cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Structural glycobiology: A game of snakes and ladders

Oligo- and polysaccharides are infamous for being extremely flexible molecules, populating a series of well-defined rotational isomeric states under physiological conditions. Characterization of this heterogeneous conformational ensemble has been a major obstacle impeding high-resolution structure determination of carbohydrates and acting as a bottleneck in the effort to understand the relationship between the carbohydrate structure and function. This challenge has compelled the field to develop and apply theoretical and experimental methods that can explore conformational ensembles by both capturing and deconvoluting the structural and dynamic properties of carbohydrates. This review focuses on computational approaches that have been successfully used in combination with experiment to detail the three-dimensional structure of carbohydrates in a solution and in a complex with proteins. In addition, emerging experimental techniques for three-dimensional structural characterization of carbohydrate-protein complexes and future challenges in the field of structural glycobiology are discussed. The review is divided into five sections: (1) The complexity and plasticity of carbohydrates, (2) Predicting carbohydrate-protein interactions, (3) Calculating relative and absolute binding free energies for carbohydrate-protein complexes, (4) Emerging and evolving techniques for experimental characterization of carbohydrate-protein structures, and (5) Current challenges in structural glycoscience.
A novel mechanism to dynamically switch speed and accuracy in systemC based transaction level models

OSCI's TLM-2.0 standard enables the simulation of functionality and timing of a system by defining two coding styles namely Loosely-timed (LT) and approximately timed (AT). Without dynamic switching between the two modes, a user interested in performance analysis is forced to execute the model in AT mode for the entire duration of simulation. A run-time switching mechanism enables user to execute uninteresting simulation portions (e.g. operating system boot) in the high speed LT mode and switch to detailed AT model only when one needs to carry out detailed micro-architectural analysis (e.g. benchmark execution). In this paper, we introduce a comprehensive switching mechanism that addresses all the potential issues during LT-to-AT and AT-to-LT transitions. We test this switching methodology on one Intel proprietary Interconnect Bus model and demonstrate a 24X speedup over AT-only simulations.
Neurotransmitter modulation of calcium channels in rat sympathetic neurons

Adrenergic, cholinergic, and a variety of peptide neurotransmitters are known to modulate Ca currents in peripheral neurons. Using a protocol that allows for simultaneous assessment of effects on dihydropyridine (DHP)-sensitive and DHP-insensitive current components, we compared the actions of norepinephrine (NE), bethanechol (BeCh), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) on Ca currents in neonatal rat superior cervical ganglion neurons. Here, we show that these transmitters selectively depress the activity of DHP-insensitive Ca channels. Intracellular application of GTP-gamma-S, an activator of GTP-binding proteins, also exclusively affected the DHP-insensitive current, whereas 1,2-oleoylacetylglycerol (OAG), a protein kinase C (PKC) activator, depressed both the DHP- sensitive and DHP-insensitive currents. Pertussis toxin interrupted the coupling between NE and its effector, whereas three different inhibitors of PKC did not. Thus, we confirmed that the selective actions of the transmitters on Ca current appear to be mediated via GTP- binding proteins, but we found no evidence for direct involvement of PKC and conclude that the observed actions of OAG are distinct from those mediated by the neurotransmitters studied.
New Insights Into Cancer-Associated Thrombosis

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an increasingly frequent complication of anticancer therapy. The underlying mechanisms are not completely understood, but are related in part to oncogene activation and tissue factor (TF) expression. Several risk factors have been identified including site and stage of cancer, patient comorbidities, and specific therapeutic agents. Candidate biomarkers such as blood counts, TF, and P-selectin have recently been identified. A risk model predictive of chemotherapy-associated VTE has been validated. Thromboprophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), unfractionated heparin (UFH), or fondaparinux is recommended for hospitalized medical and surgical cancer patients. Long-term anticoagulation with LMWH is safe and effective in reducing recurrent VTE in cancer. The role of thromboprophylaxis in ambulatory cancer patients receiving chemotherapy is an area of active investigation.
Combined vascular endothelial growth factor-targeted therapy and radiotherapy for rectal cancer: theory and clinical practice.

Despite the routine use of adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, patients with advanced rectal tumors experience significant rates of treatment failure and disease recurrence. Resistance to radiation is a particular problem. Adding a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–targeted therapy may improve outcomes in these patients. Epidemiologic studies have shown that tumor expression of VEGF predicts disease recurrence and lower overall survival in patients treated with radiation. In tumor xenograft models in mice, VEGF-targeted agents increase the response to radiation, with a greater probability of tumor control and a greater delay in tumor growth. In addition to killing cancer cells indirectly by damaging tumor blood vessels (antivascular effect), VEGF-targeted therapy may sensitize tumors to radiation through two mechanisms: by normalizing the tumor vasculature, leading to greater tumor oxygenation, and thereby increasing the cytotoxicity of radiation to cancer cells, and by increasing the radiosensitivity of tumor-associated endothelial cells. In addition, anti-VEGF agents may inhibit the regrowth of tumors after radiation by decreasing the number of circulating endothelial cells and endothelial progenitor cells. A phase I dose-escalation study has shown the safety of bevacizumab at a dose of 5 mg/kg in combination with 5-fluorouracil and radiation in patients with rectal carcinoma, and has provided evidence of both vascular normalization and antivascular mechanisms. Phase II evaluation of bevacizumab in this setting is under way.
Self-organization of shear bands in titanium and Ti–6Al–4V alloy

The evolution of multiple adiabatic shear bands was investigated in commercially pure titanium and Ti–6Al–4V alloy through the radial collapse of a thick-walled cylinder under high-strain-rate deformation (10 4 s 1 ). The shearband initiation, propagation, as well as spatial distribution were examined under different global strains. The shear bands nucleate at the internal boundary of the specimens and construct a periodical distribution at an early stage. The shear bands are the preferred sites for nucleation, growth, and coalescence of voids and are, as such, precursors to failure. The evolution of shear-band pattern during the deformation process reveals a self-organization character. The differences of mechanical response between the two alloys are responsible for significant differences in the evolution of the shear band patterns. The number of shear bands initiated in Ti (spacing of 0.18 mm) is considerably larger than in Ti–6Al–4V (spacing of 0.53 mm); on the other hand, the propagation velocity of the bands in Ti–6Al–4V (556 m/s) is approximately three times higher than in Ti (153 m/s). The experimental shear-band spacings are compared with theoretical predictions that use the perturbation analysis and momentum diffusion; the shortcomings of the latter are discussed. A new model is proposed for the initiation and propagation that incorporates some of the earlier ideas and expands them to a two-dimensional configuration. The initiation is treated as a probabilistic process with a Weibull dependence on strain; superimposed on this, a shielding factor is introduced to deal with the deactivation of embryos. A discontinuous growth mode for shear localization under periodic perturbation is proposed. The propagating shear bands compete and periodically create a new spatial distribution.  2002 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd on behalf of Acta Materialia Inc.
Quantum Key Distribution System Operating at Sifted-Key Rate Over 4 Mbit/s

A complete fiber-based polarization encoding quantum key distribution (QKD) system based on the BB84 protocol has been developed at National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST). The system can be operated at a sifted key rate of more than 4 Mbit/s over optical fiber of length 1 km and mean photon number 0.1. The quantum channel uses 850 nm photons from attenuated high speed VCSELs and the classical channel uses 1550 nm light from normal commercial coarse wavelength division multiplexing devices. Sifted-key rates and quantum error rates at different transmission rates are measured as a function of distance (fiber length). A polarization auto-compensation module has been developed and utilized to recover the polarization state and to compensate for temporal drift. An automatic timing alignment device has also been developed to quickly handle the initial configuration of quantum channels so that detection events fall into the correct timing window. These automated functions make the system more practical for integration into existing optical local area networks.
Chronic Intermittent Hypoxia Is Independently Associated with Reduced Postoperative Opioid Consumption in Bariatric Patients Suffering from Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Background Evidence suggests that recurrent nocturnal hypoxemia may affect pain response and/or the sensitivity to opioid analgesia. We tested the hypothesis that nocturnal hypoxemia, quantified by sleep time spent at an arterial saturation (SaO2) < 90% and minimum nocturnal SaO2 on polysomnography, are associated with decreased pain and reduced opioid consumption during the initial 72 postoperative hours in patients having laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Methods With Institutional Review Board approval, we examined the records of all patients who underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery between 2004 and 2010 and had an available nocturnal polysomnography study. We assessed the relationships between the time-weighted average of pain score and total opioid consumption during the initial 72 postoperative hours, and: (a) the percentage of total sleep time spent at SaO2 < 90%, (b) the minimum nocturnal SaO2, and (c) the number of apnea/hypopnea episodes per hour of sleep. We used multivariable regression models to adjust for both clinical and sleep-related confounders. Results Two hundred eighteen patients were included in the analysis. Percentage of total sleep time spent at SaO2 < 90% was inversely associated with total postoperative opioid consumption; a 5-%- absolute increase in the former would relatively decrease median opioid consumption by 16% (98.75% CI: 2% to 28%, P = 0.006). However, the percentage of total sleep time spent at SaO2 < 90% was not associated with pain. The minimum nocturnal SaO2 was associated neither with total postoperative opioid consumption nor with pain. In addition, neither pain nor total opioid consumption was significantly associated with the number of apnea/hypopnea episodes per hour of sleep. Conclusions Preoperative nocturnal intermittent hypoxia may enhance sensitivity to opioids.
Dental Caries Prevalence in Texas Schoolchildren Using Water Supplies with High and Low Lithium and Fluoride

The effect of lithium (Li) in drinking water on caries prevalence in seven Texas towns was investigated. Children (life-long residents) aged 12-14 years were examined for caries prevalence, as DMFS, in towns with drinking water Li concentrations ranging from 0.0 to 165μg/L and fluoride (F) concentrations ranging from 0.20 to 1.94mgl L. A significant negative relationship was found between F in drinking water and DMFS. When corrected for the F contribution, Li in water supplies showed a positive correlation with DMFS.
“We're losing our country”: Barack Obama, Race & the Tea Party

This essay's approach to race and the Tea Party is twofold: to consider the role race plays in Tea Partiers' claim that they have “lost their country” and to question why blacks would be members of the Tea Party given its radically conservative views. To explore the latter, Walker looks to black and other minority conservatives from the past who embraced political conservatism as a means to escape stigmatization. Walker's essay argues that America has become less racist than it used to be, but he resists characterizing the nation as “post-racial.” He uses examples of conflicts between Asians, blacks, and Mexicans to further his point.
Drotrecogin alfa (recombinant human activated protein C) for the treatment of severe sepsis.

Abstract Background: The search for life-preserving drug to treat sepsis has increased understanding of the pathogenesis of the process but produced little in the way of successful treatments. The prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase III, multicenter Recombinant Human Activated Protein C Worldwide Evaluation in Severe Sepsis (PROWESS) trial suggested that drotrecogin alfa—recombinant human activated protein C—significantly improved 28-day mortality rates in acute sepsis ( P = 0.005). Objectives: The goals of this drug review were to summarize the recent findings regarding the pathogenesis of sepsis and septic shock, as well as the results of select immunomodulator drug trials, and to offer a comprehensive review of the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic profile, efficacy and safety profile, and pharmacoeconomics of drotrecogin alfa. Methods: The English-language literature was searched using the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases. In EMBASE, the subject headings drotrecogin, activated protein C , and sepsis were used to search publications from 1980 through September 2002. In MEDLINE, the MeSH heading protein C and subject heading sepsis were used to search publications from 1966 through September 2002. Published abstracts of recent meetings and proceedings of the US Food and Drug Administration were also reviewed. Results: Drotrecogin alfa mimics the endogenous protein depleted during acute sepsis. Its activity as an antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and profibrilolytic agent appears to diminish the negative outcomes of acute sepsis, notably mortality at 28 days. The results of the PROWESS trial support this finding. A bleeding risk was noted during Phase II and III trials despite efforts to exclude those patients at high risk of bleeding. Conclusions: Drotrecogin alfa is the first adjunctive agent for the treatment of sepsis to display clinically and statistically significant effects on mortality rates at 28 days. Many questions remain regarding which patients are ideal candidates for treatment. New research and treatment guidelines are necessary to address these questions.
Effects of Caffeine Consumption on Delayed Conception

The authors examined the effects of caffeine consumption on waiting time to conception in the Reproductive Health Study, a retrospective study of 1,430 non-contracepting, parous women interviewed between July 1989 and June 1990 at Fishkill, New York, and Burlington, Vermont. Information was obtained on 2,501 pregnancies since 1980. Women's reported consumption of caffeinated beverages during the first month of pregnancy was used to estimate daily caffeine intake, which was categorized as none, 1-150, 151-300, and ≥301 mg. Information on delayed conception was analyzed as a dichotomous variable (≤12 months delay vs. >12 months delay), and the per cycle probability of conception (fecundability) was estimated using waiting time to conception as a continuous variable. Odds ratios of delayed conception and fecundability ratios adjusted for age, parity, smoking, last contraceptive used, infertility history, and race, were estimated by logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models, respectively. Women who did not smoke and who consumed no caffeine were used as a reference group. The adjusted odds ratio of delayed conception for more than one year was not increased among women who consumed <300 mg of caffeine daily. However, the odds ratio (OR) was 2.65 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.38-5.07) among nonsmokers who consumed ≥301 mg of caffeine daily. Although smoking per se was associated with a significant increased risk of delayed conception (OR = 1.77, 95% CI 1.33-2.37), no effect of high caffeine consumption was observed among women who smoked. Fecundability was reduced among nonsmokers who consumed more than 300 mg caffeine daily (fecundability ratio = 0.74, 95% CI 0.59-0.92). Smoking reduced the fecundability ratio, but the authors observed no effect of caffeine consumption on fecundability among women who smoked. Other studies provide biologic plausibility for these findings. The authors conclude that high levels of caffeine consumption may result in delayed conception among women who do not smoke cigarettes.
A process and geometry driven device macro model for statistical simulation of bipolar ICs

A method of modeling bipolar semiconductor devices for circuit simulation is presented. Device layout geometric differences are accurately included in circuit simulation models without requiring a separate model for each layout geometry. To ensure that the simulated results closely match the measured performance, all parasitic junctions and capacitances are modeled in detail by utilizing subcircuit macros. Functional model parameters allow statistical circuit simulation from uncorrelated process parameters. >
Implementation of a Nurse-Driven Burn Resuscitation Protocol: A Quality Improvement Project

Background Burn resuscitation, including titration of fluids and administration of colloids, is often driven by physicians' orders. Inconsistencies in burn resuscitation cause overresuscitation, which has adverse consequences. Methods Retrospective chart reviews were completed to evaluate fluid resuscitation and complications for 12 months before and after development and implementation of a nurse-driven burn resuscitation protocol. Results Before implementation of the protocol, results at 24 hours after injury indicated that 58% of patients were overresuscitated, had a serum level of lactate of at least 2 mmol/L (100%), and had complications (pulmonary edema 20%, abdominal compartment syndrome 7%, acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome 30%) within the first 5 days. Two outcomes differed from before to after implementation of the protocol: serum level of lactate at 24 hours (t(37.8) =2.38, P =.007) and central venous pressure at 48 hours (t(31) =2.27, P =.03). After implementation of the protocol, no patients had abdominal compartment syndrome develop. Conclusions Implementation of the nurse-driven burn resuscitation protocol improved nurses' awareness and assessment of fluid status during resuscitation and improved patients' outcomes.
Clarifying the role of impulsivity in bulimia nervosa.

Objective With the goal of demonstrating that urgency impulsivity is associated with bulimic symptoms, not (lack of) planning impulsivity, the authors conducted two studies assessing these personality traits and bulimic symptoms in undergraduate women. Method In study 1 291 women completed urgency and deliberation scales of the NEO PIR and the BULIT-R. In study 2 101 women completed alternative measures tapping these personality constructs and the BULIT-R. Results In both studies, what is commonly assessed with impulsivity measures, a lack of planning, was not significantly associated with bulimic symptoms. However, urgency, the tendency to act rashly when experiencing negative affect, was positively correlated with bulimic symptoms. Discussion The authors suggest that future researchers assess urgency, not lack of planning, when assessing impulsivity as a risk factor for bulimia nervosa. © 2003 by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Eat Disord 33: 406–411, 2003.
A preliminary evaluation of a new cholecystographic medium "telepaque".

Summary This preliminary report is based on our observations on 100 patients following the administration of a new cholecystographic medium, Telepaque. This same group was also studied with Priodax. The side effects following the ingestion of both media have been tabulated. The superiority of Telepaque was evident in the reduction of the incidence of untoward side reactions and sequelae. The high percentage of symptom-free patients in the Telepaque group was significant. The advantageous features presented by the new medium were (a) high percentage of functioning gall bladders. (2) increased density of the gall bladder shadow. (3) adequate response to the fatty meal, affording a means of studying the evacuation phase. (4) increased incidence of visualization of the duct shadows. No attempt to summarize the diagnostic findings and present our conclusions is made. It is our wish to collect a larger series and to summarize the diagnostic and surgical findings in a group of cases studied with Telepaque. Our present experience, however, provides adequate reason for continuing our studies with this medium.
Correction: Phase stability in nanoscale material systems: extension from bulk phase diagrams

Correction for ‘Phase stability in nanoscale material systems: extension from bulk phase diagrams’ by Saurabh Bajaj et al., Nanoscale, 2015, 7, 9868–9877.
LEED and Energy Efficiency: Do Owners Game the System?

By meeting a set of predetermined requisites and guidelines in the construction or retrofitting process, building owners are able to obtain a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Given that owners of LEED-certified buildings are often rewarded with financial incentives such as tax breaks and zoning allowances, it has been suggested that applicants for LEED certification take advantage of scoring credits that are easier to obtain, but that may not serve in the interests of the environment. In this paper, we evaluate the frequency with which building owners in California seeking LEED certification after the year 2009 applied the most energy-reducing measures to their buildings. The findings indicate that LEED applicants do not seem to display a selective bias against the LEED rating system score credits deemed as particularly energy-friendly.
Of Two Minds: Offering More than One Technology Choice Changes the Cognitive Processes Used to Form Perceptions of Usefulness and Ease of Use

Choice is becoming the norm in the use of information systems. Rather than being offered a system and being faced with a take-it-or-leave-it decision, people are increasingly faced with choices among different systems. Based on evolutionary psychology and research on preference reversal, we theorize that human beings form evaluative judgments about perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness differently, depending on whether they are faced with a take-it-or-leave-it decision or a choice among alternatives. Specifically, we postulate the existence of two distinct mental organs one for take-it-or-leave-it decisions and one for choices among alternatives which weight positivity and negativity differently. We performed an experiment where undergraduate students were asked to evaluate one or both of two gaming sights and indicate their positivity and negativity toward the sites, as well as their perceived ease of use and usefulness. Our results show significant differences in the weightings on positivity and negativity in forming evaluative judgments about perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness when subjects evaluated sites as a take-it-or-leave-it decision versus when subjects evaluated sites as a choice among alternatives.
Taming the cloud object storage with MOS

Cloud object stores today are deployed using a single set of configuration parameters for all different types of applications. This homogeneous setup results in all applications experiencing the same service level (e.g., data transfer throughput, etc.). However, the vast variety of applications expose extremely different latency and throughput requirements. To this end, we propose MOS, a Micro Object Storage architecture with independently configured microstores each tuned dynamically for a particular type of workload. We then expose these microstores to the tenant who can then choose to place their data in the appropriate microstore according the latency and throughput requirements of their workloads. Our evaluation shows that compared with default setup, MOS can improve the performance up to 200% for small objects and 28% for large objects while providing opportunity of tradeoff between two.
Undergraduate and Graduate Students’ Descriptions of the Complete Acceptance of Homosexuality

Based on the idea that researchers may better understand attitudes regarding homosexuality by focusing on acceptance rather than heterosexism, we utilized an online survey to ask 437 undergraduate ...
Eclosion Time and Spatial Distribution of Overwintering Spruce Spider Mite (Acari: Tetranychidae) Eggs on Colorado Spruce

No ovipositional preference was shown by spruce spider mites, Oligonychus ullunguis (Jacobi), with respect to compass direction or the upper, middle, or lower strata of Colorado spruce, Picea pungens (Engelmann). However, along the axes of host plant limbs, eggs were deposited significantly farther from the center of the plant on tile south and east sides than on the north and west sides. Eggs were deposited significantly farther from the center of the host plant in tile lower stratum than in the upper and middle strata. Degree day accumulations, using 2 lower developmental thresholds, were used to describe eclosion of diapausing eggs. Mean degree-day accumulations (±SD) from 1 March to eclosion were 143.3 ± 30.1 base 7.1°C and 170.1 ± 29.6 base 5.6°C. These means coincided well (≈5 d) with observed hatching times in the field in 1993 and 1994. A In-probit transformation of the data and regression analysis revealed no significant difference between the accuracy of either model relative to field observations. However, the model using tile lower of the 2 developmental thresholds (5.6°C) provided a better fit with data gathered in the lab ( r 2 = 0.94, MSE = 0.114), suggesting that 5.6°C is a better base temperature for predicting emergences based on degree-days.
Greenhouse Control of the Black Vine Weevil Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) by Heterorhabditid and Steinernematid Nematodes

We conducted greenhouse tests to determine the effectiveness of the entomogenous nematodes, Heterorhabditis heliothidis, Neoaplectana carpocapsae , and N. glaseri , for control of the black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus. H. heliothidis applied to the surface of the soil gave better control against early-instar larvae than did the other nematodes similarly applied. When applied to the soil surface, the three species were equally effective against late-instar larvae but when late-instar larvae were placed 20 cm deep, the best control was achieved with N. glaseri . When injected 5 cm into the soil, the three species showed equal effectiveness against late-instar larvae placed at depths of 5, 10, and 20 cm.
Structures of the Anionic Mo/Co/S Cluster Salts [BnNMe3][Cp‘2Mo2Co2S4(CO)2], [Na(15-crown-5)1.5][Cp*2Mo2Co2S4(CO)2], and [BnNMe3][Cp‘2Mo2Co2S3(CO)3(SAr)] (Bn = Benzyl, Cp* = C5Me4Et, Ar = p-Tolyl)

The paramagnetic cluster anions Cp‘2Mo2Co2S4(CO)2- (6), and Cp*2Mo2Co2S4(CO)2- (6*) were prepared by the reaction of Cp‘2Mo2Co2S3(CO)4 with p-toluene thiolate or by Na amalgam reduction of the cuba...
Can elbow extension be used as a test of clinically significant injury

Background The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a simple test of full elbow extension was a reliable indicator of bone/joint injury at the elbow joint. Methods In this prospective study, patients with acute elbow injuries were asked to fully extend the injured elbow. Radiologists blinded to the results of the extension test interpreted the radiographs. Results Of 114 patients with acute elbow injury entered into the study, 110 underwent adiographic evaluation. Inability to extend the elbow was found in 37 of 38 patients with bone injury. Only 1 of 54 patients who were able to fully extend the elbow was found to have bone/joint injury. The sensitivity and specificity of the elbow-extension test for identification of bone/joint injury was 97% and 69%, respectively. Conclusions The elbow-extension test can be used as a sensitive clinical screening test for patients with acute elbow injuries.
What are the barriers to training residents in aortic root surgery

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Aortic root surgery is a technically demanding procedure that is performed infrequently by most surgeons, with national mortality rates over 10%. The study aim was to identify the barriers to training residents in this operation. METHODS: By using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, all consecutive adults (n = 356) undergoing aortic root reconstruction at The Mount Sinai Medical Center between 2007 and 2011 were retrospectively compared according to whether a resident or faculty surgeon performed the procedure. Surveys were then conducted to determine reasons why residents did not perform cases, and to evaluate outcomes of aortic root surgery performed by recent graduates of the program. RESULTS: Surgical techniques among patients included: root replacement (81%, n = 290) using homograft, composite bioprosthetic or mechanical valved conduits; Ross procedures (17%, n = 53); and other root surgery such as valve-sparing procedures (2%, n = 7). Residents performed 32% (n = 66/204) of cases when they were scrubbed. The incidence of mortality was lower for cases performed by residents (2%, n = 2) compared to faculty (4%, n = 12) (p=0.335), and no significant differences in cardiopulmonary bypass or cross-clamp times, early morbidity or late survival were observed. The most common reasons given why scrubbed residents did not perform cases were a mismatch between the skill of the resident and case complexity (46%, n = 94), followed by the faculty surgeon's preference (41%, n = 83). Recent program graduates had collectively performed 30 aortic root procedures independently as faculty surgeons, and with no mortality; however, most expressed a continued preference for more senior help on such cases. CONCLUSION: Residents can safely perform aortic root surgery under appropriate supervision. The greatest challenge involved in improving resident training in aortic root surgery lies in routinely matching resident skills with case complexity and teaching expertise.
Connectivity Effects on Energy and Area for Neuromorphic System with High Speed Asynchronous Pulse Mode Links

Hardware neuromorphic systems are challenged to achieve biologically realistic levels of interconnectivity. When building a physical implementation of a neural net, the properties of the media immediately impose limits on the number of interconnects and available timing options. The design of any system must consider the energy and area costs associated with the physical layout of neuron core connectivity, first, by accepting the wiring limits imposed by Rent's rule and second, by understanding the temporal overhead introduced by routing. The presented results show the energy-area trade-off for a model of a neuromorphic system with event driven interconnections. The low area overhead of the asynchronous pulse-mode links create an attractive opportunity for a digital neuromorphic system with a connectivity model closer to the existing software models of neural nets.
Extraction of Wave Dispersion Characteristics in a Discrete Chain Using Complex Modal Decomposition

The dispersion relationship of a discrete chain of masses is extracted from numerically simulated data by applying complex modal decomposition. When an impulse excitation is applied to one end of a semi-infinite mass-spring chain, a wave is generated and propagates down the chain. This wave consists of various modes. The time record for the generated data is limited such that the wave reflection does not return to the “sensed” masses. For example, a 250-mass chain is simulated, and we consider (or sensed) the time record of the first 100 masses. The data collected from the numerical simulation consists of the displacements of each mass at each time step. This data is then used to extract complex modes using the complex orthogonal decomposition (COD) and smooth complex orthogonal decomposition. The extracted complex modes accommodate modal traveling waves. We then compute the frequencies and wave numbers from modal coordinates and mode shapes, respectively. The amplitudes and frequencies of the modes are also estimated using Rayleigh’s quotients. The COD extracted dispersion relationship matched the analytical prediction of the dispersion curve for the linear mass chain.
Technology and Textbooks: The Future

ABSTRACTThis article describes two separate studies: a survey of students’ textbook perceptions, purchases, and usage for e-textbooks and print textbooks and a conjoint analysis on e-textbook attributes. Print textbooks were perceived as easier to read, understand, and navigate, whereas e-textbooks were perceived to be cheaper. Students were willing to purchase e-textbooks, although most did not have e-readers. In the conjoint study, price was the most important attribute, followed by access to online study guides, videos, and quizzes and the duration of e-textbook accessibility. The ideal e-textbook was priced at 60% of the print textbook; was accessible for one year; and provided access to online study guides, videos, and quizzes.
Do Elections Hurt Developing Economies

Political economists debate the existence of a political business cycle (PBCs), in which politicians stimulate the economy to improve their re-election chances, only to cause a post-election slowdown. For developing countries, scholars have found evidence of election-year policy tinkering. Yet beyond this tinkering, perhaps elections have other important consequences. I test whether elections produce the harmful economic effects predicted by PBC theory. Using quarterly data from 47 democracies from 1993-2004, I do not find any evidence of negative outcomes. Instead, there is an unexpected variance correlated with institutional design. Elections and economic outcomes appear to have no relationship in presidential systems, but a positive and statistically significant relationship in parliamentary systems. I argue that the absence of PBCs reflects the difficulty in triggering booms before elections in open economies.
How Do Efficient Coding Strategies Depend on Origins of Noise in Neural Circuits

Neural circuits reliably encode and transmit signals despite the presence of noise at multiple stages of processing. The efficient coding hypothesis, a guiding principle in computational neuroscience, suggests that a neuron or population of neurons allocates its limited range of responses as efficiently as possible to best encode inputs while mitigating the effects of noise. Previous work on this question relies on specific assumptions about where noise enters a circuit, limiting the generality of the resulting conclusions. Here we systematically investigate how noise introduced at different stages of neural processing impacts optimal coding strategies. Using simulations and a flexible analytical approach, we show how these strategies depend on the strength of each noise source, revealing under what conditions the different noise sources have competing or complementary effects. We draw two primary conclusions: (1) differences in encoding strategies between sensory systems—or even adaptational changes in encoding properties within a given system—may be produced by changes in the structure or location of neural noise, and (2) characterization of both circuit nonlinearities as well as noise are necessary to evaluate whether a circuit is performing efficiently.
Project H.O.P.E.: Effective University Engagement with Community Afterschool Programs

Implemented in 2002 by the Duke-Durham Neighborhood Partnership, Project H.O.P.E. has improved the quantity and quality of afterschool programs for the youth of Durham, NC. Project H.O.P.E. provides tutoring programs, enrichment resources, and evaluation support to non-profit community partner organizations located in the low income Durham neighborhoods surrounding Duke University. Duke University undergraduates who provide tutoring services to the Durham youth in the afterschool programs gain from valuable reciprocal service learning experiences. Project H.O.P.E. is an effective model of the mutual benefits that can be gained from effective university and community engagement in the service of at-risk students.
Synergistic interactions between PLK1 and HDAC inhibitors in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cells occur in vitro and in vivo and proceed through multiple mechanisms.

// Tri Nguyen 1 , Rebecca Parker 1 , Elisa Hawkins 1 , Beata Holkova 1 , Victor Yazbeck 1 , Akhil Kolluri 1 , Maciej Kmieciak 5 , Mohamed Rahmani 1 and Steven Grant 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 1 Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and the Massey Cancer Center, Richmond, VA, USA 2 Departments of Biochemistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA 3 Departments of Pharmacology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA 4 Virginia Institute for Molecular Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA 5 Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University Health Sciences Center, Richmond, VA, USA Correspondence to: Steven Grant, email: steven.grant@vcuhealth.org Keywords: non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, volasertib, belinostat Received: August 17, 2016 Accepted: November 22, 2016 Published: February 23, 2017 ABSTRACT Interactions between the polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) inhibitor volasertib and the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACI) belinostat were examined in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cells in vitro and in vivo. Exposure of DLBCL cells to very low concentrations of volasertib in combination with belinostat synergistically increased cell death (apoptosis). Similar interactions occurred in GC-, ABC-, double-hit DLBCL cells, MCL cells, bortezomib-resistant cells and primary lymphoma cells. Co-exposure to volasertib/belinostat induced a marked increase in M-phase arrest, phospho-histone H3, mitotic errors, cell death in M-phase, and DNA damage. Belinostat diminished c-Myc mRNA and protein expression, an effect significantly enhanced by volasertib co-exposure. c-Myc knock-down increased DNA damage and cell death in response to volasertib, arguing that c-Myc down-regulation plays a functional role in the lethality of this regimen. Notably, PLK1 knock-down in DLBCL cells significantly increased belinostat-induced M-phase accumulation, phospho-histone H3, γH2AX, and cell death. Co-administration of volasertib and belinostat dramatically reduced tumor growth in an ABC-DLBCL flank model (U2932) and a systemic double-hit lymphoma model (OCI-Ly18), accompanied by a pronounced increase in survival without significant weight loss or other toxicities. Together, these findings indicate that PLK1/HDAC inhibition warrants attention as a therapeutic strategy in NHL.
Recruitment and Regulation of the Non-ribosomal Peptide Synthetase Modifying Cytochrome P450 Involved in Nikkomycin Biosynthesis

The β-hydroxylation of l-histidine is the first step in the biosynthesis of the imidazolone base of the antifungal drug nikkomycin. The cytochrome P450 (NikQ) hydroxylates the amino acid while it is appended via a phosphopantetheine linker to the non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) NikP1. The latter enzyme is comprised of an MbtH and single adenylation and thiolation domains, a minimal composition that allows for detailed binding and kinetics studies using an intact and homogeneous NRPS substrate. Electron paramagnetic resonance studies confirm that a stable complex is formed with NikQ and NikP1 when the amino acid is tethered. Size exclusion chromatography is used to further refine the principal components that are required for this interaction. NikQ binds NikP1 in the fully charged state, but binding also occurs when NikP1 is lacking both the phosphopantetheine arm and appended amino acid. This demonstrates that the interaction is mainly guided by presentation of the thiolation domain interface, rat...
Ruxolitinib sensitizes ovarian cancer to reduced dose Taxol, limits tumor growth and improves survival in immune competent mice.

// Patrick M. Reeves 1 , Mojgan A. Abbaslou 1 , Farah R.W. Kools 1 , Kritchai Vutipongsatorn 1 , Xiaoyun Tong 1 , Christina Gavegano 2 , Raymond F. Schinazi 2 and Mark C. Poznansky 1 1 Vaccine and Immunotherapy Center, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02129, USA 2 Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA Correspondence to: Patrick M. Reeves, email: pmreeves@partners.org Mark C. Poznansky, email: mpoznansky@partners.org Keywords: Ruxolitinib, ovarian, Taxol, combination, immunocompetent Received: May 04, 2017 Accepted: July 02, 2017 Published: October 04, 2017 ABSTRACT Background: Chemotherapy initially reduces the tumor burden in patients with ovarian cancer. However, tumors recur in over 70% of patients, creating the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Methods: We evaluated Ruxolitinib, an FDA-approved JAK 1/2 kinase inhibitor, as a potential adjunctive therapy for use with low-dose Taxol (Paclitaxel) by assessing the impact on in vitro proliferation and colony formation of ID8 cells or human TOV-112D ovarian cancer cells, as well as flow cytometric measurement of surface markers associated with cellular stress and stemness by ID8 cells. The syngeneic ID8 murine model of ovarian cancer was used to assess the impact of Ruxolitinib and Taxol, individually and in combination, on tumor initiation and growth, as well as capacity to extend survival. Results: Ruxolitinib (≤10 μM) sensitized both ID8 and TOV-112D cells to low concentrations of Taxol (≤5 nM), limiting cell proliferation and colony formation in vitro . Mechanistically, we demonstrated that Taxol induced expression of stress and stemness markers including GRP78 and CD133 was significantly reduced by addition of Ruxolitinib. Finally, we demonstrated that a single administration of a low-dose of Taxol (10 mg/Kg) together with daily Ruxolitinib (30 mg/Kg; which is equivalent to plasma concentrations of ~ 0.01 μM steady-state) limited ID8 tumor growth in vivo and significantly extended median survival up to 53.5% (median 70 v 107.5 days) as compared to control mice. Conclusion: Together, these data support the use of Ruxolitinib in combination with low-dose Taxol as a therapeutic approach with the potential for improved efficacy and reduced side effects for patients with recurrent ovarian cancer.
Altered Mental Status in the Emergency Department

Altered mental status is an umbrella term that covers a broad spectrum of disease processes that vary greatly in chronicity and severity. Causes can be a primary neurologic insult or a result of a systemic illness resulting in end-organ dysfunction of the brain. Acute changes in mental status are more likely than chronic changes to be immediately life-threatening and are therefore the focus of this review. Given the potential time-sensitive nature, acute changes in mental status must be addressed immediately and with urgency. We recommend a primary survey followed by a secondary survey with special attention to immediate life-threatening reversible causes. We then recommend a systems-based approach searching for any other life-threatening or reversible causes. Because the differential for altered mental status is broad, a comprehensive emergency department evaluation including a detailed history and physical exam as well as laboratory and radiographic testing is needed.
Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis of the Mandible: A Diagnostic Challenge.

Summary:Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis is a rare autoinflammatory bone disorder of children and adolescents characterized by monofocal or multifocal inflammatory bone lesions that are culture-negative on biopsy, associated with periods of exacerbation and resolution that can last over se
Effects of Extended Deboning Times on the Breast Meat Quality of Fast-Growing Big Broilers

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Automated Theorem Proving 1965–1970

In this article we give a critical history of automated theorem proving from 1965 through 1970. By evaluating the contributions of the period, we provide a guide to a study of the field during its development. In order to differentiate between that work which turned out to be significant and that which had lesser impact, we occasionally rely of necessity on developments occurring after 1970. Since we confine our attention to automated theorem proving, certain work in logic occurring in the period in question is ignored. For example, various studies on decidability and complexity are excluded from comment because they are not directly germane. In addition to providing a critique, we have the secondary objective of giving a tutorial. We provide sufficient information and definition to permit one to read this article with minimal recourse to the literature. In this regard we often replace the very rigorous treatment of a concept by a more intuitive description.