cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The persistent impact of breast carcinoma on functional health status: prospective evidence from the Nurses' Health Study.

BACKGROUND Although physical and emotional function after the diagnosis of breast carcinoma have been described in clinic populations, to the authors' knowledge no previous study has measured change from the preillness level of functional health status in community-dwelling women. METHODS The authors conducted a 4-year (1992–96) prospective study of functional recovery after breast carcinoma in a large sample of women, aged 54–73 years. They collected multidimensional measures of self-reported functional health status in 1992, before diagnosis of breast carcinoma, and again in 1996, to examine the risk of decline associated with incident breast carcinoma. RESULTS After adjustment for age, baseline functional health status, and multiple covariates, women who developed incident breast carcinoma were more likely to have experienced reduced physical function, role function, vitality, and social function and increased bodily pain compared with women who remained free of breast carcinoma. Risk of decline was attenuated with increasing time since diagnosis. Risk of decline in physical function was evident across all stages of breast carcinoma, even after adjustment for women undergoing treatment for persistent or recurrent disease. We found evidence that the risk of decline among breast carcinoma cases compared with healthy women was largest among those who were most socially isolated. CONCLUSIONS Breast carcinoma results in persistent declines in multiple dimensions of functional health status. These prospective data suggest that previous studies reporting no difference in physical function among breast carcinoma cases compared with disease free women underestimated the deleterious effect of the disease on function. Socially isolated women are an especially vulnerable group. Cancer 2000;89:2176–86. © 2000 American Cancer Society.
The early years ot the American Academy of Neurology

The year 1973 marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of the American Academy of Neurology and thus is an appropriate time to review the history of the organization. In this article, the formative years of the Academy are discussed in detail, with particular emphasis on the people on the neurologic scene in the late 1940s and on the circumstances that led to the formation of the Academy. This history is given in the context of the development of neurology since the mid-1800s and its progress during the maturing years of the Academy.
Polyglutamine homopolymers having 8–45 residues form slablike β-crystallite assemblies

At least nine inherited neurodegen- erative diseases, including Huntington's, are caused by poly(L-glutamine) (polyGln, polyQ) expansions > 35- 40 repeats in widely or ubiquitously expressed proteins. Except for their expansions, these pro- teins have no sequence homologies, and their func- tions mostly remain unknown. Although each dis- ease is characterized by a distinct pathology specific to a subset of neuronal cells, the formation of neuro- nal intranuclear aggregates containing protein with an expanded polyQ is the hallmark and common feature to most polyQ disorders. The neurodegenera- tion is thought to be caused by a toxic gain of function that occurs at the protein level and de- pends on the length of the expansion: Longer re- peats cause earlier age of onset and more severe symptoms. To address whether there is a structural difference between polyQ having 40 residues, we undertook an X-ray fiber diffraction study of synthetic polyQ peptides having varying numbers of residues: Ac-Q8-NH2 ,D 2Q15K2 ,K 2Q28K2, and K2Q45K2. These particular lengths bracket both the range of normalcy (9 -36 repeats) and the patho- logical (45 repeats), and therefore could be indica- tive of the structural changes expected in expanded polyQ domains. Contrary to expectations of differ- ent length-dependent morphologies, we accounted for all the X-ray patterns by slablike, -sheet struc- tures, 20 A thick in the -chain direction, all having similar monoclinic lattices. Moreover, the slab thickness indicates that K2Q45K2, rather than forming a water-filled nanotube, must form multiple reverse turns. Proteins 2005;61:398 - 411.
A domain embedding method for mixed boundary value problems

Abstract We propose a domain embedding (fictitious domain) method for elliptic equations subject to mixed boundary conditions, and prove the sharp convergence rate. The theory provides a unified treatment for Dirichlet, Neumann, and Robin boundary conditions. To cite this article: S. Zhang, C. R. Acad. Sci. Paris, Ser. I 343 (2006).
Length Scales and Roughness on a Growing Solid Surface: a Review

Abstract Surfaces of grown solids such as electrochemically deposited materials, need to be smooth and require a method for characterizing the roughness. Theoretical understanding behind formation of surface roughness has been reviewed. It is argued that there is a length scale characteristic of the process that is used to grow the deposit on the substrate. Above such a length scale dendrites form due to interfacial instability but the roughness below such a length scale can be characterized by the solution to the Kardar–Parisi–Zhang equation under certain conditions. Atomic force microscopy measurements for substrates prepared for microelectronics, often fall in this latter category. Diffusion of the reactants in the solution plays a key role in determining the above critical length scale. In particular, the critical length scale becomes infinite when the rate of deposition is limited by the surface reaction which is generally not expected in electrochemical deposition except at low currents and low substrate dimensions. Comparison with experimental observations is made that indicate that at least the direction of the above supposition is correct. For contrast, some discussion of other deposition techniques, such as chemical vapor deposition where the rate controlling step is expected to be reaction limited, is provided. Issues related to the use of additives, multiple reactions, epitaxial growth are briefly discussed.
Editorial: Safety of immunosuppressive drugs in pregnant women with systemic inflammatory diseases.

In the U.S., it is estimated that more than 4.5 million patients are affected by systemic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), psoriatic arthritis, other inflammatory arthropathy, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). (1-3) These diseases often occur in women of childbearing ages. The safety of treatment for systemic inflammatory diseases during pregnancy is a major concern for both patients and their providers. For patients with no or minimal symptoms of systemic inflammatory diseases at conception, discontinuing immunosuppressive therapy before or right after conception might be an ideal option. Patients with active disease, however, need to continue immunosuppressive drugs to control the disease even during pregnancy as the disease activity seems to be an important predictor of pregnancy outcome across different systemic inflammatory diseases.(4-6)
Electrical and optical characterization of Ag2V4O11 and Ag4V2O6F2

The two silver vanadium oxide phases—Ag2V4O11 and Ag4V2O6F2—were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis. The electrical conductivity of both silver vanadate powders was determined by the powder-solution-composite (PSC) method. The conductivities obtained were 0.0085 ± 0.0005 and 0.0005 ± 0.00015 S/cm for the Ag2V4O11 and Ag4V2O6F2, respectively, the first such report for the Ag4V2O6F2 phase. The optical gap and the transmission where studied by diffuse reflectance. Both were larger for Ag4V2O6F2 than Ag2V4O11, concomitant with a decrease in carrier content.
Infections due to group C streptococci in man.

Abstract Although a common cause of infection in animals, group C streptococci are rarely noted to be pathogenic in man. A total of 150,000 blood cultures obtained at the Mayo Clinic from 1968 to 1977 revealed group C streptococci in only eight patients. Acute bacterial endocarditis, meningitis, pneumonia, cellulitis and bacteremia due to group C streptococci are described in a host who had undergone immunosuppression (immunosuppressed host), and the relatively few cases previously reported are reviewed. Although severe, these infections may respond favorably to penicillin therapy. Endocarditis caused by group D streptococci is acute and destructive, and associated with early cardiac decompensation. The manifestations of cellulitis and pneumonia are similar to those when group A streptococci are causative organisms. Meningitis due to group C streptococci is acute and severe, and responds slowly to antimicrobial therapy. Colonization also occurs.
The ErbB4 growth factor receptor is required for colon epithelial cell survival in the presence of TNF.

Background & Aims The ErbB4 receptor tyrosine kinase regulates cell growth, survival, and differentiation in several tissues, but its role in the gastrointestinal tract has not been reported. We tested the hypothesis that ErbB4 promotes intestinal cell survival and restitution following injury or inflammation. Methods ErbB4 expression in human inflammatory bowel disease was determined by immunohistochemistry. Mice were subjected to dextran sulfate sodium (DSS, 3%) colitis or injected with tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and ErbB4 expression was quantified by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Cultured young adult mouse colon (YAMC) cells were exposed to TNF, and ErbB4 messenger RNA, protein, and phosphorylation levels were measured. Cells transfected with ErbB4 small interfering RNA (siRNA), or over expressing ErbB4, were subjected to wound healing and apoptosis assays. Results ErbB4 levels increased in Crohn's colitis and the colon epithelium of mice with DSS colitis or injected with TNF. In YAMC cells, TNF induced ErbB4 messenger RNA, protein, and phosphorylation; nuclear factor κB activation also stimulated ErbB4 accumulation. ErbB4 siRNA sensitized cells to TNF-stimulated apoptosis, while over expression blocked apoptosis induced by TNF plus cycloheximide. Additionally, ErbB4 siRNA decreased YAMC cell wound healing. ErbB4 knockdown attenuated, while over expression elevated, phosphorylation of Akt in response to TNF. Inhibition of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling cascade reversed the ability of ErbB4 over expression to protect from cytokine-induced apoptosis. Conclusions ErbB4 expression and signaling are key elements for TNF responses in vivo and in cell culture, protecting intestinal epithelial cells from apoptosis in the inflammatory environment, possibly through Akt activation.
A graph-matching approach to dynamic media allocation in intelligent multimedia interfaces

To aid users in exploring large and complex data sets, we are building an intelligent multimedia conversation system. Given a user request, our system dynamically creates a multimedia response that is tailored to the interaction context. In this paper, we focus on the problem of media allocation, a process that assigns one or more media, such as graphics or speech, to best convey the intended response content. Specifically, we develop a graph-matching approach to media allocation, whose goal is to find a set of data-media mappings that maximizes the satisfaction of various allocation constraints (e.g., data-media compatibility and presentation consistency constraints). Compared to existing rule-based or plan-based approaches to media allocation, our work offers three unique contributions. First, we provide an extensible computational framework that optimizes media assignments by dynamically balancing all relevant constraints. Second, we use feature-based metrics to uniformly model various allocation constraints, including those cross-content and cross-media constraints, which often require special treatment in existing approaches. Third, we further improve the quality of a response by automatically detecting and repairing undesired allocation results. We have applied our approach to two different applications and our preliminary study has shown the promise of our work.
Leaf architectural, vascular and photosynthetic acclimation to temperature in two biennials

Acclimation of leaf features to growth temperature was investigated in two biennials (whose life cycle spans summer and winter seasons) using different mechanisms of sugar loading into exporting conduits, Verbascum phoeniceum (employs sugar-synthesizing enzymes driving symplastic loading through plasmodesmatal wall pores of phloem cells) and Malva neglecta (likely apoplastic loader transporting sugar via membrane transport proteins of phloem cells). In both species, acclimation to lower temperature involved greater maximal photosynthesis rates and vein density per leaf area in close correlation with modification of minor vein cellular features. While the symplastically loading biennial exhibited adjustments in the size of minor leaf vein cells (consistent with adjustment of the level of sugar-synthesizing enzymes), the putative apoplastic biennial exhibited adjustments in the number of cells (consistent with adjustment of cell membrane area for transporter placement). This upregulation of morphological and anatomical features at lower growth temperature likely contributes to the success of both the species during the winter. Furthermore, while acclimation to low temperature involved greater leaf mass per area in both species, this resulted from greater leaf thickness in V. phoeniceum vs a greater number of mesophyll cells per leaf area in M. neglecta. Both types of adjustments presumably accommodate more chloroplasts per leaf area contributing to photosynthesis. Both biennials exhibited high foliar vein densities (particularly the solar-tracking M. neglecta), which should aid both sugar export from and delivery of water to the leaves.
Acetylcysteine: Helicobacter Pylori Infection

Off-Label Drug Uses — This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label DrugFacts, a quarterly publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label DrugFacts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific FDA-unapproved drug uses. This new guide to the literature will enable the health care professional/clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and to determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. The most relevant data are provided in tabular form, so the reader can easily identify the scope of information available. A summary of the data—including background, study design, patient population, dosage information, therapy duration, results, safety, and therapeutic considerations—precedes each table of published studies. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information prior to patient care decisions. Direct questions or comments regarding “Off-Label Drug Uses” to hospitalpharmacy@drugfact...
Retrograde cerebral perfusion provides limited distribution of blood to the brain: A study in pigs

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate flow distribution during retrograde and antegrade cerebral perfusion with India ink as a marker. Methods: Ten pigs received cerebral perfusion with a solution containing 50% filtered India ink for 5 minutes either antegradely through both internal carotid arteries at a flow of 180 to 200 ml/min ( n = 5) or retrogradely via the superior vena cava at a flow of 300 to 500 ml/min ( n = 5). The brains were then fixed for quantitative measurement of the density of ink-filled capillaries (reported as a percentage of the total selected area). The assessment was done with the use of an in-house software program. Results: In the antegrade cerebral perfusion group, the intracranial arterial and venous systems were completely filled with ink. The gray matter was colored uniformly black, and light coloring was observed in the white matter. During retrograde cerebral perfusion, the majority of ink was returned to the inferior vena cava, and only a small amount of ink was found in the innominate artery draining from the brain. Massive ink filling was observed in the sagittal sinus and other venous sinuses in all the pigs. Vessels on the surface of the brain and large vessels in the brain were also well filled with ink. However, only 10% of capillaries were filled with ink during retrograde cerebral perfusion relative to the number observed with antegrade cerebral perfusion. Conclusions: Retrograde cerebral perfusion supplies a limited amount of blood to brain tissue, which flows mainly through superficial and large deep cerebral vessels. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 1997;114:660-5)
Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism: Situating al-Qaeda and the Global War on Terror within Geopolitical Trends and Structures

Two North American political geographers situate contemporary terrorism in the world within broad historical trends and geopolitical structures. They employ Rapoport's "four waves of terrorism" to illustrate the changing geography of terrorism (from an intrastate to an international phenomenon) and place it within the context of broad historical shifts in modes of warfare that envisages terrorism as a form of war stemming from imperialism and state-building. The authors broaden the structural setting of terrorism to include geoeconomics and the concept of relative deprivation, using empirical analysis to argue that contemporary terrorism is primarily a feature of the semi-periphery of the world-economy (middle-income countries). Specific characteristics of the Global War on Terror are interpreted by relating processes of imperialism and state-building to a situation in which the U.S. is facing geopolitical challenges and a possible decline in global-power status. Journal of Economic Literature, Classifica...
Metabolic modulation for cardiac protection.

Cardiac preservation during open heart surgery is key to optimizing postoperative cardiac performance. Methods to improve anaerobic tolerance and prolong the acceptable period of cardiac no-flow wo...
Breeding and fertile period for female Chionoecetes bairdi (Decapoda, Majidae)

ABSTRACT Pubescent Chionoecetes bairdi females were held in isolation and placed with males at selected times during a 70-day period following their molt to maturity. Some primiparous crabs that mated within 27 days of their molt produced viable clutches, while others produced externally attached nonfertilized eggs during the isolation period. The fertile period for primiparous C. bairdi varied with the individual, and ranged from less than 1 to 28 days. Multiparous females either utilized sperm stored in their spermathecae from a previous mating to fertilize new eggs, or mated prior to egg extrusion. Those multiparous crabs that were allowed to mate within four days after cleaning their pleopods produced viable egg clutches, but by day seven some females did not attract males or breed. These observations suggest that the period in which individual multiparous C. bairdi are receptive to breeding ranges from less than one to seven days.
Flight dynamics and control of flapping-wing MAVs: a review

This paper provides a thorough review of the significant work done so far in the area of flight dynamics and control of flapping-wing micro-air-vehicles (MAVs). It provides the background necessary to do research in that area. Furthermore, it raises questions that need to be addressed in the future. The three main blocks constituting the flight dynamic framework of flapping MAVs are reviewed. These blocks are the flapping kinematics, the aerodynamic modeling, and the body dynamics. The design and parametrization of the flapping kinematics necessary to produce high-control authority over the MAV, as well as design of kinematics suitable for different flight conditions, are reviewed. Aerodynamic models used for analysis of flapping flight are discussed. Particular attention is given to the physical aspects captured by these models. The issues and consequences of averaging the dynamics and neglecting the wing inertia are discussed. The dynamic stability analysis of flapping MAVs is usually performed by either averaging, linearization and subsequent analysis or using Floquet theory. Both approaches are discussed. The linear and nonlinear control design techniques for flapping MAVs are also reviewed and discussed.
Nonresident Father Involvement and Child Well-Being Among Young Children in Families on Welfare

SUMMARY This study uses early descriptive data from the National Evaluation of Welfare to Work Strategies (NEWWS) Child Outcome Study, a sub-study of the larger random assignment evaluation of the Federal JOBS program, to answer two timely and important questions. First, what factors predict father involvement among nonresident fathers of young children who receive welfare? And second, is nonresident father involvement associated with better outcomes for these children? The three measures of nonresident father involvement examined are father-child visitation, formal child support payments received through the welfare office, and informal child support, such as money given directly to the mother, groceries, clothes, or other items. Findings reveal that while only 16.6% of fathers provided child support through the formal system during the past year, a considerably larger proportion, 42.3%, provided informal child support, and 67% visited at least once in the past year. Informal support and father-child vis...
Application of model-based systems engineering on a university satellite design team

Abstract System Engineering is a foundation of the Missouri S&T's Satellite Design Team, although it is not explicitly stated at all times. However, implementation of the systems engineering process within a student design team presents unique challenges. Student design teams have a high personnel turnover, a limited time commitment due to classes, some new members have little to no experience, and a sometimes lack of motivation to participate since it is volunteered time. The largest problem on the team is getting the new members knowledgeable about the system so they can start contributing as fast as possible. The other big problem is keeping documentation about the system design consistent and up-to-date. With a model-based approach, system specifications are updated all at once, and kept consistent throughout the design. The model also allows the team leadership to “walkthrough” the design and design process with the newer members. Diagrams sometimes help better explain design than word documents, especially to visual learners. The model will not completely replace documentation, it is used to help augment the learning process for new members, and keep better control of traceability.
Evidence of past fluctuations on Stancomb-Wills Ice Tongue, Antarctica, preserved by relict flow stripes

This paper presents a newly derived velocity field of the Brunt Ice Shelf and Stancomb-Wills Ice Tongue in East Antarctica. Velocity is derived using automated feature-tracking techniques on RADARSAT-1 imagery from the 1997 Antarctic Mapping Mission-1 (AMM-1) and 2000 Modified Antarctic Mapping Mission (MAMM). We measure velocities up to 1350 m a -1 at the ice front. Closer investigation of the velocity field and radar images reveals an obvious divergence of contemporary flowlines from relict flow stripes along a portion of Stancomb-Wills Ice Tongue. Analysis of relict flow stripes can reveal glacial events in the past. Assuming relatively steady flow since the event occurred, we utilize the current velocity field to reconstruct former stripe configuration. We believe the flowline deviation points to a change in dynamics that occurred approximately 140 years ago, perhaps due to thinning and an associated shift in grounding-line position. This seems to be supported by historic observations and bottom topography data.
Biliary Pancreatitis: The Era of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combined approach to the treatment of biliary pancreatitis using laparoscopic cholecystectomy and selective endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Design Consecutive case series. Setting Tertiary care center. Patients All patients undergoing primary operations for biliary pancreatitis during 2 time periods were included. In the open era (June 1982 through May 1988), there were 276 patients; in the laparoscopic era (January 1996 through June 1997), there were 114 patients. Interventions Open cholecystectomy with or without common bile duct exploration (CBDE); laparoscopic cholecystectomy with selective ERCP and/or laparoscopic CBDE. Main Outcome Measures Two periods were compared for morbidity, mortality, the duration of preoperative and postoperative stays, and the total length of hospitalization. Results Both groups were demographically similar and had the same mortality (1.9%). Laparoscopic cholecystectomies provided a preoperative stay comparable to open cholecystectomy (6.4 vs 5.8 days), a shorter postoperative stay (1.5 vs 8.5 days), a lower incidence of CBDE (6.6% vs 26%), and a lower morbidity (8% vs 13.7%). The addition of an ERCP to laparoscopic cholecystectomy was associated with prolongation of the preoperative stay (7.4 vs 5.0 days), a comparable postoperative stay, a lower conversion rate (7.5% vs 13%), and fewer CBDEs (3% vs 13%). In 27 (42%) of the 64 ERCP cases, no stones were found. Conclusions Treatment of biliary pancreatitis with combined laparoscopic cholecystectomy and selective ERCP is safe and effective and is associated with a shorter hospitalization and fewer CBDEs than open cholecystectomy. Unnecessary ERCPs can be reduced by improved selection criteria or greater dependence on operative CBDE.
Sampling theorem for square-pixel image data

High-efficiency CCD array cameras now in use in microscopy have essentially 100% active surface area, so that image pixel values are contiguous-square integrals rather than point samples of the image field. An invertible linear transformation is derived for recovery of the point-sampled image field, the values of which would then be used in further processing.
A modeling study of the mechanisms of flame inhibition by CF3Br fire suppression agent

This paper presents the methodology and results of a modeling study undertaken to identify how Halon 1301 (CF 3 Br) interacts with a flame at the level of elementary reactions. The main purpose is to isolate the chemical kinetics and physical phenomena associated with flame inhibition mechanisms. The specific interest in the study of halons is to further understand how CF 3 Br functions as an effective flame suppresant so that this information can be used to identify replacement agents. As a results of this work, both the ways in which CF 3 Br molecules directly participate in flame inhibition and the contributions of the Br and CF 3 fragments have been identified. The predominant mechanisms include: (1) trapping of H-atoms diffusing in the direction opposite to the convective flow through the reaction H+CF 3 Br=CF 3 +HBr, thus reducing the level of chain branching in the preheat zone, (2) consumption of H-atom through the reaction H+HBr=H 2 +Br, (3) endothermic cooling of the flame by the unimolecular dissociation of CF 3 Br, and (4) terminating radicals in the preheat zone by the reaction Br+HO 2 =HBr+O 2 . The efficacy of the various mechanisms is quantitatively ranked by the computed decrease in the laminar flame speed relative to an undoped ethylene/air base case.
Response modulation of auditory-nerve fibers by AM stimuli: effects of average intensity.

Abstract Auditory-nerve responses were obtained for characteristic frequency tones which were amplitude modulated by sinusoids. Response modulation (RM) was determined from folded histograms which were synchronized to the modulating wave form. As the average intensity increased from threshold, RM increased to a maximum and then decreased, and the shape of the RM function resembled that described previously for incremental responses. However, unlike the latter, the RM function could not he predicted directly from the steady-state rate-intensity function. In general, the maximum RM occurred at a higher intensity than predicted, and RM occurred over a wider range of average intensities than predicted. The results are interpreted as reflecting a dynamic response characteristic with an operating range that exceeds that determined from the steady-state rate-intensity function.
vibrational spectra and normal coordinate analyses for trimethylantimony dichloride, dibromide and deuterated analogs

Abstract Infrared and Raman spectra of trimethylantimony dichloride, dibromide and their deuterated analogs have been determined between 600 and 33 cm −1 . Assignments of the skeletal modes were made on the basis of a D 3 h model by comparing data obtained on the deuterated and nondeuterated compounds. A generalized valence force potential energy field was used to carry out normal coordinate analyses and to determine potential energy distributions for trimethylantimony dichloride and dibromide. The potential energy function for the nondeuterated compounds was used to calculate frequencies and potential energy distributions for trimethyl- d 3 -antimony dibromide and dichloride. The results from this investigation were compared with results previously obtained for pentamethylantimony and antimony pentachloride.
Pitfalls of lateral external fixation for supracondylar humeral fractures in children

Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning is a standard treatment for dislocated supracondylar humeral fractures in children. However, the management of these fractures remains challenging. The aim of this study was to evaluate lateral external fixation as a treatment alternative for these fractures. All supracondylar fractures treated with lateral external fixation between 2005 and 2007 were evaluated retrospectively. Long-term outcome was assessed with regards to carrying angle, malalignment, and motion. Twenty-eight patients with Gartland type III fractures and one with a Y-type fracture were included in the study (mean age 6.5 years). Cosmetic results were excellent in 88%, good in 8%, and fair in one patient. Functional results were excellent in 83%, good in 10%, and fair in 7%. However, 3 patients (10%) showed complete radial palsy postoperatively. In all of these patients, high insertion of the proximal pin (2.9–3.6 cm above the fracture) was noted. On revision, one superficial lesion and one total transection of the nerve at the level of the proximal pin was detected. One patient showed no macroscopic damage. The transected nerve was reconstructed using an autograft, and all patients completely recovered within 2–6 months. Lateral external fixation is an alternative method for the treatment of displaced or unstable supracondylar fractures in children, facilitating reduction and improving fracture stability. However, iatrogenic radial nerve injury is a risk, and we therefore strongly recommend inserting the proximal pin under direct vision within 2 cm from the fracture line using a drill sleeve.
Black Female Homicide in the United States

Research in six United States cities with high homicide rates provides a profile of arrested Black female homicide offenders that essentially corroborates previous studies of such offenders by finding that they kill those closest to them in homicides that are intersexual, intraracial, and intrafamilial. However, today, guns have replaced knives as the weapons of choice, and alcohol and narcotics are frequently involved in the homicide. In addition to emphasizing the seriousness of the problem of Black homicide, several research questions are addressed to provide a clearer picture of the Black homicide offender, her victims, and possible reasons for this type of violence.
Differential scanning calorimetry of metamict Pu-substituted zirconolite

Samples of CaPuTi/sub 2/O/sub 7/ were prepared by cold pressing and sintering. Plutonium was substituted for zirconium in order to characterize radiation damage effects. The energy stored in a sample which had reached saturation in swelling after storage at ambient temperature was measured with a differential scanning calorimeter. The total energy of 6.6 +- 0.1 cal/g is released over the range 485 to 715/sup 0/C. The activation energy of annealing of the damage is 1.22 +- 0.05 eV. The temperature dependence of the rate constant is described by k/sub T/ = 5.96E4 exp(-1.22/k/sub B/T) s/sup -1/ where kB and T are the Boltzmann's constant and temperature (K) respectively. A sample stored at 600/sup 0/C was similarly evaluated and showed no release of stored energy to the precision of the apparatus (+- 0.1 cal/g). These results are applied to analysis of waste incorporation in SYNROC and are correlated with analogous parameters for other materials.
Sequencing and comparison of yeast species to identify genes and regulatory elements

Identifying the functional elements encoded in a genome is one of the principal challenges in modern biology. Comparative genomics should offer a powerful, general approach. Here, we present a comparative analysis of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae based on high-quality draft sequences of three related species (S. paradoxus, S. mikatae and S. bayanus). We first aligned the genomes and characterized their evolution, defining the regions and mechanisms of change. We then developed methods for direct identification of genes and regulatory motifs. The gene analysis yielded a major revision to the yeast gene catalogue, affecting approximately 15% of all genes and reducing the total count by about 500 genes. The motif analysis automatically identified 72 genome-wide elements, including most known regulatory motifs and numerous new motifs. We inferred a putative function for most of these motifs, and provided insights into their combinatorial interactions. The results have implications for genome analysis of diverse organisms, including the human.
Holocene Sea-Level Record on Funafuti and Potential Impact of Global Warming on Central Pacific Atolls

Geomorphic features inherited from the mid-Holocene glacio-hydro-isostatic sea-level highstand that affected the central Pacific region influence the susceptibility of atoll islets to potentially enhanced wave erosion associated with rise in sea level from global warming. Shoreline morphology on multiple islets of Funafuti atoll in central Tuvalu reflects a relative mid-Holocene sea-level highstand 2.2–2.4 m above modern sea level. Typical islets are composed of unconsolidated post-mid-Holocene sediment resting disconformably on cemented coral rubble formed beneath now-emergent mid-Holocene reef flats. Exposed remnants of the lithified islet foundations serve as resistant buttresses protecting the flanks of atoll islets from wave attack. Islets lacking cemented mid-Holocene deposits as part of their internal structure are migratory sand cays with unstable shorelines. Any future sea-level rise ≥0.75 m, bringing high tide above the elevation of mid-Holocene low tide, might trigger enhanced wave erosion of stable atoll islets by overtopping the indurated mid-Holocene reef platforms. As analogous threshold relations are inferred for other central Pacific atolls, the risk of future inundation of island nations cannot be evaluated solely in terms of expected sea-level rise with respect to gross islet elevations.
Optical Properties of Some Metallic Sulfides

Optical constants of molybdenite (Mo${\mathrm{S}}_{2}$) and stibnite (${\mathrm{Sb}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$) in the visible region, 420 m\ensuremath{\mu} to 740 m\ensuremath{\mu}.---The reflectivity of a cleavage surface at 20\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} incidence was found to range from 0.35 to 0.60 (Figs. 2 and 3). At 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} incidence, the values are the same for Mo${\mathrm{S}}_{2}$, but slightly less for ${\mathrm{Sb}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$. When cooled to about --- 160\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} C., Mo${\mathrm{S}}_{2}$ shows the selective bands enhanced and shifted toward the violet (Fig. 6), while ${\mathrm{Sb}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$ showed no change. Transmission of two thin specimens of $\mathrm{Mo}{S}_{2}$, 6.3 and 9.6 \ensuremath{\mu} thick, increases rapidly as the infra-red is approached (Fig. 7). From these measurements the extinction modulus $n\ensuremath{\kappa}$ is computed. Cooling by liquid air was found to shift the transmission curve about 40 m\ensuremath{\mu} toward the violet. Indices of refraction and of extinction were determined by allowing plane polarized light of azimuth 135\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} to fall on the crystal surface and analyzing the elliptically polarized light reflected. The method and apparatus are described in detail. For Mo${\mathrm{S}}_{2}$, $n$ and $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ were obtained for light in the direction of the optic axis (Fig. 12). Anomalous dispersion is shown, $n$ having a maximum value at 620 m\ensuremath{\mu} (5.3) and minima at 595 and 655 m\ensuremath{\mu}. The extinction index lies between 0.2 and 0.4, with two maxima indicating selective absorption bands at 603 and 665 m\ensuremath{\mu}. For ${\mathrm{Sb}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$, two principal indices were obtained for light incident normal to the cleavage plane. Both refractive indices reach maximum values at 510 m\ensuremath{\mu} (5.5 and 4.8), while both extinction indices increase steadily with decreasing wave-length. Reflectivities computed from these values of $n$ and $\ensuremath{\kappa}$ agree in general with those observed directly, but are somewhat higher throughout the middle of the spectrum. In the case of Mo${\mathrm{S}}_{2}$ no variation of the optical properties with the age of the surface was observed, but with ${\mathrm{Sb}}_{2}$${\mathrm{S}}_{3}$, fresh cleavage surfaces were used as the surface soon changed after exposure to the air. The metallic luster of these sulfides is due to the high refraction, the absorption being considerably lower than for metals.Reflectivity of cleavage surfaces of pyrite (Fe${\mathrm{S}}_{2}$) and of galena (PbS) in the visible region, 420 m\ensuremath{\mu} to 740 m\ensuremath{\mu}, was measured for an incidence of 20 \ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}(Figs. 4 and 5). For 45\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} incidence, pyrite gives slightly lower values. Cooling with liquid air did not change the results for pyrite; galena was not tried.
Use of Liquid Ion Exchange Chromatography for the Separation of Organic Compounds

SEVERAL investigators have recently effectively separated metals by means of paper or thin-layer chromatographic systems using liquid ion exchangers1–6. With these materials, this technique can be considered as a form of reverse phase chromatography whereby the liquid stationary phase is an acid or a base with very low solubility in the aqueous mobile phase. It seems that the interaction between ionized groups of the solutes and the stationary phase may play a significant part in this separation process.
EPR Spectra, Luminescence Data, and Radiationless Decay Processes of Copper(II) Porphyrins

For a series of copper(II) porphyrins, we report EPR data from solid solutions as well as E0 values for the first ring oxidation, emission spectra, and luminescence lifetimes in methylene chloride. Although the EPR parameters are fairly constant, the potentials vary by almost 700 mV, and the room-temperature lifetimes range from 300 ns for Cu(TCl2PP) to 15 ns for Cu(TMeOPP), where TCl2PP denotes 5,10,15,20-tetra(2‘,6‘-dichlorophenyl)porphyrin and TMeOPP denotes 5,10,15,20−tetra(4‘-methoxyphenyl)porphyrin. The data show that the variation in the lifetime of the emitting π−π* state is not due to the thermal population of another excited state of either d−d or charge-transfer parentage. However, the results are consistent with a model originally introduced by Asano et al. who proposed that an important vibronic distortion occurs in the emitting trip-doublet and trip-quartet states when the excitation involves the a2u orbital of the porphyrin (Asano, M.; Kaizu, Y.; Kobayashi, H. J. Chem. Phys. 1988, 89, 6567−...
Knowledge-assisted document retrieval. I: The natural-language interface

Description du modele conceptuel et du traitement des recherches en langage naturel dans les systemes d'information automatises. Une interface basee sur la technique des ensembles flous est proposee pour gerer les incertitudes liees a la semantique du langage naturel
Alternative syntheses and related N.M.R. studies of precursors for internal β-d-galactopyranosyl residues in oligosaccharides, allowing chain extension at O-4

Abstract Crystalline 2,3,6,-tri- O -benzoyl-4- O -(bromoacetyl)-α- d -galactopyrasonyl chloride ( 5 ) was prepared from methyl 2,3,6-tri- O -benzoyl-4- O -(bromoacetyl)-α-or- or -β-β-galactopyranoside by cleavage with dichloromethyl methyl ether (DCMME) in the presence of zinc chloride. Silver trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflate) condensation of 5 with methyl 2,3,6-tri- O -benzoyl-β- d -galactopyranoside gave the corresponding β-linked disaccharide, which was O -de(bromoacetyl)ated and the resulting disaccharide nucleophile condensed with 5 . The β-linked trisaccharide obtained was deprotected, to give the methyl β-glycoside of (1→4)-β-linked β-galactotriose. Compound 5 was converted in high yield into the corresponding 1- O -β-acetyl derivative, which was O -de(bromoacetyl)ated with thiourea to afford crystalline 1- O -acetyl-2,3,6-tri- O -benzoyl-β- d -galactopyranose ( 9 ). Condensation of 9 with 5 yielded O -[2,3,6-tri- O -benzoyl-4- O -(bromoacetyl)-β- d -galactopyranosyl]-(1→4)-1- O -acetyl-2,3,6-tri- O -benzoyl-β- d - galactopyranose ( 17 ), which was cleaved with DCMME to give the corresponding glycosyl chloride ( 20 ). The same sequence of reactions involving 1,2,3,6-tetra- O -benzoyl-α- d -galactopyranose and 2,3,4,6-tetra- O -benzoyl-α- d -galactopyranosyl bromide afforded O -(2,3,4,6-tetra- O -benzoyl-β- d -galactopyranosyl)-(1→4)-2,3,6-tri- O -benzoyl-α- d -galactopyranosyl chloride, which can be used to construct in an oligosaccharide the terminal, β-linked (1→4)-β- d -galactobiosyl group. Compounds 5, 17, and 20 , when used as glycosyl donors, allow further chain extension at O-4 of the (terminal) β- d -galactopyranosyl group. The structures of all mono- and di-saccharide intermediates, including those of orthoesters formed during glycosylations under neutral conditions, were confirmed by combination of homo- and hetero-nuclear-correlation n.m.r. experiments. The sites of glycosidic linkages in orthoesters were directly determined by 1 D INAPT n.m.r. experiments. Characteristic features of the 1 H- and 13 C-n.m.r. spectra of orthoesters which distinguish them from the corresponding oligosaccharides have been summarized.
En route to electrically pumped broadly tunable middle infrared lasers based on transition metal doped II–VI semiconductors

Abstract In this work we report the study of Cr 2+ :ZnSe photo-luminescence under UV and visible excitation as well as middle-infrared electroluminescence of n-type, Cr doped bulk ZnSe crystals. Photo-conductance studies were performed to verify (2+)→(1+)→(2+)* ionization transitions responsible for Cr 2+ excitation. We report the first to our knowledge, Cr 2+ :ZnSe lasing using 532 nm excitation. The first ever room temperature electroluminescence was also achieved in bulk n-type Cr:Al:ZnSe. This electroluminescence over 1800–2800 nm spectral range is in a good agreement with the mid-IR Cr 2+ fluorescence under intra-shell optical excitation. Other spectral bands of electroluminescence were also observed at 600 nm and 8 μm. The visible electroluminescence observed is attributed to V zn –Al complexes in conductive crystals. The nature of the 8 μm electroluminescence requires additional studies. Photo-ionization results are essential for optical pumping of Cr:ZnSe by easily available visible lasers, and, most importantly, both these and the electroluminescence results open a pathway for Cr:ZnSe broadband mid-IR lasing under direct injection of free carriers. Future directions for electrical excitation of low dimensional II–VI structures, where quantum confinement of the atomic impurity is used, could result in a much more efficient transfer of energy from the host to the localized impurity, are discussed.
Ventricular Fibrillation Masked by the Implanted Unipolar Pacemaker

Unipolar pacemakers, such as the synchronous pacemaker, often produce biphasic signals which may be of considerable magnitude. Overshoot, a function of the voltage of the pacemaker, as recorded by an amplifying system, may be of sufficient length to completely conceal the QRS complex. Development of ventricular fibrillation may be masked, when prominent unipolar stimulus artifacts with overshoots produce essentially no change in the monitored electrocardiogram. The pacemaker signal artifact may be minimized, and the clinical danger reduced, by monitoring with lead I with an abdominal pacemaker implantation, or with lead II, III, or AVF, when the unit is placed in the axilla.
Forest policy reformed: A United States perspective

Abstract It appears that United States federal forest policy in the last three decades has been relatively static, with only modest changes in laws being made by Congress, and most federal policy-making occurring through budgetary allocation decisions. However, more fundamental forest policy shifts have occurred in international forestry, in environmental nongovernment organizations (ENGOs), and in the private sector. In the 1990s, the executive branch and state and local governments have become more important; international agreements have had significant impacts at defining the policy agenda; and environmental nongovernment organizations (ENGOs) have become more powerful, both at influencing agency implementation and as land managers themselves. In addition, corporations have actively pursued proactive environmental agendas and voluntarily adopted forest practice guidelines that often exceed those that could have been achieved by government mandates. Government programs have renewed purchases of forest land or of conservation easements. However, state forestry and development interest groups, market pressures, and limited government budgets continue to limit regulatory expansion. The tension between commodity and preservation interests has not waned, and forest policy responses have become more dynamic, extending beyond the traditional views of strictly government policy-making. The breadth of the public policy responses has increased, and the introduction of important new private and corporate forest policies and programs has greatly changed the impact on private forest land management.
Sterols in sediments from Baffin Bay, Texas

Abstract Laminated sediments in Baffin Bay, Texas, consist of alternate layers of blue-green algal remains and terrigenous muds. These sediments resemble stromatolites and contain stenols and stannols. The relatively rare C-27, C-28 and C-29 Δ 22 -5 α -stenols and the commonly found Δ 5 and Δ 5.22 sterols and stannols are present in the Baffin Bay sediments.