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The curricular approach to student learning beyond the classroom is a strategic way to be proactive with designing, executing, and assessing student learning. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive case study is to understand the perceptions of one senior administrator in academic affairs, housing employees, and student leaders at one institution where a curricular approach was adopted. Research methods included semi-structured interviews, document analysis, focus groups, and photo elicitation. Findings from the study revealed that participants perceived the following benefits of adopting a curricular approach: improved clarity on the department's direction, better strategic standards and structures for staff, and an enhanced sense of voice for some staff. Participants perceived the downsides of adopting a curricular approach to be: not all student populations benefitted equally from a one-size-fits-all approach, physical space limitations, and lack of communication and clarity about the curricular approach language.

ABSTRACTRenal cell carcinoma (RCC), especially clear cell RCC, is generally considered an immunotherapy-responsive cancer. Recently, the prognosis for patients with locally advanced and metastatic RCC has significantly improved with the regulatory approvals of anti-PD-1/PD-L1/CTLA-4 immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based regimens. Yet in most cases, RCC will remain initially unresponsive to treatment or will develop resistance over time. Hence, there remains an unmet need to understand what leads to ICI resistance and to develop novel immune and nonimmune treatments to enhance the response to ICIs. In this review, we highlight recently published studies and the latest clinical studies investigating the next generation of immune approaches to locally advanced and metastatic RCC beyond traditional ICIs. These trials include cytokines, gut microbiota-based therapies, novel immune checkpoint agents, vaccines, and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. These agents are being evaluated as monotherapy or in combination with traditional ICIs and will hopefully provide improved outcomes to patients with RCC soon.

In the absence of mass peace movements, how should the work of peace and nuclear disarmament go forward in the shadow of the Ukraine war? The attack on Ukraine by the government of Russia is an illegal war of aggression and must be strongly condemned. There should be immediate and unconditional negotiations to end hostilities, and then to work towards a fair and inclusive common security framework in Europe. All governments must come to the table with humility, recognizing their collective responsibility for bringing the world to the brink of nuclear war. Even if a greater catastrophe is avoided, the world already is much changed. Those who hold power in the United States and its allies are responding with calls for more arms spending and more forward deployment of military forces. The people of the world must respond with a peace movement not aligned with the government of any state. We must find ways to bring together the strands of emerging movements for a more fair, peaceful, and ecologically sustainable way of life. A first step is a better understanding of the causes in this moment of resurgent authoritarian nationalisms, arms racing, and war.

Introduction: This study evaluates trends in drug-related death cases within both Pasco and Pinellas County, Florida, from the calendar years 2011 to 2016. Specifically, it focuses on opioids and the role of fentanyl in overdose-related mortality in rural versus suburban populations. Methods: Two sets of data from each calendar year were obtained from a Medical Examiner's Office. These data were compared by year to assess differences using the nonparametric ANOVA test with the statistical software SAS, University Edition. Binary logistic regression was performed to assess which drugs occurred most frequently in the presence or absence of fentanyl. Results: There was not a significant difference in the month of the year or the day of the week that drug-related fatalities occurred. More drug-related mortalities occurred during daylight hours (e.g., 8:00 AM–4:00 PM) and more fentanyl-related mortalities occurred in Pinellas County compared to Pasco County. Fentanyl and heroin tended to co-occur in mortalities, while ethanol, hydrocodone, morphine, oxycodone, and methadone were negatively associated with fentanyl-related overdose cases. Conclusion: The characteristics of drug-related mortalities identified here may be used to better target interventions against drug abuse and overdose.

Operando synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy in the tender X-ray energy range has been used to obtain information on the energy-band relations of semiconductor and metal-covered semiconductor surfaces while in direct contact with aqueous electrolytes under potentiostatic control. The system that was investigated consists of highly doped Si substrates that were conformally coated with ∼70 nm titania films produced by atomic-layer deposition. TiO2/electrolyte and Si/TiO2/Ni/electrolyte interfaces were then analyzed by synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy. The PES data allows for determination of the flat-band position and identification of potential regions in which Fermi level pinning, depletion, or accumulation occurred. Operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) techniques were additionally used to investigate the properties of heterogeneous electrocatalysts for the oxygen-evolution reaction. Operando XAS including the pre-edge, edge and EXAFS regions allowed the development of a detailed picture of the catalysts under operating conditions, and elucidated the changes in the physical and electronic structure of the catalyst that accompanied increases in the applied potential. Specifically, XAS data, combined with DFT studies, indicated that the activity of the electrocatalyst correlated with the formation of Fe dopant sites in γ-NiOOH.

Operando synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy in the tender X-ray energy range has been used to obtain information on the energy-band relations of semiconductor and metal-covered semiconductor surfaces while in direct contact with aqueous electrolytes under potentiostatic control. The system that was investigated consists of highly doped Si substrates that were conformally coated with ∼70 nm titania films produced by atomic-layer deposition. TiO2/electrolyte and Si/TiO2/Ni/electrolyte interfaces were then analyzed by synchrotron radiation photoelectron spectroscopy. The PES data allows for determination of the flat-band position and identification of potential regions in which Fermi level pinning, depletion, or accumulation occurred. Operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) techniques were additionally used to investigate the properties of heterogeneous electrocatalysts for the oxygen-evolution reaction. Operando XAS including the pre-edge, edge and EXAFS regions allowed the development of a detailed picture of the catalysts under operating conditions, and elucidated the changes in the physical and electronic structure of the catalyst that accompanied increases in the applied potential. Specifically, XAS data, combined with DFT studies, indicated that the activity of the electrocatalyst correlated with the formation of Fe dopant sites in γ-NiOOH.

Small-band-gap (Eg < 2 eV) semiconductors must be stabilized for use in integrated devices that convert solar energy into the bonding energy of a reduced fuel, specifically H2(g) or a reduced-carbon species such as CH3OH or CH4. To sustainably and scalably complete the fuel cycle, electrons must be liberated through the oxidation of water to O2(g). Strongly acidic or strongly alkaline electrolytes are needed to enable efficient and intrinsically safe operation of a full solar-driven water-splitting system. However, under water-oxidation conditions, the small-band-gap semiconductors required for efficient cell operation are unstable, either dissolving or forming insulating surface oxides. We describe herein recent progress in the protection of semiconductor photoanodes under such operational conditions. We specifically describe the properties of two protective overlayers, TiO2/Ni and NiOx, both of which have demonstrated the ability to protect otherwise unstable semiconductors for >100 h of continuous solar-driven water oxidation when in contact with a highly alkaline aqueous electrolyte (1.0 M KOH(aq)). The stabilization of various semiconductor photoanodes is reviewed in the context of the electronic characteristics and a mechanistic analysis of the TiO2 films, along with a discussion of the optical, catalytic, and electronic nature of NiOx films for stabilization of semiconductor photoanodes for water oxidation.

Small-band-gap (Eg < 2 eV) semiconductors must be stabilized for use in integrated devices that convert solar energy into the bonding energy of a reduced fuel, specifically H2(g) or a reduced-carbon species such as CH3OH or CH4. To sustainably and scalably complete the fuel cycle, electrons must be liberated through the oxidation of water to O2(g). Strongly acidic or strongly alkaline electrolytes are needed to enable efficient and intrinsically safe operation of a full solar-driven water-splitting system. However, under water-oxidation conditions, the small-band-gap semiconductors required for efficient cell operation are unstable, either dissolving or forming insulating surface oxides. We describe herein recent progress in the protection of semiconductor photoanodes under such operational conditions. We specifically describe the properties of two protective overlayers, TiO2/Ni and NiOx, both of which have demonstrated the ability to protect otherwise unstable semiconductors for >100 h of continuous solar-driven water oxidation when in contact with a highly alkaline aqueous electrolyte (1.0 M KOH(aq)). The stabilization of various semiconductor photoanodes is reviewed in the context of the electronic characteristics and a mechanistic analysis of the TiO2 films, along with a discussion of the optical, catalytic, and electronic nature of NiOx films for stabilization of semiconductor photoanodes for water oxidation.

The electrical and spectroscopic properties of the TiO2/Ni protection layer system, which enables stabilization of otherwise corroding photoanodes, have been investigated in contact with electrolyte solutions by scanning-probe microscopy, electrochemistry and in-situ ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS). Specifically, the energy-band relations of the p+-Si/ALD-TiO2/Ni interface have been determined for a selected range of Ni thicknesses. AP-XPS measurements using tender X-rays were performed in a three-electrode electrochemical arrangement under potentiostatic controlto obtain information from the semiconductor near-surface region, the electrochemical double layer (ECDL) and the electrolyte beyond the ECDL. The degree of conductivity depended on the chemical state of the Ni on the TiO2 surface. At low loadings of Ni, the Ni was present primarily as an oxide layer and the samples were not conductive, although the TiO2 XPS core levels nonetheless displayed behavior indicative of a metal-electrolyte junction. In contrast, as the Ni thickness increased, the Ni phase was primarily metallic and the electrochemical behavior became highly conductive, with the AP-XPS data indicative of a metal-electrolyte junction. Electrochemical and microtopographical methods have been employed to better define the nature of the TiO2/Ni electrodes and to contextualize the AP-XPS results.

Previous studies have demonstrated focal but limited molecular similarities between circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and biopsies using isolated genetic assays. We hypothesized that molecular similarity between CTCs and tissue exists at the single cell level when characterized by whole genome sequencing (WGS). By combining the NanoVelcro CTC Chip with laser capture microdissection (LCM), we developed a platform for single-CTC WGS. We performed this procedure on CTCs and tissue samples from a patient with advanced prostate cancer who had serial biopsies over the course of his clinical history. We achieved 30X depth and ≥ 95% coverage. Twenty-nine percent of the somatic single nucleotide variations (SSNVs) identified were founder mutations that were also identified in CTCs. In addition, 86% of the clonal mutations identified in CTCs could be traced back to either the primary or metastatic tumors. In this patient, we identified structural variations (SVs) including an intrachromosomal rearrangement in chr3 and an interchromosomal rearrangement between chr13 and chr15. These rearrangements were shared between tumor tissues and CTCs. At the same time, highly heterogeneous short structural variants were discovered in PTEN, RB1, and BRCA2 in all tumor and CTC samples. Using high-quality WGS on single-CTCs, we identified the shared genomic alterations between CTCs and tumor tissues. This approach yielded insight into the heterogeneity of the mutational landscape of SSNVs and SVs. It may be possible to use this approach to study heterogeneity and characterize the biological evolution of a cancer during the course of its natural history.

The aim of this paper is to compare “Zapiski Vracha” (“Confessions of a Physician”, first published in 1901) by Vikenty Veresaev to “Aerztliche Ethik” (“Doctors’ Ethics”, first published in 1902; two Russian editions were published in 1903 and 1904) by Albert Moll. It starts with an overview of medical ethics in Russia at the turn of the 20th century in relation to zemstvo medicine, followed by reception of Veresaev’s “Confessions of a Physician” by Russian and German physicians, and of Moll’s “Doctors’ Ethics” in Russia. Comparison of these two books may serve as a good example of a search for common philosophical foundations of medical ethics as well as the impact of national cultural traditions.

Background and Aim: This is a retrospective epidemiological study, based on ICD-10 system, using statistical data from the Cyprus Statistical Service official archives. To estimate the spinal cord injury incidence and its characteristics like gender preference and hospitalization, in Cyprus people, over a 10-year period of time. The study investigated cases that have occurred within the territory of the Republic of Cyprus. Methods and Materials/Patients: The data from the Cyprus Statistical Service official archives were reviewed based upon the ICD-10 searching, using annual reports, from 2005 to 2014. The extracted information included the number of hospitalized patients, using ICD-10 codes S14, S24 and S34, sex and days of hospitalization. In order to report the incidence rates, we used the Cyprus Statistical Service official demographic data. Results: The Mean Spinal Cord and the related Nerves Injury (SCI and NI) incidence was calculated to be 0.24%. The Mean SCI & NI male incidence was 0.158 %. The Mean SCI and NI female incidence was 0.076 %. There were 2.8 days of hospitalization per every SCI and NI patient per year. Conclusion: Based on the study results, it seems advisable to have a National Spine and Spinal Cord Injury registry, in order that different parameters be correlated in a more effective way. The study highlights the need for a well-organized trauma and rehabilitation center which would be of great benefit for the health system of the country. Furthermore, this information can be useful in future health economic studies related to the SCI and NI.

Mast cells are unique tissue-resident immune cells of the myeloid lineage that have long been implicated in the pathogenesis of allergic and autoimmune disorders. More recently, mast cells have been recognized as key orchestrators of anti-tumor immunity, modulators of the cancer stroma, and have also been implicated in cancer cell intrinsic properties. As such, mast cells are an underrecognized but very promising target for cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the role of mast cells in shaping cancer and its microenvironment, the interaction between mast cells and cancer therapies, and strategies to target mast cells to improve cancer outcomes. Specifically, we address (1) decreasing cell numbers through c-KIT inhibition, (2) modulating mast cell activation and phenotype (through mast cell stabilizers, FcεR1 signaling pathway activators/inhibitors, antibodies targeting inhibitory receptors and ligands, toll like receptor agonists), and (3) altering secreted mast cell mediators and their downstream effects. Finally, we discuss the importance of translational research using patient samples to advance the field of mast cell targeting to optimally improve patient outcomes. As we aim to expand the successes of existing cancer immunotherapies, focused clinical and translational studies targeting mast cells in different cancer contexts are now warranted.

We propose three interlinked ways that theory helps researchers build causal claims from ethnographic research. First, theory guides the casing and re-casing of a topic of study. Second, theoretical work helps craft a clear causal question via the construction of a contrast space of the topic of investigation. Third, the researcher uses theory to identify social mechanisms that condense causal accounts. We show how each step can accommodate the everyday meanings typically central to ethnographic research's contributions. This tripartite role for theory thus preserves ethnography's traditionally recognized strength in interpretive validity, while realizing ethnography's potential for offering causal, and partly generalizable, accounts that can engage the wider sociological discipline. The discussion brings ethnographic research into conversation with recent debates on the role of mechanisms, comparative and counterfactual thinking in causal accounts. We illustrate and defend our argument for theory in ethnography with an extensive analysis of a contemporary ethnographic monograph along with briefer attention to parallel uses of theory in two other ethnographic studies.

This article aims to demonstrate the specificity of neurosurgery development as a separate specialty in different countries (USA,Canada,UK,USSR,FranceandGermany) based on a system approach. Three main factors are crucial for the emergence of a clinical specialty (in our situation - neurosurgery) — social-historical, scientific and institutional. Each factor has several components.Social-historical factor includes wars and societal development level. Scientific factor is represented by achievements in science that gave rise to modern surgery. At the same time neurosurgery was an experimental polygon for testing physiological concepts, determining the role of specific brain structures in normal and pathological conditions. The scientific factor has the following components: development of special diagnostic methods, surgical instruments and new operative accesses.Institutional factor implies the emergence of leaders with their own style of clinical and scientific activity, who set up surgery schools, staff training systems, specialized departments and institutes, professional societies and journals.Thus, the interwar period of 1920-1930 of the 20st century saw the makings of neurosurgery as a specialty with its own philosophy, methods, instruments and scientific interests.The theory of discipline-making factors, which developed on the basis of a system approach to genesis of neurosurgery, may help analyze the making and development of other medical disciplines both in the global and national context.

Les sociologues états-uniens ont développé une « sociologie culturelle » qui dépasse leur ancienne ambivalence au sujet de l’étude empirique de la culture. La nouvelle sociologie culturelle, associée à une approche pragmatique de l’action, peut contribuer à une forme de critique sociale différente de la démystification que poursuivent beaucoup de sociologues critiques états-uniens. Une « sociologie culturelle pratique » nous aide à identifier les schèmes dans la manière dont les citoyens résolvent leurs problèmes quotidiens, ouvrant ces schèmes à la réflexion critique. Des exemples empiriques tirés de recherches sur les associations civiques montrent comment cette sociologie pourrait aider les citoyens à identifier les écarts frustrants entre paroles et actes, et découvrir les relations de pouvoir qui entravent leurs efforts pour travailler ensemble.

Discusses the challenges that mankind face from disasters in the 21st century. Includes global warming; Ozone layer destruction; Industrial accidents; Future coping strategies; Impact of disasters to increasingly complex human society.

The article focuses on the book "The Reproduction of Mothering" of Nancy Chodorow that discusses the psychoanalytic sociology. Chodorow wanted to expand the psychoanalytic sociology in order to explain the social organization of gender and mothering. She argued that the reproduction of mothering happens through social structurally induced psychological processes. Moreover, the book has helped in the provision of theoretical and empirical underpinnings on the role of gender in moral development and intimacy. On the other hand, psychoanalytic sociology aids in understanding social life by examining the subjective experience of what sociology proper views objectively as social structure. Its benefits help in the maintenance of the tension between the social and historical forms.