cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Emerging diseases of Africa and the Middle East.

The term "emerging diseases" has been used recently to refer to different scenarios, all of which indicate changes in the dynamics of disease in the population. Of the OIE List A diseases, major changes have been experienced with rinderpest, peste des petit ruminants (PPR), contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever, lumpy skin disease, and Rift Valley fever. Rinderpest represents a success story of the 1990s, thanks to the programs of the Pan African Rinderpest Campaign (PARC). The situation has changed from that of the 1980s when rinderpest was widespread throughout most of Tropical Africa and the Middle East. PPR is a disease that has become of increasing importance throughout Tropical Africa and the Middle East. CBPP, which had previously been reduced to sporadic incidence within endemic areas, invaded new areas, causing heavy mortality. African swine fever has extended to West Africa and to Madagascar, in both regions resulting in heavy losses. Climatic changes in both East and West Africa were associated with an upsurge of Rift Valley fever. Deficiencies in national veterinary services have contributed to failures in early detection and response; in many regions investigation and diagnosis services have deteriorated. The continuing structural adjustment program for national veterinary services will need to take into account their transformation from providers of services (e.g., vaccinations, medicines) to inspection and quality assurance services. Surveillance, early warning, and disease emergency preparedness will need to be pursued more vigorously in Africa and the Middle East as vital components of national veterinary services.
The Struggle against Terrorism: Grand Strategy, Strategy, and Tactics

Al-Qaeda is a network of like-minded individuals, apparently all Muslim but of many different nationalities, that links together groups in as many as sixty countries. Al-Qaeda is an ambitious, ruthless, and technically proficient organization. Osama bin Laden, a wealthy Saudi who took part in the Afghan rebellion against the Soviet occupation, developed this network. Al-Qaeda is the principal terrorist organization that has attempted to engage in mass destruction attacks on the United States. Al-Qaeda wants the United States, indeed the West more generally, out of the Persian Gulf and the Middle East. The war against terrorism is more difficult. The United States faces a long war against a small, elusive, and dangerous foe. That struggle must be pursued with discipline and determination if it is to be successful. Allies are essential for success in the war on terrorism, which helps to explain the determination of President George W. Bush and his administration to build a broad coalition.
Hepatic glucose-6-phosphatase flux and glucose phosphorylation, cycling, irreversible disposal, and net balance in vivo in rats. Measurement using the secreted glucuronate technique.

Abstract Measurement of hepatic glucose production (HGP) by standard isotope dilution reveals only the net release of glucose from the liver, not the flux across glucose-6-phosphatase ([G6Pase] or total hepatic glucose output), hepatic glucose cycling (HGC), irreversible glucose disposal into glycogen in the liver (hepatic Rd), or net hepatic glucose balance. We describe two independent isotopic techniques for measuring these parameters in vivo, both of which use secreted glucuronate (GlcUA), HGC can be quantified by measuring a correction factor for glucose label retained in hepatic glucose-6-phosphate (G6P), sampled as GlcUA. A complementary technique for measuring total hepatic glucose output is also described (reverse dilution), requiring administration of no labeled glucose but instead a labeled gluconeogenic precursor and unlabeled glucose. Hepatic Rd is calculated by multiplying the rate of appearance (Ra) of hepatic UDP-glucose ([UDP-glc] based on dilution of labeled galactose in GlcUA) times the direct entry of glucose into hepatic UDP-glc and the fraction of labeled UDP-glc retained in the liver. The sum of hepatic Rd plus HGC represents the total hepatic glucose phosphorylation rate. Rats received intravenous (IV) glucose infusions at a rate of 15 to 30 mg/kg/min after a 24-hour fast. Despite a suppression of net HGP more than 50%, total hepatic glucose output was not significantly decreased, because of increased HGC. Total hepatic glucose output calculated by reverse dilution yielded similar results during IV glucose infusions at 15 mg/kg/min, although values were higher than obtained by the correction-factor method at 30 mg/kg/min. The fraction of labeled UDP-glc released into blood glucose, representing a hepatic glycogen cycle, decreased from 35% (fasted) to nearly 0% (IV glucose 30 mg/kg/min). Hepatic Rd was 1.4, 4.6, and 7.5 mg/kg/min (fasted and IV glucose 15 and 30 mg/kg/min, respectively); total hepatic glucose phosphorylation increased substantially (from 4.2 to 8.5 to 12.7 mg/kg/min) and net hepatic glucose balance changed from negative to positive during IV glucose. In conclusion, hepatic G6Pase flux, glucose phosphorylation, HGC, disposal of glucose into glycogen, and net glucose balance can be measured noninvasively in vivo under various metabolic conditions by techniques involving the GlcUA probe.
Cocaine seeking over extended withdrawal periods in rats: time dependent increases of responding induced by heroin priming over the first 3 months

Rationale Using a rat relapse model, recent studies reported time dependent increases in cocaine seeking induced by re-exposure to cocaine cues, but not cocaine itself, over withdrawal periods of up to 3 months.
Associations Between Child Disabilities and Caregiver Discipline and Violence in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Using nationally representative samples of 45,964 two- to nine-year-old children and their primary caregivers in 17 developing countries, this study examined the relations between children's cognitive, language, sensory, and motor disabilities and caregivers' use of discipline and violence. Primary caregivers reported on their child's disabilities and whether they or anyone in their household had used nonviolent discipline, psychological aggression, and physical violence toward the target child and believed that using corporal punishment is necessary. Logistic regression analyses supported the hypothesis that children with disabilities are treated more harshly than children without disabilities. The findings suggest that policies and interventions are needed to work toward the United Nations' goals of ensuring that children with disabilities are protected from abuse and violence.
Parent Education in Popular Literature: 1972–1990

Content analyses of popular literature have been performedfor data on child-rearing advicefrom 1820 to 1970. This study extends these analyses from 1972 to 1990 and identifies main topics by writers and contemporary trends in advice giving about parenting. During this period, the primary topics of interest in three women's magazines were parent-child relations (27%), the socialization of children (17%), and children's developmental stages (17%). Advocated childrearing practices included promoting androgynous parenting roles, taking a nonsexist approach to child rearing, adjusting to mothers' employment outside the home, helping children adjust to parental divorce, adopting a child-rearing style that was authoritative in context and practice, avoiding the use of physical punishment with children and adopting more psychologically oriented methods, and enhancing communication skills within thefamily while discussing issues honestly with children. Implications are discussed in relation tofour themes emergingfrom the analysis of parenting advice in popular literature.
Evaluating the sonic layer depth relative to the mixed layer depth

[1] Using a global set of in situ temperature and salinity profile observations, the sonic layer depth (SLD) and the mixed layer depth (MLD) are analyzed and compared over the annual cycle. The SLD characterizes the potential of the upper ocean to trap acoustic energy in a surface duct while MLD characterizes upper ocean mixing. The SLD is computed from temperature and salinity profile pairs using a new tunable method while MLD is computed using recently developed methods and either temperature only profiles or temperature and salinity profile pairs. Both SLD and MLD estimates provide information on different and important aspects of the upper ocean. The SLD and MLD often coincide because sound speed increases with depth down to the MLD, where (typically) a decrease in temperature occurs, resulting in a local maximum sound speed. The depth of this maximum sound speed is the SLD. The SLD and MLD are not always the same because sound speed is substantially more sensitive to temperature than to salinity compared to density. Since MLD is a commonly known and studied parameter, MLD is often used as a proxy for SLD in scientific and operational applications. In the boreal spring when fresh restratification events occur, the SLD is 10 m deeper (shallower) than the MLD in 39% (7%) of the observed profiles. A parabolic equation acoustic transmission model is used to evaluate the relative skill of the SLD and MLD estimates to predict surface acoustic trapping as measured by a simple metric.
Utility of 18F-FDG positron emission tomography scanning on selection of patients for resection of hepatic colorectal metastases

Abstract Background: Hepatectomy represents a standard and potentially curative therapy for hepatic colorectal metastases. However, up to two thirds of patients explored for resection are found to have unsuspected disease, which precludes resection. Methods: In order to determine if 18 F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET) scanning may prevent unnecessary surgery, a group of 40 patients being considered for hepatic resection but at high risk for unresectable disease by clinical criteria were subjected to whole body 18 F-FDG-PET scanning. Effect on clinical outcome was evaluated. In addition, PET findings in the 25 patients who underwent resection of hepatic metastases were directly compared with the resected specimen to determine the sensitivity of 18 F-FDG PET scanning in the liver. Results: Findings on 18 F-FDG-PET scanning influenced the clinical management in 16 patients (40%) and directly altered management in 9 cases (23%). Six patients were spared laparotomy, and 3 others had PET-directed surgery that found extrahepatic tumor and spared the patient unwarranted liver resection. In 3 cases PET missed peritoneal metastases found on laparotomy. In these cases all missed tumors were less than 1 cm in size. Out of 52 resected hepatic lesions, 18 F-FDG-PET detected 37. Within the liver, sensitivity of detection was also related to size. Only 25% of hepatic lesions smaller than 1 cm were detected by PET, while 85% of lesions larger than 1 cm were detected. Conclusions: FDG-PET is best for detecting extrahepatic disease. There are few false positives, and surgeons should carefully evaluate and biopsy extrahepatic positive sites. This test should be used for patients at high risk for extrahepatic disease and should be evaluated prospectively for all patients under consideration for liver resection.
Protagoras refuted: how clever is Socrates' "most clever" argument at Theaetetus 171a-c ?

This article aims at reconstructing the logic and assessing the force of Socrates' argument against Protagoras' 'Measure Doctrine' (MD) at Theaetetus 171a–c. I examine and criticise some influential interpretations of the passage, according to which, e.g., Socrates is guilty of ignoratio elenchi by dropping the essential Protagorean qualifiers or successfully proves that md is self-refuting provided the missing qualifiers are restored by the attentive reader. Having clarified the meaning of MD, I analyse in detail the broader section 170a–171d and argue, against an extensive scholarly consensus, (1) that it contains two slightly different formulations of the same argument, and not two (or three) distinct arguments, (2) that Socrates does not highlight his own strategy at 171a–c as especially clever, and (3) that his argument successfully shows that md turns out to be untenable for Protagoras himself when submitted to scrutiny in dialectical contexts, without aiming at proving its absolute falsehood. Finally, I clarify the philosophical import of the final image of Protagoras' momentary return from the underworld.
Souvenir buying intentions for self versus others.

Abstract This research examines what influences tourists who want to purchase three categories of souvenirs and who are considering purchases for themselves vs. as gifts for family and friends. Female tourists traveling to Mexico completed a questionnaire and responded to photographic stimuli of three Mexican textile products. Findings suggested that the relationship between purchase intentions and some significant predictors, such as previous travel experience and attitude toward souvenirs, were affected by souvenir categories. However, the relationships were little influenced by the situational variable of buying for oneself vs. for others. When ethnic and recreational tourists were compared, relatively few differences were discovered.
UV curable glycidyl carbamate based resins

Abstract The synthesis and characterization of UV curable resins based on glycidyl carbamate chemistry have been explored. Glycidyl carbamate (GC) functional resins have been used to obtain crosslinked coatings with a wide range of properties using several crosslinking techniques such as epoxy-amine, self-crosslinking, and sol–gel. GC resin technology was further expanded to UV curable coatings by reacting polyfunctional GC resins with acrylic acid to yield acrylated glycidyl carbamate (AGC) resins. Alcohol-modified UV curable GC resins were also prepared to obtain lower viscosity. Commonly used reactive diluents were used to prepare a UV curable GC coating formulations. The coatings were cured in air using a Fusion LC6B Benchtop Conveyer with an F300 UV lamp. The degree of conversion of acrylic double bonds during UV curing was determined using real time FTIR and showed that the resins had fast cure rates and high extents of conversion of acrylate groups. Coating properties such as hardness, impact strength, methyl ethyl ketone double rubs, flexibility, and adhesion were studied. Dynamic mechanical analysis was used to determine crosslink density of the coatings. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis were used to study the thermal properties of the coatings. The type of polyisocyanates and the extent of modification in GC resins influenced the degree of conversion, crosslink density, and coating performance.
Mitigating environmental effects on new venture growth: The critical role of stakeholder integration across buyer and supplier groups

Abstract New ventures face numerous challenges stemming from environmental conditions. There are, however, specific strategies new ventures can take to mitigate potentially adverse external factors. This research draws upon stakeholder theory to offer rationale and evidence of the contingent role of primary stakeholder integration in moderating the influence of environmental conditions on new venture growth. Examination of 183 new ventures reveals that buyer integration mitigates negative effects of environmental dynamism and supplier integration mitigates negative effects of environmental complexity. The implications of these relationships for theory and practice are discussed.
Sugar response element enhances wound response of potato proteinase inhibitor II promoter in transgenic tobacco.

The promoter region of the potato proteinase inhibitor II (PI-II) gene was studied to identifycis-acting regulatory sequences involved in sugar response using transgenic tobacco plants. The 5′ control region covering an 892 nucleotide sequence upstream from the cap site and a 32 nucleotide untranslated region of the PI-II promoter was able to activate a reporter chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (cat) gene by wounding or by incubating in a sugar-free medium. This wound response was further enhanced by sugar. Hexoses, disaccharides, and some trisaccharides were strong inducers whereas pentoses, deoxy sugars, sugar acids, TCA cycle intermediates, amino acids, and other carbohydrates had little effect on the promoter activity. Deletion of the sequence between-892 and-573 abolished the wound response but not the sugar response. An additional 5′ deletion to-453 removed the sugar inducibility. Locations of thecis-acting regulatory elements were further elucidated by 3′ deletion analysis. Deletion of the downstream region from-520 did not affect the wound of sugar response of the promoter. However, 3′ deletion mutant-574 was unable to respond to sugar but did respond weakly to wounding. Further deletion to-624 abolished both responses. Therefore, it can be concluded that a wound response element is located in between-624 and-574 and that the response is further enhanced by a sugar response element located in the sequence between-573 and-520.
Magnetic Susceptibility of the Hydrogen Molecule

The effects of the nuclear motion on the magnetic susceptibility ${〈\ensuremath{\xi}〉}_{0,1}$ of ${\mathrm{H}}_{2}$ in the $v=0$, $J=1$ vibrational-rotational level of its electronic ground state are investigated. The dependence of ${〈\ensuremath{\xi}〉}_{0,1}$ on the orientation of the molecule in the applied magnetic field is also considered. The effects of the nuclear motion are found to be of the order of 2-4 parts in ${10}^{2}$.
Simultaneous assay of strontium-90 and yttrium-90 by liquid scintillation spectrometry.

Abstract A liquid scintillation technique is described whereby Sr 90 can be assayed with high efficiency in the presence of Y 90 . This permits the estimation of Sr 90 by direct counting and eliminates the need to allow ingrowth of Y 90 , chemical separation of the yttrium daughter, and calculation of Sr 90 from the Y 90 counts.
First Report of Leaf Spot of Spinach Caused by Stemphylium botryosum in Arizona.

During the winter (December through February) of 2003-2004, and again during 2004-2005, spinach (Spinacia oleracea) crops in the Yuma region of Arizona developed a foliar disease that previously had not been diagnosed in this geographic area. The problem was found on only a few acres and severity was low. The first symptoms consisted of round to oval leaf spots that were gray to olive green and visible from both adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces. The spots were 3 to 6 mm in diameter but expanded up to as much as 10 mm. As disease progressed, leaf spots became tan and dry and papery in texture. Fungal growth was not observed on the spots. Isolations from the edges of surface-sterilized lesions onto V8 juice agar consistently resulted in fungal colonies. The fungus was identified as Stemphylium botryosum based on the following morphological characteristics of isolates incubated under fluorescent lights: dark green-to-brown mycelial growth, unbranched conidiophores with distinctly swollen apical cells that h...
Blue Gene/Q resource management architecture

As supercomputers scale to a million processor cores and beyond, the underlying resource management architecture needs to provide a flexible mechanism to manage the wide variety of workloads executing on the machine. In this paper we describe the novel approach of the Blue Gene/Q (BG/Q) supercomputer in addressing these workload requirements by providing resource management services that support both the high performance computing (HPC) and high-throughput computing (HTC) paradigms. We explore how the resource management implementations of the prior generation Blue Gene (BG/L and BG/P) systems evolved and led us down the path to developing services on BG/Q that focus on scalability, flexibility and efficiency. Also provided is an overview of the main components comprising the BG/Q resource management architecture and how they interact with one another. Introduced in this paper are BG/Q concepts for partitioning I/O and compute resources to provide I/O resiliency while at the same time providing for faster block (partition) boot times. New features, such as the ability to run a mix of HTC and HPC workloads on the same block are explained, and the advantages of this type of environment are examined. Similar to how Many-task computing (MTC) [1] aims to combine elements of HTC and HPC, the focus of BG/Q has been to unify the two models in a flexible manner where hybrid workloads having both HTC and HPC characteristics are managed simultaneously.
Facsimile Bandwidth Compression Using Nonlinear Analog Processing

A system is presented for reducing the number of picture elements in a scanned image by an order of magnitude while preserving the detail contrast. Starting with high-resolution data a 3 × 3 matrix of input elements is compressed into a single output element using a nonlinear algorithm. Optimum results are obtained by including the data on the outer periphery of the input sample in the processing algorithm thus requiring a 5 × 5 input matrix. Experimental results are presented using weather satellite photographs. This system has application in those cases where the sensor has higher resolution capability than the communication link can support.
On the Path to Mediation

A commentary on mediation is presented. The commentary begins with a brief history of the author's interest in mediation. This is followed by some ideas about why there continues to be interest among organizational researchers in mediation. Last, comments are offered on the articles that are the center of attraction.
The potential of death receptor 4- and 5-directed therapies in the treatment of lung cancer.

Aberrations of the intracellular apoptotic balance—reducing proapoptotic signaling and increasing antiapoptotic signaling— are common in cancer cells. Increasing apoptosis through the direct manipulation of the apoptotic machinery offers novel anticancer strategies. Of the 2 main interacting proapoptotic pathways, the extrinsic pathway is characterized by liganddependent stimulation of cell surface death receptor (DRs). Recombinant ligand and agonistic monoclonal antibodies directed against the tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptors, DR 4 (TRAIL-R1) and/or DR 5 (TRAIL-R2), are now being explored within clinical trials. These agents appear well tolerated with hints of single-agent activity in lymphoma, colorectal cancer, chondrosarcoma, and non–small-cell lung cancer. Numerous molecular factors influencing sensitivity or resistance have been identified in vitro, but the determinants of clinical benefit remain unclear. Preclinically, synergy with cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation therapy is well documented, with DR4/5 stimulation helping to tip the intracellular processing of multiple stimuli in favor of cell death. Provided that a wide therapeutic margin relative to normal cells can be maintained, maximizing apoptotic responses to standard treatments through DR4/5–directed therapy, with or without additional blockade of antiapoptotic signaling, has considerable potential in the treatment of lung cancer. Trials of DR4/5–directed therapies in combination with standard first-line chemotherapy for non–small-cell lung cancer are under way.
Noninvasive biomarkers of airway inflammation in cystic fibrosis.

Purpose of review Airway inflammation plays a central role in the lung disease of cystic fibrosis (CF). Biomarkers of inflammation may be useful for monitoring disease progression and evaluating response to therapy. Much of our knowledge of the chronic inflammatory process in the CF airway derives from studies of bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage. A number of noninvasive approaches have been recently developed to more readily assess airway inflammation including sputum induction, collection of exhaled air, analysis of systemic markers of inflammation, and computed tomography imaging. Recent findings While measurements of biomarkers of inflammation continue to advance our understanding of the underlying disease process, there is as yet no established role for these markers in clinical practice. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of various inflammatory markers relevant to CF lung disease, with an eye towards application as surrogate outcome measures in CF clinical trials. Summary It is hoped that biomarkers obtained by noninvasive means will be useful in determining specific pathways of injury (ie, oxidative or proteolytic) in individual persons with CF and in assessing response to antiinflammatory treatments.
Terracing in the Mixteca Alta, Mexico: Cycles of Resilience of an Ancient Land-Use Strategy

Terracing is an important and ubiquitous landscape feature in the Mixteca Alta region of southern Mexico. It is a land-management strategy that has been in use for millennia, perhaps starting around 300 B.C.E. We discuss terracing as an adaptive and resilient strategy of food production and land management that continues to be culturally significant to modern-day farmers. Through the integration of archaeological, geomorphological, ethnohistorical, and ethnographic data we document the history of terracing and discuss how Mixtec communities and terraces have responded to natural and cultural perturbations through millennia. We find that different stages in the history of terracing show parallels with the adaptive cycles of a resilient system.
pH Alterations “Reset” Ca2+ Sensitivity of Brain Na+ Channel 2, a Degenerin/Epithelial Na+ Ion Channel, in Planar Lipid Bilayers

Members of the degenerin/epithelial Na(+) channel superfamily of ion channels subserve many functions, ranging from whole body sodium handling to mechanoelectrical transduction. We studied brain Na(+) channel 2 (BNaC-2) in planar lipid bilayers to examine its single channel properties and regulation by Ca(2+). Upon incorporation of vesicles made from membranes of oocytes expressing either wild-type (WT) BNaC-2 or BNaC-2 with a gain-of-function (GF) point mutation (G433F), functional channels with different properties were obtained. WT BNaC-2 resided in a closed state with short openings, whereas GF BNaC-2 was constitutively activated; a decrease in the pH in the trans compartment of the bilayer activated WT BNaC-2 and decreased its permeability for Na(+) over K(+). Moreover, these maneuvers made the WT channel more resistant to amiloride. In contrast, GF BNaC-2 did not respond to a decrease in pH, and its amiloride sensitivity and selectivity for Na(+) over K(+) were unaffected by this pH change. Buffering the bathing solutions with EGTA to reduce the free [Ca(2+)] to <10 nm increased WT single channel open probability 10-fold, but not that of GF BNaC-2. Ca(2+) blocked both WT and GF BNaC-2 in a dose- and voltage-dependent fashion; single channel conductances were unchanged. A drop in pH reduced the ability of Ca(2+) to inhibit these channels. These results show that BNaC-2 is an amiloride-sensitive sodium channel and suggest that pH activation of these channels could be, in part, a consequence of H(+) "interference" with channel regulation by Ca(2+).
pHi responses to osmotic cell shrinkage in the presence of open-system buffers

Changes in plasma volume in vivo cause rapid changes in extracellular pH by altering the plasma bicarbonate concentration at a constant Pco2 (Garella S, Chang BS, and Kahn SI. Kidney Int 8: 279, 19...
Strain, Attribution, and Traffic Delinquency Among Young Drivers: Measuring and Testing General Strain Theory in the Context of Driving

This article enhances our knowledge of general strain theory (GST) by applying it to the context of traffic delinquency. It does so by first describing and confirming the development of a social–psychological measure allowing for a test of GST. Structural regression analysis is subsequently employed to test the theory within this context across a range of delinquent driving behaviors. Tests indicate that strain experienced while operating a motor vehicle consists of distinct contexts that when considered separately both enhance our understanding of GST and spell policy implications for state-directed interventions. Implications for future GST testing, measurement, and application are also discussed.
Hepatitis C virus: here comes all-oral treatment.

Treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is evolving rapidly. The approval in 2013 of two new directacting antivirals—sofosbuvir (a polymerase inhibitor) and simeprevir (a second-generation protease inhibitor)— opens the door for an all-oral regimen, potentially avoiding interferon and its harsh side effects. Other direct-acting antivirals are under development.
Taxonomy-superimposed graph mining

New graph structures where node labels are members of hierarchically organized ontologies or taxonomies have become commonplace in different domains, e.g., life sciences. It is a challenging task to mine for frequent patterns in this new graph model which we call taxonomy-superimposed graphs, as there may be many patterns that are implied by the generalization/specialization hierarchy of the associated node label taxonomy. Hence, 'standard' graph mining techniques are not directly applicable.In this paper, we present Taxogram, a taxonomy-superimposed graph mining algorithm that can efficiently discover frequent graph structures in a database of taxonomy-superimposed graphs. Taxogram has two advantages: (i) It performs a subgraph isomorphism test once per class of patterns which are structurally isomorphic, but have different labels, and (ii) it reconciles standard graph mining methods with taxonomy-based graph mining and takes advantage of well-studied methods in the literature. Taxogram has three stages: (a) relabeling nodes in the input database, (b) mining pattern classes/families and constructing associated occurrence indices, and (c) computing patterns and eliminating useless (i.e., over-generalized) patterns by post-processing occurrence indices. Experimental results show that Taxogram is significantly more efficient and more scalable compared to other alternative approaches.
Statin-induced myopathy: a review and update

Introduction: Statin-induced myopathy is an important cause of statin intolerance and the most common cause of statin discontinuation. Observational studies estimate that 10 – 15% of statin users develop statin-related muscle side effects ranging from mild myalgia to more severe muscle symptoms with significant CPK elevations. Areas covered: This article reviews the epidemiology, clinical features, risk factors and mechanisms of statin-induced myopathy and provides an evidence-based algorithm for managing patients with statin myopathy. Expert opinion: There are multiple risk factors for statin-induced myopathy that are both patient-related (age, genetics, co-morbidities) and drug-related (statin metabolism via the CYP system, drug–drug interactions and statin drug transport). Management options for statin-intolerant patients include statin switching, especially to low-dose, non-daily doses of long-acting statins, such as rosuvastatin and atorvastatin, and other non-statin lipid-lowering agents, such as ez...
Manipulation of Porous Bioceramic Microstructures by Freezing of Suspensions Containing Binary Mixtures of Solvents

In our previous work, using a unidirectional freeze-casting method, it was observed that the addition of certain polar organic solvents, such as 1,4-dioxane and glycerol, to aqueous suspensions of hydroxyapatite (HA) resulted in drastic changes to the microstructure. The objective of the present work is to provide a rationalization of the observed microstructures. Phase separation of the binary water–dioxane and water–glycerol mixtures during freezing, and the physical chemistry of the solvent mixtures, such as the ability of the polar organic solvents to modify the hydrogen bonding of water, are the key factors influencing the freeze-cast microstructures. The porous HA constructs could be applied as scaffolds for bone repair.
Paint Thickness Measurement Using Acoustic Interference

A novel method of determining the thickness of a paint coating over composites is presented. A sinusoidal ultrasonic wave modulated with a low-duty-cycle pulse train is interfered with its own reflection off the paint-composite interface. An amplitude profile periodic in frequency is observed after interference. Measurement is first made with the transducer facing air and then with the transducer facing the sample. The frequency shift of a chosen minimum is used to calculate the paint coating thickness. A method using two frequencies to increase the range of thickness measurement and improve the resolution is also presented. The method has been shown to yield an accuracy better than 3%
Simultaneous Generation of Mesoxalic Acid and Electricity from Glycerol on a Gold Anode Catalyst in Anion‐Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

We report the selective electrocatalytic oxidation of glycerol for the cogeneration of mesoxalic acid and electricity on a gold anode catalyst in anion-exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs). Small Au nanoparticles (3.5 nm) were uniformly deposited onto carbon black with a loading of 40 wt % through a solution-phase method. An AEMFC with this Au/C anode catalyst, together with an Fe-based cathode catalyst, exhibited a peak power density of 57.9 mW cm−2 at 80 °C. Valuable mesoxalic acid was produced with high selectivity (46 %) from the electro-oxidation of glycerol on Au/C at an operating voltage of 0.3 V, whilst very small amounts of mesoxalic acid (selectivity<3 %) were obtained on a Pt/C anode catalyst in AEMFCs. The product distribution was dependent on the anode overpotential. At 1.2 V versus the standard hydrogen electrode (SHE) in an electrolysis cell, glycolic acid was the major product (selectivity: 65 %) and no mesoxalic acid was observed. Based on the product analysis, we found that Au facilitated deeper-oxidation of glycerol to afford the fully-oxidized C3 mesoxalic acid, rather than CC cleavage, under a mild potential range (0.4–0.7 V vs. SHE) that was fortunately within the working voltage range of the fuel cells.
Magnesium in Health and Disease

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . 430 HOMEOSTATIC CONTROLS 430 D ietary Intake . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. ..... . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .... . ... . . 430 Absorption . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . 430 Renal Regulation... . . . . . . . . ........ . . . .. . . . ........ . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . . . . . . . . . ...... . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... 431 Summary of Homeostatic Factors 433 REQUIREMENTS FOR HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS 433 MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCy . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . ... . . ..... . . . ... . ... . . . . . . .... ..... ..... .... 436 Magnesium Deficiency in Hu man s . . . . . . . . . . .. . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436 Comparison of Human Experimental and Clinical Magnesium Depletion . . . . . . . . . . . . . 438 Physiological and Biochemical Correlates of Magnesium Depletion . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 439 MAGNESIUM DEPLETION IN VARIOUS DISEASE STATES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 441 Prevalence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 441 A lcoholism. . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 442 D iabetes . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 442 Malabsorption 442 Protein-Energy Malnutrition . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . 443 Kidney D isease and Nephrotoxic Drugs. . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 443 Post-Parathyroidectomy Hypomagnesemia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .... 444 Antileptic Drugs. . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . ..... . . . . . . . . . . . . 444 MAGNESIUM ALTERATIONS AND POSSIBLE DISEASE DEVELOPMENT . . . . . ... 444 Cardiac Abnormalities.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 444 H ypertension . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . . . . . . . . . ... . 450 MAGNESIUM REPLETION 450 HYPERMAGNESEMIA AND MAGNESIUM TOXICITy . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 452
Extension of media noise modulation theory (square-wave recording)

Media noise is treated as the random pulse modulation of averaged magnetization derivative. The modulation is of several types simultaneously: pulse position, shape, width, and amplitude. The theory of such modulations is presented. Bandwidth limitation in a readback transducer results in the transformation of these modulations into a single sideband modulation that mixes all types together.
TURNING POINTS: USING TEACHERS' MATHEMATICS LIFE STORIES TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MATHEMATICS EDUCATION REFORM

In this study, teachers’ narrative descriptions of themselves as learners and teachers of mathematics were used to understand teachers’ interpretations and implementations of a reform-oriented mathematics curriculum. Twenty elementary school teachers’ mathematics life stories were categorized into six types, based on teachers’ descriptions of both their early experiences with mathematics and their current perceptions of themselves as mathematics learners and teachers. The focus in this article is on the sense-making practices (noticing, interpreting, implementing) of teachers who told turning-point stories – those stories in which the teachers initially experienced significant failures in mathematics, but, as the result of a turning-point experience, now view themselves positively as both learners and teachers of mathematics. The importance of both the turning-point story and the particular meanings teachers attribute to this story for understanding teachers’ specific practices in the context of reform are detailed here, followed by implications for curriculum design.
Isoflurane modulates neuronal excitability of the nucleus reticularis thalami in vitro.

The thalamus has a key function in processing sensory information, sleep, and cognition. We examined the effects of a common volatile anesthetic, isoflurane, on modulation of neuronal excitability in reticular thalamic nucleus (nRT) in intact brain slices from immature rats. In current-clamp recordings, isoflurane (300–600 µM) consistently depolarized membrane potential, decreased input resistance and inhibited both rebound burst firing and tonic spike firing modes of nRT neurons. The isoflurane-induced depolarization persisted not only in the presence of tetrodotoxin, but after replacement of Ca2+ with Ba2+ ions in external solution; it was abolished by partial replacement of extracellular Na+ ions with N-methyl-D-glucamine. In voltage-clamp recordings, we found that isoflurane slowed recovery from inactivation of T-type Ca2+ current. Thus, at clinically relevant concentrations, isoflurane inhibits neuronal excitability of nRT neurons in developing brain via multiple ion channels. Inhibition of the neuronal excitability of thalamic cells may contribute to impairment of sensory information transfer in the thalamocortical network by general anesthetics. The findings may be important for understanding cellular mechanisms of anesthesia such as loss of consciousness and potentially damaging consequences of general anesthetics on developing mammalian brains.
Phenotypic and Physiological Characterization of the Epibiotic Interaction Between TM7x and Its Basibiont Actinomyces

Despite many examples of obligate epibiotic symbiosis (one organism living on the surface of another) in nature, such an interaction has rarely been observed between two bacteria. Here, we further characterize a newly reported interaction between a human oral obligate parasitic bacterium TM7x (cultivated member of Candidatus Saccharimonas formerly Candidate Phylum TM7), and its basibiont Actinomyces odontolyticus species (XH001), providing a model system to study epiparasitic symbiosis in the domain Bacteria. Detailed microscopic studies indicate that both partners display extensive morphological changes during symbiotic growth. XH001 cells manifested as short rods in monoculture, but displayed elongated and hyphal morphology when physically associated with TM7x. Interestingly, these dramatic morphological changes in XH001 were also induced in oxygen-depleted conditions, even in the absence of TM7x. Targeted quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses revealed that both the physical association with TM7x as well as oxygen depletion triggered up-regulation of key stress response genes in XH001, and in combination, these conditions act in an additive manner. TM7x and XH001 co-exist with relatively uniform cell morphologies under nutrient-replete conditions. However, upon nutrient depletion, TM7x-associated XH001 displayed a variety of cell morphologies, including swollen cell body, clubbed-ends, and even cell lysis, and a large portion of TM7x cells transformed from ultrasmall cocci into elongated cells. Our study demonstrates a highly dynamic interaction between epibiont TM7x and its basibiont XH001 in response to physical association or environmental cues such as oxygen level and nutritional status, as reflected by their morphological and physiological changes during symbiotic growth.
Ultrafast optical-ultrasonic system and miniaturized catheter for imaging and characterizing atherosclerotic plaques in vivo

Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) is the number one cause of death worldwide. The majority of CAD-induced deaths are due to the rupture of vulnerable plaques. Accurate assessment of plaques is crucial to optimize treatment and prevent death in patients with CAD. Current diagnostic techniques are often limited by either spatial resolution or penetration depth. Several studies have proved that the combined use of optical and ultrasonic imaging techniques increase diagnostic accuracy of vulnerable plaques. Here, we introduce an ultrafast optical-ultrasonic dual-modality imaging system and flexible miniaturized catheter, which enables the translation of this technology into clinical practice. This system can perform simultaneous optical coherence tomography (OCT)-intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging at 72 frames per second safely in vivo, i.e., visualizing a 72 mm-long artery in 4 seconds. Results obtained in atherosclerotic rabbits in vivo and human coronary artery segments show that this ultrafast technique can rapidly provide volumetric mapping of plaques and clearly identify vulnerable plaques. By providing ultrafast imaging of arteries with high resolution and deep penetration depth simultaneously, this hybrid IVUS-OCT technology opens new and safe opportunities to evaluate in real-time the risk posed by plaques, detect vulnerable plaques, and optimize treatment decisions.
Grain Protectants for Seed Corn

Pirimiphos methyl, chlorpyrifos-methyl, fenitrothion, and a diatomaceous earth dust treated with malathion were tested as broad-spectrum protectants of seed corn against stored-product insects over a 21-month period involving 2 sales seasons. For the 1st 4 months after treatment and for the 8th to 16th month, the seed corn was kept in cold storage. At the dosages used, the candidate materials were as effective or more effective than malathion emulsion.
Chemical and Biological Studies on 1,2-Dihydro-s-triazines. V. Inhibition of Derivatives of Pteroylglutamic Acid

SummaryDihydropteroylglutamic acid, N10-formylpteroylglutamic acid and citro vorum factor are inhibited non-competitively by a number of 1,2-dihydro-s-triazines when substituted for pteroylglutamic acid in 5. faecalis No. 8043 assay systems, but only by inhibitor:metabolite ratios considerably higher than those required for the inhibition of pteroylglutamic acid in the same microbiological system. Citrovorum factor also is similarly inhibited in L. citrovorum No. 8081 assay systems. The phenyl- and 3′- and 4′- halophenyl-2,2-dimethyl derivatives were the most active compounds of the series and certain correlations can be made between structure and microbiological activity vs these metabolites.
Boll Weevil Parasites: Emergence From Cotton Squares in the Florence, SC, Area

From June to Oct. in 1974, 1975, and 1976, field collections were made of fallen and flared cotton squares punctured by boll weevils, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman. These squares were held in an insectary and observed for emerging boll weevils and larval parasites. In addition, adult boll weevils that survived the winter were observed for parasites in 1975. Four species of hymenopteran parasites were recovered; also 2 dipteran species were found when adult boll weevils were dissected.
The Discursive Construction of Race as a Professional Identity Category in Two Texas Chambers of Commerce

This study employs membership categorization analysis to illustrate multiple ways that race is constituted as professional identity in two chambers of commerce in a large Texas city. One of the cha...
Pathogenetic mechanisms of rheumatic disorders.

If an infectious agent proves to be the primary etiologic factor in the rheumatic diseases, it may exist among the smaller intracellular or filterable agents. Even if this concept is sustained, additional pathogenetic mechanisms probably are operative. Investigations of autoimmunity and antigen-antibody complexes have enlarged our view of immunologic mechanisms. The interrelations of complement, kinin and coagulation systems are being unraveled.
Hearing Survey of Noise Exposed Workers in A Steel Cord Products Factory in Jiangyin City

[Objective] To understand the hearing loss of noise exposed workers in a steel cord products factory,and provide evidence for adopting effective protection measures against occupational hazards. [Methods]Binaural air conduction audiometry was performed on noise exposed workers,hearing results were modified according to age and sex with GB/T 7582 standard,analysis of hearing loss was based on age groups and service length groups. [Results]7 out of 79 noise monitoring sites points were qualified,the other exceeded national health standards GBZ 2.2-2007.Of 1 040 noise exposed workers,23 workers' binaural high frequency average hearing threshold ≥40dB(HL),occupied 2.21% of total workers.18 were detected suspected occupational hearing loss.Occupational hearing loss showed a growing trend in detection rates increasing with the service length in the same age group. [Conclusion]It is important to control noise intensity in workplace and strengthen the personal protection of workers and occupational health examination,because great degree of hearing loss for noise is found in the steel cord products industry.