cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influences of sample interference and interference controls on quantification of enterococci fecal indicator bacteria in surface water samples by the qPCR method

A quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method for the detection of enterococci fecal indicator bacteria has been shown to be generally applicable for the analysis of temperate fresh (Great Lakes) and marine coastal waters and for providing risk-based determinations of water quality at recreational beaches. In this study we further examined the applicability of the method for analyses of diverse inland waters as well as tropical marine waters from Puerto Rico based on the frequencies of samples showing presumptive PCR interference. Interference was assessed by salmon DNA sample processing control (SPC) and internal amplification control (IAC) assay analysis results and pre-established acceptance criteria of <3.0 and <1.5 cycle threshold (Ct) offsets from control samples, respectively. SPC assay results were accepted in analyses of 93% of the inland water samples whereas the criterion was met at frequencies of 60% and 97% in analyses of samples from Puerto Rico in two different years of sampling. The functionality of the control assays and their acceptance criteria was assessed on the basis of relative recovery estimates of spiked enterococci target organisms extracted in the presence of water sample filters and sample-free control filters and was supported by observations that recovery estimates from the water sample and control filters were substantially different for samples that failed these criteria. Through the combined use of the SPC and IAC assays, two presumptive types of interference were identified. One type, observed in the tropical marine water samples, appeared to primarily affect the availability of the DNA templates for detection. The second type, observed in river water samples, appeared to primarily affect PCR amplification efficiency. In the presence of DNA template interference, adjustments from SPC assay results by the ΔΔCt comparative Ct calculation method decreased the variability of spiked enterococci recovery estimates and increased the similarity with control filters as compared to unadjusted recovery estimates obtained by the ΔCt calculation method. Use of a higher salmon DNA concentration in the extraction buffer also reduced this type of interference. The effects of amplification interference were largely reversed by dilution of the DNA extracts and even more effectively by the use of an alternative, commercial PCR reagent, designed for the analysis of environmental samples.
Preferences for Resuscitation and Intubation Among Patients With Do-Not-Resuscitate/ Do-Not-Intubate Orders

Objective: To determine the accuracy of do-not-resuscitate/do-not-intubate (DNR/DNI) orders in representing patient preferences regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and intubation. Patients and Methods: We conducted a prospective survey study of patients with documented DNR/DNI code status at an urban academic tertiary care center that serves approximately 250,000 patients per year. From October 1, 2010, to October 1, 2011, research staff enrolled a convenience sample of patients from the inpatient medical service, providing them with a series of emergency scenarios for which they related their treatment preference. We used the Kendall s rank correlation coefficient to examine correlation between degree of illness reversibility and willingness to be resuscitated. Using bivariate statistical analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis, we examined predictors of discrepancies between code status and patient preferences. Our main outcome measure was the percentage of patients with DNR/DNI orders wanting CPR and/or intubation in each scenario. We hypothesized that patients with DNR/DNI orders would frequently want CPR and/or intubation. Results: We enrolled 100 patients (mean SD age, 7813.7 years). A total of 58% (95% CI, 48%-67%) wanted intubation for angioedema, 28% (95% CI, 20%-3.07%) wanted intubation for severe pneumonia, and 20% (95% CI, 13%-29%) wanted a trial resuscitation for cardiac arrest. The desire for intubation decreased as potential reversibility of the acute disease process decreased (Kendall s correlation coefficient, 0.45; P<.0002). Conclusion: Most patients with DNR/DNI orders want CPR and/or intubation in hypothetical clinical scenarios, directly conflicting with their documented DNR/DNI status. Further research is needed to better understand the discrepancy and limitations of DNR/DNI orders. a 2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research n Mayo Clin Proc. 2013;88(7):658-665
A low-supply PLL with Enhanced Cascode Compensation and a low-supply-sensitivity CCO

Multiple techniques are proposed to realize a self-contained low-supply PLL macro that can share a digital supply thereby saving one supply regulator on the board. Enhanced Cascode Compensation features fast and slow loops to regulate the supply noise without the need of a replica. A novel topology for a current controlled oscillator (CCO) improves the supply noise rejection by more than 10 dB. A built-in 0.6V bandgap avoids the need for another 1.8V supply. Implemented in a 0.18-µm CMOS process, the whole PLL consumes less than 4 mW for 800-MHz operation. The measured random jitter is less than 2 ps. These features make it ideal for SoC integration.
Diagnosis of sellar and parasellar lesions by computed tomography and other diagnostic modalities

A review of 5,000 computed tomographic (CT) brain scans revealed 76 patients with proved pathology involving the sellar and parasellar areas. The overall diagnostic accuracy of CT scanning was 93.4%, whereas the accuracy of isotope scanning, angiography, and pneumoencephalography was 55.4, 81 and 100% respectively. The criteria used in making the diagnosis with CT scanning are listed. The results indicate that CT scanning is the initial diagnostic procedure of choice, but that other modalities, particularly angiography, are still required for more accurate evaluation in the majority of cases.
On integrating climatic change and culture change studies

In the last few decades, advances in understanding and modeling climate have paralleled the growth of an impressive log of radiocarbon dates and quantitative analyses of climatic indicators including pollen, tree rings, and lake levels. At the same time, archeological research has given us an impressive assemblage of cultural information. We also have the tools for sorting out the diverse sources of variance in our datasets. The time has come to begin to integrate these lines of scientific endeavor to produce a mutually coherent picture of at least one of the mechanisms that have affected the history of humankind, and one that undoubtedly will affect the future as well.
Flight evaluation of flight-path control required for the approach and landing of STOL aircraft

Flight experiments have been conducted as part of a program to assess requirements for flight-path control for glide-slope tracking and for control of the flare and landing for STOL aircraft. The Augmentor Wing Research Aircraft was used to perform landing approaches on a 7.5 deg glide slope to landings on a 30 x 518 m STOL runway. The flight results identified flight-path overshoot and vertical velocity damping to be the dominant aircraft response characteristics that affect glide-slope tracking. The one prominent contribution to control of flare using pitch attitude was the short-term path response.
Common skin conditions in the newborn

Common or relatively common skin conditions which may be seen in the first month of life are considered. These include benign transient lesions, developmental and pigmentary abnormalities, vascular disorders and infections.
Algorithms for the computation of polynomial relationships for the hard hexagon model

Abstract We calculate the polynomial relationships P ( ϱ , z ) = 0 and P ( ϱ , κ ) = 0 in both the ordered and disordered regimes for the hard hexagon model. We start with Baxter's exact solution which gives the physical quantities κ, ϱ, and z parametrically as a function of a variable τ and exploit the modular properties of Baxter's solution. Using elementary Riemann surface theory, the computation can be reduced to algorithms involving only linear algebra. These algorithms are implemented using a computer algebra system. The method will be applicable to other exactly solvable models in which cusp expansions can be computed.
Psychopathy: A single or dual concept?

Abstract Barbour-McMullen, Coid and Howard argue that the So scale is a measure of the “North American” concept of psychopathy, and that since this measure but not “European” personality measures of psychopathy (such as Impulsivity and Belligerence) correctly identify DSM-III defined psychopaths, then European and North American concepts of psychopathy are distinct. Conceptual and methodological problems with this study are outlined which seriously question this conclusion. Socialisation is not an adequate measure of either psychopathy or the “early chronic antisociality” claimed to be central to North American conceptions of psychopathy. North American conceptions of psychopathy are not heavily based on early antisocial conduct claimed by Barbour-McMullen et al. There is also clear evidence that the two conceptions of psychopathy are related at an empirical level, and that psychiatrists in both continents adopt the same concept of psychopathy in making a diagnosis. It is concluded that psychopathy is a single and not a dual concept.
Experimental Determination of Transition Probabilities and Stark Widths of S I and S II Lines

Absolute transition probabilities and Stark widths for some prominent multiplets of S I and S II have been determined experimentally. A wall-stabilized arc was operated in S${\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ with a small hydrogen admixture. The spectroscopic measurements were performed photoelectrically. Side-on observations were transformed via the Abel inversion to give the radial dependence of the measured quantities. Measurements of the absolute intensity of O I lines and the width of ${\mathrm{H}}_{\ensuremath{\beta}}$ served for the plasma analysis; the results of these measurements together with the application of equilibrium and conservation relations for arc plasmas enabled the determination of the temperature and various particle densities. Mass-separation effects are taken into account. The measured Stark widths generally agree well with values calculated from Stark-broadening theory; in the case of the S II lines the agreement with recently calculated values is substantially better than that with earlier theoretical data.
Purification and characterization of a Mr ∼66,000 lung-derived (paracrine) growth factor that preferentially stimulates the in vitro proliferation of lung-metastasizing tumor cells

In medium containing low concentrations of serum, rat 13762NF mammary adeno-carcinoma cell lines and clones (MTPa and MTC; isolated from the locally growing tumor) of low metastatic potential to lung did not exhibit a growth response to lung-conditioned medium, whereas a highly metastatic cell clone isolated from a spontaneous lung metastasis (MTLn3) did. The major growth-promoting factor for MTLn3 cells from porcine and rat lung-conditioned media was isolated by using a five-step procedure (anion exchange chromatography, Affi-gel blue affinity chroma-tography, chromatofocusing, size exclusion chromatography, and preparative native gel electrophoresis). The lung-derived factor that stimulated the growth of highly metastatic MTLn3 cells was a glycoprotein of Mr ≈66,000 (non-reduced) or Mr ∼72,000 (reduced) and possessed a pI of 6.9–7.0. It preferentially promoted the growth of lung-metastasizing tumor lines over their poorly lung-metastasizing counterparts in three tumor systems: rat 13762NF mammary adenocarcinoma, murine B16 melanoma, and murine RAW 117 large-cell lymphoma. The factor's growth-stimulatory affect was inactivated by reduction or exposure to high temperature (95°C). Although the growth factor appears to be glycosylated, its molecular weight was not altered by treatment with the protein-deglycosylating agent, trifluo-romethane sulfonic acid. Cleavage of the protein by cyanogen bromide resulted in the formation of five fragments. Malignant cell response to this lung-derived paracrine growth factor may be important in the successful formation of lung metastases.
Applications of 1,4‐addition of grignard reagents to α,β‐unsaturated acid derivatives. III—configuration studies of α,β‐diaryl‐α,β‐dialkylpropionitriles

The configuration of twenty-four different α,β-diaryl-α,β-dialkylpropionitriles has been determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectra. The erythro form showed greater deshielding of the methine hydrogen and alkyl groups in its spectra than the corresponding threo isomer. The former, however, showed less deshielding of the aryl groups than the threo isomer. Infrared spectra were not suitable for assignments of configuration.
Narrative unity and clinical judgment

Alasdair MacIntyre's recent thinking both about the concept of a practice and the existence of narrative unity in human life raises important questions about how we should view clinical medicine today. Is it possible for clinical medicine to pursue patient well-being in a society (allegedly) afflicted with what he calls ‘modernity’? Here it is argued that MacIntyre's pessimistic view of the individual in contemporary society makes his call for patient autonomy in the clinical setting pointless. Finally, recent work in gerontology is cited to make three points: first, MacIntyre's pessimism about us is too extreme; second, the concept of a ‘fictionalized’ personal history is closer to reality than either MacIntyre's notion of narrative unity or the ideas of his imagined opponent (Sartre); and finally, we should not expect clinical medicine to produce patient well-being, when this is understood narratively.
Landscapes of Iraqi Poetry: Reconfiguring the Image of Iraq in the Arabic (and American) Lyric Canon

AbstractThis article explores the construction of Iraq as lyric object in the poetry of Badr Shākir al-Sayyāb, Mahmūd Darwīsh, Sadī Yūsuf, and Sinān Antūn. I argue that there is a clear sense of ambivalence for these poets over how to represent Iraq; the country emerges in their verse as both an unmarred idyll and as a landscape of wretchedness and despair. In putting these Arabic works in dialogue with the anti-war poems of the American writer Brian Turner, I suggest the ways in which comparative analysis between these two canons can help us move beyond nostalgic representations of Iraq and the U.S. as civilizational others, and push us toward more constructive forms of cross-cultural exchange.
Anatomy of a shark attack

The victim swam confidently and serenely in clear, tropical waters, unaware of the terror she was about to experience. Suddenly, she found herself in a desperate struggle for life. With every ounce of strength she could muster, she fought to free herself from the merciless predator which had, without provocation, violently attacked. Amidst all the thrashing, she suffered intense pain and yielded to an overwhelming force. Soon, she was plunged into an alien environment.· The attack was relentless. After a few moments of struggle, which must have seemed an eternity, she was unable to breathe, lost all control, and became totally helpless. In preagonal torment, she collapsed as the invincible super-predator ripped her appendages from her trunk, one by one. then, as abruptly as he began, the predator broke off the attack, probably to search for other victims. The vanquished victim was fortunate and died quickly from acute blood loss; other less fortunate victims had lingered for days before finally succumbing to their injuries. Sounds familiar? This gruesome scene is not isolated or rare. The scenario varies, but the ultimate outcome is usually the same, namely, death for the victim. This sequence of events occurs at least 100 million times annually, or approximately three times every second. These are accurate, but gruesome statistics, and it is time to consider why such genocidal atrocities are permitted. The victim in this real-life drama is the shark, and the attacker is a human being! To understand the scenario, it is useful to appreciate how each independently fits into the food web, as well as the relationship between the two. Sharks have occupied the oceans for at least 350 million years. All known species have adopted a life-history strategy which we call 'K -selected' [1]. This means that sharks are slow growing, slow maturing, and invest much parental energy in a few, well-formed offspring. This is in contrast to the life-history strategy called' r-selected,' the lifestyle evolved by most bony fishes [2,3]. (K and r are symbols used in the mathematical formula for describing the growth of a population over time). Teleosts (bony fishes) with r-selected life histories grow very quickly, mature early and produce many fragile offspring with very little investment in any individual offspring. Sharks are not the only K -selected animals in the seas. The K -selected lifestyle has been adopted by most, but not all, large vertebrates, such as whales, dolphins, and sea turtles, as well as terrestrial elephants and even human beings [3]. The K -selected lifehistory strategy has served sharks well for millions of years; otherwise, they would not occupy a position of predominance in the seas. While this strategy allows a species to
Spatial modulation of Gaussian laser beams

A technique is described for obtaining deep spatial modulation of laser beams. A phase modulator at one plane in the beam path can yield amplitude modulation at a later plane with little loss in power. Explicit formulae are derived for the field distributions of the modulated beams, and applications are considered.
Some practical aspects of covariance estimation

Vectorcardiogram (VCG) data often are analyzed using the Karhunen-Loeve expansion of the sample covariance matrix, S, as a method for discriminating between the VCG's of healthy pat unhealthy patients. The estimator, S, however, can be seriously effected by both atypical observations and the number of VCG's in the database relative to their dimension. In this paper it is shown that alternative robust estimators of the covariance matrix are appealing in analyzing VCG data when outliers are present in the sample. Also, it is demonstrated that sample sizes in such experiments should be greatly expanded in order to validate the asymptotic properties of S.
Uncertainty budget for the NIST electron counting capacitance standard, ECCS-1

We measure a cryogenic, vacuum-gap capacitor by two methods: (1) charging it with a known number of electrons and measuring the resulting voltage, and (2) using a capacitance bridge traceable to the SI farad. We report a detailed uncertainty budget for the comparison of the two methods and find that they agree within a relative standard uncertainty of 9.2 × 10−7. This comparison closes the quantum metrology triangle with the same uncertainty.
Patterns of reproductive morphology in the genus Gobiodon (Teleostei: Gobiidae)

The reproductive system of gobiid fishes (family Gobiidae), especially among hermaphroditic goby species, is morphologically diverse. Two hermaphroditic species in the genus Gobiodon, G. okinawae and G. oculolineatus, have several modifications of the gonoduct and gonad that are associated with secretion production and storage. In this study, an examination of six additional Gobiodon species, G. citrinus, G. fulvus, G. histrio, G. micropus, G. quinquestrigatus and G. rivulatus, revealed similar reproductive modifications. Among these six Gobiodon species, a number of features were found to be shared amongst each other and with G. okinawae and G. oculolineatus. All individuals had either an ovariform gonad or an ovotestis; no individuals had a purely testicular gonad. The gonadal lobes extended caudally past, rather than terminating at, their union with the gonoduct. Accessory secretory structures associated with the reproductive complex, termed accessory gonoduct structures, or AGdS, always originated from the gonoduct. The ovariform gonad was comprised entirely of ovarian tissue, while the ovotestis was divided into three morphologically distinct regions. Only one of the ovotestis regions was strictly gametogenic, consisting of both early stage oocytes and sperm-filled seminiferous lobules. The second region of the ovotestis was made up of stromal tissue surrounding some compressed lumina and a small number of early-stage oocytes. The third region was highly lobulated and acted as a storage region for eosinophilic secretions. Anteriorly, the stromal region of each of the two ovotestis lobes disappeared and the gametogenic and secretory storage regions of the ovotestis separated into two discrete lobes. In all of the examined Gobiodon species, all individuals having an ovotestis also had AGdS. However, AGdS presence among individuals having an ovariform gonad varied in a species-specific manner, with the AGdS being fully differentiated and well-developed in a number of species, and either in a very early stage of development, or absent, in others. The distribution of these AGdS states among Gobiodon species corresponds with that of several other morphological features that have been proposed by Harold et al. (Bull Mar Sci 82:119–136, 2008) as phylogenetically informative for intra-generic clade identification. Reproductive characters may prove informative in the development of hypotheses of relationships among gobiid fishes.
Ostomy Care and Rehabilitation in Colorectal Cancer

Objectives To review ostomy care in colorectal cancer, current trends in assessment, management, and treatment, and the role of the enterostomal therapy (ET) nurse in cancer care. Data Sources Published literature and the author's clinical experiences in ostomy wound care. Conclusion Care of the patient with colorectal cancer requiring an ostomy involves both physical and psychological rehabilitation. The education and skills of an ET/wound, ostomy, and continence (WOC) nurse can provide a valuable service to the patient/family, surgeon, oncology nurse, and other health care providers. Implications for Oncology Nurses An ostomy is not a handicapping procedure. Living well with a colostomy can be achieved through proper patient preparation, education, and planning. Provision of individualized comprehensive care facilitates physical and psychological rehabilitation.
Criticality in Intracellular Calcium Signaling in Cardiac Myocytes

Calcium (Ca) is a ubiquitous second messenger that regulates many biological functions. The elementary events of local Ca signaling are Ca sparks, which occur randomly in time and space, and integrate to produce global signaling events such as intra- and intercellular Ca waves and whole-cell Ca oscillations. Despite extensive experimental characterization in many systems, the transition from local random to global synchronous events is still poorly understood. Here we show that criticality, a ubiquitous dynamical phenomenon in nature, is responsible for the transition from local to global Ca signaling. We demonstrate this first in a computational model of Ca signaling in a cardiac myocyte and then experimentally in mouse ventricular myocytes, complemented by a theoretical agent-based model to delineate the underlying dynamics. We show that the interaction between the Ca release units via Ca-induced Ca release causes self-organization of Ca spark clusters. When the coupling between Ca release units is weak, the cluster-size distribution is exponential. As the interactions become strong, the cluster-size distribution changes to a power-law distribution, which is characteristic of criticality in thermodynamic and complex nonlinear systems, and facilitates the formation and propagation of Ca waves and whole-cell Ca oscillations. Our findings illustrate how criticality is harnessed by a biological cell to regulate Ca signaling via self-organization of random subcellular events into cellular-scale oscillations, and provide a general theoretical framework for the transition from local Ca signaling to global Ca signaling in biological cells.
The impact factor, total citations, and better citation mouse traps: A commentary

This communication comments upon the article “Measuring the Utility of Journals in the Crime-Psychology Field: Beyond the Impact Factor” by Walters (2006), recently published in JASIST. Walters' article is utilized as a vehicle to demonstrate certain misconceptions and incorrect value judgments common to the literature on the impact factor, arising from a lack of understanding of this measure's role in the thought structure of its creator, Eugene Garfield, as well as of his utilization of this measure. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effects of nuclear mutation on chloroplast development : Part 1: chloroplast DNA, proteins, ribosomes, hormones and tissue cultures.

Under greenhouse conditions the dark green wild type (su/su) tobacco grows 2–3 times faster than the yellow mutant (Su/su) and contains five-fold more chlorophyll. On a fresh weight basis, however, both genotypes contain similar amounts of RuBPCase and fraction 11 protein in approximately equal proportion and have similar levels of 70s and 80s ribosomes. When seedlings are cultured on agar medium supplemented with sucrose and equal concentrations of IAA and kinetin or kinetin alone, a drastic reduction of RuBPCase and free 70s ribosomes, but not of chlorophyll content, were observed. Moreover, albino (Su/Su) seedlings developed on supplemented media still contain appreciable amounts of RuBPCase and free 70s ribosomes although chlorophyll levels are extremely low indicating no correlation between RuBPCase and chlorophyll content. RuBPCase crystallized from both wild type and yellow mutant plants seem to have identical composition and structure when examined by isoelectric focusing, amino acid analysis or peptide mapping techniques. The slow-growing yellow mutant is apparently deficient only in chlorophyll of the light harvesting chlorophyll-protein complex but with no alteration of the protein moiety or chlorophyll a/b ratio.
Analysis of muscular load sharing in wheelchair propulsion cycles

Results are presented on the musculoskeletal system modeling and validation phase of a broader research program which is directed toward the development of a simulation system for the total wheelchair propulsion system. The modeling and validation process itself consists of four areas of research: (i) the determination of architectural models for the selected upper-extremity muscles, (ii) the physical tests and experimental acquisition of kinematic, force and muscle activation (EMG) data for a range of wheelchair propulsion cycles and subjects, (iii) the development of a spatial musculoskeletal model including load-sharing algorithms, and (iv) the determination of qualitative and quantitative correlations between the model analysis results and the experimental data, to be used to refine iteratively the model details and the load-sharing algorithms. >
Asymptotic basis of the L closure for finitely extensible dumbbells in suddenly started uniaxial extension

Abstract This paper applies the recent L closure [G. Lielens, P. Halin, I. Jaumain, R. Keunings, V. Legat, J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech., 76 (1998), 249–279], which was originally developed for FENE dumbbells with fixed friction, to two alternative dumbbell models of polymers in a dilute solution undergoing uniaxial extension: (A) a linear-locked dumbbell with fixed friction and (B) a FENE dumbbell with variable friction. The simplified box-spike representation of the probability density function (PDF) – used for Model B to close conformational averages of nonlinear quantities in terms of a reduced set of state variables (moments of the PDF) – is justified through detailed asymptotic analysis (singular perturbations combined with multiple scales) of the Smoluchowski equation, in the limit of large extensibility parameter at fixed elongation rate. Both dumbbell models A and B are actually more amenable to the L closure than the FENE to which it had previously been applied. The resulting closure relations compare favorably with corresponding integrals of asymptotic or numerical PDF’s (the latter obtained via atomistic SPH simulations of the Smoluchowski equation). Example calculations show the L closure to yield reasonably accurate stress–extension curves, even for a moderate (dimensionless) limit of extension ( L = 4 ).
Implications for problem‐solving groups of empirical research on ‘brainstorming’: A critical review of the literature

This paper attempts a review and critical examination of brainstorming as a purported aid to creative problem solving in groups. The review presents: (1) a discussion of the history of brainstorming and its practice; (2) a survey of empirical studies of brainstorming; and (3) an examination of theoretical explanations for superior brainstorming performance by individuals as against that of groups. Pedagogical implications are discussed in an attempt to correct the uncritical appraisal of brainstorming offered by most small‐group textbook writers.
Long-term experience with the St. Jude Medical valve prosthesis.

Abstract Background . All patients undergoing St. Jude Medical valve replacement at the Medical University of South Carolina since January 1979 have been followed prospectively at 12-month intervals. Methods . This report describes long-term experience in 710 adult patients undergoing isolated aortic (AVR) (418) or mitral valve replacements (MVR) (292) with this prosthesis from January 1979 to December 1996. Results . Ages ranged from 19 to 84 years (54.8 ± 15.1 AVR, 51.8 ± 12.9 MVR; mean ± SD). Male gender predominated in the AVR group (70%) and female gender in the MVR group (62%). One hundred and fifty-seven patients (22%) had associated coronary artery bypass grafting (AVR 27%, MVR 15%). Thirty-day operative mortality was 5.3% (22/418) in the AVR group and 5.1% (15/292) in the MVR group. Follow-up is 96.9% complete and ranges from 1 month to 16.9 years (AVR, 2,376 patient-years, mean 5.7 ± 4.5 years; MVR, 1,868 patient-years, mean 6.4 ± 4.8 years). In the AVR group, 120 late deaths have occurred and actuarial survival was 78.0 ± 2.3%, 58.0 ± 3.2%, and 36.8 ± 4.8%; at 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Forty-six patients have sustained 55 thromboembolic (TE) events (2.3%/patient-year). Fifty-one patients had anticoagulant-related bleeding complications (2.7%/patient-year). The mean improvement in New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class from preoperative to postoperative was 3.0 ± 0.8 to 1.7 ± 0.1 ( p Conclusions . With a follow-up now extending to 17 years, the St. Jude Medical valve continues to be a reliable mechanical prosthesis with low and stable rates of valve-related complications.
VALENCE ISOMERIZATION OF IONIZED OXIRANE

Abstract The valence isomerization reactions of the cation radical of oxirane are investigated using ab initio QCISD methods. There are two stable forms of the ion with the ring intact. The O ionized form is the ground state; a C-C ionized state lies 10.0 kJ/mol higher. The activation energy for ring opening is 23.2 kJ/mol. The open form is planar, has C2v symmetry, and is 99.7 kJ/mol more stable than the ground state with the ring intact. IRC calculations at the MP2 level follow the reaction from both the conrotatory and disrotatory transition states.
CharaParser for fine-grained semantic annotation of organism morphological descriptions

Biodiversity information organization is looking beyond the traditional document-level metadata approach and has started to look into factual content in textual documents to support more intelligent and semantic-based access. This article reports the development and evaluation of CharaParser, a software application for semantic annotation of morphological descriptions. CharaParser annotates semistructured morphological descriptions in such a detailed manner that all stated morphological characters of an organ are marked up in Extensible Markup Language format. Using an unsupervised machine learning algorithm and a general purpose syntactic parser as its key annotation tools, CharaParser requires minimal additional knowledge engineering work and seems to perform well across different description collections and/or taxon groups. The system has been formally evaluated on over 1,000 sentences randomly selected from Volume 19 of Flora of North American and Part H of Treatise on Invertebrate Paleontology. CharaParser reaches and exceeds 90% in sentence-wise recall and precision, exceeding other similar systems reported in the literature. It also significantly outperforms a heuristic rule-based system we developed earlier. Early evidence that enriching the lexicon of a syntactic parser with domain terms alone may be sufficient to adapt the parser for the biodiversity domain is also observed and may have significant implications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Paget's disease of scrotum Need for early biopsy

Abstract A case of Paget's disease of the scrotum is presented. The results of previously reported cases and the pathology are reviewed. A program of management and therapy is suggested.
N dependence in the classical one-component plasma Monte Carlo calculations

We calculate the internal energy of the classical one-component plasma using a Monte Carlo technique for 128, 250, 432, 686, and 1024 particles for $1l\ensuremath{\Gamma}l300$ in order to determine the effect of a differing number of particles on the thermodynamics. By fitting the internal energy to a function of $\ensuremath{\Gamma}$ and $N$ (the particle number), we find the free energy for both the liquid and solid for an infinite number of particles.
Management of ventricular fibrillation or unstable ventricular tachycardia in patients with congenital long-QT syndrome: a suggested modification to ACLS guidelines

Prolongation of the QT interval is a known risk factor for syncope, seizures and sudden cardiac death. Most patients with QT prolongation have an acquired cause, but congenital forms of QT prolongation are being increasingly recognized. However, existing advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) treatment algorithms for prolonged QT mediated ventricular fibrillation pertains to acquired long-QT syndrome (LQTS). Here, a young patient with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest secondary to congenital LQTS illustrates critical exceptions to the current ACLS treatment algorithms for ventricular fibrillation and unstable ventricular tachycardia when QT prolongation is congenital in origin. A clarified ACLS algorithm is proposed.
Combinatorial Algorithms for Protein Folding in Lattice Models: A Survey of Mathematical Results

We present a comprehensive survey of combinatorial algorithms and theorems about lattice protein folding models obtained in the almost 15 years since the publication in 1995 of the first protein folding approximation algorithm with mathematically guaranteed error bounds. The results presented here are mainly about the HP-protein folding model introduced by Ken Dill in 1985. The main topics of this survey include: approximation algorithms for linear-chain and side-chain lattice models, as well as off-lattice models, NP-completeness theorems about a variety of protein folding models, contact map structure of self-avoiding walks and HP-folds, combinatorics and algorithmics for side-chain models, bi-sphere packing and the Kepler conjecture, and the protein sidechain self-assembly conjecture. As an appealing bridge between the hybrid of continuous mathematics and discrete mathematics, a cornerstone of the mathematical difficulty of the protein folding problem, we show how work on 2D self-avoiding walks contact-map decomposition can build upon the exact RNA contacts counting formula by Mike Waterman and collaborators leading to renewed hope for analytical closed-form approximations for statistical mechanics of protein folding in lattice models. We also include in this paper a few new results, research directions within reach of rigorous results, and a set of open problems that merit future exploration.
Unanticipated Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex culture inhibition by immune modulators, immune suppressants, a growth enhancer, and vitamins A and D: clinical implications.

Summary Background The development of novel antibiotics to treat multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis is time-consuming and expensive. Multiple immune modulators, immune suppressants, anti-inflammatories, and growth enhancers, and vitamins A and D, inhibit Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) in culture. We studied the culture inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex by these agents. Methods Biosafety level two M. tuberculosis complex (ATCC 19015 and ATCC 25177) was studied in radiometric Bactec or MGIT culture. Agents evaluated included clofazimine, methotrexate, 6-mercaptopurine, cyclosporine A, rapamycin, tacrolimus, monensin, and vitamins A and D. Results All the agents mentioned above caused dose-dependent inhibition of the M. tuberculosis complex. There was no inhibition by the anti-inflammatory 5-aminosalicylic acid, which causes bacteriostatic inhibition of MAP. Conclusions We conclude that, at a minimum, studies with virulent M. tuberculosis are indicated with the agents mentioned above, as well as with the thioamide 5-propothiouricil, which has previously been shown to inhibit the M. tuberculosis complex in culture. Our data additionally emphasize the importance of vitamins A and D in treating mycobacterial diseases.
Both direct and neurally mediated components of the chronotropic actions of aminophylline.

Aminophylline was selectively perfused through either the sinus node or through the AV (atrioventricular) junction of 35 intact canine hearts in situ . The positive chronotropic action observed was equally powerful in accelerating either sinus rhythm (50 ± 8 percent increment) or AY junctional rhythm (55 ± 10 percent increment). This positive chronotropic effect has at least three distinct components: a major direct action on autonomic centers, a lesser effect due to local catecholamine release, and a part due to peripheral vagolytic action.
Morphological differences associated with a serotonin transporter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) in rhesus macaques

Morphological differences associated with a serotonin transporter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) in rhesus macaques
Characterization of Spontaneous, In Vitro-Selected, Rifampin-Resistant Mutants of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strain H37Rv

Resistance to rifampin in Mycobacterium tuberculosis results from mutations in the gene coding for the beta subunit of RNA polymerase (rpoB). At least 95% of rifampin-resistant isolates have mutations in rpoB, and the mutations are clustered in a small region. About 40 distinct point mutations and in-frame insertions and deletions in rpoB have been identified, but point mutations in two codons, those coding for Ser(531) and His(526), are seen in about 70% of rifampin-resistant clinical isolates, with Ser(531)-to-Leu (TCG-to-TGG) mutations being by far the most common. To explore this phenomenon, we isolated independent, spontaneous, rifampin-resistant mutant versions of well-characterized M. tuberculosis laboratory strain H37Rv by plating 100 separate cultures, derived from a single low-density inoculum, onto rifampin-containing medium. Rifampin-resistant mutants were obtained from 64 of these cultures. Although we anticipated that the various point mutations would occur with approximately equal frequencies, sequencing the rpoB gene from one colony per plate revealed that 39 (60.9%) were Ser(531) to Leu. We conclude that, for unknown reasons, the associated rpoB mutation occurs at a substantially higher rate than other rpoB mutations. This higher mutation rate may contribute to the high percentage of this mutation seen in clinical isolates.
Fat Mimetics in Low‐Fat Cheddar Cheese

Cheeses with 60% reduced fat content were prepared with three commercial fat mimetics. Low-fat cheeses without added fat mimetics and full-fat cheeses were prepared as controls. Cheeses were aged 3 months prior to sensory and instrumental evaluation. A low-fat cheese containing one of the fat mimetics received the highest texture scores from dairy judges and consumer panelists (P≤0.05). The low-fat control and another cheese with a fat mimetic received higher flavor scores from the trained dairy judges and consumer panelists than the other cheeses containing fat mimetics (P≤0.05). Low-fat cheeses containing fat mimetics were less rubbery than the low-fat control cheese (P≤0.05).
Database security issues in rough relational databases

In this paper we consider security issues that arise in imprecise databases based on rough set theory. The aspect of security considered is similar to that in statistical databases for which a combination of queries cannot reveal exact values of attributes. Information theory measures are used to characterize security for imprecise databases.
Calcium hydroxide dressings using different preparation and application modes: density and dissolution by simulated tissue pressure

Peters CI, Koka RS, Highsmith S, Peters OA. Calcium hydroxide dressings using different preparation and application modes: density and dissolution by simulated tissue pressure. International Endodontic Journal, 38, 889–895, 2005. Aim To study the effect of different apical shapes in prepared simulated root canals on the application of a commercially prepared calcium hydroxide paste by a syringe or lentulo spiral. Methodology Three different types of root canal preparation were performed in 90 simulated canals: group A to an apical size 20 and a 0.10 taper using hand and rotary instruments, group B to an apical size 30 and a 0.08 taper using GT rotary instruments and group C to an apical size 40 and a 0.04 taper using ProFile 0.04 instruments. The insertion of calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] paste was accomplished using either a lentulo spiral or a syringe. After 1 week of simulated fluid pressure applied to the apical end of the canal using physiological saline solution, the solution was evaluated for released Ca(OH)2. The specimens were weighed initially, after preparation, after insertion of Ca(OH)2 paste, after temporization with Cavit and after 1 week of simulated fluid pressure. Digital radiographs of the filled canals were taken and canal areas in mm 2 , gray values of the Ca(OH)2 dressings, total area of voids in mm 2 , as well as location of voids in the apical, middle or coronal thirds of the root canals were measured. Analyses of variance, with Scheffe’s post-hoc tests, as well as chi-square tests were performed. Results Canals in group C had significantly fewer (P < 0.01) radiographic voids than canals in groups A and B. Using a lentulo spiral resulted in significantly (P < 0.05) fewer voids compared with the injection technique.Morevoidsweredetectedcoronallycompared with middle and apical root canal thirds (P < 0.05). Conclusions Canal shape and method of application had an impact on the amount and radiodensity of calcium hydroxide dressings in simulated root canals. Canals prepared to an apical size 40 and a taper of 0.04 had the least number of voids; Ca(OH)2 was placed with significantly fewer voids using a lentulo spiral compared with the injection technique.
Institutional storage and disposal of radioactive materials

Storage and disposal of radioactive materials from nuclear medicine operations must be considered in the overall program design. The storage of materials from daily operations, materials in transit, and long-term storage represent sources of exposure. The design of storage facilities must include consideration of available space, choice of material, occupancy of surrounding areas, and amount of radioactivity anticipated. Neglect of any of these factors will lead to exposure problems. The ultimate product of any manipulation of radioactive material will be some form of radioactive waste. This waste may be discharged into the environment or placed within a storage area for packaging and transfer to a broker for ultimate disposal. Personnel must be keenly aware of packaging regulations of the burial site as well as applicable federal and local codes. Fire codes should be reviewed if there is to be storage of flammable materials in any area. Radiation protection personnel should be aware of community attitudes when considering the design of the waste program.
Focus, Parallelism and Accommodation

It is well-known that constructions involving ellipsis (i .e. construction in which semantically interpreted material is not realized phonologically, henceforth ECs) share many properties with constructions that involve phonological reduction (in which semantically interpreted material is realized phonologically but in a reduced form, henceforth PRCs) . (See, among others, Lasnik 1 972, Chomsky and Lasnik 1 993 , Rooth 1 992 and Tancredi 1 992.) The similarity between ECs and PRCs is semantic: the interpretation of both is constrained by the interpretation of an antecedent (Parallelism) . Rooth and Tancredi have pointed out that this similarity follows from an independently needed theory of focus. However, there are also differences in the interpretation of ECs and PRCs. The semantic restrictions on ECs appear to be stronger than the restrictions on PRCs. Specifically, there are cases in which phonological reduction (PR) is licensed via Parallelism with an antecedent which is not present in the discourse (accommodation) , and in (at least some of) these cases ellipsis (E) is not licensed. This fact has motivated Rooth ( 1 992) to propose a special identity condition which applies to E but not to PRo Under this proposal, the similarity between the two constructions follows from the theory of focus (which applies to both constructions) and the difference follows from the identity condition (which applies only to one) . The aim of this paper is to argue for an alternative. Specifically, I will argue that the difference between ECs and PRCs follows from an economy condition on accommodation which is relevant for both constructions but is sensitive to properties that distinguish between them.
Measuring Financial Strain in the Lives of Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Agencies serving survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) often include economic empowerment programs and approaches as a way to assist survivors struggling with avoiding poverty and gaining financial independence. Understanding and addressing the economic needs of IPV survivors are more complex than just knowing their income. Indeed, survivors’ ability to manage their finances and any financial stress or strain should also be assessed to fully understand their needs. The Financial Strain Survey (FSS) provides a useful tool for screening and understanding survivors’ complex financial needs. Using data from 457 IPV survivors from seven U.S. states and Puerto Rico, the current study evaluates the factor structure, reliability, and validity of using the FSS with IPV survivors. Findings indicate that the FSS is a reliable instrument for use with IPV survivors. The conclusion discusses the FSS as a practical tool for both practice and research with this population.