cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simulations of directed energy comet deflection

Earth-crossing asteroids and comets pose a long-term hazard to life and property on Earth. Schemes to mitigate the impact threat have been studied extensively but tend to focus on asteroid diversion while neglecting the possibility of a comet threat. Such schemes often demand physically intercepting the target by spacecraft, a task feasible only for targets identified decades in advance in a restricted range of orbits. A threatening comet is unlikely to satisfy these criteria and so necessitates a fundamentally different approach for diversion. Comets are naturally perturbed from purely gravitational trajectories through solar heating of their surfaces which activates sublimation-driven jets. Artificial heating of a comet, such as by a high-powered laser array in Earth orbit, may supplement natural heating by the Sun to purposefully manipulate its path to avoid an impact. The effectiveness of any particular laser array for a given comet depends on the comet's heating response which varies dramatically depending on factors including nucleus size, orbit and dynamical history. These factors are incorporated into a numerical orbital model using established models of nongravitational perturbations to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of using high-powered laser arrays in Earth orbit or on the ground to deflect a variety of comets. Simulation results suggest that orbital arrays of 500m and 10GW operating for 10 min=d over 1 yr may be adequate for mitigating impacts by comets up to ~500m in diameter. Continuously operating ground-based arrays of 100m and 10GW may be similarly effective when appropriately located.
Using the Research Domain Criteria Framework to Explore Associations Between MMPI-2-RF Constructs and Physiological Variables Assessed by Eye-Tracker Technology

ABSTRACTThe National Institute of Mental Health has proposed a paradigm shift in the conceptualization of psychopathology, abandoning the traditional categorical model in favor of one based on hierarchically organized dimensional constructs (Insel et al., 2010). One explicit goal of this initiative, the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) project, is to facilitate the incorporation of newly available neurobiologic variables into research on psychopathology. The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory–2–Restructured Form (MMPI–2–RF; Ben-Porath & Tellegen, 2008/2011) represents a similar paradigm shift, also adopting a hierarchical arrangement of dimensional constructs. This study examined associations between MMPI–2–RF measures of psychopathology and eye-movement metrics. Participants were college students (n = 270) who completed the MMPI–2–RF and then viewed a sequence of 30-s video clips. Results show a pattern of positive correlations between pupil size and emotional/internalizing dysfunction scales whe...
Perioperative Management of the Cirrhotic Patient

The management of acute surgical pathologies in patients with advanced liver disease can be challenging for even the most experienced surgeon. Appropriate surgical decision making requires an understanding of not only the surgical problem itself, but also the physiologic and anatomic changes that accompany chronic liver disease. As the medical management of patients with advanced liver disease improves, the prevalence of cirrhosis in the general population is increasing. Cirrhotics represent an estimated 0.27 % of the population, approximately 633,323 adults in the USA (Scaglione and Kliethermes, J Clin Gastroenterol 49:690–6, 2015). Accordingly, surgeons can expect to see an increase in the number of cirrhotics requiring acute surgical care and must be prepared to handle these complex patients. This chapter describes issues related to the acutely presenting patient with chronic liver disease. Overviews of the management of cirrhotics presenting for elective non-hepatic surgery are available elsewhere (Mansour et al., Surgery 122:730–5, 1997).
Quantifying alkane emissions in the Eagle Ford Shale using boundary layer enhancement

Abstract. The Eagle Ford Shale in southern Texas is home to a booming unconventional oil and gas industry, the climate and air quality impacts of which remain poorly quantified due to uncertain emission estimates. We used the atmospheric enhancement of alkanes from Texas Commission on Environmental Quality volatile organic compound monitors across the shale, in combination with back trajectory and dispersion modeling, to quantify C2–C4 alkane emissions for a region in southern Texas, including the core of the Eagle Ford, for a set of 68 days from July 2013 to December 2015. Emissions were partitioned into raw natural gas and liquid storage tank sources using gas and headspace composition data, respectively, and observed enhancement ratios. We also estimate methane emissions based on typical ethane-to-methane ratios in gaseous emissions. The median emission rate from raw natural gas sources in the shale, calculated as a percentage of the total produced natural gas in the upwind region, was 0.7 % with an interquartile range (IQR) of 0.5–1.3 %, below the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) current estimates. However, storage tanks contributed 17 % of methane emissions, 55 % of ethane, 82 % percent of propane, 90 % of n-butane, and 83 % of isobutane emissions. The inclusion of liquid storage tank emissions results in a median emission rate of 1.0 % (IQR of 0.7–1.6 %) relative to produced natural gas, overlapping the current EPA estimate of roughly 1.6 %. We conclude that emissions from liquid storage tanks are likely a major source for the observed non-methane hydrocarbon enhancements in the Northern Hemisphere.
Convening Experts on Children and International Criminal Justice (Preface)

This preface introduces a Georgia Journal of International and Comparative Law edition publishing papers and proceedings from a 2014 conference at which academics, advocates, and policymakers examined issues related to children and international criminal justice. Included in the issue are a keynote speech by International Criminal Court Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda, articles by Professors Linda A. Malone and Mark Drumbl and by Kerry L. Neal of UNICEF, and student rapporteurs’ accounts on sessions on the ICC’s regulatory framework, on child law, and on evidence-gathering challenges in cases involving children. These works contributed to the Policy on Children that the ICC Prosecutor issued in 2016.
ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Sudden Onset of Cold, Painful Leg.

Acute limb ischemia (ALI) requires urgent diagnosis and treatment to prevent limb loss. Invasive digital subtraction arteriography (DSA) is the gold standard for diagnosing ALI. DSA is the only diagnostic modality that permits simultaneous treatment of acute arterial occlusion. Noninvasive imaging with MRA or CT angiography may also be appropriate before treatment, especially when the diagnosis of ALI is in doubt or where DSA is unavailable. Other imaging and noninvasive physiologic tests may prove important for longer term management but are less recommended in the acute setting. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.
Robust TSV-based 3D NoC design to counteract electromigration and crosstalk noise

A 3D network-on-chip (3D NoC) is an enabler for the design of high-performance and energy-efficient manycore chips. Most popular 3D NoCs utilize the Through-Silicon-Via (TSV)-based vertical links (VLs) as the communication pillars between the planar dies. However, the TSVs in a 3D NoC may fail due to both workload-induced stress and crosstalk capacitance. This failure negatively affects the overall achievable performance of the 3D NoC. In this work, we analyze the joint effects of workload-induced stress and crosstalk on the TSV mean-time-to-failure (MTTF) and hence the 3D NoC lifetime. We demonstrate that if we only consider the effects of electromigration on the TSVs due to workload-induced stress then the estimated MTTF and the subsequently lifetime of 3D NoC are too optimistic. Due to the combined effects of workload and crosstalk noise, the lifetime of 3D NoC reduces significantly. Subsequently, we demonstrate that a spare TSV allocation methodology considering the joint effects of workload and crosstalk noise enhances the lifetime of the 3D NoC by a factor of 4.6 compared to when only the workload is considered for a given spare budget of 5%.
Increasing complexity in organopolymerization of multifunctional γ-butyrolactones

Abstract This contribution investigates organopolymerization of five multifunctional γ-butyrolactone-based monomers, including bifunctional (endocyclic double bond, lactone ring) dihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (FO), 3-methylfuran-2(5H)-one (3-MFO), and 5-methylfuran-2(5H)-one (5-MFO), as well as trifunctional (endocyclic or exocyclic double bond, lactone ring, hydroxyl group) 3-(hydroxymethyl) furan-2(5H)-one (3-HMFO) and β-hydroxy-α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone (βHMBL). The complexity of the reaction under nucleophilic and basic conditions using N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) and superbase organic catalysts increases dramatically on going from the bifunctional monomers to the trifunctional ones. Thus, the polymerization of the parent FO leads to a vinyl-addition polymer, while the reaction of the base catalysts with the two methyl-substituted derivatives, 3-MFO and 5-MFO, affords predominately a trimer and dimer, respectively. The polymerization of trifunctional 3-HMFO gives a poly(vinyl–ether lactone) copolymer structure, via two different types of base activation mechanisms and a combination of Michael and ox-Michael additions and proton transfer processes. The polymerization of βHMBL has the highest degree of the complexity in this monomer series, due to its presence of both the reactive exocyclic double bond and hydroxyl group, producing a branched vinyl–ether lactone copolymer structure having six different types of substructural units. The results reveal multiple types of reaction pathways and their mechanistic crossovers involved in the βHMBL polymerization, including conjugate Michael and oxa-Michael additions and proton transfer processes, as well as ene-type dehydration reactions, enabled by proton transfer.
Behavioral Features and Deficiencies of the Masters and Johnson Program

The Masters and Johnson program for treatment of sexual dysfunctions is viewed from the orientation of behavior therapy. From this perspective it is possible to suggest a number of ways to improve treatment of sexual problems.
User perception of endocervical sampling: A randomized comparison of endocervical evaluation with the curette vs cytobrush.

Objectives To evaluate whether the endocervical brush (ECB) is better accepted by patients and health care providers for endocervical evaluation when compared to the endocervical curette (ECC), without a decrease in the quality of sampling. Methods Two hundred patients with cervical dysplasia were randomized at the colposcopy clinic of the University Hospital of Geneva into two groups according to technique. Patients and physicians’ preference regarding the technique as well as the quality of samples were assessed. ECB samples were analyzed using both cytological (cell block) and histologic analysis, while ECC samples were analyzed using standard histologic analysis. Results Of the 200 patients, 89 were randomized to ECC, 101 to ECB and 10 were excluded due to incomplete information or cervical stenosis. Physicians preferred ECB against ECC, classifying it more frequently as an easy technique (94.1% vs.61.4%, p<0.001). Physicians more frequently evaluated the ECB as little or not uncomfortable for patients (28.7% vs.10.2%, p<0.001), though patients themselves didn’t express a preference for either technique. From a quality standpoint, the brush allowed for a better quality of samples, with a lower rate of inadequate samples (2.0% vs 14.3%, p = 0.002) and greater amount of material. Conclusion Endocervical sampling using ECB seems to be easier to perform and provides better quality samples. ECB can therefore be an acceptable alternative to ECC in standard practice. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01435590
Can time to failure predict the faulty component in artificial urinary sphincter device malfunctions

OBJECTIVE Artificial urinary sphincter malfunctions can occur in any of the individual components. Preoperative identification of the malfunctioning component can be valuable for patient counseling and surgical planning. The optimal strategy for repair of failed artificial urinary sphincter components is debated given the relative rarity of the situation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship of time to failure with failed artificial urinary sphincter component and to compare our outcomes of specific component versus complete device replacement. METHODS From 1983 to 2011, 1805 artificial urinary sphincter procedures were carried out at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota, USA), of which 1072 patients underwent primary artificial urinary sphincter placement. Clinical variables, including time to failure, were evaluated for association with component failure. Bootstrap analysis was used to estimate the differences in time to reach a fixed percentage of component failure. RESULTS A total of 115 patients experienced device failure at a median follow up of 4.2 years. Urethral cuff, abdominal reservoir, scrotal pump and tubing malfunction occurred in 53 (4.9%), 26 (2.4%), 11 (1%) and 25 (2.3%) patients, respectively. Increasing age at the time of primary surgery was protective of cuff malfunction (hazard ratio 0.97, P = 0.04). Time to 3% urethral cuff failure outpaced other component failures (P 3 years, as this represents the most likely component to fail.
Structural Basis for DNA Recognition by the Two-Component Response Regulator RcsB.

RcsB is a highly conserved transcription regulator of the Rcs phosphorelay system, a complex two-component signal transduction system (N. Majdalani and S. Gottesman, Annu Rev Microbiol 59:379-405, 2005; A. J. Wolfe, Curr Opin Microbiol 13:204-209, 2010, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mib.2010.01.002; D. J. Clarke, Future Microbiol 5:1173-1184, 2010, https://doi.org/10.2217/fmb.10.83). RcsB plays an important role in virulence and pathogenicity in human hosts by regulating biofilm formation. RcsB can regulate transcription alone or together with its auxiliary transcription regulators by forming heterodimers. This complexity allows RcsB to regulate transcription of more than 600 bacterial genes in response to different stresses (D. Wang et al., Mol Plant Microbe Interact 25:6-17, 2012, https://doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-08-11-0207). Despite increasing knowledge of RcsB importance, molecular mechanisms that drive the ability of RcsB to control transcription of a large number of genes remain unclear. Here, we present crystal structures of unphosphorylated RcsB in complex with the consensus DNA-binding sequence of 22-mer (DNA22) and 18-mer (DNA18) of the flhDC operon from Escherichia coli determined at 3.15- and 3.37-A resolution, respectively. The results of our structural analysis combined with the results of in vitro binding assays provide valuable insights to the protein regulatory mechanism, demonstrate how RcsB recognizes target DNA sequences, and reveal a unique oligomeric state that allows RcsB to form homo- and heterodimers. This information will help us understand the complex mechanisms of transcriptional regulation by RcsB in bacteria.IMPORTANCE RcsB is a well-studied two-component response regulator of the Rcs phosphorelay system, conserved within the family Enterobacteriaceae, which includes many pathogens. It is a global regulator, controlling more than 5% of bacterial genes associated with capsule biosynthesis, flagellar biogenesis, cell wall biosynthesis, antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and virulence in pathogens. Knowledge of RcsB structure represents a unique opportunity to explore mechanisms that regulate the Rcs phosphorelay system and its role in the family Enterobacteriaceae.
Pseudarthrosis of the Tibia

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) is a nonunion of a tibial fracture often occurring spontaneously or as a result of minor trauma. The fracture site fails to heal with bone and is often healed with fibrous tissue that creates a “false joint.” A rare condition usually seen in the first 2 years of life; it is often associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 and occasionally fibrous dysplasia. Treatment is extremely challenging, requiring multiple surgeries to achieve union of the fracture site. Amputation may be required in those children who failed to achieve fracture healing.
Errors during Gene Expression: Single-Cell Heterogeneity, Stress Resistance, and Microbe-Host Interactions.

ABSTRACT Gene expression has been considered a highly accurate process, and deviation from such fidelity has been shown previously to be detrimental for the cell. More recently, increasing evidence has supported the notion that the accuracy of gene expression is indeed flexibly variable. The levels of errors during gene expression differ from condition to condition and even from cell to cell within genetically identical populations grown under the same conditions. The different levels of errors resulting from inaccurate gene expression are now known to play key roles in regulating microbial stress responses and host interactions. This minireview summarizes the recent development in understanding the level, regulation, and physiological impact of errors during gene expression.
Invertebrate drift and benthic community dynamics in a lowland neotropical stream, Costa Rica

In this study we quantified invertebrate drift and related it to the structure of the benthic community, over a 6–8 month period, in a 4th-order tropical stream in Costa Rica. Relative to reports from similar-sized temperate and tropical streams, drift densities were high (2-fold greater: mean 11.2 m−3; range 2.5–25 m−3), and benthic insect densities were relatively low (>3-fold lower: mean 890 m−2; range 228–1504 m−2). Drift was dominated by larval shrimps that represented more than 70% of total drift on any given date; the remaining 30% was composed of 54 insect taxa. Among insects, Simuliidae and Chironomidae (Diptera) and Baetidae, Leptohyphes and Tricorythodes (Ephemeroptera) comprised 24% of total drift. Drift periodicity was strongly nocturnal, with peaks at 18:00 h (sunset) and 03:00 h. Our results, and those of previous experiments in the study stream, suggest that nighttime drift is driven by the presence of predatory diurnal drift-feeding fishes and nocturnal adult shrimps. There were no clear seasonal patterns over both ‘dry’ and wet seasons, suggesting that benthic communities are subject to similar stresses throughout the year, and that populations grow and reproduce continuously.
Contraction of Isolated Cutaneous Vascular Smooth Muscle and its Response to Prostaglandins

The development of a technique for the preparation of continuous helical strips of smooth muscle from small arterioles showed that cutaneous vascular smooth muscles could be studied directly and that their responses to natural and pharmacological compounds are consistent (Bohr et al, 1961). The pharmacological responses are dependent on the species and organs selected for vessel study. The size of the vessel and even the region of the organ are important (Bohr, 1965). Such studies have provided the basis for a receptor theory of small coronary vessel response to catecholamine (Bohr, 1967). Similar studies of human cutaneous vessels have indicated the presence of alpha-receptors and are important in understanding the physiology and pathology of the skin (Winkelmann et al, 1970). Our purpose is to summarize the data obtained by this method and to show the effect of prostaglandins on isolated human cutaneous vascular strips.
A study of the mechanisms influencing ligament growth.

This study investigated the effects of tension and/or exogenous growth hormone on the growth (elongation) of ligaments. In the first experiment, tension was applied to the lateral collateral ligaments of immature rabbits. In the second experiment, a group of skeletally mature rabbits was given exogenous growth hormone while tension was applied to their lateral collateral ligaments. The results revealed that immature rabbit ligaments elongated 140 +/- 18% when tension was applied, while "control" ligaments elongated 79 +/- 5% (P less than .01). In mature rabbits receiving exogenous growth hormone, no significant change was found in the ligament's length with or without the application of tension when compared with controls. Tension applied to ligaments in immature rabbits can increase ligament growth, indicating that physical forces (tension) may be important in the regulation of ligament growth. The same tension applied to mature rabbit ligaments in combination with exogenous growth hormone did not cause a resumption of growth, indicating that tension and the presence of growth hormone are not the only factors necessary for ligament growth.
Ostomy Usage for Colorectal Trauma in Combat Casualties.

The role for diverting ostomy as a method to help reduce morbidity and mortality has been well established in the combat trauma population. However, factors that influence the type of ostomy used and which ostomies become permanent are poorly studied. We examine patterns of ostomy usage and reversal in a large series of combat trauma patients. We performed a retrospective review of combat casualties treated at our continental U.S. military treatment facility from 2003 to 2015. All patients who underwent ostomy formation were included. Clinical and demographic factors were collected for all patients including the type of ostomy and whether or not ostomy reversal took place. Patients were grouped and analyzed based on ostomy type and by ostomy reversal. We identified 202 patients who had ostomies created. End colostomies were most common (N = 149) followed by loop colostomies (N = 34) and end ileostomies (N = 19). Casualties that underwent damage control laparotomy (DCL) were less likely to have a loop colostomy created (p < 0.001). Ostomy reversal occurred in 89.9% of patients. There was no difference in ostomy reversal rates by ostomy type (p = 0.080). Presence of a pelvic fracture was associated with permanent ostomy (OR = 3.28, p = 0.019), but no factor independently predicted a permanent ostomy on multivariate analysis. DCL and a severe perineal injury most strongly influence ostomy type selection. Most patients undergo colostomy reversal, and no factor independently predicted an ostomy being permanent. These findings provide a framework for understanding the issue of fecal diversion in the combat trauma population and inform military surgeons about injury patterns and treatment options.
Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus-Encoded Viral IL-6 (vIL-6) Enhances Immunoglobulin Class-Switch Recombination

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is an oncogenic gamma-herpesvirus that causes AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma (KS) and several lymphoproliferative disorders. During the humoral immune response antigen-activated mature B cells acquire functional diversification by immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) class-switch recombination (CSR). CSR is initiated by activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) which targets highly repetitive switch (S)-regions to mediate DNA double-stranded breaks (DSBs) in the IgH locus facilitating intramolecular recombination. Here we show that in the context of cytokine stimulation, CSR is enhanced in murine B cells exposed only to replication-competent KSHV in an environment of KSHV infection, which coincided with elevated AID transcripts. Using murine splenic B cells and the mouse lymphoma CH12F3-2 CSR system, we identified that vIL-6, but not murine IL-6, increased class-switching, which correlated with upregulated AID expression. Together, these data suggest a regulatory role for KSHV vIL-6 in functionally modulating B cell biology by promoting CSR, which may in part explain how KSHV infection influences humoral immunity and affect KSHV pathogenesis.
Changing Perceptions of Alexander in French Chronicles

ABSTRACTThis article surveys the various pictorial treatments of Alexander in French historical compendia from the twelfth to fifteenth centuries, focusing on three traditions: Lambert of Saint-Ome...
Management of Chronic Fixed Posterior Tibial Subluxation in the Multiple Ligament Injured Knee

Management of chronic tibial subluxation following a multiligamentous knee injury is an uncommon but challenging pathology that requires meticulous preoperative evaluation and planning to maximize patient satisfaction and postoperative outcomes. Knowledge of both ligamentous and osseous anatomy and their role in knee biomechanics is important to an anatomic reconstruction. This understanding is particularly crucial in the setting of chronic tibial subluxation in the multiligamentous knee injury, as an absence of the normal anatomic landmarks and ligamentous restraints may exist. Optimal reconstruction and outcomes in this setting require the surgeon to establish a careful balance between knee stability and range of motion. In order to achieve this balance, three sequential operative steps should be followed: First, excise all scar tissue to maximize uninhibited knee range of motion; second, reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) to establish a central knee axis of motion; and finally, following possible reconstruction of the medial and lateral complexes, carefully maintain postoperative stability and range of motion with a functional knee brace. Close clinical and radiographic follow-up will aid to achieve an optimal postoperative result in this complex clinical situation. If the chronicity of the injury has progressed to the point of maladaptive osseous changes, success with operative intervention to restore stability and functionality is unlikely, and therefore nonoperative management or salvage procedures should be considered.
Análise do padrão de consumo de álcool em usuários da Unidade Básica de Saúde Santo Antônio em São José do Rio Preto.

Introducao : o uso nocivo do alcool e um dos fatores de risco de maior impacto em todo o mundo. Segundo pesquisas nacionais, 12% da populacao brasileira e dependente de alcool, representando uma parcela significativa da populacao atingida por esta problematica que e um dos mais graves problemas de saude publica. Objetivo : identificar o padrao de consumo de alcool entre usuarios de um servico de Atencao Primaria a Saude. Metodologia : estudo descritivo com pacientes da Unidade Basica de Saude (UBS) Santo Antonio em Sao Jose do Rio Preto, Sao Paulo, atraves de aplicacao de questionario AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test) que foi desenvolvido para rastrear o uso excessivo de alcool e quantificar o consumo e sintomas de dependencia do alcoolismo. Foram incluidos pacientes com idade maior ou igual a 18 anos e que aceitaram participar da pesquisa, assinando o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido. Resultados : no total, 163 participantes foram incluidos no estudo e os padroes de consumo encontrados foram: 44,4% dos pacientes em zona I (baixo risco); 25,3% em zona II, 9,3% em zona III e 21% em zona IV. Conclusao : foi encontrada uma parcela preocupante de pacientes com indice de uso nocivo e dependencia de alcool entre pacientes de uma UBS no noroeste de Sao Paulo. Este indice foi superior a media nacional. Estes dados serao divulgados junto as autoridades competentes, visando estimular ainda mais a implantacao de medidas que visem prevencao e promocao da saude, quanto ao uso nocivo de bebidas alcoolicas junto a sociedade
Differential Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder Versus Language Disorder in Children Ages 2 to 5 Years: Contributions of Parent-Reported Development and Behavior

Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has focused on differentiating children with ASD from neurotypical children. However, many children presenting with concern for ASD are ultimately diagnosed with language disorder (LD). This study aimed to identify differences in parent-rated development and behavior among children ages 2 to 5 years presenting with concern for ASD who were diagnosed with either ASD or LD. Children with ASD were rated as more socially withdrawn and more delayed in social development and self-help skills than those with LD. Parent-rated developmental delays were positively correlated with scores on an autism screening measure and with social withdrawal and pervasive developmental problems among children with ASD. Among those with LD, parent-rated social and self-help development were positively correlated with social withdrawal and attention problems. Thus, parent ratings of social withdrawal and development of social and self-help skills may facilitate differential diagnosis of ASD and LD in children ages 2 to 5 years.
An Initial Investigation into Stereotypical Influences on Implicit Racial Bias and Embodied Avatars

In this paper, we present an initial study to investigate the effects stereotypical settings and avatar appearance of embodied avatars on a user's implicit racial bias. Literature demonstrates the effects embodied avatars can have on a users biases, both implicit and explicit. These shifts in bias and behavior could be caused by the avatars appearance or the stereotypical environment. Few studies have investigated the presence of stereotypical triggers and avatar representation in a learning, game-like environment. With virtual reality entertainment and training simulations becoming popular it is necessary to better understand the effects avatars can have on our behavior, perception, and biases. This study will investigate the potential effects of embodied avatars reinforcing a user's implicit racial biases.
Improving field emission properties of vertically aligned carbon nanotube arrays through a structure modification

Vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) emitters were synthesized directly on stainless steel substrate using DC plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Remarkable field emission (FE) properties, such as low turn-on electric field (ETO = 1.40 V/μm) and low threshold electric field (ETH = 2.31 V/μm), were observed from VACNT arrays with long length and moderate density. The FE performance was significantly enhanced by a uniquely bundled structure of VACNTs formed through a simple water treatment process. The FE properties of VACNTs were further improved by coating the exterior of CNTs with a uniform layer of crystalline SnO2 nanoparticles; the ETO and ETH were reduced to 1.18 and 2.01 V/μm, respectively. The enhancement of FE properties by SnO2 coating can be attributed to the morphological change of VACNTs caused by the solution phase coating process. The coated samples also exhibited an improved FE stability which is attributed to the enhancement of the mechanical strength and chemical stability of the VACNTs after the SnO2 coating. The VACNT emitters with characteristic features such as a conductive substrate, low contact resistance between the VACNTs and the substrate, uniform coating, and bundled morphology can be ideal candidates for FE devices.
An Endovascular-First Approach for Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease is Safe: Prior Endovascular Intervention is Not Associated with Inferior Outcomes after Aortofemoral Bypass.

Background Although prior endovascular intervention is a risk factor for inferior outcomes after infrainguinal bypass, there are few studies evaluating the effect of prior aortoiliac endovascular intervention (AIEI) on outcomes after aortofemoral bypass (AFB). We sought to determine if prior AIEI was predictive of adverse events after AFB. Methods The Vascular Quality Initiative was queried for all patients who underwent AFB form 2009 to 2019. Urgent/emergent cases and repeat procedures were excluded. Primary outcomes were major perioperative complications, major adverse limb event (MALE)-free survival, and long-term survival. Multivariable logistic regression identified predictors of major complications. Predictors of MALE-free survival were identified with Cox proportional hazards modeling. Results There were 3,056 patients who underwent AFB; 618 had a prior AIEI. Mean age was 60.3 ± 8.7 years, and 58.7% of patients were men. There was no difference in major complications between the 2 groups (AIEI: 23.8%, no AIEI: 24.5%; P-value = 0.70). Factors associated with major complications were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (odds ratio [OR]: 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–1.54; P = 0.008), simultaneous lower extremity intervention (endarterectomy, bypass, or transluminal intervention, OR 1.41, 95% CI: 1.18–1.69; P Conclusions An endovascular-first approach for aortoiliac occlusive disease appears to be safe and does not portend to inferior results after AFB.
United in Anger: A History of ACT UP

United in Anger: A History of ACT UP. A documentary film directed by Jim Hubbard. Produced by United In Anger, Inc. http://www.unitedinanger.com. ACT UP Oral History Project, http://www.actuporalhi...
The Kentucky SimSmoke Tobacco Control Policy Model of Smokeless Tobacco and Cigarette Use.

Background Smokeless tobacco (SLT) prevalence was decreasing in Kentucky before 2007, but has since increased. This study examines the impact of policies on cigarette and SLT use by applying the SimSmoke tobacco control policy simulation model. Methods Using data from the large-scale Tobacco Use Supplement of the Current Population Survey (TUS-CPS) and information on state-specific tobacco policies, Kentucky SimSmoke is updated and extended to incorporate exclusive SLT and dual cigarette and SLT use. The model is validated using survey data through 2017. The model was used to estimate the impact on smoking and SLT prevalence and attributable deaths of policies implemented between 1993 and 2018 and the impact of stronger future policies implemented in 2018 and maintained through 2060. Results SimSmoke generally reflects trends in exclusive cigarette use from the TUS-CPS and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), but underestimated the increase in SLT prevalence in recent years. SimSmoke projects that policies implemented between 1993 and 2018 reduced male and female cigarette use by 23.7% and 23.0%, and male and female SLT use by 4.9% by 2018, averting 9018 tobacco-attributable deaths by 2018, increasing to 89 547 by 2060. The largest reductions in cigarette and SLT use were attributed to cigarette price increases. Strengthening tobacco control policies could reduce smoking prevalence by 41% and 40%, and reduce SLT prevalence by 33% and 25% for males and females by 2060. Conclusion Our results suggest that cigarette-oriented policies were effective in reducing SLT use but have been less successful in recent years. Future use rates can be further reduced through more restrictive statewide policies, which also target non-combustible nicotine products.
Using Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES) to examine injury in front vs. rear-seated infants and children involved in a motor vehicle crash in New York State.

In New York State (NYS), motor vehicle (MV) injury to child passengers is a leading cause of hospitalization and emergency department (ED) visits in children aged 0–12 years. NYS laws require appropriate child restraints for ages 0–7 years and safety belts for ages 8 and up while traveling in a private passenger vehicle, but do not specify a seating position. Factors associated with injury in front-seated (n = 11,212) compared to rear-seated (n = 93,092) passengers aged 0–12 years were examined by age groups 0–3, 4–7 and 8–12 years using the 2012–2014 NYS Crash Outcome Data Evaluation System (CODES). CODES consists of Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) crash reports linked to ED visits and hospitalizations. The front seat was row 1 and the rear rows 2–3. Vehicle towed from scene and air bag deployed were proxies for crash severity. Injury was dichotomized based on Maximum Abbreviated Injury Severity (MAIS) scores greater than zero. Multivariable logistic regression (odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI) was used to examine factors predictive of injury for the total population and for each age group. Front-seated children had more frequent injury than those rear-seated (8.46% vs. 4.92%, p < 0.0001). Children in child restraints experienced fewer medically-treated injuries compared to seat belted or unrestrained children (3.80, 6.50 and 13.62%, p < 0.0001 respectively). A higher proportion of children traveling with an unrestrained vs. restrained driver experienced injury (14.50% vs 5.26%, p < 0.0001). After controlling for crash severity, multivariable adjusted predictors of injury for children aged 0–12 years included riding in the front seat (1.20, 1.10–1.31), being unrestrained vs. child restraint (2.13, 1.73–2.62), being restrained in a seat belt vs. child restraint (1.20, 1.11–1.31), and traveling in a car vs. other vehicle type (1.21, 1.14–1.28). Similarly, protective factors included traveling with a restrained driver (0.61, 0.50–0.75), a driver aged < 25 years (0.91, 0.82–0.99), being an occupant of a later vehicle model year 2005–2008 (0.68, 0.53–0.89) or 2009–2015 (0.55, 0.42–0.71) compared to older model years (1970–1993). Compared to front-seated children, rear-seated children and children in age-appropriate restraints had lower adjusted odds of medically-treated injury.
Biventricular Global Function Index Is Associated With Adverse Outcomes in Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot.

Introduction: Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) derived biventricular global function index (BVGFI) is a new CMR parameter that integrates biventricular volumes, mass, and function using clinically ...
Mobile charging stations for electric vehicles — A review

Abstract Electric vehicle (EV) penetration is accelerating in an unprecedented way, but the insufficient charging infrastructure to cover all locations hinders the improvement of the EV market. Currently, due to the small EV to internal combustion engine vehicle ratio, installing fixed charging stations (FCSs) at all locations is not financially viable. Lack of available FCSs increases the range anxiety and overall charging time, which are two major barriers to the large-scale adoption of electric cars. As a remedy, mobile charging stations (MCSs) can play a vital role in speeding up the process of moving toward more EV adoption by providing charging services at EV users’ convenient times and locations. This paper aims to disseminate information of papers and technical reports working on MCS, discuss the benefits, analyze the challenges, and finally propose possible research topics on MCS as a flexible method of charging to provide support to FCSs. The study reveals that utilizing MCS services is a cost-effective technology for charging facilities owners to improve the utilization rate of charging equipment and for the power grid to reduce the adverse effects of EV penetration.
Feasibility of Utilizing Social Media to Promote HPV Self-Collected Sampling among Medically Underserved Women in a Rural Southern City in the United States (U.S.).

Background Social media (Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter) as communication channels have great potential to deliver Human papillomavirus self-test (HPVST) intervention to medically underserved women (MUW) such as women of low income. However, little is known about MUW's willingness to participate in HPVST intervention delivered through social media. We evaluated factors that contribute to MUW's intention to participate in the social media-related intervention for HPVST. Methods A 21-item survey was administered among women receiving food from a local food pantry in a U.S. southern state. Independent variables were social media usage facilitators (including confidentiality, social support, cost, and convenience), and barriers (including misinformation, time-consuming, inefficient, and privacy concerns). Dependent variables included the likelihood of participating in social-driven intervention for HPVST. Both variables were measured on a 5-point scale. We used multinomial logistic regression to analyze the data. Results A total of 254 women (mean age 48.9 ± 10.7 years) comprising Whites (40%), Hispanics (29%), Blacks (27%), and Other (4%) participated in the study. We found that over 44% of the women were overdue for their pap smears for the past three years, 12% had never had a pap smear, and 34% were not sure if they had had a pap smear. Over 82% reported frequent social media (e.g., Facebook) usage, and 52% reported willingness to participate in social media-driven intervention for HPVST. Women who reported that social media provide privacy (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 6.23, 95% CI: 3.56, 10.92), provide social support (AOR = 7.18, 95% CI: 4.03, 12.80), are less costly (AOR = 6.71, 95% CI: 3.80, 11.85), and are convenient (AOR = 6.17, 95% CI: 3.49, 10.92) had significantly increased odds of participating in social media intervention for HPVST. Conclusions The findings underscore that the majority of the MUW are overdue for cervical cancer screening, regularly use social media, and are willing to participate in social media-driven intervention. Social media could be used to promote HPV self-testing among MUW.
Identification of Impacted Pathways and Transcriptomic Markers as Potential Mediators of Pulmonary Fibrosis in Transgenic Mice Expressing Human IGFBP5

Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious disease characterized by extracellular matrix (ECM) component overproduction and remodeling. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 5 (IGFBP5) is a conserved member of the IGFBP family of proteins that is overexpressed in fibrotic tissues and promotes fibrosis. We used RNA sequencing (RNAseq) to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between primary lung fibroblasts (pFBs) of homozygous (HOMO) transgenic mice expressing human IGFBP5 (hIGFBP5) and wild type mice (WT). The results of the differential expression analysis showed 2819 DEGs in hIGFBP5 pFBs. Functional enrichment analysis confirmed the pro-fibrotic character of IGFBP5 and revealed its impact on fundamental signaling pathways, including cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction, focal adhesion, AGE-RAGE signaling, calcium signaling, and neuroactive ligand-receptor interactions, to name a few. Noticeably, 7% of the DEGs in hIGFBP5-expressing pFBs are receptors and integrins. Furthermore, hub gene analysis revealed 12 hub genes including Fpr1, Bdkrb2, Mchr1, Nmur1, Cnr2, P2ry14, and Ptger3. Validation assays were performed to complement the RNAseq data. They confirmed significant differences in the levels of the corresponding proteins in cultured pFBs. Our study provides new insights into the molecular mechanism(s) of IGFBP5-associated pulmonary fibrosis through possible receptor interactions that drive fibrosis and tissue remodeling.
Renal epithelial electrophysiological response to cobalt chloride induced hypoxia (888.4)

Regulation of amiloride-sensitive sodium current i.e., sodium channel (ENaC) current was found to be dependent on intact cilium in a kidney epithelial cell culture model. We hypothesize that cystic...
Hematocrit and oxygenation dependence of blood 1H2O T1 at 7 tesla

Knowledge of blood (1)H2O T1 is critical for perfusion-based quantification experiments such as arterial spin labeling and cerebral blood volume-weighted MRI using vascular space occupancy. The dependence of blood (1)H2O T1 on hematocrit fraction (Hct) and oxygen saturation fraction (Y) was determined at 7 T using in vitro bovine blood in a circulating system under physiological conditions. Blood (1)H2O R1 values for different conditions could be readily fitted using a two-compartment (erythrocyte and plasma) model, which are described by a monoexponential longitudinal relaxation rate constant dependence. It was found that T1 = 2171 ± 39 ms for Y = 1 (arterial blood) and 2010 ± 41 ms for Y = 0.6 (venous blood), for a typical Hct of 0.42. The blood (1)H2O T1 values in the normal physiological range (Hct from 0.35 to 0.45, and Y from 0.6 to 1.0) were determined to range from 1900 to 2300 ms. The influence of oxygen partial pressure (pO2) and the effect of plasma osmolality for different anticoagulants were also investigated. It is discussed why blood (1)H2O T1 values measured in vivo for human blood may be about 10-20% larger than found in vitro for bovine blood at the same field strength.
Entry under Asymmetric Regulation

In recent years, the local telephone industry has evolved from a traditionally regulated structure of natural monopoly to one characterized as having a dominant firm and competitive fringe. Yet, legacy regulation from the monopoly era still remains in this new environment, and is often applied solely to the dominant firm. Economic theory suggests that asymmetric regulation of this sort will induce competitive entry. We find support for this theory by demonstrating that the amount of entry into local telephone markets is significantly higher when asymmetric quality-of-service standards are present.
Sum frequency generation vibrational spectroscopy studies on model peptide adsorption at the hydrophobic solid-water and hydrophilic solid-water interfaces

Sum frequency generation (SFG) vibrational spectroscopy has been used to study the interfacial structure of several polypeptides and amino acids adsorbed to hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces under a variety of experimental conditions. Peptide sequence, peptide chain length, peptide hydrophobicity, peptide side-chain type, surface hydrophobicity, and solution ionic strength all affect an adsorbed peptide's interfacial structure. Herein, it is demonstrated that with the choice of simple, model peptides and amino acids, surface specific SFG vibrational spectroscopy can be a powerful tool to elucidate the interfacial structure of these adsorbates. Herein, four experiments are described. In one, a series of isosequential amphiphilic peptides are synthesized and studied when adsorbed to both hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces. On hydrophobic surfaces of deuterated polystyrene, it was determined that the hydrophobic part of the peptide is ordered at the solid-liquid interface, while the hydrophilic part of the peptide appears to have a random orientation at this interface. On a hydrophilic surface of silica, it was determined that an ordered peptide was only observed if a peptide had stable secondary structure in solution. In another experiment, the interfacial structure of a model amphiphilic peptide was studied as a function of the ionic strength of the solution, amore » parameter that could change the peptide's secondary structure in solution. It was determined that on a hydrophobic surface, the peptide's interfacial structure was independent of its structure in solution. This was in contrast to the adsorbed structure on a hydrophilic surface, where the peptide's interfacial structure showed a strong dependence on its solution secondary structure. In a third experiment, the SFG spectra of lysine and proline amino acids on both hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces were obtained by using a different experimental geometry that increases the SFG signal. Upon comparison of these spectra to the SFG spectra of interfacial polylysine and polyproline it was determined that the interfacial structure of a peptide is strongly dependent on its chain length. Lastly, SFG spectroscopy has been extended to the Amide I vibrational mode of a peptide (which is sensitive to peptide secondary structure) by building a new optical parametric amplifier based on lithium thioindate. Evidence is presented that suggests that the interfacial secondary structure of a peptide can be perturbed by a surface.« less