cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extensor Mechanism Allograft for the Treatment of Extensor Mechanism Disruption After Total Knee Arthroplasty

Extensor mechanism failure after a total knee arthroplasty can be a devastating complication that is difficult to manage. Although primary repair of the extensor mechanism may be attempted acutely, similar management of a chronic disruption is associated with a substantial rate of failure and associated complications. Several options for secondary reconstruction exist, but a full extensor mechanism allograft that is tightly tensioned in full extension followed by immobilization for 6 weeks has been associated with the most consistent results. With this technique, the extensor allograft can be completely covered with host tissue, facilitating healing and restoration of active knee extension. The reconstruction requires attention to secure distal fixation and maximal extensor tension to achieve optimal outcomes.
Discounting of delayed rewards and executive dysfunction in individuals infected with hepatitis C

Objective: Determine whether adults with hepatitis C (HCV), regardless of substance use disorder, are more likely to discount delayed rewards than adults without hepatitis C, and explore the relationship between delay discounting and neuropsychological functioning. Methods: Procedures included clinical interviews, neuropsychological testing, and a delay discounting task. Results: Regardless of substance abuse history, adults with hepatitis C were significantly more likely to choose smaller immediate rewards over larger delayed rewards. Delay discounting correlated with performance on executive functioning tasks. Conclusions: Increased discounting is associated with broad executive dysfunction, suggesting that HCV-associated executive dysfunction may lead to altered decision-making style.
Recombinant Strategies for Rapid Purification of Catalytic Subunits of cAMP-Dependent Protein Kinase☆☆☆

Knowledge of the crystal structure of the catalytic subunit (C) of cAMP-dependent protein kinase provided for the first time a molecular basis for probing function by site-directed mutagenesis. The purification of mutant C-subunits, however, presented new and unanticipated challenges due to instability, insolubility, and underphosphorylation of the altered proteins. To overcome these barriers, a rapid and efficient method for purifying recombinantly expressed C-subunits was developed. Purification to near homogeneity is achieved in less than 5 h. The procedure is based on colysis of bacteria that overexpress the C-subunit with bacteria that overexpress a poly-His-tagged mutant of the type II regulatory subunit H6RII (R213K). This mutant R-subunit with an altered cAMP binding site A forms holoenzyme rapidly in bacterial extracts, and the Ka (cAMP) for the resulting holoenzyme, 27-37 microM, is nearly 50-fold increased compared to holoenzyme formed with wild-type RII. Thus, after batchwise immobilizing the holoenzyme on Ni(2+)-resin, the free C-subunit can be directly eluted batchwise with high concentrations of cAMP. The method is described for the purification of wild-type C, with yields of approximately 5 mg/liter. In addition, a mutant subunit, C[G52S], which is defective in ATP binding and could not be isolated using previously described methods, was purified with equal efficiency.
Neurotrophin function in skin.

Neurotrophins, the NGF-related family of neurotrophic factors, regulate the innervation of skin by sensory and sympathetic neurons. For the sensory nervous system, sensory innervation of different modalities (nocioception, proprioception, mechanoreception) is regulated by different members of the neurotrophin gene family. This specificity reflects the expression, within different sensory neuronal subpopulations, of different members of the trk neurotrophin receptor gene family. Neurotrophins also act directly upon nonneural cells of the skin, including melanocytes and keratinocytes, regulating cell survival and proliferation. Effects on cell survival reflect a complex interplay between the actions of trk and 75-kDa neurotrophin receptors. Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings 2:27–30, 1997
Secondary pulmonary hypertension does not adversely affect outcome after single lung transplantation

Abstract Objective: Primary and secondary pulmonary hypertension have been associated with poor outcomes after single lung transplantation. Some groups advocate double lung transplantation and the routine use of cardiopulmonary bypass during transplantation in this population. However, the optimal procedure for these patients remains controversial. The goal of our study was to determine the safety of single lung transplantation without cardiopulmonary bypass in patients with secondary pulmonary hypertension. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 76 consecutive patients with pulmonary parenchymal disease who underwent single lung transplantation from 1992 to 1998. Recipients were stratified according to preoperative mean pulmonary artery pressure. Secondary pulmonary hypertension was defined as parenchymal lung disease with a preoperative mean pulmonary artery pressure of 30 mm Hg or more. Patients with primary pulmonary hypertension or Eisenmenger's syndrome were excluded from analysis. Results: Eighteen of 76 patients had secondary pulmonary hypertension. No patient with secondary pulmonary hypertension required cardiopulmonary bypass, whereas 1 patient without pulmonary hypertension required bypass. After the operation, no significant differences were seen in lung injury as measured by chest radiograph score and PaO 2 /FIO 2 ratio, the requirement for inhaled nitric oxide, the length of mechanical ventiliation, the intensive care unit or hospital length of stay, and 30-day survival. There were no differences in the forced expiratory volume in 1 second or 6-minute walk at 1 year, or the incidence of rejection, infection, or bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome greater than grade 2. Survival at 1, 2, and 4 years after transplantation was 86%, 79%, and 65%, respectively, in the low pulmonary artery pressure group and 81%, 81%, and 61%, respectively, in the group with secondary pulmonary hypertension ( P > .2). Conclusion: We found that patients with pulmonary parenchymal disease and concomitant secondary pulmonary hypertension had successful outcomes as measured by early and late allograft function and appear to have acceptable long-term survival after single lung transplantation. Our results do not support the routine use of cardiopulmonary bypass or double lung transplantation for patients with this disorder. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2000;119:458-65)
Fine structure of cochlear innervation in the cat

Examination of adult and juvenile cat cochleas by electron microscopy and semi-serial sections permitted identification of the cytological features characteristic of the afferent and efferent nerve fiber populations identified in Golgi impregnations of the cochlea. This study demonstrated the distribution of synaptic contacts made by these fiber populations. As in the Golgi findings, radial and outer spiral afferent fibers were identified in well separated zones of the inner spiral bundle. The trunks of the outer spiral fibers, containing many microtubules and few neurofilaments, at first coursed spirally below the inner hair cells on the proximal face of the inner pillar, turned abruptly between adjacent pillar cells and entered the tunnel without branching. Radial afferents, containing many neurofilaments and a few microtubules, coursed through the inner spiral bundle, maintaining a radial or oblique orientation and proceeded directly toward the inner hair cells. Efferent fibers in the region of the inner spiral bundle were distinguishable by size, by orientation, and, to a lesser extent, by cytology. Small (1 micron) efferent fibers, containing few neurofilaments, an occasional microtubule, and mitochondria, occurred in the inner and tunnel spiral bundles and formed large varicosities, which contacted radial afferents. A separate population of much thicker efferents, containing many neurofilaments, mitochondria and dense-cored vesicles, but no microtubules, did not enter the inner spiral bundle but coursed directly to the level of the tunnel spiral bundle on the proximal face of the inner pillar cells. These fibers crossed the tunnel at the level of the tunnel spiral bundle and, upon reaching the outer hair cells, formed large synaptic contacts on outer hair cells and on outer spiral fibers as well. Some of these efferent fibers also synapse on afferent fibers while crossing the tunnel. The findings agree with previous observations with the Golgi method showing that entirely separate populations of spiral ganglion cells innervate the inner and outer hair cells. Likewise, there are efferent fibers innervating only inner or outer hair cells, but the probability of efferent fibers to both inner and outer hair cells cannot be ruled out.
Notes on the Natural History of Some Small Mammals in Central Brazil

Objectif: determiner la dynamique saisonniere de la population de petits mammiferes (rongeurs essentiellement) dans divers habitats du centre-sud du Bresil en vue de recenser les ressources disponibles pour le fissipede Chrysocyon brachyurus. Notes sur le cycle reproducteur
Evaluation of the use of H2SO4‐H2O2 digestions for the elemental analysis of plant tissue by ICP spectrometry

Abstract Various H2SO4‐H2O2 digestion procedures have been described as suitable for the determination of the concentrations of N and other elements in plant tissue with a single digest. Given relatively low sulfate concentrations in the final digest, the procedure described by Parkinson and Allen was chosen as one of the most promising of the H2SO4‐H2O2 digestions for ICP analysis. This procedure was evaluated by using it, as well as standard digestion procedures, to digest NIST standard reference material prior to ICP analysis. The ICP‐detemrined concentrations of the H2SO4‐H2O2 digests were generally found to correspond closely with NIST certified concentrations across all analyzed elements. However, Ca concentrations were underestimated for a standard reference sample having a certified concentration of 31500 μg/g, indicative of CaSO4 precipitation at higher Ca sample concentrations. Moreover, subsequent analysis of tropical grass samples was hampered by considerable ICP drift for all elements analyze...
Assessment of the crumbliness of individual fragile particulates from that of their assemblies

Abstract The force—displacement curves of crumbly particulates tested individually or in bulk are irregular and irreproducible. Their degree of jaggedness, however, determined in terms of the apparent fractal dimension, the mean magnitude of their Fourier power spectrum, or the standard deviation of their normalized dimensionless force—displacement curve, is both a consistent and characteristic parameter and a measure of the particles' crumbliness, brittleness or crunchiness. Similarly, their stiffness can be assessed quantitatively as the fitted force value at a selected deformation level using a polynomial model. In many cases it is more convenient, for technical reasons, to test particulates in a single layer of particles or in bulk rather than individually. As a result of averaging, however, the mechanical signature of the assembly will be considerably smoothed. The jaggedness of the individual particles' signatures however can still be assessed from that of their single layer assembly by recreating an ‘original’ particle signature by multiplying the layer's signature by the square root of the number of particles in the layer. The procedure is demonstrated with computer-generated random sequences where its applicability was anticipated in light of basic statistical theory, and with the experimentally determined signatures of two crunchy food particulates (cheese balls and croutons). It can be applied to other fragile particles whose strength is too low to be meaningfully determined by regular testing machines. Since the contribution of particles to their layer stiffness is additive, the individual particles' stiffness could be estimated by simply dividing that of the layer by the number of particles in it. Theoretically, the procedure's applicability can be impaired if the particles have a wide size range or are tested as a bed deep enough for cushioning to have an effect.
Conditions of Equivalence Between Continuum and Discrete Sensitivities

The purpose of this paper is to show equivalence between continuum and discrete formulations in sensitivity analysis when a linear velocity field is used. Shape sensitivity formulations are presented when the body forces and surface tractions depend on shape design variables. Especially, the continuum-discrete (C-D) and discrete-discrete (D-D) approaches are compared in detail. It is shown that the two methods are theoretically and numerically equivalent when the same discretization, numerical integration, and linear design velocity fields are used. The accuracy of sensitivity calculation is demonstrated using a cantilevered beam under uniform pressure and an arch dam crown cantilever under gravity and hydrostatic loading at the upstream face of the structure. It is shown that the sensitivity results are consistent with finite difference results, but different from the analytical sensitivity due to discretization and approximation errors of numerical analysis.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Traditional nurse triage vs physician telepresence in a pediatric ED.

Abstract Objectives The objective of the study is to compare traditional nurse triage (TNT) in a pediatric emergency department (PED) with physician telepresence (PTP). Methods This is a prospective 2 × 2 crossover study with random assignment using a sample of walk-in patients seeking care in a PED at a large, tertiary care children's hospital, from May 2012 to January 2013. Outcomes of triage times, documentation errors, triage scores, and survey responses were compared between TNT and PTP. Comparison between PTP to actual treating PED physicians regarding the accuracy of ordering blood and urine tests, throat cultures, and radiologic imaging was also studied. Results Paired samples t tests showed a statistically significant difference in triage time between TNT and PTP ( P = .03) but no significant difference in documentation errors ( P = .10). Triage scores of TNT were 71% accurate, compared with PTP, which were 95% accurate. Both parents and children had favorable scores regarding PTP, and most indicated that they would prefer PTP again at their next PED visit. Physician telepresence diagnostic ordering was comparable with the actual PED physician ordering, showing no statistical differences. Conclusions Using PTP technology to remotely perform triage is a feasible alternative to traditional nurse triage, with no clinically significant differences in time, triage scores, errors, and patient and parent satisfaction.
Pharmacotherapy of asthma in children, with special reference to leukotriene receptor antagonists

Asthma in adults is generally recognized as a chronic inflammatory airway disease, although this association is less well established in childhood asthma. Thus, recent asthma guidelines have emphasized that asthma treatment should be directed toward the underlying inflammatory aspects of the disease. The prevalence of asthma and resultant hospitalizations and deaths have increased or remained stable over the past 10 years in the United States. In part, this appears to be caused by shortcomings of available antiasthma therapeutic agents. Because these trends are particularly troublesome in children and young adults, there is a need for effective anti-inflammatory therapies that are safe and tolerable. The leukotrienes are a family of lipid mediators that appear to play an important role in the symptomology and pathogenesis of asthma. The results of clinical trials in adults with asthma demonstrated that antileukotriene drugs such as zafirlukast, montelukast, and zileuton improve pulmonary function, decrease asthma symptoms, and decrease the concomitant use of other antiasthma drugs. Most antileukotriene agents are orally bioavailable and well tolerated, offering the potential for improved patient compliance. Montelukast and zafirlukast have received approval for use in pediatric asthma patients, and approval of zafirlukast in this patient population is pending.
The synergistic action of ultraviolet and x radiation on mutants of Escherichia coli K-12.

— Prior UV irradiation increased the X-ray sensitivity of wild-type E. coli K-12. This synergistic effect of combined UV and X irradiation was also observed, but to a reduced extent, in uvrA, uvrB, uvrC, and polA mutants, but was absent in exrA, recA, recB, or recC mutants of E. coli K-12. Alkaline sucrose gradient studies demonstrated that the wand err gene-controlled, growth-medium-dependent (Type III) repair of X-ray-induced DNA single-strand breaks was inhibited by prior UV irradiation. This inhibition probably explains the synergistic effect of these two radiations on survival.
Reaction of pyromeconic acid with β‐diazopropionic ester. Synthesis and attempted cyclization of β‐(4H‐pyran‐4‐on‐3‐yloxy)propionic acid

A procedure which utilizes a special sublimate condenser for preparation of pyromeconic acid (I) by decarboxylation of either meconic or comenic acid is reported. O-Alkylation of pyromeconic acid with ethyl β-diazopropionate ex situ yields ethyl β-(4H-pyran-4-on-3-yloxy)-propionate (II), acidic hydrolysis of which affords the free acid III. The acid III is refractory to ring-closure to a chromanone analog IV under a wide range of acidic conditions. O-Allylation of 1 gives 3-allyloxy-4H-pyran-4-one (V) as a low-melting crystalline solid.
Responses of the Fe(CN)2(CO) Unit to Electronic Changes as Related to Its Role in [NiFe]Hydrogenase

The observation of nearly identical infrared spectra in the diatomic (2000 cm-1) region of oxidized forms of [NiFe]hydrogenases, as isolated from Chromatium vinosum (Happe et al. Nature 1997, 385, 126) and Desulfovibrio gigas (Volbeda et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1996, 118, 12989) and the anion (η5-C5H5)Fe(CN)2(CO)- (Darensbourg et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1997, 119, 7903), including isotopic label shifts, has prompted further development of the organometallic model complex as a spectroscopic reference. The vibrational spectroscopy of the pyramidal Fe(CN)2(CO) unit found in the salts of (η5-C5H5)Fe(CN)2(CO)- and (η5-C5Me5)Fe(CN)2(CO)- is thoroughly investigated with respect to band positions and intensity ratios as influenced by counterion and solvent. The neutral analogues (η5-C5H5)- and (η5-C5Me5)Fe(CN)(CO)2 as well as the protonated H[(η5-C5H5)Fe(CN)2(CO)] are included for comparison. The X-ray crystal structure of the latter finds short interionic N····N distances of 2.55 A indicative of CN-nitrogen protonat...
Velvetleaf, Abutilon theophrasti (Malvaceae), history and economic impact in the United States.

Velvetleaf,Abutilon theophrasti, a native of China, was originally introduced into the New World before 1750 as a potential fiber crop for the American colonies. Initial introductions may have come from England because of similar interests in the development of fiber crops. Commercial fiber production from velvetleaf was attempted by U.S. farmers for more than a century. The latest known attempts were made in the latter part of the 19th century in Illinois and New York. Velvetleaf never competed well with hemp, at least partly due to a lack of proper machinery for fiber processing. These early experimental plantings were apparently the source of velvetleaf as a weed in row crops. One velvetleaf plant is capable of producing as many as 8,000 seeds, and viability may extend beyond 50 yr. The plant is well adapted to our upper Midwest where maize (Zea mays) and soybeans (Glycine max) are the major row crops. The reservoir of velvetleaf seed in the soil is increasing. The current annual economic loss due to velvetleaf in maize and soybeans is estimated to be approximately $343 million per year.
Psychosis in pregnancy.

CASE: Anoutside hospital transferred a multigravid woman inher mid 20s at 18 weeks of gestational age to a tertiary carecenter for evaluation of altered mental status and presumedpsychosis. She had been hospitalized for 2 weeks with adiagnosis of hyperemesis gravidarum, receiving intravenousfluids, potassium repletion, and antiemetics. However, by thetime of transfer, the patient was not speaking, walking, oreating and had become incontinent of stool and urine. Per thetransferring facility, she had a history of an undiagnosedpsychiatric illness and had experienced hyperemesis andpsychotic episodes during previous pregnancies. She hadnever received psychotropic therapy. The patient had nohistory of alcohol or drug abuse.At the receiving facility, the patient was noted to haveataxia, ophthalmoplegia, expressive aphasia, decreased sen-sory perception to painful stimuli, increased tone in the lowerextremities, and orofacial dyskinesia. Laboratory studies re-vealed electrolyte abnormalities, including hypokalemia(K 2.5), transaminitis (alanine transaminase 89/aspartatetransaminase 186), and hyponatremia (Na 126). Magneticresonance imaging (MRI) showed extensive areas of restrictedeffusion to the bilateral cerebellar hemispheres, thalami,mammillary bodies, and hypothalamus, suggesting a diagno-sis of Wernicke’s encephalopathy (Figs. 1 and 2). Obstetricultrasonography showed a fetus measuring 12 weeks with nofetal cardiac activity.Based on findings from the clinical presentation and MRI,the patient was diagnosed with Wernicke’s encephalopathyand was treated with thiamine replacement and correction ofelectrolyte abnormalities. The missed abortion was treatedwith misoprostol induction and dilation and curettage forretained placenta. Her subsequent hospital course was com-plicated by aplastic anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenicpurpura,
Review of crustal seismicity in the Aleutian Arc and implications for arc deformation

Abstract Central and eastern Aleutian Arc is characterized by oblique convergence between the subducting Pacific and overriding Bering Plates. This results in westward arc translation and formation of rotating crustal blocks in the forearc. In 2006–2010 several moderate, shallow crustal earthquakes (up to magnitude 6.7) occurred in the region. These events are located about 150 km away from the trench, on the volcanic axis, and have either strike–slip (west of 174°W) or normal (east of 174°W) faulting mechanisms. We improve aftershock locations by applying precise relocation methods to aid in identifying preferred fault planes. We also review similar earthquakes that occurred prior to 2006. For the central Aleutian Arc we conclude that, while some of these events occurred along the boundaries of the rotating blocks, the majority are left-lateral strike–slip events on NW- to N-oriented fault planes in the unrotated Bering massif. These manifest Riedel shearing in response slip partitioning due to the oblique convergence. Normal faulting events in eastern Aleutian Arc reflect along-arc extension.
Cutaneous transport of Ca2+ in the frog Rana pipiens: significance and specificity.

Rana pipiens were divided into four groups: controls; hypocalcemic frogs, depleted of salts by acclimation to deionized water; hypercalcemic frogs, calcium-loaded by the introduction of 40 mumol calcium gluconate; and frogs exposed to the potential competing ions Mg2+, Sr2+, and Ba2+. All groups displayed calcium influx that was proportional to external [Ca2+]; however, the group acclimated to deionized water also displayed hypocalcemia (P 0.3 mM) external [Ca2+]. Ca2+ efflux was depressed in hypocalcemic frogs, and thus net Ca2+ flux shifted from net loss in control frogs to net uptake in hypocalcemic frogs. Hypocalcemia also resulted in increased skin Ca2+ deposits which may be related to a decreased Ca2+ (and other ions) permeability as a consequence of the acclimation to deionized water. Another group of frogs was Ca(2+)-loaded by injecting calcium gluconate: Sodium gluconate controls did not significantly alter Ca2+ fluxes. The frogs that received calcium gluconate treatments became hypercalcemic (P < 0.01) and did not display significant changes in calcium fluxes, nor did they show significant changes in skin calcium deposits. We conclude that hypocalcemia leads to regulatory responses that stimulate active Ca2+ transport in Rana pipiens skin and possibly inhibits cutaneous and renal efflux. We also conclude that hypercalcemia does not alter calcium fluxes across skin. The ions from Group IIA of the Periodic Table of Elements had little effect on Ca2+ fluxes at concentrations ranging from 0.5-4.0 mM; neither Sr2+ or Ba2+ affected Ca2+ influx. The only divalent ion tested that influenced Ca2+ was Mg2+, which significantly inhibited Ca2+ influx but only at 4.0 mM or eight times the external [Ca2+]. We conclude, therefore, that the Ca2+ transport mechanism is fairly specific for Ca2+ within Group IIA.
Reassessing Exposure Safety Requirements for Cell Phones [Telecommunications Health and Safety]

The GAO recommended that the FCC reassess and, if appropriate, change its current RF exposure safety rules. The GAO also mentioned that the FCC is working on a draft document that has the potential of addressing the GAO's recommendations. Only time will tell what the FCC may possibly do, or whether or not it is going forward to change its current RF exposure safety rules. If the FCC does decide to change its current RF exposure safety rules, it would do well to note that since 1998, the scientific progress made in computational dosimetry has been exceptional.
Diffusion and desorption of barium and oxygen on tungsten dispenser cathode surfaces

Abstract Auger measurements have been made on the concentration of barium and oxygen diffusing out of a pore and slot onto the surface of a simulated tungsten dispenser cathode. Profiles of concentration vs distance from the source were obtained at different temperatures. It is found that at cathode operating temperatures very little gradient of oxygen concentration exists on the surface, and under steady state conditions Ba is the main diffusing species. Ba diffusion distances derived are consistent with previous measurements. However it is found that this distance increases with concentration in spite of the fact that the Ba surface lifetime decreases with concentration. Time dependent measurements made on a clean surface show that the rate of Ba and O build up is limited by the supply rate of oxygen to the surface. This supply rate is not diffusion limited but seems to be limited by the mechanism generating free oxygen. A comparison of emission microscope measurements on a tungsten matrix dispenser cathode with the simulated cathode data indicates that similar oxygen generation processes may be controlling the activation of these cathodes.
Selection in spatial stochastic models of cancer: Migration as a key modulator of fitness

Background: We study the selection dynamics in a heterogeneous spatial colony of cells. We use two spatial generalizations of the Moran process, which include cell divisions, death and migration. In the first model, migration is included explicitly as movement to a proximal location. In the second, migration is implicit, through the varied ability of cell types to place their offspring a distance away, in response to another cell's death. Results: In both models, we find that migration has a direct positive impact on the ability of a single mutant cell to invade a pre-existing colony. Thus, a decrease in the growth potential can be compensated by an increase in cell migration. We further find that the neutral ridges (the set of all types with the invasion probability equal to that of the host cells) remain invariant under the increase of system size (for large system sizes), thus making the invasion probability a universal characteristic of the cells selection status. We find that repeated instances of large scale celldeath, such as might arise during therapeutic intervention or host response, strongly select for the migratory phenotype. Conclusions: These models can help explain the many examples in the biological literature, where genes involved in cell's migratory and invasive machinery are also associated with increased cellular fitness, even though there is no known direct effect of these genes on the cellular reproduction. The models can also help to explain how chemotherapy may provide a selection mechanism for highly invasive phenotypes.
Neighborhood perceptions affect dietary behaviors and diet quality.

Abstract Objective The primary purpose of this study was to determine if perceived neighborhood disorder affected dietary quality within a multiethnic sample of children. Design Children were recruited through the use of fliers, wide-distribution mailers, parent magazines, and school presentations from June 2005 to December 2008. Setting Birmingham-Hoover, Alabama metropolitan area. Participants Sample of 100 children aged 7 to 12 years. Main Outcome Measure Dietary quality was assessed using the average of two 24-hour recalls and analyzed using the Nutrition Data System for Research. Analysis Multivariate linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between neighborhood disorder and dietary quality. Results Perceived neighborhood disorder was associated with increased iron intake ( P = .03) and lower potassium levels ( P = .04). Perceived neighborhood disorder was not significantly associated with increased energy intake ( P = .07) and increased sodium intake ( P = .08). Conclusions and Implications Perceived neighborhood disorder was significantly related to differences in dietary quality. This finding indicates that subjective neighborhood characteristics may pose barriers to healthful eating behaviors for children. Future research efforts and policy should address sociostructural factors and ways to manipulate and improve food environments and individuals' perceptions of their neighborhoods.
A categorical entity-relationship model of databases

The major objective of the author is to develop a highly abstract model for databases: the categorical entity-relationship (CER) model. This model is based on a unified view of the entity-relationship and relational database models. Central to the CER model is the concept of an entity-relationship (ER) object. The concept of a key defines the identity of an ER-object. An ER-object with an atomic key represents a database entity; an ER-object with a composite key represents a database relationship. The concept of a schema represents the type of an ER-object. Operations are defined on ER-objects. The role is to define the structure of a database, to update a database, and to derive information from a database. This model provides a sufficiently rich basis for designing and implementing entity-relationship and relational databases as object-oriented systems. >
Current Research on Chemical Modification of Cellulose

Abstract Research on the chemical modification of cellulosic textiles has been focussed primarily on crosslinking reactions during the late 1950's and early 1960's. During the last decade, emphasis has shifted to the study of modifications which alter the course of the thermal degradation of cellulose, and more specifically, to the study of compounds, reactions and processes which can be used to decrease flammability in cellulosics. This paper reviews current knowledge on thermal degradation reactions which occur in unmodified cellulose and in cellulose treated with flame retardants as a conceptual framework in which the effectiveness of specific compounds can be interpreted and discussed. In addition to exhibiting flame retardant effectiveness, compounds used for decreasing the flammability of cellulosics must satisfy a large number of other requirements which can only be defined with reference to the substrate, the specific application contemplated, and the level of flame resistance which is to be attained. Highlights of current research in this area are presented, including: recent work on flame retardant compounds used in the manufacture of regenerated cellulose fibers; new reagents and processes for modification of 100% cotton fabrics by finishing; recent approaches to the complex problem of modifying polyester/cotton blend fabrics for flame resistant (self extinguishing) apparel.
Revision Total Ankle Replacement An Early Look at Agility to INBONE

Introduction. The role of total ankle replacement (TAR) is expanding in the United States. As the number of ankles implanted increases, undoubtedly the number of failures will increase. Several rep...
A stereoselective route to the spirobicyclic ring system of oscillatoxin D

Using a model system, a stereoselective assembly of the 1-oxaspirol[5.5]undec-4-ene-8-one ring system of the antileukemic natural products oscillatoxin D and 30-methyloscillatoxin D was demonstrated. A key step was an intramolecular attack of the C1-C3 β-ketoester enol on a silyl-activated 2,3-dihydro-4-pyranone to create a silyloxy analogue of the natural products' spirobicyclce ring system.
Hydrodynamic characteristics of counter-current two-phase flow in vertical and inclined channels: effects of liquid properties

Abstract Flow patterns, counter-current flow limitation (flooding), and gas hold-up (void fraction) in counter-current flow in vertical and inclined channels were experimentally investigated. Tests were performed in a 2 m-long channel with 1.9 cm inner diameter, using air, and demineralized water, mineral and paraffinic oils, covering a surface tension range of 0.0128–0.072 N/m, and a liquid viscosity range of 1 × 10 −3 −1.85 × 10 −1 Ns/m 2 . The liquid and gas superficial velocity ranges for the tests with demineralized water were 0 ⩽ U GS ⩽ 54 cm/s and 1 ⩽ U GS ⩽ 299 cm/s, for tests with mineral oil were 0 ⩽ U LS ⩽ 23 cm/s and 1 ⩽ U GS ⩽ 248 cm/s, and for paraffinic oil were 0.15 ⩽ U LS ⩽ 11.6 cm/s and 1 ⩽ U GS ⩽ 224 cm/s, respectively. The examined channel angles of inclination with respect to the vertical line were 0, 30 and 68°. Flooding data were significantly different from pure water results only at very high liquid viscosities. The effect of liquid viscosity on gas hold-up and flow patterns was significant, furthermore, and several existing models and correlations were unable to correctly predict the data trends. With increasing the liquid viscosity the parameter range of the slug flow pattern expanded for all angles of inclination, and froth flow replaced the churn flow pattern in the vertical configuration and it replaced the churn/stratified and semi-stratified patterns in inclined configurations. The churn-stratified flow pattern is predominantly wavy stratified and is interrupted by upward-moving flooding-type waves. Semi-stratified is a periodic pattern where in each period the flow regime is initially wavy stratified while liquid accumulates in the bottom portion of the test section and forms a large liquid slug which subsequently moves upwards in the channel.
Interface and Contact Line Motion in a Two Phase Fluid under Shear Flow

We use a coarse grained description to study the steady state interfacial configuration of a two phase fluid under steady shear. Dissipative relaxation of the order parameter leads to interfacial slip at the contact line, even with no-slip boundary conditions on the fluid velocity. This relaxation occurs within a characteristic length scale ${l}_{0}\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}=\phantom{\rule{0ex}{0ex}}\sqrt{\ensuremath{\xi}D/{V}_{0}}$, with $\ensuremath{\xi}$ the (microscopic) interfacial thickness, $D$ an order parameter diffusivity, and ${V}_{0}$ the boundary velocity. The steady state interfacial configuration is shown to satisfy a scaling form involving the ratio ${l}_{0}/L$, where $L$ is the width of the fluid layer, for a passive interface, and the capillary number as well for an active interface.
Modeling motor learning connectivity using coordinate-based meta-analysis and TMS/PET

BrainMap is a database of peak activation locations and metadata reported in functional neuroimaging studies, which was designed to develop and promote coordinate-based meta-analysis techniques. Here, we demonstrate the activation likelihood estimation (ALE) method in a meta-analysis of published TMS/PET studies. Using the results of this meta-analysis, we constructed a data-driven model of motor connectivity in TMS/PET data in which stimulation was delivered to RM1 before and after motor skill acquisition. A hybrid motor connectivity model of pre- and post-learning was generated to identify specific pathways most affected by the mechanisms involved in the motor learning process.
Standardization of the Prothrombin Time for Monitoring Orally Administered Anticoagulant Therapy With Use of the International Normalized Ratio System

This issue ofthe Mayo Clinic Proceedings reinitiates the Laboratory Medicine and Pathology series. This monthly feature will contain short summary articles that highlight the clinical aspects ofselected laboratory procedures. These articles will focus on the efficacious use of laboratory and pathology resources. Some articles will describe new procedures and practices, such as the use of the international normalized ratio for standardizing the prothrombin time test and the automatedfive-part leukocyte differential. Other articles will review specialty testing areas, such as the serologic diagnosis ojparvovirus and approaches to arsenic testing. These reports are not intended to be comprehensive scientific reviews but are to be focused summaries ofinterest and value to medical care providers.
Editorial: Quality of Current Diagnostic Performance—Our Most Serious Health Care Quality Problem?

Editor's note: Our editorial this month is by journal Consulting Editor, Dr. John Williamson. Dr. Williamson is an internationally recognized researcher, author, and speaker on quality assurance. The recipient of many national and international awards, he has served on Hillary Clinton's Work Group on Quality as part of the Interagency Task Force for Health Care Reform. That group produced President Clinton's original bill submitted to the Congress. This past summer, at the request of the White House, Dr. Williamson participated in the "Health Security Express," which traveled some 4,000 miles, to hear the health care concerns of people across this country.We are indebted to Dr. Williamson, not only for this editorial, but for identifying to the journal the significant issues related to the quality of diagnostic performance. His suggestion led to the special Symposium on Quality Issues in Diagnosis, published in this issue.
c-Myc Transforms Human Mammary Epithelial Cells through Repression of the Wnt Inhibitors DKK1 and SFRP1

c-myc is frequently amplified in breast cancer; however, the mechanism of myc-induced mammary epithelial cell transformation has not been defined. We show that c-Myc induces a profound morphological transformation in human mammary epithelial cells and anchorage-independent growth. c-Myc suppresses the Wnt inhibitors DKK1 and SFRP1, and derepression of DKK1 or SFRP1 reduces Myc-dependent transforming activity. Myc-dependent repression of DKK1 and SFRP1 is accompanied by Wnt target gene activation and endogenous T-cell factor activity. Myc-induced mouse mammary tumors have repressed SFRP1 and increased expression of Wnt target genes. DKK1 and SFRP1 inhibit the transformed phenotype of breast cancer cell lines, and DKK1 inhibits tumor formation. We propose a positive feedback loop for activation of the c-myc and Wnt pathways in breast cancer.
Antimicrobial actions of fluoride for oral bacteria

Fluoride is widely used as a highly effective anticaries agent. Although it is felt that its anticaries action is related mainly to effects on mineral phases of teeth and on the process of remineralization, fluoride also has important effects on the bacteria of dental plaque, which are responsible for the acidification of plaque that results in demineralization. The results of recent studies have shown that fluoride can affect bacterial metabolism through a set of actions with fundamentally different mechanisms. It can act directly as an enzyme inhibitor, for example for the glycolytic enzyme enolase, which is inhibited in a quasi-irreversible manner. Direct action seems also to occur in inhibition of heme-based peroxidases with binding of fluoride to heme. The flavin-based peroxidases of many oral bacteria are insensitive to fluoride. Another mode of action involves formation of metal-fluoride complexes, most commonly AlF4-. These complexes are responsible for fluoride inhibition of proton-translocating F-ATPases and are thought to act by mimicking phosphate to form complexes with ADP at reaction centers of the enzymes. However, the actions of fluoride that are most pertinent to reducing the cariogenicity of dental plaque are those related to its weak-acid character. Fluoride acts to enhance membrane permeabilities to protons and compromises the functioning of F-ATPases in exporting protons, thereby inducing cytoplasmic acidification and acid inhibition of glycolytic enzymes. Basically, fluoride acts to reduce the acid tolerance of the bacteria. It is most effective at acid pH values. In the acidic conditions of cariogenic plaque, fluoride at levels as low as 0.1 mM can cause complete arrest of glycolysis by intact cells of Streptococcus mutans. Overall, the anticaries actions of fluoride appear to be complex, involving effects both on bacteria and on mineral phases. The antibacterial actions of fluoride appear themselves to be complex but to be dominated by weak-acid effects.
Germanium solar cells grown by molecular beam epitaxy for lattice-matched, four-junction solar cells

We demonstrate Ge junctions grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) for lattice-matched, four-junction solar cells. Integrating a Ge bottom cell beneath a 1.9 eV InGaP/1.4 eV Ga(In)As/1.0 eV dilute nitride stack could enable ultra-high efficiencies in a single growth step. In this work, we successfully created Ge junctions by growth of homoepitaxial n-Ge emitters using As2 as a dopant on p-Ge wafers within a III–V MBE system. The growth and post anneal conditions are shown to strongly influence open-circuit voltage (Voc) in epitaxial Ge solar cells. Voc = 0.174 V was obtained without a window layer, which is comparable to the Voc of diffused Ge cells fabricated by metal-organic-vapor-phase-epitaxy for triple-junction solar cells.
Another Look at 401(k) Plan Investments in Employer Securities

In Another Look at 401(k) Plan Investments in Employer Services, Professor Susan Stabile argues that more regulation of 401(k) plan investment in employer securities is warranted and that something more than expanded disclosure and education is required. This article explores the basis for that conviction and expands on some of her earlier work in the wake of the Enron and other related debacles. A growing emphasis on employee stock ownership is evident in recent years, owing to the belief of employers and investors that employee stock ownership enhances worker productivity and motivation by giving employees a stake in the performance of the company. In addition, managers have viewed favorably employee stock ownership. However, Stabile points out that building a retirement savings around a single company stock creates a tremendous risk to retirement security. Given the inherent risk associated with heavy 401(k) investment in employer securities, Stabile questions the wisdom of an employee's decision to invest such a large percentage of their retirement savings in that manner. The author offers several explanations for such heavy plan investments in employer securities, including context dependence, optimistic bias, loyalty, and pressure. Given these explanations for such heavy 401(k) investment in employment securities, Stabile reasons that improved educated is unlikely to be effective in reducing the concentration of employer securities in participants' 401(k) accounts. Stabile also points out that ERISA provides very little protection from the consequences of over investment in employer securities. Stabile concludes with a sober warning: an unacceptable environment of risk has been created wherein large numbers of employees will retire with account balances that will provide them with insufficient savings to support them during their retirement. She concludes that notwithstanding this danger, Congress appears intent on preserving individual freedom to invest in employer securities without adequate safeguards.
Comparison of Earth Departure Strategies for Human Missions to Mars

A human mission to Mars would likely involve several vehicle elements that are staged near Earth, and the choice of staging location can significantly affect the efficiency and robustness of a Mars exploration campaign. The key figures of merit are overall V, departure windows, backup opportunities, and contingency options. These characteristics are detailed and compared for Earth-Moon L2, high-lunar orbit, high-Earth orbit, and lowEarth orbit. Earth-Moon L2 and high-lunar orbit are found to be operationally and energetically similar, and require additional V to enter and depart before leaving for Mars. High-Earth orbit enables trans-Mars injection backup opportunities by reorienting the orbit at apogee. This type of orbit can shift between many inclinations, periods, and perigees with lunar gravity assists. Direct departure from low-Earth orbit requires the fewest number of critical maneuvers, but does not benefit from potential efficiencies from solar electric propulsion or reuse of deep space vehicles.
Kinetics of the Reactions of n-Alkyl (C2H5, n-C3H7, and n-C4H9) Radicals with CH3

The ethyl-methyl, n-propyl-methyl, and n-butyl-methyl cross-radical reactions were studied by laser photolysis/photoionization mass spectroscopy. Overall rate constants were obtained in direct real...
CW imaging of human muscle using near infrared spectroscopy

Muscle hypoxia and fatigue are related to the generation of lactic acid in hypoxic regions of the muscle which may limit exercise capability. While generally thought that such regions are homogeneously extended over the muscle mass and activated by exercise, our recent results with a very simple muscle function imager show, to the contrary, that exercise limitation may involve specific rather than generalized portions of the muscle. Thus a simple, noninvasive optical device which is portable and efficacious, could be used to increase understanding of the contribution of particular muscles during different exercises. This could open new possibilities for the evaluation of muscle performance and fatigue of normal and pathological states.
The Role of Interpersonal Conflict as a Determinant of Firearm-Related Homicide–Suicides at Different Ages

Although firearm-related homicide-suicides and firearm-related suicides are tragic and catastrophic events, there is increasing evidence that the two events have different precipitants and that understanding these precipitants may help prevention efforts. We aimed to assess the role of interpersonal conflict (IPC) and recent crises in firearm-related homicide-suicides as compared with firearm-related suicides alone. We also assessed whether these differences were consistent across young and old perpetrators. Using an unmatched case-control study, we compared firearm-related homicide-suicides andsuicides alone from 2003 to 2011 in the National Violent Death Registry data to assess the risk associated with IPC and crisis. Survival analysis was performed to compare time-to-incident of homicide-suicide versus suicide only. We derived odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) due to IPC and recent crisis from mixed logistic regression models. Stratified analysis by age on the effect of IPC and recent crisis, and type of incident was also performed. After adjusting for relevant covariates, homicide-suicides were more likely than suicide alone following IPC (OR = 20.6, 95%CI = [16.6, 25.7]) and recent crisis (OR = 14.5, 95%CI = [12.4, 16.9]). The risk of firearm homicide-suicide compared with suicide associated with IPC was twice greater among those >30 years compared with those ≤30 years ( p-interaction = .033), and no differential by age associated with recent crisis ( p-interaction = .64). IPC and recent crisis are risk factors for committing homicide-suicides compared with suicides alone, with the risk doubly greater among older than younger perpetrators.