cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Smartphone applications targeting borderline personality disorder symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Smartphone applications could improve symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) in a scalable and resource-efficient manner in the context limited access to specialized care. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of applications designed as treatment interventions for adults with symptoms such as anger, suicidality, or self-harm that commonly occur in BPD. Search terms for BPD symptoms, smartphone applications, and treatment interventions were combined on PubMed, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO from database inception to December 2019. Controlled and uncontrolled studies of smartphone interventions for adult participants with symptoms such as anger, suicidality, or self-harm that commonly occur in BPD were included. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis v3 was used to compute between-groups effect sizes in controlled designs. The primary outcome was BPD-related symptoms such as anger, suicidality, and impulsivity; and the secondary outcome was general psychopathology. An average dropout rate across interventions was computed. Study quality, target audiences, therapeutic approach and targets, effectiveness, intended use, usability metrics, availability on market, and downloads were assessed qualitatively from the papers and through internet search. Twelve studies of 10 applications were included, reporting data from 408 participants. Between-groups meta-analyses of RCTs revealed no significant effect of smartphone applications above and beyond in-person treatments or a waitlist on BPD symptoms (Hedges’ g = − 0.066, 95% CI [−.257, .125]), nor on general psychopathology (Hedges’ g = 0.305, 95% CI [− 0.14, 0.75]). Across the 12 trials, dropout rates ranged from 0 to 56.7% (M = 22.5, 95% CI [0.15, 0.46]). A majority of interventions studied targeted emotion dysregulation and behavioral dyscontrol symptoms. Half of the applications are commercially available. The effects of smartphone interventions on symptoms of BPD are unclear and there is currently a lack of evidence for their effectiveness. More research is needed to build on these preliminary findings in BPD to investigate both positive and adverse effects of smartphone applications and identify the role these technologies may provide in expanding mental healthcare resources.
The Texas tuition and fee waiver program for youth who have experienced foster care: An assessment of waiver utilization and impact

Abstract Twenty-two states have legislated a tuition waiver for foster youth. However, little information is available about the efficacy of waiver programs. Texas has one of the oldest and largest tuition waiver programs, providing a useful case study of waiver impact. This study uses a unique data set of 4263 youth formerly in foster care in Texas to provide the first information about how utilization of the Texas tuition waiver impacts degree attainment. Findings reveal that youth who use waivers are 3.5 times more likely to graduate with a bachelor’s degree within 6 years of turning 18 years old. However, findings also indicate that the waiver is not used by 40% of the youth who are eligible to use it. The present study suggests that tuition waivers are a viable strategy for promoting post-secondary achievement among youth who have experienced foster care. However, waiver programs need to be broadly defined, accessible, and evaluated for utilization and impact.
Labeling of Erythrocytes by Porphyrin‐Phospholipid

A method is developed for membrane labeling of erythrocytes with porphyrin-phospholipid (PoP). To generate a concentrated PoP solution for labeling human red blood cells (RBCs), various surfactants and solvents are screened to identify conditions that avoid hemolysis, while minimizing non-specific PoP co-precipitation with RBCs in the pellet during centrifugation washes. Cholate, Tween 80 and Tween 40 are identified as useful surfactants for this purpose. When labeled RBCs are mixed with unlabeled ones, substantial non-specific PoP exchange is observed. Egg-yolk lecithin is included in a washing buffer to remove loosely bound PoP and reduce PoP exchange with unlabeled erythrocytes, based on flow cytometry and photodynamic hemolysis assays. Murine RBCs that are labeled with 64Cu-chelated PoP displayed altered biodistribution with longer blood circulation relative to directly administered 64Cu-chelated PoP.
Dysregulation of Endothelin-1: Implications for Health Disparities in Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementias disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minorities. The racial and ethnic disparities in AD could be explained by differences in cerebral vascular disease pathology. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictive peptide that regulates smooth muscle, endothelial cell, and pericyte contractions that may result in cerebral vascular constriction, leading to cerebral hypoperfusion; over time, ET-1 may result in neuronal injury contributing to the pathology of AD. Upregulation of the ET-1 system has been observed in African Americans when compared with non-Hispanic Whites. The role of the ET-1 system as a driver of ethnic disparities in AD requires further investigation. Targeting of the ET-1 system as a therapeutic intervention that could impact AD progression also needs further study. Dysregulation of ET-1 in Hispanic/Latino populations largely have been unexplored. Genetics linking ET-1 dysregulation and racial disparities in AD also needs further investigation. In this review, I examine how AD effects underserved minority populations and how dysregulation of the ET-1 system specifically predisposes ethnic minorities to AD. In addition, I examine the molecular interactions of the ET-1 system and amyloid beta, the role the ET-1 system in neurodegeneration, potential therapeutics for ET-1 dysregulation, and the impact on AD progression.
Paths to Purchase: The Seven Steps of Customer Purchase Journey Mapping

A consumer purchase map details the decision paths and key interactions customers encounter with a firm or brand as they move throughout the purchase process. This article details a seven-step process that channel members can use to better plan and implement customer journey mapping: (1) developing an organization unit to manage the consumer purchase journey mapping process; (2) mapping touch and interaction points; (3) identifying the characteristics of effective journeys; (4) using maps to identify and reach specific target markets; (5) measuring the strengths and weaknesses of the customer experience through consumer purchase journey mapping; (6) quantifying the benefits and costs of journey mapping and (7) avoiding pitfalls in planning and implementing purchase journey mapping.
Medieval Urban Environment: Between Mental and Material Practices

This article raises the question of how natural conditions and social practices interacted and provided groundbreaking premises for the development of the medieval urban physical environment. The m...
the first color picture of the Earth taken from the ATS-3 satellite

ATS-3 space project resulting in high resolution color picture of complete earth disk, discussing camera system, orbit and design
Role of Leu[superscript B 10] in cytoglobin and comparison of direct and indirect measurements of hexacoordinate hemoglobin ligand affinity

Hexacoordinate hemoglobins (HxHbs) have recently been discovered and have been found in nearly all living organisms. In humans, hxHbs are represented by neuroglobin (Ngb) and cytoglobin (Cgb). While Ngb is principally found in the brain, Cgb is ubiquitously expressed in all tissues. Ligand binding in hexacoordinate hemoglobins is complex due to the reversible coordination of the heme iron by the distal histidine. Hexacoordination regulates ligand binding and is regulated by specific residues in the heme pocket including the B10 position. Therefore, we investigated the influence of Leu on hexacoordination and ligand binding in Cgb. Ligand binding was analyzed for recombinant proteins, Cgb B10A Cgb B10F. The results obtained showed that Leu plays a crucial in hexacoordination. Interestingly, due to the mutants’ low CO affinity it was possible to measure the CO affinity equilibrium constant (Ka) by equilibrium titration similar to the Ka calculated from individual rate constants extracted from kinetics.
In situ Activation of Dendritic Cells (DC) with Imiquimod for Cancer Immunotherapy

Proc Amer Assoc Cancer Res, Volume 47, 2006 3997 The concept that active immunotherapy with antigen-loaded dendritic cells (DC) may have therapeutic promise in oncology is well established. Induction of potent immune response in cancer patients requires an activation step - termed maturation - that turns DC into potent antigen presenting cells. However, the appropriate conditions for ex-vivo maturation remain largely unknown. The objective of this study was to develop a more effective vaccination platform for human immunotherapy trials by maturing DC in vivo through injection of DC into dermal sites conditioned with the immunomodulator Imiquimod (Aldara®). In order to assess the biological response to Imiquimod treatment, skin biopsies from prostate cancer patients were analyzed for secretion of cytokines, including RANTES, MIG, MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-12, IFN-α, and PGE-2. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry was performed on Imiquimod-treated skin using mAbs against CD3, CD4, CD11b, CD11c, CD14, CD15, CD56, CD68, and CD123. TLR expression by DC was assessed by RT-PCR and Imiquimod-mediated activation of DC was determined by assessing upregulation of maturation markers (CD80, CD83, CD25, and CCR-7) and by functional assays, including primary allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR) and DC migration assays. Topical application of Imiquimod led to increases in levels of the chemokines RANTES and MCP-1 in human skin biopsies with peak levels after the second administration, while expression of other cytokines known to facilitate DC maturation (TNF- α, MIP-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, IFN- α and PGE2) was not altered. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed activation of skin residing Langerhans cells after Imiquimod treatment. Activation was mediated by TLR-8 and not TLR-7. Imiquimod had no direct effects on maturation of monocyte-derived DC, however, incubation of DC with supernatant derived from Imiquimod-treated Langerhans cells greatly enhanced expression of maturation markers CD80 and CD83 as well as the immunostimulatory properties of monocyte-derived DC, as evidenced by allogeneic MLRs. Furthermore, DC acquired migratory properties as shown by in vitro migration towards MIP-3β gradients and imaging of DC migration in prostate cancer patients. In summery, injection of immature DC into Imiquimod-conditioned skin may represent a superior method of maturing monocyte-derived DC for immunotherapy. Based on these results, a phase I/II clinical trial is ongoing at our institution to assess the immunological and clinical efficacy of in situ-activated DC in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Results of this ongoing clinical trial will be presented.
Assessing Individual Learning Styles in Neurology Residency Education (P4.203)

Objective: To assess individual learning styles among neurology residents in a neurology residency training program using a self-report learning styles inventory to assist in guiding effective curriculum development. Background: Much educational research focuses on the need to structure curricula to meet the needs of the learner. While most traditional learning institutions follow this experiential learning theory, medical education, specifically residency education, has fallen behind in identifying and addressing individual learner needs. This educational research aims to evaluate neurology residents’ learning styles to better understand the needs of this unique student population. Methods: A 14-item self-report learning styles inventory was administered to neurology residents. The inventory assessed primary individual learning style as well as learning preferences for specific categories and in instructional approaches. Learning styles were classified as visual, auditory, or kinesthetic based on the residents’ responses to each item, and primary learning style was determined using the classification with the highest number of responses. Results: Seven neurology residents completed the learning styles inventory. Primary learning style among the residents was visual in 71.4[percnt] and kinesthetic in 28.6[percnt], with no resident reporting an auditory primary learning style. Item analysis revealed that a visual learning style was reported in 9 of the 14 categorical items, kinesthetic in 4 of the 14 items, and auditory in 3 of 14. Neurology residents reported a preference to visual learning in the areas of problem solving and recalling names and lists, preference to kinesthetic learning in hands-on skills and in instructional approaches of faculty, and auditory learning preference in spelling, concentrating, and giving detailed directions. Conclusions: The results of this educational research demonstrate the need to assess individual learning styles in residency education to ensure successful learning in all residents. This can be accomplished by developing versatile curricula with multimodal learning experiences. Disclosure: Dr. McGee has nothing to disclose.
Meta‐analysis reveals the importance of matrix composition for animals in fragmented habitat

Aim Connectivity is a key determinant of the distribution and abundance of organisms and is greatly influenced by anthropogenic landscape modification, yet we lack a synthetic perspective on the magnitude and extent of matrix effects on connectivity. We synthesize results from published studies to understand the importance of matrix effects on fragmented animal populations. Location Global. Methods We conduct a meta-analysis of 283 fragmented populations representing 184 terrestrial animal taxa to determine the strength of matrix composition effects on the occurrence and abundance of animals in fragmented habitat. Results Studies that use data on matrix composition report greater effects on abundance and occupancy of fragmented populations than studies that define connectivity without regard to the surrounding matrix (i.e. ‘binary’ studies that describe only characteristics of patch habitat). Main conclusions Our findings underscore that conservation strategies must consider the importance of matrix habitat, have important implications for metapopulation and metacommunity paradigms, and provide direct large-scale, multi-taxa evidence that matrix habitat is an important driver of ecological dynamics in heterogeneous landscapes.
Outcomes in Pediatric Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Heminephrectomy Compared with Contemporary Open and Laparoscopic Series

Abstract Purpose: To compare our renal and clinical outcomes for robot-assisted laparoscopic heminephrectomy (RAL-HN) in the pediatric population with duplicated systems with those of current contemporary open and laparoscopic series. Patients and Methods: Sixteen children underwent RAL-HN from 2009 to 2014. Data were collected via retrospective chart review including demographics, preoperative and postoperative imaging, operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), length of stay (LOS), complications, and renal outcomes. Results: Mean age at surgery was 37.5±49.2 months. Mean operative time was 135±36 minutes with an EBL of 10±5 mL. Mean LOS was 2±0.8 days, and no major perioperative complications were observed. Mean follow-up was 22.1±17.2 months. Two patients needed secondary ureterectomy for recurrent urinary tract infection in the setting of a refluxing ureteral stump. One of these patients also underwent a ureteral reimplantation of the ipsilateral normal ureter. No patients lost their remaining healt...
Photoemission study of the valence-band electronic structure in Fe x O, Fe 3 O 4 , and α - Fe 2 O 3 single crystals

Valence-band photoemission spectra have been measured from cleaved stoichiometric iron oxide single crystals using synchrotron radiation. The total photoelectron yield is observed to increase dramatically at photon energies above the Fe 3p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}3d excitation threshold, and the resonant onset correlates directly with the oxidation state of the Fe cations. Features in the total yield profiles are interpreted in terms of atomic multiplets. The phenomenon of resonant photoemission is used to distinguish the Fe 3d-derived valence states from the overlapping unhybridized O 2p states in each of the oxides. By use of cleaved single crystals, the subtle differences in the valence-band photoemission features associated with ferrous (${\mathrm{Fe}}^{2+}$) and ferric (${\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}$) cations have been determined. The measured energy distribution of the photoemission final states in single crystal \ensuremath{\alpha}-${\mathrm{Fe}}_{2}$${\mathrm{O}}_{3}$ are in good agreement with recent measurements and configuration-interaction cluster calculations by Fujimori et al., which take into account ligand-to-metal charge transfer. Constant-initial-state spectra measured across the 3p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}3d threshold in each oxide indicate that most of the photoemission intensity near the top of the valence band is derived from hybridized cation-3d--ligand-2p states, whereas the emission at higher binding energies results from primarily 3${d}^{n\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1}$ final states. On this basis, each of the iron oxides is classified as a charge-transfer rather than a Mott-Hubbard insulator.
Cell Biology of Glia

Despite the preeminent role that neurons play in brain function, glial cells are actually much more numerous than neurons. Glia outnumber neurons by about 10 to 1 and make up about half the volume of the nervous system. Glial cells were first recognized as a distinct cell type in the mid 1800s. The name neuroglia, coined by Rudolph Virchow, means nerve glue, because these cells were thought to play a “supportive” role in brain function, filling the space that was not occupied by neurons.
Introduction to Hybrid Systems

Hybrid systems arise when the continuous and the discrete meet. Combine continuous and discrete inputs, outputs, states, or dynamics, and you have a hybrid system. Particularly, hybrid systems arise from the use of finite-state logic to govern continuous physical processes (as in embedded control systems) or from topological and network constraints interacting with continuous control (as in networked control systems). This chapter provides an introduction to hybrid systems, building them up first from the completely continuous side and then from the completely discrete side. It should be accessible to control theorists and computer scientists alike.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Mouse Cancer Models

Currently MRI is the imaging modality of choice for a wide variety of medical diagnostic questions and has an important role in the study of small-animal tumor physiology. We provide a brief overview of the physical principles of MRI and describe some of the areas wherein new developments in MRI affect preclinical oncology studies. Keywords: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); mouse cancer models; physics; mechanisms; dynamic contract-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI); multiple mouse imaging; tumor function
Predicting user physiological response for interactive environments: an inductive approach

Affective reasoning holds significant potential for interactive digital entertainment, education, and training. Incorporating affective reasoning into the decision-making capabilities of interactive environments could enable them to create customized experiences that are dynamically tailored to individual users' ever changing levels of engagement, interest, and emotional state. Because physiological responses are directly triggered by changes in affect, biofeedback data such as heart rate and galvanic skin response can be used to infer affective changes. However, biofeedback hardware is intrusive and cumbersome in deployed applications. This paper proposes an inductive framework for automatically learning models of users' physiological response from observations of user behaviors in interactive environments. These models can be used at runtime without biofeedback hardware to continuously predict users' physiological state directly from situational context in the interactive environment. Empirical studies with induced decision tree, naive Bayes, and Bayesian Network physiological response models suggest that they may be sufficiently accurate for practical use.
Multicarrier modulation with data dependent frequency domain redundancy

Discrete multitone (DMT) modulation uses a time domain cyclic prefix to allow for simplified equalization at the receiver. It is shown that data dependent frequency domain redundancy can be added at the transmitter which allows standard DMT demodulation at the receiver without requiring a cyclic prefix. Benefits include the ability to add redundancy to subchannels with small capacities such that the resulting data rate loss is minimized with respect to methods which use a cyclic prefix, and that the prefix length can be dynamically adjusted for different channel conditions while maintaining a fixed frame and transform size.
Microglia, a new cellular factor, in the development of hypertension (875.6)

The concept of neuroinflammation in the development of hypertension has been acknowledged recently, as studies showed that anti-inflammation treatments attenuated Ang II induced blood pressure increase. Microglia are the major immune cells in the central nervous system. To examine the role of microglia in hypertension, we applied a microglial depletion strategy by using a transgenic mouse line CD11b-DTR. This mouse line has an inserted transgene coding simian diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR) under the control of the CD11b promoter. CD11b-DTR mice were made hypertensive by subcutaneous Ang II infusion. Two weeks later, the mice received intracerebroventricular infusion of either DT or saline. Blood pressure was monitored by tailcuff. It showed that systolic blood pressure reached ~140 mmHg in both groups by 2 wk. Microglial depletion caused a gradual reduction in blood pressure (20 mmHg) by the end of 4 wk. To validate the importance of microglia in neuroinflammation associated with hypertension, the expres...
Predictors of mental health literacy among parents of youth diagnosed with mood disorders

Research reveals limited knowledge of children's mental health among caregivers. This paper identifies predictors of mental health literacy among parents of children diagnosed with mood disorders that are seeking or already receiving help. Secondary data analysis using multivariate regression was conducted on data from a randomized, controlled efficacy trial with a sample of 165 children. Mental health literacy was higher for parents who were female, white, higher educated and had children who were older, had a bipolar diagnosis or received more services. Lifetime experience with mental health disorders also predicted literacy. Public mental health efforts are needed to raise caregiver mental health literacy.
Automated Fluorometry as Applied to the Assay of Individual Estrogens in Purified Urinary Extracts

Using the Kober-lttrich fluorescence procedure, automated fluorometry was applied to the assay of individual estrogens and their 3-methyl ether derivatives in the purified urinary extracts of nonpregnant women. The values obtained by using this new automated scheme were compared with those obtained by the manual time-decay modification of the Slaunwhite-Engel fluorescence method; the comparison shows excellent correlation. A ratio of the corrected peak reading at 546 mµ. excitation to the corrected peak reading at 490 mµ. excitation was used not only to follow the effect of introducing additional purification stages in the development of assay procedures, but also to follow impurity levels in sample analyses. The same assembly of modules can be used for samples dissolved in acidified water, 70% methanol, and, with a simple change of manifold, in 1 N sodium hydroxide. This fully automated assay provides precise conditions in all stages.
2000 MCM electrical power jumper cable with controlled flexibility: design and life cycle test

The ZTH reverse field pinch (RFP) plasma-confinement experiment will use magnet coils to provide ohmic heating currents in the plasma. The ohmic heating coils are supported by a structure that will allow them limited movement with respect to surrounding hardware and the connecting electrical buswork. To minimize displacement-induced stresses in the coils, flexible power-conducting links are necessary to accommodate the relative motion between the buswork and the coils. A semiflexible 2000-MCM jumper cable has been designed with enough flexibility to allow free movement of the coils, yet it is stiff enough to withstand large magnetically induced lateral loads and minimize the effect of the lateral loads on the magnet coil leads. A full-power life-cycle test of the jumper was performed under magnetic, thermal, and dynamic loads that closely simulate the expected operating conditions. The test evaluated the structural and electrical integrity of the jumper as well as the quality and reliability of the bolted electrical connections at the jumper ends in a high-stress, cyclic-loading environment. The jumper-cable design is presented with an explanation of the requirement for a semiflexible link. The life-cycle test and test results are described, along with the test apparatus and setup. >
Metachromasia Observed in the Living Eggs of Arbacia punctulata and its Cytochemical Analysis

It has long been known that metachromasia (a change that occurs in the absorption spectrum of certain basic dyes when placed under certain conditions) can be used as a valuable, though not specific, cytochemical method. The physical as well as the chemical conditions promoting metachromasia or affecting its intensity have been studied in vitro on microscopic sections of fixed tissues and, sometimes, on living material by numerous investigators (see Dalcq & Massart, 1952). From a chemical point of view it can be assumed that metachromasia is due to ‘an electro-absorption of the cation of the basic dye by the acidic groupings of macromolecules, followed by an orientation of the organic skeleton of the dye by van der Waals forces’ (Massart, 1953). Studying the metachromasia of living bacterial suspensions, Massart came to the conclusion that the substance responsible for it must be an acidic polysaccharide localized at the surface of the bacteria.
Mathematical models for decision-making in planning drug abuse control programs

Abstract In this paper, a framework for systematizing the different applications of decision-making models to the control of drug abuse is first presented. Next, the available literature on the topic is used to exemplify as many as possible of the elements of the framework presented. Finally, extensions of the current state of the field in the direction of disaggregated and of dynamic models are presented.
Intrinsic magnetic properties of multicomponent Pr2-x-yRxR'yFe11.6Co2Al0.4B (R = Tb or Dy, R' = Nd and (x = 0.0, 0.2, y = 0.0, 0.5) compounds

Abstract Structural and magnetic properties were determined for the multicomponent Pr 2- x - y R x R' y Fe 11.6 Co 2 Al 0.4 B (R = Tb or Dy, R' = Nd) systems. Combined substitution of ≈ 15 at% Co and ≈ 3 at% Al for in Pr 2 Fe 14 B alloy leads to an increase in the Curie temperature, T c , and the anisotropy field H A , by nearly 20% and 30%, respectively. Partial replacement of Pr by either Tb or Dy, significantly enhances the H A . However, replacement of Pr with Nd reduces the anisotropy field considerably at room temperature and at 77 K. The former behavior may be ascribed to the stronger magnetic anisotropy of Tb or Dy ions which originates from the strong crystal field interaction. The results suggest that addition of a proper combination of Tb (and/or Dy), Co and Al may result in the considerable improvement in technical properties of magnets fabricated from PrFeB alloys.
The breakpoint cluster region site in patients with Philadelphia chromosome–positive chronic myelogenous leukemia. Clinical, laboratory, and prognostic correlations

Background. The breakpoint site of the breakpoint cluster region (bcr) has been correlated with patient characteristics, with the disease phase, and with the prognosis of patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), but the findings remain controversial. Methods. Appropriate restriction enzymes and the 3′ and universal probes were used to map the breakpoint site by Southern blot analysis into 5′ and 3′ breakpoints and a breakpoint in zone 3 (or fragment 2) in 362 patients in different phases of CML (238 in early chronic phase, 69 in late chronic phase, 31 in accelerated phase, and 24 in blastic phase). Standard statistical methods were used to evaluate differences in characteristics and in prognosis by the breakpoint site. Results. No correlation was noted between CML phases and breakpoint site. Among patients in the early chronic phase, thrombocytosis was significantly associated with the 3′ breakpoint site (P = 0.02), whereas peripheral basophilia occurred more frequently with the 5′ breakpoint site (P = 0.05). Other patient and disease characteristics were similar in frequency among the breakpoint-site subgroups. There was no difference in response to alpha-interferon therapy (186 patients treated) by the breakpoint site. Survival, dated from either referral to the authors' institution or from diagnosis, was not significantly different among patients with early chronic phase CML by the breakpoint site. However, patients with a 3′ deletion tended to have a shorter survival. Conclusion. Determination of the breakpoint site by Southern blot analysis does not help to predict prognosis of patients with CML. Cancer 1995;76:992–7.
A kinetic study of oxidation of praseodymium oxides: PrO1.714 + 0.032 O2 → PrO1.778

Abstract Kinetic and thermodynamic studies between the ι ( n = 7) and the ζ ( n = 9) phases of the homologous series of the praseodymium oxides (Pr n O 2 n −2 ) have been carried out as a function of oxygen pressure at 535, 540, 550, and 570°C. The thermodynamic study was carried out by measuring the weight of the oxide sample at equilibrium at these temperatures as a function of pressure. The existence of a reproducible hysteresis loop which depends on the temperature and pressure is shown. The kinetic study was carried out by measuring the weight change of the sample as a function of time after a sudden increase of oxygen pressure initiated the reaction. In order to interpret the kinetic data, various theoretical models assumed, for example, to depend upon diffusion, a moving boundary, a phase boundary reaction control, or nucleation and growth have been examined. None of these models, however, is capable of correlating the experimental data. It was found that for the powder sample diffusion of oxygen is much faster than the rate of reaction and the reaction kinetics is first order with respect to both the concentration of reactant and the ambient oxygen pressure. A linear plot of the reaction rate versus the ambient pressure extrapolates to a finite pressure at zero rate, suggesting that the reaction does not begin until this pressure is attained. It has been shown that this pressure corresponds to the minimum required to produce ζ phase as shown by the isothermal hysteresis loop along the oxidation path. From the measurements of the oxygen pressure and temperature dependence of the observed rate constants, the activation energy of the reaction was determined to be 45.3 kcal/mole.
Transverse electro-optic effect of antiferroelectric lead zirconate thin films

The transverse electro-optic effect in antiferroelectric lead zirconate thin films grown on fused quartz is observed. The birefringence shift as a function of the external electric field exhibits a characteristic response that is related to the electric-field-induced antiferroelectric-to-ferroelectric structural transition.
Simultaneous paired analysis by flow cytometry of surface markers, cytoplasmic antigens, or oncogene expression with DNA content

Flow cytometry is a useful tool for measuring DNA content and differentiation as expressed by cell surface markers. We have extended this technology to measure simultaneously either surface, cytoplasmic, or nuclear antigens (particularly oncoproteins) with DNA content. Mononuclear blood cells isolated from normal subjects and HL60 leukemic cells were permeabilized and fixed in suspension utilizing 40 micrograms/ml lysolecithin and 1% paraformaldehyde. A range of lysolecithin concentrations in 1% paraformaldehyde was studied to optimize permeabilization of the antibodies to the cell interior without destroying cell integrity. The optimal concentration (40 micrograms lysolecithin/ml) resulted in good cell recovery with a high percentage of cells positive for surface and intracellular antigens. Cells are first stained with fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated (FITC) antimyeloperoxidase (an azurophil granule enzyme), or with an anti-c-myc antibody and FITC goat anti-mouse IgG F(ab')2. Cells are then incubated with RNase and stained for DNA content with propidium iodide. Alternatively, cells were stained for the cell surface markers Leu M3, OKM1, or the transferrin receptor and were then fixed and permeabilized and stained with propidium iodide. Using this method, we correlated cytoplasmic, nuclear, or cell surface antigens with cell cycle kinetics. This technique should be useful for studies of cellular differentiation and proliferation.
Commute Times for a Directed Graph using an Asymmetric Laplacian

The expected commute times for a strongly connected directed graph are related to an asymmetric Laplacian matrix as a direct extension to similar well known formulas for undirected graphs. We show the close relationships between the asymmetric Laplacian and the so-called Fundamental matrix. We give bounds for the commute times in terms of the stationary probabilities for a random walk over the graph together with the asymmetric Laplacian and show how this can be approximated by a symmetrized Laplacian derived from a related weighted undirected graph.
Positive definite performance functions for parameter adaptive control problems

The formulation of a class of parameter adaptive control problems, including plant parameter identification, is developed for deterministic linear systems which leads to a positive definite performance index J(?) with the properties: (i) J(?) and its derivatives can be computed at the end of each observation time interval using only input-output data, i.e., no state estimation is employed, (ii) a minimal value J(?*), computed by the use of any suitable gradient Type algorithm, is known to be optimal provided J(?*) = 0 and some other nondegeneracy conditions involving the input-output data are upheld, (iii) unknown disturbance inputs can be incorporated.
Use of triticale as a replacement for wheat middlings in diets for Atlantic salmon

Abstract A study was conducted to determine the value of triticale (a hybrid between rye and wheat) as a substitute for wheat middlings in the diet of Atlantic salmon ( Salmo salar ). Data on growth and carcass composition of fish fed the experimental diets containing triticale were comparable to those of fish fed the control diet with wheat middlings. No differences in diet acceptability were apparent when triticale was substituted for wheat middlings in the basal ration. Though the effect of triticale substitution on pellet quality (i.e., durability) is not known, the results indicated that this hybrid grain can be used as a nutritional substitute for wheat middlings in the diet of salmonids, and that further evaluation of this potential feed ingredient is warranted.
Arginine 186 in the Extracellular N-Terminal Region of the Human Parathyroid Hormone 1 Receptor Is Essential for Contact with Position 13 of the Hormone

PTH maintains blood calcium concentrations within the physiological range by acting on a G protein-coupled heptahelical receptor (PTH1 Rc) located primarily in cells in bone and kidney. We have undertaken a photoaffinity cross-linking approach to elucidate the nature of the bimolecular interaction of PTH with the human (h) PTH1 Rc. Specifically, we have studied the region of the receptor that interacts with the midregion of PTH-(1–34), position 13, using a benzophenone-containing photoaffinity ligand, 125I-[Nle8,18,Lys13(e-pBz2),L-2-Nal23,Arg26,27,Tyr34]bPTH-(1–34)NH2 (125I-K13). Using site-directed mutagenesis in combination with biochemical analysis, we have reduced our previously identified contact domain, 17 residues in the extracellular region of the receptor (173–189), to an 8-amino acid domain (182–189). Furthermore, we have found arginine 186 to be of critical importance to the interaction of the hPTH1 Rc with 125I-K13: modification of Arg186 to either lysine or alanine does not modify receptor av...
Data augmentation priors for Bayesian and semi-Bayes analyses of conditional-logistic and proportional-hazards regression.

Data augmentation priors have a long history in Bayesian data analysis. Formulae for such priors have been derived for generalized linear models, but their accuracy depends on two approximation steps. This note presents a method for using offsets as well as scaling factors to improve the accuracy of the approximations in logistic regression. This method produces an exceptionally simple form of data augmentation that allows it to be used with any standard package for conditional-logistic or proportional-hazards regression to perform Bayesian and semi-Bayes analyses of matched and survival data. The method is illustrated with an analysis of a matched case-control study of diet and breast cancer.
Attitudes of house officers toward the autopsy

Study Objective:To assess the attitudes of house officers in internal medicine and pathology about the value and use of the autopsy.
Creating the market university: how academic science became an economic engine

by Elizabeth Popp Berman, Princeton, NJ, Princeton University Press, 1999, x + 265 pp., £24.95 (hardback), ISBN 978-0-691-14708-6 The idea that government has an interest in promoting ‘useful knowl...
Affinity chemiresistor sensor for sugars.

Abstract In this work, a non-enzymatic chemiresistive sugar sensor has been developed by combining a synthetic receptor with aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) device. Briefly, boronic acid as a multivalent sugar receptor was immobilized on carbon nanotubes through amide bond formation. The interaction between three common sugars ( d -glucose, d -fructose and sucrose) and boronic acid modified SWNTs device was studied. The effect of pH on the receptor–ligand binding was examined and highest response was observed at pH 9. The chemiresistive sensor exhibited specific and reproducible detection with sensitivity over the concentration range of 1–20 mM, 1–25 mM, and 1–30 mM for fructose, glucose, and sucrose, respectively. The sensor showed no interference from common electroactive compounds such as citric acid, uric acid, and ascorbic acid. Furthermore, the sensor retained 97.4% of the initial value after five regeneration cycles with an acidic buffer at pH 5, thus ensuring good reusability.
Measurements of turbulent premixed flame dynamics using cinema stereoscopic PIV

A new experimental method is described that provides high-speed movies of turbulent premixed flame wrinkling dynamics and the associated vorticity fields. This method employs cinema stereoscopic particle image velocimetry and has been applied to a turbulent slot Bunsen flame. Three-component velocity fields were measured with high temporal and spatial resolutions of 0.9 ms and 140 μm, respectively. The flame-front location was determined using a new multi-step method based on particle image gradients, which is described. Comparisons are made between flame fronts found with this method and simultaneous CH-PLIF images. These show that the flame contour determined corresponds well to the true location of maximum gas density gradient. Time histories of typical eddy–flame interactions are reported and several important phenomena identified. Outwardly rotating eddy pairs wrinkle the flame and are attenuated at they pass through the flamelet. Significant flame-generated vorticity is produced downstream of the wrinkled tip. Similar wrinkles are caused by larger groups of outwardly rotating eddies. Inwardly rotating pairs cause significant convex wrinkles that grow as the flame propagates. These wrinkles encounter other eddies that alter their behavior. The effects of the hydrodynamic and diffusive instabilities are observed and found to be significant contributors to the formation and propagation of wrinkles.
Risk Management in Video Game Development Projects

The video game software industry has a reputation for volatile, chaotic projects yet, in spite of dramatic growth in global revenues, surprisingly little academic work has examined these projects. This study reports a preliminary investigation into this under-researched area. We interviewed eight video game producers from a range of companies, using a critical incident method to explore risk management practices and risk perceptions. Our results revealed that in lieu of formal risk management practices, these managers relied on prototyping, pre-production decision points, and agile approaches to contain risk on their projects. Among the risk factors mentioned, two are specific to the unique context of video game development. The risk of failing to match the development strategy to the project was identified as a major cause of problems during the development process, and a new risk - the 'fun factor' - was a key element threatening the success of the final game release.
On the structure and stability of self-assembled zwitterionic peptide amphiphiles: A theoretical study

The structures of self-assembled peptide amphiphiles are studied using empirical force fields and atomistic molecular dynamics calculations. The hydrophilic headgroups of these amphiphiles possess a lower, rigid part and an upper, flexible part. At an appropriate pH large dipoles are found in the flexible part of the headgroups, leading to attractive interactions between them, while the rigid parts participate in the formation of an effective parallel beta sheet due to hydrogen bonding oriented in the same direction as the large dipoles, and stabilizing the self-assembly in that direction. Molecular dynamics simulations on the self-assembled amphiphiles are performed with periodic boundary conditions in two dimensions. The tendency of the nanostructure to curve around an axis parallel to the dipoles and the beta sheet is revealed by removing the periodic boundary conditions, one direction at a time, leading to the conclusion that a cylindrical micelle would be the most stable one.
Permeation Dynamics and Osmoregulation in Aphelenchus Avenae

Specific rate constants for the diffusion controlled permeation of Aphelenchus avenae by a wide variety of organic substances and the equilibrium constants for the process have been measured. In general, hydrophobic, nonpolar, organic soluble structures permeate the quickest and have the greatest affinity for the nematodes. In contrast, salts, hydrophilic, and polar substances are the slowest permeators and have the lowest affinity for the animals. The nematicide 1,3-dichloropropene in the fastest permeator (kin = 1.3 min-1, kout = .094 min-1) and glucose is one of the slowest (kin = 1.3 × 10-4 min-1, kout = 5 × 10-3 min-1). The small neutral polar molecules, water, acetone, and methanol are an exception to these findings. The rate in and out of these substances is unusually rapid. The results suggest a different path of permeation for those substrates. The water permeation rates are not affected over a wide range of osmotic pressure but the animals do decrease in size. The rate of shrinkage is slow at an osmotic pressure of 10 atm but approaches the rate of water permeation at 26 atmospheres. The results establish water movement as the dominant primary event in osmoregulation.
Gastroschisis in Mice Lacking Aortic Carboxypeptidase-Like Protein Is Associated With a Defect in Neuromuscular Development of the Eviscerated Intestine

Mice lacking aortic carboxypeptidase-like protein (ACLP) exhibit a gastroschisis (GS) like abdominal wall defect. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the pathophysiological features of GS in ACLP mice and to characterize the neuromuscular development of the eviscerated intestine (EI). ACLP mice were created by heterozygous mating from previously generated mice with targeted disruption of ACLP. Specimens were processed for H&E, and immunohistochemistry for smooth muscle cells [SMC, alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) antibody], interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC, c-kit-antibody), neural crest cells (NCC, Hox-b5-antibody), and enteric neurons (EN, PGP9.5-, alpha-internexin, and synaptophysin antibody). From 47 fetuses genotyped, 13 (27.7%) were wild type, 20 (42.5%) were heterozygous, and 14 (29.8%) were ACLP homozygous. In GS mice, expression of c-kit, Hox-b5, PGP-9.5, alpha-internexin, and synaptophysin were almost completely absent and only faint alpha-SMA expression was seen in the EI. In contrast, c-kit, Hox-b5, PGP9.5, alpha-internexin, synaptophysin, and alpha-SMA expression in intra-abdominal intestine in GS fetuses was the same as control intestine. The defect observed in ACLP mice closely resembles GS. Absence of ICC, NCC, EN, and immature differentiation of SMC supports an associated defect in neuromuscular development that is restricted to the EI.
PECULIAR IMMUNOBIOLOGY OF BONE MARROW ALLOGRAFTS : II. REJECTION OF PARENTAL GRAFTS BY RESISTANT F1 HYBRID MICE

F(1) hybrid mice are capable of rejecting inbred parental strain bone marrow grafts after a single lethal exposure to X-rays. The incompatibility is genetically controlled by the Hybrid-histocompatibility-1 (Hh-1) locus in or near the D end of the Histocompatibility-2 (H-2) region. The onset of parental graft rejection begins 9-12 hr after transplantation and is completed by 24 hr. Maturation of hybrid resistance does not occur until the 22nd day of life. In adults, the resistance to parental marrow grafts can be temporarily abrogated or weakened by administration of cyclophosphamide or dead cultures of Corynebacterium parvum, acute supralethal exposures to radiation, or by split-dose irradiation with 6-37-day intervals. Parental marrow grafts elicit a transplantation reaction in irradiated F(1) mice which is indistinguishable from that elicited in irradiated allogeneic (H-2-incompatible) hosts. Because of this immunogenetic similarity, the following question is raised: are the same or different alloantigens responsible for rejection of parental and allogeneic marrow grafts? In the first case, Hh-1 alleles would be recessive determinants of tissue-specific transplantation antigens, whereas in the second case they would be the determinants of parental- and tissue-specific antigens subject to genetic suppression in Hh-1 heterozygotes. Although the available evidence is not conclusive in excluding one of the two possibilities, it favors the concept that allograft reactivity to hemopoietic cells is elicited by recessive tissue-specific antigens.