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The long head of the biceps is an important pain generator of the shoulder joint. Pathologies of the long head of the biceps involve superior labrum anterior to posterior lesions, pulley lesions, partial tears of the biceps tendon, biceps tendonitis, and medial biceps subluxation caused by full-thickness subscapularis tendon tears. Treatment of an inflamed or injured long head of the biceps by either tenotomy or tenodesis is often mandatory during shoulder arthroscopy to avoid persisting pain and possible revision procedures. In comparison with a tenotomy of the biceps tendon, a biceps tenodesis preserves the tension, anatomy, and cosmesis of the biceps muscle. The presented technique demonstrates a single portal technique for a proximal biceps tenodesis in the bicipital groove using an all-suture anchor.

The publication rate of presented abstracts is an important parameter to assess the scientific quality of medical congresses. It has been investigated for many congresses in orthopaedics and traumatology, but until now, it has not been studied for the congress of the European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (EFORT). The aims of this study were to determine: (1) the publication rate of the EFORT congress, (2) factors that favour publication of abstracts presented at the EFORT congress, (3) the consistency between the congress abstract and publication in relation to authorship.There are factors that favour publication of abstracts presented at the EFORT congress and there is a high consistency between the congress abstract and publication in relation to authorship.All 1624 abstracts presented at the EFORT congress in 2011 were included in this study, to allow a 5-year period for publication after the congress. The characteristics of the abstracts presented were studied and the publication rate in peer-reviewed journals was determined using a Medline search.The publication rate for studies presented at the 2011 EFORT congress was 42% (677/1624 abstracts), with a mean of 16 months (-56 to 60 months) between congress and publication. The mean impact factor of the publications was 1.8 (0-7.6). A significantly higher publication rate was found for: oral presentations (52%; 322/617) versus posters (35%; 355/1007) (p0.01), experimental studies (53%; 110/208) versus clinical studies (40%; 507/1254) (p0.01), and studies with higher levels of evidence of I or II (59%; 144/244) versus studies with lower levels of evidence of III or IV (36%; 362/1005) (p0.01). A new author was added in 59% (403/677) of the publications.Factors that favour publication of abstracts presented at the EFORT congress are oral presentation, experimental study, and a study with a higher level of evidence of I or II. It is common that a new author is added in the publication. Nevertheless, a high percentage of congress abstracts (58%; 947/1624) remains unpublished.IV, retrospective study.

This letter describes the further optimization of a series of mGlu3 NAMs based on an N-aryl phenoxyethoxy pyridinone core. A multidimensional optimization campaign, with focused matrix libraries, quickly established challenging SAR, enantiospecific activity, differences in assay read-outs (Ca2+ flux via a promiscuous G protein (Gα15) versus native coupling to GIRK channels), identified both full and partial mGlu3 NAMs and a new in vivo tool compound, VU6017587. This mGlu3 NAM showed efficacy in tail suspension, elevated zero maze and marble burying, suggesting selective inhibition of mGlu3 affords anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like phenotypes in mice.

We demonstrate solar cell devices grown on 50 mm diameter GaAs substrates by dynamic hydride vapor phase epitaxy (D-HVPE). In contrast to our prior D-HVPE devices, grown at 650 °C in a transport-limited regime, these devices were grown at 700 °C in a kinetically-limited growth regime in which the growth rate uniformity is controlled by thermally-activated surface reactions. These devices exhibit open-circuit voltages up to 1.07 V, nearly identical performance to the devices grown at lower temperature in a different growth regime. We evaluate the uniformity of device performance and find only a 1% variation in absolute, device efficiency across the majority of the wafer in devices without anti-reflection coating. We analyze the GaAs and GaInP thickness uniformity and GaInP compositional uniformity, using high-tresolution x-ray diffraction mapping, and find that any non-uniformity in device efficiency is not related to variations in these structural parameters. We combine three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics modeling of our reactor with a kinetic model for GaAs growth, and use the combined model to predict spatial GaAs growth rate over a 50 mm wafer area. We compare these predictions with experimental data from our D-HVPE reactor and find excellent agreement. We use the model to the gain insight into the specific mechanisms that control GaAs spatial uniformity in the kinetically-limitedgrowth regime. These results suggest a large parameter window for the growth of high-performance optoelectronic devices by D-HVPE, possibly with large area uniformity.

Drainage is a globally common disturbance in forested peatlands that impacts peat soils, forest communities, and associated ecosystem functions, calling for informed hydrologic restoration strategies. The Great Dismal Swamp (GDS), located in Virginia and North Carolina, U.S.A., has been altered since colonial times, particularly by extensive ditch networks installed to lower water levels and facilitate timber harvests. Consequently, peat decomposition rates have accelerated, and red maple has become the dominant tree species, reducing the historical mosaic of bald cypress, Atlantic white-cedar, and pocosin stands. Recent repair and installation of water control structures aim to control drainage and, in doing so, enhance forest community composition and preserve peat depths. To help inform these actions, we established five transects of 15 plots each (75 plots total) along a hydrologic gradient where we measured continuous water levels and ecosystem attributes, including peat depths, microtopography, and forest composition and structure. We found significant differences among transects, with wetter sites having thicker peat, lower red maple importance, greater tree density, and higher overall stand richness. Plot-level analyses comported with these trends, clearly grouping plots by transects (via nonmetric multidimensional scaling) and resulting in significant correlations between specific hydrologic metrics and ecosystem attributes. Our findings highlight hydrologic controls on soil carbon storage, forest structure, and maple dominance, with implications for large-scale hydrologic restoration at GDS and in other degraded forested peatlands more broadly. Virginia Tech Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge; U.S. Geological SurveyUnited States Geological Survey This work was funded by the Virginia Tech Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, and U.S. Geological Survey. ("Any use of trade, product or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government") Special thanks to Ray Ludwig and Will Doran for data collection assistance and Tal Roberts for technical support. Public domain – authored by a U.S. government employee

INTRODUCTION: The natural amino acid L-Glutamine (Gln) is essential for both cell growth and proliferation. In addition to glucose, cancer cells utilize Gln as a carbon source for ATP production, biosynthesis, and as a defense against reactive oxygen species. The utilization of [(11)C]Gln has been previously reported as a biomarker for tissues with an elevated demand for Gln, however, the previous reports for the preparation of [(11)C]Gln were found to be lacking several crucial aspects necessary for transition to human production. Namely, the presence of unreacted precursor and the use of noncommercialized, custom built, reaction platforms. Herein, we report the development and utilization of methodology for the automated production of [(11)C]Gln that meets institutional criteria for human use. METHODS: The preparation of [(11)C]Gln was carried out on the the GE FX(2)N platform. Briefly, after trapping of [(11)C]HCN with a solution of CsHCO(3) in DMF, the [(11)C]CsCN was reacted with a commercially available precursor. This intermediate was then purified by HPLC and deprotected/hydrolyzed under acidic conditions. Following pH adjustment, the product was filtered to give the desired [(11)C]Gln as a sterile injectable. The resulting product was then analyzed for quality assurance. RESULTS: Automated production by this method reliably provides over 3.7 GBq (100 mCi) of [(11)C]Gln. The resulting final drug product was found to have a >99% radiochemical purity

Controlled spalling in (100)-oriented germanium using a nickel stressor layer shows promise for semiconductor device exfoliation and kerfless wafering. Demonstrated spall depths of 7–60 μm using DC sputtering to deposit the stressor layer are appropriate for the latter application but spall depths

This letter describes synthesis and evaluation of two series of dual mGlu2/mGlu3 positive allosteric modulators with moderate mGlu3 potency and robust mGlu2 potency in thallium flux assays. These compounds were profiled their ability to modulate mGlu3-mediated signaling in central neurons by co-application of a selective mGlu2 NAM to isolate mGlu3-selective effects. Using acute mouse brain slices from the prefrontal cortex, potentiation of group II mGlu receptor agonist Ca2+ signaling in PFC pyramidal cells with either the dual mGlu2/mGlu3 PAM 16e or 23d demonstrated effects mediated selectively via mGlu3.

We developed and applied a new analytical technique—near-field transport imaging (NF-TI or simply TI)—to photovoltaic materials. Charge-carrier transport is an important factor in solar cell performance, and TI is an innovative approach that integrates a scanning electron microscope with a near-field scanning optical microscope, providing the possibility to study luminescence associated with recombination and transport with high spatial resolution. In this paper, we describe in detail the technical barriers we had to overcome to develop the technique for routine application and the data-fitting procedure used to calculate minority-carrier diffusion length values. The diffusion length measured by TI agrees well with the results calculated by time-resolved photoluminescence on well-controlled gallium arsenide (GaAs) thin-film samples. We report for the first time on measurements on thin-film cadmium telluride using this technique, including the determination of effective carrier diffusion length, as well as the first near-field imaging of the effect of a single localized defect on carrier transport and recombination in a GaAs heterostructure. Furthermore, by changing the scanning setup, we were able to demonstrate near-field cathodoluminescence (CL), and correlated the results with standard CL measurements. The TI technique shows great potential for mapping transport properties in solar cell materials with high spatial resolution.

Data from four discrete-return airborne laser scanning (ALS) acquisitions and three different sensor types across seven experimentally varied loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantations were used to test published and novel methodologies in quantifying forest structural attributes within stands, including height to live crown (HTLC; i.e. the lowest vertical canopy extent) of the canopy and the contributions to total plot-level leaf area from understory and overstory canopy vegetation. These ALS data were compared to in situ field measurements to develop ALS-based predictive models of these attributes. The correlation between field- and ALS-modeled HTLC data was strong, with an R2 of 0.79 (p

Pinus taeda plantations in subtropical areas of South America are extremely productive and commonly established on well-drained red clay sites. In the past, land with more poorly-drained soil was avoided due to concern over the factors limiting site productivity. Establishment of intensively managed plantations on poorly-drained soils usually includes soil preparation by subsoiling and/or bedding, weed control, and fertilization. However, forest managers lack information about the efficacy of early silvicultural practices to ameliorate environmental limitations and if these intensive practices generate long-term improvements in productivity in this area. Consequently, we established studies in northeastern Argentina on two sites differing by drainage class and soil texture as a full factorial design with site preparation (S; disking and disking + subsoiling (red clay) or bedding (wet loam)), fertilization (F; none or 78 kg ha−1 elemental phosphorus at planting), and weed control (W; none or two-year banded). Seven years after planting, the red clay and wet loam sites were equally productive, with maximum treatment means of 218 m3 ha−1 and 264 m3 ha−1 respectively. At the red clay site, only weed control significantly increased volume. At the wet loam site, both weed control and site preparation significantly increased volume, mainly due to increased survival. The combination of weed control and bedding yielded a non-additive volume response as indicated by a significant W*S interaction. Our results do not support the common practice of subsoiling on red clay soils. In addition, fertilization with P alone appears counterproductive or unneeded at both sites.

Improving response to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-targeted therapies in patients with advanced wild-type (WT) RAS colorectal cancer (CRC) remains an unmet need. In this preclinical work, we evaluated a new therapeutic combination aimed at enhancing efficacy by targeting cancer cell metabolism in concert with EGFR. We hypothesized that combined blockade of glutamine metabolism and EGFR represents a promising treatment approach by targeting both the "fuel" and "signaling" components that these tumors need to survive. To explore this hypothesis, we combined CB-839, an inhibitor of glutaminase 1 (GLS1), the mitochondrial enzyme responsible for catalyzing conversion of glutamine to glutamate, with cetuximab, an EGFR-targeted monoclonal antibody in preclinical models of CRC. 2D and 3D in vitro assays were executed following treatment with either single agent or combination therapy. The combination of cetuximab with CB-839 resulted in reduced cell viability and demonstrated synergism in several cell lines. In vivo efficacy experiments were performed in cell-line xenograft models propagated in athymic nude mice. Tumor volumes were measured followed by immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis of proliferation (Ki67), mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling (pS6), and multiple mechanisms of cell death to annotate molecular determinants of response. In vivo, a significant reduction in tumor growth and reduced Ki67 and pS6 IHC staining were observed with combination therapy, which was accompanied by increased apoptosis and/or necrosis. The combination showed efficacy in cetuximab-sensitive as well as resistant models. In conclusion, this therapeutic combination represents a promising new precision medicine approach for patients with refractory metastatic WT RAS CRC.

Herein, we report the discovery of 2-amino-4-bis(aryloxybenzyl)aminobutanoic acids as novel inhibitors of ASCT2(SLC1A5)-mediated glutamine accumulation in mammalian cells. Focused library development led to two novel ASCT2 inhibitors that exhibit significantly improved potency compared with prior art in C6 (rat) and HEK293 (human) cells. The potency of leads reported here represents a 40-fold improvement over our most potent, previously reported inhibitor and represents, to our knowledge, the most potent pharmacological inhibitors of ASCT2-mediated glutamine accumulation in live cells. These and other compounds in this novel series exhibit tractable chemical properties for further development as potential therapeutic leads.

We report the development of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of a dual chamber hydride vapor phase epitaxial (HVPE) growth reactor. Uniformity of reactant concentrations in the growth stream, transient reactor flows, and cross doping between the two growth chambers, all factors critical to the deposition of uniform, low defect semiconductor layers, were modeled. Simulation results were generated by solving the fundamental continuity, momentum and energy equations over a discretized reactor volume by a finite volume analysis with the aid of CFD-ACE+ commercial software. We demonstrated uniformity of the vapor composition within ±1% across the substrate, achieved due to specific features of the reactor design. Small compositional non-uniformity (±2% absolute) in In 1− x Ga x P layers grown in our reactor was correlated with calculated temperature non-uniformity across the substrate. Gas switching was modeled and the transient time predicted by the model was confirmed by measurement of doping transients in a sample grown in the reactor. Lastly the gas curtains that chemically isolate the reactor chambers were modeled and the results were compared to experimental data for cross doping between the chambers. As an example, we demonstrate, based on insight from the model, that our HVPE reactor is suitable for the deposition of GaAs PV devices. CFD modeling is a critical tool for the scale up of laboratory level processes to industrial levels.

Background Previous studies have shown that particular types of gambling are related to the development of gambling-related problems. Further, gambling-related cognitive distortions contribute to the development of disordered gambling. The aim of the present study is to compare different gambling types with respect to cognitive distortions and the development of disordered gambling. Methods Based on a proactively screened sample of vocational school students (N = 6718), 309 students were selected to undergo an in-depth interview. We assessed the Gamblers-Belief-Questionnaire (GBQ) to measure gambling-related cognitive distortions and the Stinchfield questionnaire for assessing gambling-related problems. Associations between cognitive distortions, gambling-related symptoms, and types of gambling were analysed using logistic regression analyses. Results Higher scores on the GBQ subscale “belief in luck/perseverance” led to a significantly higher chance to be classified as a person with Gambling Disorder (Conditional Odds Ratio (COR) = 1.05, Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.02–1.08) as well as problematic gambling (COR = 1.04, CI = 1.01–1.06). Higher scores on the subscale “illusion of control” were also associated with problematic gambling (COR = 1.04, CI = 1.00–1.08). The multivariate analyses of the gambling types identified only sports betting as a predictor for problematic gambling (COR = 1.91, CI = 1.05–3.49). When controlling for cognitive distortions, sports betting was not significant anymore. With respect to disordered gambling, gambling on electronic gambling machines (EGMs) turned out to be a risk factor besides cognitive distortions (COR = 2.59, CI = 1.04–6.49). Discussion The present study confirmed the high relevance of cognitive distortions for problematic and disordered gambling especially for sports betting and gambling on EGMs. Preventive measures and psychotherapy should take these relationships into account.

Background The publication rate of presented abstracts is an important parameter to assess the scientific quality of medical congresses. It has been investigated for many congresses in orthopaedics and traumatology, but until now it has not been studied for the congress of the European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology (EFORT). The aims of this study were to determine: 1) the publication rate of the EFORT congress, 2) factors that favour publication of abstracts presented at the EFORT congress, 3) the consistency between the congress abstract and publication in relation to authorship. Hypothesis There are factors that favour publication of abstracts presented at the EFORT congress and there is a high consistency between the congress abstract and publication in relation to authorship. Materials and methods All 1624 abstracts presented at the EFORT congress in 2011 were included in this study, to allow a 5-year period for publication after the congress. The characteristics of the abstracts presented were studied and the publication rate in peer-reviewed journals was determined using a Medline search. Results The publication rate for studies presented at the 2011 EFORT congress was 42% (677/1624 abstracts), with a mean of 16 months (− 56 to 60 months) between congress and publication. The mean impact factor of the publications was 1.8 (0–7.6). A significantly higher publication rate was found for: oral presentations (52%; 322/617) versus posters (35%; 355/1007) (p Discussion Factors that favour publication of abstracts presented at the EFORT congress are oral presentation, experimental study, and a study with a higher level of evidence of I or II. It is common that a new author is added in the publication. Nevertheless, a high percentage of congress abstracts (58%; 947/1624) remains unpublished. Level of evidence IV, Retrospective study.

Tilt behavior in thick In x Ga 1− x As metamorphic buffer layers (MBLs) grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) was measured by high-resolution reciprocal space mapping. Step-graded and continuously-graded structures, grown on nominally (001) oriented GaAs substrates, were analyzed. Tilt was measured as a function of position in a step-graded MBL. It was found that the tilt was strongest near the edges and tended to point toward the sample center. Step-grading induced a nearly linear tilt increase with x InAs , while tilt increased slowly below x InAs ~0.10 then increased more sharply with In concentration in continuously-graded samples. The tilt behavior could be described by a model in which the tilt is attributed to imbalances in dislocations that result from cross-slip within a glide length of the sample edge. This finding implies that dislocation multiplication by cross slip is an important strain relief mechanism during the growth of these MBLs. Strategies for minimizing tilt in HVPE MBLs are discussed.

Herein we report the discovery and SAR of an indole-based protease activated receptor-4 (PAR-4) antagonist scaffold derived from a similarity search of the Vanderbilt HTS collection, leading to MLPCN probe ML354 (VU0099704). Using a novel PAC-1 fluorescent αIIbβ3 activation assay this probe molecule antagonist was found to have an IC50 of 140 nM for PAR-4 with 71-fold selectivity versus PAR-1 (PAR-1IC50 = 10 μM).

A novel and highly efficient synthetic method leveraging microwave-assisted organic synthesis (MAOS) to yield di-7-azaindolylmethanes (DAIMs) is reported. Under MAOS conditions, reaction of 7-azaindole with aldehydes resulted predominantly in DAIMs, as opposed to the expected 7-azaindole addition products that form at ambient temperature. Based upon studies of different indoles and azaindoles with various aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes, we herein propose a mechanism where rapid and efficient microwave heating promotes nucleophilicity of 7-azaindoles towards the corresponding alkylidene-azaindolene intermediate to form the DAIM. This sequence provides a versatile approach to efficiently synthesize novel DAIMs that may be useful pharmaceuticals.

Visually presented biological motion stimuli activate regions in the brain that are also related to musculo-skeletal pain. We therefore hypothesized that chronic pain impairs the perception of visually presented actions that involve body parts that hurt. In the first experiment, chronic back pain (CLBP) patients and healthy controls judged the lifted weight from point-light biological motion displays. An actor either lifted an invisible container (5, 10, or 15 kg) from the floor, or lifted and manipulated it from the right to the left. The latter involved twisting of the lower back and would be very painful for CLBP patients. All participants recognized the displayed actions, but CLBP patients were impaired in judging the difference in handled weights, especially for the trunk rotation. The second experiment involved discrimination between forward and backward walking. Here the patients were just as good as the controls, showing that the main result of the first experiment was indeed specific to the sensory aspects of the task, and not to general impairments or attentional deficits. The results thus indicate that the judgment of sensorimotor aspects of a visually displayed movement is specifically affected by chronic low back pain.

The hydride vapor phase epitaxy technique (HVPE) can deposit uniform materials at high growth rates, making it suitable for the formation of metamorphic buffer layers (MBLs). HVPE was used to form In x Ga 1− x As-based MBLs as substrates in the metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) of superlattice (SL) structures. Samples were grown over a range of deposition temperatures and reactant flows and their effect on the ternary alloy composition and growth rate was determined. Over the compositional range of x InAs P InCl ). A compositionally step-graded MBL consisting of nine intermediate steps followed by a thick, constant composition layer of x InAs ∼0.23 was grown. The MBL was characterized by high-resolution x-ray diffraction (HRXRD) and reciprocal space mapping. The topmost layer was highly relaxed, exhibiting a residual strain of −0.0011±0.0002. Chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) was used to reduce the surface cross hatching, affecting a decrease in rms roughness from 2.10 to 1.39 nm. A 20 period, In 0.33 Ga 0.67 As (3.1 nm)/Al 0.90 In 0.10 As (7.2 nm) strain-balanced superlattice (SL) structure was grown by MOVPE on the as-grown and CMP-prepared MBL and characterized by HRXRD. The diffraction pattern of the SL grown on the CMP-prepared MBL was significantly more intense with narrower x-ray diffraction peaks when compared with the SL on as-grown MBL.

In this Letter, we describe a novel approach for the general and enantioselective synthesis of a diverse array of small to large 1-azabicyclo[m.n.0]alkyl ring systems with an embedded olefin handle for further functionalization. The stereochemistry is established via a highly diastereoselective indium-mediated allylation of an Ellman sulfinimine in greater than 9:1 dr, which is readily separable by column chromatography to afford a single diastereomer. This methodology allows for the rapid preparation of 1-azabicyclo[m.n.0]alkane ring systems that are not readily accessible through any other chemistry in excellent overall yields and, for many systems, the only enantioselective preparation reported to date.

Background Postoperative subscapularis function has been identified as an essential factor influencing the outcome of shoulder arthroplasty. The goal of this study was an evaluation of subjective and objective subscapularis function after transosseous refixation. Methods Twenty-three patients with an average age of 71 years (range, 51-86) and follow-up of 43 months (range, 24-67) were included in this study. The subscapularis was tenotomized from the lesser tuberosity and refixation was performed in a transosseous technique through bone tunnels with nonabsorbable sutures. Subscapularis function was evaluated subjectively by the ability to tuck a shirt and objectively with the lift-off test and strength measurement in internal rotation. Radiological assessment included ultrasound evaluation of the subscapularis and an axillary x-ray. Results No complete, but 7 partial subscapularis tears were found on ultrasound (30.4%). Five patients were not able to tuck their shirt postoperatively (22.7%). This was associated with an inferior clinical outcome (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] score 53.3 vs 76.4; P = .023). The lift-off test was positive in 4 patients (17.4%), which was also associated with an inferior clinical result (Constant score 52.3% vs 74.2%; P = .021). Nineteen patients were able to go through an internal rotation strength testing in the lift-off position, and averaged 3.8 kg. Conclusion Although overall reliable refixation of the subscapularis was achieved by transosseous repair, almost 25% of patients showed signs of decreased function and 30% showed signs of partial defects. Subjective and objective functional deficits had a significant influence on the clinical outcome.

Interface formation in HVPE GaAs was investigated through the growth of multilayer test structures with alternately doped and undoped layers and subsequently, pn diode devices. Two growth procedures were used in device formation: continuous growth of all layers, and a growth interruption with simultaneous equilibration of new gas flows for subsequent layers. These junctions were probed using SIMS to determine the doping profiles and impurity incorporation near the interfaces and throughout the bulk of the layers. The junction I – V characteristics were measured with and without illumination to correlate the junction properties with the measured photovoltaic performance. It was discovered that the use of a growth interruption leads to doping transitions up to 6x narrower than samples grown without interruption. The growth interruption leads to an interfacial Si spike that is not observed in the uninterrupted samples during growth of GaAs doped with silane. This spike does not appear to degrade either the material quality or pn junction quality, and pn diodes grown with interruption have exhibited enhanced device efficiencies under solar simulation compared with devices grown without interruption, reaching efficiencies of up to 9.2% without the use of antireflective coatings.

Titania nanotube arrays synthesized by the electrochemical oxidation of titanium foils have generated considerable interest as photocatalysts for their ordered nature and large surface area. Mixed-phase materials combining the anatase and rutile crystal phases of TiO 2 , however, have been much more widely studied due to their enhanced reactivity in comparison to pure phase materials. In this study, we seek to integrate these two lines of research and investigate the reductive and oxidative reactivity of TiO 2 nanotube arrays (anatase phase) supported on TiO 2 films of varying crystal phase composition. A series of TiO 2 nanotubes 1.2 μm in length was synthesized, annealed at varying temperatures to control their crystallinity, and characterized by various physical techniques (e.g. XRD, diffuse reflectance, SEM). Photocatalytic CO 2 reduction and acetaldehyde oxidation reactions were performed in the gas phase under UV and visible wavelengths. For CO 2 reduction, reaction rates decreased with increasing rutile phase under UV. Rates increased with rutile phase ratio under visible and near visible light. For oxidation, the mixed-phase samples showed enhanced reactivity, with a maximum acetaldehyde destruction rate achieved at a 79:21 ratio of anatase to rutile. The samples were substantially less active under visible light, except for the 620 °C composite (77% rutile) which showed a slight rate increase. Nanotubes annealed at 680 °C collapsed to a random porous structure, but showed comparable reductive ability to the non-collapsed samples despite the loss of surface area. This is attributed to the creation of additional anatase–rutile crystallite interfacial area leading to the formation of unique active sites. Control of crystal phase composition through anneal temperature is found to be a simple way to tune the reactivity of these materials and enhance their ability to absorb visible light.

The response of the rat visual system to flashes of blue light has been studied by blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The BOLD temporal response is dependent on the number of flashes presented and demonstrates a refractory period that depends on flash frequency. Activated brain regions included the primary and secondary visual cortex, superior colliculus (SC), dorsal lateral geniculate (DLG), and lateral posterior nucleus (LP), which were found to exhibit differing temporal responses. To explain these differences, the BOLD neurovascular response function was modeled. A second-order differential equation was developed and solved numerically to arrive at region-specific response functions. Included in the model are the light input from the diode (duty cycle), a refractory period, a transient response following onset and cessation of stimulus, and a slow adjustment to changes in the average level of the signal. Constants in the differential equation were evaluated for each region by fitting the model to the experimental BOLD response from a single flash, and the equation was then solved for multiple flashes. The simulation mimics the major features of the data; however, remaining differences in the frequency dependence of the response between the cortical and subcortical regions were unexplained. We hypothesized that these discrepancies were due to regional-specific differences in neuronal response to flash frequency. To test this hypothesis, cortical visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were recorded using the same stimulation protocol as the fMRI. Cortical VEPs were more suppressed than subcortical VEPs as flash frequency increased, supporting our hypothesis. This is the first report that regional differences in neuronal activation to the same stimulus lead to differential BOLD activation.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and reasons of recurrent instability in patients with traumatic anterior shoulder instability and to document the clinical results with regard to the number of stabilizing procedures. Twenty-four patients with failed primary open or arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization were followed for a mean of 68 (36-114) months. Following recurrence of shoulder instability, eight patients chose not to be operated on again, whereas 16 underwent repeat stabilization. A persistent or recurrent Bankart lesion was found in all 16 patients and concomitant capsular redundancy in 4. After the first revision surgery, further instability occurred in 8 patients, and 6 of them were stabilized a third time. Only 7 patients (29%) achieved a good or excellent result according to the Rowe score. All shoulder scores improved after revision stabilization. However, the number of stabilizing procedures adversely affected the outcome scores, as well as postoperative range of motion and patient satisfaction. Recurrent instability after a primary stabilization procedure represents a difficult diagnostic and surgical challenge, and careful attention should be paid to address persistent or recurrent Bankart lesions and concomitant capsular reduncancy. A satisfying functional outcome can be expected mainly in patients with one revision surgery. Further stabilization attempts are associated with poorer objective and subjective results.

To establish a non-invasive model for functional activation of the rat somatosensory cortex, the forepaw digits of halothane-anesthetized rats were tapped while the blood flow (laser-Doppler flow, LDF) and somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) responses in the forelimb area of the somatosensory cortex (S1FL) were measured. The distal phalanges of the forepaw digits were lightly tapped for 10 s with an aluminum bar at frequencies between 1 and 40 Hz, with 0.4 cm total bar displacement. The LDF signal was normalized to the baseline preceding each stimulus block and averaged. The LDF response to digit tapping in the contralateral, but not ipsilateral S1FL, commenced within 1 s, peaked at 11 ± 0.5% (S.E.M.) above baseline within 2–3 s, decreased to a plateau of 5 ± 0.3% for the duration of the stimulation, and returned to baseline within 5–10 s following tapping cessation. The LDF peak and plateau were not significantly different at different tapping frequencies. In the contralateral, but not ipsilateral, S1FLs, tapping produced an SSEP with positive (P1) and negative (N1) peaks at 27 ± 0.5 and 47 ± 0.2 ms, respectively, after onset of the tap stimulation. As the tapping frequency increased from 1 to 20 Hz, the P1–N1 peak-to-peak amplitude decreased. At 30 and 40 Hz, the shortened interstimulus interval entrained the individual SSEPs into a steady-state evoked response. This study demonstrates that a robust functional activation of the forelimb region of primary somatosensory cortex of halothane-anesthetized rats can be produced by non-invasively tapping the forepaw digits and quantified with LDF and SSEP.

Purpose: Comparison of metric analysis of spinal structures, exemplarily of the ligamentum flavum, obtained with computed tomography (CT) (soft tissue window and bone window) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (T1 and T2 weighted images). Material and methods: Forty-six lumbar ligamenta flava of 46 patients (25 women and 21 men) were examined at a Somatom Plus 4 (Siemens, Erlangen, FRG) and at a 1.5 T clinical scanner (Magnetom Vision, Siemens, Erlangen, FRG). Two independent neuroradiologists measured the thickness of the ligamenta flava in mm. Statistics included Pearson’s correlation coefficient and the intra-class correlation coefficient. Results: Mean values did not differ significantly. The correlation coefficients varied between 0.69 and 0.98. The best correlation occurred comparing the same techniques in different windowing and weighting (CT: r=0.98; MRI: r=0.95). Correlating different techniques the combination of CT bone window and T1 weighted images presented the best result (r=0.75). Conclusions: Because of the excellent correlation between the examined techniques CT as well as MRI can equally be used to measure distances of spinal structures.

Novel ( η 6 -hexaalkoxytriphenylene)Cr(CO) 3 complexes 9 with varying alkyl chain lengths (C 5 H 11 to C 9 H 19 ) have been prepared with the chromium tricarbonyl moiety being exclusively attached to one terminal aryl ring. Differential scanning calorimetry, optical polarizing microscopy and X-ray diffraction showed that complexes 9a–d displayed isotropic melting behavior. However, hexanonyloxy-substituted complex 9e displayed a nematic N D phase between 37° and 58°C.

The land ecosystem, in spite of its relative youth, outstrips the marine ecosystem in terms of greater primary productivity and species diversity per unit area. This occurs because land eukaryotes actively direct the flow of nutrient-rich fluids. The body fluids of land eukaryotes have had a significant evolutionary and geochemical impact, and we here refer to these fluids, and the organisms through which they flow, as ‘Hypersea’. Hypersea is a previously unrecognized biogeophysical entity formed by eukaryotic life and its symbionts, parasites and hyperparasites on land. The oldest convincing evidence for Hypersea consists of fossil tracheophytes, mycorrhizal fungi, and protoctists displaying intimate ecological interactions in the Lower Devonian Rhynie Chert (approx. 400 million years old), just older than the first major coal deposits. We use the concept of hypermarine upwelling to help explain both (a) the genesis of coal and (b) why the average species diversity per unit area and biomass production of the land biota has exceeded that of the marine biota for hundreds of millions of years.

Objectives Although complete ulcer healing is the mandatory primary efficacy criterion in current European guidelines for drug trials in critical limb ischemia (CLI), the appropriateness of this endpoint has been questioned for some time. We carried out a systematic review to assess the value of this endpoint in studies on reconstructive measures, considered to be the standard of care for CLI. Methods A computerized literature search (1985–2005) was performed to track down clinical studies on endovascular and surgical interventions by using the search terms CLI and ulcer healing and their synonyms. Results 1,914 papers on revascularization in CLI were identified. Complete ulcer healing was reported in 17 studies (0.9%). Among these, there were no randomized controlled trials, five prospective cohorts on endovascular procedures, and six retrospective cohorts for endovascular and surgical procedures, respectively. If healing rates or time to ulcer healing were available, they differed greatly between the studies without consistent correlation to types of therapy. Conclusions In past and current literature, complete ulcer healing is not a consistently reported criterion for success of revascularization in CLI. Thus, its appropriateness for efficacy assessment of drug studies in CLI patients has to be questioned.

Etude experimentale de l'influence du gradient de stabilisateur en phase β sur la segregation de l'hydrogene pour maintenir uniforme l'activite de l'hydrogene. Cas d'alliages Ti-V contenant du deuterium

Abundant coccoid and filamentous microfossils are found in petrographic thin sections of stratiform stromatolitic cherts from the ≈ 1200 Ma-old Fawn Limestone of the Kheinjua Formation, lower Vindhyan Supergroup, central India. The assemblages is dominated by coccoid forms of probable chroococcacean and entophysalidacean affinities; most filaments closely resemble the oscillatoriacean Gunflintia minuta. Unlike other Middle to Late Proterozoic stromatolitic microbiotas, the Kheinjua is dominated by microfossils Taxonomically, the Kheinjua microbiota most closely resembles Proterozoic microbiotas described from the Belcher Islands (Kasegalik Formation), McArthur Group, Bitter Springs Formation, and the Yudoma Suite. The following taxa are formally described: Chroococcaceae — Myxococcoides minor Schopf, Eosynechococcus isolatus n.sp., Tetraphycus congregatus n.sp., Kheinjuasphaera vulgaris n.gen., n.sp., Glenobotrydion aenigmatis Schopf, Melasmatosphaera media Hofmann; Entophysalidaceae — Eoentophysalis belcherensis Hofmann, E. magna n.sp.; Oscillatoriaceae — cf. Gunflinta minuta Barghoorn, Eomycetopsis? siberiensis Lo.

Hydrogen concentrations were measured in the fracture surface of a fatigued Ti-6A1-4V specimen. Results show that hydrogen migrated to the triaxial stress region of the crack during slow crack growth where it accumulated and remained trapped before fracture. (FS)