cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tricuspid valvulectomy without prosthetic replacement: Ten years of clinical experience

Sixty-one patients who underwent tricuspid valvulectomy without prosthetic replacement since September of 1970 are reported. In all of the patients the operation was indicated because of intractable infective endocarditis. Fifty-two patients (85%) were addicted to intravenous drugs and nine (15%) were not. The endocarditis was due to bacteria in 56 patients (92%) and fungi (Candida albicans) in three patients (5%). In two patients no microorganisms were reported. Among the 56 cases of bacterial endocarditis, 37 were due to gram-negative microorganisms (66%) and 19 to gram-positive bacteria (34%). In 41 patients (67%) the diagnosis of right-sided endocarditis was made on the basis of clinical manifestations alone (pleuropulmonary problems). Seventeen patients underwent cardiac catheterization, but in only three (5%) was this diagnostic procedure helpful. In 12 patients (20%) the echocardiogram was diagnostic. In this series of 61 patients there were six hospital deaths. Four patients (6%) died during the first 30 postoperative days; two (4%) died 44 and 60 days after the tricuspid valvulectomy without prosthetic replacement. There were five (8%) late deaths, three of which were not related to the operation. The other two were due to a recurrent endocarditis. Eleven patients underwent subsequent insertion of a prosthetic tricuspid valve. The results in the long-term follow-up of these 11 patients, when compared to those 50 patients who did not have a tricuspid valve insertion, show no differences. Because of this experience, we conclude that tricuspid valvulectomy without prosthetic replacement is the method of choice in the treatment of patients with right-sided, intractable infective endocarditis. Prosthetic valve insertion, at a second operation, should be indicated only when medical treatment has failed to control the hemodynamic alterations and when there is reasonable evidence that the drug addiction has been controlled.
Chapter 93 - Ultrafast dynamics of normal and damaged DNA

Thermal fluctuations away from the average structure of DNA may play an important role in its biological function. Computer simulations predict that the amplitude of these fluctuations is quite large in the picosecond and nanosecond time scales. The resulting flexibility may be important for the ‘‘indirect readout’’ of sequence information by proteins, including the detection of damage by natural repair systems. These fluctuations may also be responsible for ‘‘gating’’ the transfer of charge along the DNA and thereby affect the course of oxidative damage. This chapter presents experimental evidence that DNA damage results in specific changes to its dynamics. Two kinds of prototypical DNA damage are studied and compared with an equivalent undamaged sequence. An ‘‘abasic’’ sample reproduces the most common type of in vivo damage to DNA, the loss of a single base. The ‘‘chain-end’’ sample explores a more severe type of damage, the disruption of the helical structure at the severed end of a DNA chain.
Computers and Measurement

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the use of computers for measurement of variables. Computer can be interfaced with the environment for the measurement of naturally occurring variables and can control experiments by turning equipment on and off as well as recording data throughout the process. The computer measurement capabilities can contribute significantly to a desirable problem-solving environment. Students can take advantage of graphing as a key-symbol system for representing factors in the environment. The use of computer data collection and real-time graphing tends to captivate students' attention because of the interactive nature and the novelty. The use of the microcomputer for measurements in the teaching and learning of science and mathematics should be promoted in the schools. The education programs for pre-service and in-service teachers should include the development of the knowledge and skills necessary for effective use of computer-based measurement and real-time graphing.
Library I/O Functions

This chapter covers library I/O functions. It explains the roles of library I/O functions and their advantages over system calls. It uses sample programs to show the relationship between library I/O functions and system calls, and it explains their similarities and fundamental differences. It describes the algorithms of library I/O functions in detail. These include the algorithms of fread, fwrite and fclose, with an emphasis on their interactions with read, write and close system calls. It describes the different modes of library I/O functions, which include char mode, line mode, structured records mode and formatted I/O operations. It explains the buffering schemes of file streams and shows the effects of different buffering schemes by example programs. It explains functions with varying parameters and how to access parameters using stdarg macros.
Recursive dynamics in a class of systems on q-timescales with unbounded delays

Abstract This work deals with a class of retarded equations on q-time scales which involves unbounded delays. A global exponential stability result is obtained and a dynamic of the recursive steps due to the delay function is discussed. A formal representation of natural numbers with respect to an unbounded delay function is featured with an asymptotic behavior of the recursion in an extended class of retarded equations.
Learning Algorithms via Neural Logic Networks.

We propose a novel learning paradigm for Deep Neural Networks (DNN) by using Boolean logic algebra. We first present the basic differentiable operators of a Boolean system such as conjunction, disjunction and exclusive-OR and show how these elementary operators can be combined in a simple and meaningful way to form Neural Logic Networks (NLNs). We examine the effectiveness of the proposed NLN framework in learning Boolean functions and discrete-algorithmic tasks. We demonstrate that, in contrast to the implicit learning in MLP approach, the proposed neural logic networks can learn the logical functions explicitly that can be verified and interpreted by human. In particular, we propose a new framework for learning the inductive logic programming (ILP) problems by exploiting the explicit representational power of NLN. We show the proposed neural ILP solver is capable of feats such as predicate invention and recursion and can outperform the current state of the art neural ILP solvers using a variety of benchmark tasks such as decimal addition and multiplication, and sorting on ordered list.
Sids Campaign: A Look at Peruvian Sleep Practices with Educational Intervention

Background: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is one of the leading causes of death in infants between 1 and 12 months of age in the United States. This research has not been expanded to underdeveloped nations, including Peru. There is little known about the incidence or knowledge of SIDS among the Peruvian population. Methods: The study was designed to assess sleep practices and knowledge of SIDS of populations in Sacred Valley and Chincha, Peru. Caregivers of healthy, term infants up to 12 months of age were asked to take a …
Simulation of optical fiber amplifier gain using equivalent short fibers

Abstract Electromagnetic wave propagation in optical fiber amplifiers obeys Maxwell equations . Using coupled mode theory, the full Maxwell system within an optical fiber amplifier is reduced to a simpler model . The simpler model is made more efficient through a new scale model, referred to as an equivalent short fiber, which captures some of the essential characteristics of a longer fiber. The equivalent short fiber can be viewed as a fiber made using artificial (unphysical) material properties that in some sense compensates for its reduced length. The computations can be accelerated by a factor approximately equal to the ratio of the original length to the reduced length of the equivalent fiber. Computations using models of two commercially available fibers – one doped with ytterbium , and the other with thulium – show the practical utility of the concept. Extensive numerical studies are conducted to assess when the equivalent short fiber model is useful and when it is not.
Intercondylar Notch Measurement During Arthroscopy and on Preoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Small intercondylar notch size is associated with increased risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and increased difficulty of ACL reconstruction. When encountering a small notch during surgery, some surgeons may resort to a notchplasty, which has been shown to have associated morbidity. The ability to predict notch size on preoperative imaging could allow the orthopaedic surgeon to anticipate surgical difficulty such as an oversized graft and graft impingement and possibly avoid a notchplasty. Many methods have been proposed for measuring intercondylar notch size, but they do not correlate with intraoperative measurements or they utilize computed tomography scanning, which is not readily obtained before ACL reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to develop a method of notch measurement on preoperative radiography and magnetic resonance imaging that match intraoperative arthroscopic measurements. The method presented here can be used to identify narrow intercondylar notches, prepare for potential intraoperative challenges, and formulate surgical plans such as for graft choice in individualized ACL reconstruction.
Total synthesis of isatindigotindoline C

Total synthesis of isatindigotindoline C, a 3,3′-spiropyrrolidine oxindole alkaloid, is achieved in two steps using an exo-selective decarboxylative 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition as the key step. The synthesis verifies the originally assigned relative anti-stereochemistry for the bis-oxindole core of isatindigotindoline C.
Chemoreceptor pleiotropy facilitates the functional coupling of the synthesis and perception of mating pheromones

Optimal mating decisions depend on stable signaling systems because any independent changes in either the signal or its perception could carry a fitness cost. However, since the perception and production of specific mating signals are often mediated by different tissues and cell types, the genetic and cellular mechanisms that drive and maintain their coupling on the evolutionary and physiological timescales remain unknown for most animal species. Here, we show that in Drosophila melanogaster, sensory perception and synthesis of an inhibitory mating pheromone is regulated by the action of Gr8a, a member of the Gustatory receptor gene family. Particularly, Gr8a acts as a pheromone chemoreceptor in the sensory system of males and females, and, independently regulates pheromone synthesis in the male fat body and oenocytes. These data provide a relatively simple molecular explanation for how genetic coupling allows for the robust and stable flow of social information at the population level.
Measuring malnutrition in all its forms: An update of the net state of nutrition index to track the global burden of malnutrition at country level

Abstract Background There is an urgent need for tools to better understand and measure the nutrition challenges identified in the Sustainable Development Goals. Proposed updates to the existing Net State of Nutrition Index (NeSNI) do better at highlighting the multi-dimensional nature of malnutrition (undernutrition, overweight, and micronutrient deficiencies) that can occur simultaneously within a country and allows for nations to be ranked based on complex burden of malnutrition as well as monitoring change over time for multiple issues simultaneously. Methods NeSNI was developed in 2015 based on the six World Health Assembly (WHA) nutrition targets set in 2011, using a standard algorithm for developing a Human Development Index. We updated the original NeSNI by i) using the most recent national survey data available today, ii) developing a new variant of the original index by adding female adult overweight as a 7th indicator (NeSNI-Double Burden), and iii) exploring the value of adding pre-schooler vitamin A deficiency (VAD) as an 8th indicator to create a “NeSNI-Triple Burden” index. The aim of adding further indicators was to enhance the original index by better capturing additional important dimensions of “malnutrition in all its forms”. Results In 2019, the top-ranked nations, indicating the least burden of malnutrition using the original six WHA nutrition indicators (n = 89 countries), were Uruguay, Costa Rica, and Colombia. At the bottom of these rankings were India, Pakistan, and Yemen. The greatest improvements, based on positive rank change between 2015 and 2019, were made by Kenya, Belize, and Kazakhstan. The addition of female adult overweight to the original index (NeSNI-Double Burden, n = 123), and the addition of VAD in preschool-age children (NeSNI-Triple Burden, n = 46), had a significant impact on country rankings, with Rwanda moving to 1st place in both of the new indexes. Conclusion Updating the original NeSNI with recent data shows how countries have improved or regressed over time and compared to each other. The addition of female adult overweight and VAD in preschool-age children to the original NeSNI computation yields a more holistic assessment of country-level malnutrition in all its forms. This is manifest by shifts in relative rankings of countries depending on the addition or subtraction of elements in the index. Such analyses highlight the importance of having robust tools to measure nutrition indicators that are sensitive to need and to new data over time. Adoption of an expanded index to include female adult overweight and pre-schooler VAD allows policy makers to better tailor policies and interventions to actual and changing need, to track changes in the burden of malnutrition over time, and to measure the success of investments and programs implemented in the name of improving nutrition.
Climate effects on fish diversity in the subtropical bays of Texas

Abstract Climate change affects temperatures, sea level, and salinities, all of which can affect fish distributions. In order to assess the impact of climate change on the marine fish communities of Texas, fish diversity response to climate variables was modeled. Leveraging 33 years of gillnet survey data from eight major bays along the coast of Texas, asymptotic Shannon diversity was estimated for each bay, season, and year using rarefaction analysis. This allowed for the estimation of spatial, temporal, and seasonal trends in fish diversity. In order to assess the impact of climate-related variables on the fish communities of Texas, we associated the Shannon diversity index with environmental variables using a repeated measures model approach. We found significant increasing trends in fish diversity across all eight bays in fall and six of eight bays in spring. Among the variables identified as significant, temperature, salinity, and sea level stood out as most important for driving the increase in fish diversity. Our results suggest that observed increases may be attributable to changing habitat availability resulting from sea-level rise and increasing winter temperatures. Mangrove expansion and warmer winters are likely allowing for range expansion by tropical species, driving the observed increase in fish diversity.
Potential nutrition contributions to exercise-associated muscle cramping in four recreational half-marathoners: A case series

Objectives: Nutrition-related practices and outcomes vary dramatically between athletes, and traditional beliefs regarding the role of electrolytes and hydration in exercise-associated muscle cramping (EAMC) may be hindering meaningful prevention strategies. The aim of this study was to characterize the role of carbohydrate (CHO), energy, and exertion level, in conjunction with electrolyte and hydration status to assess the role of these possible predictors of EAMC. Methods: A case study series approach was used to capture pre-race and on-course food and beverage intake, pre and post-race body weight, relative perceived exertion (RPE), and history of EAMC for four recreational runners prior to and during a half-marathon race. Results: CHO intake, energy intake, and hydration status varied among the runners with one occurrence of EAMC. Reported pre-race CHO intake for all but one runner fell below 5 g/kg/day. Weight loss during the race was between 1.23-3.03%. Two of the four runners reported a prior history of EAMC, one of which experienced EAMC during the race. The two runners with a prior history of EAMC, also reported the lowest 3-day energy and CHO intakes. The one runner who encountered an EAMC did not experience the greatest net race sodium loss. However, this runner did have the greatest race weight loss, the greatest race sweat loss, the longest duration of activity, the lowest RPE, and suboptimal energy and CHO intakes. Conclusions: The observed case of EAMC does not appear to be entirely inconsistent with the traditional dehydration/ electrolyte loss theory. However, the in-depth characterization of each runner illustrates the complex interaction of potential predictors and also generates questions regarding the potential contribution of suboptimal energy and CHO intakes.
Separating effects of spatial location and microhabitat density on perceived predation risk in small mammals

Prey animals must balance the benefits of foraging in a particular area with their risk of predation in that area and often prioritize indirect cues to predation risk over direct cues of predators when making decisions about foraging under the risk of predation. Researchers using giving-up density (GUD) as a metric to assess perceived predation risk have found that it is affected by microhabitat, with certain animals willing to spend more time foraging (i.e., lower GUD) in relatively dense microhabitats and less time foraging (i.e., higher GUD) in relatively open microhabitats. This phenomenon has been attributed to those animals perceiving less predation risk when near or under shelter. However, the measurement has often confounded microhabitat density with distance from shelter in species without conspicuous dens. We measured GUD in foraging small mammals while experimentally manipulating microhabitat density and controlling for spatial location of the forager. Small mammals increased foraging (i.e., decreased GUD) as expected when we increased microhabitat density, but they did so despite those manipulations being randomly permuted spatially over the course of four rounds of data collection. Our results indicate that experimentally controlling for the potentially confounding effect of the forager’s distance to a safe location, such as dens, nests, or other shelters, did not remove the effect of microhabitat density on perceived predation risk. Thus, our results suggest that an animal’s perception of risk is likely mediated by both their location in their home range and the microhabitat at that location. We provide suggestions for further work.
Process Variation Sensitivity of Spin-Orbit Torque Perpendicular Nanomagnets in DBNs

Neuromorphic architectures with low energy barrier nanomagnetic devices have been attracting increasing interest over the past few years. More recently, a low barrier nanomagnet (LBNM)-based probabilistic device (p-bit) has been shown to be the basis of neuronal nodes in deep belief networks (DBNs). The LBNMs with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) are analyzed and optimized in the interest of achieving stochasticity present in the learning system. In p-bit-based DBNs, several defects, such as variation of the nanomagnet diameter ( $\sigma d$ ), thickness ( $\sigma t_{f}$ ), and anisotropy field ( $\sigma H_{K}$ ), which results in alteration of the fluctuation speed of the p-bit’s nanomagnet can impair functionality. In this article, the accuracy of p-bit-based DBNs is examined under variation of nanomagnet diameter, thickness, and anisotropy field for various tilt angles and temperatures. As evaluated for the MNIST data set for temperature and tilt angle of 300 K and 25°, accordingly, it is shown that the process variation (PV) of $\sigma d$ , $\sigma t_{f}$ , and $\sigma H_{K}$ can be tolerated up to 8%, 23%, and 25%, respectively. A new method is developed to control the fluctuation frequency of the output of a p-bit device by employing a feedback mechanism. The feedback can alleviate this PV sensitivity of p-bit-based DBNs. The compact and low complexity method, which is presented by introducing the self-compensating circuit, can alleviate the influences of PV in fabrication and practical implementation.
Meeting at the crossroads of pain and addiction: An ethical analysis of pain management with palliative care for individuals with substance use disorders.

A growing number of individuals live with an opioid use disorder (OUD). While many go on to recover from such disorders, certainly, there will be individuals in palliative care (PC) at some point who still suffer with OUD. One of the major barriers to PC for individuals recovering and currently suffering from an OUD is the stigma related to having an OUD. Therefore, in the context of PC, it is important to understand the relationship that exists between PC, OUDs, and how stereotypes related to substance use disorders affect patient engagement in PC. For this paper, the focus will be on how stereotypes affect pain management in PC for persons with an OUD. A review of current literature regarding OUDs and pain management indicates a need for care specific to the needs of those in PC who formerly and/or currently suffer from an OUD in order to avoid relapse or worsening of their affliction while still managing their pain. The striking lack of knowledge and resources regarding OUDs and their treatment indicates a need to strengthen/increase resources for physicians to educate on treating OUDs as well as alternatives for pain management. This article presents dignity-enhancing care as a gateway to fairly treat individuals with an OUD and to get rid of the stigma associated with OUD patients.
Life and death of colloidal bonds control the rate-dependent rheology of gels.

Colloidal gels exhibit rich rheological responses under flowing conditions. A clear understanding of the coupling between the kinetics of the formation/rupture of colloidal bonds and the rheological response of attractive gels is lacking. In particular, for gels under different flow regimes, the correlation between the complex rheological response, the bond kinetics, microscopic forces, and an overall micromechanistic view is missing in previous works. Here, we report the bond dynamics in short-range attractive particles, microscopically measured stresses on individual particles and the spatiotemporal evolution of the colloidal structures in different flow regimes. The interplay between interparticle attraction and hydrodynamic stresses is found to be the key to unraveling the physical underpinnings of colloidal gel rheology. Attractive stresses, mostly originating from older bonds dominate the response at low Mason number (the ratio of shearing to attractive forces) while hydrodynamic stresses tend to control the rheology at higher Mason numbers, mostly arising from short-lived bonds. Finally, we present visual mapping of particle bond numbers, their life times and their borne stresses under different flow regimes. Understanding the origin of transient spatio-temporal response of colloidal gels is an essential aspect for their application. Nabizadeh and Jamali demonstrate the coupling between the lifetime of colloidal bonds and the rheology from computer simulations on steadily sheared model gels.
Management of bleeding in patients on antithrombotic therapy

Schwere Blutungen unter antithrombotischer Therapie sind im intensivmedizinischen Alltag haufig und herausfordernd, einerseits muss eine rasche Blutungskontrolle erreicht werden, andererseits mussen thromboembolische Komplikationen vermieden werden. In dem Leitthemenbeitrag wird eine kurze Ubersicht uber die direkten oralen Antikoagulanzien, therapeutische Optionen und konkrete Handlungsanweisungen gegeben. Neben Allgemeinmasnahmen bei mit direkten oralen Antikoagulanzien (DOAK-)assoziierten Majorblutungen stehen im Wesentlichen Prothrombinkonzentrate (PPSB) und Idarucizumab als Antidottherapie zur Verfugung. Bei Blutungen unter Heparinen steht als mogliches Antidot Protaminsulfat zur Verfugung. Insbesondere zum Stellenwert von Andexanet alfa in der Therapie von Faktor-Xa-Inhibitor-assoziierten Blutungen sind weitere Studien erforderlich.
Les Houches Lectures on Indirect Detection of Dark Matter

These lectures, presented at the 2021 Les Houches Summer School on Dark Matter, provide an introduction to key methods and tools of indirect dark matter searches, as well as a status report on the field circa summer 2021. Topics covered include the possible effects of energy injection from dark matter on the early universe, methods to calculate both the expected energy distribution and spatial distribution of particles produced by dark matter interactions, an outline of theoretical models that predict diverse signals in indirect detection, and a discussion of current constraints and some claimed anomalies. These notes are intended as an introduction to indirect dark matter searches for graduate students, focusing primarily on intuition-building estimates and useful concepts and tools.
Reexamining Asian American Masculinity and the Model Minority Myth Through a School-Based Counseling Group

Adolescent Asian American males frequently encounter prejudice, discrimination, and emasculation, which result from and are exacerbated by the myth of the “model minority” group. This article provi...
Comparison of Tailored Cement Formulations for Borehole Plugging in Crystalline Silicate Rocks and Evaporite Mineral Sequences

The development of adequate technology for repository sealing, which includes borehole plugging, formation grouting and shaft sealing, is an important aspect of safety assurance in the geologic waste isolation program. Boreholes or shafts which penetrate specific repository formations must be sealed adequately, for these artificial penetrations could provide the most direct pathway for release of radioactive waste (RW) nuclides into aquifers, and subsequently into the biosphere. Based upon results of previous studies (1–5), it is probable that cement-based materials (broadly considered) will fulfill the combination of plugging and sealing requirements most adequately, either alone or in combination with other component materials. Thus, current studies of cementitious composites are in progress by the investigators (6).
SU-E-T-314: Dosimetric Effect of Smooth Drilling On Proton Compensators in Prostate Patients

Purpose: To evaluate the dosimetric effect of smooth drilling of proton compensators in proton prostate plans when compared to typical plunge drilling settings. Methods: Twelve prostate patients were planned in Eclipse treatment planning system using three different drill settings Smooth, Plunge drill A, and Plunge drill B. The differences between A and B were: spacing X[cm]: 0.4(A), 0.1(B), spacing Y[cm]: 0.35(A), 0.1(B), row offset [cm]: 0.2(A), 0(B). Planning parameters were kept consistent between the different plans, which utilized two opposed lateral beams arrangement. Mean differences absolute dosimetry in OAR constraints are presented. Results: The smooth drilled compensator based plans yielded equivalent target coverage to the plans generated with drill settings A and B. Overall, the smooth compensators reduced dose to the majority of organs at risk compared to settings A and B. Constraints were reduced for the following OAR: Rectal V75 by 2.12 and 2.48%, V70 by 2.45 and 2.91%, V65 by 2.85 and 3.37%, V50 by 2.3 and 5.1%, Bladder V65 by 4.49 and 3.67%, Penial Bulb mean by 3.7 and 4.2Gy, and the maximum plan dose 5.3 and 7.4Gy for option A vs smooth and option B vs smooth respectively. The femoral head constraint (V50<5%) was met by all plans, but it was not consistently lower for the smooth drilling plan. Conclusion: Smooth drilled compensators provide equivalent target coverage and overall slightly cooler plans to the majority of organs at risk; it also minimizes the potential dosimetric impacts caused by patient positioning uncertainty.
Failure-Atomic File Access in the Slice Interposed Network Storage System

This paper presents a recovery protocol for block I/O operations in Slice, a storage system architecture for high-speed LANs incorporating network-attached block storage. The goal of the Slice architecture is to provide a network file service with scalable bandwidth and capacity while preserving compatibility with off-the-shelf clients and file server appliances. The Slice prototype virtualizes the Network File System (NFS) protocol by interposing a request switching filter at the client's interface to the network storage system. The distributed Slice architecture separates functions typically combined in central file servers, introducing new challenges for failure atomicity. This paper presents a protocol for atomic file operations and recovery in the Slice architecture, and related support for reliable file storage using mirrored striping. Experimental results from the Slice prototype show that the protocol has low cost in the common case, allowing the system to deliver client file access bandwidths approaching gigabit-per-second network speeds.
Optimal Beam Penetrations in Two and Three Dimensions

The problem of computing an optimal beam among weighted regions (called the optimal beam problem) arises in several applied areas such as radiation therapy, stereotactic brain surgery, medical surgery, geological exploration, manufacturing, and environmental engineering. In this paper, we present computational geometry techniques that enable us to develop efficient algorithms for solving various optimal beam problems among weighted regions in two and three dimensions. In particular, we consider two types of problems: the covering problems (seeking an optimal beam to contain a specified target region), and the piercing problems (seeking an optimal beam of a fixed shape to pierce the target region). We investigate several versions of these problems, with a variety of beam shapes and target region shapes in 2-D and 3-D. Our algorithms are based on interesting combinations of computational geometry techniques and optimization methods, and transform the optimal beam problems to solving a collection of instances of certain special non-linear optimization problems. Our approach makes use of interesting geometric observations, such as utilizing some new features of Minkowski sums.
Structure of tomato bushy stunt virus: III. Three-dimensional X-ray diffraction analysis at 16 Å resolution*

The three-dimensional structure of tomato bushy stunt virus has been determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis to 16 A resolution, using methods of multiple isomorphous replacement, together with methods based on non-crystallographic symmetry. The relative orientation of the three quasi-equivalent protein subunits is clearly defined in the map. The geometry of dimer contacts appears to be very similar at strict and local dyads, whereas departures from equivalence are clearly evident in contacts around the local 3-fold axis. The direction of the local 2-fold axes suggests that contacts around the 5-fold axis are similar to those in the 60-subunit, T = 1 structure formed by the coat protein of turnip crinkle virus, and that the larger T = 3 structure involves a flattening across the true 2-fold axes. Dense features, interpreted as RNA, indicate that the nucleic acid chain is intertwined among the protein subunits, with extensive regions of protein-RNA interaction.
NEWTON AND WOLFF: THE LEIBNIZIAN REACTION TO THE PRINCIPIA, 1716–1763

Newton rested his theory of mechanics on distinct metaphysical and epistemological foundations. After Leibniz's death in 1716, the Principia ran into sharp philosophical opposition from Christian Wolff and his disciples, who sought to subvert Newton's foundations or replace them with Leibnizian ideas. In what follows, I chronicle some of the Wolffians' reactions to Newton's notion of absolute space, his dynamical laws of motion, and his general theory of gravitation. I also touch on arguments advanced by Newton's Continental followers, such as Leonhard Euler, who made novel attempts to defend his mechanical foundations against the pro-Leibnizian attack. This examination grants us deeper insight into the fate of Newton's mechanics on the Continent during the early eighteenth century and, more specifically, sheds needed light on the conflicts and tensions that characterized the reception of Newton's philosophy of mechanics among the Leibnizians.
Training Paraeducators to Implement a Group Contingency Protocol: Direct and Collateral Effects.

The present study investigated the effects of an intensive training protocol on levels of paraeducator fidelity to a group contingency intervention used to manage the classroom behavior of students...
Fostering Library as a Place for Distance Students: Best Practices From Two Universities

The concept of library as a place is now in action in many academic libraries: from physical library spaces to Web presences. In the constantly growing market of online and distance learning, however, libraries must foster library as a place for students who may never set foot in the physical building. This article provides a profile of two universities serving two very different bodies of distance students as well as the challenges associated with these populations. These libraries work to provide services to distance students that cultivate the library as a place to go for learning, research, and support by focusing on six categories: access, environment, resources, instruction, availability at the point of need, and “being real.” Tangible examples and best practices are provided throughout. This article is based on a presentation given at the 15th National Conference of the Association of College and Research Libraries in Philadelphia in March 2011.
Invited commentary: medullary thyroid cancer: the importance of RET testing.

In this issue of Surgery, Bugalho and colleagues from Portugal, present their experience with RET testing of patients with sporadic and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Although their targeted approach to RET testing for patients in whom the mutation status is unknown (presumed sporadic MTC) is not often practiced in this country (where sequencing of exons 10, 11, and 13 to 16 is commonly performed), their paper serves to emphasize the importance of ordering RET gene testing on all patients with MTC. At present, knowledge of the RET mutation status and disease extent is required to determine the correct operation for any patient with MTC. Therefore, all surgeons caring for patients with presumed sporadic or inherited MTC need to know how to obtain genetic testing of the RET proto-oncogene. Inherited MTC can occur as part of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) syndrome. MEN 2 is an autosomal dominant inherited cancer syndrome with 3 main subtypes: MEN 2A, MEN 2B, and familial MTC (FMTC). These clinical subtypes differ from each other in the spectrum of endocrine involvement and the biologic behavior of MTC. MEN 2A is clinically defined by the presence of MTC and either pheochromocytoma or hyperparathyroidism (or both) in a single individual, or the presence of 2 or more tumor types in multiple relatives of a single family. MEN 2B is characterized by MTC and pheochromocytoma, without hyper-
Impact of biliary stents on EUS-guided FNA of pancreatic mass lesions

Background Few studies have evaluated the impact of biliary stents on EUS-guided FNA. Aim To compare diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA in patients with or without biliary stents. Design Retrospective study. Setting Tertiary referral center. Patients Patients with obstructive jaundice secondary to solid pancreatic mass lesions who underwent EUS-FNA over 5 years. Main Outcome Measures The primary objective was to compare the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA in patients with or without biliary stents and between patients with plastic stents or self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs). Secondary objectives were to assess the technical difficulty of EUS-FNA by comparing the number of passes required to establish diagnosis and to identify predictors of a false-negative diagnosis. Results Of 214 patients who underwent EUS-FNA, 150 (70%) had biliary stents and 64 (30%) had no stents in place. Of 150 patients with biliary stents, 105 (70%) were plastic and 45 (30%) were SEMSs. At EUS-FNA, the diagnosis was pancreatic cancer in 155 (72%), chronic pancreatitis in 17 (8%), other cancer in 31 (14%), and indeterminate in 11 (5%). There was no difference in rates of diagnostic accuracy between patients with or without stents (93.7% vs 95.3%; P = .73) and between plastic or SEMSs (95.2% vs 95.5%, P = .99), respectively. Median number of passes to diagnosis was not significantly different between patients with or without stents (2 [interquartile ratio range (IQR) = 1-3] vs 2 [IQR = 1-4]; P = .066) and between plastic or SEMS (2.5 [IQR = 1-4] vs 2 [IQR = 1-4], P = .69), respectively. On univariate analysis, EUS-FNA results were false-negative in patients with large pancreatic masses (>3 cm vs P = .005) that required more FNA passes ( 2 passes, 0% vs 11.8%, P Limitations Retrospective study. Conclusions The presence or absence of a biliary stent, whether plastic or metal, does not have an impact on the diagnostic yield or technical difficulty of EUS-FNA.
Breadth-first search: some surprising results

Although breadth-first search procedures cannot explore truly large search spaces, actual implementations of such procedures can result in surprisingly powerful problem-solvers that outperform more sophisticated heuristic search procedures. We describe two breadth-first search procedures. The first one, S&R, proves theorems from Principia of Whitehead and Russell, and is compared to two versions of the Logic Theorist. Previous estimates of the size of the search space are significantly reduced. When theorems are proved in an optimal order, this order differs markedly from that found in Principia, while more general theorems than those of Principia are often found. The second system, S&M, adapts breadth-first search to locally infinite search spaces in systems of rewriting rules. S&M is compared extensively to the heuristic theorem-prover of Quinlan and Hunt, and to some other theorem provers.
Revitalizing a library collection rich in educational potential

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to clearly show the process, cost, and benefits of an audio digitization project within a university library.Design/methodology/approach – From formulating the idea for a new digital collection available to patrons via the library catalog through implementation, promotion, and gathering feedback, each step is detailed.Findings – Although it is a time‐consuming endeavor, the creation of unique digital library collections can produce a variety of benefits for both library patrons and librarians.Originality/value – The paper is written by a librarian who is neither a computer nor cataloging expert. It is an attempt to show others who may have important but antiquated collections that digitization projects may be successfully completed without advanced technical skills or a large budget.
Semi-active vibration isolation using fluidic flexible matrix composite mounts: analysis and experiment

Variable stiffness fluidic flexible matrix composites (f2mc) are investigated for vibration isolation through analysis and experiments. The fluidic flexible matrix composites are novel structures that have been shown to achieve significant changes in stiffness through simple valve control. The objective of this research is to develop analysis tools to investigate the f2mc variable modulus system for semi-active vibration isolation and to validate the results through experiment. A nonlinear analytical model of an isolation mount based on the f2mc tube with a proportional valve is developed. Analysis results indicate that the f2mc based isolation mount is effective for reducing the force transmitted to the foundation. Simulation studies demonstrate that the transmissibility ratio can be tuned via a proportional valve, where the resonant frequencies and damping can be regulated. Experimental results agree with analysis results and validate semi-active vibration isolation using a proportional valve.© (2011) COPYRIGHT Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE). Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Prevalence of latent, neuropathogenic equine herpesvirus-1 in the Thoroughbred broodmare population of central Kentucky.

Summary Reasons for performing study: An emerging problem of equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) infection in horses in the USA is a high-mortality myeloencephalopathy that commonly occurs where large numbers of horses are stabled. EHV-1 isolates recovered from recent neurological outbreaks represent a mutant virus strain that possesses enhanced neuropathogenicity. A central question of EHV-1 myeloencephalopathy is the latency carriage rate for these mutants of EHV-1 in USA horse populations. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of neuropathogenic strains of EHV-1 as latent infections in the Thoroughbred broodmare population of central Kentucky. Methods: Submandibular lymph nodes (SMLN) were collected during post mortem examination of 132 Thoroughbred broodmares. Total DNA purified from SMLN tissue was tested for the presence of latent EHV-1 DNA by an ultrasensitive magnetic bead-based, sequence-capture, nested PCR method. Differentiation of active from latent infections by EHV-1 was achieved by detection of transcripts of EHV-1 glycoprotein B by reverse transcription PCR. Results: Latent EHV-1 DNA was detected in the SMLN tissues of 71 (54%) of the 132 mares submitted for necropsy. Thirteen (18%) of the 71 latently infected horses harboured the neuropathogenic biovar of EHV-1. Of the 13 horses latently infected with an ORF30 mutant strain of EHV-1, 11 also carried a latent, wild-type strain of the virus in their SMLN tissues. Conclusions: Neuropathogenic strains of EHV-1 have established a significant presence in the Thoroughbred broodmare population of central Kentucky as latently infected carrier horses. The data also indicate that a highly sensitive DNA detection method is required to identify many instances of EHV-1 latency. Potential relevance: The presence of a relatively large biological reservoir of latent, neuropathogenic EHV-1 has the potential for posing emerging equine health and economic threats to the future prosperity of the USA horse industry.
Synthesis of [2H5]arecoline for use as internal standard in mass spectrometric assay

Five deuterium atoms, three in the N-methyl group and one each in positions 2 and 6, were incorporated into the cholinergic agonist, arecoline (1), methyl 1-methyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine-3-carboxylate, with 96% efficiency. Trideuterated pyridinium iodide (2) was reduced with sodium borodeuteride or sodium cyanoborodeuteride in acidic medium to yield [2H5]arecoline (3). Significantly greater deuterium incorporation occurred when 2 was reduced with sodium cyanoborodeuteride. This reduction process is discussed. The synthesized labelled compound was determined to be a suitable internal standard for mass spectrometric assays.
Alumina Optical Surface Heat Shield for Use in Near-Solar Environment

Experiments indicate that coating a heat shield with alumina can significantly reduce spacecraft temperature during operation near the sun. A thin alumina (Al2O3) coating applied to carbon–carbon (C–C) reflects the majority of the visible solar irradiance while reemitting absorbed energy in the infrared. Testing on Al2O3-coated C–C coupons using visible and NIR lasers (from ambient to 1773 K) show that the solar-absorptance-to-IR emittance ratio (αS/ɛIR) of the Al2O3-coated heat shield was 0.6 or less. Compared with an uncoated carbon–carbon heat shield, the coated version is at least 12% cooler, enabling thermal insulation mass reductions, improved scientific measurements, and the use of less exotic thermal protection materials.
Dual-chamber pacing for cardiomyopathies: a 1996 clinical perspective.

Implantation of a permanent pacemaker is an accepted mode of therapy for symptomatic brady-arrhythmias. Application of pacemaker technology for the treatment of cardiomyopathies has generated considerable interest and enthusiastic support in recent years. In both hypertrophie cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy, dual-chamber pacing has been shown to decrease symptoms and improve hemo-dynamics; however, not all patients will benefit from dual-chamber pacing. Technical considerations must be acknowledged in order to obtain optimal benefit with dual-chamber pacing. In addition, other more accepted therapies are available for patients with symptomatic cardiomyopathies. The purposes of this article are to review critically the current literature on the use of dual-chamber pacemakers in patients with either hypertrophie or dilated cardiomyopathy and to provide a clinical perspective based on current knowledge.
Design and construction of a 250 kV, 100 Hz repetitive Vircator test stand

The Center for Physical and Power Electronics (CPPE) at the University of Missouri-Columbia is investigating the applicability of utilizing two separate Vircators simultaneously for multipulse testing. To facilitate this research, we have designed and constructed a versatile modulator to drive the HPM sources that allow us to drive two Vircators in parallel. The modulator consists of a thyratron-switched capacitor bank that pulse charges a water transmission line through a pulse transformer. The water transmission line is then switched into a voltage adder by a pressurized oil switch with an output risetime of 20 ns. The capacitor bank is charged to 30 kV by a bank of power supplies delivering up to 40 kJ/s and switched by a thyratron into the pulse transformer. The 1:10 pulse transformer charges the water line to 300 kV in approximately 2.5 μs. When driven by the pulse line, the 250 kV output voltage is utilized to simultaneously drive the two, 32 Ω Vircators in parallel or a 16 Ω load with a 70 ns long pulse. We will present details of the design, including particle-in-cell simulations using CST Particle Studio and SPICE circuit simulations of the Vircator design and modulator design, as well as construction details. The test results will also be presented.
Some solvent properties of 3-methylsydnone

The behavior of selected solutes in 3-methylsydnone (e=144.0 at 40°C) was studied. Water is miscible with 3-methylsydnone in all proportions. The dielectric constants, viscosities, densities, and refractive indices of aqueous solutions of 3-methylsydnone have been determined at 40.0°C. A large dielectric decrement was observed, particularly at high 3-methylsydnone mole fraction; however, the excess volumes were found to be relatively small. Conductances were determined for four salts in pure 3-methylsydnone, also at 40°C. The conductance data, as analyzed by the Justice equation, indicated that 3-methylsydnone is a good ionizing medium. Use of tris(isopentyl)butylammonium tetraphenylborate as a reference electrolyte allowed estimation of limiting molar conductances of several ions. Bromide ions. Bromide ions are probably poorly solvated in 3-methylsydnone relative to sodium and potassium ions.
Henkin quantifiers and complete problems

We analyze computational aspects of partially ordered quantification in first-order logic. show that almost any non-linear quantifier, applied to quantifier-free first-order formtt suffices to express an N~-complete predicate. The remaining non-linear quantifiers expJ exactly co-NLe predicates.
Collaborative Teaching and Learning in a Networked Course Setting

Abstract We report on a partnership between a librarian and two other community college teachers (a humanist and a social scientist) working to establish “networked courses” that use the model and techniques of collaborative teaching and learning in an interdisciplinary setting. In this partnership-and, in fact, in any interdisciplinary context-the role of the Librarian as “bridge” and “broker” is essential.