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In this work, an effective numerical approach based on the isogeometric analysis (IGA) employing first-order shear deformation theory (FSDT) is proposed and implemented for the static and transient analysis of sandwich composite plates. By using Hamilton's principle, the governing equation of motion is derived and then discretized using NURBS-based isogeometric approach. The set of governing equations are solved by the Newmark's time integration scheme. The better performance of the present approach in terms of accuracy and reduced computational cost is ascertained by investigating several numerical examples and comparing the evaluated results with different available results in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) represents the most common soft tissue sarcoma in the pediatric age group. While RMS has been traditionally classified on the basis of its histological appearance (with embryonal and alveolar being most common), it is now clear that the PAX-FOXO1 fusion product drives prognosis. We report here a case of pelvic embryonal RMS in a 3-month-old male who was subsequently found to have developed brain metastases during the course of chemotherapy. Cytogenetic analysis of the brain metastases at the time of autopsy as well as next-generation sequencing analysis revealed a reciprocal translocation involving the SH3 domain containing ring finger 3 gene (SH3RF3, on chromosome 2q13) and the Lipase C gene (LIPC, on chromosome 15q21.3). Due to the poor quality of the pretreatment and postresection samples, cytogenetics and NGS analysis looking for the presence of this balanced translocation in these specimens could not be performed. To the authors' knowledge, this translocation has never been described in RMS. Further studies are needed to determine the biological and clinical implications of this novel translocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study took a quasi-experimental approach investigating the effect of a holistic after-school intervention, on reading comprehension measured by the Gray Oral Reading Test (GORT)-4 on at-risk students in Grade 2 through Grade 5. Analysis of Variance was used to investigate the relationship between pre- and post-intervention scores. The study showed encouraging results. The 91 student participants showed gains in their GORT-4 total scores after the intervention. Results of after-school tutoring lend support to the use of peer-tutoring in afterschool in the elementary schools. Due to the exploratory nature of the study in a single school, there are constraints on generalizability and utility of findings to other schools across the board. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We describe two cases of chorioretinal dysplasia and microcephaly and review the current literature regarding this topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors recommend a reading tutoring lesson framework, in a checklist format, to guide volunteer tutors during tutoring sessions for children in elementary grades 1-3. The reading tutor checklist is intended to be used by literacy coaches, reading specialists, and classroom teachers to train literacy volunteers in schools. The checklist consists of 7 main components, with each section listing specific instructional strategies including (a) guided reading, (b) phonological awareness, (c) phonics, (d) word study and vocabulary development, (e) word recognition, (f) fluency and (g) writing. Additionally, the checklist allows for introduction of a new book in each session with review or rereading of a book from the previous session. Specific strategies listed under each component provide tutors a structure for teaching respective skills. The authors discuss the use of the checklist during tutor training, parent workshops, and reflection meetings. The tutor checklist provides a systematic framework for volunteers to assist children with a wide range of reading activities. The checklist also offers instructional guidelines for tutors to help at-risk learners to expand their literacy potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cervical cancer screening by Papanicolaou (Pap) smear lowers the incidence and provides early detection of cervical cancer and is a preventative health care measure that should be available on a regular basis to all women at risk. As the population of ethnic women increases, it is important to assess whether these women are aware of and are utilizing this health service. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by 124 South Asian women, aged 18 to 60 years. Sixty-two South Asian students were selected from a university setting and 62 Tamil women were selected from a community center for South Asian women. This study examined the knowledge and use of Pap smears in South Asian women in Canada, and whether their level of acculturation or formal education influenced whether they know about and receive Pap smears. Low level of knowledge about the Pap test and a low prevalence of Pap testing behaviour was significantly correlated (p < 0.001) with a low level of formal education, education taking place outside of Canada, and a low index of acculturation. South Asian students were significantly more acculturated than Tamil women (p < 0.001). In conclusion, there was a low level of knowledge and prevalence of cervical cancer screening among South Asian women. This study highlights the need for educational interventions in Canada directed to ethnic women especially from South Asia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]