cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Change in obsessive beliefs in therapist-directed and self-directed exposure therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder

Abstract Self-directed treatment may be a cost-effective adjunctive or stand-alone intervention for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related problems. Current cognitive-behavioral theories suggest that disconfirmation of maladaptive beliefs about feared stimuli is a mechanism of change in exposure-based treatments. It is unclear whether self-directed exposure therapy results in the same degree of change in maladaptive beliefs as traditional therapist-directed exposure. The current study used data from a published trial of self-directed and therapist-directed exposure therapy for OCD (N = 41; Tolin et al., 2007) to compare change in obsessive beliefs between the two treatments. The original trial found superior treatment outcomes for patients in the therapist-directed condition as compared to the self-directed condition. Piecewise linear growth modeling demonstrated that therapist-directed exposure resulted in greater change in obsessive beliefs from pre-treatment through 6-month follow-up than did self-directed treatment. Post-treatment obsessive beliefs mediated post-treatment OCD symptoms in both treatment conditions, suggesting that treatment effects were at least in part due to change in obsessive beliefs. The findings suggest that therapist-directed exposure leads to greater cognitive change than does self-directed treatment, and are discussed in terms of cognitive-behavioral theory and potential ways to promote belief change in therapist- and self-directed treatment.
A New History of Educational Philosophy in the United States: A Prologue.

What I am offering here is a new history of philosophy of education,1 a history from the bottom up (cf. Passmore 1967; Stearns 1988, pp. 3-6). While not a people's history of educational philosophy, it is at least a social history. This new history maintains that the dialogues of educational philosophy cannot be understood without reference to the intellectual, social, and political movements that were related to the practice of the discipline and the individuals who were a part of or who contributed to those movements. Philosophy of education did not reach its mature form and its standing in the premier research universities of America on the shoulders of John Dewey alone. This study calls attention to the importance of the profession's "external" structures but does not forget the significance of its "internal" logics. In addition, it is concerned with individuals who were both inside and outside the profession's inner circle, as it is also interested in literature that did not flow from Dewey's pen. And in a more heretical tone, this new history claims a centrality for a literature that can only tacitly be called philosophical. Preface There are real advantages in thinking about philosophy of education from a nontraditional perspective. First, this approach separates the history of philosophy of education from the history of Philosophy and calls attention to the benefits of distinguishing between the work of the two. Second, by focusing upon mechanism (the societies that constitute the educational philosophy's invisible college), philosophy of education can be extracted from its schizophrenic relationship with Philosophy yet retain a constructive link with philosophy. Third, this approach argues for reshaping the reservoir of questions that constitute educational philosophy's program of research This article was copyedited by Mary Jane Curry.
Serum markers in germ cell neoplasms.

Since the development of highly sensitive and specific radioimmunoassays (RIA) for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)61-79 and the beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (BHCG)73 these serum tumor markers have become indispensable in the treatment and follow-up of patients with testicular neoplasms. Either one or both markers are elevated in 80% to 90% of patients with nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT) at the time of diagnosis. 33 Over the last 20 years much has been learned about the prognostic significance of pretreatment marker levels and the optimal use of markers during chemotherapy and in the surveillance setting. Although the search for other serum markers continues, to date there are no candidates that approach the specificity and sensitivity of AFP and BHCG for NSGCT.
Health insurance literacy and awareness of the Affordable Care Act in a vulnerable Hispanic population

Abstract Objective The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) has allowed millions of Americans to obtain coverage. However, many, especially minorities, remain uninsured. With mounting evidence supporting the importance of health insurance literacy (HIL), the purpose of this cross-sectional study is to examine the association between HIL and ACA knowledge. Methods We conducted 681 in-person interviews with participants at a community health event along the Texas-Mexico border in 2015, after the conclusion of the ACA’s second enrollment period. To assess HIL, we used the Health Insurance Literacy Measure, reflecting consumers’ confidence to choose, compare, and use health insurance. We assessed ACA knowledge through the following question: “How much would you say you know about this health reform law?” Logistic regression was used to examine the association between HIL and ACA knowledge after controlling for several covariates. Results Almost 70% of participants knew nothing/very little about the ACA. Multivariate analyses revealed that no/very little ACA knowledge was associated with low levels of confidence “choosing health insurance plans” (OR:0.55; 95%CI:0.40-0.75) (full sample) and “comparing plans” (OR:0.56; 95%CI:0.32-0.96) (U.S.-born sub-sample). Conclusion No/little ACA knowledge is associated with lower levels of HIL. Practice Implications Promoting HIL is an essential step towards improving healthcare access.
"Call Me, Maybe": Supervisor and Resident Comfort With Indirect Supervision in Psychiatry Training.

Background Resident supervision is critical for education and ensuring patient safety. After hours, communication with attendings is variable. Objective The objective was to identify differences among psychiatry residents and attendings regarding the desired level of supervision for issues that arise overnight in the psychiatric emergency department (ED). Methods In a single-site psychiatric ED, an electronic survey containing 30 hypothetical scenarios was administered. For each scenario, residents were asked if they would call attendings and attendings whether they would want to be called. Results 35/44 psychiatry residents and 15/17 faculty participated, yielding a response rate of 82%. For five scenarios, faculty preferred that residents call for supervision more frequently than residents indicated they would. These included staff or house staff injuries (60% vs. 22.9%, p = 0.011; 93.3% vs. 62.9%, p = 0.039), a patient using heroin in the ED (53.3% vs. 5.7%, p Conclusions In a psychiatric ED, attendings prefer greater involvement in cases relating to psychosocial issues, legal concerns, and conflicts with patients. More work is needed to fully understand these differences and their potential impact on patient care and training.
Thymoquinone enhanced the tumoricidal activity of NK Cells against Lung Cancer

Among different immune cell populations, NK cells are an important component in unleashing the therapeutic activity of immune cells. Therefore, in order to enhance the tumoricidal activity of NK cells, identification of new small-molecule natural products is prominent. In this study, we used a natural compound Thymoquinone (TQ), a constituent of Nigella sativa to enhance the tumoricidal activity of NK cell. We expanded human NK cell (NK-92MI) population derived from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Next, expanded NK cells were co-cultured with A549, which is a non-small cell lung cancer cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell, with or without TQ and after 24h of co-cultured, harvested supernatants were analyzed for IFN-g secretions by ELISA method. This study was further validated using flow cytometry; immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR and western blot techniques. Our result showed TQ increased IFN-γ secretion by NK cells and enhanced NK cell-mediated killing of NSCLC cells. The up-regulation of pro-apoptotic (BAX, BID) and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic (BCL-2, MCL-1) makers confirmed that TQ enhanced the NK cell tumoricidal activity, which is a simple, economic and reliable method to create a new strategy to improve the treatment of NSCLC and has the potential to create a modern class of treatments for advanced lung cancer.
Fat grafting rescues radiation‐induced joint contracture

The aim of this study was to explore the therapeutic effects of fat grafting on radiation-induced hind limb contracture. Radiation therapy (RT) is used to palliate and/or cure a range of malignancies but causes inevitable and progressive fibrosis of surrounding soft tissue. Pathological fibrosis may lead to painful contractures which limit movement and negatively impact quality of life. Fat grafting is able to reduce and/or reverse radiation-induced soft tissue fibrosis. We explored whether fat grafting could improve extensibility in irradiated and contracted hind limbs of mice. Right hind limbs of female 60-day-old CD-1 nude mice were irradiated. Chronic skin fibrosis and limb contracture developed. After 4 weeks, irradiated hind limbs were then injected with (a) fat enriched with stromal vascular cells (SVCs), (b) fat only, (c) saline, or (d) nothing (n = 10/group). Limb extension was measured at baseline and every 2 weeks for 12 weeks. Hind limb skin then underwent histological analysis and biomechanical strength testing. Irradiation significantly reduced limb extension but was progressively rescued by fat grafting. Fat grafting also reduced skin stiffness and reversed the radiation-induced histological changes in the skin. The greatest benefits were found in mice injected with fat enriched with SVCs. Hind limb radiation induces contracture in our mouse model which can be improved with fat grafting. Enriching fat with SVCs enhances these beneficial effects. These results underscore an attractive approach to address challenging soft tissue fibrosis in patients following RT.
Total Marrow Irradiation in Multiple Myeloma

The advent of new targeted agents and monoclonal antibodies prior to or after high-dose therapy and stem cell transplantation has improved the outcome of patients with multiple myeloma. However, the disease remains incurable, and relapse is the main cause of treatment failure. The historical radiosensitivity of multiple myeloma cells led to the use of total body irradiation (TBI) as part of the conditioning regimen prior to autologous stem cell transplantation. However, this treatment was associated with higher toxicities as compared to chemotherapy alone in randomized clinical trials. Total marrow irradiation (TMI) delivered by helical tomotherapy allows for delivery of escalating doses of radiation to the marrow space while maintaining lower doses to normal organs. This approach allows augmentation of the antimyeloma effect of irradiation to the sites of disease as a strategy to improve disease control while minimizing exposure to normal organs and subsequent potential immediate and long-term toxicities. We review the use of TMI as a conditioning regimen prior to both autologous and allogenic peripheral stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma.
The Potential of Utilizing Mid-Energy X-Rays for In-Line Phase Sensitive Breast Cancer Imaging.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to demonstrate the potential of utilizing mid-energy x-rays for in-line phase-sensitive breast cancer imaging by phantom studies. METHODS The midenergy (50-80kV) in-line phase sensitive imaging prototype was used to acquire images of the contrast-detail mammography (CDMAM) phantom, an ACR accreditation phantom, and an acrylic edge phantom. The low-dose mid-energy phase-sensitive images were acquired at 60 kV with a radiation dose of 0.9 mGy, while the high-energy phase-sensitive images were acquired at 90 kV with a radiation dose of 1.2 mGy. The Phase-Attenuation Duality (PAD) principle for soft tissue was used for the phase retrieval. A blind observer study was conducted and paired-sample T-test were performed to compare the mean differences in the two imaging systems. RESULTS The correct detection ratio for the CDMAM phantom for phase-contrast images acquired by the low-dose mid-energy system was 56.91%, whereas images acquired by the high-energy system correctly revealed only 40.97% of discs. The correct detection ratios were 57.88% and 43.41% for phase-retrieved images acquired by the low-dose mid-energy and high-energy imaging systems, respectively. The reading scores for all three groups of objects in the ACR phantom were higher for the mid energy imaging system as compared to the high-energy system for both phase-contrast and phase- retrieved images. The calculated edge enhancement index (EEI) from the acrylic edge phantom image for the mid-energy system was higher than that calculated for the high-energy imaging system. The quantitative analyses showed a higher Contrast to Noise Ratio (CNR) as well as a higher Figure of Merit (FOM) in images acquired by the low-dose mid-energy imaging system. CONCLUSION The PAD based retrieval method can be applied in mid-energy system without remarkably affecting the image quality, and in fact, it improves the lesion detectability with a patient dose saving of 25%.
WIPO’s Role in Procedural and Substantive Patent Law Harmonization

This Chapter, part of a book examining the history of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), focuses on WIPO’s activities in the patent realm. The Chapter begins with a description of the successful procedural initiatives undertaken by WIPO and its administrative predecessor, the United International Bureaux for the Protection of Intellectual Property (BIRPI), notably the development of the Patent Cooperation Treaty, the Strasbourg Agreement, the Budapest Treaty, and the Patent Law Treaty (PLT). It then considers the less successful substantive efforts of WIPO and BIRPI to raise the level of patent protection, notably through the failed attempt to revise the Paris Convention in the 1980s and, later, in negotiations over a Substantive Patent Law Treaty. We argue the lesson to be learned is that when a regime governs a single area of law (in this case, intellectual property), especially one that is closely tied to health, safety and economic growth, it is not possible to achieve substantive gains without giving due consideration to the interests of all relevant parties. We end more optimistically by asking whether recent developments provide the basis for a renewed attempt to craft a better harmonized normative framework. In addition to the effort to raise substantive standards, these include an interest in procedural mechanisms to facilitate transnational litigation involving intellectual property rights, concerns about the adequacy of defenses and limitations, and a desire to recognize new kinds of intellectual contributions, such as traditional knowledge and genetic resources.
COST PASS‐THROUGH IN COMMERCIAL AVIATION: THEORY AND EVIDENCE

The significant worldwide decline in crude oil price beginning in mid-2014 through to 2015, which resulted in substantial fuel expense reductions for airlines, but no apparent commensurate reductions in industry average airfares has caused much public debate. This paper examines the market mechanisms through which crude oil price may influence airfare, which facilitates identifying the possible market and airline-specific characteristics that influence the extent to which crude oil price changes affect airfare. Interestingly, and new, our analysis reveals that the crude oil-airfare pass-through relationship can be either positive or negative, depending on various market and airline-specific characteristics. We find evidence that airline-specific jet fuel hedging strategy and market origin-destination distance contribute significantly to pass-through rates being negative. Specifically, the value of pass-through rate decreases with airline fuel hedging ratios and with market origin-destination distance, but increases with competition in origin-destination markets. Even when the pass-through relationship is positive, suggesting that a portion of airlines’ fuel cost savings is passed on to consumers via lower airfares, this research reveals the market and airline-specific factors that limit the size of these savings passed on to consumers via lower airfares.
Long-term exercise adherence in patients with heart failure: A qualitative study.

Abstract Background Regular exercise is associated with numerous benefits; yet up to 91% of patients with heart failure (HF) do not exercise regularly. This study explored factors supporting long-term exercise adherence in patients with HF. Design This study was a qualitative multiple-case study. Methods Data were collected via semi-structured interviews from patients with HF at completion of an 18-month exercise intervention in a health care exercise facility and analyzed using a directed content analysis approach. Results Participants (n=22) identified perceived health status, scheduling/making exercise part of a routine, social support from coaches and family, knowledge about exercise, and motivation/perseverance as supports for long-term exercise adherence. Conclusions Perceived health status may be key when promoting exercise adherence in this population. Knowledge, social support from coaches and family members, and motivation should be considered for long-term exercise adherence.
In vitro comparison of performance including imposed work of breathing of CPAP systems used in low-resource settings.

Respiratory distress due to preterm birth is a significant cause of death in low-resource settings. The introduction of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) systems to treat respiratory distress significantly reduced mortality in high-resource settings, but CPAP was only recently introduced in low-resource settings due to cost and infrastructure limitations. We evaluated pressure stability and imposed work of breathing (iWOB) of five CPAP systems used in low resource settings: the Fisher and Paykel bubble CPAP, the Diamedica baby CPAP, the Medijet nCPAP generator, and the first (2015) and second (2017) generation commercially available Pumani CPAPs. Pressure changes due to fresh gas flow were evaluated for each system by examining the relationship between flow and pressure at the patient interface for four pressures generated at the bottle (0, 3, 5, and 7 cm H2O); for the Medijet nCPAP generator, no bottle was used. The slope of the resulting relationship was used to calculate system resistance. Poiseuille's law of resistance was used to investigate significant contributors to resistance. Resistance ranged from 0.05 to 1.40 [Formula: see text]; three CPAP devices had resistances 1.0 [Formula: see text]. Imposed WOB was measured using an ASL5000 test lung to simulate the breath cycle for an infant (5.5 kg), a term neonate (4.0 kg), and a preterm neonate (2.5 kg). Imposed WOB ranged from 1.4 to 39.5 mJ/breath across all systems and simulated infant sizes. Changes in pressure generated by fresh gas flow, resistance, and iWOB differ between the five systems evaluated under ideal laboratory conditions. The available literature does not indicate that these differences affect clinical outcomes.
Patent foramen ovale closure in the management of cryptogenic stroke: a review of current literature and guideline statements.

The management recommendations for patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure in cryptogenic stroke are rapidly evolving. The data has expanded recently with four major trials demonstrating superiority of ...
Effect of irrigation on crabapple growth and water relations during field production with in-ground fabric containers

Abstract Growth and water relations of irrigated and non-irrigated Malus sieboldii var. zumi produced with and without in-ground fabric containers in a field-nursery setting were investigated. Pred...
Evaluation of Cognitive Symptoms Following Concussion.

The assessment of cognitive symptoms following concussion has evolved over the last several decades as a distinct focus in research and an essential component of clinical decision making and management. The aims of this paper are to (1) identify issues related to assessment of postconcussion cognitive functioning and (2) provide a review of common self-report and performance-based measures, including computerized-based assessments (CBAs), and, more traditional, comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations. We conclude that (1) there has yet to emerge one cognitive-symptom measurement method that can be considered the “gold standard” for all settings, (2) the usefulness of cognitive symptoms assessment findings in the clinical management decisions rests a great deal on the background of the practitioner, and (3) cognitive-symptom assessment needs to be considered in the context of a broader evaluation of other postconcussion symptoms.
Decolorization of Several Polymeric Dyes by the Lignin-Degrading Basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium.

The polymeric dyes Poly B-411, Poly R-481, and Poly Y-606 were examined as possible alternatives to the radiolabeled lignin previously used as a substrate in lignin biodegradation assays. Like lignin degradation, the decolorization of these dyes by the white rot basidiomycete Phanerochaete chrysosporium occurred during secondary metabolism, was suppressed in cultures grown in the presence of high levels of nitrogen, and was strongly dependent on the oxygen concentration in the cultures. A variety of inhibitors of lignin degradation, including thiourea, azide, and 4′-O-methylisoeugenol, also inhibited dye decolorization. A pleiotropic mutant of P. chrysosporium, 104-2, lacking phenol oxidase and ligninolytic activity was also not able to decolorize the polymeric dyes, whereas a phenotypic revertant strain, 424-2, regained this capacity. All of these results suggest that the ligninolytic degradation activity of the fungus was responsible for the decolorization of these dyes.
The discrete time Biquad State Space structure: Low latency with high numerical fidelity

State space models of highly flexible systems can present severe numerical issues. The models derived from physical principles often lack structure. Canonical form models, are compact, but obscure any physical structure and can have coefficients that are highly sensitive to model parameters. What is needed is a form that has the compact representation of the canonical forms, the physicality of the forms derived from physical equations, and maintain numerical accuracy and physical intuition, even after discretization. This paper presents a new state space form, the Biquad State Space (BSS), based on the multinotch structure [1], [2]. We will will show that the BSS captures the endearing characteristics of the multinotch while providing the flexibility of model based control. This paper will present the basic structure in discrete time form which most closely matches the multinotch. Forms not specific to minimum latency control, including a continous time version, will be discussed in [3].
Spontaneous CNS remyelination in beta 2 microglobulin-deficient mice following virus-induced demyelination

Animal models with selective genetic immunodeficiencies are useful tools to identify pathogenic mechanisms of disease. Resistant (C57BL/6F 129/J) (H-2b) mice are rendered susceptible to Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus-induced demyelination by genetic disruption of the beta 2 microglobulin gene [beta 2 m(-l-)]. The absence of beta 2 m prevents the expression of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules and normal levels of functional CD8+ T cells. We tested whether genetic depletion of beta 2 m would permit CNS remyelination after chronic demyelination induced by the Daniel's strain of Theiler's virus. In contrast to the minimal spontaneous remyelination observed in SJL/J mice after infection with the Daniel's strain of Theiler's virus, chronically infected beta 2 m(-I-) mice showed extensive and progressive spontaneous CNS remyelination at 6, 12, and 18 months after infection. Spontaneous remyelination by both oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells occurred despite the presence of persistent virus antigen and RNA, but was associated with diminished virus-specific humoral and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses. These experiments support the hypothesis that the immune response inhibits myelin regeneration after virus-induced CNS demyelination.
Navigating Social Networking and Social Media in School Psychology: Ethical and Professional Considerations in Training Programs.

Social networking and social media have undoubtedly proliferated within the past decade, allowing widespread communication and dissemination of user-generated content and information. Some psychology graduate programs, including school psychology, have started to embrace social networking and media for instructional and training purposes; however, there have not been any consistent ethical guidelines or standards among training programs relating to how trainers, graduate students, and practitioners should use social networking and social media professionally. This article draws on the current yet limited research on social networking and social media, and addresses the ethical challenges when managing both professional and personal online identities in school psychology. Two relevant case scenarios are discussed, along with suggested guidelines for developing technological policies for school psychologists. Future directions in research and practical implications for trainers, graduate students, and practitioners are explored.
I need a bigger suitcase: The evaluator role in nonformal education

This chapter details the wide variety of roles that an evaluator may need to play when evaluating nonformal education programs.
CHF enhancement in flowing fluorocarbon liquid films using structured surfaces and flow deflectors

Abstract Boiling experiments were performed with a fluorocarbon (FC-72) liquid film falling over a vertical heated surface. Severe boiling separated most of the film from the surface, leaving a thin subfilm, and CHF was associated with dryout of the subfilm. Surfaces with microfin augmentation enhanced CHF with respect to smooth or microstud surfaces. A louvered plate mounted parallel to the heated surface also increased CHF by deflecting the separated liquid back to the heated surface and delaying subfilm dryout.
Derivatives of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ribonuclease (barnase) isolated after limited digestion by carboxypeptidases A and B.

Abstract The carboxy-terminal sequence of barnase is -Thr-Thr-Asp-His-Tyr-Gln-ThrPhe-Thr-Lys-Ile-Arg. Derivatives missing one, three, five and eight amino acids (CX-1, CX-3, CX-5 and CX-8) 1 have been produced by digestion with carboxypeptidases A and B, isolated and characterized. CX-1 retains full activity, CX-3 substantial activity, and CX-5 and CX-8 little or no activity. All undergo reversible thermal transitions qualitatively similar to that of native barnase, but with transition temperatures a decreasing function of the number of amino acids removed. Spectral analysis indicates some changes in the contact of aromatic residues with solvent. All react normally with anti-barnase antibody, but only CX-1 and CX-3 form normal complexes with the natural barnase inhibitor. These complexes and that of native barnase do not precipitate antibody.
A phenomenological model describing orificed, hollow cathode operation

A phenomenological model is presented which describes the emission processes occurring within the orificed, hollow cathode. The model defines a region of ion production inside the cathode and assumes that the cathode emission current can be accounted for by considering the ion and electron currents which cross the boundary of this region. Most of the current (approximately 72%) comes from electrons produced by field-enhanced, thermionic emission from a well-defined emission surface at the downstream end of the insert which circumscribes the ion product region. The electrons produced at the emission surface feed the ionization process in the region of ion production; the rest of the current (approximately 28%) is carried by the ions produced in the process. Moving at the Bohm velocity, these ions leave the production volume; they then complete the current path by being collected at various cathode potential surfaces, including the emission surface. The model establishes the ratio of ion to electron currents at the emission surface on the basis of the energy balance at that surface. Experimental results corroborating the principal assumptions of the model are presented and discussed.
Adaptation of solar sounding rocket payloads for Shuttle

The advent of the Shuttle will permit small solar sounding rocket class payloads to be used for orbital applications as a sub satellite. Solutions to such problems as thermal protection, deployment and retrieval and Shuttle bay storage will be presented. Adapting sounding rocket hardware such as solar telescopes, solar attitude control systems and data acquisition modules along with extending power and control gas requirements is discussed. This resulting hardware may be used either in a sounding rocket or Shuttle payload. This paper will combine the solar sounding rocket quick reaction, low cost techniques with the Shuttle Transportation System.
Familial occurrence of breast cancer is associated with reduced natural killer cytotoxicity

A factor in the incidence of spontaneous neoplasms in mice is the endogenous level of natural cell-mediated cytotoxicity (1, 2). These immunosurveillant or host defense mechanisms are probably under the control of multiple gene products (3, 4) including interferons. We studied natural killer (NK) cytotoxicity using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 59 normal individuals with either a high (17) or low (42) familial incidence of breast cancer. The K562 cell line was used as target in51Cr release assays. Three effector: target ratios (6.2 : 1, 25 : 1, and 50 : 1) were studied in quadruplicate using 3, 4 and 5-h incubations. Significantly lower natural killer activity (p<0.002) was detected in normal individuals with high familial incidences of breast cancer compared to individuals with low incidences in each of the three separate assays (50 : 1). The same conclusion was reached whether the data were expressed in terms of lytic units per 107 blood mononuclear cells or as % specific51Cr released. Thus, a relationship was observed between the occurrence of breast cancer in closely related family members and low natural cell-mediated cytotoxicity. This result suggests that defects in NK activity may play a role in the initiation of human breast tumors. However, prospective studies will be necessary to establish whether low NK cell activity is a risk factor for breast cancer.
Infrared Stellar Image Profiles By Digital Superposition

We are reporting initial results of near infrared photoelectric area scanning with control, detection, and on-line-processing employing digital techniques. The primary objective of this instrument is to measure separations and color differences of stellar binary systems in an objective and precise manner. We exploit the extraordinary linearity of the PM tube and develop a photon limited system.
Is cell death and replacement a factor in aging

The central theme of the 3rd International Conference on Functional Genomics of Ageing was tissue regeneration as a remedial strategy to address age-related cellular damage and the pathology that ensues. The conference included sessions on maintaining genome integrity and the potential of stem cells to restore function to damaged tissues. In addition to several human syndromes that appear to reflect accelerated ageing, there are now a number of mouse models that prematurely display phenotypes associated with ageing. The intent of this summary presented at the end of the conference was to: (1) discuss various human syndromes and mouse models of accelerated ageing; (2) evaluate whether the phenotypes displayed might result from an elevated rate of cell death coupled with an inability to adequately maintain cell number in various tissues with increasing age; and (3) discuss whether similar events may be occurring during normal ageing, albeit much more slowly.
Automated stimulus intensity control

This paper describes an apparatus permitting the study of preference for illumination in a barpress task. It is used with a two-bar rat chamber. Complete figures and instructions are available at no charge.
Factors affecting the repeatability of gamma camera calibration for quantitative imaging applications using a sealed source

Several applications in nuclear medicine require absolute activity quantification of single photon emission computed tomography images. Obtaining a repeatable calibration factor that converts voxel values to activity units is essential for these applications. Because source preparation and measurement of the source activity using a radionuclide activity meter are potential sources of variability, this work investigated instrumentation and acquisition factors affecting repeatability using planar acquisition of sealed sources. The calibration factor was calculated for different acquisition and geometry conditions to evaluate the effect of the source size, lateral position of the source in the camera field-of-view (FOV), source-to-camera distance (SCD), and variability over time using sealed Ba-133 sources. A small region of interest (ROI) based on the source dimensions and collimator resolution was investigated to decrease the background effect. A statistical analysis with a mixed-effects model was used to evaluate quantitatively the effect of each variable on the global calibration factor variability. A variation of 1 cm in the measurement of the SCD from the assumed distance of 17 cm led to a variation of 1–2% in the calibration factor measurement using a small disc source (0.4 cm diameter) and less than 1% with a larger rod source (2.9 cm diameter). The lateral position of the source in the FOV and the variability over time had small impacts on calibration factor variability. The residual error component was well estimated by Poisson noise. Repeatability of better than 1% in a calibration factor measurement using a planar acquisition of a sealed source can be reasonably achieved. The best reproducibility was obtained with the largest source with a count rate much higher than the average background in the ROI, and when the SCD was positioned within 5 mm of the desired position. In this case, calibration source variability was limited by the quantum noise.
Osmotic properties of spermatozoa from felids producing different proportions of pleiomorphisms: influence of adding and removing cryoprotectant.

Abstract The spermatozoon of felids (cats) survives cryopreservation inconsistently. Using ejaculates from three species (domestic cat [normospermic versus teratospermic], the normospermic serval and the teratospermic clouded leopard), this study (1) determined the influence of adding and removing two permeating cryoprotectants (glycerol and dimethylsulfoxide) and (2) assessed the impact of one-step versus multi-step cryoprotectant removal on sperm motility and membrane integrity. Spermatozoa were exposed in a single step to various anisotonic solutions or to 1 M solutions of glycerol or dimethylsulfoxide. In both cases, sperm then were returned to near isotonic conditions in a single or multi-step with de-ionized water, Ham's F10 medium or saline. Percentage of sperm motility was measured subjectively, and plasma membrane integrity was assessed using a dual fluorescent stain and flow cytometry. Sperm motility was more sensitive to anisotonic conditions than membrane integrity. Rapid dilution into various test solutions and removal of cryoprotectant with de-ionized water reduced ( P 85% spermatozoa retaining intact membranes. However, return to isotonicity with de-ionized water in a single step or multiple steps always caused severe plasma membrane disruption. In contrast, sperm motility and membrane integrity in all species and populations remained unaffected ( P >0.05) when spermatozoa were returned to isotonicity in multiple steps with Ham's F10 medium or 0.9% sodium chloride. Results demonstrate that: (1) felid spermatozoa are resistant to hypertonic stress; (2) sperm motility is more sensitive to changes in osmolality than membrane integrity; and (3) removal of cryoprotectant in multiple steps with an isotonic solution minimizes loss of sperm motility and membrane disruption in both normospermic and teratospermic males.
Coating Effects on Mid-Infrared Reflection Spectra of Fabrics

Polymer films of varying thicknesses were deposited onto cotton and polyester fabric samples by dip-coating from solution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the coated fabric samples were used to evaluate the quality of the polymer coating. The samples were analyzed by infrared diffuse reflection spectroscopy to determine the relationship between film thickness and the effect of the coating on the spectroscopy of the two fabrics. Effects observed in four limiting cases are examined: (Case I) weak coating absorption on a fabric with weak absorption at the same frequency; (Case II) strong coating absorption in a spectral region of weak fabric absorption; (Case III) weak coating absorption in a spectral region of strong fabric absorption; and (Case IV) strong coating absorption in a spectral region of strong fabric absorption. In the first case, effects were dominated by reduced scattering as the coating is added. In the second case, the strong coating absorption that was observed at low coverages plateaus at higher coverage due to depth of penetration effects. In the third and fourth cases, reduced Fresnel diffuse reflection is measured as the coating is added, consistent with the reduction of scattering observed in the first case.
Morphological Evolution in Dewetting Polystyrene/Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Thin Film Bilayers

Morphological evolution in dewetting thin film bilayers of polystyrene (PS) and a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), trisilanolphenyl-POSS (TPP), was studied as a function of annealing temperature and annealing time. The results demonstrate unique dewetting morphologies in PS/TPP bilayers at elevated temperatures that are significantly different from those typically observed in dewetting polymer/polymer bilayers. During temperature ramp studies by optical microscopy (OM) in the reflection mode, PS/TPP bilayers form cracks with a weak optical contrast at approximately 130 degrees C. The crack formation is attributed to tensile stresses within the upper TPP layer. The weak optical contrast of the cracks observed in the bilayers for annealing temperatures below approximately 160 degrees C is consistent with the cracking and dewetting of only the upper TPP layer from the underlying PS layer. The optical contrast of the morphological features is significantly enhanced at annealing temperatures of >160 degrees C. This observation suggests dewetting of both the upper TPP and the lower PS layers that results in the exposure of the silicon substrate. Upon annealing the PS/TPP bilayers at 200 degrees C in a temperature jump experiment, the upper TPP layer undergoes instantaneous cracking as observed by OM. These cracks in the upper TPP layer serve as nucleation sites for rapid dewetting and aggregation of the TPP layer, as revealed by OM and atomic force microscopy (AFM). X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results indicated that dewetting of the lower PS layer ensued for annealing times >5 min and progressed up to 90 min. For annealing times >90 min, OM, AFM, and XPS results revealed complete dewetting of both the layers with the formation of TPP encapsulated PS droplets.
‘Spontaneous’ transformation as aberrant epigenesis

The NIH 3T3 line of cells has particular advantages for studying the dynamics of change in cellular phenotype in response to environmental conditions. Similar to stem cell growth during development, the cell line changes its phenotype under growth constraints that elicit differentiation or, alternatively, it maintains its original state over many replication cycles when grown without constraint. Unlike many cell types which respond by undergoing terminal differentiation, the NIH 3T3 cells continue to multiply indefinitely following an induced alteration in phenotype; the heritability of this change may thus be analyzed under stringent conditions of cell culture. During the course of over two years of frequent passage at low density in high calf serum (CS) concentration, a new subline developed which exhibited a consistent capacity to respond quickly and pervasively to growth constraints with an increase in saturation density, development of transformed foci in confluent cultures and altered appearance of isolated colonies. A retrospective study was undertaken, with cells from cryopreserved samples, of the course of changes in responsiveness of the cells to growth constraint leading up to the highly responsive state. Three stages were discerned, the first with an initially high capacity of a small fraction of cells to produce diffuse foci, but with a rapid decline in this capacity with frequent low density passages; the second stage, extending over more than 200 passages, of refractoriness to transformation; and the third stage (which probably arose by mutation) in which there is a consistent transformation-related response by the entire population to growth constraint, a response which has remained relatively constant over some 100 passages. A striking and novel feature of the third stage is seen on cloning the cells. Almost all the colonies obtained by cloning cells from post-confluent, growth-inhibited cultures are distinctly different in morphology from those obtained by cloning cells from the frequent low density passages. The pervasiveness of this morphological change among the clones is unmistakable evidence for a heritable adaptive response to growth constraint by most if not all of the cells in the population. The population-wide response of the cells of the third stage offers the opportunity for a rigorous, quantitative analysis of the nature of this type of persistent cellular change. Although cells of the third stage may be of mutational origin, their pervasive heritable response once the variant population is established supports the concept of progressive state selection which postulates that transformation can arise by the continuous fluctuation of growth states within cells, accompanied by the progressive selection of those states best suited to function under the selecting constraint. Relevance of the concept to the process of differentiation under growth constraint is considered.
Dependence of Augmentation of Arterial Endothelial Cell Expression of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type 1 by Insulin on Soluble Factors Released From Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Background Insulin-resistant states are characterized by accelerated atherosclerosis and are associated with increased plasma concentrations of insulin and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1). To determine whether arterial expression of PAI-1 in response to insulin contributes to the increased PAI-1 observed, human and porcine arteries in culture were exposed to insulin, and results were compared with responses of specific arterial cellular constituents maintained in culture and coculture. Methods and Results Human and porcine arterial segments and cells obtained from arteries were maintained in culture. Insulin increased accumulation of PAI-1 in conditioned medium from arterial segments (ng PAI-1 [1 nmol/L insulin minus control]: human arteries 47±17, porcine arteries 3.1±1.2, P<.05 for each) and from endothelial cells (ECs) cocultured with smooth muscle cells (SMCs, ng PAI-1 [1 nmol/L insulin minus control]: human cells 43±8, porcine cells 0.5±0.1, P<.05 for each). Insulin had no effect on EC...
A localized surface plasmon resonance imaging instrument for multiplexed biosensing.

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) spectroscopy has been widely used for label-free, highly sensitive measurements of interactions at a surface. LSPR imaging (LSPRi) has the full advantages of LSPR but enables high-throughput, multiplexed measurements by simultaneously probing multiple individually addressable sensors on a single sample surface. Each spatially distinct sensor can be tailored to provide data regarding different surface functionalities or reaction environments. Previously, LSPRi has focused on single-particle sensing where the size scale is very small. Here, we create defined macroscale arrays of nanoparticles that are compatible with common patterning methods such as dip-pen nanolithography and multichannel microfluidic delivery devices. With this new LSPR sensing format, we report the first demonstration of multiplexed LSPR imaging and show that the increased throughput of our instrument enables the collection of a complete Langmuir binding curve on a single sensor surface. In add...
Urban passenger travel demand estimation: A household activity approach

Abstract The absence of a structural relationship between trip generation and transportation supply characteristics has been seen as a major drawback of conventional transportation demand models. We respond to this criticism by developing a model of household activity demand that underlies and generates transportation demand. Time is considered as an argument in an activity utility function that the individual attempts to maximize, subject to a time-budget constraint. Transportation system improvements relax the time-budget constraint, providing opportunities for additional nonhome activities, with a corresponding generation of trips. Trip generation is found to be insensitive to transportation system performance in the short run. However, our model provides a framework in which the impacts of large transportation improvements could be modeled in the future.
CT Guided Percutaneous Cryoneurolysis for Post Thoracotomy Pain Syndrome: Early Experience and Effectiveness

Rationale and Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cryoablation on pain levels in patients with histories of post-thoracotomy pain syndrome. Materials and Methods Eighteen patients were included in this retrospective review. Preprocedural and immediate postprocedural pain scores were recorded, as well as several months after the procedures. Results The average preprocedural pain score was 7.5 ± 2.0, which decreased to 1.2 ± 1.9 immediately after the procedure. After a mean follow-up period of 51 days, the average pain score was 4.1 ± 1.7. The difference between preprocedural and postprocedural pain scores was statistically significant by Wilcoxon's rank sum test. Conclusion Cryoneurolysis of the intercostal nerves statistically significantly decreased pain scores in patients with post-thoracotomy pain syndrome.