cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Incidence of Pulmonary Tumors in Mice Exposed to Aerosols of Therapeutic Agents* : An Evaluation of the Possible Carcinogenic Properties of Penicillin, Pyribenzamine, Adrenalin, Cortisone, Trypsin and Desoxyribonuclease

In the early part of this century Adler surveyed the literature and found less than 400 recorded cases of primary cancer of the lung. During the ensuing 50 years the incidence of this condition has risen sharply, until now it is one of the most common causes of death in the male. Because of the steadily increasing mortality from this disease, carcinoma of the lung has become one of the most important problems in oncologic research. Spontaneous Pulmonary Tumors in the Mouse: The induction of pulmonary tumors in animals has become an acceptable experimental method of investigating agents that might prove carcinogenic and hence be hazardous to man. Selection of suitable animals for such studies has been difficult in the past, since spontaneous tumors of the lung are rare in most species. The establishment by Strong, in 1921, of an inbred strain of albino mouse (Strain A) which shows a high incidence of spontaneous lung tumors has greatly aided subsequent investigations. Bittner, in 1939, studied the range of occurrence of such tumors in strain A mice and found it to be highly predictable. The known incidence of tumors in the strain A mouse has been of great value in the in vivo testing of possible carcinogens. Origin of Spontaneous Adenomatous Tumor in the Mouse:
Intrusions of stratospheric air into Alaska's troposphere, March 1983

Abstract During the Arctic Gas and Aerosol Sampling Program (AGASP) in March 1983, two distinctly different mechanisms for transporting stratospheric air into the Arctic troposphere were documented. A tropopause folding event, associated with an Arctic front, injected ‘perturbed’ polar stratospheric air into the troposphere. This perturbed polar stratospheric air was characterized by enhanced condensation nuclei concentrations (up to 1800 cm −3 ), enhanced aerosol light scattering (up to 90 × 10 −6 m −1 ), and crustal aerosol particles of probable volcanic origin. The second mechanism, large-scale anticyclonic subsidence, transported relatively ‘clean’ stratospheric air into the Arctic troposphere. This clean stratospheric air was characterized by relatively low condensation nuclei concentrations (maximum of 300 cm −3 ), low aerosol light scattering ([5–7] × 10 −6 m −1 ), and the absence of detectable crustal particles.
Student Loans: Are We Getting Our Money's Worth?

In the United States, a sizable number of minority and low-income students who work hard and perform well in high school fail to attend college after graduation or to succeed once enrolled. Only ab...
Relation of Visual Function to Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Multiple Sclerosis

Purpose To examine the relation of visual function to retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness as a structural biomarker for axonal loss in multiple sclerosis (MS), and to compare RNFL thickness among MS eyes with a history of acute optic neuritis (MS ON eyes), MS eyes without an optic neuritis history (MS non-ON eyes), and disease-free control eyes. Design Cross-sectional study. Participants Patients with MS (n = 90; 180 eyes) and disease-free controls (n = 36; 72 eyes). Methods Retinal never fiber layer thickness was measured using optical coherence tomography (OCT; fast RNFL thickness software protocol). Vision testing was performed for each eye and binocularly before OCT scanning using measures previously shown to capture dysfunction in MS patients: (1) low-contrast letter acuity (Sloan charts, 2.5% and 1.25% contrast levels at 2 m) and (2) contrast sensitivity (Pelli–Robson chart at 1 m). Visual acuity (retroilluminated Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy charts at 3.2 m) was also measured, and protocol refractions were performed. Main Outcome Measures Retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measured by OCT, and visual function test results. Results Although median Snellen acuity equivalents were better than 20/20 in both groups, RNFL thickness was reduced significantly among eyes of MS patients (92 μm) versus controls (105 μm) ( P P Conclusions Scores for low-contrast letter acuity and contrast sensitivity correlate well with RNFL thickness as a structural biomarker, supporting validity for these visual function tests as secondary clinical outcome measures for MS trials. These results also suggest a role for ocular imaging techniques such as OCT in trials that examine neuroprotective and other disease-modifying therapies. Although eyes with a history of acute optic neuritis demonstrate the greatest reductions in RNFL thickness, MS non-ON eyes have less RNFL thickness than controls, suggesting the occurrence of chronic axonal loss separate from acute attacks in MS patients.
Physical and Chemical Compatibility of Daptomycin with Nine Medications

BACKGROUNDHospitalized patients with serious gram-positive infections tend to require concomitant therapy. Unfortunately, a number of antimicrobial agents have demonstrated incompatibility with other agents commonly administered intravenously.OBJECTIVETo evaluate the physical compatibility and chemical stability of the novel lipopeptide antibiotic daptomycin, at 20 mg/mL, with 9 commonly administered intravenous medications: aztreonam, ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, dopamine, gentamicin, fluconazole, heparin, levofloxacin, and lidocaine to support simultaneous Y-site administration.METHODSDaptomycin was admixed with each medication separately in NaCl 0.9%, incubated at room temperature, and assayed at 30, 60, and 120 minutes. Physical stability was assessed by visual inspection and by turbidity measurements. Chemical stability was assessed by HPLC analysis using standard methods.RESULTSAll 9 daptomycin admixtures remained clear solutions, free of visible particulates. There were also few changes in turbidity (...
Impact of Previous Thoracic Aneurysm Repair on Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Management

Abstract Background. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of previous thoracic aortic aneurysm repair (PTAR) on subsequent thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm operations. Methods. A retrospective review of 723 thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repairs over a 10-year period facilitated comparison of 179 patients (24.8%) with PTAR and 544 patients (75.2%) without PTAR. Results. Patients with PTAR had more chronic dissections and extensive thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, and consequently required longer clamp and ischemic times and more intraoperative transfusions. Patients without PTAR were older, had more preoperative comorbid disease, and had more symptomatic or ruptured aneurysms. Although differences did not reach statistical significance, patients without PTAR tended toward increased in-hospital mortality (8.5% versus 4.5%; p = 0.078) and postoperative paraplegia/paraparesis rates (6.5% versus 2.8%; p = 0.069). More patients without PTAR had cardiac complications (11.3% versus 5.6%; p = 0.028) and required chronic hemodialysis (5.9% versus 1.1%; p = 0.009). Conclusions. The presence of a PTAR did not adversely affect the outcome of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair. After thoracic aortic aneurysm repair, life-long radiologic surveillance and early surgical treatment are justified.
Phenomenology of the subtypes of delirium: phenomenological differences between hyperactive and hypoactive delirium.

Objective:The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in phenomenology between hypoactive and hyperactive subtypes of delirium, and specifically to determine the comparative prevalence of perceptual disturbances (e.g., hallucinations) and delusions in these two subtypes of delirium.Method:We conducted an analysis of Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale (MDAS) items in a set of 100 delirium cases evaluated and treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) utilizing an MSKCC Institutional Review Board (IRB) approved Clinical Delirium Database. Individual MDAS items, reflecting the phenomenology of delirium, were compared in delirious patients classified as to motoric subtype (hypoactive versus hyperactive based on MDAS item no. 9, psychomotor activity). Particular attention was paid to differences between subtypes as to the prevalence of perceptual disturbances (MDAS item no. 7) and delusions (MDAS item no. 8).Results:Significant differences were found between hyperactive and hypoactive subtypes of delirium for the presence and severity of perceptual disturbances and delusions; with perceptual disturbances (e.g., hallucinations) and delusions being significantly more prevalent in hyperactive than in hypoactive delirium. The prevalence of perceptual disturbances was 50.9% and the prevalence of delusions was 43.4% in patients with hypoactive delirium. In patients with hyperactive delirium, the prevalence of perceptual disturbances was 70.2% and the prevalence of delusions was 78.7%. The prevalence of perceptual disturbances and delusions in both subtypes of delirium was significantly correlated with the presence of moderate-to-severe disturbance of consciousness/arousal (MDAS item no. 1) and attention impairment (MDAS item no. 5), but was not correlated with the presence of moderate-to-severe cognitive impairment (MDAS item nos. 2–4).Significance of results:Contrary to earlier studies, which indicated extremely low prevalence rates of perceptual disturbances (e.g., hallucinations) and delusion in hypoactive delirium, our study demonstrates that the prevalence of perceptual disturbances and delusions in hypoactive delirium is much higher than previously reported (50.9% and 43.4%, respectively), and deserving of clinical attention and intervention.
Qualitative analysis of social support and conflict among Mexican and Mexican‐American disaster survivors

We describe in this study the various ways that survivors may experience social support and conflict after a disaster. Using unstructured interviews, 25 Mexicans/Mexican Americans (14 women, 11 men) we're asked to recount the ways that they received support, as well as the ways they experienced conflict. Interviews occurred across three cities: Guadalajara, Jalisco (n = 9), Homestead, Florida (n = 6), and Puerto Angel, Oaxaca (n = 10). Recurrent themes were found for both support and conflict. Survivors reported more support from informal sources (family, neighbors) than formal sources (government) and far more tangible (food, shelter) than emotional or informational support. Conflict themes were different for each city. In Mexico, reports of conflict were more likely to involve abuses by government officials while in Homestead conflict involved abuses by residents. Theoretical and practical implications for future disaster research in developing countries are discussed. Language: en
Understanding critical race theory as a framework in higher educational research

This paper reviews the existing literature to discuss how critical race theory has been applied as a theoretical framework to higher educational research in the United States and what its contributions are. To provide necessary context, I will discuss race and racism in the United States, the background of US higher education in relation to race, the emergence of critical race theory and its application in US higher education.
Antigenicity of a polysaccharide vaccine from Neisseria meningitidis administered intranasally.

Polysaccharide vaccine from group C Neisseria meningitidis was administered intranasally to three groups of approximately 20 men each. The antigen, 50 tg (groups I and II) or 200 tg (group III), was given in one dose, and the subjects were studied for approximately five weeks. Although slight tearing and conjunctival redness was observed in most subjects after vaccination, only three men in the first group complained of mild ocular and nasal symptoms. No other allergic or toxic reactions were observed. Two weeks after vaccination titers of serum HA antibody to group C meningococci of >1:8 were observed in 45%, 29%, and 70% of men in groups I, II, and III, respectively. A rise in antibody after vaccination was also detected by the bactericidal test, but no detectable complement-fixing antibody developed. The intranasal vaccine did not produce significant rises in titer of local nasal antibody. Three weeks after vaccination with the 200-Rtg dose (P = .029), fewer vaccinees than controls yielded group C organisms on culture. Comparison of vaccinees with natural carriers of meningococci showed that the antibody response to natural nasopharyngeal infection was approximately three times greater than that conferred by the 200-tg dose of vaccine. Although not recommended to replace the parenteral vaccine, intranasal vaccination offers a safe method for study of the pathogenesis of meningococcal infection and is the best model available to study the role of local antibody in immunity.
Model for the Formation of Silicon Carbide from the Pyrolysis of Dichlorodimethylsilane in Hydrogen: I, Silicon Formation from Chlorosilanes

Silicon tetrachloride is a major product of the pyrolysis of dichlorodimethylsilane in hydrogen. A model is developed for the deposition of silicon from the reduction of silicon tetrachloride with hydrogen in a tubular reactor at temperatures from 700 to 1100C and 1.013 [times] 10[sup 5] Pa (1 atm) pressure. Concentrations of silicon tetrachloride varied from 1 to 9 vol%. Gas chromatography was used to determine the volatile products of reaction, and gravimetric analysis was used to determine the total silicon deposition on the tube. The model, based on the experimental data, assumes the following reversible chemical reactions: SiCl[sub 4] + H[sub 2] [leftrightarrow] HSiCl[sub 3] + HCl; HSiCl[sub 3] + H[sub 2] [leftrightarrow] H[sub 2]SiCl[sub 2] + HCl; H[sub 2]SiCl[sub 2] [leftrightarrow] Si + 2HCl. The rate constants derived from a nonlinear regression analysis are reported.
Matching strategies of teachers and schools in general equilibrium

I use a structural matching model, North Carolina public school data, and a survey of teachers’ career plans to analyze schools’ and teachers’ behaviors in the teacher transfer market. Results show that mid-career teachers with better pre-service qualifications are the most eager to search, different types of teachers and schools have different search strategies, and the market is turbulent, characterized by search friction and large movements of teachers to better, worse, or comparable schools. The market is not as stable and orderly as it may first appear. Simulations show that simple policies to direct teacher transfers are at best inefficient. Jel codes: I24; J48; J62
Sedation in the intensive care unit

Sedation allows the depression of patients’ awareness of the environment and reduction of their response to external stimulation. It plays a pivotal role in the care of the critically ill patient, and encompasses a wide spectrum of symptom control that will vary between patients, and among individuals throughout the course of their illnesses. Heavy sedation in critical care to facilitate endotracheal tube tolerance and ventilator synchronization, often with neuromuscular blocking agents, was routine until relatively recently. The modern ICU ventilator is equipped with a wide range of ventilatory modes and, with the addition of electronic flow triggering, synchronization problems have largely disappeared. The replacement of an endotracheal tube by a tracheostomy reduces the discomfort associated with an artificial airway and may often remove the need for sedation entirely. Thus, modern day sedation involves more than tube tolerance and is now focused on the multifactorial individual needs of the patient. Critical illness can be a frightening experience for a variety of reasons, and adequate sedation may reduce this. Pain is a common problem and may be worsened by invasive and unpleasant procedures. Agitation is thought to occur at least once in 71% of patients in a medical-surgical ICU.
Towards a unified system for detecting waterborne pathogens

Currently, there is no single method to collect, process, and analyze a water sample for all pathogenic microorganisms of interest. Some of the difficulties in developing a universal method include the physical differences between the major pathogen groups (viruses, bacteria, protozoa), efficiently concentrating large volume water samples to detect low target concentrations of certain pathogen groups, removing co-concentrated inhibitors from the sample, and standardizing a culture-independent endpoint detection method. Integrating the disparate technologies into a single, universal, simple method and detection system would represent a significant advance in public health and microbiological water quality analysis. Recent advances in sample collection, on-line sample processing and purification, and DNA microarray technologies may form the basis of a universal method to detect known and emerging waterborne pathogens. This review discusses some of the challenges in developing a universal pathogen detection method, current technology that may be employed to overcome these challenges, and the remaining needs for developing an integrated pathogen detection and monitoring system for source or finished water.
Qualitative Content Analysis: A Guide to Paths not Taken

Counting codes makes qualitative content analysis a controversial approach to analyzing textual data. Several decades ago, mainstream content analysis rejected qualitative content analysis on the grounds that it was not sufficiently quantitative; today, it is often charged with not being sufficiently qualitative. This article argues that qualitative content analysis is distinctively qualitative in both its approach to coding and its interpretations of counts from codes. Rather than argue over whether to do qualitative content analysis, researchers must make informed decisions about when to use it in analyzing qualitative data.
Mechanisms of direct dielectric barrier discharge plasma inactivation of e. coli

Bacteria inactivation efficiency of direct atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge treatment has been shown to be extremely strong [1], however mechanisms of DBD plasma sterilization is still unclear. We have performed a series of experiments which allow to understand bacteria inactivation effects of various active species generated in plasma, including charged particles, neutral short and long living species, and UV photons. Also, we have studied dependence of sterilization efficiency on gas composition and amount of free water which cover bacteria during DBD plasma treatment. The results of these model experiments allowed us to determine conditions in which best sterilization effect on surface of agar may be achieved: fast and effective bacteria inactivation by direct DBD plasma is shown to be related to presence of both positive and negative ions in combination with molecular oxygen and free water molecules and strongly depends on thickness of water layer on top of treated surface. Based on these experimental results we propose possible physical-chemical mechanism of DBD plasma bacteria inactivation.
Regulatory mechanisms of β-glucan synthases in bacteria, fungi, and plants

The evidence accumulated to date indicates that 1,3-β-glucan synthase (EC 2.3.1.12) and 1,4-β-glucan synthase (EC 2.4.1.12) are regulated by different effectors. Further that the same synthase has different effectors, depending upon its presence in green plants, fungi, and bacteria. Synthases from plants require divalent cations and β-linked glucosides whereas fungal enzymes require neither cations nor β-glucosides, but most require nucleoside triphosphates for activation. Two endogenous effectors have been characterized and shown to produce activation in vitro. One is 3′,5′-cyclic diguanylic acid that is the activator of cellulose synthase in bacteria. The other is a β-linked glucosyl dioleoyl diglyceride from mung bean, capable of activating synthases that produce both β-(1–3) and β-(1–4) products. The results of product analysis of the β-linked glucoside activated reaction suggest that the synthesis of (1–3) and (1–4) glucosyl linkages may share a common enzyme in plants. All synthases utilize uridine 5′-diphosphoglucose (UDPG) and are associated with the plasma membrane. Efforts to solubilize the synthases from cellular fractions enriched in plasma membranes have been generally successful. The purification of the soluble enzymes, however, remains a major obstacle to the full understanding of their regulation.
The cancer epigenome—components and functional correlates

It is increasingly apparent that cancer development not only depends on genetic alterations but on an abnormal cellular memory, or epigenetic changes, which convey heritable gene expression patterns critical for neoplastic initiation and progression. These aberrant epigenetic mechanisms are manifest in both global changes in chromatin packaging and in localized gene promoter changes that influence the transcription of genes important to the cancer process. An exciting emerging theme is that an understanding of stem cell chromatin control of gene expression, including relationships between histone modifications and DNA methylation, may hold a key to understanding the origins of cancer epigenetic changes. This possibility, coupled with the reversible nature of epigenetics, has enormous significance for the prevention and control of cancer.
Racial differences in the built environment—body mass index relationship? A geospatial analysis of adolescents in urban neighborhoods

Background: Built environment features of neighborhoods may be related to obesity among adolescents and potentially related to obesity-related health disparities. The purpose of this study was to investigate spatial relationships between various built environment features and body mass index (BMI) z-score among adolescents, and to investigate if race/ethnicity modifies these relationships. A secondary objective was to evaluate the sensitivity of findings to the spatial scale of analysis (i.e. 400- and 800-meter street network buffers). Methods: Data come from the 2008 Boston Youth Survey, a school-based sample of public high school students in Boston, MA. Analyses include data collected from students who had georeferenced residential information and complete and valid data to compute BMI z-score (n=1,034). We built a spatial database using GIS with various features related to access to walking destinations and to community design. Spatial autocorrelation in key study variables was calculated with the Global Moran’s I statistic. We fit conventional ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and spatial simultaneous autoregressive error models that control for the spatial autocorrelation in the data as appropriate. Models were conducted using the total sample of adolescents as well as including an interaction term for race/ethnicity, adjusting for several potential individual- and neighborhood-level confounders and clustering of students within schools. Results: We found significant positive spatial autocorrelation in the built environment features examined (Global Moran’s I most ≥0.60; all p=0.001) but not in BMI z-score (Global Moran’s I=0.07, p=0.28). Because we found significant spatial autocorrelation in our OLS regression residuals, we fit spatial autoregressive models. Most built environment features were not associated with BMI z-score. Density of bus stops was associated with a higher BMI z-score among Whites (Coefficient: 0.029, p<0.05). The interaction term for Asians in the association between retail destinations and BMI z-score was statistically significant and indicated an inverse association. Sidewalk completeness was significantly associated with a higher BMI z-score for the total sample (Coefficient: 0.010, p<0.05). These significant associations were found for the 800-meter buffer. Conclusion: Some relationships between the built environment and adolescent BMI z-score were in the unexpected direction. Our findings overall suggest that the built environment does not explain a large proportion of the variation in adolescent BMI z-score or racial disparities in adolescent obesity. However, there are some differences by race/ethnicity that require further research among adolescents.
Semantic priming and health risk: a dual-process approach

Dual process theories propose that people possess two information processing systems (rational vs. experiential). The present study used two semantic priming techniques to influence health risk decisions via the two processing systems. Baseline measures of sexual attitudes (erotophobia), and willingness and intentions to engage in risky sexual, alcohol, and drug use behaviors were collected from 183 college males. Participants were then subliminally or supraliminally primed with the concept of sex while performing a lexical decision task. Changes in willingness and intentions were examined. Results yielded no clear pattern of priming effects on health risk decisions, although there was evidence that priming reduced response times to the questionnaire items. Study limitations and implications of priming on health risk decisions are discussed.
Statistical Techniques for Analyzing Process or “Similarity” Data in TID Hardness Assurance

We investigate techniques for estimating the contributions to TID hardness variability for families of linear bipolar technologies, determining how part-to-part and lot-to-lot variability change for different part types in the process.
Understanding the Effect of Immunity on Over-Dispersed Criminal Victimizations Zero-Inflated Analysis of Household Victimizations in the NCVS

This study aims to empirically test the immunity effect on the frequency distribution of household victimizations. To clarify the immunity effect, the statistical construction of zero-inflated models is reviewed and compared with that of non-zero-inflated models. The Benjamini and Hochberg correction is used to address the limitation of p values in multiple testing. Compared with the findings from the non-zero-inflated model, two sets of coefficients from the zero-inflated model reveal that there exist more complex and diverse statuses in the process of household victimization than predicted by risk heterogeneity and event dependence. With these findings, this study suggests that zero-inflated models should be introduced and compared with non-zero-inflated models for the clarification of victimization determinants.
Las muertas y Los relámpagos de agosto: la violencia como esencia de lo mexicano en la obra de Jorge Ibargüengoitia

AbstractLos relampagos de agosto (1964) y Las muertas (1977), novelas del escritor mexicano Jorge Ibarguengoitia, entablan un dialogo que la critica no habia analizado. Parto de que los escenarios en los que ocurren las historias de ambos textos son metaforas del escenario nacional mexicano: uno, un territorio en guerra donde los caudillos no tienen un ejercito rival o son rivales de si mismos—y aun asi se matan sin llegar a ningun acuerdo—y, el otro, un burdel como simbolo del Mexico moderno, donde una especie de mal encarnado ocupa el nebuloso espacio del sistema politico vigente. Es posible entender Las muertas como una prolongacion extemporanea de la tradicion novelistica de la Revolucion (su reverso humoristico, que es el sello de la literatura de Ibarguengoitia), en una misma linea que el autor inicia con Los relampagos de agosto. Aunque en Las muertas no hay, como si ocurre en la otra, una guerra explicita, ni generales armados, ni intentos violentos de formar el Partido Unico, la lucha entre las p...
Hospital Approval—Non-Delegable Obligations of a Covered Entity

Non-academic hospitals knowingly and unknowingly engage in clinical research every day, and these hospitals have non-transferable obligations, particularly when the research has been reviewed and approved by an external institutional review board (IRB). These studies utilize a wide gamut of
The Hand: Shall We Ever Understand How It Works?

The target article presents a review of the neural control of the human hand. The review emphasizes the physical approach to motor control. It focuses on such concepts as equilibrium-point control, control with referent body configurations, uncontrolled manifold hypothesis, principle of abundance, hierarchical control, multidigit synergies, and anticipatory synergy adjustments. Changes in aspects of the hand neural control with age and neurological disorder are discussed. The target article is followed by six commentaries written by Alexander Aruin, Kelly Cole, Monica Perez, Robert Sainburg, Marco Sanello, and Wei Zhang.
Interfacial geometry dictates cancer cell tumorigenicity

Within the heterogeneous architecture of tumour tissue there exists an elusive population of stem-like cells that are implicated in both recurrence and metastasis. Here, by using engineered extracellular matrices, we show that geometric features at the perimeter of tumour tissue will prime a population of cells with a stem-cell-like phenotype. These cells show characteristics of cancer stem cells in vitro, as well as enhanced tumorigenicity in murine models of primary tumour growth and pulmonary metastases. We also show that interfacial geometry modulates cell shape, adhesion through integrin α5β1, MAPK and STAT activity, and initiation of pluripotency signalling. Our results for several human cancer cell lines suggest that interfacial geometry triggers a general mechanism for the regulation of cancer-cell state. Similar to how a growing tumour can co-opt normal soluble signalling pathways, our findings demonstrate how cancer can also exploit geometry to orchestrate oncogenesis.
Twenty-five years of immunosuppression

Two unrelated discoveries that were made 25 years ago have brought about important and convergent changes in medical immunology. The first was the occurrence of antinuclear antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus (7). It contributed to the beginning of an era of research in the rheumatic diseases that continues with undiminished vigor and productivity. The second was the immuno- suppressive effect of 6-mercaptopurine, an antagonist of purine biosynthesis (-23). It also had an important clinical impact and was soon applied not only to suppress the rejection of human kidney allografts (reviewed in 3) but also to treat refractory cases of autoimmune hemolytic anemia and systemic lupus erythematosus (5). The introduction of chemical immunosuppression in organ grafting has revolutionized medicine, but whether the same can be said for its use in the treatment of autoimmune diseases remains, except in a few instances, an open question. Immunosuppressive therapy with agents like 6-mercaptopurine and its de- rivative, azathioprine, and cyclophosphamide is now so well known a topic that nothing useful can be added to the already overburdened literature except with regard to the chronic toxicity of these agents. Only after years of experience ha~ it become evident that immunosuppressive drugs have late effects of great concern. The situation with cyclophosphamide and other alkylating agents (e. g., chloram- bucil) is clear. They are leukemogenic in humans and the sustained use of these compounds in patients with nonmalignant disease carries a risk of acute myelo- genous leukemia (16). The degree of risk is unknown but it may be as high as 15~o. For that reason, prudence is required in the use of alkylating drugs as immunosup- pressants and they should be avoided in children unless there are compelling reasons to do otherwise. A new twist to the problem of the long-term risk of alkylating agents is now coming to the attention of many physicians. It can be seen in the patient with systemic lupus erythematosus or Wegener's granulomatosis who, as a result of 2 or 3 years of treatment with cyclophosphamide, enters a solid remission and finally seems cured. After 5 to 10 years, however, the disease recurs. Should that patient
Treatment of opportunistic fungal infections.

The first hurdle in treating opportunistic fungal infections is to make a specific diagnosis-or, when that is not possible, a reasoned presumptive one [ 1]. Knowing the epidemiological background of the patient, as well as the type of immune defect, enables us to narrow or broaden the field and attempt to achieve a reasoned presumptive diagnosis or diagnoses. Epidemiological factors and immune defects predisposing individuals to the most common opportunistic fungal infections are listed in table 1. Infections will be discussed according to the immune defect that predisposes the individual to the opportunistic fungal infections.
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

Rh and ABO incompatibilities, drug reactions, and lupus are a few of the many causes of autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Among the determinants of autoimmunity involved are the class of the antibody, the biochemical composition of the antigen, the distribution of the antigen on the erythrocyte membrane, and the effector cells and molecules that are mobilized.
Chronic Kidney Disease Mineral and Bone Disorder

Publisher Summary This chapter summarizes the major aspects of the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, histologic features, and therapeutic interventions currently used in the management of CKD-MBD. The clinical and histologic features of bone diseases after successful kidney transplantation are also described. The kidney plays a major role in bone and mineral homeostasis by regulating calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH), fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) and calcitriol (1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D) metabolism. Disordered regulation of mineral metabolism occurs early in the course of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and results in alterations in bone modeling and remodeling. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that cardiovascular calcifications accompany CKD, that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in patients with CKD, and that therapy designed to treat the skeletal consequences of CKD affect the progression of vascular pathology. This has led to a reclassification of the mineral, skeletal, and vascular complications associated with progressive kidney disease, resulting in alterations that are now termed “CKD Mineral and Bone Disorder” (“CKD-MBD”). The CKD-MBD is defined as a systemic disorder of mineral and bone metabolism due to CKD that is manifested by either one or a combination of abnormalities of calcium, phosphorus, PTH, or vitamin D metabolism.
Broadband electrostatic device for power harvesting

This paper introduces a prototype energy harvester device with integrated MEMS capacitive plate and two impact oscillators for transferring energy from low frequency structural vibration with varying mechanical spectra to a vibration of a high resonance frequency cantilever. The use of the two impact oscillators not only harvested energy at low frequencies but also had demonstrated exceptionally sufficient and optimum dynamic responses to a broad frequency bandwidth between 13 Hz and 39 Hz, the bandwidth covering wide range of residual vibrations in structures and systems, without reduction in output power. The device was designed with a MEMS capacitor fixed at the free end of an aluminium cantilever clamped at one side, with a high resonance frequency of 605 Hz matched with the single-cavity capacitor, and two cantilevers made of Al sheet with low resonance frequencies of 18 Hz and 25 Hz. The results clearly demonstrates the device's ability for frequency up- conversion and harvesting power on a wide range from 13 Hz to 39 Hz at 1g excitation.
Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Knowledge and Risk Perception of Human Papillomavirus and Human Papillomavirus-Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Among a Predominantly Black Population.

Importance The incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV)–associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is increasing in the United States and may be underestimated among black individuals. Characterizing the current knowledge level among black individuals is critical to developing interventions to increase awareness. Objective To describe the sociodemographic correlates of knowledge and risk perception of HPV and HPV-associated OPSCC among a predominantly black population. Design, Setting, and Participants A cross-sectional survey was conducted at a drag racing event on September 12 and 13, 2015, in Madison, Illinois. The setting was a community-based oral head and neck cancer screening and education initiative. Participants were 301 drag race attendees 18 years or older who were conveniently sampled from attendees at an annual drag racing event predominantly patronized by black individuals. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was knowledge and risk perception of HPV and HPV-associated OPSCC. An electronic-based questionnaire elicited sociodemographic information and contained oral cancer knowledge and risk perception items, which were combined to form knowledge and risk perception scores. Multivariable linear regression analysis assessed estimates of knowledge and risk perception of HPV and HPV-associated OPSCC. Results Of the 301 participants (111 female and 190 male) completing the questionnaire, 194 (64.5%) were black. Overall, respondents ranged in age from 18 to 78 years, with a mean (SD) age of 48.0 (13.0) years. The mean (SD) knowledge score was 5.7 (4.6) of 15, and the mean (SD) risk perception score was 2.2 (1.4) of 6. Using multivariable linear regression, we found that, for every 1-year increase in age, knowledge of HPV-associated OPSCC decreased by 5.0% and was worse in men (β = −1.26; 95% CI, −2.33 to −0.18), black vs white individuals (β = −1.29; 95% CI, −2.35 to −0.23), and those with a high school diploma or less vs college graduates (β = −3.23; 95% CI, −4.67 to −1.80). Black individuals also had lower perceived risk of developing HPV-associated OPSCC (β = −0.36; 95% CI, −0.69 to −0.02) compared with white individuals, and participants with a high school diploma or less had lower perceived risk of developing HPV-associated OPSCC compared with those with a college degree or higher (β = −0.59; 95% CI, −1.04 to −0.14). Conclusions and Relevance Age and sex were independent correlates of knowledge of HPV-associated OPSCC, while race and education level were correlates of both knowledge and risk perception of HPV-associated OPSCC. These findings should inform future interventions targeted at increasing knowledge of HPV-associated OPSCC in black communities.
Magnetic resonance angiography: vascular and flow imaging.

Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) techniques are increasingly being used in addition to or in place of conventional x-ray angiography (CA) methods for studies of blood flow and blood vessel morphology. MRA has evolved from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques for noninvasive visualization of blood flow and vasculature. MRI, aided by computers, generates images (angiograms) created by the contrast of flowing blood and the surrounding tissues; the magnetically depolarized flowing blood contrasts with the magnetically saturated stationary tissues, resulting in a differential high-signal intensity. MRA signals are MRI signals encoded with spatial data achieved by Fourier and echoplanar imaging, projection reconstruction, and spiral scanning. MRA's vasculature "flow map" incorporates both anatomic and physiologic information. This publication explores the history, principles, techniques (including time-of-flight and phase-contrast imaging), clinical applications, and indications and contraindications of MRA use. In addition, data on particular areas of study such as the head and neck and cerebral, thoracic, abdominal, and peripheral vasculature are provided. Two-and three-dimensional MRA methods are discussed, and comparisons are made between MRA and CA. Recommendations from several health service agencies and institutions are provided. Drawbacks, e.g., generally poorer resolution compared with CA, and restrictions of MRA use are discussed. Corollary studies with standard MRI or CA methods are sometimes advisable, and MRA alone is not always sufficient for comprehensive analysis of blood flow and blood vessel vasculature. MRA techniques have been developing in response to the hazards and limitations of CA; MRA involves no exposure to ionizing radiation and generally has a shorter information accrual time compared with conventional scans, in addition to being noninvasive and circumventing the systemic reactions sometimes caused by contrast agents in CA. Another advantage to MRA use is that it can be conducted in an outpatient setting, and many restrictions that apply to CA do not apply to MRA techniques. MRA is useful in detecting aneurysms, occlusions, and stenoses and is especially important in cases in which the use of contrast agents presents high risk. MRA is a promising technology for accurate and noninvasive evaluation of blood flow and blood vessel morphology. Though it cannot at present be considered a standard technique, it is gaining wider acceptance, especially in diagnoses of patients whose condition contraindicates standard angiography.
Exploration of Knowledge Creation Processes and Work Environments in the Wearable Technology Industry

Wearable technology (WT) emerged to meet the demands of people who want access to information when they are not in a fixed place but on the move. There is no clear definition of WT in the literature. WT is often replaced by terms such as wearable computers, smart clothing, gadgets, wearables, and so on. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary (1993), ‘wearable’ refers to anything that is capable of being worn, and one of the definitions of ‘technology’ refers to a piece of equipment or machine. Therefore, one may say WT is a mechanical and technological device that can be worn by humans. However, we know little about what WT means to those who are engaged in WT development and how critical collaborations take place in the fast-changing WT industry. Consequently, the objectives of this research were to explore: (a) the definition of WT and (b) knowledge creation processes and work environments described by WT professionals.
Effects of Muscle Strength and Balance Control on Sit-to-Walk and Turn Durations in the Timed Up and Go Test.

Abstract Objective To examine the association of muscle strength and balance control with the amount of time taken to perform sit-to-walk (STW) or turning components of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test in older adults. Design Correlations; multiple regression models. Setting General community. Participants Older adults (N=60) age >70 years recruited from the community. Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Muscle strength, balance control, and TUG test performance time. Muscle strength was quantified by peak joint moments during the isometric maximal voluntary contraction test for bilateral hip abductors, knee extensors, and ankle plantar flexors. Balance control was assessed with the Berg Balance Scale, Fullerton Advanced Balance Scale, and center of mass and ankle inclination angle derived during the TUG test performance. Results We found that balance control measures were significantly associated with both STW and turning durations even after controlling for muscle strength and other confounders (STW duration: P P =.001). Adding strength to the regression model was found to significantly improve its prediction of STW duration (F change=5.945, P =.018), but not turning duration (F change=1.03, P =.14). Conclusions Our findings suggest that poor balance control is an important factor that contributes to longer STW and turning durations on the TUG test. Furthermore, strength has a higher association with STW than turning duration.
Interfaces with fractional optical constants and linear reflectance versus angle of incidence for incident unpolarized or circularly polarized light.

For unpolarized or circularly polarized light incident at a dielectric-conductor interface, the intensity reflectance Ru(ϕ) can be made an essentially linear function of the angle of incidence ϕ over a significant range of ϕ at specific values of the normal-incidence intensity reflectance R0 (≈1/3) and the associated normal-incidence reflection phase shift δ0 (≈40°). This places the complex refractive index n–jk of the interface in the domain of fractional optical constants. As demonstrated by specific examples, this is realizable in external reflection at vacuum–metal interfaces in the UV, and in internal reflection in the IR at interfaces between a transparent high-index substrate and an optically opaque thin film of the proper n and k. Fractional optical constants are also achievable for light reflection in air at planar surfaces of appropriately designed, nanostructured, metamaterial substrates.
Minimal order observer design for linear time varying multivariable systems

Based on a new canonical form for linear time varying systems we present a simple method for the design of minimal order observer. An especially desirable property of the observer is that the observer matrix is time invariant. Some examples are provided to illustrate the techniques.
From Web 2.0 to Web 3.0: Implications for Advertising Courses:

The proliferation of advertising applications facilitated by Web 2.0 technology has changed the way organizations interact with customers. Sites like YouTube and Facebook have caused firms to modif...
Components and Mechanisms of Hydrologic Cycle Changes over North America at the Last Glacial Maximum

AbstractThis study examines the differences in the moisture budget over North America between the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and modern climate, as simulated by nine models from Paleoclimate Modell...
Epidemiologic evaluation of postoperative wound infections in dogs and cats.

Objective To determine postoperative wound infection rates in dogs and cats for various wound contamination categories and to identify factors that influence postoperative wound infection rates. Design Epidemiologic study. Sample population 1,574 wounds in 1,255 dogs and cats. Procedure Information recorded included signalment, nutritional status, surgery duration, surgical procedures, wound contamination classification, interval from clipping until surgery, blood pressure values, active infection at a distant site, endocrinopathy, and administration of immunosuppressive medications or antibiotics. Relative risk, 95% confidence intervals, and multiple regression analyses were performed. Results Postoperative infection was evident in 86 of 1,574 (5.5%) wounds, including 54 of 1,146(4.7%) and 13 of 259 (5.0%) animals with clean and clean-contaminated wounds respectively, and 12 of 100 (12.0%) and 7 of 69 (10.1%) animals with contaminated and dirty wounds, respectively. Animals with clean wounds that received antibiotics other than as prescribed in our perioperative protocol had a higher infection rate than animals that did not receive antibiotics. Surgical sites clipped before anesthetic induction were 3 times more likely to become infected than sites clipped after induction. Risk of wound infection increased with increasing duration of surgery. Clinical implications Wound contamination categories had too much variation to make them useful for predicting animals that would develop wound infections. Surgical sites should be clipped immediately prior to surgery, and intraoperative time should be kept to a minimum. Unless indicated for other current active infection, prolonged use of antibiotics after surgery should be avoided in animals with clean wounds.