bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethylene and Lipoxygenase In Relation to Afterripening of Dormant NC-13 Peanut Seeds1,2
Authors: Ketring D. L. , Pattee H. E.
Published: April 2010

Following harvest, peanuts are usually subjected to a period of storage. During storage biochemical changes are known to occur. The objectives of this study were to determine the changes and relationship in ethylene production, germination, and lipoxygenase (LG) activity during cold storage of dormant NC-13 peanut seeds. Two seed lots (SL) were used: one grown in Oklahoma (SL80) and the other grown in N. Carolina (SL81). SL80 and SL81 were stored at 2 to 5 C for 193 and 242 days, respectively. Samples were taken at about 28-day intervals for determination of germination, ethylene production, and LG activity. Seeds of two and three maturities were tested for SL80 and SL81, respectively. As afterripening of stored seeds proceeded, ethylene production gradually increased, with the maximum at 48 hours of germination. Germination showed a concomitant gradual increase. Lipoxygenase activity of both seedlots was less for mature than for immature seeds and showed a sharp increase during storage at 2 to 5 C, particularly for immature seeds. After heat-treatment to break dormancy of sublots from SL81, there was a progessive increase in ethylene production and germination, but most notably for mature seeds. In contrast to ethylene production and germination, after heat-treatment LG activity declined. Linear correlation coefficient (r) values between ethylene production and germination were highly significant for mature seeds from SL80 at 48 and 72 hours of germination, but only at 72 hours for immature seeds. For SL81 as for SL80, significant positive correlations were found between ethylene production and germination. However, correlations between LG activity and the other variables were not significant except for mature seeds from SL81. Significant positive correlations for both ethylene production and germination with LG activity also existed for these seeds. But after heat-treatment these correlations no longer occurred. The data indicate that the metabolic processes related to ethylene production and germination are occurring simultaneously with those of LG activity. The possibility that metabolites from LG activity serve as substrates for ethylene production can not be precluded.
Combining Ability Analysis of N2-Fixation and Related Traits in Peanut1
Authors: Nigam S. N , Dwivedi S. L , Nambiar P. T. C , Gibbons R. W , Dart P. J
Published: April 2010

Analysis of a six parent diallel cross involving high and low nitrogen fixing peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes revealed the predominant nature of non-additive genetic variance for nitrogenase activity and other traits. Germplasm line, NC Ac 2821 had the highest general combining ability for nitrogenase activity, total nitrogen, leaf area, and top weight, and therefore, it should be a good parent for use in breeding programs. Nitrogenase activity was significantly and positively correlated with nodule number, nodule mass, total nitrogen, top weight, and root weight. This evidence suggests the possibility of breeding for increased nitrogen fixation and thus yield in peanut.
Sources of Resistance to the Jassid (Empoasca kerri Pruthi), Thrips (Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom)) and Termites (Odontotermes sp.) in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Amin P. W , Singh K. N , Dwivedi S. L , Rao V. R
Published: April 2010

Field screening was carried out to identify sources of resistance to three groundnut pests. A total of 1,000 genotypes of groundnut were screened for resistance to the jassid (Empoasca kerri Pruthi), 2,700 for resistance to the thrips (Frankliniella schultzei (Trybom)), and 530 for resistance to pod scarifying termites (Odontotermes sp.). Genotypes with multiple resistance to these pests were identified from the 3 years field screening trials and some of them have been used in the breeding program at ICRISAT.
Performance of Three Chinese Peanut Cultivars Under Irrigated and Nonirrigated Conditions in Virginia1
Authors: Coffelt T. A , Wright F. S , Hallock D. L
Published: April 2010

Three virginia-type peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars from China–China 11 (PI 420334), China 17 (PI 433349), and China 27 (PI 420335), were compared to a U.S. virginia-type cultivar, Virginia 81 Bunch (VA 81B), for 2 years (1982 and 1983) in Virginia under irrigated and nonirrigated conditions for market grade, yield and value per hectare, seed germination, and nutrient content of the seed. In addition, Sclerotinia blight resistance ratings of the Chinese lines were taken in 1981. Under irrigated and nonirrigated conditions, China 11 was significantly higher in seed contents of Mg and Zn, sound mature kernels, total kernels, total sound mature kernels, seed germination, and significantly lower in seed weight than VA 81B, China 17 and China 27. China 17 and 27 were similar for all characters studied, except seed Zn. However, the U.S. developed cultivar, VA 81B, was still higher in yield than the Chinese lines. The Chinese lines all have a reduced bunch growth habit, which would probably limit their use in the United States to production systems with row widths of 0.6 m or less. China 11 may be a source of resistance to Sclerotinia minor. All three Chinese lines are a good source of early maturity. Irrigated plots were higher in seed Mg, P, Ca, and Cu; sound mature kernels; total kernels; total sound mature kernels; yield; value; seed germination; and Sclerotinia blight ratings. Nonirrigated plots were higher in seed K and Zn.
Temperature Relationships of Peanut Leaf Canopy, Stem, and Fruit in Soil of Varying Temperature and Moisture
Authors: Sanders Timothy H. , Blankenship Paul D. , Cole Richard J. , Hill Robert A.
Published: April 2010

Physiological processes of plants are affected by temperature and temperature variation of individual plant parts has been demonstrated to affect such physiological interactions as source-sink relationships. Determination of plant part temperatures in relation to the surrounding environment, especially during stress, may provide significant information relative to how plants respond to various stress environments. To determine peanut plant part temperatures in various environments, rainfall control research plots equipped either with heating cables or cooling coils were utilized to grow Florunner peanuts and implement treatments of various soil temperatures under water stress and irrigated conditions. Peanut stem and pod temperatures were monitored automatically at 2-hr intervals with attached and implanted thermocouples. Canopy temperatures, determined by infrared thermometry, were related to water stress but were apparently unrelated to varying soil tempertures. Late-season, afternoon (1:00 p.m.) canopy temperature in the irrigated treatment averaged 28.5 C and mean canopy temperatures in all water stressed treatments were 35±1 C. Late-season plant stem temperature/soil temperature means in irrigated, water stressed-heated soil, water stressed, and water stressed-cooled soil treaments were 21.6 C/21.6 C, 25.2 C/30.2 C, 25.0 C/ 25.C, and 23.3 C/ 20.6 C, respectively. Peanut pod temperatures ranged higher and lower than soil temperature in each plot and maximum pod temperatures often occurred earlier than maximum soil temperature. Concurrent pod, stem, and air maximum and minimum temperatures suggest the strong influence of aerial plant-part temperatures on temperatures of the subterranean fruit. The results of this study show the effect of moisture and temperature stress on peanut plant part temperatures and demonstrate the relationships which result from the unique subterranean fruiting habit.
Relation of Environmental Stress Duration to Aspergillus flavus Invasion and Aflatoxin Production in Preharvest Peanuts
Authors: Sanders Timothy H , Cole Richard J , Blankenship Paul D , Hill Robert A
Published: April 2010

Previous experiments have established that late-season water deficit conditions and 28–30.5 C in the geocarposphere are optimum for preharvest aflatoxin contamination of Florunner peanuts. Visibly-undamaged peanuts from plants exposed to these stress conditions during the last 45–50 days before harvest were highly contaminated with aflatoxin at harvest. The objective of this study was to determine the duration of water and soil temperature stress required for extensive preharvest invasion by Aspergillus flavus and contamination of peanuts with aflatoxin. Stress conditions were imposed 20, 30, 40 and 50 days before harvest. Incidence of A. flavus was greatest in edible peanuts from the 30, 40, and 50 day stress treatments. A stress period of 20 days before harvest did not result in aflatoxin contamination of edible peanuts by A. flavus. Peanuts subjected to defined temperature and water deficit stress conditions for 30, 40, and 50 days became contaminated, therefore, a threshold stress period for preharvest aflatoxin contamination of peanuts by A. flavus was more than 20, and possibly less than 30 days before harvest.
Parties, Preferences, and Petitions: Discharge Behavior in the Modern House
Authors: MILLER SUSAN M. , OVERBY L. MARVIN
Published: April 2010

Although discharge petitions lie at the confluence of personal preferences, committee prerogatives, and party leadership in Congress, these procedures have received little scholarly scrutiny. We capitalize on the public nature of petition signatures since 1993 to examine the behavior of the most cross‐pressured members in discharge battles: bill sponsors and cosponsors belonging to the majority party who personally prefer the bills they have sponsored but who face party pressure not to sign the petitions that threaten the leadership's control of the legislative agenda. After controlling for personal preferences, we find a statistically significant partisan effect in the U.S. House, which further illuminates the “Where's the party?” debate.
Agenda Control in Congress: Evidence from Cutpoint Estimates and Ideal Point Uncertainty
Authors: STIGLITZ EDWARD H. , WEINGAST BARRY R.
Published: April 2010

This article develops two new tests of partisan and nonpartisan theories of lawmaking based on cutpoint estimates and measures of uncertainty about ideal point estimates. Theories of congressional organization make explicit predictions about the absence of cutpoints in certain intervals of the policy space. We test these theories with new cutpoint estimates and exploit the fact that the ideal points of members located far from the density of cutpoints are necessarily estimated with less precision. We validate our empirical approach through simulations, and we test three models of congressional organization using House roll call data from the 86th through the 110th Congresses (1959–2008). We find strong evidence of partisan agenda control. Our findings exhibit modest differences from the results predicted by Cox and McCubbins's party cartel theory: negative agenda control increases over time and is negatively correlated with the size of the blockout region.
Brain tissue oxygen–directed management and outcome in patients with severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Spiotta Alejandro M. , Stiefel Michael F. , Gracias Vicente H. , Garuffe Alicia M. , Kofke W. Andrew , Maloney-Wilensky Eileen , Troxel Andrea B. , Levine Joshua M. , Le Roux Peter D.
Published: April 2010

Object

The object of this study was to determine whether brain tissue oxygen (PbtO2)–based therapy or intracranial pressure (ICP)/cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP)–based therapy is associated with improved patient outcome after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Methods

Seventy patients with severe TBI (postresuscitation GCS score ≤ 8), admitted to a neurosurgical intensive care unit at a university-based Level I trauma center and tertiary care hospital and managed with an ICP and PbtO2 monitor (mean age 40 ± 19 years [SD]) were compared with 53 historical controls who received only an ICP monitor (mean age 43 ± 18 years). Therapy for both patient groups was aimed to maintain ICP < 20 mm Hg and CPP > 60 mm Hg. Patients with PbtO2 monitors also had therapy to maintain PbtO2 > 20 mm Hg.

Results

Data were obtained from 12,148 hours of continuous ICP monitoring and 6,816 hours of continuous PbtO2 monitoring. The mean daily ICP and CPP and the frequency of elevated ICP (> 20 mm Hg) or suboptimal CPP (< 60 mm Hg) episodes were similar in each group. The mortality rate was significantly lower in patients who received PbtO2-directed care (25.7%) than in those who received conventional ICP and CPP–based therapy (45.3%, p < 0.05). Overall, 40% of patients receiving ICP/CPP–guided management and 64.3% of those receiving PbtO2–guided management had a favorable short-term outcome (p = 0.01). Among patients who received PbtO2-directed therapy, mortality was associated with lower mean daily PbtO2 (p < 0.05), longer durations of compromised brain oxygen (PbtO2 < 20 mm Hg, p = 0.013) and brain hypoxia (PbtO2 < 15 mm Hg, p = 0.001), more episodes and a longer cumulative duration of compromised PbtO2 (p < 0.001), and less successful treatment of compromised PbtO2 (p = 0.03).

Conclusions

These results suggest that PbtO2-based therapy, particularly when compromised PbtO2 can be corrected, may be associated with reduced patient mortality and improved patient outcome after severe TBI.
Effect of constant suction and injection on MHD three dimensional couette flow and heat transfer through a porous medium
Authors: Das S. S.
Published: April 2010

The objective of this paper is to analyzethe effect of constant suction and sinusoidal injection on three dimensional couette flow of a viscous incompressible electrically conducting fluid through a porous medium between two infinite horizontal parallel porous flat plates in presence of a transverse magnetic field. The stationary plate and the plate in uniform motion are, respectively, subjected to a transverse sinusoidal injection and uniform suction of the fluid .The flow becomes three dimensional due to this type of injection velocity distribution. The governing equations of the flow field are solved by using series expansion method and the expressions for the velocity field, the temperature field, skin friction and the rate of heat transfer in terms of Nusselt number are obtained. The effects of the flow parameters on the velocity field, temperature field, skin friction and the Nusselt number have been studied and analyzed with the help of figures and tables. It is observed that a growing magnetic parameter (M) retards the main velocity (u) and accelerates the cross flow velocity (w1) of the flow field and a growing permeability parameter (Kp) or suction / injection parameter (Re) reverses the effect. Both Prandtl number (Pr) and the suction / injection parameter have retarding effect on the temperature field. Further, a growing suction / injection parameter diminishes both the components of skin friction at the wall while the permeability parameter enhances the x-component and reduces the z-component of the skin friction at the wall. The effect of increasing permeability parameter is to enhance the magnitude of rate of heat transfer at the wall while a growing Prandtl number (Pr) reverses the effect.Keywords: MHD; couette flow; heat transfer; suction; sinusoidal injection; porous mediumDOI: 10.3329/jname.v5i2.2570Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 6(1)(2009) 41-51
Thermal radiation and mass transfer effects on MHD free convection flow past a vertical cylinder with variable surface temperature and concentration
Authors: Reddy M. M. Gnaneswara , Reddy N. Bhaskar
Published: April 2010

The interaction of free convection with thermal radiation of a viscous incompressible unsteady MHD flow past a vertical cylinder with variable surface temperature and concentration is analyzed. The fluid is a gray, absorbing-emitting but non-scattering medium and the Rosseland approximation is used to describe the radiative heat flux in the energy equation. The governing equations are solved using an implicit finite-difference scheme of Crank-Nicolson type. Numerical results for the transient velocity, the temperature, the concentration, the local as well as average skin-friction, the rate of heat and mass transfer are shown graphically. It is observed that the presence of as well as increase in the magnetic field leads to decrease in the velocity field and rise in the thermal boundary thickness. The numerical predications have been compared with the existing information in the literature and good agreement is obtained.Keywords: Heat Transfer, radiation, finite-difference Scheme, vertical cylinderDOI: 10.3329/jname.v5i2.2615Journal of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering 6(1)(2009) 1-24
Acute and Chronic Complications of Intracortical Iliac Crest Bone Grafting Versus the Traditional Corticocancellous Technique for Spinal Fusion Surgery
Authors: Lementowski Peter W. , Lucas Paul , Taddonio Rudolph F.
Published: April 2010

Although autologous bone graft from the iliac crest is the gold standard for most spinal fusion applications, it is known to cause significant graft-site morbidity. Unlike the traditional corticocancellous allograft, the intracortical method leaves the iliac crest in continuity and decreases the surgical incision and overall area of dissection. We hypothesized this modified technique would decrease pain and complication rate. We first performed an extensive literature review to ascertain which questions, variables, and results were found to be statistically significant regarding the postoperative course and complication rates in patients who underwent iliac crest bone grafting. We then created an Iliac Crest Bone Graft survey that was mailed to 293 patients who had undergone intracortical iliac crest bone graft at our institution to assess postoperative pain and complications.

One hundred one (34.5%) surveys were returned. Differences in chronic pain between the surgical types (cervical, lumbosacral, traumatic, and scoliosis) using the intracortical technique showed a trend toward statistical significance (
F
=2.42,
P
<.071); this trend was mostly due to no chronic pain reported in the cervical and traumatic groups. Patients experiencing chronic pain at their graft site using the intracortical technique had a statistically significant difference in pain between the same incision versus a separate incision (
F
=5.05,
P
<.027), with a separate incision having lower reported pain. After meta-analyses were performed with articles obtained in the literature search using the traditional corticocancellous technique and compared to our results, the only variable that obtained statistical significance was decreased chronic pain at 2 years with the intracortical method in our study (
P
<.001).
In-Vitro Investigation of a Noninvasive Referencing Technology for Computer-assisted Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Renkawitz Tobias , Gneiting Sabine , Schaumburger Jens , Woerner Michael , Springorum Hans-Robert , Grifka Joachim , Schuster Tibor , Sendtner Ernst
Published: April 2010

The use of surgical navigation to aid in total joint replacement requires the bony fixation of reference marker arrays. In this context, a number of potential complications have been reported, including pin-site infection, soft tissue morbidity, and stress fracture. This study was performed to determine whether a femoral pinless, imageless navigation method for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is an accurate alternative method of measuring leg-length and offset change intraoperatively. Computer-assisted THA was simulated on a Sawbones bench test model including a femoral soft tissue model. Leg-length and offset changes were calculated by an imageless navigation system using the pinless measurement algorithm, in which the calculation of leg-length and offset changes is based on a specific realignment of the leg and then compared to corresponding measurements on a millimeter scale at the level of the femoral condyles. Mean difference in leg-length measurement (navigation versus millimeter paper) was 0.9 mm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03–1.7 mm,
P
=.043), and the corresponding mean difference in offset was 1 mm (95% CI: 0.06–1.9 mm,
P
=.038). A noninvasive, pinless femoral system is a reliable tool for controlling leg length and offset during THA in an in-vitro setup. This system could lead to a reduction of potential risks associated with navigation techniques.
The Perioperative Use of Disease-Modifying and Biologic Therapies in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Undergoing Elective Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Lee Martin A. , Mason Lyndon W. , Dodds Alexander L.
Published: April 2010

Educational Objectives

As a result of reading this article, physicians should be able to:

1.

Identify the current evidence in regard to perioperative use of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in orthopedic surgery.

2.

Analyze the data to support the continuation of methotrexate during the peri-operative period.

3.

Discuss the lack of data to support evidence-based guidelines on the use of other DMARDs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in the perioperative period.

4.

List the current British Society for Rheumatology guidelines in regard to TNF-α inhibitor therapy.
Intrapelvic Migration of a Gamma Nail Lag Screw: Review of the Possible Mechanisms
Authors: Flint John H. , Sanchez-Navarro C. Francisco , Buckwalter Joseph A. , Marsh J. Lawrence
Published: April 2010

This article presents a case of intrapelvic migration of a Gamma nail lag screw (Stryker, Mahwah, New Jersey) in an 82-year-old woman 7 months after fixation of an unstable pertrochanteric fracture. Two of the most common complications associated with the use of the Gamma nail and other sliding intramedullary devices, as well as lag screw and side plate devices, relate to the lag screw: cut out and medial migration in the femoral head. As compared to lag screw migration in the femoral head, intrapelvic migration of the Gamma lag screw is a rare complication. To our knowledge, intra-pelvic migration after disengagement of the lag screw from the Gamma nail has been reported in the literature only 3 times. Several risk factors can be associated with Gamma nail failure, most importantly damage to femoral head leading to lag screw migration, plate/lag or nail/lag screw interface dysfunction, technical mistakes, and additional subsequent trauma. This article reviews the literature and the theories for such device failures.
Arthroscopic Debridement of Loose Bodies From a Popliteal Cyst
Authors: Keyfes Vadim , Halbrecht Jeffrey
Published: April 2010

To our knowledge, arthroscopic removal of loose bodies from a popliteal cyst has never been reported in the medical literature. This article describes our technique for removing loose bodies from a popliteal cyst and verifies that the procedure can be performed safely and effectively.

A 52-year-old man had progressively worsening right knee pain and swelling of 3 years' duration that had been treated conservatively for 6 months. On physical examination, there was boggy swelling, a palpable popliteal cyst, crepitus with range of motion, and diffuse discomfort and tenderness about the knee. Magnetic resonance imaging showed synovitis of unclear etiology. Arthroscopic intervention was performed after conservative measures failed. An accessory posteromedial portal was used to gain access into the popliteal cyst through the posterior joint capsule. An electrocautery device was used to penetrate into the cyst through the posterior capsule after identifying the correct location of the cyst by passing a needle percutaneously through the posterior aspect of the cyst into the joint. Multiple loose bodies along with a large cartilaginous mass were identified in the popliteal cyst and removed. The patient remained symptom free at 2-year follow-up.

As long as the instruments are kept in view and medial to the midline of the knee joint, the neurovascular structures lateral to the cyst are safe. Keeping the shaver suction on low during debridement will avoid pulling in any unvisualized tissue. To avoid injury to the superficial saphenous vein and nerve when making the posterior portal, the surgeon should incise through skin only, then use blunt dissection and a blunt obturator to enter into the joint. Simple decompression of large popliteal cysts can be accomplished in a similar manner.
Total Joint Arthroplasty in a Patient With Osteopetrosis: 10-Year Follow-up
Authors: Wang Junwen , Liang Yuanxin , Zhang Qingsong , Jiao Jing , Kan Wusheng
Published: April 2010

Total joint arthroplasty may be considered as a last option to treat osteopetrosis associated with osteoarthritis. However, many intraoperative and postoperative challenges need to be overcome when performing arthroplasty in patients with osteopetrosis, and few studies have focused on the longer-term outcomes.

This article describes a case of a 22-year-old woman with osteopetrosis who presented with osteoarthritis and underwent right total hip arthroplasty 10 years prior. A smaller and shorter femoral component was chosen for the patient, special tungsten steel drill bits were used to create the femoral canal, and the drilling process was under fluoroscopic guidance. In the second postoperative week, her Harris Hip Score increased to 82.15 points from 40.25 points preoperatively. No postoperative complications were seen, and radiographs illustrated the components were in good position. At 10-year follow-up, her Harris Hip Score was still 82 points, the components were in good position radiographically, and the patient could walk freely and perform activities of daily living with no pain. The success of the treatment lies in suitable selection of prosthesis components, extra caution during surgery, adequate perioperative antibiotic administration, postoperative functional exercise, and a low-calcium diet.
Sonographic Evidence for the Absence of Abductor Pollicis Longus, Extensor Pollicis Longus, and Brevis
Authors: Kürklü Mustafa , Bïlgïç Serkan , Kömürcü; Mahmut , Özçakar Levent
Published: April 2010

Complete absence or variations of extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus; absence of the extrinsic extensors, abductor pollicis longus, thenar muscles along with congenital hypoplasia of the thumb; absence of flexor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis brevis; and bilateral absence of extensor pollicis have been reported previously. Those cases mainly comprised absence/variations of the first extensor compartment either with or without thumb anomalies. This article presents a case of a patient in which the constituents of the first and third compartments (extensor pollicis brevis, abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis longus) were absent unilaterally. Herewith, we also highlight the role of static/dynamic sonography for prompt imaging in this regard.

A 24-year-old man presented with difficulty using the left thumb. He reported no trauma and had not used the affected thumb since childhood. On physical examination, the left thumb was observed to be in flexion and opposition. He was unable to perform active extension and abduction but passive motion was free. Neurological examination of the left upper extremity was unremarkable. No organ anomaly was present on systemic examination. Radiographs of the left hand revealed no joint problems or hypoplasia. Ultrasonographic evaluation was consistent with absence of the first and third extensor compartment tendons. Tendon transfer was recommended but the patient refused surgery.
Coccidioidal Osteomyelitis of the Patella
Authors: Waterman CPT Brian R. , Waterman MAJ Scott M. , McCoy Andrew C. , Cameron Craig D.
Published: April 2010

Known as “Valley Fever,” coccidiomycosis is a soil-borne, fungal infection predominately found in endemic regions of the southwestern United States and Latin America. While most infected individuals are asymptomatic, <1% of patients have hematogenous seeding of bone, skin, and soft tissue. When the musculoskeletal system is involved, the knee is most commonly affected, although infection has been described in the spine, hand, wrist, ankle, foot, and pelvis. Treatment typically includes a combination of surgical debridement and antifungal treatment.

An 11-year-old boy presented with a 7-month history of left anterior knee pain. Physical examination revealed mild knee effusion and quadriceps atrophy with focal tenderness to palpation to the distal pole of the patella. Laboratory studies were unre-markable and plain radiographs revealed a radiolucency in the inferomedial aspect of the patella. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a corresponding focus of increased T2 signal with sclerotic margins and peripheral edema within the patella. Open biopsy with curettage confirmed coccidiomycosis, and the patient was successfully managed with long-term antifungal antibiotics.

To our knowledge, this article presents the first known case of coccidioidal osteomyelitis of the patella.
Use of Feeding Tubes in Patients with Advanced Dementia: Are We Doing Harm?
Authors: Sorrell Jeanne M.
Published: April 2010

The decision to place a feeding tube in a patient with advanced dementia is difficult for both family members and health care professionals. There is increasing evidence that the use of feeding tubes in these patients does not improve survival, prevent aspiration pneumonia, prevent or heal decubitus ulcers, or improve other clinical outcomes. Yet, despite this evidence, more than one third of nursing home residents with advanced dementia have feeding tubes, and many of these individuals have feeding tubes inserted on hospital admission for an acute care problem. Health care professionals need to examine the evidence carefully to identify practices that provide patients and families with information to make informed choices and respect their rights and dignity at end of life.
Finite Element Modeling of Corneal Biomechanical Behavior
Authors: Elsheikh Ahmed
Published: April 2010

PURPOSE:

To optimize the construction details of corneal numerical models while maintaining efficiency and reliability of predictions.

METHODS:

Nonlinear finite element analysis of corneal models was carried out to assess the importance of considering the cornea's hyperelastic, hysteretic and anisotropic behavior, multi-layer construction, weak inter-lamellar adhesion, non-uniform thickness, elliptical topography, and connection to the sclera. The effect of each of these parameters was determined by removing it from the numerical models and assessing the effect on the results. This exercise was carried out under two load cases—a uniform posterior pressure subjecting the cornea to predominantly membrane tension stresses, and a concentrated anterior pressure as applied by the Ocular Response Analyzer (Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments), which creates mainly bending stresses.

RESULTS:

Corneal models subjected to mainly bending stresses were particularly sensitive to simplifications in modeling corneal nonuniform thickness, weak interlamellar adhesion, and multi-layer construction. On the other hand, models under mainly membrane tension were more sensitive to simplifications in elliptical profile and connection to the sclera. Considering hyper-elasticity was important in both cases. Hysteresis was also important, but only in applications involving load reversal.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although simplifications may be necessary to reduce the cost of numerical model construction and analysis, the selection of which simplifications to adopt should be done with care. They should only be considered when their effect on results is acceptably small, and their inclusion does not make the model significantly different from real-life conditions. [J Refract Surg. 2010;26:289–300.]
Visian Toric Implantable Collamer Lens for Correction of Compound Myopic Astigmatism
Authors: Elies Daniel , Alonso Tirso , Puig Javier , Gris Oscar , Güell José Luís , Coret Andreu
Published: April 2010

PURPOSE:

To assess the safety, efficacy, predictability, and stability of a toric posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens for the correction of myopia with astigmatism.

METHODS:

A non-randomized, retrospective analysis of 63 eyes of 36 patients with a minimum follow-up of 6 months was performed. The STAAR Toric Implantable Collamer Lens (TICL) was implanted under topical anesthesia through a 3-mm temporal clear corneal incision. Mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction was −10.71±3.55 diopters (D). Median preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) was 20/25, with a mean sphere of −8.78 D (range: −2.50 to −16.50 D) and mean cylinder of 3.60 D (range: 1.25 to 7.00 D). Postoperative parameters were analyzed at different time points, and vector analysis was performed to calculate surgically induced astigmatism.

RESULTS:

Fifty-nine (93.6%) eyes had a spherical equivalent refraction within ±1.00 D and 52 (82.5%) eyes were within ±0.50 D of emmetropia. Median postoperative uncorrected visual acuity was 20/25 and BSCVA was 20/20. Preoperative keratometric astigmatism was 1.99@178.2 vs 1.82@178.6 postoperative kerato-metric astigmatism, most likely due to the surgical incision. Preoperative refractive astigmatism was 2.17@93 whereas postoperatively it reduced to 0.38@99.6. No eye lost 2 or more lines of Snellen BSCVA. Twenty-two (34.9%) eyes gained 2 or more Snellen lines of vision. Preoperatively, 45 (71.4%) eyes had a BSCVA of 20/30 or better, whereas 60 (95.2%) eyes were within this range of BSCVA after surgery. The TICL demonstrated good rotational stability in this study.

CONCLUSIONS:

Implantation of the STAAR TICL was an effective, predictable, and safe method for correction of high myopia and myopic astigmatism as shown in this retrospective observational series. [
J Refract Surg
. 2010;26:251–258.]
Clinical Outcomes of Complex and Uncomplicated Cataractous Eyes After Lens Replacement with the AcrySof Toric IOL
Authors: Gayton Johnny L. , Seabolt ReBecca A.
Published: April 2010

Purpose:

To compare outcomes for uncomplicated versus complex eyes after implantation of AcrySof toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) (Alcon Laboratories Inc) in a retrospective series of cataractous astigmatic eyes.

Methods:

Toric IOLs were implanted in 230 eyes of 162 adult patients. Approximately half (52%, n=120) the eyes had no complications (uncomplicated group). The other 110 (48%) eyes (complex group) had a variety of complexities, including retinal or macular problems (eg, age-related macular degeneration), angle or pressure problems (eg, glaucoma), or high astigmatism that required adjunctive limbal relaxing incisions (LRIs). Outcomes were retrospectively assessed approximately 6 weeks after surgery.

Results:

Preoperative corneal astigmatism was 1.60±1.20 diopters (D) overall (1.40±0.70 D in the uncomplicated group and 1.90±1.60 D in the complex group). Residual cylinder was 0.40±0.60 D overall (
P
<.01 compared to baseline) and was significantly lower (
P
<.01) for the uncomplicated group (0.30±0.40 D) than for the complex group (0.50±0.80 D), which contained the adjunctive LRI subgroup (residual cylinder 0.80±0.70 D). A larger percentage of uncomplicated eyes (26%) than complex eyes (16%) had at least 20/20 uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) (
P
=.05). Excluding eyes with intentionally targeted myopic postoperative spherical equivalent, no eyes lost Snellen lines of UDVA, and the average improvement in UDVA was 0.8±0.6 logMAR. Corrected distance visual acuity of the retinal/macular subgroup was poorer than the uncomplicated group pre- and postoperatively but was significantly improved by the surgery (
P
<.001; average improvement ∼3 Snellen lines).

Conclusions:

AcrySof toric IOLs reduced cylinder and improved UDVA in both complex and uncomplicated eyes with cataractous astigmatism.
Tensile Deformation Behaviors of CuNi Alloy Processed by Equal Channel Angular Pressing
Authors: Wang Jiangwei , Zhang Peng , Duan Qiqiang , Yang Gang , Wu Shiding , Zhang Zhefeng
Published: April 2010

The microstructure of the CuNi alloy specimen ER is mainly elongated coarse grains. However, the microstructure of the specimen EH is inhomogeneous and some recrystallized sub‐grains form. In addition, the misorientation angles of the specimens ER and EH are mainly smaller than 15°, showing a feature of low‐angle grain boundaries. Although the uniform elongation of the ECAPed CuNi alloy decreases rapidly, the yield strength of the CuNi alloy is improved more than three times after ECAP for one pass. The mechanical properties, deformation, and fracture of CuNi alloy are not significantly affected by the strain rates. With the increase in strain rates, the yield strength of the specimen E0 hardly changes but the ultimate tensile strength increases slightly. However, with the increase in strain rates, the tensile strength of the specimen EH gradually improved. Besides, the fracture fractographies of the specimens EH turn into shear dimples at high strain rate. In addition, both the strain‐hardening exponent n and strain‐rate sensitivity m of the specimens EH are small, inducing lower strain‐hardening, uniform plastic deformation and resistance to the shear deformation.
In Situ SEM Observation and Analysis of Martensitic Transformation During Short Fatigue Crack Propagation in Metastable Austenitic Steel
Authors: Krupp Ulrich , Roth Ingmar , Christ Hans‐Jürgen , Kübbeler Martin , Fritzen Claus‐Peter
Published: April 2010

High cycle fatigue (HCF) life of metastable austenitic steels is governed by the ability of the parent austenite phase to transform into α′ martensite via metastable ε martensite. The mechanism of this strain‐induced transformation is closely related to the grain size, the crystallographic orientation distribution, as well as to amplitude, and cyclic accumulation of plastic strain. Aim of the present study is to identify and to quantitatively describe the basic principles of strain‐induced martensite formation by means of in situ cyclic deformation experiments in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) in combination with electron back‐scattered diffraction (EBSD) and numerical modeling using a boundary element approach. It was shown that during HCF loading martensite formation is inhomogeneous and not directly linked with crack initiation. Only when the fatigue crack propagates by operating multiple slip systems, the cyclic plastic zone exhibits martensitic transformation.
“PHYBAL” a Short‐Time Procedure for a Reliable Fatigue Life Calculation
Authors: Starke Peter , Walther Frank , Eifler Dietmar
Published: April 2010

The reliable calculation of the fatigue life of high‐strength steels and components requires the systematic investigation of the cyclic deformation behaviour and the comprehensive evaluation of proceeding fatigue damage. Besides mechanical stress‐strain hysteresis measurements, temperature and electrical resistance measurements were used for the detailed characterisation of the fatigue behaviour of the steel SAE 4140 in one quenched and tempered, one normalised, one bainitic and one martensitic condition. To guarantee optimal operation conditions the new fatigue life calculation method “PHYBAL” on the basis of generalised Morrow and Basquin equations was developed. It is a short‐time procedure which requires the data of only three fatigue tests for a rapid and nevertheless precise determination of S‐N (Woehler) curves. Consequently, “PHYBAL” provides the opportunity to reduce significantly experimental time and costs compared to conventional test methods.
A Fibronectin Peptide‐Coupled Biopolymer Nanofibrous Matrix to Speed Up Initial Cellular Events
Authors: Kim Ji‐Eun , Noh Kyung‐Tae , Yu Hye‐Sun , Lee Hye‐Young , Jang Jun‐Hyeog , Kim Hae‐Won
Published: April 2010

Degradable polymer nanofibers produced by electrospinning are attractive for use in cell culture and tissue repair. However, the hydrophobicity and initial poor cell adhesion of synthetic polymers have limited their use in tissue regeneration. Herein, the surface of a poly(lactide‐co‐caprolactone) Arg‐Gly‐Asp sequence of nanofiber was tailored with a fibronectin peptide (FN10), which was designed to retain the central cell‐binding domain. The electrospun nanofibers are first treated with an alkaline solution to reveal the carboxyl groups on the surface, which is followed by coupling with an FN10 solution in conjunction with a carbodiimide‐based agent. Peptide coupling occurs effectively with saturation within 1 h, and the coupled peptide maintains its stability for several days. The peptide‐coupled nanofibers show significant improvements in initial cell adhesion and spreading compared with the untreated one, confirming the role of the FN10 peptide in the initial cell events. This methodology may be useful in tailoring the surface of polymeric nanofibers with biomolecules targeted for specific tissue responses.
Surface Physiochemistry Affects Protein Adsorption to Stoichiometric and Silicate‐Substituted Microporous Hydroxyapatites
Authors: Guth Katharina , Campion Charlie , Buckland Tom , Hing Karin A.
Published: April 2010

An important factor in the bioactivity and success of a bone‐graft substitute is the nature of the adsorbed protein layer, which plays a vital role in orchestrating cell attachment and development through the presence of adhesion proteins such as fibronectin (Fn) and vitronectin (Vn). In this study, microporous hydroxyapatite (HA) and silicate‐substituted hydroxyapatite (SA) discs with matched porosity and surface morphology are developed to mimic the topography found in commercial bone‐graft substitutes in order to identify whether the introduction of microporosity and associated surface roughness eliminates the beneficial effect that silicate substitution has on protein adsorption. The introduction of microporosity does not abolish the relative enrichment of the protein layer that is adsorbed to the microporous SA discs, as opposed to HA, but appears to accelerate it. Fibronectin and Vn adsorption in a range of competitive environments at physiological temperatures confirm that the microporous SA discs have a greater affinity for Fn and Vn compared with HA, suggesting differences in the mechanisms behind the surface affinity to SA. Thus, development of a surface protein layer on SA and HA is likely to be dependent on the nature of the local protein environment and a combination of factors that are associated with the addition of silicate: the surface charge, the nature of the ionic species at the interface and the resultant hydrophilicity of the surface. Total protein adsorption is not found to be a good indicator of potential implant performance, particularly at early time points.
Field‐Structured Chemiresistors
Authors: Read Douglas H. , Martin James E.
Published: April 2010

A significantly improved material is developed for application to chemiresistors, which are resistance‐based sensors for volatile organic compounds. This material is a polymer composite containing Au‐coated magnetic particles organized into electrically conducting pathways by magnetic fields. This improved material overcomes the various problems inherent to conventional carbon‐black chemiresistors, while achieving an unprecedented response magnitude. When exposed to chemical vapors, the polymer swells only slightly, yet this is amplified into large, reversible resistance changes, as much as (1 × 1011)% at a swelling of only 1.5%. These conductor–insulator transitions occur over such a narrow range of analyte vapor concentration that these devices can be described as chemical switches. The sensitivity and response range of these sensors can be tailored over a wide range by controlling the stress within the composite, including through the application of a magnetic field. Such tailorable sensors can be used to create sensor arrays that can accurately determine analyte concentration over a broad concentration range, or can be used to create logic circuits that signal a particular chemical environment.
Properties and Catalytic Activities of New Easily‐Made Amphiphilic Phosphanes for Aqueous Organometallic Catalysis
Authors: Ferreira Michel , Bricout Hervé , Azaroual Nathalie , Gaillard Cédric , Landy David , Tilloy Sébastien , Monflier Eric
Published: April 2010

Mono‐ and disulfonated amphiphilic versions of triphenylphosphane (PPh3) and cyclohexyl(phenyl)phosphane were easily synthesized from commercial reagents and sulfuric acid. The behaviour of these phosphanes in solution was investigated by surface tension, isothermal titration calorimetry, nuclear magnetic resonance and cryo‐transmission electron microscopy. Two different supramolecular assemblies were evidenced according to the degree of sulfonation. The monosulfonated phosphanes formed well organized micelle‐like aggregates while the disulfonated phosphanes formed heterogeneous and disorganized vesicle‐like assemblies. The efficiency of these amphiphilic phosphanes was evaluated in the aqueous biphasic, palladium‐catalyzed cleavage of allyl alkyl carbonates.
Longitudinal course of anxiety in children and adolescents with Williams syndrome
Authors: Woodruff‐Borden Janet , Kistler Doris J. , Henderson Danielle R. , Crawford Nicole A. , Mervis Carolyn B.
Published: April 2010

The longitudinal course of anxiety disorders in 45 children and adolescents with Williams syndrome (WS) was examined. Children were ages 4–13 years at the initial assessment. To assess their child's DSM‐IV diagnoses, parents completed a structured diagnostic interview 3–9 times at intervals of at least 1 year. At the first assessment, 60% of the sample presented with at least one anxiety diagnosis; 82.2% received an anxiety diagnosis at some time during the study. Chronic, persistent anxiety within the period 5 years after their initial diagnosis was shown by 62.2% of those with an anxiety diagnosis (51.1% of the entire sample). The most common diagnoses were specific phobias and generalized anxiety disorder. Multilevel logistic regression models were estimated for the presence of any anxiety disorder, specific phobia, and specific phobia of loud noises. Developmental trajectories, expressed as the probability of a positive diagnosis, suggested that the odds of a positive diagnosis did not change with age. IQ was not significantly related to the presence of an anxiety disorder. However, there was a significant relation between executive functioning and anxiety such that the presence of an anxiety diagnosis was associated with increased scores on behavioral regulation, indicative of increased difficulty with inhibitory control of affect and behavior. These findings are discussed in terms of persistence of anxiety over time and the need to develop and test interventions to address the high levels of anxiety experienced by children and adolescents with WS. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High prevalence of diabetes and pre‐diabetes in adults with Williams syndrome
Authors: Pober B.R. , Wang E. , Caprio S. , Petersen K.F. , Brandt C. , Stanley T. , Osborne L.R. , Dzuria J. , Gulanski B.
Published: April 2010

A standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was administered to 28 adults with Williams syndrome (WS). Three quarters of the WS subjects showed abnormal glucose curves, meeting diagnostic criteria for either diabetes or the pre‐diabetic state of impaired glucose tolerance. Fasting mean glucose and median insulin levels did not differ significantly in the total WS cohort versus age–gender–BMI matched controls, though the glucose area under the curve was greater in the WS subjects. HbA1c levels were not as reliable as the OGTT in diagnosing the presence of diabetes. Given the high prevalence of impaired glucose regulation, adults with WS should be screened for diabetes, and when present should be treated in accordance with standard medical practice. Hemizygosity for a gene mapping to the Williams syndrome chromosome region (WSCR) is likely the major factor responsible for the high frequency of diabetes in WS. Syntaxin‐1A is a prime candidate gene based on its location in the WSCR, its role in insulin release, and the presence of abnormal glucose metabolism in mouse models with aberrantly expressed Stx‐1a. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.