cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CLINICAL APPLICATION OF IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE AGENTS IN RENAL TRANSPLANTATION

Recent advances in immunobiology and immunopharmacology have led to a better understanding of the action of immunosuppressive drugs. Over the past 4 years, a number of new agents have been approved for use in solid organ transplant recipients. In addition, a number of new immunosuppressive agents are being tested in preclinical and clinical trials, leading to the promise of an exciting future in organ transplantation. This article deals with the clinical application of immunosuppressive agents that are currently approved for use in renal transplant recipients and also discusses some of the agents that may be approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over the next few years. The introduction in the 1980s of cyclosporine A and the monoclonal antibody OKT3 (muromonab-CD3) represented major therapeutic advances in solid organ transplantation. At the start of this decade, the only approved drugs for the prevention and treatment of allograft rejection in the United States were steroids, azathioprine, cyclosporine (Sandimmune), OKT3, and antithymocyte globulin (ATG [Atgam]). Over the past few years, we have seen the approval of the microemulsion formulation of cyclosporine A (Neoral), mycophenolate mofetil (MMF [Cellcept]), and tacrolimus (FK506 [Prograf]) for use in renal transplant recipients. Different approaches have been used by various groups in regard to both induction and maintenance immunosuppressive therapy. Ideally, one would like to be able to craft specific immunosuppressive therapy for each patient to provide a balance that would prevent rejection and eliminate the infectious complications of overimmunosuppression. Achieving this ideal has been difficult, however, because of the narrow therapeutic window exhibited by most immunosuppressive agents. Opinions vary as to the nature of optimal induction and maintenance immunosuppressive therapy. Induction and long-term immunosuppressive therapy should be tailored to the individual's needs, based on the immune reactivity of the patient and toxic effects encountered from the different immunosuppressive agents. Various approaches to induction immunosuppressive therapy and maintenance immunosuppressive therapy are outlined below, followed by a discussion of the individual immunosuppressive agents.
Ways to Retain or Reactivate Occupational Therapists

The previous paper (Bailey, 1990) reported on the reasons for leaving occupational therapy in a sample of 696 therapists. This follow-up paper discusses the reasons given and suggests ways to retain or reactivate therapists. The issues addressed include child rearing; geographic location; feeling professionally out of date; excessive paperwork; lack of pay and promotional opportunities; returning to school; stress; disillusionment; type of caseloads; illness; desire for more status, autonomy, and challenge; and lack of in-service training and continuing education.
Practical performance of tree comparison metrics.

The phylogenetic literature contains numerous measures for assessing differences between two phylogenetic trees. Individual measures have been criticized on various grounds, but little is known about their comparative performance in typical applications. We evaluate the performance of nine tree distance measures on two tasks: 1) distinguishing trees separated by lesser versus greater numbers of recombinations, and 2) distinguishing trees inferred with lower versus higher quality data. We find that when the trees being compared are similar, measures that make use of branch lengths are superior, with the branch-length version of the Robinson-Foulds metric performing best. In contrast, for dissimilar trees topology- only measures are superior, with the Alignment metric of Nye et al. performing best. We also apply the measures to a mammalian dataset and observe that the best metric depends on whether branch-length information is of interest. We give practical recommendations for choosing a tree distance metric in different applications. (Phylogenetics; tree comparison; tree distance metrics.)
The Interpretation of Space Observations of Stars and Interstellar Matter

This report will review space observations of stars and the interstellar medium and what we can expect to learn from instruments planned for the near future. Older observations are described in more detail by Underhill and Morton (1967), and Houziaux and Butler (1970). The interpretation of these measurements depends heavily on the results of theoretical and experimental atomic physics. Therefore the last section will describe some of the areas where new atomic data are essential for our understanding of space observations.
Intrathoracic airway obstruction and gastroesophageal reflux: A canine model

Summary. Introduction: Gastroesophageal reﬂux (GER) is common in children with airwaydisorders. Previous studies have shown an association between upper airway obstruction andGER in experimental animal models. However, the cause and effect relationship between intra-thoracic airway obstruction (IAO) and GER is obscure. The goal of this study is to investigatethe association between IAO and GER using the canine model. Methods: In sedated dogs, atelemetric implant was placed subcutaneously (with one pressure sensor tip each in intrapleu-ral space and abdomen) to monitor intrapleural pressure (IPP) and intrabdominal pressure(IAP). The IPP and the IAP were monitored intraoperatively and in conscious dogs on the 7thto 10th postoperative days. GER was assessed by determining the reﬂux index (RI), based onthe intraesophageal pH recording performed continuously for a 24 hr period using a pH probe.After 2–3 weeks following placement of the telemetric implant, IAO was surgically created inthe dog. After maintaining IAO for 2 weeks, the IPP, IAP, and pH measurements were moni-tored again following the same protocol as before IAO. Results: After the creation of IAO, therewas no signiﬁcant change observed in the mean RI either in the distal (P ¼ 0.716) or proximal(P ¼ 0.962) esophageal lumens. The IPP became signiﬁcantly more negative (P ¼ 0.006) andthe IAP turned signiﬁcantly negative (P < 0.001) from being positive compared to the respec-tive values before IAO. However, transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdi) did not change signiﬁcantly(P ¼ 0.08). Conclusion: We conclude that moderate IAO does not cause GER in our animalmodel. It can be explained by the absence of signiﬁcant change in Pdi after creation of IAO.Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:1097–1102.
Estimation of statistical variation in temporal NBTI degradation and its impact on lifetime circuit performance

Negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) in MOSFETs is one of the major reliability concerns in sub-100 nm technologies. So far, studies of NBTI and its impact on circuit performance have assumed an average behavior of the degradation process. However, in very short channel devices, finite number of Si-H bonds in the channel can induce a statistical random variation of the degradation process. This results in significant random Vt variations in PMOS transistor. The NBTI induced variation depends on operating temperature and the effective stress period for the specific device. In this paper, we analyze the impact of stochastic temporal NBTI variations and propose a compact circuit level Vt model. Using the proposed model, we show how temporal Vt variations can affect the lifetime performance of different circuit topologies including 6T SRAM cell and random combinational logic circuits.
Electrooptical switching in thin film waveguides for a computer communication bus.

A new crossing multimode channel waveguide electrooptical switch is described here. It has a 21-dB on-state/off-state difference at 10 V of applied voltage, 0.4-dB insertion loss, 2.2-pF capacitance, and a total length less than 1.5 mm. It will be useful for providing a switching network for realizing an integrated optical computer communication data bus where electric signals from computers are converted into optical signals, switched by these switches, and then received and reconverted into electrical signals by a detector array.
Sailing charted seas: biomechanics and the orthopedic surgeon

Biomechanical models have been used to study the distribution of foot forces, metatarsal stresses, heel pad, arch height, plantar aponeurosis, subtalar joint, extrinsic muscles, medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy, subtalar arthroereisis and lateral column lengthening calcaneal osteotomy in the normal and flatfoot. We review past research data and discuss results as they relate to relevant clinical topics. [1-6]
Interactions Between Obesity and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Implications for Treatment

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) adversely affects multiple organs and systems, with particular relevance to cardiovascular disease. Several conditions associated with OSA, such as high BP, insulin resistance, systemic inflammation, visceral fat deposition, and dyslipidemia, are also present in other conditions closely related to OSA, such as obesity and reduced sleep duration. Weight loss has been accompanied by improvement in characteristics related not only to obesity but to OSA as well, suggesting that weight loss might be a cornerstone of the treatment of both conditions. This review seeks to explore recent developments in understanding the interactions between body weight and OSA. Weight loss helps reduce OSA severity and attenuates the cardiometabolic abnormalities common to both diseases. Nevertheless, weight loss has been hard to achieve and maintain using conservative strategies. Since bariatric surgery has emerged as an alternative treatment of severe or complicated obesity, impressive results have often been seen with respect to sleep apnea severity and cardiometabolic disturbances. However, OSA is a complex condition, and treatment cannot be limited to any single symptom or feature of the disease. Rather, a multidisciplinary and integrated strategy is required to achieve effective and long-lasting therapeutic success.
A two-parameter circular aperture distribution with narrow beamwidth and low sidelobes

Summary form only given. A circular aperture distribution is proposed that has two parameters that are easily related to the sidelobe ratio (ratio of peak to first sidelobe), the sidelobe taper ratio (ratio of the first to second sidelobe level), beamwidth, efficiency, and other pattern quantities. This distribution provides an additional degree of flexibility in pattern tradeoff studies. Specifically, given a fixed first sidelobe ratio and sidelobe taper, the narrowest main beamwidth can be obtained. This circular aperture distribution has the form of a modified lambda function. The results obtained are useful in design tradeoffs for multibeam high-efficiency low-sidelobe antenna systems increasingly in demand for new generations of satellite systems, e.g., the L-band land mobile satellite system and the Ka-band personal access satellite system. >
Increased ATPase Activity Is Responsible for Acid Sensitivity of Nisin-Resistant Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 700302

The natural preservative nisin can be effectively used to control the growth of Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne pathogen. The psychrotrophic pathogen is capable of multiplying at refrigeration temperatures, altering its membrane fluidity by decreasing the length and degree of saturation of the membrane fatty acids (8). The presence of L. monocytogenes in hot dogs, smoked salmon, cheese, and ready-to-eat chicken and turkey, for example, has resulted in recalls of these products owing to the zero-tolerance standards for the organism in ready-to-eat foods (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2001 [www.fda.gov/oc/po/firmrecalls/archive.html]; U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service, 2001 [www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/recalls/recdb/rec2000.htm]). The mode of action of nisin has been extensively researched. As a Class Ia bacteriocin, its bactericidal action results from the formation of transient pores in the target cell membranes (1, 21). Lipid II, a potential docking molecule for nisin, appears to enhance the activity of the 34-amino-acid peptide (4). Nisin resistance is well documented, but the exact mechanism of nisin resistance remains to be elucidated. The frequency of nisin resistance ranges from 10−2 to 10−7 but can be decreased by exposing cells to an acidic environment low in salt at 10°C (10). Several authors have correlated nisin resistance with a change in membrane composition. Others have noted the up or down regulation of proteins with functions that do not have a clear relationship to nisin resistance (11). Davies et al. (7) concluded that mutations causing nisin resistance were the result of “mechanism(s) other than an alteration of membrane composition,” citing cell wall modifications as a probable cause. However, Crandall and Montville (6) observed changes in the composition of the nisin-resistant cell membrane when cells were grown in the presence of nisin. Lipid analysis of membranes from nisin-resistant cells shows that there is an increase in the proportion of straight-chain and saturated fatty acids and that the ratio of C15:C17 is decreased, resulting in a more rigid membrane (14). Our laboratory has found that a spontaneous nisin-resistant L. monocytogenes strain had increased sensitivity to acid (15). After finding that the changes in the membrane of the nisin-resistant strain did not alter the permeability to acid, we hypothesized that differences in acid sensitivity were due to differences in the energy status of the cells. Here we show that although there is no difference in acidification of the cytoplasm, the ATPase activity of the mutant is greater than that of the wild type under acidic conditions. Upon exposure to acid (either organic or inorganic), intracellular ATP levels rapidly drop. This suggests that when the nisin-resistant strain is treated with acid, the ATPase depletes cellular ATP levels and the cells are unable to survive.
Gene targeting of Cdc42 and Cdc42GAP affirms the critical involvement of Cdc42 in filopodia induction, directed migration, and proliferation in primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts.

Recent studies in Cdc42 knockout mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells and ES-derived fibroblastoid cell lines raise concern on a body of literature derived by dominant mutant expression approach in a variety of cell lines implicating mammalian Cdc42 as a key regulator of filopodia induction, directional migration and cell cycle progression. To resolve the physiological function of mammalian Cdc42, we have characterized the Cdc42−/− and Cdc42GAP−/− primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) produced by gene targeting as the Cdc42 loss- or gain-of-activity cell model. The Cdc42−/− cells were defective in filopodia formation stimulated by bradykinin and in dorsal membrane ruffling stimulated by PDGF, whereas the Cdc42GAP−/− cells displayed spontaneous filopodia. The Cdc42 loss- or gain-of-activity cells were defective in adhesion to fibronectin, wound-healing, polarity establishment, and migration toward a serum gradient. These defects were associated with deficiencies of PAK1, GSK3β, myosin light chain, and FAK phosphorylation. Furthermore, Cdc42−/− cells were defective in G1/S-phase transition and survival, correlating with deficient NF-κB transcription and defective JNK, p70 S6K, and ERK1/2 activation. These results demonstrate a different requirement of Cdc42 activity in primary MEFs from ES or ES-derived clonal fibroblastoid cells and suggest that Cdc42 plays cell-type–specific signaling roles.
A Comparison of Conventional, Final-Offer, and “Combined” Arbitration for Dispute Resolution

Two widely used forms of arbitration are conventional arbitration, in which the arbitrator makes an unconstrained settlement choice, and final-offer arbitration, in which the arbitrator must choose between disputants' final offers. Under an innovative, as yet unused approach called "combined arbitration," if the arbitrator's notion of a fair settlement lies between the disputants' final offers, final-offer arbitration rules are used; otherwise, conventional arbitration rules are used. Theoretically, by combining the risks that the two standard forms of arbitration pose for disputants who do not voluntarily settle, combined arbitration should generate convergent final offers. The results of this controlled laboratory study show, however, that dispute rates are highest in combined arbitration and lowest in conventional arbitration. These results challenge the theoretical predictions for combined arbitration as well as claims that final offer arbitration should reduce disputes compared to conventional arbitration. The results are, however, consistent with a simple theory of disputant optimism.
Food for Thought: Poverty, Family Nutritional Environment, and Children's Educational Performance in Rural China

Insecure access to nutritious food is a common experience for poor households in developing countries. Despite the global scale of food insecurity, it has not been conceptualized by sociologists as a significant component of home environment or dimension of poverty that might matter for children's outcomes. Analyzing data from rural China, the authors show that nutritional environment in the home is associated with household socioeconomic status, that it predicts children's school performance, and that it is a significant mediator of poverty effects on schooling for children in early primary grades.
Health Care Utilization and Health Indicators Among a National Sample of U.S. Veterans in Same-Sex Partnerships

ABSTRACTObjectives: To examine health indicators of same-sex partnered veterans as compared with their opposite-sex partnered veteran and nonveteran peers. Methods: Same-sex partner status was derived by self-reported same-sex partnerships in data from the 2004 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Outcome variables included health risk disparities associated with sexual minority status (e.g., frequent mental distress) and veteran status (e.g., firearm ownership). Stratified multiple logistic regression models were used to examine the association of same-sex partnered veteran status with health indicators. Results: Same-sex partnered veterans had higher odds of being overweight and keeping firearms in the house compared with same-sex partnered nonveterans. Same-sex partnered veterans were less likely than opposite-sex partnered veterans to be overweight, and they were more than twice as likely to be current smokers when compared with opposite-sex partnered nonveterans. Conclusions: Findings suggest ...
ATR and ATM induce a destabilizing phosphorylation on Thr 286 of cyclin D1

A113 Cyclin D1 plays a critical role in promoting cell cycle progression when its levels increase during G1 and G2 phases. However, in order to circumvent its inhibition of DNA synthesis, cyclin D1 expression is suppressed to low levels during S phase following phosphorylation of Thr286 (pT286-D1) leading to protein destabilization. We postulated, based upon several considerations, that an increase in pT286-D1 levels during S phase might be mediated by the check point kinase, ATR, following its activation during normal DNA replication. To test this idea, we first activated ATR in NIH3T3 cells either by UV irradiation, or by microinjection of an ATR activating TopBP1 expression plasmid. The levels of phosphorylated histone H2AX (pH2AX) indicated that ATR was activated specifically during S phase by UV, and in all cell cycle phases by TopBP1 injection. Importantly, each treatment also induced pT286-D1 with the same cell cycle profiles as seen with pH2AX. Moreover, induction of both pT286-D1 and pH2AX by UV, or by TopBP1 were attenuated by microinjection of siRNA against ATR, or by caffeine, respectively. These data indicate that an ATR dependent pathway can induce phosphorylation of cyclin D1 Thr286 leading to protein degradation. To determine if ATR is also involved in pT286-D1 elevation during S phase in a normal cell cycle, siRNA against ATR was injected into actively proliferating, untreated cells. The siRNA injection slightly, but significantly suppressed the normal accumulation of pT286-D1 in S phase cells; indicating that at least in part, ATR activation during normal S phase is responsible for suppressing cyclin D1 levels. This capacity of ATR to induce pT286-D1 raised the possibility that another checkpoint kinase, ATM, might also induce pT286-D1. To test this possibility, ATM was activated by DNA damage induced by neocarzinostain treatment. This treatment induced both pH2AX, and pT286-D1 in all cell cycle phases. Both phosphorylations were attenuated by a specific chemical ATM inhibitor. These data demonstrate that both ATR and ATM kinases suppress cyclin D1 levels by inducing a destabilizing phosphorylation on Thr286. This indicates that cyclin D1 is an important target for these checkpoint pathways to regulate cell cycle progression.
Parent Perceptions of Connectedness in a Full Service Community School Project

Quality partnerships between parents and schools are widely considered necessary components of effective educational approaches for improving student academic performance. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of research that has examined the effect of school-community collaboration on parent–teacher relationships or parent involvement. The Providence Full Service Community Schools (PFSCS) model, created to connect schools, families, and communities, provided comprehensive services, including family literacy, out-of-school time, wraparound case management, health outreach, and a focus on family engagement. To understand how community service integration, the key component of PFSCS, can improve parent involvement as social capital, the Parent–Teacher Involvement Questionnaire was used to measure perceptions of the amount and type of contact that occur between parents and teachers; parent interest and comfort in talking with teachers; parent satisfaction with their children’s school; and the extent of parental involvement in their child’s education. The PTIQ was administered during the fall of each participating school’s first year of PFSCS implementation and then again during each subsequent fall. Descriptive analyses and one-way ANOVAs were conducted for each subscale of the PTIQ and then for each subscale by school. Overall, findings were mixed and, perhaps most notably, three of the four subscales showed an initial score decrease followed by longer term improvements. While some caution in interpretation is warranted due to design limitations, our primary recommendation is for schools to focus on building trusting relationships with parents and also that data collection, such as was used in this study, can facilitate these efforts. Likewise, the importance of documenting school and intervention contexts is reiterated.
Planning and Designing Spaces for the Sciences

Science facility renovation and expansion projects provide opportunities for faculty members to play a role in working with architects and administrators to produce effective spaces for teaching and research. This article summarizes information regarding the process and design features that have proved beneficial for many recent science facilities projects. Although the context focuses on large projects, the general principles pertain to smaller changes in spaces that individual departments might be pursuing.
Light-Driven, Quantum Dot-Mediated Regeneration of FMN To Drive Reduction of Ketoisophorone by Old Yellow Enzyme

We report the full reduction of the biological cofactor FMN with visible light using CdSe quantum dots and methylviologen as an electron relay. In turn, these reducing equivalents can drive the stereospecific reduction of ketoisophorone by an old yellow enzyme homologue from Bacillus subtilis (YqjM). The experiments demonstrate the current capabilities and limitations of quantum dots as part of a cofactor regeneration system and pave the road for future studies aimed at new and improved in situ light-driven cofactor regeneration strategies.
The Legend of John Von Neumann

(1973). The Legend of John Von Neumann. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 80, No. 4, pp. 382-394.
Comparison of Technology Transfer Models under the CDM between Dutch and Japan

The clean development mechanism(CDM)is one of the three greenhouse gas abatement mechanisms.It is beneficial for developing country to realize technical progress and developed country to achieve its reduction mission in Kyoto Protocol .The paper analyze the technology transfer models under CDM in Dutch and Japan which keep ahead in performing CDM,then summarize some strengths which are applicable features for others.
Consideration on equipment management and construction of national fire army

The article proposed the present situation of management and construction of fire equipment of our country through the investigation and study,and scientifically analyzed the reason,and proposed the target-oriented management countermeasures of the next step.
Characteristics of High-Producing Jersey Herds

Abstract One hundred seventy-eight Jersey herds enrolled in Dairy Herd Improvement Registry with average 305-day, 2X, mature equivalent production equal to or higher than 5,997 kg of milk and/or 283 kg of fat for 1987 responded to a survey designed to characterize feeding and management practices of high-producing Jersey herds. Mean Rolling Herd Averages were 6,252 kg for milk, 298 kg for fat, and 236 kg for protein. Average days to first breeding were 77, services per conception were 1.8, days open averaged 103, calving interval averaged 12.8 mo, and days dry averaged 60. Ninety-nine percent of cows were sire identified, and the average Predicted Difference dollars of service sires was 137, which ranked in the 75th percentile. Artificial insemination was used at least 75% of the time in 98% of the cow herds and 80% of the heifer herds. Thirty percent of the herds used a microcomputer and used it most often for managing production records, ration balancing, and managing financial information. Twenty-five percent indicated they definitely or probably would use bovine somatotropin; 44% said they probably or definitely would not use it. Herds in the Western U.S. had significantly higher milk, fat, and protein production when compared to herds in the South, North-Central, and Northeast. Somatic cell counts were significantly higher in the Southern U.S.
Effect of Body Weight on Dose of Vitamin K Antagonists.

Objectives Numerous factors are well documented to affect the response to vitamin K antagonists (VKA), including dietary vitamin K, other drugs, age, pharmacogenetics, and disease states. Body weight is perhaps not as well known as a variable affecting VKA dose. Our aim was to review the literature regarding body weight and VKA dose requirements. Methods We reviewed the English-language literature via PubMed and Scopus using the search terms VKA, warfarin, acenocoumarol, phenprocoumon, fluindione, AND body weight. Results Among 32 studies conducted since the widespread use of the international normalized ratio, 29 found a correlation with body weight or body surface area and VKA dose requirement. Warfarin was evaluated in 27 studies and acenocoumarol, phenprocoumon, or fluindione were assessed in 5 investigations. Conclusions Because of varying study methodologies, further study is warranted. Based on current evidence, clinicians should include body weight, along with other established variables when dosing VKA. Most important, obese and morbidly obese patients may require a 30% to 50% increase with the initial dosing of VKA.
Myles Jackson, The Genealogy of a Gene : MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 2015.

This review discusses Myles Jackson’s The Genealogy of a Gene: Patents, HIV/ AIDS, and Race. After some general remarks, I give a chapter-level summary of the book, and finally offer an overall assessment. Jackson’s primary aim is to examine the relationship between the institutions of contemporary biomedical research, on the one hand, and venture capital and intellectual property, on the other, over the past 20 years or so. Government agencies—primarily the US patent office, but also UK and European patent offices, and the US NIH and FDA—and patient advocacy organization also have important roles throughout the narrative. But they enter and exit the stage; biomedical research and funding systems are always present. The other constant presence is the CCR5 gene. Identified in the 1990s, the gene has been the object of a number of scientific-legal controversies, from (as per the subtitle) patents to treatments for HIV/AIDS to genomic studies of race. The constant presence of both the CCR5 gene and multinational research and financial systems means that Jackson sometimes moves rapidly between the levels of, say, protein folding and comparisons of national patent systems. This is both a major strength and a major challenge of the book. On the one hand, Jackson’s ability to move smoothly between these levels effectively shows that the network of social institutions devoted to the epistemic-clinical-commercial exploitation of these molecules is just as intricate and tangled as that of the molecules themselves. Indeed, it seems reasonable to read Jackson as arguing that there is in fact just one
SASCloud: Ad Hoc Cloud as Secure Storage

With the emergence of high-speed 4G networks along with reachable Wi-fi systems, cloud computing frameworks can greatly leverage mobile domains. However, obtaining a temporary storage service in a communication-challenged area is difficult due to the unavailability of any secure third-party cloud systems. Although the existing ad hoc cloud architectures facilitate distributed computation and sensing operations, such systems fail to deliver secure ad hoc storage as a service when a client requests for secure storage. The absence of a proper centralized monitoring system in the existing ad hoc clouds is a major obstacle for convincing a client to trust the neighboring mobile nodes for content offloading. In case a client and an outsourced node get disconnected, retrieving the offloaded contents along with ensuring their confidentiality and integrity becomes non-trivial. Additionally, providing a feasible and justified monetary incentive is a complex process for such ad hoc mobile frameworks. In this paper, we propose SASCloud, a centrally controlled ad hoc cloud system that provides a secure and reliable storage service for mobile clients. Our proposed system uses the contextual information of mobile users along with partial environmental knowledge and forms a temporal cloud using the resources of neighboring mobile devices. Along with the detailed reasoning of possible threats in our model, we provide a secure framework for content distribution and retrieval. We provide extensive analysis of our model using simulated experimental modules and demonstrate the feasibility of providing a secure storage service in a network-disconnected area using SASCloud.
Creation of Upper-Arm Prosthetic Arteriovenous Grafts

Upper-arm arteriovenous grafts are performed to provide access for chronic hemodialysis when an autologous vein is not available. This chapter describes indications, essential steps, variations, and complications of this procedure. It provides a detailed template operative note for the procedure.
Vacuum System for Use with a Microbalance

A clean system and a very high vacuum are required for many experimental studies in which a microbalance is used, especially when surface phenomena are under investigation.
Understanding the Difference between U.S. Federal Laws and Regulations

This is a simplified guide to understanding the differences between laws and regulations in the United States. It provides links to the resources described so that students, teachers, professors, practitioners and the general public can access these necessary documents for public policy purposes. It was originally formulated at Duke University by Stuart Basefsky and brought to Cornell University for the purposes of teaching and research.
The relationship between blood parasites and ornamentation depends on the level of analysis in the common yellowthroat

The Hamilton-Zuk hypothesis predicts that ornament expression is a signal of the ability of individuals to resist parasite infection. Thus, across a population (i.e., between-individuals) more ornamented individuals should have lower levels of parasitism. Numerous studies have tested this prediction and the results are mixed. One reason for these conflicting results may be that many studies have examined this relationship at the between-individual level, which may be affected by confounding factors such as selective mortality. Using within-subject centering we examined the relationship between male ornamentation and avian blood parasites at both the between- and the within-individual level. These relationships focus on differences in genetically-based resistance to parasites and the trade-off in resource allocation between parasite resistance and ornament expression within an individual, respectively. We studied male common yellowthroats (Geothlypis trichas), which have two plumage ornaments, a yellow, carotenoid-based bib (throat and chest) and a black, melanin-based facial mask. Surprisingly, within-individuals, an increase in parasitism between years was associated with an increase in mask size and, potentially, greater concentration of carotenoids in the yellow feathers. This suggests that males may be able to tolerate an increase in parasitism and still increase ornament expression. In contrast, ornamentation was not related to parasitism at the between-individual level. Thus, our study revealed relationships between ornaments and parasitism at the within-individual level that were not present at the between-individual level. Our results highlight the importance of examining both within- and between-individual relationships as correlations between variables, such as ornaments and parasites, may depend on the level of analysis (i.e., within- or between- individuals). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Scheduled feeding restores memory and modulates c-Fos expression in the suprachiasmatic nucleus and septohippocampal complex

Disruptions in circadian timing impair spatial memory in humans and rodents. Circadian-arrhythmic Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) exhibit substantial deficits in spatial working memory as assessed by a spontaneous alternation (SA) task. The present study found that daily scheduled feeding rescued spatial memory deficits in these arrhythmic animals. Improvements in memory persisted for at least 3 weeks after the arrhythmic hamsters were switched back to ad libitum feeding. During ad libitum feeding, locomotor activity resumed its arrhythmic state, but performance on the SA task varied across the day with a peak in daily performance that corresponded to the previous daily window of food anticipation. At the end of scheduled feeding, c-Fos brain mapping revealed differential gene expression in entrained versus arrhythmic hamsters in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) that paralleled changes in the medial septum and hippocampus, but not in other neural structures. These data show that scheduled feeding can improve cognitive performance when SCN timing has been compromised, possibly by coordinating activity in the SCN and septohippocampal pathway.
Jocks versus jockettes: An analysis of the visual portrayal of male and female cover models on sports magazines:

There are known gender-based disparities in sports news coverage. However, few have examined how these disparities manifest in sports news visuals such as sports magazine covers. Therefore, this st...
Level of Interleukin 37 (IL-37) in Children with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Its Correlation with Disease Activity

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder caused by auto-antibodies against self-antigens. Interleukin 37 (IL-37) is a member of IL-1family, and it is a key cytokine in regulating inflammation. We aimed to detect the level of IL-37 in SLE patients and to correlate it with disease activity. Methods: A cross-sectional study included fifty children with SLE following up at the pediatric rheumatology clinic in specialized children’s hospital, Cairo University and chosen randomly; aged up to 16 years and thirty, apparently healthy children with matched age and gender, were assigned as the control group. In all cases and controls, full history was taken, full physical examination performed and laboratory investigations including level of IL-37 were done. Results: Levels of IL-37 in the 50 cases with SLE were higher than in the 30 controls with statistically significant difference (P = 0.028). Level of IL-37 was higher in active cases than in inactive cases but without statistically significant difference (P = 0.58). Level of IL-37 level in cases with mild activity was lower than in cases with moderate or severe activity but without statistically significant difference (P = 0.23). Conclusions: level of IL-37 was higher in our SLE patients than in controls and it is higher in active cases than inactive cases. IL-37 is correlated positively with duration between onset and diagnosis of disease and SLEDAI-2K activity score.
Pensamiento crítico, conciencia cultural y tecnología: actividades para cursos de español como L2

El objetivo de este articulo es describir el diseno de materiales apropiados para la construccion del conocimiento sociocultural y critico en dos cursos de espanol como L23 en una universidad urbana de Estados Unidos. Este trabajo es el resultado de las investigaciones sobre el diseno y desarrollo de materiales apropiados para estudiantes de segunda lengua que se ha llevado a cabo en los ultimos anos en el Departamento de Estudios Hispanicos de la Universidad de Houston. Los materiales se disenaron y desarrollaron segun los postulados teoricos de la pedagogia critica, el desarrollo del pensamiento critico y la conciencia social critica, y se implementaron mediante una serie de herramientas digitales que permitieron que todos los cursos, presenciales y en linea, se beneficiaran de los materiales. Para el presente trabajo se realizo una seleccion de ejemplos y se les hizo un breve analisis cualitativo a las respuestas de los estudiantes de los cursos seleccionados. El analisis de los datos permite observar que los aprendientes fueron capaces de expresar sus puntos de vista de manera critica, realizar comparaciones entre su propia cultura y experiencias y la cultura y experiencias de la lengua meta, llevar a cabo investigaciones y desarrollar sus propias conclusiones a partir de los materiales didacticos desarrollados.
OBESITY IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH A DIFFERENTIAL OUTCOME FOLLOWING CORONARY ARTERY BYPASS SURGERY

Conflicting data exists regarding the impact of obesity on mortality and morbidity following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery with some suggesting a paradoxical reduction in adverse outcomes. We aimed to compare the in-hospital outcomes of CABG in obese and non-obese subjects. The
Bariatric surgery before elective posterior lumbar fusion is associated with reduced medical complications and infection.

Abstract Background context Severely obese patients with operative spinal pathology present a challenge to the spine surgeon, given the increased complication risk. Purpose We aimed to determine the impact of bariatric surgery (BS) on perioperative complications of posterior lumbar fusion. Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study. Patient Sample Patients undergoing posterior lumbar fusion surgery in the State Inpatient Databases of New York, Florida, North Carolina, Nebraska, Utah, and California comprised the patient sample. Outcomes Thirty-day medical complications, surgical complications (nerve injury, infection, revision), death, readmission, and hospital length of stay (LOS) were the study's outcomes. Methods We analyzed 156,517 patients using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Patients were categorized into three groups: Group 1: history of BS and obesity, Group 2: severe obesity, body mass index (BMI)>40 (severely obese), and Group 3: normal weight, BMI Results There were 590 patients with BS, 5,791 severely obese, and 150,136 non-obese. Comparing BS with severely obese, BS had significantly lower rates of respiratory failure (odds ratio [OR] 0.59, p=.019), urinary tract infection (OR 0.64, p=.031), acute renal failure (OR 0.39, p=.007), overall medical complications (OR 0.59, p Conclusion Bariatric surgery before elective posterior lumbar fusion mitigates risk of medical complications and infection. However, these patients still have increased risk of infection, revision surgery, and readmission compared with patients with normal BMI. Surgeons might consider referral for BS for the severely obese patient before undergoing spine surgery.
Pharmacy informatics in multihospital health systems: Opportunities and challenges.

Purpose Challenges and opportunities in managing pharmacy-related technology in a multihospital health system are reviewed. Summary With electronic medical record (EMR) implementations, pharmacy technology deployments, and increased numbers of hospitals merging into single health systems, opportunities and challenges for pharmacy informatics (PI) teams have grown. Pharmacy leaders must consider the implications of using technology in a multihospital health-system environment, as well as the impact of the health system’s organizational structures on technology implementations and dedicated support teams. Common challenges in achieving EMR and other technology implementation and standardization initiatives in multihospital health systems include harmonization of practices across hospitals of various sizes and types and issues of platform compatibility and interoperability. PI teams must collaborate with information technology teams at the system level to identify practical strategies for making the best use of available resources to implement pharmacy automation and software to help pharmacists continue to provide safe and effective patient care. The organizational structures that affect informatics teams, pharmacy integration and standardization initiatives, formulary management practices, data management and analytics, and clinical decision support systems all must be areas of focus. Conclusion An integrated pharmacy enterprise can be well positioned to leverage operational efficiencies gained from appropriate use of technology to enhance patient care. Careful attention must be paid to the manner in which these systems are designed, implemented, and managed in order to make the best use of the technological resources used by the health system.
Ethical Theories, Principles, and Casuistry in Bioethics: An Interpretation and Defense of Principlism

For the last several years a debate has raged about methods in general ethics, whether theological or philosophical, and in bioethics as one area of applied or practical ethics. It has often focused on what has been characterized as the dominant paradigm in bioethics — the appeal to principles. This approach has recently been disparagingly labelled “principlism” [18]. As a defender of principles in bioethics, I will nevertheless use this label of “principlism” as a short-hand expression for a position that I have presented in several works, especially in Principles of Biomedical Ethics ([3], [4], [5]) — hereafter PBE — which I co-authored with Tom L. Beauchamp.1
Assessment of Renal Function—Glomerular and Tubular

The tests most commonly used to estimate the status of renal function via alterations in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are plasma creatinine concentration (PCr), blood, urea, nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine clearance (CCr). Unfortunately, these tests have some drawbacks. Nevertheless, they are quite useful to clinicians aware of their limitations, especially in many instances when it may be unnecessary or impractical to have precise measurements. Accordingly, serial measurements of PCr, especially when related to simultaneous BUN determinations, or CCr, may suffice. However, the functional status of the kidneys often needs to be corroborated by more precise methods when subtle changes in renal function are detected or when clinically indicated.
The Intersectionality of Racial and Gender Discrimination among Teens Exposed to Dating Violence

Objective: Driven by intersectionality, a central tenet of Critical Race Theory, this study examines the combined associations of racial and gender discrimination, which are interlocking, macro-level social forces, and teen dating violence (TDV). Design: Self-report surveys were admin­istered via Audio Computer Assisted Self Interview (ACASI) equipment. Logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between racial and gender discrimination and TDV. Setting: Study participants were recruited during August 2003 to June 2004 from high school health classes and an after-school program located in South Bronx neighbor­hoods of New York City. Participants: Non-probability sample of 142 Black and Latino teens aged 13-19 years who reported experiences dating someone of a different sex. Main Measures: Experienced discrimina­tion based on race and gender adapted from the Experiences of Discrimination (EOD) instrument, dating violence items from the Youth Dating Violence Survey. Results: Of the participants, 40.1% re­ported experiencing both racial and gender discrimination, and nearly all (93%) experi­enced dating violence. Participants reporting both racial and gender discrimination were 2.5 times more likely to report experiencing the highest frequency of dating violence, adjusted for age and sex (95% CI: 1.0- 6.7). A dose-response of EOD observed in unadjusted models (P for trend =.024) was no longer statistically significant after adjust­ment for age and sex (P for trend =.073). Conclusions: Strategies to prevent TDV in this population should not ignore the com­pounding negative effects of racial and gen­der discrimination. Ethn Dis. 2018;28(Suppl 1):253-260; doi:10.18865/ed.28.S1.253.
GOGO: An improved algorithm to measure the semantic similarity between gene ontology terms

Measuring the semantic similarity between Gene Ontology (GO) terms is an essential step in functional bioinformatics research. We implemented a software named GOGO for calculating the semantic similarity between GO terms. GOGO has the advantages of both information-content-based and hybrid methods, such as Resnik's and Wang's methods. Moreover, GOGO is relatively fast and does not need to calculate information content (IC) from a large gene annotation corpus but still has the advantage of using IC. This is achieved by considering the number of children nodes in the GO directed acyclic graphs when calculating the semantic contribution of an ancestor node giving to its descendent nodes. GOGO can calculate functional similarities between genes and then cluster genes based on their functional similarities. Evaluations performed on multiple pathways retrieved from the saccharomyces genome database (SGD) show that GOGO can accurately and robustly cluster genes based on functional similarities. We release GOGO as a web server and also as a stand-alone tool, which allows convenient execution of the tool for a small number of GO terms or integration of the tool into bioinformatics pipelines for large-scale calculations. GOGO can be freely accessed or downloaded from http://dna.cs.miami.edu/GOGO/ .