cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Writing About Stressful Experiences on Symptom Reduction in Patients With Asthma or Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Trial

ContextNonpharmacological treatments with little patient cost or risk are useful supplements to pharmacotherapy in the treatment of patients with chronic illness. Research has demonstrated that writing about emotionally traumatic experiences has a surprisingly beneficial effect on symptom reports, well-being, and health care use in healthy individuals.ObjectiveTo determine if writing about stressful life experiences affects disease status in patients with asthma or rheumatoid arthritis using standardized quantitative outcome measures.DesignRandomized controlled trial conducted between October 1996 and December 1997.SettingOutpatient community residents drawn from private and institutional practice.PatientsVolunteer sample of 112 patients with asthma (n=61) or rheumatoid arthritis (n=51) received the intervention; 107 completed the study, 58 in the asthma group and 49 in the rheumatoid arthritis group.InterventionPatients were assigned to write either about the most stressful event of their lives (n=71; 39 asthma, 32 rheumatoid arthritis) or about emotionally neutral topics (n=41; 22 asthma, 19 rheumatoid arthritis) (the control intervention).Main Outcome MeasuresAsthma patients were evaluated with spirometry and rheumatoid arthritis patients were clinically examined by a rheumatologist. Assessments were conducted at baseline and at 2 weeks and 2 months and 4 months after writing and were done blind to experimental condition.ResultsOf evaluable patients 4 months after treatment, asthma patients in the experimental group showed improvements in lung function (the mean percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1] improved from 63.9% at baseline to 76.3% at the 4-month follow-up; P<.001), whereas control group patients showed no change. Rheumatoid arthritis patients in the experimental group showed improvements in overall disease activity (a mean reduction in disease severity from 1.65 to 1.19 [28%] on a scale of 0 [asymptomatic] to 4 [very severe] at the 4-month follow-up; P=.001), whereas control group patients did not change. Combining all completing patients, 33 (47.1%) of 70 experimental patients had clinically relevant improvement, whereas 9 (24.3%) of 37 control patients had improvement (P=.001).ConclusionPatients with mild to moderately severe asthma or rheumatoid arthritis who wrote about stressful life experiences had clinically relevant changes in health status at 4 months compared with those in the control group. These gains were beyond those attributable to the standard medical care that all participants were receiving. It remains unknown whether these health improvements will persist beyond 4 months or whether this exercise will prove effective with other diseases.
Oxidation of coal-derived asphaltenes with thallium(III)

Abstract Coal-derived asphaltenes are complex aggregate organic materials. The high viscosity of asphaltenes has been attributed to organic (pyridine) base-organic (phenols) acid interaction. Reduction of asphaltene viscosity by selectively oxidizing with thallium(III) salts was attempted. TI(III) treatment of Solvent Refined Coal (SRC) asphaltenes, derived from a Western Kentucky coal, resulted in smoothly converting ≈ 66% of the phenolic compounds to quinones. Reduced viscosity of this product fraction was found. Of the remaining phenolic compounds ≈ 33% gave higher MW compounds with much higher viscosity. A model compound experiment using 2,6-dimethyl phenol and 2,6-lutidine shows that steric effects are important in the TI(III) oxidation of phenols. Possible reaction pathways are discussed.
Applications of Multiple Reaction Monitoring to Clinical Glycomics

Multiple reaction monitoring or MRM is widely acknowledged for its accuracy of quantitation. The applications have mostly been in the analysis of small molecules and proteins, but its utility is expanding. Protein glycosylation was recently identified as a new paradigm in biomarker discovery for health and disease. A number of recent studies have now identified differential glycosylation patterns associated with health and disease states, including aging, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, and different types of cancer. While the use of MRM in clinical glycomics is still in its infancy, it can likely play a role in the quantitation of protein glycosylation in the clinical setting. Here, we aim to review the current advances in the nascent application of MRM in the field of glycomics.
Tunable liquid-crystal filter for solar imaging at the He i 1083-nm line.

A Lyot–Ohman filter for imaging near the solar He i 1083-nm line is described. Fast and continuous spectral tunability is provided by nematic liquid crystals. This solid-state filter has a free spectral range of 2.35 nm and a spectral resolution of 0.135 nm at the operating wavelength of 1083 nm. A wide-fielded design was used for both static and electro-optic retarder elements, facilitating use in fast imaging systems. A first-light He i image of the Sun is presented.
How to establish rapport with others

Indicates the importance of strong and stable work relationships, and how to establish and maintain these by means of three “representational systems”: auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. Concludes that strong working relationships often lead to a more productive work environment.
Out-of-school participation patterns in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders

PURPOSE. This study examined differences in out-of-school activity participation between typically developing children and those with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (HFASD). METHOD. Children with HFASD, ages 6 to 12 (N = 52), and a control group (N = 53) were assessed using the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment and the Social Responsiveness Scale. RESULTS. Significant differences were seen in participation between typical and HFASD groups in number of activities in which children participate, the numbers of individuals with whom they participate, and the variety of environments in which they participate. CONCLUSIONS. These findings indicate that out-of-school participation is significantly different for children with HFASD than for typically developing peers. Findings suggest that social impairment is related to some aspects of participation and that addressing social skills in intervention could contribute to increased participation in out-of-school activities by children with HFASD, which would contribute to their long-term mental and physical health.
Effects of clofilium on ischemic subendocardial Purkinje fibers 1 day postinfarction

Abstract One day after ligation of the canine anterior descending coronary artery, clofilium, a long-acting class III anti-arrhythmic agent, was studied for its effects on normal and ischemic Purkinje fibers. In normal Tyrode's solution (4 m M potassium, 2.7 m M calcium) clofilium (10 −7 to 10 −5 M ) increased action potential duration. Although only 2 of 10 normal Purkinje fibers developed early afterdepolarizations and early afterdepolarization-initiated triggered activity, 10 of 11 ischemic Purkinje fibers developed these features. Consequently, action potentials in ischemic fibers were prolonged to durations >10 s. The triggered activity in the ischemic Purkinje fibers produced repetitive activity in adjacent normal ventricular muscle. In vivo, 3 days after ligation, the administration of 3 to 10 mg/kg clofilium induced grouped beating. Action potentials recorded subsequently from these same hearts in vitro showed early afterdepolarizations, triggered activity and a similar grouping of responses. Therefore, clofilium differentially produced early afterdepolarizations in ischemic Purkinje fibers. This is a mechanism by which clofilium could be arrhythmogenic in an ischemic heart.
Online Courses: A study of Online Instructors’Self-Identities

This study explores twelve literacy faculty members‟ online teaching experiences with a focus on their identity as online instructors. Data sources include individual interviews, self-study group discussions, and reflective journals. Preliminary findings are presented and discussed including themes such as connections with students, responses to students, accessibility of instructors, assessments, and time and technology demands. Index Terms Online Instructors‟ self-identities, online courses
BRS structure of the antisymmetric tensor gauge theories

Abstract We analyze the BRS structure and display the quantum effective lagrangian for two models: the antisymmetric 2-tensor non-abelian field coupled to a Yang-Mills field and the free antisymmetric tensor of arbitrary rank in arbitrary dimension.
The Concert of Europe: A Fresh Look at an International System

This essay examines the Concert of Europe as an international system and offers some general reflections and tentative conclusions about the meaning, the nature, and the operation of concert diplomacy between 1815 and 1854. It focuses upon the assumptions and procedures engendered by the Concert which restrained and moderated the policies of the European great powers by peaceful means. It concludes that the European Concert was a conscious and reasonably successful attempt to devise a stable and peaceful system of interstate relations.
MR imaging of adrenal lymphoma

A case of lymphoma of the adrenal glands is presented. Both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated large bilateral adrenal masses with no other associated abdominal abnormalities. MR was better able to demonstrate inferior vena caval patency than CT, and effectively exclude pheochromocytoma as a differential diagnostic consideration due to signal characteristics of the masses.
GROWTH AND VASCULAR DEVELOPMENT IN THE SHOOT APEX OF SEQUOIA SEMPERVIRENS (LAMB.) ENDL. II. VASCULAR DEVELOPMENT IN RELATION TO PHYLLOTAXIS

IN AN earlier paper (Sterling, 1945), the general cytohistology and organization of the shoot apex of Sequoia sempervirens were discussed. The present article in this series is concerned with phyllotaxis and the topography of vascularization in the shoot apex. Materials and techniques are identical with those described in the paper cited above. Drawings were made by the camera lucida technique and by microprojection. The methods of Esau (1942) and Crafts (1 943a, b) were followed in the interpretation of serial longisections and transections. It is the writer's opinion that an analysis of the course of the vascular bundles in relation to leaf arrangement will provide a background for the histological details of procambial development. In addition, such an analysis is useful in considering the more general morphological relationship between "leaf" and "stem" in the shoot. The reader is referred to Arber (1930, 1941), Schuepp (1936), and Eames (1936, pp. 380-386) for general discussions on the origin and construction of the leafy shoot. REisuME OF THEORIES DEALING WITH PHYLLOTAXIS.-Although several excellent histories and critiques of theories of leaf arrangement are to be found in the literature (Church, 1920; Snow and Snow, 1931; Hirmer, 1922), it seems necessary to sum up these theories in order to introduce one which is currently finding increasing factual support. The successive leaves of a shoot are usually arranged in an ascending spiral or in alternating whorls. These leaves are spaced at relativelv constant angular distances in the horizontal plane. The angular distances, known as "divergences," have also been expressed as fractions of the periphery of the shoot. At an early date, it was evident that certain ratios were very common: 1/2, 1/3, 2/5, 3/8, 5/13,... in an apparent summation series. This particular series, initiated by the fractions 1/2 and 1/3, was given the name of the mathematician, Fibonacci. Restricted between the values of 1/2 (1800) and 1/3 (1200), the fractional values of the series gradually approach the limiting angle of 1370 30' 28.936". This angle then became the "ideal angle" for a certain school of botanists. Besides this primary series, there were also recognized various secondary series, or "Nebenkette," formed from these basic fractions: 1. 1/3 and 1/4: 2/7, 3/11, 5/18... to a limiting value of 990 30' 6", 2. 1/4 and 1/5: 2/9, 3/14, 5/23... to a limiting value of 770 57' 19", etc.
Spatial-Multiplexed Soft Handoff

We present a new soft handoff scheme in forward link code division multiple access cellular systems, wherein each base station participating in soft handoff sends only a subset of the main data stream (called sub-stream) and the mobile receiver reassembles the sub-streams and restores the main data stream. This approach can reduce the data transmission rate per base station by a factor of the number of participating base stations at the cost of sacrificing the spatial (macro) diversity that is available in conventional soft handoff system. The key to the proposed technique is to increase the signal distance or the processing gain rather than to obtain additional diversity from multiple base stations on top of multi-path diversity that provides diminishing gain. Power gain and the resulting coverage extension over conventional soft handoff system is analyzed as a function of the number of participating base stations and relative signal strengths from different base stations.
Open to Negotiation: Phenomenological Assumptions and Knowledge Dissemination

Phenomenological assumptions — assumptions about the fundamental qualities of the phenomenon being studied and how it relates to the environment in which it occurs — affect the dissemination of knowledge from subfields to the broader field of study. Micro-process research in organizational studies rests on implicit phenomenological assumptions that vary in the extent to which micro-processes are viewed as parts of larger systems. We suggest that phenomenological assumptions linking micro-processes to organizational contexts highlight the relevance of micro-process research findings to broader organizational questions, and therefore increase the likelihood that the findings will disseminate to the larger field of organizational research. We test this assertion by analyzing studies of negotiation published in top peer-reviewed management, psychology, sociology, and industrial relations journals from 1990 to 2005. Our findings reveal a continuum of open systems to closed systems phenomenological assumptions in negotiation research. Analysis of the citation rates of the articles in our data set by non-negotiation organizational research indicates that more open systems assumptions increase the likelihood that a negotiation article will be cited in organizational studies, after controlling for other, previously identified effects on citation rates. Our findings suggest that subfields can increase the impact they have on the broader intellectual discourse by situating their phenomena in rich contexts that illuminate the connections between their findings and questions of interest to the broader field.
Adaptive optimal control of machining process using neural networks

The results of adaptive optimal control of a turning process based on the multilayered perceptron neural network are reported. To implement an adaptive control scheme, the characteristics of the process have to be identified in real time. In this study, the multilayered perceptron neural networks were used to identify the relationship between the input and the output of the turning process. The results of the experimental evaluation show that the relationship between the input and the output of the machining process can be effectively simulated with neural networks and that an adaptive optimal control system based on the neural network works reasonably well. The perceptron neural network technique is more favorable than conventional techniques in the sense that it assumes minimal a priori knowledge about the structure due to the self-organizing property of the neural network, and the nonlinearities of the system can be effectively modeled. >
The Outlook for Power Plant CO 2 Capture

There is growing international interest in carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology to reduce carbon dioxide emissions linked to global climate change. CCS is especially attractive for electric power plants burning coal and other fossil fuels, which are a major source of global CO2 emissions. This paper describes the performance and cost of CO2 capture technologies for large-scale electric power plants including pulverized coal (PC), natural gas combined cycle (NGCC), and integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plants. Different types of capture technologies, including pre-combustion, post-combustion, and oxyfuel combustion capture systems are discussed, along with the outlook for new or improved technology. Future cost for power plants with CO2 capture are estimated using both a “bottom-up” approach based on engineering analysis and a “top-down” approach based on historical experience curves. The limitations of such projections are discussed along with needs for future research, development and demonstration of CCS technology. The most urgent need at this time is financing for several full-scale demonstrations of CCS at coal-based power plants.
INVESTMENT CYCLES, STRATEGIC DELAY, AND SELF-REVERSING CASCADES*

We study investment cycles and information flows in a model of social learning in which investment returns fluctuate according to a Markov process. In our Waiting Game, agents observe the investment history and a private signal correlated with the current period’s investment return. Agents then decide whether to invest in round 1 or to delay their decision to round 2 of the current period. Cascades in which everyone invests and no one invests eventually correct themselves. As compared to the No-Waiting Game with no opportunity for delay, the Waiting Game has shorter investment cascades, longer recessions, and shorter booms. The Waiting Game also has more underinvestment and less overinvestment.
Melting characteristics of polyethylenes. A comparative study of low‐pressure and irradiated polyethylenes

Dilatometers of simple design were used to determine the relationship between specific volume and temperature for several different kinds of polyethylene: samples with densities of approximaiely 0.91 and 0.96 made at high and low pressures, respectively, and samples of low-density material which had been irradiated with 1O/sup 6/--1O/sup 8/ roentgens supplied by 800-kv electrons. It was found that polyethylene made at low pressures is not only more crystalline than that made at high pressures, but also that it melts much more sharply. Despite ihe fact that irradiation raises the softening temperature of polyethylene, we have shown that the melting point of the crystalline regions of polyethylene is not thereby inincreased. It was found that in highly irradiated polyethylenes, the volume change with temperature deviates from linearity at 150 deg C and rises rapidly at 170 deg C. (auth)
Unified filtering by combining collaborative filtering and content-based filtering via mixture model and exponential model

Collaborative filtering and content-based filtering are two types of information filtering techniques. Combining these two techniques can improve the recommendation effectiveness. The main problem with previous research is that the content information and the rating information are not combined in an integrated way. This paper presents a unified probabilistic framework that allows the mutual interaction between these two types of information. Experiments have shown that the new unified filtering algorithm outperforms a pure collaborative filtering approach, a pure content-based filtering approach and another unified filtering algorithm.
Deferoxamine toxicity in hepatoma and primary rat cortical brain cultures

Deferoxamine is commonly used for treatment of iron intoxication. Because the usual dose is unable to chelate sufficient iron before severe injury occurs, "high-dose" deferoxamine treatment has been proposed. However, several authors have reported severe toxicity after deferoxamine therapy. Although the hemodynamic effects are well described, the cellular toxicity of deferoxamine is unknown. Accordingly, we investigated the cellular toxicity of deferoxamine using in vitro techniques in two cell lines. Brain cells were harvested from fetal rats and cultured for 14-21 days before deferoxamine exposure. Using similar techniques, rat hepatoma cells were grown until confluent. Deferoxamine was added to the cultures to achieve final concentrations of 200-800 microg/ml, corresponding to in vivo infusion rates of 15-60 mg/kg/h. Deferoxamine was removed after 3 or 6 days by changing the medium. Subtoxic FeCl3 (500 mg/dl) was concurrently added to identical cultures to determine if deferoxamine potentiated iron toxicity. Cell viability was measured by a colorimetric assay. The addition of deferoxamine (0.2, 0.4, 0.8 mg/ml) significantly decreased cell viability in both cell groups. The effect of deferoxamine on primary cortical brain cultures was similar for the three concentrations used, and was similar when examined either 72 h or 6 days later. In contrast, hepatoma cell cultures evidenced a dose- dependent cell loss that increased with the length of exposure. The addition ofsubtoxic amounts of FeCl3 (500 microg/dl) in the presence of deferoxamine was protective in all cultures, and abolished deferoxamine-induced cell loss. Interestingly, the addition of serum albumin significantly reduced the amount of iron present in cells, suggesting its potential use to treat iron toxicity. These results suggest that deferoxamine, in the absence of iron, is toxic to cortical brain and hepatoma cells in vitro.
Detection of Mesothioloma Remains a Conundrum

Malignant pleural mesothelioma remains a deadly cancer. The frustrating aspect, as with every cancer of the thorax, is that we understand the population at risk, but collectively we have yet to identify adequate markers for the risk of development of the disease. Recently there have been exciting developments of circulating markers that may prove useful in monitoring exposed populations, but application has not yet universally occurred (1–3). The article presented in this issue of the Journal by Pairon and colleagues (4) delivers a fascinating perspective to this conundrum. The standard belief has been that pleural plaques are not a signal of risk of mesothelioma. Pairon et al. present for the first time solid and useful evidence that the presence of pleural plaques can be an accurate indicator of mesothelioma risk. It needs to be understood that the plaques alone have not been proven to be premalignant lesions. For example, plaques are not shown to be positron emission tomography computed tomography avid and have largely not been useful as a good radiologic marker for a history of asbestos exposure. Pairon et al. (4) accessed a unique French population of the Asbestos Past Exposure survey (APEXS). Populations such as these have proven very useful for mesothelioma researchers and clinicians because it is well known at this time that asbestos exposure remains the major described risk factor for mesothelioma. As noted by Pairon et al., the utility, as well as methods, of screening for the exposed population remains controversial. As noted above, it remains very frustrating to clinicians that, as with the population at risk for lung cancer after tobacco exposure, the group that will be at risk for development of mesothelioma is all too clear. Without much doubt, the most uniformly characterized group of asbestos-exposed individuals are the workers and citizens that comprise the Wittenoom cohort that has been admirably characterized and monitored by Musk and colleagues from the University of Western Australia (5). Wittenoom was both a workplace and the adjacent city where asbestos was heavily mined and residentially used for 40 years. The mesothelioma rate among exposed workers in the asbestos mining operation appears to be 4.7% according to the data from the Perth research team. Although this rate continues to be unacceptably high for this fatal cancer, it is heartening to know that most of the highly exposed population of asbestos workers and local occupants did not develop mesothelioma. Indeed, Musk and colleagues continue to identify and explore preventive strategies for populations at risk for fatal asbestos-related disease, and we may all hope that patients with plaques will be included in future studies (6). Going forward, if clinicians identify patients at risk for mesothelioma, either through circulating markers or by the identification of computed tomography–based plaques, it will be an advance in the monitoring of the population at risk for mesothelioma. The work by Pairon and colleagues should prove a useful advance in this regard. r eferences
Health Education in Practice

This is the Fifth Annual Dorothy Nyswander Lecture. It was delivered in Berkeley, April 21, 1961. The lectureship was established in honor of Dr. Nyswander upon her retirement as Professor of Health Education at the University of California. She is actively continuing the practice of health education as a much sought-after consultant.
70 ps ECL gate Si bipolar technology using Borosenic-poly process with coupling-base implant

A high-speed self-aligned double-polysilicon emitter/base bipolar technology has been developed by using boron and arsenic diffusions through an emitter polysilicon film (borosenic-poly process) combined with a coupling-base boron implantation. Use of the borosenic-poly process produces a transistor base width of less than 100 AA and an emitter-to-base reverse leakage current of approximately 70 pA. The coupling-base boron implant significantly improves a wide variation in emitter-to-collector periphery punchthrough voltage without degrading the emitter-to-base breakdown voltage, current gain, cutoff frequency, and the ECL (emitter-coupled logic) gate delay time. A deep trench isolation 4 mu m deep and 1.2 mu m wide reduces the collector-to-substrate capacitance to 9 fF, while maintaining a transistor-to-transistor isolation voltage of greater than 25 V. The ECL gate delay time is 70 ps for a fan-out of one and 93 ps for a fan-out of three at a gate current of 400 mu A. Diagnostic 4-bit and 5-bit A-D (analog-to-digital) converters demonstrate sampling rate of 1.5 GS/s and 1.0 GS/s, respectively, without using a sample-and-hold circuit. >
Effects of Sucrose Supplementation on Dry Matter Intake, Milk Yield, and Blood Metabolites of Periparturient Holstein Dairy Cows

Thirty-four multiparous Holstein dairy cows (780 ± 17.2 kg body weight; 3.4 ± 0.08 body condition score) were used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the effects of fermentable carbohydrate source on dry matter (DM) intake, milk production, and blood metabolites of transition cows. Treatments were initiated 30 d before expected calving date. After calving, all cows went onto a similar lactating cow diet. Dry matter intake was measured daily, and milk production and composition were measured weekly for 56 d after calving The control diet consisted of 11.5% ground corn, whereas the treatment diet consisted of sucrose replacing 2.7% of ground corn on a DM basis. Prepartum plasma glucose concentrations were higher (66.3 vs. 69.3 ± 1.13 mg/dl) for cows fed the diet containing sucrose. Glucose concentrations were not different postpartum. Prepartum and postpartum nonesterified fatty acids, blood urea N, and insulin did not differ between treatments. Substitution of sucrose as a readily available carbohydrate source for ground corn did not affect prepartum or postpartum DM intake. Milk yield, 3.5% fat-corrected milk yield, and milk components did not differ between treatments. Results from this research demonstrated that partially replacing ground corn with sucrose did not enhance prepartum or postpartum intake or performance.
A Designed Functional Metalloenzyme that Reduces O2 to H2O with Over One Thousand Turnovers

Rational design of functional enzymes with a high number of turnovers is a challenge, especially those with a complex active site, such as respiratory oxidases. Introducing two His and one Tyr residues into myoglobin resulted in enzymes that reduce O{sub 2} to H{sub 2}O with more than 1000 turnovers and minimal release of reactive oxygen species. The positioning of the Tyr residue is critical for activity.
Cytochrome oxidase activity in the rat caudate nucleus: light and electron microscopic observations.

Cytochrome oxidase (CO) activity was examined in the neostriatum of normal adult rats at the tight and electron microscopic level. At the light microscopic level a heterogeneous distribution of CO activity was observed and was characterized by patches of high activity ranging in size from 200 to 800 μm surrounded or adjacent to regions of lower activity. The most dorsomedial and ventromedial regions of the caudate nucleus appeared to be consistently high in activity in all animals. At the ultrastructural level CO reaction product was localized to the membranes and intracristal spaces of mitochondria. The most reactive mitochondria (those containing the densest precipitates of reaction product) were found within the dendrites of spiny neurons in all caudate regions. In areas of high CO activity the mitochondria within bundles of myelinated fibers and in many axon terminals were also highly reactive whereas those in neuronal somata, primary dendrites, and glial cells and processes exhibited relatively little activity. Quantitative study showed that mitochondria within dendrites accounted for most of the CO activity in caudate neuropil. The mitochondria within dendrites and axon terminals were more reactive in regions of high CO activity than in regions of low CO activity. No differences in the density of synapses or in the proportions of axospinous and axodendritic synapses were observed between CO-rich and CO-poor areas. Heterogeneity in the distribution of CO activity in the caudate nucleus may be related to the “patchy” pattern of localization previously observed for some neostriatal afferents, enzymes, transmitters, peptides, and receptor ligands. Also the present results suggest that differences in metabolic activity between regions of the caudate nucleus may depend more on the relative frequency of neuronal discharge at individual synaptic sites than on the density of synapses present within a given area. The high metabolic demands of spiny dendrites as compared to other neuronal profiles in the neostriatum may reflect their level of synaptic activity, since spines are known to participate in the majority of synapses in the caudate nucleus.
Helping Behaviors During Video Game Play

Research suggests that video games are becoming a social activity. Previous research has neglected the complicated social context in which people now play video games. However, a growing body of literature suggests that playing violent video games cooperatively with others can attenuate their aggression-facilitating effects and increase prosocial behaviors between players. To better understand which types of social game play can foster helping behaviors between players and which players may be engaging in these helping behaviors during game play, the current study administered a survey to 252 students who self-identified as video game players. The results suggest that participants who reported playing cooperatively/competitively with other players were more likely to report engaging in helping behaviors during game play. Additionally, participants who reported being motivated to play specialized roles in group game play and have an altruistic personality were more likely to report engaging in helping beha...
Subdividing functional dyspepsia: a paradigm shift?

An understanding of functional dyspepsia (FD) has remained elusive in part because defining the condition has been so difficult.1–3 The term dyspepsia (or “bad digestion”) was simply derived from the Greek dys which means “bad” and peptein which means “to digest”.3 FD in 2008 is still a diagnosis of exclusion1; the synonyms endoscopy-negative or non-ulcer dyspepsia are arguably no more illuminating. To confound the situation further, the word dyspepsia is not understood by most patients, but remains a vague term in common medical parlance.1–3 There has been an evolution in thinking in terms of what symptoms should and should not comprise FD, but there remains a lack of global consensus despite the Rome working team reports.4 Thus, the recent National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines in the UK continued to lump symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) in with all other upper abdominal complaints as “dyspepsia” in contrast to US guidelines.4 5 Prior to the Rome consensus process, dyspepsia was so poorly defined that the literature was arguably impossible to interpret.3 Many studies used the expression but failed to report what they meant by dyspepsia.6 7 The bandying around of fuzzy concepts persisted—for example, defining dyspepsia as that group of symptoms triggered when food digestion was disordered3 (but how does one know food digestion is truly disordered?). Dissimilar conditions were subsumed under this heading, including GORD and biliary pain, to name a few.3 The simple concept that dyspepsia should be restricted to refer to meal-related symptoms was largely dismissed because not all peptic ulcer patients reported clear-cut meal-related complaints.3 With the rapid disappearance of peptic ulcer disease in many parts of the Western world, there is now little interest in understanding …
Spatial and Temporal Dynamics of Spider Mites (Acari: Tetranychidae) in 'Thompson Seedless' Vineyards

Environ. Entomol. 25(2). 370382 (1996) ABSTRACT Quantitative knowledge of beneficial and pest arthropod distribution patterns in relation to plant vigor and habitat structure is essential for the development of reliable and cost-effective methods for the assessment and management of arthropod populations in agro- ecosystems. The spatial and temporal distributions of the spider mites, TetrunycAus pucijii~7~5 McCregor, Pacific spider mite, and Eotetrunychus willarwttei (McGregor) were determined in 3 'Thompson Seedless' grape, Vitk uin$era L,., vineyards located in the central San Joaquin Valley of California. I: pacifim.~ was the dominant species in 2 of the vineyards, whereas E. willanwttei was dominant in the 3rd vineyard. Z pacijifi~~s infestations were most severe in vineyard areas with low vine vigor compared with area.. with high vigor. In contrast, E. wil- Zumttei appeared to be less sensitive to differences in vine vigor in the vineyards where the effect of vine vigor could be tested. Spatial variations in between- and within-vine distributions of spider mites were significant during most of the growing season in all vineyards. Z p~~ijificus and E. willumettei distributions overlapped considerably on the south and north zones of vine canopy but differed between top and interior zones. The majority of T. pacificus and E. willamettei were found on leaves near the base of shoots during spring, arid on midshoot leaves during summer, Aggregation indices indicated that both spider mite species were ag- gregated during most of the season, with 'I: puc~fi~vus being more aggregated between vines and within vines. The biological sipificance of T ~UC@CUS arid E. willarrLettei spatial dynamics are discussed along with implications for population assessment.
Molecular Interactions Governing Autoantigen Presentation in Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease resulting from T cell-mediated destruction of insulin-producing beta cells within pancreatic islets. Disease incidence has increased significantly in the last two decades, especially in young children. Type 1 diabetes is now predictable in humans with the measurement of serum islet autoantibodies directed against insulin and beta cell proteins. Knowledge regarding the presentation of insulin and islet antigens to T cells has increased dramatically over the last several years. Here, we review the trimolecular complex in diabetes, which consists of a major histocompatibility molecule,self-peptide, and T cell receptor, with a focus on insulin peptide presentation to T cells. With this increased understanding of how antigens are presented to T cells comes the hope for improved therapies for type 1 diabetes prevention.
JAK/Stat Signaling in Cardiac Diseases

The molecular mechanisms that initiate and propagate myocardial diseases are known to involve participation of distinct signaling pathways. The onset of myocardial hypertrophy and ischemia followed by reperfusion, hypoxia/reoxygenation and oxygen radicals is accompanied by an upregulated level of the heart tissue-localized renin-angiotensin system (RAS). The major signaling events attributed to the RAS are the G-protein receptor signaling and those that are associated with the redox regulated system. The cross-talk likely to occur between these pathways may reach a putative focal point needed to program the execution of the disease related transcriptional events. In this context, the JAK2/Stat proteins play a pivotal role. Our studies support the notion that signals induced by diverse stimuli are somehow linked to the activated Janus Kinase-2 (JAK2) which appears to be the determining factor in triggering the execution of the disease related genetic program in cardiomyocytes. If this signaling pathway in cardiomyocyte plays a role in initiation and progression of cardiac diseases, specific inhibitors of the components of the pathway might be important as therapeutic agents. Selective inhibition of JAK2 by AG490 caused a reduction of cardiac hypertrophy, ischemic injury and cell death and a simultaneous increase in cardiac function. These observations thus provide new conceptual paradigms in heart disease research making it possible to develop novel cardioprotective agents mechanistically based on modulation in signaling events.
Techno-Economic Analysis of Scalable Coal-Based Fuel Cells

Researchers at The University of Akron (UA) have demonstrated the technical feasibility of a laboratory coal fuel cell that can economically convert high sulfur coal into electricity with near zero negative environmental impact. Scaling up this coal fuel cell technology to the megawatt scale for the nation’s electric power supply requires two key elements: (i) developing the manufacturing technology for the components of the coal-based fuel cell, and (ii) long term testing of a kW scale fuel cell pilot plant. This project was expected to develop a scalable coal fuel cell manufacturing process through testing, demonstrating the feasibility of building a large-scale coal fuel cell power plant. We have developed a reproducible tape casting technique for the mass production of the planner fuel cells. Low cost interconnect and cathode current collector material was identified and current collection was improved. In addition, this study has demonstrated that electrochemical oxidation of carbon can take place on the Ni anode surface and the CO and CO2 product produced can further react with carbon to initiate the secondary reactions. One important secondary reaction is the reaction of carbon with CO2 to produce CO. We found CO and carbon can be electrochemically oxidized simultaneously insidemore » of the anode porous structure and on the surface of anode for producing electricity. Since CH4 produced from coal during high temperature injection of coal into the anode chamber can cause severe deactivation of Ni-anode, we have studied how CH4 can interact with CO2 to produce in the anode chamber. CO produced was found able to inhibit coking and allow the rate of anode deactivation to be decreased. An injection system was developed to inject the solid carbon and coal fuels without bringing air into the anode chamber. Five planner fuel cells connected in a series configuration and tested. Extensive studies on the planner fuels and stack revealed that the planner fuel cell stack is not suitable for operation with carbon and coal fuels due to lack of mechanical strength and difficulty in sealing. We have developed scalable processes for manufacturing of process for planner and tubular cells. Our studies suggested that tubular cell stack could be the only option for scaling up the coal-based fuel cell. Although the direct feeding of coal into fuel cell can significantly simplify the fuel cell system, the durability of the fuel cell needs to be further improved before scaling up. We are developing a tubular fuel cell stack with a coal injection and a CO2 recycling unit.« less
Abstract 5240: Breast cancer in the metastatic niche: A role for stress-induced dormancy

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Breast cancer dormancy in the metastatic site allows tumors to avoid clinical detection and evade treatment leading to recurrence after years or decades, with devastating mortality rates. How the aggressive carcinoma cells that initially underwent a cancer-associated Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) from the primary tumor to disseminate and maintain a long-term dormant state in an ectopic site is unknown. We have found that normal parenchymal cells of certain metastatic organs cause a partial reversion of the EMT to a more epithelial phenotype (Mesenchymal to Epithelial Reversion Transition, or MErT). Compared to carcinoma cells in the primary breast tumor, MErT is characterized by increased E-cadherin expression, MAPK and AKT signaling, and chemoresistance. While this phenotype should reflect low proliferation or quiescence, the MErT cells in vitro have heretofore maintained a highly proliferative state. Herein we demonstrate that a pre-stressed hepatic microenvironment allows for EMT cells to increase their MErT phenotype and to become dormant. Our research strategy is to modulate the initial liver stress through biochemical challenges applied to primary rat hepatocytes co-cultured with hepatic resident cells and a human immortalized breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231). Biochemical challenges (e.g. TGFβ, TNFα, IL-6, EGF, HGF, and DAMPS) are applied in varying concentrations and incubation periods in order to pre-stress the hepatic culture. In order to maintain hepatic metabolic function we implement a novel 3D perfused micro-well bioreactor. As a secondary aim we explore whether E-cadherin expression is required for metastatic seeding through splenetic injections in immune compromised mice. We aim to uncover novel targets that are not strictly against the cancer cells, but rather, against shared molecular pathways across cancer, parenchymal, and non-parenchymal cells within the hepatic niche. Sustaining and perhaps enhancing the ectopic site resilience may yield therapies directed toward maintaining dormant carcinomas so that secondary EMTs will be blocked and cancer recurrence greatly reduced. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5240. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-5240
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Outcomes in Pediatric and Congenital Heart Disease: Time to System Revision

Background Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are intended to prevent sudden cardiac death yet also impose a risk of morbidity. This study describes the outcomes of ICDs in a pediatric and congenital heart disease (CHD) population from a single center. Methods Retrospective cohort study of all patients with an ICD followed at the University of Michigan Congenital Heart Center from 2005–2013. The primary outcome was ICD system revision for any reason excluding routine generator change for battery depletion. Results There were 191 ICD systems in 131 patients, including 57 with CHD, 24 with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and 45 with structurally normal hearts. Median age was 16 years at initial implant. Total follow-up was 850 patient-years; median 4.9 years/patient. There were 43 (33%) patients who required 60 ICD revisions; 70 revisions/1,000 patient-years of follow-up. Revisions included 25 lead extractions with replacement, 21 lead additions, five lead repositions, and four full system revisions. Kaplan-Meier (K-M) median time to appropriate shock was similar to the median time to system revision. K-M time to system revision was significantly affected by recalled lead performance. Conclusions The need for ICD system revision is high in this pediatric and CHD population and occurs at a rate similar to the rate of receiving appropriate therapy. These results highlight the need for judicious implant criteria and improved device longevity.
Analysis on Epidemiological Characteristics of Bacillary Dysentery in Kaifeng City from 2006 to 2010

[Objective]To understand the epidemiological characteristics of bacillary dysentery in Kaifeng city from 2006 to 2010,provide the evidences for the implementation of prevention and control measures.[Methods]The data of bacillary dysentery were collected from national diseases information management system,and were analyzed.[Results]From 2006 to 2010,the highest and lowest incidence rate of bacillary dysentery in Kaifeng city was 12.09/lakh and 7.72/lakh respectively,which showed a downward trend.The peak season was from May to October.The incidence in Longting district was the highest.The incidence rate in males was higher than that in females.Most of patients were farmers aged 50~80 years old.[Conclusion]In order to reduce the incidence rate of bacillary dysentery,it is necessary to carry out the various education methods and control measures in key areas and high-risk population during epidemical season.
WHY NOT POT?: A Review of the Brain-based Risks of Cannabis

In this review, we provide a historical perspective on marijuana, and survey contemporary research investigating its potential negative effects on the brain. We discuss the evidence regarding cannabis dependence, driving under the influence of cannabis, underachievement, inducing (or worsening) certain psychiatric conditions, and the potential for progression to use of more dangerous drugs-summarized by the acronym DDUMB, a cognitive tool that may help healthcare providers in their risk/benefit discussions with patients who use cannabis. We also review and discuss the impact of marijuana use on target populations, including adolescents (who are at increased risk of harm); heavy users; and people suffering from-or at high risk of- mental illness. While cannabis presents certain subjective, healthrelated, and pecuniary benefits to users, growers, and other entities, it is also associated with several brainbased risks. Understanding these risks aids clinicians and their patients in making informed and balanced decisions regarding the initiation or continuance of marijuana use.
The performance of a new routing protocol for the reconfigurable wireless networks

In this paper, we investigate the performance of a novel routing protocol, the zone routing protocol (ZRP), that was introduced in Haas (1997). The protocol is targeted at a special class of ad-hoc networks, which we refer to as the reconfigurable wireless networks (RWNs). RWNs are distinguished from other ad-hoc networks by their increased node mobility, larger number of nodes, and wider network span. We demonstrate that ZRP significantly reduces the delay and the amount of routing overhead by providing each node with continuous updates of its local neighborhood (routing zone) topology only. The structure of the routing zone is exploited to efficiently acquire routes on demand for destinations that lie beyond a node's routing zone. By adjusting a single parameter-the size of the routing zone-the ZRP can adapt to a variety of network operational conditions.