cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Optimal power allocation in server farms

Server farms today consume more than 1.5% of the total electricity in the U.S. at a cost of nearly $4.5 billion. Given the rising cost of energy, many industries are now seeking solutions for how to best make use of their available power. An important question which arises in this context is how to distribute available power among servers in a server farm so as to get maximum performance.By giving more power to a server, one can get higher server frequency (speed). Hence it is commonly believed that, for a given power budget, performance can be maximized by operating servers at their highest power levels. However, it is also conceivable that one might prefer to run servers at their lowest power levels, which allows more servers to be turned on for a given power budget. To fully understand the effect of power allocation on performance in a server farm with a fixed power budget, we introduce a queueing theoretic model, which allows us to predict the optimal power allocation in a variety of scenarios. Results are verified via extensive experiments on an IBM BladeCenter.We find that the optimal power allocation varies for different scenarios. In particular, it is not always optimal to run servers at their maximum power levels. There are scenarios where it might be optimal to run servers at their lowest power levels or at some intermediate power levels. Our analysis shows that the optimal power allocation is non-obvious and depends on many factors such as the power-to-frequency relationship in the processors, the arrival rate of jobs, the maximum server frequency, the lowest attainable server frequency and the server farm configuration. Furthermore, our theoretical model allows us to explore more general settings than we can implement, including arbitrarily large server farms and different power-to-frequency curves. Importantly, we show that the optimal power allocation can significantly improve server farm performance, by a factor of typically 1.4 and as much as a factor of 5 in some cases.
Formation of environmentally persistent free radical (EPFR) in iron(III) cation-exchanged smectite clay.

Environmentally persistent free radicals (EPFRs) have been found at a number of Superfund sites, with EPFRs being formed via a proposed redox process at ambient environmental conditions. The possibility of such a redox process taking place at ambient environmental conditions is studied utilizing a surrogate soil system of phenol and iron(III)-exchanged calcium montmorillonite clay, Fe(III)CaM. Sorption of phenol by the Fe(III)CaM is demonstrated by Fourier-transformed infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, as evidenced by the peaks between 1345 cm−1 and 1595 cm−1, and at lower frequencies between 694 cm−1 and 806 cm−1, as well as X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, as shown by an increase in interlayer spacing within Fe(III)CaM. The formation and characterization of the EPFRs is determined by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, showing phenoxyl-type radical with a g-factor of 2.0034 and ΔHP-P of 6.1 G at an average concentration of 7.5 × 1017 spins per g. EPFRs lifetime data are indicative of oxygen and water molecules being responsible for EPFR decay. The change in the oxidation state of the iron redox center is studied by X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy, showing that 23% of the Fe(III) is reduced to Fe(II). X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) results confirm the XANES results. These findings, when combined with the EPFR concentration data, demonstrate that the stoichiometry of the EPFR formation under the conditions of this study is 1.5 × 10−2 spins per Fe(II) atom.
Esterase activities in the zymogen moiety of the streptokinase-plasminogen complex.

Abstract It was shown earlier that streptokinase and human plasminogen form a stoichiometric complex in which the presence of a functional active center can be detected in the zymogen moiety before its proteolytic conversion to plasmin. This center was shown to react with the active site titrant pnitrophenyl-p'-guanidinobenzoate, and to possess activator activity for human plasminogen. We now show that the zymogen moiety of the complex is capable of hydrolyzing lysine and acetyllysine methyl ester, as well as tosylarginine methyl ester, at rates approximately one-half that of the fully developed streptokinase-plasmin complex. At sufficiently high ester concentrations, activation to streptokinaseplasmin can be completely arrested, as the esters compete with plasminogen for the activator center in the streptokinaseplasminogen complex. This inhibition prolongs the life of this transient active complex, and has permitted in this study the determination of kinetic constants for acetyllysine methyl ester hydrolysis, as well as the quantitative determination of the relative activator activities of streptokinaseplasminogen and streptokinase-plasmin. The effects of bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor and of soybean trypsin inhibitor were also determined on the esterase activity of plasmin and its streptokinase complexes. Finally, a recent suggestion, that it is the streptokinase moiety of the activator complex which bears the active center, was examined by active site titration: no evidence was found to support this hypothesis.
The Use of Bootstrap Financing Among Small Technology-Based Firms

This study examines the use of 28 bootstrap financing methods among a sample of 44 small technology-based firms. The results indicate that, in general, the owners of these firms did not view bootstrap financing to be an important source of capital. The use of bootstrap financing was directly related to the risk of the firm, but inversely related to the size of the firms' market and whether the owner had searched for capital during the past year. The results can be used by owners of small technology-based firms, consultants, and support agencies that provide assistance to technology-based firms in areas of financial planning and capital acquisition. Understanding the use and availability of all sources of capital can help owners develop comprehensive financial strategies. Agencies that provide support services can use the information to better assist small technology-based firms in developing financial strategies. This information could be incorporated into training programs for owners and managers of small technology-based firms. (Publication abstract)
Rubber-Thermoplastic Compositions. Part VII. Chlorinated Polyethylene Rubber-Nylon Compositions

Abstract Nylon resins and CPE rubber can be melt-blended to give compositions which have useful properties. If the rubber is cured by dynamic vulcanization, high strength oil resistant thermoplastic elastomers result. Cold milling of melt-mixed compositions results in nylon-reinforced rubber which can be mixed with curatives and press cured or statically vulcanized to give reinforced rubber compositions which resemble vulcanized rubber-short fiber composites. The reason for the high integrity of either the statically or the dynamically vulcanized composition appears to be that chemical bonds form between the rubber and plastic.
Control of electronic properties of 2D carbides (MXenes) by manipulating their transition metal layers

In this study, a transition from metallic to semiconducting-like behavior has been demonstrated in two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides by replacing titanium with molybdenum in the outer transition metal (M) layers of M3C2 and M4C3 MXenes. The MXene structure consists of n + 1 layers of near-close packed M layers with C or N occupying the octahedral site between them in an [MX]nM arrangement. Recently, two new families of ordered 2D double transition metal carbides MXenes were discovered, M′2M′′C2 and M′2M′′2C3 – where M′ and M′′ are two different early transition metals, such as Mo, Cr, Ta, Nb, V, and Ti. The M′ atoms only occupy the outer layers and the M′′ atoms fill the middle layers. In other words, M′ atomic layers sandwich the middle M′′–C layers. Using X-ray atomic pair distribution function (PDF) analysis on Mo2TiC2 and Mo2Ti2C3 MXenes, we present the first quantitative analysis of structures of these novel materials and experimentally confirm that Mo atoms are in the outer layers of the [MC]nM structures. The electronic properties of these Mo-containing MXenes are compared with their Ti3C2 counterparts, and are found to be no longer metallic-like conductors; instead the resistance increases mildly with decreasing temperatures. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations suggest that OH terminated Mo–Ti MXenes are semiconductors with narrow band gaps. Measurements of the temperature dependencies of conductivities and magnetoresistances have confirmed that Mo2TiC2Tx exhibits semiconductor-like transport behavior, while Ti3C2Tx is a metal. This finding opens new avenues for the control of the electronic and optical applications of MXenes and for exploring new applications, in which semiconducting properties are required.
Pregnant Women’s Infant Oral Health Knowledge and Beliefs: Influence of Having Given Birth and of Having a Child in the Home

Introduction Prenatal oral health interventions can positively impact maternal and child oral health, yet limited information exists concerning how to best educate pregnant women about infant oral health. Our objective was to examine the influence of having given birth on pregnant women’s infant oral health knowledge and beliefs. Methods We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected from a cross-sectional survey of pregnant women ≥18 years old attending UNC’s Ultrasound Clinic. Four binomial items were categorized as infant knowledge (IK) and five rated on a Likert scale (1–5) as infant belief (IB). Overall IK and IB scores were calculated, averaging the items within each construct. Respondents were categorized into two groups: multiparous (N = 268), women having at least one previous live birth and a child between 2 and 6 years old, or nulliparous (N = 186), women with no previous live births or a child between 2 and 6 years old. Regression models for IK and IB were conducted using SAS 9.2 with maternal demographic characteristics, dental utilization, and birth history as explanatory variables (p ≤ 0.05). Results IK was affected by race (p = 0.04), mother’s oral health self-rating (p = 0.0002), and birth history (p < 0.0001). On average, IK was 0.12 units higher in subjects with a history of giving birth, adjusting for explanatory variables. IB was influenced by maternal oral health beliefs (p = 0.002) and history of access to dental care (p = 0.0002). IB did not differ based on birth history (p = 0.17). Discussion The influence of birth history on pregnant women’s infant oral health knowledge and beliefs can be considered in future intervention designs to maximize available resources.
Identification of the hormones secreted by an autonomous mammotropic pituitary tumor in rats.

SummaryThe autonomous mammotropic tumor of Furth (MtT-F4) has been shown to secrete growth hormone and ACTH. The previous observation of mammotropin production has been confirmed.
Walnut Aphid Investigations in Northern California

The walnut aphid ( Chromaphis juglandicola (Kltb.)) is most destructive to walnut from the time the leaf buds begin to unfold until the leaves are fully expanded. Severe infestations during this period greatly stunt the leaves which is reflected in a reduced size of the developing nuts. Schradan is the most effective insecticide that has been tested against the walnut aphid. Except in a region where the aphid has shown resistance to certain phosphate insecticides, 0.5 pound of schradan per acre has effectively controlled the pest for an entire year. Better control has been obtained with dosages of 0.75 and 1.0 pound. For satisfactory results treatments must be made before the foliage hardens. Other factors that influence the effectiveness of treatment are vigor, and thoroughness of application. Although schradan exerts a suppressing action on other sucking pests of walnut, there are some cases, such as the calico scale ( Lecanium cerasorum (Ckll.)) and the European red mite ( Panonychus ulmi (Koch)), where it tends to induce an increase in the population. The vigor of the trees and the exceptional fine quality of foliage on trees treated with schradan may in part result from a stimulus beyond that obtained through the control of the walnut aphid and other pests.
The Company and the Product: Corporate Associations and Consumer Product Responses:

Although brand theorists suggest that what a person knows about a company (i.e., corporate associations) can influence perceptions of the company's products, little systematic research on these eff...
Reviews and Resources:The Road to Discovery: A Short History of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory: BOOKS

Like a handful of other research institutions, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) has had an impressive impact on science. Beginning with a focus on phage, CSHL played an important role in the development of molecular biology, and has continued to be at the forefront of scientific discovery. One reason for this is that it attracts a diverse flock of scientists from around the world and fosters an atmosphere of vigorous, open scientific discussion and debate that starts in the morning and often goes late into the night. This stimulates scientists to immerse themselves in engaging arguments about why, how, and what's next.
Possible endothelial modulation of prostaglandin-stimulated renin release.

Studies were run to determine whether the renal microvascular endothelium influences renin release. Blood-free rat renal cortical slices were incubated in a bicarbonate buffer for 60 min and sampled at 30 and 60 min to determine renin concentration and at 60 min for prostaglandin (PG) E2 and I2 (6-keto-PGF1 alpha) synthesis. Stimulation by 10(-6) M melittin of endogenous PGs simultaneously increased renin release, PGE2, and PGI2 synthesis, and all were inhibited by 1.6 x 10(-6) M meclofenamate. Renin release was stimulated with isoproterenol [26.2 +/- 2.4 ng angiotensin I (ANG I) .h-1.mg-1.30 min-1; P less than 0.001], PGI2 (32.3 +/- 7.4 ng ANG I.h-1.mg-1.mg-1.30 min-1; P less than 0.005), and PGE2 (25.7 +/- 2.8 ng ANG I.h-1.mg-1.30 min-1, P less than 0.001). Acetylcholine did not affect basal renin but potentiated the response to PGE2 by 80% (46.0 +/- 5.8 ng ANG I.h-1.mg-1.30 min-1; P less than 0.001). Atropine (10(-7) M) reversed this potentiation. Deendothelialization of renal microvessels with H2O2 el...
The protein product of the proto-oncogene c-cbl forms a complex with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase p85 and CD19 in anti-IgM-stimulated human B-lymphoma cells

Multiple signal transduction cascades, consisting of multiple interacting proteins, are activated following stimulation through most cell surface receptors, including the immunoglobulin receptor of B lymphocytes. In this report, we investigated the multimolecular complexes formed following anti-Ig stimulation of a human B-lymphoma cell line, resulting in activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). PI3K is a lipid kinase that consists of an 85-kD regulatory subunit, bound to a 110-kD catalytic subunit. CD19 is a 95-kD B-cell surface marker that contains a consensus binding motif for PI3Kp85 in the cytoplasmic domain and recruits PI3K activity in activated B cells. The protein product of the c-cbl protooncogene is a 120-kD protein that is expressed in early B-lineage cells and in myeloid cells and is phosphorylated on tyrosine following receptor-mediated signaling in T and B lymphocytes. We demonstrate here that phosphorylated c-cbl complexes with CD19 and with PI3Kp85 via its C-terminal SH2 domain, and that both c-cbl and CD19 are associated with active PI3K in anti-Ig-stimulated cells. Although we cannot differentiate between a three-component, c-cbl/CD19/p85 complex and individual two-component complexes, these studies suggest that c-cbl may function as a docking protein, possibly linking distinct signal transduction pathways.
Ultrasound-guided reduction of ileocolic intussusception in children

Objective - To determine the success rate of the newly introduced method of ultrasound guided hydrostatic reduction in detected ileocolic intussusception by retrospective analysis. Materials and methods - Analysis was performed on all diagnosed ileocolic intussusceptions during the period of December 2013 to November 2015 at the Department for pediatric Radiology of the Children's Hospital Zagreb. In this period of time 34 patients were diagnosed with ileocolic intussusception. Ultrasound guided hydrostatic reduction was performed in 31 patients. We performed ultrasound guided hydrostatic reposition using saline solution warmed at body temperature. Saline was applied per rectum. When the intussusceptum crossed the ileocecal valve, the reposition was considered successful. Results - Out of 34 patients, three patients were treated with an urgent surgical procedure, while ultrasound guided hydrostatic reduction was performed in 31 patients. The non-surgical procedures were successful in all cases and complete reductions of intussusception were achieved in all 31 patients. In three patients, reinvagination occurred within the first 48 hours. Conclusion - Ultrasound guided hydrostatic reduction of ileocolic intussusceptions in children is a very simple and effective technique. The success rate was 91.2% (31/34). The recurrence rate was 8.8%.
High power vacuum insulated LN 2 cryocable loop

Economic studies1 have indicated that vacuum insulated, liquid nitrogen cooled, underground transmission lines have the best prospect of becoming competitive with overhead transmission. The cost comparison shown in Figure 1 has been prepared from these data.
Fabrication and optical characterization of polystyrene opal templates for the synthesis of scalable, nanoporous (photo)electrocatalytic materials by electrodeposition

Finding solutions to improve the performance of semiconductor light absorbers and catalyst materials remains an outstanding issue that prevents the realization of solar fuel generators. Nanostructuring approaches of photoelectrocatalytic materials have the potential to reduce bulk recombination and improve electron–hole pair separation in semiconductor light absorbers, as well as to increase the active surface area and influence the activity in catalytic systems. Herein, we propose a versatile approach for the synthesis of reproducible, highly homogeneous, large scale nanoporous (photo)electrocatalytic materials for artificial photosynthesis. By identifying and carefully analyzing critical parameters for forming opal templates from solutions of colloidal polystyrene beads (PS), we are able to reproducibly fabricate large area (>cm2) PS films with high optical quality over a wide diameter range (170–600 nm). Using these PS bead opal films as templates, we demonstrate that electrodeposition is a suitable bottom-up infilling technique to produce scalable, homogeneous, and highly ordered nanoporous (photo)electrocatalytic materials, namely Cu2O, BiVO4, CuBi2O4, and Cu. We provide morphological, structural, and optical characterization of the resulting opal replicas. Finally, we demonstrate preliminary integration of the Cu2O inverse opal film into a working photocathode under CO2 reduction conditions.
Lu Xun, the Critical Buddhist: A Monstrous Ekayāna

When Lu Xun 魯迅 (1881–1936) sows in “Gudu zhe” 孤獨者 (The Misanthrope) the analogy of a seed in a conversation about the nature of children, he alludes to the epistemic seedbed other than evolutionary thinking: Buddhism. This study probes into this moment of double conjuration as religion encounters science and soteriology confronts natural law. It unravels the significance of the Buddhist reference by tracing the seed to its Yogācāra provenance and implanting it in a twentieth-century debate between the Yogācārins and the advocates of the Tathāgatagarbha doctrine across East Asia. The author situates Lu Xun in a shared intellectual horizon with the contemporary lay Buddhist scholar, Ouyang Jingwu 歐陽竟無 (1871–1943), whose critique of Dasheng qixin lun 大乘起信論 (Treatise on the Awakening of Faith in the Mahāyāna, or the Awakening of Faith ) in 1922 furnishes a Buddhist exemplum of the “obsession with China.” In spirit both Ouyang and Lu Xun anticipate the Critical Buddhism movement of late 1980s Japan, in which hongaku 本覚, or original enlightenment thought, is censured for latent ideological complicity with Japanese ethnocentrism. Lu Xun, the author suggests, turns out to be the most critical of all Critical Buddhists. This is evidenced by his “Sihuo” 死火 (Dead Fire), which features a ghastly twist in its retelling of the burning house parable from the Miaofa lianhua jing 妙法蓮華經 ( Saddharma-puṇḍarīka-sūtra; Sūtra of the Lotus of the Wonderful Dharma, or the Lotus Sūtra ). Having undergone a Buddhist vita contemplativa in the preceding years of the literary revolution, Lu Xun came to personify a profound “consciousness of darkness” ( youan yishi 幽暗意識) in dwelling on the karma of modernity.
Parametric study of fluid flow manipulation with piezoelectric macrofiber composite flaps

Active Fluid Flow Control (AFFC) has received great research attention due to its significant potential in engineering applications. It is known that drag reduction, turbulence management, flow separation delay and noise suppression through active control can result in significantly increased efficiency of future commercial transport vehicles and gas turbine engines. In microfluidics systems, AFFC has mainly been used to manipulate fluid passing through the microfluidic device. We put forward a conceptual approach for fluid flow manipulation by coupling multiple vibrating structures through flow interactions in an otherwise quiescent fluid. Previous investigations of piezoelectric flaps interacting with a fluid have focused on a single flap. In this work, arrays of closely-spaced, free-standing piezoelectric flaps are attached perpendicular to the bottom surface of a tank. The coupling of vibrating flaps due to their interacting with the surrounding fluid is investigated in air (for calibration) and under water. Actuated flaps are driven with a harmonic input voltage, which results in bending vibration of the flaps that can work with or against the flow-induced bending. The size and spatial distribution of the attached flaps, and the phase and frequency of the input actuation voltage are the key parameters to be investigated in this work. Our analysis will characterize the electrohydroelastic dynamics of active, interacting flaps and the fluid motion induced by the system.
Allocating emissions to 4 km and 1 km horizontal spatial resolutions and its impact on simulated NO x and O 3 in Houston, TX

Abstract A WRF-SMOKE-CMAQ air quality modeling system was used to investigate the impact of horizontal spatial resolution on simulated nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ozone (O3) in the Greater Houston area (a non-attainment area for O3). We employed an approach recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to allocate county-based emissions to model grid cells in 1 km and 4 km horizontal grid resolutions. The CMAQ Integrated Process Rate analyses showed a substantial difference in emissions contributions between 1 and 4 km grids but similar NOx and O3 concentrations over urban and industrial locations. For example, the peak NOx emissions at an industrial and urban site differed by a factor of 20 for the 1 km and 8 for the 4 km grid, but simulated NOx concentrations changed only by a factor of 1.2 in both cases. Hence, due to the interplay of the atmospheric processes, we cannot expect a similar level of reduction of the gas-phase air pollutants as the reduction of emissions. Both simulations reproduced the variability of NASA P-3B aircraft measurements of NOy and O3 in the lower atmosphere (from 90 m to 4.5 km). Both simulations provided similar reasonable predictions at surface, while 1 km case depicted more detailed features of emissions and concentrations in heavily polluted areas, such as highways, airports, and industrial regions, which are useful in understanding the major causes of O3 pollution in such regions, and to quantify transport of O3 to populated communities in urban areas. The Integrated Reaction Rate analyses indicated a distinctive difference of chemistry processes between the model surface layer and upper layers, implying that correcting the meteorological conditions at the surface may not help to enhance the O3 predictions. The model-observation O3 bias in our studies (e.g., large over-prediction during the nighttime or along Gulf of Mexico coastline), were due to uncertainties in meteorology, chemistry or other processes. Horizontal grid resolution is unlikely the major contributor to these biases.
A virtual climate library of surface temperature over North America for 1979-2015.

The most comprehensive continuous-coverage modern climatic data sets, known as reanalyses, come from combining state-of-the-art numerical weather prediction (NWP) models with diverse available observations. These reanalysis products estimate the path of climate evolution that actually happened, and their use in a probabilistic context—for example, to document trends in extreme events in response to climate change—is, therefore, limited. Free runs of NWP models without data assimilation can in principle be used for the latter purpose, but such simulations are computationally expensive and are prone to systematic biases. Here we produce a high-resolution, 100-member ensemble simulation of surface atmospheric temperature over North America for the 1979–2015 period using a comprehensive spatially extended non-stationary statistical model derived from the data based on the North American Regional Reanalysis. The surrogate climate realizations generated by this model are independent from, yet nearly statistically congruent with reality. This data set provides unique opportunities for the analysis of weather-related risk, with applications in agriculture, energy development, and protection of human life. Machine-accessible metadata file describing the reported data (ISA-Tab format)
A high granularity calorimeter for the CMS endcaps at the HL-LHC

Calorimetry at the High Luminosity LHC faces many technical challenges. In the forward direction the levels of radiation and the unprecedented in-time event pileup make detector design and operation particularly difficult. To meet these challenges, the CMS experiment has decided to construct a sampling calorimeter with silicon as the primary active medium. This calorimeter — the High Granularity Calorimeter — will have an unprecedented degree transverse and longitudinal segmentation for a collider detector, both for electromagnetic and hadronic compartments. In this paper we discuss the motivation for this choice of calorimeter and its design.
Passive, broadband suppression of radiation of low-frequency sound

Anthropogenic noise pollution of the ocean is an acute and growing problem. This letter explores one possible mechanism of noise abatement. The far-field acoustic pressure due to a compact underwater source can be suppressed by placing a small compliant body in the vicinity of the source. Here, the feasibility and efficiency of the suppression are evaluated by quantifying the reduction in radiated acoustic energy for several simple geometries, which include sound sources in an unbounded fluid, near a reflecting boundary, or in a shallow-water waveguide. The analysis is streamlined using analytic solutions for sound diffraction by simple shapes.
Association between provider recommendation and influenza vaccination status among children.

Abstract Background Provider recommendation is associated with influenza vaccination receipt. The objectives of this study were to estimate the percentage of children 6 months–17 years for whom a provider recommendation for influenza vaccination was received, identify factors associated with receipt of provider recommendation, and evaluate the association between provider recommendation and influenza vaccination status among children. Methods National Immunization Survey-Flu (NIS-Flu) parentally reported data for the 2013–14, 2014–15, and 2015–16 seasons were analyzed. Tests of association between provider recommendation and demographic characteristics were conducted using Wald chi-square tests and pairwise comparison t-tests. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine variables independently associated with receiving provider recommendation and the association between provider recommendation and influenza vaccination status. Results Approximately 70% of children had a parent report receiving a provider recommendation for influenza vaccination for their child. The strongest association between receipt of provider recommendation and demographic characteristics was with child’s age, with younger children (6–23 months, 2–4 years, and 5–12 years) being more likely to have a provider recommendation than older children (13–17 years). In addition, children living in a household above poverty with household income >$75,000 were more likely to have a parent report receipt of a provider recommendation than children living below poverty. Children with a provider recommendation were twice as likely to be vaccinated than those without. Conclusions This study affirms the importance of provider recommendation for influenza vaccination among children. Ensuring that parents of all children receive a provider recommendation may improve vaccination coverage.
TEAMSCOPE: measuring software engineering processes with teamwork telemetry

Project-based learning is an important teaching method in software engineering education. However, it is unclear how student projects can be evaluated objectively and systematically in classrooms. Measurements used in industry, such as quality of the codebase, are not the only expected outcomes in classrooms; informative assessments in project-based learning require more details about how students behave as individuals and as a team. In this paper, we establish the importance of measuring processes in project-based software engineering courses and present metrics mined from software development tools for monitoring and observing processes to facilitate teaching. A case study at a US university confirms that 1) teams with better conformance to software development processes achieve better outcomes, and 2) our approach can be used to design metrics that serve as early detectors of violations to software development processes. Our results suggest that instructors for software engineering courses can use our approach to design process metrics for systematic, targeted, and automatic evaluation of team projects. Furthermore, metrics designed using our approach can be used as building blocks for automated systems, and thus increase the scalability of project-based software engineering courses.
Some aspects of cell defense mechanisms of glutathione and vitamin E during cell injury.

Glutathione (GSH) is well established as having important roles in the limiting of cell injury caused by a variety of chemicals and reduced species of molecular oxygen (Reed 1985). Less well understood is the possible interaction of glutathione and vitamin E in chemically induced cell injury, as well as the oxidation type of stress caused by incubation of cells in calcium-depleted medium. This laboratory has demonstrated that chemically induced injury, including alterations in calcium homeostasis, can be correlated with α-tocopherol (vitamin E) content of rat hepatocytes (Fariss et al. 1985a). Incubation of freshly isolated rat hepatocytes in the absence of extracellular calcium produces a “nonoxidant type” of oxidative stress, enhanced by the loss of cytoplasmic and mitochondrial GSH and stimulated lipid peroxidation (Fariss et al. 1984). These events appear to be “reversible” in the absence of chemical insult, but rapidly become irreversible in its presence (Fariss et al. 1984; Fariss et al. 1985a).
Speculative execution for information gathering plans

Although information gathering plans have enabled data from remote heterogeneous sources to be easily combined and queried, their execution performance suffers because access to remote sources is often slow. To address this problem, we have developed a method of speculative execution that increases the degree of run-time parallelism during plan execution. Our approach allows any information gathering plan to be automatically modified to support speculation in a manner that can lead to significant speedups, while ensuring that both safety and fairness are preserved. We demonstrate how speculative execution can be applied to a typical Internet information gathering plan to provide significant performance benefits.
The Groups GL(n, q), SL(n, q), PGL(n, q), and PSL(n, q)

In this chapter we gather together admissibility proofs for the general linear group GL(n, q), the special linear group SL(n, q), the projective general linear group PGL(n, q), and the projective special linear group PSL(n, q). A group is admissible if it admits complete mappings. In this chapter we will show that the groups GL(n, q), SL(n, q), PGL(n, q), and PSL(n, q) are admissible when q is even, except when n and q are both 2. In this exceptional case, each of these groups is isomorphic to the nonabelian group of order 6, a group with a nontrivial, cyclic Sylow 2-subgroup, which therefore is not admissible by a result of Hall and Paige. In this chapter we will also prove the admissibility of GL(n, q), SL(2, q), PSL(2, q), and PGL(n, q) when q is odd.
Broadening the perspective of supply chain finance: The performance impacts of network power and cohesion

Abstract Because firms do not operate in isolation, they are bound by the structure of the networks in which they are embedded. This structure has implications on a firm's ability to access resources and utilize them to their advantage. We consider two critical components of this network structure: network power and network cohesion. Both of these network structures can be critical determinants of firm financial success. Yet, to date the extant research has not yet considered the role of network relations in the context of Supply Chain Finance (SCF). This manuscript attempts to contribute to this gap. Through the use of a dynamic supply chain network structure, we test the role that network power and cohesion have on a firm's financial performance. The results indicate network cohesion contributes positively to efficiency in financial performance, whereas power is a critical factor in earnings performance. Taken together, the study advances a nuanced perspective of managing the firm's levels of network power and cohesion to allow for heightened financial performance.
The Power and Politics of Engineering Education Research Design: Saving the ‘Small N’

For decades, American researchers have brought intellectual, financial and labor resources to understanding minority underrepresentation in engineering, including through studies of persistent raci...
Abstract P001: Greater Time Spent in Ideal Cardiovascular Health in Adulthood is Associated With Lower Risk of Cardiometabolic Outcomes and Death: the Framingham Heart Study

Introduction: The AHA ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) metric evaluated on a single occasion is associated with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is unclear if greater time spent in ideal C...
“It’s just a phase”: Identity denial experiences, self-concept clarity, and emotional well-being in bisexual individuals

Bisexual individuals suffer poorer well-being than their gay and lesbian peers. The current work highlights the identity denial experiences of people who identify as gay, lesbian, and bisexual thro...
Mobile Apps for the Care Management of Chronic Kidney and End-Stage Renal Diseases: Systematic Search in App Stores and Evaluation

Background: Numerous free and low-cost mobile apps for the care management of kidney disease have become available in recent years. Although these appear to be promising tools, they have not been evaluated comparatively based on standard mobile app metrics, and thus, limited evidence is available regarding their efficacy. This study systematically cataloged and assessed mobile apps designed to assist medication compliance and nutrition tracking that are useful to the chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients who are on dialysis. Objective: The objective of this study was to comprehensively evaluate mobile apps used for medication compliance and nutrition tracking for possible use by CKD and ESRD patients. Methods: A systematic review framework was applied to the search, screening, and assessment of apps identified and downloaded from the iOS and Android app stores. We selected apps using 13 relevant search terms, narrowed down based on a set of inclusion and exclusion criteria, and then used the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS), a widely adopted app evaluation tool to assess the effectiveness of apps. The internal consistency and interrater reliability were tested using Cronbach alpha and interclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), respectively. Results: The MARS total score had excellent internal consistency (Cronbach alpha=.90) and a moderate level of interrater reliability (2-way mixed ICC 0.65). Overall, 11 out of the 12 reviewed apps met the minimum acceptable score of 3.0 in MARS rating. The 3 apps with the highest combined scores were My Kidneys, My Health Handbook (MARS=4.68); My Food Coach (MARS=4.48); and National Kidney Foundation Malaysia (MARS=4.20). The study identified 2 general weaknesses in the existing apps: the apps fell short of accommodating advanced interactive features such as providing motivational feedback and promoting family member and caregiver participations in the app utilization. Conclusions: The MARS rating system performed well in the app evaluation. The 3 highest ranked apps scored consistently high across the 5 dimensions specified in MARS. These apps were developed in collaboration with reputable organizations and field experts, demonstrating the importance of expert guidance in developing medical apps.
The R882H substitution in the human de novo DNA methyltransferase DNMT3A disrupts allosteric regulation by the tumor supressor p53

A myriad of protein partners modulate the activity of the human DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A), whose interactions with these other proteins are frequently altered during oncogenesis. We show here that the tumor suppressor p53 decreases DNMT3A activity by forming a heterotetramer complex with DNMT3A. Mutational and modeling experiments suggested that p53 interacts with the same region in DNMT3A as does the structurally characterized DNMT3L. We observed that the p53-mediated repression of DNMT3A activity is blocked by amino acid substitutions within this interface, but surprisingly, also by a distal DNMT3A residue, R882H. DNMT3A R882H occurs frequently in various cancers, including acute myeloid leukemia, and our results suggest that the effects of R882H and other DNMT3A mutations may go beyond changes in DNMT3A methylation activity. To further understand the dynamics of how protein-protein interactions modulate DNMT3A activity, we determined that p53 has a greater affinity for DNMT3A than for DNMT3L and that p53 readily displaces DNMT3L from the DNMT3A:DNMT3L heterotetramer. Interestingly, this occurred even when the preformed DNMT3A:DNMT3L complex was actively methylating DNA. The frequently identified p53 substitutions (R248W and R273H), whereas able to regulate DNMT3A function when forming the DNMT3A:p53 heterotetramer, no longer displaced DNMT3L from the DNMT3A:DNMT3L heterotetramer. The results of our work highlight the complex interplay between DNMT3A, p53, and DNMT3L and how these interactions are further modulated by clinically derived mutations in each of the interacting partners.
Complete percutaneous apical access and closure: Short and intermediate term outcomes.

Objectives To examine the safety of utilizing transapical access during structural interventions. Background Complex interventions of the mitral or aortic region sometimes require coaxial forces to orient and deliver devices. Apical access can provide coaxial countertraction for either transseptal or retrograde aortic access. This manuscript describes the single center experience of small bore transapical access. Methods Retrospective review of cases from 2013 to 2018 at Henry Ford Hospital was performed. Patient demographics and procedure characteristics were abstracted to describe the safety of transapical access using small bore sheaths. Results A total 21 cases were performed at Henry Ford, most of them for transcatheter mitral valve replacement (81%). The mean sheath size used was 4.7 ± 0.9 Fr and protamine was used at the end of 57% of cases. All patients received nitinol-based plugs, 80.1% were from the Amplatz Duct Occluder II type. Four major complications related apical puncture occurred, two pericardial effusions, two hemothorax. Over a median follow time of 430 days (IQR 50-652) a total of five deaths occurred, two related to the procedure and three late deaths with a median time of 362 days (range 205-628 days). No deaths were associated with transapical access. Echocardiographic follow up did not detect any late structural complications from occluder devices. Conclusions Transapical access and closure with nitinol-based devices is feasible and facilitates complex interventions where coaxial forces are need for device delivery and alignment. The most common complication is bleeding and this should be kept in perspective when treating high-risk patients.
Impact of polysubstance use on social and non-affective cognitive performance among treatment-seeking individuals with alcohol use disorders

Abstract Background Individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) display deficits across a range of cognitive processes. Decrements in social cognition may be particularly important for interpersonal functioning and post-treatment adaptation. Although social cognitive deficits are associated with chronic use of numerous substances, the role of polysubstance use in AUD-associated deficits remains largely unaddressed. Methods Community volunteers (n = 49; 22 men) and inpatient treatment-seekers with AUD were administered neurocognitive tasks indexing emotion processing and non-affective cognitive functioning. Tasks included an emotion discrimination task, a working memory task with affective stimuli, a general face processing (control) task, two measures of executive function, and two measures of visual spatial function. AUD subgroups included individuals with no recent (6-month) polysubstance use (AUD-Only; n = 22; 15 men), and those with at least weekly use (Poly-SU; n = 22; 18 men). Results Poly-SU individuals evinced disadvantaged performance relative to other groups on the emotion discrimination task [ps ≤ 0.001], affective working memory task [ps ≤ 0.050], and two executive function measures [ps ≤ 0.051]. No differences were observed for visual spatial functioning [ps ≥ 0.498] or general face processing [ps ≥ 0.190]. No performance differences between AUD-Only and community volunteers were noted. Conclusions Results extend the emerging literature exploring emotion processing in AUD and add to the established literature regarding cognitive deficits in this population. The data suggest that among individuals with AUD, those with polysubstance use may be particularly vulnerable to deficits in decoding emotional face content. The current work highlights the need to incorporate more nuanced and careful considerations of polysubstance use in the design and analysis for future investigations of alcohol-associated deficits in emotion processing.
“Be Current, or You Become the Old Man”: Crossing the Generational Divide in Hip-Hop Education:

Hip-hop culture has been an influential force on a large segment of this generation’s teachers and a tool for building relationships with students. The contemporary hip-hop of today’s generation di...
US Public Perceptions of an Intelligence Quotient Test Score Gap Between Black Americans and White Americans

Intelligence quotient (IQ) is a common measure of intelligence that associates with many important life outcomes. Research over several decades has indicated that the average IQ test score among Bl...
Acoustic Waves in Marine Sediments

Over the past fifteen years a mathematical model to describe acoustic wave propagation in water-saturated sediments has been developed on the basis of the classical Biot theory. As a result of extending the basic theory to allow for energy dissipation owing to various viscous and frictional mechanisms in the skeletal frame of the sediment, a model has evolved that may be used as a practical research tool for studying the acoustic behavior of unconsolidated marine sediments. The development of the model is reviewed in this paper and various physical parameters that influence wave velocity and attenuation, such as grain size, porosity, permeability and effective stress, are discussed. Comparisons are made between the predictions of the model and experimental data for different kinds of sediment.
The Prevalence of Olfactory Dysfunction in the General Population: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BackgroundOlfactory dysfunction (OD) is common and has been reported as an early indicator of COVID-19. However, the reported prevalence of OD in the general population varies widely depending upon...
The Potential Effects of Imposing a Body Mass Index Threshold on Patient-Reported Outcomes After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Abstract Background Operative eligibility thresholds based on body mass index (BMI) alone may risk restricting access to improved pain control, function, and quality of life. This study evaluated the use of BMI-cutoffs to offering TKA in avoiding: 1) 90-day readmission, 2) one-year mortality, and 3) failure to achieve clinically important one-year PROMS improvement (MCID). Methods A total of 4126 primary elective unilateral TKA patients from 2015 to 2018 were prospectively collected. For specific BMI(kg/m2) cutoffs: 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50, the positive predictive value (PPV) for 90-day readmission, one-year mortality, and failure to achieve one-year MCID were calculated. The number of patients denied complication-free postoperative courses per averted adverse outcome/failed improvement was estimated. Results Rates of 90-day readmission and one-year mortality were similar across BMI categories (P > .05, each). PPVs for preventing 90-day readmission and one-year mortality were low across all models of BMI cutoffs. The highest PPV for 90-day readmission and one-year mortality was detected at cutoffs of 45 (6.4%) and 40 (0.87%), respectively. BMI cutoff of 40 would deny 18 patients 90-day readmission-free, and 194 patients one-year mortality-free postoperative courses for each averted 90-day readmission/one-year mortality. Such cutoff would also deny 11 patients an MCID per avoided failure. Implementing BMI thresholds alone did not influence the rate of improvements in KOOS-PS, KRQOL, or VR-12. Conclusion Utilizing BMI cutoffs as the sole determinants of TKA ineligibility may deny patients complication-free postoperative courses and clinically important improvements. Shared decision-making supported by predictive tools may aid in balancing the potential benefit TKA offers to obese patients with the potentially increased complication risk and cost of care provision.