cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Composition of Ultrafiltrates from Milk Heated at 80 to 230° F. in Relation to Heat Stability

Summary Analyses of ultrafiltrates collected from milk at temperatures up to 230° F. indicated that temperature changes affect the inorganic composition of milk much more drastically than has previously been demonstrated from the analyses of cooled milks. At 200° F., the amount of calcium passing into the ultrafiltrate was approximately 50%, and the phosphate about 82%, of that found at 80° F. On the other hand, the hydrogen ion concentration of ultrafiltrate collected at 200° F. was at least double that of ultrafiltrate Collected at 80° F. Similar tests made with solutions of calcium and phosphate indicated that these changes in the inorganic composition of milk can be explained entirely on the basis of changing solubility and composition of the insoluble calcium phosphate salts. No change in the dissociation of calcium citrate with temperature could be detected. No correlation was observed between the changes induced by heat and the heat stability of various samples of milk.
Family management practice, school achievement, and problem behavior in African American adolescents: Mediating processes

The association of mothers' report of family management practices (e.g., family routine and parental achievement expectations) with school achievement, school engagement, and problem behavior was assessed among African American mothers and adolescents. Findings revealed that family routine was positively associated with school achievement and adolescents' school attendance, attention to schoolwork, and sense of challenge, and was negatively related to problem behavior in school. Mothers' expectations were positively related to youngsters' school attendance. Students' attendance and attention were also positively associated with school achievement and negatively associated with problem behavior, and mediated the relation of family routine with school achievement and problem behavior. Adolescent perceptions of parental expectations were positively related to students' school achievement. The implications of the findings for addressing achievement and behavioral problems through school programming are discussed.
The interactions between indomethacin and cytotoxic drugs in mice bearing B-16 melanomas

Abstract We have compared the effects of indomethacin alone (100 μg/mouse/day) with those of indomethacin plus adriamycin, 5-FU, nitrogen mustard, thioTEPA, and vincristine on B-16 tumor cell proliferation in vivo. As we have previously descriged, after four days of treatment with indomethacin, subcutaneous tumors were slightly smaller and lighter in weight, but contained more melanoma cells. Addition of indomethacin to cytotoxic regimens resulted in either no change or a decrease in the effectiveness of the chemotherapy. In previous studies we demonstrated that treatment of tumor-bearing mice with a long-acting synthetic analogue of PGE2 (di-M-PGE2) stimulated the synthesis of endogenous prostaglandins. In order to evaluate if these endogenously synthesized prostaglandins were responsible for the inhibition of B-16 growth in vivo, mice were treated with di-M-PGE2 or di-M-PGE2 plus indomethacin. Addition of indomethacin did not alter the tumor inhibitory effects of di-M-PGE2.
Kyrgyzstan's Public Sector Reforms: 1991–2010

This article critically reviews the key public sector reforms in Kyrgyzstan, focusing on attempts to transform economic, political, and administrative institutions undertaken in this country for the last 20 years since it became independent from the former Soviet Union in 1991. Then, drawing from a synthesis of institutional theories, it analyses reform process and draws implications for practice and research.
Sequence-specific detection of individual DNA polymerase complexes in real time using a nanopore

Nanoscale pores have potential to be used as biosensors and are an established tool for analysing the structure and composition of single DNA or RNA molecules. Recently, nanopores have been used to measure the binding of enzymes to their DNA substrates. In this technique, a polynucleotide bound to an enzyme is drawn into the nanopore by an applied voltage. The force exerted on the charged backbone of the polynucleotide by the electric field is used to examine the enzyme-polynucleotide interactions. Here we show that a nanopore sensor can accurately identify DNA templates bound in the catalytic site of individual DNA polymerase molecules. Discrimination among unbound DNA, binary DNA/polymerase complexes, and ternary DNA/polymerase/deoxynucleotide triphosphate complexes was achieved in real time using finite state machine logic. This technique is applicable to numerous enzymes that bind or modify DNA or RNA including exonucleases, kinases and other polymerases.
Effect of single and duplex aging on precipitation response, microstructure, and fatigue crack behavior in Al-Li-Cu alloy AF/C-458

The interrelationships between precipitate characteristics and mechanical properties of Al-Li-Cu alloy AF/C-458 were quantified. The microstructure, precipitation response, and fatigue crack growth (FCG) rates in the Al-Li-Cu alloy AF/C-458 were studied following single and duplex aging treatments for varying aging times on specimens that were given a 6% stretch after solution heat treatment. The aging response was studied using hardness and compression yield strength measurements. Quantitative transmission electron microscopy methods were used to characterize average size, volume fraction, number density, and interparticle spacing of strengthening precipitates [i.e., δ’ (Al3Li) and T1 (Al2CuLi)]. Strength and FCG rates for select heat treatments were obtained and were related to the precipitate microstructure and yield strength data.
A BIOSENSOR METHOD FOR A COMPETITIVE IMMUNOASSAY DETECTION OF STAPHYLOCOCCAL ENTEROTOXIN B (SEB) IN MILK2

A sensitive and more rapid biosensor method for the detection of staphylococcal enterotoxins (SE) is needed by the food industry. Staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) is highly heat resistant and is a potential bioterrorism agent. Our research objective was to develop a competitive immunoassay using a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor for the detection of SEB below 1 ng/mL [part per billion (ppb)] in fresh fluid milk. The assay consisted of SEB immobilization on the sensor surface. An anti-SEB was allowed to bind with the SEB in samples off line prior to the biosensor analysis. The excess and unbound anti-SEB was then captured by SEB sensor. The assay conditions were optimized to detect SEB in HEPES buffer and in whole milk. An analysis of milk samples spiked with 0.312–50 ppb. SEB consisted of heating the samples at 95C followed by rapid cooling and centrifugation at 2961 × g to separate the skim fraction. Aliquots of the skim fraction containing SEB were allowed to bind with anti-SEB for 30 or 60 min. The SEB and anti-SEB complex were separated from the free anti-SEB by centrifugation, and the supernatants were injected over the sensor. SEB was detectable in buffer at 0.78–50 ppb and in spiked whole and skim milk from 0.312–25 ppb. The biosensor analysis including the sensor regeneration was 15 min per sample in a fully automated system. The competitive assay format resulted in higher detection sensitivity and greater sample throughput than the SPR biosensor sandwich assay. The competitive assay will be utilized for the detection of SEB in various foods and will be optimized for the detection of other staphylococcal toxins in foods.
In vivo functional photoacoustic imaging of brain tumor vasculature

We present a study of the functional photoacoustic imaging of tumor hypoxia in mice in vivo. Based on spectroscopic photoacoustic tomography that detects the optical absorption of oxy- and deoxy-hemoglobins, the blood oxygen saturation and the vascularization of brain tumors were visualized. U87 glioblastoma tumor cells were inoculated intracranially at a 3-mm depth from the surface of the nude mouse head seven days before the experiment. Increased blood content and hypoxia inside the tumor vasculature were detected through the intact skin and skull. This technique will be useful for future studies on tumor metabolic activities in the brain and hypoxia-related therapeutic resistance.
Closing in on a mechanism for activation

When insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) binds to its receptor, a physical constraint is released that allows the two transmembrane helices to come together to facilitate activation of the receptor.
The Effect Of Erbium Hydride On The Conversion Efficiency To Accelerated Protons From Ultra-Short Pulse Laser Irradiated Foils

This thesis work explores, experimentally, the potential gains in the conversion efficiency from ultra-intense laser light to proton beams using erbium hydride coatings. For years, it has been known that contaminants at the rear surface of an ultra-intense laser irradiated thin foil will be accelerated to multi-MeV. Inertial Confinement Fusion fast ignition using proton beams as the igniter source requires of about 10{sup 16} protons with an average energy of about 3MeV. This is far more than the 10{sup 12} protons available in the contaminant layer. Target designs must include some form of a hydrogen rich coating that can be made thick enough to support the beam requirements of fast ignition. Work with computer simulations of thin foils suggest the atomic mass of the non-hydrogen atoms in the surface layer has a strong affect on the conversion efficiency to protons. For example, the 167amu erbium atoms will take less energy away from the proton beam than a coating using carbon with a mass of 12amu. A pure hydrogen coating would be ideal, but technologically is not feasible at this time. In the experiments performed for my thesis, ErH{sub 3} coatings on 5 {micro}m gold foils are compared with typical contaminantsmore » which are approximately equivalent to CH{sub 1.7}. It will be shown that there was a factor of 1.25 {+-} 0.19 improvement in the conversion efficiency for protons above 3MeV using erbium hydride using the Callisto laser. Callisto is a 10J per pulse, 800nm wavelength laser with a pulse duration of 200fs and can be focused to a peak intensity of about 5 x 10{sup 19}W/cm{sup 2}. The total number of protons from either target type was on the order of 10{sup 10}. Furthermore, the same experiment was performed on the Titan laser, which has a 500fs pulse duration, 150J of energy and can be focused to about 3 x 10{sup 20} W/cm{sup 2}. In this experiment 10{sup 12} protons were seen from both erbium hydride and contaminants on 14 {micro} m gold foils. Significant improvements were also observed but possibly because of the depletion of hydrogen in the contaminant layer case.« less
Residual Stress Evaluation of Hydraulically Expanded Tube-to-Tubesheet Joint

An evaluation of a residual stress of hydraulically expanded tube-to-tubesheet joints is important in strength evaluation of certain devices such as heat exchangers, steam generators, etc. In this study, we carried out the analytical and experimental investigation in order to develop a model for the prediction of residual stress.The experiment of the tube expansion was carried out with nickel-base alloy tubes and a low-alloy steel tubesheet. The residual stress of each tube was evaluated by sectioning method where the released strain was measured after each tube was cut into thin strips. As a result, the tensile residual stress was detected at the transition zone between the expanded zone and the non-expanded zone on each tube. A finite element analysis was also performed with a three dimensional model for the tube-to-tubesheet joint. The accuracy of the analysis, however, needed to be improved. Therefore FEM models were developed where the following factors were considered: (i) work-hardened layer on the tube before expansion, (ii) friction between the inner surface of the tube and the mandrel used for hydraulic expansion. The accuracy improvement of the analysis was confirmed through the comparison of the numerical and experimental results.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Evaluation of the SMPS–APS system as a continuous monitor for measuring PM2.5, PM10 and coarse (PM2.5−10) concentrations

Abstract Respirable particulate matter (PM) has been linked to mortality and morbidity by a variety of epidemiological studies. This research has led to the creation of a new PM standard for particles with diameters 2.5 ). Since the conclusion of these studies, many leaps have been made in the realm of continuous particle measurement. Because the literature is still dominated by 24-hour averaged data, the US Environmental Protection Agency still uses this time average as the basis of its federal reference method, despite the fact that PM varies on much shorter time intervals. The purpose of this work is to compare the Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer and Aerodynamic Particle Sizer tandem (SMPS–APS) to other continuous PM measurement devices and to time-integrated mass samplers. The instruments used for comparison include the DataRAM nephelometer, Micro-Orifice Uniform Deposit Impactor (MOUDI), and Partisol Dichotomous Sampler. The data was collected over 4–5 months at various sites in the Los Angeles basin. The results show excellent agreement between the SMPS–APS and the mass based MOUDI and Partisol samplers for PM 2.5 . The DataRAM and SMPS–APS continuous monitors show robust correlation with each other when relative humidity 2.5−10 ) measured by the Partisol, however, does not track well with the same size range measured by the APS. Several sources of sampling error are discussed to account for this. Finally, mass concentrations collected in individual size ranges of the MOUDI were compared with those determined by the SMPS. While the size ranges from 0.32 to 10 μm agree between samplers, the size ranges
Zero-Crossing Properties of Angle-Modulated Signals

Most engineers accept that an angle-modulated signal can be demodulated given only its zero crossings. Unfortunately, proofs of this fact tend to be either quite complicated and devoid of physical insight or to incorporate a significant amount of intuition. The treatment in this paper is cast in terms of sampling theory and trigonometric interpolation. Under this viewpoint, the effects of devices such as digital frequency dividers and pulse-count discriminators are quite easy to understand, and the enhanced noise immunity associated with bandwidth expansion can be interpreted in terms of diversity reception.
Politics, media and youth: understanding political socialization via video production in secondary schools

Research on the lack of civic and political engagement on the part of today’s youth has relied on traditional, often quantitative, measures of political knowledge that may miss important elements of the process. Using an ethnographic approach with a group of inner‐city high school students, our study reveals a richer construction of students’ awareness of political issues, or political socialization than previously documented by conventional survey measures. Notably present is a sophisticated awareness of and identification with non‐news television formats which suggests that sources such as TV talk and reality shows may be important sources of political discourse and even civic engagement. Our study also supports the value of hands‐on media production projects for understanding youth political knowledge and awareness, suggesting an additional tool for political communication and civic engagement research.
Expert classifiers and the ordered veracity-experience response (OVER) curve

The training of good generalizations must mitigate both memorization and arrogance. Memorization is characterized as being too timid in associating new observations with previous experience. Contrarily, arrogance is being too bold. In classification problems, memorization is traditionally assessed via error matrices and iterative error-based techniques such as cross validation. These techniques, however, do nothing to assess arrogance in classification. To identify arrogant classifications, we propose a confusion-based figure of merit which we shall call the ordered veracity-experience response curve, or OVER curve. To produce the OVER curve, one must employ expert classifiers. An expert is a special classifier - a relational computation with not only a mechanism for decision making but also a quantifiable skill level. In this paper, we define the elements of both the expert classifier and OVER curve and, then, demonstrate their utility using the multilayer perceptron.
International reference ionosphere—Status 1995/96

Abstract This paper describes the 1995/1996 status of IRI activities listing the improvements/additions that are currently being implemented. It also reports about a special IRI Task Force effort at the International Center for Theoretical Physics focusing on a better description of the “intermediate region“ (bottomside and F1). IRI modelling efforts are also continuing in the topside ionosphere. Better representations of the region above the F peak are of critical importance for many investigations/applications that require Total Electron Content (TEC) predictions. We will briefly report about efforts at GSFC to make Alouette/ISIS topside sounder data available for the modelling community. Reliability and accuracy of model predictions can be considerably increased through updating with real-time measurements. IRI has for some time had the facility of updates with co-located simultaneous F peak parameters (foF2, NmF2, hmF2, M(3000)F2). To expand this capability, updating algorithms are now under development that will allow updates with available peak parameters and/or Total Electron Content (TEC) measurements.
PMS2-deficiency diminishes hypermutation of a λ1 transgene in young but not older mice

The Pms2 gene is involved in DNA mismatch repair in mammalian cells, and has recently been shown to affect hypermutation of mammalian immunoglobulin genes. We have studied hypermutation of a lambda1 transgene in chronically stimulated Peyer's patch B cells of both young and old mice deficient in function of Pms2. In young (3-4 months) mice, somatic hypermutation is fourfold lower in PMS2-deficient mice than in control mice. This difference is statistically significant (P < 0.05). In contrast, in older mice (9 months of age), hypermutation levels are indistinguishable in the Pms2-/- and Pms2+/+ backgrounds. In the older mice, there was no clear difference in the fraction of clones carrying either any mutations or at least two mutations when PMS2-deficient mice were compared with their wild-type littermates. As genomic instability increases with age, this observation is difficult to reconcile with the hypothesis that highly mutated B cells cannot survive in Peyer's patches. Moreover, there were clear differences apparent in the mutation spectra of the Pms2-/- and Pms2+/+ mice. In the PMS2-deficient background, deletion and insertion mutations were found, and there was a significant decrease in the ratio of A mutations to T mutations in comparison with the Pms2+/+ controls. Our data support the hypothesis that PMS2 functions in somatic hypermutation, and are most consistent with the hypothesis that the role of PMS2 is direct rather than indirect.
Photoacoustic Tomography: In Vivo Imaging from Organelles to Organs

Photoacoustic tomography (PAT) can create multiscale multicontrast images of living biological structures ranging from organelles to organs. This emerging technology overcomes the high degree of scattering of optical photons in biological tissue by making use of the photoacoustic effect. Light absorption by molecules creates a thermally induced pressure jump that launches ultrasonic waves, which are received by acoustic detectors to form images. Different implementations of PAT allow the spatial resolution to be scaled with the desired imaging depth in tissue while a high depth-to-resolution ratio is maintained. As a rule of thumb, the achievable spatial resolution is on the order of 1/200 of the desired imaging depth, which can reach up to 7 centimeters. PAT provides anatomical, functional, metabolic, molecular, and genetic contrasts of vasculature, hemodynamics, oxygen metabolism, biomarkers, and gene expression. We review the state of the art of PAT for both biological and clinical studies and discuss future prospects.
Mystery of Modern Phillips Curve

The modern Phillips curve is about the relationship between inflation and unemployment and has been the center of a fierce debate in economics over fifty years. This paper reports empirical evidence that uncovers some of its mysteries. The rate of inflation and the unemployment rate are closely related to business cycles. What is of interest is that no two business cycles are exactly alike; however, all business cycles are essentially alike [1,2]. Each expansion is ended by a recession induced by adverse shocks. The U.S. economy suffers from adverse shocks all the time, but not every shock gives rise to a recession. Why do adverse shocks often induce a recession after an expansion that has lasted for a substantial duration? That is, why are double-dip recessions so rare? Here do we find important evidence in the Phillips curve that may help answer this question. We also discuss some issues related to the monetary policy and raise a few open questions about the relationship between unemployment and business cycles.
Image states at ferromagnetic surfaces: Fe(110), (100), (111) and Co(0001).

Image states are observed on Fe(110), Fe(100), Fe(111), and Co(0001) with inverse photoemission. Their energies are 4.4, 3.7, 3.9, and 4.5 eV above the Fermi level, respectively. The magnetic splitting of these states is estimated using a phase-shift model, and values in the 0.03-eV range are obtained. The splitting is calculated to increase to more than 0.1 eV for image states close to the band edges of the supporting bulk band gap. Such a splitting would make it possible to create a spin-polarized, two-dimensional electron gas by selectively pumping the majority-spin image state with a laser.
The sexual abuse of Afro-American and White-American women in childhood☆

This study examined the prevalence of child sexual abuse in a multi-stage stratified probability sample of Afro-American and white-American women, 18 to 36 years of age, in Los Angeles County. The sample ranged in demographic characteristics by age, marital status, education and the presence of children. Of the total sample of 248 women, 154 (62%) reported at least one incident of sexual abuse prior to age 18, with 57% of Afro-American women and 67% of white-American women having been abused. Sexual abuse before the age of 18 appears to be of equal concern for both ethnic groups, although similarities and differences in the circumstances under which abuse incidents occurred were subtle and deserve attention. The need for identifying contemporary factors that contribute to the prevalence of abuse over the past 40 years is stressed.
A Descriptive Study of Barriers to Enrollment in a Collegiate Health Assessment Program

This study identifies barriers to participation in a Health Assessment Program. Forty-seven students at an urban college were surveyed. The students were eligible for a Health Assessment Program, but chose not to participate in it. Students identified barriers to their involvement. They also identified what would be necessary for them to begin participation in the program. Barriers were examined in light of Rosenstock's Health Belief Model. Major barriers cited included time constraints, communication issues, fear, and not perceiving a need for participation.
Cathodoluminescence studies of the 1.4 eV bands in vapor-phape-grown CdTe

Vapor-phase-grown CdTe is interesting in that it represents an alternate growth technology for CdTe and in addition provides an alternate setting in which to observe the poorly-understood 1.4 eV luminescence that has received much attention in liquid-phase-grown material. In this paper we present the first cathodoluminescence measurements in vapor-phase-grown CdTe. We describe the injection level dependence, temperature dependence, and frequency response of the luminescence of vapor-phase-grown CdTe and compare the results to those reported previously on liquid-phase-grown CdTe.
Riemannian submersions with minimal fibers and affine hypersurfaces

Let π : M → B be a Riemannian submersion with minimal fibers. In this article we prove the following results: (1) If M is positively curved, then the horizontal distribution of the submersion is a non-totally geodesic distribution; (2) if M is non-negatively (respectively, negatively) curved, then the fibers of the submersion have non-positive (respectively, negative) scalar curvature; and (3) if M can be realized either as an elliptic proper centroaffine hypersphere or as an improper hypersphere in some affine space, then the horizontal distribution is non-totally geodesic. Several applications are also presented.
Production and use of synthetic aperture images of aircraft: adaptive beamforming and 3-D stereo viewing

This paper consists of two parts. The first addresses the formation of 2-D high resolution ISAR images of targets such as aircraft and other vehicles without a priori knowledge of target trajectory. The same procedures provide SAR imaging without electromechanical platform stabilization. Two data- adaptive self-calibration algorithms that perform beamforming and focusing are described. The radio camera is the self-calibrating phased-array instrument used. X-band, 150 MHz bandwidth images are presented. The second part shows that SAR detection sensitivity is considerably enhanced when stereo pairs of such images are presented to the operator. Experiments are described using radar data of a commercial airplane for the target, and fields of farmland for the clutter background. The images of each stereo pair differ only in the horizontal locations of the targets relative to the clutter. Each experiment was viewed by eight observers. The probability of target detection (Pd) vs. target to clutter ratio (TCR) was measured in the first experiment, in which the stereo viewer was an old-fashioned hand-held stereoscope. The use of stereo pairs, relative to single-image viewing, increased detection sensitivity by 7 dB. In the second experiment the stereoscope was replaced by a sophisticated computer-driven electronic display and the threshold of target detectability was measured. The increase in detection sensitivity, again relative to single-image viewing, varied between 20 and 40 dB. The anticipated gain under nonlaboratory conditions is the order of 20 dB.
Predicting tradeoffs in contract-based distributed scheduling

We are interested in building intelligent, autonomous software agents that can relieve human users from the burden of routine, tedious information processing activities in organizations. As part of that research agenda, we present in this thesis results of our investigations in building autonomous agents for the problem domain of distributed scheduling. In particular, we have analyzed in detail the real-life domain of distributed meeting scheduling, in which autonomous, partially cooperative meeting scheduling agents negotiate with each other to schedule dynamically arriving meeting requests. To be effective and useful in such domains, autonomous agents need to use a structured information exchange mechanism that helps them quickly identify solutions to individual and global goals, as well as provide the capability to explain their actions to associated users on demand. Our agents achieve these capabilities by using the contract-net protocol, which has been used widely to coordinate the activities of agents in distributed problem-solving systems. To effectively implement this protocol in the distributed scheduling domain, we address each of the critical problem-solving aspects of a contracting agent: how to structure and search for contract proposals in the solution space, how much information to exchange to quickly converge the negotiation process without incurring excessive communication cost, how to bid effectively against announced contracts, how to represent and reason about tentative proposals, and when to withdraw past commitments if faced with new contingencies. We investigate heuristic strategy dimensions to control each of the above aspects of local problem solving. By using a finite state automata model of contracting agents, we precisely represent the processing stages, the resource requirements, and the interaction possibilities between meeting scheduling agents. We also develop probabilistic estimates of the performance of heuristic strategy options under a variety of environmental and local problem-solving conditions. We demonstrate the necessity of adaptive scheduling by showing that a static choice of strategy combinations leads to increasingly ineffective problem solving over time. As a remedial measure, we outline the design of an intelligent, adaptive scheduling agent that chooses from available strategy options to optimize certain performance measures for each new meeting it is asked to schedule.
Radioactive Dispersion Devices (RDD): What are the Odds?

Since the tragic events of September 11th, 2001 there has been apprehension that the United States may be ill-prepared to prevent future terrorist events. One source of concern is that a radioactive dispersion device (RDD) could be detonated at a vulnerable target anywhere in the nation. A RDD, also known as a "dirty bomb", is a conventional explosive packed with radioactive material. The explosion could disperse radioactive material over a wide area. The target could be an icon associated with American democracy and government, critical systems and infrastructure, a water supply, a nuclear power plant and others. Such an event could result in impact to citizens and communities on a number of levels: physical, economic, psychological and fiscal. The paper provides an overview of salient issues associated with RDD and offers perspectives on the vulnerability of the U.S., to attacks using such devices.
Efficacy of Venlafaxine in patients with major depressive disorder who have unsustained or no response to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: An open-label, uncontrolled study

Abstract Background: Approximately half of patients who are prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) either do not respond to treatment or do not experience a sustained response. Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of venlafaxine immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) in outpatients who either did not respond to SSRI treatment or did not maintain a sustained response. Methods: Outpatients who met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria for major depressive disorder who were previously treated with an SSRI (fluoxetine ≥20 mg/d; sertraline ≥50 mg/d; paroxetine ≥20 mg/d) for ≥6 weeks, but demonstrated an inadequate or unsustained response, were switched to venlafaxine (IR or XR formulation, 50–400 mg/d, titrated from 37.5 mg/d) for ≥6 weeks. Response at 6 to 8 weeks was defined as total score ≤10 on the modified 25-item Hamilton Depression (HAM-D 25 ) rating scale or total score ≥5 on the 21-item Patient Global Improvement (PGI-21) scale. Remission was defined as a HAM-D 25 total score ≤8 or PGI-21 score ≥7. Tests were administered by an unblinded, board-certified psychiatrist. Results: A total of 73 patients (54 women, 19 men; mean age, 38.6 years) were enrolled and treated with venlafaxine IR (n = 63) or venlafaxine XR (n = 10); 33 were SSRI nonresponders and 36 had an unsustained response to SSRI treatment. Four patients receiving venlafaxine IR discontinued due to drug-related adverse events (agitation, sedation, or nausea). Data from these patients were excluded from the analysis. After 6 to 8 weeks of treatment, 94.2% (65/69) of patients were considered responders (HAM-D 25 or PGI-21 criteria); 91.3% (63/69) of patients responded to treatment as assessed by both measures. Eighty-seven percent (60/69) and 85.5% (59/69) of patients achieved remission based on HAM-D 25 and PGI-21 criteria, respectively. Response/remission rates were comparable among patients treated with SSRIs, regardless of whether patients had failed to respond to treatment with 1 or 2 SSRIs. Conclusion: Venlafaxine IR/venlafaxine XR may be effective in outpatients with major depressive disorder who do not respond or have an unsustained response to SSRIs. However, randomized, controlled trials are needed before any conclusions can be drawn about the efficacy of this agent in this population.
Robustness to non-normality of regression tests

1. SUMMARY A number of statistical procedures involve the comparison of a 'regression' mean square with a 'residual' mean square using the normal-theory F distribution for reference. The use of the procedure for the analysis of actual data implies that the distribution of the meansquare ratio is insensitive to moderate non-normality. Many investigators, in particular Pearson (1931), Geary (1947), Gayen (1950), have considered the sensitivity of this distribution to parent non-normality for important special cases and a very general investigation was carried out by David & Johnson (1951a, b). The principal object of this paper is to demonstrate the overriding influence which the numerical values of the regression variables have in deciding sensitivity to non-normality and to demonstrate the essential nature of this dependency. We first obtain a simple approximation to the distribution of the regression F statistic in the non-normal case. This shows that it is 'the extent of non-normality' in the regression variables (the x's), which determines sensitivity to non-normality in the observations (the y's). Our results are illustrated for certain familiar special cases. In particular the well-known robustness of the analysis of variance test to compare means of equal-sized groups and the notorious lack of robustness of the test to compare two estimates of variance from independent samples are discussed in this context. We finally show that it is possible to choose the regression variables so that, to the order of approximation we employ, non-normality in the y's is without effect on the distribution of the test statistic. Our results demonstrate the effect which the choice of experimental design has in deciding robustness to non-normality.
Comparison of ligand polarization and enzyme activation in medium- and short-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase-novel analog complexes

Abstract Spectroelectrochemical and off-resonance Raman indicate that substrate/product binding to medium-chain acyl–coenzyme A (CoA) dehydrogenase (pMCAD) results in ligand polarization and positive flavin potential shifts, which activate the enzyme for electron transfer. Bacterial short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (bSCAD) typically exhibits smaller potential shifts upon substrate/product binding that have not been linked to ligand polarization. To further investigate the roles of ligand binding and polarization in activation, several novel aromatic carboxyloyl–CoAs were designed. These analogs allowed for the first direct comparison of pMCAD and bSCAD mechanisms. The results indicate that pMCAD activation can occur without perceptible analog polarization. bSCAD data provide the first spectral evidence of ligand polarization. The potential alterations exhibited by ligand-bound bSCAD are smaller than those of pMCAD, while their directionality and magnitude suggest differing enzyme–analog interactions. Such data provide the first indication of variations in the activation mechanism of these enzymes, which were thought to be comparable in both structure and function.
Sun and Earth

This book is a gem! It is written in an easy, lucid style, at a popular level, and yet it is filled with the sorts of insights and relationships that any AGU member would find fresh and informative. This is a book containing ideas to talk about over lunch. It also is useful as a primer to quickly learn or review diverse matters starting at the center of the Sun and continuing to the surface of Earth. (There is an appendix of references should one wish more information on any topic.) The most important attribute of this book, however, is that these diverse matters are tied together in a masterful way. With simple declarative sentences and bountiful illustrations, Friedman gives us an inspiring overview of the Sun-Earth system.
The influence of plant growth regulators on the growth of the embryonic axes of red- and far-red-treated lettuce seeds

The influence of several plant growth regulators on the growth of the embryonic axes from red- and far-red-(R- and FR-)treated lettuce (Lactuca sativa L., cv. Grand Rapids) seeds was examined; as shown previously, the water potential of the axes from R-treated seeds has been lowered by 3.5-5.6 bars compared to that in axes from FR-treated ones. Kinetin and abscisic acid (ABA), when included in the incubation medium, reduced the elongation of the axes whereas fusicoccin stimulated it; however, these effects were the same in axes of both R- and FR-treated seeds. In contrast, elongation of axes from FR-treated seeds was stimulated by gibberellic acid (GA3, but elongation of axes from R-treated ones was not affected by this hormone. This latter result indicates that gibberellins may be involved in the phytochrome-mediated growth responses in lettuce axes.When the root caps of the embryos were removed prior to light treatment, R was still able to induce a water-potential decrease in the embryonic axes, indicating that at least a portion of the active Pfr resides in the axis and not the root cap.
Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabiol (THC) decreases the number of high and intermediate affinity IL-2 receptors of the IL-2 dependent cell line NKB61A2

Abstract Treatment of the cloned NK-cell line (NKB61A2) with the major psychoactive marijuana component, delta-9-tetrahdyrocannabinol (THC), for 24 h suppressed IL-2-induced proliferation of these cells in the cytokine concentration range of 0.25 – 10 pM suggesting that the drug inhibits the functional activity of the high affinity IL-2R. The proliferation inhibitory effect of THC was accompanied by a decrease in the number of high and intermediate affinity IL-2 binding sites as measured by equilibrium binding studies. However, the expression of Tac protein on the surface of these cells was increased as determined by flow cytometry analysis. THC was also shown to decrease proliferation and the number of IL-2 binding sites of cells previously pulsed with IL-2 and then treated with the drug in the absence of IL-2. These results suggest that THC inhibits IL-2-induced proliferation by modulating the expression of high affinity IL-2 receptors (α/β) required for cell activation and also suppresses the ongoing process of functional receptor expression and clonal expansion of cells previously activated by IL-2. Because the number of intermediate binding sites is decreased following drug treatment along with an increase in the expression of Tac protein (α chain), the lowering of high affinity sites possibly results from a drug-induced depression of β chain expression.
Generalized Dundurs constants foranisotropic bimaterials

Abstract It is well known that when a homogeneous isotropic elastic medium is under a planestrain deformation due to prescribed tractions at the boundary, the stress is independent of elastic constants. In the case of a bimaterial that consists of two dissimilar isotropic materials bonded together along their interface, the stress depends on two composite elastic constants known as Dundurs constants. For anisotropic elastic materials, plane strain deformations are possible for monoclinic materials with the symmetry plane at x3 = 0. For these materials, the plane strain solution is in terms of two complex variables z1 = x1 +p1x2 and z2 = x1 +p2x2, where p1 and p2 are complex eigenvalues depending on elastic constants. If the boundary conditions are prescribed in terms of tractions, it is shown that the stress is independent of elastic constants except p1 and p2. In the case of a bimaterial that consists of two dissimilar monoclinic materials bonded together along their interface, the stress depends on two composite elastic constants α and β (in addition to p1 and p2 in both materials). They reduce to Dundurs constants in the isotropic limit. The result remains valid when the interface is not perfectly bonded. We also show that every plane strain solution to a given anisotropic material or bimaterial is applicable to a wider class of anisotropic materials and bimaterials. In particular, every plane strain solution to an isotropic material or bimaterial is applicable to a class of anisotropic materials or bimaterials that may possess no material symmetry. Finally, we show how the results obtained here can be modified for plane stress deformations.
Combustion of strongly-interacting linear droplet arrays

Experiments were conducted to study the droplet vaporization rate, the gross flame characteristics, and the effect of buoyancy of closely-spaced, strongly-interacting, linear arrays of two and three droplets. Intensity of buoyancy was controlled by varying the pressure and oxygen concentration within the combustion chamber. Results show that the burning process depends on the initial array configuration, that the droplet vaporization rate does not follow the d2-law, that the measured rate is substantially below the existing theoretical predictions except towards the latter part of the droplet lifetime at which good agreement exists, and that buoyancy can significantly enhance the vaporization rate to compensate for the interference effect. Droplet heating is retarded due to interference and is identified, together with array configuration, buoyancy, and the mergedness of the flame as the important factors governing multi-droplet combustion.
Cerebrospinal fluid acetylcholinesterase and choline measurements in Huntington's disease.

The caudate nucleus has the highest acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the brain and it has been shown that autopsied brain tissue of patients with Huntington's disease (HD) have reduced levels of acetylcholine. Because of these findings, the cholinergic function in HD was studied by measuring cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) choline levels and AChE activity during a randomized, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled clinical trial of isoniazid. While mean choline levels adjusted for age were lower compared with controls (P=0.0007), AChE activity did not differ between HD patients and normal controls. Treatment with isoniazid had no significant effect on CSF choline levels or CSF AChE activity. CSF AChE activity showed a statistically significant increase with advancing age. The reduced level of choline in CSF of HD patients may reflect either a defect in choline transport into the brain or a decrease of choline-phospholipid output from the brain.
Nuclear-Magnetic-Resonance Study of Self-Diffusion in a Bounded Medium

The investigation of the effects of diffusion in a magnetic field gradient on the spin-echo experiment in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is extended to small samples in which the diffusion is bounded, or restricted. From the point of view of NMR, bounded diffusion means that the spin dephasing time ${T}_{2}\ensuremath{\gg}{t}_{x}$, the average time for a molecule to diffuse once across a sample width $a$. A more realistic criterion is that $a$ is small enough or that the diffusion coefficient $D$ is large enough that the quantity $\frac{\ensuremath{\gamma}G{a}^{3}}{D}$ is about equal to or less than 1, where $G$ is a linear magnetic field gradient and $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ is the nuclear gyromagnetic ration. An effective self-diffusion coefficient ${D}^{\ensuremath{'}}(t)=\ensuremath{-}12 \frac{\mathrm{ln}[\frac{M(t,G)}{M(t,0)}]}{{\ensuremath{\gamma}}^{2}{G}^{2}{t}^{3}}$ is defined from the Hahn spin-echo experiment, where $t=2\ensuremath{\tau}$ is the time of the echo, and $M(t,G)$ is the echo amplitude. For infinite samples, ${D}^{\ensuremath{'}}=D$, the true self-diffusion coefficient. However, when ${t}_{x}\ensuremath{\ll}{T}_{2}$, then $\frac{{D}^{\ensuremath{'}}}{D}l1$ and ${D}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ depends on $t$. The measurement of ${D}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ is made by holding the times of an echo, $t=2\ensuremath{\tau}$, constant and varying $G$. Experimental data are presented on ${D}^{\ensuremath{'}}(t)$ for four values of $a$ and values of $\frac{\ensuremath{\gamma}G{a}^{3}}{D}$ which range from being much greater than unity to less than unity. Results of the Carr-Purcell experiment are also presented and briefly discussed. A comparison of data from the spin-echo experiment is made with a theoretical calculation of ${D}^{\ensuremath{'}}(t)$ which uses Torrey's modification of the Bloch equations and requires that boundary conditions be satisfied. Results are compared with the theory developed by Robertson. A universal curve for $\frac{{D}^{\ensuremath{'}}}{D}$ versus $\frac{t}{{t}_{x}}$ is plotted, illustrating that ${D}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ is independent of $G$. It is shown that the reduced rate of decay of the echo envelope in the case of bounded diffusion is, in effect, a motional-narrowing phenomenon.
Evaluation of polymer flock and metal alloy intra-tubal device in pigtail monkeys

Two intratubal devices, one covered with a flock made from ethylene vinyl acetate and the other constructed of titanium-aluminum-vanadium alloy with an etched surface were evaluated after being placed in the Fallopian tubes of pigtail monkeys. In some instances, the devices were medicated with 10% silver nitrate or 50% quinacrine hydrochloride. The microflock device anchored in the tube mechanically, but there is no evidence that either the polymeric or metal alloy device formed an actual attachment with Fallopian tube epithelium. It is suggested that a mechanical design approach to ITDs might be more productive than one which assumes a tissue-device bond.
Monoamine Oxidase Substrates and Substrate Affinity

The evidence that there are two forms of monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes is reviewed. On the basis of various substrate affinities, differential inhibition by deprenyl and clorgyline, and heat inactivation, there appear to be a type A and a type B MAO in various tissues. The enzymatic oxidation of telemethylhistamine (tMH) is an example of an endogenous substrate for type B MAO.
Imaging of cystic pancreatic lesions

Cystic lesions of the pancreas are encountered on abdominal imaging studies on a routine basis. Cystic pancreatic lesions represent a variety of both benign and malignant disease entities that present with a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms. Cystic pancreatic lesions are being detected at an ever increasing rate due to increasingly sophisticated imaging techniques. Various imaging modalities can be employed in the evaluation of cystic pancreatic lesions. While CT serves as the mainstay of routine pancreatic imaging, MR is becoming increasingly utilized in the detection and characterization of suspected cystic pancreatic lesions. Accurate characterization of such lesions is imperative in order to select the most appropriate clinical management.
Diffraction from a short-cavity Fabry-Pérot: application to photorefractive quantum wells

Abstract Diffraction efficiencies from absorption and index gratings in short-cavity Fabry-Perot multiple quantum well structures are strong functions of film thickness. Diffraction efficiencies of transmitted and reflected waves vary by an order of magnitude by adjusting the device thickness to bring the Fabry-Perot resonance condition close to the excitonic absorption. Asymmetric Fabry-Perot quantum-well reflection modulators produce the largest diffraction efficiencies, with input diffraction efficiencies approaching 6%. Analytic expressions for the diffraction efficiencies are derived in the Raman-Nath regime for a single thin film and for multilayer structures. These results apply in general for dynamic holography and transient dielectric gratings in thin films, but is illustrated specifically for photorefractive semiconductor quantum wells.