cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide linkage analyses of total serum IgE using variance components analysis in asthmatic families.

Variance components models were used to analyze total IgE levels in families ascertained though the Collaborative Study of the Genetics of Asthma (CSGA) using a genome-wide array of polymorphic markers. While IgE levels are known to be associated with clinical asthma and recognized to be under strong genetic control (here the heritability was estimated at 44‐60% in the three racial groups),
Epibiotic Bacteria on Several Ciliates from Marine Sediments

Bacterial epibionts were observed on the surface of the marine sediment ciliate Geleia fossata. Rod-shaped bacteria, from 2-10 x 10 3 per ciliate, were universally positioned in ciliated grooves, in apparent spatial association with dikinetids. SEM and TEM examination of the ciliates confirmed that a tight affiliation exists between the epibiotic bacteria and ciliate cortex ultrastructures. These observations, as well as the distinct bacterial distribution pattern over ciliate surface, suggest that there is a close epibiont/host physiological integration. Epibiotic bacteria were also observed on the surfaces of other sediment ciliates from the genera Loxophyllum, Tracheloraphis, Geleia, Paraspathidium, and Cyclidium. These findings indicate that the bacterial/protozoa associations are widespread in the marine benthic environment. The potential benefits for both epibionts and their hosts are discussed.
TEACHING ACADEMIC ESL WRITING: PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES IN VOCABULARY AND GRAMMAR

TEACHING ACADEMIC ESL WRITING: PRACTICAL TECHNIQUES IN VOCABULARY AND GRAMMAR. Eli Hinkel . Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum, 2004. Pp. xii + 360. $79.95 cloth, $37.50 paper. In this text, Hinkel argues that second language (L2) writing instruction has long favored teaching the writing process and discourse and rhetorical features of text while neglecting the essential language skills that L2 writers need to succeed in mainstream university classes. She attempts to redress this perceived shortcoming by identifying and describing the formal syntactic and lexical characteristics of academic text and advocating the explicit teaching of these key structures and lexical chunks.
Nickel sorption mechanisms in a pyrophyllite-montmorillonite mixture

Nickel sorption on pyrophyllite, montmorillonite and a 1:1 pyrophyllite-montmorillonite mixture was studied at pH 7.5 and a reaction time of 40 min. The main modes of Ni uptake under these reaction conditions are adsorption on montmorillonite and surface precipitation on pyrophyllite. For the clay mixture, where adsorption on the montmorillonite component and surface precipitation on the pyrophyllite component compete for Ni uptake, X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (XAFS) was used to estimate the distribution of Ni over the mixture components. This was done by comparison to pyrophyllite-montmorillonite mixtures with known Ni distributions over the mixture components. Nickel uptake on singly reacted pyrophyllite was slightly higher than on singly reacted montmorillonite. This was consistent with the XAFS results for the clay mixture, which suggested that the pyrophyllite component sorbed slightly more Ni than the montmorillonite component. Our findings suggested that both adsorption and surface precipitation were important mechanisms in the overall Ni uptake in the clay mixture, and that neither sorption mechanism truly out-competed the other in the reaction time of 40 min employed. Therefore, both mechanisms should be considered when modeling Ni sorption in similar systems. Copyright 1999 Academic Press.
ChromatinDB: a database of genome-wide histone modification patterns for Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Summary: Covalent modifications to histone proteins play a critical role in regulating gene transcription. Previous studies have used chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) based microarray assays to profile genomic regions that are enriched or depleted for a particular histone modification. Such studies have been conducted extensively in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but currently no comprehensive data repositories or analysis tools are available for these data sets. For this reason, we have developed the ChromatinDB database, which contains genome-wide ChIP data for 22 different histones or histone modifications in S.cerevisiae. ChromatinDB provides novel tools to facilitate the visualization and statistical analysis of chromatin features for user-selected gene sets. Availability: http://www.bioinformatics2.wsu.edu/ChromatinDB Contact: jwyrick@wsu.edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
What Really Influences Officer Attitudes Toward COP?: The Importance of Context

This research examines the extent to which actual implementation influenced how officers felt and the reasons for their feelings particularly about community-oriented policing (COP)-related activities, procedures, and COP philosophy in general. A pre- and post-implementation survey was conducted and followed up by a set of focus groups. The primary areas of difference between the pre- and post-COP expectations and experience were in the following areas: (a) less communication with other officers; (b) belief that they have less independence and discretion; (c) less participation in departmental decision making; and (d) more meetings with agencies and businesses, but less informal contacts with citizens. In addition, problem-oriented policing projects are considered too formal and time-consuming, given all their other responsibilities. These findings suggest that the local context of policing is an important element in the success of COP implementation.
H2O absorption spectroscopy for determination of temperature and H2O mole fraction in high-temperature particle synthesis systems.

Water absorption spectroscopy has been successfully demonstrated as a sensitive and accurate means for in situ determination of temperature and H2O mole fraction in silica (SiO2) particle-forming flames. Frequency modulation of near-infrared emission from a semiconductor diode laser was used to obtain multiple line-shape profiles of H2O rovibrational (ν1 + ν3) transitions in the 7170–7185-cm-1 region. Temperature was determined by the relative peak height ratios, and χH2O was determined by use of the line-shape profiles. Measurements were made in the multiphase regions of silane/hydrogen/oxygen/argon flames to verify the applicability of the diagnostic approach to combustion synthesis systems with high particle loadings. A range of equivalence ratios was studied (ϕ = 0.47–2.15). The results were compared with flames where no silane was present and with adiabatic equilibrium calculations. The spectroscopic results for temperature were in good agreement with thermocouple measurements, and the qualitative trends as a function of the equivalence ratio were in good agreement with the equilibrium predictions. The determinations for water mole fraction were in good agreement with theoretical predictions but were sensitive to the spectroscopic model parameters used to describe collisional broadening. Water absorption spectroscopy has substantial potential as a valuable and practical technology for both research and production combustion synthesis facilities.
Caveolae regulate Smad signaling as verified by novel imaging and system biology approaches.

The contribution of caveolae in Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP2) activated Smad signaling was quantified using a system biology approach. BMP2 plays crucial roles during processes such as hematopoiesis, embryogenesis, and skeletal development. BMP2 signaling is tightly regulated on the plasma membrane by its receptors. The localization of BMP receptors in caveolae and endocytosis through clathrin-coated pits are thought to regulate the signaling; however the conclusions in the current literature are inconsistent. Therefore published literature was used to establish a mathematical model that was validated using confocal AFM (atomic force microscopy), confocal microscopy, and sucrose density centrifugation followed by Western blots, and reporter gene assays. The model and experiments confirmed that both caveolae and CCPs regulate the Smad-dependent signaling pathway, however caveolae are centers at the plasma membrane where receptor–ligand interaction is crucial, Smad phosphorylation occurs, and a high degree of Smad signaling is regulated. This demonstrates a role for caveolae that needs to be considered and further studied. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Learning to trust in the competence and commitment of agents

For agents to collaborate in open multi-agent systems, each agent must trust in the other agents' ability to complete tasks and willingness to cooperate. Agents need to decide between cooperative and opportunistic behavior based on their assessment of another agents' trustworthiness. In particular, an agent can have two beliefs about a potential partner that tend to indicate trustworthiness: that the partner is competent and that the partner expects to engage in future interactions. This paper explores an approach that models competence as an agent's probability of successfully performing an action, and models belief in future interactions as a discount factor. We evaluate the underlying decision framework's performance given accurate knowledge of the model's parameters in an evolutionary game setting. We then introduce a game-theoretic framework in which an agent can learn a model of another agent online, using the Harsanyi transformation. The learning agents evaluate a set of competing hypotheses about another agent during the simulated play of an indefinitely repeated game. The Harsanyi strategy is shown to demonstrate robust and successful online play against a variety of static, classic, and learning strategies in a variable-payoff Iterated Prisoner's Dilemma setting.
Olfactory deficits predict cognitive decline and Alzheimer dementia in an urban community

Objective: To determine the predictive utility of baseline odor identification deficits for future cognitive decline and the diagnosis of Alzheimer disease (AD) dementia. Methods: In a multiethnic community cohort in North Manhattan, NY, 1,037 participants without dementia were evaluated with the 40-item University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). In 757 participants, follow-up occurred at 2 years and 4 years. Results: In logistic regression analyses, lower baseline UPSIT scores were associated with cognitive decline (relative risk 1.067 per point interval; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.040, 1.095; p p p p Conclusions: Impairment in odor identification was superior to deficits in verbal episodic memory in predicting cognitive decline in cognitively intact participants. The findings support the cross-cultural use of a relatively inexpensive odor identification test as an early biomarker of cognitive decline and AD dementia. Such testing may have the potential to select/stratify patients in treatment trials of cognitively impaired patients or prevention trials in cognitively intact individuals.
Resident Perception of a Newsletter’s Impact on Residency Morale and Collegiality

Study Objective: While several residency programs have created residency newsletters, no study has evaluated resident perception of a newsletter’s impact. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of a newly implemented residency newsletter on resident morale and attitude toward fellow residents. Methods: At a Midwestern PGY1-3 emergency medicine residency program, a four-page monthly newsletter was implemented in April of 2005. The newsletter included features on residents, sto­ries on residency events, and information on upcoming events. The newsletter was designed as a resident project in which residents contributed stories and photos. Content and editorial decisions were independent of residency faculty. Ten months after implementation of the newsletter, the program’s residents were surveyed to assess the newsletter’s impact on their morale and attitude toward fellow residents. They also reported their interest in participating as a formal newsletter staff and they provided their opinion on faculty oversight. The survey was conducted anony­mously, was distributed in both paper and electronic forms, and was based on a five-point Likert scale (1-negative, 5-positive). Results: Of the 37 eligible residents, 32 (86.5%) responded to the survey; 84.6% of PGY-3 resi­dents, 83% of PGY-2, and 91.6% of PGY-1 residents participated. When asked to rate the newslet­ter’s impact on their general morale, the mean rating for all residents was 4.6 (range 2-5, standard deviation 0.64, median 4). PGY-3 residents’ mean rating was 4.7, PGY-2 mean was 4.5, and PGY-1 mean was 4.6. Residents were asked to rate the newsletter’s impact on their attitudes toward fel­low residents; the mean rating for all residents was 4.7 (range 3-5, standard deviation 0.53, median 4). PGY-3 residents’ mean rating was 4.7, PGY-2 was 4.7, and PGY-1 was 4.6. When asked if they would be willing to contribute to the newsletter as part of a formal staff, 53% of residents re­sponded “yes”; 27% of PGY-3, 60% of PGY-2, and 70% of PGY-1 answered “yes.” Residents were queried as to whether they would like more faculty oversight of the newsletter; no residents (0%) responded “yes.” 100% of residents (32/32) stated that they read the newsletter monthly. Conclusion: In a relatively large Midwestern PGY-1-3 emergency medicine residency program, nearly all residents perceived a monthly residency newsletter as having a positive impact on their general morale and on their attitudes toward fellow residents. Most junior residents were inter­ested in joining a formal newsletter staff, and residents unanimously expressed their interest in maintaining the independent format of the newsletter. While results will vary across programs, a residency newsletter may be a relatively inexpensive means of improving resident morale and positively impacting residents’ attitudes toward their colleagues.
Conservation and Coevolution in the Scale-Free Human Gene Coexpression Network

The role of natural selection in biology is well appreciated. Recently, however, a critical role for physical principles of network self-organization in biological systems has been revealed. Here, we employ a systems level view of genome-scale sequence and expression data to examine the interplay between these two sources of order, natural selection and physical self-organization, in the evolution of human gene regulation. The topology of a human gene coexpression network, derived from tissue-specific expression profiles, shows scale-free properties that imply evolutionary self-organization via preferential node attachment. Genes with numerous coexpressed partners (the hubs of the coexpression network) evolve more slowly on average than genes with fewer coexpressed partners, and genes that are coexpressed show similar rates of evolution. Thus, the strength of selective constraints on gene sequences is affected by the topology of the gene coexpression network. This connection is strong for the coding regions and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs), but the 5' UTRs appear to evolve under a different regime. Surprisingly, we found no connection between the rate of gene sequence divergence and the extent of gene expression profile divergence between human and mouse. This suggests that distinct modes of natural selection might govern sequence versus expression divergence, and we propose a model, based on rapid, adaptation-driven divergence and convergent evolution of gene expression patterns, for how natural selection could influence gene expression divergence.
Genetic Modulation of T Cell Receptor Gene Segment Usage during Somatic Recombination

Lymphocyte antigen receptors are not encoded by germline genes, but rather are produced by combinatorial joining between clusters of gene segments in somatic cells. Within a given cluster, gene segment usage during recombination is thought to be largely random, with biased representation in mature T lymphocytes resulting from protein-mediated selection of a subset of the total repertoire. Here we show that T cell receptor Dβ and Jβ gene segment usage is not random, but is patterned at the time of recombination. The hierarchy of gene segment usage is independent of gene segment proximity, but rather is influenced by the ability of the flanking recombination signal sequences (RSS) to bind the recombinase and/or to form a paired synaptic complex. Importantly, the relative frequency of gene segment usage established during recombination is very similar to that found after protein-mediated selection, suggesting that in addition to targeting recombinase activity, the RSS may have evolved to bias the naive repertoire in favor of useful gene products.
How Environment Affects Magnetic Recording Tape

The increasing emphasis on higher and higher operating and/or storage temperatures for data acquisition apparatus requires a critical appraisal of the behavior of available magnetic recording tapes as their rated operating limits are approached or exceeded. Among the criteria that bear examination are the dimensional stability, strength and toughness of the substrate, and the chemical stability of the binder and the magnetic material. Unexpected physical effects can be experienced within the generally accepted ``safe'' environmental limits. Critical temperatures and observed effects are described.
Privately Finding Specifications

Buggy software is a reality and automated techniques for discovering bugs are highly desirable. A specification describes the correct behavior of a program. For example, a file must eventually be closed once it has been opened. Specifications are learned by finding patterns in normal program execution traces versus erroneous ones. With more traces, more specifications can be learned more accurately. By combining traces from multiple parties that possess distinct programs but use a common library, it is possible to obtain sufficiently many traces. However, obtaining traces from competing parties is problematic: By revealing traces, it may be possible to learn that one party writes buggier code than another. We present an algorithm by which mutually distrusting parties can work together to learn program specifications while preserving their privacy. We use a perturbation algorithm to obfuscate individual trace values while still allowing statistical trends to be mined from the data. Despite the noise introduced to safeguard privacy, empirical evidence suggests that our algorithm learns specifications that find 85 percent of the bugs that a no-privacy approach would find.
Repeating coupled earthquakes at Shishaldin Volcano, Alaska

Since it last erupted in 1999, Shishaldin Volcano, Aleutian Islands, Alaska, has produced hundreds to thousands of longperiod (1–2 Hz; LP) earthquakes every day with no other sign of volcanic unrest. In 2002, the earthquakes also exhibited a short-period (4–7 Hz; SP) signal occurring between 3 and 15 s before the LP phase. Although the SP phase contains higher frequencies than the LP phase, its spectral content is still well below that expected of brittle failure events. The SP phase was never observed without the LP phase, although LP events continued to occur in the absence of the precursory signal. The twophased events are termed bcoupled eventsQ, reflecting a triggered relationship between two discrete event types. Both phases are highly repetitive in time series, suggestive of stable, non-destructive sources. Waveform cross-correlation and spectral coherence are used to extract waveforms from the continuous record and determine precise P-wave arrivals for the SP phase. Although depths are poorly constrained, the SP phase is believed to lie at shallow (b4 km) depths just west of Shishaldin’s summit. The variable timing between the SP and LP arrivals indicates that the trigger mechanism between the phases itself moves at variable speeds. A model is proposed in which the SP phase results from fluid moving within the conduit, possibly around an obstruction and the LP phase results from the coalescence of a shallow gas bubble. The variable timing is attributed to changes in gas content within the conduit. The destruction of the conduit obstacle on November 21, 2002 resulted in the abrupt disappearance of the SP phase. Published by Elsevier B.V.
Screening and intervention for treatment-related cardiac dysfunction in childhood cancer survivors.

10.2217/FON.15.108 © 2015 Future Medicine Ltd During the past four decades, marked advances have been made in the treatment of childhood cancers, such that long-term survival is an expected outcome for many children diagnosed with cancer today [1]. However, improvements in outcome have come at a cost. It is estimated that nearly a third of all childhood cancer survivors will develop a severe or life-threatening health condition years after completion of cancerdirected therapy [2]; these include second cancers, endocrinopathies, neurosensory impairment and cardiovascular disease [2]. Outcomes following onset of cardiovascular disease are especially poor; 5-year overall survival is less than 50% [3], emphasizing the need to develop early screening and prevention strategies in survivors at highest risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Research on survivorship issues has revealed a clear association between certain therapeutic exposures such as anthracycline chemotherapy and/or mediastinal radiation and risk of cardiovascular complications such as heart failure [4]. In these survivors, there is often a long latency between initial exposure to cardiotoxic therapies and onset of clinically overt heart disease [4]. This period is characterized by the development of asymptomatic systolic and/or diastolic cardiomyopathy that can be detected using a variety of imaging modalities [4,5]. Radionuclide angiography (multigated acquisition scan and radionuclide ventriculography) was historically considered the gold standard for assessment of cardiac function [4,5]. However, exposure to ionizing radiation, along with a limited ability to detect structural abnormalities and early cardiac dysfunction, has limited its use in childhood cancer survivors [4,5]. 2D echocardiography offers a readily available assessment of both structure and function without exposure to radiation, and has therefore been widely used to follow childhood cancer survivors. [4,5] Frequently measured echocardiographic parameters of cardiac function include ejection fraction, shortening fraction, velocity of fiber shortening corrected for heart rate, stress–velocity index, left ventricular end-systolic wall stress and more subtle measures of diastolic function [4–6]. More recently, cardiac MRI has emerged as a sensitive and reproducible alternative to echocardiography in nononcology populations and cancer survivors [7,8]. However, despite its diagnostic advantages, higher cost and limited availability impede its use for routine screening. Consequently, current guidelines continue to recommend 2D echocardiography as the screening modality of choice for childhood cancer survivors [6]. COMMENTARY Special Focus Issue: Cardio-oncology
Use of a filter-paper disk assay in the measurement of lipid biosynthesis.

The precipitation by trichloroacetic acid (TCA) of radioactive lipids on disks of filter-paper, followed by ex- traction with TCA and water to remove soluble radioactive precursors, provides the means for a convenient assay for lipid biosynthesis. Large numbers of disks can be washed in the same vessel, dried, and assayed for radioactivity with liquid scintilla- tion counting equipment. Extraction of disks with lipid sol- vents provides a convenient control for the possible presence of TCA- and water-insoluble, nonlipid products. The applica- tion of the method to the assay of cyclopropane fatty acid synthetase is shown.
Identifying Atomic Reconstruction at Complex Oxide Interfaces Using Quantitative STEM

We present a novel electron microscopy characterization of atomic reconstruction at epitaxial complex oxide interfaces. One of the most important aspects of oxide heterostructures is the discontinuity in polarity at the interface, which can lead to many exciting new properties that cannot be observed in bulk materials, such as metal-insulator transitions and superconductivity (e.g. [1]). The conflict of polarity may also result in atomic and electronic reconstructions at the interface, which may directly affect the transport properties of the interface. However, identifying the exact atomic reconstruction at the interface is a challenging task because the reconstruction is usually confined to an interfacial region thinner than 1 unit cell. Cross-sectional TEM or STEM images can reveal some information about the interfacial reconstruction, but it is difficult to obtain the reconstruction pattern along the depth direction (parallel to the beam) from the projected image. Therefore the identification of interfacial reconstruction requires a technique that can acquire atomic scale 3-dimensional (3D) information.
Higher Category Name Usage for Amphibians and Reptiles

Etude de la nomenclature des Amphibiens et Reptiles utilisee dans les principales bases de donnees bibliographiques et journaux herpetologiques americains
Guanylyl cyclase stimulatory coupling to KCachannels

We coexpressed the human large-conductance, calcium-activated K (KCa) channel (α- and β-subunits) and rat atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) receptor genes in Xenopus oocytes to examine the mechanism...
Análisis de polen fósil en el humedal del nevado Ausangate (Cusco)

Se realizo un analisis cualitativo y cuantitativo de la secuencia sedimentaria hallada en el humedal Ausangate, ubicado en la Comunidad Campesina de Chillca, dentro del Area de Conservacion Privada Comunal (ACP) Chillca. Se obtuvo una unica extraccion de sedimento subterraneo (Perfil) de 55cm de profundidad; a lo largo del perfil se extrajeron en total 11 submuestras, que fueron procesadas de acuerdo a las tecnicas palinologicas habituales (Faegry e Iversen, 1989). El numero de granos de polen contados asciende a 2547, de los que se logro identificar un total de 20 tipos polinicos, identificandose 14 familias, 2 a nivel de genero (Alnus sp. y Polylepis sp.), que son los tipos polinicos arboreos presentes; existen 11 tipos herbaceos y 8 tipos de palinomorfos sin identificar. De acuerdo al diagrama polinico se podria asumir que la presencia de Alnus sp. pudo caracterizar un ecosistema mas calido y humedo en un periodo pasado, sin embargo, se evidencia un predominio de vegetacion herbacea semejante a la actual.
Investigation of Health Status on 627 Workers with Radiation Exposure

[Objective]To explore the effect of long term exposure of low dose radioactive ray on the health status of workers with radiation exposure. [Methods]The health examination data of workers with radiation exposure in all the medical institutions and mine factories were collected from the Langfang CDC in 2008,and then were analyzed. [Results]These workers manifested alopecia and nervous system symptoms such as deterioration of memory,and the turbidity rate of crystal increased,compared with the control group,the χ2 value of abnormal detection rate was 24.35 and 14.76 respectively,both P 0.01. The lymphocyte micronucleus rate and Lymphocyte positive rate were significantly higher than that of control groups,the χ2 value was 9371 and 3523 respectively,both P0.01. [Conclusion]The risk of low dose radiation for the health could not be neglected. Effective occupational protection should be strengthen to the workers with radiation exposure.
Clostridium septicum infection. Beware of associated cancer.

PreviewFor reasons that are not fully understood, there is an association between Clostridium septicum infection and carcinoma. In this article, Dr Kirchner describes the examination and treatment of a patient with C septicum infection in whom metastatic cancer was found on laparotomy.
Electromagnetically Induced Transparency in Multi-Zeeman-Sublevel Atoms

Electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) and lasing without inversion (LWI) were originally predicted from theoretical studies of three or four-level atomic systems interacting with scalar fields[1–4]. However, the experimental demonstrations of these phenomena were often carried out in atoms such as rubidium[5,6] and sodium[7,8], where each energy level consists of several Zeeman sublevels, interacting with polarized fields. One may question whether the main features predicted from simple models can survive in real atomic systems. The purpose of this paper is to give a clear answer to such a question by building the Zeeman sublevels into the theoretical description.
A lifestyle physical activity intervention is associated with fewer self-reported COPD-related hospitalizations

Rationale: Physical inactivity is associated with increased hospitalizations among patients with COPD. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the effects of a behavioral physical activity intervention (BI) on hospitalizations. Methods: Patients were randomized to usual care (UC) or a BI delivered over 5-months. Self-reported hospitalizations for lung (HLD) and non-lung disease (HNLD) were measured at baseline, 6-, 12-, and 18-months. Poisson regression was used to estimate adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) of utilization over time. Results: 305 patients were randomized. In longitudinal analysis of individual change in hospitalization from baseline to 18 months there was no change in HNLD (data not shown). However, over 18 months HLD significantly declined (p Conclusion: This BI was associated with significantly fewer hospitalizations reported for COPD, and they were shorter in duration suggesting that health coaching to promote physical activity may decrease the frequency and severity of COPD exacerbations requiring hospitalization.
Fault simulation acceleration for TRAX dictionary construction using GPUs

To ensure robustness of integrated systems, the TRAnsition-X (TRAX) fault model has been used with on-chip test and diagnosis hardware, utilizing fault dictionaries for diagnosis. Generating a fault dictionary requires fault simulation with no fault dropping, requiring extensive computational resources. This paper presents the design and implementation of an efficient fault simulator for the TRAX fault model, designed to run on a graphics processing unit (GPU). The inherent parallelism of the fault simulation problem maps well to the large number of concurrent threads supported by a modern GPU, and a GPU can be used to accelerate the construction of a fault dictionary. Our approach employs both pattern-parallel and fault-parallel algorithms in the GPU kernel implementations. Experiments involving various circuits, including the OpenSPARC T2 processor, demonstrate a mean speed-up of nearly 8x.
The Oncologic Outcomes of Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy

Whenever a new procedure is introduced, it is imperative that it offers the same or improved outcomes compared to the gold standard. This is especially true when one is dealing with oncologic outcomes. Proponents of robotic surgery are in favor of its three-dimensional (3D) visualization, wristed instruments, finger-controlled movements, seven degrees of freedom (six degrees and freedom of grip) as well as tremor elimination.1–6 With these advantages there a is a possibility of increased precision and improved oncologic outcomes. One disadvantage, however, is the lack of tactile feedback.
Angiotensin II in Vasodilatory Shock

The Angiotensin II for the Treatment of Vasodilatory Shock (ATHOS-3) trial demonstrated the vasopressor effects and catecholamine-sparing properties of angiotensin II. As a result, the Food and Drug Administration has approved angiotensin II for the treatment of vasodilatory shock. This review details the goals of treatment of vasodilatory shock in addition to the history, current use, and recent research regarding the use of angiotensin II. An illustrative case of the use of angiotensin II is also incorporated for understanding the clinical utility of the drug.
PARTIES: QoS-Aware Resource Partitioning for Multiple Interactive Services

Multi-tenancy in modern datacenters is currently limited to a single latency-critical, interactive service, running alongside one or more low-priority, best-effort jobs. This limits the efficiency gains from multi-tenancy, especially as an increasing number of cloud applications are shifting from batch jobs to services with strict latency requirements. We present PARTIES, a QoS-aware resource manager that enables an arbitrary number of interactive, latency-critical services to share a physical node without QoS violations. PARTIES leverages a set of hardware and software resource partitioning mechanisms to adjust allocations dynamically at runtime, in a way that meets the QoS requirements of each co-scheduled workload, and maximizes throughput for the machine. We evaluate PARTIES on state-of-the-art server platforms across a set of diverse interactive services. Our results show that PARTIES improves throughput under QoS by 61% on average, compared to existing resource managers, and that the rate of improvement increases with the number of co-scheduled applications per physical host.
Identification of optimally stable nanocluster geometries via mathematical optimization and density-functional theory

Small nanoparticles, a.k.a. nanoclusters, of transition metals have been studied extensively for a wide range of applications due to their highly tunable properties dependent on size, structure, and composition. For these small particles, there has been considerable effort towards theoretically predicting what is the most energetically favorable arrangement of atoms when forming a nanocluster. In this work, we develop a computational framework that couples density-functional theory calculations with mathematical optimization modeling to identify highly stable, mono-metallic transition metal nanoclusters of various sizes. This is accomplished by devising and solving a rigorous mathematical optimization model that maximizes a general cohesive energy function to obtain nanocluster structures of provably maximal cohesiveness. We then utilize density-functional theory calculations and error term regression to identify model corrections that are necessary to account with better accuracy for different transition metals. This allows us to encode metal-specific, analytical functions for cohesive energy into a mathematical optimization-based framework that can accurately predict which nanocluster geometries will be most cohesive according to density-functional theory calculations. We employ our framework in the context of Ag, Au, Cu, Pd and Pt, and we present sequences of highly cohesive nanoclusters for sizes up to 100 atoms, yielding insights into structures that might be experimentally accessible and/or structures that could be used as model nanoclusters for further study.
Are Acquisitions of Intangibles Less Subject to Agency Problems

We find that acquisitions exhibit less evidence of agency problems when the target possesses more intangible assets. Acquisitions of intangibles are associated with higher announcement returns, superior post-acquisition performance, and less free cash flow, mitigating empire-building concerns. They are also associated with increases in measures of volatility, risk, and managerial effort, mitigating risk aversion and quiet-life concerns. Our evidence suggests that managerial rents that lead to value-destroying acquisitions are mainly associated with tangible assets. Among non-agency-based theories of acquisitions, acquisitions of intangibles resemble a “like buys like” narrative, in which firms acquire targets with complementary technology and similar investment opportunities.
Comparison of lithium ion Batteries, hydrogen fueled combustion Engines, and a hydrogen fuel cell in powering a small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Abstract The relatively low energy density of lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries that power small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) limits their operating range. The use of hydrogen can provide a significant range improvement given its magnitude increase in mass and volume specific energy over Li-ion batteries. As a result, this effort investigates the potential of hydrogen-fueled power plants for small UAVs. Here, five powertrain options are simulated, namely Li-ion battery (LiNiCoAlO2 and Li-air), internal combustion engine (ICE) with integrated generator, parallel hybrid ICE, free piston engine (FPE) with integrated linear generator, and proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). The three major outcomes of this study include: (1) Though the performance characteristics of an ICE are superior to a FPE, the ICE has a relatively high manufacturing cost due to a more complex architecture, whereas a FPE can directly convert thermal energy to electricity; (2) PEMFCs can be readily integrated into an UAV since they provide electric power directly without a convoluted energy conversion system, reducing the overall weight of an UAV; and (3) Theoretically, the use of a Li-air battery pack would result in a longest flight time and simplest configuration; however, the necessary chemistry is still years away from practical implementation.
Greater tree cover near residence is associated with reduced allostatic load in residents of central North Carolina.

Abstract Background Among urban residents, increased contacts with nature are associated with reduced morbidity and mortality. The concept of allostatic load, a biomarker-based composite measure of physiological dysregulation, can be applied to study subclinical benefits of exposure, and to elucidate pathways leading to improved health. Objective This research explored associations between residential vegetated land cover and an allostatic load index calculated using the statistical distance measure known as Mahalanobis distance. Methods This cross-sectional population-based study involved 186 adult residents of the Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina metropolitan area. Measures of tree and grass cover within 500 m of residence were derived from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's EnviroAtlas land cover database. Fifteen biomarkers of immune, neuroendocrine, and metabolic functions were analyzed in serum samples. Regression analysis was conducted using generalized additive models with thin-plate spline functions of geographic coordinates, adjusting for modelled traffic air pollution from local sources and sociodemographic covariates. Results The second and third tertiles of distance-weighted tree cover were associated with 14% (95% Confidence Limits 20%; 8%) and 15% (21%; 8%) reduction in adjusted median allostatic load, respectively, compared to the first tertile. The same tertiles of tree cover were also associated with 0.16 (0.03; 0.76) and 0.04 (0.01; 0.35) adjusted odds ratios of having allostatic load index above the 90th percentile of the sample distribution. Grass cover was inversely correlated with tree cover and was not associated with reduced allostatic load. Conclusions Subclinical beneficial health effects of green spaces demonstrated in this study are consistent with reduced susceptibility to acute environmental and social stressors, and reduced risks of morbidity and mortality.
An examination between census tract unhealthy food availability and colorectal cancer incidence

Abstract Background Unhealthy food environments may be associated with higher risks of developing diet-related cancers, such as, colorectal cancer. We conducted an ecological analysis to evaluate the relationship between the local food environment and colorectal cancer incidence overall and separately for males and females. Methods Data from the Texas Cancer Registry was utilized to geocode individuals aged 40 years and older diagnosed with colorectal cancer from 2005 to 2015 to their residential 2010 census tract. Total number of establishments classified as Limited Service Restaurants for each census tract was retrieved from the 2005 Business Patterns Survey by using a crosswalk to map zip codes to census tract. Census tract unhealthy food availability was calculated by dividing the estimated number of Limited Service Restaurant establishments in each census tract by the census tract population and divided into quartiles. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess the association between unhealthy food availability quartiles and colorectal cancer incidence. Results Adjusting for the census tract level sociodemographic characteristics, the incidence of colorectal cancer was slightly higher in unhealthy food availability quartile 2 (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR) = 1.03, 95 % CI: 1.00–1.05), but not quartile 3 (IRR = 1.02, 95 % CI: 1.00–1.05), and quartile 4 (highest availability, IRR = 1.02, 95 % CI: 0.99–1.05) compared to census tracts with lowest unhealthy food availability. Conclusion Colorectal cancer incidence was not strongly associated with census tracts with higher unhealthy food availability. Future observational studies should be conducted to examine the influence of the built environment on colorectal cancer risk.
Lymph nodes: The cradle for antitumor immunity

Tumor-draining lymph nodes control tumor-specific immune responses induced by anti–PD-L1 therapy.
Concerning Iterative Graph Normalization and Maximum Weight Independent Sets.

We consider a very simple dynamical system on weighted graphs which we call Iterative Graph Normalization (IGN) and a variant in which we apply a non-linear activation function to the weights after each normalization. We show that the indicator vectors of the Maximal Independent Sets of the graph are the only binary fixed points of IGN, that they are attractive under simple conditions on the activation function and we characterize their basins of attraction. We enumerate a number of other fixed points and we prove repulsivity for some classes. Based on extensive experiments and different theoretical arguments we conjecture that IGN always converges and converges to a binary solution for non-linear activations. If our conjectures are correct, IGN would thus be a differentiable approximation algorithm for the Maximum Weight Independent Set problem (MWIS), a central NP-hard optimization problem with numerous applications. IGN is closely related to a greedy approximation algorithm of MWIS by Kako et al. which has a proven approximation ratio. Experimental results show that IGN provides solutions of very similar quality. In the context of the Assignment Problem, IGN corresponds to an iterative matrix normalization scheme which is closely related to the Sinkhorn-Knopp algorithm except that it projects to a permutation matrix instead of a doubly stochastic matrix. We relate our scheme to the Softassign algorithm and provide comparative results. As Graph Normalization is differentiable, its iterations can be embedded into a machine learning framework and used to train end-to-end any model which includes a graphical optimization step which can be cast as a maximum weight independent set problem. This includes problems such as graph and hypergraph matching, sequence alignment, clustering, ranking, etc. with applications in multiple domains.
ASIAN FOOD IN HAWAII: THE FILIPINOS AND THEIR FOOD IN THE BIG ISLAND

Hawaii is the most Asian state in the United States of America. The majority of its Asian population is composed of the Filipinos and the Japanese due to their migration history. Since tourism is the number one industry in Hawaii and that the majority of the tourists are from Asia, Asian food is part of the gastronomical space in the archipelago. This paper presents a study on the Asian cuisine and the Filipino food in the Big Island of Hawaii particularly in the city of Hilo. As an interdisciplinary study, this paper analyses the Asian food by using the approaches from the humanities and the social sciences. It aims to provide an analysis of Asian cuisine in Hawaii with a focus on Filipino food and the Filipinos, particularly the young Filipino Americans who are heritage learners. This study makes use of ethnography, experiential approach, and heritage studies to find out the state of Filipino food, and the cultural identity of the young Filipino Americans in Hawaii. Findings show that the majority of the Asian cuisine in Hawaii is represented by the Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Koreans, and Indians. Filipino food is mostly confined to the home, and it functions as a marker of loyalty, allegiance, and solidarity for the young Filipino Americans, thereby establishing their Filipino cultural identity. Keywords: Filipino cuisine, heritage learners, Filipinos in Hawaii, migration, Asian food
Breaking Up Big Tech: Lessons from AT&T

Opinions by experts on whether the breakup of Big Tech is a valuable and viable solution range from one end of the spectrum to another. Despite strong advocacy by some to break up Big Tech companies as the best solution to the competition issues present in the technology sector, these proposals are often stated in basic terms with little specificity. Likewise, opposition to breaking up Big Tech often cites administrability by the courts as a key obstacle but does not provide specificity as to why this undertaking is out of the court’s abilities. This paper explores whether a breakup of the “Big Tech” companies is feasible given the unique nature of the technology business. Since characteristics like zero-price business models and advantageous network effects are central to today’s technology companies but were not major considerations during the last breakup in United States antitrust history—the divestment of the Bell Operating Companies from AT&T in 1984—these are novel factors that must be taken into account when evaluating any proposal to break up Big Tech. This paper also uses specific examples from the business models of each of the four Big Tech companies to determine how a division of resources in a breakup could hypothetically affect those operations. Based off of those scenarios, the paper draws inferences on whether or not a structural remedy like a breakup or spinoff is advisable and whether or not the resulting companies would be able to function properly in the market after the divestiture. Since there has been so much recent endorsement for utilizing structural remedies in the current Big Tech federal antitrust lawsuits, advocates should appropriately analyze the mechanics of breakups and spinoffs and the potential effects they could have on companies and consumers alike.
Institutions and the Internationalization of the US Venture Capital Firms

In recent years, venture capital firms have increasingly turned to foreign countries in search of investment opportunities. The cross-border expansion of venture capital firms presents an interesting case of internationalization, because they are at variance with both conventional portfolio and direct investment models. Given the specific nature of venture capital investing, a new theoretical perspective is needed to understand foreign venture capital investments. This paper contributes to international business research by examining the features of the institutional environment that influence venture capital firms’ foreign market entry decisions, and how their effect changes as firms acquire experience. We report results on 216 American venture capital firms potentially investing in 95 countries during the 1990–2002 period. We find that venture capital firms invest in host countries characterized by technological, legal, financial, and political institutions that create innovative opportunities, protect investors’ rights, facilitate exit, and guarantee regulatory stability, respectively. We also find that as firms gain more international experience, they are more likely to overcome constraints related to these institutions.