cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Alkynyl Halides and Chalcogenides

This chapter summarizes the literature from 1995 through 2003 with emphasis on the modern synthetic approaches to alkynyl halides and chalcogenides. The preparation of alkynyl chlorides, bromides, and iodides via various elimination reactions or the reaction of terminal alkynes with electrophilic halogenating reagents is extensively reviewed. The most general and widely used approach to the synthetically important alkynyl bromides and iodides consists in the treatment of terminal alkynes or trimethysilylalkynes with the appropriate N-halosuccinimide in acetone in the presence of silver nitrate as a catalyst. The newest member of the family of alkynyl halides, alkynyliodonium salts, are best prepared by the ligand exchange reaction of stannylated alkynes with phenyl(cyano)iodonium triflate. Alkynyl ethers and thioethers are commonly synthesized by dehydrohalogenation of the appropriate haloalkenyl ethers or thioethers. The best synthetic procedures for the preparation of alkynyl selenides and tellurides employ the reaction of a metal alkynylide with elemental selenium or tellurium, followed by trapping of the intermediate lithium selenolate or tellurolate with alkyl halides or other appropriate electrophiles.
The MC68332 microcontroller

The total-system goals, CPU design goals, and modular design approach of the high-performance MC68332 microcontroller are described. The features of the system integration module, queued serial module, and standby RAM are summarized. The CPU and time processor modules are discussed in detail. >
Simultaneous effects of fuel/oxidizer concentrations on the extinction of counterflow diffusion flames

Abstract The combined influence of the fuel and the oxidizer concentrations and Lewis numbers on the extinction of finite-jet counterflow diffusion flames is experimentally and theoretically investigated. In the experiments, either methane or butane mixed in nitrogen is the fuel jet, while mixtures of oxygen and nitrogen are used as the oxidizer jet. The critical minimum values of the fuel (oxidizer) concentrations at extinction are determined at different values of the oxidizer (fuel) concentration in the opposing jet and various fixed values of the jet velocity. Thus, the domain of “flammability” of the diffusion flames within the complete range of the fuel/oxidizer molar concentration ( X F , X O ) is obtained at various fixed values of the mean nozzle velocities. The concept of the “external” or global versus the “internal” or local equivalence ratio is introduced to describe the simultaneous impact of the fuel and the oxidizer concentrations on the burning characteristics of diffusion flames. In the theoretical study, the hydrodynamics of viscous incompressible flow is used in order to investigate the thermodiffusive structure of the diffusion flames for general Lewis numbers of the fuel and oxidizer. Quantitative comparisons are made between the theoretical calculations and the available experimental data. The relevance of the findings to the modeling of flamelet combustion/extinction in turbulent diffusion flames is discussed.
Determination of the Stereoelectronic Parameters of PF3, PCl3, PH3, and P(CH2CH2CN)3. The Quantitative Analysis of Ligand Effects (QALE)

Using the QALE model, we determined the electronic parameters for PF3 (χd = 44 ± 4, Ear = 0, πp = 14 ± 1), PCl3 (χd = 42 ± 1, Ear = 4.1 ± 0.3, πp = 5.3 ± 0.5), PH3 (χd = 17 ± 1, Ear = 0, πp = 3.7 ± 0.7), and P(CH2CH2CN)3 (χd = 17.0 ± 0.6, Ear = 0, πp = 1.2 ± 0.2). These values indicate that PF3 and PCl3 are comparable in σ donor ability and are the poorest σ donor ligands we have studied. Both PH3 and P(CH2CH2CN)3 are reasonably good σ donors, comparable in strength to P(p-ClC6H4)3. PF3 is by far the best π acid. The π acidity of PCl3 is comparable to that of P[(OCH2)3]CEt, whereas the π acidity of PH3 is intermediate between P(O-p-XC6H4)3 and P(OR)3. The analysis of data sets containing PZ3-iHi sometimes requires the inclusion of “i” as a parameter, which we connect with changes in hybridization of these ligands. There are good correlations of χd and πp with the theoretical results of Gonzalez-Blanco and Branchadell and those of Fantucci. The stereoelectronic parameters for 107 PZ3 species are listed.
Physiology of the A1 amacrine: A spiking, axon-bearing interneuron of the macaque monkey retina

We characterized the light response, morphology, and receptive-field structure of a distinctive amacrine cell type (Dacey, 1989), termed here the Al amacrine, by applying intracellular recording and staining methods to the macaque monkey retina in vitro. A1 cells show two morphologically distinct components: a highly branched and spiny dendritic tree, and a more sparsely branched axon-like tree that arises from one or more hillock-like structures near the soma and extends for several millimeters beyond the dendritic tree. Intracellular injection of Neurobiotin reveals an extensive and complex pattern of tracer coupling to neighboring A1 amacrine cells, to two other amacrine cell types, and to a single ganglion cell type. The A1 amacrine is an ON-OFF cell, showing a large (10–20 mV) transient depolarization at both onset and offset of a photopic, luminance modulated stimulus. A burst of fast, large-amplitude (Σ60 mV) action potentials is associated with the depolarizations at both the ON and OFF phase of the response. No evidence was found for an inhibitory receptive-field surround. The spatial extent of the ON-OFF response was mapped by measuring the strength of the spike discharge and/or the amplitude of the depolarizing slow potential as a function of the position of a bar or spot of light within the receptive field. Receptive fields derived from the slow potential and associated spike discharge corresponded in size and shape. Thus, the amplitude of the slow potential above spike threshold was well encoded as spike frequency. The diameter of the receptive field determined from the spike discharge was Σ10% larger than the spiny dendritic field. The correspondence in size between the spiking receptive field and the spiny dendritic tree suggests that light driven signals are conducted to the soma from the dendritic tree but not from the axon-like arbor. The function of the axon-like component is unknown but we speculate that it serves a classical output function, transmitting spikes distally from initiation sites near the soma.
The sprained ankle: current therapy.

The sprained ankle is one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries. Three treatments for severe acute sprain are advocated: immobilization, protected mobilization, and primary surgical repair. These injuries are cared for by different medical and paramedical specialties, each with varying skills and interests. In order to define the current preferred treatment, a survey was randomly distributed to 500 physicians. These data indicate that the treatment is generally conservative: cast immobilization was the preferred treatment for the moderate and severe sprain. These data also demonstrated that basic care (e.g., ice and elevation) and rehabilitation were often neglected. Significant differences were noted between the specialties of orthopaedic surgery, family practice, and emergency medicine.
Local potential error in quantum Monte Carlo calculations of the Mg ionization potential

Abstract The Mg ionization potential was computed using quantum Monte Carlo simulations with localized effective potentials replacing the core electrons. It was found that good agreement with the experimental value (0.2814 (3) au versus 0.2810 experimental) could be obtained when two configurations (3s 2 and 3p 2 are included in the QMC trial wavefunction. The excellent agreement seen in a previous study was apparently the result of the cancellation of substantial statistical and local potential errors with errors due to the neglect of core polarization and relativity. The use of the two-configuration trial wavefunction reduced the required computer time by a factor of ≈2.
Color Adjacency Modeling for Improved Image and Video Segmentation

Color models are often used for representing object appearance for foreground segmentation applications. The relationships between colors can be just as useful for object selection. In this paper, we present a method of modeling color adjacency relationships. By using color adjacency models, the importance of an edge in a given application can be determined and scaled accordingly. We apply our model to foreground segmentation of similar images and video. We show that given one previously-segmented image, we can greatly reduce the error when automatically segmenting other images by using our color adjacency model to weight the likelihood that an edge is part of the desired object boundary.
Quantitative estimation of petroleum prospect outcome probabilities: an overview of procedures

Abstract Estimation of prospect outcome probabilities in numerical form should be a central objective for petroleum geologists. Most numerical estimates of outcome probabilities represent subjective guesses. While the effectiveness of subjective procedures is difficult to gauge, several postmortem analyses suggest that subjective procedures are ineffective. Objective procedures for estimating outcome probabilities should yield much improved estimates. Objective procedures require that geological, geophysical and production data be organized so that geological and geophysical characteristics of prospects interpreted before they were drilled can be compared systematically with outcomes of prospects after they have been drilled. An example application that involves well data and an example application that involves seismic data demonstrate that objective procedures are simple in principle, but require organization of information in a form suitable for computation of frequencies, on which objective estimates of probabilities can be based.
Potential for variability through multiple gene products of bacteriophage ΦX174

The small single-stranded DNA phages ΦX174 and S13 produce multiple products of certain phage genes, as observed by electrophoresis on SDS–polyacrylamide slab gels. Two A protein products, two A* products and four G products are observed. The multiple gene products may arise from multiple sites for initiation or termination of translation, or by protein modification. Some of the variant products may provide a substitute for heterozygosity without a concomitant increase in the size of the genome.
Multiplexing chaotic signals using synchronization

Abstract Chaotic synchronization usually involves two coupled chaotic systems, with either one driving the other, or both being mutually coupled. In this paper we address a problem of synchronizing more than one pair of chaotic systems using only one communication channel. We demonstrate the principal possibility of multiplexing chaotic signals using synchronization both for iterated maps and ordinary differential equations. Possible applications for communication purposes are discussed.
Medically speaking: Mandative adjective extraposition in physician speech

Clinical recommendations are central features of physician-patient interaction. Mandative adjective extraposition (MAE; e.g. it's important to …) is one of many linguistic forms used by physicians in providing recommendations. This study decomposes MAE, a relatively unexplored sociolinguistic variable, into features that contribute to its deontic interpretation. It establishes that MAE's component features convey different degrees of illocutionary force, whereby some forms are perceived to be more compelling (i.e. stronger) than others. It further suggests that said forms index confidence in physician speech. Utilizing a large U.S.-wide corpus of medical consultations, it demonstrates that physicians use stronger MAE forms as they gain professional experience. Within specific practice settings, physicians' use of strong MAE forms is additionally constrained by patients' medical severity. Collectively, this evidence points to socialization into medical practice as the major social force impacting MAE variation across physicians' professional lifespans, pushing physicians towards authoritative-sounding variants despite interactional pressures favoring indirectness.
Degree of Task Consistency and Maintenance of Skill Level in Semantic Category Visual Search

The present experiment investigated the effect of varying the degree of task consistency on the performance and maintenance of skill in a semantic category visual search task. It is well established that for a wide variety of tasks, skill development is a function of the degree of task consistency. However, the effect of inconsistency on established skills has not been investigated to date. The present experiment included a consistent Training Phase, an Adjusted Consistency Phase, and a Retraining Phase. Subjects were trained for 6,000 Consistently Mapped (CM) trials on two different categories. Subjects then performed 4,000 trials in which one of the previously trained categories remained 100% consistent, while the other category became either 100, 67, 50, or 33% consistent. Task consistency was then restored and participants performed another 4,200 CM trials. The Retraining Phase included a New CM category. Results indicated that performance was disrupted by inconsistency, and that disruption increased ...
Histologic similarities between lentigo maligna and dysplastic nevus: importance of clinicopathologic distinction

Background: Lentigo maligna (LM) can histologically simulate dysplastic nevus (DN). Partial biopsy of LM may lead to misdiagnosis. Methods: One hundred and fourteen cases of LM and LM melanoma (LMM) were diagnosed at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System (1993–2002). Biopsy and excision specimens for 68 in situ and 28 invasive melanomas were classified as having predominant classical LM features, predominant DN-like morphology, or a mixed pattern. Results: Biopsy specimens demonstrated a predominant classical pattern in 38% (25/65) LM and 36% (10/28) LMM, predominant DN-like features in 43% (28/65) LM and 25% (7/28) LMM, and mixed pattern in 15% (10/65) LM and 29% (8/28) LMM. Most LM and LMM biopsies were partial. Significant DN-like features were present in 51% LM and 57% LMM excision specimens. Median age was 72 years for LM and 73 years for LMM, mean lesion diameters were 1.3 and 1.7 cm for LM and LMM, respectively, and 85% of LM and 75% of LMM cases were located on heavily sun-exposed sites. Conclusions: Misdiagnosis of LM or LMM as DN could have devastating results. Large pigmented lesions on sun-damaged skin in elderly individuals should warrant consideration of LM/LMM diagnosis, even in the setting of DN-like features histologically. Excisional biopsy may help to avoid misdiagnosis.
Polarographie Determination of Pyrazinamide Serum and Plasma Concentrations in the Presence of Isoniazid

Abstract A simple polarographic method for the quantitative determination of pyrazinamide (pyrazine monocarboxyl amide) in human blood serum or plasma is described. The method utilizes a protein-free filtrate obtained by the use of uranyl acetate.Isoniazid (pyridine-3-carboxylic acid hydrazide) does not interfere.Pyrazinoic acid (pyrazine monocarboxylic acid) and pyrazinamide give a single wave, but the individual concentrations may be determined by means of a minimum error potential analysis.The sample can be used directly for isoniazid analysis after pyrazinamide determination.
The Verse Divisions of the New Testament and the Literary Culture of the Reformation

The numbered verses in Robert Estienne's 1551 Greek New Testament represent an extraordinary device in the history of reference technologies: the use of a single unit of discourse to organize an entire text. While this device departs from conventional systems of reference, earlier and later, it reflects the unique literary culture of the Reformation. This essay investigates contemporary strategies of academic reference in order to contextualize Estienne's verse divisions and show that they are neither natural nor arbitrary, but an artifact of humanist reading practices. Three strategies of academic reference are in focus: translating, lecturing and note taking, and quoting exemplary texts in dictionaries. Habits of reference to texts at the level of the enunciation illuminate the invention—and immediate popularity—of Estienne's verse divisions.
Forum Regulation of Electric Utilities: Goals and Principles

This article consists of the ``Prepared Remarks'' of a speech presented at the American Power Conference in Chicago on April 27, 1987 by Martha O. Hesse, as part of the Opening Meeting. Reprinted with permission of the American Power Conference. The Speech will appear in the Proceedings of the Conference, to be available in October 1987. Copies of the Proceedings may be obtained by writing to: Conference Secretary, American Power Conference, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL 60616. Telephone (312) 567-3406.
Taking VANET to the clouds

The past decade has witnessed a growing interest in vehicular networking and its myriad potential applications. The initial view of practitioners and researchers was that radio-equipped vehicles could keep the drivers informed about potential safety risks and increase their awareness of road conditions. The view then expanded to include access to the Internet and associated services. More recently, the availability of bandwidth has seen vehicular peer-to-peer networking and multimedia content delivery.This paper puts forth a novel vision, namely that advances in vehicular networks, embedded devices, and cloud computing can be used to form what we may call Vehicular Cloud Computing, VC2 for short. In VC2, the underutilized vehicles resources such as computing power, Internet connectivity and storage can be shared between drivers or rented over the Internet to various customers, very much like usual cloud resources are.
Assessment of One- and Two-Photon Excited Luminescence for Directly Measuring O2, pH, Na+, Mg2+, or Ca2+ in Optically Dense and Biologically Relevant Samples

We compare the emission spectra and analytical response profiles of several semiselective luminescent probes that are commonly used to quantify nonfluorescent analytes (ruthenium(II) tris(2,2′-bipyridyl) dication, tris(4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline)ruthenium(II) dication, SNARF®-1, fluorescein, Rhodol Green™, and Sodium™, Magnesium™, and Calcium Green™) when they are excited under one- and two-photon excitation conditions in water, aqueous solutions of dyes or fluorophores, undiluted mouse or human serum, human urine, and mouse whole blood. The results from this work can be summarized as follows. First, in cases where the probes possess ground states that are composed of multiple species in equilibrium (e.g., acid and base forms of a luminophore), the analyte-dependent emission spectra can be significantly different under one- and two-photon excitation conditions due to differences in the relative one- and two-photon cross-sections associated with the individual ground-state species. Second, for those probes that exhibit one- and two-photon dependent emission spectra, an assessment of the analytical response vs. target analyte concentration profiles show that the response dynamic range can be improved by up to 100 fold, but the response sensitivity can decrease by up to 25% for two- vs. one-photon excitation. Third, two-photon excited luminescence provides a means to use these semiselective luminescent probes to quantify nonfluorescent analytes directly within optically dense mixtures, including solutions of dyes, mouse or human serum, human urine, and mouse whole blood. Finally, two-photon excited luminescence allows one to quantify nonfluorescent analytes in a spatially defined manner within complex samples.
Diagnosis and management of primary spinal epidural non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Objective To describe the diagnosis, management, and outcome in 10 patients with histologically confirmed primary spinal epidural non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Material and Methods We review the findings in a cohort of seven men and three women in whom this tumor was diagnosed between January 1979 and january 1993 and discuss the prognostic differences between primary and secondary spinal lymphomas. Results All patients (median age at diagnosis, 70 years) underwent a decompressive laminectomy, subtotal tumor resection, and spinal irradiation (median dose, 3,800 cGy). Nine of 10 tumors were of B-cell origin. Six patients are alive and well. In four patients, recurrent disease developed from 15 to 62 months after the original diagnosis; of these, one has died. The median duration of survival of all patients was 42 months; of those living more than 24 months after diagnosis, the median duration of survival was 80 months. Conclusion A rapidly progressive spinal cord or cauda equina syndrome with neoroimaging findings consistent with an extradural compressive lesion should alert caregivers to the possibility of spinal epidural lymphoma. Although the prognosis for patients with secondary spinal epidural non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is often poor, primary spinal epidural non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can be associated with a favorable outcome if diagnosed and treated early.
Staurosporine and Rebeccamycin Aglycones Are Assembled by the Oxidative Action of StaP, StaC, and RebC on Chromopyrrolic Acid

In the biosynthesis of the antitumor indolocarbazoles rebeccamycin and staurosporine by streptomycetes, assembly of the aglycones involves a complex set of oxidative condensations. Overall formation of aglycones K252c and arcyriaflavin A from their biosynthetic precursor chromopyrrolic acid involves four- and eight-electron oxidations, respectively. This process is catalyzed by the remarkable enzyme StaP, with StaC and RebC acting to direct the level of oxidation in the newly formed five-membered ring. An aryl−aryl coupling reaction is integral to this transformation as well as oxidative decarboxylation of the dicarboxypyrrole moiety of chromopyrrolic acid. Herein we describe the heterologous expression of staP, staC, and rebC in Escherichia coli and the activity of the corresponding enzymes in constructing the two distinct six-ring scaffolds. StaP is a cytochrome P450 enzyme, requiring dioxygen, ferredoxin, flavodoxin NADP+-reductase, and NAD(P)H for activity. StaP on its own converts chromopyrrolic acid...
A photochemical model of Titan's atmosphere and ionosphere

Abstract The model for Titan by Krasnopolsky (2014, Icarus 236, 83-91) has been adjusted to Pluto's conditions during the New Horizons flyby. The model includes 419 reactions of 83 neutrals and 33 positive ions plus 10 reactions of CO+ and HCO+ that were missing for Titan because of the low CO abundance. The model has 289 altitude steps up to the exobase at 1600 km with thermal escape for neutrals and diffusion velocities for ions as the upper boundary conditions. The model involves condensation on the haze and the surface with sticking coefficient γ = 0.002 for hydrocarbons, H2O, and CO2, γ = 0.01 for nitriles except HC3N with γ = 0.1. The photochemistry is driven by the solar EUV and UV radiation, the interplanetary Lyman-alpha emission, and the galactic cosmic rays. The adopted eddy diffusion K = 3 × 104 cm2 s−1 facilitates transport of C2H4 and C2H6, their condensation on the surface, and does not require the revision of the laboratory data on saturated vapor densities of C2H4 and C2H6 by orders of magnitude to fit the New Horizons observations. The CH4 homopause is at 110 km for this K, and the CH4 vertical profile is mostly controlled by molecular diffusion and agrees with the NH observations. Productions and losses of major hydrocarbons, nitriles, oxygen species, and hydrogen are briefly discussed. The daytime ionosphere is predicted with a maximum electron density of 800 cm−3 at 750 km. The most abundant ions are HCNH+ and C9H11+ above and below 600 km, respectively. Chemical effects of the ion reactions on some neutral species are significant. The predicted ion densities are measurable by an analog of the Cassini ion-neutral mass spectrometer. Evolution of the atmosphere includes thermal escape of H2 + H, CH4 + CH3, and N2 + N (92, 203, and 1 g cm−2 Byr−1, respectively), condensation of hydrocarbons and nitriles (306 and 101 g cm−2 Byr−1, respectively), and polymerization (30 g cm−2 Byr−1). (Annually mean values are halves of those.) The composition and photochemistry of Pluto during the New Horizons flyby are very different from those of Triton during the Voyager 2 flyby and controlled by the methane mole fraction near the surface. Seasonal variations of the atmospheric methane should cover both states of the atmospheres on both Pluto and Triton.
An undecimated wavelet transform based detector for transients in 1/f noise

We consider the detection in the presence of 1/f noise of a known transient signal of unknown amplitude, scale and delay. We introduce a generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) method based on pattern matching in the undecimated discrete wavelet transform (UDWT) domain. In many cases, the computational complexity of the detector can be reduced with minimal performance impact by limiting the pattern matching operations to locations in the UDWT domain that correspond to the existence of transform local maxima. As examples of our approach, we simulate the detection of transients that are modeled either by scaling functions, Gaussian functions, or two-sided exponential functions.
Information Conveyed in Announcements of Analyst Coverage

This paper examines the security market response to the announcement of sell-side analysts' decisions to initiate coverage of a firm. We examine the market reaction to the initiation announcement and the accompanying investment recommendation, by disaggregating our sample based on existing analyst coverage at the announcement date. We find, on average, a significantly larger, positive stock price reaction to buy recommendations conveyed in announcements of coverage initiation for firms with a small existing analyst following compared to such announcements for firms receiving no prior analyst coverage. Tests show that the relation between the extent of preexisting analyst coverage and market response is nonlinear and concave down in shape. Specifically we find that lightly followed firms, on average, experience larger price reactions to announcements of coverage initiations than either previously uncovered firms or more heavily followed firms. We test for and find that this result holds over a range of definitions of light coverage and is not attributable to the presence of an underwriting relationship existing between the analyst's employer and the firm receiving coverage. We do find that initiations by analysts named to Institutional Investor magazine's "All-American Research Team" produce a significantly larger market reaction than do initiations by non-All-Ameri can security analysts. In addition, similar to the market response associated with other types of information events, we observe that proxies for the richness of the initiated firms' preannouncement information environment are associated with event-day average abnormal retums.
Blowing the whistle: the internship of William Carlos Williams, MD, and his abrupt resignation from the New York Nursery and Child's Hospital.

It is fitting that it was a pathology professor, William Henry Welch, who best described what constituted a complete and successful career in medicine: the almost perfect adaptation of [one's] talent and temperament to the accidents and circumstances of his life 1(pxi) (Welch WH, review of The Life of Sir William Osler, Harvey Cushing Papers, Yale University Manuscript Collections, Microfilm 124, p 39). Although Welch was writing about the exemplary life of Sir William Osler, the axiom could be equally applied to the poet-physician William Carlos Williams, MD. This article will discuss Dr Williams' pediatrics internship at the New York Nursery and Child's Hospital between 1908 and 1909, an intriguing period in his life that both tested his character and demonstrates how chance or circumstance can have remarkable consequences in life. It was during this year that Williams engaged in a protracted battle with the hospital's administration over an order that he endorse a report of hospital bills to be sent to the State of New York. Williams objected because the hospital would not provide him with the appropriate documentation that the listed services were actually rendered. Although many of Williams' senior physicians told him to simply sign the billing report and be done with the matter, the young pediatrician's moral convictions resulted in his abrupt resignation from his post many months before he completed his internship. To the historian's delight, Williams' papers and letters easily allow a reconstruction of this chain of events that not only drastically altered the course of Williams' medical career but also had a lasting impact on American literature. For the pediatrician of the 21st century, the episode affords a parable about the importance of honesty in medical reporting and the uncomfortable role of whistle-blower.
Transpiration-induced axial and radial tension gradients in trunks of Douglas-fir trees.

Summary We determined the axial and radial xylem tension gradients in trunks of young Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) trees. Axial specific conductivity ( k s-a) and sap flux density (Js) were measured at four consecutive depths within the sapwood at a stem height of 1 m. By definition, at a given position in the bole, Js is a function not only of k s-a but also of the driving force for water movement. The Js:k s-a ratio was therefore used to estimate axial tension gradients and the radial gradients at a stem height of 1 m were calculated from the differences in axial tension gradients at each depth. Tracheid lumen diameter and tracheid length were used to predict differences in k s-a and its divergence from the theoretical k s-a determined by the Hagen Poisseuille equation. The ratio of k s-a (determined in the laboratory) to Js (measured in the field) varied with depth in the sapwood, resulting in non-uniform axial and radial tension gradients from inner to outer sapwood. Transpiration-induced axial tension gradients were in the range of 0.006− 0.01 MPa m –1 excluding the gravitational tension gradient. At a stem height of 1 m, radial tension gradients were in the range of 0.15–0.25 MPa m –1 and were lower in the middle sapwood than in the inner or outer sapwood. Axial tension gradients were 44–50% higher in the outer sapwood than in the inner sapwood. At a stem height of 1 m, radial Js, calculated on the basis of radial tension gradients and measured radial specific conductivity (k s-r), was about two orders of magnitude smaller than axial Js. Our findings indicate that large radial tension gradients occur in the sapwood and clarify the role played by xylem k s-a and k s-r in determining in situ partitioning of Js in the axial and radial directions.
A longitudinal study of risk factors for the occurrence, duration and severity of menstrual cramps in a cohort of college women

Objective To describe how menstrual cramps vary from cycle to cycle within a woman over time. To examine the influence of weight and lifestyle factors on occurrence, duration, and severity of menstrual pain. Design A one-year prospective menstrual diary study. Participants One hundred and sixty-five women aged 17 to 19 years entering a local university in 1985. Main outcome measures The occurrence, length, and maximum severity of pain during a menstrual period. Results Menstrual pain occurred during 7 1 ~6% of observed menstrual bleeds, most commonly beginning the first day of menses. The median duration was two days. Sixty percent of women reported at least one episode of severe pain, while 13% reported severe pain more than half the time. Earlier age at menarche and long menstrual periods increased the occurrence, duration and severity of pain. In smokers, cramps tended to last longer. Being overweight was an important risk factor for menstrual cramps and doubled the odds of having a long pain episode. Frequent alcohol consumption decreased the probability of having menstrual cramps, but in women who had pain it increased duration and severity. Physical activity was not associated with any pain parameter. Conclusions Women who have pain lasting three days are an important target group for prophylactic therapy. The occurrence and severity of menstrual cramps is influenced by potentially modifiable characteristics including weight, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Doctors may wish to counsel women presenting with dysmenorrhoea about the importance of healthy lifestyles and about the inefficacy of alcohol consumption as a treatment for dysmenorrhoea.
Objective performance goals after endovascular intervention for critical limb ischemia

Objective During the last decade, primary endoluminal therapy for critical limb ischemia (CLI), assessed as rest pain and tissue loss of the lower extremity, has significantly increased. Reporting of patient-centered outcomes using the new Society for Vascular Surgery objective performance goals (OPGs) has been limited. This study examined the OPGs for infrainguinal endovascular management of CLI. Methods A prospective database of patients undergoing endovascular treatment of the lower extremity for CLI between 2000 and 2011 was queried. Evaluated were clinical efficacy (absence of recurrent symptoms, maintenance of ambulation and absence of major amputation), amputation-free survival (survival without major amputation), and freedom from major adverse limb events (MALEs; above-ankle amputation of the index limb or major reintervention – new bypass graft, jump/interposition graft revision). Results A total of 728 patients (60% male; age, 68 ± 14 years) underwent lower extremity interventions for CLI (66% tissue loss); of these, 39% had superficial femoral artery and tibial interventions. Diabetes mellitus was present in 71%, hyperlipidemia in 64%, and chronic renal insufficiency in 37%. Technical success was 96%. The overall rate at 30 days of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) was 3% and MALEs was 12%. At 5 years, clinical efficacy was (mean ± standard error of the mean) 42% ± 5%, amputation-free survival was 41% ± 7%, and freedom from MALEs was 51% ± 4%. Clinical efficacy was significantly different in those presenting with rest pain and tissue loss and in the anatomic high-risk group compared with the clinical high-risk group, and both were worse compared with the group without clinical or high-risk criteria. Conclusions Endoluminal therapy for CLI is associated with early low MACE rates but high MALE rates. When the key outcome of amputation free survival is considered, predictors of a better outcome were absence of current smoking, a lower modified Edifoligide for the Prevention of Infrainguinal Vein Graft Failure (PREVENT III) amputation risk score, better preoperative ambulation status, lower MACEs, and discharge disposition to home. The presence of tissue loss and anatomic risk factors negatively affect outcomes. Longer-term outcomes after endovascular intervention for CLI remain relatively poor, with
Squamous cell carcinoma of the nipple following radiation therapy for ductal carcinoma in situ: a case report

Radiation-induced nonmelanoma skin cancer was first reported seven years after the discovery of X-rays, but has received relatively little consideration in the literature. Specifically, nonmelanoma skin cancer after conservative surgery and radiation for early stage breast cancer has not been well studied. We report the case of a woman who developed squamous cell carcinoma of the nipple nine years after conservative surgery and radiation for ductal carcinoma in situ of the ipsilateral breast. We also review the relevant literature available to date. A 66-year-old African-American woman presented to the hospital with a non-healing ulcer of the right nipple. Her past medical history was significant for right breast ductal carcinoma in situ for which she had undergone lumpectomy and whole breast radiation therapy nine years previously. Mammography and magnetic resonance imaging studies were negative for recurrent breast cancer. However, the latter demonstrated abnormal enhancement in the nipple-areolar region. An incisional biopsy of the lesion demonstrated invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Subsequently, the patient underwent wide excision of the nipple-areolar complex. Sentinel lymph-node biopsy was offered but our patient declined. She was considered to have local disease and hence no further treatment was recommended. This case represents the first reported occurrence of squamous cell carcinoma of the nipple to follow conservative surgery and radiation for ductal carcinoma in situ of the ipsilateral breast. It is likely that radiation overexposure resulted in a radiation burn and subsequent radiodermatitis, placing it at risk for squamous cell carcinoma. A diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma should be considered in a patient with a nipple lesion following radiation therapy for breast cancer.
Experience in the endoscopic management of large colonic polyps.

Background: Large colonic polyps present a particular challenge to endoscopists because of the risks of significant haemorrhage, perforation, inadequate polypectomy, or trying to snare an unrecognized cancer. The alternative to endoscopic therapy of large polyps is surgical resection and although minimally invasive techniques are available, risks are significant. Although neither surgery nor endoscopy is a perfect way of treating large colonic polyps, endoscopic resection is usually tried first. Most series of endoscopic polypectomies are small, include both rectal and colonic polyps and have varying size and shape criteria. The purpose of the present study is to describe a large consecutive series of colonic polyps evaluated endoscopically, to determine the chances of performing a safe, effective endoscopic polypectomy. Methods: All colonic polyps>20 mm in maximum dimension assessed during colonoscopy from 1989 to 2002 were reviewed. Rectal polyps were excluded. Demographic data for the patients were abstracted, as were data regarding the outcomes of polyp assessment and treatment. Primary end-points were: the need for surgical resection, the incidence of postpolypectomy complications and the persistence of the index polyp at follow up. Independent variables included the endoscopically assessed size of the polyps, the year in which the polypectomy took place, the shape of the polyps and their location within the colon. Results: During the period under review 311 large polyps were removed from 252 different patients. Of these, 263 polyps were removed endoscopically and 48 polyps were removed surgically. An additional 18 endoscopically removed polyps ultimately needed surgery for recurrence or malignancy. There were no deaths but 19 complications of endoscopic polypectomy (17 late haemorrhage and two postpolypectomy syndrome). At first follow up, 22% of polyps had persisted, this decreased to 14% at second follow up and 7% at third. Complications were more common in right sided polyps and in flat or sessile lesions. Pedunculated polyps never persisted or recurred and had the lowest rate of surgery. Larger polyps had higher rates of advanced histology, complications, polyp persistence and the need for surgery. Conclusions: Polyp size, location and shape influence the results of endoscopic resection of large colonic polyps. Polyps>30 mm in maximum diameter are significantly more advanced histologically but also significantly more difficult to treat successfully than those <30 mm. However, size alone is rarely a contraindication to endoscopic resection.
Combined modality treatment for prostate cancer: role of chemotherapy

Chemotherapy for prostate cancer currently has an established role in the treatment of hormone-refractory prostate cancer. There is strong evidence that combined modality treatment with androgen ablation in addition to radiotherapy provides a benefit above and beyond radiotherapy alone in patients with a poor prognosis, perhaps because of an effect of androgen ablation on subclinical distant disease. There are currently several clinical trials investigating whether the addition of chemotherapy with known efficacy in the hormone-refractory setting can provide a survival advantage when used adjuvantly. The role of chemotherapy for patients with nonmetastatic, hormone-naive prostate cancer will be discussed.
Hybrid scheme for color dithering

This paper presents a hybrid color dithering scheme suitable for rendering continuous tone color images on a CRT display with a small number (on the order of 16-256) of distinct colors. Monochrome (especially bi-level) dithering techniques are well studied. Which of these techniques extend naturally to color? We look at four classes of monochrome dithering techniques and attempt to generalize each one, first to multiple gray-level (but still monochrome) inks and then to a multiple color pallette. In the monochrome case, we discover that texture introduced by the dithering process can significantly affect the appearance of the image. We develop a scheme by which the user can control these texture effects. The primary tradeoff is between very fine grained textures which depend critically on the local gray level and relatively coarser, more obvious, textures which appear uniform across the entire image. In the color case, we have the further complication of choosing a color pallette. We deal primarily with the case where there are a small number of available colors, and where the color pallette is not optimized separately for each image.
Racial Disparities in Esophageal Cancer Treatment and Outcomes

Blacks have a higher mortality rate than whites from esophageal cancer, but the reasons underlying this disparity remain unclear. In this study, we used a national sample of patients with resectable esophageal cancer to assess the extent to which racial inequalities in care can explain outcome disparities. We identified all non-Hispanic white and black patients diagnosed with T0–T2, node-negative esophageal cancer between 1988 and 2003 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry. Racial differences in esophageal-specific survival were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. We performed Cox regression to test for racial differences in survival after adjusting for potential confounders and to assess the extent to which disparities can be explained by later diagnosis or treatment inequalities. A total of 1522 patients were included in the study. Blacks had worse esophageal-specific survival rates than whites (37% vs 60% 5-year survival; P < .0001). Blacks were more likely to be diagnosed at a more advanced stage and to have squamous cell tumors, but were less likely to undergo surgery. In multivariate regression controlling for age, sex, marital status, histology, and tumor location, black race was associated with worse survival. When tumor status, surgery, and radiotherapy were added to the model, race was no longer significantly associated with survival. These data suggest that blacks are at greater risk of death from esophageal cancer. While the disparity is due in part to differences in tumor histology, diagnosis at an earlier stage and higher rates of surgery among blacks could reduce this survival disparity.
Perceived Beneficiary of Employee Development Activity: A Three-Dimensional Social Exchange Model

We present a model of employee decision making and behavior in which employees may sometimes decide to pursue learning and development activities, depending on personal values, leader-member exchange, perceived organizational support, self-efficacy for development, and credibility of information source. Within a three-dimensional “perceived beneficiary” system, employees may perceive these activities to benefit not only themselves but also (or alternatively) a supervisor and/or the organization. We show connections involving prosocial organizational behavior and organizational citizenship behavior and offer five propositions.
Mitochondrial and ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 1 diversity of Cimex lectularius (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)

Understanding genetic variation among populations of medically significant pest insects is important in studying insecticide resistance and insect dispersal. The bed bug, Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), is widespread hematophagus insect pest around the world, including North America, and it has recently been identified as an emerging resurgent pest. To date, no studies have been conducted on genetic variation of this species. For this study, 136 adult bed bugs representing 22 sampled populations from nine U.S. states, Canada, and Australia were subjected to genetic analysis using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify and sequence a region of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) 16S rRNA gene and a portion of the nuclear rRNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1 region. For the 397-bp 16S marker, a 12 nucleotide sites in total were polymorphic, and 19 unique haplotypes were observed. Heterozygosity was observed within many of the sampled populations for the mtDNA marker. This suggests that bed bug populations did not undergo a genetic bottleneck as one would expect from insecticide control during the 1940s and 1950s, but instead, that populations may have been maintained on other hosts such as birds and bats. In contrast to the high amount of heterozygosity observed with the mitochondrial DNA marker, no genetic variation in the 589-bp nuclear rRNA marker was observed. This suggests increased gene flow of previously isolated bed bug populations in the United States, and given the absence of barriers to gene flow, the spread of insecticide resistance may be rapid.
Religion and Philosophy in Chinese History

Philosophy, in China as well as elsewhere, has been a handmaid, a defender, a critic, or an opponent, of religion. In any one of these roles, philosophy is seen always together with religion as her partner, her client, or her antagonist. Even in the most radical thinkers, there lingers the ghost of religion. Socrates, who was condemned to death on the charge of disbelieving the gods of his city, died with the last instruction to his disciples to pay “a cock to Asclepius,” the god of healing. And Lao Tse the founder of philosophical naturalism in China, was centuries later made to father a superstitious religion and was deified as one of its supreme gods.
The Utility of the WAMS: Shouldn't it Relate to Discriminatory Behavior

The article presents information on a study that identifies the conditions under which differential treatment of males and females is less likely to occur in employment settings. The study notes a ...
Amino acid content of dandelion pollen, a honey bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) nutritional evaluation

Amino acid content of honey bee-collected (Apis mellifera L.) and hand-collected dandelion, Taraxacum officinale Weber ex Wigg., pollen was determined by ion exchange chromatography of acid-hydrolyzed samples. Hand-collected pollen (one source) was unexpectedly higher in proline and valine than bee-collected pollen (five sources). Generally, dandelion pollen was low relative to honey bee requirements in valine and isoleucine and low in leucine and arginine. The reported poor brood-rearing capability of dandelion pollen appears to be the result of multiamino acid deficiency.