cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CLASSICAL THEORY OF MAGNETIC X-RAY SCATTERING

A classical derivation is presented for magnetic x-ray scattering from electronic orbital angular momentum. The orbital magnetic scattering factor is identical to that for spin angular momentum, except for the difference in gyromagnetic ratios. Unlike the spin result, which had previously been obtained from both a classical Lagrangian and from quantum mechanics, the classical orbital scattering disagrees with quantum mechanics and with available data. This disagreement between classical and quantum-mechanical results is present for the scattering from a free electron in motion, scattering from an ideal current loop, as well as for scattering from atomic orbital angular momentum.
Auditor industry specialization and corporate risk-taking

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of higher-quality auditors on corporate risk-taking. Design/methodology/approach – Agency theory suggests that managers have incentives to avoid risk in the interests of perquisite consumption and self-preservation, while investors prefer that managers invest in all projects with a positive net present value, i.e. projects that generally increase corporate risk. Empirical literature finds that managerial risk-aversion is mitigated (and firm value enhanced) when investor protection is higher. The authors examine whether higher-quality auditing is one such mechanism to encourage shareholder-focused corporate risk-taking. They model measures of corporate risk as a function of whether a firm is audited by an industry specialist or not, controlling specifically for accounting quality. They then examine the incremental effect of higher-quality audits on other forms of external monitoring (analyst coverage and institutional holdings) for corporate ris...
Influence of reaction parameters on the living cationic polymerization of phosphoranimines to polyphosphazenes

A new approach to the synthesis of poly(dichlorophosphazene) and poly(organophosphazenes) has been developed via the cationic condensation polymerization of phosphoranimines. The effects of solvent, temperature, concentration, and initiator on the cationic condensation polymerization of Cl3PNSiMe3 and PhCl2PNSiMe3 are described. The ambient temperature polymerization of PhCl2PNSiMe3 is faster in toluene, benzene, and dioxane than in methylene chloride or chloroform. The polymerizations of Cl3PNSiMe3 and PhCl2PNSiMe3 were monitored by both NMR (31P and 1H) and GPC methods. The initial polymerization rates are slow, presumably because of the precipitation of phosphazene short chain salts, RCl2PN−[PR(Cl)N]n−PCl3+PCl6- (where R = Cl or Ph; n = 0, 1, 2, ...). After the chains redissolve (∼15−60 min), polymerization proceeds, with the propagation rates following pseudo-first-order kinetics for both monomers. The reactions in toluene, benzene, or dioxane yielded polymers with controlled molecular weights in the ...
THE DYNAMICS OF PROLACTIN SECRETION DURING THE PUERPERIUM IN WOMEN

This study deals with serum prolactin concentrations during various conditions in the early puerperium in an attempt to investigate some characteristics of the mechanisms responsible for the regulation of the lactotropes. In nursing, in non-nursing, non-medicated and in non-nursing, bromocriptine-treated women prolactin and 17 beta-oestradiol were measured during the early puerperium. In the first and the third group this was repeated during and after challenge with oestradiol-benzoate. The pituitary responsiveness to TRH was also determined in these two groups, challenged and unchallenged with oestradiol-benzoate. Nursing women had higher prolactin levels than the non-nursing groups, while bromocriptine decreased prolactin to very low levels. Non-nursing non-medicated women had prolactin values between those of nursing and those of bromocriptine-treated mothers. The already elevated prolactin levels in nursing women were not influenced by chronic oestradiol administration. In non-nursing puerperal women treated with bromocriptine, exogenous oestradiol caused a significant rise in plasma prolactin. The prolactin response to TRH in nursing women was clearly reduced in comparison with the normal menstrual cycle. In the bromocriptine-treated group the basal concentration of prolactin and its response to TRH stimulation was similar to normal non-pregnant women. In nursing and in non-nursing women treated with bromocriptine prolactin responses to TRH were increased after oestradiol challenge.
Review of "Principles of Artificial Intelligence by Nils J. Nilsson", Tioga Publishing Co.

Nils Nilsson's new book, (Principles of Artificial Intelligence) (Tioga Publishing Co., 1980) discusses some basic ideas underlying different applications of AI. The book, designed as a text for a senior or first-year graduate course, aims to fill a gap between theory and practice. It succeeds in building a good solid arch outward from the shore of theory, but only a few support beams anchor the bridge to the shore of practice.
Thermal oxidation of single-crystal aluminum at 550°C

Oxygen transport during oxide growth on (110), (111), and (100) Al crystals at 550°C is investigated by18O/SIMS combined with kinetic measurements and SEM and TEM observations. Starting with an electropolished surface, the experimental evidence suggests oxide growth by oxygen anion transport via local pathways through an outer amorphous Al2O3 layer and oxygen incorporation at the periphery of the underlying laterally growing γ-Al2O3 islands. The kinetics, island morphology and epitaxy are sensitive to substrate orientation. This oxide growth behavior is compared with oxide formation on a sputter-cleaned and annealed (111) Al surface.
An Overview of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy:

Peripheral nervous system (PNS) toxicity is a common and potentially serious adverse effect of several different systemic chemotherapeutic agents. The central nervous system (CNS) is protected from exposure to toxic agents by the tight junctions of endothelial cells separating blood from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is responsible for regulating the movement of substance from extracellular fluids within the body and the brain, as well as for protecting the brain from hydrophilic agents like chemotherapy. Because the BBB does not protect peripheral nerves, PNS toxicity is more common than CNS toxicity. Consequences of peripheral neuropathy (PN) can include interruption and delays in therapy, complete discontinuation of future treatments, or significant impairment in a patient’s quality of life. Individual patient responses to therapy present variable risks for the development of PN. As such, it is sometimes Peripheral neuropathy remains a major limitation of chemotherapeutic agents used in cancer treatment. This neurologic complication from chemotherapy occurs frequently and can be debilitating. Although difficult to predict, both chemotherapeutic and patient-specific risk factors may contribute to this adverse event. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may appear acutely after treatment or persist chronically upon drug discontinuation. The taxanes, vinca alkaloids, and immunomodulatory drugs commonly cause peripheral nervous system toxicity. Prompt recognition and evaluation of this neurological adverse event by those who provide care to patients with cancer can prove to have a positive impact on the quality of life of those patients.
Natural infections of Strongyloides westeri: prevalence in horse foals on several farms in central Kentucky in 1992.

Abstract During the period 28 February–1 July 1992, fecal samples were collected and examined for eggs of Strongyloides westeri once from each of 382 horse foals (364 Thoroughbreds, 16 Standardbreds, one Lippizaner, and one draft-type horse) in central Kentucky. Ages of the foals at the time of sampling ranged from 7 to 63 days (mean 22 days). The nine farms in the study were considered to have overall excellent deworming programs. None of the foals had been treated with an antiparasitic compound before the study. Eggs of S. westeri were found in 6% (22 of 382) of the foals on 78% (7 of 9) of the farms. Current prevalence of this parasite in foals is discussed relative to studies before the availability and usage of effective drugs.
New Sensitive lmmunoradiometric Assays for Thyrotropin

Excerpt Thyrotropin (TSH) is the pituitary hormone that regulates thyroid hormone production; thyroid hormone feedback to the pituitary gland suppresses the secretion of thyrotropin. Since the 1970...
Histotypic angiogenesis in vitro: Light microscopic, ultrastructural, and radioautographic studies

A model for the study of angiogenesis in vitro is described. Rat aortas, cultured in a tridimensional matrix of clotted chick plasma, gave rise to luxuriant outgrowth of vascular channels. We studied this process with light microscopic, radioautographic, and ultrastructural techniques. On the 2nd d of culture, endothelial cells sprouted from the intima of the aorta and its collateral branches into the surrounding clot, forming solid cellular cords. A complex vascular network was established within the 1st wk by spindly, poorly differentiated endothelial cells. At this stage cells were migrating, branching, and proliferating in a longitudinal fashion (labeling index: 67.4% ± 7.7). Lumens, when present, appeared as slitlike spaces enclosed with junctional complexes. By the end of the 2nd wk the migratory activity decreased and proliferation occurred mostly in a cross-sectional plane, with formation of large patent lumens (labeling index: 48% ± 3.1). Vascular channels were lined by prominent endothelial cells rich in rough endoplasmic reticulum, polysomes, mitochondria, Golgi apparatuses, and coated vesicles. Cells were enveloped with a ruthenium red positive layer, particularly abundant on the luminal surface and in the interendothelial space. A discontinuous basal lamina was present along the abluminal side. At 28 d the labeling index was reduced to 2.25% ± 0.9. The still viable endothelium exhibited numerous microfilaments and microtubules, decreased cytoplasmic organelles, and increased pinocytotic activity. This experimental model, histophysiologic gradient culture, provides us with a new tool for the study of vascular morphogenesis, angiogenesis dependent growth of tumors, and neoplastic intravasation.
Is this what we want them to say? Examining the tensions in what U.S. preservice teachers say about risk and academic achievement

Abstract Questions abound in the U.S. based teacher education literature about the kind of knowledge teachers should possess about learning and academic achievement that will enable them to provide all students with an equitable, effective schooling experience. This article examines how a group of preservice teachers—enrolled in a teacher education program that challenges deficit thinking—understand and talk about academic achievement, paying particular attention to the extent to which the candidates account for academic achievement and recognize potential academic risk. Based on the paradoxical stability and tentativeness of teacher candidates' talk about risk, academic achievement and the deployment of the “at-risk” category, I suggest the need to illuminate the complex body of knowledge that informs teacher candidates' understanding, particularly the knowledge deployed in teacher education curriculum.
Role of muscle contraction in trophic regulation of chick muscle acetylcholinesterase activity.

Abstract Previous studies have suggested that trophic action of nerves after hatching suppresses embryonic properties of chick muscle acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Normal chick muscles have low AChE activity which is localized at myoneural junctions and consists of a single major high molecular weight isozyme form. Denervation results in an increase of extrajunctional AChE activity and return of two low molecular weight AChE isozymes characteristic of embryonic chick muscle. The increase in AChE activity following denervation was reversibly depressed by direct electrical stimulation of muscle sufficient to elicit contraction, while nonspecific cholinesterase (BChE) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activities were not affected by stimulation. No effect on the increase of AChE activity was obtained by denervating muscles leaving long or short nerve stump lengths. The results suggest that contractile activity may be involved in trophic regulation of chick muscle AChE properties.
Childhood burn survivors' and their siblings' perceptions of their body image

A mixed-method, qualitative dominant design was implemented to understand how visible changes in appearance, and function, govern childhood burn survivors' and their siblings' perceptions of their body image (BI). Thirteen cases ( n =21 participants) contributed to this analysis. Each "case" represented a family unit. Findings were internal to the person (grouped as self-esteem, and personality type). Other findings were external to the person (grouped as the social environment and interpersonal experiences of the siblings). Findings suggest that the children focused on developing a positive BI satisfaction. Research is needed to better understand how this occurs despite visible appearance changes.
The yield of head-up tilt testing is not significantly increased by repeating the baseline test.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Head-up tilt is widely used in evaluating patients with syncope. Data suggest that baseline tilt without isoproterenol is associated with few (< or = 10%) positive results in normals. However, there is considerable day-to-day variability in patients with syncope, resulting in low reproducibility. We hypothesized that repeating the baseline tilt would increase the total number of positive responses. METHODS: In all, 193 patients with syncope of unknown etiology prospectively underwent serial baseline tilt (Tilt-1 and Tilt-2) at 70 degrees for 25 min on two consecutive days. RESULTS: Of 193 patients, 39 (20%) had a positive Tilt-1. Of these, 19 had a positive Tilt-2, (positive concordance rate: 19/39 = 49%). Of 154 patients with a negative Tilt-1, 145 had a negative Tilt-2 (negative concordance rate: 142/151 = 94%). Only 9 of 154 patients (6%) with a negative Tilt-1 had a positive Tilt-2. Thus, the yield increased from 20% (39/193) after Tilt-1, and to 25% (48/193) after Tilt-1 plus Tilt-2, p = NS. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Reproducibility of a positive Tilt-1 is moderate. (2) Reproducibility of a negative Tilt-1 is high. (3) Repetition of tilt in patients with a negative Tilt-1 does not significantly increase the number of positive results.
Effects of lidocaine injections into the lateral parabrachial nucleus on dipsogenic and pressor responses to central angiotensin II in rats

This study investigated the effects of bilateral injections of the local anesthetic, lidocaine, into the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) on the dipsogenic and pressor responses induced by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of angiotensin 2 (ANG 2). Centrally injected ANG 2 (50 ng/1 microliter) induced water intake ( IO.2 +/- 0.8 ml/h) and pressor responses (22 +/- 1 mmHg). Prior bilateral injection of 10% lidocaine (200 nl) into the LPBN increased the water intake (14.2 +/- 1.4 ml/h), but did not change the pressor response (17 +/- 1 mmHg) to i.c.v. ANG 2. Lidocaine alone injected into the LPBN also induced a pressor response (23 +/- 3 mmHg). These results showing that bilateral LPBN injection of lidocaine increase water intake induced bv i.c.v. ANG 2 are consistent with electrolytic and neurotoxic lesion studies and suggest that the LPBN is associated with inhibitory mechanisms controlling water intake induced by ANG 2. These results also provide evidence that it is feasible to reversibly anesthetize this brain area to facilitate fluid-related ingestive behavior.
An RFLP linkage map of Upland cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L.

Ninety-six F2.F3 bulked sampled plots of Upland cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., from the cross of HS46×MARCABUCAG8US-1-88, were analyzed with 129 probe/enzyme combinations resulting in 138 RFLP loci. Of the 84 loci that segregated as co-dominant, 76 of these fit a normal 1 : 2 : 1 ratio (non-significant chi square at P=0.05). Of the 54 loci that segregated as dominant genotypes, 50 of these fit a normal 3: 1 ratio (non-significant chi square at P=0.05). These 138 loci were analyzed with the MAPMAKER∖ EXP program to determine linkage relationships among them. There were 120 loci arranged into 31 linkage groups. These covered 865 cM, or an estimated 18.6% of the cotton genome. The linkage groups ranged from two to ten loci each and ranged in size from 0.5 to 107 cM. Eighteen loci were not linked.
Language rights and the San in Namibia: A fragile and ambiguous but necessary proposition

In many countries, discriminatory language policies from the colonial era continued after independence, favouring languages that the majority of citizens do not speak as the first language in their homes. Policies, legislation and their implementation often discriminate against indigenous languages in a number of ways. The prevailing situation in the world today is that certain languages are given official status and recognition while the majority of languages, and, in particular, indigenous languages are denied legal recognition. This imbalance weakens indigenous languages and contributes to views that portray indigenous languages as inferior and give room for discriminatory and corrupt practices that are difficult to combat through legal or political means.
X-ray study of low-temperature cold work in silver and aluminum

Abstract Pure silver and aluminum were cold-worked by making filings under liquid nitrogen. These filings were maintained at −160°Cthroughout the measurements. Cold-worked silver shows a peak-shift and an asymmetric peak broadening which can be explained by the presence of deformation stacking faults and twin stacking faults on the (111) planes. An appreciable part of the small, anisotropic particle-size broadening results directly from stacking faults. These faults anneal out in the range of 0° to 100°C. Cold-worked aluminum filings, even made under liquid nitrogen, show no peak-shift or asymmetry indicating that the stacking-fault density must be very low in this material. However, there is a peak broadening indicating an appreciable particle size and strain broadening, both of which are isotropic.
Rhopalium development in Aurelia aurita ephyrae

Rhopalia of developing ephyrae were examined using the SEM and TEM at 24 h intervals following strobilation induction. Kinocilia are shorter in the ephyra stage than in polyps. A few ephyra-type kinocilia are found in rhopalia as early as 24 h after induction, before a distinct rhopalium is seen. By 72 h, the shorter kinocilia predominate and are almost as numerous as in ephyrae (120 h). Many of the kinocilia are associated with mechanoreceptor cells (MR) found in the rhopalia. These MR cells are compared to those reported for medusae. Although newly released ephyrae lack a touch plate, the MR cells in their rhopalia along with the statocyst and neuromuscular system apparently enable these organisms to detect and respond to gravity.
A Comparison of Paraxial Rods in the Flagella of Euglenoids and Kinetoplastids

Summary Paraxial rods (PARs) are consistent features of most euglenoid and kinetoplastid flagella. This comprehensive comparison of PAR substructure in representative genera from both groups shows that there are diagnostic differences in PAR structure in the emergent flagella and that there are strong similarities between comparable flagella of different organisms, regardless of taxonomic affinity. The non-emergent flagellum of advanced euglenoids lacks a PAR, and the most elaborate structure is found in the trailing or recurrent flagellum of phagotrophic euglenoids and trypanosomatids. Based on PAR structure, the single emergent flagellum of the trypanosomes is most similar to the recurrent or ventral flagellum of the bodonids and euglenoids. The basic structural organization of the PAR in a given flagellum is the same: whorled/latticed ike in the dorsal or anterior flagellum, and plate-likelparacrystalline in the ventral or recurrent flagellum. The strinking similarities in PAR structure, together with other morphological and molecular data, provide further support for the hypothesized phylogenetic relationship between the euglenoids and kinetoplastids.
F(ab′)2 anti-CD4 and intact anti-CD4 monoclonal antibodies inhibit the accumulation of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and B cells in the kidneys of lupus-prone NZB/NZW mice

Abstract Murine lupus in NZB/NZW ( B W ) mice is characterized by immune-complex glomerulonephritis and lymphocytic infiltration of several organs, including the kidney. We recently showed that treatment of B W mice with F(ab′)2 anti-CD4 monoclonal antibody retards autoimmunity by inhibiting the function of CD4+ cells and not by depleting them. To determine if treatment with F(ab′)2 anti-CD4 prevented lymphocytic infiltration of kidneys or simply inhibited the function of the infiltrating lymphocytes, long-term survivors of treatment with F(ab′)2 anti-CD4 and intact anti-CD4 were sacrificed for immunohistochemical analysis of their kidneys. Untreated B W mice had large lymphocytic aggregates under the surface epithelium of the renal calyces. Most of these lymphocytes were CD4+ T cells, but CD8+ T cells and B cells were also present. In contrast, treatment with either intact anti-CD4 or F(ab′)2 anti-CD4 substantially reduced, and in many cases prevented, the development of renal infiltrates. Treatment with either form of anti-CD4 not only inhibited renal infiltration by CD4+ T cells, but also prevented the accumulation of CD8+ T cells and B cells. These observations suggest a role for the CD4+ T cell in the accumulation of lymphocytes in target organs.
Upper atmosphere tidal variability due to latent heat release in the tropical troposphere

Abstract The effects of latent heat release due to deep tropical convection on solar tidal variability in the 80 – 150 km altitude region are examined. The latent heating estimates are based on 7-year mean monthly 3-hourly rainfall rates obtained through the Global Precipitation Climatology Project. The latent heating rates are used to force the Global Scale Wave Model (GSWM) to obtain monthly estimates of the migrating diurnal (zonal wavenumber s = 1), migrating semidiurnal (s = 2) and standing (s = 0) diurnal tidal oscillations. It is demonstrated that monthly variations of up to 20 ms −1 and 10 K are attributable to this excitation source, as well as longitudinal variations in the diurnal tide of order 15 – 25 ms −1 at peak amplitudes. Higher-order zonal wavenumber contributions are expected to be as important, but are not considered within the scope of the present work.
Synthesis and physical properties of chalcogenide glasses in the system BaSe–Ga2Se3–GeSe2

Abstract Chalcogenide glasses in the system BaSe–Ga2Se3–GeSe2 have been synthesized and their optical band gap, density, glass transition temperature and fragility have been measured. The band gap and density exhibit nearly linear variation with Ba:Ga ratio at a fixed GeSe2 content. On the other hand, the glass transition temperature and fragility display either a clear maximum or a break in slope near 2Ba/Ga = 1. The compositional dependence of these physical properties are consistent with a scenario where the atomic structure of these glasses transforms across 2Ba/Ga = 1 that behaves as a chemical threshold between a Se-poor network with Ge/Ga–Ge/Ga bonding and a network characterized by Se–Se bonding and/or the formation of non-bridging Se atoms.
Air temperature and winter mortality: Implications for the persistence of the invasive mussel, Perna viridis in the intertidal zone of the south-eastern United States

Abstract Global climate change and invasive species represent two of the biggest threats to the environment. Biological communities are responding to global climate change through poleward shifts in distribution, and changes in abundance and phenology of both native and non-native species. An increase in the frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events is predicted with global climate change. Much is known about mortality events of marine organisms in relation to warm thermal stress with relatively little known about cold thermal stress, particularly in the tropics. Intertidal species are particularly susceptible to fluctuations in aerial conditions and many are considered indicators of climate change. Perna viridis is a recent invader to the United States where it fouls hard substrates and soft sediment habitats. During winter 2007/08, a mortality event was observed for P. viridis across Tampa Bay, Florida. This mortality event coincided with extreme weather conditions when air temperatures dropped below 2 °C for a period of 6 h during low water. The minimum air temperature recorded was 0.53 °C. During this period water temperature remained relatively constant (~ 20 °C). We provide strong evidence supporting the hypothesis that thermal stress relating to exposure to cold air temperatures during emersion was the primary factor underpinning the mortality event. Similar mortality events occurred in 2009 and 2010, also coinciding with prolonged exposure to low air temperatures. In the short term, weather may be responsible for the temporary trimming back of populations at the edge of their geographic range but in the longer-term, it is expected that climate warming will trigger the poleward movement of both native and non-native species potentially facilitating biotic homogenisation of marine communities. The challenge now is to devise adaptive management strategies in order to mitigate any potential negative impacts to native biodiversity.
Determination of thallium, manganese, and lead in food and agricultural standard reference materials by electrothermal atomizer laser-excited atomic fluorescence and atomic absorption spectrometry with slurry sampling

Electrothermal atomizer laser-excited atomic fluorescence spectrometry (ETA LEAFS) and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETA AAS) have been compared for the determination of three elements in National Institute of Standards and Technology food and agricultural standard reference materials with dissolved and slurried samples. Advantages of slurry sampling include reduced sample preparation and a reduced risk of contamination. ETA LEAFS is an extremely sensitive technique, with detection limits one to four orders of magnitude more sensitive than ETA AAS. Using the front-surface illumination approach, this paper reports the first application of a modern, unmodified graphite tube furnace for the determination of manganese, thallium, and lead in biological materials by ETA LEAFS. Thallium was determined by ETA LEAFS at levels one to two orders of magnitude below the ETA AAS detection limit. The determinations done by ETA LEAFS with the use of either dissolved or slurry sampling agreed well with the certified values, with typical analytical RSDs between 3 and 10%. These precisions were similar to the precisions of the ETA AAS measurements. For ETA AAS, the sizes of the background signals reported in the literature are often about the same order of magnitude as the analytical signal. In this work, the sizes of the background signals for ETA LEAFS were shown to be negligible relative to the fluorescence signals for most samples investigated. The relatively small size for the ETA LEAFS background signals, when compared to ETA AAS background signals, indicates that background correction errors are less likely, and that stringent specifications might be unnecessary for ETA LEAFS background correction instrumentation.
Quantitative analysis of high frequency performance of modified Darlington pair

Abstract Although considered as a basic building lock for electronic circuits, the conventional Darlington pair suffers from weaknesses at high frequencies. To overcome this problem several modifications of this pair have been suggested. A quantitative assessment of the effects of newly introduced parameters on the performance efficiency of one such modified Darlington pair design has been performed. Pspice simulation has been used to make this assessment which throws significant light on the need of trade-off between the high cut-off frequency F H and the voltage gain A V to achieve the best possible solution.
Submicroscopic structure and development of chloroplasts ofEquisetum hiemale L.

Aerial stems and the shoot apices ofEquisetum hiemale L. were used for the study of the submicroscopic structure and development of the chloroplasts. The chloroplasts ofEquisetum are oval-shaped and are bounded by a well-defined outer membrane. The grana, distributed more or less uniformly throughout the chloroplast, usually consist of from 6 to 18 discs. In many cases, the grana discs from one stack are directly continuous and connected with the discs of an adjacent granum. Frequently the grana consist of appressed discs, in which two appressed lamellae from adjacent discs form a single lamella. The usual thickness of a lamella is about 85 A. Along the edges of the grana discs there are small osmiophilic globules. Large osmiophilic globules about 0.2μ, and starch grains are often present.
Early-Stage Bladder Cancer Surveillance Does Not Improve Survival If High-Risk Patients Are Permitted to Progress to Muscle Invasion

OBJECTIVES Surveillance of early-stage bladder cancer (cTis-T1) permits bladder preservation with conservative treatments, using cystectomy to salvage patients with refractory disease. Despite close observation, some tumors progress to muscle invasion during this period. Historically, some believed that cystectomy applied in this setting could provide a better outcome in patients with "early" cT2 disease compared with those with de novo cT2 disease. We compared the pathologic and survival outcomes of patients with high-risk early-stage disease with those of patients with muscle-invasive tumors at presentation. METHODS A cohort of 422 consecutive patients underwent primary cystectomy for high-risk, progressive, or muscle-invasive bladder cancer. A retrospective review of the demographics, surveillance time, clinical and pathologic parameters, and survival was undertaken. The variables were tested in univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS Before cystectomy, 182 high-risk patients (44%) had cTis-T1 cancer at diagnosis but did not progress to cT2 disease (group 1); 69 patients (17%) had cTis-T1 that progressed to cT2 during surveillance (group 2); and 167 patients (40%) presented with cT2 tumors (group 3). Groups 2 and 3 had similar patterns of pathologic staging (P = 0.9862), disease-specific survival (P = 0.469), and overall survival (P = 0.643). The rate of understaging was similar in groups 2 and 3 (59% to 60%). CONCLUSIONS Patients with disease progression to cT2 bladder cancer during surveillance have similar patterns of pathologic staging and survival after cystectomy as those with de novo cT2 disease, likely because of the similar rates of tumor understaging.
Effects of Distribution Assumptions for Sediment Yields on Farm Returns in a Chance-Constrained Programming Model

Distributional assumptions for factors being constrained in a chance-constrained programming (CCP) model can have important impacts on results. Normality is often implicitly, if not explicitly, assumed; however, it should be tested. Assuming normality when the underlying distribution is not normal biases results. Bias cannot be determined a priori because it depends upon the behavior of the actual distribution compared to the normal distribution. Zhu et al. showed that erroneously assuming normality underestimates the amount of soil erosion. They also found that maintaining the normality assumption consistently overestimates farm income compared to the actual lognormal distribution when the constraint is binding. This study shows that when the constraint is binding, assuming normality underestimates farm income compared to the actual lognormal distribution. This is the opposite of the results of Zhu et al. Future applied research using CCP should be cautious regarding distributional assumptions. Problem Background and Objectives
Picosecond transient absorption and excitonic luminescence at low temperature in undoped ZnO

Transient optical absorption is observed upon band-gap excitation of undoped single-crystal ZnO. Using 2-photon excitation by 300 fs pulses of 410 nm light to create electron–hole pairs and an infrared continuum pulse to probe absorption, the evolution of induced absorption has been measured in the time range 2–100 ps at 17 K. Approximately 38% of the induced absorption decays with a time constant of 50 ps. Based on measurements of 50 ps lifetime for neutral donor-bound exciton luminescence (D0X) in the same samples in our laboratory and the known dominance of D0X luminescence at low temperature in many studies of undoped ZnO, we assign the 50 ps infrared absorption to photoionization of the bound excitons. The observed spectral shape of the absorption band rises monotonically with increasing wavelength from 950 nm to 1600 nm, very similar to expectation of the shape of free-carrier absorption. Since both the internal electron–hole binding energy and the binding of center-of-mass motion to the neutral donor are much less than the transition energies of 0.8–1.3 eV observed in absorption, it can be argued that the broad infrared absorption signal is a measure of the combined population of free carriers, shallow trapped carriers, and bound or free excitons. Based on this hypothesis, we deduce from the time-dependent infrared absorption that the quantum efficiency of D0X luminescence in this sample is approximately 38%. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dental decisionmaking and variation in dentist service rates.

Abstract Previous medical and dental studies report wide variations in service rates across small areas, regions and providers. A major source of this variation appears to be the pattern of clinical decisionmaking of the provider. This argument was tested using dentist service rates (the average number of services provided per patient) calculated from 1984–1985 claims data for a population of well-educated, middle-class patients in Washington state, U.S.A. (N = 23, 153). Service rates were calculated for each dental procedure in the following pairs of alternative treatments: crown vs amalgam or crown build-up; root canal therapy vs extraction; and fixed bridge vs removable partial denture. For each pair, dentists identified patient (e.g. cost, patient preference) and technical (e.g. periodontal status, tooth damage) factors which they considered to be important in choosing therapy. Regression analysis revealed that the technical factors explained little variation in the rates, while at least one patient factor was significant across services, except prosthetics. Environmental characteristics, structural features of the practice, and the dentists' practice beliefs also explained variation in the rates.
World Congress on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome, 2009: the kidney, the liver, and insulin resistance

This is the third of four articles summarizing presentations at the seventh World Congress on the Insulin Resistance Syndrome, held in San Francisco, California, on 5–7 November 2009. This article pertains to the kidney, the liver, and insulin resistance. ### The kidney and insulin resistance Eberhard Ritz (Heidelberg, Germany) discussed insulin resistance (IR), metabolic syndrome, and the kidney, noting that obesity, which causes IR, is currently at epidemic levels and begins in childhood. Ritz also pointed to the association of obesity with hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and a variety of complications. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with obesity (1), with a BMI >25 kg/m2 in young adulthood tripling the risk of subsequent CKD (2) and end-stage renal disease (3) in a fashion comparable with the more recognized association of obesity with coronary disease. Both high and low birth weight also increase CKD risk (4) since intrauterine growth retardation is a risk factor for decreased renal function among young adults (5). The effect of obesity varies with ethnicity as seen with CKD beginning to increase at a BMI of 22 kg/m2 among Japanese subjects (6). The link between obesity and end-stage renal disease appears in part due to diabetes and hypertension (7), but there are also the direct effects of overweight on the kidney (8). Proinflammatory and growth-promoting cytokines associated with obesity might have direct adverse renal effects (9). A mechanism may be the association of obesity and IR with hyperfiltration (10) and the consequent renal damage based on sodium excess, which may cause glomerulomegaly and may be in part an effect of IR. Ritz noted that exogenous insulin does not directly cause these effects (11). Obesity is associated with increased intraglomerular pressure, which increases the filtration fraction (12). Weight loss with bariatric surgery in morbid obesity decreases the glomerular filtration rate and renal …
Effects of renal function on recainam pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics

Objectives To investigate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of recainam, an investigational class I antiarrhythmic agent, in subjects with various degrees of renal function. Methods This single-dose open-label study was carried out at the Clinical Research Center of the University of Pennsylvania Hospital. Twenty-six volunteers participated in the study (group 1, glomerular filtration rate [GFR] 50 ml/min). After a single 400 mg oral dose, plasma samples were collected for the following 48 hours. Recainam pharmacokinetic parameters of apparent volume of distribution (VareaF, apparent clearance (CL/F), elimination rate constant (ke), absorption rate constant (ka), lag-time (tlag), time to peak (tmax), and maximum concentration (Cmax) were determined with a least-squares regression program. The relationship between recainam concentrations and electrocardiographic intervals were determined with the sigmoidal maximum effect model. Measured GFR was correlated to CLF with regression analysis. Results There were no significant differences found among groups in ka, tlag, tmax, and VareaF. Significant differences were found in CLF (114.4 ± 32.7, 319.4 ± 129.2, and 795.9 ± 341.8 ml/min, group 1 versus group 3 and group 2 versus group 3, p < 0.05), Cmax (3.54 ± 0.81, 1.77 ± 0.53, and 1.63 ± 0.66 μg/ml, group 1 versus group 2 and group 1 versus group 3, p < 0.01), and ke (0.074 ± 0.025, 0.137 ± 0.124, and 0.352 ± 0.300, group 1 versus group 3, p < 0.05). Recainam CLF was highly correlated with GFR (r = 0.67, p = 0.001). Approximately 8.9% ± 3.8% of a recainam dose was eliminated during a 4-hour hemodialysis period. There was a trend (but not statistically significant) of increasing maximum percentage change in PR interval and the effective recainam concentration that produces half of its maximum effect (EC50) in group 1. Conclusion Recainam dosing adjustment is required in renal impairment. Recainam is not dialyzed to a significant extent. Further studies are required to fully characterize the pharmacodynamic profile of recainam. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1995) 57, 492–498; doi:
Design, fabrication, and characterization of high-efficiency extreme-ultraviolet diffusers

As the development of extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) lithography progresses, interest grows in the extension of traditional optical components to the EUV regime. Because of the strong absorption of EUV by most materials and because of its extremely short wavelength, however, it is difficult to implement many components that are commonplace in the longer-wavelength regimes. One such example is the diffuser that is often implemented with ordinary ground glass in the visible light regime. Here we demonstrate the fabrication of reflective EUV diffusers with high efficiency within a controllable bandwidth. Using these techniques, we have fabricated diffusers with efficiencies exceeding 10% within a moderate angular single-sided bandwidth of approximately 0.06 rad.
Organic-inorganic reactions during progressive burial: key to porosity and permeability enhancement and preservation

The development of porosity and permeability enhancement and preservation or both in many sandstones is a function of aluminosilicate or carbonate mineral stability. The dissolution of aluminosilicate minerals and subsequent porosity and permeability enhancement is a problem of aluminium mobility. Our experimental data demonstrate that it is possible to increase the mobility of aluminium significantly and to transport it as an organic complex in organic acid solutions. These organic acids, primarily carboxylic and phenolic acids, also have the ability to dissolve carbonate grains and cements. W. W. Carothers & Y. K. Kharaka (Geochim. cosmochim. Acta 44, 323-332 (1980)) have shown that concentrations of carboxylic acid anions range up to 5000/10$^{6}$ (by mass) over a temperature range of 80-100 degrees C in some oil-field formation waters. Our experiments show that acetic acid solutions at the same concentration and over the same temperature range can increase the solubility of aluminium by one order of magnitude, whereas oxalic acid solutions increase the solubility by three orders of magnitude. Phenols such as hydroquinone and catechol are almost as effective as oxalate. The textural relations observed in the experiments are identical to those in sandstones containing porosity enhancement as a result of aluminosilicate dissolution. A natural consequence of the burial of sedimentary prisms is the maturation of organic material. Nuclear magnetic resonance (n.m.r.) studies have shown that carbonyl and phenol groups are removed from the kerogen molecule before the generation of hydrocarbons. Thermal degradation or the action of mineral oxidants, or both (the reduction of Fe$^{3+}$ released from clay diagenesis and the reduction of polysulphides are two examples) may be the mechanisms by which the peripheral groups containing the phenols and carboxylic acids are released from the kerogen molecule. The experiments suggest that the enhancement of porosity in a sandstone as the result of aluminosilicate or carbonate dissolution is the natural consequence of the interaction of organic and inorganic reactions during progressive diagenesis. Because of the time and temperature dependence of these reactions, the actual reaction sequences will be sensitive to the thermal and stratigraphic history of the source reservoir sediments.
The Critical Link Between Health Care And Jails

As a group, jail-involved individuals, which we define here as people with a history of arrest and jail admission in the recent past, carry a heavy illness burden, with high rates of infectious and chronic disease as well as mental illness and substance use. Because these people have tended to also be uninsured, jail frequently has been their only regular source of health care. Three thousand three hundred local and county jails processed 11.6 million admissions during the twelve-month period ending midyear 2012. The Urban Institute estimated as much as 30 percent of some local corrections budgets is allocated to inmate health care services. This investment is largely lost when people are released back into the community, where they typically do not get treatment. For people with untreated substance use or mental illness, this issue reaches beyond public health, because without treatment, these people are at heightened risk of cycling into and out of jail for low-level, nonviolent offenses. This article o...
Carbon resources, soil organisms, and nitrogen availability: Landscape patterns in a northern hardwood forest

The interactions among different components of detrital food webs are likely to influence carbon processing and linkages between C and nutrient cycling. Our objective was to identify potentially important interactions in detrital food webs at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH, USA, by exploring relationships among C resources, microbial biomass, microarthropod abundance and nitrogen availability as they vary across the landscape. We found significant spatial variation in microarthropod abundance in the forest floor across elevation zones in two watersheds, with consistently higher abundance in low-elevation hardwoods and upper conifer zones and lower abundance in mid- and high-elevation hardwoods. The same pattern was observed in the Oe horizon for microbial biomass C and respiration but not for N transformations; however, no patterns were observed in the Oa horizon. Microarthropod abundance and microbial biomass C were significantly positively correlated, but neither were related to forest floor mass or to annual aboveground fine litterfall flux. Instead, a positive correlation with fine root biomass suggests that C supply from roots plays a key role in the fungal channel of the detrital food web of these forests. The lack of relationship between patterns of microarthropod abundance and net N mineralization leads us to hypothesize that spatial patterns of nitrogen availability are not closely linked to variation in carbon flow through the detrital food web, within this forested landscape. In contrast, microarthropod abundance and net N mineralization did exhibit similar interannual variation and may respond to the same temporal controls.
Potential Step-Current Step Techniques

Abstract A technique involving the application of a constant potential step before chronopoteatiometric examination of multicomponant systems is shown to be useful in reducing the effect of more easily electrolyzed components on the following waves. A mathematical treatment of the technique and experimental results are given. A technique involving a constant potential step before reversal chronopotentiometry of a single component system is also discussed.