cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Reducing Switching Latency and Energy in STT-MRAM Caches With Field-Assisted Writing

A field-assisted spin-torque transfer magnetoresistive RAM (STT-MRAM) cache is presented for the use in high-performance energy-efficient microprocessors. Adding field assistance reduces the switching latency by a factor of 4. An array model is developed to evaluate the switching energy for different field currents and array sizes. Several STT-MRAM-based cells demonstrate a 55% energy reduction as compared with an SRAM cache subsystem. As compared with STT-MRAM caches with subbank buffering and differential writes, a field-assisted STT-MRAM cache improves the system performance by 28%, with a 6.7% increase in energy.
A dataflow-centric approach to design low power control paths in CGRAs

Coarse-grained reconfigurable architectures (CGRAs) present an appealing hardware platform by providing high computation throughput, scalability, low cost, and energy efficiency, but suffer from relatively high control path power consumption. We take the concept of a token network from dataflow machines and apply it to the control path of CGRAs to increase efficiency. As a result, instruction memory power is reduced by 74% , the overall control path power by 56%, and the total system power by 25%.
Lab-on-CMOS integration of microfluidics and electrochemical sensors.

This paper introduces a CMOS–microfluidics integration scheme for electrochemical microsystems. A CMOS chip was embedded into a micro-machined silicon carrier. By leveling the CMOS chip and carrier surface to within 100 nm, an expanded obstacle-free surface suitable for photolithography was achieved. Thin film metal planar interconnects were microfabricated to bridge CMOS pads to the perimeter of the carrier, leaving a flat and smooth surface for integrating microfluidic structures. A model device containing SU-8 microfluidic mixers and detection channels crossing over microelectrodes on a CMOS integrated circuit was constructed using the chip-carrier assembly scheme. Functional integrity of microfluidic structures and on-CMOS electrodes was verified by a simultaneous sample dilution and electrochemical detection experiment within multi-channel microfluidics. This lab-on-CMOS integration process is capable of high packing density, is suitable for wafer-level batch production, and opens new opportunities to combine the performance benefits of on-CMOS sensors with lab-on-chip platforms.
Nested or Networked? Future Directions for Ecological Systems Theory

Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory (EST) is among the most widely adopted theoretical frameworks for studying individuals in ecological contexts. In its traditional formulation, different levels of ecological systems are viewed as nested within one another. In this article, we use Simmel's notion of intersecting social circles and Bronfenbrenner's earlier writing on social networks to develop an alternative ‘networked’ model that instead views ecological systems as an overlapping arrangement of structures, each directly or indirectly connected to the others by the direct and indirect social interactions of their participants. We redefine each of the systems discussed by EST—micro, meso, exo, macro, and chrono—based on patterns of social interaction, and then illustrate how this alternative model might be applied in the classic context of the developing child. We conclude by discussing future directions for how the networked model of EST can be applied as a conceptual framework, arguing that this approach offers developmental researchers with a more precise and flexible way to think about ecological contexts. We also offer some initial suggestions for moving a networked EST model from theory to method.
X-ray lines and absorption edges in GRBs and their afterglows

Abstract Absorption and reprocessing of gamma-ray burst radiation in the environment of cosmological gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) can be used as a powerful probe of the elusive nature of their progenitors. In particular, transient X-ray emission line and absorption features in the prompt and early afterglows of GRBs are sensitive to details of the location and density structure of the reprocessing and/or absorbing material. To date, there have been only rather few detections of such features, and the significance is marginal in most individual cases. However, transient X-ray emission lines in GRB afterglows have now been found by four different X-ray satellites, which may justify a more detailed theoretical investigation of their origin. In this paper, I will first present a brief review of the status of observations of transient X-ray emission line and absorption features. I will then discuss general physics constraints which those results impose on isotropy, homogeneity, and location of the reprocessing material with respect to the GRB source, and review the various currently discussed, specific models of GRBs and their environments in which the required conditions could arise.
Advancing radioimmunotherapy and its future role in non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

ABSTRACT Radioimmunotherapy is an effective treatment modality with an acceptable toxicity profile in both indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and histologic transformation. Its ease of administration from a patient's perspective sets it apart from chemoimmunotherapy regimens. It has demonstrated efficacy in a range of different treatment scenarios. Despite its promise as a treatment modality, radioimmunotherapy has been seldom used, and one of the previously available agents is now off the market. Radioimmunotherapy has shown impressive activity in both the relapsed and upfront settings in follicular lymphoma, histologic transformation, as consolidation after chemotherapy, and in conjunction with high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell support. Future efforts should focus on its optimal employment in the upfront setting for follicular lymphoma as well as further investigation of the promising activity in histologic transformation.
Sensorineural hearing loss in children

During the past three to four decades, the incidence of acquired sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in children living in more developed countries has fallen, as a result of improved neonatal care and the widespread implementation of immunisation programmes. The overall decrease has been accompanied by a relative increase in the proportion of inherited forms of SNHL. The contribution made by one gene in particular, GJB2, to the genetic load of SNHL has strongly affected the assessment and care of children with hearing loss. These changes in the incidence of SNHL have not been seen in children living in less developed countries, where the prevalence of consanguinity is high in many areas, and both genetic and acquired forms of SNHL are more common, particularly among children who live in poverty. Focused genetic counselling and health education might lead to a decrease in the prevalence of inherited SNHL in these countries. Establishment of vaccination programmes for several vaccine-preventable infectious diseases would reduce rates of acquired SNHL. Although the primary purpose of such programmes is the prevention of serious and in many cases fatal infections, a secondary benefit would be a reduction in disease-related complications such as SNHL that cause permanent disability in survivors.
RALPH-a dynamic instrument for sediment dynamics

A seafloor instrument, RALPH, has been developed and used at the Geological Survey of Canada (Atlantic). RALPH was designed to study sediment dynamics and the seafloor processes involved. Over the past 17 years, it has grown from a small tripod with a crude tape recorder to a system comprising 5 computers, 800 Mbytes of disk storage and many sensors, RALPH has been deployed in the intertidal zone and on the continental shelf. It is capable of continuous monitoring for several months. It logs time series of waves, tides, and near bed flows. It takes time lapse photographs of the seabed to monitor bedform migration and also images the seafloor acoustically. Suspended sediment is monitored acoustically and optically.
Cellular entry of hantaviruses which cause hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome is mediated by beta3 integrins.

Hantaviruses replicate primarily in the vascular endothelium and cause two human diseases, hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). In this report, we demonstrate that the cellular entry of HFRS-associated hantaviruses is facilitated by specific integrins expressed on platelets, endothelial cells, and macrophages. Infection of human umbilical vein endothelial cells and Vero E6 cells by the HFRS-causing hantaviruses Hantaan (HTN), Seoul (SEO), and Puumala (PUU) is inhibited by antibodies to alphavbeta3 integrins and by the integrin ligand vitronectin. The cellular entry of HTN, SEO, and PUU viruses, but not the nonpathogenic Prospect Hill (PH) hantavirus (i.e., a virus with no associated human disease), was also mediated by introducting recombinant alphaIIbbeta3 or alphavbeta3 integrins into beta3-integrin-deficient CHO cells. In addition, PH infectivity was not inhibited by alphavbeta3-specific sera or vitronectin but was blocked by alpha5beta1-specific sera and the integrin ligand fibronectin. RGD tripeptides, which are required for many integrin-ligand interactions, are absent from all hantavirus G1 and G2 surface glycoproteins, and GRGDSP peptides did not inhibit hantavirus infectivity. Further, a mouse-human hybrid beta3 integrin-specific Fab fragment, c7E3 (ReoPro), also inhibited the infectivity of HTN, SEO, and PUU as well as HPS-associated hantaviruses, Sin Nombre (SN) and New York-1 (NY-1). These findings indicate that pathogenic HPS- and HFRS-causing hantaviruses enter cells via beta3 integrins, which are present on the surfaces of platelets, endothelial cells, and macrophages. Since beta3 integrins regulate vascular permeability and platelet function, these findings also correlate beta3 integrin usage with common elements of hantavirus pathogenesis.
Duration and Severity of Symptoms and Levels of Plasma Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist, Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor, and Adhesion Molecules in Patients with Common Cold Treated with Zinc Acetate

Background. Zinc lozenges have been used for treatment of the common cold; however, the results remain controversial. Methods. Fifty ambulatory volunteers were recruited within 24 h of developing symptoms of the common cold for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of zinc. Participants took 1 lozenge containing 13.3 mg of zinc (as zinc acetate) or placebo every 2–3 h while awake. The subjective scores for common cold symptoms were recorded daily. Plasma zinc, soluble interleukin (IL)–1 receptor antagonist (sIL-1ra), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, soluble vascular endothelial cell adhesion molecule, and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM)–1 were assayed on days 1 and 5. Results. Compared with the placebo group, the zinc group had a shorter mean overall duration of cold (4.0 vs. 7.1 days; P .0001) and shorter durations of cough (2.1 vs. 5.0 days; P .0001) and nasal discharge (3.0 vs. 4.5 days, P .02). Blinding of subjects was adequate, and adverse effects were comparable in the 2 groups. Symptom severity scores were decreased significantly in the zinc group. Mean changes in plasma levels of zinc, sIL-1ra, and ICAM-1 differed significantly between groups. Conclusion. Administration of zinc lozenges was associated with reduced duration and severity of cold symptoms. We related the improvement in cold symptoms to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of zinc.
Synapse Loss, Synaptic Plasticity and the Postsynaptic Density

Excitatory synapses of the mammalian brain usually occur on dendritic spines, the postsynaptic compartment of most excitatory synapses. The postsynaptic membrane contains a high concentration of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) and AMPA receptors (AMPARs) as well as their associatedsignalingproteins,whichareassembledbyscaffoldproteins into thepostsynaptic density (PSD). Composed of hundreds of distinct proteins, the PSD dynamically changes its structure and composition in response to synaptic activity. A comprehensive, quantitative and three-dimensional view of PSD architecture is gradually emerging, providing unprecedented details on the protein composition and stoichiometry of the PSD. Such knowledge facilitates understanding of the postsynaptic signaling mechanisms that control the strengthening and growth versus the weakening and loss of synapses. Themolecular organization of the PSDreveals several signalingpathways that likely mediate synapticdepressionandsynapse elimination.These signaling pathways might be relevant to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Dynamic Initialization of a Three-Dimensional Primitive-Equation Model of Hurricane Alma of 1962

Abstract A technique of dynamic initialization previously studied with two-dimensional models is applied to a forecast of Hurricane Alma (1962) over a 24 h period. In the dynamic-initialization experiment, first-guess horizontal winds and the surface pressure in a four-layer primitive-equation model are driven, or relaxed, toward the observed fields during a 12 h preforecast integration, while the temperature and moisture fields are allowed to adjust freely. The observed data are successfully assimilated into the model during the dynamic initialization. A reasonable 12 h forecast is produced in terms of storm track and maintenance of storm structure. The reduced dynamic imbalance at the beginning of the forecast utilizing dynamic initialization is beneficial. First of all, because the model state is not obscured by nonmeterological oscillations, this portion of the forecast is more useful than that of a forecast without dynamic initialization. Second, the meteorologically important features of the atmosph...
Income Inequality: Do Different Inequality Measures Show Different Impacts on Economic Growth, at the State Level? An Analysis of the State of New Jersey

This paper investigates whether the use of different inequality measures is instrumental in determining impact on economic growth at the State level. We find that different measures show different levels of significance with respect to economic health. We study New Jersey income distribution and shares from 1964 to 2014, using graphs and statistics. The dual analyses approach and the use of different inequality measures enabled conclusions to be reached, that only one view and one inequality measure would have made difficult, if not misleading. New Jersey Real GDP/Capita (RGC) was going up, whether or not the inequality measure was getting better. Inequality had little or no effect on the direction of the RGC. Economic Growth is not a good measure of the effects of inequality.
Language Wars Truce Accepted (with Conditions)

In this paper I accept, as a (former) linguist, a truce in the language wars, as offered by Bryan Garner, the editor of Black's Law Dictionary and several works on legal style. Garner positions himself between prescriptivists, who maintain a relatively absolutist view of language meant to promote "proper" usage, and descriptivists (mainly linguists), who posit that language is a matter of usage in the speech community and is therefore always changing. I argue that Garner, despite his claims, is really more of a linguist than he cares to admit, and that this is a good thing. All dictionaries should be entirely descriptive-based on sound empirical work into actual usage. At the same time, many people value some advice on what they consider proper usage. Garner and others who offer such advice perform a useful service, as long as the advice is grounded not in their own notions of propriety, but on research into the practices of the best writers.
A Novel Metal Core Substrate with Simplified Manufacturing Process and High Adhesion Conformal Dielectric and Circuitry Metal for High Density Chip-Scale Packaging Applications

Substrates play a critical role in the quality and reliability of electronic packages and systems. Metal core substrates provide opportunities with respect to strength, heat dissipation, and speed over common organic substrates. The metal core provides an opportunity for grounding enhancements in RF circuits. This paper presents the results of the development of a metal core substrate design which has advantages over conventional competitive designs. The manufacturing flow developed in this work has fewer process steps, uses fewer materials and shows interfacial adhesion strength above industry requirements. The work outlines material evaluations to enhance the interfacial adhesion and corrosion resistance. The results of the evaluation of mechanical, chemical, and other methods to enhance interfacial adhesion are presented and compared. The enhanced interface shows significant adhesion increase for the circuitry metal over and beyond industry requirement.
Inverse Surfacelet Transform for Image Reconstruction With Prior Knowledge

Image reconstruction is the transformation process from some other data forms to image pixels. It can be utilized as a method to retrieve material composition information in materials characterization and design. In our previous work, a so-called surfacelet model was proposed to construct the geometric boundary and internal material distribution of heterogeneous materials at the same time. A surfacelet transform is able to efficiently represent boundary information in images of materials. In this paper, new constrained-conjugate-gradient-based image reconstruction methods are proposed as the inverse surfacelet transform. With geometric constraints on internal boundaries of materials, the proposed method is able to automatically identify the locations and orientations of the internal boundaries based on prior knowledge so as to reconstruct material composition with incomplete data.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Development of Small Molecules that Specifically Inhibit the D-loop Activity of RAD51

RAD51 is the central protein in homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair and represents a therapeutic target in oncology. Herein we report a novel class of RAD51 inhibitors that were identified by high throughput screening. In contrast to many previously reported RAD51 inhibitors, our lead compound 1 is capable of blocking RAD51-mediated D-loop formation (IC50 21.3 ± 7.8 μM) at concentrations that do not influence RAD51 binding to ssDNA. In human cells, 1 inhibits HR (IC50 13.1 ± 1.6 μM) without blocking RAD51's ability to assemble into subnuclear foci at sites of DNA damage. We determined that the active constituent of 1 is actually an oxidized derivative (termed RI(dl)-1 or 8) of the original screening compound. Our SAR campaign also yielded RI(dl)-2 (hereafter termed 9h), which effectively blocks RAD51's D-loop activity in biochemical systems (IC50 11.1 ± 1.3 μM) and inhibits HR activity in human cells (IC50 3.0 ± 1.8 μM).
Rethinking Band Bending at the P3HT–TiO2 Interface

The advancement of solar cell technology necessitates a detailed understanding of material heterojunctions and their interfacial properties. In hybrid bulk heterojunction solar cells (HBHJs), light-absorbing conjugated polymers are often interfaced with films of nanostructured TiO2 as a cheaper alternative to conventional inorganic solar cells. The mechanism of photovoltaic action requires photoelectrons in the polymer to transfer into the TiO2, and therefore, polymers are designed with lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) levels higher in energy than the conduction band of TiO2 for thermodynamically favorable electron transfer. Currently, the energy level values used to guide solar cell design are referenced from the separated materials, neglecting the fact that upon heterojunction formation material energetics are altered. With spectroelectrochemistry, we discovered that spontaneous charge transfer occurs upon heterojunction formation between poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and nanocrystalline TiO2....
A Case Study in Assessing Team-Based Design Courses That Integrate Industry-Sponsored Projects

In general, assessing the learning process is difficult because objective measures are not readily available, and the time needed to fully evaluate is considerable. This problem is perhaps exacerbated in team-based courses, where learning is unstructured in large part and the body of knowledge expected to be learned is variable. Additional issues that complicate assessment include cross-disciplinary teams, project variability and the involvement of external mentors including industrial sponsors, guest lecturers and consultants. Collaborative learning in a team setting is beneficial to improving undergraduate science and engineering courses; however, no specific assessment tool has been used to evaluate its validity. As a result, novel techniques need to be developed to assess the value of team-based learning. This paper describes the experiences and lessons learned in assessing student performance in team-based project courses culminating in a senior capstone experience that integrates industry-sponsored design projects. Analysis of assessment data collected over the last four years indicates that student performance, measured by faculty grades and industry sponsor evaluations, is not significantly affected by the faculty advisor, project type or sponsoring company size. This is attributed to the focus on assessing student performance in executing the design process, and less on project results. However, faculty assessments of student performance do not correlate very well with industry sponsor assessments.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
The treatment of tuberculosis

Short-course chemotherapy has made the treatment of TB easier and better than ever, but it works only when patients take the drugs regularly. Compliance is a must for therapy to be successful. Physicians treating patients with tuberculosis should be acutely aware of noncompliance, and every effort to ensure adequate treatment must be put forth. Directly supervised therapy is an excellent option when enough resources are available. Intermittent regimens markedly reduce the manpower required for observed therapy. New agents are being tested for in vitro activity against M. tuberculosis, and clinical studies of those found to be potentially effective are needed to formulate new regimens against the ever-increasing threat of multidrug-resistant TB.
A Radio Wave Analog of Laser Cooling for Macroscopic Systems

We cool a 7 kHz cantilever from room temperature to 45 K by capacitively coupling it to a driven rf resonant circuit. Cooling results from the capacitive force, phase shifted relative to the cantilever motion.
The role of visual information in the processing of place and manner features in speech perception

Visual information provided by a talker's mouth movements can influence the perception of certain speech features. Thus, the "McGurk effect" shows that when the syllable (bi) is presented audibly, in synchrony with the syllable (gi), as it is presented visually, a person perceives the talker as saying (di). Moreover, studies have shown that interactions occur between place and voicing features in phonetic perception, when information is presented audibly. In our first experiment, we asked whether feature interactions occur when place information is specificed by a combination of auditory and visual information. Members of an auditory continuum ranging from (ibi) to (ipi) were paired with a video display of a talker saying (igi). The auditory tokens were heard as ranging from (ibi) to (ipi), but the auditory-visual tokens were perceived as ranging from (idi) to (iti). The results demonstrated that the voicing boundary for the auditory-visual tokens was located at a significantly longer VOT value than the voicing boundary for the auditory continuum presented without the visual information. These results demonstrate that place-voice interactions are not limited to situations in which place information is specified audibly.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Government's Role in Stabilizing the Economy

It is a mistake to stress market's role in the distribution of resources only but neglect government's macroeconomic regulation under the system of market-oriented economy. Government is of publicity, class character, economic nature. Government should perform such economic functions as rectifying market's inefficiency and improving economic efficiency, correcting the redistribution of the unfair income and bringing about a long, stable economic advance. Government must strength its effective regulation of macroeconomy.
Idiosyncratic Risk of New Ventures: An Option-Based Theory and Evidence

This paper studies idiosyncratic risk of new ventures. An option-based model of a new venture with multistage investments and jumps is developed. Our model explains (1) why new ventures' 'idiosyncratic volatility eventually decreases as they clear RD (2) the negative relation between jumps in value and subsequent idiosyncratic volatility - the jump effect; (3) the dynamics of idiosyncratic volatility under different schedules of staged venture capital investments; and (4) the effect of different schedules of staged investments on firm valuation with the presence of jumps. Empirically, we develop a generalized Markov-Switching EARCH model to simultaneously capture structural changes in firms' 'idiosyncratic volatility and the relation between jumps and idiosyncratic volatility. Using a hand-collected dataset of early-stage biotech firms, we find empirical evidence supporting the jump effect and the stage-clearing effect described by our model.
Localization of functional activity in the central nervous system by metabolic probes

The brain is a complex, heterogeneous organ composed of many anatomical components with markedly different levels of functional activity that vary independently with time and function. Other tissues are generally far more homogeneous with most of their cells functioning similarly and synchronously in response to a common stimulus or regulatory influence. The central nervous system, however, consists of innumerable subunits, each integrated into its own set of functional pathways and networks and subserving only one or a few of the many activities in which the nervous system participates. Understanding how the nervous system functions requires knowledge not only of the mechanisms of excitation and inhibition but even more so of their precise localization in the nervous system and the relationships of neural subunits to specific functions.
Theoretical assessment of optical resolution enhancement and background fluorescence reduction by three-dimensional nonlinear structured illumination microscopy using stimulated emission depletion

Three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy (SIM) enlarges frequency cutoff laterally and axially by a factor of two, compared with conventional microscopy. However, its optical resolution is still fundamentally limited. It is necessary to introduce nonlinearity to enlarge frequency cutoff further. We propose three-dimensional nonlinear structured illumination microscopy based on stimulated emission depletion (STED) effect, which has a structured excitation pattern and a structured STED pattern, and both three-dimensional illumination patterns have the same lateral pitch and orientation. Theoretical analysis showed that nonlinearity induced by STED effect, which causes harmonics and contributes to enlarging frequency cutoff, depends on the phase difference between two structured illuminations and that the phase difference of π is the most efficient to increase nonlinearity. We also found that undesirable background fluorescence, which degenerates the contrast of structured pattern and limits the ability of SIM, can be reduced by our method. These results revealed that optical resolution improvement and background fluorescence reduction would be compatible. The feasibility study showed that our method will be realized with commercially available laser, having 3.5 times larger frequency cutoff compared with conventional microscopy.
Liquid PEG Polymers Containing Antioxidants: A Versatile Platform for Studying Oxygen-Sensitive Photochemical Processes

This article proposes the exploitation of widely available, inexpensive, innocuous “green” liquid polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymers containing the oxygen scavenger oleic acid (OA) as promising media for studying oxygen-sensitive photochemical processes. Here we report the successful application of this media to detailed investigations of triplet-sensitized photochemical upconversion, previously established as being readily poisoned by dissolved oxygen. Three different PEG materials were investigated with increasing molecular weight from 200 to 600 g/mol, coded as PEG-200, PEG-400, and PEG-600. These fluidic polymers facilitate an oxygen-depleted environment in comparison to commonly employed organic solvents while providing high solubility and diffusion for the dissolved chromophores. Moreover, the low oxygen permeation afforded by these PEG solvents allows them to remain deoxygenated in open containers under ambient conditions for extended time periods. OA, 9,10-dimethylanthracene (DMA), and 2,5-dimethy...
Detection of Therapeutically Targetable Driver and Resistance Mutations in Lung Cancer Patients by Next-Generation Sequencing of Cell-Free Circulating Tumor DNA

Purpose: The expanding number of targeted therapeutics for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) necessitates real-time tumor genotyping, yet tissue biopsies are difficult to perform serially and often yield inadequate DNA for next-generation sequencing (NGS). We evaluated the feasibility of using cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) NGS as a complement or alternative to tissue NGS. Experimental Design: A total of 112 plasma samples obtained from a consecutive study of 102 prospectively enrolled patients with advanced NSCLC were subjected to ultra-deep sequencing of up to 70 genes and matched with tissue samples, when possible. Results: We detected 275 alterations in 45 genes, and at least one alteration in the ctDNA for 86 of 102 patients (84%), with EGFR variants being most common. ctDNA NGS detected 50 driver and 12 resistance mutations, and mutations in 22 additional genes for which experimental therapies, including clinical trials, are available. Although ctDNA NGS was completed for 102 consecutive patients, tissue sequencing was only successful for 50 patients (49%). Actionable EGFR mutations were detected in 24 tissue and 19 ctDNA samples, yielding concordance of 79%, with a shorter time interval between tissue and blood collection associated with increased concordance ( P = 0.038). ctDNA sequencing identified eight patients harboring a resistance mutation who developed progressive disease while on targeted therapy, and for whom tissue sequencing was not possible. Conclusions: Therapeutically targetable driver and resistance mutations can be detected by ctDNA NGS, even when tissue is unavailable, thus allowing more accurate diagnosis, improved patient management, and serial sampling to monitor disease progression and clonal evolution. Clin Cancer Res; 22(23); 5772–82. ©2016 AACR .
Surgery Clerkship Evaluations Are Insufficient for Clinical Skills Appraisal: The Value of a Medical Student Surgical Objective Structured Clinical Examination.

Objective Optimal methods for medical student assessment in surgery remain elusive. Faculty- and housestaff-written evaluations constitute the chief means of student assessment in medical education. However, numerous studies show that this approach has poor specificity and a high degree of subjectivity. We hypothesized that an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) in the surgery clerkship would provide additional data on student performance that would confirm or augment other measures of assessment. Design We retrospectively reviewed data from OSCEs, National Board of Medical Examiners shelf examinations, oral presentations, and written evaluations for 51 third-year Harvard Medical School students rotating in surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital from 2014 to 2015. We expressed correlations between numeric variables in Pearson coefficients, stratified differences between rater groups by one-way analysis of variance, and compared percentages with 2-sample t-tests. We examined commentary from both OSCE and clinical written evaluations through textual analysis and summarized these results in percentages. Results OSCE scores and clinical evaluation scores correlated poorly with each other, as well as with shelf examination scores and oral presentation grades. Textual analysis of clinical evaluation comments revealed a heavy emphasis on motivational factors and praise, whereas OSCE written comments focused on cognitive processes, patient management, and methods to improve performance. Conclusions In this single-center study, an OSCE provided clinical skills data that were not captured elsewhere in the surgery clerkship. Textual analysis of faculty evaluations reflected an emphasis on interpersonal skills, rather than appraisal of clinical acumen. These findings suggest complementary roles of faculty evaluations and OSCEs in medical student assessment.
SILEA: A system for inductive LEArning

This paper presents SILEA (a System for Inductive LEArning), an efficient inductive learning algorithm for rule extraction. SILEA is a covering algorithm which extracts IF-THEN rules from a collection of examples in a reliable way. The algorithm eliminates exhaustive feature selection by reducing the number of attributes(features) to be considered for each necessary iteration of rule extraction. For every iteration, depending on the number of conditions, it prioritizes numerous attributes over the others to reduce the large number of attribute combinations. This prioritization, however, needs to be done attentively to prevent loss in performance or possibly improve it. SILEA employs the entropy measure for such purpose. As the entropy value decreases for an attribute, its predictability increases. SILEA favors the lower entropy-valued attributes for rule extraction. Another important factor in preserving or improving the performance of the algorithm is the rule extraction and selection procedure. SILEA induces every possible rule for the given combination and selects the most classifying ones among them. It also eliminates rules which might become obsolete by the existence of rules with higher classification performance. In conjunction of these two features, i.e., entropy based attribute prioritization and redundant rule elimination, SILEA extracts rules both accurately and efficiently. The paper describes how the algorithm functions along with its features and discusses its performance compared to some of the well-known algorithms in the field on a number of different data sets.
More severe disease and slower recovery in younger patients with anti-3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase-associated autoimmune myopathy.

Objective. To study disease severity and response to therapy in a large cohort of patients with anti-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR)-associated myositis. Methods. Muscle strength, creatine kinase levels and treatments were assessed in anti-HMGCR-positive patients at each clinical visit. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to analyse the influence of clinical characteristics on strength and the change in strength over time. Whole exome sequencing was performed in a subset of patients. Results. Among 50 patients followed for ⩾2 years, only 22 (44%) reached full strength with immunosuppressive therapy; even among those with full strength, 55% continued to have CK levels in excess of 500 IU/l and only three could be tapered off immunosuppressive therapy. Both univariate and multivariate analysis showed that patients who were older at disease onset were stronger at all time points (P < 0.001) and improved faster (P < 0.008) than younger patients; a history of statin exposure was not independently associated with the improvement rate. Younger patients were more likely to have refractory disease (P = 0.02) than older patients. Among eight refractory patients with DNA available for testing, whole exome sequencing did not reveal pathogenic mutations in known dystrophy genes. The risk of cancer was not increased in anti-HMGCR myositis patients compared with the general population. Conclusions. Anti-HMGCR myositis is usually a chronic disease requiring long-term immunosuppression. Although younger patients had more severe disease and a worse prognosis than older patients, they did not have evidence of a known co-existing muscular dystrophy to explain their persistent, and sometimes progressive, muscle weakness.
Highly Excited States in C 11 . Elastic Scattering of Protons by B 10

Excitation functions for the elastic scattering of protons by ${\mathrm{B}}^{10}$ have been measured at center-of-mass scattering angles near 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, 125\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}, and 160\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{} for proton energies between ${E}_{p}=0.15$ MeV and ${E}_{p}=3.0$ MeV. Scattering angular distributions were measured at 43 selected energies in this range. An excitation function for the reaction ${\mathrm{B}}^{10}(p, {\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{0}){\mathrm{Be}}^{7}$ was also measured between ${E}_{p}=1.5$ MeV and ${E}_{p}=2.6$ MeV at a laboratory angle of 90\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}. The atomic stopping cross section of boron for protons has been determined between ${E}_{p}=0.1$ MeV and ${E}_{p}=3.0$ MeV.The elastic scattering excitation functions exhibit conspicuous anomalies at ${E}_{p}=1.50$ MeV and ${E}_{p}=2.180$ MeV. The ${\ensuremath{\alpha}}_{0}$ transition to the ground state of ${\mathrm{Be}}^{7}$ is also resonant at ${E}_{p}=2.180$ MeV. The behavior of the cross sections in these regions has been analyzed in terms of compound states of ${\mathrm{C}}^{11}$. Satisfactory agreement is achieved with level assignments of ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}=\frac{7}{{2}^{+}}$ with ${E}_{R}=1.50$ MeV, ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{p}=90$ keV, ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{T}=250$ keV; and ${J}^{\ensuremath{\pi}}=\frac{9}{{2}^{+}}$ with ${E}_{R}=2.180$ MeV, ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{p}=100$ keV, ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{\ensuremath{\alpha}0}=100$ kev, and ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{T}=200$ keV. Although complete analysis of the scattering is hindered by the influence of unknown background processes, the negative parity assignment for the previously reported state at ${E}_{p}=1.17$ MeV, derived from other reaction experiments, appears inconsistent with the scattering.
Arbuscular and Ectomycorrhizal Fungi Associated with the Invasive Brazilian Pepper Tree (Schinus terebinthifolius) and Two Native Plants in South Florida

The potential role of soil fungi in the invasion of the Brazilian pepper tree (Schinus terebinthifolius - BP) in Florida is not known; although the low biotic resistance of Florida soils is often invoked to explain the prevalence of many invasive species. To gain an initial insight into BP’s mycorrhizal associations, this study examined the rhizobiome of BP and two native plants (Hamelia patens and Bidens alba) across six locations. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) associated with the roots of the target plants and bulk soil was characterized by spore morphotyping. Sequence analysis of metagenomic DNA from lateral roots / rhizosphere of BP (n=52) and a native shrub H. patens (n=37) on the same parcel yielded other fungal associates. Overall, the total population of AMF associated with BP was about two folds greater than that of the two native plants (p = 0.0001) growing on the same site. The dominant AMF under Schinus were members of the common Glomus and Rhizophagus spp. By contrast, the most prevalent AMF in the bulk soil and rhizosphere of the two Florida native plants, Acaulospora spp (29%) was sharply diminished (9%) under BP rhizosphere. Analysis of the ITS2 sequences also showed that Schinus rhizosphere had a high relative abundance of ectomycorrhizal fungi (76.5%) compared to the native H. patens (2.6%), with the species Lactifluus hygrophoroides (Basidiomycota) being the most prevalent at 61.5% (p <0.05). Unlike the native plants where pathogenic fungi like Phyllosticta sp., Phoma sp. and Neofusicoccum andium were present (8.1% for H. patens), only one potentially pathogenic fungal taxon was detected (3.9%) under BP. The striking disparity in the relative abundance of AMF and other fungal types between BP and the native species is quite significant. Fungal symbionts could aide plant invasion via resource-use efficiency and other poorly defined mechanisms of protection from pathogens in their invaded range. This report exposes a potentially significant but previously unappreciated fungal dimension of a complex invasion system and underscores the need to characterize these fungal symbionts, their role and mode of action during invasion; with the goal of devising measures for invasion control and ecological restoration.
A comparison of network bandwidth efficiencies among various multi-layer network architectures

We evaluate various multi-layer packet optical network architectures and study their efficiencies from a bandwidth utilization perspective — referred to as the bandwidth engineering capabilities of these architectures. We study the use-case of carrying fine-grained Ethernet traffic across core networks in each of these architectures and compare network efficiency and other qualitative metrics while highlighting some of the trade-offs in employing these architectures.
Dairy’s Inadvertent Contribution to Sustaining Optimal Iodine Nutrition

Abstract Iodine is an essential nutrient for normal growth and development. Iodine deficiency, which can cause intellectual impairment and brain damage, affects about 2 billion people worldwide. Severe iodine deficiency can result in a 10%–15% reduction in the IQ of a population. In the United States and many other countries, dairy products contribute the majority of daily iodine intake. According to a review of literature sources from all over the world, iodine nutritional status reflects changes in the dairy industry. Variables affecting the iodine content in dairy products include ration mixture, season, geographic region, sanitizing solutions, and supplements to the feed supply. Studies performed in the United States, Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Norway showed this impact most noticeably. These studies investigate the relationship between dairy and iodine for various countries over the last six decades. Monitoring the correlation between iodine content in dairy products and population iodine status can help inform public health approaches to ensure adequate, safe, and balanced iodine intake.
Intravenous immunoglobulin as adjunct therapy for refractory pyoderma gangrenosum: systematic review of cases and case series

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare neutrophilic dermatosis. Treatment regimens for refractory cases are nonstandardized. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is an emerging treatment with reported success, but the efficacy of IVIG for PG is unknown. In this systematic review of cases and case series, we assessed the efficacy of IVIG for the treatment of PG, as observed at our institution and reported in the literature. A retrospective chart review at two tertiary care hospitals between 2000 and 2015, and literature searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science from all years were conducted. In total, there were 49 patients, including 43 patients from 26 articles and six institutional cases. There was complete or partial response in 43 (88%) patients and complete response in 26 (53%) patients. The mean time to initial response to treatment and treatment length were 3·5 (SD 3·3) weeks and 5·9 (SD 7·8) months, respectively. On average, 2·6 treatments had been trialled before IVIG initiation. IVIG was administered with systemic steroids in 43 (88%) cases. Mild adverse events, especially nausea and headache, were reported in 12 (24·5%) patients. Our systematic review suggests a potential role for IVIG as adjuvant therapy for refractory PG. Prospective clinical trials testing the efficacy of IVIG for refractory PG are needed to validate these findings.
Addressing America: George Washington's Farewell Address and the Making of National Culture, Politics, and Diplomacy, 1796–1852. By Jeffrey J. Malanson. (Kent, OH: Kent State University Press, 2015. Pp. ix, 253. $55.00.)

The author of this book is to be congratulated on this fine addition to the New Studies in US Foreign Relations series published by the Kent State University Press. Though the title references cult...
Using food as a reward: An examination of parental reward practices

Eating patterns and taste preferences are often established early in life. Many studies have examined how parental feeding practices may affect children's outcomes, including food intake and preference. The current study focused on a common food parenting practice, using food as a reward, and used Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) to examine whether mothers (n = 376) and fathers (n = 117) of children ages 2.8 to 7.5 (M = 4.7; SD = 1.1) grouped into profiles (i.e., subgroups) based on how they use of food as a reward. The 4-class model was the best-fitting LPA model, with resulting classes based on both the frequency and type of reward used. Classes were: infrequent reward (33%), tangible reward (21%), food reward (27%), and frequent reward (19%). The current study also explored whether children's eating styles (emotional overeating, rood fussiness, food responsiveness, and satiety responsiveness) and parenting style (Authoritative, Authoritarian, and Permissive) varied by reward profile. Analyses of Variance (ANOVA) revealed that the four profiles differed significantly for all outcome variables except satiety responsiveness. It appears that the use of tangible and food-based rewards have important implications in food parenting. More research is needed to better understand how the different rewarding practices affect additional child outcomes.
The Greater Wonder of God's Subjection in John Donne's Holy Sonnet “Why are wee by all Creatures waited on?”

In his deceptively simple, but really extremely rich, sonnet, “Why are wee by all Creatures waited on?”, John Donne uses all the tools of prosody available to him and plays with the English and Ita...
Evaluating the performance of the Minute Feedback System: A web-based feedback tool for medical students.

Abstract Background Medical students often report dissatisfaction with the feedback they receive on their clerkships. This study evaluates the performance of the Minute Feedback System (MFS), a web-based tool designed to facilitate medical student acquisition of same day written feedback from surgery residents and faculty. Methods System-generated data, targeted surveys, and end of clerkship questionnaires were used to evaluate MFS performance over a one-year period. Results 170 students made 3190 feedback requests and received 1978 responses (62% response rate). Students felt the system was easy to use (90%), provided useful feedback (74%), and allowed them to obtain more feedback than they would have in its absence (81%). Concerns were raised regarding the quality of electronic feedback and whether the data generated would be used for summative assessment. Conclusions The MFS encourages same-day assessment and increases documented medical student feedback. Further development is required to improve feedback quality, response rates, and feedback application.
Katharine Burdekin’s Swastika Night, a Gay Romance

This chapter argues that Burdekin introduces sociopolitical enlightenment, ethics, and hope via queer desire, causing the reader to confront the damaging effects of homophobia as well as misogyny. Burdekin presents queerness as organic rather than situational, differentiating herself from a range of mid-century intellectuals who misunderstood homosexuality as a conscious choice, a disorder, or a circumstantial phenomenon. The chapter also addresses how Swastika Night anticipates key facets of both Nineteen Eighty-Four and The Handmaid’s Tale, examining some of Swastika Night’s deficiencies, including its failure to acknowledge anti-Semitism and its idealistic conception of socialism, especially its favorable view of Stalin’s Soviet Russia. Equally troubling is Burdekin’s ambivalence toward English imperialism, which borders at times on apologism, revealing a jingoistic reverence for the English.