cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A novel case of an aggressive superficial spindle cell sarcoma in an adult resembling fibrosarcomatous dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and harboring an EML4-NTRK3 fusion.

A subset of soft tissue sarcomas often harbors recurrent fusions involving protein kinases. While some of these fusion events have shown utility in arriving at a precise diagnosis, novel fusions in otherwise difficult to classify sarcomas continue to be identified. We present a case of a 40-year-old female who noted a lower back nodule in 2010 that was initially labeled as a dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans with fibrosarcomatous transformation. The lesion recurred the following year and metastasized to the groin 6 years later. Because of some morphologic peculiarities, molecular characterization was pursued in the metastatic focus, which revealed the neoplasm was negative for the COL1A1-PDGFB fusion. However, anchored multiplex polymerase chain reaction for targeted next-generation sequencing (Archer Dx) detected an EML4-NTRK3 fusion, which was confirmed by reverse transcription-PCR, Sanger sequencing and RNA sequencing analysis of the recurrent and metastatic specimens. Although various soft tissue neoplasms involving fusions with NTRK genes are well-reported, the current case could not be easily classified in any of the established entities. Nevertheless, it raises interesting questions regarding the importance of classification, prognosis, and treatment for some of these tyrosine kinase fusion-driven sarcomas.
The Case for Case Based Learning

Case-based reasoning (CBR) systems often refer to diverse machine learning functionalities and algorithms to augment their capabilities. In this article we review the concept of case based learning and define it as the use of case based reasoning for machine learning. We present some of its characteristics and situate it in the context of the major machine learning tasks and machine learning approaches. In doing so, we review the particular manner in which case based learning practices declarative learning, for its main knowledge containers, as well as dynamic induction, through similarity assessment. The central role of analogy as a dynamic induction is highlighted as the cornerstone of case based learning that makes it a method of choice in classification and prediction tasks in particular. We propose a larger understanding, beyond instance-based learning, of case based learning as analogical learning that would promote it as a major contributor of the analogizer approach of machine learning.
Writing’s Potential to Heal: Women Writing from Their Bodies

While studies in the biological and psychological sciences have suggested that writing can promote physical healing, such studies offer a limited understanding of writing as a complex, embodied, and social practice. This article asks how and under what social and pedagogical conditions writing might promote experiences of healing in community settings. Specifically, I describe findings from a design-based study of a writing workshop held in conjunction with a physical therapy retreat for women seeking physical restoration. I find that highlighting the elements of narrative, metaphor, environment, and art in the writing workshops promoted women's experiences of physical healing, with the public sharing of body-based writing being especially empowering in a larger political context of gender oppression. The article concludes by calling for critical qualitative studies of writing to heal (including critical attention to the term "healing" itself) across varied community sites, which address writing's relationship to bodies, social context, and power.
Effect of Tart Cherry Polyphenols on Osteoclast Differentiation and Activity

Bone is maintained by an intricate balance between bone formation and bone resorption. The presence of inflammation can contribute to an imbalance in bone homeostasis by enhancing differentiation and activity of osteoclasts, the cells that participate in the breakdown of bone. Polyphenols such as flavonoids found in plant-derived foods have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in various tissues. Tart cherries are a rich source of such polyphenolic compounds. Using mouse macrophage cells (RAW 264.7), we examined whether tart cherry polyphenols could dose dependently inhibit the proliferation and activity of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) differentiated osteoclasts under inflammatory conditions. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) activity and staining of TRAP-positive multinucleated cells, used as indicators of osteoclast differentiation and activity, tended to decrease with tart cherry polyphenols treatment. Osteoprotegerin expression by osteoclasts was decreased in a similar manner. A significant increase in nitrite concentration was observed with the lower doses of tart cherry polyphenols of 50 and 100 μg/mL (P < .05). However, higher doses of tart cherry polyphenols (200 and 300 μg/mL) reduced nitrite concentrations below that of the control that received no tart cherry polyphenols treatment (P < .05). Western blot analyses showed that protein expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) followed a similar trend, although results were not statistically significant. On the other hand, tart cherry polyphenols treatments dose dependently increased inducible nitric oxide synthase protein expression, with statistical significance noted at doses of 200 and 300 μg/mL. Overall, our findings suggest that the polyphenols associated with tart cherries potentially inhibit osteoclast differentiation and activity, which may be beneficial to bone health.
Brief of Amici Curiae Family Law Professors in Support of Plaintiffs-Appellees and Affirmance in Kitchen v. Herbert

This amici curiae brief was filed in the United States Circuit Court for the Tenth Circuit on behalf of 40 family and child welfare law professors in Kitchen v. Herbert, the federal case challenging the state of Utah's ban on same-sex marriage. The amici brief seeks to provide the 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals with a more complete and accurate understanding of the multiple purposes of marriage, and its relationship to procreation and parentage. The right to marry, the Professors explain, has never been conditioned on an ability or willingness to procreate. Amici also explain that Utah's preference for "dual gender" parenting is inconsistent with constitutional principles, and they show that there is no legal basis for any assertion that federal law favors biological parentage over the decisions of many married couples - both opposite-sex and same-sex - to adopt children or conceive children through assisted reproduction. Finally, amici demonstrate that Utah’s same-sex marriage ban undermines rather than furthers the state’s interests in children and child welfare.
Review of recent taxonomic changes to the emerald moths (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Geometrinae).

Background The subfamily Geometrinae (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), commonly known as emerald moths, is an ecologically diverse group of moths with over 2,500 described species. Many taxonomic and phylogenetic studies of Geometrinae have been undertaken in the past decade, resulting in hundreds of new taxonomic changes since online publication of the most recent checklist in December 2007. New information This review synthesises the last 12 years of alpha-taxonomic research in Geometrinae. A comprehensive list of Geometrinae genus- and species-group descriptions, synonymies, combinations and other taxonomic changes, made since 2007, is provided. Since 2007, the known species richness of Geometrinae has increased from 2,529 to 2,642 species; an updated list of all these species is presented in a supplementary spreadsheet.
Letter to the editor re: 'serious adverse events and deaths in PCSK9 inhibitor trials reported on ClinicalTrials.gov: a systematic review'.

The article published by van Bruggen and colleagues contains multiple errors and uses erroneous data to reach incorrect conclusions[1]. It must be remembered that in clinical trials, prespecified s...
Mitochondrial DNA copy number and heteroplasmy load correlate with skeletal muscle oxidative capacity by P31 MR spectroscopy

The association between blood-based estimates of mitochondrial DNA parameters, mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNA-CN) and heteroplasmy load, with skeletal muscle bioenergetic capacity was evaluated in 230 participants of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (mean age:74.7 years, 53% women). Participants in the study sample had concurrent data on muscle oxidative capacity (τPCr ) assessed by 31 P magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and mitochondrial DNA parameters estimated from whole-genome sequencing data. In multivariable linear regression models, adjusted for age, sex, extent of phosphocreatine (PCr) depletion, autosomal sequencing coverage, white blood cell total, and differential count, as well as platelet count, mtDNA-CN and heteroplasmy load were not significantly associated with τPCr (both p > 0.05). However, in models evaluating whether the association between mtDNA-CN and τPCr varied by heteroplasmy load, there was a significant interaction between mtDNA-CN and heteroplasmy load (p = 0.037). In stratified analysis, higher mtDNA-CN was significantly associated with lower τPCr among participants with high heteroplasmy load (n = 84, β (SE) = -0.236 (0.115), p-value = 0.044), but not in those with low heteroplasmy load (n = 146, β (SE) = 0.046 (0.119), p-value = 0.702). Taken together, mtDNA-CN and heteroplasmy load provide information on muscle bioenergetics. Thus, mitochondrial DNA parameters may be considered proxy measures of mitochondrial function that can be used in large epidemiological studies, especially when comparing subgroups.
Assessing the Feasibility of an Online Module for Promoting Cancer Prevention Measures.

ObjectivesThe aims of this pilot study were (1) to develop a cancer prevention module consisting of an animated video and a short questionnaire, (2) to assess new knowledge gained by the participan...
Post-Compression of 9.2-µm Terawatt Laser Pulses to Femtoseconds

Contemporary CO2 laser systems are capable to delivering picosecond pulses of the multi-terawatt peak power. Further pulse compression to a few cycles is possible using a post-compression in bulk materials with negative group velocity dispersion (GVD). We have experimentally demonstrated the post-compression of a long-wave infrared (9.2 μm) 150-GW peak power pulse from 1.85 ps to less than 500 fs using a combination of two optical materials with significantly different ratios of the nonlinear refractive index to the GVD coefficient. Such combination allows for optimization of the compression mechanism and promises a viable path to scaling peak powers to multi-terawatt levels.
Visible and invisible infrastructures: alternative futures in resiliency, failure and design pedagogy

This paper explores the pedagogic and community initiative sponsored by a multi-year interdisciplinary (M.Arch and MLA) design studio project entitled "Design Duluth.” Motivated in part by catastrophic flooding in the city of Duluth, Minnesota in June of 2012, this research investigates - through the structure and pedagogic programming of the semester - how complex infrastructures are networked (or not), constructed (or fragmented), dynamic (orstatic) within the a complex city landscape. The project is rooted in developing, critical and creative topical to issues of resiliency and failure in and across architectural, ecological and urban systems. The studio explores how we can seed and implement innovative methods of interdisciplinary studio teaching and research and perhaps most importantly, how we can help students have agency in a blurry world of shifting pedagogy and practice. **AWARDED BEST PAPER 2014 BY THE BOARD OF THE ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH CENTERS CONSORTIUM**
Spinosad Toxicity to Pollinators and Associated Risk

Spinosad is a natural insecticide derived from an actinomycete bacterium species, Saccharopolyspora spinosa (Mertz and Yao 1990), that displays the efficacy of a synthetic insecticide. It consists of the two most active metabolites, designated spinosyn A and D. Both spinosyns are readily degraded in moist aerobic soil, and field dissipation, which is quite rapid (half-life, 0.3-0.5 d) can be attributed to photolysis or a combination of metabolism and photolysis. Spinosad causes neurological effects in insects that are consistent with the general activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors but by a mechanism that is novel among known insecticide compounds. Spinosad has a high level of efficacy for lepidopteran larvae, as well as some Diptera, Coleoptera, Thysanoptera, and Hymenoptera, but has limited to no activity to other insects and exhibits low toxicity to mammals and other wildlife. Although spinosad has low toxicity to most beneficial insects, initial acute laboratory tests indicated that spinosad is intrinsically toxic to pollinators. The hazard of spinosad to bees was evaluated using a tiered approach. Initial acute laboratory exposures were conducted, followed by toxicity of residues of spinosad on treated foliage, greenhouse studies to assess acute as well as chronic toxicity, confined field assessments, and finally full field studies using a variety of crops under typical use conditions. These data were used to assess the potential of adverse effects on foraging bees following the use of spinosad. This research has clearly demonstrated that spinosad residues that have been allowed to dry for 3 hr are not acutely harmful to honeybees when low-volume and ultralow-volume sprays are used. Further, glasshouse and semifield studies have demonstrated that dried residues are not acutely toxic, and although pollen and nectar from sprayed plants may have transient effects on brood development, the residues do not overtly affect hive viability of either the honeybee or the bumblebee. Field studies in which typical application methods of spinosad were used on a variety of crops have demonstrated that spinosad has low risk to adult honeybees and has little or no effect on hive activity and brood development. The collective evidence from these studies indicates that once spinosad residues have dried on plant foliage, generally 3 hr or less, the risk of spinosad to honeybees is negligible.
An in vivo assay for the reverse transcriptase of human retrotransposon L1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Abstract L1 elements constitute a highly repetitive human DNA family (50,000 to 100,000 copies) lacking long terminal repeats and ending in a poly(A) tail. Some L1 elements are capable of retrotransposition in the human genome (Kazazian, H. H., Jr., C. Wong, H. Youssoufian, A. F. Scott, D. G. Phillips, and S.E. Antonarakis, Nature (London) 332:164-166, 1988). Although most are 5' truncated, a consensus sequence of complete L1 elements is 6 kb long and contains two open reading frames (ORFs) (Scott, A. F., B. J. Schmeckpeper, M. Abdelrazik, C. T. Comey, B. O'Hara, J. P. Rossiter, T. Cooley, P. Health, K. D. Smith, and L. Margolet, Genomics 1:113-125, 1987). The protein encoded by ORF2 has reverse transcriptase (RT) activity in vitro (Mathias, S. L., A. F. Scott, H. H. Kazazian, Jr., J. D. Boeke, and A. Gabriel, Science 254:1808-1810, 1991). Because L1 elements are so numerous, efficient methods for identifying active copies are required. We have developed a simple in vivo assay for the activity of L1 RT based on the system developed by Derr et al. (Derr, L. K., J. N. Strathern, and D. J. Garfinkel, Cell 67:355-364, 1991) for yeast HIS3 pseudogene formation. L1 ORF2 displays an in vivo RT activity similar to that of yeast Ty1 RT in this system and generates pseudogenes with unusual structures. Like the HIS3 pseudogenes whose formation depends on Ty1 RT, the HIS3 pseudogenes generated by L1 RT are joined to Ty1 sequences and often are part of complex arrays of Ty1 elements, multiple HIS3 pseudogenes, and hybrid Ty1/L1 elements. These pseudogenes differ from those previously described in that there are base pairs of unknown origin inserted at several of the junctions. In two of three HIS3 pseudogenes studied, the L1 RT appears to have jumped from the 5' end of a Ty1/L1 transcript to the poly(A) tract of the HIS3 RNA.
Action of a Gonadotropin Inhibitor from the Bovine Pineal Gland

ConclusionThis work demonstrates that the inhibition of gonadotropin-induced ovulation by an extract of the bovine pineal gland is caused by the presence of a neuraminidase-type enzyme that rapidly deactivates the HCG. It is of interest to note that a gonadotropin-inhibiting substance isolated from bovine pituitary extracts, which is capable of inhibiting the ovarian weight increase caused by follicle-stimulating hormone and HCG in rats, has been found to contain a neuraminidase enzyme (9).Thus the present paper may help to elucidate the reported gonadotropin-inhibiting properties of several pineal extracts. Where previous studies (10–12) have demonstrated that the extracts suppress the stimulatory effect of HCG, human menopausal gonadotropin, or PMS on the rodent gonad or uterus (an effect not caused by melatonin (10)), the presence of this neuraminidase-type enzyme may now explain this inhibition of the action of gonadotropin.
AB initio study of Diels–Alder reactions of 1,3,4‐oxadiazole with ethylene, acrylonitrile, maleonitrile, fumaronitrile and 1,1‐dicyanoethylene. Inverse order and ratio of endo/exo reactivity

Transition structures for the Diels–Alder reactions of 1,3,4-oxadiazole with ethylene, acrylonitrile, maleonitrile, fumaronitrile, and 1,1-dicyanoethylene were located with ab initio molecular orbital calculations with the RHF/3–21G theoretical model. The activation energies were calculated by single-point calculations with the RHF/6–31G* and MP2/6–31G* theory levels on the RHF/3–21G geometries. Geometries of two transition structures and the corresponding reactants were generated at the MP2/6–31G* and the energies evaluated at the MP3/6–31G* level. The values obtained are comparable to those generated by MP2/6–31G*//3–21G. The asynchronicity of the transition structures follow the same trend as the corresponding all-carbon Diels–Alder reactions with buta-1,3-diene and cyclopentadiene, but the activation energies are almost in opposite correlation. This behavior is explained by the oxadiazole nitrogen lone pair repulsion with the π-orbitals of the nitrile groups.
Update in Neurology

This Update reviews important literature related to 6 main topics in the field: stroke, Parkinson disease, dementia, dizziness, epilepsy, and migraine headaches.
Low-temperature properties of an Yb impurity in a metallic host with an axial crystalline field

The Bethe-Ansatz equations for the ground state of the Coqblin-Schrieffer model for j = 7/2 are solved for a special axial-crystal-field-splitting scheme. The occupations of the crystal-field levels, the specific-heat contribution linear in the temperature, and the magnetic susceptibility parallel and perpendicular to the crystal axis are obtained as a function of the crystal-field strength. The universality of the results is discussed and a comparison with experiments on YbCu/sub 2/Si/sub 2/ and YbCuAl is made.
Demand for education, and its estimation

Abstract Since education produces major externalities and has important merit want characteristics, the estimation of a demand schedule is extremely difficult. Demand estimation for higher education is made somewhat easier because of the great importance of the associated costs and the relevant private substitutes, i.e. private colleges and universities. Therefore higher education is a good candidate for the application of the individual (economic) preference approach, which is based on the assumption that individuals are aware of their need for education about as they are aware of their needs for products provided by the open market. The estimation of demand for primary and secondary education can rely only to a minor extent on the individual (economic) preference approach. The voter's behavior approach analysis is likely to be more directly applicable. Study of the behavior of voters and the behavior of legislators and members of school boards can shed light on the demand for education. Analytic insight can be gained also by the “voting with one's feet”, and the “calculus of consent” methods. Finally, benefit-cost analysis can be applied in situations where education gives an extremely weak demand signal. In education we often are less interested in overall benefit-cost estimates than in the benefit-cost positions in which different important interest groups find themselves with regard to education. Such analysis requires the identification of significant interest groups, bargaining strategies, and bargaining patterns, as well as of ways in which education decision makers respond to group pressures.
Severe acne and hyperandrogenemia following dactinomycin

The etiology of dactinomycin-associated acne has not previously been studied. An 81/2 year old girl with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma of the left petrous bone was prepubertal at the time of presentation. Treatment according to a current Intergroup Rhabdomyosarcoma Study regimen consisted of vincristine, dactinomycin, and cyclophosphamide at 3 to 6 week intervals, as well as hyperfractionated radiotherapy to the tumor bad. Severe acne of the forehead developed within 10 days of starting therapy and resolved over the next 2 months. Serial measurements of serum hormones documented periodic increases in androgen levels coincident with courses of dactinomycin. These observations support a relationship between drug, dermatitis, and hormone levels. Study of other patients will be of interest to document the frequency, degree, and mechanism of hyperandrogenemia following dactinomycin.
Retinal pigment epithelial cells use a MerTK-dependent mechanism to limit the phagocytic particle binding activity of αvβ5 integrin

Background information αvβ5 integrin and Mer tyrosine kinase (MerTK) receptors reside at the apical surface of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in the eye to promote the diurnal, synchronised phagocytosis of shed photoreceptor outer segment fragments (POS) that is critical for vision. Phagocytosis assays studying RPE cells in culture have defined roles for αvβ5 in POS surface binding and for MerTK in engulfment of bound POS. Both receptors have thus far only been studied separately. It is therefore unknown if αvβ5 integrin activity in POS binding is independent of the engulfment function of RPE cells. This study investigates how increasing αvβ5 receptor levels affect POS binding and internalisation by wild-type (wt), αvβ5- or MerTK-deficient RPE.
Tubular fast-flow reactor studies at high temperatures. Kinetics of the A1O2 reaction

Abstract The homogeneous gas phase reaction between A1 and O 2 has been studied. The reaction proceeded via A1 + O 2 → A1O + O with a rate coefficient k 1 of (3 ± 2) × 10 −11 ml molecule −1 sec −1 . The data indicate no measurable temperature dependence of k 1 over the 1000–1700°K range investigated.
Spin-tensor analysis of a new empirical shell-model interaction for the 1s-0d shell nuclei

New empirical two-body matrix elements derived from the spectra of 1s-0d shell nuclei are compared with previous empirical results and with the G-matrix elements obtained from the Reid soft-core and Paris potentials. A spin-tensor decomposition of the matrix elements is made and comparisons are presented for the separated central, tensor, spin-orbit and antisymmetric spin-orbit components.
Symbiotic interactions between soybean and competing strains of Bradyrhizobium japonicum

Selected symbiotic characteristics of fiveBradyrhizobium japonicum strains were assessed in association with ‘Ransom’ soybean plants (Glycine max [L.] Merr.). In the first of two greenhouse experiments, relative nodulation competitiveness of the strains was examined. Strains were grouped into pairs, and corresponding cells were applied to surface-disinfected seeds so as to provide seven ratios of cell numbers between the two strains. Tap root nodules were harvested 28 days after sowing and serotyped by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Strains differed considerably in nodulation competitiveness, and these differences were successfully quantified using relationships previously proposed in the literature. A second experiment involved assessment of the reproducibility of this technique and characterization of the symbiotic response to single- and double-strain inocula. Differences in relative nodulating abilities of strains were apparent between experiments and were possibly related to observed variations in greenhouse temperatures. Plant shoot weight and total N content were not significantly correlated with nodule number or weight when evaluated across inoculation treatments, but these correlations were often significant within inoculation treatments. Certain double-strain inocula produced either positive or negative effects on shoot weight, N content, and nodulation, when compared with values predicted from corresponding controls receiving single-strain inocula.
The turtle technique: An extended case study of self-control in the classroom

A preliminary investigation of the Turtle Technique, a procedure for helping emotionally disturbed children control their own impulsive behavior, is described. The technique consists of four components: the “turtle response,” relaxation, problem-solving, and peer support. Eleven children drawn from two classrooms were instructed in the use of the Turtle Technique for the self-control of aggression. The procedure was introduced according to a multiple-baseline design. Results revealed significant decrements in aggressive behavior in both classrooms. Implications for further research were considered.
Notes and a key to separate normal and heteromorphic males of Pyemotes giganticus Cross, Moser, and Rack and P. dimorphus Cross and Moser (Acari: Pyemotidae)

Abstract Photomicrographs of normal and heteromorphic males of Pyemotes giganticus Cross, Moser, and Rack (1981) and P. dimorphus Cross and Moser (1975) illustrate differences and similarities between the species. The key to species by Cross et al. (1981) is emended to accommodate the separation of males of these two species.
Regional myocardial lidocaine concentration following continuous intravenous infusion early and late after myocardial infarction

The regional concentration of lidocaine using a double constant infusion technique (250 micrograms/kg/min x 15 minutes followed by 35 micrograms/kg/mg/min x 120 minutes) was studied immediately (2 hours) in seven dogs and 24 hours (six dogs) after myocardial infarction. Tissue levels were determined by gas chromatography and related to regional myocardial blood flow as determined by the radioactive microsphere technique in multiple samples. At 2 hours after infarction a significantly higher lidocaine concentration (4.1 +/- 0.42 micrograms/g) was found in zones with greatly reduced blood flow (regional myocardial blood flow less than 0.2 ml/min per g) when compared with that (2.6 +/- 0.19 micrograms/g) in zones with normal blood flow (regional myocardial blood flow greater than 0.8 ml/min per g) (p less than 0.01). In contrast, in the 24 hour model the opposite situation was observed. Although the concentration of lidocaine in the infarct zone was substantial, a significant decline in lidocaine tissue concentration was found in the zones of lowest blood flow (regional myocardial blood flow less than 0.2 ml/min per g) when compared with that in normal zones (1.76 +/- 0.21 versus 3.38 +/- 0.21 micrograms/g, p less than 0.001). In addition, no significant differences in lidocaine concentrationsmore » were found between endocardium and epicardium in any of the groups other than those related to regional myocardial blood flow. Thus, with the double constant infusion technique, lidocaine reached normal and ischemic myocardium in concentrations equivalent to therapeutic plasma concentrations, even in lower infarct blood flow zones, with no significant differences between endocardium and epicardium. Of perhaps greater significance, the age of the ischemic insult is an important determinant of lidocaine tissue distribution in infarcted myocardium.« less
Creativity and innovation in durable product development

In this paper we are proposing a framework for integrating the creativity and innovation aspects for durable product development. Various creativity and innovation methodologies are discussed.
Early transient response during crack propagation in a weakly-coupled thermoelastic solid

Abstract A semi-infinite crack grows due to stress wave diffraction in a weakly-coupled thermoelastic solid. A rudimentary inelastic zone at the crack edge acts both as a heat flux site and as a crack-blunting mechanism. The transient analysis is first-step in the sense that constant crack/zone extension speeds are considered, and the material properties do not themselves vary with temperature. The a priori unknown heat flux in the zone, the temperature response at the zone edge, the crack opening displacement and the rate of energy production in the zone are studied in the period right after fracture/zone initiation. These expressions show that the applied (incident wave) stress should exceed the value necessary for zone formation predicted by a non-thermal analysis. The zone edge temperature increases rapidly at first, but then begins to level off in the same range of values noted for steady-state analyses at the time limit of the model's validity. The temperature rise varies inversely with zone growth rate, while the crack opening and energy production rate vary directly.
Implementation of real-time optimal power flow management system on hybrid AC/DC smart microgrid

The concept of microgrid involves coordination between distributed load and generation by enhancing the system controllability, flexibility, energy management and storage capability. The problem of optimal management of the resources in a microgrid is under investigation and recent studies propose new strategies to use centralize and distributed control schemes by utilizing real-time monitoring and control system. This paper presents the development of a real-time Optimal Power Flow (OPF) management system which is implemented in the Smart Grid Test-bed lab at Florida International University. The paper will discuss briefly the developed Hybrid AC/DC microgrid and its components. Implementation of real-time monitoring and control system creates the feasibility of performing online OPF and applying load-generation settings and strategies in real-time format.
H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccination of U.S. healthcare personnel, 2010.

Background Seasonal influenza vaccination routinely has been recommended for healthcare personnel (HCP) since 1984. The influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccine (H1N1 vaccine) became available in the U.S. in October 2009. Purpose To assess 2009 H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccination coverage and identify factors independently associated with vaccination among HCP in the U.S. Methods Data from the 2009–2010 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) influenza supplemental survey were analyzed in 2011. Multivariable logistic regression and predictive marginal models were performed to identify factors independently associated with vaccination among HCP. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis procedure was used to estimate the cumulative proportion of people vaccinated. Results Among 16,975 HCP surveyed, 2009 H1N1, seasonal, and any-dose vaccination coverage were 34.1% (95% CI=32.7%, 35.5%); 52.4% (95% CI=50.9%, 53.9%); and 58.0% (95% CI=56.5%, 59.5%), respectively, all of which were significantly higher than those for non-HCP (19.1%, 34.9%, and 40.3%, respectively). The H1N1 vaccination coverage among HCP ranged from 18.4% in Mississippi to 56.1% in Massachusetts and seasonal influenza vaccination coverage ranged from 40.4% in Florida to 73.1% in Nebraska. Characteristics independently associated with an increased likelihood of 2009 H1N1, seasonal, and any-dose vaccinations among HCP were as follows: non-Hispanic white, higher income, having a high-risk condition, having health insurance, the ability to see a doctor if needed, and having had a routine checkup in the previous year. Conclusions Vaccination coverage was higher among HCP than non-HCP but still below the national health objective of 90%. Knowledge of national and state-specific H1N1 and seasonal vaccination coverage among HCP is useful for evaluating the vaccination campaign and implementing strategies for increasing yearly seasonal vaccination coverage and improving vaccination coverage among HCP in possible future pandemics.
Thermal Degradation of Glutamate Polymers

Abstract Thermal properties of precipitated samples and films of poly-γ-benzyl-L-glutamate (PBG) and poly-L-glutamic acid (PGA) have been studied using TGA, DSC, and pyrolysis. The PBG film was identified as that described by McKinnon and Tobolsky as “form C” (“film A” of Uematsu et al.) using IR, dielectric relaxation, and DSC data. The PGA film is α-helical (IR) and was further characterized by dielectric relaxation measurements. With the exception of water loss at ∼110° from PGA, TGA and DSC measurements reveal only incomplete endotherms corresponding to decomposition. Volatile decomposition products were trapped and identified using combined GC/IR and GC/MS techniques. Identified products were as follows: from PGB–CO2, NH3, H2O, toluene, benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, and benzoic acid; from PGA–CO2, NH3, CH3OH, acetone, and H2O. Only minor differences were noted in GC traces of the total volatile decomposition products in air or in nitrogen streams. No evidence for retained solvent in cast films was ob...
Treatment of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus infection with (−)-carbodine

Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) may cause encephalitis in humans, for which no FDA-approved antiviral treatment is available. Carbocyclic cytosine (carbodine) has broad-spectrum activity but toxicity has limited its utility. It was anticipated that one of the enantiomers of carbodine would show enhanced activity and reduced toxicity. The activity of the d-(-) enantiomer of carbodine [(-)-carbodine] was evaluated by infectious cell culture assay and was found to have a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of 0.2 microg/ml against the TC-83 vaccine strain of VEEV in Vero cells, while the l-(+) enantiomer had no activity. Virus titer inhibition correlated with intracellular cytidine triphosphate reduction after treatment with (-)-carbodine, as determined by HPLC analysis. Pre-treatment with 200 mg/(kgd) resulted in significant improvement in survival, virus load in the brain, weight change, and mean day-to-death in a mouse model of TC-83 VEEV disease. A single dose of (-)-carbodine resulted in a slight extension of mean time to death in mice infected with wild-type VEEV. Post-virus exposure treatment with (-)-carbodine was effective in significantly improving disease parameters in mice infected with TC-83 VEEV when treatment was initiated as late as 4 days post-virus installation (dpi). It is remarkable that (-)-carbodine is effective when initiated after the establishment of brain infection.
Does family disagreement affect donation decisions by next of kin

Context—Information about the relationship between family disagreement and donation decisions may facilitate development of strategies to help families resolve conflict and possibly increase donation consent rates.Objective—To assess how family interactions influence next-of-kin decisions about organ donation.Design—Semistructured survey.Setting and Participants—Next of kin of potential donors (147 donors, 138 non-donors) from 1 organ procurement organization participated in a semistructured telephone interview, answering questions about the presence and influence of others during decision making related to organ donation.Results—When others were actively involved in the donation decision (68%), disagreement about the donation decision occurred in 32% of cases. Compared with families initially in agreement, families not in agreement were less likely to donate (P < .001), took longer to make a decision (P < .001), and were less likely to make the same decision now (P < .001). Family disagreement was signif...
Long-Term Rescue of Dystrophin Expression and Improvement in Muscle Pathology and Function in Dystrophic mdx Mice by Peptide-Conjugated Morpholino

Exon skipping is capable of correcting frameshift and nonsense mutations in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Phase 2 clinical trials in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands have reported induction of dystrophin expression in muscle of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients by systemic administration of both phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomers (PMO) and 2′-O-methyl phosphorothioate. Peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino offers significantly higher efficiency than phosphorodiamidate morpholino, with the ability to induce near-normal levels of dystrophin, and restores function in both skeletal and cardiac muscle. We examined 1-year systemic efficacy of peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino targeting exon 23 in dystrophic mdx mice. The LD50 of peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino was determined to be approximately 85 mg/kg. The half-life of dystrophin expression was approximately 2 months in skeletal muscle, but shorter in cardiac muscle. Biweekly injection of 6 mg/kg peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino produced >20% dystrophin expression in all skeletal muscles and ≤5% in cardiac muscle, with improvement in muscle function and pathology and reduction in levels of serum creatine kinase. Monthly injections of 30 mg/kg peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino restored dystrophin to >50% normal levels in skeletal muscle, and 15% in cardiac muscle. This was associated with greatly reduced serum creatine kinase levels, near-normal histology, and functional improvement of skeletal muscle. Our results demonstrate for the first time that regular 1-year administration of peptide-conjugated phosphorodiamidate morpholino can be safely applied to achieve significant therapeutic effects in an animal model.
Flexible cofacial binuclear metal complexes derived from α,α-bis(salicylimino)-m-xylene

The tetradentate Schiff-base ligand SIXH2 (α,α-bis(salicylimino)-m-xylene), prepared from salicylaldehyde and m-xylylenediamine, forms cofacial binuclear complexes with Pd and Cu. Of the two isomers possible (trans-syn and trans-anti) for M2(SIX)2, these complexes crystallize exclusively as the trans-anti isomer. In ansolvous Pd2(SIX)2, the metal-containing planes are approximately parallel, with Pd⋯Pd 4.416(1) A. Pd2(SIX)2 also forms a crystalline solvate, in which the molecules adopt a more open conformation with longer metal–metal distances (5.109(1) and 5.112(1) A). The M⋯M distance is significantly longer in Cu2(SIX)2 (6.653(1) A), because of conformational changes in the m-xylylene moieties and substantial tetrahedral distortion about Cu.
Racial differences in vasectomy utilization in the United States: data from the national survey of family growth.

Objectives To explore whether health care, socioeconomic, or personal characteristics account for disparities observed in the utilization of vasectomy. More than 500 000 vasectomies are performed annually in the United States. The safety and efficacy of vasectomy make it a good family planning option, yet the factors related to use of male surgical sterilization are not well understood. In this analysis, we examined differences in vasectomy rates according to factors such as race and socioeconomic status. Methods We analyzed data from the male sample of the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth to examine the use of vasectomy among the sample of men aged 30-45 (n = 2161). Demographic, socioeconomic, and reproductive characteristics were analyzed to assess associations with vasectomy. Results About 11.4% of men aged 30-45 years reported having a vasectomy, representing approximately 3.6 million American men. Although 14.1% of white men had a vasectomy, only 3.7% of black and 4.5% of Hispanic men reported undergoing vasectomy. On multivariate analysis, a significant difference in the odds of vasectomy by race/ethnicity remained, with black (odds ratio = 0.20, 0.09-0.45) and Hispanic men (odds ratio = 0.41, 0.18-0.95) having a significantly lower rate of vasectomy independent of demographic, partner, and socioeconomic factors. Having ever been married, fathering 2 or more children, older age, and higher income were the factors associated with vasectomy. Conclusions After accounting for reproductive history, partner, and demographic characteristics, black and Hispanic men were less likely to rely on vasectomy for contraception. Further research is needed to identify the reasons for these race/ethnic differences and to identify factors that impede minority men's reliance on this means of fertility control.
On a class of parabolic equations with nonlocal boundary conditions

In this paper we study a class of parabolic equations subject to a nonlocal boundary condition. The problem is a generalized model for a theory of ion-diffusion in channels. By using energy method, we first derive some a priori estimates for solutions and then prove that the problem has a unique global solution. Moreover, under some assumptions on the nonlinear boundary condition, it is shown that the solution blows up in finite time. Finally, the long-time behavior of solution to a linear problem is also studied in the paper.
Diet therapy in the nephritides and in diabetes mellitus during childhood

Summary In this and a preceding review of therapeutic diethetics2d emphasis is placed on the need for inclusion of protective foods in suitable variety and amount in all prescribed diets. Evidence has been offered to indicate that the diet of the average child cannot be considered as a suitable guide as to the food requirements during childhood. Recent literature reveals the tendency to liberalize therapeutic diets in the treatment of chronic diseases, attempting to approximate an ideal intake for a normal child so far as the nature of the disease will permit, and directing therapy more toward the welfare of the child as a whole than toward satisfying certain concepts of the pathology of his disease.
Between the Country and the Concrete: Rediscovering the Rural–Urban Fringe:

Substantial U.S. population growth in relatively rural areas adjacent to large urban areas is sparking renewed interest in the rural–urban fringe. This research identifies some of the roots of the ...
Marketing Classroom Spaces: Is It Really Better at the Front?.

Students spend much of their time in college seated in a classroom. Their seating choice can indicate something about students' general perceptions regarding seat selection and academic achievement. However, actual seat location may also play a role in student performance. This preliminary research focused on the seating choices of 373 undergraduate students in smaller (i.e., fewer than 35 students) marketing courses and their performance. The results indicate that students generally perceive that seat location does not influence overall academic achievement or course performance. Indeed, there was no significant difference in cumulative grade point average based on seat selection. However, students in the front row did earn a significantly higher course grade than those seated in the back half of the room. The trend for course grades to decrease as distance from the front of the room increases was most pronounced for those whose cumulative grade point average was in the middle third of all students in th...
Transmission Infrared Spectroscopy of Methyl- and Ethyl-Terminated Silicon(111) Surfaces

Transmission infrared spectroscopy (TIRS) has been used to investigate the surface-bound species formed in the two-step chlorination/alkylation reaction of crystalline (111)-oriented Si surfaces. Spectra were obtained after hydrogen termination, chlorine termination, and reaction of the Cl−Si(111) surface with CH_3MgX or C_2H_5MgX (X = Cl, Br) to form methyl (CH_3)- or ethyl (C_2H_5)-terminated Si(111) surfaces, respectively. Freshly etched H-terminated Si(111) surfaces that were subsequently chlorinated by immersion in a saturated solution of PCl_5 in chlorobenzene were characterized by complete loss of the Si−H stretching and bending modes at 2083 and 627 cm^(-1), respectively, and the appearance of Si−Cl modes at 583 and 528 cm^(-1). TIRS of the CH_3-terminated Si(111) surface exhibited a peak at 1257 cm^(-1) polarized perpendicular to the surface assigned to the C−H symmetrical bending, or “umbrella” motion, of the methyl group. A peak observed at 757 cm^(-1) polarized parallel to the surface was assigned to the C−H rocking motion. Alkyl C−H stretch modes on both the CH_3- and C_2H_5-terminated surfaces were observed near 2900 cm^(-1). The C_2H_5-terminated Si(111) surface additionally exhibited broad bands at 2068 and 2080 cm^(-1), respectively, polarized perpendicular to the surface, as well as peaks at 620 and 627 cm^(-1), respectively, polarized parallel to the surface. These modes were assigned to the Si−H stretching and bending motions, respectively, resulting from H-termination of surface atoms that did not form Si−C bonds during the ethylation reaction.
Coping with catastrophe: Implications to information systems design

Various kinds of catastrophe which can have disastrous impacts on information systems are discussed. It is argued that an information systems designer must assume that eventually a disaster will occur, and therefore must plan accordingly. Several approaches to disaster recovery are described. In conclusion, five key lessons regarding disasters are given.
Cloning and expression of the unique Ca2+-ATPase from Flavobacterium odoratum.

Abstract The 60-kDa Ca-ATPase from Flavobacterium odoratum is kinetically and mechanistically similar to other P-type ATPases, suggesting its use as a model system for structure-function studies of ion transport. A portion of the gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction of genomic DNA with degenerate oligonucleotide primers, one based on the N-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified protein and the other based on a consensus sequence for the phosphorylation site of P-type ATPases. This gene fragment was used to screen a library of F. odoratum 29979 DNA. Clone “C” is 3.3 kilobases in length and contains one complete and part of a second open reading frame, the first of which encodes a 58-kDa protein containing the exact N-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified protein. We have named this gene cda, for calcium-dependent ATPase. Escherichia coli, transformed with clone C, demonstrates high levels of calcium-dependent and vanadate-sensitive ATP hydrolysis activity, forms a 60-kDa phosphointermediate, and cross-reacts with antibodies to the purified Ca-ATPase. The gene has almost no sequence homology to even the highly conserved regions characteristic of P-type ATPases but does possess significant homology to a protein with alkaline phosphatase activity (PhoD) from Zymomonas mobilis. The putative phosphorylation site is a Walker A (P-loop) ATP binding sequence and is modified relative to P-type ATPases, suggesting that the F. odoratum Ca-ATPase may represent an ancestral link between the F- and the P-type ATPases or perhaps a new class of ATPases.
Field Tests of a New Camera/LED Strobe System

Two Hybrid ROV (HROV) subsystems were recently tested together in the deep sea using the Jason 2 ROV as a host. The first system is a new standards-based architecture for digital still camera control and telemetry; the second is a prototype LED array. The camera was used to trigger the strobe system while operating in 2300 m of water at the Juan de Fuca Vent Field. Several thousand images were collected under a range of varying conditions, validating several of the assumptions made in the development process, and guiding future development efforts