cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Contingencies of Creative Work in Television

Research suggests that overweight/obese people face stigma. A measure of weight-related stigma was developed, adapted from the HIV stigma measure (Berger, Ferrans, & Lashley, 2001). A CFA confirmed the measure's internal consistency. Using privacy management theory as a framework, participants (N = 199) completed a self-report survey that included a hypothetical conversational partner profile. Regression analysis and independent sample t-tests helped answer hypotheses about the ways weight-related stigma affect disclosure as well as how weight affects self- disclosure and attraction. Attraction to partner and weight-related stigma significantly predicted overall self-disclosure ratings. Implications for obesity research, privacy management, and stigma are discussed.
Supersymmetric R ξ gauge and radiative symmetry breaking

In this paper we extend the ${R}_{\ensuremath{\xi}}$-gauge fixing procedure to supersymmetric theories and calculate the associated superpropagators. We also exhibit a class of supersymmetric field theories which receive nonvanishing loop corrections to their $D$ terms and vacuum expectation values. We show that supersymmetry is not radiatively broken in these theories because of extra symmetries of the superpotential.
The Effects of Experience on Complex Problem Representation and Judgment In Auditing: An Experimental Investigation

The purpose of this study is to investigate problem representation and judgment by auditing professionals within the context of a going‐concern task. Our results suggest more experienced auditors have more concise problem representations than do novices. In addition, our results show that some types of concepts listed in the problem representation are associated with judgment, regardless of experience level. This study makes several contributions. First, understanding differences in problem representation at different levels of experience (novice, intermediate, and experienced) gives insight into the process of how representations change as experience changes/develops. Understanding the development of “becoming qualified” to make judgments regarding the going‐concern evaluation assists in (1) the development of teaching approaches for analyzing a company's financial condition, and (2) professional development for less‐experienced professionals. Further, our measure of problem representation, similar to th...
In vitro cytotoxicity of redox radical initiators for cross-linking of oligo(poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate) macromers.

A novel hydrogel system based on oligo(poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate) (OPF) is currently being investigated as an injectable carrier for marrow stromal cells (MSCs) for orthopedic tissue engineering applications. This hydrogel is cross-linked using the redox radical initiators ammonium persulfate (APS) and ascorbic acid (AA). In this study, two different persulfate oxidizing agents (APS and sodium persulfate (NaPS)) with three reducing agents derived from ascorbic acid (AA, sodium ascorbate (Asc), and magnesium ascorbate-2-phosphate (Asc-2)) and their combinations were examined to determine the relationship between pH, exposure time, and cytotoxicity for rat MSCs. In addition, gelation times for specific combinations were determined using rheometry. pH and cell viability data after 2 h for combinations ranging from 10 to 500 mM in each reagent showed that there was a smaller pH change and a corresponding higher viability at lower concentrations, regardless of the reagents used. At 10 mM, there was less t...
A Dynamic RecA Filament Permits DNA Polymerase-catalyzed Extension of the Invading Strand in Recombination Intermediates

Recombination-dependent replication is an essential housekeeping function in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, serving, for example, to restart DNA replication after the repair of a double-strand break. Little is known about the interplay between the recombination and replication machinery when recombination intermediates are used as substrates for DNA replication. We show here that recombination intermediates formed between linear duplex and supercoiled plasmid DNAs are substrates for a generalized strand displacement DNA synthesis reaction in which the 3'-OH of the invading strand in the recombination intermediate is used as a primer. DNA synthesis is driven by negative superhelicity and is inhibited if disassembly of the RecA filament is prevented. Thus, assembly and disassembly of RecA filaments in the same direction facilitates filament clearance from the 3'-end of the invading strand, allowing DNA synthesis to occur from recombination intermediates.
Functional verification of the CMOS S/390 parallel enterprise server G4 system

Verification of the S/390® Parallel Enterprise Server G4 processor and level 2 cache (L2) chips was performed using a different approach than previously. This paper describes the methods employed by our functional verification team to demonstrate that its logical system complied with the S/390 architecture while staying within the changing cost structure and time-to-market constraints. Verification proceeded at four basic levels defined by the breadth of logic being tested. The lowest level, designer macro verification, contained a single designer's hardware description language (in VHDL). Unit-level verification consisted of a logical portion of function that generally contained four or five designers' logic. The third level of verification was the chip level, in which the processor or L2 chips were individually tested. Finally, system-level verification was performed on symmetric multiprocessor (SMP) configurations that included bus-switching network (BSN) chips and I/O connection chips, designated as memory bus adaptors (MBAs), along with multiple copies of the processor and L2 chips.
Cognitive, emotional, and physiological components of Test Anxiety

This study investigated sources of interference in highly test-anxious subjects performing under evaluative stress. Students from the upper and lower quartiles of the Test Anxiety Scale (Sarason, 1972) distribution took a short intellective test under either the usual test instructions or reassuring instructions. A multivariate analysis of variance revealed no effects for sex of subject, type of instructions for testing, or any of the interactions involving sex of subject, testing condition, and subject anxiety level. Subject anxiety level, however, was significant and yielded a consistent main effect on every variable except pulse rate, for which there was no effect either pretesting or posttesting. High-anxious subjects performed more poorly; felt less positive about themselves, their abilities, and the task; experienced more anxiety and felt it interfered more with performance; estimated spending less time on task; and rated themselves engaging in more worry, emotionality, and task-generated interference than did low-anxious subjects. Comparisons among the means for the high-anxious group revealed that worry and task-generated interference levels were not significantly different, but that both were higher than emotionality level. Regression analyses, however, suggested that worry was the primary source of interference, as only it consistently predicted performance and estimated time on task when common variance was controlled.
Adapting the Quesant Nomad atomic force microscope for biology and patch-clamp atomic force microscopy.

The Quesant© Nomad™ atomic force microscope (AFM) was modified to produce a reliable patch-clamp AFM for demanding biologic applications. The AFM's laser optics forms the basis of a condenser that allows simultaneous Kohler illumination and AFM imaging on an inverted optical microscope. The original AFM scan head was replaced with plastic and glass to make it biologically inert. A bevel cut in the new scan head permits clearance for patch clamp pipets. Cantilevers are attached to the scan head with a quick setting silicone rubber that is readily removable. Software was developed to (a) automate a gentle approach and set a specific feedback force, (b) provide a mouse-driven control of the X-Y position of the probe tip and recall of saved locations, and (c) measure force-distance curves over user defined paths. Additional modifications were made to minimize mechanical noise. The patch-clamp AFM achieves 600 fA (3 kHz bandwidth) and 1 A RMS noise levels (10 kHz bandwidth). The correlation of electrical and mechanical information allows signal averaging and measures sub-Angstrom, sub-millisecond electromotile responses from cells.
Divergent effect of glycosaminoglycans on the in vitro aggregation of serum amyloid A.

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an apolipoprotein involved in poorly understood roles in inflammation. Upon trauma, hepatic expression of SAA rises 1000 times the basal levels. In the case of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, there is a risk for deposition of SAA fibrils in various organs leading to Amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis. Although the amyloid deposits in AA amyloidosis accumulate with the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) heparan sulfate, the role GAGs play in the function and pathology of SAA is an enigma. It has been shown that GAG sulfation is a contributing factor in protein fibrillation and for co-aggregating with a plethora of amyloidogenic proteins. Herein, the effects of heparin, heparan sulfate, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate A, and heparosan on the oligomerization and aggregation properties of pathogenic mouse SAA1.1 were investigated. Delipidated SAA was used to better understand the interactions between SAA and GAGs without the complicating involvement of lipids. The results revealed-to varying degrees-that all GAGs accelerated SAA1.1 aggregation, but had variable effects on its fibrillation. Heparan sulfate, hyaluronic acid, and heparosan did not affect much the fibrillation of SAA1.1. In contrast, chondroitin sulfate A blocked SAA fibril formation and facilitated the formation of spherical aggregates of various sizes. Interestingly, heparin caused formation of spherical SAA1.1 aggregates of various sizes, vast amounts of thin protofibrils, and few long fibrils of various heights. These results suggest that GAGs may have an intrinsic and divergent influence on the aggregation and fibrillation of HDL-free SAA1.1 in vivo, with functional and pathological implications.
The influence of aging on the creep behavior of underfill encapsulants

Microelectronic encapsulants exhibit evolving properties that change significantly with environmental exposures such as isothermal aging and thermal cycling. Such aging effects are exacerbated at higher temperatures typical of thermal cycling qualification tests for harsh environment electronic packaging. In this work, the material behavior changes occurring in flip chip underfill encapsulants (silica filled epoxies) have been characterized for isothermal aging at four different temperatures that are below, near, and above the T g of the material. A microscale tension-torsion testing machine has been used to evaluate the creep behavior of the underfill material at several temperatures, after various durations of environmental exposure. A novel method has been developed to fabricate underfill uniaxial test specimens so that they accurately reflect the encapsulant layer present in flip chip assemblies. Using the developed specimen preparation procedure, samples were prepared and isothermally aged for up to 10 months at 80, 100, 125, and 150 °C. Creep tests were then performed on both non-aged and aged samples at three different elevated temperatures where creep is significant (80, 100, and 125 °C). The changes in mechanical behavior were recorded for the various aging temperatures and durations of isothermal exposure. Empirical models have been developed to predict the evolution of the creep strain rate as a function of temperature, aging time, and aging temperature.
Nanotechnology, Biology, Ethics and Society: Overcoming the Multidisciplinary Teaching Challenges

One of the inherent challenges of teaching any emerging technology like nanotechnology, is the fact that its core competencies flux in the new disciplines’ early stages. Nanotechnology presents an additional challenge in that its underpinnings cross multiple traditional disciplinary boundaries. We have designed a course that aims to address some of these challenges through a handful of structural features: team-based learning; a “reverse of the learning pyramid” approach; team-teaching; embedded information literacy techniques; and application-centered content. Our course is organized around four applications that are in their developmental stages: gold nanoshells for cancer treatment; molecular manufacturing; tissue engineering of a vital organ; and a microfluidic glucose sensor. These applications provide natural contexts for learning biology at the cellular level, the molecular level, the organ level and the biological systems level, respectively. They also provide natural contexts to introduce ideas of scientific uncertainty in emerging fields. In this paper, we will present the design features of our sophomore-level course Nanotechnology, biology, ethics and society and some preliminary
Phase signature for particle detection with digital in-line holography

The spatial phase resulting from the digital reconstruction of an in-line hologram of a particle field is shown to yield a unique pattern that can be used for particle detection. This phase signature is present only when viewed along with the reference light. The existence of the phase pattern is verified computationally and confirmed in laboratory experiments with holograms of calibrated glass spheres. The phase signature provides an alternative to the widely used intensity method for particle detection.
Syntax-based Semi-Supervised Named Entity Tagging

We report an empirical study on the role of syntactic features in building a semi-supervised named entity (NE) tagger. Our study addresses two questions: What types of syntactic features are suitable for extracting potential NEs to train a classifier in a semi-supervised setting? How good is the resulting NE classifier on testing instances dissimilar from its training data? Our study shows that constituency and dependency parsing constraints are both suitable features to extract NEs and train the classifier. Moreover, the classifier showed significant accuracy improvement when constituency features are combined with new dependency feature. Furthermore, the degradation in accuracy on unfamiliar test cases is low, suggesting that the trained classifier generalizes well.
Hue shifts following differential postreceptor achromatic adaptation

After visual adaptation with a white–black pulse train, either flickering at 1 Hz or apparently fused at 50 Hz, chromatic lights appear differently colored and white lights appear differentially bright. The results imply a neural interaction between achromatic and chromatic channels. They also support the hypothesis that the adaptive effects of flicker are less than those for equal quanta-catch fused stimulation but suggest that the hypothesis is valid only for the achromatic mechanism.
Dynamic page migration in software DSM systems

Dynamic page migration, when employed in distributed shared memory (DSM) systems offers several advantages: (i) reduces the latency of memory accesses, (ii) improves resource utilization by considering the computational and communicational needs of the applications and adapting to the changing resource availability, and (iii) achieves the above with lower overhead than traditional approaches that rely on thread migration. We propose a simple and efficient page migration mechanism that dynamically allocates shared memory pages to home nodes. Each page has a designated home node and nodes that heavily modify the pages can become their new homes. In our protocol, to avoid redundant page transfers, we perform migration only when the number of modifications of a page becomes larger than a threshold. The migration information is piggybacked on the existing synchronization messages to minimize the communication overhead. The migration decision is taken locally, at the home of each page. We have implemented our mechanism in the JIAJIA software DSM. Performance evaluation using real application benchmarks shows that our mechanism significantly reduces remote page modifications, improves memory access latencies, and achieves better performance than its competitors. We observe that the cost of executing the algorithm and of migrating the pages is amortized by the benefits gained.
Hepatic visualization on Iodine-131 whole-body thyroid cancer scans

This study examines the frequency and significance of diffuse liver uptake on /sup 131/I whole-body thyroid cancer scans. Sixty whole-body scans on 27 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer were reviewed. Liver uptake was quantitated on another 21 studies (16 patients). Diffuse hepatic uptake was seen in 44% of patients and 35% of all the studies. It correlated best with the /sup 131/I dose administered (r = 0.733) and the product of the /sup 131/I percent radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) and administered dose (r = 0.656), less well with the serum /sup 131/I protein bound iodine (r = 0.494) and the RAIU. This study demonstrates that liver visualization is more common than generally appreciated and is related to the /sup 131/I dose and indices of thyroid function although other factors may also play a role in liver visualization.
EX VIVO EXPANDED HUMAN Vλ9Vδ2+ λδ-T CELLS MEDIATE INNATE ANTITUMOR ACTIVITY AGAINST HUMAN PROSTATE CANCER CELLS IN VITRO

ABSTRACTPurpose: We have previously identified a CD2 mediated, interleukin-12 dependent signaling pathway that inhibits activation induced cell death in mitogen stimulated human λδ-T cells, permitt...
Performance evaluation of a hierarchical hybrid adaptive routing algorithm for large scale computer communication networks

A hierarchical hybrid adaptive routing algorithm (HHARA) is presented for dynamic large-scale computer communication networks (LSCCN). The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated and compared to that of nonhierarchical routing algorithms by simulation experiments on a 50-node network model. The major evaluation criteria are reliability, communication overhead, computation overhead, and average packet delay. A fixed routing algorithm, the most recent ARPANET routing algorithm, and HHARA are compared using simulation experiments. The simulation study indicates that HHARA makes a good balance between the reduction of routing database maintenance overhead, and the global routing capability as well as the local adaptivity to the network changes. >
Sensitivity to ethanol across development in rats: Comparison to [3H]zolpidem binding

Previous research has suggested that rats tested at 28 to 30 days of age show a marked subsensitivity to the sedative effects of ethanol. In the present study, rats of different ages were tested for aerial righting following acute ethanol (3 g/kg) treatment These results were compared with the effects of the atypical benzodiazepine zolpidem (3 and 5 mg/kg) and pentobarbital (10 and 15 mg/kg). Animals tested at 25, 28, or 35 days of age were significantly less impaired by ethanol than preweanling rats (age 20 days) or older rats (age 65 to 75 days), whereas animals tested at 25 or 28 days of age were less impaired by the higher dose of zolpidem. With pentobarbital, the most distinct age-related trend was greater impairment in 20-day-old rats. Because ethanol may be active at the same type I GABA A receptor site selectively labeled by [ 3 H]zolpidem, levels of pH]zolpidem binding were determined for rats of different ages. Although some brain regions showed progressive increases in binding of [ 3 H]zolpidem across development, other regions demonstrated increased binding from day 12 or 17 to day 20, then a plateau of binding levels across days 20, 25, and 28, with further increases occurring by day 36 or day 60. This pattem was observed in the cingulate cortex, medial septal nucleus, globus pallidus, inferior colliculus, red nucleus, and cerebellum. Overall, the results indicate that the period of subsensitivity to the sedative effects of ethanol is coincident with a change in the developmental pattern of GABA A receptor sites targeted by [ 3 H]zolpidem.
The asymptotic covariance structure of log-linear model estimated parameters for the multiple recapture census

This paper presents a matrix formulation for log-linear model analysis of the incomplete contingency table which arises from multiple recapture census data. Explicit matrix product expressions are given for the asymptotic covariance structure of the maximum likelihood estimators of both the log-linear model parameter vector and the predicted value vector for the observed and missing cells. These results are illustrated for data pertaining to a population of children possessing a common congenital anomaly.
Pediatric trauma center criteria: An outcomes analysis

Abstract Background/Purpose : Trauma centers (TC) are certified based on widely accepted criteria. These specific criteria rarely are scrutinized individually. The purpose of this study was to analyze the individual components of a pediatric trauma center for their effect on outcome. Methods : Members of the National Pediatric Trauma Registry were queried about the following: (1) separate pediatric emergency department (ED), (2) pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), (3) pediatric intensivist as PICU director, (4) pediatric surgeon as TC director, (5) in-house attending surgeon, (6) in-house pediatric emergency physician, (7) 24-hour operating room, *8) 24-hour computed tomography (CT) scan. Outcomes analyzed included mortality, length of stay, time in ED, days in PICU, and disability. Victims were stratified based on age ( t test and χ 2 analysis. Results: A total of 59 of 74 centers responded, 18 were dropped because of low enrollment (mena, 1.6 patients). Questions 3, 4, 6, and 7 were eliminated because of skewed data. An in-house surgeon reduced the amount of time a mildly injured patient (ISS ≤ 16) spent in the ED (210 v 434 minutes), as did the separate pediatric ED (333 v 592 minutes) and pediatric emergency physicians (344 v 507 minutes) in younger patients (≥7 years). An in-house surgeon reduced the morality rate in older (≥7) severely injured (ISS ≥36) patients (46.7% v 56.8%; P Conclusions: In-house personnel improved efficiency for the less severely injured, and an in-house attending surgeon reduced mortality in the severely injured older patient. None of the other variables were found to have a significant impact on outcome.
Vanadate induces p53 transactivation through hydrogen peroxide and causes apoptosis

Abstract Vanadium is a metal widely distributed in the environment. Although vanadate-containing compounds exert potent toxic effects on a wide variety of biological systems, the mechanisms controlling vanadate-induced adverse effects remain to be elucidated. The present study investigated the vanadate-induced p53 activation and involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in p53 activation as well as the role of p53 in apoptosis induction by vanadate. Exposure of mouse epidermal JB6 cells to vanadate led to transactivation of p53 activity in a time- and dose-dependent manner. It also caused mitochondrial damage, apoptosis, and generated ROS. Scavenging of vanadate-induced H2O2 byN-acetyl-l-cysteine (a general antioxidant) or catalase (a specific H2O2 inhibitor), or the chelation of vanadate by deferoxamine, resulted in inhibition of p53 activation and cell mitochondrial damage. In contract, an increase in H2O2 generation in response to superoxide dismutase or NADPH enhanced these effects caused by vanadate. Furthermore, vanadate-induced apoptosis occurred in cells expressing wild-type p53 (p53+/+) but was very weak in p53-deficient (p53−/−) cells. These results demonstrate that vanadate induces p53 activation mainly through H2O2 generation, and this activation is required for vanadate-induced apoptosis.
Low-Deflection Portable Concrete Barrier

Temporary barriers are often required to provide positive protection for motorists and workers in a highway work zone. Most highway work zones are restricted in regard to available lateral space for accommodating traffic and the work activity. Consequently, it is desirable to minimize deflection of work zone barriers to minimize the required buffer distance between the barrier and work activity area and, thereby, maximize the space and number of lanes available for traffic. Under this study, a new connection designed to reduce dynamic deflection of portable concrete traffic barriers was developed through a program of finite element simulation and full-scale crash testing. The new cross-bolted (or X-bolt) connection uses two threaded rods in different horizontal planes across the barrier joint to form a tight, moment connection. It achieves the objective of low dynamic barrier design deflection without sacrificing constructability. In addition to being easy to install, the new barrier system is also perceived to be easy to inspect and repair. Crashworthiness and design deflection of the barrier connection were verified through full-scale crash testing using segment lengths of 10 ft and 30 ft. An F-shape barrier with X-bolt connection was demonstrated to have the lowest deflection of any approved portable concrete barrier.
Feeding performance of juvenile hatchery-reared spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus.

The feeding performance of individual hatchery-reared (HR) and wild juvenile spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus was compared across a series of six 1·5 h feeding exposures over a 3 day period in a controlled experiment. The predation cycle served as a context for discerning feeding performance elements. The experimental design facilitated assessments of the effects of experience, motivation due to hunger or satiation and prey density and encounter frequency. Although feeding success improved significantly across successive trials for both groups of C. nebulosus, wild C. nebulosus successfully captured and consumed significantly more Palaemonetes spp. prey and completed most performance metrics more efficiently than HR C. nebulosus. Total exposure time decreased with experience for both groups of C. nebulosus; however, HR C. nebulosus took longer to complete feeding exposures. Underpinning this difference was the time spent by HR C. nebulosus in non-search mode and for completing various foraging behaviours. Nevertheless, juvenile HR C. nebulosus exhibited sufficient foraging plasticity to switch from a pelleted diet to live novel prey.
EFFECT OF STORM RAINFALL INTENSITY PATTERNS ON SURFACE RUNOFF

Abstract The adoption of physically-based infiltration models as components of watershed models has been impeded because they require rainfall data with high temporal and spatial resolution, and the spatial variability of infiltration model parameters must be accounted for. Techniques have been developed to disaggregate daily rainfall into the intermittent shower process within the day, and further disaggregate significant showers into short-period rainfall hyetographs. A simple model describing infiltration and unsteady flow over a plane and a single channel is used to investigate the sensitivity of derived distributions of runoff volume and peak flow rates to input differences due to different rainfall disaggregation methods and parameters and to spatial variability of infiltration parameters. The Woolhiser and Osborn disaggregation scheme is superior to simpler forms of disaggregation for all but a highly damped system. For the elementary watershed considered, the channel has little effect on basis response in comparison to overland flow characteristics. A significant interaction between climate and spatially variable infiltration and its effects on response was also discovered and is discussed.
Warren Buffett: Oracle or orang-utan?

Is the Sage of Omaha an investment genius, or just incredibly lucky? In this winning article from the 2015 Young Statisticians Writing Competition, James Skeffington considers whether chance has played a hand in Warren Buffett's success
A Fiber-Optic Microarray Biosensor Using Aptamers as Receptors

A fiber-optic biosensor using an aptamer receptor has been developed for the measurement of thrombin. An antithrombin DNA aptamer was immobilized on the surface of silica microspheres, and these aptamer beads were distributed in microwells on the distal tip of an imaging fiber. A different oligonucleotide bead type prepared using the same method as the aptamer beads was also included in the microwells to measure the degree of nonspecific binding. The imaging fiber was coupled to a modified epifluorescence microscope system, and the distal end of the fiber was incubated with a fluorescein-labeled thrombin (F-thrombin) solution. Nonlabeled thrombin could be detected using a competitive binding assay with F-thrombin. The aptamer beads selectively bound to the target and could be reused without any sensitivity change. The fiber-optic microarray system has a detection limit of 1 nM for nonlabeled thrombin, and each test can be performed in ca. 15 min including the regeneration time.
Evidence for Masturbation and Prostate Cancer Risk: Do We Have a Verdict?

Abstract Introduction Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading causes of cancer death in men and remains one of the most diagnosed malignancies worldwide. Ongoing public health efforts continue to promote protective factors, such as diet, physical activity, and other lifestyle modifications, against PCa development. Masturbation is a nearly universal safe sexual activity that transcends societal boundaries and geography yet continues to be met with stigma and controversy in contemporary society. Although previous studies have examined associations between sexual activity and PCa risk, anecdotal relations have been suggested regarding masturbation practice and PCa risk. Aim To provide a summary of the published literature and examine the contemporary evidence for relations between masturbation practice and PCa risk. Methods A survey of the current literature using seven academic electronic databases was conducted using search terms and key words associated with masturbation practice and PCa risk. Main Outcome Measures The practice of masturbation and its relation to PCa risk. Results The literature search identified study samples (n = 16) published before October 2015. Sample inclusions varied by study type, sample size, and primary objective. Protective relations (n = 7) between ejaculation through masturbation and PCa risk were reported by 44% of the study sample. Age range emerged as a significant variable in the relation between masturbation and PCa. Conclusion Findings included relations among masturbation, ejaculation frequency, and age range as individual factors of PCa risk. No universally accepted themes were identified across the study sample. Throughout the sample, there was insufficient agreement in survey design and data reporting. Potential avenues for new research include frequency of ejaculation and age range as covarying factors that could lead to more definitive statements about masturbation practice and PCa risk.
Analysis of the Self-Association of Aliphatic Alcohols Using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy

A number of industrially important systems contain molecules, such as alcohols, that form hydrogen bonds. To correlate the thermodynamic properties of such systems, assumptions must be made in modeling the chemical equilibrium. It has been found that the data can be fit to a high degree of accuracy if it is assumed that the system contains monomers, dimers, and trimers or tetramers. Alcohols are often modeled by an infinite equilibrium model that takes into account associated species of all sizes. In this model and in others as well, an additional assumption must be made concerning the values of the various equilibrium constants; it usually is assumed that all of the equilibrium constants for a given species are equal. In this work, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy has been used to study the chemical association of aliphatic alcohols. Analysis of FT-IR spectroscopic data was used to determine the species present in a mixture and the corresponding equilibrium constants and also to evaluate t...
A New Spacing Algorithm to Support Near-Term Interval Management Operations

Interval Management (IM) is a future airborne-spacing concept that enables more precise inter-aircraft spacing through the use of avionics to aid a flight crew in achieving a desired spacing relative to a designated Target Aircraft. A key component of previous research has included the design and evaluation of spacing algorithms used to calculate the speed guidance provided to the flight crew. While more complex algorithms have shown good performance in a range of scenarios (e.g., varying route geometries and wind conditions), the algorithm complexity and required wind information may be prohibitive for near-term operations. This paper presents an alternative algorithm that was designed to be less complex and does not require wind information. Simulation results compare the performance of the alternative algorithm with the more complex algorithm. The simulation results show that the simpler algorithm performs better than the complex algorithm for spacing operations when both the spacing and Target Aircraft are on the same route. However, results also show that the simpler algorithm does not support IM operations over long distances (approximately 60-80 nautical miles) prior to merging behind the Target Aircraft; however, performance is improved when spacing starts between 25 and 10 nautical miles to the merge point where wind conditions between flights are more likely to be similar.
Application of Total Parenteral Nutrition in Rescuing the Critical Premature

Objective:To apply total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in rescuing the critical premature. Method:30 cases of critical premature, 2-7 days after birth, were treated by intravenous perfusion with the mixture nutrition of glucose, 5% compound amino acid injection, 20% lipofundin, water-soluble vitamins and lipo-soluble vitamins. The mixture was administered by perfusion pump in even speed all day. The course of treatment lasts 5-28 days. Results:30 cases were all discharged from hospital after recovery. 5 of them suffered from hyperbilirubinemia but became normal after reducing the lipofundin dosage. Conclusion:The effects of TPN for the premature is excellent with slight adverse reaction.
Tracking clinical competencies on the web.

CONTEXT The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) has defined several core examinations that student radiographers must perform to demonstrate competency. Furthermore, the ARRT has left the method of tracking competency exams to educators. OBJECTIVE This article describes a Web-based system that can be used to track clinical competencies. METHOD The pedagogy employed in designing a meaningful and successful Web site to track competencies can be overwhelming. Considerations include selecting software, the design and implementation process, and providing security to protect confidential information. CONCLUSION The Web-based system described in this article is innovative, sensible and relatively easy to adopt. This tracking method provides faculty members with instantaneous access and a quick review of the student's competency examinations. Students' competency information for the entire program is contained in 1 electronic file. With minor modification, the system can be used in a variety of educational and administrative settings.
Local inflammation may influence oral tumor cell differentiation

The mRNA levels of keratin K13, involucrin, protein kinase C alpha and epsilon, and interferon-gamma and its receptors were examined in biopsies from human oral squamous cell carcinomas. Expression of all the genes was elevated in the histologically more differentiated tumors, but it was at or below normal (perilesional control) levels in the poorly differentiated ones. For the same set of biopsies, we had previously shown that the well differentiated tumors expressed higher levels of T cell markers. As interferon-gamma stimulates differentiation, its secretion by inflammatory cells at the tumor site may influence the differentiation status of the tumor.
Field testing and numerical investigation of streetscape vehicular anti-ram barriers under vehicular impact using FEM-only and coupled FEM-SPH simulations

This article presents two field-scale crash tests of Streetscape Vehicle Anti-Ram barrier systems and LS-DYNA simulations to predict the global response of each system under vehicular impact. Tests 1 and 2 consisted of a five-post welded bus stop and a welded bollard, respectively; both were in a steel and concrete composite foundation embedded in compacted American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials aggregate. Test 1 resulted in a P1 rating, where minimal foundation uplift and rotation were observed. Test 2 failed to result in a P1 rating, where significant foundation uplift, rotation, concrete cracking, and large deformation of surrounding soil were observed. For each test, two LS-DYNA models, namely, a finite element method–only model and a hybrid finite element method–smoothed particle hydrodynamics model, were created to predict the global response of the system. In the finite element method–only model, traditional finite element method approach was used for the entire soil reg...
Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering

Abstract Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) found in adult tissues function as progenitor cells that can proliferate and differentiate into various mesenchymal cell lineages, including those that are the building blocks of musculoskeletal system. Due to their ease of isolation, extensive proliferation capacity, and multilineage differentiation potential, MSCs are considered the cell type of choice for musculoskeletal tissue engineering. This chapter will first survey current knowledge of MSC biology that serves as the scientific foundation to guide approaches in musculoskeletal tissue engineering. Relevant information regarding MSC tissue origin, isolation, and in vitro culture, and factors controlling their proliferation as well as multipotential differentiation will be reviewed. In addition, recent recognition of the immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory properties of MSCs will be discussed, as this is critical for the safe usage of MSCs in allogeneic transplantation, which is often the case with tissue-engineered products. In the second part, we survey the use of MSCs in the engineering of musculoskeletal tissues, including cartilage, bone, tendon, and osteochondral constructs. We review the biological processes that regulate multilineage differentiation of MSCs and the factors that regulate the ultimate outcome of engineered tissue replacement, with particular focus on cartilage and bone. Current approaches to optimizing the three critical elements of successful tissue engineering, namely, cells, scaffolds, and environment, are discussed, with emphasis on the promotion of cartilage tissue engineering and restoration. While MSCs hold great potential for musculoskeletal systems, there are challenges, from a better understanding of their biology, to the application of such information to optimize tissue neogenesis and the development of functional scaffolds for tissue engineering.
Microstructure and mechanical property characterisation of aluminium–steel joints fabricated using ultrasonic additive manufacturing

ABSTRACTDriven by the interest to weld steel and aluminium in the solid state to prevent intermetallic formation, 9 kW ultrasonic additive manufacturing (UAM) has been used to fabricate Al 6061-4130 steel dissimilar metal builds. In addition, Al 6061-Al-6061 builds were fabricated using similar techniques to provide a baseline for mechanical property measurement. Mechanical testing performed using pushpin testing shows that steel–aluminium dissimilar metal welds fail across multiple layers while Al–Al welds delaminate from the substrate. Multi-scale characterisation indicates that the change in failure morphology is due to the formation of metallurgical bonds in the Al–steel builds. Texture analysis shows identical textures at the interface of Al–steel, Al–Al and Al–Ti joints; showing that the bond formation in all cases relies extensively on plastic deformation across multiple materials. In addition, no changes to the bonding mechanism occurred when the materials used as foils and substrate were swapped.
Differences in mortality characteristics in neonates with Down's syndrome.

Neonates with Down’s syndrome (nDS) may have multiple medical issues that place them at increased risk for mortality during the newborn period. Goal of this study was to determine if there are differences in baseline characteristics, medical complications or procedures performed during hospitalization between nDS who survived versus those who died during initial hospitalization. Data from 2000 to 2014 were reviewed using the Pediatric Health Information Systems (PHIS) database on all DS patients admitted to the hospital <30 days postnatal life. Baseline demographics, medical complications, procedures performed and mortality were recorded. Patients were divided into nDS patients who were discharged alive (nDS-a) versus nDS patients who died (nDS-d). Multivariate logistic analysis with odds ratios was performed to determine significant predictors of death. A P<0.05 was considered significant. A total of 5737 nDS were evaluated. Overall mortality was 7.5% (431/5737). nDS-d were more likely than nDS-a to have a lower birth weight (1.0 (0.9 to 1.0)), presence of a diaphragmatic hernia (6.9 (1.9 to 25.1), or a cardiac diagnosis of a pulmonary venous abnormality (6.8 (1.9 to 24.4)), Ebstein’s anomaly (3.2 (1.2 to 8.5)) or left-sided obstructive lesion (2.0 (1.3 to 3.0). nDS-d were more likely to develop hydrops (5.7 (3.5 to 9.5)) and necrotizing enterocolitis (1.7 (1.2 to 2.6)). In addition, nDS-d had significantly higher odds of requiring mechanical ventilation (20.7 (9.9 to 43.1)) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (8.7 (4.7 to 16.1)). A number of characteristics, specifically certain cardiac diagnosis, place nDS at increased risk for mortality. Furthermore, development of specific medical complications or need for particular procedures increases the odds for mortality in nDS. Caregivers should be cognizant that they are taking care of a high-risk population nDS with an increased risk for mortality if these variables are present.
Understanding 'Misfits': Aspirations and Systematic Deviations from Firm-Specific Optimal Multinationality

Transaction cost and internalization theory predicts that there are firm-specific optimal levels of multinationality, and deviations from firm-specific optimal multinationality should decrease performance. However, one important unanswered question is why some firms continuously deviate from their firm-specific optimal levels of multinationality. In this conceptual analysis, I argue that continuous deviations from firm-specific optimal levels of multinationality can be explained by decision-makers’ use of aspirations. Specifically, if a firm deviates from its optimal level of multinationality and performance decreases, but aspirations are still being met, decision makers will not perceive a problem and will not engage in search processes to identify and implement changes that align the firm with its optimal level of multinationality. In addition, decision makers in smaller firms may respond to shortfalls between aspirations and actual performance with greater rigidity. Additionally, narcissistic decision makers, and decision makers who are highly accountable to external audiences, may retrospectively revise aspirations in the face of shortfalls in actual performance.
Nitric Oxide and Cardiovascular Regulation: Beyond the Endothelium.

See related article, pp 970–976 The importance of nitric oxide (NO) for normal cardiovascular regulation and health has been well established. However, the large majority of the focus and knowledge about NO has revolved around the endothelium and endothelial derived NO. Aside from its importance for blood flow and blood pressure via endothelium-dependent vasodilation,1,2 endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) has been shown to have numerous other vascular protective effects including, but not limited to, inhibition of platelet aggregation and adhesion, promotion of angiogenesis, anti-inflammation, and inhibition of the atherosclerotic process.3,4 In addition, eNOS has important cardiac effects. Thus, it is clear that impairments in eNOS-derived NO can have deleterious consequences and play a role in the disease process. Although the aforementioned functions of eNOS cannot be overstated, the synthesis of NO via neuronal NOS (nNOS) may also be critical for cardiovascular regulation and health. Indeed, nNOS along with eNOS is constitutively expressed in mammalian cells, and an emerging body of research, mainly performed in animals, has indicated that nNOS may also be important for the regulation of vasomotor tone and blood pressure.5 However, much less is known about nNOS in humans. In the current issue of Hypertension , Shabeeh et al6 report results from the first human study to systemically infuse the …
Lasting effects of soil health improvements with management changes in cotton-based cropping systems in a sandy soil

The soil microbial component is essential for sustainable agricultural systems and soil health. This study evaluated the lasting impacts of 5 years of soil health improvements from alternative cropping systems compared to intensively tilled continuous cotton (Cont. Ctn) in a low organic matter sandy soil. Our previous study (phase I) evaluated soil health microbial indicators (microbial biomass, community composition and enzyme activities) during 5 years (2003-2007) when more plant residue was returned to the soil by rotating cotton (primary cash crop) with grain sorghum (secondary cash crop) with and without a rye winter cover crop (Ctn-Rye-Sg and Sg-Ctn) or with a system that involved no cash crop and returned maximum biomass to the soil (3 times residue vs Cont. Ctn) with a sorghum x sudangrass hybrid with winter rye cover (SSd-Rye). The current study (phase II) addressed what happens to the microbial component (same microbial indicators) once the management is changed to more cotton production the following 3 years (i.e., cotton was planted 2 out of 3 years in SSd-Rye and was grown for 3 years in Ctn-Rye-Sg). During the first year of phase II (2008), all plots were planted in cotton, and higher cotton yields in SSd-Rye (108–150%) corresponded to microbial trends found in the original rotations (SSd-Rye > Sg-Ctn = Ctn-Rye-Sg). In regard to microbial indicators, the most significant trends with reintroduction of cotton and increase in tillage were a reduction in fungal FAME (fatty acid methyl esters) indicators with a lower ratio of fungi to bacteria and much lower AMF (15.1 to 3.98% of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi), and less biogeochemical cycling potential of soil according to several enzyme activities (by as much as 50%). At the end of phase II (2010), Ctn-Rye-Sg and SSd-Rye were still found to have higher microbial biomass and enzyme activities (1.5 times both measurements except for phosphodiesterase) compared to continuous cotton. This study demonstrates the vulnerability of microbial communities in sandy soils, which requires agroecosystems that will support biomass incorporation (e.g., sorghum and cover crops) when possible in order to sustain essential functions and overall soil health.