cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanocomposites formed from linear low density polyethylene and organoclays

Abstract Polyethylene-clay nanocomposites were prepared by melt compounding various combinations of a maleic anhydride grafted linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE- g -MA), a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), and two organoclays. The two types of organoclay were selected to show the effect of the number of alkyl groups attached to the nitrogen of the organic modifier on exfoliation and improvement of mechanical properties. Nanocomposites derived from the organoclay having two alkyl tails, M 2 (HT) 2 , exhibited better dispersion and improvement of mechanical properties than nanocomposites based on the organoclay having one alkyl tail M 3 (HT) 1 . This result is the opposite of what is observed for nylon-6 nanocomposites. In addition, the rheological properties and gas permeability of the nanocomposites derived from the organoclay having two alkyl tails, M 2 (HT) 2 were investigated. Both melt viscosity and melt tension (melt strength) increased with increased content of clay (MMT) and LLDPE- g -MA. Gas permeability was decreased by the addition of MMT.
Distal extremity swelling with pitting edema in polymyalgia rheumatica. Report on nineteen cases.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of diffuse distal extremity swelling with pitting edema occurring in polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). METHODS: Clinical features and laboratory findings were recorded for all 245 residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota who developed PMR over a 22-year period (1970-1991). Those who exhibited > or = 1 episode of diffuse distal extremity edema with pitting were selected for this study, and were evaluated further. RESULTS: Thirteen women and 6 men in this incidence cohort of PMR had > or = 1 episode of distal extremity swelling with pitting edema. Giant cell arteritis was also identified in 5 patients. In 11 patients, the swelling and edema development concurrently with proximal PMR symptoms. In 2 patients, the distal swelling was the initial manifestation, and in 6 patients, the distal symptoms developed during relapses or recurrences of PMR. Both upper and lower extremities were affected, usually in a symmetric manner. Other peripheral manifestations were also common. The distal swelling and pitting edema responded promptly to corticosteroids, and slowly or incompletely to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; a similar response was observed in the proximal symptoms. The distal swelling appeared to represent tenosynovitis and synovitis of regional structures. CONCLUSION: Distal extremity swelling with pitting edema represents a manifestation of PMR that has not been well described in previous studies. Awareness of this finding will help facilitate the proper diagnosis and institution of appropriate therapy for this disease.
Coping with natural hazards and disasters in megacities: Perspectives on the Twenty-First Century

Changes in global urbanization and emerging patterns of disaster losses suggest that it may now be time to refocus the hazards research agenda on problems of very large cities. The resolution of urban disaster issues will require development of new collaborative strategies between victims, researchers, managers, policy makers and stakeholders in the hazards community and their counterparts in other urban interest groups. The experience of megacities in the United States and elsewhere that have been affected by recent major disasters and continuing hazards is examined to identify opportunities for initiating new policies and programs. Implications for hazard research and the concept of urban sustainability are noted.
Comment on “Ion distributions in the dayside magnetosheaths of Jupiter and Saturn” by John D. Richardson

It is pointed out that the double-humped ion distribution observed in the magnetosheaths of Jupiter and Saturn has also been seen in the terrestrial magnetosheath. (AIP)
Desmoplastic Malignant Melanoma Presenting as a Lung Mass

A case of metastatic desmoplastic malignant melanoma is reported. The patient presented initially with a lung mass and subsequently developed facial swelling and numbness secondary to tumor involvement of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve. The pleomorphism, histochemistry, and schwannoid differentiation of these tumors is discussed.
Differential Properties in the Ratings of Certified vs. Non-Certified Bond Rating Agencies

We examine whether the properties of bond ratings from certified agencies (designated by the SEC) differ from those of non-certified bond rating agencies. Bond ratings from non-certified agencies are used solely for investment advice. Certified ratings are used by a variety of constituents, many of whom write contracts incorporating these ratings. We find that the properties of the ratings from the two agency types differ in predictable ways. Our results show that the non-certified agency's ratings are consistent with their role of providing information to investors. The certified agency is generally more conservative, consistent with their significant role in contracting.
FW-CADIS Method for Global and Regional Variance Reduction of Monte Carlo Radiation Transport Calculations

This paper presents a hybrid (Monte Carlo/deterministic) method for increasing the efficiency of Monte Carlo calculations of distributions, such as flux or dose rate distributions (e.g., mesh talli...
The Autonomous Helicopter System

This paper describes an autonomous airborne vehicle being developed at the Georgia Tech Engineering Experiment Station. The Autonomous Helicopter System (AHS) is a multi-mission system consisting of three distinct sections: vision, planning and control. Vision provides the local and global scene analysis which is symbolically represented and passed to planning as the initial route planning constraints. Planning generates a task dependent path for the vehicle to traverse which assures maximum mission system success as well as safety. Control validates the path and either executes the given route or feeds back to previous sections in order to resolve conflicts.
Ca release induced by cyclic adenosine diphosphoribose (cADPr) in sea urchin egg homogenates: mechanisms of release and heterogeneity of the Ca compartments

Abstract A rapid superfusion system measuring the amounts, kinetics, and Ca dependencies of released 45 Ca, was used to examine the effects of ryanodine (RY), caffeine (CF), and cyclic ADP ribose (cADPr) on sea urchin egg homogenates. The RY-sensitive compartment had more than twice the Ca release capacity of the CF-sensitive or cADPr-sensitive compartment. cADPr-stimulated 45 Ca release required calcium with half-maximal activation at ∼0.2 to 0.6 μM [Ca 2+ ]. K 1/2 for cADPr activation was ∼100 nM, and in spite of the Ca requirement for cADPr-stimulated release, the cADPr affinity was not affected by [Ca 2+ ]. Peak 45 Ca release rate with cADPr (3 μM) was greater than with CF (20 mM), yet the release amounts were similar and both were [Ca 2+ ]-dependent. When activated with CF and cADPr simultaneously, 45 Ca release was large and, no longer [Ca 2+ ]-dependent. Mg competitively inhibited the Ca activation site(s), yet did not inhibit the activation with CF-plus-cADPr. Pre-release of 45 Ca by cADPr with low (∼0.1 μM) [Ca 2+ ] right-shifted the [Ca 2+ ] dependence of the remaining cADPr-response. These data suggest that (a) only a portion of RY-sensitive compartments empty when stimulated with cADPr or CF, (b) Ca and cADPr act on non-interacting sites, and (c) cADPr-sensitive compartments represent a heterogeneous population with different [Ca 2+ ] dependencies.
Using ion purity scores for enhancing quantitative accuracy and precision in complex proteomics samples.

To accurately determine the quantitative change of peptides and proteins in complex proteomics samples requires knowledge of how well each ion has been measured. The precision of each ions’ calculated area is predicated on how uniquely it occupies its own space in m/z and elution time. Given an initial assumption that prior to the addition of the “heavy” label, all other ion detections are unique, which is arguably untrue, an initial attempt at quantifying the pervasiveness of ion interference events in a representative binary SILAC experiment was made by comparing the centered m/z and retention time of the ion detections from the “light” variant to its “heavy” companion. Ion interference rates were determined for LC-MS data acquired at mass resolving powers of 20 and 40 K with and without ion mobility separation activated. An ion interference event was recorded, if present in the companion dataset was an ion within ± its Δ mass at half-height, ±15 s of its apex retention time and if utilized by ±1 drift bin. Data are presented illustrating a definitive decrease in the frequency of ion interference events with each additional increase in selectivity of the analytical workflow. Regardless of whether the quantitative experiment is a composite of labeled samples or label free, how well each ion is measured can be determined given knowledge of the instruments mass resolving power across the entire m/z scale and the ion detection algorithm reporting both the centered m/z and Δ mass at half-height for each detected ion. Given these measurements, an effective resolution can be calculated and compared with the expected instrument performance value providing a purity score for the calculated ions’ area based on mass resolution. Similarly, chromatographic and drift purity scores can be calculated. In these instances, the error associated to an ions’ calculated peak area is estimated by examining the variation in each measured width to that of their respective experimental median. Detail will be disclosed as to how a final ion purity score was established, providing a first measure of how accurately each ions’ area was determined as well as how precise the calculated quantitative change between labeled or unlabelled pairs were determined. Presented is how common ion interference events are in quantitative proteomics LC-MS experiments and how ion purity filters can be utilized to overcome and address them, providing ultimately more accurate and precise quantification results across a wider dynamic range.
Comparing Secondary Teachers on Logical Consistency in Educational Philosophy and Flexibility in Teaching.

This study of secondary inservice teachers was designed to measure the possible relationship between the consistency with which they logically relate philosophical views (theory) to educational ideas (practice) and their teaching flexibility (as demonstrated in actual teaching practice).
Race and Credibility in Persuasive Communications

The American socialization process that, among other teachings, prescribes that African-Americans limit their aspirations to roles associated with consumption rather than production, with being employed rather than employing, with maintenance rather than creation-or, in general, with dependence rather than independence-would perhaps not be successful were it not for the application of certain principles of persuasion. These principles of persuasion are applied by the various agencies of socialization, particularly parents, peers, schools, churches, and the mass media. While their application is not always done consciously, this fact does not mitigate their communication effectiveness nor should it excuse the social scientist from examining them. Such examination might provide valuable information regarding the lack of sociopolitical-economic progress experienced by AfricanAmericans and might also, in addition, sensitize African-American scholars to their own responsibilities as participating agents of socialization within educational systems. The present article attempts to provide information concerning these issues by empirically examining one specific principle of persuasion, namely, "credibility"-a principle that is generally acknowledged by communication scholars to have a powerful
Cyclooxygenase-1 and Cyclooxygenase-2 in the Human Optic Nerve Head

To investigate the hypothesis that eicosanoids act as cellular mediators in the optic nerve head of normals and of patients with glaucoma, we have determined the presence of the two cyclooxygenase (COX) isoforms in human tissue. Histological sections of optic nerve heads were studied by immunohistochemistry. Age matched normal donors were compared with eyes from glaucoma patients with moderate to severe nerve damage. Polyclonal antibodies to human COX-1 and COX-2 were localized with immunoperoxidase staining. Specific antibodies for vascular endothelia and microglia were also co-localized. In normal and glaucomatous eyes, COX-1 was localized exclusively to the prelaminar and lamina cribrosa regions of the optic nerve head. No staining for COX-1 was observed in the nerve fiber layer or the myelinated optic nerve. COX-1 was associated with the astrocytes of the glial columns and the cribriform plates, but not with the endothelia lining the capillaries. In glaucoma, more astrocytes appeared to be stained with antibody to COX-1 than in normals and staining was intensely perinuclear. There was no staining for COX-2 in normal tissue. A few COX-2 positive cells were found in the prelaminar, lamina cribrosa and postlaminar regions of the glaucomatous optic nerves. Positive staining for COX-2 was not associated with microglia. COX-1 is constitutively present in astrocytes that are localized exclusively to the prelaminar and lamina cribrosa regions of the human optic nerve head. Eicosanoids, synthesized by COX-1 in this tissue, may have a homeostatic and a neuroprotective role related to the axons of the retinal ganglion cells. The sparse presence of COX-2 in glaucomatous tissue probably reflects the lack of inflammation associated with glaucomatous optic neuropathy.
PRICE VOLATILITY OF MUNICIPAL DISCOUNT BONDS

The price volatility of municipal bonds is a vital concern to bankers and regulators. Although great strides have recently been made in understanding bond price volatility, many significant refinements encompassing specific institutional characteristics of the municipal bond market are needed. This research stresses the taxability of the capital gains inherent in discount municipals to illustrate interesting patterns of price volatility dependent upon maturity. The impact of geographic segmentation is also discussed.
A Multi-scale Spatial Approach to Address Environmental Effects of Small Hydropower Development

Hydropower development continues to grow worldwide in developed and developing countries. While the ecological and physical responses to dam construction have been well documented, translating this information into planning for hydropower development is extremely difficult. Very few studies have conducted environmental assessments to guide site-specific or widespread hydropower development. Herein, we propose a spatial approach for estimating environmental effects of hydropower development at multiple scales, as opposed to individual site-by-site assessments (e.g., environmental impact assessment). Because the complex, process-driven effects of future hydropower development may be uncertain or, at best, limited by available information, we invested considerable effort in describing novel approaches to represent environmental concerns using spatial data and in developing the spatial footprint of hydropower infrastructure. We then use two case studies in the US, one at the scale of the conterminous US and another within two adjoining rivers basins, to examine how environmental concerns can be identified and related to areas of varying energy capacity. We use combinations of reserve-design planning and multi-metric ranking to visualize tradeoffs among environmental concerns and potential energy capacity. Spatial frameworks, like the one presented, are not meant to replace more in-depth environmental assessments, but to identify information gaps and measure the sustainability of multi-development scenarios as to inform policy decisions at the basin or national level. Most importantly, the approach should foster discussions among environmental scientists and stakeholders regarding solutions to optimize energy development and environmental sustainability.
William Schwartz's Reflections on the Helping Process

Abstract William Schwartz's 1953 doctoral paper reflecting on the helping and learning process demonstrates uncanny clarity. He insightfully uncovers patterns and uniformities often obfuscated by conceptual polarization. The doctoral paper and the author's perspectives are presented.
On the mechanism of liquid metal electron and ion sources

The mechanisms of electron and ion generation from Taylor cones of liquid metals are discussed. In the case of electron emission the vacuum arcing mechanism of Swanson and Schwind, which accounts for the observed high current repetitive pulsing is briefly reviewed. For ion emission mechanisms from onset to the high current regime are proposed. It is concluded that at onset ions are generated exclusively by field desorption. A theory to account for the observed emitter heating is advanced, and it is concluded that high currents result from field ionization of thermally evaporated atoms. It is shown that space charge becomes important even at very low ion currents and'is instrumental in providing stabilization in all regimes of ion emission.
A dimensionless model for predicting the mass‐transfer area of structured packing

The mass-transfer area of nine structured packings was measured in a 0.427 m ID column via absorption of CO2 from air into 0.1 kmol/m3 NaOH. The mass-transfer area was most strongly related to the specific area (125–500 m2/m3), and liquid load (2.5–75 m3/m2·h). Surface tension (30–72 mN/m) had a weaker but significant effect. Gas velocity (0.6–2.3 m/s), liquid viscosity (1–15 mPa·s), and flow channel configuration had essentially no impact on the mass-transfer area. Surface texture (embossing) increased the effective area by 10% at most. The ratio of mass-transfer area to specific area (ae/ap) was correlated within the limits of ±13% for the entire experimental database . © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
On a superiority problem in misspecified restricted linear models

Razzaghi (1987) conjectures that a wrong choice of covariance matrix in a restricted linear model results in loss of efficiency, This conjecture is proved to be correct.
Training the 21st Century Immunologist

Immunology, along with other fields of biology, is undergoing a revolution. Here we discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by considering the dynamical systems properties of the immune system, and harnessing the power of data-rich technologies. We present specific recommendations for changing graduate programs to incorporate training that will enable students to actively participate in the analyses of complex data and their biological system, and urge that we move from viewing quantitative and computational biology as interdisciplinary, to recognizing these as intrinsic to the discipline of immunology going forward.
The Feminine "Nature" of Masculine Desire in the Age of Cinematic Techno-Transcendence

The author examines key films from the millennium's end: 12 Monkeys (1995), Dark City (1998), Fight Club (1999), and The Matrix (1999). Although these films cover the gamut in terms of genre from science fiction and cyberpunk to urban drama, they all converge on anxieties of identity that result from technological hypermediations of self and reality. These cinematic lamentations for a secure and stable masculinity lost in the wake of a postindustrial capitalist society mark a reversal in the fantasy constructions of nature. Played out in these films is the shift from a masculinity that transcends the natural-maternal realm into the cultural-social realm to a masculinity constructed via (the illusion of) unmediated access to the natural-maternal world. This shift points to an increasing anxiety over the disappearance of, and a desire to (re)connect with, the natural world.
The first killer app: a history of spreadsheets

Timelines provides perspectives on HCI history, glancing back at a road that sometimes took unexpected branches and turns. History is not a dry list of events; it is about points of view and differing interpretations.---Jonathan Grudin, Editor
The nuclear localization signal of mitotic kinesin-like protein Mklp-1 : Effect on Mklp-1 function during cytokinesis

The mitotic kinesin-like protein (Mklp-1) localizes in the nucleus during interphase due to the presence of nuclear localization signal(s) [NLS(s)] within its sequence. Here, we mapped two NLSs to be 899SRKRRSST906 and 949KRKKP953 in the tail domain of Mklp-1, and showed that ectopic expression of a mutant Mklp-1 without the NLSs leads to cell cycle arrest at cytokinesis, indicating that the NLSs are necessary for Mklp-1 to execute its normal function during cell division. Furthermore, mutation of two serine residues in the first NLS to aspartic acid, which mimics phosphorylation, attenuated its nuclear localization function, suggesting that the function of this NLS might be regulated by phosphorylation.
Effects of okadaic acid on agonist-stimulated PGI2 production by rat liver cells (the C-9 cell line).

Abstract Preincubation of rat liver cells (the C-9 cell line) with okadaic acid (0.6 μM), a known inhibitor of protein-serine/threonine phosphate phosphatases 2A and 1, for 30 min amplified 6-keto-PGF 1α production stimulated by thapsigargin, thrombin, platelet activating factor (PAF), 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), the Ca 2+ ionophore A-23187 and lysine-vasopressin (Lys·ADH) but not that stimulated by exogenous arachidonic acid. The amplification occurred within minutes after addition of the stimulators. The effect of preincubation was time dependent. Preincubation of the cells with okadaic acid (0.6 μM) for longer than 30 min decreased this amplification. The results suggest that inhibition of protein-serine/threonine phosphate phosphatase(s) can both positively and negatively regulate deesterification of phospholipids although the negative regulation may reflect a toxic response. Microcystin LR and nodularin, inhibitors of protein-serine/threonine phosphate phosphatases 2A and 1 in vitro , did not amplify 6-keto-PGF 1α production by PAF when incubated with intact cells.
Active sensitization in human beings with trichina antigen

Abstract 1.1. Skin test doses of Trichina antigen may sensitize the skins of normal individuals. 2.2. Definite marked hypersensitization developed after three to five sensitizing injections in six of eighteen patients (33.3 per cent). 3.3. Ten of eighteen patients (56 per cent) showed definite evidence of sensitivity by the ninth test dose. 4.4. The cutaneous reaction in sensitivity to Trichinella spiralis is mediated by the atopic reagin and is transferable to the normal skin. 5.5. A common antigen exists in Ascaris and Trichina antigens. 6.6. The common antigen is probably stronger in the Ascaris than in the Trichina extract, even though the Trichina antigen transfers better on Trichina sera. 7.7. From a practical point of view, it is well to remember that the diagnostic value of the Trichina tests diminishes with repeated intracutaneous injections.
Simulation of herbicide concentrations in stormflow from forested watersheds

Summary The breakpoint rainfall hydrology and pesticide options of the field scale model CREAMS (Chemicals, Runoff, and Erosion from Agricultural Management Systems) were used to predict average concentrations of hexazinone [3 cyclohexyl-6-(dimethyl-amino)-1-methyl-1,3,5-triazine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione] in stormflow from four forested watersheds in the upper Piedmont region of Georgia. Predicted concentrations were compared with measured concentrations recorded over a 13-month period. CREAMS accurately predicted hexazinone concetrations in the initial stormflow events which also contained the highest concentrations. The model underestimated the hexazinone concentrations in stormflow two months and greater following pesticide application. In a companion study, the daily rainfall option of the CREAMS model was used to evaluate the reltive risk associated with the maximum expected concentration of hexazinone, bromacil (5-bromo-3 sec-butyl-6 methyuracil), picloram (4-amino-3,5,6 trichloropicolinic acid), dicamba (3,6-dichloro-0-anisic acid), and triclopyr {[(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl)oxy] acetic acid} in stormflow from small forested watersheds. The model predicted the following order of potential residue appearance in stormflow: bromacil>triclopyr>hexazinone>picloram>dicamba. Subsurface movement of residues via interflow and deep leaching losses are not simulated by the version of CREAMS used in these studies.
Solubility of methanol in low-temperature aqueous sulfuric acid and implications for atmospheric particle composition

Using traditional Knudsen cell techniques, we find well-behaved Henry's law uptake of methanol in aqueous 45 - 70 wt% H2SO4 solutions at temperatures between 197 and 231 K. Solubility of methanol increases with decreasing temperature and increasing acidity, with an effective Henry's law coefficient ranging from 10(exp 5) - 10(exp 8) M/atm. Equilibrium uptake of methanol into sulfuric acid aerosol particles in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere will not appreciably alter gas-phase concentrations of methanol. The observed room temperature reaction between methanol and sulfuric acid is too slow to provide a sink for gaseous methanol at the temperatures of the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. It is also too slow to produce sufficient quantities of soluble reaction products to explain the large amount of unidentified organic material seen in particles of the upper troposphere.
Pathogenesis and immunointervention strategies for psoriasis

Abstract IBC's Inflammatory Skin Disorders2For more information, contact IBC at 225 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA, USA; Tel: +1 508 481 6400; or visit the IBC Web site at http://www.ibcusa/conf/skininflam 2 Washington, DC, USA. September 17–18 1998
Outcome of fetuses with a prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of isolated omphalocele.

Objective To assess the outcome following an ultrasound diagnosis of isolated fetal omphalocele (normal karyotype). Methods Ultrasound database (1988–2002) was searched for omphalocele. Categories assigned as (1) isolated—no additional structural/karyotype anomalies, (2) associated minor abnormality, and (3) major structural/karyotype abnormalities. Results Ultrasound identified 65 cases, 13 with isolated omphalocele and 6 with associated minor anomalies. These 19 cases represented 29.2% of the population (19/65); isolated omphalocele was confirmed in 14 neonates (14/19, 73.7%). In five neonates, unrecognized by prenatal ultrasound were cardiac anomalies (2 cases), tracheoesophageal atresia with cardiac anomaly (1 case), and Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) (2 cases). A minor ultrasound finding did not predict further anomalies at birth. Preterm delivery complicated 37.5%; the only deaths occurred among preterm infants. Follow-up of isolated omphalocele found no long-term medical issues or learning disabilities except speech delay. Conclusions Isolated fetal omphalocele is the exception. An additional minor ultrasound finding does not impact a relatively good prognosis with little long-term morbidity. However, this series highlights two areas of caution: (1) one-third were delivered preterm with a 50% rate of demise and (2) in a quarter of cases, an additional major anomaly or BWS was identified in the neonate. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of a Nalidixic-Acid-Resistant Mutant of Escherichia coli as a Strict Aerobe

An Escherichia coli mutant, C18, which plates at an efficiency of 5.0 x 10(-4) under anaerobic condition, was isolated among spontaneous nalidixic-acid-resistant mutants. This strict aerobic mutation was mapped by P1 cotransduction with a gyrA linked transposon Tn10 and found to be at the gyrA gene. A low degree of superhelicity of pBR322 DNA isolated from C18 was demonstrated by agarose gel electrophoresis with various concentrations of ethidium bromide. The superhelical density of pBR322 isolated from C18 was 80% of the value of pBR322 isolated from wild-type bacteria cultured under aerobic condition, and 50% cultured under anaerobic condition. These results lead us to conclude that a certain mutation of the gyrA gene causes a decrease in DNA superhelicity and prevents anaerobic growth.
Optimal Train Operation for Minimum Energy Consumption Considering Track Alignment, Speed Limit, and Schedule Adherence

Developing an optimal train speed profile for energy-efficient train operation is significant in both theory and applications but very difficult and complex to achieve. An optimization method that minimizes energy consumption by considering track alignment, speed limit, and schedule adherence is proposed. The objective function is total energy consumption, and the decision variables include the timing of train motion regimes. A simulated annealing algorithm (SA) is developed to search for the optimal train operation or “golden run.” The developed model is applied to a segment of the New Haven line of the Metro-North Commuter Railroad, which runs between Woodlawn, New York, and New Haven, Connecticut. A sensitivity analysis is conducted, and the relationship between model parameters and decision variables are explored.
Religiosity and treatment response to antidepressant medication: a prospective multi-site clinical trial

The present study examined the relationship between religiosity/spirituality and treatment response to antidepressant medication (citalopram). One-hundred and forty-eight Caucasian and African-American adults with uncomplicated major depression were treated with citalopram (20–60 mg/day) over an eight-week period in a prospective multi-site clinical trial. Treatment response was assessed weekly with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. Religiosity (i.e., religious behaviours) and spirituality (i.e., spiritual well-being) were assessed at week 3. No significant associations between spirituality and treatment response were found; however, there was a strong curvilinear relationship between religiosity and treatment response. Compared to lower or higher levels of religiosity, a moderate level of religiosity was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of remission and greater reduction in severity of depression. This association was independent of social support, ethnicity, gender, education, a...
Worldview as Cultural Parataxis

(1994). Worldview as Cultural Parataxis. Contemporary Psychoanalysis: Vol. 30, No. 3, pp. 424-441.
Harmonic BRST quantization of systems with irreducible holomorphic bosonic and fermionic constraints

We consider systems with second-class constraints or, equivalently, first-class holomorphic constraints. We show that the harmonic Becchi-Rouet-Stora-Tyutin method of quantizing systems with bosonic holomorphic constraints extends to systems having both bosonic and fermionic holomorphic constraints. The ghosts for bosonic holomorphic constraints in the harmonic BRST method have a Poisson brackets structure different from that of the ghosts in the usual BRST method, which applies to systems with real first-class constraints. Apart from this exotic ghost structure for bosonic constraints, the new feature of the harmonic BRST method is the introduction of two new holomorphic BRST charges [Theta] and [bar [Theta]] and the addition of an extra term [minus][beta][l brace][Theta],[bar [Theta]][r brace] to the BRST-invariant Hamiltonian. We apply the Fradkin-Vilkovisky theorem to general systems with mixed bosonic and fermionic holomorphic constraints and show that, taking an appropriate limit, the extra term in the harmonic BRST-modified path integral reproduces the correct Senjanovic measure.
Educating symbiotic p‐individuals through multi‐level conversations. From the integrity of concepts to the symbiosis of cultures

Abstract - Interbody and transbody autopoietic virtual organisms, which Gordon Pask named “p-individuals”, are taken to be the essential entities involved in cultural transmission. It is asserted that their problematical accessibility to consciousness, their competitive, and especially their pre-emptive dominative character, must be dealt with more directly in order to work educationally toward symbiosis among cultures and between cultures and the biosphere. Both kinds of symbiosis are necessary conditions for our happiness and survival. Some heuristic rules for the appropriate conduct of multi-level, and multi-modal (verbal/visual etc.) learning conversations is examined as a practicable way to cultivate such symbioses. Gordon Pask's formal Conversation Theory prescribes some necessary aspects of such intercourse. Here it is extended and reframed by situating Pask's three leveled CT conversations in the author's seven cybersystemic levels of communication and control.
Luminescence of poly(N-vinylcarbazole) films at 77 K. I. Fluorescence, phosphorescence and delayed fluorescence

Abstract The spectroscopic behaviour of poly(N-vinylcarbazole) prepared by cationic and radicalic polymerisation differs. The cationic polymers predominantly show “true” excimer fluorescence, whereas in the radicalic polymers “trap II” fluorescence is strong at low temperatures. This is consistent with previous reports by Itaya et al. The intensity of the emissions has been studied as a function of the excitation intensity over a wide range of intensities. It has been found that the delayed fluorescence is due to the mutal annihilation of mobile triplets and trapped ones. All exciton traps are likely to be excimer-forming sites. The phosphorescent triplet traps (τ = 9.6 ± 0.9 and 2.1 ± 0.3 s) are not identical with the main fluorescent traps (excimers) and present only in minute concentration. The decay of the delayed fluorescence is much faster (τ DF ≈ 50 ms) than that of the phosphorescence.
Amiodarone for Pediatric Resuscitation: A Word of Caution

Intravenous administration of amiodarone has recently been recommended for use during pediatric resuscitation of pediatric patients with ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. We present two pediatric patients who received amiodarone for polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, although they were ultimately determined to have congenital long QT syndrome. Amiodarone is contraindicated in this setting and may have exacerbated the ventricular arrhythmia.
Cell cycle-related cyclin b1 quantification.

Background To obtain non-relative measures of cell proteins, purified preparations of the same proteins are used as standards in Western blots. We have previously quantified SV40 large T antigen expressed over a several fold range in different cell lines and correlated the average number of molecules to average fluorescence obtained by cytometry and determined cell cycle phase related expression by calculation from multi-parametric cytometry data. Using a modified approach, we report quantification of endogenous cyclin B1 and generation of the cell cycle time related expression profile.
2,3-Dihydro-5-hydroxytryptamine.

Abstract Serotonin was chemically reduced to 2,3-dihydro-5-hydroxytryptamine, which is extremely labile to oxidation. This substance is a substituted amino phenol which, when oxidized, presumably proceeds through the formation of an iminoquinone. The 2,3-dihydro-5-hydroxytryptamine was attacked enzymatically by amine oxidase and by ceruloplasmin. Quantitatively, 2,3-dihydro-5-hydroxytryptophan behaved similarly to serotonin with respect to its effect on the chromatophore activity of the guppy, the isolated virgin rat uterus, and the isolated ileum of the rabbit.
Characterization of feathering of optical coating

This paper discusses a method to characterize feathering and determine feathering quality. The characterization is based upon the change of the color coordinate across the transition region. "Feathering" of an optical coating is the gradual taper, without any discernible boundary, from a coated to uncoated region. There can be various reasons why a thin film optical coating may not be applied to the entire surface of a see-through article. Feathering is necessary when the viewer, looking through a transmissive element, is focused on the far-field and would be distracted by a coating boundary which redirects focus to the near field. Done incorrectly, feathering may produce visible artifacts which are ineffective and objectionable to the user. Examples are provided.
Collision avoidance and low-observable navigation in a dynamic environment

The evasive navigation of an aircraft in the presence of enemy radar or SAM (surface-to-air missile) sites or AWACS is formulated using a time-varying Flexible Delaunay Triangulation (FDT) and an artificial-intelligence-based multi-objective search. It is implemented on a SUN 4 workstation. The system displays the circumdisks, the FDT, and the connected graph for generation of candidate paths. The multi-objective A"* algorithm generates the path which satisfies the following requirements: 1) avoidance of the detection range of the moving obstacle; and 2) minimum deviation from the shortest path to the goal. The system then displays the motion of the vehicle and of the moving radar/SAM site in real time. In case of user interruption (for the purpose of inserting, in a simulation, new obstacles crossing the designated path), the FDT retriangulates locally. The closest line to the path is drawn, and A"* search is once again performed for generation of the optimum path. Background material on relevant aspects of computational geometry, intelligent control and heuristic search is also given, providing a survey character to this work.
Baby Wordsmith From Associationist to Social Sophisticate

How do infants acquire their first words? Word reference, or how words map onto objects and events, lies at the core of this question. The emergentist coalition model (ECM) represents a new wave of hybrid developmental theories suggesting that the process of vocabulary development changes from one based in perceptual salience and association to one embedded in social understanding. Beginning at 10 months, babies learn words associatively, ignoring the speaker's social cues and using perceptual salience to guide them. By 12 months, babies attend to social cues, but fail to recruit them for word learning. By 18 and 24 months, babies recruit speakers' social cues to learn the names of particular objects speakers label, regardless of those objects' perceptual attraction. Controversies about how to account for the changing character of word acquisition, along with the roots of children's increasing reliance on speakers' social intent, are discussed.
The photoreactions of 8-methoxypsoralen with tryptophan and lens proteins.

Abstract— We have previously demonstrated that 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) can be found in the lenses of rats injected (i.p.) with this drug, and that its presence can lead to a photosensitized enhancement of lenticular fluorescence. The cutaneous photosensitizing properties of psoralens are thought to be mediated via their excited triplet states, resulting in photoaddition cyclobutane products between pyri-midine bases and 8-MOP. We have now investigated the possibility that similar types of photoadducts could be generated between 8-MOP and the aromatic amino acid residues in lens proteins. Our experiments involved in vitro irradiation (at 360 nm) of aqueous solutions of 0.1 mM 8-MOP plus purified alpha, beta, or gamma crystallins from calf or normal human (under 20 years of age) lenses. UV absorption and fluorescence emission spectra were measured before and after radiation, and aliquots from all experiments were frozen and kept in the dark for subsequent phosphorescence and EPR spectroscopy. Similar experiments were performed with irradiated aqueous solutions of tryptophan or thymine plus 8-MOP. All controls consisted of solutions kept in the dark. NMR spectra demonstrated that the hydrogen atoms at the 3,4 and 4',5' positions of the 8-MOP molecule were lost following irradiation, suggesting that these two sites were involved in the photoproduct formed between tryptophan and 8-MOP. These studies strongly suggest that 8-MOP is capable of forming photoaddition products with tryptophan and with lens proteins as well as DNA in vivo, resulting in its permanent retention within the ocular lens.
Probing transfer of an IncP replicon to natural marine bacteria

Una sonda plasmidial IncP (pUCV2), que codifica para Cm-r, Km-r y que tiene determinantes de resistencia Ap (am) y Tc (am) fue construida por transposicion de Tn9 (Cm-r) al plasmido pLM2, para una eficiente seleccion de potenciales receptores entre bacterias marinas naturales. Usando un donador E. coli Dap-, se ensayo la transmision de pUCV2 a bacterias marinas. pUCV2 es transferido a cerca del 4 - 8% de las celulas bacterianas marinas naturales, capaces de formar colonias en un medio de agar marino con bajos niveles de nutrientes. Los siguientes generos bacterianos, comunmente encontrados en el ambiente marino, pudieron ser detectados cuando veinte de las colonias transconjugantes obtenidas fueron identificadas: Vibrio, Pseudomonas y Aeromonas.
Application of the aromatic ring parameter (I) to solvolyses of extremely crowded alkyl derivatives

Abstract The solvent dependences of the specific rates of solvolysis of 4-chloro-2,2,4,6,6-pentamethylheptane ( 2 ) and 3,3-dimethyl-1-neopentylbutyl mesylate ( 3 ), previously analyzed using the extended Grunwald-Winstein equation with incorporation of N T and Y X values, are better correlated using a combination of Y X and I values; a claim of assistance from Bronsted-base-type solvation during solvolyses of adamantyl derivatives is discussed.
A literature review of the saturation state of seawater with respect to calcium carbonate and its possible significance for scale formation on OTEC heat exchangers

Abstract An investigation has been made of available data on the saturation state of seawater with respect to calcium carbonate and its possible significance for scale formation on Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) heat exchangers. Pertinent oceanographic data is lacking at or near potential OTEC sites for the calculation of the degree of saturation of seawater with respect to calcium carbonate. Consequently, only “extrapolated” saturation values can be used. These indicate that near surface seawater is probably supersaturated, with respect to the calcium carbonate phases calcite and aragonite, at all potential OTEC sites. The deep seawater that would be brought to the surface at the potential Atlantic Ocean sites is also likely to be supersaturated with respect to calcium carbonate. The deep seawater at the potential Pacific Ocean sites may be slightly undersaturated. The fact that OTEC heat exchangers will be operating in seawater, which is supersaturated with respect to calcium carbonate, means that if nucleation of calcite or aragonite occurs on the heat exchanger surfaces, significant growth rates of calcium carbonate scale may be expected. The potential for calcium carbonate nucleation is highest at cathodic metal surface locations, which are produced as the result of aluminum corrosion in seawater. Consequently, corrosion and scale formation may be closely related. What the possible effects of biofouling may be on this process are not known.
Alcoholism treatment episodes validly defined using mental health care utilization records

Abstract Objective We propose a method for defining and empirically validating episodes of alcoholism treatment from health care utilization records. Study design and setting The study includes utilization records from 86,207 patients enrolled in a large managed behavioral care company who had at least one alcoholism encounter between 1991 and 1998. Treatment episodes are defined as a minimum number of alcoholism treatment encounters with the behavioral care company prior to a “clear zone” of no encounters. Statistical procedures to select a subset of episode definitions from a number of candidate definitions and methods for assessing the convergent and criterion validity of the definitions are presented. Results The percentage of patients having at least one episode of alcoholism treatment varies from 43% to 77%, with the results being more sensitive to the minimum number of encounters required than the length of the clear zone. Criterion validity does not reveal any clear “winning” definitions; positive predictive ability increases most rapidly when going from 2 to 3 encounters required. Conclusion The most robust definitions of an alcoholism treatment episode entail 3 to 4 encounters with a clear zone of 3 to 4 months.
Synthesis dynamics of passivated silicon nanoclusters

The effect of preparation conditions on the structural and optical properties of silicon nanoparticles is investigated using first-principles molecular dynamics and quantum Monte Carlo techniques. We find that high-temperature synthesis processes can produce kinetically-limited nanostructures with different core structures than bulk-derived crystalline clusters. These nanoparticles have optical gaps in better agreement with experimental measurements than crystalline clusters of the same size. The type of core structure that forms from a given synthesis process may depend on the passivation mechanism and time scale.
Correlates of the adoption of curriculum-integrated computing in higher education

Abstract The diffusion of curriculum-integrated computing (CIC) throughout a typical liberal arts curriculum can be understood in terms of the innovation diffusion model and certain correlates of actual time since adoption of computing in classroom work. Of four primary variables, [scores of instructors on a measure of innovativeness (Kirton Adaption-Innovation Scale, KAI); years teaching experience; ratings of the value of computing in the classroom setting; and total number (out of 12) of academic innovations currently being used], only the rated value of computing was significant (r = 0.51). The tendency for early adopters of CIC to undervalue eight sources of information about academic innovativeness and the seeming failure of KAI scores to predict the adoption of computing were interpreted in terms of the Midgely and Dowling theory of innovativeness.
Managing Images in Different Cultures: A Cross-National Study of Color Meanings and Preferences

Abstract Color is an integral part of products, services, packaging, logos, and other collateral and can be an effective means of creating and sustaining brand and corporate images in customers’ minds. Through an eight-country study, the authors explore consumers’ preferences for different colors and color combinations. The results show cross-cultural patterns of both similarity and dissimilarity in color preferences and color meaning associations. When subjects are asked to match colors for a product logo, some color combinations suggest a consistency in meaning, whereas other combinations suggest colors whose meanings are complementary. The authors discuss implications for managing color to create and sustain brand and corporate images across international markets.