cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Literature-Review of the Chemical Nature and Toxicity of the Decomposition Products of Polyethylenes

The literature on polyethylenes has been reviewed with an emphasis on the identification of gaseous products generated under various thermal decomposition conditions and the toxicity of those products. This review is limited to publications in English through 1984. The analytical chemical studies of the thermal decomposition products generated under vacuum, inert and oxidative experimental conditions are described. In oxidative atmosphere, which most closely simulate real fire conditions, carbon monoxide (CO) was found to be the predominant toxicant. Acrolein was another toxicant often noted in these reviewed studies. More acrolein was generated under non-flaming than under flaming conditions. Results from seven different test procedures were considered in assessing the acute inhalation toxicity of combustion products from various polyethylene formulations. The combustion products generated from the polyethylenes studied in the non-flaming mode appeared to be slightly more toxic than those produced in the flaming mode. In the non-flaming mode the LC50 values ranged from 5 to 75 mg l−1. In the flaming mode the LC50 values ranged from 31 to 51 mg l−1. The toxicity of the degradation products of polyethylenes appears to be similar to that found for other common materials designed for the same end uses.
Semiempirical studies on the structure and bonding of fluorosulfuranes and aminofluorosulfuranes

Abstract The structures of sulfur tetrafluoride, SF4, dimethylaminosulfur trifluoride, Me2NSF3, and bis(dimethylamino)sulfur difluoride, (Me2N)2SF2 have been investigated using the PM3 semiempirical method. Full geometry optimizations do not agree with experimentally determined geometries. Constraining the Fax-S-Fax angle significantly improves the agreement.
Self-diffusion of calcium ions in calcium montmorillonite gels☆

Abstract Self-diffusion constants of Ca++ in gels of calcium montmorillonite have been measured by means of radiotracer methods. The labyrinth factors, g and h, which reveal a structural aspect of the gel, were calculated and compared to similar factors reported by Bloksma, who examined the self-diffusion of Na+ and I− in similar gels. The eccentricity of the gel particles, essentially the clay micelles, based upon the present data, are in good agreement with independently derived values.
Which penguin is this? Attributing false beliefs about object identity at 18 months.

Recent research has shown that infants as young as 13 months can attribute false beliefs to agents, suggesting that the psychological-reasoning subsystem necessary for attributing reality-incongruent informational states (Subsystem-2, SS2) is operational in infancy. The present research asked whether 18-month-olds’ false-belief reasoning extends to false beliefs about object identity. Infants watched events involving an agent and 2 toy penguins; 1 penguin could be disassembled (2-piece penguin) and 1 could not (1-piece penguin). Infants realized that outdated contextual information could lead the agent to falsely believe she was facing the 1-piece rather than the 2-piece penguin, suggesting that 18-month-olds can attribute false beliefs about the identity of objects and providing new evidence for SS2 reasoning in the 2nd year of life.
Identification and Treatment of Complications of Myocardial Infarction

Mechanical complications of acute myocardial infarction include papillary muscle rupture with severe mitral regurgitation, ventricular septal rupture with acute ventricular septal defect, acute and subacute free-wall rupture, and hemodynamically significant right ventricular infarction. Although such complications are infrequent, their importance is underscored because of the potential ability to correct them with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. The diagnosis necessitates a high degree of suspicion based on clinical clues and rapid diagnostic testing. Bedside two-dimensional echocardiography, sometimes with transesophageal echocardiography, is most commonly used to diagnose or exclude these complications. Patients suspected of having a mechanical complication of myocardial infarction should be urgently transferred to a medical center experienced in the management of these problems. For deteriorating patients without identifiable mechanical complications, coronary angiography and reperfusion with direct angloplasty should be considered.
Comparison of intranasal midazolam and sufentanil premedication in pediatric outpatients.

Background Intranasally administered midazolam was compared with sufentanil as a premedicant for 60 patients, aged ½ to 6 years, undergoing outpatient surgery of 2 hours or less. Methods Thirty minutes before anesthetic induction (halothane in 50% nitrous oxide/oxygen), patients were randomly assigned to receive either intranasal midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) or sufentanil (2 μg/kg). A “blinded” observer evaluated preoperative emotional state, response to premedication, induction, and emergence from anesthesia and side effects. Results Children who had not previously cried were more likely to cry when midazolam was administered compared with sufentanil (71% versus 20%, p = 0.0031). Of 31 midazolam patients, 20 experienced nasal irritation. Approximately 15 to 20 minutes after drug administration, most patients in both groups could be comfortably separated from their parents. The sufentanil group appeared to be more sedated and more cooperative during induction of anesthesia. Vital signs and oxygen saturation did not change significantly with either medication before or after surgery, although two sufentanil patients had a moderate reduction in ventilatory compliance after anesthetic induction. Sufentanil was associated with more nausea and vomiting than midazolam (34% versus 6%, p < 0.02). Conclusion Both intranasal midazolam and sufentanil provide rapid, safe, and effective sedation in small children before anesthesia for ambulatory surgery. Sufentanil provided somewhat better conditions for induction and emergence. Midazolam causes more nasal irritation during instillation, and sufentanil causes more postoperative nausea and vomiting. Both drugs enabled patients to be separated from their parents with a minimum of distress. Patients in the midazolam group were discharged approximately 40 minutes earlier (p < 0.05). Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (1996) 59, 341–348; doi:
Blast ashfall deposit of May 18, 1980 at Mount St. Helens, Washington

Abstract The ashfall deposit produced by the major directed blast at Mount St. Helens on the morning of May 18, 1980 is a thin (≤, 65 mm), small-volume (0.03 km 3 dense rock equivalent), fine-grained crystal-lithic ash with a large dispersal area (> 10 4 km 2 ). The blast ashfall deposit is characterized by accretionary lapilli and smaller ash aggregates within 50 km of the volcano. The maximum deposit thickness, finest median grain size, most efficient sorting and largest and most abundant accretionary lapilli are approximately coincident and located 17 km north of the volcano, adjacent to a major reentrant in the northern margin of the devastated zone. It is suggested that processes of flow-convergence and arrested dispersal in the blast due to topographic barriers led to higher suspended ash concentrations in that area, resulting in increased aggregation and fallout of fine-grained ash. The most distinctive characteristic of the blast ashfall that indicates an origin from a directed blast is its combined features of chiefly dense lithic and crystal pyroclasts in a widely dispersed, fine-grained deposit. The common presence of shredded vegetation is a further indication of a directed blast.
Aristocrats and Agriculture in the Middle and Late Republic

This paper asks how much money Republican aristocrats could make from agriculture and approaches the question from the perspective of supply rather than demand. Potential growers of wheat, wine, and grain were so numerous in second- and first-century B.C. Italy that its urban population could not have provided a market large enough to enable each of them to derive a substantial income from meeting its demand for staple foods. Agriculture is not likely to have furnished the economic foundation for most senators' lavish life-styles. Instead, money-lending and other commercial activities were where the profits were, while prestige and similar non-economic factors guided their decisions about investments in land.
EXCITATION THEORIES OF RASHEVSKY AND HILL.

to describe the change of the excitatory process of nerve, p, under the action of a current I. K and k are constants, and action results when p exceeds some threshold value h. The equation fits extensive experimental data but is quite unable to account for the anodic excitation at break and for non-excitation by slowly rising currents. Rashevsky (1933) added a parallel equation for an inhibitory process, or threshold rise,
Neutral metalloprotease from tendons

Tendon repair following trauma, rupture, or surgery involves both synthesis and degradation of collagen in order to reweave new collagen bundles in with the old. Using an in situ assay on polyacrylamide gels containing gelatin, we have identified protease activity from tendon tissue and from tendon cells in culture. A population of synovial cells from the epitenon surrounding the tendon as well as the tendon fibroblasts themselves were examined. The cells and the conditioned medium from both cell populations exhibited a major band of gelatin-degrading activity at 70 kdaltons and a minor band of activity at 60 kdaltons. When preparations were reacted with p-aminophenylmercuric acetate (APMA) before electrophoresis, a third band appeared at 63 kdaltons. The main band at 70 kdaltons comigrated with a [35S]methionine-radiolabeled protein band. Inhibitor and pH studies identified the enzymes as neutral metalloproteases requiring disulfide bonds for activity. No proteolytic activity was detected on casein-containing gels, ruling out the presence of stromelysin. Since electrophoresis in the presence of SDS would separate the metalloprotease from the smaller molecular weight inhibitor (TIMP), these in situ assays provide a sensitive screening system for gelatin-degrading enzymes present in tendon without prior removal of TIMP.
Correlation of visual quality with satisfaction and function in a normal cohort of pseudophakic patients.

Purpose To select a normal post-cataract-surgery cohort, determine visual quality parameters, and compare these parameters with self-reported satisfaction and visual function. Setting John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Design Retrospective cohort study. Methods A cohort of pseudophakic patients was selected based on uneventful surgery, good corrected visual acuity (no worse than logMAR 0.02), and lack of ocular complaints or pathology including dry-eye syndrome or posterior capsule opacification. A single-piece high-refractive-index acrylic intraocular lens, age 50 or older, and at least 1 year out from surgery were other inclusion criteria. Testing included logMAR corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), mesopic 10% contrast logMAR CDVA with and without glare, straylight determination, Rasch-modified National Eye Institute Visual Function questionnaire 11R (NEI VF-11R), custom pseudophakic dysphotopsia survey, and overall satisfaction question. Correlations were determined between these parameters. Results Of the 2953 patients considered, 70 patients met all criteria, provided consent, and enrolled. Only pseudophakic dysphotopsia ( r = −0.60; P r = −0.44; P r = 0.58; P Conclusions When evaluating a highly controlled population with expected high satisfaction after cataract surgery, pseudophakic dysphotopsia was clearly the only significant dissatisfier. Furthermore, dysphotopsia highly correlated with the NEI VF-11R questionnaire; thus, symptoms of dysphotopsia are also seen to have functional significance. A shortened NEI VFQ survey and satisfaction correlated strongly with the full survey. Financial Disclosure Dr. Olson has been a consultant to Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., Becton, Dickinson and Co., and Allergan, Inc. He has received grant support from Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., and Allergan, Inc. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
TU-E-WAB-01: How Do We Couple Quantitative Imaging and Models of Tumor Response to Improve Multimodality Therapy?

Multimodal treatments of solid malignancies have grown in prominence as new trials seek to effectively combine radiation therapies and molecularly targeted therapies. However, inter‐patient and intra‐patient variations in therapeutic response have yielded inconclusive trial outcomes. Quantitative imaging has been suggested as a means of overcoming some of these variations through individualized target definition, dose escalation, and response assessment due to its predictive value for therapy outcomes. Nonetheless, current visualization techniques at limited spatial resolution provide a narrow view of the underlying molecular, cellular and multicellular processes that make up the comprehensive biological response to therapies. Additionally, temporal gaps among longitudinal imaging time points limit dynamic response assessment. Biological imaging‐based and multi‐scale modeling of tumor response to combination therapies is a new area of clinical research that seeks to bridge these visualization and temporal gaps. This symposium will summarize recent clinical trials that are guided by quantitative imaging, address challenges of linking molecular imaging to heterogeneous biological properties, enumerate models of target definition and biologically effective response to therapy, and propose integrative methods for imaging‐based models of multimodal therapy dynamics. Most importantly, the session will bring together clinicians and scientists alike specializing in imaging and dose‐response modeling to partake in a panel discussion around the thematic question: how do we couple quantitative imaging and models of tumor response to improve multimodal therapy? Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the expanding role of quantitative imaging for therapy target definition, dose escalation, and response assessment. 2. Gain an improved understanding of how physical and biological mechanisms contribute to therapy response across relevant time and spatial scales. 3. Discuss strategies to integrate information from clinical trials with imaging and tumor modeling so as to personalize treatments and improve outcome assessment. Supported in part by grant CA69579 (LBM)
Cotton phenology parameters affected by wind

Abstract Cotton plant ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) phenology was observed in a sheltered environment for six different planting dates and compared to cotton grown in an unsheltered area to isolate the effects of wind movement on cotton phenology and plant stress. The shelters consisted of a snow fence which provided a 35% reduction in wind velocity 0.2 m above the crop for the season. Partially sheltering the cotton from wind resulted in increased plant height, earlier squaring, earlier boll set and more bolls and biomass when compared to the unsheltered cotton. The increase in biomass and plant growth for the sheltered cotton required more water as the season progressed than the unsheltered cotton produced without supplemental irrigation. The study shows that wind and water uptake should be considered in crop models.
Inhibition of pathologic immunoglobulin-free light chain production by small interfering RNA molecules.

Objective Morbidity and mortality occurring in patients with multiple myeloma, AL amyloidosis, and light chain deposition disease can result from the pathologic deposition of monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains (LCs) in kidneys and other organs. To reduce synthesis of such components, therapy for these disorders typically has involved antiplasma cell agents; however, this approach is not always effective and can have adverse consequences. We have investigated another means to achieve this objective; namely, RNA interference. Materials and Methods SP2/O mouse myeloma cells were stably transfected with a construct encoding a λ6 LC (Wil) under control of the cytomegalovirus promoter, while λ2-producing myeloma cell line RPMI 8226 was purchased from the American Type Culture Collection (Manassas, VA, USA). Both were treated with small interfering RNA directed specifically to the V, J, or C portions of the molecules and then analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, and real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results Transfected cells were found to constitutively express detectable quantities of messenger RNA and protein Wil and, after exposure to small interfering RNAs, an ∼40% reduction in messenger RNA and LC production was evidenced at 48 hours. An even greater effect was seen with the 8226 cells. Conclusions Our results have shown that RNA interference can markedly reduce LC synthesis and provide the basis for testing the therapeutic potential of this strategy using in vivo experimental models of multiple myeloma.
Is chemotherapy with high- or standard-dose cisplatin a more effective treatment for pediatric germ cell tumors?

Is chemotherapy with high- or standard-dose cisplatin a more effective treatment for pediatric germ cell tumors?
The Socioeconomic Status of Women and Children in Japan: Comparisons with The USA

The context surrounding the poor economic situation of divorced Japanese women, who are the primary recipients of welfare support for single mothers in Japan, is not well understood. An analysis of the Japanese General Social Survey and the Panel Study of Income Dynamics reveal that divorced Japanese women experience a number of labour market and non-market constraints, including (i) earnings level similar to that of married women despite their higher likelihood of being a full-time worker, (ii) a lower likelihood of living with parents than never married and married women, and (iii) the less active remarriage market in Japan than the market in the USA. Children structure additional constraints for divorced Japanese women, such as even lower remarriage likelihoods than divorced Japanese women without children. Policy implications are discussed.
The construction of Slovenia as a European tourism destination in guidebooks

Abstract Geographic research in tourism recognizes destinations to be socio-spatial constructions shaped by historic, cultural, and political discourses. These discourses are reflected in and reproduced by tourism literature such as guidebooks. Guidebooks are a key resource for potential tourists to learn about a destination. These texts produced by international publishing companies draw upon existing discourses for a place that will allow external audiences to make sense of the contextual information provided for the destination. At the same time, they reify these discourses by presenting them to readers as objective facts. This paper uses discourse analysis to examine tourism guidebooks for the European destination region, the Eastern and/or Central European sub-region, and Slovenia. In particular, it examines the competing and conflicting discourses of Eastern and Central Europe in these externally authored and oriented texts to understand the socio-spatial construction of Slovenia as a European tourism destination.
Some types of conditioned inhibitors carry collateral excitatory associations

Abstract Two experiments using summation tests in conditioned suppression with rats examined whether conditioned inhibitors generated by five different conditioning procedures have an associative structure which includes collateral excitatory associations. The existence of collateral conditioned excitation was inferred from an increase in the amount of manifest conditioned inhibition after a conditioned inhibitory stimulus (CS-) extinction treatment. The five CS-s evaluated were differential, explicitly unpaired, conditional, backward, and trace. With abbreviated conditioning (Experiment 1), the differential and explicitly unpaired CS-s exhibited conditioned inhibitory properties; the conditional, backward, and trace CS-s did not. Repeated extinction presentations of the CS- in the absence of the unconditioned stimulus unmasked conditioned inhibition to the conditional, backward, and trace CS-s revealing moderate degrees of conditioned inhibition for all five CS-s. After more extensive conditioning (Experiment 2), the explicitly unpaired and conditional CS-s were strongly inhibitory and the differential and trace CS-s were moderately inhibitory. The backward CS- was not inhibitory. Repeated presentations of the CS- in extinction unmasked conditioned inhibition to trace and backward CS-s. All five CS-s were now nearly equally inhibitory. That the measured inhibitory power of backward, trace, and conditional (after few trials) CS-s can be modulated by a CS- extinction treatment suggests that they have similar associative structures and carry, in addition to inhibitory associations, collateral excitatory associations that mask the expression of conditioned inhibition.
MULTICYSTIC DYSPLASTIC KIDNEY AS CAUSE OF GASTRIC OUTLET OBSTRUCTION AND RESPIRATORY COMPROMISE

Long-term clinical concerns of hypertension, infection and malignancy associated with multicystic dysplastic kidneys have been well described. 1.2 More acute clinical consequences associated with multicystic kidneys in the neonatal period seem to occur less often. We report on 2 newborns with gastric outlet obstruction and respiratory compromise caused by multicystic dysplastic kidneys, which were partially relieved with ultrasound guided cyst aspiration and ultimately cured by nephrectomy.
Donor/acceptor nature of radiation-induced interface traps

The conductance technique is used to study radiation-induced interface-traps on Sandia Laboratories' radiation-hardened technologies. The density of interface traps, the time constant for interface trap response, and the donor/acceptor nature of the interface traps are investigated. The donor/acceptor nature of interface traps is determined by comparing the theoretical and experimental values of the variance in the conductance peak. Results indicate the presence of both donor and acceptor traps in both parts of the bandgap after irradiation. >
Partial characterisation of a cherry isolate of a newly emerging stone fruit virus: Plum bark necrosis stem pitting associated virus

Plum bark necrosis stem pitting associated virus (PBNSPaV) has occurred globally over the last two decades and is becoming one of the major agricultural issues of stone fruits. The virus was detected for the first time in plums and has been reported in the other stone fruit species. The agent, whose dissemination mode is still unknown, has been first reported in cherries in Turkey grown in Malatya province. In this study, the K1 isolate of PBNSPaV, identified in a sweet cherry plant with severe stem pitting and gumming symptoms on its trunk, was partially characterised. A fragment of Hsp70h gene located on ORF3 of viral genome has been cloned, sequenced and analysed phylogenetically (Accession number. FJ231498). The PBNSPaV-K1 isolate showed 93–96% nucleotide sequence identity to sequences of Italian and American isolates in databases. An RNA probe has been raised for fast and reliable detection of the agent by molecular hybridisation. The studies on development of genome specific primers for the detectio...
Human bone marrow stromal cell and ligament fibroblast responses on RGD-modified silk fibers

Adhesion, spreading, proliferation, and collagen matrix production of human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) on an RGD-modified silk matrix was studied. Anterior cruciate ligament fibroblasts (ACLFs) were used as a control cell source. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and MTT analyses demonstrated that the modified silk matrices support improved BMSC and ACLF attachment and show higher cell density over 14 days in culture when compared with the non-RGD-modified matrices. Collagen type I transcript levels (at day 7) and content (at day 14) was significantly higher on the RGD-modified substrate than on the nonmodified group. The ability of RGD-coupled silk matrices to support BMSC attachment, which leads to higher cell density and collagen matrix production in vitro, combined with mechanical, fatigue, and biocompatibility properties of the silk protein matrix, suggest potential for use of this biomaterial for tissue engineering.
A benzene selective electrode

An innovative method for benzene detection has been created. Using polymer assisted molecular recognition an electrode sensitive to benzene has been developed. A functionalized form of thiophene (3-thiophenemethanol) is covalently attached to a template molecule (isophthaloyl dichloride), an analogue of benzene. The monomer-template complex (bis(thiene-3-ylmethyl) isophthalate) is immobilized onto a platinum electrode by polymerizing onto a bithiophene plated electrode via galvanometric solution polymerization. The template molecule is then removed by subjecting the electrode to an aqueous solution of NaOH at approximately pH 10 for 2-3 minutes. This removal opens a "binding site" for benzene. Reversible cyclic voltammetric waves show that benzene does interact with the "binding sites" when compared to pure thiophene and bare platinum.
Spectrally-quantified chemical reactivity of optical fluids and materials in the GMACS spectrograph for GMT

We present a preview of compatibility tests for index-matching fluids with commonly used optical assembly materials. Although we focus on fluid candidates for GMACS, the results of the conducted experiments are applicable to all instruments that use optical index-matching fluids. The experiment presented here aims to identify potentially corrosive matchings of fluids and materials. In the experiment, a material (RTV, polyethylene, delrin, etc.) is submerged in a quartz cuvette of fluid (Cargille liquids, glycerin, etc.). Contamination is observed by using a spectrometer to measure the absorption spectrum at various post-submersion times. The current results have large measurement errors compared to the signal, and no contamination appears to have taken place. We detail the source of these errors and make suggestions for similar future experiments.
Ovarian and peripheral plasma levels of progestogens, androgens and oestrogens in post-menopausal women.

Ovarian and peripheral plasma concentrations of oestrone (E1), oestradiol (E2), androstenedione (A), testosterone (T), progesterone (P) and 17α-hydroxy-progesterone (17αOH-P) were assayed in 20 healthy post-menopausal women undergoing hysterectomy because of uterine fibromatosis. Significant differences were found between the ovarian and peripheral levels of E1 (P < 0.01), E2 (P < 0.001), A (P < 0.01), T (P < 0.001) and P (P < 0.001). Analysis of the possible relationships between peripheral and ovarian levels of the six steroids considered and the patients' clinical characteristics revealed a positive correlation in only three cases, viz. between body weight and peripheral levels of E1 and E2, between E1 and E2 peripheral levels and between body weight and the E1 /A ratio. The ovarian-peripheral gradient was calculated for each patient and was considered significant only if the ovarian peripheral difference exceeded the sum of each concentration multiplied by twice the maximal coefficient of variation of the assays used (12%). This gradient was significant in 75% of patients for T, in 45% for A, in 35% for E2, in 25% for E1, in 35% for P and in 30% for 17αOH-P. Our findings confirm that circulating oestrogens in post-menopausal women originate mainly from the peripheral conversion of ovarian and adrenal androgens and that the ovary still continues to produce androgens. They also provide evidence that the ovary, at least in some post-menopausal subjects, can be a potential source of oestrogens and progestogens.
Analysis of Multi-User Congestion Control for Video Streaming Over Wireless Networks

When multiple video sources are live-encoded and transmitted over a common wireless network, each stream needs to adapt its encoding parameters to wireless channel fluctuations, so as to avoid congesting the network. We present a stochastic system model for analyzing multi-user congestion control for live video coding and streaming over a wireless network. Variations in video content complexities and wireless channel conditions are modeled as independent Markov processes, which jointly determine the bottleneck queue size of each stream. Interaction among multiple users are captured by a simple model of random traffic contention. Using the model, we investigate two distributed congestion control policies: an approach based on stochastic tic dynamic programming (SDP) and a greedy heuristic. Compared to fixed-quality coding with no congestion control, performance gains in the range of 0.5-1.3 dB in average video quality are reported for the optimized schemes from simulation results.
Factor XIII deficiency

Summary. Inherited factor XIII (FXIII) deficiency is a rare bleeding disorder that can present with umbilical bleeding during the neonatal period, delayed soft tissue bruising, mucosal bleeding and life-threatening intracranial haemorrhage. FXIII deficiency has also been associated with poor wound healing and recurrent miscarriages. FXIII plays an integral role in haemostasis by catalysing the crosslinking of fibrin, platelet membrane and matrix proteins throughout thrombus formation, thus stabilizing the blood clot. The molecular basis of FXIII deficiency is characterized by a high degree of heterogeneity, which contributes to the different clinical manifestations of the disease. There have been more than 60 FXIII mutations identified in the current literature. In addition, single nucleotide polymorphisms have been described, some of which have been shown to affect FXIII activity, contributing further to the heterogeneity in patient presentation and severity of clinical symptoms. Although there is a lifelong risk of bleeding, the prognosis is excellent when current prophylactic treatment is available using cryoprecipitate or plasma-derived FXIII concentrate.
The prediction of attitudes from beliefs and evaluations: the logic of the double negative.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Fishbein's (e.g. 1980) theory of reasoned action is the logic of the double negative: if a behaviour is thought to be unlikely to result in a negatively evaluated consequence, then the product of the two negatives (an unlikely consequence that is negatively valued) is thought to provide an impetus for the formation of a positive attitude towards the behaviour. The present experiment tested two derivations from the logic of the double negative. First, according to this logic, whether beliefs and evaluations are positively or negatively framed should not affect their ability to predict attitudes. Second, the multiplicative assumption of this logic (a negative x negative = a positive) suggests that a multiplicative model should be a superior predictor of attitudes compared to an additive model that does not allow for the logic of the double negative. The obtained findings contradicted both of these predictions.
Conduction processes of the gramicidin channel

The significance of the gramicidin channel, its structural elements, and the importance of the peptide libration mechanism are reviewed. Elemental ionic processes of the single-channel currents are considered, which indicate the possibility of two- and three-site models. Data are presented which demonstrate the absence of interactions required for the three-site model, and the resulting free-energy profile for the two-site model is given for the most probable conducting state. The need to extend analyses to include an understanding of multiple conformational states is outlined, and results from approximate conformational energy calculations are presented showing that there are numerous low-energy conformations for the side chains of gramicidin. Specifically the interactions between L·Trp9 and L·Trp15 side chains and between D·Leu4…D·Leu10 are analyzed to show the existence of several energy minima separated by appreciable barriers. These findings provide the basis for understanding facilitated entry of the second ion into the channel and the occurrence of lipid-dependent dispersion of conductance states. Finally perspectives of the molecular mechanism of anesthetics are discussed relevant to the gramicidin channel mean lifetime and single-channel currents.
Solvent Dependent Spin-State Behaviour via Hydrogen Bonding in Neutral FeII Diimine Complexes

We report the syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of cis-[Fe(pizR)2(NCS)2] complexes based on the pyridyl imidazoline ligands 2-(2′-pyridinyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazole (pizH, 1) and 2-(2′-pyridinyl)-4,5-dihydro-1-methylimidazole (pizMe, 2). The ligands, complexes, and magnetic measurements are chosen to separate hydrogen-bonding and intrinsic ligand field properties, so as to improve our understanding of the effect of hydrogen-bonding interactions on spin-state switching. In the solid state, both complexes are high spin between 5 and 300 K. In deuterated methanol and acetonitrile solutions, both complexes show gradual thermal spin crossover. Complex 1, capable of hydrogen bonding, shows solvent-sensitive spin crossover, whereas spin crossover in the methylated analogue 2 is insensitive to solvent identity.
Examining the Impact of the 1986 Tax Reform Act on Corporate Dividend Policy: A New Methodology

This article introduces a new methodology to investigate the effects of the 1986 Tax Reform Act (TRA) on corporate dividend policy. The methodology employs a modified version of Rozeff's (1982) model to control for the potential effect of underlying influential variables. The empirical results show there is no widespread reaction to the 1986 TRA passage on the aggregate level of dividends and only modest support for an industry-related dividend effect. We also find that firm size does not play a significant role in dividend policy reaction to the 1986 TRA.
Comparison of photometric measurements and charge moment estimations in two sprite‐producing storms

[1] In one relatively small storm on July 2, 2000, 276 sprites were observed between 04:00-07:00 UT. These sprites were largely confined to 70-85 km altitude, were relatively faint and diffuse, and were typically associated with very high peak currents and short time duration. A second storm, on July 4, 2000, had a much larger spatial extent and 27 sprites were observed between 04:00-07:00 UT in a wide range of shapes and time scales spanning 40-90 km altitude. These sprites were produced by 20-120 kA CG's, had complex optical signatures, and were frequently associated with observed ELF radiation. We hypothesize that relatively small storms mainly produce sprites in the form of diffuse glow whereas larger storms with higher cloud tops can initiate streamer discharges leading to more spectacular sprites.
Impact of weathering on flashover performance of nonceramic insulators

Nonceramic (composite) insulators that were in service on 69-230 kV transmission lines for periods up to 25 years were evaluated in the laboratory with the objective of assessing future performance of similar devices in the field. These insulators had housings made from different formulations of silicone rubber and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber. They were removed from relatively clean locations where weathering was probably the most dominant aging factor. Some EPDM insulators had flashed over during service. Using a combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrical surface resistance under wet conditions, and a theoretical model for contamination flashover, it has been shown that it is possible to predict the flashover performance in service, based on the thickness of the degraded surface. A threshold value has been established beyond which flashover is likely to occur in the field. This information can be used for planning insulator replacement or maintenance.
Performance analysis of wavelet transform-based adaptive filtering

The wavelet transform has been introduced for quite some time now. We examine the performance of wavelet transform-based adaptive filters. The application of two typical wavelets (D4 and Haar wavelets) are studied extensively as indicators of wavelet transform-based adaptive filter performance in general. Experimental results for a system identification application show an improvement in signal modelling and satisfactory convergence speed for a variety of equalisation conditions. We also compare the wavelet transform-based adaptive filters of Lee and Un (1986) to other transform-based adaptive filters such as discrete-cosine transform (DCT), discrete sine transform (DST), discrete Fourier transform (DFT), Walsh Hadamard transform (WHT) and discrete Hartley transform (DHT). The results of this comparison are mixed. We find that the performance depends on many factors but are consistent with the findings of Lee and Un. The results are also largely dependent on the properties of wavelets which have been found to be well suited for analyzing non-stationary signals. Finally, we present computational complexity considerations between these various transform-domain adaptive filters. >
PR3ANCA Related Cerebral Vasculitis in Ulcerative Colitis Presenting with Orbital Involvement: A Case Report with Review of Literature

PR3 ANCA is a classic marker of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). There have been several recent reports of increased prevalence of PR3ANCA in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, the clinical implication of which is not well defined. We are reporting a case of 27-year-old Caucasian male with 14-year history of UC presenting with unilateral proptosis, conjunctival congestion, and chemosis who developed acute hemiparesis within three days of hospital admission, followed by rapid neurological deterioration correlating with brain imaging findings. Serologically he had atypical PANCA with high PR3 antibody titer with a negative infectious workup. His cerebral angiogram was normal but the brain biopsy showed necrotizing vasculitis. He was diagnosed with PR3 ANCA mediated cerebral and orbital vasculitis associated with UC. Treatment was initiated with high dose steroids, plasmapheresis, and cyclophosphamide. He improved significantly with residual left hemiparesis.
Nonlinear control of spatially inhomogenous aerosol processes

This article proposes a nonlinear feedback control methodology for spatially inhomogeneous aerosol processes for which the manipulated inputs, the control objectives and the measurements are distributed in space. Initially, a general nonlinear partial integro-differential equation model which describes the spatio-temporal evolution of the aerosol size distribution, as well as the evolution of the concentrations of species and temperature of the continuous phase is presented. The model accounts for simultaneous chemical reaction, nucleation, condensation, coagulation and convective transport. Then, under the assumption of lognormal aerosol size distribution, the method of moments is employed to reduce the original model into a set of first-order hyperbolic partial differential equations (PDEs) which accurately describes the spatio-temporal evolution of the three leading moments needed to precisely characterize the aerosol size distribution. This hyperbolic PDE system is then used as the basis for the synthesis of nonlinear distributed output feedback controllers that enforce closed-loop stability and achieve an aerosol size distribution with desired characteristics. The proposed nonlinear control method is successfully applied through simulations to a typical aerosol process and is shown to outperform a conventional proportional integral control scheme and deal effectively with disturbances in the feed to the process.
QUICK: exploring the middle ground in user interface design tools

Interface construction kits have become firmly established and well-accepted in recent years. They offer solutions to the programming complexity created by introducing user interface operations into traditional programming languages. The authors argue that an understanding of the productivity gain afforded by construction kits must be shaped by separating programming language from programming environment. The QUICK user interface construction kit is described and used as an example to explore what the authors call the middle ground in language abstraction: the prototype model of object-oriented languages. >
High critical current density YBa2Cu3O7δ thick films using ion beam assisted deposition MgO bi-axially oriented template layers on nickel-based superalloy substrates

Nickel-based superalloys have been coated with magnesium oxide (MgO) using ion-beam-assisted deposition (IBAD). This technique produced a well-oriented bi-axially textured MgO template layer with a Ф scan full width half maximum of 6.4°. The layer architecture for these samples was as follows: polished hastelloy C276/amorphous Si3N4/IBAD MgO/ pulsed laser deposited (PLD) Y2O3–ZrO2/PLD CeO2/PLD YBa2Cu3O7?δ. The subsequent heteroepitaxial PLD of 1.5-mm-thick YBCO showed a nominal critical current density of over 1 MA/cm2 (75 K, self-field) along a microbridge and had an in-plane mosaic spread of 4.8° and an out-of-plane spread of 1.3°. These results compare well with our earlier work using IBAD yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) as a template layer and indicate that IBAD MgO is a suitable substitute. Furthermore, these results suggest that IBAD MgO could be adapted to and increase the feasibility of a continuous process to fabricate longer lengths of coated conductors at speeds 100 times faster than that previously realized with IBAD YSZ.
Layers of Diagnosis for Planned Relational Change in Organizations

Planned change innately involves shifting relationships and patterns of interaction. Social network analysis can make these patterns visible and so help target interventions. Yeta great deal of conscious and unconscious interpersonal dynamics that should also be considered exist beneath the surface of such patterns. This in-depth case study illustrates how clinical and network approaches to diagnosis can reveal different change interventions. Three principles for combining clinical and social network techniques are identified. First, in addition to viewing structure as constraining action, networks should be considered as symptoms of deeper organizational issues. Second, networks should be understood normatively in terms of rational task requirements but also in terms of other, less observable (and possibly irrational) needs of organization members. Finally, analysts and change agents are best served by developing relationships of trust when applying social network analysis and interpreting patterns in wa...
On a Possible Microscopic Mechanism Underlying the Vapor Pressure Paradox

We investigate the free energy and the profile of the displacement field in a stack of sterically interacting smectic multilayers bounded by surfaces under tension. We show that this tension can lead to a significant change in the multilayer free energy. It creates an additional long-range attraction (a pseudo-Casimir attraction) of the van der Waals type and leads to a perturbation in the spatial profile of the displacement field fluctuations. This perturbation can extend to macroscopic distances into the multilayer, away from the perturbing surfaces. The lowering of the free energy of the layers varies explicitly as an inverse power of the thickness of the stack, but also depends implicitly on the bare interactions between the smectic layers. One may regard this lowered energy as being due to a kind of mechanical van der Waals force. We investigate in detail the characteristics and magnitude of the free energy as well as the fluctuations in the displacement field for some typical situations of underlying interlamellar interactions.
β1-Adrenergic Receptor Polymorphisms and Clinical Efficacy of Betaxolol Hydrochloride in Normal Volunteers

Objective To evaluate the relationship between polymorphisms in the gene encoding the β 1 -adrenergic receptor (β 1 -AR) and clinical response to betaxolol hydrochloride 0.25% in a small pilot study of normal volunteers. Design Prospective nonrandomized comparative trial. Participants Forty-eight consecutive normal volunteers who met all eligibility requirements for inclusion into this study. Methods Baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) was recorded. Subjects began treatment with betaxolol (1 drop both eyes twice daily) and underwent follow-up IOP recordings at 3 and 6 weeks. Peripheral blood was obtained for genetic analysis. Main Outcome Measures Response to betaxolol was calculated as the change in mean IOP from baseline (averaged between both eyes and averaged between both follow-up visits). The β 1 -AR genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphisms at codons 49 (serine [Ser] or glycine [Gly]) and 389 (arginine [Arg] or Gly). Results There were 32 Ser49 homozygotes and 16 Gly49 carriers. There were no statistically significant differences between the Ser49 homozygotes and the Gly49 carriers with respect to baseline IOP or response to betaxolol therapy. There were 25 Arg389 homozygotes and 23 Gly389 carriers (22 heterozygotes and 1 Gly389 homozygote). As compared with Gly389 carriers, the Arg389 homozygotes had a higher baseline IOP (15.8 mmHg vs. 13.7 mmHg; P = 0.009) and a greater magnitude of response to betaxolol therapy (−3.4 mmHg vs. −1.5 mmHg; P = 0.0009). The Ser49 homozygote genotype was not independently associated with baseline IOP ( P = 0.47) or with a response to betaxolol ( P = 0.99). The Arg389 homozygote genotype was independently associated with a higher baseline IOP ( P = 0.03) and a greater response to betaxolol ( P = 0.03), even after adjusting for baseline IOP. Conclusions In this small pilot series, a single nucleotide polymorphism at codon 389 in the β 1 -AR seems to correlate with a response to betaxolol therapy in normal, nonglaucomatous volunteers. There was no such correlation at codon 49. The polymorphism at codon 389 may predict short-term response to betaxolol and may serve as a determinant of response to betaxolol and other adrenergic agents in glaucomatous eyes requiring treatment.
Using a software reliability model to design a telecommunications software architecture

The author proposes a software reliability model for a large real-time telecommunications software architecture. Some simple examples of the critical components of the software architecture and their dependencies are described. The component dependencies permit the propagation of faults from the component in which the fault originates to the other components. This propagation can cause failures in the chain (or in the tree) of components. Detection and failures depends on the tests executed or on the number and type of customer requests. An error can occur in any component. This error can be caused by a fault that propagated from another component or it can be a fault that originates in that component. The error can be traced through the component-dependency chain (or tree) to repair all the faults that are associated with that error. The software reliability model guides the design of the software architecture. >
HINDUISM AND SCIENCE: THE STATE OF THE SOUTH ASIAN SCIENCE AND RELIGION DISCOURSE

. The science and religion discourse in the Western academy, though expansive, has not paid significant enough attention to South Asian views, particularly those from Hindu thought. This essay seeks to address this issue in three parts. First, I present the South Asian standpoint as it currently relates to the science and religion discourse. Second, I survey and evaluate some available literature on South Asian approaches to the science and religion discourse. Finally, I promote three possible steps forward: (1) the literature must shift from high Hindu philosophical religion to the more prevalent bhakti traditions, (2) the Indian context must be understood in its own right without metaphysical assumptions attached to the concepts of science and religion, and (3) most importantly, concepts unique to the Indian worldview, such as dharma, maya, and cit, must receive better treatment in translation in order to facilitate a more accurate exchange of ideas across cultural boundaries.