Constraining the initial state granularity with bulk observables in Au+Au collisions at sNN=200\sqrt{s_{\rm NN}}=200 GeV

In this paper we conduct a systematic study of the granularity of the initial state of hot and dense QCD matter produced in ultra-relativistic heavy-ion collisions and its influence on bulk observables like particle yields, $m_T$ spectra and elliptic flow. For our investigation we use a hybrid transport model, based on (3+1)d hydrodynamics and a microscopic Boltzmann transport approach. The initial conditions are generated by a non-equilibrium hadronic transport approach and the size of their fluctuations can be adjusted by defining a Gaussian smoothing parameter $\sigma$. The dependence of the hydrodynamic evolution on the choices of $\sigma$ and $t_{start}$ is explored by means of a Gaussian emulator. To generate particle yields and elliptic flow that are compatible with experimental data the initial state parameters are constrained to be $\sigma=1$ fm and $t_{\rm start}=0.5$ fm. In addition, the influence of changes in the equation of state is studied and the results of our event-by-event calculations are compared to a calculation with averaged initial conditions. We conclude that even though the initial state parameters can be constrained by yields and elliptic flow, the granularity needs to be constrained by other correlation and fluctuation observables.Comment: 14 pages, 8 figures, updated references, version to appear in J. Phys.

Advancing Drug Innovation for Neglected Diseases—Criteria for Lead Progression

The current drug R&D pipeline for most neglected diseases remains weak, and unlikely to support registration of novel drug classes that meet desired target product profiles in the short term. This calls for sustained investment as well as greater emphasis in the risky upstream drug discovery. Access to technologies, resources, and strong management as well as clear compound progression criteria are factors in the successful implementation of any collaborative drug discovery effort. We discuss how some of these factors have impacted drug discovery for tropical diseases within the past four decades, and highlight new opportunities and challenges through the virtual North–South drug discovery network as well as the rationale for greater participation of institutions in developing countries in product innovation. A set of criteria designed to facilitate compound progression from screening hits to drug candidate selection is presented to guide ongoing efforts

Current Barriers in Robotic Surgery Training for General Surgery Residents

OBJECTIVE: To assess the current barriers in robotic surgery training for general surgery residents. DESIGN: Multi-institutional web-based survey. SETTING: 9 academic medical centers with a general surgery residency. PARTICIPANTS: General surgery residents of at least PGY-3 training level. RESULTS: 163 general surgery residents were contacted with 80 responses (49.1%). The most common responders were PGY-3s (38.8%) followed by PGY-5s (27.5%). The Northeast represented 42.5% of responses. Colorectal cases were the most common robotic case residents were involved in (51.3%). Residents\u27 typical roles were assisting at the bedside (31.3%) and splitting time between assisting at the bedside and operating at the surgeon console (31.3%). 43% report to be either extremely or somewhat dissatisfied with their robotic surgery experience. 62.5% report they do not intend to integrate robotic surgery into their future practice. 93.8% of residents have a standardized robotic curriculum. 47.5% report using the simulator only during required didactic time with 52.5% having the robotic simulator conveniently located. The majority of residents report that the presence of dual consoles and first-assists in robotic cases enhance their robotic training (93% - 62%, respectively). 72.5% felt like they had more autonomy during laparoscopic cases and 96.8% of residents felt that an attendings\u27 lack of experience impacted their time operating at the surgeon console. CONCLUSIONS: General surgery residents report lack of effective OR teaching, real clinical experience, and simulated experience as main barriers in their robotic surgery training. Dual consoles and first-assistants are favorably looked upon. Lack of attending experience and comfort were universally negatively associated with resident participation. For residents interested in robotic surgery, advocating for more robust investment in dual consoles, first-assistants, and faculty development would likely improve their robotic surgery training experience. However, residency programs should consider whether robotic surgery should be a core competency of an already time restricted training paradigm