cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Francisco Javier Matís, el Negro Pío, un águila y la hoja del guaco: una contranarrativa de la visión espacial de las élites sobre el trópico

Este articulo muestra que la narracion sobre el “descubrimiento” de la hoja de guaco escrita por Francisco Javier Matis (1761-1850) se erige como una contranarrativa de la vision de las elites sobre el espacio tropical. Matis contradice la narrativa desplegada por Francisco Jose de Caldas (1768-1816). A contrapelo de la vision elitista, el pintor y naturalista autodidacta propone el espacio como producto de conocimientos vernaculos, experiencia personal y participacion de la comunidad.
Diels-Alder reactions with 3,4-methylenedioxy-β-nitrostyrene

Abstract Reaction between 3,4-methylenedioxy-β-nitrostyrene and 1-methoxybutadiene or methyl sorbate gave Diels-Alder adducts. Reaction between the dienophile and ethyl 5-chloro- or 5-benzoyl-oxypentadienoate gave either no reaction or aromatic products, (methylenedioxybiphenyl derivatives) derived from adducts. The structures of new compounds were obtained by NMR or by NMDR experiments.
Effect of sediment and nutrient loading on Lake Tahoe optical conditions and restoration opportunities using a newly developed lake clarity model

[1] A quasi-two-dimensional lake clarity model (LCM) was developed to better understand the impacts of pollutant load on lake/reservoir water quality and to provide guidelines for lake/reservoir management and restoration. Though the LCM can be applied to any lake, the model was calibrated and validated using the available detailed data set of Lake Tahoe. The estimated and measured annual average Secchi depths demonstrate a very high degree of agreement with relative error of less than 6%. The sensitivity analysis was performed on those parameter(s)/load(s) found to have a large effect on lake clarity. Loading and settling rates of fine inorganic particles (<16 μm in diameter) were found to have the largest effect on lake clarity. Atmospheric load adds inorganic particles and nutrients to the surface layer, thus directly affecting lake clarity. Since maximum chlorophyll a concentration is observed in deep water (approximately 50 m below surface) during spring and summer, the Secchi depth (approximately 20-22 m) was found to be relatively insensitive to the change in chlorophyll a concentration in this deep layer. The model was used to simulate different load reduction scenarios to help answer questions such as how much load reduction is needed to restore Lake Tahoe's historic clarity of approximately 30 m and how quickly this change can be achieved? The LCM provides a firsthand scientific solution to managers that the historic clarity can be achieved if total reduction of nutrients and inorganic particles loads will be reduced to approximately 55% from all sources or approximately 75% from urban sources.
Cancer pain: Beyond the ladder

Current estimates indicate that between 50 and 90% of patients with cancer experience pain. The World Health Organization has outlined a three-step analgesic ladder, that, if followed will result in close to 90% pain relief. Opioids should not be withheld for fear of addiction or respiratory depression and are clearly the most effective systemic analgesic available for patients with cancer-related pain. Unfortunately, opioids can also cause side effects including, but not limited to, constipation and mental cloudiness. Interventional therapies and physical modalities can decrease pain without systemic side effects associated with opioids and should be considered a useful adjunct in the battle against pain. It is likely that by incorporating interventional and non-pharmacologic approaches, the success rate of pain control and the quality of life can be improved. © 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ireland
Muscle activation of the quadriceps and hamstrings during incremental running

Introduction The aim of this study was to determine the patterns of responses for the electromyographic (EMG) amplitude vs. oxygen uptake ( VO2) relationships from muscles of the quadriceps femoris and hamstrings during incremental treadmill running. Methods: Twelve men volunteered to perform an incremental test to exhaustion while EMG signals were recorded from the vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, biceps femoris, and semitendinosus muscles. Polynomial regression analyses were used to determine the best model fit for the EMG amplitude vs. VO2 relationships. Results: There were significant (P < 0.05) increases in EMG amplitude across VO2 for the vastus lateralis (quadratic, R = 0.995), vastus medialis (quadratic, R = 0.997), biceps femoris (cubic, R = 0.999), and semitendinosus (linear, R = 0.992) muscles as well as the hamstrings-to-quadriceps ratio (cubic, R = 0.999). Conclusion: These findings indicate that the patterns of responses for muscle activation vs. exercise intensity appear to be unique among muscles of the thigh. Muscle Nerve 52: 1023–1029, 2015
Abstract MP70: Habitual Sleep Variability, Mediated by Energy Intake, is Associated with Abdominal Obesity in Adolescents

Introduction: Although self-reported sleep duration has been associated with obesity, study of the association between objectively-measured habitual sleep pattern and the more metabolically relevant abdominal obesity, and the mediation factors for such an association, is limited. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that objectively-measured variability, mediated by excessive energy intake, is associated with abdominal obesity in adolescents. Methods: We used data from 421 adolescents in the Penn State Child Cohort follow-up examination. Actigraphy was used for 7 consecutive nights to calculate each participant’s mean sleep duration as habitual sleep duration (HSD) and the standard deviation of the mean as habitual sleep variability (HSV). Abdominal obesity was assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry as Android/Gynoid Fat Ratio and visceral fat area. Youth/Adolescents Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to obtain daily caloric, fat, carbohydrate, and protein intakes one year prior to the study. The R-based Mediation Effect Models were used to assess the association between sleep pattern and abdominal obesity, and quantitatively estimate the mediation effects of caloric intake and of other factors not analyzed in this report. Results: As shown in the table, after controlling for major confounders and BMI percentile, HSV was significantly and consistently associated with both abdominal obesity measures. The Mediation analysis consistently indicated a significant mediation effect of caloric intake, especially carbohydrate intake. For example, 20% of the association between HSV and visceral fat could be attributed to carbohydrate intake, while 80% by other factors not analyzed. HSD was not associated with abdominal obesity. Conclusions: Higher HSV, not HSD, is associated with abdominal obesity, which can be partially explained by increased caloric intake, especially from carbohydrate, in adolescents. More studies are needed to identify other mediation factors in the association.
Simple test of synergy between ampicillin and vancomycin for resistant strains of Enterococcus faecium.

The combination of ampicillin and vancomycin kills some but not all strains of ampicillin- and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. We compared a simple test for synergy utilizing a commercially available microdilution susceptibility system with time-kill studies and determined acceptable breakpoints for this test for 20 strains of ampicillin- and vancomycin-resistant E. faecium. The combination of ampicillin and vancomycin was tested for synergy by time-kill, broth macrodilution, and broth microdilution procedures. Repeat testing of isolates by macro- and microdilution synergy methods yielded MICs that were within one twofold dilution of each other for both intra- and intertest comparisons. Synergy was always detected by time-kill studies when the MIC of ampicillin in the combination synergy screen was 16 micrograms/ml in the combination microdilution synergy screen. The determination of the synergy by the broth microdilution procedure appears to be simple, convenient, and accurate.
Nature of the Activation Process in Enzymatic Reactions

THE study of enzyme-catalysed reactions has thrown considerable light on the geometrical factors involved; but little is as yet known concernining the mechanism of the activation process. The experiments reported here were designed to yield information on the transformations which occur during enzyme action.
Evolutionary analysis of the large subunit of carboxylase (rbcL) nucleotide sequence among the grasses (Gramineae).

The full nucleotide sequences of the chloroplast encoded large subunit of ribulose- 1,5- bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcL) are available for nine grass species and partial sequence data for one species. Relative rate tests of the "molecular clock" hypothesis suggest that rbcL evolved more rapidly in the lineage leading to Zea than in those leading to the other species. The estimated overall substitution rate for rbcL among these grasses is about 5 x 10-10 substitutions per site per year, or about one-half the synonymous rate. The nine full sequences were analyzed by the UPGMA, Wagner parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Fitch-Margoliash methods. The latter three methods produced trees with the same topology. This topology largely agrees with current taxonomic evi- dence regarding the relationships among these grasses. UPGMA produced a topology that conflicts more substantially with available taxonomic evidence. Statistical comparison of the three alter- native topologies for the subfamilies Panicoideae, Pooideae and Bambusoideae failed to support one of these topologies over the others, reflecting the taxonomic ambiguities surrounding the relationships among these taxa. Phylogenetic analyses based on the partial sequences of all 10 species gave conflicting results with regard to the relationship between Hordeum and Triticum, both members of the tribe Triticeae. This indicates that rbcL sequences contain too little information to resolve relationships among genera within this tribe. Overall, the results suggest that rbcL sequence data can provide some new information concerning grass phylogeny, but that the amount of available data from this gene is too small to differentiate statistically among alternative topologies for the grasses. Conflicting results from parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Fitch-Margoliash methods proved useful in exploring the validity of assumptions underlying these methods.
The effects of pedicle screw adjustments on the anatomical reduction of thoracolumbar burst fractures.

The short segmental pedicle screw device is widely used for the decompression of neural elements and reduction of normal anatomy. Many biomechanical studies concerning proper decompression are available. However, no study has determined the optimal device adjustment for reduction of the burst fracture to the normal anatomy. In this study, cadaveric thoracolumbar spine specimens (T11–L3) with L1 burst fractures were studied. A pedicle screw device was attached to the pedicles of the T12 and L2 vertebrae. Spinal postural changes were determined due to a set of eight clinically relevant adjustments of the device. The adjustments were combinations of axial translation (distraction/compression) and extension. The adjustments caused varying changes in spinal posture. The sequence of applying the translation and extension had no effect on the spinal posture changes. The adjustment combining 5 mm distraction with 6° extension brought the burst fracture closest to the intact state, compared to all other adjustments. With this adjustment, on average the spine became 0.9 mm compressed and 2.0° lordotic, compared to the intact. The results of the study show that the device adjustments of axial translation and sagittal angulation can be applied in any sequence, with the same results. The combination of 5 mm distraction with 6° extension was the device adjustment that produced the closest anatomical reduction.
Feature-based interactively sketched terrain

We present a new technique for interactive terrain generation. This approach provides two improvements over existing teerrain generation systems. First, we introduce an improved midpoint displacement algorithm that allows for arbitrary vertex insertion order.
Autoimmune Pancreatitis and Concurrent Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma: Not Just a Coincidence?

A 76-year-old gentleman presented with painless jaundice, weight loss, and anorexia. Computed tomography imaging revealed fullness of the pancreatic head and multiple enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Cholangiogram revealed a distal common bile duct stricture. Due to concerns of malignancy, the patient underwent operative exploration. Several enlarged lymph nodes in the aortocaval region and a firm hard mass in the pancreatic head were found. Frozen section from one of the lymph nodes was suspicious for low-grade lymphoma. A pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. Histologic analysis of the pancreatic head revealed a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate with stromal fibrosis consistent with autoimmune pancreatitis. The retroperitoneal lymph nodes were involved by small lymphocytic lymphoma. Autoimmune pancreatitis is the most common benign diagnosis after pancreatic resection for presumed malignancy. It has a well-documented association with autoimmune conditions, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and sclerosing cholangitis. Additionally, chronic lymphocytic leukemia–small lymphocytic lymphoma is often associated with autoimmune phenomena, most notably autoimmune hemolytic anemia. However, an association between autoimmune pancreatitis and small lymphocytic lymphoma has not been previously described. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a patient with concurrent autoimmune pancreatitis and small lymphocytic lymphoma.
Anterior bony ankle impingement

Abstract Anterior bony ankle impingement results from osteophyte formation on the anterior edge of the distal tibia and/or neck of the talus, secondary to direct trauma during extreme or repetitive ankle dorsiflexion. It is common in ballet dancers, gymnasts, soccer players, football players, runners, and high jumpers. Typically, patients will complain of painful limitation of dorsiflexion, catching, and swelling in the ankle. These symptoms can be debilitating and considerably limit their athletic performance. The suspected diagnosis is confirmed with a plain lateral ankle radiograph that shows the anterior osteophytes. Initial treatment includes rest, an internal or external heel lift, rubber-sole wedge shoes, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and intra-articular steroid injections. If nonoperative treatment fails, removal of the anterior osteophytes by open or arthroscopic technique offers symptomatic relief of pain in most patients.
Gradient copolymers with broad glass transition temperature regions: Design of purely interphase compositions for damping applications

Gradient copolymers with gradients in composition along the chain lengths are synthesized by controlled radical polymerization, and their damping behaviors are compared to those of random and block copolymers. The effect of comonomer incompatibility is studied by comparing behaviors of strongly segregating styrene/4-hydroxystyrene (S/HS) and moderately segregating styrene/n-butyl acrylate (S/nBA) copolymers. The effect of composition gradient steepness is studied by designing “constant” or “increasing” gradients via the comonomer addition rate during semibatch polymerization. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) is used to compare the temperature dependences of the storage modulus (E′), loss modulus (E″), and tan δ of the materials. A glass transition breadth (ΔTg) is defined by a temperature range over which E′ decreases from 109 Pa to 108 Pa. The gradient copolymer ΔTgs are at least four times larger than the random copolymer ΔTgs. The S/nBA gradient copolymers show strong effects of gradient steepness on ΔTg, with ΔTg being much larger for the increasing gradient than for the constant gradient. DMA data are compared to predictions by Hashimoto et al. for tapered block copolymers in the limit where the taper extends across the entire chain. The shapes of their calculated temperature dependences of E′ and E″ correspond well to the gradient copolymers with large ΔTg values, providing strong support for symmetric gradient copolymers forming nanoscale, ordered domains with sinusoidal composition profiles. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 48–58, 2008
Vibrotactile Threshold Testing in Occupational Health: A Review of Current Issues and Limitations

Quantitative cutaneous vibrotactile threshold measurement has been proposed as a useful method for assessing peripheral nervous system function in occupational and environmental neuroepidemiology. It allows rapid, quantitative, and nonaversive assessment of peripheral nervous system function. Acceptance of this method is currently limited, however, because of poor standardization of methods, the lack of data regarding the effects of age, gender, and other covariates, and minimal demonstration of association between vibrotactile threshold and conventional measures of peripheral nerve function. Data from a series of validation studies intended to address some of these problems are presented and relevant literature is discussed. Specifically, results of studies in which reliability and time efficiency of testing protocols were measured, the effects of covariates on measurement of vibrotactile threshold were estimated, and vibrotactile thresholds were compared to physical examination and electrophysiologic evaluation are discussed. Recommendations are made regarding choice and standardization of testing protocol, covariates, and issues for future research.
Pulsed arterial spin-labeled MR imaging evaluation of tuberous sclerosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Tuberous sclerosis presents with characteristic cortical hamartomas and subependymal nodules associated with seizures. The purpose of this study was to use pulsed arterial spin-labeling (PASL) to quantify the perfusion of the cortical hamartomas and correlate the perfusion values with seizure frequency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective search yielded 16 MR imaging examinations including conventional MR imaging and PASL perfusion performed in 13 patients (age range, 7 months to 23 years) with a history of tuberous sclerosis. The mean perfusion of each cortical hamartoma greater than 5 mm in size localized with conventional MR imaging sequences was obtained with use of manually drawn regions of interest. Cortical hamartomas were classified as normal, hyperperfused, or hypoperfused on the basis of the mean and SD of the unaffected cortex. Correlation was made between perfusion imaging, conventional imaging, and clinical history. RESULTS: Of the 245 cortical hamartomas, 227 (92.7%) were hypoperfused, 10 (4.1%) were hyperperfused, and 8 (3.3%) were unchanged relative to the mean gray matter. One patient had a subependymal giant cell astrocytoma with a mean perfusion of 93.5 mL/100 g tissue/min. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between seizure frequency and the number of hyperperfused cortical tubers ( r = 0.51; n = 16; P = .04), with higher seizure frequency associated with a greater number of hyperperfused cortical tubers. There was no significant correlation, however, between seizure frequency and the overall number of cortical tubers ( r = 0.20; n = 16; P = .47). CONCLUSIONS: The PASL technique can assess and quantify the perfusion characteristics of a cortical hamartoma. Most lesions are hypoperfused; however, both normally perfused and hyperperfused lesions occur. The presence of hyperperfused cortical tubers was associated with increased seizure frequency.
The Direct and Indirect Effects of Inadmissible Evidence1

College students (N= 270) assigned to six-person mock juries read summaries of a murder trial and then evaluated the defendant's guilt both before and after group discussion. The strength of the prosecution's case was manipulated, as was the inclusion of extra wiretapping evidence that favored the prosecution or the defense and was ruled admissible or inadmissible by the judge. Whether it favored the prosecution or the defense, inadmissible evidence directly biased subjects' reactions toward the defendant and indirectly biased their behaviors during the group discussions. None of these effects varied with the strength of the prosecution's case. The results also showed that the direct effects of inadmissible evidence were at least partially mediated by its indirect effects, suggesting that the process of deliberation can potentially help jurors to control the influence of inadmissible evidence on their decisions.
High-efficiency retroviral-mediated gene transfer into human and nonhuman primate peripheral blood lymphocytes

Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) are primary targets for gene therapy of inherited and acquired disorders of the immune system. We describe the development of an optimized transduction system that provides for high-efficiency retrovirus-mediated gene transfer into primary PBLs. This optimized transduction protocol combines centrifugation of the lymphocytes (1000 x g) at the inception of transduction with phosphate depletion, low-temperature incubation (32 degrees C), and the use of the packaging cell line PG13. Gene marking studies of human and primate PBLs using these optimized transduction conditions demonstrated that the transduction efficiency exceeded 50% of the total lymphocyte population. The optimized transduction efficiency of PBLs with amphotropic retroviral vectors was in excess of 25%. The transduction procedure does not alter phenotype, viability, or expansion of the transduced cells. Our data indicate that this optimized transduction system leads to high-efficiency gene transfer into primary human lymphocytes, which obviates the requirement for selection of transduced cells prior to gene-therapy procedures. Thus, large quantities of healthy retrovirally transduced lymphocytes containing a broad immunological repertoire can be generated for use in clinical protocols. Our results represent a significant improvement in the methodology for the transduction of lymphocytes for gene therapy.
Inpatient-outpatient cost shifting in Washington hospitals.

This paper empirically investigates the phenomenon known as “cost shifting” across inpatient and outpatient hospital services. That is, we examine whether, when faced with lower government reimbursement for outpatient services, providers raise inpatient prices for non-government patients (and analogously for lower inpatient government reimbursement). Using a panel of hospitals from Washington State, we find that private, nonprofit hospitals do cost shift across types of services. We also find that a firm's cost shifting behavior differs based on the type government insurance program (i.e., Medicare versus Medicaid). Government owned hospitals do not cost shift with respect to any type of government insurance plan.
Cognitive-behavioral stress management improves stress-management skills and quality of life in men recovering from treatment of prostate carcinoma

BACKGROUND The current study evaluated the efficacy of a 10-week, group-based, cognitive-behavioral stress management (CBSM) intervention relative to a half-day seminar in improving quality of life (QoL) among men who were treated for localized prostate carcinoma (PC) with either radical prostatectomy (RP) or radiation therapy. METHODS Ninety-two men were assigned randomly to either the 10-week CBSM group intervention or a 1-day seminar (control group). The intervention was designed to improve QoL by helping participants to identify and effectively manage stressful experiences and was focused on the treatment-related sequelae of PC. RESULTS A hierarchical regression model was used to predict postintervention QoL. The final model, including all predictors and relevant covariates (i.e., income, baseline QoL, ethnicity, and group condition), explained 62.1% of the variance in QoL scores. Group assignment was a significant predictor (β = − 0.14; P = 0.03) of QoL after the 10-week intervention period, even after controlling for ethnicity, income, and baseline QoL. Post-hoc analyses revealed that individuals in the CBSM intervention condition showed significant improvements in QoL relative to men in the 1-day control seminar. Improved QoL was mediated by greater perceived stress-management skill. CONCLUSIONS A 10-week cognitive-behavioral group intervention was effective in improving the QoL in men treated for PC, and these changes were associated significantly with intervention-associated increases in perceived stress-management skills. Cancer 2004;100:192–200. © 2003 American Cancer Society.
pVHL-independent ubiquitination of HIF1α and its stabilization by cobalt ion

Recent studies have shown that hypoxia-inducible factor1alpha (HIF1alpha) is ubiquitinated by an E3-ligase complex containing von Hippel-Lindau gene product (pVHL) after which it is targeted for proteasomal degradation. In this study, we showed that HIF1alpha was stabilized in the pVHL-deficient cell line 786-0 treated with a proteasome inhibitor or Co(2+). This suggests that HIF1alpha is also ubiquitinated by a pVHL-independent pathway and that its stability is regulated by Co(2+). Indeed, using the COS cell expression system, we confirmed that HIF1alpha is ubiquitinated at the N-terminal region by a pVHL-independent pathway and that its degradation is inhibited by Co(2+). We also demonstrated that Co(2+) binds to both PAS domains in the N-terminal region of HIF1alpha. These observations imply that the stability of HIF1alpha is regulated by an additional pathway through the cobalt binding of PAS domains.
Application of optimized model potential theory to stacking - faults in HCP metals

Abstract The intrinsic stacking-fault energies of beryllium, cadmium, and magnesium were calculated to be 225.1, 12.0 and 8.7 erg/cm 2 , respectively.
School‐based Intervention for Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Effects on academic, social, and behavioural functioning

Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) exhibit significant academic, social, and behavioural difficulties in school settings. This article reviews empirical findings regarding the effects of classroom interventions for students with ADHD. Three major types of interventions are reviewed including behavioural (e.g., token reinforcement, response cost), academic (e.g., peer tutoring), and social (e.g., social skills training). Relatively strong evidence supports the use of behavioural interventions in reducing disruptive, off‐task behaviours in children with ADHD. Evidence for academic and social interventions with this population is weaker, but recent findings indicate that these are potentially effective treatments. Implications of this review for clinical practice and future research are discussed.
Accelerating ab initio path integral molecular dynamics with multilevel sampling of potential surface

A multilevel approach to sample the potential energy surface in a path integral formalism is proposed. The purpose is to reduce the required number of ab initio evaluations of energy and forces in ab initio path integral molecular dynamics (AI-PIMD) simulation, without compromising the overall accuracy. To validate the method, the internal energy and free energy of an Einstein crystal are calculated and compared with the analytical solutions. As a preliminary application, we assess the performance of the method in a realistic model-the FCC phase of dense atomic hydrogen, in which the calculated result shows that the acceleration rate is about 3 to 4-fold for a two-level implementation, and can be increased up to 10 times if extrapolation is used. With only 16 beads used for the ab initio potential sampling, this method gives a well converged internal energy. The residual error in pressure is just about 3 GPa, whereas it is about 20 GPa for a plain AI-PIMD calculation with the same number of beads. The vibrational free energy of the FCC phase of dense hydrogen at 300 K is also calculated with an AI-PIMD thermodynamic integration method, which gives a result of about 0.51 eV/proton at a density of r s = 0.912 .
Modulation of ethanol-induced central nervous system depression by ibuprofen

We investigated the effect of pretreatment with a prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor, ibuprofen, on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ethanol in six fasting subjects. Ibuprofen caused a 10% decrease in the maximum rate of elimination of ethanol. Visual memory, which is a function primarily mediated by the right cerebral hemisphere, was measured by the Benton Visual Retention test and was more impaired during combined ibuprofen and ethanol dosing than during ethanol dosing alone (P = 0.05). The auditory-verbal memory of the subjects, which is primarily a function of the left cerebral hemisphere, was assessed by the Selective Reminding Test and showed decreased impairment during combined ibuprofen and ethanol dosing as compared with ethanol dosing alone (P = 0.04). The opposite effect of ibuprofen on ethanol-induced cognitive impairment as measured by two lateralized functions is consistent with the reports in tissue and animal models that central nervous system effects of ethanol may be mediated at least in part by prostaglandins. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1986) 39, 123–127; doi:10.1038/clpt.1986.22
Poster 145: Physiatric Management of Severe Cervical Spondylosis and Spinal Cord Compression With Impaired Balance and Gait: A Case Report

tained a displaced left midshaft fibula fracture and a displaced left distal tibia fracture. Assessment/Results: The patient underwent intramedullary rodding of the left tibia fracture, realignment of the fibula, and short-leg cast placement. On removal of the cast, the patient was noted to have left foot weakness, and the patient was referred for electrodiagnostic studies. Electromyography and nerve conduction studies showed a neurotmetic lesion of the left peroneal nerve and an axonotmetic lesion of the left tibial nerve at the level of the knee. Discussion: We report a unique case of a tibia and fibula fracture with associated peroneal and tibial nerve palsies. Conclusions: The clinician should be aware of the potential for nerve damage following displaced tibia and fibula fractures. An appropriate follow-up plan, including electrodiagnostic workup, should be instituted following repair of such fractures with resulting neurologic deficit.
Effects of Epigallocatechin Gallate, L-Ascorbic Acid, α-Tocopherol, and Dihydrolipoic Acid on the Formation of Deoxyguanosine Adducts Derived From Lipid Peroxidation

Oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) releases α,β-unsaturated aldehydes that modify deoxyguanosine (dG) to form cyclic 1,N 2-propanodeoxyguanosine adducts. One of the major adducts detected in vivo is acrolein (Acr)-derived 1,N 2-propanodeoxyguanosine (Acr-dG). We used a chemical model system to examine the effects of 4 antioxidants known to inhibit fatty acid oxidation on the formation of Acr-dG and 8-oxodeoxyguaonsine (8-oxodG) from the PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) under oxidative conditions. We found that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) inhibit both Acr-dG and 8-oxodG formation. In contrast, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol actually increase Acr-dG at high concentrations and do not show a concentration-dependant inhibition of 8-oxodG. We also studied their effects on blocking Acr-dG formation directly from Acr. EGCG and DHLA can both effectively block Acr-dG formation, but ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol show weak or little effect. These results highlight the c...
Percutaneous gene therapy heals cranial defects

Nonhealing bone defects are difficult to treat. As the bone morphogenic protein and transforming growth factor beta pathways have been implicated in bone healing, we hypothesized that percutaneous Smad7 silencing would enhance signaling through both pathways and improve bone formation. Critical sized parietal trephine defects were created and animals received percutaneous injection of: agarose alone or agarose containing nonsense or Smad7 small interfering RNA (siRNA). At 12 weeks, SMADs1, 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8 levels were assessed. Smad1/5/8 osteogenic target, Dlx5, and SMAD2/3 angiogenic target, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (Pai1), transcription levels were measured. Noncanonical signaling through TGFβ activated kinase-1 (Tak1) and target, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and collagen1α1 (Col1α1), transcription were also measured. Micro-computed tomography and Gomori trichome staining were used to assess healing. Percutaneous injection of Smad7 siRNA significantly knocked down Smad7 mRNA (86.3 ± 2.5%) and protein levels (46.3 ± 3.1%). The SMAD7 knockdown resulted in a significant increase in receptor-regulated SMADs (R-SMAD) (Smad 1/5/8 and Smad2/3) nuclear translocation. R-SMAD nuclear translocation increased Dlx5 and Pai1 transcription. Additionally, noncanonical signaling through Tak1 increased Runx2 and Col1α1 target transcription. Compared with animals treated with agarose alone (33.9 ± 2.8% healing) and nonsense siRNA (31.5 ± 11.8% healing), animals treated Smad7 siRNA had significantly great (91.2 ± 3.8%) healing. Percutaneous Smad7 silencing increases signal transduction through canonical and noncanonical pathways resulting in significant bone formation. Minimally invasive gene therapies may prove effective in the treatment of nonhealing bone defects.
Effect of sintering conditions on the microstructure and mechanical properties of ZrN as a surrogate for actinide nitride fuels

Abstract Pellets of sintered ZrN were studied to optimize the mechanical properties and microstructures needed in nitride fuel pellets, using ZrN as a surrogate for actinide nitrides and as potential component in low fertile and inert matrix fuels. Samples were prepared via sintering in either Ar or N 2 (with and without 6% H 2 ) and at 1300 °C or 1600 °C. A significant difference in the hardness was measured ranging from 1000 (Kg/mm 2 ) in samples sintered at 1600 °C in argon to 100 (Kg/mm 2 ) in samples sintered at 1300 °C in nitrogen. Samples with 6% hydrogen added to the sintering environment experienced a decrease in hardness, as well as an increase in intergranular cracking as compared to samples sintered without hydrogen, suggesting hydrogen embrittlement. Grain size was more uniform in samples sintered in pure Ar as compared to Ar–H 2 , while the latter had a larger fraction of high angle grain boundaries than the former. Cracking around indents had a clear tendency to follow high angle boundaries, which were found to be intrinsically weak in ZrN.
Measurement of chemoautotrophic CO2 assimilation in marine nitrifying bacteria: an enzymatic approach

Enzyme activities of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (RUBPCase) and chemoautotrophic CO2 fixation were measured during batch growth of six marine nitrifying bacteria. The NH4-oxidizer Nitrosococcus oceanus and the NO2-oxidizer Nitrococcus mobilis were also examined during exponential growth at different temperatures, O2 tensions and nitrogen-limited growth rates. Cellular activities of RUBPCase and rates of CO2 fixation varied with age in batch culture, temperature, O2 tension and nitrogen limitation, but there was a significant positive correlation between both parameters. Below 26°C, the ratio of CO2 fixation:RUBPCase did not vary significantly with cellular physiological state. Ratios of chemoautotrophic CO2 fixation:RUBCase activity for the six nitrifiers indicated that the ratio was species dependent. Three NO2-oxidizers had a significantly lower CO2 to enzyme ratio than three NH4-oxidizers.
Integrins in Cell Migration

Integrin-based adhesion has served as a model for studying the central role of adhesion in migration. In this article, we outline modes of migration, both integrin-dependent and -independent in vitro and in vivo. We next discuss the roles of adhesion contacts as signaling centers and linkages between the ECM and actin that allows adhesions to serve as traction sites. This includes signaling complexes that regulate migration and the interplay among adhesion, signaling, and pliability of the substratum. Finally, we address mechanisms of adhesion assembly and disassembly and the role of adhesion in cellular polarity.
Characterization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes catalyst supports by point of zero charge

Abstract Point of zero charge is a useful measurement to assess the surface acidity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and to characterize functional groups on the multi-walled carbon nanotube surface. Knowledge of point of zero charge also assists the choice of an appropriate metal precursor to be used for electrostatic adsorption to prepare metal particles supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes with points of zero charge that range from 2.2 to 11.8 have been prepared and characterized. An efficient reduction method, utilizing ethanol at 20 atm and 180 °C, is described and can be used to reduce nitric acid functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes to convert the functional groups to mostly hydroxyls.
Electron correlation in chemical bonds

We study the correlation energy in the H2 molecule as a function of bond distance and the electron coupling parameter that modifies the strength of electron–electron repulsion. For the unscaled electron repulsion we find an unusual complexity of the correlation energy dependence on the bond distance. This complexity remains if the electron repulsion is scaled down. We pay particular attention to the range of bond distances near the H2 equilibrium geometry. We confirm that good performance of the modern exchange–correlation functionals in molecular geometry optimization is due to the cancellation of errors between the exchange and correlation components. These components have different functional dependence on the electron coupling parameter, so the cancellation of errors no longer occurs when the electron repulsion is scaled down. This observation is important if the adiabatic connection theorem is used to construct the exchange–correlation functionals. It is also relevant for the performance of exchange–...
Mapping The Kominas' sociomusical transnation: punk, diaspora, and digital media

The Kominas is a South Asian American punk band known for its iconic role within the punk-inspired, Muslim-affiliated music culture self-labeled as ‘Taqwacore’. Since its national tour in 2006, The Kominas has been creating a radically translocal social geography comprised of musicians, listeners, artists, filmmakers, and bloggers on- and off-line. The band concocts a transnational sound, combining elements of Punjabi and punk music. This paper examines The Kominas' web production and interactions over digital social media on Myspace and Twitter. It discusses how the band members contemplate their troubled sense of national belonging; and illustrates how they build a diasporic space that is digitally produced and unified by minoritarian politics. This ethnographic project uses participant-observation and tools from digital humanities (data-mining and geospatial visualization) to map the transnational contours of The Kominas' self-made community.
Minimally Conscious Assumptions and Dangerous Decision-Making Inferences

Let's start with what we know: Recent research on patients with disorders of consciousness has underscored the diagnostic challenges of distinguishing patients who are in a minimally conscious stat...
COMPARISON OF ELEVEN VEGETATION INDICES FOR ESTIMATING PLANT HEIGHT OF ALFALFA AND GRASS

A great variety of vegetation indices, derived from remote sensing measurements, are commonly used to characterize the growth pattern of cropped surfaces. In this study, multispectral canopy reflectance data were obtained from grass (Festuca arundinacea) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) at Kimberly, Idaho, with the purpose of comparing the performance of 11 vegetation indices for estimating plant height of these two structurally different crop canopies. An additional purpose was to develop quantitative relationships between plant height and the different vegetation indices, which could be used to estimate plant height from remote sensing inputs. For alfalfa, good logistic growth relationships between plant height and all the different vegetation indices were found. The relationship resulted in r2 > 0.90 for all the vegetation indices, and r2 > 0.97 for most of them. While all the vegetation indices were very sensitive to changes in plant height at the beginning of the growing cycle, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), the Infrared Percentage Vegetation Index (IPVI), and the Transformed Vegetation Index (TVI) became insensitive to additional plant growth when alfalfa reached heights of 0.45, 0.40, and 0.45 m, respectively. All the other vegetation indices performed reasonably well for the entire range of alfalfa plant heights considered in this study ( 2 ~ 0.76).
AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN

ABSTRACT Banks provide a valuable but inherently unstable combination of deposit‐taking and lending functions that were successfully held together for several decades after the New Deal by tough banking rules. The weakening of the rules after the 1970s promoted the displacement of traditional relationship‐based banking with securitized, arms‐length alternatives that encouraged banks to undertake activities about which bankers lacked deep relationship‐based knowledge of the risks. Ironically, this risky behavior, encouraged by loosened regulation, was reinforced by progressively tightened securities regulation, which promoted stock‐market liquidity but also deprived large banks (and other publicly traded companies) of oversight by investors with “insiders’” knowledge. Both the underregulation of banking and the overregulation of securities were underpinned by economic theories that favored blind diversification in liquid, anonymous markets, and that ignored the value of relationship‐based knowledge and cas...
Carrier capture and relaxation in narrow quantum wells

In separate confined heterostructure (SCH) lasers, injected electrons and holes thermalize into a quantum well after diffusion through the outer cladding layers. The carriers move towards equilibrium by emitting optical phonons. In narrow quantum wells, as compared to the 1-2 ps required in bulk semiconductors, this phonon emission process can be considerably slowed down due to the 2-D density of states and the nature of the electron-optical phonon interaction. This process has been studied theoretically using a Monte Carlo program which allows us to see the carrier distribution as a function of time. Typical times for carrier relaxation are 10-15 ps for a 50 /spl Aring/ GaAs well with Al/sub 0.30/Ga/sub 0.70/As barriers and /spl sim/5 pS for a 200 /spl Aring/ well. These calculations have been complemented by time-resolved photoluminescence measurements on SCH structures where the relaxation time from a 3D distribution into In/sub 0.20/Ga/sub 0.80/As/GaAs wells is measured at T=200 K. Carrier relaxation times of 50, 41, 22, and 17 ps are obtained for wells of sizes 30, 40, 50, and 100 /spl Aring/, respectively. The results show clearly that the use of narrow quantum wells in low threshold lasers will pose a serious limitation to the efficiency and small-signal modulation bandwidth of these devices. >
Computer simulation of gas generation and transport in landfills: VI—Dynamic updating of the model using the ensemble Kalman filter

Abstract The problem of accurately forecasting the amount and content of a landfill gas has remained an active area of research, due to the safety and environmental concerns, as well as use of the gas as an energy source. The key obstacle to the forecasting is that only limited measured data, such as the gas flux and composition, are usually available. In this part of the series, we propose a novel approach, based on a combination of the genetic algorithm (GA) and the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF), to the problem of generation and dynamic updating of a landfill model. First, the GA, whose use in landfill problems was demonstrated in a previous part of this series, is used to generate the initial spatial distribution of the permeability in a landfill by assimilating the available measured data. Then, the EnKF is employed to continuously update the model using the data measured in real time. The effectiveness of the combination of the GA and EnKF is demonstrated with the simulation of a model landfill and gas generation and transport therein, developed previously in this series, using synthetic data and a parallel computational strategy.
How much air passes through a silkmoth's antenna?

Abstract Airflow through an antenna of Actias luna and other saturniid moths is much lower than the speed of the wind to which the antenna is exposed. At wind speeds of 0.75–2.75 m sec−1, between 8 and 18% of the air directly upwind from an antenna will pass through it. By contrast, about 38% of light striking an antenna passes through, pointing out the effect of viscosity on flow through a fine mesh filter.
Oxidation of soybean oil during storage of starch-oil composites

The oxidative deterioration of dry starch-oil composites was investigated by chemical and sensory methods. The composites were stored at 37°C for 63 d, and changes in the hexanal content and odor attributes were monitored. Analysis of the extracted oil showed that the first run through the drum dryer presented higher hexanal concentrations than the subsequent runs. Starch-oil composites from the first run though the drum dryer showed higher metal concentrations and higher odor ratings during storage time than the subsequent runs. There was a significant correlation between odor attributes and hexanal concentration in the first run. Since both the oxidation and the metal content were higher in the first run and decreased in further runs, we concluded that oxidation might have been induced by the presence of metal in the drum dryer. It is likely that during drum drying, the metal drum and knife surfaces became coated with soy oil, reducing both abrasion and metal contact with the product. Since many applications of the starch-oil composite technology require drum drying, it will be necessary to take measures to minimize metal contamination of the product, perhaps by discarding the initial portion of product, which contains the most metal.
Applications of Generative Learning for the Survey of International Economics Course

Generative learning provides students with opportunities to organize course content, integrate new content with students' current knowledge, and elaborate on course content by making connections to real-world events. These opportunities promote less reliance on professors' lectures and simultaneously create more self-reliance among students. The authors offer categories of generative learning strategies and briefly discuss their merits. They offer ideas for implementing generative strategies into the day-to-day events of an economics course. Although the authors use a survey of international economics course as their example, the ideas in this article could be applied in a variety of economics courses.