cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Densification in PZT

Abstract The reaction sequence of PZT formation from the mixture of PbO-ZrO2-TiO2 has been extensively studied1-3. However, there have been no studies on the morphological changes occurring during the calcination process. The dependence of the characteristics and properties of the ceramic on the calcining conditions though has been well noted4–5, no systematic explanations have been given for the reasons of such dependencies. Inhomogeneous sintering has been observed in PZT tapes and disks6 and was attributed to packing characteristics and chemical inhomogeneities. Earlier efforts to reactively sinter PZT ceramics from uncalcined oxide mixtures were in vain due to the “anomalous” expansion of the compacts during the sintering process7 The purpose of this study was to investigate the dilatometric behavior of the compacts during calcining and its influence of sintering and properties of PZT ceramics.
Influence of Maternal Attitudes on Children with Reading Disabilities

This study focused on attitudes expressed by mothers of 38 children with reading disabilities, as well as upon the intellective function of these children. Results indicated that the children manif...
Climate sensitivity of the NCAR Community Climate Model (CCM2) to horizontal resolution

The dependence on horizontal resolution of the climate simulated by the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Climate Model (CCM2) is explored. Simulations employing R15, T21, T31, T42, T63, and T106 horizontal spectral truncations are compared. Parameters associated with the diagnostic cloud scheme are modified for each resolution to provide similar global average cloud radiative forcing at each resolution. Overall, as with earlier studies, there are large differences between the low resolution R15 and T21 simulations and the medium resolution T42 simulation. Many climate statistics show a monotonic signal with increasing resolution, with the largest variation occurring from low to medium resolution. Although the monotonic signal is often from the low resolution simulations toward atmospheric analyses, in some cases it continues beyond the analyses at the highest resolution. Where convergence occurs, it is not always to the atmospheric analyses, and the highest resolution simulations are not the best by all measures. Although many climate statistics converge, the processes that maintain the climate do not, especially when considered on a regional basis. The implication is that the finer scales are required to capture the nonlinear processes that force the medium scales. Overall, it appears that, at a minimum, T42 resolution is required, but higher resolution would be better. Applications at T42 should take into consideration how model errors indicated by these resolution signals might affect any findings.
Effect of preexisting bundle branch block on the electrocardiographic diagnosis of ventricular tachycardia

Abstract The electrocardiograms (ECGs) of 80 ventricular tachycardias (VTs) occurring in 52 patients with a normal baseline QRS duration (group 1) were compared with 26 VTs in 18 patients with preexisting bundle branch block (group 2). The effects of bundle branch block on the sensitivity of previously defined electrocardiographic criteria for differentiating VT from supraventricular tachycardia with aberration were under investigation. Specificity was examined by comparing VT to the baseline ECG in group 2 patients. The VTs in groups 1 and 2 were comparable with respect to rate, bundle branch pattern, R-wave pattern in V1 with right bundle, frequency of an R S ratio 30 ms R wave in V1 or V2 with left bundle pattern was less frequent (18 vs 63%, p = 0.015) in group 2 vs group 1 arrhythmias. Right bundle pattern VT usually had a monophasic R wave in V1 (69%), whereas preexisting right bundle usually had a biphasic R wave in V1 (82%, p = 0.001). The quadrant of the frontal plane axis was significantly different between the VT ECGs and the ECGs with preexisting bundle branch block (p = 0.029) with a right superior quadrant axis only seen in VT (19%). A >30 ms R wave in V1 or V2 with left bundle was also only seen in VT (52 vs 0%, p = 0.052). These data suggest that the sensitivity for VT of a >30 ms R wave in V1 or V2 with left bundle pattern is diminished by preexisting bundle branch block but the sensitivity of other ECG markers of VT are not affected. Precordial QRS concordance, a monophasic R wave in V1, a right superior axis and a >30 ms R wave in V1 or V2 with left bundle are infrequently seen with preexisting bundle branch block and therefore should suggest a diagnosis of VT even if a baseline ECG is unavailable.
Assessing the Performance of the Ensemble Kalman Filter for Land Surface Data Assimilation

Abstract The ensemble Kalman filter provides an easy-to-use, flexible, and efficient option for data assimilation problems. One of its attractive features in land surface applications is its ability to provide distributional information about variables, such as soil moisture, that can be highly skewed or even bimodal. The ensemble Kalman filter relies on normality approximations that improve its efficiency but can also compromise the accuracy of its distributional estimates. The effects of these approximations can be evaluated by comparing the conditional marginal distributions and moments estimated by the ensemble Kalman filter with those obtained from a sequential importance resampling (SIR) particle filter, which gives exact solutions for large ensemble sizes. Comparisons for two land surface examples indicate that the ensemble Kalman filter is generally able to reproduce nonnormal soil moisture behavior, including the skewness that occurs when the soil is either very wet or very dry. Its conditional m...
TRANSGENE-MEDIATED EXPRESSION OF TUMOR NECROSIS FACTOR SOLUBLE RECEPTOR ATTENUATES MORPHINE TOLERANCE IN RATS

Opiate/narcotic analgesics are the most effective treatments for chronic severe pain, but their clinical utility is often hampered by the development of analgesic tolerance. Recent evidence suggests chronic morphine may activate glial cells to release proinflammatory cytokines. In this study, we used herpes simplex virus (HSV) vector-based gene transfer to dorsal root ganglion to produce a local release of p55 tumor necrosis factor (TNF) soluble receptor in the spinal cord in rats with morphine tolerance. Subcutaneous inoculation of HSV vectors expressing p55 TNF soluble receptor into the plantar surface of the hindpaws enhanced the antinociceptive effect of acute morphine in rats. Subcutaneous inoculation of those vectors into hindpaws also delayed the development of chronic morphine tolerance in rats. TNF soluble receptor expressed by HSV vector reduced gene transcription of spinal TNFα and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) induced by repeated morphine. Furthermore, we found that TNF soluble receptor mediated by HSV reversed the upregulation of protein level of TNFα and IL-1β and phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase induced by repeated morphine. These results support the concept that proinflammatory cytokines may have an important role in the pathogenesis induced by morphine. This study provides a novel approach to treating morphine tolerance.
A Multivariate Analysis of Task Dimensions Related to Science Concept Learning Difficulties in Primary School Children.

The purpose of this study was to determine if achievement on a series of problems was affected by differences among task values within a dimension. Values within inference pattern, goal object, and percept dimensions were studied. One hundred and sixty primary school children participated in the study. An analysis of the results of their achievement on the tasks indicate that task solution is affected by the dimension values used in this study. The results of the study suggest that a multidimensional scale of task dimension values should be constructed in order to assist the curriculum specialist in the construction and sequencing of concept tasks for specific grade levels.
Cognitive Deficits and Positively Biased Self-Perceptions in Children with ADHD

This study examined the relation between cognitive deficits and positive bias in a sample of 272 children with and without Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD; 7–12 years old). Results indicated that children with ADHD with and without biased self-perceptions exhibit differences in specific cognitive deficits (executive processes, working memory, broad attention, and cognitive fluency) compared to each other and to control children. Further, specific cognitive deficits emerged as partial mediators of the relation between ADHD diagnostic status and positive bias. Interestingly, some differences in results emerged based on the domain considered (academic, social, behavioral competence). Results lend initial support to the role of cognitive deficits in the positive bias of some children with ADHD. Implications for future research and intervention are discussed.
Generalized polyhedral object recognition and localization using crossbeam sensing

Object localization is a fundamental task in industrial automa tion. In this article, we present a recognition and localization technique based upon binary beam sensors. Binary beam sen sors, which consist of modulated LED light sources and de tectors, are appropriate for manufacturing applications due to their reliability, high accuracy, robustness, inexpensiveness, and ease of calibration. By extracting sufficient information, recognition and localization can be performed as fast (~ 0.1 s) and as accurately (~ 25 microns) as high-speed manufactur ing requires. Generalized polyhedral objects are recognized and localized by being passed through a crossbeam sensor which is a set of coplanar oriented binary light-beam sensors; robot positions are recorded when the beam sensors' outputs change. Recognition and localization share two subproblems: the correspondence problem (the problem of interpreting the sensed features in terms of the model features), and the pose- estimation problem (the problem of estimat...
Depressive symptoms affect changes in nicotine withdrawal and smoking urges throughout smoking cessation treatment: Preliminary results

AbstractBackground: Individuals who report more depressive symptoms consistently demonstrate higher rates of nicotine dependence and less successful smoking cessation than do individuals who report fewer depressive symptoms. Nicotine withdrawal and smoking urges are two potential factors that may account for the differences observed between these two groups. This study assessed whether elevated depression symptoms among nicotine-dependent smokers are associated with changes in withdrawal and urges to smoke when undergoing smoking cessation treatment. Method: Data on 81 nicotine-dependent smokers were collected as part of a smoking cessation randomized trial that compared standard and contingency management (CM) treatment across one baseline week and four treatment weeks. Linear mixed model analyses were conducted with high and low depression scores predicting changes in withdrawal and urge ratings from a baseline week and four treatment weeks. Results: Participants with elevated depression symptoms report...
Factors that influence the measurement of prostate cancer DNA ploidy and proliferation in paraffin embedded tissue evaluated by flow cytometry.

DNA ploidy and proliferation have been shown in several studies to be prognostic markers for prostate cancer. Flow cytometry (FCM) is often used in the determination of ploidy and proliferation. However, FCM cannot readily distinguish among benign epithelium, stromal and inflammatory cells, high grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN), and cancer cells. In this study, we evaluated H&E histologic features of 322 radical prostatectomy formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks used for determining DNA ploidy, percent S-phase (%S), and %S + %G2M by FCM. The microscopic findings included Gleason score, extent of cancer and HGPIN in the tissue block, and presence of a needle track. The amount of cancer in the block was expressed as a percentage of the total tissue surface area in quartiles: or =76%. The extent of HGPIN was recorded in rough 5% intervals. Needle track effect was defined as a combination of fibrohistiocytic reaction, fibrin clot, granuloma formation, and chronic inflammation. The associations between these histologic features and DNA ploidy and proliferation (%S and %S + %G2M) were assessed. In multivariate analyses, Gleason score, the amount of tumor in the tissue block, and the extent of HGPIN were significantly associated with ploidy. Gleason score was the only parameter significantly associated with the proliferation measure of %S. If we included %G2M as part of the proliferative fraction of the histogram, however, both Gleason score and the amount of tumor in the block were significantly associated with this measure of proliferation. The presence of a needle track was not significantly associated with DNA ploidy, %S, or %S + %G2M. In summary, prostate cancer DNA ploidy and proliferation results assessed by FCM in paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were associated with the Gleason score, amount of cancer in the tissue block, and extent of HGPIN. However, the presence of a needle track was not associated with the FCM results.
Dimethyl sulfide: Less important than long-range transport as a source of sulfate to the remote tropical Pacific marine boundary layer

During the Pacific Atmospheric Sulfur Experiment (PASE), dimethyl sulfide (DMS) was not the principal source of non–sea salt sulfate (NSS) mass in the remote marine boundary layer (MBL), according to an Eulerian sulfur budget based on observations of chemical concentrations from the NCAR C-130 in relatively dry, subsiding regions of the tropical Pacific. Our three (DMS, SO2, and NSS) monthly-average budgets are mutually consistent. The PASE-average DMS emission was 3.0 ± 0.5μmol m−2 d−1 (our budget “units”). SO2 sources include DMS + OH (1.4 ± 0.4 units, assuming 75% of reacted DMS forms SO2) and entrainment from the free troposphere (FT) (0.8 ± 0.2 units). Clouds were the most important chemical reactors for SO2 (−1.0 ± 0.5 units). SO2 loss terms also include divergence (−0.9 ± 0.3 units), dry deposition (−0.5 ± 0.2 units), and OH + SO2 (−0.22 ± 0.05 units). The total SO2 loss balanced the SO2 source. We assume that no SO2 was lost to ozone oxidation on sea salt particles; we found negligible NSS on particles from 2.6 μm (the sea salt mass peak) to 10 μm diameter. Fine-particle NSS sources include in-cloud oxidation of SO2 by H2O2 (1.0 ± 0.5 units), OH + SO2 (0.19 ± 0.05 units), and entrainment (1.1 ± 0.3 units in clean conditions; twice that when continental pollution is present). NSS sources balance NSS loss to divergence. Only about one fourth of emitted DMS becomes NSS. FT entrainment supplied two thirds and DMS oxidation produced one third of MBL NSS, rather similar source terms.
Overcoming Consumer Skepticism in Cause-Related Marketing: The Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility and Donation Size Claim Objectivity

Even though cause-related marketing has become an increasingly popular marketing tool, consumers have become skeptical about this strategy. Consumer skepticism is likely to lower the acceptance of advertising claims. The current study investigates how marketers might minimize consumer skepticism by varying the level of perceived corporate social responsibility and the level of claim objectivity regarding donation size. The results indicated that consumers were more likely to disbelieve the ad claim when the advertiser was perceived to be socially irresponsible than responsible. In addition, consumers were more likely to disbelieve the ad claim when the donation size was stated subjectively than objectively.
Soybeans in sub–Saharan Africa: modelling possibilities and potential

Africa is faced with the problems of food shortage and protein–deficiency diseases. Soybean has been suggested as a solution to the problem of feeding the groups at risk of malnutrition. Soybean cultivation is expanding in sub–Saharan Africa with the increasing adoption by small holders. Nigeria, the most populous country in sub–Saharan Africa produces the largest amount of Soybeans. However, Soybean production is constrained by a number of problems which include limitations posed by soil and other environmental factors. For production to expand further, the first challenge is to define the environment within which the soybeans could be grown and subsequently the development of suitable genotypes and production packages to particular environments to maximize productivity. This paper takes on this challenge by devising a methodology linking simple crop–climate models, process based Cropgro–Soybean model and the GIS in Nigeria. Results suggest information from agroclimatic suitability should be taken with caution, and shows the need to review databases containing crop climatic requirements used in suitability assessments. Simulation yields are likely to accurately describe relative trends caused by environmental variations than merely using climatic elements. The methodology demonstrated here can be used to select an effective network of minimal experimental sites for production system improvement.
Infrared reflection polarizers using uniform and Gaussian low-index layers buried in high-index substrates

The extinction ratio (ER) and the throughput or reflectance for the unextinguished s polarization (Rs ) are calculated for infrared reflection polarizers that consist of a low-index transparent layer embedded in a high-index transparent substrate. The dependence of ER and Rs on the depth and width of the buried layer is illustrated by iso-ER and iso-Rs contours for a specific SiO2-in-Si IR reflection polarizer that operates at 3.5-?m wavelength and 80-deg angle of incidence. The two cases of a uniform layer with sharp boundaries and a diffuse Gaussian layer are considered. The diffuse-layer model employs Bruggeman’s effectivemedium theory and is intended to simulate devices that are fabricated by the oxygen-ion implantation of Si. The effect of an outermost oxide film and the angular and wavelength sensitivities of these polarizers are determined.
Immediate loading of dental implants in partially edentulous patients: a clinical report.

Immediate loading of dental implants offers attractive advantages for patient and prosthodontist alike. Current data support immediate loading of splinted screw-shaped implants in the parasymphysis region. This report presents a case of a partially edentulous patient successfully restored with a fixed implant prosthesis following an immediate loading protocol.
Diffusion-influenced nucleation: a case study of oxygen precipitation in silicon

The classical theory of homogeneous nucleation is an interface–limited theory and does not strictly apply for transformations where long–range diffusion is dominant. A new approach that takes account of the coupled stochastic fluxes of interface attachment and long–range diffusion is presented. Steady–state nucleation rates can be orders of magnitude smaller and the induction times for time–dependent nucleation correspondingly larger than expected from the classical theory. In solute precipitation, the regions of the parent phase near subcritical precipitate clusters are enriched (rather than depleted) in solute. Oxygen precipitation in silicon is chosen to illustrate these features. Measured precipitate densities following multi–step anneals show better agreement with predictions from the coupled–flux model than with those from the classical theory. The kinetics of formation for small oxide clusters and the dependence of their population density on the initial oxygen concentration agree well with data for thermal donor defects.
Strong image segmentation from a data-driven perspective: impossible?

Strong image segmentation is a very challenging problem in computer vision research. Both data-driven and model-driven approaches have been investigated in the past two decades, and many approaches proposed. Although model-based approaches are more promising in addressing strong image segmentation, data-driven approaches present more general frameworks which could potentially be adopted to segment general scenes without any prior model information. We discuss the problems of strong image segmentation from a data-driven perspective, and present a modeling technique describing an object with both its segments and a hierarchical relationship among the segments. The paper is devoted to the discussion of the feasibility of data-driven approaches for strong image segmentation. Existing approaches are not suitable for strong image segmentation in complex environments, but preliminary experimental results show the feasibility of our proposed model.
A proof of Campbell's subordination conjecture

In the early 1970s, Campbell published three papers on majorization–subordination results for locally univalent functions. In particular, he showed that if F is linearly invariant of order α and if f is subordinate to F on {z ≔ |z| α ≥ 1. We review Campbell's proof and why the restriction α ≥ 1.65 arose in the proof. We then affirmatively verify Campbell's conjecture in Theorem 1.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptom Clusters and Perpetration of Intimate Partner Violence: Findings from a U.S. Nationally Representative Sample

Associations between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) have not been extensively studied in nonveteran samples. Secondary analysis was conducted using a nationally representative U.S. sample and limited to those who reported being in a relationship in the past year (N = 25,652). This sample was mostly White (72.0%), the majority had completed high school/ general educational development (GED; 87.8%), about half were female (49.2%), and the mean age was 46.44 years (SD = 15.92). We hypothesized that a diagnosis of PTSD in the past year would be associated with greater perpetration of IPV and that the arousal/reactivity and intrusion symptom clusters would evidence the strongest associations with IPV. Consistent with expectations, a PTSD diagnosis in the past year was associated with greater perpetration of IPV, OR = 2.07, 95% CI [1.89, 2.26]. Among those with a PTSD diagnosis in the past year (n = 1,742), arousal/reactivity symptom cluster scores were associated with greater perpetration of IPV for both men and women, AOR = 1.27, 95% CI [1.11, 1.44]; intrusion symptom cluster scores were associated with perpetration of IPV for men only, AOR = 1.56, 95% CI [1.20, 2.04]; whereas negative cognitions/mood symptom cluster scores were only significant among women, AOR = 1.12, 95% CI [1.01, 1.24]. Results suggested that theoretical and empirical work linking PTSD and perpetration of IPV in military samples extends to the general population.
Neurocognitive function in unmedicated manic and medicated euthymic pediatric bipolar patients

OBJECTIVE: A systematic evaluation of neuropsychological functioning in individuals with pediatric bipolar disorder is necessary to clarify the types of cognitive deficits that are associated with acutely ill and euthymic phases of the disorder and the effects of medication on these deficits. METHOD: Unmedicated (N=28) and medicated (N=28) pediatric bipolar patients and healthy individuals (N=28) (mean age=11.74 years, SD=2.99) completed cognitive testing. Groups were matched on age, sex, race, parental socioeconomic status, general intelligence, and single-word reading ability. A computerized neurocognitive battery and standardized neuropsychological tests were administered to assess attention, executive function, working memory, verbal memory, visual memory, visuospatial perception, and motor skills. RESULTS: Subjects with pediatric bipolar disorder, regardless of medication and illness status, showed impairments in the domains of attention, executive functioning, working memory, and verbal learning com...
Relational Trajectories: A Personal Construct Contribution:

The interdisciplinary study of relationships has begun to frame several issues important for advancing an understanding of interpersonal processes. This article addresses the contribution to this effort that can be made by personal construct theory (Kelly, 1955) and its related methodology. In particular we argue that construct theory can help illuminate (1) the complex interconnectedness between the self and its social context, (2) the multiple trajectories that relationships can follow, and (3) the processes associated with relationship disorder and deterioration. Situated at the interface of social and clinical psychology, construct theory is strategically located to advance our understanding of a broad range of psychosocial processes entailed in personal relationships. Applications of the theory to several concerns in the larger literature are discussed, and directions for research are illustrated.
Observation of the quasibound energy levels and tunnelling lifetimes in the Na2 B1Πu state

Abstract All quasibound vibrational energy levels υ′= 27–33 of the Na 2 B 1 Π u state are accessed via a triple resonance excitation scheme: cw modulated gain spectroscopy (MGS). Two independent analyses involve a Pade-type near-dissociation representation of the observed energies and non-linear least-squares fits to the lineshapes. The results are values for the barrier height (379.3 ±2.3 cm −1 above the center of gravity of the 3s + 3p separated atom limit), the total number of quasibound, rotationless energy levels (υ′max = 33), and tunnelling lifetimes for υ′= 33, J = 3–17 (τ = 93.5 ± 2.8 ps-18.3 ± 1.1 ps).
Geographically-typed semantic schema matching

Resolving semantic heterogeneity across distinct data sources remains a highly relevant problem in the GIS domain requiring innovative solutions. Our approach, called GSim, semantically aligns tables from respective GIS databases by first choosing attributes for comparison. We then examine their instances and calculate a similarity value between them called entropy-based distribution (EBD) by combining two separate methods. Our primary method discerns the geographic types from instances of compared attributes. If geographic type matching is not possible, we then apply a generic schema matching method which employs normalized Google distance. We show the effectiveness of our approach over the traditional N-gram approach across multi-jurisdictional datasets by generating impressive results.
Library Values that Interface with Technology: Public Service Information Professionals, Zotero, and Open Source Software Decision Making

Decisions about which software to use are increasingly made by individual public service professionals. This article contextualizes those decisions and their implications within the framework of existing library values such as collaboration, intellectual freedom, and public good. The open-source bibliographic management tool Zotero provides an apt example that clarifies how public service information professionals need to conceptualize their technology decisions. The development model of software has repercussions, both short and long-term, that must be taken into account so that public service information professionals can effectively represent their values and serve their users.
Distinct Distribution of Rare US Genotypes of Kaposi's Sarcoma—Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) in South Texas: Implications for KSHV Epidemiology

Genotypes of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS)‐associated herpesvirus (KSHV) from patients with KS in South Texas were examined. Open-reading frame (ORF)‐K1 and ORF-K15 DNA segments from 16 KSHV isolates were amplified by polymerase chain reaction, and KSHV subtypes were assigned on the basis of sequence variations. K1 genotyping showed that 75% exhibited C subtype and 25% exhibited A subtype. K15 genotyping showed that 56% exhibited M form, of which 89% exhibited C3 K1 subtype and 44% exhibited P form. A unique isolate was found and was classified as C6 clade. All of the M KSHV isolates had been obtained from human immunodeficiency virus‐negative classic KS patients 150 years of age, of whom 78% were Hispanic. Conversely, all KS patients with AIDS were !36 years of age and exhibited P form KSHV. These findings indicate that C3/M KSHV genotypes are more prevalent in South Texas (50%) than in other US regions (3%) and that M form KSHV likely existed in this region long before the AIDS epidemic.
Public History, Private Memory: Notes from the Ethnography of Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, USA

Colonial Williamsburg, and U.S. history museums generally, claim to transform public history into collective memory. That is, they convey an objective documented history to the public who, absorbing that history, acquires an appropriate collective or national memory. We argue that the emphasis on consumer (visitor) experience at such museums collapses the distance between the reconstructed past (the museum's history lesson) and the visitor's touristic or familial experience at the site. Visitors indeed remember their visits to Colonial Williamsburg, but their specific memories would seem to have little to contribute to any 'collective memory' of a 'national history.'
Neuronal Ion Channels as the Target Sites of Insecticides

Certain types of neuronal ions channels have been demonstrated to be the major target sites of insecticides. The insecticide-channel interactions that have been studied most extensively are pyrethroid actions on the voltage-gated sodium channel and cyclodiene/lindane actions on the GABAA receptor chloride channel complex. With the exception of organophosphate and carbamate insecticides which inhibit acetylcholinesterases, most insecticide commercially developed act on the sodium channel and the GABA system. Pyrethroids show the kinetics of both activation and inactivation gates of sodium channels resulting in prolonged openings of individual channels. This causes membrane depolarization, repetitive discharges and synaptic disturbances leading to hyperexcitatory symptoms of poisoning in animals. Only a very small fraction (approximately 1%) of sodium channel population is required to be modified by pyrethroids to produce severe hyperexcitatory symptoms. This toxicity amplification theory applies to pharmacological and toxicological action of other drugs that go through a threshold phenomenon. Selective toxicity of pyrethroids between invertebrates and mammals can be explained based largely on the responses of sodium channels and partly on metabolic degradation. The pyrethroid-sodium channel interaction is also supported by Na+ uptake and batrachotoxin binding experiments. Cyclodienes and lindane exert a dual action on the GABAA system, the initial transient stimulation being followed by a suppression. The stimulation requires the presence of the gamma 2 subunit. The suppression of the GABA system is also documented by Cl- flux and ligand binding experiments. It appears that the sodium channel and the GABA system merit continuing efforts for development of newer and better insecticides. Nitromethylene heterocycles including imidacloprid act on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Insect receptors are more sensitive to these compounds than mammalian receptors. Single-channel analyses of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor of PC12 cells have shown that imidacloprid increases the activity of subconductance state currents and decreases that of main conductance state currents. This may explain the imidacloprid suppression of acetylcholine responses.
The social realities of technology transfer: smallholder farmers’ encounter with a new rice variety

Within the narrative for an African Green Revolution, the continent is often portrayed as the final frontier of global agriculture, the one place where new agricultural technologies have yet to tak...
Treatment of Acute Sinusitis in Childhood with Ceftibuten

Acute sinusitis is a common childhood illness. If it is overlooked or undertreated, suppurative and intracranial complications may develop. Amoxicillin has traditionally been the antibiotic of choice for treatment of acute sinusitis. However, the efficacy of amoxicillin has been reduced because of the emergence of bacteria producing b-lactamase and altered penicillin-binding proteins. This study compares the effectiveness of 10, 15, and 20 days of ceftibuten therapy with 14 days of erythromycin-sulfisoxazole therapy in treating acute sinusitis. The results indicate that both treatment regimens are effective in treating acute sinusitis (96% clinical response for erythromycin-sulfisoxazole vs 92% for a 10- or 15-day course of ceftibuten vs 100% for a 20-day course of ceftibuten). Longer treatment periods may be more effective in resolving the acute illness.
The Initial Return and Its Conditional Return Volatility: Evidence from the Chinese IPO Market

This paper investigates the monthly initial return and its conditional return volatility for Chinese IPOs. We find that the mean initial return (IR) and cross-sectional return volatility are highly auto- and cross-correlated, and time-varying. We propose a system of two simultaneous equations: a GARCH-in-mean (GARCH-M) process with an ARMA(1,1) adjustment in the residuals for the IR and an EGARCH process for the conditional return volatility, assuming that the IR and its conditional return volatility are linear functions of the same market, firm- and offer-specific characteristics. We find that the model captures both time-series and cross-sectional correlations at the mean and variance levels. Our findings suggest that the conditional return volatility affects the IR positively and significantly, in addition to the traditional market, firm- and offer-specific characteristics. IPOs with higher conditional return volatility, as a proxy for information asymmetry, tend to be underpriced more. The paper demonstrates the merit of using a conditional variance model, along with time series and cross-sectional analysis to price Chinese IPOs.
Contradiction, Surprise, and Cognitive Change: the Effects of Disconfirmation of Belief on Conservers and Nonconservers.

Abstract This study examined children's reactions to violations of their expectancies concerning conservation of weight. Three groups were tested: nonconservers (mean CA = 8 years, 4 months), young conservers (mean CA = 8 years, 10 months), and older conservers (mean CA = 11 years). Surprise and cognitive change were the principal outcomes assessed. Contrary to expectation, observable surprise proved infrequent in all groups. In contrast, changes in conservation judgment were frequent, although the degree of change was reduced somewhat if an appropriate explanation was required. The three groups were generally indistinguishable in the extent to which they changed. Evidence of active resistance to change (as defined by explanations which denied the validity of the outcome) was absent in nonconservers but appeared in about half the conservers. Older conservers were no more likely to resist extinction than were younger conservers.
Sounds to Share: The State of Music Education in Three Reggio Emilia–Inspired North American Preschools

Renowned around the world, schools within the municipality of Reggio Emilia, Italy, have inspired North American early childhood educators for over 25 years. Despite the popularity and usage of the...
A Mixture of Five Phthalate Esters Inhibits Fetal Testicular Testosterone Production in the Sprague-Dawley Rat in a Cumulative, Dose-Additive Manner

Phthalate diesters are chemicals to which humans are ubiquitously exposed. Exposure to certain phthalates during sexual differentiation causes reproductive tract malformations in male rats. In the fetal rat, exposure to the phthalates benzylbutyl phthalate (BBP), di(n)butyl phthalate (DBP), and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) decreases testicular testosterone production and insulin-like 3 hormone mRNA levels. We characterized the dose-response effects of six individual phthalates (BBP, DBP, DEHP, diethyl phthalate [DEP], diisobutyl phthalate [DiBP], and dipentyl phthalate [DPP]) on gestation day (GD) 18 testicular testosterone production following exposure of Sprague-Dawley rats on GD 8–18. BBP, DBP, DEHP, and DiBP were equipotent (ED50 of 440 ± 16 mg/kg/day), DPP was about threefold more potent (ED50 5 130 mg/kg/day) and DEP had no effect on fetal testosterone production. We hypothesized that coadministration of these five antiandrogenic phthalates would reduce testosterone production in a dose-additive fashion because they act via a common mode of toxicity. In a second study, dams were dosed at 100, 80, 60, 40, 20, 10, 5, or 0% of the mixture. The top dose contained 1300 mg of total phthalates/kg/day including BBP, DBP, DEHP, DiBP (300 mg/kg/day per chemical), and DPP (100 mg DPP/kg/day). This mixture ratio was selected such that each phthalate would contribute equally to the reduction in testosterone. As hypothesized, testosterone production was reduced in a dose-additive manner. Several of the individual phthalates and the mixture also induced fetal mortality, due to pregnancy loss. These data demonstrate that individual phthalates with a similar mechanism of action can elicit cumulative, dose additive effects on fetal testosterone production and pregnancy when administered as a mixture.
Superconductivity due to localized bipolarons in metal-oxide compounds

In this article, the effect on superconductivity of a wide band of electrons due to localized bipolarons is studied by Nambu’s formalism. The bipolarons are from electrons of a narrow d band which interact strongly with local phonons and become localized polarons. In the presence of a small mixing term between the wide band electrons and the localized d electrons, we show that the superconducting transition temperature Tc of the system can be drastically enhanced. The order parameters, energy gap and specific heat jump at T=Tc have also been investigated.
More to the Eye than Meets the Eye: A Protest against Empire in Samson’s Death?

The patriarchal authority is undermined from the beginning of Samson’s story when Manoah is depicted as playing no role in Samson’s birth. The erosion of patriarchal authority is augmented by an assault on male identity when Samson is forced to play the role of a woman, or rather to become one. Samson’s story thus far may reflect anxiety and fear among men who have lost their male identity and authority in the exile. But the story takes an intriguing and unexpected turn when it questions whether it is fair for the Philistines to gauge both of Samson’s eyes. Perhaps the Philistines meted out more than what Samson deserves. If so, how do we account for the extra suffering he endured? The unnecessary violence to Samson’s other eye attests to the empire’s cruelty and abuse. In Samson’s death, the victims have their say. The people acknowledge their sins but also protest against the collective violence of empire.
Behavior of Pink Bollworm (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) Adults during Eclosion to Departure from Site of Emergence

Major adult emergence of adult pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders), under field, insectary, and laboratory conditions occurred between 0700 and 1000 h. Two smaller peaks of emergence took place between 1400 and 1700 h and 1800 and 2100 h. The sequence and time of emergence activities were: flexing of the pupal case (ca. 0.5 h before the case split); adult emergence (less than 3 min); wing expansion (ca. 4 min); and elevation to relaxation of wings (ca. 6 min). After wing relaxation, adults remained inactive for ca. 2 h, then flew less than 1.3 m. A second flight usually occurred from 3 to 6 h after wing relaxation and was generally less than 2.2 m. All individuals flew out of viewing range during their third flight, which generally took place from 0500 to 0600 h and 1800 and 2000 h, about 11 h after emergence. Mating occurred at the emergence site between 2226 and 0130 h; photoperiod and temperature appeared to influence the time of emergence. Adults obtained from laboratory-reared larvae emerged earlier than a field-derived strain.
The role of advertising in consumer emotion management

Consumer research has demonstrated that emotions play an important role in the decisionmaking process. Individuals may use consumption or purchasing as a way to manage their emotions. This research...
Interaction of isoflavones and vitamin E with irradiation in androgen independent PC-3 human prostate cancer cells

578 Studies have reported that soy isoflavones and vitamin E (VE), respectively, inhibit growth in a number of carcinoma cell lines. Our study investigated possible radiosensitizing effects of a soy isoflavone concentrate (ISF) and VE succinate (VES) in PC-3 human prostate cancer cells, which are androgen-insensitive and p53 null. Methods: DNA synthesis was analyzed by 3 H-thymidine incorporation, and cell cycle proteins by Western immunoblot. Clonogenic survival assays were conducted at 2 different cell concentrations in quadruplicate sets. After growth for 2-4 weeks, cells were stained with gentian violet and colonies of >50 cells counted. Percent clonogenic survival was calculated by dividing the number of colonies/group by the number of cells seeded. Results: ISF and VES, respectively, inhibited DNA synthesis in a dose-dependent manner with IC 50 values for ISF of 53 ug/ml and VE of 27uM. Levels of p21 CIP1 protein, a major cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, were significantly increased by ISF and VES involving a p53-independent mechanism. Low cytostatic concentrations of ISF and VES showed additive effects on p21 induction and DNA synthesis inhibition. In a clonogenic survival assay, cells treated with IC 50 doses of ISF or VE showed a substantial decrease in long-term survival. Experiments next evaluated if the cytotoxic response to ionizing radiation (IR) would be enhanced by antioxidant exposure, comparing separate treatment windows before vs after IR. A single dose of IR decreased survival from 17% for sham-IR cells to 2% at 4 Grey (Gy), and to less than 1% at 6 Gy. Antioxidant pretreatment for 48 hr before IR further reduced clonogenic survival by 50% from controls. At the high dose of IR (6 Gy), cell survival was statistically reduced from control across all treatment groups (ISF p
Intra-sentential Referential Resolution of Third Person Pronoun in English and Chinese

Discourse Representation Theory(DRT) emphasizes the dynamic features of language and the influences of linguistic context on the decoding of sentence,therefore it is explainable for co-referentiality between anaphor and its antecedent.Based on DRT,this paper analyzes intra-sentential referential resolution of third person pronoun(including zero pronoun) in English and Chinese.The result shows that referential resolution within a sentence is necessarily processed in a linear sequence,unless marked as subordinate.
Chaos in AdS$_2$ holography

We revisit two-dimensional holography with the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev models in mind. Our main result is to rewrite a generic theory of gravity near a two-dimensional anti-de Sitter spacetime throat as a novel hydrodynamics coupled to the correlation functions of a conformal quantum mechanics. This gives a prescription for the computation of n-point functions in the dual quantum mechanics. We thereby find that the dual is maximally chaotic.
Microfluidic Devices for Behavioral Analysis, Microscopy, and Neuronal Imaging in Caenorhabditis elegans

Microfluidic devices offer several advantages for C. elegans research, particularly for presenting precise physical and chemical environments, immobilizing animals during imaging, quantifying behavior, and automating screens. However, challenges to their widespread adoption in the field include increased complexity over conventional methods, operational problems (such as clogging, leaks, and bubbles), difficulty in obtaining or fabricating devices, and the need to characterize biological results obtained from new assay formats. Here we describe the preparation and operation of simple, reusable microfluidic devices for quantifying behavioral responses to chemical patterns, and single-use devices to arrange animals for time-lapse microscopy and to measure neuronal activity. We focus on details that eliminate or reduce the frustrations commonly experienced by new users of microfluidic devices.
EXPERIMENTAL RENAL ERYTHROCYTOSIS. I. EFFECTS OF PRESSURE AND VASCULAR INTERFERENCE.

Experimental data presented in this study indicate that prolonged pressure exerted on the kidneys of rabbits may lead to true erythrocytosis. With approximately 60 per cent of rabbits developing erythrocytosis, the pressure of experimentally induced unilateral hydronephrosis appears to be most effective in this respect. It is suggested that of the role of the renal medulla in the production of erythrocytosis is an important one. Interference with renal arteries and veins did not result in erythrocytosis. The role of erythropoietin and the possible mechanisms by which "renal pressure erythrocytosis" is produced is discussed.
Insulin-induced membrane changes in K(+)-depleted rat skeletal muscle.

Insulin-induced membrane changes were investigated in K(+)-depleted rat muscle. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were placed on a K(+)-free but otherwise adequate diet for 5-8 wk; serum K+ concentration ([K+]) dropped to 1.2-3.2 mM. Omohyoid membrane potential was -81 mV in 5.5 mM [K+] (SO4(2-)). Exposure to either insulin or low (0.5 mM) [K+] singly changed potential only slightly. The combination resulted in depolarization of 90% of fibers (-43 mV) and hyperpolarization of 10% of fibers (-101 mV). Fibers from normokalemic rats did not depolarize. Tetrodotoxin (TTX) blocked depolarization, implying the presence of noninactivating TTX-sensitive Na+ channels. K+ currents were measured using the three-electrode voltage clamp; movement of other ions was prevented by ion substitution, channel blockers, and depolarization-induced channel inactivation. K+ conductance was similar in control fibers with or without insulin. In the absence of insulin, currents in K(+)-depleted fibers were offset by a large leakage current that was significantly diminished when insulin was present. The insulin-induced current decrease was observed in nitrendipine, suggesting that the apparent decreased outward current was not an inward current carried by Ca2+. Data are consistent with altered Na+ and K+ channels in K(+)-depleted muscle, i.e., insulin-related closing of K+ channels initiates depolarization, which is then sustained by opening of noninactivating Na+ channels.
Survival of Listeria monocytogenes in a simulated dynamic gastrointestinal model during storage of inoculated bologna and salami slices in vacuum packages.

Listeria monocytogenes counts were determined during storage (82 days, 4°C) in vacuum packages of inoculated bologna and salami slices and after exposure to a simulated dynamic model of the stomach and small intestine. Variables controlled in the model included gastric emptying and gastrointestinal fluid secretion rates, gradual gastric acidification, and intestinal pH maintenance. L. monocytogenes populations increased on bologna and decreased on salami, reaching 8.7 and 1.4 log CFU/g, respectively, on day 82. Inactivation rates (IR) during gastric exposure of bologna and salami ranged from 0.079 (day 14) to 0.158 (day 57) log CFU/g/min and from 0.013 (day 42) to 0.051 (day 1) log CFU/g/min, respectively. On corresponding days, gastric IR for cells on salami were lower than on bologna, suggesting potential protective effects of the former product. However, it is also possible that the low initial L. monocytogenes levels reached with storage of salami (≤2.5 log CFU/g after day 27) may have resulted in slo...