cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pressure-induced superconductivity in high-pressure phases of Si

The electrical behavior of Si was studied for pressures up to 43 GPa and temperatures down to 2 K using a sintered-diamond-compact anvil cryogenic clamp press. Two types of samples, amorphous thin-film Si and semiconductor-quality crystalline Si, were used. The superconducting transition temperatures ${T}_{c}$ for high-pressure phases of the amorphous Si are about 3 K higher than those of the cystalline Si. The ${T}_{c}$ decreases monotonically for pressures higher than 25 GPa. No upturn in ${T}_{c}$ around 25 GPa as predicted theoretically for the simple-hexagonal phase was observed.
Performance of Concatenated Convolutional Codes with M-ary Differential Phase Shift Key Modulation

For radio communication systems powerful error correction codes are necessary to operate in noisy and fading channel conditions. Iterative forward error correction schemes like Turbo codes can achieve near Shannon capacity performance on memory-less channels and also perform well on correlated fading channels. The key to the excellent decoding performance of the Turbo coding systems is the BCJR algorithm in conjunction with the iterative processing of the soft decision information. A very popular modulation technique is Differential Phase Shift Key (DPSK) which is not only a simple non-coherent modulation and demodulation technique, it is also a recursive rate one code. Combining DPSK with a single convolutional code structure as an iterative inner outer forward error correction system can provide excellent Turbo like performance. Monte Carlo simulation results will be shown for the Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) and Rayleigh fading channels for 1,2, 3 and 4 bits per symbol DPSK.
Construct validation in leadership research: Explication and illustration

Abstract The field of leadership typically employs constructs—variables that cannot be directly measured—in its research. Yet, our measures are rarely subjected to systematic assessment of their construct validity. This paper presents arguments about the importance of the construct validation process and illustrates why such concerns are well founded by examining the most commonly used measure of subordinate-perceived leader–member exchange, the LMX-7 scale. Using bakery workers ( N = 379) and employed MBA students ( N = 350), discriminant validity was investigated by exploratory factor analysis in the first sample, confirmatory factor analysis in the second sample, and correlation and multiple regression analysis in a subset of the second sample ( N = 220). The results suggested poor subordinate LMX-7 discriminant validity and that subordinate LMX-7 scores were substantially predicted by measures of supportive leadership and supervisor satisfaction ( R 2 = .71). Implications for future LMX theory and research are discussed as well as the types of construct validity evidence that we need to gather on our research instruments before and while they are employed in substantive studies of leadership phenomena.
Rapid ontogenetic niche expansions in invasive Chinese tallow tree permit establishment in unfavourable but variable environments and can be exploited to streamline restoration

Summary Reinvasion pressure is the rate of new exotic recruitment following mature exotic removal and it can vary broadly among similarly invaded habitats. Reinvasion pressure drives restoration outcomes and costs but is difficult to predict and poorly understood. Chinese tallow tree Triadica sebifera is a major invader demonstrating broad variation in average reinvasion pressure. We hypothesize this variation arises from differences in moisture regimes among habitats, which drive differences in Triadica recruitment but are masked because Triadica exhibits ontogenetic niche expansions (increases in niche breadth during development) that enable dominance in habitats where average recruitment success is low. We began testing this hypothesis by quantifying Triadica's capacity for ontogenetic moisture niche expansions. We performed greenhouse experiments examining how soil moisture affects germination likelihood and timing and how soil moisture and seedling age influenced seedling survival and performance, plus a field experiment quantifying survival and performance of differently aged seedlings within a restoration site that has exhibited low average reinvasion pressure. Moisture requirements for germination were the most constrained of any life stage. No germination occurred in saturated or flooded soils despite high seedling survival in comparable conditions. Germination timing varied among suitable moisture treatments. Seedling survival increased rapidly with age across moisture treatments and in the field. Above-ground biomass increased with age; tissue-specific performance metrics also increased but reflected seed provisioning, age-specific carbon allocation preferences, or tissue shedding for survival. Crucial moisture*age interactions that signify ontogenetic niche expansions were significant for all survival metrics and all but one performance metric. Survival and performance were generally highest in intermediate moistures, modestly reduced in saturated conditions and lowest in water-limited conditions. Synthesis and applications. Our results show Triadica exhibits rapid ontogenetic moisture niche expansions, which could decouple mature Triadica density and average reinvasion pressure. Therefore, density is an unreliable predictor of reinvasion but is commonly used to guide Triadica management, and cryptic opportunities exist for inexpensive and straightforward restorations. Reliable moisture niche-based estimates of Triadica's average reinvasion pressure are feasible and may improve restoration efficacy and efficiency by informing site selection and optimal management strategies.
The Reluctance to Burden Others as a Value in end-of-Life Decision Making:a Source of Inaccuracy in Substituted Judgment

Most patients are decisionally incapacitated at the end of life, leaving final treatment decisions to proxies, whose substituted judgment is often inaccurate. We investigated the reluctance to burden others (RBO), a commonly cited patient value, as a possible source of proxy inaccuracy. In a sample of 202 elders and their proxies, elders responded to three burden-related questions and the Life-prolonging Treatment Preferences Questionnaire. Proxies used substituted judgment to respond to the same questions. Although RBO predicted treatment preferences for both elders and proxies, elders rated RBO significantly more important than did proxies. In addition, larger elder-proxy differences in RBO were associated with more inaccurate substituted judgment.
Data-recording formats

Abstract The author has built a 32kbyte microcomputer system for generating, testing and executing software. Included in this system is a cassette recorder/reader unit that responds to the automatic ASCII control codes DC1, DC2, DC3 and DC4. There is in addition a VDU and printer. To improve the speed of reading and recording data, and to ensure that 99.998% of all errors are detected and reread, the author has developed a 2kbyte monitor which includes a tape operating system and also input and output routines. The output routines update reader/recorder flags when delivering the cassette control codes DC1, DC2, DC3 and DC4. Whilst a reader or recorder flag is showing that a cassette is being read or recorded, then for every output or every input character, the tape operating system is invoked and cyclic-redundancy check digits are automatically inserted or stripped. In addition, the tape operating system allows individual files to be selected, and can print an index containing the search code and title of every file on a cassette. The formats and conventions described below have been successfully used in this system, and are recommended for consideration with any 8-bit computer system.
Clinical characteristics and mortality of hospitalized alcoholic hepatitis patients in the United States.

Background and aims Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is the most florid manifestation of alcoholic liver disease. In this study, we examined the clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with mortality in hospitalized alcoholic hepatitis patients in the United States using the 2007 Nationwide inpatient sample of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project.
Structural Studies of Enantiomers, Racemates, and Quasiracemates. 2-(3-Bromophenoxy)propionic Acid and 2-(3-Methoxyphenoxy)propionic Acid

The quasiracemate approach for constructing molecular assemblies has provided a fertile ground in which to exploit the crystal packing tendencies of quasienantiomeric components. The present study of quasiracemic behavior reveals that cocrystallization of (S)-3-(2-bromophenoxy)propionic acid and (R)-3-(2-methoxy)propionic acid generates supramolecular motifs organized in space group C2 with near inversion symmetry. This quasiracemic system, first investigated by J. and I. L. Karle in 1966, consists of carboxyl···carboxyl heterodimers that mimic those observed for (±)-Br and (±)-OCH3. These racemates crystallize to give four distinct phases (two polymorphic forms for each Br and OCH3 compound); two of which, (±)-Br−I and (±)-OCH3−I, are isostructural with the quasiracemate. This collection of structures, including those of the enantiopure (S)-Br and (R)-OCH3 compounds, underscores the importance of molecular shape to the construction of supramolecular assemblies.
Rap1 Promotes Multiple Pancreatic Islet Cell Functions and Signals through Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 to Enhance Proliferation

Recent studies have implicated Epac2, a guanine-nucleotide exchange factor for the Rap subfamily of monomeric G proteins, as an important regulator of insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. Although the Epac proteins were originally identified as cAMP-responsive activators of Rap1 GTPases, the role of Rap1 in β-cell biology has not yet been defined. In this study, we examined the direct effects of Rap1 signaling on β-cell biology. Using the Ins-1 rat insulinoma line, we demonstrate that activated Rap1A, but not related monomeric G proteins, promotes ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation. Using isolated rat islets, we show that this signaling event is rapamycin-sensitive, indicating that it is mediated by the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1-p70 S6 kinase pathway, a known growth regulatory pathway. This newly defined β-cell signaling pathway acts downstream of cAMP, in parallel with the stimulation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, to drive ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation. Activated Rap1A promotes glucose-stimulated insulin secretion, islet cell hypertrophy, and islet cell proliferation, the latter exclusively through mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1, suggesting that Rap1 is an important regulator of β-cell function. This newly defined signaling pathway may yield unique targets for the treatment of β-cell dysfunction in diabetes.
A bonding model for anomalous water.

THERE is considerable current interest in the possible existence of a new form of water reported by Deryagin1, not only because of the universal presence of water, but also because it would almost certainly require a new type of chemical bond. The oldest and simplest schematic representation of the electronic distribution in molecules is the dot diagrams of Lewis2, and the usefulness of this description has been greatly enhanced by Linnett's3 replacement of a single dot by the two symbols, “x” and “o”. These correspond to the two different electron spin states and accommodate the independent effects of charge and spin correlation. The possibility of delocalizing a pair of electrons with opposite spins, not recognized by Lewis, makes a significant contribution to the hypothesized bonding scheme given here. Models such as this cannot predict whether or not the new material exists nor can they uniquely point to the most probable structure, but their inherent simplicity and suggestive pictorial description can be a very powerful aid in interpreting experiments.
INITIAL STATE INTERACTIONS AND THE DRELL-YAN PROCESS*

It is shown that initial-state interactions violate the usual QCD factorization predictions for massive lepton-pair production in leading twist. The initial-state collisions correct $\frac{d\ensuremath{\sigma}}{d{Q}^{2}}d{x}_{\mathrm{F}}$ and also smear the lepton-pair transverse momentum distribution.
Biogenic structure and its effect on the spatial heterogeneity of meiofauna in a salt marsh

Abstract Meiofauna samples collected around and between Spartina plants had either negative correlations with root biomass or no correlation. If, as predicted by earlier workers, meiofauna are attracted to micro-oxygenated zones around roots, there should have been a positive association between meiofauna and roots. Nematodes had higher densities around Uca pugnax (Smith) burrows than in controls, but copepods were less abundant, although the cause is unknown. Biogenic structures significantly affect meiofauna distribution and must be taken into account when quantifying meiofauna in areas with much structural heterogeneity.
Thermal acclimation and metabolism in the gray-bellied salamander, Eurycea multiplicata griseogaster (plethodontidae)

Abstract 1. 1. Oxygen consumption rates of gray-bellied salamanders, Eurycea multiplicata griseogaster, were measured at acclimation temperatures of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25°C, and acutely at plus and/or minus 5°C. 2. 2. Virtually complete metabolic acclimation (Q10 = 1.1) occurred between 5°C (13.8 μl O2 g−1 hr−1) and 10°C (14.8 μl O2 g−1 hr−1). 3. 3. Partial metabolic acclimation (Q10 = 1.6) occurred between 5 and 15°C (15.8 μl O2 g−1 hr−1). 4. 4. Acclimation was not apparent at 20°C (46.5 μl O2 g−1 hr−1) or 25°C (76.0 μl O2 g−1 hr−1) as acclimation Q10's for 15–20°C and 20–25°C were 4.5 and 2.7 respectively. 5. 5. Low and partial metabolic sensitivity to acutely-lowered temperatures (−5°C) occurred in 10°C acclimated salamanders for 10-5°C (14.8 vs 13.3 μl O2 g−1 hr−1 Q10 = 1.2), for 15-10°C in the 15°C acclimated group (21.8 vs 15.8 μl O2 g−1 hr−1), for 20-15°C (46.5 vs 47.3; Q10 = I) in the 20°C acclimated group and in 25°C acclimated salamanders for 25-20°C (76.0 vs 54.7 μl O2 g−1 hr−1; Q10 = 1.9). 6. 6. Metabolic acclimation and insensitivity to temperatures in the 5–15°C range were consistent with the relatively low ( X = 13° C ) and stable thermal conditions in their ground waterspring habitats. 7. 7. High metabolic sensitivity between 15 and 20°C (Q10 = 4.5), and insensitivity to acute 5°C drops in temperature in 20 and 25°C acclimated salamanders may be adaptive, providing recently-transformed adults with metabolic capability to disperse rapidly overland to new aquatic sites.
Clinical work posture for the dentist: an electromyographic study.

If your back is fatigued, you may be causing unnecessary muscle activity by not using your dental stool support correctly.
Corrigendum to ``Trajectories of sinking particles in the Sargasso Sea: modeling of statistical funnels above deep-ocean sediment traps'' [Deep-Sea Research I 44, 1519 1541]

Corrigendum to ‘‘Trajectories of sinking particles in the Sargasso Sea: modeling of statistical funnels above deep-ocean sediment traps’’ [Deep-Sea Research I 44, 1519–1541] D.A. Siegel*, R.A. Armstrong a Institute for Computational Earth System Science, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106-3060, USA Marine Sciences Research Center, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY 11794-5000, USA
Targeted analyte detection by standard addition improves detection limits in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) has proven an effective tool for fast and accurate determination of many molecules. However, the detector sensitivity and chemical noise compromise the detection of many invaluable low-abundance molecules from biological and clinical samples. To challenge this limitation, we developed a targeted analyte detection (TAD) technique. In TAD, the target analyte is selectively elevated by spiking a known amount of that analyte into the sample, thereby raising its concentration above the noise level, where we take advantage of the improved sensitivity to detect the presence of the endogenous analyte in the sample. We assessed TAD on three peptides in simple and complex background solutions with various exogenous analyte concentrations in two MALDI matrices. TAD successfully improved the limit of detection (LOD) of target analytes when the target peptides were added to the sample in a concentration close to optimum concentration. The optimum exogenous concentrat...
Quantitative evaluation of the effect of propylene glycol on BBB permeability.

Purpose To establish the blood–brain barrier (BBB) blocking property of propylene glycol (PG) using the 14C sucrose technique, quantitatively evaluate the effect of PG on BBB permeability using an MRI technique based on graphical analysis, and demonstrate the sensitivity of MRI for testing newer investigational drugs. Materials and Methods Brain uptake of sucrose was measured in treated (PG+) and untreated (PG−) rats using a 14C sucrose technique in rat brains (N = 10) that had undergone two hours of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and three hours of reperfusion. Another group of PG+ and PG− rats (N = 8) underwent MRI. T2-weighted (T2W) and diffusion-weighted (DW) images were acquired on a 4.7T MR system. A rapid T1 mapping protocol was implemented to acquire a baseline data set followed by postinjection data sets at regular intervals. The data were postprocessed pixelwise to generate permeability coefficient color maps. Results A significant (P < 0.05) reduction in 14C sucrose space was observed on the ischemic side of PG+ rats only. Permeability coefficient estimates obtained by MRI from the ipsilateral hemisphere in PG+ rats were significantly lower than those in PG− rats (P < 0.05). There was no significant change on the contralateral side in PG+ rats. The results show that PG protects the BBB in ischemic stroke, and MRI measurements are sufficiently sensitive to noninvasively detect small drug effects. Conclusion MRI is useful for evaluating the BBB blocking effect of PG in an ischemic stroke model of rat brain. The results from the MR experiment agree well with findings from the 14C sucrose technique. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2007. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Treatment with all-trans retinoic acid in acute promyelocytic leukemia reduces early deaths in children

All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is a known inducer of differentiation in acute promyelocytic leukemia. To improve the outcome of children with acute promyelocytic leukemia, ATRA has been applied since 1994 as an additional induction element inthe AML-BFM 93 study. In a retrospective study, we compared 22 children treated with ATRA (median age: 9.3 years; range: 1.8-16.3) with 22 patients receiving conventional therapy (median age: 12.3 years; range: 3.2-16.7). Twenty-one of the children achieved complete remission. Only one patient died early from bleeding complications after 3 days administration of ATRA. In the control group, seven early deaths occurred (Fisher exact test; p<0.04). Two children died from intracerebral hemorrhages. Two patients suffered from sepsis during aplasia after induction therapy, and one child did not respond to treatment. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) of the children who received ATRA followed by chemotherapy were significantly bettercom-pared with conventionally treated children [OS: 0.87 +/- 0.9 vs 0.45 +/- 0.11, p (log rank) <0.003; EFS: 0.76 +/- 0.11 vs 0.43 +/- 0.11 p (log rank) <0.02]; the median observation time was 2.8 years (19-76 months). However, nearly all children suffered from common side effects such as headache, fever, joint, muscle and bone pain, weight gain, or dermatitis. In three patients, a retinoic acid syndrome was observed. Interruption of ATRA treatment and application of dexamethasone, necessary in 12 children, controlled theadverse effects. ATRA treatment could be resumed in 18 patients. In conclusion, ATRA treatment during induction could avoid early deaths in children with acute promyelocytic leukemia with considerable but manageable toxic side effects.
SODA (severity of dyspepsia assessment): A new effective outcome measure for dyspepsia-related health

The aim of this research was to develop and evaluate an instrument for measuring dyspepsia-related health to serve as the primary outcome measure for randomized clinical trials. Building on our previous work we developed SODA (Severity of Dyspepsia Assessment), a multidimensional dyspepsia measure. We evaluated SODA by administering it at enrollment and seven follow-up visits to 98 patients with dyspepsia who were randomized to a 6-week course of omeprazole versus placebo and followed over 1 year. The mean age was 53 years, and six patients (6%) were women. Median Cronbach's alpha reliability estimates over the eight visits for the SODA Pain Intensity, Non-Pain Symptoms, and Satisfaction scales were 0.97, 0.90, and 0.92, respectively. The mean change scores for all three scales discriminated between patients who reported they were improved versus those who were unchanged, providing evidence of validity. The effect sizes for the Pain Intensity (.98) and Satisfaction (.87) scales were large, providing evidence for responsiveness. The effect size for the Non-Pain Symptoms scale was small (.24), indicating lower responsiveness in this study sample. SODA is a new, effective instrument for measuring dyspepsia-related health. SODA is multidimensional and responsive to clinically meaningful change with demonstrated reliability and validity.
Long-term outcomes, branch-specific expressivity, and disease-related mortality in von Hippel-Lindau type 2A

Although a large kindred with familial pheochromocytoma (Pheo) and paraganglioma (PGL) was discovered in 1962 and later found to represent von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) type 2A (mutation Y112H), the phenotype lacks current characterization. Branch-specific expressivity was suspected based on oral family history. Family pedigree analysis, prospective interviews, and extensive record review were used to extend the pedigree, determine phenotype, examine branch-specific expression, and analyze mortality rates over 5 decades. In its 3 known affected branches the kindred now comprises 107 people with or at-risk for VHL, of whom 49 have been diagnosed and 35/49 (71%) are clinically affected. Phenotypic cumulative lifetime risk was 71% for Pheo/PGL, 15% for hemangioblastoma, 33% for retinal angioma, 3% for renal cell carcinoma, and 3% for pancreatic cysts. The mean ages for VHL and Pheo/PGL diagnosis were younger in successive generations. Branch II-4 predominately expressed RA, while branch II-5 predominantly expressed Pheo/PGL. Disease-specific mortality occurred early and was less frequent in successive generations. This analysis of Y112H VHL confirms a high cumulative risk for pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma. Over time, both age at diagnosis and disease-specific mortality have decreased. The observed branch-specific expressivity prompts further study of genetic and environmental disease modifiers in this large family.
Regulation of amyloid precursor protein processing by presenilin 1 (PS1) and PS2 in PS1 knockout cells.

The presenilin 1 (PS1) and PS2 proteins are thought to play roles in processing of amyloid precursor protein (APP), but the nature of this role is not fully understood. Recent studies have shown that PS1 is necessary for cleavage of APP at the γ-secretase site. We now show that PS1 and PS2 participate in other aspects of APP processing. Fibroblasts generated from PS1 knockout mice have increased levels of the APP cleavage products, secreted APP (APPs), and APP C-terminal fragments, but lower secretion of APPs and Aβ. We have also observed that loss of PS1 prevents protein kinase C or extracellular regulated kinase from increasing production of the APP cleavage products, APPs, and APP C-terminal fragments. Transfection of PS1 −/− cells with PS1 restores the responsiveness of APP processing to protein kinase C and extracellular regulated kinase. This suggests that the changes in APP processing in PS1 −/− cells result strictly from the absence of PS1. Transfection of PS1 −/− cells with PS2 is also able to correct the deficits in APP secretion, which suggests that the PS2 also has the ability to regulate APP processing. Finally, transfection of the truncated PS2 construct, Alg3, into cells lacking PS1 increases APP C-terminal fragments. This suggests that Alg3 can interfere with the processing of APP by PS2. These data point to roles for both PS1 and PS2 in regulating APP processing and suggest that the role of these proteins also includes coupling APP to signal transduction pathways.
Rates, pathways and drivers for peatland development in the Hudson Bay Lowlands, northern Ontario, Canada

Summary 1 The Hudson Bay Lowlands have been rising isostatically for the past 7000 years, creating a regional chronosequence as new land emerges from the sea. Rates of uplift are most rapid in the eastern portion of the lowlands near the lower Albany River study area. 2 The stratigraphy of three raised bogs was investigated to determine rates and pathways of peatland development in the Albany River region. The bogs are distributed evenly along the regional chronosequence from the oldest site at Oldman (5980 ± 100 bp) to progressively younger sites at Albany River (4810 ± 70) and Belec Lake (3960 ± 60). 3 Each bog had the same stratigraphic sequence, beginning with a basal tidal marsh assemblage that was rapidly replaced by a Larix-dominated swamp forest, followed by a Picea-forested bog, and ultimately a non-forested bog. The bog–fen boundary is marked by the disappearance of fen indicators, dominance of bog-forming Sphagna, and a sharp decline in nitrogen. Each of these successional stages was associated with different rates of vertical growth. 4 The rate of successional change was more rapid at the younger sites, and their vertical growth curve was more curvilinear. The formation of a raised bog, for example, was 1.3 times more rapid at Albany River and 5.5 times more rapid at Belec Lake than at Oldman. Belec Lake reached its ultimate successional stage first, although it was the last site to emerge from the sea. 5 The differential rate of isostatic uplift across this region rather than climate was the principal environmental driver for peatland development. The faster rate of uplift on the lower reaches of the drainage basin continues to reduce the regional slope, impede drainage and shift river channels, continually altering the local hydrogeological setting. 6 Groundwater flow simulations based on the Dupuit equation show that the growth of these raised bogs was probably constrained by their local hydrogeological setting. Bog formation was first induced by the creation of interfluvial divides between headwardly eroding streams or shifting river channels, and further bog growth was ultimately constrained by the width of the interfluve and the depth of river incision. The Belec Lake bog was the first to approach its limiting height because its narrow interfluve could only support a low water-table mound. 7 Although peatland succession largely followed the same conservative pathway at each site, both the pace and direction of these pathways were set by geological processes, which are probably the decisive drivers for the evolution of this large peat basin.
Bulk motion for ultrasonic-assisted microforming using Terfenol-D

Microforming requires high-precision motion due to scaling issues. A Terfenol-D transducer was considered to provide bulk motion for micro-extrusion. Because Terfenol-D cannot practically produce the necessary 2.5 mm displacement for this micro-extrusion experiment, a lever system was designed to amplify the output displacement. Compliant joints (flexures) were used to replace conventional bearings, resulting in a flexible, solid-state lever mechanism. By eliminating the backlash and static friction associated with conventional bearings, it should be possible to improve displacement precision as required to meet the geometric tolerance demands of microforming. A chief concern when designing flexure joints that see large amounts of axial loading is compliance, which leads to not only loss of motion but also loss of accuracy as the lever system responds differently under different loads. However, because Terfenol-D already has load-dependent response, this loss of accuracy is moot when coupled with a Terfenol-D prime mover, as it already requires load-dependent control. Preliminary FEM analysis has shown this design to have lever ratio losses of approximately 4% from half load to full load, with lower than predicted stress.
Late results of subtalar distraction fusion.

Between 1990 and 1994, 15 subtalar distraction fusions were performed on 14 patients for sequelae of calcaneus fractures. Twelve patients (13 feet) were available for a minimum 2-year follow-up and constituted the composition of this study. All patients complained of lateral ankle pain and had CT evidence of calcaneofibular abutment and radiographic evidence of loss of heel height preoperatively. The average age at time of surgery was 56 years (range, 23–81 years), and the average follow-up was 47 months (range, 25–75 months). The only change in surgical technique from that previously described was the use of a bone spreader rather than a femoral distractor for distraction of the subtalar joint. The average preoperative talocalcaneal angle improved from 27° (range, 19–37°) to 33° (range, 23–45°) postoperatively (P < 0.003). The mean talar declination angle improved from 11° (range, 6–18°) to 16° (range, 7–27°) postoperatively (P < 0.003). The mean heel height increased from 71 mm (range, 60–83 mm) to 76 m...
Theory of selective excitation in stimulated Raman scattering

A semiclassical model is used to investigate the possibility of selectively exciting one of two closely spaced, uncoupled Raman transitions. The duration of the intense pump pulse that creates the Raman coherence is shorter than the vibrational period of a molecule (impulsive regime of interaction). Pulse shapes are found that provide either enhancement or suppression of particular vibrational excitations.
Duodenal ulcer promoting gene of Helicobacter pylori

Background & Aims: Identification of a disease-specific H pylori virulence factors predictive of the outcome of infection remains unachieved. Methods: We used the polymerase chain reaction and Southern blot to compare the presence of 14 vir homologue genes with clinical presentation of H pylori infection, mucosal histology, and mucosal interleukin (IL)-8 levels. Results: We examined 500 H pylori strains from East Asia and South America, including 120 with gastritis, 140 with duodenal ulcer (DU), 110 with gastric ulcer (GU), and 130 with gastric cancer. Only 1 gene that encompassed both jhp0917 and jhp0918 called dupA (duodenal ulcer promoting gene) was associated with a specific clinical outcome. dupA was present in 42% of DU vs. 21% of gastritis (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7–5.7). Its presence was also associated with more intense antral neutrophil infiltration and IL-8 levels and was a marker for protection against gastric atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and gastric cancer (OR for gastric cancer=0.42, 95% CI: 0.2–0.9 compared with gastritis). In vitro studies in gastric epithelial cells using dupA -deleted and -complemented mutants showed that the dupA plays roles in IL-8 production, in activation of transcription factors responsible for IL-8 promoter activity, and in increased survivability at low pH. Conclusions: dupA is a novel marker associated with an increased risk for DU and reduced risk for gastric atrophy and cancer. Its association with DU-promoting and -protective effects against atrophy/cancer was evident in both Asian and Western countries.
Attenuation of Primary Nonfunction for Syngeneic Islet Graft Using Sodium 4-Phenylbutyrate

Sodium 4-phenylbutyrate (4-SPB), an aromatic derivative of butyric acid, was examined to elucidate its effect on islet engraftment in a syngeneic transplantation model using C57BL/6 mice. Diabetic mice that received subrenal implantation of 150 islets on day 0 and oral administration of twice daily 4-SPB (500 mg/kg body weight) on days −2 through 28 displayed a significantly shorter duration of posttransplantation temporary hyperglycemia than diabetic mice that received islets in isotonic sodium chloride solution (NaCl), namely 16 ± 2 (n = 12) vs 23 ± 2 days (n = 7; P < .05). Four weeks after transplantation, the insulin content (IC) of grafts from mice treated with islets and 4-SPB was substantially higher than that of grafts from mice treated with islets and NaCl, namely 2.59 ± 0.37 (n = 8) vs 1.36 ± 0.36 μg (n = 13; P < .01). The IC of pancreatic remnants showed no significant difference between groups after 2 and 4 weeks of incubation. In vitro studies demonstrated that the net glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and the ratio of net GSIS to the IC of islets cultured with 4-SPB (1 mM) did not differ significantly from those cultured with NaCl. The lipopolysaccharide-stimulated secretions of IL-1β, IL-10, and IFNγ from peritoneal exudate monocytes were significantly reduced by co-incubation with 4-SPB (1 mM). In conclusion, our data suggest that daily administration of 4-SPB reduces primary nonfunction and enhances islet engraftment in a syngeneic mouse transplantation model.
Psychotherapy as Moral Encounter: A Crisis of Modern Conscience

Psychotherapy can no longer be understood as a morally neutral or value-free practice. Many have argued that psychology is implicitly and inevitably laden with moral assumptions and has a significant impact on the moral and ethical fabric of its clients and surrounding society (Browning 1987; Doherty 1995; Dueck and Reimer 2003; Kelly and Strupp 1992; Rieff 1987, 2006). In this work, the authors highlight the profound identity crises within the field of psychology around the place of morality/ethics in its theories and practices. Chronicling some of the shifts between modern and postmodern theory will allow for a meaningful engagement with this issue. The postmodern shifts in the field have left clinicians ideologically hampered in their ability to attend to the moral dimensions of their clients’ lives. In conclusion, the authors posit a virtue ethics and consider avenues of holistically and meaningfully infusing clinical practice with moral sensibilities.
“Blessed be the tie that binds”: community and spirituality among Sacred Harp singers

Abstract Sacred Harp music creates a ritual space; participation leads to community among people who differ in notable ways. Southern singers are mostly based in rural Baptist churches where families have sung for generations; northern singers are often based in a college and folk revival milieu. A set of common practices, experiences, and commitments creates ties and loyalties among singers that can transcend sharp differences and can be more important than ties within local social and religious communities.
Management of severe exacerbations of asthma

Asthma is a common disease that afflicts as many as 5% of Americans. Severe exacerbations of asthma can be life-threatening if not treated aggressively. Despite publication of therapeutic guidelines developed by experts in this field, the clinical management of severe exacerbations of asthma varies widely among institutions and practitioners. This article briefly reviews the pathophysiology of asthma and outlines a systematic, mechanistic approach to treating patients with severe asthma that integrates many clinical advancements made during the past 5 to 10 years.
Orientation dependent variation in antimony segregation coefficient near the silicon (111) plane: An explanation using lateral microscopic growth LμG concepts

The Lateral Microscopic (LμG) Model has been applied to the system of antimony doped Czochralski silicon to explain orientation dependent effective segregation coefficient. In the experiment described, excellent correlations were found indicating that k varied as the 1/20 power of the cotangent of the angle (δ) between the local average growth plane and the (111) plane. Evidence is presented that the “Anomalous Segregation” on a (111) facet (coring) is the extreme case of the same phenomenon in which the height of the step riser is several orders of magnitude smaller than the length of the tread. No angular or radial dependence of k was found for similar crystals grown in the direction.
Determined to excel of damaged goods? Layoff effects on promotions and pay growth in reemployment

Layoffs are ubiquitous in the U.S. economy, but research has done little to shed light on what type of employees layoff victims become upon reemployment. We pit protection motivation theory against...
SU-E-T-619: Dose Evaluation Tool for Proton Patch Field Irradiation

Purpose: Evaluate the tumor coverage and dose to organs at risk (OAR) from proton patch field irradiation using over‐irradiate and under‐irradiate modes. Methods: Proton patch field configuration is a powerful treatment planning tool used in proton therapy to spare OAR. In this beam arrangement a shoot through beam is used to irradiate a large portion of the tumor and one or more patching beams are used to treat rest of the tumor. The patching beam is distally stopped at the lateral edge of the shoot‐ through beam. For such complex beam arrangements a treatment plan done with nominal uncertainties may not be adequate to assess tumor coverage and risk to critical structures. The beam range and patient density uncertainty increase or decrease penetration of a proton beam and position uncertainty expands or contracts the irradiation area by shifting aperture and compensator during treatment delivery. In addition to nominal plan, we used the over‐ and under‐irradiation mode available in our treatment planning system to simulate two extreme circumstances during the treatment delivery. The nominal, over‐irradiate and under‐irradiate plan are used to evaluate tumor coverage and estimate the dose to OAR with the patch field irradiation. Results: In proton patch field irradiation the uncertainties can adversely affect tumor coverage and the OAR. Over‐irradiate and under‐ irradiate mode create dose distributions under extreme but likely coincidence of uncertainties. Using these dose distributions in conjunction with nominal dose distribution can help us evaluate a plan more realistically, and rethink the dose constrains on critical structures. Conclusions: In addition to nominal dose calculation, the over‐irradiate and under‐irradiate mode of dose calculation should be used to evaluate complex proton plans, especially those involving patch fields.
Strong-field ionization rates of linear polyenes simulated with time-dependent configuration interaction with an absorbing potential

The strong field ionization rates for ethylene, trans 1,3-butadiene, and trans,trans 1,3,5-hexatriene have been calculated using time-dependent configuration interaction with single excitations and a complex absorbing potential (TDCIS-CAP). The calculations used the aug-cc-pVTZ basis set with a large set of diffuse functions (3 s, 2 p, 3 d, and 1 f) on each atom. The absorbing boundary was placed 3.5 times the van der Waals radius from each atom. The simulations employed a seven-cycle cosine squared pulse with a wavelength of 800 nm. Ionization rates were calculated for intensities ranging from 0.3 × 1014 W/cm2 to 3.5 × 1014 W/cm2. Ionization rates along the molecular axis increased markedly with increasing conjugation length. By contrast, ionization rates perpendicular to the molecular axis were almost independent of the conjugation length.
An Ethylene-Inducible Component of Signal Transduction Encoded by Never-ripe

The ripening-impaired tomato mutant Never-ripe (Nr) is insensitive to the plant hormone ethylene. The gene that cosegregates with the Nr locus encodes a protein with homology to the Arabidopsis ethylene receptor ETR1 but is lacking the response regulator domain found in ETR1 and related prokaryotic two-component signal transducers. A single amino acid change in the sensor domain confers ethylene insensitivity when expressed in transgenic tomato plants. Modulation of NR gene expression during fruit ripening controls response to the hormone ethylene.
Procedures Performed by the Hospitalist and Non-hospitalist

The Authors' Reply. We thank Dr. Barsuk and colleagues their thoughtful analysis of our article. They raise important concerns about the generalizability of our findings. The SHM data is based on surveys of hospitalist groups, not individuals. Our study examined procedure rates of individual hospitalists. Although the absolute number of respondents in our dataset was small, it was obtained through a probability sample. The sampling frame was representative of the American College of Physicians (ACP) membership, stratified by geographic region of the US and year of graduation from medical school.1 We believe our findings are credible enough to warrant further examination of hospitalists’ procedural practices. Dr. Barsuk also noted that prior year performance rates for four of the nine core procedures were 50% (lumbar puncture), 49% (abdominal paracentesis), 44% (thoracentesis), and 39% (central line placement). However, we also found that hospitalists who reported doing a procedure performed a median of 5 lumbar punctures, 5 abdominal paracentesis, 5 thoracentesis, and 5.5 central line placements in the prior year, with inter-quartile ranges that varied between 2–30 procedures. These procedure volumes suggest that while some hospitalists may perform bedside procedures regularly, the majority do not. If further studies confirm these findings, hospitals, policy makers, residency accreditation committees, and professional societies should re-consider long-held assumptions about hospitalists’ procedural practice patterns and how they might affect our patients. A growing literature shows that regular performance of procedures is associated with lower complication rates.2 If most hospitalists truly do perform only a handful of bedside procedures a year, it is debatable whether they are performing a sufficient number to remain comfortable, much less proficient with them.3 Further research into how hospitalists acquire and maintain procedural competence is necessary. Simulation-based competency training is one avenue for addressing this concern.4 Other potential solutions include referring patients to sub-specialty proceduralists and developing dedicated proceduralist services within hospitalist groups5. We believe that specific interventions should be tailored to local needs and resources, so as to ensure that our patients always receive high-quality inpatient care.
Phase diagram and thermodynamic properties of the uranium-zinc system

Abstract Literature data on the uranium-zinc system have been reviewed and combined with new data to establish the phase relations and thermodynamic properties. The existence of two compounds, U 2 Zn 17 and UZn 12 , has been firmly established. The first compound undergoes a transformation at 724 ±3 ° C on the uranium-rich side of the compound, at 824 ± 10 ° C on the zincrich side and melts congruently at 970 ± 5 ° C . UZn 12 has a defect structure with a stoichiometry which ranges from UZn 9.4 to UZn 11.5 . It undergoes a peritectic reaction at 768 ± 10 ° C . Other features of the phase relations are as originally reported. The standard free energies of formation (in calories) of the compounds are given by the relations ΔG ° ( UZn 8.5 ) = −46,530 + 30.87 T (420 – 668 ° C ) ΔG ° ( UZn 8.5 ) = −47,200 + 31.58 T (668 – 724 ° C ) ΔG ° ( UZn 8.5 ) = −45,395 + 29.78 T (744 – 775 ° C ) ΔG ° ( UZn 8.5 ) = −46,530 + 30.87 T (775 – 970 ° C ) ΔG ° ( UZn 12 ) = −52,750 + 36.73 T (420 – 668 ° C ) ΔG ° ( UZn 12 ) = −53,415 + 37.44 T (668 – 775 ° C )
Molecular weight of Yaba monkey tumor virus DNA.

Abstract The molecular weight of Yaba virus DNA was determined by the isolation of intact DNA genomes from Yaba virus, which had been purified by two sucrose density gradient and one potassium tartrate gradient centrifugations, by cosedimentation with T2 DNA. The molecular weight of Yaba DNA was calculated to be 119 · 106.
Regulation of Sulfate Uptake by Amino Acids in Cultured Tobacco Cells

The sulfur requirements of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. var. Xanthi) XD cells grown in chemically defined liquid media can be satisfied by sulfate, thiosulfate, l-cyst(e)ine, l-methionine or glutathione, and somewhat less effectively by d-cyst (e) ine, d-methionine or dl-homocyst (e)ine. Sulfate uptake is inhibited after a 2 hr lag by l-cyst (e)ine, l-methionine, l-homocyst(e)ine or l-isoleucine, but not by any of the other protein amino acids, nor by d-cyst(e)ine. l-cyst(e)ine is neither a competitive nor a non-competitive inhibitor of sulfate uptake. Its action most closely resembles apparent uncompetitive inhibition. Inhibition of sulfate uptake by l-cyst(e)ine can be partially prevented by equimolar l-arginine, l-lysine, l-leucine, l-phenylalanine, l-tyrosine or l-tryptophan, but is little affected by any of the other protein amino acids. The effective amino acids are apparent competitive inhibitors of l-cyst(e)ine uptake after a 2 hr lag. Inhibition of sulfate uptake by l-methionine cannot be prevented, nor can uptake of l-methionine be inhibited by any single protein amino acid. The results suggest the occurrence of negative feedback control of sulfate assimilation by the end products, the sulfur amino acids, in cultured tobacco cells.
On the completeness of the Westergaard stress functions

The Westergaard method yields a succinct solution to linear elastic crack problems. Here it is shown that the superposition of the Westergaard functions with a uniform uniaxial stress field provides a complete solution to the equations of two-dimensional linear elasticity for the infinite plane.
Molecular and pharmacological characterization of GABAA receptors in the rat pituitary

Levels of mRNA for the major subunits of the GABAA receptor were assayed in the rat pituitary anterior and neurointermediate lobes by ribonuclease protection assay. alpha 1, beta 1, beta 2, beta 3, and gamma 2s were found to be the predominant subunits in the anterior lobe, whereas alpha 2, alpha 3, beta 1, beta 3, gamma 2s, and gamma 1 were the predominant subunits expressed in the neurointermediate lobe. alpha 5, alpha 6, and delta subunits were not detectable. Hill and Scatchard analysis of [3H] muscimol binding to anterior and neurointermediate lobe membranes showed high-affinity binding sites with dissociation constants of 5.6 and 4.5 nM, respectively, and Hill coefficients near 1. Muscimol sites were present at a maximum of 126 fmol/mg in the anterior lobe and 138 fmol/mg in the neurointermediate lobe. The central-type benzodiazepine antagonist [3H]Ro 15-1788 bound to a high-affinity site with a dissociation constant of 1.5 nM in both tissues, at a maximum of 60 fmol/mg in anterior pituitary and 72 fmol/mg in neurointermediate lobe. A Hill coefficient of 1 was measured for this site in both tissues. Assays of CL 218,872 displacement of Ro 15-1788 were consistent with a pure type I benzodiazepine site in the anterior lobe and a pure type II site in the intermediate lobe. These results are consistent with both tissue-specific expression of particular GABAA receptor subunits and receptor heterogeneity within individual cells in the pituitary.
Dynamics of topological optical solitons with time-dependent dispersion, nonlinearity and attenuation

Abstract In this paper, the dark or topological optical 1-soliton solution of the nonlinear Schrodinger’s equation is obtained. The time-dependent coefficients of the group velocity dispersion, Kerr nonlinearity and the attenuation terms are considered. This leads to the constraint relation between these coefficients for the topological solitons to exist. All what is necessary is that these time-dependent coefficients be simply Riemann integrable.