cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Character Recognition Using Novel Optoelectronic Neural Network

We apply a novel optoelectronic neural network to recognize a set of characters from the alphabet. The network consists of a 15 X 1 binary input vector, two optoelectronic vector matrix multiplication layers, and a 15 X 1 binary output layer. The network utilizes a pair of custom fabricated spatial light modulators (SLMs) with 90 levels of gray scale per pixel. The SLMs realize the matrix weights. Previous networks of this type were hampered by limited levels of gray scale and the need to use two separate weight masks (matrices) per layer. We operate the weight masks in unipolar mode which allows for both positive and negative weights from the same masks. We use a hard limiting function for the network's nonlinearity. A modification of Widrow's seldom known MR2 training algorithm is used to train the network. Furthermore, the network introduces a novel lens-free crossbar matrix- vector multiplier. We also show proposed networks of higher capacity which could be implemented for image processing.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Par-4 induces cholinergic hypoactivity by suppressing ChAT protein synthesis and inhibiting NGF-inducibility of ChAT activity

Abstract Profound reductions in choline acetyl-transferase (ChAT) activity are reliable markers for cholinergic hypoactivity associated with cognitive function deficit in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Par-4 (prostate apoptosis response-4) is a novel mediator of neuronal apoptosis associated with the pathogenesis of AD. Par-4 contains a leucine zipper domain (Leu.zip) that presumably mediates protein–protein interactions critical for its functions in apoptosis. Par-4 activity can be effectively blocked by overexpression of Leu.zip because it exerts a dominant negative action possibly by competitively blocking the interaction of Par-4 with other proteins. Whether Par-4 participates in regulation of cholinergic signaling has not been determined. We report that overexpression of Par-4 results in apoptotic and non-apoptotic reductions in ChAT activity in transfected PC12 cells following exposure to a toxic concentration (50 μM) of aggregated amyloid β peptide 1–42 (Aβ 1–42) and a non-toxic concentration (1 μM) of soluble Aβ 1–42, respectively. Non-apoptotic reduction in ChAT activity induced by Par-4 can be completely blocked by co-overexpression of Leu.zip, indicating that enhanced Par-4 activity is a necessary event for cholinergic hypoactivity in PC12 cells. Further studies found that Par-4 induces non-apoptotic reduction in ChAT activity by: (1) reducing ChAT protein levels following exposure to non-toxic concentration of Aβ, and (2) blocking the cellular capability to increase ChAT activity following exposure to nerve growth factor (NGF). The role of Par-4 in inducing cholinergic hypoactivity may have significant implications in the understanding and the treatment of memory impairment in AD.
The changing spectrum of intestinal malrotation: diagnosis and management

Abstract Background Management of typical malrotation is universally accepted, but management of atypical malrotation is less well defined in both children and adults. Methods Records of patients with malrotation diagnosed over 6 years were reviewed. Patients were grouped into typical or atypical based on ligament of Treitz location. Outcomes were evaluated using chi-square analysis. Results Of 275 patients, 148 diagnosed with typical malrotation underwent Ladd's procedure. Based on symptoms, 91 of 127 patients with atypical malrotation were managed operatively. The remaining 36 patients were asymptomatic or had reflux symptoms only and were observed. Six of 36 subsequently required surgery due to symptoms, but 30 remain asymptomatic. No observed patients developed acute midgut volvulus. The overall postoperative complication rates were higher for atypical versus typical malrotation, 27% versus 16% ( P Conclusions Close observation with repeat contrast study is an acceptable management option for patients with atypical malrotation who are asymptomatic or exhibit only reflux symptoms.
Current Status of Robotic-Assisted Pyeloplasty in the Adult

Surgical management of ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) has evolved from the standard open surgical repair to include a variety of minimally invasive options. Selection of the most appropriate techniques is based on patient anatomy, etiology of the obstruction, prior procedures, as well as patient and surgeon preferences.
Stability helps quality of service routing in wireless ad hoc networks

The ability of mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) to support quality of service (QoS) guarantees is constrained by the scarce bandwidth of the wireless medium and the free node mobility. One consequence of free node mobility is that network topology may change frequently over time. QoS routing is the first step toward achieving end-to-end QoS guarantees in MANETs. However, topological changes cause frequent route breakage and therefore topology stability becomes a very important requirement for QoS routing. To minimize route breakage, it is important to find stable routes that exhibit long lifetimes. We propose an approach to support QoS routing in MANETs. Our approach creates a fixed rectilinear wireless virtual backbone that is robust and stable against topological changes. We examine the stability feature of the proposed virtual topology and study its effect on the ability of the network to support QoS guarantees. We also analyze the connectivity of the proposed virtual architecture, which is a basic requirement for network reliability. Our results show that the proposed model is able to provide more stable QoS routes with delay guarantees. Moreover, packet delivery and call acceptance ratios increase under the proposed scheme.
Breast Augmentation and Augmentation-Mastopexy With Local Anesthesia and Intravenous Sedation

Background: Administration of intravenous sedation and intercostal nerve blocks has resulted in reduced postoperative nausea and faster recovery as compared to general anesthesia. Objectives: The authors present their experience with intercostal nerve blocks and intravenous sedation in breast augmentation, with and without simultaneous mastopexy. Their protocol does not include propofol and thus can be administered by the surgeon and circulating nurse. Methods: The initial dose of intravenous sedation was administered by the surgeon, starting with midazolam, fentanyl, and ketamine; additional doses (as needed) were given by the circulating nurse. Local anesthesia blocks were injected into Intercostal Spaces 3-7 at the midaxillary line. The anesthetic solution was injected at the lateral sternal boarder in varying amounts. A retrospective review was performed of 171 patients who underwent bilateral breast augmentation or augmentation-mastopexy with this protocol. The two groups were analyzed for age, body mass index, operating time, total amount of sedation/anesthesia, recovery room time, postoperative nausea, and complications. Results: Of the 171 patients, 132 underwent augmentation and 39 had augmentation-mastopexy. All recovered well from anesthesia. The mean recovery room time was 49.9 minutes for the augmentation group and 52.9 minutes for the augmentation-mastopexy group. Postoperative nausea occurred in 14 (10.6%) patients who received augmentation alone and in five (12.8%) who underwent augmentation-mastopexy. There were no serious complications or hospital admissions. Conclusions: Breast augmentation with or without mastopexy can be performed safely, with minimal discomfort and complications, by employing local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. Although augmentation-mastopexy requires more operating time than augmentation alone, the recovery times are comparable. Level of Evidence : 4 ![Graphic][1] [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif
Algebraic Signal Processing Theory: 2-D Spatial Hexagonal Lattice

We develop the framework for signal processing on a spatial, or undirected, 2-D hexagonal lattice for both an infinite and a finite array of signal samples. This framework includes the proper notions of z-transform, boundary conditions, filtering or convolution, spectrum, frequency response, and Fourier transform. In the finite case, the Fourier transform is called discrete triangle transform. Like the hexagonal lattice, this transform is nonseparable. The derivation of the framework makes it a natural extension of the algebraic signal processing theory that we recently introduced. Namely, we construct the proper signal models, given by polynomial algebras, bottom-up from a suitable definition of hexagonal space shifts using a procedure provided by the algebraic theory. These signal models, in turn, then provide all the basic signal processing concepts. The framework developed in this paper is related to Mersereau's early work on hexagonal lattices in the same way as the discrete cosine and sine transforms are related to the discrete Fourier transform-a fact that will be made rigorous in this paper
Indolealkylamines: Biotransformations and Potential Drug–Drug Interactions

Indolealkylamine (IAA) drugs are 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT or serotonin) analogs that mainly act on the serotonin system. Some IAAs are clinically utilized for antimigraine therapy, whereas other substances are notable as drugs of abuse. In the clinical evaluation of antimigraine triptan drugs, studies on their biotransformations and pharmacokinetics would facilitate the understanding and prevention of unwanted drug–drug interactions (DDIs). A stable, principal metabolite of an IAA drug of abuse could serve as a useful biomarker in assessing intoxication of the IAA substance. Studies on the metabolism of IAA drugs of abuse including lysergic acid amides, tryptamine derivatives and β-carbolines are therefore emerging. An important role for polymorphic cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) in the metabolism of IAA drugs of abuse has been revealed by recent studies, suggesting that variations in IAA metabolism, pharmaco- or toxicokinetics and dynamics can arise from distinct CYP2D6 status, and CYP2D6 polymorphism may represent an additional risk factor in the use of these IAA drugs. Furthermore, DDIs with IAA agents could occur additively at the pharmaco/toxicokinetic and dynamic levels, leading to severe or even fatal serotonin toxicity. In this review, the metabolism and potential DDIs of these therapeutic and abused IAA drugs are described.
The U.S. Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations: Unique Artifact of a Bygone Era

The U.S. Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (ACIR) befitted an era marked by low party polarization, bipartisanship, and cooperative federalism. Although the ACIR’s work was valuable, the growth of federal power, rise of party polarization, and the decline of bipartisanship, along with many other political, governmental, and social changes during its 37-year life (1959–96), marginalized the ACIR to the point of political vulnerability. These historic changes make it unlikely that the ACIR will be resurrected in a comparable or partial form.
CT for pediatric, acute, minor head trauma: clinician conformity to published guidelines.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In 2001, pediatric radiologists participating in a panel discussion on CT dose reduction suggested that approximately 30% of head CT examinations were performed unnecessarily. With increasing concern regarding radiation exposure to children and imaging costs, this claim warrants objective study. The purpose of this study was to test the null hypothesis that 30% of head CT studies for clinical evaluation of children with acute, minor head trauma do not follow established clinical guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 182 consecutive patients with acute, minor head trauma from February 2009 to January 2010 at a tertiary care children9s hospital emergency department was performed, and clinician adherence to published clinical guidelines for children younger than 2 years and children 2–20 years of age was determined. The binomial test was used for a null hypothesis of 30% unnecessary examinations against the actual percentage of head CTs deemed unnecessary on the basis of established guidelines. Statistical testing was performed for children younger than 2 years and 2–20 years of age. RESULTS: For children younger than 2 years of age, 2 of 78 (2.6%; 95% CI, 0.5%–8.3%) and, for children 2–20 years of age, 12 of 104 (11.5%; CI, 6.4%–18.7%) did not conform to established guidelines. These percentages were significantly less than the hypothesized value of 30% (P CONCLUSIONS: Clinician conformity to published guidelines for use of head CT in acute, minor head trauma is better than suggested by a 2001 informal poll of pediatric radiologists.
Motivational Interviewing for encouraging quit attempts among unmotivated smokers: study protocol of a randomized, controlled, efficacy trial

Although the current Clinical Practice Guideline recommend Motivational Interviewing for use with smokers not ready to quit, the strength of evidence for its use is rated as not optimal. The purpose of the present study is to address key methodological limitations of previous studies by ensuring fidelity in the delivery of the Motivational Interviewing intervention, using an attention-matched control condition, and focusing on unmotivated smokers whom meta-analyses have indicated may benefit most from Motivational Interviewing. It is hypothesized that MI will be more effective at inducing quit attempts and smoking cessation at 6-month follow-up than brief advice to quit and an intensity-matched health education condition. A sample of adult community resident smokers (N = 255) who report low motivation and readiness to quit are being randomized using a 2:2:1 treatment allocation to Motivational Interviewing, Health Education, or Brief Advice. Over 6 months, participants in Motivational Interviewing and Health Education receive 4 individual counseling sessions and participants in Brief Advice receive one brief in-person individual session at baseline. Rigorous monitoring and independent verification of fidelity will assure the counseling approaches are distinct and delivered as planned. Participants complete surveys at baseline, week 12 and 6-month follow-up to assess demographics, smoking characteristics, and smoking outcomes. Participants who decide to quit are provided with a self-help guide to quitting, help with a quit plan, and free pharmacotherapy. The primary outcome is self-report of one or more quit attempts lasting at least 24 hours between randomization and 6-month follow-up. The secondary outcome is biochemically confirmed 7-day point prevalence cessation at 6-month follow-up. Hypothesized mediators of the presumed treatment effect on quit attempts are greater perceived autonomy support and autonomous motivation. Use of pharmacotherapy is a hypothesized mediator of Motivational Interviewing’s effect on cessation. This trial will provide the most rigorous evaluation to date of Motivational Interviewing’s efficacy for encouraging unmotivated smokers to make a quit attempt. It will also provide effect-size estimates of MI’s impact on smoking cessation to inform future clinical trials and inform the Clinical Practice Guideline. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01188018
Comparison of Intraoperative versus Postoperative Parathyroid Hormone Levels to Predict Hypocalcemia Earlier after Total Thyroidectomy

ObjectiveTo determine differences in the mean parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels for normocalcemic and hypocalcemic total thyroidectomy patients who were tested for PTH during the intraoperative or early postoperative period.Data SourcesMEDLINE, the Cochrane Database, and other databases from 1960 to 2014 in the English language and specific to humans for relevant articles.Review MethodsStudies were included if PTH was obtained within 24 hours of thyroidectomy. Studies were excluded (1) if only a hemithyroidectomy was performed, (2) if means of studied PTH values were not reported in the article, or (3) if the time of the PTH draw fell outside of defined “intraoperative” or “early postoperative” windows. PTH values were divided into 3 groups: preoperative (control group), intraoperative (ie, discharge decisions were based on PTH values drawn in the operating room), and early postoperative (ie, PTH values at 1 to 4 hours after surgery were used as a guide).ResultsThe reported means of perioperative PTH level...
Synergy between systemic toxicity and genotoxicity: relevance to human cancer risk.

The health risk manager and policy analyst must frequently make recommendations based upon incomplete toxicity data. This is a situation which is encountered in the evaluation of human carcinogenic risks as animal cancer bioassay results are often not available. In this study, in order to assess the relevance of other possible indicators of carcinogenic risks, we used the “chemical diversity approach” to estimate the magnitude of the human carcinogenic risk based upon Salmonella mutagenicity and systemic toxicity data of the “universe of chemicals” to which humans have the potential to be exposed. Analyses of the properties of 10,000 agents representative of the “universe of chemicals” suggest that chemicals that have genotoxic potentials as well as exhibiting greater systemic toxicity are more likely to be carcinogens than non-genotoxicants or agents that exhibit lesser toxicity. Since “genotoxic” carcinogenicity is a hallmark of recognized human carcinogens, these findings are relevant to human cancer risk assessment.
The Use of Slides in Class: A Demonstration of Incidental Learning

T w o History of Psychology classes were taught utilizing more than 1,000 slides illustrating biographies, concepts, and theories. T h e students were informed that the slides were ancillary and that they would not be held responsible for them. A n unannounced Slide Recognition Test, given at the time of the final exam (but not counted toward any grade) was significantly correlated with all examinations given throughout the course.
Dynamic optimization of signal transduction via intrinsic disorder.

It is widely accepted that the inherent flexibility of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) correlates with essential functions in the cell such as signaling. However, the mechanisms by which disorder dynamically facilitates and optimizes signal transduction remain unclear. In this study, we have used a computational protocol to evaluate the interplay between the intrinsic disorder of p27kip1 and the collective motions of its binding partners, cyclin dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) and cyclin A (CA). We found that the synergy between intrinsic disorder of p27kip1 and the essential collective motions of the CDK2–CA complex introduces a set of sequential steps to dynamically optimize signal transduction. Our observations indicate that optimized p27kip1-mediated signaling originates from a combination of adaptive folding, and the cooperativity between its residual disorder and the functional collective motions of the CDK2–CA complex.
Use of Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing for Diagnosis of Anorectal Sexually Transmitted Infections

Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) has become the preferred method to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, but no commercial tests are cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use with rectal swab samples. This study evaluated the performance of strand displacement amplification (SDA) and transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) to detect C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae and to determine if TMA could also detect Mycoplasma genitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis in men and women reporting a history of receptive anal intercourse. Discordant results between the NAATs were reevaluated using the Aptima CT or Aptima GC assay, each of which targets primers other than those targeted by the Aptima Combo 2 (AC2) assay, as the confirmatory test. Of 497 evaluable participants, 41 (8.2%) were positive for C. trachomatis, 21 (4.2%) were positive for N. gonorrhoeae, 26 (5.2%) were positive for T. vaginalis, and 47 (9.5%) were positive for M. genitalium. The sensitivity and specificity of the C. trachomatis test were 100% and 99.8% for AC2 and 56.1% and 100% for SDA, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the N. gonorrhoeae test were 100% and 100% for AC2 and 76.2% and 100% for SDA, respectively, while culture was only 23.8% sensitive. Of the 114 participants who had a positive result for any of the four infectious agents, 16 were positive for two pathogens and 3 were positive for three pathogens. These data suggest that rectal infection is common and that the AC2 is superior to SDA for the detection of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae from rectal swab samples.
Alzheimer's disease - Not an exaggeration of healthy aging

The world population is becoming older now. The boom of the elderly population comes from public health efforts to improve living conditions and prevent disease, and from improved medical interventions. People more than 65-year-old who are representing 12.9% of the population now is expected to grow to be 19% of the population by 2030. Very few numbers of diseases will have such socioeconomic burden on society in the newer world. Although Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been studied very well recently, still its exact etiopathogenesis is unknown. Currently there are no available tests for the definitive diagnosis of AD. So the clinical diagnosis of AD remains a diagnosis of exclusion. This limits the potential for early intervention. The difference between normal degenerative processes of brain and preclinical changes of AD is a gray zone and there is no particular way to distinguish between the two. Now several modalities like functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), positron emission tomography (PET) scan, electrophysiological tests and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers for tauopathy and Aβ have shown to be promising in the development of early diagnostic tools for neurodegenerative changes and help us to differentiate between healthy aging and pathological aging. In this article we tried to discuss about the differences between pathological and physiological aging process from radiological, pathological, biochemical, and electrophysiological point of view. However, differentiating between physiological and pathological dementia still remains a challenge.
Multi-assay-based structure-activity relationship models: improving structure-activity relationship models by incorporating activity information from related targets.

Structure−activity relationship (SAR) models are used to inform and to guide the iterative optimization of chemical leads, and they play a fundamental role in modern drug discovery. In this paper, we present a new class of methods for building SAR models, referred to as multi-assay based, that utilize activity information from different targets. These methods first identify a set of targets that are related to the target under consideration, and then they employ various machine learning techniques that utilize activity information from these targets in order to build the desired SAR model. We developed different methods for identifying the set of related targets, which take into account the primary sequence of the targets or the structure of their ligands, and we also developed different machine learning techniques that were derived by using principles of semi-supervised learning, multi-task learning, and classifier ensembles. The comprehensive evaluation of these methods shows that they lead to considera...
CPG Design using Inhibitory Networks

We describe in detail the behavior of an inhibitory Central Pattern Generator (CPG) network for robot control. A four-neuron, mutual inhibitory network forms the basic coordinating pattern for locomotion. This network then inhibits an eight-neuron network used to drive patterned movement. We show that we can get predictable control of important relationships such as the phase of the hip and the knee by adjusting tonic parameters. We demonstrate the basic concept both in a simulation that is used to drive a trotting bipedal robot as well as an aVLSI CPG chip that generates spiking burst patterns. Our results indicate that an inhibitory framework can generate simple, understandable and flexible networks for legged robot control that can be implemented in custom VLSI circuits.
BB0844, an RpoS-Regulated Protein, Is Dispensable for Borrelia burgdorferi Infectivity and Maintenance in the Mouse-Tick Infectious Cycle

The genome of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, is comprised of a large linear chromosome and numerous smaller linear and circular plasmids. B. burgdorferi exhibits substantial genomic variation, and previous studies revealed genotype-specific variation at the right chromosomal telomere. A correlation has also been established between genotype and invasiveness. The correlation between chromosome length and genotype and between genotype and invasiveness suggested that a gene(s) at the right chromosome telomere may be required for virulence. Of particular interest was bb0844, an RpoS-regulated gene at the right telomere, the expression of which is induced when the spirochete undergoes adaptation to the mammalian host. The structure of the right chromosomal telomere was examined in 53 B. burgdorferi clinical isolates of various genotypes. Four distinct patterns were observed for bb0844: (i) chromosomal localization, (ii) plasmid localization, (iii) presence on both chromosome and plasmid, and (iv) complete absence. These patterns correlated with the B. burgdorferi genotype. On the basis of available sequence data, we propose a mechanism for the genomic rearrangements that accounts for the variability in bb0844 genomic localization. To further explore the role of BB0844 in the spirochete life cycle, a bb0844 deletion mutant was constructed by allelic exchange, and the viability of wild-type and bb0844 deletion mutants was examined in an experimental mouse-tick infection model. The bb0844 mutant was fully infectious in C3H/HeJ mice by either needle inoculation or tick transmission with B. burgdorferi-infected Ixodes scapularis larvae. Naive larval ticks acquired both wild-type and mutant spirochetes with equal efficiency from B. burgdorferi-infected mice. The results demonstrate that BB0844 is not required for spirochete viability, pathogenicity, or maintenance in the tick vector or the mammalian host. At present, a defined role for BB0844 in B. burgdorferi cannot be ascertained.
A case‐control study of skin cancer in the tire and rubber manufacturing industry

A case-control study was conducted in the tire and rubber manufacturing industry to examine the association of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin with rubber manufacturing materials presumed to be contaminated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Sixty-five cases were compared to 254 matched controls for exposure to carbon black, extender oils, lubricating oils, rubber solvents, and rubber stock. Both magnitude and duration of exposure were compared using data from company personnel records. Rubber stock and lubricating oils were associated with skin cancer. The relative risk (RR) associated with the highest levels of rubber stock exposure was 2.2, and with the highest level of lubricating oil exposure it was 6.5. In analysis of subgroups of study members, the associations were strongest among workers who were born after 1900 (rubber stock, RR = 11.6; lubricating oil, RR = 4.5) and among workers whose skin cancer was diagnosed before the age of seventy (rubber stock, RR = 23.2; lubricating oil, RR = 28.3).
HIF-1α Plays a Critical Role in the Gestational Sidestream Smoke-Induced Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Mice.

Rationale Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and, in mice, gestational exposure to sidestream cigarette smoke (SS) induces BPD-like condition characterized by alveolar simplification, impaired angiogenesis, and suppressed surfactant protein production. Normal fetal development occurs in a hypoxic environment and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) regulate the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α that controls apoptosis and angiogenesis. To understand SS-induced BPD, we hypothesized that gestational SS affected alveolar development through HIF-1α. Methods Pregnant BALB/c mice were exposed to air (control) or SS throughout the gestational period and the 7-day-old lungs of the progeny were examined. Results Gestational SS increased apoptosis of alveolar and airway epithelial cells. This response was associated with increased alveolar volumes, higher levels of proapoptotic factors (FOXO3a, HIPK2, p53, BIM, BIK, and BAX) and the antiangiogenic factor (GAX), and lower levels of antiapoptotic factors (Akt-PI3K, NF-κB, HIF-1α, and Bcl-2) in the lung. Although gestational SS increased the cells containing the proangiogenic bombesin-like-peptide, it markedly decreased the expression of its receptor GRPR in the lung. The effects of SS on apoptosis were attenuated by the nAChR antagonist mecamylamine. Conclusions Gestational SS-induced BPD is potentially regulated by nAChRs and associated with downregulation of HIF-1α, increased apoptosis of epithelial cells, and increased alveolar volumes. Thus, in mice, exposure to sidestream tobacco smoke during pregnancy promotes BPD-like condition that is potentially mediated through the nAChR/HIF-1α pathway.
Gaming at the edge: sexuality and gender at the margins of gamer culture

Games studies research on representations of marginalized groups often focuses on identifiers such as gender, race, and sexuality. The presumption is that players belonging to these specific margin...
Abstract 642: NOS-dependent Increase In Splanchnic Blood Flow Causes The Hypotensive Response To 24-hour 5-HT Infusion

Long-term serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) infusion produces a sustained reduction in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and elicits a decrease in total peripheral resistance (TPR) through a mechanism dependent on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in rats. We sought to determine if the reduction in TPR induced by 5-HT is caused by NOS-dependent relaxation of vessels to all major organs of the body or selective action on a single vascular bed. Alzet mini-pumps containing vehicle (saline) or 5-HT (25 μg/kg/min) were implanted in male Sprague Dawley rats. One-week prior to pump implantation, rats were either: (1) switched to drinking water containing the NOS inhibitor N-nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA; 0.5 g/L), or (2) maintained on tap water. 5-HT reduced MAP after 24 hours (veh = 87±3, 5-HT = 75±2 mm Hg; p
Fermentation of lignocellulosic sugars to acetic acid by Moorella thermoacetica

A systematic study of bioconversion of lignocellulosic sugars to acetic acid by Moorella thermoacetica (strain ATCC 39073) was conducted. Four different water-soluble fractions (hydrolysates) obtained after steam pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass were selected and fermented to acetic acid in batch fermentations. M. thermoacetica can effectively ferment xylose and glucose in hydrolysates from wheat straw, forest residues, switchgrass, and sugarcane straw to acetic acid. Xylose and glucose were completely utilized, with xylose being consumed first. M. thermoacetica consumed up to 62 % of arabinose, 49 % galactose and 66 % of mannose within 72 h of fermentation in the mixture of lignocellulosic sugars. The highest acetic acid yield was obtained from sugarcane straw hydrolysate, with 71 % of theoretical yield based on total sugars (17 g/L acetic acid from 24 g/L total sugars). The lowest acetic acid yield was observed in forest residues hydrolysate, with 39 % of theoretical yield based on total sugars (18 g/L acetic acid from 49 g/L total sugars). Process derived compounds from steam explosion pretreatment, including 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (0.4 g/L), furfural (0.1 g/L) and total phenolics (3 g/L), did not inhibit microbial growth and acetic acid production yield. This research identified two major factors that adversely affected acetic acid yield in all hydrolysates, especially in forest residues: (i) glucose to xylose ratio and (ii) incomplete consumption of arabinose, galactose and mannose. For efficient bioconversion of lignocellulosic sugars to acetic acid, it is imperative to have an appropriate balance of sugars in a hydrolysate. Hence, the choice of lignocellulosic biomass and steam pretreatment design are fundamental steps for the industrial application of this process.
Smoking Topography Characteristics of Very Low Nicotine Content Cigarettes, With and Without Nicotine Replacement, in Smokers With Schizophrenia and Controls.

INTRODUCTION Reducing the nicotine content of cigarettes to a minimally addictive level has been proposed as a regulatory strategy for reducing tobacco dependence. However, smokers with schizophrenia (SS) may be prone to changing their smoking topography in efforts to compensate for the reduction in nicotine content. The aims of this study were to compare smoking topography characteristics of usual-brand and very low nicotine content (VLNC) cigarettes in SS and control smokers without psychiatric illness (CS), and to determine whether nicotine replacement reversed any changes in topography produced by VLNC cigarettes. METHODS Using a within-subjects, counter-balanced design, SS (n = 27) and CS (n = 23) smoked usual brand cigarettes, VLNC cigarettes while wearing placebo patches (VLNC + PLA), or VLNC cigarettes while wearing transdermal nicotine patches totaling 42mg (VLNC + NIC) during 5-hour ad libitum smoking sessions. Cigarettes were smoked through topography measurement devices. RESULTS Across conditions, SS smoked more puffs per session and per cigarette, had higher cigarette volumes, and had shorter inter-puff intervals than CS (Ps < .01). During VLNC cigarette sessions, puff duration increased and time between puffs decreased, but participants smoked fewer puffs, resulting in a net decrease in cigarette and total session volume (Ps < .001). There were no significant interactions between group and condition. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that acute use of VLNC cigarettes does not increase intensity of smoking in SS, and support the feasibility of a nicotine reduction policy. IMPLICATIONS Reducing the nicotine in cigarettes to a minimally addictive level has been proposed as a means of reducing tobacco dependence. However, smokers, particularly those with schizophrenia (SS) may alter their puffing in an attempt to extract more nicotine from VLNC cigarettes. This study compared smoking topography of usual brand versus VLNC cigarettes, combined with placebo or transdermal nicotine patches, in SS and controls. Although some changes in topography were indicative of compensatory smoking, total puffs and total cigarette volume were reduced with VLNC cigarettes, indicating that acute VLNC cigarette use does not increase smoking in SS.
Parallel-like bulk heterojunction polymer solar cells.

Here we demonstrate a conceptually new approach, the parallel-like bulk heterojunction (PBHJ), which maintains the simple device configuration and low-cost processing of single-junction BHJ cells while inheriting the major benefit of incorporating multiple polymers in tandem cells. In this PBHJ, free charge carriers travel through their corresponding donor-polymer-linked channels and fullerene-enriched domain to the electrodes, equivalent to a parallel-like connection. The short-circuit current (Jsc) of the PBHJ solar cell is nearly identical to the sum of those of the individual “subcells”, while the open-circuit voltage (Voc) is between those of the “subcells”. Preliminary optimization of the PBHJ devices gives improvements of up to 40% in Jsc and 30% in overall efficiency (η) in comparison with single-junction BHJ devices.
Demonstration of hybrid overlay/underlay waveform generator with spectrally compliant cognitive capability via SD-SMSE framework

In this paper, a software defined radio (SDR) based waveform generator platform with spectrally compliant cognitive capability for cognitive radio (CR) and dynamic spectrum access (DSA) network is demonstrated. In our previous work, an overlay CR has been demonstrated via a spectrally modulated spectrally encoded (SMSE) framework to autonomously stitch unused spectrum fragments and transmit over non-contiguous frequency bands in a dynamically changing environment. Such an overlay CR can coexist with primary users (PUs) and other secondary users (SUs) without harmful interference by turning off the subcarriers which are shared with active PUs and other SUs on the band. To further enhance spectrum usage, we extend it and implement a hybrid overlay/underlay waveform generator via a soft-decision SMSE (SD-SMSE) framework, where both unused and under-used spectra are explored. Specifically, the hybrid overlay/underlay waveform can transmit over not only unused spectrum bands, but also under-used spectrum and share the spectrum with active PUs and other SUs by underlaying them, since PU/SU has certain capability to tolerant interference as long as the underlay transmission power is lower than such a interference tolerance level (ITL). On the other hand, if any active SU on the band is not a friendly transmission, the hybrid waveform can easily increase the transmission power underlaying with the SU much higher than the ITL to fully disrupt the unfriendly transmission. Moreover, the proposed platform is capable of generating conventional single-carrier waveform with different modulation schemes and radio frequency (RF) parameters. Therefore, the platform implements many desirable functions, realizes coexistence with PUs and other SUs or unfriendly transmission disruption, and maximizes the spectrum efficiency, as well as provides a testbed for cognitive radio and cognitive RF research and development.
Experimental Infection of Host Grasses and Sedges with Atkinsonella Hypoxylon and Balansia Cyperi (Balansiae, Clavicipitaceae)

Artificial infection of two grasses and one sedge with Atkinsonella hypoxylon and Balansia cyperi, respectively, is described. Prior inoculations of hosts with these and related fungi in the tribe Balansiae (Clavicipitaceae) have largely been unsuccessful. Seedlings grown in aseptic culture were infected by inserting mycelium and conidia with a needle above the meristem. Infection was evidenced by the presence of mycelium around meristems of new tillers 6-8 weeks after inoculation and by later production of stromata. Atkinsonella hypoxylon strains from populations of the grass Danthonia spicata were broadly cross-compatible but could not infect populations of Stipa leucotricha, another host. Strains of A. hypoxylon from S. leucotricha could infect their natural host but not D. spicata. Strains of B. cyperi from Cyperus virens and C. rotundus could infect C. virens but A. hypoxylon could not. The results suggest that there are distinct host races of A. hypoxylon. Infected seedlings of D. spicata produced 50% more tillers than noninfected seedlings after 10 weeks, indicating that this fungus enhances plant growth.
Career Development Courses and Educational Outcomes Do Career Courses Make a Difference

Research suggests that career development courses have positive impacts on college students’ career development outputs. What is less established is the impact of these career courses on educational outcomes like retention, graduation rate, and academic performance. This study compared two groups of undergraduate students: one that successfully completed a career development course (n = 3,546) and a matched group of students who did not take the career course (n = 3,510). The groups were compared on graduation rate, time to graduation, course withdrawals, and cumulative grade point averages (GPAs). The career development course was not a significant predictor of graduation within 6 years, the number of semesters to graduate, or the number of withdrawals incurred. However, the career development course did significantly predict the total number of credits (participants graduated with about five more credits) and cumulative GPA at graduation (participants graduated with higher GPAs).
Research on fracture toughness of high-strength structural steel with prestrain at low temperature

The mechanical properties and fracture toughness of high-strength structural steel Q420 were studied by tension tests and three-point bending tests.The results indicated that the temperature had significant influence on fracture toughness of structural steel and the fracture toughness reduced significantly with the decrease of temperature resulting in brittle fracture.The prestrain increased the yield strength and tensile strength of structural steel,but significantly reduced its plasticity and fracture toughness,and further increased the possibility of brittle fracture.The prestrain facilitated the brittle fracture due to the activation of the near crack tip stress fields because of the prestrain based on the FEA.Thus the effects of the temperature and the prestrain should be considered in the important engineering design,material selection,safety analysis and evaluation.
Corticosteroids in neurologic disease

In some central and peripheral disorders, including tumors, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and myasthenia gravis, the value of steroids is clear. In others, notably MS, stroke, and Bell's palsy, their role remains debatable.
Therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia with unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation: results in 102 cases.

From April, 1985, to February, 1989, 102 consecutive patients received unrelated donor bone marrow transplantation therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) at four centers. Median age of the group was 31 years (range, 4.5 to 51 years). Fifty-four patients were in first chronic phase (CP) at time of transplantation, and 48 had evidence of more advanced disease (AD) (accelerated phase, 32; blast crisis, 9; second CP, 7). In 44 cases, the donor and recipient were identical at the HLA A, B, and DR loci and were nonreactive in bidirectional mixed leukocyte culture (MLC) ("matched"). In 58 cases, nonidentity between donor and recipient could be determined at at least one HLA locus or in bidirectional MLC ("mismatched"). Fifty-eight patients were prepared for transplantation with a combination of cyclophosphamide and fractionated total body irradiation (FTBI) and received acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis consisting of methotrexate alone or in combination with cyclosporine, prednisone, or antithymocyte globulin (ATG). In 44 cases, patients received preparative agents in addition to cyclophosphamide and FTBI, and marrow depleted of mature T lymphocytes by ex vivo incubation with either anti-CD3 antibody plus complement (n = 24) or Campath-1 (n = 20). Engraftment defined by a peripheral blood neutrophil count greater than 0.5 X 10(9)/L was demonstrated in 92 cases and occurred at a median of 22 days (range, 11 to 46 days). In 10 cases, peripheral blood evidence of engraftment did not occur, and in one case, engraftment was followed by aplasia. Hematologic relapse was seen in four cases. Recurrence or persistence of the Ph1 chromosome without evidence of hematologic relapse occurred in four additional cases. The incidence of grade II to IV acute GVHD is 65% (95% confidence interval [CI], +/- 10%). After adjustment for recipient age and donor matching status, recipients of T lymphocyte-depleted donor marrow had a significantly lower incidence of grade II to IV acute GVHD (P less than .01); however, T depletion was not significantly associated with improved survival (P = .34), disease-free survival (P = .51), or increased incidence of relapse (P = .39). Of 102 patients, 46 are alive, with a median survival of 12 months (range, 3 to 46 months), and the Kaplan-Meier estimate of disease-free survival is 29% (95% CI, +/- 9%) for the entire group at 2 1/2 years.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
A COMPARISON OF NAPRELAN AND NAPROSYN IN THE TREATMENT OF OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE KNEE

This double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, randomized study compared the safety and efficacy of Naprelan (Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), a once-daily, controlled-release formulation of naproxen sodium with that of Naprosyn (Syntex Laboratories, Inc., Palo Alto, California), a conventional naproxen formulation. A total of 347 patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee were assigned to receive Naprelan 1,000 mg once daily, Naprosyn 500 mg BID, or placebo for 12 weeks. Two hundred twenty-eight patients who completed the study then entered an open-label extension in which they received Naprelan 1,000 mg daily for as many as 9 additional months. In the double-blind phase, Naprelan and Naprosyn demonstrated comparable efficacy with no significant differences in mean efficacy scores. After 12 weeks, three primary variables significantly favored Naprelan and Naprosyn over placebo, while a fourth approached significance. Statistical analysis confirmed that Naprelan and Naprosyn were equally effective. Significantly more Naprosyn--than placebo-treated patients had at least one drug-related adverse event (AE) and at least one drug-related gastrointestinal (GI) system AE, but there were no significant differences between Naprelan and placebo. During the open-label phase, patients initially treated with Naprelan or Naprosyn maintained the improvement achieved in the double-blind phase, while those initially treated with placebo showed significantly greater improvement after the first month of Naprelan treatment than the other two groups. As assessed by one of two primary efficacy measures, the greater improvement in those initially treated with placebo was maintained until the end of the study. The AE profile for patients treated with Naprelan for up to 1 year was not significantly different than that for the double-blind phase. The results of this study have confirmed the efficacy of Naprelan 1,000 mg once daily in the treatment of OA as superior to placebo and equivalent to Naprosyn 500 mg BID.
Electroless Deposition of Nickel on Photografted Polymeric Microscale Patterns

This report demonstrates the electroless deposition of Ni onto micropatterns of poly (acrylic acid) (PAA) photografted to phthalimide-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SAMs). PAA is spin-coated onto phthalimide SAMs and covered with a photomask. UV irradiation selectively binds PAA to exposed regions of the surface, allowing PAA on unexposed regions to be rinsed off. A Pd catalyst is then selectively adsorbed to regions of the surface where PAA is bound. The adsorbed catalyst selectively initiates Ni plating upon immersion of the substrate into a Ni(SO4) bath.
ACRIN 6684 assessment of tumor hypoxia in glioblastoma using 18F-fluoromisonidazole with PET and MRI.

TPS10635 Background: Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive type of primary malignant brain tumor and despite treatment with surgery, radiation, and temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy, median overall survival (OS) remains poor. A pathologic hallmark of GBM is tumor necrosis, a suspected result from endogenous tumor hypoxia. Angiogenesis is stimulated by hypoxia-driven signaling cascades and is required for tumor proliferation. The inefficient blood supply of these hypoxic tumors also limits the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Surviving hypoxic tumor cells may be selected out and proliferate as a more aggressive tumor subtype, therefore hindering OS. 18F-Fluoromisonidazole (FMISO) is a PET radiotracer whose uptake in hypoxic tissues can be measured radiographically. The degree of tumor hypoxia has been negatively associated with time to tumor progression and survival (Spence et al, 2008). Knowledge of the degree/distribution of tumor hypoxia by PET uptake and perfusion MRI parameters may provide progn...
From high school to college: gender, immigrant generation, and race-ethnicity

Why does educational attainment vary across categories of people, as well as among individuals? Because the ideological culture of modern societies generally sees social inequality as justifiable t...