprehension. Critically, the authors examined the role of a skill that might be at the heart of these cross‐linguistic connections: awareness of cross‐language suffix correspondences. This is the awareness, for instance, that the French suffix ‐eux and the English suffix ‐ous have the same meaning in the two languages, despite the fact that they look and sound different. The authors tested the contributions of each of these morphological skills to French reading comprehension in a study of students with diverse first languages enrolled in a Canadian early French immersion program with instruction entirely in French. Seventy‐five students were tested in grade 2 and again in grade 3. In grade 2, students completed measures of English and French morphological awareness and awareness of cross‐language suffix correspondences, along with control measures of nonverbal ability, French vocabulary, and French phonological awareness. In grades 2 and 3, students completed measures of French reading comprehension. The authors found that both English and French morphological awareness were related to grade 3 reading comprehension. Neither relation was significant after the autoregressor. In contrast, awareness of cross‐language suffix correspondences predicted individual differences in French reading comprehension, including after autoregressive controls. These findings show the importance of awareness of commonalities between suffixes across languages in enabling the development of French reading comprehension.
Upconversion Nanoplatform for FRET‐Based Sensing of Dopamine and pH
Authors: Kumar Balmiki , Murali Aparna , Giri Supratim
Published: May 2019

Dopamine (DA) plays a very critical role in controlling the key functionalities, such as in metabolic, memory and behavioural aspects. The deviation from the normal range of concentration has been linked to serious neurological disorders and cancers. Therefore, development of a facile sensing platform with a prospective potential to be applied in the real‐time analysis of DA in vivo holds a great promise. To achieve this, an upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) based nanoplatform with mesoporous silica functionality (BSCU‐MS) has been proposed as an efficient DA sensing probe. The UCNP has been tuned to exhibit emission in particular region with high PL intensity that could be selectively absorbed by the DA in quinone form (q‐DA) through Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism. We showed that the proposed nanoplatforms are capable of detecting DA in a sensitive and very selective manner with the limit of detection (LOD) as 0.63 nM (with S/N=3). Also, owing to the interesting electronic behaviour of DA to undergo pH‐dependent oxidation and reduction process, we also demonstrate the applicability of DA loaded BCSU‐MS for fluorescence‐based pH sensing. We propose that the method described offers a very promising and efficient strategy for the detection of DA‐related diseases and the ensuing physiological pH changes.
In Situ Growth of Layered Double Hydroxides on Sawdust for Pb(II) Adsorption
Authors: Gong Hao , Li Hailong , Tan Li , Liu Mengru
Published: May 2019

In this paper, waste wood (sawdust) was modified with layered double hydroxides (LDHs) to improve its adsorption capacity for Pb(II). The LDHs grew easily and evenly on the sawdust in situ through a hydrothermal method. Then, the functional groups and favorable crystal structures of sawdust/LDHs composites were demonstrated by FTIR and XRD. The results showed that the adsorption capacity of sawdust/LDHs composites for Pb(II) increased by 83.61% compared to sawdust, and the optimum conditions for adsorption were at pH 6 for 180 min with an adsorbent dosage of 3 g/L. Moreover, the behavior of Pb(II) adsorption preferably followed pseudo‐second‐order, Langmuir and Freundlich models, with all the R2 values exceeding 0.97. It was indicated that Pb(II) adsorption occurred on the monolayer and heterogeneous surfaces through chemical bonding and electrostatic interaction. Due to their low cost and high adsorption capacity, the plant‐based composites have great potential in the treatment of lead‐containing wastewater.
DABCO Catalyzed Synthesis of β‐Hydroxy Ketones Derived from α‐Methyl Ketones and Ninhydrin under Microwave Irradiations
Authors: Verma Pratibha , Mishra Ankush , Chauhan Swati , Singh Sundaram , Srivastava Vandana
Published: May 2019

Microwave induced an efficient, green and rapid protocol for the synthesis of 2‐substituted‐2‐hydroxyindan‐1,3‐dione derivatives from the reaction of ninhydrin and ketone by using inexpensive 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) organocatalyst in water has been developed. Mild reaction conditions, shorter reaction time, metal‐free approach, water as a green solvent, scalability and broad substrate scope are the salient features of this protocol.
Near‐Infrared Light Activated Thermosensitive Ion Channel to Remotely Control Transgene System for Thrombolysis Therapy
Authors: Zhang Da , Zhang Cuilin , Lan Shanyou , Huang Yanbing , Liu Jingfeng , Li Juan , Liu Xiaolong , Yang Huanghao
Published: May 2019

Current antithrombotic therapeutic strategies often suffer from severe post‐thrombotic syndromes (PTS), inconvenient daily subcutaneous injections for a long time and short circulation times accompanied by a dose‐dependent risk of intracranial hemorrhage. Aiming at noninvasive, on‐demand, and sustained antithrombotic therapy, a new thrombolysis approach based on the transgene system has been developed to remotely and precisely control the expression of urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) by bioengineered cells for antithrombotic therapy both in vitro and in vivo. In this design, the near‐infrared (NIR) light could activate the expression of the thermosensitive TRPV1 channel in response to photothermal responsive nanotransducers to trigger the synthetic signaling pathway to secret uPA. By encapsulating bioengineered cells in injectable hydrogel to ensure long‐term survival and convenience for injection, the engineered cells could noninvasively and precisely control the production of uPA protein in situ via an NIR laser to significantly enhance the thrombolysis therapeutic effects by spatiotemporally controlling the local temperature, in both the microfluidic blood circulation mimic and the murine tail thrombus model. This novel thrombolysis approach could overcome some key limitations that are associated with conventional antithrombotic therapy, thus opening a new direction for developing remotely and precisely controllable continuous thrombolysis through artificially designed signaling.
Boosting ORR/OER Activity of Graphdiyne by Simple Heteroatom Doping
Authors: Gu Jinxing , Magagula Saneliswa , Zhao Jingxiang , Chen Zhongfang
Published: May 2019

Nitrogen‐doped graphdiynes recently emerged as promising metal‐free oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts. However, which type of N‐dopants contributing to the enhanced catalytic performance and the catalytic performances of other heteroatom‐doped graphdiynes has not been explored systematically. Herein, ORR and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalytic performances of X‐doped graphdiynes are examined by means of DFT computations (X = B, N, P, and S). It is revealed that the graphitic S‐doped graphdiyne (Model S1), the sp‐N‐doped graphdiyne (Model N3) and the graphitic P‐doped graphdiyne (Model P1) exhibit comparable or even better ORR/OER activities than Pt/C or RuO2, with ORR activity trend as Model S1 > Pt/C > Model N3 and OER trend as Model P1 > RuO2 > Model N3. The carbon atoms near N‐ and S‐dopants and featuring large positive charge are the ORR active sites in Models N3 and S1, whereas the carbon atoms near N‐ and P‐dopants and possessing high spin are the OER active sites in Models N3 and P1. Overall, this study not only gains deep insights into the catalytic activity of N‐doped graphdiyne for ORR, but also guides developing of graphdiyne‐based ORR/OER catalysts beyond N‐doping.
Probing the ‘grey zone’ of NWP – is higher resolution always better?
Authors: Kealy John C.
Published: May 2019

Steady progress in the development of computing technologies over the years has afforded scientists the opportunity to simulate the atmosphere with impeccable detail. Although the advantages of such increases in model resolution have been palpable, an unwanted obstacle has now emerged – a phenomenon known as the ‘grey zone’. This article presents a brief overview of the limitations the grey zone has come to present to modern weather modelling, as well as some of the latest techniques that researchers have developed in trying to adapt to these new issues.
Controlling fingermark variability for research purposes: A review
Authors: Steiner Romain , Roux Claude , Moret Sebastien
Published: May 2019

Fingermark detection is a very active field of research in forensic science, with many different strategies currently investigated to always improve detection rate. However, each new technique has first to be optimized, assessed and validated with many fingermarks from multiple donors across a wide variety of substrates before being included into laboratories operating procedures. This process often requires the collaboration of research groups and operational laboratories from different countries, and it takes several years for a new method to be applied routinely in casework. One particular challenge that makes the process from R&D to operations complicated is the significant intrinsic within‐ and between‐source variability of fingermarks. Many studies partially addressing fingermark variability have been reported but a comprehensive approach to the problem is yet to be found. This review describes the factors of fingermark variability and provides an extensive overview of various strategies implemented to control it. The use of artificial fingermarks or simulants, containing some of the most abundant compounds found in fingermark residue has been investigated by some research teams. However, most of these formulations are too simplistic and can only be used to assess a restrictive number of detection techniques, such as amino acid reagents. Practical applications of artificial fingermarks such as test strips and proficiency testing are reviewed. The advantage and challenges of using artificial fingermarks in the first stages of fingermark detection research are presented.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Fingermarks and Other Marks
Approximation of maps into spheres by piecewise-regular maps of class $$C^k$$
Authors: Bilski Marcin
Published: May 2019

The aim of this paper is to prove that every continuous map from a compact subset of a real algebraic variety into a sphere can be approximated by piecewise-regular maps of class$${\mathcal {C}}^k,$$Ck,wherekis an arbitrary nonnegative integer.
Seasonal, Weather, and Temporal Factors in the Prediction of Admission to a Pediatric Trauma Center
Authors: Ramgopal Sriram , Dunnick Jennifer , Siripong Nalyn , Conti Kavitha A. , Gaines Barbara A. , Zuckerbraun Noel S.
Published: May 2019

Background

Our objective is to identify seasonal and weather trends associated with pediatric trauma admissions.

Methods

We reviewed all trauma activations leading to admission in patients ≤18 years admitted to a regional pediatric trauma center from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2015. We reviewed climatologic measures of the mean temperature, mean visibility, and precipitation for each admission in the 6 h prior to each presentation in addition to time of arrival, weekday/weekend presentation, and season. We used a negative binomial regression model with multivariable analysis to estimate associations between weather and rate of trauma admissions. Results were presented as incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

In total, 3856 encounters [2539 males (65.8%), mean age 10.2 years ± SD 5.1 years] were included. Results from multivariable analysis (IRR, 95% CI) suggested an association of admissions with rain (0.82, 0.75–0.90) and overnight hours (23:51–05:50; 0.69, 0.58–0.82) as compared to morning (05:51–11:50). The IRR of trauma increased during the afternoon (11:51–17:50; 4.05, 3.57–4.61), night periods (17:51–23:50; 5.59, 4.94–6.33), and weekends (1.24, 1.15–1.32), and with every 1 °C increase in temperature (1.04, 1.03–1.04). After accounting for other variables, season was not found to be independently predictive of trauma admission.

Conclusion

Trauma admissions had a higher rate during afternoon, evening hours, and weekends. The presence of rain lowered the rate of pediatric trauma admission. Each degree increase in temperature increased the rate of trauma admissions by 4%. The findings provide information from the perspective of emergency preparedness, resource utilization, and staffing to pediatric trauma centers.
Ecoregional variations of aboveground biomass and stand structure in evergreen broadleaved forests
Authors: Van Do Tran , Yamamoto Mamoru , Kozan Osamu , Hai Vo Dai , Trung Phung Dinh , Thang Nguyen Toan , Hai Lai Thanh , Nam Vu Thanh , Hung Trieu Thai , Van Thang Hoang , Manh Tran Duc , Khiem Cao Chi , Lam Vu Tien , Hung Nguyen Quang , Quy Tran Hoang , Tuyen Pham Quang , Bon Trinh Ngoc , Phuong Nguyen Thi Thu , Khuong Ninh Viet , Van Tuan Nguyen , Ha Dang Thi Hai , Long Tran Hai , Van Thuyet Dang , Trieu Dang Thinh , Van Thinh Nguyen , Hai Tran Anh , Trung Duong Quang , Van Bich Nguyen , Dang Dinh Hai , Dung Pham Tien , Hoang Nguyen Huy , Hanh Le Thi , Quang Phan Minh , Huong Nguyen Thi Thuy , Son Hoang Thanh , Son Nguyen Thanh , Van Anh Nguyen Thi , Anh Nguyen Thi Hoai , Sam Pham Dinh , Nhung Hoang Thi , Van Thanh Hoang , Thinh Nguyen Huu , Van Tran Hong , Luong Ho Trung , Hung Bui Kieu
Published: May 2019

Biotic and abiotic factors control aboveground biomass (AGB) and the structure of forest ecosystems. This study analyses the variation of AGB and stand structure of evergreen broadleaved forests among six ecoregions of Vietnam. A data set of 173 1-ha plots from 52 locations in undisturbed old-growth forests was developed. The results indicate that basal area and AGB are closely correlated with annual precipitation, but not with annual temperature, evaporation or hours of sunshine. Basal area and AGB are positively correlated with trees > 30 cm DBH. Most areas surveyed (52.6%) in these old-growth forests had AGB of 100–200 Mg ha−1; 5.2% had AGB of 400–500 Mg ha−1, and 0.6% had AGB of > 800 Mg ha−1. Seventy percent of the areas surveyed had stand densities of 300–600 ind. ha−1, and 64% had basal areas of 20–40 m2ha−1. Precipitation is an important factor influencing the AGB of old-growth, evergreen broadleaved forests in Vietnam. Disturbances causing the loss of large-diameter trees (e.g., > 100 cm DBH) affects AGB but may not seriously affect stand density.
When the World Falls Apart: Methodology for Employing Chaos and Emptiness as Theological Constructs
Authors: Chandler Stuart
Published: May 2019

In traditional Judeo-Christian mythology, chaos and cosmos are seen as antagonistic forces that have been vying for supremacy throughout time. According to this worldview, chaos describes the amorphous state of emptiness in which all forms are confounded in a universal confusion without structure or hierarchy. Geographically it is situated in the unexplored wilderness that surrounds and encroaches upon the ordered domain. Chaos is the realm of darkness and barrenness, symbolized either as a deep, boundless, watery abyss (Sheol) or a fiery pit in the bowels of the earth (Hell). Chaos has several incarnations: at times it is presented as a dragon or water monster who joins in primordial combat with a cultural hero; in other cases it is personified as the devil. When historicized, it is represented by Israel's enemies, such as the Egyptians in the Red Sea episode of Exodus 15. Not only primeval disorder, but all disruptive forces that periodically threaten the world are manifestations of chaos: hurricane, flood, fire, earthquake, famine, war, crime, and death. It cannot be forever annihilated, but only suppressed for a limited time. The victories of order remain more or less precarious; at best, chaos can be held at bay, forced to retreat to the marginal areas that surround the world of light.
Imbalanced kinetic Alfvén wave turbulence: from weak turbulence theory to nonlinear diffusion models for the strong regime
Authors: Passot T. , Sulem P. L.
Published: May 2019

A two-field Hamiltonian gyrofluid model for kinetic Alfvén waves retaining ion finite Larmor radius corrections, parallel magnetic field fluctuations and electron inertia, is used to study turbulent cascades from the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) to the sub-ion scales. Special attention is paid to the case of imbalance between waves propagating along or opposite to the ambient magnetic field. For weak turbulence in the absence of electron inertia, kinetic equations for the spectral density of the conserved quantities (total energy and generalized cross-helicity) are obtained. They provide a global description, matching between the regimes of reduced MHD at large scales and electron reduced MHD at small scales, previously considered in the literature. In the limit of ultra-local interactions, Leith-type nonlinear diffusion equations in the Fourier space are derived and heuristically extended to the strong turbulence regime by modifying the transfer time appropriately. Relations with existing phenomenological models for imbalanced MHD and balanced sub-ion turbulence are discussed. It turns out that in the presence of dispersive effects, the dynamics is sensitive on the way turbulence is maintained in a steady state. Furthermore, the total energy spectrum at sub-ion scales becomes steeper as the generalized cross-helicity flux is increased.
Characterization of Acifluorfen Tolerance in Selected Somaclones of Eastern Black Nightshade (Solanum ptycanthum)
Authors: Yu Chang-Yeon , Masiunas John B.
Published: May 2019

Acifluorfen tolerance in eastern black nightshade somaclones was characterized in two experiments. One experiment determined the involvement of absorption, translocation, and metabolism in acifluorfen tolerance. Less than 6% of the applied14C-acifluorfen was absorbed. There were no differences in acifluorfen absorption between susceptible and tolerant somaclones. More14C-acifluorfen was translocated in the susceptible than the tolerant somaclones. The susceptible somaclone did not metabolize acifluorfen while some somaclones (i.e., EBN-3A) metabolized14C-acifluorfen. A second experiment determined the tolerance of the somaclones to oxyfluorfen, diquat, and paraquat Most acifluorfen-tolerant somaclones were tolerant to oxyfluorfen but were susceptible to diquat and paraquat One somaclone, EBN-3A, was extremely tolerant to acifluorfen, paraquat, and diquat.
Effects of Tillage on Vertical Distribution and Viability of Weed Seed in Soil
Authors: Yenish Joseph P. , Doll Jerry D. , Buhler Douglas D.
Published: May 2019

The effect of different levels of tillage and weed management on population, distribution, and germination of weed seed was evaluated in three tillage systems at Arlington and Hancock, WI, in 1989 and 1990. Over 60% of all weed seed in the top 19 cm of soil were found in the top 1 cm in no-tillage at both sites. As depth increased, concentration of weed seed declined logarithmically in no-tillage. In chisel plowing, over 30% of seed were in the top 1 cm and seed concentration decreased linearly with depth. Moldboard plowing had uniform distribution of weed seed in the top 19 cm of soil. Preemergence metolachlor plus atrazine decreased weed seed population by 50% compared with no treatment over all tillage systems. One year of the herbicide treatment plus handweeding to assure weed-free conditions did not reduce seed numbers in chisel plowing or moldboard plowing compared to herbicide alone. Seed numbers with no-tillage and weed-free conditions decreased by 40% relative to herbicide alone. Common lambsquarters germination was 40% greater in moldboard plowing and chisel plowing compared with no-tillage. Germination was highest in seed taken from 9 to 19 cm deep in moldboard plowing and from 0 to 9 cm deep in chisel plowing.
Atrazine Movement in Soil Columns as Influenced by Starch-Encapsulation and Acrylic Polymer Additives
Authors: Fleming Gwen F. , Simmons F. William , Wax Loyd M. , Wing Robert E. , Carr Merle E.
Published: May 2019

Alternative herbicide formulations may have the potential to reduce atrazine leaching. This study was conducted to determine if starch-encapsulation produced using an extrusion process or several acrylic polymer additives reduced atrazine leaching in soil columns packed with Plainfield sand (98% sand and 0.7% organic matter). Three watering regimes were evaluated to determine the effects of water volume and rate of application on atrazine movement When 7.6 cm of water (0.44-pore volumes) was applied over 2 h, polymer treatments reduced atrazine movement from the soil surface by 9 to 21% compared to atrazine without the additives. With increased water volume and time, the effectiveness of several polymer treatments diminished. Acrysol ASE-108 and G110 polymers (mixed with atrazine at a 1:1 ratio) most effectively reduced atrazine leaching over all watering regimes. Starch encapsulation was more effective than any polymer additive in retarding atrazine movement Increasing the water volume from 7.6 to 15.2 cm (0.88-pore volumes) did not increase leaching of starch-encapsulated atrazine. Ninety-nine percent of the starch-encapsulated atrazine was retained in the top 5 cm of the column compared to only 18 and 13% of the dry flowable formulation (DF) when 0.44- and 0.88-pore volumes of water were applied over 2 and 4 h, respectively. When 0.88-pore volumes of water were applied over 12 d, 81% of the starch-encapsulated atrazine was retained in the upper 5 cm of the column compared to only 5% of the DF formulation of atrazine. This study indicates that starch encapsulation reduces atrazine movement to a greater extent than polymer additives and suggests that starch encapsulation may be an effective method of reducing atrazine leaching.
Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) Injury from Simulated Quinclorac Drift
Authors: Snipes Charles E. , Street Joe E. , Mueller Thomas C.
Published: May 2019

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) response was evaluated when quinclorac was applied prior to cotton emergence (preemergence) and to cotton in the cotyledon and pin-head square stages in 1988, 1989, and 1990. Quinclorac applications at 9, 17, 35, 70, and 140 g ha−1prior to cotton emergence had little effect on cotton growth, with only 140 g ha−1causing stand reduction or stunting. Quinclorac application to cotton in the cotyledon stage caused more damage, and 70 g ha−1caused crop injury. Greatest phytotoxicity was observed when quinclorac was applied to cotton at pin-head square, with all rates including 9 g ha−1causing injury. Cotton injury consisted of leaf strapping and malformation of reproductive structures. Regression analysis revealed yield was reduced by quinclorac applications to cotton in the cotyledon or pin-head square stage. The approximate regression equation to predict cotton yields after pin-head square application of quinclorac was [yield] = [yield with no injury] − 10(quinclorac rate in g ha−1).
Spatial Distribution of Broadleaf Weeds in North Carolina Soybean (Glycine max) Fields
Authors: Wiles Lori J. , Oliver Glenn W. , York Alan C. , Gold Harvey J. , Wilkerson Gail G.
Published: May 2019

Spatial distribution of broadleaf weeds within 14 North Carolina soybean fields was characterized by fitting negative binomial distributions to frequency distributions of weed counts in each field. In most cases, the data could be represented by a negative binomial distribution. Estimated values of the parameter K of this distribution were small, often less than one, indicating a high degree of patchiness. The data also indicated that the population as a whole was patchy. Counts of individual species were positively correlated with each other in some fields and total weed count could be represented by a negative binomial for 12 of the 14 fields.
Influence of Tillage, Crop Rotation, and Weed Management on Giant Foxtail (Setaria faberi) Population Dynamics and Corn Yield
Authors: Schreiber Marvin M.
Published: May 2019

A long-term integrated pest management study initiated in 1980 and continued through 1991 was conducted to determine interactions of tillage, crop rotation, and herbicide use levels on weed seed populations, weed populations, and crop yield. This paper presents giant foxtail seed population and stand along with corn yield in continuous corn, corn rotated with soybean, or corn following wheat in a soybean-wheat-corn rotation. Increasing herbicide use levels above the minimum reduced giant foxtail seed in the 0- to 2.5-cm depth of soil. Reducing tillage from conventional moldboard plowing to chiseling to no-tilling increased giant foxtail seed in only the top 0 to 2.5 cm of soil. No-tilling increased giant foxtail seed over conventional tillage in each year data were collected. Growing corn in a soybean-corn or soybean-wheat-corn rotation reduced giant foxtail seed from corn grown continuously in all three soil depths sampled: 0 to 2.5 cm, 2.5 to 10 cm, and 10 to 20 cm. Although stands of giant foxtail tended to follow soil weed seed counts, crop rotation significantly reduced giant foxtail stand with maximum reduction in the soybean-wheat-corn rotation in all tillage systems. Giant foxtail stands were reduced following wheat in no-tilling, probably because of the allelopathic influence of wheat straw. Corn yields showed weed management levels above minimum control are not justified regardless of tillage and crop rotation.
UN GRAZIE A MORLINO UN AUGURIO A COTTA
Authors: G.S.
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

La ruota del tempo gira inesorabilmente. Leonardo Morlino è stato redattore capo di questa rivista dal 1980, e poi condirettore responsabile dal 1986. Ma il grosso del peso della RISP era già caduto sulle sue spalle dal 1977. In breve, Morlino si è dedicato alla RISP, con passione e grande bravura, per quindici anni: lunghi (corti?) anni di navigazione non sempre facile, ma sempre felice. Un periodo in cui la disciplina è cresciuta insieme alla rivista in numeri e presenza culturale. Entrambe hanno superato lo stadio iniziale, piò incerto e difficile. La rivista stessa ha ormai raggiunto la maggiore età, anche rispetto ai ventuno anni che una volta si richiedevano.
FORZE ARMATE E PLURALISMO POLITICO IN JUGOSLAVIA
Authors: Bebler Anton
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

L'attuale professionismo militare jugoslavo e l'esercito regolare federale – Esercito Popolare Jugoslavo o EPJ – hanno avuto ufficialmente origine dai «Distaccamenti partigiani» e dall'«Armata Nazionale di Liberazione della Jugoslavia». Questa fu istituita sotto la leadership di Josip Broz, detto «Tito», nel corso della Seconda guerra mondiale, principalmente sul territorio del Regno di Jugoslavia smembrato nella primavera del 1941. I primi distaccamenti partigiani e quartier generali a livello regionale e di area apparvero alla metà dell'estate 1941, mentre un loro primo serio impiego militare contro gli occupanti e i locali governi «Quisling» si ebbe verso la fine di quello stesso anno. Tuttavia, la festa ufficiale dell'EPJ (ridenominata negli anni settanta «Giorno delle Forze Armate») non cade in nessuna di queste date, bensì il 22 dicembre.
1992: LA DESTRUTTURAZIONE DEL MERCATO ELETTORALE
Authors: Sani Giacomo
Published: May 2019

Introduzione

Nel corso degli anni ottanta gli osservatori hanno colto molteplici segnali di mutamento del sistema dei partiti in Italia e, in particolare, nel rapporto partiti-elettori, vedendo nei risultati delle diverse consultazioni indicazioni di un (potenziale) maggior dinamismo dei comportamenti di massa rispetto al passato. In quella fase l'attenzione degli studiosi è caduta a volte sulla graduale erosione dei tassi di partecipazione elettorale, a volte sulla diminuzione delle quote di consenso raccolto dai grandi partiti storici, a volte sull'emergere di nuove formazioni, a volte ancora sui tassi di instabilità registratisi in alcune zone del paese (Corbetta, Parisi e Schadee 1988; Caciagli e Spreafico 1990; Mannheimer 1991). Segnali convergenti provenivano da ricerche sugli orientamenti degli elettori rilevati tramite indagini demoscopiche. Così uno studio condotto alla metà degli anni ottanta suggeriva che, sotto la spinta di fattori diversi, si era verificato un allargamento della quota di elettori «nel mercato», cioè di cittadini disposti a considerare di volta in volta opzioni diverse da quelle del passato. Se ne deduceva l'esistenza di un accresciuto potenziale di mobilità con potenziali riflessi in futuro sulla forza dei diversi gruppi politici (Mannheimer e Sani 1987). Sino alla fine dello scorso decennio, tuttavia, il mercato elettorale italiano continuava a mantenere molte delle caratteristiche di un tempo. Certo, non mancavano gli elementi di novità, ma era difficile sostenere che si fosse già verificata una vera e propria rottura rispetto alle caratteristiche prevalenti nel passato. In sostanza, ci si trovava in presenza di un forte scollamento tra il potenziale di cambiamento intravisto dagli osservatori e l'evidenza delle cifre all'indomani del voto.
The Place of the Dopaminergic Agonists in the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease: the View from the Trenches
Authors: King David B.
Published: May 2019

The use of the dopamine receptor agonists in Parkinson’s disease has a compelling logic. These agents are supposed to act independently of the dying cells of the substantia nigra directly on the cells of the striatum. Early clinical trials in advanced disease were only mildly impressive. Later they were found to be beneficial in early disease but their effectiveness waned. Their ultimate failure may reflect the fact that the majority of current agents do not stimulate D1 and D2 receptors in a physiologic ratio. The drugs may act presynaptically and with the eventual loss of the anatomic relationships between nigra and striatum the drugs fail. There is, however, a rationale to their current use. When used along with L-Dopa in early disease the development of late-stage fluctuations are reduced with the same anti-parkinsonian benefits. Merging this concept with the demonstrated effect of selegiline in slowing the course of the disease, the current practice of triple therapy with selegiline, L-Dopa and a dopamine receptor agonist emerges.
Future Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: King Ching Tsui Joseph
Published: May 2019

New methods of drug delivery and slowing down the progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD) are the major goals of research. More steady drug levels in the blood are possible by means of controlled-release preparations of levodopa and long-acting dopamine agonists, as well as transcutaneous duodenal tubes and pumps for controlled subcutaneous infusion. Patches containing dopamine agonists absorbed through the skin may be developed. The role of D1 agonists as compared with D2 agonists remains to be elucidated. Agonists on autoreceptors of dopaminergic neurons may potentially reduce excessive stimulation of the intact neurons and this may slow down the rate of neuronal death in PD. Monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors may have a potentially protective action on neurons. Investigations are being carried out to evaluate this claim. Catechol-o-methyl-transferase inhibitors may be helpful in theory. There is also recent interest in inhibitors of excitatory amino acids, which may contribute to neuronal loss in PD.
During Repetitive Forebrain Ischemia, Post-ischemic Hypothermia Protects Neurons from Damage
Authors: Shuaib Ashfaq , Ijaz Sadiq , Kalra Jay , Code William
Published: May 2019

In rodents damage from repetitive transient cerebral ischemia is more severe than that seen with a single ischemic insult of similar duration. Mild hypothermia has been shown to be very effective in protecting the brain during single ischemic insults. We tested the protective effects of hypothermia in repetitive ischemic insults. We used the gerbil model of repetitive ischemia (three minutes ischemia repeated at one hourly intervals three times) and histological evaluation was done using the silver staining technique. Our study reveals that a decrease in body and scalp temperature by 1-2 degrees Celsius can significantly reduce neuronal damage in the cerebral cortex, CA1 region of the hippocampus and substantia nigra reticulata during repetitive ischemia. As the hypothermia was induced after the initial insult, we believe this offers an opportunity for intervention in the clinical settings.
The Influence of Indomethacin and Guanethidine on Experimental Streptozotocin Diabetic Neuropathy
Authors: Zochodne Douglas W. , Ho Lam T.
Published: May 2019

In diabetic animals, reduced endoneurial perfusion and oxygen content have been linked to neuropathic abnormalities and might be amenable to pharmacological manipulation. In streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, we studied the influence of guanethidine adrenergic sympathectomy, indomethacin treatment and a combined strategy on: serial in vivo motor and sensory conduction, resistance to ischemic conduction failure, in vitro myelinated and unmyelinated conduction, endoneurial perfusion and endoneurial oxygen tension. Unlike previous work diabetic animals had normal endoneurial perfusion but lower endoneurial oxygen tensions after six months of hyperglycemia. Guanethidine worsened sensory conduction despite lower microvascular resistance and an improvement in endoneurial oxygen tension. In contrast, indomethacin improved motor and sensory conduction but not oxygen tension. These studies do not support a linkage between conduction deficits and early endoneurial microangiopathy in experimental diabetes. Indomethacin, or related agents may offer a new therapeutic approach toward diabetic neuropathy through a mechanism independent of the endoneurial microvasculature.
The Neurology of Cobalamin
Authors: Shevell Michael I. , Rosenblatt David S.
Published: May 2019

The following review indicates that the impact of cobalamin on neurologic disease extends far beyond the traditional myelopathy of classical pernicious anemia. The delineation of a broad spectrum of inherited disorders of cobalamin processing has served to illustrate and precisely define each step in the normal absorption, transport and intracellular metabolism of this essential vitamin. Recent clinical work has extended the boundaries of acquired cobalamin deficiency to encompass a variety of neuropsychiatric disturbances without identifiable concomitant hematologic derangements and emphasized the utility and sensitivity of new laboratory tests. These findings will demand increased vigilance from clinicians so that atypical and subtle cobalamin deficiency states will be readily diagnosed. The wide range of neurologic dysfunction observed in both inherited and acquired disorders of cobalamin metabolism challenges basic scientists to delineate cobalamin’s presumed important role in the normal development and homeostasis of the nervous system.
A Canadian Population Survey on the Clinical, Epidemiologic and Societal Impact of Migraine and Tension-Type Headache
Authors: Pryse-Phillips William , Findlay Helen , Tugwell Peter , Edmeads John , Murray T.J. , Nelson R.F.
Published: May 2019

Trained telephone interviewers contacted 1,573 adults across Canada about the nature and frequency of headaches suffered by them or by others in their households. Using a table of pain symptoms and other characteristics abstracted from the International Headache Society (IHS) classification, the headaches were assigned to migraine headache, tension-type headache or other diagnostic groups. Of the households sampled, 59% had at least one headache sufferer in residence. The proportion of headache sufferers with migraine was 14%; with tension-type, 36%; and with both, 14%. Migraine headache caused more disability than tension-type headache, with nearly 20% of migraine sufferers taking time off work and disability lasting for a mean of 1 day. It is concluded that the current prevalences of migraine and tension-type headache in Canada fall around the mean of previous studies, that the IHS criteria can form a basis for diagnostic classification and that the functional impact of migraine has been seriously underestimated in the past.