6,243 research outputs found

    A PC parallel port button box provides millisecond response time accuracy under Linux

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    For psychologists, it is sometimes necessary to measure people's reaction times to the nearest millisecond. This article describes how to use the PC parallel port to receive signals from a button box to achieve millisecond response time accuracy. The workings of the parallel port, the corresponding port addresses, and a simple Linux program for controlling the port are described. A test of the speed and reliability of button box signal detection is reported. If the reader is moderately familiar with Linux, this article should provide sufficient instruction for him or her to build and test his or her own parallel port button box. This article also describes how the parallel port could be used to control an external apparatus

    Abstract 1481: Determination of microRNA profile in lung cancer cell line treated with chemotherapy cisplatin (C), pemetrexed (P) or PC with bevacizumab (B) and its implication in resistance

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    Abstract Background: Cellular microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression through modulation of messenger RNA transcription and are involved in epigenetic regulation, metastasis and cancer immunity. They have prognostic and therapeutic significance. The miRNAs associated with resistance in lung cancer without EGFR mutation are not yet known. We sought to determine the profile of miRNA of lung cancer cell lines without EGFR mutation treated with chemotherapy. Methods: lung cancer cell lines HTB177 were treated with PC or PCB (0.05mg/mL Cisplatin, 0.05 mg/mL pemetrexed, 6.25 mg/mL Bevacizumab) for 24, 48, 72 and 144 hours. We obtained baseline miRNA prior to therapy and after treatment to determine the changes in miRNA profile using RT PCR technique. After 144 hours, we obtained miRNA profile of the cells that survived treatment to assess change in the miRNA profile. We chose miRNA that has been reported to influence on the outcome of lung cancer: Let 7 modulates RAS, miRNA 27 is involved as tumor suppressor gene, mir212 negatively regulates antiapoptotic protein PED, miR 375 down regulates ASH1 a transcription factor. Mir21 targets anti-apoptotic genes including PDCD4 and PTEN. Results: We observed down regulation of these miRNA after 24h of treatment with PC and these miRNA then became upregulated after 48 hours, especially let 7f. In contrast, the treatment of PC with B caused upregulation of these miRNA, especially miR 27b and let 7f at 24 h and then decreased levels of upregulation at 48hours. These miRNA were not upregulated at 72h for both groups. The expression of miRNA 21 is upregulated 50 times in cells that survived treatment with PC or PCB at 144h. Conclusions: The treatment using PC and PC with B in lung cancer cell lines regulates change in the profile of miRNA at different time points. There is a difference of the miRNA profile in these 2 treatment groups. miRNA 21 is upregulated in cells resistant to therapy. miRNA could be involved in the activity of chemotherapy and development of resistance. Citation Format: Chao H. Huang, Hannah C. Motes, Siddarth Sharma, Jared Kevern, Emma Borrego-Diaz, Mukut Sharma. Determination of microRNA profile in lung cancer cell line treated with chemotherapy cisplatin (C), pemetrexed (P) or PC with bevacizumab (B) and its implication in resistance [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1481. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1481</jats:p

    Millisecond accuracy video display using OpenGL under Linux

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    To measure people’s reaction times to the nearest millisecond, it is necessary to know exactly when a stimulus is displayed. This article describes how to display stimuli with millisecond accuracy on a normal CRT monitor, using a PC running Linux. A simple C program is presented to illustrate how this may be done within X Windows using the OpenGL rendering system. A test of this system is reported that demonstrates that stimuli may be consistently displayed with millisecond accuracy. An algorithm is presented that allows the exact time of stimulus presentation to be deduced, even if there are relatively large errors in measuring the display time

    Frontmatter (Titlepage, Table of Contents, Author List, PC List, Reviewer List)

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    Front matter including table of contents, author list, PC list, and reviewer list

    Beyond unobserved heterogeneity in computer wage premiums / Data on computer use in Germany, 1997 – 2001

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    Beyond unobserved heterogeneity in computer wage premiums: Most findings on the (non-)existence of a wage premium on computer use are biased because they are based on single-equation estimation of a wage equation. Controlling for fixed effects ignores the simultaneity problem. Through the introduction of a latent variable, “PC-feasibility”, we tackle the problem of simultaneity and account for unobserved heterogeneity. Due to the simultaneous nature of wage determination and computer use, the premium for computer use becomes dependent on person and job characteristics. Imposing testable restrictions on the reduced form enables us to identify the factors that determine wages and enhance computer use. The model is estimated using German data, 1997-2001 Data on computer use in Germany, 1997 – 2001: This paper describes the GSOEP data, 1997-2001, used in Muysken and Schim van der Loeff (2006). The data contain relevant information on individuals, with a focus on the computer use both at home and at work. The construction of the relevant data set for the period 1997 - 2001 is presented in section 2. A more detailed discussion of the data is presented in section 3 for the 1997 wave. Interesting observations are that most workers who use a computer at work started to use a computer at home simultaneously or later. Also the average number of years of employment for workers exceeds the period of the sample. Moreover there is a huge amount of inertia for computer use at work. This emphasises that fixed effects do not only control for unobserved individual characteristics, but also firm and job related characteristics. Finally, for rather homogenous groups of workers wages do not appear to vary systematically with computer use.Cross-Sectional Models, Wage Differentials by Skill

    High efficiency implementation of PC and PC stable algorithms yields three-dimensional graphs of information flow for the Earth' atmosphere

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    September 3, 2014.Causal discovery algorithms have recently been applied to several climate applications. In particular, in prior work we have developed methods to recover pathways of interaction in the global climate system, using the classic PC algorithm. However, standard implementations of the PC algorithm cannot handle the large number of variables and temporal models required for this application. This technical report shows that a more efficient implementation of the PC algorithm can provide speed gains of a factor of 1,000 or more. This in turn enables us to calculate graphs of information flow with much higher resolution grids. Furthermore, we can now - for the first time ever - calculate information flow graphs that extend over three dimensions, i.e. rather than just including one layer of the planet's atmosphere we can now capture interactions across several height layers

    Tissue Adhesives for the Management of Corneal Perforations and Challenging Corneal Conditions

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    Ashok Sharma,1 Namrata Sharma,2 Sayan Basu,3 Rajan Sharma,1 Shruti Aggarwal,4 Parul Chawla Gupta,5 Jagat Ram,6 Verinder S Nirankari7 1Dr Ashok Sharma Cornea Centre, Chandigarh, UT, India; 2Cornea Service, Dr. R. P. Centre, AIIMS, New Delhi, India; 3LVPEI Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana, India; 4Anterior Segment Cataract Surgery, Katzen Eye Group, Baltimore, MD, USA; 5Advanced Eye Centre, PGIMER, Chandigarh, UT, India; 6Advanced Eye Centre PGIMER, Chandigarh, UT, India; 7University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USACorrespondence: Ashok Sharma, SCO 2463-2464, Sector 22C, Cornea Service, Dr Ashok Sharma’s Cornea Centre, Chandigarh, 160022, India, Email [email protected]: Corneal perforations are ophthalmological emergencies which can have serious and detrimental consequences, if not managed timely and appropriately. These are a significant cause of ocular morbidity and can result in decreased vision, blindness, and even loss of the eye. Corneal perforations can be managed using a range of treatment approaches, including temporary solutions such as the application of corneal glue and bandage contact lens, as well as definitive treatment such as corneal transplantation. Tissue glues/adhesives were developed as substitutes for sutures in ophthalmic surgery. Unlike sutures, these glues are associated with shorter overall surgical times and reduced inflammation, thus improving postoperative comfort without compromising wound strength. The available tissue adhesives can be broadly classified into two types: synthetic (eg, cyanoacrylate derivatives) and biological (eg, fibrin glue). Cyanoacrylate glue is chiefly used as a corneal patch to manage acute corneal perforations and improve visual outcomes. Fibrin glue can be used instead of cyanoacrylate glue in many conditions with the benefits of reduced conjunctival and corneal inflammation and reaction. Apart from this, each type of adhesive is distinct in terms of its benefits as well as limitations and is accordingly used for different indications. The present review focuses on the two main types of tissue adhesives, their applications in the management of corneal perforations, the associated complications, safety and efficacy data related to their use available in the literature and the need for newer adhesives in this field.Keywords: corneal perforation, tissue adhesives, cyanoacrylate, fibrin glue, corneal patc

    State variable simulation package for IBM-PC

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    This thesis was scanned from the print manuscript for digital preservation and is copyright the author. Researchers can access this thesis by asking their local university, institution or public library to make a request on their behalf. Monash staff and postgraduate students can use the link in the References field

    Degradation of bisphenol-a-polycarbonate (BPA-PC) optical lenses under simulated harsh environment conditions

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    This paper investigates degradation and failure mechanisms of BPA-PC lenses in simulated harsh environment conditions. Exposure of secondary optics in Light Emitting Diode LED-based systems or any other similar applications to environmental stresses can adversely effect the performance and lifetime of products. This paper simulates a harsh environment condition, using a salt bath oven. Salt spray exposure/ageing tests at 45° C were carried out up to four months. Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflection FTIR-ATR spectrometer and Lambda 950 Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-VIS) spectrophotometer were used to study the optical and chemical characteristics of aged plates. Results showed that salt bath exposure test resulted in the severe deterioration of optical characteristics BPA-PC samples. Degradation of optical properties of BPA-PC plates is attributable to the oxidation of samples.Green Open Access added to TU Delft Institutional Repository ‘You share, we take care!’ – Taverne project https://www.openaccess.nl/en/you-share-we-take-care Otherwise as indicated in the copyright section: the publisher is the copyright holder of this work and the author uses the Dutch legislation to make this work public.Electronic Components, Technology and Material

    The Global Mental Health Assessment Tool Primary Care and General Health Setting Version (GMHAT/PC): A validity and feasibility study – Spanish version

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    BACKGROUND: There is an urgent need to provide training and tools to frontline health workers in order for them to properly diagnose and treat mental illnesses in Latin-American communities, since the vast majority of people with a mental illness suffer in silence. A computer-assisted interview, the Global Mental Health Assessment Tool (GMHAT/PC) has been developed to assist general practitioners and other health professionals to make a quick, convenient, yet reasonably comprehensive and standardised mental health assessment. GMHAT/PC has been translated into various languages including German, Dutch, Chinese, Hindi and Arabic. This is the first study, of a GMHAT/PC Spanish version carried out in Latin America, to establish its validity in that culture and feasibility to be used in the health care setting. If proven a valid tool through this study, the GMHAT/PC Spanish version will be an important aid towards improving the mental health of Spanish-speaking communities within the Latin-American region. AIM: The study aims at assessing both the validity of a GMHAT/PC Spanish version, and the feasibility of utilising a computer assisted diagnostic interview by GPs. DESIGN: 1) Validation study was planned to establish whether the GMHAT/PC based diagnosis compares well with the consultants ICD-10 based diagnosis (Gold Standard) 2) Feasibility study was carried out to examine whether GMHAT/PC can be used in routine clinical care in a general health setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the first study (validation), participants varied from those who were in remission i.e. without much psychopathology to those had symptoms of a severe mental illness. They were recruited from in-patient (82%) and out-patient (18%) mental health settings in Colombia. The participants were expected to have a wide range of psychiatric diagnoses (anxiety disorders, depression, psychosis, bipolar affective disorder, organic mental disorders, and other diagnoses). All consecutive patients were interviewed by GPs using GMHAT/PC and psychiatrists made an independent diagnosis applying ICD-10 criteria. The second study (feasibility) was carried out on patients hospitalised at medical, surgical and women’s wards during a period of one month in each service. The diagnosis of a medical illness was made by specialists in each service. A trained GP carried out psychiatric assessment of all participants using GMHAT/PC. RESULTS: First study (validity): two hundred ninety-nine patients (n=299) participated, 54.18% males and 45.81% females in the age range of 14-78. All patients were interviewed independently by seven psychiatrists with over five years of clinical experience. The mean duration of GMHAT/PC interview was 12.5 minutes. Most patients were pleased that they were asked about every aspect of their mental health. Psychiatrists made a single diagnosis in 183 (61%) cases, multiple (two) diagnosis in 112 (37%) cases and multiple (three) diagnosis in another four cases. GMHAT/PC in almost all cases gave additional multiple diagnoses.The results show an acceptable-to-good level of agreement between the GPs’ (GMHAT/PC) diagnoses and the psychiatrists’ (clinical) diagnoses of any mental illness, Kappa 0.58- 95% C.I (0.46, 0.72). There is a good level of sensitivity (81%) and specificity (92%), with GPs correctly identifying 242 out of the 250 participants diagnosed with a mental illness, and 27 out of 35 of those who do not present any whatsoever. The agreement (kappa value) between GMHAT/PC diagnosis and psychiatrists ICD-10 based diagnosis of specific disorders were as follows: Organic disorders-0.87; Psychosis- 0.56; Depression-0.53; Mania-0.6, Alcohol and drug misuse- 0.62, Learning disorder- 0.4; Personality Disorder- 0.39 and Anxiety disorders- 0.14. The sensitivity of different disorders ranged from 63% (Mania) to 100% (Anxiety) and specificity from 71% (Anxiety) to 100% (organic). The second study (feasibility): out of 455 medically-ill patients, 4.8% had a mental illness identified by GMHAT/PC interview. Anxiety, depression and organic disorders were the most frequently identified mental disorders in internal medicine and surgery. Cancer had a significantly higher prevalence of comorbid mental illness. CONCLUSION: GMHAT/PC -Spanish version used by GPs in this study detected mental disorders accurately and it was feasible to use GMHAT/PC in Colombia and Latin-American health settings. The findings of this study will have a big impact upon mental health service provision in Spanish-speaking nations within the Latin-American region as the Spanish version for GMHAT/PC will assist primary care physicians and other health workers in detecting and managing mental health disorders in the communities. There is no other comparable easy-to-use comprehensive mental health diagnostic tool available in Spanish
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