cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pyeloplasty for Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction in Adults: Correlation of Radiographic and Clinical Results

Pyeloplasty for hydronephrosis secondary to ureteropelvic junction obstruction is a proved efficacious procedure. In many cases the clinical improvement effected by technically successful pyeloplasty in children has been reported to exceed substantially radiographic improvement in caliceal appearance. To address this issue in the adult population we did a retrospective review of 52 patients who had undergone pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction. In 91 per cent of the patients the clinical result was satisfactory, while improvement was observed in 92 per cent of the renal units that could have been expected to benefit. The caliceal appearance on the postoperative excretory urogram was normal in only 25 per cent of the cases, showed diminution of calicectasis in 65 per cent, was unchanged in 30 per cent and deteriorated in 5 per cent. Earlier appearance of contrast medium in the upper ureter on the postoperative excretory urogram was seen in all patients who had a satisfactory clinical result. Deterioration of caliceal grade or delayed appearance of contrast medium in the ureter in the postoperative excretory urogram always was associated with a poor clinical result and/or further parenchymal loss. While a salutary effect of a technically successful operation on the clinical manifestations of hydronephrosis secondary to ureteropelvic junction obstruction is not necessarily correlated with improved or normal caliceal appearance it does correlate strongly with improvement of drainage as manifested by earlier appearance of contrast medium in the ureter. Deterioration of the caliceal grade or delayed appearance of contrast medium in the ureter implies that effective drainage is not present, which presages a poor clinical outcome and further loss of renal parenchyma.
Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplants in detail. Allogeneic hematopoietic transplants have been performed for over 30 years, with now over 10,000 being performed each year for a variety of malignant and nonmalignant diseases. Over the past 25 years, the International Bone Marrow Transplant Registry (IBMTR), an international research organization, has collected and analyzed data on recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplants. This chapter summarizes the current allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplant activity as reported to the IBMTR. Moreover, certain key findings from recently published articles are also outlined. The chapter discusses that allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell is an exciting area of cellular immune therapy and incorporates many of the latest techniques of molecular biology to improve safety and efficacy. There are now many long-term survivors who, although would not have survived without their transplant, require careful observation for late adverse events such as secondary malignancies. The chapter also mentions the adverse events in long-term survivors. The transplant recipients remain at risk of complications long after transplant. Additionally, data from the IBMTR and other sources suggests that allograft recipients have increased risks of death compared to the general population as long as 8 years after transplantation.
Buffer Pool Aware Query Optimization

With the advent of 64-bit processors, large main memories are set to become very common. This in turn translates to larger buffer pool configurations in database servers. Query optimizers however, currently assume all data is disk resident while optimizing queries. This assumption will no longer be valid when buffer pools become 100’s of gigabytes in size. In this paper we examine how data presence in the buffer pool can affect the choice of query plans in an optimizer. We examine the possible benefits of buffer-pool aware query optimization and propose a generic architecture for implementing such an optimizer.
Unity for Democrats But Not Republicans: The Temporal Dynamics of Intra-Party Bias in U.S. Electoral Politics

Political identification is strong, stable, and the basis of enduring conflict, suggesting that attitudes towards candidates and their supporters will be difficult to change. Here, however, we show that the shift from party primaries (characterized by intra-party conflict) to the general election (characterized by inter-party conflict) can cause identities to be reconfigured - animosities between supporters of rival primary candidates can attenuate as superordinate goals (defeat rival party) and superordinate identities (Democrat/Republican) come to the fore. We provide a fine-grained account of these temporal dynamics by collecting data weekly from mid-June to early September 2016 (total N = 2,183), examining prosocial giving between supporters of competing primary candidates recruited from the online labor market Amazon Mechanical Turk. At the outset of our study, both Democrats and Republicans showed intra-party bias: that is, they shared more money with people from their own party who supported the same primary candidate compared to members of their own party who supported a different primary candidate. This in-group bias among Democrats remained high until the Democratic National Convention, and then disappeared entirely shortly thereafter. Bias among Republicans, conversely, existed at a high level both before and after, but not during, the conventions. These findings emphasize both the discontinuity and contingency of changing identities. The abrupt elimination of bias among Democrats, but resurgence of bias among Republicans, suggests that a superordinate goal of defeating the other party (which was salient for both sides during the shift to the general election and was particularly emphasized during party conventions) was not sufficient to bring supporters of different primary candidates together for a sustained period. Rather, sustained change may require successful efforts to emphasize shared (superordinate) party-based identity – a task which our data suggest the Democratic National Convention succeeded in achieving.
A critical evaluation of the utility of eggshells for estimating mercury concentrations in avian eggs

Eggshells are a potential tool for nonlethally sampling contaminant concentrations in bird eggs, yet few studies have examined their utility to represent mercury exposure. We assessed mercury concentrations in eggshell components for 23 bird species and determined whether they correlated with total mercury (THg) in egg contents. We designed a multi-experiment analysis to examine how THg is partitioned into eggshell components, specifically hardened eggshells, material adhered to the eggshells, and inner eggshell membranes. The THg concentrations in eggshells were much lower than in egg contents, and almost all of the THg within the eggshell was contained within material adhered to eggshells and inner eggshell membranes, and specifically not within calcium-rich hardened eggshells. Despite very little mercury in hardened eggshells, THg concentrations in hardened eggshells had the strongest correlation with egg contents among all eggshell components. However, species with the same THg concentrations in eggshells had different THg concentrations in egg contents, indicating that there is no global predictive equation among species for the relationship between eggshell and egg content THg concentrations. Furthermore, for all species, THg concentrations in eggshells decreased with relative embryo age. Although the majority of mercury in eggshells was contained within other eggshell components and not within hardened eggshells, THg in hardened eggshells can be used to estimate THg concentrations in egg contents, if embryo age and species are addressed. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2417-2427. Published 2017 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Phase I/II study of adoptive T-cell therapy following in vivo priming with a HER2/neu vaccine in patients with advanced-stage HER2+ breast cancer.

615 Background: We have reported that infusion of ex vivo expanded T cells derived from previously HER2-vaccine-primed PBMC is safe and able to mediate an anti-tumor response in patients with HER2+...
Prior Hurricane and Other Lifetime Trauma Predict Coping Style in Older Commercial Fishers After the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Fishing communities along the U.S. Gulf Coast have experienced catastrophic disasters including hurricanes and the BP oil spill. Exposure to such events, and subsequent losses, are known to be associated with psychological distress. This distress may be lessened through adaptive coping behaviors, although prior trauma may affect coping responses. Sixty-four south Louisiana commercial fishers (21–90 years old) completed the Brief COPE to assess strategies for coping with oil spill stress 12–26 months after the spill. Regression analyses indicated that storm-related stressors and lifetime traumatic events predicted different styles of coping; however, only avoidant emotional coping predicted more symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress. These data suggest that prior and current traumatic experiences may hinder effective coping.
Gender differences in happiness: The effects of marriage, social roles, and social support in East Asia.

Studies in Western countries and cross-national comparisons have shown that there are several important factors contributing to the level of happiness of individuals. Utilizing the East Asian Social Survey Health Module (2010), the present study examines this relationship in four East Asian countries: China, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. East Asian countries are an interesting case for this inquiry, due to the cultural contexts such as traditional gender relations. Therefore, we focus on gender differences in predictors of happiness of individuals and attempt to answer four questions: (1) Do gender differences in happiness exist in East Asian countries? (2) Does marriage still serve as the norm and thus contribute to individual’s happiness? (3) Does conforming to traditional gender roles (i.e., employment and parenthood) contribute to individual’s happiness? (4) Is the availability of social support (i.e., emotional, financial, and instrumental) positively associated with individual’s happiness? We find that there are gender differences in the determinants of happiness in East Asian countries. The result also indicates that marital status is a strong indicator of happiness in East Asian countries, especially for men but not necessarily for women. In addition, full time employment is positively associated with men’s happiness in China but negatively associated with women’s in Japan. Finally, social support is positively associated with individual’s happiness, especially for women.
How to Reduce Dietary Salt Intake: Just Add Spice?

See related article, pp 1291–1299 Hypertension is the single largest risk factor for multiple comorbidities, including stroke, myocardial infarction, and chronic kidney disease, and is projected to be the leading global cause of death and disability by 2020. A major risk factor for hypertension is high dietary salt intake.1 The salt sensitivity of blood pressure, an exaggerated pressor response to salt intake, affects ≈50% of hypertensive and ≈25% of normotensive adults and profoundly increases the risk of hypertension.1 Highlighting the profound impact of salt intake on global health, the World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed dietary salt reduction as a target for 2025 to reduce global mortality from noncommunicable diseases. Despite this stated WHO target, the public health impact of dietary salt intake remains significant as the vast majority of countries consume a daily salt intake far in excess of the 5 g/d recommended by the WHO.1,2 Despite multiple campaigns to increases public awareness of the potential health benefits of reducing salt intake, global salt intake remains high, and new approaches and scientific insights are required to achieve reductions in population-level salt intake. The study conducted by Li et al3 reported in this issue of Hypertension adopts an alternative approach to this issue of excess salt intake based on the hedonic properties of salty food. The authors have investigated, via clinical and basic science studies, the role of spicy taste preference on the central circuitry that responds to salt intake. The central gustatory system and mesolimbic system are vital to the processing of taste signaling and the hedonic responses to food, including the palatability of salty food. Prior investigations have determined that the individual subjective pleasantness of taste is highly associated with the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), as such this region was a focus of …
Using a FRET Library with Multiple Probe Pairs To Drive Monte Carlo Simulations of α-Synuclein

Abstract We describe a strategy for experimentally-constraining computational simulations of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs), using α -synuclein, an IDP with a central role in Parkinson's disease pathology, as an example. Previously, data from single-molecule Forster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) experiments have been effectively utilized to generate experimentally constrained computational models of IDPs. However, the fluorophores required for single-molecule FRET experiments are not amenable to the study of short-range ( α -synuclein in the presence of the compacting osmolyte trimethylamine- N -oxide. Despite significant compaction imparted by 2 M trimethylamine- N -oxide, the underlying ensemble of α -synuclein remains largely disordered and capable of aggregation, also in agreement with experimental data. These proof-of-concept experiments demonstrate that our modeling protocol enables one to efficiently generate experimentally constrained models of IDPs that incorporate atomic-scale detail, allowing one to study an IDP under a variety of conditions.
Classical Realism and History: Findings and Implications

The findings are summarized. Fifteen of the twenty-three wars were fought to take territory and three others to forestall a realistic threat. These results are inconsistent with the claim that states content with the status quo blunder into war through mutual misperception. The wars occurred primarily because revisionist states, led by kings and dictators eager to attain glory and power, attacked others or provoked others to attack them. Human nature is the primary cause of war, but Monarchy and especially Dictatorship inflame and release from control the passions of leaders. Ambition causes wars, and fear can prevent them. Classical Realism, modified to incorporate the impact of regimes, provides the most convincing explanation for war, as well as the best guide to policy.
HUMAN NUTRITION | Cancer Health Concerns

To date, the highest correlation between meat consumption and cancer incidence is between processed meats or red meat and colon cancer. However, patterns of intake including large amounts of meats and processed meats containing elevated levels of mutagens appear to be linked to some other cancers. This article documents the incidence data for several cancers and discusses the findings from recent publications that have evaluated the relationship between meat consumption and cancer incidence.
A small, battery-operated fluoroscopic system - Lixiscope with X-ray generator

A small, battery-operated X-ray generator has been developed to be used as part of a small-format fluoroscopic system, the Lixiscope (Low Intensity X-ray Imaging Scope). The X-ray generator consists of a grounded rod-anode X-ray tube with a 0.2 mm focal spot and a specially designed, battery-operated, 0 to -80 kV high-voltge supply. Total power consumption is about 10 W. The fine focal spot, in conjunction with the continuously variable X-ray intensity and spectral distribution, helps to extend both the versatility and the performance of the Lixiscope toward a much wider range of terrestrial and spacecraft applications. The complete fluoroscopic system is described, and some examples of possible applications are shown.
Changes in Kappa Opioid Receptor Expression During Maturation of Mouse Lymphocytes

Dynamic interactions between the immune and nervous systems have been well documented through the study of chemical mediators, such as neurotransmitters1,2 and neuropeptides,3 which are common to both systems. In particular, of the neuropeptides, the opioid peptides have been shown to exert profound modulating effects on various immune cell functions.4–7 In addition, detection of messenger RNA encoding for μ,8 δ,9,10 and k10,11 opioid receptors in lymphocytes suggests the existence of these neuronal receptors on immune cell populations. However, the detection of opioid receptors on cells of the immune system has remained elusive, possibly due to a lack in abundance of opioid receptors on immune cells or due to differential receptor expression on specific subpopulations of immune cells. Recently, initiatives from our laboratory combining flow cytometric analysis with indirect immunofluorescent labeling have been successful in demonstrating k opioid receptor expression on mouse immune cells.12–14 This sensitive method employs amplification of labeling by aκ-selective opioid, fluorescein-conjugated arylacetamide (FITC-AA), with the addition of biotinylated anti-fluorescein IgG and extravidin-R-phycoerythrin (PE). Double-labeling of immune cells using this receptor amplification procedure along with fluorophore-conjugated monoclonal antibodies (mAb) provides for the identification of specific immune cell subpopulations, which express the k opioid receptor, from within larger, heterogeneous populations. Recently, we reported that freshly isolated thymocytes from 6–8-week-old C57BL/6ByJ mice demonstrate FITC-AA/PE labeling, which is blocked by theκ-selective antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (nor-BNI).13,15 Whereas thymocytes consist mainly of immature T-cells, the question remained as to whether mature lymphocytes express the k opioid receptor. The present study, therefore, has applied this amplification labeling procedure, along with phenotypic analysis, to both immature and mature immune cell populations to determine whether k opioid receptor expression is present throughout lymphocyte maturation.
Presentation and Pathophysiology of Seizures in the Critical Care Environment

Seizures represent stereotypic electroencephalographic (EEG) and behavioral paroxysms as a consequence of electrical neurological derangement. Seizures are usually described as focal or generalized motor convulsions. Other, nonconvulsive seizure types are common as well and require vigilant patient evaluation for optimal detection. Owing to the admission diagnoses and physiological derangements common to critically ill patients, the intensive care unit (ICU) hosts conditions appropriate for the manifestation of the entire spectrum of seizure disorders. Common etiologies of seizures in the ICU entail primary neurological pathology or secondary to critical illness and clinical management. Alterations in neurotransmitter sensitivity via up- or down regulation of receptors, a decrease in inhibition, or alterations in membrane pump functions may contribute to the high incidence of seizures in an ICU. Particularly prevalent as precipitants of seizures are hypoxia/ischemia, mass lesions, drug toxicity, and metabolic abnormalities. For optimal treatment, early diagnosis of the seizure type and its cause is important to ensure appropriate therapy. Most seizures and their recurrence are easily treated, and attention is focused on ascertaining the cause and correcting any medical abnormality. Convulsive status epilepticus, which represents the most feared seizure state, requires emergent treatment to prevent irreversible brain injury and severe metabolic disturbances. Treatment of seizures with anticonvulsants in an ICU is not without risks, and appropriate judgment and selection of therapeutic drugs are important.
Facile Retrofit of Shear Tab Connections for Enhanced Lateral Resistance of Steel Gravity Frames

AbstractA facile and effective method for retrofitting simple shear tab connections in a steel gravity frame is presented to improve its overall lateral force-resisting capacity. At a target shear ...
Technical Note: Characterization of clinical linear accelerator triggering latency for motion management system development.

PURPOSE Latencies for motion management systems have previously been presented as guidelines for system development and implementation. These guidelines consider the overall system latency, including data acquisition, algorithm processing, and linac triggering time. However, during system development, the triggering latency of the clinical linear accelerator is often considered fixed. This paper presents a method to decouple the linac-only triggering latency from the total system latency such that latency can be considered in terms of only the linac-independent aspects of the system. METHODS The linac-only latency was investigated by considering the time at which a linac response was observed relative to the time at which a beam-on/off triggering signal was sent to the linac. The relative time between the two signals was analyzed using a multichannel oscilloscope with input signals from a custom gating box to manually trigger the beam state as well as a diode positioned at beam isocenter to monitor the linac response. The beam-on/off latency was measured at multiple energies (6/18 MV) and repetition rates (100-600 MU/min) to investigate beam setting dependencies. RESULTS The measured latency was observed to be dependent on the accelerator settings for repetition rate and energy, with beam-on latencies decreasing with increasing repetition rate and decreasing energy. In contrast, the opposite trend was present for the observed beam-off latency. At 600 MU/min, beam-on/off latencies were observed to be 3.37/1.45 ms for a 6 MV beam and 6.02/0.73 ms for an 18 MV beam. Negative latencies were possible for beam-off measurements due to the mechanical latency being less than the pulse separation at given repetition rates. CONCLUSIONS The linac latency associated with triggering the beam-on/off was determined to have a minor contribution to the total allowable system latency; thus, the majority of the total system latency can be attributed to linac-independent factors.
Abstract WP284: Modelling Hospital-Level Costs of Thrombolysis to Strokes and Stroke Mimics

Introduction: When the diagnosis of stroke is not completely certain, the benefits of rapid treatment with tPA are widely thought to outweigh the minimal risk of complication associated with thromb...
Inactivation of the bacterial pathogens Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Acinetobacter baumannii by butanoic acid

Aims This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of butanoic acid against bacterial pathogens including Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Methods and results Vegetative bacteria were exposed to butanoic acid in vitro and log reduction was quantified using viable count assays. The maximum (8 and 9) log inactivation was determined by qualitatively assaying for growth/no-growth after a 48-h incubation (37°C). Membrane integrity after exposure to butanoic acid was determined by propidium iodide staining, scanning electron microscopy, membrane depolarization and inductively coupled plasma analysis. Cytosolic pH was measured by 5-(6-)carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester. Conclusions Inhibitory concentrations of butanoic acid ranged between 11 and 21 mmol l-1 for Gram-positive and Gram-negative species tested. The maximum log reduction of A. baumannii was achieved with a 10-s exposure of 0·50 mol l-1 of butanoic acid. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius required 0·40 mol l-1 of butanoic acid to achieve the same level of reduction in the same time period. Inactivation was associated with membrane permeability and acidification of the cytosol. Significance and impact of the study Antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens necessitates the utilization of novel therapeutics for disinfection and biological control. These results may facilitate the development of butanoic acid as an effective agent against a broad-spectrum of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens.
Preliminary results of phase I clinical trial of high doses of seleno-L-methionine (SLM) in sequential combination with axitinib in previously treated and relapsed clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients.

660Background: The overexpression of hypoxia induced factor 1a/2a in ccRCC leads to up-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) that results in increased angiogenesis, tumor metastas...
Metal Abundances in the Hot ISM of Elliptical Galaxies

X-ray spectroscopy provides a powerful tool to measure various elemental abundances in the hot ISM and the measured abundances in turn can be compared with galaxy chemical evolution models to constrain important astrophysical quantities and to help our understanding of the formation and evolution of elliptical galaxies and their ISM. In this chapter, I will address various technical issues involved in X-ray spectral fitting and review observational results of metal abundances in the hot ISM of elliptical galaxies.
Understanding Laccase–Ionic Liquid Interactions toward Biocatalytic Lignin Conversion in Aqueous Ionic Liquids

Lignin is a crucial component of plant matter; however, it is also largely responsible for the recalcitrance of lignocellulosic biomass when subjected to pretreatment processes. Lignin is generated...
Complex cannabis use patterns: Associations with cannabis consequences and cannabis use disorder symptomatology

Abstract Background Historically, cannabis researchers have assumed a single mode and product of cannabis (e.g., smoking plant). However, patterns of use, products (e.g., concentrates, edibles), and modes (e.g. blunts, vaporizers) are diversifying. This study sought to: 1) classify cannabis users into groups based on their use of the full range of cannabis products, and 2) examine user group differences on demographics, cannabis consequences and cannabis use disorder (CUD) symptomatology. Methods In a sample of college students (data collected in Fall 2017), who used cannabis in the past year (N = 1390), latent class analysis (LCA) was used to characterize cannabis users. We then added demographic characteristics, cannabis consequences, and CUD symptomatology scores separately to LCA models to examine class differences. Results Five unique classes emerged: high-frequency all-product users, high-frequency plant/moderate-frequency edible and concentrate users, low-frequency plant users, moderate-frequency plant and edible users, and low-frequency edible users. Demographic characteristics, cannabis consequences, and CUD symptomatology differed across classes characterized by frequency as well as product. Conclusions Results reflect the increasing variety of cannabis products, modes, and use patterns among college students. In this sample, frequency of use remains a strong predictor of cannabis-related consequences, in addition to type of product. As variation in cannabis use patterns continue to evolve, it is essential for researchers to conduct comprehensive assessments.
Cookoff modeling of a melt cast explosive (Comp-B)

Abstract A universal cookoff model (UCM) is applied to the melt cast explosive Comp-B composed of RDX and TNT. The UCM uses a simple kinetic mechanism with rates and thermophysical properties determined specifically for Comp-B. The success of the UCM is primarily attributed to the flexible form of the rate expression as well as accurate thermophysical properties obtained from small-scale experiments. The rate expressions use distributed activation energies in conjunction with rate multipliers to account for accelerations caused by 1) dissolved RDX, 2) liquid RDX, and 3) pressure. Our finite element model addresses Comp-B cookoff from the pristine state, through melting of the TNT binder, partial dissolution of RDX in the hot TNT, and melting of the remaining RDX as the Comp-B thermally ignites. Typically, the UCM is used for explosives that do not flow. However, we have included a buoyancy-driven flow model to account for multiphase fluid movement. Predicted temperature fields were sensitive to flow, which caused the hotter material to rise. Our predictions of ignition times were also sensitive to RDX dissolving in hot TNT causing an acceleration of the RDX decomposition.
Physical therapy interventions for cervicogenic dizziness in a military-aged population: protocol for a systematic review.

Traumatic cervicogenic dizziness is dizziness that is temporally associated with neck pain and injury after other causes of dizziness have been excluded. It can lead to activity limitations and participation restrictions that may include lost duty or work days. The objective of this systematic review is to determine which interventions are most effective in decreasing dizziness or vertigo and neck pain in military-aged adults with traumatic cervicogenic dizziness. The literature will be systematically searched using the following online databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, CENTRAL, Cochrane Methodology Register), CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and J-STAGE. The review will include randomized controlled trials (RCTs), including cluster RCTs and controlled (non-randomized) clinical trials or cluster trials, and observational studies (including prospective and retrospective comparative cohort and case–control or nested case–control studies) and determine the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions for the treatment of traumatic cervicogenic dizziness in military-aged adults. Assessment of methodological quality will be performed by two independent, blinded reviewers using the PEDro scale. The level of evidence will be determined using the GRADE scale. The primary outcome measures will be change in dizziness and neck pain and disability from baseline to the last available follow-up, measured using the Dizziness Handicap Inventory and Neck Disability Index. Other relevant outcome measures will include self-reported change in symptoms, time to return to duty or work, and quality of life. This systematic review will identify, evaluate, and integrate the evidence on the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions for cervicogenic dizziness in a military-aged population. We anticipate our findings may inform individual treatment and future research. Clinical recommendations generated from this systematic review may inform military physical therapy treatment of individuals with cervicogenic dizziness. In accordance with the guidelines, our systematic review protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) on 21 January 2020 (registration number CRD42020150853). In the event of protocol amendments, the date of each amendment will be accompanied by a description of the change and the rationale.
Identifying Vulnerable Critical Infrastructure Zones in Smart Cities

Emerging smart cities are leveraging technologies to create smart critical infrastructures with the goal of improving the quality of life. These smart infrastructures introduce new vulnerabilities to the failure of ICT and electric power. Hence there is a need for holistic analysis of critical infrastructures incorporating power and communications with other infrastructures when determining weak points. Here we propose a framework for identifying the most important geographical zones within a city from a critical infrastructure viewpoint. The framework combines multiple metrics including societal, geographic and network science based, as well as including power requirements. Furthermore it enables analyst to study both networked critical infrastructure and standalone critical infrastructure. A case study of four critical infrastructures in the city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is given illustrating the approach. The results show that considering the infrastructures as a group in a holistic fashion yields much different results when compared with studying each infrastructure individually. Further, we demonstrate how the results of the holistic analysis can be incorporated into a risk analysis.
Housing inequalities: Eviction patterns in Salt Lake County, Utah

Abstract Housing insecurity affects millions of Americans. Many cases in which individuals or families lack secure housing are the result of involuntary residential displacement, which often comes in the form of eviction and eviction threat from rental residences. This study takes a spatial analysis approach to understand patterns of evictions filed in Salt Lake County, Utah at the block group level. Modeling the geography of housing security attributes in urban areas is key to identifying inequality issues in potentially segregated regions. Two regression models are constructed that provide insight into inequalities based on race/ethnicity and socioeconomic vulnerability. The models show that there are clear inequalities in Salt Lake County, whereby those living in block groups of minority populations are affected by eviction at a substantially higher rate than those living in majority White population block groups. There is also a higher likelihood of threat of eviction if residents are already economically stressed. The implications of these findings are not limited to individual or family suffering, but also have negative community and larger social effects. Potential pathways to alleviating these issues are discussed in the conclusions section.
idCOV: a pipeline for quick clade identification of SARS-CoV-2 isolates

idCOV is a phylogenetic pipeline for quickly identifying the clades of SARS-CoV-2 virus isolates from raw sequencing data based on a selected clade-defining marker list. Using a public dataset, we show that idCOV can make equivalent calls as annotated by Nextstrain.org on all three common clade systems using user uploaded FastQ files directly. Web and equivalent command-line interfaces are available. It can be deployed on any Linux environment, including personal computer, HPC and the cloud. The source code is available at https://github.com/xz-stjude/idcov . A documentation for installation can be found at https://github.com/xz-stjude/idcov/blob/master/README.md .
Pathogenic TFG Mutations Underlying Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia Impair Secretory Protein Trafficking and Axon Fasciculation

Length-dependent axonopathy of the corticospinal tract causes lower limb spasticity and weakness and is characteristic of several neurological disorders, including hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mutations in tropomyosin-receptor kinase fused gene (TFG) have been implicated in both disease states, but the pathomechanisms by which these alterations cause neuropathy remain unclear. Here, we biochemically and genetically define the impact of a mutation within the coiled coil domain of TFG, which underlies early onset forms of HSP. We find that the TFG (p.R106C) mutation alters compaction of TFG ring complexes, which play a critical role in the export of cargoes from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Moreover, using CRISPR-mediated genome editing, we engineered human stem cells that express the mutant form of TFG at endogenous levels and identified specific defects in secretion from the ER and axon fasciculation following neuronal differentiation. Together, our data highlight a key role for TFG-mediated protein transport in the pathogenesis of HSP.
Feasibility and Acceptability of a Novel Primary Care-Based Intervention to Promote Parent-Teen Communication About Teen Strengths

Strength-based approaches to youth development have been tested in community settings and are related to improvements in social, health, and academic realms. However, little is known about similar approaches to enhance parent-teen communication (PTC) in pediatric primary care. The goal of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention to facilitate parent-teen communication about teen strengths. Intervention materials were developed based on a literature review, expert consultation, and feedback from stakeholders. The final intervention was a parent-directed booklet and a parent-teen discussion activity. At the well-adolescent visit (WAV), dyads received an orientation to the materials and were instructed to complete the discussion activity within 2 weeks of the WAV. Health Care Providers verbally endorsed the materials and instructed parents to read the booklet and complete the discussion activity with their teens. Acceptability was assessed at 2-week and 2-month follow-ups. Parent-adolescent dyads from an urban, pediatric primary care practice were enrolled with half assigned to the treatment group. Those in the treatment group (60 dyads) are the focus of this paper. Youth were 13–15 years old, 55% female, and 66% Black. Most participating parents (97%) were female. Fidelity was ≥ 88% for delivery of each of the intervention components. Fifty-four of the 60 parents in the intervention group completed the 2-week call. Of those 54 parents, 96% read the booklet and 62% found the booklet either extremely or very helpful. The majority of parents (67%) and teens (72%) reported that the discussion activity was excellent or very good. Analysis of qualitative data also provided rich insight into the participants’ experiences with the intervention materials. Overall results suggest that an intervention to promote PTC about teen strengths is feasible and acceptable to parents and teens within primary care.
Comprehensive reliability modeling of grid-tied microgrids using Fault Tree Analysis

Fault tree analysis (FTA) is a top-down reliability evaluation method based on Boolean logic and is used to identify the potential causes of system failures (top event) that would possibly occur due to various combinations of component failures (basic events). In this paper, FTA is used to study the reliability performance of a microgrid in grid-tied mode with photovoltaics (PV), wind turbines (WT), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) as distributed generators. Three FTA analyses are performed for three cases, namely microgrid (MG) in islanded mode, utility grid (UG), and finally MG in grid-tied mode (UG + MG). Failure rate and repair rate data for the analyses are drawn from several public databases, reports, and literature. Quantitative and qualitative assessments of the FTA results and performance measures such as unavailability, conditional failure intensity, failure frequency, and the number of failures are presented. Furthermore, to provide a more comprehensive and thorough understanding of the system reliability, several other essential performance measures such as marginality, criticality, diagnostic, risk achievement, and risk reduction for each basic event and gate are also calculated and presented. Cut sets of the top failure events are also documented. Results prove the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Lessons Learned for Identifying and Annotating Permissions in Clinical Consent Forms.

Background The lack of machine-interpretable representations of consent permissions precludes development of tools that act upon permissions across information ecosystems, at scale. Objectives To report the process, results, and lessons learned while annotating permissions in clinical consent forms. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical consent forms. We developed an annotation scheme following the MAMA (Model-Annotate-Model-Annotate) cycle and evaluated interannotator agreement (IAA) using observed agreement (A o), weighted kappa (κw ), and Krippendorff's α. Results The final dataset included 6,399 sentences from 134 clinical consent forms. Complete agreement was achieved for 5,871 sentences, including 211 positively identified and 5,660 negatively identified as permission-sentences across all three annotators (A o = 0.944, Krippendorff's α = 0.599). These values reflect moderate to substantial IAA. Although permission-sentences contain a set of common words and structure, disagreements between annotators are largely explained by lexical variability and ambiguity in sentence meaning. Conclusion Our findings point to the complexity of identifying permission-sentences within the clinical consent forms. We present our results in light of lessons learned, which may serve as a launching point for developing tools for automated permission extraction.
Demographic Disparities Observed Within a Department-Wide Radiation Oncology Clinical Research Study.

Purpose/objective(s) To characterize the representation of various demographic groups, including gender, age, primary language, race, ethnicity, marital status, religion and country of origin, in a department-wide clinical database and biobanking study. Materials/methods A total of 10,114 patients who presented for radiotherapy planning between Oct 14, 2016 and Mar 15, 2020 were identified using an institutional resource. Among those deemed eligible for the study by treating clinicians, 3421 patients were consented. Self-reported demographics data were obtained from a research patient data registry. Associations between the consent status and the demographic characteristics were analyzed using logistic regression models, and the odds ratios adjusted for other covariates (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were reported. The Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel (CMH) and Breslow-Day tests were used to assess potential interactions between language and ethnicity and marital status and gender and to evaluate confounding effects of ethnicity and gender. Results After excluding participants 18 years and under or those with incomplete demographics data, a total of 9,388 patients were included in the analysis. Among these, 3,276 were consented. Consent rates to the study varied significantly across all demographic groups except for country of origin. Men were more likely than women to enroll in the study (OR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.18-1.42; P Conclusion Women, the elderly, non-English speakers, racial and ethnic minorities, single, and religious individuals showed lower consent rates to the study compared to men, younger, English speakers, Whites, married, and non-religious patients. These results demonstrate demographic disparities that could influence the results of future research performed using this departmental biobanking database resource, and identify areas for improvement.
Karol Wojtyla on Treating Patients as Persons

explained to them how the patient, in danger of losing his subjectivity, had to fight constantly to regain it and once more become “the subject of his illness” instead of simply remaining “the object of treatment.” He pointed out that the doctors are certainly not responsible for this state of affairs...but that they ought to be aware of the danger and of the efforts which the patient is obliged to make to regain control of himself. This problem of the transformation of the individual into a thing occurs everywhere in the realm of social relations. According to John Paul II it is one of the biggest problems of philosophy – and one of the most serious problems in the modern world (Frossard, 1989, p. 249).
Inverse optimality and performance in forwarding

In a pair of companion ACC'04 papers [M Krstic et al., 2004], we revealed that the family of feedforward systems contains a substantial class that is linearizable by a coordinate change and presented explicit control formulae for two subclasses. For those controllers, we derive inverse optimal cost functional and give quantitative performance bounds.
An unusual occurrence: a case of venous thromboembolism in pregnancy associated with heterotaxy syndrome

Heterotaxy is a relatively uncommon congenital anomaly that is usually diagnosed incidentally on imaging studies in adults. We present an unusual case of venous thromboembolism in a 26 year old pregnant female with Heterotaxy syndrome. A 26 year-old pregnant female at 13 weeks gestation suffered cardiac arrest with successful cardiac resuscitation and return of spontaneous circulation. The cardiac arrest was secondary to massive pulmonary embolism requiring thrombolytic therapy and stabilization of hemodynamics. She had extensive evaluation to determine the etiology for the pulmonary embolism and was noted to have an anatomic variation consistent with heterotaxy syndrome on imaging studies. After thrombolysis the patient was treated with UFH and then switched to enoxaparin without complication until 25 weeks of gestation when she experienced worsening abdominal pain with associated headaches, lightheadedness and elevated blood pressures needing elective induction of labor. The infant died shortly after delivery. The anticoagulation was continued for additional 3 months and she was subsequently placed on low dose aspirin to prevent recurrent venous thromboembolic episodes. She is currently stable on low dose aspirin and is into her third year after the venous thromboembolism without any recurrence. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of venous thromboembolism in pregnancy associated with heterotaxy syndrome. A discussion on pathophysiology of venous thromboembolism in pregnancy and heterotaxy syndrome has been undertaken along with treatment approach in such situations.
OI‐B‐1

BACKGROUND To characterize the alterations of liver function tests (LFTs), aspartate- (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) in healthy “normal” (HN) and cocaine experienced (actively using cocaine preadmission; CE) adults participating in long term inpatient clinical trials. METHODS LFT values from screening, admission, inpatient and inpatient discharge from 112 male and female volunteers, aged 18 to 45 years, with body mass index (BMI) from 20 to 30 kg/m2, participating in 3 inpatient Phase 1 trials were analyzed. 90 subjects received active drugs, and 22 subjects received matched placebo. 47 subjects were HN and 65 were CE. ANOVA method was applied to determine significant differences of various factors. RESULTS Both HN and CE subjects had an increase in LFTs during the studies. Gender, BMI, treatment (placebo or drug) did not predict LFTs changes (both for absolute LFTs values as well as differences (ΔALT, ΔAST) between screening day and during the inpatient period. CE study volunteers were found to have significantly higher AST and ALT values than HN volunteers (p< 0.05). All the subjects with abnormal LFTs were CE; 35.7% of them received placebo. CONCLUSIONS Despite normal LFT values at screening, most subjects demonstrated an increase in the ALT level even on placebo. For CE subjects, ΔALT and ΔAST were significantly higher than for HN subjects. The potential to obscure important signals for hepatotoxicity appears to be higher in the CE study population. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 79, P2–P2; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2005.12.006