cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applying social network analysis to systems of systems: The case of the 2016 Puerto Rico power outage

In September 2016, a fire in one of Puerto Rico's ten major power stations left over 1.5 million people without power and blacked out a significant portion of the island. This massive failure of the power system of systems is an example of how systems engineers require better methods for understanding complex, networked systems of systems. This paper proposes adapting social network analysis tools and methods to system of systems analysis in order to provide insights into interconnected networks of systems. First, it explores the literature for systems engineering, system of systems engineering, and social network analysis to identify opportunities to improve system of systems methods. Then it presents a methodology that applies specific metrics from social network analysis to the Puerto Rico power grid. Specifically, it shows how various centrality metrics may indicate when a system of systems is vulnerable to network wide failures. By better understanding the interoperability of a system of systems, engineers may be able to improve the overall robustness of the system of system and prevent catastrophic failures such as the 2016 Puerto Rico power failure.
Who Sees What

From the time of Marco Polo, to the Dutch East India Company and the U.K.’s Hudson Bay Company, to the first US multinational (Singer Sewing Machine Company), through two World Wars, and into the fifties, history was rich with recognition that the apparently benign MNC had played a positive role in the consolidation of sprawling countries and in assisting economic growth. Generally, MNCs were deemed to be of no particular threat to the established order. Transportation was slow. Communications — especially in developing countries — was primitive. Tariff barriers insured that markets were national. Operating necessity required “home offices” to delegate wide discretionary powers to their expatriate managers, who stayed in their adopted countries for lengthy periods of time. Little real attention was paid by governments to MNCs. For all intents and purposes, MNCs acted like national companies and were treated much like the same as no threats to government or governing were perceived. As the world recovered from World War II, this benign posture toward MNCs began to be re-accessed and to recede.
Polymer-Based Direct Filling Materials.

Since their introduction to the market over 60 years ago, modern resin composite restorative materials have undergone substantial development and improvement. Even larger posterior restorations now show good clinical performance when built with current materials [1–3]. More and more, amalgams are falling out of favor for such applications for a number of different reasons, but are composite materials truly a complete substitute? Most of the developments throughout the history of composites have concentrated on the inorganic filler portion, and the advent of micro- and nano-hybrid formulations has made it possible to obtain highly esthetic and wear-resistant restorations recommended for use as universal restoratives. More recently, especially in the last 15 years or so, the technological advances have focused on the organic matrix, with a heavy emphasis on producing low-shrinkage and low stress materials. The rationale is that polymerization shrinkage and the consequent stress that develops at the tooth-restoration interface produces gaps, which in turn, make the restoration more prone to recurrent decay [4]. This premise has been challenged in the past few years, especially because materials that have been shown to present low shrinkage/stress in in vitro testing were not able to outperform so-called conventional materials in clinical trials [5, 6]. More recent advances include bulk-fill composites and materials claiming to be self-adhesive to the tooth, with the main goal of simplifying the technique-sensitive restorative procedure to avoid inherent operative errors. As it stands, composite restorations present an average life-span of about 10 years or less, with the main reasons for failure being secondary caries and fracture [7–11]. Therefore, even with the tremendous advances made in the recent past, there is still room for improvement. This article will examine the scientific evidence available in the last 10 years to provide insight into novel techniques and materials available to the clinician. From the over 3,000 papers published on dental composites and related techniques in that period, this review will focus on novel materials or restorative protocols developed, and on how those have influenced clinical practice. The term “conventional composite” in this chapter refers to composite materials with regular consistency (not flowable or packable) and whose placement protocol recommends increments no thicker than 2 mm, preceded by the application of an adhesive system.
On max- k -sums

The max-k-sum of a set of real scalars is the maximum sum of a subset of size k, or alternatively the sum of the k largest elements. We study two extensions: first, we show how to obtain smooth approximations to functions that are pointwise max-k-sums of smooth functions. Second, we discuss how the max-k-sum can be defined on vectors in a finite-dimensional real vector space ordered by a closed convex cone.
Control of cyst nematodes by Lysobacter enzymogenes strain C3 and the role of the antibiotic HSAF in the biological control activity

Abstract Lysobacter enzymogenes C3, a bacterial biocontrol agent of fungal and oomycetous plant pathogens, produces an antimicrobial secondary metabolite complex (HSAF) as a mechanism for its antifungal activity. In this study, strain C3 was investigated for its activity against various life history stages of Heterodera schactii, the sugarbeet cyst nematode (SBCN), and H. glycines, the soybean cyst nematode (SCN), on roots. Strain C3 was applied to the roots of cabbage, sugarbeet, and soybean grown in growth pouches, sand, and a sand-soil medium, respectively, under growth chamber conditions. Cabbage and sugarbeet roots were subsequently challenged with SBCN, while soybean roots were inoculated with SCN. Treatment of sugarbeet with C3 reduced the number of SBCN nematodes in the roots compared to the no bacteria control, while treatment of cabbage roots with the bacterium reduced numbers of SBCN cysts and eggs per plant compared to the control. Similarly, application of C3 to soybean inhibited SCN egg production relative to the control. The findings demonstrated that the bacterium has the potential to suppress nematode feeding and reproduction in the rhizosphere. In addition, HSAF production by C3 was evaluated for its role in the interactions with SCN in the soybean rhizosphere. A mutant strain of C3 defective in the key HSAF biosynthesis gene, and thus blocked in HSAF production, lacked the suppressive effects exhibited by the wildtype strain on SCN reproduction. Thus, HSAF production was shown to be an important mechanism involved in the biocontrol activity of L. enzymogenes C3 against cyst nematodes.
Unbuckling of superelastic shape memory alloy columns

Our recent buckling experiments on superelastic shape memory alloy columns (initially straight rods and tubes) discovered that during axial shortening, certain specimens bent (buckled) at a critical compressive load and then, surprisingly, straightened (unbuckled) at a larger compressive load. This “buckling–unbuckling” phenomenon, defined here as the deviation from and then return to a straight configuration during monotonic loading, is not only an intriguing phenomenon (contrary to the post-buckling behavior of conventional materials) but also presents the possibility for novel applications. This work aims to provide a clearer understanding of when and why unbuckling occurs, presenting the experimental observations of this phenomenon and the stability analysis of a modified Shanley column model that captures the unbuckling behavior.Unbuckling behavior is shown to be a consequence of a secondary branch that deviates from the principal path at a low-load level (critical buckling load), but reattaches to t...
Evidence for a priming-based asymmetry in color identification.

Performance asymmetries in colour discrimination (or detection) between visual fields (VFs) are typically examined using mean or median reaction times and have tended to yield either a left VF adva...
Hybrid Course Design: Promoting Student Engagement and Success

Instructors of hybrid courses confront several challenges in designing effective, engaging, and meaningful learning experiences for students. This article examines how elements of course design hel...
Introduction to Conceptual Foundations

As the title of this book makes clear, the essays contained in it are unified by their focus on models of God and alternative ultimate realities. But what is ultimate reality, what does ‘God’ mean, and what would count as a model of ultimate reality or God? These are just the sorts of questions that ought to be addressed in the first section of a volume like this. They are questions the answers to which are presupposed by the majority of articles in the ensuing sections. They are foundational questions about the core concepts employed in the anthology as a whole. The first two essays in this section focus on these sorts of questions. These two discussions also concentrate on other basic questions that belong at the beginning of this sort of inquiry: What purposes are models of God or ultimate reality intended to serve? Is it possible for us to achieve the goals we have for them? If so, how, and if not, why not? If these models cannot do everything we might want them to do, can they have some more limited uses for us nonetheless? And whether they can be maximally or only minimally beneficial relative to our designs for them, how are we to use them and how can we tell whether our employment of them has been successful?
The Tyranny of Time: Vulnerable Children, Bad Mothers, and Statutory Deadlines in Parental Termination Proceedings

This paper explores issues raised by the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 (ASFA) and contends that the Act may have unwittingly harmed some children and mothers by creating a categorical imperative that a child's health and safety must be a paramount consideration in child welfare decisions. After discussing the reforms made by the Act, this paper analyzes hard cases, in particular cases involving substance abusing mothers and battered mothers, and concludes that in some instances children's interests in these cases might be better served by a flexible standard where the child asserts a claim to a continued relationship with a biological parent.
Battered Women's Perceptions and Expectations of Their Current and Ideal Marital Relationship

This study explores the current perceptions and ideal expectations battered women have for their marital relationships. Based on previous research on the Circumplex model of Olson (1979), it was hypothesized that battered women's current and ideal relationships would be categorized as Extreme according to this Model. The Extreme categorization has been associated with a variety of forms of family dysfunction. The Family Adaptability and Cohesiveness Evaluation Scales and Demographic Questionnaires were completed by 57 women during their stay at one of two Women's shelters, in addition to 22 in outpatient therapy through one of the shelters. Analyses revealed significant support for the current relationship hypothesis. As predicted, current perceptions fell into the Extreme category; ideal expectations more frequently fell into the Balanced family type. Clinical implications of the findings are discussed; suggestions for directions that future research in this area might take, are offered.
Increasing Diversity in Technical Education: The Importance of Building Technical Capital

In spite of targeted efforts to expand diversity in the engineering workforce, only marginal improvements have been made in diversifying engineering education. Today, the majority of students who enroll and graduate with a bachelor’s degree in engineering are white males. To meet the quantity and quality of engineers the nation needs, we will need to do two things. First, we must “tap all talent” – attract a broad group of individuals who are presently under-represented in engineering. Second, we must restructure engineering education so that students experience early in their training what engineers do. Because over forty percent of all four-year engineering graduates began their introductory studies in the community college, pre-baccalaureate preparation has drawn close attention. Women, racial/ethnic minorities, and low income students are well represented in community colleges, but only a small number of these populations graduate with associate’s degrees in engineering and engineering technologies. Research has shown that an interest in engineering as a career impacts persistence. Yet women and other underrepresented students are less likely than their white male peers to have been socialized to do hands-on activities or encouraged to use toys, tools, or gadgets that might promote their interest in engineering. The research question for this study is: What is the role of problem-oriented pedagogical strategies in increasing the diversity of students in technical education among community college students? In this paper, we argue that success in technology and engineering education requires technical capital, which is experience with “tinkering,” manipulating tools, doing hands-on work, and knowing the process of solving problems that require technical solutions. Thus, to increase diversity in technology and engineering education and careers, programs should help students acquire technical capital. To understand how students might acquire technical capital, this study investigated the perspectives of students enrolled in technician level pre-engineering programs that incorporated well-structured and ill-structured problems at North-West Community College (NWCC). The findings suggest that scaffolding experiences – moving from very well structured problems to ill-structured problems – allow students to acquire technical capital, which can help them succeed in pre-baccalaureate engineering education.
Coser, Lewis A. (1913–2003)

Lewis A. Coser (1913–2003) was a leading figure in American sociology in the second half of the twentieth century. Born in Germany, he fled to Paris in 1933 and later to the United States in 1941, where he met his future wife and fellow sociologist, Rose Laub Coser. He gained recognition with his first book, The Functions of Social Conflict (1956), as well as for later work on the political role of the intellectual and his influential textbooks. Coser also maintained a career as a socialist intellectual, primarily through Dissent , the journal he cofounded with longtime collaborator Irving Howe.
Effects on Host Animals of Bacteria Adhering to Epithelial Surfaces

Bacterial strains of many genera and species, both pathogenic and nonpathogenic, are known to associate with epithelial surfaces in animals of several taxonomic orders (Savage, 1972, 1980a,b, 1983; Jones, 1977; Lee, 1980). As documented in early chapters in this volume, in some cases the bacterial cells adhere to the epithelial cells with which they associate. As discussed elsewhere (Savage, 1980a,b, 1983), however, in other cases the microbial cells may not adhere to the epithelial cells, but rather may colonize secretions, principally mucins, overlying the cells with which they associate. In some, perhaps most, instances the mechanisms by which bacterial cells associate with particular living surfaces are unknown. Methods used for detecting microbial cells associating with animal cell surfaces do not always yield unequivocal evidence that microorganisms seen actually adhere to the epithelial cell membranes (Savage, 1983). This problem may be of little importance, however, for a discussion of the mechanisms by which microorganisms associated with a surface affect their animal host.
Over the influence: The HIV care continuum among methamphetamine-using men who have sex with men

Abstract Background HIV-positive persons who use stimulants such as methamphetamine experience greater difficulties in navigating the HIV care continuum. In the era of HIV treatment as prevention (TasP), little is known about the prevalence and correlates of success along the HIV care continuum among people who use stimulants. Setting San Francisco, California USA Methods Cross-sectional study that enrolled 129 HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) from 2013 through 2017 who had biologically confirmed, recent methamphetamine use. Multivariable logistic regressions were built to identify correlates of success across the HIV care continuum. Results Although two-thirds (87/129) of participants had undetectable HIV viral load ( Conclusion Despite the fact that many HIV-positive, methamphetamine-using MSM are able to achieve undetectable viral load in this sample, difficulties with ART adherence threaten to undermine the clinical and public health benefits of TasP. Expanded efforts to boost the effectiveness of TasP in this population should focus on meeting the unique needs of homeless individuals, optimizing ART adherence, and facilitating the integration of HIV care with substance use disorder treatment.
Microplastics in freshwater environments: A review of quantification assessment

Abstract Microplastic (MP) studies in freshwater environments are gaining attention due to the huge quantities of plastic particles reported from lakes and rivers and the potential for negative impacts in these environments. Different units have been used to report MP densities, which makes it difficult to compare data and can result in reports of extremely high concentrations that do not reflect the original sample size. We recommended that the density of MPs from bulk samples be reported as number L−1, while density from net samples should be reported as number m−3. If the density of MPs from net samples is expressed on an areal basis, values should be reported as number/1000 m2, and not as number km−2. Spectroscopy (ATR-μFT-IR and μRAMAN) and Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography coupled to Mass Spectrometry are techniques that could be used for quantitative identification of the various types of polymers in MP particles.
Lens-less, Spring-Loaded Diaphragm-Based Fiber Acoustic Sensor

We describe a new fiber sensor utilizing a spring-loaded diaphragm to detect extremely weak acoustic waves. The sensitivity is ~4 times higher than the previous generation, and the pressure resolution as low as 14.4 µPa/√Hz at 1 kHz.
Harnessing multi-objective simulated annealing toward configuration optimization within compact space for additive manufacturing

Abstract The rapid advancement of additive manufacturing technology has led to new opportunities and challenges. One potential advantage of additive manufacturing is the possibility of producing systems with reduced volumes/weights. This research concerns a type of configuration optimization problems, where the envelope volume in space occupied by a number of components is to be minimized along with other objectives. Since in practical applications the objectives and constraints are usually complex, the formulation of computationally tractable optimization becomes difficult. Moreover, unlike conventional multi-objective problems, these configuration optimization problems usually come with a number of demanding constraints that are hard to satisfy, which results in the critical challenge of balancing solution feasibility with optimality. In this research, the mathematical formulation of a representative problem of configuration optimization with multiple hard constraints is presented first, followed by two newly developed versions of an enhanced multi-objective simulated annealing approach, referred to as MOSA/R, to solve this challenging problem. To facilitate the optimization computationally, in MOSA/R, a versatile re-seed scheme allowing biased search while avoiding pre-mature convergence is designed. Re-seed can generally lead to more comprehensive search in the parametric space. Case studies indicate that the new algorithm yields significantly improved performance towards both constrained benchmark tests and constrained configuration optimization problem. The methodology developed can lead to an integrated framework of design and additive manufacturing.
Early introduction of selective immunosuppressive therapy associated with favorable clinical outcomes in patients with immune checkpoint inhibitor–induced colitis

Current treatment guidelines for immune-mediated colitis (IMC) recommend 4 to 6 weeks of steroids as first-line therapy, followed by selective immunosuppressive therapy (SIT) (infliximab or vedolizumab) in patients who do not respond to steroids. We assessed the effect of early SIT introduction and number of SIT infusions on clinical outcomes. We performed a retrospective review of patients with IMC who received SIT at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center between January and December 2018. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess associations between clinical outcomes and features of IMC. Of the 1459 patients who received immune checkpoint inhibitors, 179 developed IMC of any grade; 84 of these 179 patients received SIT. Of the 84 patients who received SIT, 79% were males, and the mean age was 60 years (standard deviation, 14). Compared with patients who received SIT > 10 days after IMC onset, patients who received early SIT (≤10 days) required fewer hospitalizations (P = 0.03), experienced steroid taper failure less frequently (P = 0.03), had fewer steroid tapering attempts (P < 0.01), had a shorter course of steroid treatment (P = 0.09), and had a shorter duration of symptoms (P < 0.01). Patients who received one or two infusions of SIT achieved histologic remission less frequently (P = 0.09) and had higher fecal calprotectin levels after SIT (P = 0.01) compared with patients who received three or more infusions. Risk factors for IMC recurrence after weaning off steroids included: 1) needing multiple hospitalizations, 2) experiencing steroid taper failure after SIT, 3) receiving infliximab rather than vedolizumab, 4) receiving fewer than three infusions of SIT, 5) having higher fecal calprotectin levels after SIT, and 6) receiving a longer course of steroids, hospitalization and IMC symptoms. Unsuccessful weaning from steroids after SIT was associated with high IMC grades; multiple hospitalizations; steroid-resistant IMC; long interval from IMC to SIT initiation; and long duration of steroids, IMC symptoms, and hospitalization. SIT should be introduced early in the disease course of IMC instead of waiting until failure of steroid therapy or steroid taper. Patients who received three or more infusions of SIT had more favorable clinical outcomes.
Inducing incentive sensitization of exercise reinforcement among adults who do not regularly exercise-A randomized controlled trial.

Background Increasing exercise reinforcement, or decreasing sedentary reinforcement, may reduce sedentary activity and promote habitual exercise. Repeated exposures to a reinforcer may increase its reinforcing value (i.e., incentive sensitization). It is not yet known whether incentive sensitization occurs for exercise or factors associated with incentive sensitization for exercise reinforcement. The purpose was to determine whether exercise exposures increase exercise reinforcement relative to a sedentary alternative and whether this sensitization of exercise reinforcement would alter physical or sedentary behavior. This work also determined whether exercise dose, intensity, and preference and tolerance for exercise intensity were associated with incentive sensitization of exercise. Methods 104 sedentary men and women were randomized to exercise training groups with 89 completing the study. Groups included exercise exposures of 150 (n = 35) or 300 kcal/session (n = 34), 3 sessions/week for 6 weeks, or a non-exercise control group (n = 35). Assessments for exercise and sedentary behavior reinforcement (primary dependent variables) and activity and tolerance for exercise intensity were performed at baseline (week 0), post training (week 6), and post washout (week 10). Results The control group reduced (P = 0.022) relative reinforcing value of exercise, such that the 150 kcal group had a greater relative reinforcing value of exercise after the exercise treatment 150 kcal: 0.69 ± 0.07 to 0.74 ± 0.07; 300 kcal: 0.72 ± 0.07 to 0.63 ± 0.08, control: 0.72 ± 0.07 to 0.57 ± 0.08 mean ± SE. Increases in tolerance for exercise intensity discomfort were associated with increases in relative reinforcing value of exercise. Sedentary behavior reinforcement decreased in both exercise groups (150 kcal: 5.4 ± 4.3 to 1.8 ± 1.3; 300 kcal: 5.4 ± 4.3 to 3.1 ± 2.4, P 0.05). Sedentary activity decreased baseline to post-training in the 300 kcal group (546.5 ± 10.7 to 503.8 ± 11.8 minutes, P<0.01). Conclusion Small amounts of regular exercise may reduce the reinforcing value sedentary behavior. The process of incentive sensitization of exercise may include reducing the reinforcing value of competing sedentary activities. Developing tolerance to exercise discomfort of exercise may be critical to increasing exercise reinforcement.
Large Sample Properties of Matching for Balance

Matching methods are widely used for causal inference in observational studies. Among them, nearest neighbor matching is arguably the most popular. However, nearest neighbor matching does not generally yield an average treatment effect estimator that is $\sqrt{n}$-consistent (Abadie and Imbens, 2006). Are matching methods not $\sqrt{n}$-consistent in general? In this paper, we study a recent class of matching methods that use integer programming to directly target aggregate covariate balance as opposed to finding close neighbor matches. We show that under standard conditions these methods can yield simple estimators that are $\sqrt{n}$-consistent and asymptotically optimal provided that the integer program admits a solution.
Diffuse Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma Treated by Rotational Total Skin Electron Beam Radiotherapy with Custom Shielding: Case Report.

Abstract Introduction Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PCALCL) is a rare T-cell malignancy typically presenting as a solitary lesion treated with radiotherapy. Diffuse PCALCL is rare, and treatment paradigms of diffuse PCALCL are poorly defined. Case and Outcomes In this report, a 69-year-old male presented with progressive extensive truncal PCALCL resistant to brentuximab. The truncal lesions were treated with 36 Gy in 18 fractions by a novel approach using rotational electron beam radiation therapy with custom-made shielding. The treatment was well tolerated with expected dermatologic side effects managed supportively. All lesions achieved an initial complete response, and two sites within the treatment field recurred five months after treatment. Discussion This case adds to the limited literature on diffuse PCALCL and demonstrates an uncommon treatment approach to multifocal PCALCL using rotational electron beam radiation therapy with personalized shielding techniques. The treatment approach here was well tolerated by the patient with initial complete response at all sites. Maximal sparing was especially critical in this patient because of a history of previous head and neck irradiation. Shielded areas were validated by optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters showing dose reduction, confirming the utility of this method. Conclusion Rotational total skin electron beam with personalized shielding may be generalizable to cutaneous malignancies including PCALCL presenting with diffuse skin involvement. Further investigation of diffuse PCALCL is merited to optimize treatment strategies.
[Evaluation of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and platelet/lymphocyte ratio in children of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome].

Objective:To evaluate neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in children of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Method:122 cases of OSAHS patients were selected, and divided into 3 groups： mild OSAHS group (41 cases), moderate OSAHS group (41 cases), and severe OSAHS group （40 cases）, according to the stage apnea hypoventilation index (AHI) and the lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO₂). In addition, 40 cases healthy children were selected as control group. The differences NLR and PLR between 4 groups were compared. Result:The NLR in the severe OSAHS group (1.57±0.58) was significantly higher than that in the normal control group (0.98±0.22), mild OSAHS group (1.24±0.47), and moderate OSAHS group (1.36±0.46), P 0.05). A positive correlation between AHI and NLR (r=0.385,P=0.000), and a negative correlation between AHI and minimal oxygen saturation were observed (r=-0.686,P=0.000). Conclusion:NLR might be used as a marker to evaluate the severity of inflammatory status in OSAHS patients, but PLR could no.
Incorporating Frailty in the Treatment Program of Elderly Patients with Gastrointestinal Disease

The goal of this paper is to review the utilization of frailty as a predictor of poor outcomes in gastrointestinal disease, hepatology, and gastrointestinal surgery. The frailty syndrome has been extensively described in the geriatric population as a predictor of poor clinical outcomes and its application has proven valuable in a variety of chronic and inflammatory disease states independent of age. In hepatology and gastroenterology, frailty has been associated with worsening pre- and post-liver transplant outcomes, post-operative complications, periprocedural adverse events during colonoscopy, and even possible early disruption of the gut microbiome. In patients undergoing immunosuppression, frailty has recently been independently associated with increased risk of infection, morbidity, and mortality. Frailty has been associated with a wide range of adverse health outcomes in multiple patient populations and disease states including in chronic gastrointestinal and liver disease. The standardization and routine clinical application of frailty evaluation in groups at risk for frailty progression and deleterious outcomes have been recommended. Challenges regarding translating frailty evaluation to individualized frailty treatment remain. With emerging research examining frailty in gastrointestinal and liver disease, there is hope to bridge this gap to deter and ideally reverse frailty progression and its deleterious outcomes.
Vulnerable Populations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus 2019 pandemic has affected people worldwide The social determinants of health can disproportionately affect the outcomes of vulnerable populations, which include the elderly, racial or ethnic minorities, children and adolescents, as well as those with comorbid medical conditions These populations may require additional resources and consideration in treatment of their mental health given the struggles they may face secondary to decreased resources, health care access, increased mortality and morbidity, lifestyle disturbances at crucial developmental times, and a host of other factors contributing to an increased vulnerability to the effects of the virus This article provides background on those factors and reviews interventions to consider for treating these populations [Psychiatr Ann 2020;50(12):531–535 ]
Denver’s Green Mile: Marijuana gentrification as a process of urban change

Does recreational marijuana legalization have the potential to transform urban spaces? Using Denver’s “Green Mile” as a case study, this study explores the potential for marijuana legalization to e...
Initial Whole-Genome Sequencing of Plasma Cell Neoplasms in First Responders and Recovery Workers Exposed to the World Trade Center Attack of September 11, 2001.

Purpose: The World Trade Center (WTC) attack of September 11, 2001 created an unprecedented environmental exposure to known and suspected carcinogens. High incidence of multiple myeloma and precursor conditions has been reported among first responders to the WTC disaster. To expand on our prior screening studies, and to characterize the genomic impact of the exposure to known and potential carcinogens in the WTC debris, we were motivated to perform whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of WTC first responders and recovery workers who developed a plasma cell disorder after the attack. Experimental Design: We performed WGS of nine CD138-positive bone marrow mononuclear samples from patients who were diagnosed with plasma cell disorders after the WTC disaster. Results: No significant differences were observed in comparing the post-WTC driver and mutational signature landscapes with 110 previously published WGSs from 56 patients with multiple myeloma and the CoMMpass WGS cohort (n = 752). Leveraging constant activity of the single-base substitution mutational signatures 1 and 5 over time, we estimated that tumor-initiating chromosomal gains were windowed to both pre- and post-WTC exposure. Conclusions: Although limitations in sample size preclude any definitive conclusions, our findings suggest that the observed increased incidence of plasma cell neoplasms in this population is due to complex and heterogeneous effects of the WTC exposure that may have initiated or contributed to progression of malignancy.
Urban design attributes and resilience: COVID-19 evidence from New York City

This paper juxtaposes existing public policies and different planning paradigms with evidence from the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City (NYC). Zip code tabulation area (ZCTA) data for NYC are used to address four main questions: (1) How do urban density and crowding affect infection rates? (2) How does the commuting environment relate to pandemic resilience? (3) How does the allocation of points of interest within a city impact the infection rate? (4) How do evident inequalities in a city influence vulnerability during a pandemic? The presented evidence is used to demonstrate that compact, well-mixed, and decentralized cities can increase pandemic resilience due to advantageous features such as short commute times and well-distributed points of interest. At the architectural level, more resilient apartment building typologies need to be developed to mitigate the ramifications of overcrowding. This analysis also reveals significant spatial disparities and how they disproportionally affect the pandemic risk of the vulnerable communities. These findings warrant a broader discussion on how urban design and planning can mitigate inequalities and transform cities into a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban environment. Practice relevance This paper helps urban designers and planners understand how the built environment is associated with infectious disease dynamics. New evidence from data analysis shows that a pandemic-resilient urban environment for compact and mixed cities consists of many factors: decentralized urban activities, adequate affordable dwellings, resilient building typologies, good proximities between jobs and homes, restricted commute time, diverse commuting mode choices, and balanced allocations of urban services and facilities in line with the residential density. This study can guide short-term responses in the safe recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, as well as long-term urban design and planning decisions for pursuing a resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban environment in future public health emergencies. As reopening policies and future urban development schemes continue to be debated, it is critical to assess data on the impact of the current pandemic in major cities to inform decision-makers faced with major policy choices.
Acute Colonic Pseudo-Obstruction (Ogilvie Syndrome) After Primary Spinal Fusion: An Analysis of Outcomes and Risk Factors from 2005 to 2014.

Background Ogilvie syndrome (OS) is a rare but serious condition seen in the postoperative period. This was an epidemiologic study using data from the National Inpatient Sample from 2005 to 2014 to look at incidence, risk factors, and outcomes associated with OS after primary spine fusion. Methods International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes were used to identify patients who underwent spine fusion surgery. Patients were separated into 2 cohorts based on the diagnosis of OS. Outcome measures and risk factors for cohorts were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression and compared. Results Over the 10-year study period, 3,884,395 patients underwent primary spine fusion surgery. Among these, 0.04% developed OS during the index hospitalization. The greatest incidence seen in primary fusion involved the thoracic spine (0.15%). OS was more common after spine fusion for spine deformity (P Conclusions OS is a rare but serious complication of primary spine fusion surgery. Identifying the specific risk factors, symptoms, and potential complications related to OS is critical to aid in decreasing the significant morbidity associated with its development.
Development and validation of methods to visualize conventional aqueous outflow pathways in canine primary angle closure glaucoma.

Purpose Angle closure glaucoma (PACG) is highly prevalent in dogs and is often refractory to medical therapy. We hypothesized that pathology affecting the post-trabecular conventional aqueous outflow pathway contributes to persistent intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in dogs with PACG. The goal of this study was to determine the potential for aqueous angiography (AA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to identify abnormalities in post-trabecular aqueous outflow pathways in canine PACG. Methods AA and anterior segment OCT (Spectralis HRA + OCT) were performed ex vivo in 19 enucleated canine eyes (10 normal eyes and 9 irreversibly blind eyes from canine patients enucleated for management of refractory PACG). Eyes were cannulated and maintained at physiologic IOP (10-20 mmHg) prior to intracameral infusion of fluorescent tracer. OCT scleral line scans were acquired in regions of high and low perilimbal AA signal. Eyes were then perfusion fixed and cryosections prepared from 10/10 normal and 7/9 PACG eyes and immunolabeled for a vascular endothelial marker. Results Normal canine eyes showed segmental, circumferential limbal AA signal, whereas PACG eyes showed minimal or no AA signal. AA signal correlated with scleral lumens on OCT in normal dogs, but lumens were generally absent or flattened in PACG eyes. Collapsed vascular profiles were identified in tissue sections from PACG eyes, including those in which no lumens were identified on AA and OCT. Conclusions In canine eyes with PACG, distal aqueous outflow channels are not identifiable by AA, despite normalization of their IOP, and intra-scleral vascular profiles are collapsed on OCT and histopathology.
Examining Social Identities of Patient Diversity Through Cases Presented in a Therapeutics Course Series.

Objective. The inclusion of social identities, such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, spirituality, nationality, and socioeconomic status, within cases in didactic pharmacy education is an issue of significant debate. In considering what and how much to include of these identities into didactic cases, the first step could be to measure the current inclusion. The purpose of this study was to quantify the presence of these social identities in cases presented to student pharmacists in a three-semester course series.Methods. This was a review of 144 cases presented in a three-semester pharmacotherapeutics course series. The primary objective was to quantify the inclusion of each social identity. The secondary objective assessed if the identities were needed to answer specific questions related to each case. Cases were reviewed by two independent study researchers, with a third impartial reviewer settling disagreements.Results. Explicitly stating these identities was infrequent among the cases. Race was explicitly stated in 14.6% of cases (n=21). Gender identity was explicitly named in 2 cases (1.4%), whereas nearly all cases implied gender through pronouns. Gender was necessary to answer case questions in approximately 20% of the cases (n=27). Socioeconomic status, ability, sexual orientation, and nationality were infrequently named among all cases, 6.3%, 4.9%, 1.4%, and 1.4%, respectively.Conclusion. This study found that these social identities were rarely explicitly stated in cases. In determining the next steps for integrating social identities, pharmacy education must first take stock of its current use of these identities.
Non linear elliptic theory and the Monge-Ampere equation

The Monge-Ampere equation, plays a central role in the theory of fully non linear equations. In fact we will like to show how the Monge-Ampere equation, links in some way the ideas comming from the calculus of variations and those of the theory of fully non linear equations.
Transducer Needs for Low-Frequency Sonar

The continued advances in the acoustic quieting of submarines will necessitate the use of active sonar as an adjunct to the traditional passive sonar as a means of detecting submarines. Therefore, there is a growing need for transducers that produce sound underwater at frequencies below 1000 Hz. However, reality is such that it is very difficult to design for low frequency, high power, and high efficiency and still maintain a device possessing reasonable size, weight, reliability, and cost. Different design approaches and transducer types are discussed and compared.
Decreased coregulation and interaction of mixed dietary carotenoids when delivered through sequential release technology (645.14)

Carotenoids are implicated as beneficial substances in human health yet human dietary intakes are repeatedly shown to be inadequate to current health recommendations. It may be useful to provide a ...
Trade Liberalization and Employment

This paper reviews both multi-country and country studies on the impact of trade liberalization on growth and employment in developing countries. These studies reveal sharply contrasting effects of trade liberalization on employment, suggesting that country-specific and contingent factors are important. In particular, differences in how trade liberalization is implemented are particularly important. In order to be successful, trade liberalization needs to be embedded within a coherent set of macroeconomic, structural and social policies.
A Review of “Collaborative Governance for Urban Revitalization: Lessons From Empowerment Zones”

Midway through their important new book, Collaborative Governance for Urban Revitalization: Lessons From -Empowerment Zones, political scientists Michael J. Rich and Robert P. Stoker quote Peter Ro...
Behavioral and nutritional treatment for preschool-aged children with cystic fibrosis: a randomized clinical trial.

Importance Evidence-based treatments that achieve optimal energy intake and improve growth in preschool-aged children with cystic fibrosis (CF) are a critical need. Objective To test whether behavioral and nutritional treatment (intervention) was superior to an education and attention control treatment in increasing energy intake, weight z (WAZ) score, and height z (HAZ) score. Design, Setting, and Participants This randomized clinical trial included 78 children aged 2 to 6 years (mean age, 3.8 years) with CF and pancreatic insufficiency (intervention, n = 36 and control, n = 42). The study was conducted at 7 CF centers between January 2006 and November 2012; all 78 participants who met intent-to-treat criteria completed through follow-up. Interventions Behavioral intervention combined individualized nutritional counseling targeting increased energy intake and training in behavioral child management skills. The control arm provided education and served as a behavioral placebo controlling for attention and contact frequency. Both treatments were delivered in person or telehealth (via telephone). Sessions occurred weekly for 8 weeks then monthly for 4 months (6 months). Participants then returned to standard care for 1 year, with 12-month follow-up thereafter. Main Outcomes and Measures Changes in energy intake and WAZ score were examined from pretreatment to posttreatment (6 months) and change in HAZ score was assessed pretreatment to follow-up (18 months). Covariates included sex, Pseudomonas aeruginosa status at baseline, and treatment modality (in person vs telehealth). Results At baseline, mean (SD) energy intake was 1462 (329) kcals/d, WAZ score was −0.44 (0.81), and HAZ score was −0.55 (0.84). From pretreatment to posttreatment, the intervention increased daily energy intake by 485 calories vs 58 calories for the control group (adjusted difference, 431 calories; 95% CI, 282 to 581; P P = .25). From pretreatment to follow-up, the intervention increased the HAZ score by 0.09 units vs −0.02 for the control (adjusted difference, 0.14 units; 95% CI, 0.001 to 0.27; P = .049). Measured treatment integrity and credibility were high for both groups. Conclusions and Relevance Behavioral and nutritional intervention improved energy intake and HAZ score outcomes but not WAZ score outcomes. Our results provide evidence that behavioral and nutritional treatment may be efficacious as a nutritional intervention for preschoolers aged 2 to 6 years with CF and pancreatic insufficiency. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:NCT00241969
Gating mechanisms of a natural anion channelrhodopsin

Anion channelrhodopsins (ACRs) are a class of light-gated channels recently identified in cryptophyte algae that provide unprecedented fast and powerful hyperpolarizing tools for optogenetics. Analysis of photocurrents generated by Guillardia theta ACR 1 (GtACR1) and its mutants in response to laser flashes showed that GtACR1 gating comprises two separate mechanisms with opposite dependencies on the membrane voltage and pH and involving different amino acid residues. The first mechanism, characterized by slow opening and fast closing of the channel, is regulated by Glu-68. Neutralization of this residue (the E68Q mutation) specifically suppressed this first mechanism, but did not eliminate it completely at high pH. Our data indicate the involvement of another, yet-unidentified pH-sensitive group X. Introducing a positive charge at the Glu-68 site (the E68R mutation) inverted the channel gating so that it was open in the dark and closed in the light, without altering its ion selectivity. The second mechanism, characterized by fast opening and slow closing of the channel, was not substantially affected by the E68Q mutation, but was controlled by Cys-102. The C102A mutation reduced the rate of channel closing by the second mechanism by ∼100-fold, whereas it had only a twofold effect on the rate of the first. The results show that anion conductance by ACRs has a fundamentally different structural basis than the relatively well studied conductance by cation channelrhodopsins (CCRs), not attributable to simply a modification of the CCR selectivity filter.
Action research, appreciative inquiry and organizational learning

This paper provides a description of appreciative inquiry and describes how the authors have adapted appreciative inquiry theory and methodology to the survey-guided development action research process and organizational learning in their work with several organizations.