cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Overuse injuries in the pediatric and adolescent athlete.

A growing number of pediatric orthopedic patients fall into two dissimilar groups: the obese patient with problems related to obesity, and the young athlete injured during sports. While there is widespread recognition of pediatric orthopedic diseases related to obesity, the injuries resulting from "overuse" or over participation in sports are less understood and recognized. The majority of athletes involved in team sports in the Unites States are grade school and interscholastic athletes. The motivation for participation in sports varies greatly. Young athletes at risk for injury include the reluctant athlete who is not in the aerobic condition necessary to participate in sports, the eager athlete who initiates participation too vigorously, and the ambitious athlete who chronically "overtrains". Language: en
Utilization of Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) in patients with Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and its impact on survival and use of chemotherapy.

Abstract Objective To determine whether patients with Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OPSCC) treated with Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) have similar survival to patients treated with definitive RT. Materials and methods Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB) registry, we identified patients with newly diagnosed clinical T1-T2, N0-N2b OPSCC between 2010 and 2014. A multivariable logistic regression was utilized to determine the association between chemotherapy use and primary treatment modality (TORS vs definitive RT). Kaplan Meier survival analysis was used to estimate overall survival. Propensity score matching was utilized to address selection bias. Results We identified 17,150 patients, of which 14,470 (84.4%) received primary RT and 2,680 (15.6%) underwent TORS. The median follow-up for the cohort was 31.4 months. Propensity score matching demonstrated similar 5-year OS for patients treated with either definitive RT or TORS (81% vs 84%, log rank p = 0.10). There was no difference in survival outcomes by treatment selection (TORS or definitive RT) in either HPV positive or HPV negative subtypes. Patients treated with TORS were less likely to receive chemotherapy compared to patients treated with definitive RT and this was also demonstrated in a propensity matched analysis (OR: 0.09, 95%CI 0.078–0.12, p Conclusions and relevance For patients with OPSCC, TORS results in similar OS outcomes and is associated with decreased chemotherapy and RT use compared to definitive RT. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of TORS in a select subgroup of OPSCC patients.
Gait biomechanics in individuals with patellar tendon and hamstring tendon anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction grafts.

Abstract Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) restores joint stability following ACL injury but does not attenuate the heightened risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. Additionally, patellar tendon (PT) grafts incur a greater risk of osteoarthritis compared to hamstring grafts (HT). Aberrant gait biomechanics, including greater loading rates (i.e. impulsive loading), are linked to the development of knee osteoarthritis. However, the role of graft selection on walking gait biomechanics linked to osteoarthritis is poorly understood, thus the purpose of this study was to compare walking gait biomechanics between individuals with HT and PT grafts. Ninety-eight (74 PT; 24 HT) subjects with a history of ACLR performed walking gait at a self-selected speed from which the peak vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) during the first 50% of the stance phase and its instantaneous loading rate, peak internal knee extension and valgus moments, and peak knee flexion and varus angles were obtained. When controlling for time since ACLR and quadriceps strength, there were no differences in any kinetic or kinematic variables between graft types. While not significant, 44% of the PT cohort were identified as impulsive loaders (displaying a heelstrike transient in the majority of walking trials) compared to only 25% of the HT cohort (odds ratio = 2.3). This more frequent observation of impulsive loading may contribute to the greater risk of osteoarthritis with PT grafts. Future research is necessary to determine if impulsive loading and small magnitude differences between graft types contribute to osteoarthritis risk when extrapolated over thousands of steps per day.
Effect of thermostable mutations on the neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) activation state

Neurotensin (NTS) is a 13-amino acid neuropeptide with neuroendocrine and vasoactive functions that is widely expressed in the central nervous system and gastrointestinal tract. NTS is sensed by a ...
Styrene-Free, Partially Biobased Resin System for Thermoplastic Composites. I. Rheological Properties and Preliminary Panel Fabrication

For the first time ever, a styrene-free, biobased formulation suitable for infusion processing of thermoplastic composites is reported. Biobased polylactide (PLA) is soluble in methyl methacrylate ...
Reliability Against Fracture with Uncertain Crack Geometry

A first-order finite element reliability method is used to predict the probability of brittle fracture in a continuum with uncertain crack geometry. The limit-state function is expressed in terms of the J-integral, and a finite element formulation is developed and implemented to calculate the J-integral and its gradient with respect to variables defining the crack geometry. In the neighborhood of the crack, an active finite element mesh is used as a function of the crack geometry. Plastic deformation at the crack’s front is accounted for by an incremental elasto-plastic finite element procedure. The proposed method is demonstrated through an example.
Spam DIS Attack Against Routing Protocol in the Internet of Things

A rapidly growing number of various sensors, objects and smart devices that are capable of communicating with each other without human intervention are leading the emergence of Internet-of-Things (IoT) and its applications. As a major building block of IoT, Low Power and Lossy Network (LLN) that consists of a set of resource-constrained nodes in terms of communication, computation, memory, and energy plays an essential role in the realization of ubiquitous computing and communication paradigm. In order to provide both efficient and reliable communication and enable the integration of resource-constrained nodes into the Internet, a novel routing protocol for LLNs, also referred to as RPL, has been proposed. However, LLNs running with RPL are vulnerable to various Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks because of inherent resource constraints, the lack of tamper resistance and security features of routing protocol. In this paper, we present and investigate a new type of DoS attack, called spam DIS attack, in swiftly burgeoning RPL-based LLNs. In spam DIS attack, the malicious node multicasts a large number of DODAG Information Solicitation (DIS) messages with different fictitious identities to cause the legitimate nodes to restart the Trickle algorithm and broadcast an excessive number of DODAG Information Object (DIO) messages, which drain down the energy resource of legitimate nodes, and finally make the legitimate nodes suffer from denial of service. We conduct extensive simulation experiments for performance evaluation of spam DIS attack and comparison with original RPL without adversary. The simulation results indicate that the spam DIS attack is an extremely severe DoS attack in RPL-based LLNs.
Differential diagnoses of osteonecrosis of large joints

Sowohl die subchondrale Insuffizienzfraktur (SIF) als auch das idiopathische Knochenmarkodemsyndrom sind stets zu beachtende Differenzierungen gegenuber der Osteonekrose, da sie neben einer abweichenden – in der Regel besseren – Prognose auch eine andere Therapiewahl nach sich ziehen. Die Osteochondrosis dissecans stellt eine in mehrfacher Hinsicht abzugrenzende, eigene Entitat dar, die nicht mit der Osteonekrose verwechselt bzw. vereinheitlicht werden darf. Hinter einer rasch progredient verlaufenden, destruktiven Osteoarthrose kann sich nach neuerer Erkenntnis ursachlich eine intraktable SIF verbergen. Septische Gelenk- und Knochenaffektionen konnen eo ipso zur schweren Gelenkdestruktion, aber auch infolge septischer Gefasverschlusse sekundar zu Osteonekrosen fuhren. Wahrend knochenmarkinfiltrierende Systemerkrankungen – v. a. therapiebedingt – zu Osteonekrosen fuhren konnen, stellen Tumorerkrankungen selten ein differenzialdiagnostisches Problem hinsichtlich einer Differenzierung gegenuber der Osteonekrose dar.
Detection of proteins sumoylated in vivo and in vitro

Small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) is an ubiquitin-like protein that is covalently attached to a variety of target proteins. Unlike ubiquitination, sumoylation does not target proteins for proteolytic breakdown, but is instead involved in regulating multiple protein functional properties including protein-protein interactions and subcellular targeting, to name a few. Protein sumoylation has been particularly well characterized as a regulator of many nuclear processes as well as nuclear structure, making the characterization of this modification vital for understanding nuclear structure and function. Consequently, there has been intense interest in identifying new proteins that are targets of this modification and determining what role it plays in regulating their functions. This chapter presents methodologies for determining whether a particular protein is a substrate of sumoylation, and for identifying the lysine residue(s) where the modification occurs.
Isoscalar E 0 , E 1 , and E 2 strength in 44 Ca

Isoscalar giant resonances in $^{44}\mathrm{Ca}$ have been studied with inelastic scattering of 240 MeV \ensuremath{\alpha} particles at small angles including ${0}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$. A majority of the energy weighted sum rule was identified for $E0$ and $E2$ ($\ensuremath{\approx}70%$), and nearly half was identified for $E1$. The strength distributions are compared with the predictions from Hartree-Fock based random phase approximation calculations with the KDE0v1 Skyrme-type interaction. The giant monopole resonance energy moments for $^{40,44,48}\mathrm{Ca}$ increase with mass, contrary to what would be expected with a negative symmetry energy, ${K}_{\ensuremath{\tau}}$.
Exploring experimental conditions to reduce uncertainties in the optical potential

Background: Uncertainty quantification for nuclear theories has gained a more prominent role in the field, with more groups attempting to understand the uncertainties in their calculations. However, recent studies have shown that the uncertainties on the optical potentials are too large for the theory to be useful.Purpose: The purpose of this work is to explore possible experimental conditions that may reduce the uncertainties on elastic scattering and single-nucleon transfer cross sections that come from the fitting of the optical model parameters to experimental data.Method: Using Bayesian methods, we explore the effect of the uncertainties of optical model parameters on the angular grid of the differential cross section, including cross-section data at nearby energies, and changes in the experimental error bars. We also study the effect on the resulting uncertainty when other observables are included in the fitting procedure, particularly the total (reaction) cross sections.Results: We study proton and neutron elastic scattering on $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}$ and $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}$. We explore the parameter space with the Markov-chain Monte Carlo method, produce posterior distributions for the optical model parameters, and construct the corresponding 95% confidence intervals on the elastic-scattering cross sections. We also propagate the uncertainties on the optical potentials to the $^{48}\mathrm{Ca}(d,p)^{49}\mathrm{Ca}$(g.s.) and $^{208}\mathrm{Pb}(d,p)^{209}\mathrm{Pb}$(g.s.) cross sections.Conclusions: We find little sensitivity to the angular grid and an improvement of up to a factor of 2 on the uncertainties by including data at a nearby energy. Although reducing the error bars on the data does reduce the uncertainty, the gain is often considerably smaller than one would naively expect. We also find that the inclusion of total reaction cross section can improve the uncertainty although the magnitude of the effect depends strongly on the cases considered.
Interval between sequential glufosinate applications influences weed control in cotton

Dicamba and 2,4-D systems control many problematic weeds; however, drift to susceptible crops can be a concern in diverse production areas. Glufosinate-based systems are an alternative, but current recommended rates of glufosinate can result in variable control. Research was conducted in 2017 and 2018 to investigate the optimum time interval between sequential glufosinate applications and determine if the addition of glyphosate with glufosinate is beneficial for controlling Palmer amaranth and annual grasses in cotton. The interval between sequential applications (1, 3, 5, 7, 10, or 14 d or no second spray) was the whole plot and herbicide option (glufosinate or glufosinate plus glyphosate) was the subplot. Combined over herbicides, Palmer amaranth 15- to 20-cm tall (at four locations) was controlled 98% to 99% with sequential intervals of 1 to 7 d compared with 70% to 88% with intervals of 10 or 14 d. Lowest biomass weight and population densities were noted with 1- to 7-d intervals. Large crabgrass 15- to 20-cm tall (at five locations) was controlled 93% to 98% with glufosinate applications 3- to 7-d apart as compared with 76% to 81% with applications 10- to 14-d apart. Lowest biomass weights were observed with 1- to 7-d intervals. When glufosinate controlled grass less than 93%, adding glyphosate was beneficial. Neither interval between sequential applications nor herbicide option influenced cotton yield. Shorter time intervals between sequential application and including glyphosate can improve the effectiveness of a glufosinate-based system in managing Palmer amaranth and large crabgrass.Nomenclature: 2,4-D; dicamba; glyphosate; glufosinate; large crabgrass, Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop; Palmer amaranth, Amaranthus palmeri S. Watson; cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. ‘DP 1646 B2XF’, ‘PHY 430 W3FE’
Disruption of tmc1/2a/2b Genes in Zebrafish Reveals Subunit Requirements in Subtypes of Inner Ear Hair Cells

Detection of sound and head movement requires mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) channels at tips of hair-cell stereocilia. In vertebrates, the transmembrane channel-like (TMC) proteins TMC1 and TMC2 fulfill critical roles in MET, and substantial evidence implicates these TMCs as subunits of the MET channel. To identify developmental and functional roles of this Tmc subfamily in the zebrafish inner ear, we tested the effects of truncating mutations in tmc1, tmc2a, and tmc2b on in vivo mechanosensation at the onset of hearing and balance, before gender differentiation. We find that tmc1/2a/2b triple-mutant larvae cannot detect sound or orient with respect to gravity. They lack acoustic-evoked behavioral responses, vestibular-induced eye movements, and hair-cell activity as assessed with FM dye labeling and microphonic potentials. Despite complete loss of hair-cell function, tmc triple-mutant larvae retain normal gross morphology of hair bundles and proper trafficking of known MET components Protocadherin 15a (Pcdh15a), Lipoma HMGIC fusion partner-like 5 (Lhfpl5), and Transmembrane inner ear protein (Tmie). Transgenic, hair cell-specific expression of Tmc2b-mEGFP rescues the behavioral and physiological deficits in tmc triple mutants. Results from tmc single and double mutants evince a principle role for Tmc2a and Tmc2b in hearing and balance, respectively, whereas Tmc1 has lower overall impact. Our experiments reveal that, in developing cristae, hair cells stratify into an upper, Tmc2a-dependent layer of teardrop-shaped cells and a lower, Tmc1/2b-dependent tier of gourd-shaped cells. Collectively, our genetic evidence indicates that auditory/vestibular end organs and subsets of hair cells therein rely on distinct combinations of Tmc1/2a/2b.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We assessed the effects of tmc1/2a/2b truncation mutations on mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) in the inner-ear hair cells of larval zebrafish. tmc triple mutants lacked behavioral responses to sound and head movements, while further assays demonstrated no observable mechanosensitivity in the tmc1/2a/2b triple mutant inner ear. Examination of tmc double mutants revealed major contributions from Tmc2a and Tmc2b to macular function; however, Tmc1 had less overall impact. FM labeling of lateral cristae in tmc double mutants revealed the presence of two distinct cell types, an upper layer of teardrop-shaped cells that rely on Tmc2a, and a lower layer of gourd-shaped cells that rely on Tmc1/2b.
Parent engagement in early care and education settings: relationship with engagement practices and child, parent, and centre characteristics

Parent engagement in early care and education (ECE) settings is a component of high quality childcare, yet little is known about mechanisms of parent engagement in centre-based care. Using a nation...
Evaluating Factors Contributing to Dropout in a Large Peritoneal Dialysis Program.

Abstract Background The low prevalence of peritoneal dialysis (PD) (9%) vs. hemodialysis (HD) (88.2%) is partly due to patient dropout from therapy. Methods This retrospective study identified patients who withdrew from PD between 2016 and 2018 in our program. We evaluated all other factors as controllable losses. Analysis included time on therapy at dropout (very early, early or late) and method of initiation (HD to PD conversion, unplanned PD, or planned start). Results Eighty-three patients enrolled into our PD program. 27 dropped out; 24 were due to controllable factors, 3 due to death, with a median age at dropout of 52 years old. We determined psychosocial factors (PF) to be the largest controllable factor influencing dropout; contributing a 63% rate among all controllable factors. When considering time until dropout, 100% of very early dropout patients and 50% of late dropout patients did so due to PF. Among early dropout patients 67% dropped out due to other medical reasons. The mean time to dropout for PF, other, and infection (INF) were 13, 26, and 33 months, respectively. When considering type of initiation, we found PF to be the largest attributable factor with 50% of unplanned, 100% of planned, and 50% of conversions stopping therapy. Conclusions Our study indicates that the primary reason for controllable loss from therapy was secondary to PF regardless of the time on therapy or the method of initiation to therapy.
Fairness in the Use of Information About Carriers of Resistant Infections

One standard menu of approaches to the prevalence of anti-microbial resistance diseases is to enhance surveillance, fund research to develop new antimicrobials, and educate providers and patients to reduce unnecessary antimicrobial use. The primarily utilitarian reasoning behind this menu is unstable, however, if it fails to take fairness into account. This chapter develops an account of the fair uses of information gained in public health surveillance. We begin by sketching information needs and gaps in surveillance. We then demonstrate how analysis of information uses is incomplete if viewed from the perspectives of likely vectors of disease who may be subjects of fear and stigma and likely victims who may be coerced into isolation or quarantine. Next, we consider aspects of fairness in the use of information in non-ideal circumstances: inclusive participation in decisions about information use, resource plans for those needing services, and assurances of reciprocal support. Fairness in information use recognizes the ineluctable twinning of victims and vectors in the face of serious pandemic disease.
IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY IN ORAL PATHOLOGY: An Adjunct Tool in Tumor Typing

SUMMARY Immunohistochemistry has added a new dimension to diagnostic pathology by improving diagnostic accuracy. Identification of poorly differentiated carcinomas, melanoma, lymphomas, and various sarcomas is among the most important applications in tumor immunohistochemistry. The use of antibodies to prognostic markers, such as nuclear proliferation antigens, is likely to improve our capability to separate tumors of different levels of aggressiveness within various histologic categories.
Chemotherapy and Surgical Resection for N1 Positive Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Better Than Expected Outcomes.

N1-positive (T1-3, N1, M0) non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) represents a minority distribution (∼8%) of the approximately 234,000 diagnosed cases per year. As such, there is a paucity of modern high-quality data regarding outcomes following surgically-resected, stage N1-positive NSCLC. Randomized controlled trials from more than a decade ago have demonstrated a modest 5.4% survival benefit with adjuvant chemotherapy but have included heterogenous patient populations and stage distributions. Large database analyses have questioned the role of perioperative chemotherapy in resected patients with N1 disease, but without much granular detail regarding staging, quality of surgery, and chemotherapy. This single-institution study sought to evaluate the role of perioperative chemotherapy, specifically in N1-positive NSCLC patients. Data for all patients with surgically resected N1-positive NSCLC (T1-3, N1, M0) between 2006 and 2016 were collected for this study. Patients who underwent pneumonectomy were excluded from analysis. A retrospective chart review was conducted, and comprehensive clinicopathologic data were collected relative to staging, surgery, pathologic review, and perioperative oncology treatment. After exclusion criteria were applied, 148 patients with surgically resected, N1-positive disease (T1-3, N1, M0) remained for analysis. The majority of patients underwent lobectomy (75.0%), of which 55.4% underwent minimally invasive resection. There were no differences in postoperative complications, length of stay, number of lymph nodes sampled, or mortality associated with the surgery only and surgery with adjuvant therapy subgroups. 107 patients (72.3%) received adjuvant therapy, and this was associated with higher 5-year overall survival (62.8%) and disease-free survival (45.1%) than patients who underwent surgery only (33.9% overall survival at 5 years, P = 0.01; 22.4% disease-free survival at 5 years, P = 0.04). The presence of multistation N1 nodal metastases in patients was associated with lower 5-year overall survival (22.7%) and disease-free survival (5.6%) than patients with single-station N1 nodal metastasis (60.4% overall survival at 5 years, P = 0.003; 46.0% disease-free survival at 5 years, P
An evolutionary perspective of suicide as a way to protect bacteria from being killed by phage

Bacteria have evolved several mechanisms to protect themselves from the ravages of infection with phages. Accounting for the evolution of almost all of these mechanisms, like envelope resistance, restriction-modification, and CRISPR-Cas - mediated immunity is straightforward. In the presence of phage, resistance or immunity are to the advantage of the individual organisms that utilize these defense mechanisms. There is, however, one form of immunity that cannot be accounted for by phage-mediated selection favoring individuals expressing the defense mechanism: abortive infection (Abi). When a bacterium with an Abi system is infected with a virulent phage it dies and the infecting phage is lost, and the infection is aborted. Recently, evidence was presented that retrons, DNA sequences that code for a reverse transcriptase and a single-stranded DNA/RNA hybrid named multi-copy single-stranded DNA (msDNA), can mediate the pathway for an abortive infection response in Escherichia coli. Using a general mathematical model of the population dynamics of bacteria and phage in mass culture and experiments with a retron-mediated Abi system in liquid and structured culture, we explore the conditions under which abortive infection can protect populations of bacteria from invasion by lytic phages and the conditions where an abortive infection mechanism can become established in populations without this defense. The results of our theoretical and experimental analysis question the hypothesis that Abi systems evolved and are maintained because of the protection they provide bacteria from infections with lytic phage. Significance StatementDue to the increasing interest in the use of phage for therapy and the factors for determining the bacterial composition of microbiomes, in recent years there has been a resurrection of interest in bacteriophage and the mechanisms by which bacteria protect themselves against infections with these viruses. The defense system considered in this report, abortive phage infection (Abi), raises an intriguing evolutionary question. When infected with phage, a bacterium with an Abi system, dies (suicide), the infecting phage is lost. With mathematical models and experiments with a retron-mediated Abi system in E. coli, we explore the conditions under which Abi can protect populations of bacteria from lytic phages, and how this not-to-the advantage of individuals mechanism becomes established in populations.
Constraints on GeV Dark Matter interaction with baryons, from a novel Dewar experiment

Dark matter which scatters off ordinary matter with a relatively large cross section cannot be constrained by deep underground WIMP experiments, due to the energy loss of DM along its path. However, for a sufficiently large cross section, DM particles in the GeV mass range can be captured and thermalized within Earth, resulting in the accumulation of a DM atmosphere whose number density can be as large as $10^{14} \text{ cm}^{-3}$ at Earth's surface. (If the DM-nucleon interaction is attractive and bound states can be formed, most DM bind to nuclei and the density is much lower.) Neufeld and Brach-Neufeld performed experiments to constrain the DM-baryon scattering cross section of DM atmosphere around Earth, by measuring the evaporation rate of liquid nitrogen in a storage dewar within which various materials are immersed. If the DM-nitrogen cross section is in an appropriate range, room temperature DM would penetrate the dewar walls and scatter on the cold nitrogen, increasing its evaporation rate beyond the observed level. Limits on the cross section of DM with other materials than nitrogen are obtained by adding known amounts of different materials; if the material is heated by interactions with DM, that heats and evaporates the liquid nitrogen. Because Born approximation is in general invalid in much of the relevant cross section regime, it is non-trivial to interpret such experimental results as a limit on the DM-nucleon cross section. In this paper we derive the constraints on DM-baryon scattering, with the interaction modeled as a Yukawa potential sourced by the finite sized nucleus. Combining the dewar constraints with BBN, we exclude for the first time a cross section above $10^{-26} \text{ cm}^{2}$ for DM mass 0.8-5.5 GeV, for any sign interaction. One DM model that is constrained is sexaquark $(uuddss)$ DM with mass $m_X \sim 2$ GeV; it remains viable.
When are two pieces better than one: fitting and testing OLS and RMA regressions

This paper describes a new method of choosing between a simple linear and a two-phase linear reduced major axis regression model. For continuous two-phase linear models, differential evolution is used to estimate the parameters. The method can be used with either ordinary least squares or reduced major axis regression. There are no other methods in the literature for fitting two-phase reduced major axis regressions. Our new method is applied to problems in zebrafish kinetics bedload transport and a classic linear model of cricket chirping. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acyclovir to prevent reactivation of varicella zoster virus (herpes zoster) in multiple myeloma patients receiving bortezomib therapy

BACKGROUND: Humoral-mediated as well as cell-mediated immunity is compromised in myeloma patients receiving treatment. Immunocompromised patients are at risk of developing herpes zoster. There is evidence from clinical trials that bortezomib therapy is associated with a significant risk of herpes zoster. It is the authors' clinical policy to administer long-term acyclovir prophylactically to all symptomatic myeloma patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of the records of 125 myeloma patients who were treated with bortezomib and who also received routine acyclovir prophylaxis at the dose of 400 mg daily in >80% of patients was undertaken. Alternatives, used in <20% of patients, were 200 mg of acyclovir, 250/500 mg of valacyclovir, or 500 mg of famciclovir administered daily. This was accompanied by patient education regarding the importance of compliance with these prophylactic medications. RESULTS: The duration of bortezomib therapy was 1 to 164 weeks (median, 16 weeks). The total duration of exposure to bortezomib was 4150 weeks (80 patient-years). Except for the occasional missed dose, the self-reported compliance with antiviral prophylaxis was 100%. Not a single episode of herpes zoster was reported during this period. No adverse effects were noted that could be definitely attributed to acyclovir, valacyclovir, or famciclovir. CONCLUSIONS: Daily acyclovir (or a suitable alternative) appears to be effective at preventing herpes zoster virus in patients with myeloma who are receiving bortezomib, with or without corticosteroids. Cancer 2009. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Commercialization of CIS-Based Thin-Film PV: Final Technical Report, August 1998--November 2001

This report describes the primary objectives of this subcontract, which are to scale up substrate size and to scale up production capacity of the baseline Siemens Solar Industries (SSI) CIS-based module process while introducing CIS-based products. The primary goals are to scale the substrate size from about 900 cm2 (1 ft2) to approximately 4000 cm2 by the middle of Phase II, and to achieve pilot production rates of 500 kW per year by the end of Phase III. Deliverables for the subcontract include CIS-based products and representative modules delivered to the NREL Module Testing Team for outdoor testing and evaluation.
Advantages of seed dispersal: A re-evaluation of directed dispersal

Seed dispersal can be advantageous (1) in escape from density- or distance-dependent seed and seedling mortality, (2) by colonization of suitable sites unpredictable in space and time, and (3) by directed dispersal to particular sites with a relatively high probability of survival. Most previous research on the consequences of seed dispersal has focused on escape and colonization because adaptations ensuring directed dispersal are not expected under the paradigm of diffuse mutualism that characterizes the modern view of seed dispersal evolution. In this paper, I suggest that directed dispersal is more common than previously believed even in the absence of plant adaptations to promote it. Directed dispersal may be seen in particular among animaldispersed plants and in arid ecosystems or successional areas, but has been overlooked due to the lack of detailed data on seed shadows generated by particular species, and the fact that the alternative advantages of dispersal are not mutually exclusive. Although directed dispersal is never thought to be the only advantage of dispersal, it may often be ecologically important if one dispersal vector has a disproportionate effect on plant recruitment. Furthermore, in human-disturbed and managed ecosystems, directed dispersal may be important in restoration. More studies detailing the consequences of different patterns of seed dispersal will be useful for conservation and management strategies.
Prolactin synthesis and release during pregnancy and puerperium

Abstract Prolactin (PRL) synthesis and its release following thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) administration during pregnancy and puerperium was studied in 45 women. Mean baseline E 2 increased from 1,900 ± 384 (SEM) pg/ml in the first trimester to 3,520 ± 849 in the second trimester (P 2 dropped to 13 ± 2.9 pg/ml and progesterone dropped to 0.56 ± 0.07 ng/ml in the lactating women; in the nonlactating women, mean E 2 level was 100 ± 44 pg/ml and mean progesterone was 0.63 ± 0.09 ng/ml. Baseline PRL increased from 27 ± 4.0 ng/ml in the first trimester to 67 ± 10 ng/ml in the second trimester (P 2 and progesterone, resulting in hyperplasia of the lactotrophs. In response to TRH, PRL demonstrated a significant increase from the first trimester to the second, with no further increase in the third. Therefore, it appears that the PRL reserve increases only during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Ten days after delivery, baseline PRL in response to TRH decreased to levels found in the first and second trimesters. However, the lactating women released less PRL than the nonlactating subjects (P
A Model Predictive Controller for Multivariable Temperature Control in Rapid Thermal Processing

An improved dynamic model for a multi-zone circularly symmetric rapid thermal processing (RTP) system has been developed and validated. The model incorporates radiative, conductive and convective heat transfer mechanisms and allows for chamber heat-up as observed in real RTP systems. A multivariable nonlinear model predictive controller (NMPC) has been developed for this system. We investigate how the choice of the objective function in the NMPC formulation of a distributed parameter system impacts controller performance.
BRAF Testing in Multifocal Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Background. BRAF V600E mutation is associated with poor prognosis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). PTC is often multifocal, and there are no guidelines on how many tumors to test for BRAF mutation in multifocal PTC. Methods. Fifty-seven separate formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded PTCs from twenty-seven patients were manually macrodissected and tested for BRAF mutation using a commercial allele-specific real-time polymerase chain reaction-based assay (Entrogen, Woodland Hills, CA). Data related to histologic characteristics, patient demographics, and clinical outcomes were collected. Results. All mutations detected were BRAF V600E. Seventeen patients (63%) had concordant mutation status in the largest and second-largest tumors (i.e., both were positive or both were negative). The remaining ten patients (37%) had discordant mutation status. Six of the patients with discordant tumors (22% overall) had a BRAF-negative largest tumor and a BRAF-positive second-largest tumor. No histologic feature was found to help predict which cases would be discordant. Conclusions. Patients with multifocal PTC whose largest tumor is BRAF-negative can have smaller tumors that are BRAF-positive. Therefore, molecular testing of more than just the dominant tumor should be considered. Future studies are warranted to establish whether finding a BRAF mutation in a smaller tumor has clinical significance.
Enzymes of the Primary Phosphatidylethanolamine Biosynthetic Pathway in Postgermination Castor Bean Endosperm (Developmental Profiles and Partial Purification of the Mitochondrial CTP:Ethanolaminephosphate Cytidylyltransferase)

Ethanolamine kinase, CTP:ethanolaminephosphate cytidylyltransferase (ECT), and ethanolaminephosphotransferase, which sequentially catalyze the primary pathway for phosphatidylethanolamine synthesis, were measured in castor bean (Ricinus communis L. var Hale) endosperm for 6 d after the onset of imbibition. Ethanolamine kinase (EC 2.7.1.82) activity was cytosolic, increasing slowly during the first 5 d and then declining. Total ECT (EC 2.7.7.14) activity increased until the 4th d, but the endoplasmic reticulum fraction of the activity peaked at d 3, and the mitochondrial activity peaked at d 4. Diacylglycerol:CDPethanolamine ethanolaminephosphotransferase (EC 2.7.8.1) increased during the first 2 d after imbibition began, after which it declined. The lowest activity of ethanolamine kinase during postgermination was more than 5-fold higher than the maximum activity of ECT, and the total activity of diacylglycerol:CDPethanolamine ethanolaminephosphotransferase at d 2 was at least triple that of ECT of the endoplasmic reticulum. We have partially purified ECT from mitochondrial fractions of postgermination castor bean endosperm starting with mitochondria purified by sucrose (Suc) density gradient centrifugation and broken by osmotic shock and homogenization. The membrane-bound ECT was solubilized with 1.5% 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonate and purified approximately 118-fold by polyethylene glycol precipitation, chromatography on Sephacryl S-200, and then Suc gradient centrifugation. The continuous presence of both salt (0.5 M NaCl) and detergent (1% [w/v] 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonate) was necessary to prevent aggregation. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the final activity peak resulted in a prominent protein band at 35 kD, which correlated with bands from peak ECT activity fractions after both Suc gradient centrifugation and gel filtration on Sephacryl S-200. The activity of this enzyme was enhanced by the addition of several phospholipids.
The passive mechanical properties of the extensor digitorum longus muscle are compromised in 2- to 20-mo-old mdx mice

Muscle rigidity and myotendinous junction (MTJ) deficiency contribute to immobilization in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a lethal disease caused by the absence of dystrophin. However, little is known about the muscle passive properties and MTJ strength in a diseased muscle. Here, we hypothesize that dystrophin-deficient muscle pathology renders skeletal muscle stiffer and MTJ weaker. To test our hypothesis, we examined the passive properties of an intact noncontracting muscle-tendon unit in mdx mice, a mouse model for DMD. The extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscle-tendon preparations of 2-, 6-, 14-, and 20-mo-old mdx and normal control mice were strained stepwisely from 110% to 160% of the muscle optimal length. The stress-strain response and failure position were analyzed. In support of our hypothesis, the mdx EDL preparation consistently developed higher stress before muscle failure. Postfailure stresses decreased dramatically in mdx but not normal preparations. Further, mdx showed a significantly faster stress relaxation rate. Consistent with stress-strain assay results, we observed significantly higher fibrosis in mdx muscle. In 2- and 6-mo-old mdx and 20-mo-old BL10 mice failure occurred within the muscle (2- to 14-mo-old BL10 preparations did not fail). Interestingly, in ≥14-mo-old mdx mice the failure site shifted toward the MTJ. Electron microscopy revealed substantial MTJ degeneration in aged but not young mdx mice. In summary, our results suggest that the passive properties of the EDL muscle and the strength of MTJ are compromised in mdx in an age-dependent manner. These findings offer new insights in studying DMD pathogenesis and developing novel therapies.
An intermediate resource planning methodology

Abstract This paper describes an intermediate resource planning methodology which produces feasible and implementable production plans. Plans were developed with the dual criterion of meeting due dates and limiting excess inventory of components. The modeling of machine setups, lead time off-setting, and product dependencies were included. The assumption in previous methods that an end product is produced entirely in one time period is not required. The intermediate resource planning methodology recursively solves a linear program to include the modeling of fixed machine setups in the analysis. The concepts of pseudo products, key machines, and a rolling horizon schedule were implemented to reduce the problem size without loss of reality.
Energetics of offspring production: a comparison of a marsupial (Monodelphis domestica) and a eutherian (Mesocricetus auratus).

This study compares the energetic cost of reproduction during gestation and lactation of a eutherian, the golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), and a similar-sized (60,120 g) marsupial, the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica). Food consumption was monitored in 20 reproductively active (RA) opossums and 16 RA hamsters from conception to weaning at equivalent intervals in 19 non-reproductive (NR) opossums and 21 NR hamsters, all maintained within their zone of thermoneutrality (30 degrees C). Total energy assimilated from conception to weaning [opossums: 1261.3 +/- 28.0 Kcal (1 Kcal = 4.1868 J) and hamsters: 1647.5 +/- 60.6 Kcal] was positively correlated with litter size and mass per young in both species. Maternal mass-specific assimilated energy was significantly greater in hamsters than in opossums during gestation (P 0.05). Efficiency of offspring production (energy stored in young/incremental energy in RA females) was higher in hamsters than in opossums and, in both species, it was higher during lactation than in gestation. The energetic cost of reproduction (per young per day) was higher in hamsters than in opossums. The marsupial mode of reproduction, as seen in opossums, yields young at lower cost but requires a longer reproductive period than is the case for a similar-sized eutherian.
Effects of an electron beam on adsorption and desorption of ammonia on ruthenium (0001)

Abstract The effects of an electron beam on ammonia adsorption and desorption on Ru(0001) have been investigated by Auger electron spectroscopy, low-energy electron diffraction, and thermal flash desorption. Appreciable adsorption at room temperature occurred only on the area of the Ru crystal which had been bombarded by an electron beam during dosing. The adsorption rate was a function of beam current density and ammonia pressure, and an apparent (2 × 2) diffraction pattern appeared in the area bombarded by the electron beam. Electron bombardment of the molecular γ states of ammonia followed by flash desorption showed that less ammonia and more hydrogen and nitrogen were desorbed as the bombardment time increased. An analysis of this process based on electron-induced dissociation of the ammonia molecule yielded an effective initial dissociation cross section of 3 × 10 −16 cm 2 . Hydrogen flash desorption spectra after bombardment of the γ states showed two states obeying first order kinetics with desorption energies of 0.78 and 1.0 eV. Electron bombardment of the γ states for short times produced the same effects on the ammonia flash desorption spectra as preadsorption of hydrogen.
Antenna response to CDM E-fields

The CDM event results from collapse of an electric dipole, producing an analytically describable radiation field pulse. A coaxial monopole E-field antenna's transfer function gives the antenna signal in near-field, which features a bipolar “monocycle” pulse. A TLP-based synthetic monocycle pulser, for characterizing antenna-driven ESD detectors, is described.
Rubber elasticity of preswollen polymer networks: Highly crosslinked vinyl–divinyl systems

The rubber elasticity of highly crosslinked, preswollen network polymers is studied. Copolymers of tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate with ethyl acrylate, n-butyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, and styrene covering the whole range of composition are investigated. Dioctyl phthalate is used to preswell the polymers up to 50% by volume. Both shear moduli and front factors are found to increase with increasing crosslink concentration but to decrease with increasing diluent content. Crosslinking efficiencies are determined by a modified Loshaek-Fox method. They are relatively invariant with the degree of preswelling. Factors contributing toward these observations are discussed.
The Potential of Using Li-Ion Batteries for Radiation Detection

This work describes the measurement of the change in current of two types of Li-ion batteries, both commercial off-the-shelf and in-house-assembled coin cells, under radiation exposure. The discharging batteries were irradiated with a neutron beam with a 30-mm diameter (adjustable to 10 mm and 5 mm) using the Ohio State University Research Reactor and was measured for the change of electric current with a Keithley SourceMeter. We have observed an increase in current when the batteries were exposed to gamma rays and a decrease in current when only thermal neutrons were applied. We discussed the mechanisms that are responsible for inducing such changes, including the electrode polarization caused by irradiation. The immediate application of a single coin cell in a current mode can be a small neutron or gamma-beam monitor or a near-core flux monitor in a high-flux environment.
Social Components of Migration: Experiences from Southern Province, Zambia

Common assumptions attribute migration decisions to economic and environmental causes. This paper reveals the importance of local power structures—at community and household levels—in understanding migration. It examines migration processes in Zambia's Southern Province using data collected from two qualitative research projects. Until recently, when droughts and cattle diseases began to plague the area, Southern Province was known for its ideal farming conditions. Since the late 1980s, Southern Province farmers have begun migrating to frontier areas farther north where land and rain are plentiful. While local environmental and economic contexts factor into people's migration decisions, control over farming resources and the ability to mobilize social support networks in home villages also influence people's decision to relocate. Data presented in this paper come from the longitudinal Gwembe Tonga Research Project (GTRP) and a two-year study on employment and labor markets in Southern Province, headed by ...
Elevated l-xylulose concentrations in serum: A difference between type I and type II diabetes

Abstract l -Xylulose, which can be derived from glucose directly or from mucopolysaccharide degradation, was measured in serum samples from 61 diabetics and 42 controls. All serum samples from the controls were negative for l -xylulose. Fifteen of 30 adult-onset diabetics, in contrast to only four of 31 juvenile-onset diabetics, had detectable l -xylulose levels. This difference between adult-onset and juvenile-onset diabetics was significant at the 0.001 level. Detectability of l -xylulose in serum did not appear to be influenced by the fasting mean or peak serum concentration of glucose. Mean serum concentrations of growth hormone did not correlate with l -xylulose levels. The reason for the variation of l -xylulose between type-I and type-II diabetic subjects could not be identified. We would postulate a variation in the degradation of glycosaminoglycan. These results support the view that type-I and type-II diabetes are different diseases.
Antithyroid Drugs: I. Tetramethylthiourea and Diethylthiourea1

THE RESULTS obtained by many investigators2 in the treatment of thyrotoxicosis with thiouracil have indicated that this drug is of distinct aid in controlling the thyrotoxicity regardless of whether the thiouracil constituted the only specific treatment or whether it was used in the preparation of these patients for thyroidectomy. However, the frequency and the nature of the toxic reactions to thiouracil, especially its tendency to produce agranulocytosis, have prompted an investigation of other antithyroid drugs. Since thiouracil, like most of the other agranulocytogenic drugs, has a ring structure, it seemed desirable to investigate the thiourylene substances which have an aliphatic structure. In a study of rats treated with many substances of this type tetramethylthiourea was found to be quite goitrogenic. Diethylthiourea has also been shown (1) to have a distinct goitrogenic effect. In this present paper is presented the results of studies using tetramethylthiourea and diethylthiourea in both man and ...