cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Clear-cell calcifying odontogenic tumor viewed relative to the Pindborg tumor.

Abstract An unusual clear-cell odontogenic tumor with lesional calcification is described and prognostic implications of this and other atypical benign odontogenic tumors are discussed relative to a calcifying tumor of epithelial odontogenic origin with a known aggressive potential.
Optimal diversification and risk-taking: a theoretical and empirical analysis

Among the justifications for capital property income received by private households is that it is a ‘return to risk-taking’. However, portfolio diversification provides an obvious means toward the reduction of risk. Moreover, it is widely believed that the wealthier the household, the more diversification it practices: the larger tends to be the proportion of its total portfolio allocated to publicly traded stock, and the larger tends to be the number of individual stock issues included in its portfolio. Using a simple ‘homogeneous securities’ model, explicit functional forms are obtained for both the optimal proportion of the portfolio allocated to stocks, and the optimal number of individual stock issues in the portfolio. Empirical evaluation of these theoretical results, using a dataset derived from the 2004 Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF), lends substantial support to the model. Applying these empirical results, it is found that as household capital wealth increases, expected capital income increase...
Manufacturing cost estimation: A multivariate learning curve approach

Abstract This paper introduces an analytic framework for extending univariate learning curves (manufacturing progress functions) to multivariate models. Multivariate functions are needed to account for the multitude of factors that can influence learning in manufacturing operations. A specific example of bivariate manufacturing progress function is presented.
Deficient assembly and function of gap junctions in Trf1, a trafficking mutant of the human liver–derived cell line HuH‐7

The Trf1 cell line, selected from the human hepatoma cell line HuH-7, manifests altered trafficking of various plasma membrane proteins. In particular, there is a striking loss of State 2 asialoglycoprotein receptors. This cell line is shown here to also manifest defects in function and assembly of gap junctions comprising connexin43 (Cx43). No alteration of Cx43 expression or phosphorylation was apparent. Nevertheless, immunostaining of Cx43 revealed that fewer and smaller gap junctions were present at appositional membrane areas in Trf1 cells as compared with parental HuH-7. This correlated with a significant attenuation in gap junction-mediated communication between Trf1 cells as demonstrated by markedly decreased dye transfer and their reduced ability to propagate mechanically evoked Ca(2+) waves. Isoelectric focusing (IEF) of Cx43 in HuH-7 cells indicated that the pIs of this protein were significantly lower than that predicted from its amino acid sequence; no differences in pI were evident in Cx43 from Trf1 cells and the HuH-7 cell line. The effects of the Trf1 mutation on assembly and function of gap junctions indicate that this mutation influences trafficking of Cx43. Connexins differ in several respects from other membrane proteins thus far analyzed in Trf1 mutants: gap junctions localize exclusively to the lateral cell surface; they are not glycoproteins; and they do not play a role in endocytic pathways. The disruption of trafficking of Cx43 by this mutation suggests that the Trf1 phenotype is a defect at a common point along the trafficking pathway of cell-surface proteins, irrespective of their ultimate destination on the cell surface or their glycosylation profile.
Exponential versions of the Jones and Mueller–Jones polarization matrices

Exponential versions of the Jones and Mueller–Jones matrices are derived by use of the theory of semigroup transformations in conjunction with Kronecker products of matrices.
Lacosamide as Adjunctive Therapy for Refractory Trigeminal Neuralgia (P03.224)

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of lacosamide (LCS) in refractory trigeminal neuralgia (TN) patients. Background There are several medications used for the medical treatment of TN; however, they are often ineffective due to lack of efficacy or intolerable adverse effects. LCS has a novel mechanism by selectively enhancing slow inactivation of voltage dependent sodium channels. Design/Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of eleven subjects who had been diagnosed with TN and received LCS as adjunctive therapy. Descriptive analysis was performed. Results: Eleven cases were identified. The median age was 63 (range 25-88) years. The etiology for most patients was idiopathic (n=9); two patients had a structural lesions. The median duration of TN was 10 years (range 1-22). The average number of medications tried prior to LCS was six. Seven of the patients had surgical interventions including microvascular decompression and gamma knife. Barrow Neurological Institute Pain Scale scores for pain were available for seven patients and showed improvement in four of these patients with at least one level decrease in severity. Two of the patients had no improvement. One patient initially improved then worsened. Median duration of follow up was six months (range 2-12). Subjective impressions showed initial improvement from nine patients, one with significant improvement, one patient discontinued due to complete resolution of symptoms. Adverse events were mild and included dizziness, drowsiness, constipation and occasional fatigue. None of the patients required hospitalization. Conclusions: In this small case series of patients with refractory TN, a majority of the patients responded at least initially, despite multiple previous medication trials and surgical procedures in some. LCS was well tolerated and should be considered as a treatment option in chronic TN. Positive results in a small case series such as this justifies designing a clinical trial to determine safety and efficacy of LCS in TN. Disclosure: Dr. Joshi has nothing to disclose. Dr. Cohen has nothing to disclose.
Electrochemical oxidation of multisulfur heterocycles reactions of dithiane cations in acetonitrile

Abstract The electrochemical oxidation in acetonitrile of two ortho thiooxalates containing 1,3-dithiane rings proceeds via rearrangement reactions of cationic intermediates to form the dication of an endocyclic tetrathioethylene. The dication undergoes a subsequent rearrangement, a possible example of a dyotropic reaction, to complete the electrode reaction. The electrochemical behavior was established by independent synthesis of the product tetrathioethylene, 2,6,8,12-tetrathiabicyclo(5.5.0)dodec-1(7)-ene, its electrochemical behavior, and the electron spin resonance spectra of the radical cations obtained by electrolytic generation from solutions of the ortho thiooaxalate and suspected tetrathioethylene oxidation products. When the electrochemical oxidative pathway is compared to the thermal and electron-impact induced fragmentation reactions, distinct differences are noted.
A Genome-Wide Immunodetection Screen in S. cerevisiae Uncovers Novel Genes Involved in Lysosomal Vacuole Function and Morphology

Vacuoles of yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae are functionally analogous to mammalian lysosomes. Both are cellular organelles responsible for macromolecular degradation, ion/pH homeostasis, and stress survival. We hypothesized that undefined gene functions remain at post-endosomal stage of vacuolar events and performed a genome-wide screen directed at such functions at the late endosome and vacuole interface – ENV genes. The immunodetection screen was designed to identify mutants that internally accumulate precursor form of the vacuolar hydrolase carboxypeptidase Y (CPY). Here, we report the uncovering and initial characterizations of twelve ENV genes. The small size of the collection and the lack of genes previously identified with vacuolar events are suggestive of the intended exclusive functional interface of the screen. Most notably, the collection includes four novel genes ENV7, ENV9, ENV10, and ENV11, and three genes previously linked to mitochondrial processes – MAM3, PCP1, PPE1. In all env mutants, vesicular trafficking stages were undisturbed in live cells as assessed by invertase and active α-factor secretion, as well as by localization of the endocytic fluorescent marker FM4-64 to the vacuole. Several mutants exhibit defects in stress survival functions associated with vacuoles. Confocal fluorescence microscopy revealed the collection to be significantly enriched in vacuolar morphologies suggestive of fusion and fission defects. These include the unique phenotype of lumenal vesicles within vacuoles in the novel env9Δ mutant and severely fragmented vacuoles upon deletion of GET4, a gene recently implicated in tail anchored membrane protein insertion. Thus, our results establish new gene functions in vacuolar function and morphology, and suggest a link between vacuolar and mitochondrial events.
Structural, Magnetic and Transport Properties of Li-Doped La2CuO4

We review recent work on La2Cu1-xLixO4 for 0 < x < 0.5. Li substitutes for Cu in La2CuO4, resulting in both the addition of a hole and the loss of a spin (because Li is monovalent and S = 0 while Cu is divalent and S = 1/2). Qualitatively, Li substitution has the same effect as the combined substitution of Sr and Zn. We explore the extent to which this analogy can be made quantitative and discuss how these results influence our understanding of the doped hole state in La2CuO4.
Cognitive strategies for media use during a presidential campaign

This study investigates whether attention to political news and attention to debates during a presidential campaign are affected by audience members’ cognitive schemata concerning media and politics and the information‐processing strategies they claim to use when encountering the media. Data come from a telephone survey of a probability sample of 706 registered voters in a metropolitan area. Hierarchical regression using political and sociological controls provides support for the general hypothesis. Four sets of cognitive constructs are studied: images concerning how the news media work and why; campaign information‐processing strategies such as reading between the lines or reflecting on the news; schema‐based orientations toward or preference for particular types of campaign‐related information; and patterns of salience for each set of cognitive constructs. Some support is found for the hypothesis that audiences compensate for perceived shortcomings in the media by increased attention to the news and mo...
Market Integration and Uncertainty: The Impact of Domestic and International Commodity Price Variability on Rural Household Income and Welfare in Ghana and Peru

Abstract We estimate rural household income uncertainties and welfare changes due to commodity price and production variability in Ghana and Peru under different scenarios for international and domestic market shocks. Uncertainties significantly affect the variability of household income, especially for households that are specialised in the production of few commodities. Wider exposure to international markets would increase the income variability for producers of commodities that are subjected to stabilisation policies in Ghana but would reduce the variability that rural households in Peru face. In terms of welfare, rural households in both countries are expected to gain if fully exposed to international markets.
Analysis of 25 Years of Technology Research as Reported in Two Professional Journals: Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences and Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal

During the past 25 years, the evaluation and exploration of technological advances within family and consumer sciences (FCS) have played a vital role in the evolution of the discipline. The goal of this investigation was to provide an historical perspective of the reporting of technology or technological innovations within the field of FCS. Titles of articles published in the Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences and the Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal as well as theses and dissertations completed as listed in the Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal were examined from 1982 to 2007. Items were included in this analysis if technology or technological content was included in the title. This study provides an analysis of various areas of interest, including geographic location of the author, FCS area, and individual focus or topic of the article, theses, or dissertation.
Immunologic studies on leukocytes.

Summary From the experiments briefly summarized and from the pioneering studies of Dausset4, Doan5, Goudsmit and van Loghem7, Miescher9, Moeschlin10 and Tullis11, it is concluded that the human white blood cell is an effective antigen, and therefore a fertile object of immunologic study. Resume De ses experiences resumees brievement, ainsi que des etudes de Dausset4, Doan5, Goudsmit et van Loghem7, Miescher9, Moeschlin10 et Tullis11 l'auteur conclut que le leucocyte humain est un antigene efficace, et qu'il constitue par consequent un objet remuneratif d'etude immunologique. Zusammenfassung Auf Grund eigener experimenteller Erfahrungen sowie auf Grund der Pionierarbeiten von Dausset4, Doan5, Goudsmit und van Loghem7, Miescher9, Moeschlin10 und Tullis11, ist anzunehmen, das die menschlichen Leukozyten wirksame Antigene darstellen. Sie bilden ein lohnendes Objekt fur immunologische Studien.
An Efficient Dual-Resolution Approach for Ensemble Data Assimilation and Tests with Simulated Doppler Radar Data

Abstract A new efficient dual-resolution (DR) data assimilation algorithm is developed based on the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) method and tested using simulated radar radial velocity data for a supercell storm. Radar observations are assimilated on both high-resolution and lower-resolution grids using the EnKF algorithm with flow-dependent background error covariances estimated from the lower-resolution ensemble. It is shown that the flow-dependent and dynamically evolved background error covariances thus estimated are effective in producing quality analyses on the high-resolution grid. The DR method has the advantage of being able to significantly reduce the computational cost of the EnKF analysis. In the system, the lower-resolution ensemble provides the flow-dependent background error covariance, while the single-high-resolution forecast and analysis provides the benefit of higher resolution, which is important for resolving the internal structures of thunderstorms. The relative smoothness of the co...
γ-Globin Gene Expression in Chemical Inducer of Dimerization (CID)-dependent Multipotential Cells Established from Human β-Globin Locus Yeast Artificial Chromosome (β-YAC) Transgenic Mice

Identification of trans-acting factors or drugs capable of reactivating γ-globin gene expression is complicated by the lack of suitable cell lines. Human K562 cells co-express ϵ- and γ-globin but not β-globin; transgenic mouse erythroleukemia 585 cells express predominantly human β-globin but also γ-globin; and transgenic murine GM979 cells co-express human γ-and β-globin. Human β-globin locus yeast artificial chromosome transgenic mice display correct developmental regulation of β-like globin gene expression. We rationalized that cells established from the adult bone marrow of these mice might express exclusively β-globin and therefore could be employed to select or screen inducers of γ-globin expression. A thrombopoietin receptor derivative that brings the proliferative status of primary mouse bone marrow cells under control of a chemical inducer of dimerization was employed to institute and maintain these cell populations. Human β-globin was expressed, but γ-globin was not; a similar expression pattern was observed in cells derived from fetal liver. γ-Globin expression was induced upon exposure to 5-azacytidine, in cells derived from –117 Greek hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin human β-globin locus yeast artificial chromosome (β-YAC) mice, showing that the hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin (HPFH) phenotype was maintained in these cells or was reactivated by an artificial zinc finger-γ-globin transcription factor and the previously identified fetal globin transactivators fetal Kruppel-like factor (FKLF) and fetal globin-increasing factor (FGIF). These cells may be useful for identifying transcription factors that reactivate γ-globin synthesis or screening γ-globin inducers for the treatment of sickle cell disease or β-thalassemia.
Characterization of the cytoplasmic filament protein gene (cfpA) of Treponema pallidum subsp. pallidum.

Treponema pallidum and other members of the genera Treponema, Spirochaeta, and Leptonema contain multiplecytoplasmicfilamentsthatrunthelengthoftheorganismjustunderneaththecytoplasmicmembrane. These cytoplasmic filaments have a ribbon-like profile and consist of a major cytoplasmic filament protein subunit (CfpA, formerly called TpN83) with a relative molecular weight of ;80,000. Degenerate DNA primers based on N-terminal and CNBr cleavage fragment amino acid sequences of T. pallidum subsp. pallidum (Nichols) CfpA were utilized to amplify a fragment of the encoding gene (cfpA). A 6.8-kb EcoRI fragment containing all but the 5*end ofcfpAwas identified by hybridization with the resulting PCR product and cloned into Lambda ZAP II. The 5* region was obtained by inverse PCR, and the complete gene sequence was determined.ThecfpAsequencecontaineda2,034-nucleotidecodingregion,aputativepromoterwithconsensus sequences (5*-TTTACA-3* for 235 and 5*-TACAAT-3* for 210) similar to the s 70 recognition sequence of Escherichiacoliandotherorganisms,andaputativeribosome-bindingsite(5*-AGGAG-3*).Thededucedamino acid sequence of CfpA indicated a protein of 678 residues with a calculated molecular mass of 78.5 kDa and an estimated pI of 6.15. No significant homology to known proteins or structural motifs was found among known prokaryotic or eukaryotic sequences. Expression of a LacZ-CfpA fusion protein in E. coli was detrimental to survival and growth of the host strain and resulted in the formation of short, irregular filaments suggestive of partial self-assembly of CfpA. The cytoplasmic filaments of T. pallidum and other spirochetes appear to represent a unique form of prokaryotic intracytoplasmic inclusions.
Flea-Borne Diseases

Fleas are insects in the order Siphonaptera which are bloodsucking ectoparasites of many mammals and birds worldwide. Some species are significant public health pests and disease transmitters. This chapter explores the biology, ecology, and disease relationships of fleas, including discussion of the primary flea species and where each breeds, what animal hosts they feed on, and the like. Lastly, the diseases plague and murine typhus are presented and discussed, including their geographic distributions, flea vectors, and comments about their treatment, prevention, and control.
Delay period activity of the substantia nigra during proactive control of response selection as determined by a novel fmri localization method

The ability to proactively control motor responses, particularly to overcome overlearned or automatic actions, is an essential prerequisite for adaptive, goal-oriented behavior. The substantia nigra SN, an element of the BG, has figured prominently in current models of response selection. However, because of its small size and proximity to functionally distinct subcortical structures, it has been challenging to test the SN's involvement in response selection using conventional in vivo functional neuroimaging approaches. We developed a new fMRI localization method for directly distinguishing, on echo-planar images, the SN BOLD signal from that of neighboring structures, including the subthalamic nucleus STN. Using this method, we tested the hypothesis that the SN supports the proactive control of response selection. We acquired high-resolution EPI volumes at 3 T from 16 healthy participants while they completed the Preparing to Overcome Prepotency task of proactive control. There was significantly elevated delay period signal selectively during high-compared with low-control trials in the SN. The STN did not show delay period activity in either condition. SN delay period signal was significantly inversely associated with task performance RTs across participants. These results suggest that our method offers a novel means for measuring SN BOLD responses, provides unique evidence of SN involvement in cognitive control in humans, and suggests a novel mechanism for proactive response selection.
A scheme for maintaining consistency and availability of replicated files in a partitioned distributed system

A dynamic voting scheme is presented that enhances the availability of replicated files in a distributed system in the presence of network partitions. In such situations, the proposed scheme maintains consistency of replicated files by imposing the following constraint; a node can commit a file update only if its current enclosing group is a majority of the nodes that participated in the most recent update on the file. Thus, the number of nodes that constitutes a majority is reduced dynamically upon successive partitions. Compared to other dynamic voting schemes, the proposed scheme provides higher availability by taking into account partitions that occur between successive file updates. Towards this end, each node maintains, for each file copy, a view of the network in terms of partition groups. When a file update is attempted, the node updates its view by taking into account partitions occurred since previous update. It refines the view, further using views held by other reachable nodes. Another merit of the proposed scheme is that it does not require failures and repairs of links and nodes to be detected instantaneously by all nodes. Different nodes may have different views of the network at any time. >
Post-Licensure Surveillance of Trivalent Live-Attenuated Influenza Vaccine in Children Aged 2-18 Years, Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, United States, July 2005-June 2012

BACKGROUND The first trivalent live-attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV3) was licensed in 2003 for use in healthy persons 5-49 years of age. In 2007, the US Food and Drug Administration expanded its indication to healthy children 2-4 years of age. METHODS We searched the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) for US reports after LAIV3 from July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2012 in children aged 2-18 years. Medical records were requested for nonmanufacturer reports coded as serious (ie, death, hospitalization, prolonged hospitalization, life-threatening illness, disability). We characterized electronic data and clinically reviewed all serious reports and reports of special interest. Empirical Bayesian data mining was used to identify new or unexpected adverse events (AEs). RESULTS During the study period, VAERS received 2619 US LAIV3 reports for children aged 2-18 years; 197 (7.5%) reports were serious, including 5 deaths. The 2 most frequent nonfatal serious reports involved neurological and respiratory systems, with 56 (29.2%) and 43 (22.4%) reports, respectively. The most frequent neurological diagnoses were seizures and Guillain-Barre Syndrome, and the most frequent respiratory conditions were pneumonia and asthma or reactive airway disease. Data mining showed increased proportions for reports of medication errors, most commonly vaccine administration errors not associated with an AE. CONCLUSIONS In this VAERS analysis of reports following LAIV3, we found no new or unexpected AEs patterns. Reports of LAIV3 administration to persons, for whom it is not recommended, including children with a history of asthma or reactive airway disease or wheezing, indicate that ongoing monitoring and education in vaccine indications are needed.
Arrhythmias in adults with congenital heart disease

Refinement of surgical techniques for the treatment of congenital heart disease (CHD) has created a new population of young adults with heart disease. In the USA, it is estimated that there are nearly one million CHD patients, 15–20% with disease of severity to warrant surgical intervention. As surgical mortality has fallen, the number of adults living with major congenital heart defects has increased.1 Arrhythmias complicate the care of many adults with CHD. Their prevalence and the difficulty of treatment have made arrhythmia a major focus of interest for physicians working in this area. The presence of longstanding CHD in an arrhythmia patient significantly alters the nature and potential severity of the arrhythmia complaint and the safety and feasibility of various treatments. In addition to analysis of the targeted arrhythmia complaint, the physician must have complete and specific knowledge of the patient's cardiovascular anatomy and the consequences of that anatomy and subsequent surgical modifications on cardiovascular function. The arrhythmogenic substrate in adults with CHD is complex. All arrhythmias prevalent in the normal population may also occur in CHD, and some specific associations are observed—for example, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and Ebstein's anomaly. However, more common are acquired arrhythmias that are rarely seen in normal young adult hearts, and that are associated with longstanding hypertrophy and fibrosis caused by cyanosis, chronic haemodynamic overload, and superimposed surgical scarring. These arrhythmias include re-entrant atrial and ventricular tachycardias, heart block, and sinus node dysfunction. This article will review the evaluation and management of these more common arrhythmia problems in adults with CHD. Although the anatomical classification of congenital heart defects is complex, three major categories constitute a large percentage of adult CHD patients with arrhythmia, because of their frequency and high incidence of arrhythmia (fig 1). Figure 1 Congenital heart malformations commonly associated with arrhythmia. The spectrum of …
A family of pulse-shaping filters with ISI-free matched and unmatched filter properties

The raised-cosine pulse-shaping filter plays an important role in digital communications due to its intersymbol interference (ISI)-free property. The ISI-free property holds after matched filtering is performed. In this letter, we propose a new family of pulse-shaping filters. These filters are ISI free with or without matched filtering. Using these new pulse-shaping filters, the computational load, and therefore the hardware cost in demodulation for modem design, might be reduced in some applications.
A review of splenic pathology in distal pancreatectomies

Abstract Objectives Splenectomy is often performed during distal pancreatectomy for malignancy, yet little data exist demonstrating splenic involvement in distal pancreatic pathology. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 81 distal pancreatectomies performed for suspected or known pancreatic malignancies from 6/1/05 to 7/6/11. Exclusion criteria included metastatic disease, previous splenic preserving distal pancreatectomy, or planned en-bloc resection, leaving 47 cases. Data collected included spleen, hilar lymph node, or splenic vessel involvement by malignancy as confirmed by final pathology report. This was correlated with preoperative computed tomography (CT). Results Final pathology showed adenocarcinoma in 10 (21%) patients. Three patients with adenocarcinoma had invasion of the spleen, splenic vessels or nodes on pathology. The first involved the splenic flexure, necessitating en-bloc colon resection. The second had splenic artery involvement as identified by CT, but no malignancy within the spleen. The third had direct extension to one of 11 peri-splenic nodes with significant inflammatory reaction noted intraoperatively. Conclusions Splenectomy is not mandated for all distal pancreatic tumors, and the spleen can be preserved in an overwhelming majority of cases. Pre- and intraoperative factors can adequately identify the necessity of splenectomy, and the approach should be tailored to individual patients.
Evaluation of Phytotoxicity of Diazinon and Captan Formulations on Highbush Blueberries

A common practice in highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) culture is to use combinations of insecticides and fungicides to reduce the number and cost of pesticide applications. In response to apparent phytotoxicity observed in commercial fields that were treated with combinations of diazinon and captan formulations, phytotoxicity of two formulations of diazinon (Diazinon AG600 and Diazinon 50W) and captan (Captan 80WP and Captec 4L) was investigated on highbush blueberries during 1997 and 1998. Phytotoxicity injury similar to injury observed in commercial fields was reproduced in treatments with diazinon and captan mixtures in all experiments. The Diazinon AG600 and Captec 4L mixture was the most severe and caused significantly more phytotoxic-
Conjugal motor neuron disease

We describe a husband and wife with motor neuron disease. The woman had been ill for 10 years with predominantly upper motor neuron signs when her husband developed progressive muscular atrophy. This is the first known report of sporadic motor neuron disease occurring in both partners of a marriage.
Using Coaching to Improve the Fidelity of Evidence-Based Practices: A Review of Studies:

The authors conducted a comprehensive review of research to identify the impact of coaching on changes in preservice and in-service teachers’ implementation of evidence-based practices. They identified a total of 13 studies from the 20 years of literature they searched. In general, coaching improved the extent to which teachers accurately implement evidence-based practices such as ClassWide Peer Tutoring, Direct Instruction, Learning Strategies, and Positive Behavior Support in classrooms or practicum settings. The retrieved studies also suggest that highly engaged, small-group initial training, followed by multiple observations, feedback, and modeling are critical components across coaching interventions. A few studies also provide promising data to support the consequential effects of coaching on improvements in student achievement. The authors offer suggestions for future research and practice related to preservice and in-service teacher training.
The Relative Roles of Types of Extracurricular Activity on Smoking and Drinking Initiation Among Tweens

Abstract Objective Youth involvement in extracurricular activities may help prevent smoking and drinking initiation. However, the relative roles of types of extracurricular activity on these risks are unclear. Therefore, we examined the association between substance use and participation in team sports with a coach, other sports without a coach, music, school clubs, and other clubs in a nationally representative sample of US tweens. Methods We conducted telephone surveys with 6522 US students (ages 10 to 14 years) in 2003. We asked participants if they had ever tried smoking or drinking, and we asked them about their participation in extracurricular activities. We used sample weighting to produce response estimates that were representative of the population of adolescents aged 10 to 14 years at the time of data collection. Logistic regression models that adjusted for appropriate sampling weights using jackknife variance estimation tested associations with trying smoking and drinking, controlling for sociodemographics, child and parent characteristics, friend/sibling/parent substance use, and media use. Results A little over half of the students reported participating in team sports with a coach (55.5%) and without a coach (55.4%) a few times per week or more. Most had minimal to no participation in school clubs (74.2%); however, most reported being involved in other clubs (85.8%). A little less than half participated in music, choir, dance, and/or band lessons. Over half of participants involved in religious activity did those activities a few times per week or more. In the multiple regression analysis, team sport participation with a coach was the only extracurricular activity associated with lower risk of trying smoking (adjusted odds ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval 0.49, 0.96) compared to none or minimal participation. Participating in other clubs was the only extracurricular activity associated with lower risk of trying drinking (adjusted odds ratio 0.56, 95% confidence interval 0.32, 0.99) compared to none or minimal participation. Conclusions Type of extracurricular involvement may be associated with risk of youth smoking and drinking initiation. Future research should seek to better understand the underlying reasons behind these differences.
Next-generation sequencing: a transformative tool for vaccinology

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized the fields of basic and clinical research in the 5 years since its introduction to the scientific community. Current NGS platforms on the market such as Roche 454 (Roche, CT, USA), Genome Analyzer (Illumina/Solexa, CA, USA), SOLiD™ (Applied Biosystems [ABI], CA, USA) and Heliscope™ (Helicos Biosciences, MA, USA) share one common attribute: highly parallel sequencing of DNA molecules to generate sequence outputs on an order of magnitude of 0.5 to greater than 40 Gb per sequencing run, thus enabling researchers to design experiments that were previously beyond the realms of feasibility and affordability [1-5]. The genotypic information obtained using these high-throughput systems allows the in-depth understanding of genotype–phenotype associations, critical to the development of the field of personalized medicine.
Antigenic Behavior of the S-63 Mouse Leukemia Virus

The present studies are an extension of earlier reports on the antibody response of mice to a leukemogenic virus (S-63). These investigations were designed to show whether a correlation exists between in vivo and in vitro determinations, and whether protective antibodies against the virus could be produced in immune-tolerant animals. Viral neutralization and protection studies in mice were compared with passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA), immunodiffusion, microprecipitin, and immunofluorescent tests using similar antigens and antibodies. As shown in tables 1, 2 and 3, antibody could be demonstrated by both in vivo and in vitro methods, and these studies showed (table 2) that the antibody was protective. The S-63 leukemia virus was isolated in 1963 from a mouse ascites cell leukemia line. That cell line had been carried in the laboratory for over 3 years. The virus has been carried in ICR mice since its isolation. Immunologic studies were carried out to determine the relation between the virus and the originating ascites cell. Studies of antibodies produced in normal rabbits against the S-63 virus were unsatisfactory for purposes of these experiments because of cross reaction with normal mouse tissue. Immune-tolerant animals have yielded valuable information: Antibodies produced in immune-tolerant rabbits injected with the S-63 virus do not cross react against intact ascites cells from which the virus was originally isolated. Conversely, antibodies similarly produced against the ascites cells do not react against the virus antigen. Antibodies produced in immune-tolerant rabbits against ascites cells protect mice against ascites cell-induced leukemia, but not against the disease induced by S-63 virus. Mice challenged with ascites cells and treated with antiascites cell gamma globulin are protected against the disease. The best therapeutic advantage is obtained when treatment is started either at the time of cell inoculation or in the early stages of the disease. Antibodies which protect newborn animals from infection develop in adult ICR mice recovering from S-63 virus leukemia. These antibodies produced by convalescent mice are similar, from the standpoint of protection, to those produced in immune-tolerant rabbits.
Monocarboxylate transporter expression at the onset of skeletal muscle regeneration

The onset of skeletal muscle regeneration is characterized by proliferating myoblasts. Proliferating myoblasts have an increased energy demand and lactate exchange across the sarcolemma can be used to address this increased demand. Monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) are involved in lactate transport across the sarcolemma and are known to be affected by various physiological stimuli. However, MCT expression at the onset of skeletal muscle regeneration has not been determined. The purpose of this study was to determine if skeletal muscle regeneration altered MCT expression in regenerating tibialis anterior (TA) muscle. Male C57/BL6 mice were randomly assigned to either a control (uninjured) or bupivacaine (injured) group. Three days post injection, the TA was extracted for determination of protein and gene expression. A 21% decrease in muscle mass to tibia length (2.4 ± 0.1 mg/mm vs. 1.9 ± 0.2 mg/mm, P < 0.02) was observed. IGF-1 and MyoD gene expression increased 5.0-fold (P < 0.05) and 3.5-fold (P < 0.05), respectively, 3 days post bupivacaine injection. MCT-1 protein was decreased 32% (P < 0.03); however, MCT-1 gene expression was not altered. There was no difference in MCT4 protein or gene expression. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)-A protein expression increased 71% (P < 0.0004). Protein levels of LDH-B and mitochondrial enzyme cytochrome C oxidase subunit decreased 3 days post bupivacaine injection. CD147 and PKC-θ protein increased 64% (P < 0.03) and 79% (P < 0.02), respectively. MCT1 but not MCT4 expression is altered at the onset of skeletal muscle regeneration possibly in an attempt to regulate lactate uptake and use by skeletal muscle cells.
Mononuclear Leukocyte Infiltrate in Extraplacental Membranes and Preterm Delivery

Large numbers of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the amnion and chorion define histological chorioamnionitis (HCA), a condition linked to spontaneous preterm delivery (PTD). Less is known about placental patterns of mononuclear leukocyte (MNL) density and PTD. In this prospective study (1998–2004), women were sampled from 52 clinics in 5 Michigan communities and enrolled at 16–27 weeks’ gestation. HCA and MNL distributions in delivered placentas were evaluated microscopically in a subcohort (290 preterm, 823 term). Midpregnancy biomarkers from maternal blood (i.e., C-reactive protein (CRP), corticotropin-releasing hormone, and cytokines) were compared among term and PTD subjects grouped by presence/absence of HCA and high MNL density. A density of more than 10 MNLs per high-power field in the chorion of the membrane roll, referred to as MNL-CMR, was associated with medically indicated PTD (odds ratio = 2.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.3, 3.6) and spontaneous PTD (odds ratio = 2.5, 95% confidence interval: 1.7, 3.7). Associations persisted after removal of women with HCA-positive placentas, abruption, hypertensive disorders, or obesity. HCA-associated PTD showed higher CRP and cytokine levels. MNL-CMR-associated PTD showed higher CRP and corticotropin-releasing hormone levels. These data suggest that an MNL infiltrate in the chorion of the membrane roll marks PTD pathways that are distinct from HCA and not entirely explained by pregnancy complications.
Revisiting the Ramachandran plot from a new angle

The pioneering work of Ramachandran and colleagues emphasized the dominance of steric constraints in specifying the structure of polypeptides. The ubiquitous Ramachandran plot of backbone dihedral angles (f and c) defined the allowed regions of conformational space. These predictions were subsequently confirmed in proteins of known structure. Ramachandran and colleagues also investigated the influence of the backbone angle s on the distribution of allowed f/c combinations. The ''bridge region'' (f � 0 and 220 � c � 40) was predicted to be particularly sensitive to the value of s. Here we present an analysis of the distribution of f/c angles in 850 non- homologous proteins whose structures are known to a resolution of 1.7 Aor less and sidechain B- factor less than 30 A ˚ 2 . We show that the distribution of f/c angles for all 87,000 residues in these proteins shows the same dependence on s as predicted by Ramachandran and colleagues. Our results are important because they make clear that steric constraints alone are sufficient to explain the backbone dihedral angle distributions observed in proteins. Contrary to recent suggestions, no additional energetic contributions, such as hydrogen bonding, need be invoked.
“Nothing in Common” Common Core

While reading the Baltimore Sun (Bowie, 2013) I noticed a headline: Common Core Protesters Say Get Rid of New Standards. As a parent and scholar who finds Common Core to be ethically, pedagogically...
Zero-Crossing Iso-Surfaces in Volume Datasets

This paper describes a new surface extraction method for volume datasets by applying iso-surface extraction techniques to the zero-crossing edges in a volumetric domain. A volume dataset is first filtered using a Laplacian of Gaussian filter to generate a zero-crossing field. A marching cube process will then be able to extract the entire zero-crossing surface that may be viewed selectively based on various intensity ranges and gradient scales. This new technique provides a more efficient surface navigation and extraction mechanism, as well as more accurate surface details, than the traditional iso-surface techniques
The Longin Domain Regulates the Steady-State Dynamics of Sec22 in Plasmodium falciparum

The specificity of vesicle-mediated transport is largely regulated by the membrane-specific distribution of SNARE (soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor) proteins. However, the signals and machineries involved in SNARE protein targeting to the respective intracellular locations are not fully understood. We have identified a Sec22 ortholog in Plasmodium falciparum (PfSec22) that contains an atypical insertion of the Plasmodium export element within the N-terminal longin domain. This Sec22 protein partially associates with membrane structures in the parasitized erythrocytes when expressed under the control of the endogenous promoter element. Our studies indicate that the atypical longin domain contains signals that are required for both endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/Golgi apparatus recycling of PfSec22 and partial export beyond the ER/Golgi apparatus interface. ER exit of PfSec22 is regulated by motifs within the alpha3 segment of the longin domain, whereas the recycling and export signals require residues within the N-terminal hydrophobic segment. Our data suggest that the longin domain of PfSec22 exhibits major differences from the yeast and mammalian orthologs, perhaps indicative of a novel mechanism for Sec22 trafficking in malaria parasites.
National bias: a comparison of citation practices by health professionals.

It is hypothesized that health professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom are nationally biased in their citation practices. Articles published in the New England Journal of Medicine and Lancet were used to study citation practices of U.S. and U.K. authors. Percentages of cited references to material published in a specific country were calculated for both the New England Journal of Medicine and Lancet. Using a variation of a citation publication ratio based on Frame and Narin's original ratio, an attempt was made to quantify author bias. To calculate these ratios, values from SERLINE* and the British Library Lending Division were employed to find world journal counts. The results suggest that U.S. authors publishing in the New England Journal of Medicine and U.K. authors publishing in Lancet tend to cite material produced in their own countries more than would be warranted by the amount of material produced by these countries. In addition, these authors cited material produced in non-U.S. and non-U.K. countries far less than the amount of material produced by these countries would indicate.
Refractory hypoglycemia controlled by systemic chemotherapy with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report

Non-islet cell tumor hypoglycemia (NICTH) is an uncommon but serious complication of malignancy. Patients with NICTH may appear unwell due to the underlying tumor, particularly when the mechanism of hypoglycemia is extensive tumor burden in the liver. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is reported to be the second most common cause of NICTH. The therapeutic strategies used in treating NICTH involve reduction of the tumor mass or tumor load, and palliative treatment of symptoms if curative attempts fail. In the present study we report the successful control of hypoglycemia using systemic chemotherapy in an advanced HCC patient who presented with refractory NICTH.
Incident diabetes with antihypertensive drugs: updated network and bayesian meta-analyses of clinical trial data

New-onset diabetes (NOD) associated with antihypertensive medications is controversial. A 2007 network meta-analysis included 22 clinical trials reported through 15 SEP 06. Since then, data from 14 more trials (e.g., TRANSCEND, PRoFESS, ONTARGET, NAVIGATOR) have been published and one retracted (Kyoto), resulting in a total of 17,235 subjects with NOD (from a total of 217,820 at risk). Meta-analyses were performed using the network technique of Lumley (Stat Med. 2002;21:2313-24) and the traditional Bayesian method (WINBUGS Version 1.4.1, non-informative priors, 99,000 iterations, 1000 burn). For each therapy, the number of new cases of incident diabetes/number at risk (number of trials) were: Placebo: 4879/52,700 (18); Diuretic: 1422/28,786 (15); Beta-blocker: 3043/43,084 (16); Calcium channel blocker (CCB): 3204/47,928 (18); Angiotensin converting-enzyme (ACE)-inhibitor: 2564/40,534 (13); Angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB): 4099/44,459 (16). These numbers reflect ‘‘double-counting’’ for the 6 trials that included more than 2 arms (AASK, ALLHAT, COPE, MRC-E, ONTARGET, STOP-Hypertension 2). The incoherence value (u) for the network meta-analysis was 0.048. The results were:
Management of Refractory Intracranial Pressure

Patients with refractory intracranial pressure represent a challenge to the multidisciplinary critical care team. Myriad diagnoses: traumatic brain injury, subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracranial hemorrhage, and ischemic stroke, are among the causes commonly seen in patients with elevated intracranial pressure. Clinicians tasked with caring for these patients must be aware of available interventions and management strategies to improve outcomes. Nurses as the bedside clinician most frequently assessing these patients are ideally situated to detect changes and act efficiently to lower refractory intracranial pressure.
Financial and Economic Evaluation Guidelines for International Forestry Projects

This article covers the principles of financial and economic analysis to improve the implementation of forestry projects. A financial analysis considers costs, prices, and profits of carrying out a project or activity in terms of market prices. Economic analyses use market prices where available and nonmarket prices are developed for goods and services that lack commercial prices. The main stages of the financial and economic analysis include defining the project objectives; collecting data for analysis; the estimation of inputs for activities, costs, and prices; the development of cash flow tables; the use of profitability indicators to estimate the financial or economic returns; the actual implementation of the project; and monitoring and evaluation. Economists use various capital budgeting criteria and discounted cash flow analysis to guide in the selection of projects, including the Net Present Value (NPV), the Land Expectation Value or Soil Expectation Value (LEV or SEV), the Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and the Benefit/Cost ratio. Financial and economic analysis can assess the merits of new products and services, such as forest carbon, biodiversity, water quality, and beauty. They can help identify which benefits are more valuable to society and local communities, which is useful for forest policy decisions, such as developing forestry programs for local communities, helping produce goods and services efficiently, making payments for environmental services, and helping conserve valuable ecosystems and promote community welfare.