cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of induction therapy protocols on transplant outcomes in crossmatch positive renal allograft recipients desensitized with IVIG.

Here we retrospectively examine the efficacy of two antibody induction regimens using Zenapax® or Thymoglobulin® in patients with positive complement-dependent cytotoxicity crossmatches (CDC-CMXs) desensitized with IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin). Between January 1999 and March 2005, 97 patients with (+) CDC-CMXs received kidney transplants (43 deceased donors/54 living donors). All patients received at least 2 g/kg IVIG (maximum four doses) until an acceptable CMX was obtained. Patients were divided into two groups: 1. IVIG + Zenapax® (n = 58), 2. IVIG + Thymoglobulin® (n = 39). A total of 94% of patients in Group 1 and 84% in G2 have at least 2 years of follow up. Patient and graft survival was 96%/84% in Group 1 and 100%/90% in Group 2, p = NS. The number and severity of AR episodes were similar (36% Group 1 vs. 31% Group 2, p = NS) as was the incidence of C4d (+) antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) (Banff Grade II/III) (22% Group 1 vs. 21% Group 2). Mean serum creatinines (SCrs) at 24 months were similar (Group 1: 1.4 ± 0.7 vs. G2: 1.5 ± 0.7 mg/dL). Induction therapy with Zenapax® or Thymoglobulin® results in excellent patient, graft survival and graft function at 2 years. There was no increased risk of viral infections or malignancies with either agent. Neither agent was effective in reducing the incidence of AMR.
The co-construction of arguments by middle-school students

Abstract This paper highlights the value of student collaboration in doing mathematics, demonstrates how urban, middle-school students, working together, co-constructed justifications for their solutions, and shows that certain conditions are associated with the promotion of a culture of reasoning. It is documented that students collaboratively built arguments that took the form of proof, challenged each others’ arguments, and justified these arguments in small groups and whole class discussions. In producing their mathematical justifications, students included the input of others. Finally, the way in which students, by expanding on the arguments of others, also used alternative forms of reasoning which in many cases led to even more refined arguments is discussed.
Effects of substrates on the thermal stability of nuclear histone acetyltransferase

Calf thymus nuclear histone acetyltransferase was found to have an optimal activity at about 30 degrees C with an energy of activation of 13.2 +/- 0.4 kcal/mol. The enzyme, however, is thermally unstable. At 38, 42, and 46 degrees C, the enzyme was inactivated with rate constants of 0.01, 0.033 and 0.097 min-1, respectively. High salt concentrations and histones accelerated the rate of thermal inactivation. Bovine serum albumin while alone having no effect on the inactivation process, decreased the exacerbation of heat inactivation caused by histones. Acetyl-CoA, on the other hand, protected the enzyme from heat denaturation. The acetyl-enzyme intermediate also underwent heat inactivated but at a much slower rate. The first order rate constant for the process at 42 degrees C decreased from 0.033 min-1 for the native enzyme to 0.013 min-1 for the acetyl-enzyme, corresponding to an increase in Arrhenius energy of inactivation from 55 kcal/mol to 82 kcal/mol. The distinct effects of acetyl-CoA and histones on the thermal stability of the enzyme suggest that interactions of the enzyme with these two substrates are different and thereby result in different enzyme substrate complexes. This observation further supports our previously proposed two-site ping-pong kinetic reaction mechanism which suggests that the two structurally and electrostatically different substrates bind to separate sites on the enzyme.
Preparation for stressful medical procedures and person × treatment interactions

Abstract Research on preparation for medical procedures has progressed from static situation-based or person-based explanations of responding to a more interactional perspective which considers person-by-situation interactions. This review considers examples from four basic approaches to preparation for stressful medical procedures, including the provision of procedural information, sensory information, coping instruction, and modeling. Person characteristics such as gender, and traits such as locus of control, trait anxiety, and coping style are then presented, and their direct influence and interactive influence with treatment are described. Finally, research techniques which may result in increased integration of this rapidly growing area are proposed.
The who, when, where, what of daydreams among a young adult hearing-impaired population.

A sample of 251 hearing-impaired college students responded to a day-dreaming questionnaire. Only those responses from subjects who day-dreamed 14-plus hours per week, or who daydreamed one and a half hours or less per week were used. This resulted in 40 high-frequency and 40 low-frequency daydreamers. Comparisons were made between male and female hearing impaired, high- and low-frequency daydreamers. The three significant differences were(a) when daydreaming occurred for these subjects; (b) time orientation of the daydreams; and (c) having an imaginary companion as a child. Although daydreaming did not differ significantly by frequency or sex in the students, other characteristics emerged. Subjects use actual, or desired, romantic partners as their central fantasy figures; change both themes and characters over a several month period; discuss their fantasies with a friend or family member; daydream most frequently while driving, while studying, or in class about the themes of love, sex, friendship, and owning things
A longitudinal investigation of the Drive for Muscularity Scale: Predicting use of performance enhancing substances and weightlifting among males

The present study was designed to examine the predictive validity of the Drive for Muscularity Scale (DMS; McCreary & Sasse, 2000). The drive for muscularity scale (DMS) is comprised of two subscales: a muscularity-oriented body image (MBI) subscale and a muscularity behavior (MB) subscale. The present study tested whether these subscales predicted two behavioral outcomes in the context of a longitudinal design: use of performance enhancing substances (PES) and weightlifting behavior. One hundred and sixty-one male undergraduates completed a questionnaire that assessed the drive for muscularity, PES use and weightlifting behavior at Time 1 and again 6 weeks later. Results indicated that the MB subscale at Time 1 significantly predicted both changes in PES use and weightlifting behavior controlling for past substance use and past weightlifting behavior. The MBI subscale failed to predict either changes in PES use or weightlifting behavior. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
Clusters and Cluster Assembly of Interfaces

This paper discusses the formation of metal clusters on Xe buffer layers and the deposition of those clusters on GaAs, silica, and Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 when the Xe is desorbed. These clusters contain hundreds to thousands of atoms, and their interactions with the substrate is different from that encountered when atoms are deposited directly. Since cluster assembly alters the reaction pathway at the surface, novel structures with unique chemical and physical properties can be stabilized.
MUNCHAUSEN BY PROXY IN PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY: FALSE DIABETIC SYMPTOMS582

In Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MBP), adults claim nonexistent illness in children. It is a form of child abuse with a high incidence of morbidity and mortality. Physicians examining any patients should have a high index of suspicion for factitious illness, especially if the parents or caregivers are persistent in claiming illness and treatment of the child's disease.
Direct Optical Holographic Fabrication of Photonic Crystals in Polymeric Dispersed Nematic and Isotropic Liquid Crystals

We have fabricated 1-, 2- and 3-D photonic crystalline structures in polymer dispersed nematic and isotropic phase liquid crystals. It is observed that a particular mixture of isotropic liquid crystals and the photo-polymer will also polymerize and phase separate, forming high quality optical gratings, just as typical nematic liquid crystals. Liquid crystal droplet sizes obtained could be as small as a few 10’s of nm, i.e., nano-droplets. The resultant structure exhibits excellent optical qualities, and high efficiency Bragg diffraction properties.
Detecting single porphyrin molecules in a conically shaped synthetic nanopore.

We report here the first example of abiotic resistive-pulse sensing of a molecular (as opposed to a particle or macromolecular) analyte. This was accomplished by using a conically shaped nanopore prepared by the track-etch method as the sensing element. It is possible to sense the molecular analyte because the small diameter opening of the conical nanopore (∼4.5 nm) is comparable to the diameter of the analyte molecule (∼2 nm).
Acceleration of Polarized H- in the BNL 200 MeV Linac

The AGS Polarized Beam Project was started in 1980. The first beam was accelerated in March 1984, followed by commissioning studies and a high energy physics run at 16.5 GeV at an average 30% polarization. The Linac portion of the project included a new polarized H- ion source and a Radio-Frequency Quadrupole (RFQ). These will be described as will the design of the new Low Energy Beam Transport (LEBT) line and beam instrumentation for the Linac. Operational results, cuirrent status and future plans will be discussed.
Stereotypes and Schadenfreude: Affective and Physiological Markers of Pleasure at Outgroup Misfortunes

People often fail to empathize with outgroup members, and sometimes even experience Schadenfreude—pleasure—in response to their misfortunes. One potent predictor of Schadenfreude is envy. According...
Exponential stabilization of driftless nonlinear control systems using homogeneous feedback

This paper focuses on the problem of exponential stabilization of controllable, driftless systems using time-varying, homogeneous feedback. The analysis is performed with respect to a homogeneous norm in a nonstandard dilation that is compatible with the algebraic structure of the control Lie algebra. It can be shown that any continuous, time-varying controller that achieves exponential stability relative to the Euclidean norm is necessarily non-Lipschitz. Despite these restrictions, we provide a set of constructive, sufficient conditions for extending smooth, asymptotic stabilizers to homogeneous, exponential stabilizers. The modified feedbacks are everywhere continuous, smooth away from the origin, and can be extended to a large class of systems with torque inputs. The feedback laws are applied to an experimental mobile robot and show significant improvement in convergence rate over smooth stabilizers.
Gene Flow and Genetic Differentiation

A brief analysis is presented for the effects of gene flow upon genetic differentiation within and between populations generated by mutation and drift. Previous results obtained with the "island" model are developed into a form that lends itself to biological interpretation. Attention is focused upon the effective local population size and the ratio of the genetic identity of two genes in different populations to that of two genes in the same population. The biological significance of this ratio, which is independent of population size, is discussed. Similarities between the results of this model and those of the "stepping-stone" model are noted.
Direct measurement of C/sub be/ and C/sub bc/ versus voltage for small HBT's with microwave s-parameters for scaled Gummel-Poon BJT models

A novel method for determining the junction capacitances versus voltage in heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT's) using s-parameters at microwave frequencies is presented. This new technique has several advantages over traditional approaches, which include: (1) it profiles capacitance at greater forward bias; (2) it enables the direct measurement of minimum geometry transistors; (3) it allows for the accurate extraction of scaled HBT model parameters with emitter length; and (4) it results in improved pad parasitic deembedding for accurate modeling. Both the capacitance-voltage and large-signal HBT model results are shown.
Systematic approach to error budget analysis for integrated sensor systems

Multi-sensor integration (fusion) has the potential to provide increased detection volume, complementary coverage, improved track accuracy and track continuity, and is a key feature being investigated for TIS-B and proposed for the overall Safe Flight 21 architecture. Tracking accuracy is a critical characteristic of any proposed system concept and is the focus of the analysis discussed in this paper. Methods for determining whether or not a particular system concept can produce tracking accuracies sufficient to meet the requirements for the anticipated applications must be developed. This paper describes a high level, end-to-end error budget analysis approach for statistically quantifying tracking errors at the end user. The approach uses Monte Carlo techniques to provide quantifiable statistical results that can be used for performance prediction, requirement refinement, and error budget allocation. The paper also discusses the need to carefully develop and articulate the track accuracy requirements for applications so that a system concept evaluation can be completed. An example analysis for the SF-21 Enhanced Visual Acquisition application using TIS-B illustrates this approach and how it can be extended to the development of other SF-21 applications.
The generalization of the Wiener-Khinchin theorem

We generalize the Wiener-Khinchin theorem. A full generalization is presented where both the autocorrelation function and power spectral density are defined in terms of a general basis set. In addition, we present a partial generalization where the density is the Fourier transform of the autocorrelation function but the autocorrelation function is defined in terms of an arbitrary basis set. Both the deterministic and random cases are considered.
Ion channel structure and the promise of bacteria: cyclic nucleotide-gated channels in the queue.

To date it has proved very difficult to express eukaryotic channels in Escherichia coli or otherwise obtain enough of these proteins for crystallization. So, unbeknownst to bacteria, they have been making a major contribution to ion channel research since 1998. So much so that everyone in the ion
RAT GROWTH HORMONE: IMMUNOFLUORESCENT AND RADIOIMMUNOLOGIC STUDIES.

The cross-reactivity that exists between antisera to porcine growth hormone and rat growth hormone and the successful radioiodination of rat growth hormone have permitted the development of a sensitive radioimmunoassay for rat growth hormone. Human growth hormone does not cross-react in this system. By fluorescent techniques the anti-PGH serum has been found to stain the acidophiles of the rat pituitary, a finding which provides further evidence of crossreactivity with rat growth hormone. (Endocrinology 76: 928, 1965)
Van der {Waals–London} dispersion interaction framework for experimentally realistic carbon nanotube systems

A system’s van der Waals–London dispersion interactions are often ignored, poorly understood, or crudely approximated, despite their importance in determining the intrinsic properties and intermolecular forces present in a given system. There are several key barriers that contribute to this issue: 1) lack of the required full spectral optical properties, 2) lack of the proper geometrical formulation to give meaningful results, and 3) a perception that a full van der Waals– London dispersion calculation is somehow unwieldy or difficult to understand conceptually. However, the physical origin of the fundamental interactions for carbon nanotube systems can now be readily understood due to recent developments which have filled in the missing pieces and provided a complete conceptual framework. Specifically, our understanding is enhanced through a combination of a robust, ab-initio method to obtain optically anisotropic properties out to 30 electron Volts, proper extensions to the Lifshitz’s formulations to include optical anisotropy with increasingly complex geometries, and a proper methodology for employing optical mixing rules to address multibody and multi-component structures. Here we review this new framework to help end-users understand these interactions, with the goal of better system design and experimental prediction. Numerous examples are provided to show the impact of a material’s intrinsic geometry, including optical anisotropy as a function of that geometry, and the effect of the size of the nanotube core and surfactant material present on its surface. We’ll also introduce some new examples of how known trends in optical properties as a function of [n, m] can result in van der Waals interactions as a function of nanotube classification, radius, and other parameters. The concepts and framework presented are not limited to the nanotube community, and can be equally applied to other nanoscale or even biological systems.
Referential Strategy Training for Second Language Reading Comprehension of Japanese Texts

Coreferential ties play an important role in extended discourse by connecting different sentences in the text mediated by common referents. Yet monitoring referential ties is a problematic area, causing miscomprehension in L2 (second language) reading. One factor involved in this problem is the variation of cohesive devices of coreferentiality among different languages. This study examines whether or not strategy training that orients students' attention toward referential processes will help them comprehend a Japanese narrative. Two groups of students enrolled in a fourth-semester Japanese course participated in this study. The experimental group received in-class strategy training that focused on solving referential problems and using syntactic and discourse cues. For a posttest, the students were asked to read a Japanese narrative and to rewrite the contents in English. The results show that the experimental group of students comprehended the story at the macro level significantly better than the control group of students. These results suggest that strategy training that directs students to focus on monitoring referential ties is beneficial to L2 readers' reading comprehension.
Challenges in predicting and controlling particle morphology in latices of commercial complexity

Independent, quantitative models for free energy associated with crosslinked seed latices, and monomer and surfactant at the polymer/water interface have been integrated into a predictive model for latex particle morphology. It has been found that very low levels of crosslinking are predicted to influence the particle morphology in a dramatic fashion. Free energy calculation also highlight the often critical role played by surfactant. Highly active surfactants tend to equalize the two polymer/water interfacial tensions and allow the polymer/water interfacial energy to significantly influence the particle morphology.
Effects of the interface between two Lennard-Jones crystals on the lattice vibrations: a molecular dynamics study

Effects on the density of vibrational states due to the interface created between two types of solid Lennard-Jones systems is investigated as a function of the atomic masses and model potential parameters. The interface is responsible for a depletion of modes at low frequency and an enhancement at higher frequencies when the potential parameters are increased relative to the reference solid. Opposite trends are observed when the atomic mass increases. When a heat current is established across the interface the density of vibrational states at low frequency is increased and the temperature profile across the binary sample displays a discontinuity at the interface, which is more pronounced as the material parameters become more dissimilar. The thermal boundary resistance (Kapitza resistance) increases as the difference between the two material properties increases and decreases with increasing temperature. It is predicted that, as temperature decreases, the Kapitza length increases as T−2 at the nanoscale. Plots of the thermal conductivity as a function of temperature for solids with various parameters are provided, all of them showing the expected T−1 behavior.
Unidirectional dominance of cytoplasmic inheritance in two genetic crosses of Plasmodium falciparum

Malarial parasites have two highly conserved cytoplasmic DNA molecules: a 6-kb tandemly arrayed DNA that has characteristics of a mitochondrial genome, and a 35-kb circular DNA that encodes functions commonly found in chloroplasts. We examined the inheritance pattern of these elements in two genetic crosses of Plasmodium falciparum clones. Parent-specific oligonucleotide probes and single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis identified single nucleotide changes that distinguished the parental 6- and 35-kb DNA molecules in the progeny. In all 16 independent recombinant progeny of a cross between a Central American clone, HB3, and a Southeast Asian clone, Dd2, the 6- and 35-kb DNAs were inherited from the Dd2 parent. In all nine independent recombinant progeny of a cross between clone HB3 and a likely African clone, 3D7, the 6-kb DNA was inherited from the 3D7 parent. Inheritance of cytoplasmic genomes of the Dd2 and 3D7 parents was, therefore, dominant over that of the HB3 parent. Cytoplasmic DNA molecules were found almost exclusively in the female gametes of malarial parasites; hence, clone HB3 did not appear to have served as a maternal parent for the progeny of two crosses. Defective differentiation into male gametes by clone Dd2 is likely to be a reason for the cytoplasmic inheritance pattern seen in the HB3 x Dd2 cross. However, incompetence of male or female gametes is unlikely to explain the uniparental dominance in recombinant progeny of the HB3 x 3D7 cross, since both parents readily self-fertilized and completed the malaria life cycle on their own. Instead, the data suggest unidirectional parental incompatibility in cross-fertilization of these malarial parasites, where a usually cosexual parental clone can participate only as a male or as a female. Such an incompatibility may be speculated as indicating an early phase of reproductive isolation of P. falciparum clones from different geographical regions.
Diffusion of virtual innovation

Drawing on Rogers' diffusion of innovations theory, specifically his innovation decision process model, this paper develops a research framework that identifies the accelerators and inhibitors of virtual world technology adoption. Categorized by level of analysis, specific factors influencing the adoption of virtual world technology by organizations are identified. At the individual level of analysis, factors such as the technology's ease of use and usefulness, as well as the individual's computer self-efficacy, trust, and enjoyment are discussed in terms of their "bottom-up" influence on technology diffusion. At the group level of analysis, different forms of group efficacy (such as computer collective efficacy and virtual team efficacy) are suggested to play a role in virtual world technology adoption and diffusion. Further, group-level technology acceptance factors (including a priori beliefs and attitudes toward the technology, as well as psychosocial variables) are proposed to influence a group's overall valence toward the technology, driving the adoption of the technology Finally, at the organizational level of analysis, technical compatibility, technical complexity, and relative advantage are explored as major factors influencing an organization's willingness to adopt virtual world technology through "top-down" diffusion that follows specific isomorphic processes. Finally, the role of organizational culture is also discussed. Through the identification and discussion of innovation diffusion factors which occur at different levels of analysis and at different stages of the innovation decision process, this study provides a framework for studying the adoption, spread, and continual use of virtual world technology.
Cardiac fatigue after prolonged exercise.

To determine the effects of prolonged exercise on systolic and diastolic left ventricular function, we studied 21 athletes before, at the finish (within 11 +/- 5 min), and during recovery (28 +/- 9 hr) after the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run). Two-dimensionally guided M mode echocardiograms were digitized for wall thickness, cavity dimension, fractional shortening, and peak rates of cavity enlargement and wall thinning. Pulsed Doppler left ventricular inflow recordings were analyzed for peak early and late velocities and their ratio. Left ventricular diastolic dimension was reduced at race finish (5.4 +/- 0.6 to 5.1 +/- 0.6 cm) and remained reduced after 1 day of recovery (5.2 +/- 0.6 cm, p less than .05). Fractional shortening fell at race finish (39 +/- 5% to 35 +/- 5%), although systolic blood pressure was unchanged, and rose to 40 +/- 4% after recovery (p less than .05). The return to prerace shortening values after recovery occurred despite continued reduction in diastolic size. Peak circumferential shortening did not change significantly. Individual reductions in fractional shortening were correlated with increases in systolic cavity size (r = -.64, p less than .01), but not with decreases in diastolic size. The stress-shortening relationship was displaced downward at race finish, but returned toward baseline after 1 day of recovery, despite a persistent reduction in cavity size. This suggests that the decrease in shortening was due to impaired contractility as well as altered preload.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A Developmental Pocket-Size Broadcast Receiver Employing Transistors

This paper describes a pocket-size developmental AM broadcast receiver which utilizes eight junction transistors. Its performance is comparable to that of conventional personal receivers. Emphasis has been given to developments which contribute to stability with respect to temperature, battery voltage, and variations among transistors. The superheterodyne circuit employed uses a single-transistor frequency converter to perform the functions of both mixer and oscillator. Refined detector and automatic-gain-control circuits and an audio amplifier embodying further development of the principle of complementary symmetry are incorporated. Reduction in physical size and battery requirement, as compared to conventional receivers, is substantial. The circuits are described in detail and certain aspects of components and of physical arrangement, which contribute to the small size, are discussed. Detailed performance data are also included.
SOLID-STATE SYNTHESIS AND SOME PROPERTIES OF MAGNESIUM-DOPED COPPER ALUMINUM OXIDES

Copper aluminum oxide (CuAlO2) with delafossite structure is a promising candidate for high temperature thermoelectric applications because of its modest band gap, high stability and low cost. We investigate magnesium doping on the aluminum site as a means of producing higher electrical conductivity and optimized Seebeck coefficient. Powder samples were synthesized using solid-state reaction and bulk samples were prepared using both cold-pressing and hot-pressing techniques. Composition analysis, microstructural examination and transport property measurements were performed, and the results suggest that while hot-pressing can achieve high density samples, secondary phases tend to form and lower the performance of the materials.
Comparisons of the Joint Responses to Surgical Transection and Traumatic Rupture of the ACL in a Rabbit Model

Long-term participation in vigorous physical activity increases the risk of acute and chronic injuries to the knee. Two specific types of injury strongly associated with subsequent knee osteoarthritis (OA) are cruciate ligament damage and meniscal tears. Many clinical studies have discussed the high frequency of noncontact ACL injuries, for example, from jump landings. Axial compressive loading of the knee during landing from a jump can generate approximately 6–8 times bodyweight. With the tibial plateau having an inherent posterior slope of 10–15°, these loads can produce an anterior shift of the tibia during jump landings that result in isolated rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the laboratory.1 These studies have shown acute damages in the articular cartilage and underlying subchondral and trabecular bone in the human cadaver joint.2 Clinically, in over 80% of ACL injury cases, characteristic osteochondral lesions occur in the posterolateral aspect of the tibia and/or anterolateral aspect of the lateral femoral condyle, potentially due to these levels of joint compressive loads.3© 2011 ASME
SEARCH FOR THE DIRECT DECAY K+-> n+ +y + y

The measurement of the branching ratio for the direct decay ${K}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}+\ensuremath{\gamma}+\ensuremath{\gamma}$, where the invariant mass of the two gamma rays is not equal to the ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ mass, has considerable theoretical importance. We have experimentally established an upper limit of 1.1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$ for this branching ratio. We have used our results to set a limit on the off-the-mass-shell variation of the ${K}^{+}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+}+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ amplitude.
Mechanisms & Control of Surface Figure & Roughness during Pad Polishing

Progress on understanding phenomena influencing surface figure and roughness during pad polishing are reviewed, followed by a description of a new Convergent Polishing process allowing single iteration, process variation-free finishing of optical flats & spheres.
A mechanistic approach to evaluate the potential of the debonding distress in asphalt pavements

AbstractThe debonding distress in asphalt pavement structures is a critical problem that affects the performance of asphalt concrete pavements. It occurs at the layer interface due to the poor bond quality between adjacent asphalt concrete layers and/or when stresses at the layer interface exceed the strengths of the material at the interface. The debonding of the adjacent layers, especially the top surface layer of an asphalt pavement, is a contributing factor to the premature cracking of pavements. Hence, the debonding distress can lead to a reduction in the life of the pavement. This paper presents an analytical and experimental framework to evaluate the potential for debonding at the layer interface of asphalt concrete pavements. Computational analysis was performed to determine the critical stress and strain states in layered asphalt pavements under moving vehicle loads using the Layered ViscoElastic pavement analysis for Critical Distresses (LVECD) computer program developed at North Carolina State ...
The Impact of Violent Media on Aggression——The Role of Normative Belief and Empathy

Given its accessibility and wide influence on youth,media violence has become a controversial topic. Abundant research has identified the influence of violent media on aggressive behavior,affirming that being deeply exposed to violent media in long term will increase aggressive behavior,aggressive cognition,aggressive emotion and physical arousal,thus causing physiological desensitization. In the present study,normative beliefs and empathy are considered to explore the mechanism of how violent media impacts on aggression. Exposure to Violent Media Questionnaire,Aggression Questionnaire,Normative Beliefs about Aggression and Interpersonal Reactivity Index were administered to 680 college students from Beijing,Chengdu and Fuzhou,and 583 of whom provided valid data( 280 males and 303 females). Regression analysis and structural equation modeling results were as follows:( 1) violent media has significant impact on viewers' aggression and among all of the three types of media, violent video games have the greatest effect size;( 2) results show that male subjects use violent media more frequently than female,score higher on normative beliefs about aggression and has more aggressive behaviors;( 3) normative belief is not only a significant predictor of aggression,but also act as a mediator between exposure to violent media and aggression,and a mediator between empathy and aggression. Due to its significant effects on aggression,it is worthwhile to come up with policies aimed at changing viewers' normative beliefs about aggression.
3-O-Alkyl-2,3-dehydrosilibinins: Two synthetic approaches and in vitro effects toward prostate cancer cells

Eight 3-O-alkyl-2,3-dehydrosilibinins have been synthesized from commercially available silibinin through two synthetic approaches. A one-pot reaction, starting with aerobic oxidation of silibinin followed by direct alkylation of the phenolic hydroxyl group in the subsequent 2,3-dehydrosilibinin, furnishes the desired derivatives in 11-16% yields. The three-step procedure employing benzyl ether to protect 7-OH in silibinin generates the desired derivatives in 30-46% overall yields. The antiproliferative activity of the 2,3-dehydrosilibinin derivatives against both androgen-sensitive and androgen-insensitive prostate cancer cells have been assessed using a WST-1 cell proliferation assay. All derivatives exhibited greater antiproliferative potency than silibinin, with 2,3-dehydrosilibinins each possessing a three- to five-carbon linear alkyl group to 3-OH (IC50 values in a range of 1.71-3.06μM against PC-3 and LNCaP cells) as the optimal derivatives. The optimal potency was reached with three- to five-carbon alkyl groups. Our findings suggest that 3-O-propyl-2,3-dehydrosilibinin effectively inhibits the growth of PC-3 prostate cancer cells by arresting cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase, but not by activating PC-3 cell apoptosis.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Bone-Healing: A Systematic Review of Research Quality.

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often avoided by orthopaedic surgeons because of their possible influence on bone-healing. This belief stems from multiple studies, in particular animal studies, that show delayed bone-healing or nonunions associated with NSAID exposure. The purpose of this review was to critically analyze the quality of published literature that evaluates the impact of NSAIDs on clinical bone-healing. Methods: A MEDLINE and Embase search was conducted to identify all articles relating to bone and fracture-healing and the utilization of NSAIDs. All human studies, including review articles, were identified for further analysis. Non-English-language manuscripts and in vitro and animal studies were excluded. A total of twelve clinical articles and twenty-four literature reviews were selected for analysis. The quality of the clinical studies was assessed with a modified Coleman Methodology Score with emphasis on the NSAID utilization. Review articles were analyzed with regard to variability in the cited literature and final conclusions. Results: The mean modified Coleman Methodology Score (and standard deviation) was significantly lower (p = 0.032) in clinical studies that demonstrated a negative effect of NSAIDs on bone-healing (40.0 ± 14.3 points) compared with those that concluded that NSAIDs were safe (58.8 ± 10.3 points). Review articles also demonstrated substantial variability in the number of cited clinical studies and overall conclusions. There were only two meta-analyses and twenty-two narrative reviews. The mean number (and standard deviation) of clinical studies cited was significantly greater (p = 0.008) for reviews that concluded that NSAIDs were safe (8.0 ± 4.8) compared with those that recommended avoiding them (2.1 ± 2.1). Unanimously, all reviews admitted to the need for prospective randomized controlled trials to help clarify the effects of NSAIDs on bone-healing. Conclusions: This systematic literature review highlights the great variability in the interpretation of the literature addressing the impact of NSAIDs on bone-healing. Unfortunately, there is no consensus regarding the safety of NSAIDs following orthopaedic procedures, and future studies should aim for appropriate methodological designs to help to clarify existing discrepancies to improve the quality of care for orthopaedic patients. Clinical Relevance: This systematic review highlights the limitations in the current understanding of the effects of NSAIDs on bone healing. Thus, withholding these medications does not have any proven scientific benefit to patients and may even cause harm by increasing narcotic requirements in cases in which they could be beneficial for pain management. This review should encourage further basic-science and clinical studies to clarify the risks and benefits of anti-inflammatory medications in the postoperative period, with the aim of improving patient outcomes.
Is intensive care monitoring necessary after coil embolization of unruptured intracranial aneurysms

Introduction Patients with an unruptured intracranial aneurysm treated with coil embolization are routinely admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after the procedure; however, this practice is questionable. The purpose of this study was to determine if routine admission to the ICU is necessary for patients undergoing coil embolization of an unruptured intracranial aneurysm. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing elective endovascular treatment of an unruptured intracranial aneurysm between 2005 and 2012 at our institution. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of outcome. Cost savings analysis compared ICU admission to step-down or telemetry unit admission. Results 311 unruptured intracranial aneurysms were treated by coil embolization (190), balloon remodeling (13), or stent-assisted coiling (108). Eleven (3.5%) neurologic complications were noted; 5 (1.6%) of these were permanent. Multivariate regression analysis identified female sex (p=0.028), hypercoagulability (p=0.021), aneurysm size >2 cm (p=0.003), and intraoperative rupture (p Conclusions Neurologic complications are rare in the treatment of unruptured intracranial aneurysms, suggesting that routine ICU admission after treatment may not be necessary. Female sex, history of hypercoagulability, aneurysm size >2 cm, and an intraprocedural rupture were predictive of a postoperative complication. ICU monitoring in these subgroups may therefore be warranted.
Measurement of AM-to-PM conversion in a quartz-MEMS resonator

This work investigates the new aspects of the nonlinear response in a quartz-MEMS resonator at 635 MHz. We characterize its major cause of AM-to-PM conversion as a function of power and drive frequency; this is important in developing noise compensation schemes.
The performance improvement of SRAF placement rules using GA optimization

In this paper, genetic algorithm (GA) method is applied to both positive and negative Sub Resolution Assist Features (SRAF) insertion rules. Simulation results and wafer data demonstrated that the optimized SRAF rules helped resolve the SRAF printing issues while dramatically improving the process window of the working layer. To find out the best practice to place the SRAF, model-based SRAF (MBSRAF), rule-based SRAF (RBSRAF) with pixelated OPC simulation and RBSRAF with GA method are thoroughly compared. The result shows the apparent advantage of RBSRAF with GA method.
How to Reduce Employee Turnover Intention in Retail Environment? Role of Off-the-Job Embeddedness

Although many studies have been done about the role of job embeddedness in many industries and contexts, little research is available on how job embeddedness affects retail employees’ employment intention. Therefore, this study aimed to explore off-the-job embeddedness and its impact on turnover or employment intention for employees in retail environment—especially part-time retail employees who may view their current jobs as temporary.
An in-Vivo Model of T Cell-Mediated Rejection of Human Hematopoietic CD34+ Stem Cells Using NOD/SCID γnull (NOG) Mice.

Abstract 4474 We have previously demonstrated that human CD34+ cells include subsets of antigen presenting cells capable of stimulating anti-stem cell T cell alloreactivity in-vitro. In this study we transplanted human CD34+ cells and allogeneic T cells in a NOD/SCID γ null (NOG) mouse model and evaluated the occurrence of stem cell rejection as well as xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following the infusion of different doses of T cells. After sublethal irradiation NOG mice were cotransplanted with 2×10 5 CD34+ cells and HLA mismatched CD4+CD25- T cells at 1:0 (control), 1:2 or 1:10 CD34+ cell: T cell ratio (n=5-10 mice per group). Hematopoietic stem cell and T cell engraftment was assessed in the bone marrow and in the spleen 6 weeks following transplantation or earlier in case the animals died. Control mice transplanted with CD34+ cells alone showed a high level of stem cell engraftment (huCD45+ cells: 60±10%) in the bone marrow, encompassing CD19+ B cells (64±4%), CD34+ cells (18±1%), CD33+ myeloid cells (7±1%), CD14+ monocytes (3±1%), and no T cells within huCD45+ cells. In contrast, mice that were transplanted with CD34+ cells and 4×10 5 (1:2 ratio) or 2×10 6 (1:10 ratio) T cells had only 9±2% and 3±1% huCD45+ cells, respectively, in the bone marrow (p=0.01). Moreover, marrow samples of mice cotransplanted with CD34+ cells and T cells at 1:2 or 1:10 ratio included >98% huCD3+ T cells and no CD34+ cells. Spleen engraftment of huCD45+ cells was lower (25±8%) in control mice (1:0 ratio) as compared to 66±10% and 36±11% in 1:2 and 1:10 groups, respectively (p=0.05). As observed in the marrow, also the spleen of animals receiving CD34+ and T cells included >98% CD3+ T cells. Among the T cells, both in the marrow and in the spleen of mice in the 1:2 and 1:10 ratio groups, 60-70% were CD4+CD8- cells, 22-25% CD8+CD4- cells, 1-3% CD56+ cells, and 2-5% CD4+CD25+ cells. In mice receiving 4 ×10 5 T cells (1:2 ratio), on average 12±6% of the T cells in the bone marrow and spleen were CD4+CD8+. Only mice receiving 2×10 6 T cells (1:10 ratio) showed GVHD. This was demonstrated by fur changes, reduced survival (p=0.02) and weight loss (p=0.0001) compared to control mice or mice receiving a lower dose of T cells (1:2 ratio). The marrow engraftment of CD3+ cells with disappearance of CD34+ cells in mice receiving low doses of allogeneic T cells, in the absence of evident xenogeneic GVHD, suggests that NOG mouse model represents a useful tool to study human stem cell rejection. This model will be also utilized to investigate new strategies of immunosuppressive cell therapy applied to stem cell transplantation in an HLA mismatched setting. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.
Massive-scale molecular dynamics of ion-irradiated III–V compound semiconductors at the onset of nanopatterning

Abstract Large-scale atomistic computational modeling is critical to developing a fundamental understanding of the driving mechanisms behind ion beam-induced pattern formation on III–V compound semiconductor surfaces. Existing theoretical efforts fail to account for the existence of compositional depth profiles, as observed in experiments, which evolve over time and contribute to the development of lateral compositional instabilities. Another critical knowledge gap in existing theories is the a priori selection of ion-driven compositional mechanisms, so that different models predict the same surface morphology for radically different surface compositions. Atomistic simulations can elucidate key ion-induced compositional mechanisms leading to nonequilibrium compositional depth profiles. Such simulations must be performed on large length scales to enable connection of depth compositional mechanisms to lateral instabilities which ultimately drive patterning. To address these essential knowledge gaps, a 100 × 100 nm 2 GaSb surface was constructed for molecular dynamics simulations with altered composition based on experimental data at the pattern threshold fluence. The surface was then bombarded with 500 eV Kr + ions to a differential fluence of 8.4 × 10 13 cm −2 . In Ga-enriched (Sb-enriched) regions, clusters of Ga (Sb) are observed to form. While the Ga clusters remain amorphous, Sb clusters rapidly crystallize. The crystallization is not directly ion-induced but rather an intrinsic material behavior of pure Sb in response to the ion-induced compositional instability in the surface. To elucidate the ion-driven compositional changes leading to this state, 25 × 25 nm 2 “pristine” 50–50 GaSb crystalline surfaces were irradiated with 500 eV Ne + , Ar + , and Kr + to fluences on the order of 10 16 cm −2 . The ion-induced displacement cascade tends to lead to formation of Sb nanoclusters, while Ga rarely forms clusters but readily bonds to the Sb clusters. While initially the clustering behavior is the same for all ion species, for continued Kr + irradiation the clusters become less prevalent within the material surface.
Fast sparse recovery for any RIP-1 matrix

The Restricted Isometry Property (RIP) is a useful measure of which measurement matrices will work for sparse recovery. The RIP-1 is an L1 variant of the RIP that can be satisfied by sparse matrices, allowing for faster embedding and recovery. While L1 minimization is guaranteed to work for all matrices satisfying the RIP-1, faster iterative techniques were only known to work when the matrix is the adjacency of an expander graph. We show that Sequential Sparse Matching Pursuit (SSMP) works on all matrices satisfying the RIP-1, giving the first demonstration of near-linear recovery time for arbitrary RIP-1 matrices.
Development of a wireless field tack coat tester to evaluate in-situ tack coat performance

Tack coats are the asphalt cements applied between pavement lifts to provide adequate bond between the two surfaces. The adhesive bond between the two layers helps the pavement system to behave as a monolithic structure and improves the structural integrity. The absence, inadequacy, or failure of this bond result in a significant reduction in the shear strength resistance of the pavement structure and make the system more vulnerable to many distress types, such as cracking, rutting, and potholes. In this study, a wireless field tack coat testing system, the Oregon Field Tack Coat Tester (OFTCT), was developed to predict the long-term performance of tack coat bonds based on the results of tests conducted during construction. The OFTCT device was further used to evaluate the impact of pavement surface cleanliness before tack coat application on bond strength. In order to reduce the tack coat’s curing time and control temperature during testing, an adjustable heat gun, and environmental chamber were develope...