cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Scenario-Based Technique for Developing SOA Technical Governance

Abstract : A well-known problem within the service-oriented architecture (SOA) community is the need to establish effective SOA governance procedures to enable an organization-wide SOA initiative. A number of organizations and vendors address this problem through SOA governance frameworks that provide models, procedures, and tools for SOA governance. Many of these SOA frameworks are general purpose because they are intended to be useful for a diverse customer base. However, while designed for a wide customer base, vendor SOA frameworks tend to be narrowly focused to work with the specific tools of the vendor. A critical problem for an organization when implementing SOA governance is to customize vendors' offerings to its specific technological and management context. In this technical note, a lightweight and extensible technique is proposed, one that employs scenarios to tailor existing SOA governance frameworks to the specific needs of an organization.
AN ANALYSIS OF DAILY FORAGING PATTERNS OF LABORATORY COLONIES OF THE EASTERN TENT CATERPILLAR, MALACOSOMA AMERICANUM (LEPIDOPTERA: LASIOCAMPIDAE), RECORDED PHOTOELECTRONICALLY

Daily periods of activity of eight colonies of the eastern tent caterpillar, Malacosoma americanum (F.), were monitored photoelectronically under a simulated springtime photoperiod in the laboratory. Colonies averaged 3.7 ± 0.1 (S.E.) activity periods per day (N = 103 colony-days), separated by an average interval of 6.6 ± 0.1 h (N = 389). Foraging trips lasted an average 2.8 ± 0.1 h (N = 397). A plot of 336 activity period midpoints (seven colonies) showed all colony activity peaks to occur between 0600 and 0800 h, 1100 and 1600 h, 1900 and 2100 h, and 0100 and 0400 h. The first three peaks correspond well to previously reported field observations but the early morning foraging trip, which occurred in darkness, was previously unreported by field investigators. The temporal placement of activity peaks shifted from day to day within colonies but the occurrence of evening foraging trips was the most consistent. Dark onset appeared to trigger foraging in resting colonies. Recruitment of hungry caterpillars to food finds appears to be a common component of the foraging strategy of this species.
Large historical changes of fossil-fuel black carbon aerosols

Anthropogenic emissions of fine black carbon (BC) particles, the principal light-absorbing atmospheric aerosol, have varied during the past century in response to changes of fossil-fuel utilization, technology developments, and emission controls. We estimate historical trends of fossil-fuel BC emissions in six regions that represent about two-thirds of present day emissions and extrapolate these to global emissions from 1875 onward. Qualitative features in these trends show rapid increase in the latter part of the 1800s, the leveling off in the first half of the 1900s, and the re-acceleration in the past 50 years as China and India developed. We find that historical changes of fuel utilization have caused large temporal change in aerosol absorption, and thus substantial change of aerosol single scatter albedo in some regions, which suggests that BC may have contributed to global temperature changes in the past century. This implies that the BC history needs to be represented realistically in climate change assessments.
Positive interactions between leafrollers and other arthropods enhance biodiversity on hybrid cottonwoods.

We examined the potential of a common herbivore to indirectly influence other diverse community members by providing habitat. Larvae of the leafroller Anacampsis niveopulvella commonly construct shelters by rolling leaves of cottonwood trees. These leaf rolls are later colonized by other arthropods. We first documented 4 times greater species richness and 7 times greater abundance on cottonwood shoots that contained a rolled leaf compared to adjacent shoots without leaf rolls. Second, with both removal and addition experiments, we showed that leaf rolls are responsible for these differences in arthropod assemblages. Leaf roll removal caused a 5-fold decline in richness and a 7-fold decline in abundance; leaf roll addition resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in richness and a 6-fold increase in abundance. Third, to determine whether rolled leaves are colonized for food or for shelter, we compared colonization of natural and artificial leaf rolls. Both richness and abundance were approximately 2-fold greater in artificial leaf rolls, indicating that leaf rolls are colonized primarily for shelter. Fourth, in a natural hybrid zone we found that leafroller densities were 2-fold greater on backcross hybrids than on F1 hybrids. These differences are likely associated with genetically-based differences in leaf morphology and/or leaf chemistry. Ultimately, plant genotype affects positive indirect interactions that have the potential to affect community structure. This study and others demonstrate that shelter builders (i.e., leafrollers and gall formers) enhance biodiversity, while free-feeders are more likely to negatively affect biodiversity.
Characterization of beef muscle tissue using texture analysis of ultrasonic images

In the Unites States, commercially available beef is subjectively graded by certified inspectors. The primary factors in determining beef quality grades are the amount and distribution (or marbling) of intramuscular fat. There is a growing demand in the meat industry for an objective system of evaluating the quality of beef carcasses as well as live animals. Ultrasound has been shown to have a good potential for this application. The authors' approach was to use texture analysis of the ultrasonic images from rib-eye muscle of live animals to evaluate intramuscular fat and marbling. Two approaches of texture analysis, namely spatial gray-level dependence matrices and gray-level run-length matrices, were used. The significant texture parameters were statistically analyzed to derive the models for predicting marbling scores and percentage of fat. The preliminary results showed a good potential of these approaches for tissue characterization and objectively evaluating beef quality. >
Hydrogen production coupled to hydrocarbon oxygenation from photocatalytic water splitting.

Splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen, especially with visible light, is a reaction of great challenge. H2 generation from water has attracted much attention because of its potential use as a source of clean and renewable energy. In natural photosynthesis, splitting of water to oxygen (2H2OQO2+ 4H + 4e ) is driven by sunlight and carried out by the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC) in photosystem II (PSII). Besides water splitting, H2 production from alternative sources such as abundant biomass has also attracted a great interest. A number of metalloenzymes such as cytochrome P450s and methane monooxygenases catalyze the oxidation of various types of hydrocarbons. High-valent metal-oxo species, derived from molecular oxygen or peroxide, have been suggested as active intermediates for the oxidation of hydrocarbons. Recent years have seen significant progress in designing and modeling metalloproteins for highly selective and efficient oxidation of organic substrates. Inspired by natural photosynthesis, oxidation of hydrocarbons with light and water has also been reported to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals and waste production. Water splitting into H2 and O2 involves multielectron processes for water oxidation (4e ) and proton reduction (2e ). There has been significant progress in developing photocatalysts for overall water splitting (2H2OQ2H2 +O2) in heterogeneous systems. However, in homogeneous systems, studies of water splitting have been generally carried out separately in two half reactions: the water oxidation process using sacrificial oxidants such as Ce, and the water reduction reaction using sacrificial reductants such as triethylamine. However, for overall water splitting, sacrificial reagents should be avoided. The combination of water oxidation and proton reduction reactions in a homogeneous system remains a great challenge. Using water as oxygen source, we and others have reported photocatalytic oxidation of organic substrates in homogeneous systems containing metal catalysts such as Ru and Mn for hydrocarbon oxidation, [Ru(bpy)3] 2+ as photosensitizer (Ru PS; see Figure S1 in the Supporting Information), and [Co(NH3)5Cl] 2+ as electron acceptor. For example, an olefin can be oxidized to an epoxide with water as oxygen source, releasing two protons and two electrons [Eq. (1)]. As shown in Scheme 1, the electrons derived from water were eventually transferred to [Co(NH3)5Cl] 2+ in the
Functional analysis of in vivo and in organello footprinting of HeLa cell mitochondrial DNA in relationship to ATP and ethidium bromide effects on transcription.

In vivo and in organello footprinting techniques based on methylation interference have been utilized to investigate protein-DNA interactions in the transcription initiation and rDNA transcription termination regions of human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in functionally active mitochondria. In particular, the changes in methylation reactivity of these regions in response to treatment of the organelles with ATP or ethidium bromide, which affects differentially the rates of mitochondrial rRNA and mRNA synthesis, have been analyzed. Two major sites of protein-DNA interactions have been identified in the main control region of mtDNA, both in vivo and in organello, which correspond to the regions of the light-strand promoter and heavy-strand rRNA-specific promoter. The in organello footprinting of the latter showed ATP- and ethidium bromide-dependent modifications that could be correlated with changes in the rate of rRNA but not of mRNA synthesis. By contrast, no ATP effects were observed on the in organello footprinting pattern of the termination region and on in vitro transcription termination, strongly suggesting that ATP control of rRNA synthesis occurs at the initiation level. Several methylation interference sites were found upstream of the whole H-strand transcription unit, pointing to possible protein-DNA interactions related to the activity of this unit. In vivo footprinting of the rDNA transcription termination region of human mtDNA has revealed a very strong protection pattern, indicating a high degree of occupancy of the termination site by mitochondrial transcription termination factor (~80%).
Selection with a Peptide Fusion Inhibitor Corresponding to the First Heptad Repeat of HIV-1 gp41 Identifies Two Genetic Pathways Conferring Cross-Resistance to Peptide Fusion Inhibitors Corresponding to the First and Second Heptad Repeats (HR1 and HR2) of gp41

We generated four HIV-1 cultures that are resistant to a peptide fusion inhibitor corresponding to the first heptad repeat of gp41 in order to study mechanisms of resistance and gain insights into envelope glycoprotein-mediated membrane fusion. Two genetic pathways emerged that were defined by acquisition of a specific mutation in either the first or second heptad repeat region of gp41 (HR1 or the HR2, respectively). Each pathway was enriched in mutations that clustered in either HR2 and V3 or in HR1 and residues in or near CD4 contact sites. The gp41 mutations in both pathways not only accounted for resistance to the selecting HR1 peptide but also conferred cross-resistance to HR2 peptide fusion inhibitors and enhanced the stability of the six-helix bundle formed by the self-assembly of HR1 and HR2. The gp120 mutations alone enhanced fusion but did not appear to directly contribute to resistance. The implications of these findings for resistance mechanisms and regulation of envelope-mediated fusion are discussed.
Biological Selection of Variant-Specific Surface Proteins in Giavdia lamblia

Immune evasion is frequently cited as the main reason for antigenic variation in pathogenic microorganisms. To better understand the role of switching of variant-specific surface proteins (VSPs) in Giardia lamblia-host interactions, antigenic variation during infections of mice and gerbils was examined, using clones that predominantly expressed unique VSPs. As expected, VSPs were selected against during infections of immunocompetent hosts. In contrast, in immunodeficient hosts, some VSPs were selected for and others were selected against. These diverse patterns of selection demonstrate that there are host-VSP interactions that exert both positive and negative selective pressures on parasites, independent of the adaptive immune response. Furthermore, selection was dependent on both the particular VSP and the host. Thus, the large number of VSP genes in G. lamblia may allow the parasite to infect multiple different hosts, and antigenic variation could be a mechanism to expand the parasite's host range.
Beyond MapReduce

The MapReduce model of computation and systems that realize the model have simplified large-scale data processing. Recently, Google introduced other models of computation and systems to simplify data processing for a broader class of important computations. The talk will overview the models and challenges in realizing the models as fault-tolerant, scalable and efficient systems.
First total synthesis of rhodexin A.

An efficient total synthesis of rhodexin A (1) is reported. An initial inverse-electron-demand Diels–Alder reaction of the acyldiene 6 with the silyl enol ether 7 gave the cycloadduct 8 with the required 4 contiguous stereocenters in a single step. This compound was then transformed into the tetracyclic enone 16, which was converted to rhodexin A (1).
THE EFFECT OF QUERCETIN ON BLOOD PRESSURE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS

Quercetin, the most abundant dietary flavonol, has antioxidant effects in cardiovascular disease, but the evidences regarding its effects on blood pressure (BP) have not been fully conclusive. We assessed the impact of quercetin on BP levels through systematic review and meta-analysis of available
The Development and Treatment of Girlhood Aggression

Contents: K. Goldberg, Foreword. D.J. Pepler, K. Madsen, Introduction: Girlhood Aggression: Building Bridges Between Research and Treatment. Part I: Girls' Aggression: Developmental Issues. D.J. Pepler, W. Craig, Aggressive Girls on Troubled Trajectories: A Developmental Perspective. K. Keenan, M. Stouthamer-Loeber, R. Loeber, Developmental Approaches to Studying Conduct Problems in Girls. K. McKnight, M. Putallaz, Commentary: A Relationship Focus on Girls' Aggressiveness and Conduct Disorder. Part II: Girls' Physical Aggression. R.H. Baillargeon, R.E. Tremblay, J.D. Wilms, Gender Differences in the Prevalence of Physically Aggressive Behaviors in the Canadian Population of Two-and Three-Year-Old Children. S. Miller-Johnson, B.L. Moore, M.K. Underwood, J.D. Coie, African American Girls and Physical Aggression: Does Stability of Childhood Aggression Predict Later Negative Outcomes? L. Pulkkinen, Commentary: New Research Approaches to the Study of Aggression. Part III: The Social Nature of Girls' Aggression. H. Xie, B.D. Cairns, R.B. Cairns, The Development of Aggressive Behaviors Among Girls: Measurement Issues, Social Functions, and Differential Trajectories. S. Artz, To Die For: Violent Adolescent Girls' Search for Male Attention. P. Verlaan, Commentary: The Importance of Social Context and Relationships in Female Aggression. Part IV: Aggressive Girls in Treatment. K.S. Levene, K.C. Madsen, D.J. Pepler, Girls Growing Up Angry: A Qualitative Study. L.D. Leve, P. Chamberlain, Girls in the Juvenile Justice System: Risk Factors and Clinical Implications. W.M. Craig, Commentary: The Treatment of Aggressive Girls: Same but Different? Part V: Aggressive Girls Grow Up. M. Zoccolillo, D. Paquette, R. Tremblay, Maternal Conduct Disorder and the Risk for the Next Generation. D.M. Stack, L.A. Serbin, A.E. Schwartzman, J. Ledingham, Girls' Aggression Across the Life Course: Long-Term Outcomes and Intergenerational Risk. J. McCord, Commentary: Aggression Among Females.
Cryogenic Machining of Biomedical Implant Materials for Improved Functional Performance, Life and Sustainability☆

Abstract Cryogenic cooling is known to provide a very sustainable machining process because of its environmentally benign, and economically and societally-beneficial nature. This keynote paper will focus on recent findings on producing functionally-superior engineered surfaces for improved product quality, performance and sustainability in cryogenically-processed biomedical implants. Results from cryogenic processing of Ti alloys, Co-Cr-Mo alloy, and AZ31B Mg alloy for achieving enhanced surface and sub-surface integrity will be summarized. Experimental results are compared with numerical/analytical simulations. Encouraging findings from this extensive study shows the tremendous potential for challenging broader applications of cryogenic machining technology for biomedical components.
Inhibition of calf brain membranal sodium- and potassium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase by cardioactive sterols. A binding site model.

The optimal inhibitory responsiveness of calf brain membranal (Na+ + K+)-dependent ATPase to cardioactive sterols was determined to be consistent with a model depicting a three-point or area interaction between inhibitor and a complementary binding site on the enzyme. Each functional ATPase molecule could be inhibited reversibly by 1 molecule of sterol at the binding site. The A component of the binding site interacted optimally with the sugar portion of an aglycone monosaccharide rather than that of an aglycone di-, tri-, or tetrasaccharide or the 3β-hydroxyl group of the aglycone. The B component of the binding site yielded optimal enzyme inhibition as a result of interaction with the sterol 14-hydroxyl group. Relative affinities at the C component of the binding site were related to the following order of preference for the lactone ring substituted at position 17β of the sterol: α-pyrone > crotonolactone > γ-butyro1actone. Although the sterol lactone rings possess large dipole moments, the compounds most inhibitory toward (Na+ + K+)-ATPase favored ring planarity and a relatively extensive π-electron system. Binding of the crotonolactone and α-pyrone substituents to the C component was postulated to result from multiple interactions, one or more of which are independent of the lactone ring group dipole moment, namely, π-π system interaction or π-complex formation.
Maximizing the health effects of strawberry anthocyanins: understanding the influence of the consumption timing variable.

Strawberries, rich in anthocyanins, attenuate meal-induced postprandial increases in inflammation and oxidative stress as well as improved post-meal insulin responses. While previous studies have focused on the health effects of strawberry consumption ingested with a meal, this study aimed to determine if consuming strawberries at alternative times near a meal would influence meal-induced oxidative–immuno–metabolic outcomes. Fourteen overweight healthy adults participated in a 3-arm, single-blinded, crossover clinical trial delivering a strawberry drink at 1 of 3 different time points: 2 hours before a standard meal, with the meal, or 2 hours after the meal. Control drinks were provided at the alternative time points so that 3 drinks were consumed at each study visit. Blood samples were collected over 10 h. Comparisons of plasma analytes were between strawberry “timing” groups and secondarily with a demographically matched reference group that ingested only control drinks (no strawberry). The study results showed significant reduction in postprandial glucose when strawberry was consumed before the meal compared to having the strawberry drink with the meal, p < 0.05. Compared to the reference group, consuming strawberries before and after the meal attenuated postprandial glucose without additional insulin, suggesting improved insulin sensitivity. Interleukin-6 was significantly lower after consuming the strawberry drink before the meal (p = 0.048) compared to the reference group. This study provides data suggesting that strawberries have a role in glycemic control and attenuating the pro-inflammatory effect of a modern diet. There may be particular advantages when strawberries are consumed before a meal.
Standing in need of justification: Michael Apple, R.S. Peters and Jürgen Habermas

AbstractCurriculum decisions are increasingly seen as technocratic or bureaucratic problems, rather than democratic issues that must be deliberated over. As such, curriculum decisions are placed in the hands of a small minority of bureaucrats and business elites who assume the only purpose of education is to prepare children for college and/or the labour market. Within these times, it is essential to revisit classics works in order to move forward a critical theory of the curriculum. To develop a critical theory of the curriculum, I shall revisit two classic books in curriculum studies—R.S. Peters’s Ethics & Education and Michael Apple’s Ideology and Curriculum. I place Michael Apple and R.S. Peters in conversation with each other because both believe, albeit differently, that the curriculum ‘stands in need of justification’: both agree the curriculum must be publically justified through democratic deliberation. Furthermore, Apple and Peters develop different sets of tools for a critical theory of the cur...
Thermal Time Shifting: Decreasing Data Center Cooling Costs with Phase-Change Materials

As data centers increase in size and computational capacity, their growth comes at a cost: an increasing thermal load that must be removed to prevent overheating. Here, the authors propose using phase-change materials (PCMs) to shape a data center's thermal load, absorbing and releasing heat when it's advantageous. They evaluate three important opportunities for cost savings. They find that in a data center, PCM can reduce the necessary cooling system size by up to 12 percent without impacting peak throughput, or increase the number of servers by up to 14.6 percent without increasing the cooling load. In a thermally constrained setting, PCM can increase peak throughput up to 69 percent while delaying the onset of thermal limits by over 3 hours, and a wax-aware scheduler enables up to a 11 percent reduction in peak cooling load when batch jobs are added, increasing average daily throughput by 36-52 percent.
A Brief History of Impossibility

Sooner or later every student of geometry learns of three "impossible" problems: 1. Trisecting the angle: Given an arbitrary angle, construct an angle exactly one-third as great. 2. Duplicating the cube: Given a cube of arbitrary volume, find a cube with exactly twice the volume. 3. Squaring the circle: Given an arbitrary circle, find a square with the same area. These problems originated around 430 BC at a time when Greek geometry was advanc ing rapidly. We might add a fourth problem: inscribing a regular heptagon in a circle. Within two centuries, all these problems had been solved (see [3, Vol. I, p. 218-270] and [1] for some of these solutions). So if these problems were all solved, why are they said to be impossible? The "im possibility" stems from a restriction, allegedly imposed by Plato (427-347 BC), that geometers use no instruments besides the compass and straightedge. This restriction requires further explanation. For that, we turn to Euclid (fl. 300 BC), who collected and systematized much of the plane geometry of the Greeks in his Elements. Euclid's goal was to develop geometry in a deductive manner from as few basic assumptions as possible. The first three postulates in the Elements are (in modernized form): 1. Between any two points, there exists a unique straight line. 2. A straight line may be extended indefinitely. 3. Given any point and any length, a circle may be constructed centered at the point with radius equal to the given length. These three postulates correspond to the allowable uses of compass and straightedge: to draw a line that passes through two given points; to extend a given line segment indefinitely; and to draw a circle about any given point with any given radius. To solve a problem using compass and straightedge means to use only these operations, repeated a finite number of times. The construction's validity can then be proven using only the postulates of Euclidean geometry.
Fracture toughness of adhesively bonded joints with large plastic deformations

Abstract An elastoplastic fracture mechanics model is formulated for determining the fracture toughness of adhesively bonded joints (ABJs) with large plastic deformations and elastic springback. The analysis is made on the basis of the post-fracture configuration of double cantilever beam (DCB) specimen consisting of two adhesively bonded thin plates of ductile metals (e.g., thin aluminum alloy or mild steel plates). Due to the springback after large plastic deformation, the post-fracture configuration of the adherends was noticeably different from that at the peak loading. To model the fracture process, the ductile metal adherends are treated as elastoplastic solids with power-law strain-hardening behavior, and springback of the adherends is considered in the strain energy calculation. The present model is capable of determining the fracture toughness of ABJs with extensive plastic deformation. Numerical simulations are performed to evaluate the effects of material parameters and specimen geometries on the springback and fracture toughness of the ABJs. Compared to the experimental data available in the literature, the present model can predict reliable fracture toughness of ABJs with large plastic deformations. The present study is applicable for the analysis of various fracture tests of thin ductile films with large plastic deformations and elastic springback such as peeling test, metal cutting, etc.
A semantic knowledge-base approach to drug-drug interaction discovery

We propose a novel, semantic-reasoning-based approach to look for potentially adverse drug-drug interactions (DDIs) by using a knowledge-base of biomedical public ontologies and datasets in a semantic graph representation. This approach makes it possible to find previously unknown relations between different biological entities like drugs, proteins and biological processes, and perform inferences on those relations. Finding nodes that represent drugs in this semantic graph, and intersecting pathways between these nodes (e.g. intersecting at a metabolic pathway step described in Reactome [1] data), can yield to novel drug-drug interactions. The resulting pathways not only describe drug-drug interactions reflected in the literature, but also unstudied interactions that could elucidate reported adverse effects.
Improving patient waiting time at a pure walk-in clinic

Walk-in clinics have grown in popularity in the United States as a substitute for traditional medical care delivered in primary care clinics and emergency rooms. Walk-in clinics offer an affordable option for basic medical services when compared to a hospital emergency room or an urgent care clinic. This type of medical facility simplifies the health care process for many patients with non-life threatening conditions since no previous appointments are required to see a provider. However, the open access nature and lack of patient scheduling can lead to long wait times for patients or long periods of idle time for providers. In this paper, we derive a discrete event simulation model to study pure walk-in clinics where patients are served without appointments. A case study is discussed that considers a walk-in clinic located in central Texas. The computational study provides useful insights that are applicable to any walk-in health care facility.
Synthesis of nanometer-sized fayalite and magnesium-iron(II) mixture olivines

Abstract Olivines are divalent orthosilicates with important geologic, biological, and industrial significance and are typically comprised of mixtures of Mg2+ and Fe2+ ranging from forsterite (Mg2SiO4) to fayalite (Fe2SiO4). Investigating the role of Fe(II) in olivine reactivity requires the ability to synthesize olivines that are nanometer-sized, have different percentages of Mg2+ and Fe2+, and have good bulk and surface purity. This article demonstrates a new method for synthesizing nanosized fayalite and Mg-Fe mixture olivines. First, carbonaceous precursors are generated from sucrose, PVA, colloidal silica, Mg2+, and Fe3+. Second, these precursors are calcined in air to burn carbon and create mixtures of Fe(III)-oxides, forsterite, and SiO2. Finally, calcination in reducing CO-CO2 gas buffer leads to Fe(II)-rich olivines. XRD, Mossbauer, and IR analyses verify good bulk purity and composition. XPS indicates that surface iron is in its reduced Fe(II) form, and surface Si is consistent with olivine. SEM shows particle sizes predominately between 50 and 450 nm, and BET surface areas are 2.8–4.2 m2/g. STEM HAADF analysis demonstrates even distributions of Mg and Fe among the available M1 and M2 sites of the olivine crystals. These nanosized Fe(II)-rich olivines are suitable for laboratory studies with in situ probes that require mineral samples with high reactivity at short timescales.
Screening for cardiovascular disease risk with electrocardiography us preventive services task force recommendation statement

Importance Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which encompasses atherosclerotic conditions such as coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and peripheral arterial disease, is the most common cause of death among adults in the United States. Treatment to prevent CVD events by modifying risk factors is currently informed by CVD risk assessment with tools such as the Framingham Risk Score or the Pooled Cohort Equations, which stratify individual risk to inform treatment decisions. Objective To update the 2012 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation on screening for coronary heart disease with electrocardiography (ECG). Evidence Review The USPSTF reviewed the evidence on whether screening with resting or exercise ECG improves health outcomes compared with the use of traditional CVD risk assessment alone in asymptomatic adults. Findings For asymptomatic adults at low risk of CVD events (individuals with a 10-year CVD event risk less than 10%), it is very unlikely that the information from resting or exercise ECG (beyond that obtained with conventional CVD risk factors) will result in a change in the patient’s risk category as assessed by the Framingham Risk Score or Pooled Cohort Equations that would lead to a change in treatment and ultimately improve health outcomes. Possible harms are associated with screening with resting or exercise ECG, specifically the potential adverse effects of subsequent invasive testing. For asymptomatic adults at intermediate or high risk of CVD events, there is insufficient evidence to determine the extent to which information from resting or exercise ECG adds to current CVD risk assessment models and whether information from the ECG results in a change in risk management and ultimately reduces CVD events. As with low-risk adults, possible harms are associated with screening with resting or exercise ECG in asymptomatic adults at intermediate or high risk of CVD events. Conclusions and Recommendation The USPSTF recommends against screening with resting or exercise ECG to prevent CVD events in asymptomatic adults at low risk of CVD events. (D recommendation) The USPSTF concludes that the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of screening with resting or exercise ECG to prevent CVD events in asymptomatic adults at intermediate or high risk of CVD events. (I statement)
Quantitative X-Ray Elemental Mapping of Dynamic Physiologic Events in Skeletal Muscle

A striking event in animal biology, both fundamental and universal, is the process of coupling excitation to contraction (ECC) in muscle. The first step in that process, the excitatory stimulus, is electrical and is followed by the release of free calcium from known intracellular stores called the “junctional SR” (JSR, Sommer, 1968). The freed calcium unlocks a cocked state of an actomyosin interaction at rest, causing the muscle to contract. Neither the mechanism by which the electrical signal is translated into calcium release, nor its precise time course are known. Whereas our initial aim has been to define the accurate time of that calcium release in single, intact frog skeletal muscle fibers (R. temporaria), our overall goal is the description of the quantitative changes in elemental microtopochemistry during the entire time-course of excitation-contraction coupling, in both skeletal and cardiac muscle. By measuring calcium directly, we are in a position to avoid the complexities introduced by as yet poorly-understood interactions between calcium and a number of indicator substances (Blinks, 1978; Baylor, 1988) that result in their emitting measurable calcium-dependent signals. Given the present model, we also have the unique opportunity to explore the limits, per se, of electron probe x-ray microanalysis (EPXMA) as a legitimate means for the study of dynamic physiologic events dominated by spatial displacements of elements. Single intact cells, excellent time resolution and optimal cryotechniques are imperative for such a purpose (Nassar, 1986; Sommer, 1988). Skeletal muscle fibers were used because they have many very large JSRs containing very high concentrations of calcium (Somlyo, 1980).
The Emotional Responses of Family Caregivers: Living with Cancer and Helping Families Cope

In this chapter, a comprehensive synthesis of the literature describing the impact of cancer on family caregivers is presented. Family caregiving is defined broadly. Factors that identify characteristics of caregivers of patients with cancer who are at risk for emotional distress are described and need to be taken into account when planning interventions. A review of educational, psychoeducational, support, and skill building interventions targeted at the patient and family caregiver as a dyad and to family caregivers alone to help caregivers cope with their loved one’s cancer and its consequences are summarized. The chapter concludes with recommendations for researchers, policy makers, clinicians, and educators.
Cooperstein’s Theory of Symplecta and Parapolar Spaces

B. Cooperstein gave a criterion that symplecta (convex polar subspaces) exist. That theory is developed here in the somewhat wider context of a “polar family.” Elementary properties of parapolar spaces are discussed – for example, those of symplectic rank at least three have all their singular subspaces projective. In particular, local connectedness is used to show that symplecta possess deep points only if the whole parapolar space is just one symplecton. Hanssen’s principle asserts that a parapolar space with a certain general type of locally-truncated diagram must also possess a class of Grassmannians. In this way, some rank three locally-truncated geometries can be enriched to rank four geometries so that the sheaf-theory of Chap. 11 kicks in.
Simple Views of Metallic Clusters

The intent of this article is to show what can be understood of the properties of metallic clusters from a simple perspective. The jellium, stabilized jellium, and liquid drop (volume + surface + curvature) models are presented to explain the size-dependences of the total and ionization energies, as well as the electronic structures, shapes, and sizes of clusters. The high-and low-density limits for the surface energy and work function are derived in an Appendix.
On utilization and mechanisms of waste aluminium in mitigating alkali-silica reaction (ASR) in concrete

Abstract Alkali silica reaction (ASR) is one of the most commonly occurring durability issues in concrete structures. In this study, the feasibility of using waste aluminium in bit, powder and dissolved forms as a sustainable alternative to mitigate ASR was investigated. The accelerated mortar bar test was adopted for expansion measurement and mitigation mechanisms were explored with reactive glass dissolution, pore solution and microstructural analyses. Both aluminium bits and aluminum powder at various volume fractions were found to be effective in mitigating ASR, mainly attributable to dissolution control of amorphous silica through integration of [Al(OH)4]- into the silica framework and electrostatic repulsion of OH− at reactive sites. However, the effectiveness of the dissolved aluminum form in controlling ASR was diminished with time due to a ready integration into hydration products. This calls for an investigation into the long-term effectiveness of the proposed mitigation strategies. Also, a higher porosity of concrete due to gas evolution and the resulting adverse effects on mechanical properties would have to be resolved before a possible implementation of the mitigation approach for concrete structures.
The Elementary Theory of. Stressed‐Skin Construction: Two Further Instalments of a Series on the Stressing of Modern Aeroplane Structures

AIRCRAFT wings, tail planes, fuselages and control surfaces have to satisfy certain mandatory requirements of stiffness. These requirements arc designed to ensure the absence of aero‐elastic troubles. They all take the form of a minimum specified limit to a stiffness, calculated or measured under the application of a definite force and constraint system. A ‘stiffness’ may be defined as the ratio of a force to its ‘corresponding’ displacement (see 5.2) and so the calculation of stiffnesses reduces itself to a ‘deflection problem’(1.1 (2)).
Analysis and Design of a Single-Switch High Step-Up Coupled-Inductor Boost Converter

Analysis and design of a single-switch high step-up coupled-inductor boost converter are presented in this paper. With the aid of the coupled inductor, the proposed converter can achieve high-voltage gain without extreme duty cycle. Also, low switch voltage stress can be achieved, thus low-voltage-rating mosfet is allowed to lower the conduction loss. Moreover, the proposed converter features continuous input current, which is desirable and friendly to the battery, fuel cell, and photovoltaic applications. In addition, the reverse recovery problem of the diodes can be alleviated and leakage energy can be recycled. The operation principles and characteristics of the proposed converter are discussed. Experimental results are provided to verify the theoretical analysis.
Social Resource Allocation in a Mobility System with Connected and Automated Vehicles: A Mechanism Design Problem

In this paper, we investigate the social resource allocation in an emerging mobility system consisting of connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) using mechanism design. CAVs provide the most intriguing opportunity for enabling travelers to monitor mobility system conditions efficiently and make better decisions. However, this new reality will influence travelers' tendency-of-travel and might give rise to rebound effects, e.g., increased-vehicle-miles traveled. To tackle this phenomenon, we propose a mechanism design formulation that provides an efficient social resource allocation of travel time for all travelers. Our focus is on the socio-technical aspect of the problem, i.e., by designing appropriate socio-economic incentives, we seek to prevent potential rebound effects. In particular, we propose an economically inspired mechanism to influence the impact of the travelers' decision-making on the well-being of an emerging mobility system.
Environmental service workers as potential designers of infection control policy in long-term care settings.

Background Long-term care facility residents are at higher risk of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection and colonization than the general population. In 2009, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented the “methicillin-resistant S. aureus prevention initiative” in long-term care facilities (ie, Community Living Centers or “CLCs”). Methods Over 4 months, 40 semistructured interviews were conducted with staff in medicine, nursing, and environmental services at 5 geographically dispersed CLCs. Interviews addressed knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs concerning infection prevention and resident-centered care. A modified constant comparative approach was used for data analysis. Results In CLCs, staff work to prevent and control infections in spaces where residents live. Nurses and Environmental Service Workers daily balance infection prevention conventions with the CLC setting. Infection control team members, who are accustomed to working in acute care settings, struggle to reconcile the CLC context with infection prevention. Discussion The focus on the resident's room as the locus of care, and thus the main target of infection control, misses opportunities for addressing infection prevention in the spaces beyond the residents’ rooms. Conclusions Environmental Service Workers’ daily work inside the rooms and within the wider facility produces a unique perspective that might help in the design of workable infection control policies in CLCs.
Redox-active fluoropolymers

Abstract Research into redox-active fluoropolymers has been quite rigorous over the past couple of decades with focus on organic semiconductors and energy conversion/storage. In this chapter, we will highlight several developments in redox-active fluoropolymers including stereoelectronic effects of fluorinated substituents, changes in bandgap energies, and fluorination effects on polymer packing motifs and morphology. Due to fluorine’s high electronegativity, fluorination changes the electronic structure of polymer chains. How fluorination affects the polymer conformation, intra- and interpolymer chain interactions, and overall structure remains relatively unclear. Understanding how fluorination influences redox-active fluoropolymer properties and corresponding device performance is an essential task to allow practical design of new fluoropolymer materials. Several reports have dealt with one or two questions stated above, yet systematic investigations are still needed for preparing redox-active fluoropolymers by design. We hope that the work summarized in this chapter will shine some light on designing new redox-active fluoropolymer-based organic electronics.
An Algorithm for Distributed Bayesian Inference in Generalized Linear Models

Monte Carlo algorithms, such as Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) and Hamiltonian Monte Carlo (HMC), are routinely used for Bayesian inference in generalized linear models; however, these algorithms are prohibitively slow in massive data settings because they require multiple passes through the full data in every iteration. Addressing this problem, we develop a scalable extension of these algorithms using the divide-and-conquer (D&C) technique that divides the data into a sufficiently large number of subsets, draws parameters in parallel on the subsets using a \textit{powered} likelihood, and produces Monte Carlo draws of the parameter by combining parameter draws obtained from each subset. These combined parameter draws play the role of draws from the original sampling algorithm. Our main contributions are two-fold. First, we demonstrate through diverse simulated and real data analyses that our distributed algorithm is comparable to the current state-of-the-art D&C algorithm in terms of statistical accuracy and computational efficiency. Second, providing theoretical support for our empirical observations, we identify regularity assumptions under which the proposed algorithm leads to asymptotically optimal inference. We illustrate our methodology through normal linear and logistic regressions, where parts of our D&C algorithm are analytically tractable.
Family history and pathogenic/likely pathogenic germline variants in prostate cancer patients.

Background Recent literature highlights the importance of germline genetic testing in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Surprisingly, a literature review indicates that family history (FH) records are incomplete in the major published studies from prostate cancer patients. Methods Prospective family history data were gathered from 496 men in a single institution with a personal history of PCa who underwent germline genetic testing using a panel of at least 79 genes. Comprehensive first degree FH were obtained in all PCa of patients and analysis of prevalent FH was assessed at the time of sample collection. Results Pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (PV/LPVs) were not associated with age at diagnosis, race, or presence of metastasis. One or more first degree relatives (FDR) with any cancer was not predictive for germline PV/LPVs for men with PCa (p = .96). Separate analysis of patients with one or more FDR with breast, prostate, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer revealed that only FDR with breast or ovarian cancer was predictive for PV/LPVs (p = .028, p = .015 respectively). Patients with a FDR with breast cancer had 1.8 increased risk of PV/LPVs, and patients with a FDR with ovarian cancer had 2.9 increased risk of PV/LPV. Conclusion In men with a personal history of PCa, germline PV/LPVs were associated with a FDR with breast or ovarian cancer. Notably having FDRs with PCa does not predict for PV/LPVs. These data emphasize the contribution of FH in a data set with complete ascertainment of FH.
Navigating Exclusion as Enemies of the State: The Case of Serbs in Croatia and Croats in Serbia

Since the break-up of Yugoslavia, Croatia and Serbia have emerged as nationalist states that serve the political interests of ethnic Croats and Serbs, respectively. Despite these regime shifts, his...
Multimetallic Catalysts and Electrocatalysts: Dynamic Core–Shell Nanostructures

The ability to tune the synergistic properties of heterogeneous catalysts by manipulating the surface composition, structure, and morphology is critical for achieving the desired catalytic performance, especially for metal and alloy catalysts at the nanoscale sizes. However, the control of the surface composition, structure, and morphology of nanocatalysts is challenging due to the highly dynamic nature of atoms on the surface or in the bulk phase of the metal or alloy nanomaterials. This chapter focuses on discussing recent findings of the investigations of the composition, structure, and morphology of metal and alloy nanoparticle catalysts, especially those involving dynamic core–shell and alloy structures. Insights into the structural synergies of their catalytic and electrocatalytic properties in reactions such as oxygen reduction reaction and hydrocarbon oxidation reaction. The development of active, stable, and low-cost heterogeneous catalysts for these reactions will contribute to the global drive to sustainable energy and environment.
Trauma and the Body

It is important to note that for many trauma survivors, the body can become a source of pain, intrusion, and shame. Therefore, survivors may often feel disconnected from their bodies. It has been established that exposure to the threat of trauma stimulates the autonomic nervous system, resulting in sympathetic hyperarousal and parasympathetic hypoarousal states accompanying survival responses such as fight, flight, submission, and freeze. The foundation of trauma healing begins with enhancing the survivor’s awareness and knowledge about the body’s responses to trauma, with the ultimate goal of locating a sense of safety within the body. This allows a client to operate out of deep self-awareness rather than classic conditioning. This chapter begins by providing an overview of the how trauma impacts the mind and body. Second, the significance of affective states is reviewed through the lens of the Modulation Model and Polyvagal Theory. This chapter explores the concepts of implicit memory and somatization in the context of complex trauma treatment. Finally, this chapter reviews the existing relevant literature exploring the relationship between chronic stress and immune system impairment.
Commercial data in academic business research: A study on use and access

Demands for data from business faculty are both increasing and increasingly challenging for libraries to meet. Acquiring and providing access to data, particularly proprietary data resources from c...