cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Shackled to the status quo: the inhibiting effects of incumbent system habit, switching costs, and inertia on new system acceptance

Given that adoption of a new system often implies fully or partly replacing an incumbent system, resistance is often manifested as failure of a user to switch from an incumbent technology to a newly introduced one. Thus, a potential source of resistance to adopting a new system lies in the use of an incumbent system. Using the status quo bias and habit literatures as theoretical lenses, the study explains how use of an incumbent system negatively impacts new system perceptions and usage intentions. We argue that habitual use of an incumbent system, rationalization due to perceived transition costs, and psychological commitment due to perceived sunk costs all encourage development of inertia. Inertia in turn fully mediates the impact of these incumbent system constructs on constructs related to acceptance of the new system via psychological commitment based on cognitive consistency and by increasing the importance of normative pressures. Specifically, we hypothesize that inertia leads to decreased perceptions of the ease of use and relative advantage of a newly introduced system and has a negative impact on intentions to use the new system, above and beyond its impact through perceptions. Finally, we hypothesize that inertia moderates the relationship between subjective norm and intention, such that normative pressures to use a new system become more important in the presence of inertia. Empirical results largely support the hypothesized relationships showing the inhibiting effect of incumbent-system habit, transition and sunk costs, and inertia on acceptance of a new system. Our study thus extends theoretical understanding of the role of incumbent system constructs such as habit and inertia in technology acceptance, and lays the foundations for further study of the interplay between perceptions and cognition with respect to the incumbent system and those with respect to a new system.
Relationship between physical activity, perceived stress, and the metabolic syndrome in law enforcement officers

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the interrelationship among physical activity, perceived stress, and the metabolic syndrome in law enforcement officers (LEOs). METHODS: 461 sworn LEOs of the Iowa Department of Public Safety were invited to participate. Perceived stress was measured with the Perceived Stress Scale. Exercise and fitness questionnaires were used to assess the level of physical activity. Perceived stress and physical activity were divided into three categories; Low, Moderate, and High. The metabolic syndrome was defined according to the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. A continuous metabolic syndrome score was also constructed based on the sum of age-standardized residuals for the metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: A total of 386 white males (age 23-60 years) were included in the statistical analysis. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 23.1%. There was a significant correlation between physical activity level and the metabolic syndrome score (r = -0.225). Perceived stress score was not significantly related to the metabolic syndrome score (r = 0.047). The odds ratios (95% CI) for having the metabolic syndrome in the low and moderate physical activity groups, as compared to the high physical activity group, were 3.13 (95% CI: 1.56-6.26) and 2.3 (95% CI: 1.29-4.09), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of physical activity are associated with a reduced prevalence of the metabolic syndrome for a given level of perceived stress among this unique occupational group.
The effects of parental opioid use on the parent–child relationship and children’s developmental and behavioral outcomes: a systematic review of published reports

Between 2009 and 2014, nearly 3% of US children (age ≤ 17 years) lived in households with at least 1 parent with substance use disorder. The present systematic review aimed to evaluate effects of parental opioid use disorder on the parent–child relationship and child developmental and behavioral outcomes. Several databases were comprehensively searched for studies published from January 1980 through February 2018 that reviewed effects of parental opioid addiction on parent–child relationships and outcomes of children (age, 0–16 years). Of 304 unique studies, 12 evaluated effects of parental opioid addiction on the parent–child relationship as the primary outcome and on children’s outcomes, including behaviors and development. Observation of mother–child interaction showed that mothers with opioid use disorders are more irritable, ambivalent, and disinterested while showing greater difficulty interpreting children’s cues compared with the control group. Children of parents with opioid use disorders showed greater disorganized attachment; they were less likely to seek contact and more avoidant than children in the control group. The children also had increased risk of emotional and behavioral issues, poor academic performance, and poor social skills. Younger children had increased risk of abuse or neglect, or both, that later in life may lead to such difficulties as unemployment, legal issues, and substance abuse. Current evidence shows association between parental opioid addiction and poorer mother–child attachment and suboptimal child developmental and behavioral outcomes. Further research and treatment targeting children and families with parental opioid use are needed to prevent difficulties later in life.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Midline Pediatric Neck Masses

ObjectiveTo assess clinical evaluation, ultrasound, and previously published predictive score at preoperatively diagnosing midline neck masses and demographic or clinical associations that aid in d...
Abstract 1409: Characterization of the LAR subtype triple negative breast cancer population

Background: The LAR subtype of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) was defined using the Vanderbilt genomic signature in cell lines. The characteristics of this population remain unclear. Methods: We collected the clinicopathological, molecular and imaging characteristics of the LAR population who were enrolled in the ARTEMIS trial, a prospective trial to treat women with TNBC to receive neoadjuvant anthracycline therapy followed by experimental arms based on biomarker versus taxane. The ultrasonography-based response assessment was performed at baseline, after 2 and 4 cycles of anthracycline chemotherapy. The Vanderbilt genomic signature was used to classify the TNBC into the basal-like 1, basal-like 2, immunomodulatory, mesenchymal, mesenchymal stem-like and luminal androgen receptor (LAR) subtypes. The clinical data for this analysis included age, race, menopausal status, TNM stage and BRCA mutation status. Pathological and molecular characteristics included histologic subtype, nuclear grade, Ki67, vimentin expression, androgen receptor (AR) immunohistochemical (IHC) nuclear staining, stromal tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) percentage and residual cancer burden (RCB) at surgery. Results: Total 28 patients with the LAR signature were analyzed. The characteristics are showed in the table: Relevant characteristics are: median age of 55 years, 82% postmenopausal, 89% breast tumor size > 2cm, 79% with lymph node involvement, no BRCA mutation detected, 75% nuclear grade III, 46% with Ki67 ≥ 20%, median AR IHC staining of 52%, 85% vimentin expression of Conclusion: The LAR subgroup harbors unique characteristics that require further confirmation in larger cohorts. Citation Format: James Crespo, Seth Sahil, Elizabeth Ravenberg, Lei Huo, Kenneth Hess, Lumarie Santiago, Beatriz Adrada, Gaiane Rauch, Damodaran Senthil, Rashmi Murthy, Jennifer Litton, Debu Tripathy, Naoto Ueno, Stacy Moulder, Bora Lim. Characterization of the LAR subtype triple negative breast cancer population [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1409.
LTA1 is a safe, intranasal enterotoxin-based adjuvant that improves vaccine protection against influenza in young, old and B-cell-depleted (μMT) mice

Enterotoxin-based adjuvants including cholera toxin and heat-labile toxin (LT) are powerful manipulators of mucosal immunity; however, past clinical trials identified unacceptable neurological toxicity when LT or mutant AB5 adjuvant proteins were added to intranasal vaccines. Here, we examined the isolated enzymatic A1 domain of LT (LTA1) for intranasal safety and efficacy in combination with influenza (flu) vaccination. LTA1-treated mice exhibited no neurotoxicity, as measured by olfactory system testing and HE however, enhanced protection was also observed in μMT mice lacking B-cells while activation and recruitment of CD4 T-cells into the lung was apparent. Thus, we report that LTA1 protein is a novel, safe and effective enterotoxin adjuvant that improves protection of an intranasal flu vaccination by a mechanism that does not appear to require B-cells.
Understanding the Impact of Mental Health Stigma and the Role of Clinicians as Allies

Abstract As psychologists, you already know the importance of bias—in shaping your thinking, the data you collect, and how you decide to respond. Consider this, psychology students who believe that schizophrenia is largely caused by genetics tend to be more pessimistic about recovery and are less willing to work with these patients, whilst those who have a biopsychosocial view of schizophrenia have greater confidence in psychological treatments. This chapter encourages you to examine how negative beliefs (stereotypes), emotions (prejudice), and behaviours (discrimination) may influence your clinical practice, and to understand the detrimental effect of self-stigma on your clients. Part 1 will begin by defining the concept of public (especially professional) stigma and will outline how stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination from mental health professionals—including psychologists—can negatively affect communication, clinical decisions, and patient reactions in clinical interactions. Part 2 will define the concept of self stigma and describe the impact of self-stigma for people with psychosis, including the proposed stages of self-stigma, label avoidance, and the ‘Why Try’ effect. The reader will be provided with qualitative evidence on how stigma impacts on people with psychosis, and discuss practical tips on how to tackle both public and self-stigma in the clinical role, especially as allies.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of Short Interfering RNAs Having Several Consecutive Amide Internucleoside Linkages

The success of RNA interference (RNAi) as a research tool and potential therapeutic approach has reinvigorated interest in chemical modifications of RNA. Replacement of the negatively charged phosphates with neutral amides may be expected to improve bioavailability and cellular uptake of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) critical for in vivo applications. In this study, we introduced up to seven consecutive amide linkages at the 3'-end of the guide strand of an siRNA duplex. Modified guide strands having four consecutive amide linkages retained high RNAi activity when paired with a passenger strand having one amide modification between its first and second nucleosides at the 5'-end. Further increase in the number of modifications decreased the RNAi activity; however, siRNAs with six and seven amide linkages still showed useful target silencing. While an siRNA duplex having nine amide linkages retained some silencing activity, the partial reduction of the negative charge did not enable passive uptake in HeLa cells. Our results suggest that further chemical modifications, in addition to amide linkages, are needed to enable cellular uptake of siRNAs in the absence of transfection agents.
Show them the data. What do trustees need to know and how do they need to know it

As trustees' accountability expands, they need to keep up with a growing body of institutional information. Unfortunately, too many boards get inundated with raw data and don't know what to do with them. That's where "dashboards" and "scorecards" that highlight trends and show comparisons of significant indicators can make all the difference.
IL17 Mediates Pelvic Pain in Experimental Autoimmune Prostatitis (EAP).

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is the most common form of prostatitis, accounting for 90–95% of all diagnoses. It is a complex multi-symptom syndrome with unknown etiology and limited effective treatments. Previous investigations highlight roles for inflammatory mediators in disease progression by correlating levels of cytokines and chemokines with patient reported symptom scores. It is hypothesized that alteration of adaptive immune mechanisms results in autoimmunity and subsequent development of pain. Mouse models of CPPS have been developed to delineate these immune mechanisms driving pain in humans. Using the experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP) in C57BL/6 mice model of CPPS we examined the role of CD4+T-cell subsets in the development and maintenance of prostate pain, by tactile allodynia behavioral testing and flow cytometry. In tandem with increased CD4+IL17A+ T-cells upon EAP induction, prophylactic treatment with an anti-IL17 antibody one-day prior to EAP induction prevented the onset of pelvic pain. Therapeutic blockade of IL17 did not reverse pain symptoms indicating that IL17 is essential for development but not maintenance of chronic pain in EAP. Furthermore we identified a cytokine, IL7, to be associated with increased symptom severity in CPPS patients and is increased in patient prostatic secretions and the prostates of EAP mice. IL7 is fundamental to development of IL17 producing cells and plays a role in maturation of auto-reactive T-cells, it is also associated with autoimmune disorders including multiple sclerosis and type-1 diabetes. More recently a growing body of research has pointed to IL17’s role in development of neuropathic and chronic pain. This report presents novel data on the role of CD4+IL17+ T-cells in development and maintenance of pain in EAP and CPPS.
Is the Perioperative Continuation of Antiplatelet Therapy Safe for Elective Hernia Surgery

Antiplatelet medication use in the perioperative period for elective surgical procedures remains controversial. We hypothesized that for elective hernioplasty, the continuation of antiplatelet agents would not increase postoperative complications. A single surgeon prospectively tracked all elective hernia repairs performed. All patients were included except those on anticoagulation therapy. Patients already on antiplatelet therapy (APT) continued their regimen throughout the perioperative period, whereas those who were not remained off antiplatelet medications. All patients had postoperative visits between 7 and 10 days at which point they were evaluated with complications documented. One thousand four patients underwent open hernia repair. Two hundred sixty-seven patients were taking APT, whereas 737 were not. The mean age of the antiplatelet group was greater than those not on APT (66 vs 51 years old, P < 0.0001). Ecchymosis occurred more frequently in the APT group than in those not on APT (9.36% vs 2.71%, P = 0.0005). This was the only statistically significant difference in postoperative complications noted between these two groups. Patients taking clopidogrel alone or a combination of aspirin and clopidogrel had a significantly higher rate of ecchymosis compared with those on other antiplatelet regiments (10%, 21.6%, and 7.4%, respectively, P = 0.047). There were no postoperative hematomas, bleeding complications, urinary retention, or any patients who required cessation of antiplatelet medications. Continuation of APT in the perioperative period for elective hernia repair did not result in an increased frequency of postoperative complications except for ecchymosis development. We conclude that the continuation of antiplatelet medications throughout the perioperative period of elective hernioplasty is safe.
Open Periprosthetic Knee Fracture: A Case Report and Review of the Literature:

Introduction:With the increase in knee and hip implants, these periprosthetic fractures will become more common especially as the population ages. Open periprosthetic fractures are rare and severe ...
Asymptotic Degree of Random Monomial Ideals

One of the fundamental invariants connecting algebra and geometry is the degree of an ideal. In this paper we derive the probabilistic behavior of degree with respect to the versatile Erdős-Renyi-type model for random monomial ideals defined in \cite{rmi}. We study the staircase structure associated to a monomial ideal, and show that in the random case the shape of the staircase diagram is approximately hyperbolic, and this behavior is robust across several random models. Since the discrete volume under this staircase is related to the summatory higher-order divisor function studied in number theory, we use this connection and our control over the shape of the staircase diagram to derive the asymptotic degree of a random monomial ideal. Another way to compute the degree of a monomial ideal is with a standard pair decomposition. This paper derives bounds on the number of standard pairs of a random monomial ideal indexed by any subset of the ring variables. The standard pairs indexed by maximal subsets give a count of degree, as well as being a more nuanced invariant of the random monomial ideal.
Predicting Soil Moisture Retrieval Performance for the NISAR Mission

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) is being developed in order to provide highly spatial resolution L- and S-band backscatter observations of the Earth's surface. Remotely sensed soil moisture is one of NISAR applications of interest. This paper reports an initial analysis of the possibility of using NISAR modes to retrieve soil moisture based on two different methods: a snapshot method and the time series technique. Preliminary results of the forward modeling of the backscattered signal over land and the soil moisture retrievals are presented for bare surfaces.
Restoring Grasslands by Restoring Species

Grasslands are also “the world’s most imperiled ecosystem.” The protection of grasslands is important, but insufficient. We need to restore grasslands, not simply preserve the few we have left. The restoration of grasslands requires a legal tool that encourages or even requires such actions.This essay begins by describing the role that the reintroduction of species plays in the Endangered Species Act (ESA). It then considers the potential importance of the ESA as a tool for conserving grassland species. Next it considers the Eskimo curlew, a bird that was once abundant throughout the North American grasslands and which is now listed as endangered under the ESA, but whose reintroduction is precluded by the likelihood that it is already extinct. The essay turns next to the black-footed ferret, which is being introduced in multiple sites throughout the Great Plains. One of those sites is on private land in Logan County, and the controversy that has resulted there reveals both some of the opportunities and the challenges for relying on the ESA to preserve grassland ecosystems.
Refractory NMDA-receptor encephalitis in a teenager: A novel use of Bortezomib.

Abstract We report the case of a 14-year-old girl who was diagnosed with N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA)-receptor encephalitis, with severe features and autonomic instability, requiring intensive care unit admission. She had poor clinical response to the first-line therapies, she was then started on Rituximab and 6 cycles of Cytoxan infusion. She responded to Bortezomib therapy within 2 weeks of initiation, and with long-term sustenance of improvement in the long-term, also demonstrated by an improvement in NMDA titers . As far as we know, this is the first report of use of Bortezomib therapy in a child with refractory NMDA-receptor encephalitis.
Rim: Offloading Inference to the Edge

Video cameras are among the most ubiquitous sensors in the Internet-of-Things. Video and audio applications, such as cross-camera activity detection, avatar extraction or language translation will, in the future, offload processing to an edge cluster of GPUs. Rim is a management system for such clusters that satisfies throughput and latency requirements of these applications, while enabling high cluster utilization. It uses coarse-grained knowledge of application structure to profile throughput of applications on resources, then uses these profiles to place applications on cluster nodes to achieve these goals. It dynamically adapts placement to load and failures. Experiments show that on maximal workloads on a testbed, Rim can satisfy requirements of all applications, but competing approaches designed for low-latency GPU execution cannot.
Nothofagus pollen grain size as a proxy for long-term climate change: An applied study on Eocene, Oligocene, and Miocene sediments from Antarctica

Abstract Understanding the nature of moisture availability in the Eocene, Oligocene, and Miocene of Antarctica is imperative for climate reconstructions and for understanding the potential influence of future climate change on modern landscapes. Previous studies have used traditional palynological techniques, fossil leaf margins, hydrogen isotope leaf waxes, and palynomorph δ13C values to indicate changes in moisture on the southernmost continent. Here, we explore the relationship between pollen width (equatorial diameter) and climate as a potential indicator of changes in moisture availability in Antarctica, a technique that had not been widely applied previously. To date, studies of pollen grain size response to environmental stress and the applicability of using fossil pollen grain size as a climate change proxy are limited. In this paper, we explore the relationship between pollen grain size and environmental stress (desiccation intensity) and whether such a relationship can be applied to fossil pollen from Antarctica. We measured the widths of 157 modern specimens of Nothofagus spp. (the genus of Southern beech) pollen from throughout the Southern Hemisphere and compared them with mean annual precipitation records to assess the relationship between pollen grain size and moisture availability. The widths of 458 Antarctic Nothofagidites lachlaniae-complex pollen grains (from Eocene, Oligocene, and Miocene cores) were then measured and compared to other paleoenvironmental proxies to evaluate whether or not a significant trend in size variability can be associated with a change in moisture availability through geological time. Modern data show a significant relationship between decreased moisture availability and increased pollen grain size and are consistent with a previous study, providing confidence for using changes in pollen grain size as an indicator of moisture. Fossil data show a 23% increase in average pollen grain size from the late Eocene through the early to mid Miocene, indicating a decrease in moisture availability in Antarctica during this time.
Crystal Potentials Used in Energy Band Theory

We have begun a study which has as its goal the determination of a good, one-electron, exchange-correlation operator for crystals. This paper contains preliminary results of eight, self-consistent field, AFW calculations performed for copper in the course of this work. We chose Cu because its electronic structure has been determined by several energy band methods, and also because relativistic and non-muffin tin effects are small in the crystal. In these computations all electronic states were calculated at each iteration. The core states (1s, 2s, 2p) were determined in the crystal field by a Herman-Skillman type program with boundary conditions, written by Snow. The innerband states (3s, 3p) were calculated at 32 points in the Brillioun zone via the APW program, and the band states (3d, 4s) were similarly calculated at 2048 points. Our self-consistent criterion was a maximum energy difference in the one-electron eigenvalues of 0.002 ry from one iteration to the next.
1972 Survey of Caribbean Taxation

It is difficult to generalize about the tax picture in the Caribbean. There are some 25 separate taxing jurisdictions and nearly as many tax systems, ranging from the most basic to the most sophisticated. Several jurisdictions qualify as tax havens and impose virtually no taxes at all. At the opposite end of the pendulum are Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands which follow with modifications the complex U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
FlowPuter: A Cluster Architecture Unifying Switch, Server and Storage Processing

We present a novel cluster architecture that unifies switch, server and storage processing to achieve a level of price-performance and simplicity of application development not achievable with current architectures. Our architecture takes advantage of the increasing disparity between storage capacity, network switching on the one hand, and processing power of modern processors and architectures on the other. We propose the use of Network Processors (NPUs), which can apply simple classify/act/forward operations on data packets at wire speeds, to split processing of operations such as complex database queries across a network. We quantify the theoretical benefits of such an architecture over traditional server-cluster approaches using warehouse database queries as a motivating application. We also discuss the challenges such an architecture presents to programming language design and implementation, performance analysis, and security.
Effects of contaminants on catalyst activity

Hydrogen fuel and ambient air contaminants that exhibit strong electrode catalyst chemisorption may severely degrade the performance of polymer membrane fuel cells. Common fuel-reforming impurities include carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide and air impurities include sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides. CO contamination at parts per million (ppm) levels severely affects fuel cell performance; however, a number of methods including depolarization, air bleeding, and CO tolerant catalyst alloys will mitigate the performance losses. In contrast, the deposition of S on Pt surface from adsorption of sub-ppm levels of H2S in the H2-fuel stream results in severe fuel cell performance degradation. The oxidative removal of adsorbed S is a kinetically hindered process and is not achievable at reasonable rates in normal fuel cell operation. Keywords: fuel cells; contaminants; impurities; catalyst activity; chemisorption; impurity tolerance; PEMFC
Solidarity and Discord in Interest Group Memberships: How the Social Context Affects Interest Group Learning and Participation

Approaches to the study of individual group joining focus on either an individualistic calculus or articulate aggregate forces where individual agency is muted. The ideal theory provides room for both aggregate and individual-level forces. In this paper, we seek to contribute in just this way by analyzing how the social environment affects the individual group joining process. Specifically, we examine the twin forces of solidarity and discord that constrain and expand, respectively, the information people acquire about organized interests. People face significant information asymmetries defined by their social environments and are motivated to seek out new information when they face few trusted informants. To test these expectations, we use congregational survey data of a random sample of Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and Episcopal Church congregations in 2000 that include data on the political positions, group memberships, and group feelings of congregants and clergy, among many other things. We find variance across social contexts in available information about groups, which affects what people know, how they feel, and whether they join particular groups. These results add to a growing line of research that considers the multi-level forces that fuel the chaotic connection of citizens with organized interests.
Flux Motion in Lead-Indium Wires with Longitudinal Magnetic Fields

Magnetic flux lines appear in a type II superconducting wire when it is put in the mixed state by a longitudinal magnetic field. A voltage appearing along the wire will arise from the motion of magnetic flux throughout the superconductor due to the Lorentz force set up by a transport current. We wish to present a theoretical and experimental investigation of the current—voltage characteristics of a type II superconducting wire in an external longitudinal magnetic field.
CONSIDERING STANLEY HAUERWAS

After introducing the five articles that comprise this focus issue, I consider Hauerwas's claim that he is a theologian without a position. The claim has merit, I hold, since Hauerwas writes in response to what he reads, which is his way of learning it better. Moreover, he writes socially, characteristically soliciting help from his friends. As such, he purposefully makes himself accountable to those he addresses. In his later years this accountability has extended especially to the Church and to the Bible, which helps explain why Hauerwas cares so deeply about his sermons, which he takes to be his most important work.
Practitioner Review: Beyond shaken baby syndrome: what influences the outcomes for infants following traumatic brain injury?

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in infancy is relatively common, and is likely to lead to poorer outcomes than injuries sustained later in childhood. While the headlines have been grabbed by infant TBI caused by abuse, often known as shaken baby syndrome, the evidence base for how to support children following TBI in infancy is thin. These children are likely to benefit from ongoing assessment and intervention, because brain injuries sustained in the first year of life can influence development in different ways over many years. Methods: A literature search was conducted and drawn together into a review aimed at informing practitioners working with children who had a brain injury in infancy. As there are so few evidence‐based studies specifically looking at children who have sustained a TBI in infancy, ideas are drawn from a range of studies, including different age ranges and difficulties other than traumatic brain injury. Results: This paper outlines the issues around measuring outcomes for children following TBI in the first year of life. An explanation of outcomes which are more likely for children following TBI in infancy is provided, in the areas of mortality; convulsions; endocrine problems; sensory and motor skills; cognitive processing; language; academic attainments; executive functions; and psychosocial difficulties. The key factors influencing these outcomes are then set out, including severity of injury; pre‐morbid situation; genetics; family factors and interventions. Conclusions: Practitioners need to take a long‐term, developmental view when assessing, understanding and supporting children who have sustained a TBI in their first year of life. The literature suggests some interventions which may be useful in prevention, acute care and longer‐term rehabilitation, and further research is needed to assess their effectiveness.
3D/2D model-to-image registration applied to TIPS surgery

We have developed a novel model-to-image registration technique which aligns a 3-dimensional model of vasculature with two semi-orthogonal fluoroscopic projections. Our vascular registration method is used to intra-operatively initialize the alignment of a catheter and a pre-operative vascular model in the context of image-guided TIPS (Transjugular, Intrahepatic, Portosystemic Shunt formation) surgery. Registration optimization is driven by the intensity information from the projection pairs at sample points along the centerlines of the model. Our algorithm shows speed, accuracy and consistency given clinical data.
Bayesian Inference for Contact Networks Given Epidemic Data

. In this article, we estimate the parameters of a simple random network and a stochastic epidemic on that network using data consisting of recovery times of infected hosts. The SEIR epidemic model we fit has exponentially distributed transmission times with Gamma distributed exposed and infectious periods on a network where every edge exists with the same probability, independent of other edges. We employ a Bayesian framework and Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) integration to make estimates of the joint posterior distribution of the model parameters. We discuss the accuracy of the parameter estimates under various prior assumptions and show that it is possible in many scientifically interesting cases to accurately recover the parameters. We demonstrate our approach by studying a measles outbreak in Hagelloch, Germany, in 1861 consisting of 188 affected individuals. We provide an R package to carry out these analyses, which is available publicly on the Comprehensive R Archive Network.
EVIDENCE FOR SELECTION ON A CHORDATE HISTOCOMPATIBILITY LOCUS

Allorecognition is the ability of an organism to differentiate self or close relatives from unrelated individuals. The best known applications of allorecognition are the prevention of inbreeding in hermaphroditic species (e.g., the self-incompatibility [SI] systems in plants), the vertebrate immune response to foreign antigens mediated by MHC loci, and somatic fusion, where two genetically independent individuals physically join to become a chimera. In the few model systems where the loci governing allorecognition outcomes have been identified, the corresponding proteins have exhibited exceptional polymorphism. But information about the evolution of this polymorphism outside MHC is limited. We address this subject in the ascidian Botryllus schlosseri, where allorecognition outcomes are determined by a single locus, called FuHC (Fusion/HistoCompatibility). Molecular variation in FuHC is distributed almost entirely within populations, with very little evidence for differentiation among different populations. Mutation plays a larger role than recombination in the creation of FuHC polymorphism. A selection statistic, neutrality tests, and distribution of variation within and among different populations all provide evidence for selection acting on FuHC, but are not in agreement as to whether the selection is balancing or directional.
An efficient triarray systolic design for real-time Kalman filtering

Systolic Kalman (SK) filter designs are presented which are based on a triangular array (triarray) configuration. In order to facilitate the systolic design, the original algorithm for the Kalman filter estimation is reformulated in a new least-squares formulation. The design has advantages in both numerical accuracy and computational efficiency. For the case of white additive noise, the SK-W filter design uses approximately n/sup 2//2 processors and provides a speed-up of n/sup 2//2, with a nearly 100% utilization rate. For the case of colored additive noise, the SK-C filter design also offers comparable speed-up performance. >
On the orthorhombic to hexagonal phase transformation in polyethylene single crystals

The orthorhombic to hexagonal transformation in polyethylene single crystals was examined at room temperature and 110°C using electron diffraction. The transformation involves an anisotropic lattice expansion and the formation of a projected 6-fold symmetric atomic potential on a plane normal to the chain axis. The continuous transformation to the hexagonal phase at low temperatures was shown to occur primarily by crosslinks formed between chains during irradiation. At high temperatures, following nucleation of the hexagonal phase by an initial electron dose, further growth of the hexagonal phase without irradiation is believed to occur by the introduction of chain ends (which provides for easy chain rotation) into the crystal interior during annealing. Die Umwandlung der orthorhombischen Phase von Polyathyleneinkristallen in die hexagonale wurde mit Elektronenbeugung bei Raumtemperature und bei 110°C untersucht. Mit der Umwandlung ist eine anisotrope Gitteraufweitung und die Bildung eines 6fach symmetrischen, atomaren Potentials verbunden, das auf eine Ebene senkrecht zur Kettenachse projiziert ist. Es wurde gezeigt, das die kontinuierliche Umwandlung in die hexagonale Phase bei niedrigen Temperaturen hauptsachlich durch Vernetzung zwischen Ketten wahrend der Bestrahlung geschieht. Bei hohen Temperaturen erfolgt die Keimbildung der hexagonalen Phase durch die anfangliche Elektronendosis. Es wird angenommen, das das weitere Wachstum dieser Phase ohne Bestrahlung wahrend der Warmebehandlung durch Einfuhrung von Kettenenden in den Kristall verursacht wird, was die Drehbarkeit der Ketten erleichtert.
Functional traits, convergent evolution, and periodic tables of niches.

Ecology is often said to lack general theories sufficiently predictive for applications. Here, we examine the concept of a periodic table of niches and feasibility of niche classification schemes from functional trait and performance data. Niche differences and their influence on ecological patterns and processes could be revealed effectively by first performing data reduction/ordination analyses separately on matrices of trait and performance data compiled according to logical associations with five basic niche ‘dimensions’, or aspects: habitat, life history, trophic, defence and metabolic. Resultant patterns then are integrated to produce interpretable niche gradients, ordinations and classifications. Degree of scheme periodicity would depend on degrees of niche conservatism and convergence causing species clustering across multiple niche dimensions. We analysed a sample data set containing trait and performance data to contrast two approaches for producing niche schemes: species ordination within niche gradient space, and niche categorisation according to trait-value thresholds. Creation of niche schemes useful for advancing ecological knowledge and its applications will depend on research that produces functional trait and performance datasets directly related to niche dimensions along with criteria for data standardisation and quality. As larger databases are compiled, opportunities will emerge to explore new methods for data reduction, ordination and classification.
Optimization of a tensegrity wing for biomimetic applications

Current attempts to build fast, efficient, and maneuverable underwater vehicles have looked to nature for inspiration. However, they have all been based on traditional propulsive techniques, i.e. rotary motors. In the current study a promising and potentially revolutionary approach is taken that overcomes the limitations of these traditional methods-morphing structure concepts with integrated actuation and sensing. Inspiration for this work comes from the manta ray (Manta birostris) and other batoid fish. These creatures are highly maneuverable but are also able to cruise at high speeds over long distances. In this paper, the structural foundation for the biomimetic morphing wing is a tensegrity structure. A preliminary procedure is presented for developing morphing tensegrity structures that include actuating elements. A shape optimization method is used that determines actuator placement and actuation amount necessary to achieve the measured biological displacement field of a ray. Lastly, an experimental manta ray wing is presented that measures the static and dynamic pressure field acting on the ray's wings during a normal flapping cycle.
Optimization of gas-well completion and production practices

In water drive gas reservoirs, wells can be completed with a long perforated interval and produced at high rates to minimize abandonment pressure and maximize recovery. Alternatively, the perforations can be limited to the top of the productive interval and the well produced at a low rate in an effort to prevent coning which results in high abandonment pressures if the strength of the aquifer is adequate to support reservoir pressure. This study uses a reservoir simulation coning model to evaluate these two conflicting completion and production practices. The impact of completion interval, gas production rate, and reservoir permeability were evaluated. Ultimate gas recovery was found to be largely insensitive to variations in perforated interval and production rate in high permeability systems. Ultimate water production, however, was found to increase at high gas rates and lengthened perforated intervals. In lower permeability systems, ultimate gas recovery was found to increase significantly as production rates were increased, while ultimate water production was actually observed to fall. Sensitivity analysis of vertical to horizontal permeability ratio, fluid density contrast, relative permeability, and formation dip did not alter these conclusions. The conclusion that elevated production rates can be expected to have no detrimental impact on ultimate gas recovery suggests that gas rates should be maximized in low water disposal cost situations. This finding favors the completion of an interval sufficiently long to maximize production rate and thereby insure that gas recovery and present value of gas reserves are maximized. In high water disposal cost situations, however, it should be recognized that this strategy might result in elevated water production in high permeability systems.
An Asymmetric Outflow from the Herbig Ae Star HD 163296

We present an observational picture of the HH 409 bipolar outflow including the detection of six previously unreported Herbig-Haro knots from the Herbig Ae star HD 163296. This study combines seven years of data from ground-based Fabry-Perot and HST coronagraphic imagery, as well as HST long-slit spectral imagery. The redshifted counterjet includes a chain of six Herbig-Haro knots spanning >27'' to the northeast (P.A. ≈ 42°) of the source and has been active for >80 yr. The brightest knot in the counterjet is HH 409 C, a low-excitation bow shock with a shock velocity Vs ~ 50 km s-1 and total space motion Vjet ≈ 260 km s-1. The presence of additional knots in the counterjet beyond the bow shock may indicate precession of the jet axis. The blueshifted jet includes two closely spaced knots within 10'' and a distant bow shock (≈21'') southwest (P.A. ≈ 223°) of the source. The brightest knot in the jet is HH 409 A, a higher excitation more bullet-like shock with Vs ~ 90 km s-1 and Vjet ≈ 360 km s-1. The average opening angles for both the jet and counterjet are similar, αa ~ 2°, and consistent with opening angles of lower mass T Tauri stars. The mass-loss rates in both lobes of the flow, despite the asymmetry of the knots, are also comparable, out ~ 1.0 × 10-8 M☉ yr-1. This suggests that variations in the mass outflow rate are not more than a factor of ~2.
Colchicine: effects upon urinary hydroxyproline excretion in patients with scleroderma.

Abstract Three patients with scleroderma were given intravenous infusions of colchicine (2–4 mg/day) for 3 days. Twenty-four-hour urine collections were assayed for total hydroxyproline (HYPRO), an index of collagen resorption, and for nondialyzable polypeptide HYPRO, an index of collagen synthesis. During the colchicine infusions there was a fall in total urinary HYPRO and a slight increase in the per cent nondialyzable HYPRO in each patient. The hydroxylysyl-galactosyl-glucose (HGG) to hydroxylysyl-galactose (HG) ratios were not strikingly different in two samples, with the greatest differences in HYPRO excretion. Our results suggested that total-body collagen catabolism had diminished without a concomitant decrease in synthesis. In contrast to provocative reports in the literature, these data do not support the hypothesis that administration of colchicine in doses tolerated in man can either inhibit synthesis of new collagen, increase degradation of mature collagen, or be of use in treatment of fibrotic states.
Dependence of image quality of late gadolinium enhancement MRI of left atrium on number of patients imaged: results of multi-center trial DECAAF.

Background High-resolution late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) MRI is used to assess fibrosis of the left atrium (LA) and visualize post-ablation scar in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Only few centers with advanced expertise in cardiac MR (CMR) have shown successful and good quality LGE-MRI of the LA. In this work, we assess the dependence of image quality of LGE images on the number of patients imaged in the centers participating in the multi-center trial DECAAF (Delayed Enhancement - MRI determinant of successful Catheter Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation). Also, main causes of poor image quality were determined. Methods Fifteen centers with different degrees of CMR expertise and typical MRI hardware participated in DECAAF.
Nectar: properties, floral aspects, and speculations on origin

Although nectar is crucial for most pollinators, its evolutionary origin has received scant attention. Nectar is derived from the phloem solution. Both have high sugar concentrations (usually 10-30% solutes by fresh mass); the main solute in the phloem is sucrose, whereas nectar can also contain considerable amounts of fructose and glucose. The phloem, not the xylem, is the supplier of water to flowers and certain other organs. Therefore, a 'leaky phloem' hypothesis for the origin of nectar is presented based on the elevated hydrostatic pressure that can occur within the phloem and the structural weakness of developing phloem tissues. A 'sugar excretion' hypothesis is also presented that considers the solute accumulation resulting from the relatively high transpiration rates of flowers.
Chemiluminescent measurement sensitivity of a non-uniform gas

Abstract The effect of temperature and concentration non-uniformities on infrared chemiluminescent measurements is examined by means of a simple sensitivity approach. When non-uniformities are present, the chemiluminescent technique is shown to be reliable for excited state vibrational concentrations providing high-rotational-state data are included, but not reliable for temperature. Non-uniformities are analytically shown to generate date with the appearance of excess, non-Boltzmann rotational populations in high J rotational states. A survey demonstrates that some experimental data has this appearance, with the generally accepted explanation that it is kinetically produced. The analysis suggests that non-uniformities are a contributing factor.
Outpatient surgery as a means of cost reduction in total hip arthroplasty: a case-control study.

Background The current healthcare market coupled with expedited recovery and improvements in analgesia have led to the development of total hip arthroplasty being performed as an outpatient procedure in selected patients.
Mass Transport of Leveling Agents in Plating: Steady‐State Model for Blocking Additives

A quantitative model for the leveling effects of plating additives is presented. The fundamental assumption of this model is that the coverage of adsorbed additive is controlled by mass transport. Adsorbed additive is consumed through inclusion and electrochemical reaction and hence is replaced through transport and adsorption from the bulk solution. The primary effect of the adsorbed additive is assumed to be the blocking of the deposition current at the adsorption site. This steady‐state model reproduces the unique characteristics of additive polarization curves, including hysteresis and peaks in overpotential. Three dimensionless groups which characterize additive modified kinetics are identified. The model predicts the extent of either positive leveling or growing roughness on both the micro and macro scales. Sample plating maps are presented which indicate recommended operating windows for producing smooth and level deposits for various mass transfer boundary layer thicknesses and additive compositions.