cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Abstract SY27-01: Cutting both ways: Why FADD, FLIP, and Caspase-8 are required for embryonic development

Caspase-8 has two opposing biological functions - it promotes cell death by triggering the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis, but also has a survival activity, as it is required for embryonic development, T lymphocyte activation, and resistance to necrosis induced by Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF) and related family ligands. We found that development of caspase-8-deficient mice is completely rescued by ablation of Receptor Interacting Protein Kinase-3 (RIPK3). Adult animals lacking both caspase-8 and RIPK3 display a progressive lymphoaccumulative disease resembling that seen with defects in CD95 or CD95-ligand, and resist the lethal effects of CD95 ligation in vivo. We have found that caspase-8 prevents RIPK3-dependent necrosis without inducing apoptosis by functioning in a proteolytically active complex with FLICE-Like Inhibitory Protein Long (FLIPL), and this complex is required for the protective function. Caspase-8 homodimers and caspase-8-FLIP heterodimers are activated on the oligomerized adapter molecule, FADD. Therefore, while the FADD-caspase-8-FLIP complex protects against RIPK3-dependent necrosis, the FADD-caspase-8 complex does not, and necrosis ensues. In the absence of RIPK3, FADD-caspase-8 instead induces apoptosis. This idea has several ramifications. Knock-outs of FADD, or FLIP show identical embryonic lethality, but while the FADD KO is fully rescued by ablation of RIPK3, the FLIP KO is not. Our in vitro studies suggest that in the FLIP, RIPK3 DKO mouse, sensitive cell populations die by apoptosis rather than necrosis. Indeed, we found that unlike caspase-8 or FADD KO embryos, FLIP RIPK3 DKO embryos at e9.5 show focal regions of apoptosis. Another prediction from the in vitro studies is even more striking_that lethality in the FLIP RIPK3 DKO mouse should be rescued by ablation of FADD. We have now generated the FADD FLIP RIPK3 TKO mouse, and these animals are developmentally normal. In addition to providing strong genetic evidence for a model of FADD-caspase-8-FLIP interaction with RIPK1-RIPK3, these studies involve an effect that has not been previously seen to our knowledge_two lethal genotypes (one KO, one DKO) when combined into a TKO, result in normal development. We think that9s pretty cool. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr SY27-01. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-SY27-01
High Temperature Superconducting Thin Film by Excimer Laser Evaporation

We prepared superconducting oxide thin films with high critical temperatures and high critic-al current densities by excimer laser evaporation. The optical spectroscopic study of the plume shows the existence of oxide species such as YO, BaO and CuO, instead of metal species, at 30mm from the target surface. Furthermore, we investigated the origin of small particles char-acteristically revealed on the surface of the films and found that they seem to be propelled from the target, but not generated on the film, because of their round shape and their existence even in the early stages of film growth.
Hα emission variability in the γ-ray binary LSI +61 303

LS I +61 303 is an exceptionally rare example of a Be/X-ray binary that also exhibits MeV–TeV emission, making it one of only a handful of ”γ-ray binaries”. Here we present Hα spectra that show strong variability during the 26.5 day orbital period and over decadal time scales. The Hα line profile exhibits a dramatic emission burst shortly before apastron, observed as a redshifted shoulder in the line profile, as the compact source moves almost directly away from the observer. Here we investigate several possible origins for this red shoulder, including an accretion disk, tidal mass transfer stream, turbulent gas in the wake of the neutron star, and a compact pulsar wind nebula in the system.
The Classification of 1-Manifolds: A Take-Home Exam

(1987). The Classification of 1-Manifolds: A Take-Home Exam. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 94, No. 2, pp. 170-175.
XPA: A key scaffold for human nucleotide excision repair

Nucleotide excision repair (NER) is essential for removing many types of DNA lesions from the genome, yet the mechanisms of NER in humans remain poorly understood. This review summarizes our current understanding of the structure, biochemistry, interaction partners, mechanisms, and disease-associated mutations of one of the critical NER proteins, XPA.
Identifying and Verifying Earthquake Engineering Concepts to Create A Knowledge Base in STEM Education: A Modified Delphi Study

Stakeholders in STEM education have called for integrating engineering content knowledge into STEM-content classrooms. To answer the call, stakeholders in science education announced a new framework, Next Generation Science Standards, which focuses on the integration of science and engineering in K-12 science education. However, research indicates many science teachers, particularly those traditionally prepared to teach within a specific science content domain, need to broaden their knowledge in engineering content areas for successful integration. In this regard, researchers have suggested that new integrated STEM curricula should contain a list of key concepts for understanding the specific engineering content area. Therefore, there is a need for generating key concepts in critical engineering areas enabling science teachers to implement engineering into science classrooms. Using a modified Delphi research design, we identified and verified key concepts in earthquake engineering necessary for high school learners to acquire a basic understanding of earthquake engineering. As a result, we created a key concepts list and strand map with 35 key earthquake-engineering concepts. High school science teachers as well as other teachers in STEM content areas can use these key concepts to understand and teach earthquake engineering content in their classrooms.
Accelerating mobile multimedia using Intel Wireless MMX/spl trade/ technology

Demand for mobile video applications is growing today in wireless handheld platforms. Intel/spl reg/ Wireless MMX/spl trade/ technology has been designed to accelerate mobile multimedia and applications processing in a power efficient manner. Optimizing instruction set architecture is a logical approach towards attaining higher performance in multimedia applications. Wireless MMX technology is a 64-bit single instruction multiple data, (SIMD), coprocessor for the Intel/spl reg/ Xscale/spl reg/ microarchitecture. This paper provides an overview of Wireless MMX technology and the key features of the architecture that specifically enhance the multimedia performance. Tools and techniques for optimization are also described.
Using Video to Increase Gender Bias Literacy Toward Women in Science

Despite evidence that gender biases contribute to the persistent underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, interventions that enhance gender bias literacy a...
Search strategy is regulated by somatostatin signaling and deep brain photoreceptors in zebrafish

Animals use sensory cues to efficiently locate resources, but when sensory information is insufficient, they may rely on internally coded search strategies. Despite the importance of search behavior, there is limited understanding of the underlying neural mechanisms in vertebrates. Here, we report that loss of illumination initiates sophisticated light-search behavior in larval zebrafish. Using three-dimensional tracking, we show that at the onset of darkness larvae swim in a helical trajectory that is spatially restricted in the horizontal plane, before gradually transitioning to an outward movement profile. Local and outward swim patterns display characteristic features of area-restricted and roaming search strategies, differentially enhancing phototaxis to nearby and remote sources of light. Retinal signaling is only required to initiate area-restricted search, implying that photoreceptors within the brain drive the transition to the roaming search state. Supporting this, orthopediaA mutant larvae manifest impaired transition to roaming search, a phenotype which is recapitulated by loss of the non-visual opsin opn4a and somatostatin signaling. These findings define distinct neuronal pathways for area-restricted and roaming search behaviors and clarify how internal drives promote goal-directed activity.
Implementation of a Point-of-Care Radiologist-Technologist Communication Tool in a Quality Assurance Program

OBJECTIVE. We implemented an Image Quality Reporting and Tracking Solution (IQuaRTS), directly linked from the PACS, to improve communication between radiologists and technologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS. IQuaRTS launched in May 2015. We compared MRI issues filed in the period before IQuaRTS implementation (May–September 2014) using a manual system with MRI issues filed in the IQuaRTS period (May–September 2015). The unpaired t test was used for analysis. For assessment of overall results in the IQuaRTS period alone, all issues filed across all modalities were included. Summary statistics and charts were generated using Excel and Tableau. RESULTS. For MRI issues, the number of issues filed during the IQuaRTS period was 498 (2.5% of overall MRI examination volume) compared with 78 issues filed during the period before IQuaRTS implementation (0.4% of total examination volume) (p = 0.0001), representing a 625% relative increase. Tickets that documented excellent work were 8%. Other issues included images not...
Promoting the Use of Outdoor Learning Spaces by K-12 Inservice Science Teachers Through an Outdoor Professional Development Experience

This chapter describes the efforts of a team of professional development (PD) providers as they worked with K-12 science teachers to promote the use of outdoor learning spaces (OLS) in their instructional practices. Eighteen elementary and 18 secondary teachers participated in the PD. Prior to the experience, the teachers were asked to describe the obstacles and challenges they faced in using outdoor spaces to teach. Throughout the 2-week PD, the teachers were exposed to outdoor science content instruction in a variety of OLS ranging from urban settings with manicured lawns to remote, natural settings (including two overnight learning experiences). Emphasis was placed on the diversity of wildlife (particularly insects), abiotic factors (i.e. soil, topography), and field sampling techniques. Teacher talk provided an opportunity to listen to the concerns that teachers felt when they envisioned using outdoor spaces to teach, as well as a chance for solutions to their concerns to be put forth. At the conclusion of 2 weeks, the teachers were asked to discuss their concerns and specifically address the challenges and obstacles that they reported at the beginning of the PD to determine the effectiveness of the experience in empowering them to use outdoor spaces to teach. Variable results were observed. Elementary teachers exhibited far fewer concerns about using OLS prior to the experience and were also able to provide solutions to obstacles and challenges they faced. Secondary teachers reported far more obstacles and challenges both before and after the PD. Challenges and obstacles that were most persistent are described and several continua are presented to inform PD providers who strive to promote the use of OLS by K-12 teachers.
Burn injury mortality in patients with preexisting and new onset renal disease

Abstract Introduction We sought to examine the impact of preexisting and new onset renal disease on burn injury mortality. Methods Retrospective analysis of patients admitted to a regional burn center from 2002-2012 was performed. Variables analyzed included demographics, burn mechanism, inhalation injury status, and % TBSA. Poisson regression was performed to estimate risk of in-hospital burn mortality. Results There were a total of 7640 patients over the study period. The adjusted 60-day risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with preexisting renal disease (PRD was 3 times higher compared to patients with no preexisting renal disease (IRR = 3.22, 95% CI = 1.26–8.25). The adjusted 60-day risk of mortality is 2 times higher for patients with new onset renal disease compared to those without (IRR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.55–2.87). Conclusion Preexisting and new onset renal disease results in a significantly higher risk of mortality following burn injury compared to patients without renal disease. Prevention of new onset renal injury and careful management of patients with preexisting renal disease to prevent exacerbation should be pursued.
A polynomial time algorithm for multivariate interpolation in arbitrary dimension via the Delaunay triangulation

The Delaunay triangulation is a fundamental construct from computational geometry, which finds wide use as a model for multivariate piecewise linear interpolation in fields such as geographic information systems, civil engineering, physics, and computer graphics. Though efficient solutions exist for computation of two- and three-dimensional Delaunay triangulations, the computational complexity for constructing the complete Delaunay triangulation grows exponentially in higher dimensions. Therefore, usage of the Delaunay triangulation as a model for interpolation in high-dimensional domains remains computationally infeasible by standard methods. In this paper, a polynomial time algorithm is presented for interpolating at a finite set of points in arbitrary dimension via the Delaunay triangulation. This is achieved by computing a small subset of the simplices in the complete triangulation, such that all interpolation points lie in the support of the subset. An empirical study on the runtime of the proposed algorithm is presented, demonstrating its scalability to high-dimensional spaces.
Isolation and characterization of murine clonogenic osteoclast progenitors by cell surface phenotype analysis.

Osteoclasts are bone resorbing cells of hematopoietic origin; however, a progenitor cell population that gives rise to mature osteoclasts remains elusive. We have characterized a unique cell surface phenotype of clonogenic osteoclast progenitors (colony-forming unit–osteoclast [CFU-O]) and obtained a marrow cell population selectively enriched for these progenitors. Whole bone marrow cells were sequentially separated based on physical and cell surface characteristics, and the presence of CFU-O and other hematopoietic progenitors was examined. CFU-O was enriched in a nonadherent, low-density, lineage-marker–negative (Lin−), Thy1.2-negative (Thy1.2−), Sca1-negative (Sca1−), and c-kit–positive (c-kit+) population, as were the progenitors that were responsive to macrophage–colony-stimulating factor(CSF; CFU-M), granulocyte-macrophage-CSF (CFU-GM), and stem cell factor (CFU-SCF). When the Lin−Thy1.2−Sca1−population was divided into c-kithigh and c-kitlow populations based on c-kit fluorescence, over 88% of CFU-M, CFU-GM, and CFU-SCF were found in the c-kithighpopulation. In relation to the above mentioned hematopoietic progenitors, CFU-O was significantly higher in the c-kitlowpopulation: 80% of progenitors present in the c-kitlowpopulation were CFU-O. The CFU-O in both c-kithigh and c-kitlow populations showed key features of the osteoclast: multinucleated tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase–positive cell formation, expressions of vitronectin receptors, c-src and calcitonin receptors, and bone resorption. We have identified a progenitor cell population in the earliest stage of the osteoclast lineage so far described and developed a method to isolate it from other hematopoietic progenitors. This should help pave the way to understand the molecular mechanisms of osteoclast differentiation.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and the Dentate Gyrus Mossy Fibers: Implications for Epilepsy

In the last decade, one of the most avidly studied compounds in the central nervous system (CNS) has been the neurotrophin BDNF. Although historically it had been studied in the context of development, where it plays numerous critical roles, more recent studies have shown striking actions on a number of pathways and processes that are critical for normal function of the adult CNS. In addition, studies of neurological and psychiatric diseases indicate a potential role for BDNF in pathology. Our interest in BDNF began with the demonstration that one of the regions where BDNF protein expression is among the highest in the adult rat brain is the dentate gyrus (Conner et al., 1997; Yan et al., 1997). Previous studies had not clearly defined where BDNF protein was expressed, although mRNA was definitely in hippocampal neurons, and many other adult brain regions. One of the interesting aspects of BDNF protein expression in the dentate gyrus that came to light after the development of specific antibodies was that its location was extremely specific. Thus, in the normal adult rat, hippocampal BDNF protein expression is much greater in the axons of the dentate granule cells, the mossy fibers, than anywhere else in hippocampus. This led us to study mossy fiber BDNF specifically, and the results showed that mossy fiber BDNF has potent functional effects. These studies, and their implications for epilepsy, are reviewed below.
Boundary Element Simulation of Eddy Current Inspection

Eddy current nondestructive evaluation (NDE) is a way of inspecting electrically conducting materials for the presence of flaws. The technique makes use of an eddy current field induced in the material by a coil which is scanned over the surface of the material. A flaw produces a perturbation of current flow, which is sensed as a change in the impedance of the probe. Modeling of eddy current NDE requires calculation of the unperturbed incident field, the eddy current perturbation caused by the flaw, and the resulting impedance change. Analytic methods exist for calculating the incident field; a reciprocity theorem is used to determine the impedance in terms of the field on the flaw surface, and the boundary element method (BEM) is used to calculate the flaw surface field. An approximate, scalar potential theory of the probe/flaw interaction is described, and the impedance calculation is recast in terms of the potential and its normal derivative on the flaw surface. The approximation that makes this possible is the so-called impedance boundary condition, which expresses the normal derivative of the potential in terms of tangential derivatives. Rizzo-Shippy shape functions are used to express tangential derivatives in terms of the potential at nodal points in calculating the BEM matrix. Computer codes are described for calculating the incident field, the BEM solution, and the impedance. Results are presented for a circular coil scanned over a slot in a flat plate. Comparisons with experimental data show generally good agreement, though some discrepancy exists. Additional calculations demonstrate that residual errors are caused by the failure of the impedance boundary condition at the corners of the slot, thus defining a problem on which further research is needed.
Problems and Prospects of Reuever Airports

In recent years, one of the most critical and misunderstood national airport funding and policy challenges has centered on the reliever airport - a growing and ever important general aviation facility normally located within the surrounding metropolitan city area. Officially recognized in the mid 1960's as a means of red ucing delays at larger air carrier airports, reliever airports subsequently expanded and took on additional congressional support. However, even with the special funding considerations set forth in the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Legislation of 1982, several formidable areas of legislative, administrative and operational deficiencies remain. Without appropriate changes to these consequences, a number of challenges may be insurmountable for many publicly and privately owned reliever airports in the years to come. For relievers, the "legislative" part of the problem focuses on the evolving definition and criteria of relievers under changing aviation laws and re-authorization acts. The "administrative" inadequacies pertain to the level of funding available for relievers during the former Airport Development Aid Program (ADAP) Legislation and continued under the present AIP Legislation. The "operational" dilemma concerns an expressed need for airport expansion as a result of increasing levels of aircraft activity amid the complex operating constraints of their own metropolitan service area. These three areas (legislative, administrative and operational) are the focus of this article and are reviewed as part of a survey conducted in December 1989 of 110 reliever airports (mainly in the Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix areas) in which airport manager's were asked key "reliever" airport issues.
A Comparison Method of Massive Power Consumption Information Collection Test Data Based on Improved Merkle Tree

It is necessary to conduct comparison test of massive electricity data on the unified interface platform for ensuring that the power consumption information collection system can provide data for kinds of business systems stably and accurately. In this paper, a method of data comparison for mass data of power energy data acquire system based on improved Merkle Tree is proposed to solve the problem that the traditional one to one comparison method cannot adapt to massive data test. Merkle Tree is improved by forming all the subtrees into complete binary tree. Based on the improved algorithm mentioned above, the improved Merkle Tree is constructed for the source data from power consumption information collection system and the publish data from unified interface platform. Through the comparison of Merkle Root and its sub nodes, a fast consistency check is achieved, and the optimal data blocking strategy and multithreading optimization method are put forward. This method greatly improves the efficiency of the unified interface platform for the consistency of mass data.
Appearance‐based vs health‐based sun protective messages: A randomized, double‐blind controlled study

BACKGROUND Appearance-based messages have shown promise in improving sun protection habits among Caucasians but have scarcely been investigated in Hispanic populations. OBJECTIVE To compare the effectiveness of appearance-based vs health-based messages in an ethnic patient population, where hyperpigmentation disorders are prevalent and often cosmetically concerning. METHODS One hundred thirty-seven patients were randomized to receive images of (a) skin cancer, (b) hyperpigmentation, or (c) wrinkles. Analysis of variance tests for repeated measures were used to estimate the effects of the different stimuli on participants' knowledge and intention to sun protect. RESULTS Appearance-based interventions were more effective in improving intentions to sun protect among both Hispanics and non-Hispanic Whites (P < 0.05). They were furthermore more effective among younger patient populations (≤40 years old) and patients who thought that a tanned appearance is attractive (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Appearance-based photos of sun damage were more effective than health-based messages among Hispanics, younger patient populations, and those who find tanned appearances to be attractive.
The Role of Campus Traditions in Campus Life at Christian Colleges and Universities

This article presents the preliminary findings of an ongoing Traditions Research Project (TRP) study on the impact of campus traditions on campus life within the context of Christian postsecondary institutions. In this initial phase, the researchers conducted 63 interviews with faculty, student development educators, and staff members, in addition to gathering data from 12 student focus groups at three institutional members of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities. In the future, the researchers intend to identify several additional colleges that have tradition-rich environments in order to expand the qualitative database related to this topic. The initial process of data analysis identified three major themes, along with several subthemes, regarding the role of traditions in contributing to campus life. These themes provide valuable information regarding the characteristics of campus traditions, the important role they play in creating and maintaining campus culture, and the role of t...
Esophageal perforation secondary to malignant gastric outlet obstruction: a case report

Esophageal perforation is a rare presenting sign of gastric cancer. To date, only nine case reports of this phenomenon have been previously published. Esophageal perforation was diagnosed radiographically during workup for acute chest pain in a 67-year-old man. Emergent endoscopy confirmed esophageal perforation and biopsied a pre-pyloric mass confirmed to be adenocarcinoma. The perforation was managed with endoscopically placed transluminal pleural and mediastinal drains and esophageal stenting. The gastric outlet obstruction was temporized with a transpyloric stent. After the patient recovered from sepsis, distal gastrectomy was performed and he made a full recovery. Rarely, pre-pyloric gastric cancer can present with Boerhaave syndrome, spontaneous esophageal perforation associated with forceful vomiting. We present the tenth report in the literature of this phenomenon and the first to be initially treated with endoscopic stenting and transluminal thoracoscopic drainage. When endoscopic management is used to treat patients with Boerhaave syndrome, it may be beneficial to examine the entire stomach to evaluate for malignant etiology.
Mechanisms of Action by Which Local Anesthetics Reduce Cancer Recurrence: A Systematic Review.

Background Surgery in concert with anesthesia is a key part of the management of advanced-stage cancers. Anesthetic agents such as opioids and volatile anesthetics have been shown to promote recurrence in preclinical models, whereas some animal models have shown that the use of lidocaine may be beneficial in reducing cancer recurrence. The purpose of this article is to review the current literature to highlight the mechanisms of action by which local anesthetics are thought to reduce cancer recurrence. Methods A systematic review was conducted using the PubMed (1966 to 2018) electronic database. Search terms included "lidocaine," "ropivicaine," "procaine," "bupivicaine," "mepivicaine," "metastasis," "cancer recurrence," "angiogenesis," and "local anesthetics" in various combinations. The search yielded 146 total abstracts for initial review, 20 of which met criteria for inclusion. Theories for lidocaine's effect on cancer recurrence were recorded. All studies were reviewed using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. Results Numerous mechanisms were proposed based on the local anesthetic used and the type of cancer. Mechanisms include those that are centered on endothelial growth factor receptor, voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels, transient receptor melanoplastin 7, hyperthermia, cell cycle, and demyelination. Conclusions In vivo models suggest that local anesthetic administration leads to reduced cancer recurrence. The etiology of this effect is likely multifactorial through both inhibition of certain pathways and direct induction of apoptosis, a decrease in tumor migration, and an association with cell cycle-mediated and DNA-mediated effects. Additional research is required to further define the clinical implications.
INVESTIGATING THE ROLE OF COHESIN MUTATIONS AND EPIGENETIC HETEROGENEITY IN PRE-LEUKEMIC HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL CLONAL EVOLUTION

Acute myeloid leukemia is a highly heterogeneous disease characterized by the accumulation of poorly differentiated myeloid progenitors. Mutations in epigenetic regulators are highly recurrent in AML, underscoring the importance of the epigenome in affecting this disease. Past research in our lab has identified an evolutionary process through which, and has tracked regulatory chromatin signatures that contribute to leukemia pathogenesis; however, the regulatory programs and epigenetic factors contributing to AML relapse remains largely unexplored. To model pre-leukemic mutations, we utilize CRISPR/Cas9 to genetically modify a cohesin complex subunit (STAG2) in cord blood-derived CD34+ cells and include a homology donor encoding GFP to track the edited cells. Chromatin accessibility in STAG2-edited cells is measured using ATAC-seq, and epigenetic state is assessed both in bulk and at the single cell level. Following with past studies of cohesin mutations in CD34+ cells, genome editing of the endogenous STAG2 locus results in defects in erythroid differentiation, enhanced self-renewal, and retention of stem cell surface markers. STAG2 knockout cells display subtle yet distinct alterations in chromatin accessibility when compared to control cells. Single-cell ATAC-seq reveals distinct regulatory signatures and epigenetic heterogeneity in both primary patient-derived pHSCs and STAG2-engineered cells and identifies RUNX and GATA family members as critical factors in STAG2-edited CD34+ cells. Ongoing work involves characterizing cis and trans regulatory elements responsible for driving epigenetic heterogeneity in pHSCs. The successful completion of these studies will clarify the role of pre-leukemic epigenetic mutations in leukemia evolution and further elucidate the functional consequences of cohesin deficiency in hematopoietic stem cells.
HarpGBDT: Optimizing Gradient Boosting Decision Tree for Parallel Efficiency

Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) is a widely used machine learning algorithm, whose training involves both irregular computation and random memory access and is challenging for system optimizations. In this paper, we conduct a comprehensive performance analysis of two state-of-the-art systems, XGBoost and LightGBM. They represent two typical parallel implementations for GBDT; one is data parallel and the other one is parallel over features. Substantial thread synchronization overhead, as well as the inefficiency of random memory access, is identified. We propose HarpGBDT, a new GBDT system designed from the perspective of parallel efficiency optimization. Firstly, we adopt a new tree growth method that selects the top K candidates of tree nodes to enable the use of more levels of parallelism without sacrificing the algorithm’s accuracy. Secondly, we organize the training data and model data in blocks and propose a block-wise approach as a general model that enables the exploration of various parallelism options. Thirdly, we propose a mixed mode to utilize the advantages of a different mode of parallelism in different phases of training. By changing the configuration of the block size and parallel mode, HarpGBDT is able to attain better parallel efficiency. By extensive experiments on four datasets with different statistical characteristics on the Intel(R) Xeon(R) E5-2699 server, HarpGBDT on average performs 8x faster than XGBoost and 2.6x faster than LightGBM.
Relative clauses in Spanish: some suprasegmental characteristics

Abstract: In Garro & Parker (1982), we investigated the suprasegmental characteristics of relative clauses in English. The present study is (a) an extension of the same investigative procedure to Spanish, and (b) a comparison of the Spanish data with that already obtained for English. As before, we varied clause type (restrictive/non-restrictive), word order within the clause (SVO/OSV), and relative pronouns to determine if predictable characteristics of relative clauses are a function of the different syntactic configurations of the two clause types. Two speakers of River Plate Spanish produced the sentence: Los gigolos que prefieren rubias son veleidosos and all grammatical permutations of the embedded clause, in three conditions (136 tokens). From spectrograms of each token, we made three measurements: f0 fluctuation and vowel length in the head NP of the clause and in the last word in the clause, and the pause length preceding and following the clause. A comparison of the results with those obtained for English suggest four conclusions: (1) relative clauses in both languages exhibit systematic suprasegmental characteristics which can be described in terms of vowel length, pause length, and f0 contours; (2) the major factor affecting these intonational characteristics is clause type; (3) a secondary factor is word order; (4) suprasegmental variations are determined by syntactic structure, not by superficial, lexical variables.
Are Transplant Centers That Meet Insurer Minimum Volume Requirements Better Quality

A pervasive viewpoint in health care is that higher patient volume leads to better outcomes, implying that facility volume can be used to identify high-quality providers. Hundreds of studies documenting a positive correlation between hospital volume and patient survival have motivated payers to use arbitrary minimum volume standards for elective surgical procedures, though it is unknown whether these policies actually improve patient outcomes. Using an instrumental variables approach, we show that minimum volume requirements in kidney transplantation do not reduce posttransplant mortality. These results suggest minimum volume requirements are not a useful proxy measure for quality and that restricting the number of hospitals from which patients can receive care could reduce access to necessary health care services.
Survivor Coping: Theories and Research About Reactions to All Types of Victimization

After experiencing an assault, accident, natural disaster or other stressful event, people show evidence of posttraumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Symptoms include anxiety, sleep and eating disorders, anger, and other reactions that may last for months, or even years. Repeated trauma and victimization caused by another person, as occurs in family violence, can be especially stressful. Once one has been exposed to a traumatic event, the person may no longer feel safe in his or her daily life, which adds to stress levels, and elevates risk for trauma reactions from future stressful events.
Dutch Disease in the Labor Market: Women, Services, and Industrialization

The light manufacturing export industries have been a springboard for sustained growth in many newly industrializing countries. Women have played an important role in those industries. The author presents a theory linking women's work and industrialization. The theory fits the observation that, in low-growth developing countries, women work mostly in household services, while, in higher-growth developing countries, women work in manufacturing. In the model, the existence of a services equilibrium or an industrialization equilibrium, or multiple equilibria, depends on an economy's endowment of land relative to labor.
Playing with Minimalism: How Parents Are Sold on High-End Toys and Childhood Simplicity

Minimalism has become a trendy lifestyle choice promoted in popular blogs and podcasts that offer solutions for modern parenting problems. Brands of heirloom-quality wooden and handmade toys have grown in popularity to serve consumers who adopt minimalism for their children. Predicated on a seeming rejection of consumerism and embrace of eco-friendly simplicity, these media are targeted toward primarily white consumers with the wealth to afford high-end toys, furniture, and clothes that fit an elite minimalist aesthetic. This version of minimalist parenting perpetuates class hierarchies because simply “doing without” toys to achieve childhood minimalism is rarely the proffered solution; having fewer, much more expensive toys is. My research offers a critical textual analysis of the classist assumptions and racialized messages in independent and corporate-affiliated blogs and podcasts to argue that eco-friendly, anti-consumerist messages are being appropriated to support exclusive, elite lifestyles.
2021 SIG on Access in SIGCHI

Accessibility, diversity, and inclusion are key concerns for the CHI community. In 2019, Accessibility was one of the top keywords among conference publications. Despite the focus of research, many scholars with disabilities still struggle to access SIGCHI events and activities. At this SIG at CHI 2021, Access-SIGCHI, along with AccessComputing and SIGACCESS, will host an open discussion about the state of accessibility within SIGCHI and discuss opportunities for organizers and volunteers to improve accessibility. The event is open to all, but we are particularly excited to bring together people with disabilities and organizers from across SIGCHI to collaboratively develop a plan for increase access across all SIGCHI events.
Consortium for the study of chronic pancreatitis, diabetes, and pancreatic cancer: achievements and future directions.

Purpose of review To answer several important clinical questions, the Consortium for the study of Chronic Pancreatitis, Diabetes, and Pancreatic Cancer (CPDPC) research consortium has established several ongoing clinical cohort studies focused on pancreatitis in adults and children, pancreatic cancer, and diabetes associated with pancreatic disease. These will provide a unique resource for clinical and basic science research into these hard-to-treat diseases. Recent findings The cause, natural history, and prognosis of acute relapsing and chronic pancreatitis in adults and children are being delineated. The mechanisms of diabetes associated with chronic pancreatitis, acute pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer are being defined. The ability to predict the presence of early-stage pancreatic cancer, thought the presence of new-onset diabetes, is being explored as a strategy to improve survival. The CPDPC is now also turning to developing clinically useful biomarkers, and initiating clinical trials in these difficult to treat pancreatic diseases. Summary These large prospective patient cohorts, established and followed up by the CPDPC, provide a unique resource to improve the care of patients of all ages with pancreatitis, and to allow earlier diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Soil carbon response to long-term biosolids application.

Astudy was conducted in three agroecosystems in California (Sacramento, Solano, and Merced counties) that received biosolids applications for 20 yr. Management varied in application rates and frequencies, resulting in average cumulative amount of biosolids applied of 74 (Solano), 105 (Merced), and 359 (Sacramento) Mg biosolidsdry ha-1 , resulting in the addition of 26 (Solano), 36 (Merced), and 125 (Sacramento) Mg biosolids-C ha-1 . Measurements included soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (N) concentrations from 0 to 100 cm and microbial biomass C (MBC) and microbial biomass N (MBN) from 0 to 30 cm in biosolids-amended and control sites. Biosolids treatments had greater amounts of SOC and total N at all sites, and MBC and MBN were greatest at Sacramento and Solano. The largest increases in SOC were at the site that received the lowest cumulative loading rate of biosolids (Solano), where SOC content to 100 cm was 50% greater in amended soils (p < .001). Net changes in soil C stocks to 30 cm were 0.4 ± 0.1 (Solano), -0.04 ± 0.1 (Merced), and 0.3 ± 0.2 (Sacramento) Mg C ha-1 yr-1 . These values change when considering deeper soil depths (0-100 cm) to 0.5 ± 0.1 (Solano), 0.2 ± 0.2 (Merced), and 0.216 ± 0.2 (Sacramento) Mg C ha-1 yr-1 , reflecting differences in C stocks changes in surface and subsurface soils across sites. Rates of C storage per dry Mg of biosolids per year applied were 1 ± 0.2 (Solano), 0.5 ± 0.4 (Merced), and 0.04 ± 0.1 (Sacramento). Our results suggest that local controls on soil C stabilization are more important than amendment application amount at predicting climate benefits and that accounting for soil C changes below 30 cm can provide insight for sequestering C in agroecosystems.
Black Odysseus: Mediterranean ‘Blues’ and Clandestine Migration in Josué Guébo’s Songe à Lampedusa

This article explores the eco-poetics of Josue Guebo’s epic poem Songe a Lampedusa, through the ways in which it reworks Homer’s The Odyssey, in order to reclaim Ancient Greece in its transnational...
Effects of Nicotine Exposure on T Cell Development in Fetal Thymus Organ Culture: Arrest of T Cell Maturation

There is evidence for both physiological functions of the natural neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, and pharmacological actions of the plant alkaloid, nicotine, on the development and function of the immune system. The effects of continuous exposure to nicotine over a 12-day course of fetal thymus organ culture (FTOC) were studied, and thymocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry. In the presence of very low concentrations of nicotine many more immature T cells (defined by low or negative TCR expression) and fewer mature T cells (intermediate or high expression of TCR) were produced. In addition, the numbers of cells expressing CD69 and, to a lesser extent, CD95 (Fas) were increased. These effects took place when fetal thymus lobes from younger (13-14 days gestation) pups were used for FTOC. If FTOC were set up using tissue from older (15-16 days gestation pups), nicotine had little effect, suggesting that it may act only on immature T cell precursors. Consistent with an increase in immature cells, the expression of recombinase-activating genes was found to be elevated. Nicotine effects were partially blocked by the simultaneous addition of the nicotinic antagonist d-tubocurarine. Furthermore, d-tubocurarine alone blocked the development of both immature and mature murine thymocytes, suggesting the presence of an endogenous ligand that may engage nicotinic acetylcholine receptors on developing thymocytes and influence the course of normal thymic ontogeny.
Agency Costs in Environmental Not-For-Profits

We examine the behavior of not-for-profits using utility maximization. This leads to testable hypotheses regarding the costs of agency associated with the activities of not-for-profits. Our tests are similar to those previously employed regarding not-for-profit objectives, but our interpretation is different. Our empirical test uses data on environmental groups. Unlike previous studies biased toward a finding of service maximization, we account for endogenous explanatory variables. A weak statement of our results is that managers of environmental groups derive positive marginal utility from expenditures for purposes other than providing services. There may also be empirical support for a stronger conclusion.
Polychelatsiloxane 1. Mitt.: Metallierende polymerisation von siloxan‐bis(β‐diketonen)

Siloxan-bis(β-diketone) wurden durch Addition von 4,4-Diacetylbuten-1 an α,ω-Dihydrogensiloxane hergestellt und nach verschiedenen Methoden durch Reaktionen mit Metallverbindungen in Polymere ubergefuhrt, die in der Hauptkette alternierende Metallchelatgruppen, Trimethylen- und Dimethylsiloxangruppen enthalten. Am besten bewahrte sich die Methode der wasserfreien Umsetzung der Bis(diketone) mit BeCl2 ohne Zusatz einer Base. Siloxane-bis(β-diketones) have been prepared by addition of 4,4-diacetylbutene-1 to α,ω-dihydrogensiloxanes. These compounds have been reacted with metal compounds following different methods to yield polymers, containing regularly alternating metalchelat-groups, trimethylen-groups, and dimethylsiloxane-groups. The best method proved to be the reaction of the bis(diketones) with BeCl2 under anhydrous condition without addition of any proton acceptor.
On the exact location of the zeros of certain families of rational period functions and other related rational functions

The classification of Rational Period Functions on the modular group has been of some interest recently, and was accomplished by studying the pole sets of these rational functions. We take a complex analytic point of view and begin an investigation into the location of zeros of certain families of rational period functions.
Active-site gating regulates substrate selectivity in a chymotrypsin-like serine protease the structure of haemophilus influenzae immunoglobulin A1 protease.

We report here the first structure of a member of the immunoglobulin A protease (IgAP) family at 1.75-A resolution. This protease is a founding member of the type V (autotransporter) secretion system and is considered a virulence determinant among the bacteria expressing the enzyme. The structure of the enzyme fits that of a classic autotransporter in which several unique domains necessary for protein function are appended to a central, 100-A-long β-helical domain. The N-terminal domain of the IgAP is found to possess a chymotrypsin-like fold. However, this catalytic domain contains a unique loop D that extends over the active site acting as a lid, gating substrate access. The data presented provide a structural basis for the known ability of IgAPs to cleave only the proline/serine/threonine-rich hinge peptide unique to IgA1 (isotype 1) in the context of the intact fold of the immunoglobulin. Based upon the structural data, as well as molecular modeling, a model suggesting that the unique extended loop D in this IgAP sterically occludes the active-site binding cleft in the absence of immunoglobulin binding is presented. Only in the context of binding of the IgA1-Fc domain in a valley formed between the N-terminal protease domain and another domain appended to the β-helix spine (domain 2) is the lid stabilized in an open conformation. The stabilization of this open conformation through Fc association subsequently allows access of the hinge peptide to the active site, resulting in recognition and cleavage of the substrate.
Actions Do Speak Louder than Words: Deterring Plagiarism with the Use of Plagiarism-Detection Software

Introduction In recent years, the availability of online source material and online papers has increased instructors' concerns regarding plagiarism in the classroom. Many instructors do not realize, however, that the digital revolution has also created a niche for fast and (at least somewhat) reliable plagiarism-detection software.
Unusual Membrane-Associated Protein Kinases in Higher Plants

Plant genomes encode a variety of protein kinases, and while some are functional homologues of animal and fungal kinases, others have a novel structure. This review focuses on three groups of unusual membrane-associated plant protein kinases: receptor-like protein kinases (RLKs), calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs), and histidine protein kinases. Animal RLKs have a putative extracellular domain, a single transmembrane domain, and a protein kinase domain. In plants, all of the RLKs identified thus far have serine/threonine signature sequences, rather than the tyrosine-specific signature sequences common to animals. Recent genetic experiments reveal that some of these plant kinases function in development and pathogen resistance. The CDPKs of plants and protozoans are composed of a single polypeptide with a protein kinase domain fused to a C-terminal calmodulin-like domain containing four calcium-binding EF hands. No functional plant homologues of protein kinase C or Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase have been identified, and no animal or fungal CDPK homologues have been identified. Recently, histidine kinases have been shown to participate in signaling pathways in plants and fungi. ETR1, an Arabidopsis histidine kinase homologue with three transmembrane domains, functions as a receptor for the plant hormone ethylene. G-protein-coupled receptors, which often serve as hormone receptors in animal systems, have not yet been identified in plants.