cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The identification of antisense gene pairs through available software

Antisense genes have been shown to have a variety of functions in both prokaryotes and recently in eukaryotes as well. They are hypothesized to be an important part of every genome and have been shown to be evolutionarily conserved as well. Naturally, it is in our interest to develop a software for identifying antisense pairs. While a variety of approaches and software do exist, each approach has its limitations and the software is not meant for large-scale analyses for identifying both cis and trans antisense genes. Here we present a novel way to identify antisense genes and show the results we obtained through it. While in no means a perfect solution, we do manage to show a possible way that may lead to more accurate prediction of antisense genes.
Frequency domain implementation of the three-dimensional geometric point response correction in SPECT imaging

Analytical expressions exist for the geometric point response functions for parallel, fan, and cone beam collimators. The geometric point response functions are shown to be shift-invariant for these three collimators if the distance between the point source and the detection plane is constant. For single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), this property is used in the projector/backprojector to correct for geometric distortion using the iterative EM reconstruction algorithm. In the implementation, the system geometric response, the crystal intrinsic response and the attenuation were compensated. The attenuation compensation was accomplished in the spatial domain. The point response corrections were accomplished using frequency domain filtering, taking advantage of the shift-invariance of the system point response function at a fixed depth. The frequency domain implementation significantly speeded up the algorithm. Phantom studies showed the increase of resolution and the reduction of density nonuniformity artifacts which were due to the spatially varying system response function and the attenuation effect. >
Probability-based approaches to VLSI circuit partitioning

Iterative-improvement two-way min-cut partitioning is an important phase in most circuit placement tools, and finds use in many other computer-aided design (CAD) applications. Most iterative improvement techniques for circuit netlists like the Fiduccia-Mattheyses (FM) method compute the gains of nodes using local netlist information that is only concerned with the immediate improvement in the cutset. This can lead to misleading gain information. Krishnamurthy suggested a lookahead (LA) gain calculation method to ameliorate this situation; however, as we show, it leaves room for improvement. We present here a probabilistic gain computation approach called probabilistic partitioner (PROP) that is capable of capturing the future implications of moving a node at the current time. We also propose an extended algorithm SHRINK-PROP that increases the probability of removing recently "perturbed" nets (nets whose nodes have been moved for the first time) from the cutset. Experimental results on medium- to large-size ACM/SIGDA benchmark circuits show that PROP and SHRINK-PROP outperform previous iterative-improvement methods like FM (by about 30% and 37%, respectively) and LA (by about 27% and 34%, respectively). Both PROP and SHRINK-PROP also obtain much better cutsizes than many recent state-of-the-art partitioners like EIG1, WINDOW, MELO, PARABOLI, GFM and GMetis (by 4.5% to 67%), Our empirical timing results reveal that PROP is appreciably faster than most recent techniques. We also obtain results on the more recent ISPD-98 benchmark suite that show similar substantial mincut improvements by PROP and SHRINK-PROP over FM (24% and 31%, respectively). It is also noteworthy that SHRINK-PROP'S results are within 2.5% of those obtained by hMetis, one of the best multilevel partitioners. However, the multilevel paradigm is orthogonal to SHRINK-PROP. Further, since it is a "flat" partitioner, it has advantages over hMetis in partition-driven placement applications.
A network-state management service

We present Statesman, a network-state management service that allows multiple network management applications to operate independently, while maintaining network-wide safety and performance invariants. Network state captures various aspects of the network such as which links are alive and how switches are forwarding traffic. Statesman uses three views of the network state. In observed state, it maintains an up-to-date view of the actual network state. Applications read this state and propose state changes based on their individual goals. Using a model of dependencies among state variables, Statesman merges these proposed states into a target state that is guaranteed to maintain the safety and performance invariants. It then updates the network to the target state. Statesman has been deployed in ten Microsoft Azure datacenters for several months, and three distinct applications have been built on it. We use the experience from this deployment to demonstrate how Statesman enables each application to meet its goals, while maintaining network-wide invariants.
Aftershocks of the February 21, 1973 Point Mugu, California earthquake

abstract The M L 6.0 Point Mugu, California earthquake of February 21, 1973 and its aftershocks occurred within the complex fault system that bounds the southern front of the Transverse Ranges province of southern California. P -wave fault plane solutions for 51 events include reverse, strike slip and normal faulting mechanisms, indicating complex deformation within the 10-km broad fault zone. Hypocenters of 141 aftershocks fail to delineate any single fault plane clearly associated with the main shock rupture. Most aftershocks cluster in a region 5 km in diameter centered 5 km from the main shock hypocenter and well beyond the extent of fault rupture estimated from analysis of body-wave radiation. Strain release within the imbricate fault zone was controlled by slip on preexisting planes of weakness under the influence of a NE-SW compressive stress.
The antiviral agent hypericin has in vitro activity against HSV-1 through non-specific association with viral and cellular membranes

The antiviral and virucidal compound, hypericin, was studied regarding its activity and possible mechanism against herpes simplex virus (HSV-1). It was determined that hypericin caused slight inhib...
Abstract 1459: Proteomic identification of a novel antitumor protein from myeloid-derived suppressor cells in breast cancer

Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are significantly increased in hematopoietic organs of cancer patients and animals bearing tumors. The number of MDSCs is directly proportional to tumor malignancy. MDSCs infiltrate into tumors and facilitate tumor progression and metastasis. In searching for molecular mediators responsible for tumor metastasis, we used proteomics and mass spectrometry in combination with a mammary tumor model that includes two distinct tumor cell lines, 67NR and 4T1, which are derived from a single mammary tumor. While these cell lines form primary tumors with equivalent growth kinetics, they differ dramatically in their metastatic potential. MDSCs were isolated from spleens of tumor-bearing mice and compared for protein expression profiles using 2D-DIGE-MS. There was a significant reduction of a novel protein, neutrophilic granule protein (NGP), in MDSCs from 4T1- compared to 67NR- tumor-bearing mice. Further analysis showed that NGP was expressed in myeloid cells, but not in epithelial tumor cells. Addition of 4T1 tumor cell conditioned media decreased the gene expression in promyelocyte cells. Computational analysis of NGP indicates presence of a putative cystatin domain, a known cathepsin inhibitor site. Indeed, forced expression of NGP in cultured cells inhibited endogenous cathepsin B activity. Since cathepsins have been linked to tumor invasion and metastasis, we postulated that NGP has an anti-tumor role. To test this hypothesis, we generated 4T1 cells stably expressing NGP (4T1-NGP) or empty vector (4T1-Vec), and found that expression of NGP in tumor cells inhibited Matrigel invasion, but not cell proliferation. Furthermore, implantation of 4T1-NGP cells in mammary pad of syngeneic Balb/c mice resulted in a significant reduction of primary tumor growth and lung metastasis. Histological examination reveals reduced tumor angiogenesis and increased apoptosis. Collectively, this study identified a novel protein, NGP, in MDSCs acts as a negative mediator of tumor growth and metastasis, likely through inhibition of cathepsin activity. Down-regulation of NGP in the tumor microenvironment contributes to tumor growth and metastasis. NGP may act as a novel protease inhibitor and may be a therapeutic target for breast cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1459.
Alternative theories of the origin of derived stimulus relations.

Two theories of derived stimulus relations are discussed. Sidman’s primary process theory holds that contingencies establish the discriminative stimulus, the response, and the reinforcement as members of the same equivalence class. This position suggests a continuity of processes between humans and nonhumans and requires only a very modest change in traditional views concerning principles of behavior. Hayes, Barnes-Holmes and Roche also maintain that equivalence is a function of contingencies. However, they maintain that equivalence is only one of many relational frames that are developed through learning multiple examples. Moreover, once relational frames are developed, these frames may change the effects of direct contingencies. They state that if their position is valid “we must rethink all of behavibral psychology as it applies to verbal organisms.” Their position implies a discontinuity between the behavior of humans and nonhumans. These two different perspectives suggest quite different research agendas. The research agenda suggested by Hayes et al. is primarily directed toward the study of human behavior, while the research agenda of Sidman suggests the study of both human and nonhuman behavior.
Real-time multi-channel monitoring of burst-suppression using neural network technology during pediatric status epilepticus treatment.

Abstract Objective To develop a real-time monitoring system that has the potential to guide the titration of anesthetic agents in the treatment of pediatric status epilepticus (SE). Methods We analyzed stored multichannel electroencephalographic (EEG) data collected from 12 pediatric patients with generalized SE. EEG recordings were initially segmented in 500 ms time-windows. Features characterizing the power, frequency, and entropy of the signal were extracted from each segment. The segments were annotated as bursts (B), suppressions (S), or artifacts (A) by two electroencephalographers. The EEG features together with the annotations were inputted in a three-layer feed forward neural network (NN). The sensitivity and specificity of NNs with different architectures and training algorithms to classify segments into B, S, or A were estimated. Results The maximum sensitivity (95.96% for B, 89.25% for S, and 75% for A) and specificity (89.36 for B, 96.26% for S, and 99.8% for A) was observed for the NN with 10 nodes in the hidden layer. By using this NN, we designed a real-time system that estimates the burst-suppression index (BSI). Conclusions Our system provides a reliable real-time estimate of multichannel BSI requiring minimal memory and computation time. Significance The system has the potential to assist intensive care unit attendants in the continuous EEG monitoring.
If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It: Toward a Policy of Full Recognition of African American Language

Material reviewed in Chapter One strongly supports the conclusion that there is nothing wrong with African American language – at least from the visionary perspective of linguistic theory. It is a dialect, equal in status to other dialects of American English. It has a grammar. In short, it is an instance of normal language that came into being through normal processes of language change. For all those reasons, and more, there is nothing wrong with it. The “clean bill of health” that Black language receives from the current state of linguistic knowledge supports a policy of leaving it alone.
Collective action and the evolution of social norm internalization

Human behavior is strongly affected by culturally transmitted norms and values. Certain norms are internalized (i.e., acting according to a norm becomes an end in itself rather than merely a tool in achieving certain goals or avoiding social sanctions). Humans’ capacity to internalize norms likely evolved in our ancestors to simplify solving certain challenges—including social ones. Here we study theoretically the evolutionary origins of the capacity to internalize norms. In our models, individuals can choose to participate in collective actions as well as punish free riders. In making their decisions, individuals attempt to maximize a utility function in which normative values are initially irrelevant but play an increasingly important role if the ability to internalize norms emerges. Using agent-based simulations, we show that norm internalization evolves under a wide range of conditions so that cooperation becomes “instinctive.” Norm internalization evolves much more easily and has much larger effects on behavior if groups promote peer punishment of free riders. Promoting only participation in collective actions is not effective. Typically, intermediate levels of norm internalization are most frequent but there are also cases with relatively small frequencies of “oversocialized” individuals willing to make extreme sacrifices for their groups no matter material costs, as well as “undersocialized” individuals completely immune to social norms. Evolving the ability to internalize norms was likely a crucial step on the path to large-scale human cooperation.
Design and reactivity of Ni-complexes using pentadentate neutral-polypyridyl ligands: Possible mimics of NiSOD

Superoxide plays a key role in cell signaling, but can be cytotoxic within cells unless well regulated by enzymes known as superoxide dismutases (SOD). Nickel superoxide dismutase (NiSOD) catalyzes the disproportion of the harmful superoxide radical into hydrogen peroxide and dioxygen. NiSOD has a unique active site structure that plays an important role in tuning the potential of the nickel center to function as an effective catalyst for superoxide dismutation with diffusion controlled rates. The synthesis of structural and functional analogues of NiSOD provides a route to better understand the role of the nickel active site in superoxide dismutation. In this work, the synthesis of a series of nickel complexes supported by nitrogen rich pentadentate ligands is reported. The complexes have been characterized through absorption spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. X-ray absorption spectroscopy was employed to establish the oxidation state and the coordination geometry around the metal center. The reactivity of these complexes toward KO2 was evaluated to elucidate the role of the coordination sphere in controlling superoxide dismutation reactivity.
Convergence acceleration of continuous adjoint solvers using a reduced-order model

Summary A novel acceleration technique using a reduced-order model is presented to speed up convergence of continuous adjoint solvers. The acceleration is achieved by projecting to an improved solution within an iterative process solely using early solution results. This is achieved by forming basis vectors from early iteration adjoint solutions to perform model order reduction of the adjoint equations. The reduced-order model of the adjoint equations is then substituted into the full-order discretized governing equations to determine weighting coefficients for each basis vector. With these coefficients, a linear combination of the basis vectors is used to project to an improved solution. The method is applied to three inviscid quasi-1D nozzle flow cases including fully subsonic flow, subsonic inlet to supersonic outlet flow, and transonic flow with a shock. Significant cost reductions are achieved for a single application as well as repeated applications of the convergence acceleration technique. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Bug-in-Ear eCoaching: Impacts on Novice Early Childhood Special Education Teachers:

A multiple-probe, single-case design was used to determine the effects of bug-in-ear eCoaching on teachers’ use of two targeted naturalistic communication strategies and focus children’s responses ...
Validation of time to task performance assessment method in simulation: A comparative design study.

Abstract Background There is a lack of objective and valid measures for assessing nursing clinical competence which could adversely impact patient safety. Therefore, we evaluated an objective assessment of clinical competence, Time to Task (ability to perform specific, critical nursing care activities within 5 min), and compared it to two subjective measures, (Lasater Clinical Judgement Rubric [LCJR] and common “pass/fail” assessment). Design/Methods Using a prospective, “Known Groups” (Expert vs. Novice nurses) comparative design, Expert nurses (ICU nurses with >5 years of ICU experience) and Novice nurses (senior prelicensure nursing students) participated individually in a simulation of a patient in decompensated heart failure. Fourteen nursing instructors or preceptors, blinded to group assignment, reviewed 28 simulation videos (15 Expert and 13 Novice) and scored them using the LCJR and pass/fail assessments. Time to Task assessment was scored based on time thresholds for specific nursing actions prospectively set by an expert clinical panel. Statistical analysis consisted of Medians Test and sensitivity and specificity analyses. Results The LCJR total score was significantly different between Experts and Novices (p Conclusion Commonly used subjective measures of clinical nursing competence have difficulties with achieving acceptable specificity. However, an objective measure, Time to Task, had good sensitivity and specificity in differentiating between groups. While more than one assessment instrument should be used to determine nurse competency, an objective measure, such as Time to Task, warrants further study.
The importance of the electronic portfolio for faculty and students

There is no secret that academic portfolios are crucial for tenure-track of faculty members to demonstrate their professional achievements to be considered for promotion. There is no secret that ac...
Immune reconstitution after autologous peripheral blood progenitor cell transplantation: effect of interleukin-15 on T-cell survival and effector functions.

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of T-cell spontaneous apoptosis (A spont ) and its modulation in vitro by the interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R) γ-chain (γc)-signaling cytokine IL-15 in patients transplanted with autologous peripheral blood progenitor cells (PBPC) for hematologic malignancies. Materials and Methods Patients were examined on days 30–60, 60–90, and 90–120 after PBPC infusion. Dissipation of mitochondrial transmembrane potential, a hallmark of T-cell apoptosis, has been detected using the fluorescent probe 3,3′-dihexyloxacarbocyanine iodide, after short-term T-cell culture in the absence or presence of exogenous cytokines. Expression of Bcl-2 family members has been studied by flow cytometry and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. T-cell proliferative responses to recall antigens have been estimated in autologous mixed leukocyte cultures. Results A spont was seen in 45% ± 6% of CD4 + and 55% ± 6% of CD8 + T cells cultured in the absence of cytokines. Of interest, IL-15 and, to a lesser extent, its structural cousin IL-2 counteracted T-cell A spont by inhibiting the processing of caspase-3 and up-regulating Bcl-2 mRNA and protein levels. Cell division tracking confirmed that IL-15 did not rescue T cells from A spont by promoting proliferation but rather acted as a genuine survival factor. Addition of a γc-blocking antibody to cytokine-conditioned cultures abrogated both apoptosis inhibition and Bcl-2 induction by IL-15, suggesting involvement of the IL-2Rγc signal transduction pathway. Whereas cytokine-unprimed posttransplant T cells mounted inadequate responses to recall antigens, T cells conditioned with IL-15 expanded vigorously, indicating restoration of antigen-specific proliferation. Conclusions T cells recovering after autologous PBPC transplantation are highly susceptible to spontaneous apoptosis in vitro. This phenomenon can be counteracted by the γc-signaling cytokine IL-15. These findings suggest that IL-15 might be a promising immunomodulating agent to improve postgrafting T-cell function.
Demonstration of Tokamak Discharge Shutdown with Shell Pellet Payload Impurity Dispersal

The first rapid tokamak discharge shutdown using dispersive core payload deposition with shell pellets has been achieved in the DIII-D tokamak. Shell pellets are being investigated as a possible new path toward achieving tokamak disruption mitigation with both low conducted wall heat loads and slow current quench. Conventional disruption mitigation injects radiating impurities into the outer edge of the tokamak plasma, which tends to result in poor impurity assimilation and creates a strong edge cooling and outward heat flow, thus requiring undesirable high-$Z$ impurities to achieve low conducted heat loads. The shell pellet technique aims to produce a hollow temperature profile by using a thin, low-ablation shell surrounding a dispersive payload, giving a greatly increased impurity ablation (and radiation) rate when the payload is released in the plasma core. This principle was demonstrated successfully using 3.6 mm outer diameter, $40\text{ }\text{ }\ensuremath{\mu}\mathrm{m}$ thickness diamond shells holding boron powder. The pellets caused rapid ($l10\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{ms}$) discharge shutdown with low conducted divertor heat fluence ($\ensuremath{\sim}0.1\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{MJ}/{\mathrm{m}}^{2}$). Confirmation of massive release of the boron powder payload into the plasma core was obtained spectroscopically. Some evidence for the formation of a hollow temperature profile during the shutdown was observed. These first results open a new avenue for disruption mitigation research, hopefully enabling development of highly effective methods of avoiding disruption wall damage in future reactor-scale tokamaks.
Case 6-2019: A 29-Year-Old Woman with Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea

A Woman with Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea A 29-year-old woman was evaluated at a primary care clinic affiliated with this hospital because of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. She reported a history of nonprescribed oxycodone use and requested injectable naltrexone. A diagnosis and management decisions were made.
“Using Facebook Lets Me Know What He is Doing:” Relational Uncertainty, Breakups, and Renewals in On-again/Off-again Relationships

Uncertainty is a central but understudied element of on-again/off-again relationships, in which partners experience at least one renewal after a breakup. The current study investigates uncertainty ...
The impact of varying interphase interval on neuromuscular electrical stimulation-induced quadriceps femoris muscle performance and perceived discomfort.

Objectives: Determine the effects of varying frequency, phase duration, and interphase interval (IPI) of symmetrical, biphasic pulsed current (SBPC) on quadriceps femoris muscle torque production, ...
Poor Compliance With Postvasectomy Semen Testing: Analysis of Factors and Barriers

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVES To ensure procedure success, American Urological Association Guidelines recommend post-vasectomy semen analysis; however, current literature suggests poor compliance. We sought to measure post-vasectomy semen analysis compliance and assess barriers to completion. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of vasectomies at San Diego Veterans Administration Hospital and UC San Diego Health between 2006 and 2018. Patients received pre-procedural counseling regarding semen analysis necessity. Post-procedural management included follow-up visit within 2-4 weeks and semen analysis after 15-20 ejaculations. Demographics and periprocedural variables were collected. Telephone interviews assessed patient reported reasons for noncompliance. Multivariable analysis was performed for factors associated with semen analysis. RESULTS 503 men, mean age 38.8 years, underwent vasectomy at San Diego Veterans Administration Hospital (n=331) and UC San Diego (n=172). Overall, 80% completed clinical follow-up (n=401) and 53% completed semen analysis (n=268). The cohorts exhibited significantly different rates of semen analysis completion (46% vs 67%, p CONCLUSIONS Patients demonstrated poor post-vasectomy semen analysis compliance despite pre-procedural counseling. Given that distance and time constraints limited compliance, incorporating home-based semen testing may improve the quality of care for men undergoing vasectomy.
Quantum Mechanical Modeling of the Interactions between Noble Metal (Ag and Au) Nanoclusters and Water with the Effective Fragment Potential Method.

Explicit solvent interactions can significantly alter the physical and chemical properties of noble metal (e.g., gold and silver) nanoclusters. In order to compute these solvent interactions at a r...
Learning from the machine

Large cosmological datasets have been probing the properties of our Universe and constraining the parameters of dark matter and dark energy with increasing precision. Deep learning techniques have shown potential to be smarter than — and greatly outperform — human-designed statistics.
Real-World Implementation of Advanced PV Curtailment and Reactive Power Control Using Non-Smart PV Inverter: A Case Study

Solar Energy has experienced the fastest increase of installation around the globe among all the Renewable Energy Sources in recent years. But grid overvoltage and power quality issues, expensive transmission line upgrades, line congestion etc. are standing in the way of larger penetration of solar in the existing century-old distribution grid. The existing grid infrastructure was not designed to regulate the overvoltage issues caused by the intermittent nature of the excess penetration of solar energy. Smart inverters can go a long way in mitigating the overvoltage and undervoltage issues by providing reactive power support, but deploying these inverters require large-scale, expensive system upgradation. This paper deals with this problem in a cost-effective way by implementing real-time active power curtailment and reactive power variation on three already existing, non-smart PV inverters at a real-world microgrid testbed, and validating through real-time data monitoring. The outcomes of the presented control systems are not only in compliance with the new ‘Rule 21’ for smart inverters, UL 1741SA but also saves the expenditure of a new smart inverter and existing line upgrades.
Pain Prescription Legislation: What You Need to Know as the Surgeon

Opioid abuse and overdose continue to be a major public health crisis in the United States. As a result, legislation regarding the prescription of controlled substances has grown in complexity and is continually changing. As the surgeon, it is imperative to remain knowledgeable regarding federal and state regulations and how they affect one’s prescribing practices. Being cognizant of the policies that govern the distribution of controlled substances and best practices is a responsibility of the utmost importance. Laws on prescription of pain medication have both state and federal levels and can vary significantly.
Dynamic Matching: Characterizing and Achieving Constant Regret

We study how to optimally match agents in a dynamic market with heterogeneous match values. A network topology determines the feasible matches in the market. We consider networks that are two-sided when all matches include two agents, or acyclic otherwise. An inherent trade-off arises between generating short- and long-term value. We find that when the network satisfies a general position condition, this trade-off is limited, and a simple periodic clearing policy (nearly) maximizes the total value simultaneously at all times. Central to our results is the general position gap, e, which quantifies the stability or the imbalance in the network. No policy can achieve a regret that is lower than the order of 1/e at all times. This lower bound is achieved by a policy, which periodically resolves a natural LP, provided that the delay between periods is of the order of 1/e. Examples illustrate the necessity of some delay in periodic clearing policies.
Genetic Mapping of a new Hippo allele, Hpo N.1.2, in Drosophila melanogaster

Genetic screens provide a mechanism to identify genes involved with different cellular and organismal processes. Using a Flp/FRT screen in the Drosophila eye we identified mutations that result in alterations and de-regulation of cell growth and division. From this screen a group of undergraduate researchers part of the Fly-CURE consortium mapped and characterized a new allele of the gene Hippo, HpoN.1.2.
Efficacy and safety with the use of Antibiotic-impregnated Poly-methyl methacrylate (AI-PMMA) for thoracolumbar spinal reconstruction in pyogenic Spondylodiscitis: Retrospective cohort study

Abstract Background Surgical treatment of spinal osteomyelitis and discitis remains challenging due to the risk of implant colonization. We sought to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of using antibiotic-impregnated poly-methyl methacrylate (AI-PMMA) in spinal reconstruction for pyogenic spondylodiscitis. Method We retrospectively analyzed prospective data on consecutive patients who underwent AI-PMMA interbody fusion for thoracolumbar pyogenic spondylodiscitis from December 2011 to October 2016 at a single institution with multiple surgeons. We included consecutive patients who underwent AI-PMMA spinal reconstruction and fusion and were older than 18 years of age. All patients were included in the analysis regardless of their follow-up status who had previous spine surgery in the same area were excluded. Vancomycin powder was mixed with PMMA and tobramycin. The AIPMMA was introduced into the disc space as 5–10 mm beads, then contoured to fit. The primary outcome was fusion using CT or X-ray. Secondary outcomes were recurrent infection, PMMA-related complications, and VAS results. Descriptive statistics and univariate analyses were used. Results Sixty-two patients were included in the study. The mean follow-up interval was 18.6 months (3–66 months). Sixty-six AI-PMMA levels demonstrated a fusion rate of 100% (95% CI: 94.9%–100%). There was no cement extravasation or embolism. One patient (1.6%) developed a recurrent infection at the same level requiring revision surgery. Five patients (8%) died on long-term follow-up due to non-PMMA/infection-related causes. VAS back showed significant improvement in pain (7.8 vs. 3.5; 95% CI 2.8–5.8; p = 0.00). Conclusion We demonstrated that the application of AI-PMMA for spinal reconstruction in pyogenic spondylodiscitis is safe and efficacious. The study is limited by its retrospective design. Prospective studies are warranted.
Improving Compliance with a Rounding Checklist through Low- and High-technology Interventions: A Quality Improvement Initiative.

Introduction Checklists aid in ensuring consistency and completeness in medical care delivery. However, using an improvement and safety checklist during rounds was variable in our neonatology intensive care unit (NICU), and completion was not tracked sustainably. This quality improvement (QI) initiative's primary aim was to increase compliance with checklist completion from 31% to >75% within 1 year. Methods A multidisciplinary QI team identified barriers to checklist completion and implemented a human factors-focused low-technology intervention (redesign of a hard-copy checklist) and later a high-technology clinical decision support tool within the electronic health record. The primary outcome measure was percent compliance with the use of the checklist. Process metrics included the duration of checklist completion. Balancing measures included staff perceptions of work burden and question relevance. Results Major barriers to checklist utilization were inability to remember, rounding interruptions, and perceived lack of question relevance to patients. Average biweekly checklist compliance improved from 31% before interventions to 80% after interventions. Average checklist completion time decreased from 46 to 11 seconds. Follow-up surveys demonstrated more respondents found questions "completely relevant" (34% pre versus 43% post) but perceived increased work burden (26% pre versus 31% post). Conclusions Using QI methodology, human factors-based interventions, and a novel clinical decision support tool, we significantly improved efficiency and checklist compliance and created an automated, sustainable method for monitoring completion and responses. This foundational project provides an infrastructure broadly applicable to QI work in other healthcare settings.
Freedom of Speech and Press in Muslim-Majority Countries

This article examines the constitutions of 47 Muslim-majority countries and the Palestinian territories to compare the inclusion of free speech and free press guarantees, as well as the presence of Islam as the official state religion, to the actual existence of these freedoms in these countries, using a scale based on rankings developed by Reporters Without Borders and Freedom House. First, the findings suggest that the inclusion of Islam as a state religion in a country’s constitution does not necessarily lead to exclusion of freedom of speech and press in the constitutions of Muslim-majority countries. Second, inclusion of Islam as a state religion in the constitutions does make a significant difference when it comes to actual freedom in Muslim-majority countries, based on the ranking scale developed by the authors. Third, constitutional free speech and free press guarantees do not guarantee actual freedom for expression and press in Muslim-majority countries, with factors such as politics and culture appearing to play an important role in the application of those freedoms.
Direct and indirect clastogenic activity of anthracenedione in Chinese hamster ovary cells.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to characterize the clastogenic activity of 1,4-dihydroxy-5,8-bis{{ {2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethyl}amino}}-9,10-anthracenedione (NSC 301739), an antitumor compound now under clinical investigation. Chromosome damage in Chinese hamster overy cells in G2 phase was assayed directly by the technique of premature chromosome condensation, and this damage was compared with the aberration levels determined when the G2 cells attained metaphase. 1,4-Dihydroxy-5,8-bis{{ {2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethyl}amino}}-9,10-anthracenedione was observed to slow the progression of cells to mitosis and induce chromatid gaps, breaks, and exchanges directly in interphase cells. The frequency of gaps, breaks, and complete exchanges observed at metaphase were similar to those observed in G2 prematurely condensed chromosomes; however, the frequency of incomplete exchanges was increased in mitotic preparations. The additional exchanges appeared to result from chromosome stickiness occurring during chromosome condensation for metaphase. The chromosome attachments were strong and resulted in persistent chromosome bridges during anaphase. These results suggest that 1,4-dihydroxy-5,8-bis{{ {2-[(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]ethyl}amino}}-9,10-anthracenedione induces chromosome damage through both direct and indirect mechanisms.
Multi‐centre evaluation of mass spectrometric identification of anaerobic bacteria using the VITEK® MS system

Accurate and timely identification of anaerobic bacteria is critical to successful treatment. Classic phenotypic methods for identification require long turnaround times and can exhibit poor species level identification. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is an identification method that can provide rapid identification of anaerobes. We present a multi-centre study assessing the clinical performance of the VITEK® MS in the identification of anaerobic bacteria. Five different test sites analysed a collection of 651 unique anaerobic isolates comprising 11 different genera. Multiple species were included for several of the genera. Briefly, anaerobic isolates were applied directly to a well of a target plate. Matrix solution (α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid) was added and allowed to dry. Mass spectra results were generated with the VITEK® MS, and the comparative spectral analysis and organism identification were determined using the VITEK® MS database 2.0. Results were confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Of the 651 isolates analysed, 91.2% (594/651) exhibited the correct species identification. An additional eight isolates were correctly identified to genus level, raising the rate of identification to 92.5%. Genus-level identification consisted of Actinomyces, Bacteroides and Prevotella species. Fusobacterium nucleatum, Actinomyces neuii and Bacteroides uniformis were notable for an increased percentage of no-identification results compared with the other anaerobes tested. VITEK® MS identification of clinically relevant anaerobes is highly accurate and represents a dramatic improvement over other phenotypic methods in accuracy and turnaround time.
Road to Nowhere or Jurisprudential U-Turn?The Intersection of Punitive Damage ClassActions and the Due Process Clause

This Article analyzes the likely impact of recent Supreme Court jurisprudence applying substantive and procedural due process limits on punitive damage awards to class action punitive damage lawsuits. In BMW v. Gore and State Farm v. Campbell the Supreme Court adopted a tripartite analysis to determine whether punitive damage awards were excessive under the Due Process Clause. Just last year in Philip Morris v. Williams the Court took a step further by imposing the additional "procedural" limitation that requires trial courts to take steps to ensure that juries do not punish a tortfeasor through an award of punitive damages in one case for harm caused to anyone other than the plaintiff. There has been some recent scholarly speculation that these cases signal an end to the punitive damage class action by insisting upon an individualized focus for punitive damages that precludes class-wide determinations. In the last year, some lower federal courts have agreed with this view and denied class certification. This Article offers a very different reading of these recent Supreme Court opinions, illustrating that the Court’s primary concern in these cases has been the possibility of redundant awards of punitive damages by multiple juries in different cases. Thus viewed, increased certification of punitive damage class actions provides a more effective and efficient means of avoiding the redundant punishment problem. Further, Philip Morris creates a paradoxical command to trial courts—to permit juries to consider evidence of third-party harm in order to assess the "reprehensibility" of a tortfeasor’s misconduct but not to allow the jury to use that same evidence to set the award of punitive damages. ∗ Associate Professor, Baylor University School of Law. I want to thank my colleagues and the administration of Baylor Law School for providing me with the sabbatical time to research and write this Article. Special thanks also go to Gavin Smith and Sophia Lauricella for their helpful research assistance. 764 66 WASH. & LEE L. REV. 763 (2009) This dictate will prove impossible for lower courts to implement and actually offers defendants no benefit. Certification of class actions, however, avoids this inexorable problem by transforming the "third-parties" into litigant class members, thereby rending moot the need for the subtle distinctions embodied in Philip Morris. In essence, rather than portend the death of the punitive damage class action, the recent Supreme Court jurisprudence creates powerful new arguments in favor of the aggregate model of punitive damage adjudication that offers a route back toward the viable use of class actions in mass tort scenarios.
The Moderating Effect of Ecphoric Experience on Post‐identification Feedback: A Critical Test of the Cues‐based Inference Conceptualization

Summary: Confidence inflation from confirming post-identification feedback is greater when the eyewitness is inaccurate than when the eyewitness is accurate, which is evidence that witnesses infer their confidence from feedback only to the extent that their internal cues are weak. But the accurate/inaccurate asymmetry has alternative interpretations. A critical test between these interpretations was conducted by including disconfirming feedback conditions. Student participants (n=404) witnessed a mock crime, had either a strong or weak ecphoric experience when making their line-up identifications, and subsequently received no feedback, confirming feedback, or disconfirming feedback. Consistent with a cues-based conceptualization of the feedback effect, disconfirming feedback influenced witnesses with weak ecphoric experiences more than witnesses with strong ecphoric experiences, ironically increasing the confidence-accuracy relation. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Mistaken eyewitness identification appears to be the primary cause of the criminal conviction of innocent people; over 75% of DNA-based exonerations were cases of mistaken eyewitness identification (Innocence Project, 2008). But mistaken identification per se does not lead to the conviction of innocent people. Instead the innocent are at risk of conviction only if the witness is both mistaken and believable (to the triers of fact). Eyewitness science has long been interested in eyewitness identification confidence because people rely heavily on the confidence of the eyewitness to decide whether the witness made an accurate identification (e.g. Wells,
Institutional Actors And Entrepreneurial Choices: New Ventures In The Biodiesel Fuel Industry

Entrepreneurs face a host of potential choices in creating new firms, yet little is known about how multiple institutional actors promoting different practices and technologies can affect entrepreneurial decision-making, especially at the beginning of new sectors and technological lifecycles. Using historical data and quantitative analyses of U.S. biodiesel producer foundings, technological innovation and diversity, I highlight the impact of competing institutional actors (agriculture trade associations) on entrepreneurial decision-making and activity. I posit that greater competition or heterogeneity of trade associations promoting various technologies will result in higher rates of biodiesel foundings as well as technological variation and innovation. I also analyze the moderating influences of competing institutional actors (Sierra Club/environmental lobby actors) and entrepreneurial network relations (captured by de novo and de alio entrants) on trade association effectiveness. In a final analysis, I explore the moderating influence of institutional actor size on actor heterogeneity. The dissertation contributes to the growing nexus of institutions and entrepreneurship research as well as to the research on technology entrepreneurship.
Structural Elucidation of a Small Molecule Inhibitor of Protein Disulfide Isomerase

Compound libraries provide a starting point for multiple biological investigations, but the structural integrity of compounds is rarely assessed experimentally until a late stage in the research process. Here, we describe the discovery of a neuroprotective small molecule that was originally incorrectly annotated with a chemical structure. We elucidated the correct structure of the active compound using analytical chemistry, revealing it to be the natural product securinine. We show that securinine is protective in a cell model of Huntington disease and identify the binding site of securinine to its target, protein disulfide isomerase using NMR chemical shift perturbation studies. We show that securinine displays favorable pharmaceutical properties, making it a promising compound for in vivo studies in neurodegenerative disease models. In addition to finding this unexpected activity of securinine, this study provides a systematic roadmap to those who encounter compounds with incorrect structural annotation in the course of screening campaigns.
Time-Domain Analysis of Terahertz Propagation on Metal Wire Waveguides

Guided propagation of terahertz (THz) pulses on metal wires is observed and characterized with time-domain spectroscopy. This new type of terahertz waveguide shows low loss, negligible group velocity dispersion, and remarkable structural simplicity.
Primary Hyperoxaluria Type 1 with Systemic Calcium Oxalate Deposition: Case Report and Literature Review

We present an adult autopsy case of primary hyperoxaluria type 1. Diagnosis was established with skin biopsy and subsequent genetic analysis one month prior to death. At autopsy, calcium oxalate crystals refringent to polarized light were found systemically. Interestingly, however, calcium oxalate crystals were not identified in the bone. Additionally, we have included a review of the literature for previous autopsy cases, presentations, diagnosis, complications, and treatment of this rare genetic systemic process.
Sequence analysis of the Escherichia coli dnaE gene.

We have determined the sequence of a 4,350-nucleotide region of the Escherichia coli chromosome that contains dnaE, the structural gene for the alpha subunit of DNA polymerase III holoenzyme. The dnaE gene appeared to be part of an operon containing at least three other genes: 5'-lpxB-ORF23-dnaE-ORF37-3' (ORF, open reading frame). The lpxB gene encodes lipid A disaccharide synthase, an enzyme essential for cell growth and division (M. Nishijima, C.E. Bulawa, and C.R.H. Raetz, J. Bacteriol. 145:113-121, 1981). The termination codons of lpxB and ORF23 overlapped the initiation codons of ORF23 and dnaE, respectively, suggesting translational coupling. No rho-independent transcription termination sequences were observed. A potential internal transcriptional promoter was found preceding dnaE. Deletion of the -35 region of this promoter abolished dnaE expression in plasmids lacking additional upstream sequences. From the deduced amino acid sequence, alpha had a molecular weight of 129,920 and an isoelectric point of 4.93 for the denatured protein. ORF23 encoded a more basic protein (pI 7.11) with a molecular weight of 23,228. In the accompanying paper (D.N. Crowell, W.S. Reznikoff, and C.R.H. Raetz, J. Bacteriol. 169:5727-5734, 1987), the sequence of the upstream region that contains lpxA and lpxB is reported.
The good life and post-communist nostalgia

Two decades and a generation after the implosion of the Soviet bloc between 1989 and 1991, Eastern Europeans are sufficiently separated from their “totalitarian past” to revisit it with new perspec...