cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TU-H-207A-09: An Automated Technique for Estimating Patient-Specific Regional Imparted Energy and Dose From TCM CT Exams Across 13 Protocols

Purpose: To develop an automated technique for estimating patient-specific regional imparted energy and dose from tube current modulated (TCM) computed tomography (CT) exams across a diverse set of head and body protocols. Methods: A library of 58 adult computational anthropomorphic extended cardiac-torso (XCAT) phantoms were used to model a patient population. A validated Monte Carlo program was used to simulate TCM CT exams on the entire library of phantoms for three head and 10 body protocols. The net imparted energy to the phantoms, normalized by dose length product (DLP), and the net tissue mass in each of the scan regions were computed. A knowledgebase containing relationships between normalized imparted energy and scanned mass was established. An automated computer algorithm was written to estimate the scanned mass from actual clinical CT exams. The scanned mass estimate, DLP of the exam, and knowledgebase were used to estimate the imparted energy to the patient. The algorithm was tested on 20 chest and 20 abdominopelvic TCM CT exams. Results: The normalized imparted energy increased with increasing kV for all protocols. However, the normalized imparted energy was relatively unaffected by the strength of the TCM. The average imparted energy was 681 ± 376 mJ for abdominopelvic exams and 274 ± 141 mJ for chest exams. Overall, the method was successful in providing patientspecific estimates of imparted energy for 98% of the cases tested. Conclusion: Imparted energy normalized by DLP increased with increasing tube potential. However, the strength of the TCM did not have a significant effect on the net amount of energy deposited to tissue. The automated program can be implemented into the clinical workflow to provide estimates of regional imparted energy and dose across a diverse set of clinical protocols.
Senior Compared to Junior Women Academic Scientists: Similar or Different Needs?

In 2012, two additional questions not in the initial survey sought also to probe differences between junior and senior women. The 2012 written responses from all four cohorts of POWRE awardees overwhelmingly affirm that they believe junior and senior women face different issues from those faced by the senior women colleagues. Most discussed a number of changes in institutional policies and practices that they believe would be most useful for facilitating careers and laboratory climates for junior women. Although they acknowledged that issues differed for junior and senior women, overall, relatively few respondents had ideas about how to improve the situation for senior STEM academic women compared to their junior colleagues.
Simulated Imaging Performance of UWB SAR Based on OFDM

This paper concerns initial simulation study of an imaging radar system employing frequency division multiplexing as means of generating radar pulses. General architecture of OFDM communication system with realistic parameters was adopted and then modified to be used for synthetic aperture radar modeling. Arbitrary target function consisting of several point scatterers was used to test system's ability to produce imagery. At the conclusion of the study it was found that UWB OFDM imaging radar does, indeed, present certain benefits, such as dynamic spectrum allocation, anti-jamming potential through pulse diversity, possibility for dual use as a communication system ? while also having a potential to produce high-resolution target images on par with other pulse-based UWB radars.
A conceptual model for integrating social and health care services at home: The H@H project

The increasing demand for home care due to the growing number of older people with an increased incidence of multiple chronic conditions requires the adoption of technological innovation that can improve the integration and coordination of health and social services. This paper presents the H@H platform that aims to improve the coordination and cooperation among stakeholders facilitating the provision of care services in a continuity of care framework. Moreover, a conceptual model that combines the main concepts of the ContSys standard with social care components and with assistive domotics linked to the lifestyle and healthy behavior is proposed. Finally, a scenario that depicts the application of the integrated approach to a subject affected from metabolic syndrome is presented.
Effects of seasonality, transport pathway, and spatial structure on greenhouse gas fluxes in a restored wetland.

Wetlands can influence global climate via greenhouse gas (GHG) exchange of carbon dioxide (CO2 ), methane (CH4 ), and nitrous oxide (N2 O). Few studies have quantified the full GHG budget of wetlands due to the high spatial and temporal variability of fluxes. We report annual open-water diffusion and ebullition fluxes of CO2 , CH4 , and N2 O from a restored emergent marsh ecosystem. We combined these data with concurrent eddy-covariance measurements of whole-ecosystem CO2 and CH4 exchange to estimate GHG fluxes and associated radiative forcing effects for the whole wetland, and separately for open-water and vegetated cover types. Annual open-water CO2 , CH4 , and N2 O emissions were 915 ± 95 g C-CO2 m-2 yr-1 , 2.9 ± 0.5 g C-CH4 m-2 yr-1 , and 62 ± 17 mg N-N2 O m-2 yr-1 , respectively. Diffusion dominated open-water GHG transport, accounting for >99% of CO2 and N2 O emissions, and ~71% of CH4 emissions. Seasonality was minor for CO2 emissions, whereas CH4 and N2 O fluxes displayed strong and asynchronous seasonal dynamics. Notably, the overall radiative forcing of open-water fluxes (3.5 ± 0.3 kg CO2 -eq m-2 yr-1 ) exceeded that of vegetated zones (1.4 ± 0.4 kg CO2 -eq m-2 yr-1 ) due to high ecosystem respiration. After scaling results to the entire wetland using object-based cover classification of remote sensing imagery, net uptake of CO2 (-1.4 ± 0.6 kt CO2 -eq yr-1 ) did not offset CH4 emission (3.7 ± 0.03 kt CO2 -eq yr-1 ), producing an overall positive radiative forcing effect of 2.4 ± 0.3 kt CO2 -eq yr-1 . These results demonstrate clear effects of seasonality, spatial structure, and transport pathway on the magnitude and composition of wetland GHG emissions, and the efficacy of multiscale flux measurement to overcome challenges of wetland heterogeneity.
Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: optimizing prevention and management.

Background Nausea and vomiting are serious side effects of cancer chemotherapy that can cause significant negative impacts on patients’ quality of life and on their ability to tolerate and comply with therapy. Despite advances in the prevention and management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), these side effects remain among the most distressing for patients.
The perimeter sixpartite center of a triangle

We show that the perimeter of a triangle can be divided into six equal parts by three concurrent lines in only one way. The perimeter sixpartite point is presented exactly, by its coordinates, and proved to be a non-constructible point and a new center of the triangle.
Sonographic Evaluation of the Progression of Takayasu’s Arteritis:

Takayasu’s arteritis (TA) is a rare nonspecific inflammatory disease of unknown cause predominantly affecting the aorta and its main branches, coronary arteries, and pulmonary arteries of young females. Diagnosis of TA is typically achieved through computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), with sonography often used as a tool for surveillance of disease progression following diagnosis. A case of previously diagnosed TA is presented that demonstrates the effective use of sonography to monitor the progression of the disease with serial examination. The use of CTA and MRA allowed for accurate initial diagnosis, whereas sonography proved to be an effective diagnostic surveillance tool for proper tracking of the disease and its clinical manifestations. Increased sonographer awareness of TA including the clinical manifestations and sonographic characteristics associated with progression of the disease can improve patient outcomes in this potentially life-threatening disease.
Fine-scale acoustic telemetry reveals unexpected lake trout, Salvelinus namaycush, spawning habitats in northern Lake Huron, North America

Previous studies of lake trout, Salvelinus namaycush, spawning habitat in the Laurentian Great Lakes have used time- and labour-intensive survey methods and have focused on areas with historic observations of spawning aggregations and on habitats prejudged by researchers to be suitable for spawning. As an alternative, we used fine-scale acoustic telemetry to locate, describe and compare lake trout spawning habitats. Adult lake trout were implanted with acoustic transmitters and tracked during five consecutive spawning seasons in a 19–27 km2 region of the Drummond Island Refuge, Lake Huron, using the VEMCO Positioning System. Acoustic telemetry revealed discrete areas of aggregation on at least five reefs in the study area, subsequently confirmed by divers to contain deposited eggs. Notably, several identified spawning sites would likely not have been discovered using traditional methods because either they were too small and obscure to stand out on a bathymetric map or because they did not conform to the conceptual model of spawning habitat held by many biologists. Our most unique observation was egg deposition in gravel and rubble substrates located at the base of and beneath overhanging edges of large boulders. Spawning sites typically comprised <10% of the reef area and were used consistently over the 5-year study. Evaluation of habitat selection from the perspective of fish behaviour through use of acoustic transmitters offers potential to expand current conceptual models of critical spawning habitat.
Bioelectrical Impedance as a Technique for Estimating Postmortem Interval

Estimation of postmortem interval (PMI) is a critical component of death investigation. A cadaver can be hypothesized to be a resistor-capacitor (RC) circuit the impedance (Z) of which changes in a quantifiable manner as the cadaver decomposes. This hypothesis was tested using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) equipment to apply a current with a fixed amplitude at a single frequency to four cadavers over time and measuring two components of Z, resistance (R) and reactance (Xc ). Quadratic regression analysis between Z and accumulated degree days (ADD) showed a statistically significant parabolic relationship. The parabolic relationship poses an initial challenge to the use of the method, and additional research is needed to address this issue. However, the results of the reported research support the hypothesis that Z measured using BIA has a relationship to PMI.
Abstract 15062: Incremental Prognostic Utility of LV Global Longitudinal Strain and Functional Capacity in Asymptomatic Patients With Significant Primary Mitral Regurgitation and Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Undergoing Rest-Stress Echocardiography

Background: Outcomes after mitral valve (MV) surgery for primary mitral regurgitation (PMR) are excellent; however surgical timing in asymptomatic PMR & preserved left ventricular ejection fraction...
Direct Shear Testing of GCLs at Elevated Temperature and in a Non-Standard Solution

The objective of this study was to develop, verify, and assess a direct shear apparatus to measure the internal shear strength of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) when exposed to elevated temperatur...
Persistence and Expression of the Epstein-Barr Virus Genome in Latent Infection and Growth Transformation of Lymphocytes

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is believed to be an important etiologic agent of nasopharyngeal cancers (NPC) especially of the anaplastic type since (i) NPC cells invariably harbor EBV (Wolf et al., 1975; Huang et al., 1974; Klein et al., 1974); (ii) EBV is believed to be a cause of human B lymphocyte tumors (Epstein and Achong, 1978); (iii) the immune response to EBV infection is predictive of NPC development and of prognosis (Henle et al., 1970; Zeng et al., 1980; Pearson et al., 1984); and (iv) most NPC tumors originate from an unique anatomic site where there is closest proximity between lymphoid cells in which EBV is latent and epithelial cells in which tumor originates (Prasad 1981). Because of difficulties in infecting epithelial cells with EBV and in propagating NPC cells in vitro, current knowledge of EBV-induced cell proliferation comes mostly from the human B-lymphocyte tumor model. Not only is EBV almost always present in burkitt lymphoma cells (Nonoyama et al., 1973; Lindahl et al., 1974); nut also, virus infection of lymphocytes in vitro leads to cell proliferation (Henle et al., 1976; Pope et al., 1968), virus-infected cells from tumors in nonhuman primates (Miller et al., 1977), and virus-transformed cells of varying stages of oncogenic potential can be grown in continuous culture (Nilsson 1971).
Apoptotic vascular endothelial cells become procoagulant

Whereas unperturbed endothelial cells provide potent anticoagulant properties, exposure to inflammatory and atherogenic stimuli can rapidly lead to a procoagulant behavior. Because recent studies provide evidence that apoptosis of vascular cells may occur under conditions such as atherosclerosis and inflammation, we investigated whether apoptotic endothelial cells may contribute to the development of a prothrombotic state. In this report, it is shown that both adherent and detached apoptotic human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) become procoagulant. Apoptosis was induced by staurosporine, a nonspecific protein kinase inhibitor, or by culture in suspension with serum deprivation. Both methods resulted in similar findings. As assessed by flow cytometric determination of annexin V binding, HUVECs undergoing cell death exhibited typically a more rapid exposure of membrane phosphatidylserine (PS) than DNA fragmentation. Depending on the stage of apoptosis, this redistribution of phospholipids was found to induce an increase of the activity of the intrinsic tenase complex by 25% to 60%. Although apoptotic cells did not show antigenic or functional tissue factor (TF) activity, when preactivated with lipopolysaccharide, TF procoagulant activity increased by 50% to 70%. At 8 hours after apoptosis induction, antigenic thrombomodulin, heparan sulfates, and TF pathway inhibitor decreased by about 83%, 80%, and 59%, respectively. The functional activity of these components was reduced by about 36%, 52%, and 39%, respectively. Moreover, the presence of apoptotic HUVECs led to a significant increase of thrombin formation in recalcified citrated plasma. In conclusion, apoptotic HUVECs, either adherent or in suspension, become procoagulant by increased expression of PS and the loss of anticoagulant membrane components.
Science, Consciousness and Human Values

A tremendous burgeoning of interest in the problem of consciousness is now in progress. The grip of the behaviorists who sought to banish consciousness from science has finally been broken. This shift was ratified, for example, by the appearance several years ago of a special issue of Scientific American entitled The Hidden Mind (August 2002).
Smartphones as Alternative Cloud Computing Engines: Benefits and Trade-offs

Over the past decade, both the popularity and computational power of smartphones have grown at fantastic rates. These devices now represent a wealth of untapped computational power. There have been efforts to incorporate smartphones into volunteer grid frameworks as engines of computing in a manner similar to desktop computers. However, it is not clear what the energy implications of such an integration are. Phones take less energy to create and use less power while running than desktops, but they take significantly longer to complete a task. In this paper, we present an initial investigation of the tradeoffs of integrating smartphones into the cloud. We created a system to generate computation loads on both smartphones and desktops. In an empirical study, we monitored the energy consumption of both systems under similar computational loads. The results of our study show that the desktop could finish our task 10 to over 30 × faster than the smartphones. However, on specific benchmarks, we observed that the desktop consumed up to 2.26 × more energy than the most efficient phone.
Defining risk of micrometastatic disease and tumor recurrence in patients with stage I testicular germ cell tumors

There is controversy in the management of patients with clinical stage I non-seminomatous germ cell tumor (NSGCT). Some experts recommend surveillance for all patients regardless of risk factors while others suggest a more risk-adapted approach by using lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and the embryonal component in the primary tumor to select patients most likely to benefit from primary treatment [retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) or chemotherapy]. With the surveillance for all strategy, only patients who relapse are treated. While this minimizes the over treatment, problem associated with the risk adapted approach, this exposes young men to the effects of full induction cisplatin-based chemotherapy when these men could have received fewer cycles of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) or a curative primary RPLND. The challenge is identifying these men who are most likely to benefit from upfront treatment more precisely. This paper explores the currently risk adapted approaches as well as promising emerging biomarkers (microRNA) that, in early data, appear to more accurately predict the presence of microscopic disease in the retroperitoneum over conventional markers.
The Einstein-Klein-Gordon Coupled System: Global Stability of the Minkowski Solution:

We prove definitive results on the global stability of the flat space among solutions of the Einstein-Klein-Gordon system. Our main theorems in this monograph include: (1) A proof of global regularity (in wave coordinates) of solutions of the Einstein-Klein-Gordon coupled system, in the case of small, smooth, and localized perturbations of the stationary Minkowski solution; (2) Precise asymptotics of the metric components and the Klein-Gordon field as the time goes to infinity, including the construction of modified (nonlinear) scattering profiles and quantitative bounds for convergence; (3) Classical estimates on the solutions at null and timelike infinity, such as bounds on the metric components, weak peeling estimates of the Riemann curvature tensor, ADM and Bondi energy identities and estimates, and asymptotic description of null and timelike geodesics.
Looping of upstream cis-regulatory elements is required for CFTR expression in human airway epithelial cells.

The CFTR gene lies within an invariant topologically associated domain (TAD) demarcated by CTCF and cohesin, but shows cell-type specific control mechanisms utilizing different cis-regulatory elements (CRE) within the TAD. Within the respiratory epithelium, more than one cell type expresses CFTR and the molecular mechanisms controlling its transcription are likely divergent between them. Here, we determine how two extragenic CREs that are prominent in epithelial cells in the lung, regulate expression of the gene. We showed earlier that these CREs, located at -44 and -35 kb upstream of the promoter, have strong cell-type-selective enhancer function. They are also responsive to inflammatory mediators and to oxidative stress, consistent with a key role in CF lung disease. Here, we use CRISPR/Cas9 technology to remove these CREs from the endogenous locus in human bronchial epithelial cells. Loss of either site extinguished CFTR expression and abolished long-range interactions between these sites and the gene promoter, suggesting non-redundant enhancers. The deletions also greatly reduced promoter interactions with the 5' TAD boundary. We show substantial recruitment of RNAPII to the -35 kb element and identify CEBPβ as a key activator of airway expression of CFTR, likely through occupancy at this CRE and the gene promoter.
Investigation of facial B2O3 surface modification effect on the cycling stability and high-rate capacity of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 cathode

Abstract A LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 (NCM111) cathode with B2O3 surface modification was prepared in a facial synthesis method using H3BO3 as a modifier precursor. Both TEM and XPS measurements demonstrate that a thin layer of amorphous B2O3 is successfully coated on the surface of 1B2O3@NCM111 particles. XRD, SEM and TEM testing results show that the morphology and lattice structure present little change after coating. The B2O3 surface modified 1B2O3@NCM111 shows 43% improved high-rate (at 5C rate) discharge performance and enhanced cycling stability (with about 92% and 86% capacity retention at 1C and 2C rates after 50 and 100 cycles measurements) compared to the pristine NCM111. EIS and GITT results also present that the 1B2O3@NCM111 electrode with B2O3 surface modification retains higher Li+ chemical diffusion coefficient than the pristine NCM111 even after 50 charge/discharge cycles at 1C rate.
A Happily Married Man

A Happily Married Man is an autobiographical solo performance and story cycle that collects discrete, but interrelated, stories that chart a trajectory of personal growth past an extended adolescen...
Effects of melatonin on the cytokines production of neonatal cord blood mononuclear cell

Objective To investigate the effects of melatonin(MLT)on the cytokines production of neonatal cord blood mononuclear cells(CBMC)in vitro. Methods Ten blood specimens from placenta vena umbilicalis of 10 healthy term delivery newborns were obtained,and 10 healthy adult volunteers'peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC)specimens were taken as controls.CBMC and PBMC suspensions were cultivated in the system without serum and hormone,and then 200 μl PBMC/CBMC suspensions(2 105 cells)were co-cultured with MLT with different concentrations(50 ng/ml,5 ng/ml,500 pg/ml,50 pg/ml)for 72 hours.The concentrations of cytokines including IL-1β,IL-2,IL-4,IL-6,IL-8,IL-12,IFN-γ and TNF-α in the cell supernatant were detected.Results The 500 pg/ml MLT induced secretions of IL-2[(12.18 7.31)pg/ml],IL-6[(2091.08±968.58)pg/ml],IL-8[(2779.04±1168.49)pg/ml],IL-12[(15.29±6.88)Pg/ml]and IFN-γ[(52.22 17.77)pg/ml]of CBMC were more than those of the control group,which were(6.99±4.94)pg/ml,(1017.06±452.60)pg/ml,(1293.33±791.34)pg/ml,(6.84±2.26)pg/ml and(22.24±10.38)pg/ml(P<0.05).Compared with control group[(175.63±62.10)Pg/ml],all concentrations of MLT could inhibit the TNF-α secretion[(24.87 11.21)pg/ml,(18.14±9.44)pg/ml,(31.38±15.28)pg/ml and(28.18±17.35)pg/ml]of CBMC significantly.The 50 ng/ml MLT could induce the PBMC's secretion of IL-2, IL-12, IFN-γ,and inhibit the secretion of TNF-α. The best effect of MLT on CBMC was at the concentration of 500 pg/ml, while that on PBMC was 5 ng/ml. Comparing the best effects of MLT, the levels of IL-12 and IFN-γ of CBMC were higher than those of PBMC, and IL-2 level of CBMC was lower than that of PBMC (P<0.01). Conclusions MLT could promote the cytokine secretion of PBMC and CBMC, and the effects of MLT on IL-12 and IFN-γ secretion of CBMC were stronger than those of PBMC. The results suggested that MLT may contribute to promote the immune function in newborn infants, and provide experimental evidence for clinical application of MLT. Key words: Melatonin; Fetal blood; Leukocytes, mononuclear; Cytokines
Host–Pathogen–Trichoderma Interaction

On our planet, the customary agricultural operations are influenced by different issues (i.e., disease, pests, drought, diminished soil fertility) because of the utilization of hazardous chemical pesticides, pollution, and climate change. Among these, the fungal genus Trichoderma carries out noteworthy activity in controlling plant maladies. Trichoderma spp. are the best biocontrol agents, as more than 60% of the enlisted biofungicides utilized in present agribusinesses are based on Trichoderma. Plant–Trichoderma–pathogen is a complex community having multiple mechanisms. Proteome and genome examinations have greatly upgraded the capacity for comprehensive and genome-based useful investigations as they have identified and determined the role of a variety of novel genes and gene products, including ABC transporters, enzymes, and various proteins that produce novel elicitors of induced resistance, proteins responsible for a gene-for-gene avirulent interaction between Trichoderma spp. and plants, antagonism-related genes, and plant proteins specifically induced by Trichoderma, but there remains much more to be learned than has already been discovered. Recent methodologies based on molecular science can easily identify, clone, sequence, and express the activity of the genes and can observe their capacities and function in the biocontrol system. Herein we present the comprehensive genetics of interactions of Trichoderma with plants and phytopathogens and their role through different modes of action. The aforementioned variables are required to enhance their efficiency and applications and also demonstrate the possibilities for development of strains of Trichoderma.
Emergency department observation of mild traumatic brain injury with minor radiographic findings: shorter stays, less expensive, and no increased risk compared to hospital admission

Objective The management of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) with minor radiographic findings traditionally involves hospital admission for monitoring, although this practice is expensive with unclear benefit. We implemented a protocol to manage these patients in our emergency department observation unit (EDOU), hypothesizing that this pathway was cost effective and not associated with any difference in clinical outcome. Methods mTBI patients with minor radiographic findings were managed under the EDOU protocol over a 3-year period from May 1, 2015 to April 30, 2018 (inclusions: ≥19 years old, isolated acute head trauma, normal neurological exam [except transient alteration in consciousness], and a computed tomography [CT] scan of the head with at least 1 of the following: cerebral contusions <1 cm in maximum extent, convexity subarachnoid hemorrhage, or closed, non-displaced skull fractures). These patients were retrospectively analyzed; clinical outcomes and charges were compared to a control cohort of matched mTBI hospital admissions over the preceding 3 years. Results Sixty patients were observed in the EDOU over the 3-year period, and 85 patients were identified for the control cohort. There were no differences in rate of radiographic progression, neurological exam change, or surgical intervention, and the overall incidence of hemorrhagic expansion was low in both groups. The EDOU group had a significantly faster time to interval CT scan (Mean Difference (MD) 3.92 hours, [95%CI 1.65, 6.19]), P = 0.001), shorter length of stay (MD 0.59 days [95% CI 0.29, 0.89], P = 0.001), and lower encounter charges (MD $3428.51 [95%CI 925.60, 5931.42], P = 0.008). There were no differences in 30-day re-admission, 30-day mortality, or delayed chronic subdural formation, although there was a high rate of loss to follow-up in both groups. Conclusions Compared to hospital admission, observing mTBI patients with minor radiographic findings in the EDOU was associated with significantly shorter time to interval scanning, shorter length of stay, and lower encounter charges, but no difference in observed clinical outcome. The overall risk of hemorrhagic progression in this subset of mTBI was very low. Using this approach can reduce unnecessary admissions while potentially yielding patient care and economic benefits. When designing a protocol, close attention should be given to clear inclusion criteria and a formal mechanism for patient follow-up.
"Physical Sex Is Over for Now": Impact of COVID-19 on the Well-Being and Sexual Health of Adolescent Sexual Minority Males in the U.S.

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic and physical distancing measures have impacted the well-being and sexual health among adolescent sexual minority males (ASMM) during the initial phase of physical distancing mandates in the U.S. Methods From March 27, 2020, to May 8, 2020, U.S. ASMM (N = 151; aged 14–17 years) completed the online baseline survey of a sexual health intervention trial. COVID-19–related closed- and open-ended questions were included. A mixed-methods approach assessed COVID-19–related changes in well-being and sexual health by outness with an accepting guardian. Results The majority (57%) of participants reported being worried about COVID-19. Almost all (91%) were physically distancing. Participants noted that COVID-19 changed school, home, work, and family life. Participants highlighted that COVID-19 reduced their ability to socialize and had a deleterious effect on their mental health. In the past 3 months, participants reported seeing sexual partners in person less often, masturbating and viewing pornography more often, and sexting and messaging on men-seeking-men websites/phone applications about the same amount. Many described being physically distanced from sexual partners, and some noted an increase in their use of virtual ways to connect with partners (e.g., video chatting). There were no differences by outness with an accepting guardian in quantitative or qualitative responses. Conclusions These findings provide a snapshot of the initial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic among a convenience sample of U.S. ASMM and underscore the need to provide access to resources sensitive to their social, developmental, and sexual health needs during this crisis.
Platelet function tests, independent of platelet count, are associated with bleeding severity in ITP

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) patients with similarly low platelet counts differ in their tendency to bleed. To determine if differences in platelet function in ITP patients account for this variation in bleeding tendency, we conducted a single-center, cross-sectional study of pediatric patients with ITP. Bleeding severity (assessed by standardized bleeding score) and platelet function (assessed by whole blood flow cytometry) with and without agonist stimulation was evaluated in 57 ITP patients (median age, 9.9 years). After adjustment for platelet count, higher levels of thrombin receptor activating peptide (TRAP)-stimulated percent P-selectin- and activated glycoprotein (GP)IIb-IIIa–positive platelets were significantly associated with a lower bleeding score, whereas higher levels of immature platelet fraction (IPF), TRAP-stimulated platelet surface CD42b, unstimulated platelet surface P-selectin, and platelet forward light scatter (FSC) were associated with a higher bleeding score. Thus, platelet function tests related to platelet age (IPF, FSC) and activation through the protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1) thrombin receptor (TRAP-stimulated P-selectin, activated GPIIb-IIIa, and CD42b), independent of platelet count, are associated with concurrent bleeding severity in ITP. These tests may be useful markers of future bleeding risk in ITP.
Language and Meter

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The polypeptides of adenovirus. II. Soluble proteins, cores, top components and the structure of the virion

Abstract The adenovirion has been shown to have a much more complex structure than was previously assumed. Eight different types of polypeptides have been assigned a place in the particle. Three are present in an outer capsid, three in an inner core, and two others in association with hexons. The hexon capsomere is composed of about three molecules of a single type of peptide of molecular weight (MW) 120,000 which comprises about 50% of the total virion protein. Groups of such capsomeres, released from the virion by 5 M urea, are found to be associated with two minor polypeptides, each of MW 13,000. The penton-base is composed of a single type of peptide of MW 70,000, and the fiber is composed of another peptide of MW 62,000. The internal core released by treatment of the virion with 5 M urea, contains the viral DNA in association with three arginine-rich peptides of MW 44,000, 24,000, and 24,000, comprising some 20% of the total virion protein. The same three peptides are relatively lacking in the “empty” capsids found as the “top components” of cesium chloride gradients of crude virus preparations.
Differential Media for the Identification of Bacillus anthracis

Abstract Knisely, Ralph F. (U.S. Army Biological Laboratories, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Md.). Differential media for the identification of Bacillus anthracis. J. Bacteriol. 90:1778–1783. 1965.—Two new differential media for the identification of Bacillus anthracis are described. Phenethyl alcohol and chloral hydrate were used as selective ingredients. These media should aid in the differentiation of B. anthracis from B. cereus and, if used in conjunction with other differential tests, they should also differentiate B. anthracis from the majority of other aerobic sporeforming bacilli. These media might also be useful in the classification of Bacillus species.
Dynamic Modeling of New Technology Succession: Projecting the Impact of Macro Events and Micro Behaviors on Software Market Cycles

The subject of technology succession and new technology adoption in a generalized sense has been addressed by numerous authors for over one hundred years. Models which accommodate macro-level events as well as micro-level actions are needed to gain insight to future market outcomes. In the ICT industry, macro-level factors affecting technology adoption include global events and shocks, economic factors, and global regulatory trends. Micro-level elements involve individual agent actions and interactions, such as the behaviors of buyers and suppliers in reaction to each other, and to macro events. Projecting technology adoption and software market composition and growth requires evaluating a special set of technology characteristics, buyer behaviors, and supplier issues and responses which make this effort particularly challenging.
Perspectives on Environmental Risk Management at Hydrocarbon Contaminated Sites

Abstract Risk can involve very different concepts depending on the individuals or organizations involved. The topic of risk varies widely with perceptions. Besides human health and ecological risks associated with exposures to hydrocarbons, risk can and often does involve public perception, finances, materialistic resources, socioeconomics, cultures, regulatory compliance, and politics. All of these topics have their own unique flavor of risk when dealing with environmental contamination. Petroleum industry professionals faced with mitigating risks associated with hydrocarbon contamination must fully understand how the various types of risk will impact their current and future operations. This is the art of environmental risk management. Every type of risk can be categorized as immediate, future, or both. With few exceptions, all types of risk involve probabilities for loss of financial and materialistic resources. Developing a process by which such financial and materialistic losses are kept to a minimum while continuing to gain ground towards a goal (or a profit) is the ultimate objective of the risk manager. By using the tools of clear communication, early level negotiations with regulatory authorities and public stakeholders, land use precedents, and timely efficient investigations, much of the risk associated with hydrocarbon-contaminated sites can be controlled. This can be accomplished without extensive use of decision analysis tools and costly detailed environmental risk assessments.
Two different homing pathways involving integrin β7 and E-selectin significantly influence trafficking of CD4 cells to the genital tract following Chlamydia muridarum infection.

Problem Chlamydia trachomatis causes STI and reproductive dysfunction worldwide which is not preventable with antibiotics. Identifying a population of endocervical T cells to target in vaccine development would enhance efficacy. Method of study Trafficking of murine CD4+ lymphocytes to Chlamydia muridarum infected genital tract (GT) tissue in vivo was measured using adoptive transfer studies of fluorescent CD4+ T cells from integrin β7−/− mice or mice which lack E-selectin on endothelial cells. Results Murine in vivo migration studies showed that lack of α4β7 or E-selectin significantly reduced trafficking of CD4 T cells to the GT of mice infected with C. muridarum. Conclusion CD4+ T cells use at least two different adhesive mechanisms involving an integrin of the mucosal homing pathway and selectin pathway to accumulate in the GT during C. muridarum infection.
Lithium Aluminum Hydride–Nickel(II) Chloride

(LiAlH4) [16853-85-3] H4AlLi (MW 37.96) InChI = 1S/Al.Li.4H/q-1;+1;;;; InChIKey = OCZDCIYGECBNKL-UHFFFAOYSA-N (NiCl2) [7718-54-9] Cl2Ni (MW 129.59) InChI = 1S/2ClH.Ni/h2*1H;/q;;+2/p-2 InChIKey = QMMRZOWCJAIUJA-UHFFFAOYSA-L (reducing agent for alkenes, alkynes,2, 3 and organic halides;2, 4 can effect NO bond cleavage and open epoxides.5) Physical Data: see Lithium Aluminum Hydride and Nickel(II) Chloride. Solubility: see Lithium Aluminum Hydride and Nickel(II) Chloride; reactions using the mixture are run in THF. Form Supplied in: prepared in situ from commercially available components. Preparative Method: nickel(II) chloride (1 equiv for stoichiometric reactions and 0.1 equiv for catalytic reactions) is placed in the reaction vessel at −40 °C and the organic substrate (1 equiv) in THF is added using a syringe. Lithium aluminum hydride (1 equiv) in THF is added slowly, resulting in a black color and gas evolution. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: see Lithium Aluminum Hydride and Nickel(II) Chloride.
Membranes of Rhodopseudomonas spheroides: Interactions of Chromatophores with the Cell Envelope

Under carefully controlled ionic conditions, large-scale preparations of highly purified chromatophores and cell envelopes were obtained from phototrophically grown Rhodopseudomonas spheroides by zonal ultracentrifugation. The majority of the bacteriochlorophyll a was located in a single, discrete chromatophore band, whereas the envelopes were nearly devoid of photopigment. The envelope fraction contained substantial quantities of succinic dehydrogenase and cytochromes, confirming that phototrophically grown cells contain a photopigment-deficient cytoplasmic membrane. Magnesium at concentrations of 1.0 mM or higher caused chromatophores to reversibly aggregate with the cell envelope. Significant aggregation was also promoted by other divalent metals (Co2+ > Mn2+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+), but aggregation was less extensive with monovalent cations. These results account for the distribution of photopigments in two bands reported by others and further suggest that the photosynthetic apparatus of R. spheroides is located on membranes largely distinct from the cell wall-cytoplasmic membrane complex.
Dual-pump four-wave mixing in a double-mode distributed feedback laser

We present a comprehensive theoretical model with experimental results on four-wave mixing in a distributed feedback laser with two pump modes. Here the twin lasing modes serve as pump waves for the four-wave mixing, which takes place within the laser cavity. We show what we believe are new experimental measurements of the two-pump four-wave mixing conversion efficiency spectrum and show that, to first order, there is no fundamental dependence of the conversion efficiency on pump separation. This result indicates significant improvement in the probe and conjugate wavelength separation and in the conversion efficiency. Our theoretical model agrees quite well with the measured data and predicts the key experimentally observed phenomena, including the relative invariance of the conversion efficiency on pump separation, and the strong enhancement of certain conjugate waves when the probe detuning is close to the pump separation.
Correlation between catalytic cyclopropanation and ylide generation

Abstract A linear correlation for catalytic effectiveness exists between cyclopropanation of n-butyl vinyl ether and ylide generation with allyl methyl sulfide in reactions with ethyl diazoacetate. Twenty-two representative transition metal compounds have been examined, and ruthenium is identified for the first time to exhibit catalytic potential comparable to copper and rhodium catalysts for carbene transformations.
Copper−Homoscorpionate Complexes as Active Catalysts for Atom Transfer Radical Addition to Olefins

Cu(I) complexes containing trispyrazolylborate ligands efficiently catalyze the atom transfer radical addition (ATRA) of polyhalogenated alkanes to various olefins under mild conditions. The catalytic activity is enhanced when bulky and electron donating Tpx ligands are employed. Kinetic data have allowed the proposal of a mechanistic interpretation that includes a Cu(II) pentacoordinated species that regulates the catalytic cycle.
Gas-liquid chromatographic analysis of phenolic and non-phenolic chlorpromazine metabolites in the urine of chronic schizophrenic patients.

Abstract The distribution of chlorpromazine and its phenolic and non-phenolic metabolites was studied in the urine of schizophrenic patients by gas—liquid chromatography on OV-17, using a flame ionization detector. Unconjugated phenolic metabolites, 7-hydroxychlorpromazine and 7-hydroxydemethylchlorpromazine in the crude extract were determined as their trimethylsilyl derivatives using N-trimethylsilylimidazole in the presence of pyridine. Trimethylsilyl 7-hydroxychlorpromazine and trimethylsilyl 7-hydroxydemethylchlorpromazine have greatly improved chromatographic properties and enable the investigator both to separate and identify the 7-hydroxy derivatives easily by gas—liquid chromatography. In addition to the phenolic metabolites, the major non-phenolic derivatives identified in urine include chlorpromazine N-oxide, chlorpromazine, demethylchlorpromazine, chlorpromazine sulfoxide and demethylchlorpromazine sulfoxide.
Integrated Machining Systems with Workpiece Handling

The evolvement of batch manufacturing systems from groups of linked, tape operated NC machine tools to computer controlled integrated systems is described. In the span of a few years, computerized integrated systems have appeared in most major industrial countries and are being built at increasing rate. One of the major problems is the efficient automation of workpiece handling. Here solutions include conveyor systems similar to those existing in transfer lines, industrial robots, circulating tow cars and shuttle transporters. Although a “robot” appears to be the best in principle, existing industrial robots are still limited in their capabilities. However, new developments in robots, some already evident, indicate possibilities at least for parts which are below approximately 100kgf weight. Heavier parts must be fixtured and palletized, and several such systems are described.
You'd Have to Be Sick Not to Be Crazy

Stress can cause a variety of biological and psychological alterations in an organism, including behaviors and neurological changes that are characteristic of certain “mental illnesses.” Many stress-related disorders (e.g., cardiovascular damage, ulceration, and neuronal degeneration) occur when an organism's natural response to stress continues for an extended period of time, often due to the prolonged duration of the stressful event itself. It is during this time that stress-related disorders occur. Those prolonged stressors are more likely to occur in some populations in others—a primary example is the stressors that accompany lower SES. We propose that, similar to other stress-induced changes, many “mental illness” are normal responses to stressful situations.
Study of Ξ− and Ω− production from K−n and K−p interactions at 4.93 GeV/c☆

Abstract Cross sections, mass spectra, angular distributions and several other features of Ξ − and Ω − production from photons and neutrons in K − d interactions at 4.93 GeV/ c are presented. A five standard deviation peak is observed in Ξ K π mass spectra near 2.6 GeV/ c 2 . A sharp rise in the Ξ − three- and four-body cross sections from K − n interactions suggests direct-channel Σ ∗ (3.0–3.5) formation.
Incorporation of prior information in surface imaging applications

A linear spectral estimator, referred to as the PDFT was previously used to reconstruct a target in a homogeneous background. More typically, a target will have other objects or noise around it. We address this problem for the general case of having several targets embedded in clutter and apply the PDFT to each target sequentially. We show that in such cases the regularization process and the choice of what prior knowledge is included in the reconstruction algorithm play key roles in obtaining a good image.
WHEN DOES TECHNOLOGY ENABLE ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE? CONVERGENT FEATURE USE AND COLLECTIVE AFFORDANCES

The goal of this study is to augment explanations of how technology-induced organizational change unfolds with an understanding of when such change is likely to happen. I draw a distinction between...
Nystrom implementation of a combined field integral equation using approximate helmholtz decompositioncs of the current on a PEC

Summary form only given. Surface integral equations (SIE) are extensively used in solving electromagnetic field radiation and scattering problems. The electric field integral equation (EFIE) and the magnetic field integral equation (MFIE) are the two fundamental surface integral equations used for perfect electric conductor (PEC) objects. MFIE has a better conditioned system matrix compared to the EFIE. However, the EFIE can be applied to a wider range of structures including open structures and structures with geometric singularities. On the other hand, EFIE suffers from a low-frequency breakdown. A common disadvantage of EFIE and MFIE is the interior resonance problem for closed surfaces. The problem can be remedied by applying combined field integral equation (CFIE) which is a linear combination of EFIE and MFIE. Furthermore, CFIE provides a better conditioning than both EFIE and MFIE. However, the low-frequency breakdown inherited from EFIE still exists in CFIE. Recently, EFIE-hd has been proposed, which is an EFIE-based formulation that relies on global surface integral constraints to enforce an approximate Helmholtz decomposition (HD) of the current. It has been demonstrated that the low-frequency breakdown of the EFIE is alleviated by the EFIE-hd. In this work, a new formulation named CFIE-hd to solve for the electromagnetic scattering from PEC surfaces is introduced. The HD framework is extended to the CFIE formulation by imposing appropriate global constraints on the current to effect an approximate Helmholtz decomposition of the current. In addition to benefiting from the advantages of CFIE, the new formulation gives accurate solution for electric and magnetic fields at high and low frequencies. Another specification of the proposed formulation is that it makes it possible to use locally corrected Nystrome method for discretization.