cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Partisan Affiliation and the Evaluation of Non-Prototypical Candidates

Ideologically impure candidates—RINOs and DINOs—risk losing the endorsement of their fellow copartisans. However, which copartisans? In this article, I assess how party affiliation and the strength of partisan affiliation condition the evaluation of ideologically impure, non-prototypical candidates. Using a nationally representative survey experiment, I present evidence that while partisans negatively evaluate non-prototypical copartisans, there is not a consistent relationship between strength of identification and the degree of punitiveness. Moreover, candidate non-prototypicality causes convergence in candidate support between Republicans and Democrats. My results provide evidence that nominal partisan affiliation is by itself insufficient to save an ideologically non-prototypical candidate from the rebuke of fellow copartisans and thus that the “in-name-only” charge holds some weight.
Accuracy of nest fate classification and predator identification from evidence at nests of Least Terns and Piping Plovers

For federally listed species such as Least Tern Sternula antillarum and Piping Plover Charadrius melodus, correct determination of nest fates and causes of nest failure is crucial for understanding population dynamics and improving monitoring programmes. We used video cameras to evaluate nest fate misclassification rate and to identify factors that may cause researchers monitoring nests at different intervals to classify Least Tern and Piping Plover nest fates incorrectly. During the 2013–2015 breeding seasons, we installed miniature surveillance cameras at 65 of 294 Least Tern and 89 of 551 Piping Plover nests under observation on the Missouri River in North Dakota. Nest fates were assigned in the field from remains found at the nest‐site and then again by an independent researcher who reviewed camera footage. We used ordinal logistic regressions to examine whether monitoring interval, clutch age or temporal factors influenced a correct, partially misclassified (probable successful in the field vs. successful by camera) or misclassified nest fate classification. During a 7‐day monitoring interval between visits, 45% of nests were partially and 27.5% were fully misclassified. The percentage of partially (20%) and fully (8.0%) misclassified nests decreased with a more intensive (3‐day) monitoring schedule. Researchers were also less likely to correctly classify nest fates for Least Terns than for Piping Plovers, and as clutch age and monitoring interval increased for both species. Furthermore, causes of failure (e.g. predators, weather) as determined from field evidence vs. video disagreed for 53.5% of nests. The ability to identify accurately nest fate and cause of nest failure will facilitate a better understanding of factors that limit productivity and will lead to better informed management decisions for improving nest survival.
Droplet adhesion to hydrophobic fibrous surfaces

Abstract A water droplet can exhibit a high apparent contact angle on a hydrophobic fibrous surface. However, a high contact angle does not guarantee droplet mobility on the surface. The reasons behind droplet adhesion to a hydrophobic fibrous surface has not yet been analyzed or formulated. In this work, the force required to detach a droplet from a hydrophobic fibrous surface is investigated experimentally and computationally. Electrospun Polystyrene mats are considered for this study as they exhibit high contact angles coupled with poor droplet mobility. To better isolate the effects of microstructural properties of the mats and study their effects on droplet detachment, randomness of the fiber orientation is minimized by producing highly oriented fibers in orthogonal layers. As the earth gravity is not strong enough to detach small droplets from such surfaces, aqueous ferrofluid droplets are used in a controllable magnetic field to enhance the effect of gravity. The detachment process is recorded via a high-speed camera and the images are used to detect the moment of detachment and to analyze droplet shape before and during detachment. Numerical simulations are also conducted to provide additional insight into the physics of droplet detachment, and more importantly, to develop an equation for estimating droplet detachment force from a fibrous surface. In this paper, we discuss the effects of fiber properties, e.g., Young-Laplace contact angle or fiber spacing, on the force needed to detach a droplet from a fibrous surface.
Multi-Mode Virtualization for Soft Real-Time Systems

Real-time virtualization is an emerging technology for embedded systems integration and latency-sensitive cloud applications. Earlier real-time virtualization platforms require offline configuration of the scheduling parameters of virtual machines (VMs) based on their worst-case workloads, but this static approach results in pessimistic resource allocation when the workloads in the VMs change dynamically. Here, we present Multi-Mode-Xen (M2-Xen), a real-time virtualization platform for dynamic real-time systems where VMs can operate in modes with different CPU resource requirements at run-time. M2-Xen has three salient capabilities: (1) dynamic allocation of CPU resources among VMs in response to their mode changes, (2) overload avoidance at both the VM and host levels during mode transitions, and (3) fast mode transitions between different modes. M2-Xen has been implemented within Xen 4.8 using the real-time deferrable server (RTDS) scheduler. Experimental results show that M2-Xen maintains real-time performance in different modes, avoids overload during mode changes, and performs fast mode transitions.
Epidemiology of Neurogenic Bladder

Bladder dysfunction secondary to neurologic impairment is a common problem in people who are in need of rehabilitation. In this article, the common causes of a neurogenic bladder are identified, and their incidence or prevalence is provided when it is known. Knowledge of the anatomic location of the neurologic lesions is helpful in recognizing the probable type of bladder dysfunction. It is recognized, however, that certain conditions may have multiple levels of neurologic impairment and changing patterns of dysfunction over time. A brief discussion of the types of voiding dysfunction is provided for the most common causes of neurogenic bladder.
Rathke cleft cyst. MRI criteria for presumptive diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: To define MRI criteria for the presumptive diagnosis of Rathke cleft cyst (RCC). METHODS: One hundred and three patient MRI scans suggesting RCC performed between January 2005 and January 2011 were retrospectively reviewed for indications, cyst location, T1 and T2 signal intensity, dimensions, encroachment on optic chiasm, enhancement pattern, and stability over a year. RESULTS: Of the 103 patients analyzed, the suggestion of RCC was an incidental finding in 82.5% (n=85) of patients. Headache was the most common symptom in 11.6% (n=12), visual field deficit in 3.8% (n=4), and both headache and visual field deficit in 0.97% (n=1). The cyst was hyperintense on T1 in 55.3% (n=57), hypointense in 27.1% (n=28), and isointense in 17.4% (n=18). The cyst was T2 hyperintense in 57.2% (n=59), and iso-hypointense in 42.7% (n=54). The cyst showed no enhancement in 80.5% (n=83), and a thin marginal enhancement in 19.4% (n=20). The cyst showed a stable appearance in 99% (n=102) of patients after at least one year follow-up MRI study. CONCLUSION: Rathke cleft cysts typically have a cystic appearance with T1 hyperintensity, sometimes with T1 iso- or hypointensity, variable T2 signal, and no or thin marginal enhancement and remain stable in size over time.
HIV Transmission and Immune Protection at Mucosal Surfaces

Rectal exposure to infected semen is the major risk factor for infection among homosexual men1–2 and vaginal exposure is the principal mode of heterosexual transmission to women3. The SIV/monkey model has provided most of the available information on the mechanisms of mucosal transmission. Application of free SIV to intact mucosal surfaces of both rectum and vagina has resulted in mucosal and systemic infection of macaques in numerous studies4–9.
Log-art as a means of humanization: Classic humanities are not the only way to humanize people. Scientists and technologists may find in their own work means of humanization if they look at their work other ways than scientifically

Log-art is an “artistic” science. By selection and sometimes by deliberate combination of records, methods used to study nature scientifically permit the expression of an artistic feeling. Usually the data are obtained in the form of photographs covering the range of astronomy to electron microscopy. In this paper, particular emphasis will be put on photographic records obtained by experimental stress analysts using photoelasticity, moire and holography. It is believed that log-art may develop into a powerful means of humanizing scientists by calling their attention to the fact that their scientific records can be looked at other ways than from the scientific point of view.
The development of an opioid sparing anesthesia protocol for pediatric ambulatory tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy surgery—A quality improvement project

Pain management following pediatric tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy surgery is challenging and traditionally involves perioperative opioids. However, the recent national opioid shortage compelled anesthesiologists at Bellevue Surgery Center to identify an alternative perioperative analgesic regimen that minimizes opioids yet provides effective pain relief. We assembled an interdisciplinary quality improvement team to trial a series of analgesic protocols using the Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle. Initially, we replaced intraoperative morphine and acetaminophen (M/A protocol) with intraoperative dexmedetomidine and preoperative ibuprofen (D/I protocol). However, when results were not favorable, we rapidly transitioned to intraoperative ketorolac and dexmedetomidine (D/K protocol). The following measures were evaluated using statistical process control chart methodology and interpreted using Shewhart's theory of variation: maximum pain score in the postanesthesia care unit, postoperative morphine rescue rate, postanesthesia care unit length of stay, total anesthesia time, postoperative nausea and vomiting rescue rate, and reoperation rate within 30 days of surgery. There were 333 patients in the M/A protocol, 211 patients in the D/I protocol, and 196 patients in the D/K protocol. With the D/I protocol, there were small increases in maximum pain score and postanesthesia care unit length of stay, but no difference in morphine rescue rate or total anesthesia time compared to the M/A protocol. With the D/K protocol, postoperative pain control and postanesthesia care unit length of stay were similar compared to the M/A protocol. Both the D/I and D/K protocols had reduced nausea and vomiting rescue rates. Reoperation rates were similar between groups. In summary, we identified an intraoperative anesthesia protocol for pediatric tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy surgery utilizing dexmedetomidine and ketorolac that provides effective analgesia without increasing recovery times or reoperation rates.
APOE genotype and sex affect microglial interactions with plaques in Alzheimer’s disease mice

Microglia affect Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis in opposing manners, by protecting against amyloid accumulation in early phases of the disease and promoting neuropathology in advanced stages. Recent research has identified specific microglial interactions with amyloid plaques that exert important protective functions including attenuation of early pathology. It is unknown how these protective microglial interactions with plaques are affected by apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype and sex, two well-established AD risk factors that modulate microglial function. We investigated this question using quantitative confocal microscopy to compare microglial interactions with amyloid plaques in male and female EFAD mice across APOE3 and APOE4 genotypes at 6 months of age. We observed that microglial coverage of plaques is highest in male APOE3 mice with significant reductions in coverage observed with both APOE4 genotype and female sex. Plaque compaction, a beneficial consequence of microglial interactions with plaques, showed a similar pattern in which APOE4 genotype and female sex were associated with significantly lower values. Within the plaque environment, microglial expression of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), a known regulator of microglial plaque coverage, was highest in male APOE3 mice and reduced by APOE4 genotype and female sex. These differences in plaque interactions were unrelated to the number of microglial processes in the plaque environment across groups. Interestingly, the pattern of amyloid burden across groups was opposite to that of microglial plaque coverage, with APOE4 genotype and female sex showing the highest amyloid levels. These findings suggest a possible mechanism by which microglia may contribute to the increased AD risk associated with APOE4 genotype and female sex.
Longitudinal associations between gratitude and depression 1 year later among adult cystic fibrosis patients.

Individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) are confronted by a range of difficult physical and psychosocial sequelae. Gratitude has drawn growing attention as a psychosocial resource, but it has yet to be examined among adults with CF. The current investigation evaluated longitudinal associations between trait gratitude and subsequent outcomes from depression screening 12 months later, adjusting for disease severity (FEV1% predicted) and other significant clinical or demographic covariates. Participants were 69 adult CF patients recruited from a regional adult treatment center. They completed a validated measure of gratitude (Gratitude Questionnaire-6) at baseline and a screening measure of depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) at 12-month follow-up. In a logistic regression analysis controlling for disease severity, higher levels of baseline gratitude were associated with reduced likelihood of depression caseness at 12 months (OR .83, 95% CI .73–.91, p = .001). Gratitude remained predictive after adjusting for other psychosocial resource variables (i.e., perceived social support and positive reframing coping). Findings offer an initial indication of the potential salutary role of dispositional gratitude in an understudied clinical population.
Residual stress and localized lattice rotation under fatigue loading

Abstract A significant change in residual stress around a fatigue crack has been observed in Al alloys. For Al 7075, the residual stress increases by 200% closer to the crack. However, in commercially pure Al (Al 1100), the residual stress decreases by 80% closer to the crack. The residual stresses are mostly the stored elastic energy as a result of deformation around the fatigue crack. To understand these results, we estimate the dislocation density as a function of distance from the crack using the full width at half maxima of 111 reflection for both alloys. The dislocation density increases by 25–30 % for Al 7075. However, it actually decreases by 10% for Al 1100. Such change in dislocation density cannot explain the observed change (200%) in residual stress closer to the crack. Additionally, the deformation leads to a significant lattice rotation, as observed by the x-ray diffraction and the electron backscatter diffraction measurements. We argue that dislocations are needed to produce the lattice rotation and the estimated lattice rotation is ≈ 11°, and conclude that the deformation associated with the lattice rotation would be a major contributing factor to the residual stress. This provides a new insight on the role of lattice rotation on the residual stress under fatigue loading.
Brain Dynamics Through the Lens of Statistical Mechanics by Unifying Structure and Function

This paper introduces a novel method that unifies structural connectivity and functional time series to form a signed coupling interaction network or “signed resting state structural connectome” (signed rs-SC) to describe neural excitation and inhibition. We employ an energy representation of neural activity based on the Ising model from statistical mechanics, hereby bypassing traditional BOLD correlations. The spin model is a function of a coupling interaction (traditionally positive or negative) and spin-states of paired brain regions. Observed functional time series represent brain states over time. A maximum pseudolikelihood with a constraint is used to estimate the coupling interaction. The constraint is introduced as a penalty function such that the learned interactions are scaled relative to structural connectivity; the sign of the interactions may infer inhibition or excitation over an underlying structure. We evaluate our method by comparing a group of otherwise healthy APOE-e4 carriers with a control group of non APOE-e4 subjects. Our results identify a global shift in the excitation-inhibition balance of the APOE e4 signed rs-SC compared to the control group, providing the first connectomics-based support for hyperexcitation related to APOE e4.
Condom Use Completeness, Perceptions, and Sexual Quality at Most Recent Sexual Event: Results from a U.S. Nationally Representative Probability Sample

Objectives: To explore perceptions of condoms associated with complete use and evaluate relationships between condom perceptions, condom use, and sexual quality.Methods: Using data from a U. S. nat...
Development of High-Power High Switching Frequency Cryogenically Cooled Inverter for Aircraft Applications

To better support the superconducting propulsion system in the future aircraft applications, the technologies of high-power high switching frequency power electronics systems at cryogenic temperatures should be investigated. This article presents the development of a 40-kW cryogenically cooled three-level active neutral point clamped inverter with 3 kHz output line frequency and 140 kHz switching frequency. Si mosfet s are characterized at cryogenic temperatures, and the results show that they have promising performance such as lower on -resistance and switching loss. The design of the inverter is presented in detail with the special consideration of the cryogenic temperature operation. Moreover, a packaging and integration architecture is designed and fabricated to demonstrate the feasibility and performance of the inverter in the lab. It is able to achieve no leakage with good thermal and air insulation. With the inverter and packaging, the experimental results show that the inverter operates properly at cryogenic temperatures. The loss is measured at different load conditions, and the loss analysis is given, which shows that the cryogenically cooled inverter has 30% less loss than operating at room temperature.
Representing French Citizenship and Belonging in La Desintégration (2011) by Philippe Faucon

Terrorism and religious radicalization have become serious concerns for politicians and public intellectuals in France in the past two decades. In this chapter, Ramona Mielusel presents the worrisome Islamic radicalization and terrorist actions of French youth, seen from an artistic angle as an internal threat to the national identity principles instated in the Republican model. In the film La Desintegration (2011), Philippe Faucon underlines the failures in the process of social and cultural integration in France. Using the insights of Michel Foucault, this chapter focuses on the analysis of the power relations involved in deconstructing contemporary French public and political discourses on integration. Faucon’s movie draws attention to how a nation can be disciplined and punished from within, thereby destabilizing the hegemonic discourse of the state.
Comparison of Power Frequency Electromagnetic Field in Residential and Occupational locations

Characterization of residential and occupational exposures was undertaken in different phases. A survey of the background and equipment-generated power frequency electromagnetic fields was carried out in various locations throughout the utilities facilities. A comparison of electromagnetic field is described in this paper, which is used for analysis of occupational and general public exposure. The electromagnetic field intensity around the electrical equipment depends on the distribution of equipment. The maximum electric field and magnetic field value appeared in busbar and 35kV shunt reactor of 500kV substation, which were 12.133 kV/m and 1267.79 μT. Moreover, The individual exposure of magnetic field was tested. Results indicate that individual professional exposure of magnetic field in 500 kV substation can reach (8.2±11.9) μT, which is considerably higher than in office and at home. But for all that, the power frequency electromagnetic field isn't enough to cause long-term health effects.
Progress in research of thyroid carcinoma related gene mutation and epigenetics

Thyroid cancer is one of the most common endocrine malignant tumors, and its molecular pathogenesis is also a process of multiple genes involved in many steps of carcinogenesis. With the development of molecular biology technology, a variety of related gene mutations and epigenetic phenomena have been found in thyroid cancer tissues. It is helpful to understand the latest progress in the research of the gene mutation and epigenetics of thyroid cancer for its early diagnosis, prevention and the development of targeted drugs.
A landscape analysis of HIV cure-related clinical research in 2019.

Abstract Objectives In 2018, we surveyed investigators conducting HIV cure-related clinical research, drawing on information from the online listing established by Treatment Action Group (TAG). The purpose of the survey was to facilitate a landscape analysis of the field. In 2019, we fielded a second survey in order to provide updated information and assess any shifts in the landscape. Methods Trials and observational studies listed as of August 16, 2019 formed the sample set. Survey questions addressed funding, trial development, recruitment, enrollment, participant demographics, antiretroviral therapy status, HIV reservoir assays, invasive procedures, study completion, data sharing and dissemination plans. A survey was sent to the contact(s) for each study. Supplemental information was collected from clinicaltrials.gov and available presentations/publications of study results. Results A total of 97 interventional trials and 36 observational studies were identified, with 30 including analytical treatment interruptions. Total projected enrollment is 13,732 participants, with observational studies contributing the majority (8,325). Most interventional trials are in early phases. The majority of current research is located in the USA, involves predominately male participants and is limited in racial and ethnic diversity. Prespecified demographic enrollment targets are rare. Two thirds of respondents to our previous survey reported that enrollment is progressing more slowly than anticipated. Conclusions A diverse range of interventions are being evaluated in HIV cure research, but participant diversity is far from optimal with a continuing underrepresentation of women. Broadening inclusion and geographic reach will be necessary to achieve the goal of developing widely effective, safe and accessible curative interventions.
Novel resonant multi-soliton solutions and inelastic interactions to the (3 + 1)- and (4 + 1)-dimensional Boiti–Leon–Manna–Pempinelli equations via the simplified linear superposition principle

In this paper, the resonant solitary waves to the (3 + 1)- and (4 + 1)-dimensional Boiti–Leon–Manna–Pempinelli (BLMP) equations are exposed via the simplified linear superposition principle (LSP). Based on the related Hirota’s bilinear equations, the resonant multi-soliton solutions and the corresponding wave numbers are formally generated. Abundant inelastic interactions, i.e., fission and fusion of traveling N-solitary waves, are presented analytically and graphically. Besides, we show that the velocity resonance (VR) is not applicable to handle the (3 + 1)- and (4 + 1)-dimensional BLMP equations, due to that the dispersion relation is constructed as $$\omega = - k^{3}$$ . The results show that the simplified LSP provides enough freedom to construct resonant multi-soliton waves that has potential applications to a large variety of real physical phenomena.
Temporal Evolution and Outcomes of Non-Traumatic Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Hospitalized Patients.

Abstract Objective To investigate the radiographic features, temporal evolution, and outcome of patients who develop non-traumatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) while hospitalized for other causes. Methods We retrospectively reviewed consecutive Emergency Department ICH (ED-ICH) and in-hospital ICH (IH-ICH) over an 8-year period. Variables including demographics, medical history, lab values, lead time to diagnosis, defined as time from last known well to first CT scan, and clinical characteristics, follow-up CT scan, as well as the frequency of withdrawal of life support were compared in the two groups. Mortality in correlation with ICH score was assessed. Results Sixty-One IH-ICH and 216 ED-ICH patients were compared. History of cardiac disease, cancer, coagulopathy and higher SOFA score at time of diagnosis were significantly higher in the IH-ICH group (all P Conclusions IH-ICH, is associated with higher overall mortality rates and often times heralds withdrawal of life sustaining therapies in patients. In addition, IH-ICH in comparison to ED-ICH, significantly changes in severity metrics within the first 6 hours. ICH score is not accurate and not calibrated to reflect reasonable stratification of mortality in IH-ICH. Prospective validation and investigation of variables accounting for higher IH-ICH mortality are needed.
Differences in activation of intracellular signaling in primary human retinal endothelial cells between isoforms of VEGFA 165.

Purpose There are reports that a b-isoform of vascular endothelial growth factor-A 165 (VEGFA165b) is predominant in normal human vitreous, switching to the a-isoform (VEGFA165a) in the vitreous of some diseased eyes. Although these isoforms appear to have a different ability to activate the VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in various endothelial cells, the nature of their ability to activate intracellular signaling pathways is not fully characterized, especially in retinal endothelial cells. We determined their activation potential for two key intracellular signaling pathways (MAPK, AKT) over complete dose-response curves and compared potential effects on the expression of several VEGFA165 target genes in primary human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMECs). Methods To determine full dose-response curves for the activation of MAPK (ERK1/2), AKT, and VEGFR2, direct in-cell western assays were developed using primary HRMECs. Potential differences in dose-response effects on gene expression markers related to endothelial cell and leukocyte adhesion (ICAM1, VCAM1, and SELE) and tight junctions (CLDN5 and OCLN) were tested with quantitative PCR. Results Activation dose-response analysis revealed much stronger activation of MAPK, AKT, and VEGFR2 by the a-isoform at lower doses. MAPK activation in primary HRMECs displayed a sigmoidal dose-response to a range of VEGFA 165 a concentrations spanning 10-250 pM, which shifted higher into the 100-5,000 pM range with VEGFA 165 b. Similar maximum activation of MAPK was achieved by both isoforms at high concentrations. Maximum activation of AKT by VEGFA 165 b was only half of the maximum activation from VEGFA 165 a. At a lower intermediate dose, where VEGFA 165 a activated intracellular signaling stronger than VEGFA 165 b, the changes in VEGFA target gene expression were generally greater with VEGFA 165 a. Conclusions In primary HRMECs, VEGFA 165 a could maximally activate MAPK and AKT at lower concentrations where VEGFA 165 b had relatively little effect. The timing for maximum activation of MAPK was similar for the isoforms, which is different from that reported for non-retinal endothelial cells. Although differences in VEGFA 165 a and VEGFA 165 b are limited to the sequence of their six C-terminal six amino acids, this results in a large difference in their ability to activate at least two key intracellular signaling pathways and VEGF-target gene expression in primary human retinal endothelial cells.
A Complication Profile of Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in Liver Transplantation Patients: A Meta-Analysis.

Abstract Background There is an increasing demand for total joint arthroplasty in liver transplantation patients. However, significant heterogeneity in existing studies creates difficulty to draw conclusions on the risk profile of arthroplasty in this population. Methods A systematic review of the literature dated from 1980 to 2020 describing the complication rates of liver transplantation patients receiving either total hip or knee arthroplasty was conducted. Multiple outcomes were extracted and a meta-analysis was performed. Four cohorts were created for analysis purposes: liver transplant patients undergoing THA and TKA (1), THA only (2), TKA only (3), and controls (4). Results A total of 13 studies were included in this meta-analysis, accounting for 3024 liver transplantation patients. The rate of infection (odds ratio [OR] = 2.14, OR = 1.61, OR = 2.52), myocardial infarction (OR = 1.65, OR = 1.75, OR = 1.57), respiratory failure (OR = 2.19, OR = 2.50, OR = 1.96), acute kidney injury (OR = 5.71, OR = 5.40, OR = 4.35), sepsis (OR = 3.72, OR = 3.30, OR = 4.02), and blood transfusions (OR = 2.09, OR = 3.65, OR = 1.74) were all significantly higher in the 3 cohorts compared to the controls. Revision/reoperation rates were significantly higher in cohorts 1 and 3 (OR = 1.52 and OR = 1.62, respectively). Patient-reported outcomes saw improvements in Harris Hip Score, objective Knee Society Score, and functional Knee Society Score postoperatively (average improvement = 32.4, 37.2, and 15.3, respectively). Conclusion Liver transplantation patients functionally benefit from total hip and knee arthroplasty, but at the cost of increased risk of infection, revision/reoperation, and medically related complications compared to controls. Mortality may also be a short-term risk.
The Role of Coping in the Relationship Between Endorsement of the Strong Black Woman Schema and Depressive Symptoms Among Black Women

The Strong Black Woman (SBW) schema has been consistently linked to negative mental health outcomes among Black women. However, few have begun to explicate the mechanisms by which the endorsement o...
Agents of change – concepts in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Ser/Thr/Tyr phosphosignalling

The flow of information from the outside to the inside of bacterial cells is largely directed by protein kinases. In addition to histidine/aspartate phosphorelays of two-component response regulators, recent work in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) reinforces the idea that phosphorylation on serine (Ser), threonine (Thr) and tyrosine (Tyr) is central to bacterial physiology and pathogenesis, and that the corresponding phosphosystems are highly similar to those in eukaryotes. In this way, eukaryotes are a useful guide to understanding Ser/Thr/Tyr phosphorylation (O-phosphorylation) in prokaryotes such as Mtb. However, as novel functions and components of bacterial O-phosphorylation are identified, distinct differences between pro- and eukaryotic phosphosignalling systems become apparent. The emerging picture of O-phosphorylation in Mtb is complicated, goes beyond the eukaryotic paradigms, and shows the limitations of viewing bacterial phosphosignalling within the confines of the 'eukaryotic-like' model. Here, we summarize recent findings about Ser/Thr and the recently discovered Tyr phosphorylation pathways in Mtb, highlight the similarities and differences between eukaryotic and prokaryotic O-phosphorylation, and pose additional questions about signalling components, pathway organization, and ultimately, the cellular roles of O-phosphorylation in Mtb physiology and pathogenesis.
Automatic image analysis of plant root structures

The minirhizotron technique has provided agricultural scientists the opportunity of observing rhizosphere activities without destroying root structures. Nonetheless, the laborious analysis of the data still prohibits its wide applications. Advanced image understanding techniques are needed to derive satisfactory descriptions of plant root networks in an efficient and robust way. The paper presents a plant root image analysis system designed as a blackboard architecture with a hierarchy of data abstractions. Important properties of plant roots are used throughout the processing and multiple sources of information are combined to resolve uncertainties in image interpretation. Experimental results from some stages of the research are given which support the overall processing scheme. >
Beyond Notice and Choice: Privacy, Norms, and Consent

Informational privacy is the ability to determine for yourself when and how others may collect and use your information. Adequate informational privacy requires a sufficiently broad ability to give or withhold free and informed consent to proposed uses.Notice and Choice (sometimes also called “notice and consent”) is the current paradigm for consent online. The Notice is a presentation of terms, typically in a privacy policy or terms of use agreement. The Choice is an action signifying acceptance of the terms, typically clicking on an “I agree” button, or simply using the website. Recent reports by the Federal Trade Commission explicitly endorse the Notice and Choice approach (and provide guidelines for its implementation). When the Notice contains information about data collection and use, the argument for Notice and Choice rests on two claims. First: a fully adequate implementation of the paradigm would ensure that website visitors can give free and informed consent to data collection and use practices. Second: the combined effect of all the individual decisions is an acceptable overall tradeoff between privacy and the benefits of collecting and using consumers’ data. There are (we contend) decisive critiques of both claims. So why do policy makers and privacy advocates continue to endorse Notice and Choice?Most likely, they see no need to seek an alternative. We find the critique of Notice and Choice conclusive, but our assessment is far from widely shared — and understandably so. Criticisms of Notice and Choice are scattered over several articles and books. No one has unified them and answered the obvious counterarguments. We do so. Making the critique plain, however, is not enough to ensure that policy makers turn to a viable alternative. The critiques are entirely negative; they do not offer any alternative to Notice and Choice. We offer an alternative: informational norms. When appropriate informational norms govern online data collection and use, they both ensure that visitors give free and informed consent to those practices, and yield an acceptable overall tradeoff between protecting privacy and the benefits of processing information. A fundamental difficulty is the lack of norms. Rapid advances in information processing technology have fueled new business models, and the rapid development has outpaced the slow evolution of norms. Notice and Choice cannot be pressed into service to remedy this lack. It is necessary to develop new norms.
Building client/server applications with Oracle9i, JDBC, and SQLJ

JDBC and SQLJ are industry standards that enable development of client/server applications using Java and relational databases. The major educational benefit of using Java is that students are provided opportunities to implement object-oriented designs, evaluate server-side versus client-side processing, write database independent code, and develop their GUI building skills. This tutorial will introduce JDBC and SQLJ through artifacts associated with building a GUI client/server application using Java and Oracle9i. Among the artifacts will be UML diagrams, code samples, and sample applications.
Transport of Octanoate by Pseudomonas oleovorans

The properties of a system for octanoate transport in Pseudomonas oleovarans are described. Transport is inducible and energy dependent, shows saturation kinetics, and concentrates against a gradient. Optimal transport is at pH 6.0 and 28 C. Apparent Km and Vmax values are, respectively, 7.0 μM octanoate and 0.68 nmol of octanoate transported per min per mg (dry mass) of cells. Fatty acids from C7 to C12 are competitive inhibitors, whereas alkanes, alkenes, and esters of the same carbon chain lengths show no inhibition. The Ki values for heptanoate, nonanoate, decanoate, undecanoate, and dodecanoate are 17, 3.4, 3.2, 1.2, and 2.4 μM, respectively. The molecular specificity of this transport system is a linear hydrocarbon chain of no less than 6 to at least 11 carbon atoms and a carboxyl group.
Introducing Multiple Interaction Devices to Interactive Storytelling: Experiences from Practice

Introducing multiple interaction devices into an interactive story provides certain advantages to the system: it fosters collaboration in multi-user settings, increases user involvement, and addresses more perception channels and user senses. It is a challenging task for designers to introduce multiple interaction devices into an interactive storytelling (IS) system. In this paper we report on our experiences with the design and evaluation of an IS system, called ORIENT. The system was created for multi-user settings; it embeds various interaction devices, such as mobile phones, a dance pad, a Wiimote, and RFID tags. We report on user feedback and derive design challenges that should be considered when creating interaction devices for IS systems.
Study of Nanowire Growth Mechanisms: VLS and Si Assisted

In this chapter, we have examined several of our recent results on InAs nanowires that have implications to the vapor—liquid—solid (VLS) growth mechanism as well as the newly proposed Si-assisted growth mechanism. In summary, the study on the effect of oxygen during the nanowire growth showed the inhibiting effect of oxygen on the VLS growth mechanism. The results on the observation of size-dependent liquidus depression, more importantly, do not seem applicable on the results of Ti-catalyzed grown Si nanowires, but bring into question the validity of the vapor—solid—solid (VSS) growth mechanism in the Au-catalyzed grown GaAs and InAs nanowires. In the newly proposed nanowire growth mechanism, namely the Si-assisted mechanism using SiO x , a growth model is proposed based on the phase separation of SiO at higher temperature, which forms a stable SiO2 and reactive, nanometer-sized Si clusters. It is suggested that these clusters consequently serve as the nucleating/catalyst sites for the growth of InAs nanowires with the growth mechanism different from VLS, VSS, and OA.
Does History Repeat

History is typically seen as non-repeating; yet repetition is often considered necessary for making general, explanatory statements in the social sciences. How, then, can political science explain outcomes in a way that does not contradict their fundamentally historical character? This dilemma is a key focus of debate in methodological discussions. After distinguishing among three types of repetition -- replication, recurrence, reproduction -- we show that the dilemma is a false one. First, history can usefully be seen as repeating, and even the most radical critics accept some forms of repetition. Second, explanation does not require repetition. We show how political phenomena can be seen as repeating, both in terms of description of cases of the same thing and in terms of common causal patterns. We then review a set of analytic approaches to examine their treatment of repetition as a requisite for assessing cause patterns.
Gross anatomy and imaging of the avian and reptilian urinary system

The anatomy of the renal and urinary system of both birds and reptiles is markedly different than that of mammals. Even within the same order, variations in morphology occur. Knowledge of normal anatomy and physiology permit clinicians to improve their physical examination skills, understand surgical approaches, and interpret diagnostic imaging and necropsy findings. The gross anatomic differences found in birds and reptiles, including comments on radiographic and ultrasonographic imaging is summarized.
What does it mean for a system to be useful?: an exploratory study of usefulness

HCI has always focused on designing useful and usable interactive systems, but usability has dominated the field while research on usefulness has been largely absent. With user experience (UX) emerging as a dominant paradigm, it is necessary to consider the meaning of usefulness for modern computing contexts. This paper describes the results of an exploratory study of usefulness and its relation to contextual and experiential factors. The results show that a system's usefulness is shaped by the context in which it is used, usability is closely linked to usefulness, usefulness may have both pragmatic and hedonic attributes, and usefulness is critical in defining users' overall evaluation of a system (i.e., its goodness). We conclude by discussing the implications of this research and describing plans for extending our understanding of usefulness in other settings.
Asymmetric Scattering and the Spin-Glass Transition in Au Fe and Au Mn Alloys

We have measured the isomagnetic temperature dependence of the anomalous Hall effect that arises from the asymmetric scattering of the conduction electrons by the localized moments in two alloys of Au containing \ensuremath{\sim}8.1 at.% Fe or Mn. The experiment is evidently a sensitive way to detect the magnetic rearrangement in a spin-glass. It shows clearly the spin-glass transition and features that are tentatively ascribed to the presence of magnetic clusters and "loose spins."
Displays for Comparing a Given State to Many Others

Abstract This article presents a graphical display useful for comparing a chosen individual (e.g., a single state in a state-by-state survey) with the others in the population. The display immediately shows the ranking of the individual in the population, which other individuals are “significantly” higher than the reference, and which are “significantly” lower. The confidence bars are optimized for making comparisons with the reference individual. We illustrate this display with examples from the National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP) and the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS).
The 14-3-3 Proteins μ and υ Influence Transition to Flowering and Early Phytochrome Response

14-3-3 proteins regulate a diverse set of biological responses but developmental phenotypes associated with 14-3-3 mutations have not been described in plants. Here, physiological and biochemical tests demonstrate interactions between 14-3-3s and the well-established mechanisms that govern light sensing and photoperiodic flowering control. Plants featuring homozygous disruption of 14-3-3 isoforms υ and μ display defects in light sensing and/or response. Mutant plants flower late and exhibit long hypocotyls under red light, with little effect under blue or far-red light. The long hypocotyl phenotype is consistent with a role for 14-3-3 υ and μ in phytochrome B signaling. Yeast two-hybrid and coimmunoprecipitation assays indicate that 14-3-3 υ and μ proteins physically interact with CONSTANS, a central regulator of the photoperiod pathway. Together, these data indicate a potential role for specific 14-3-3 isoforms in affecting photoperiodic flowering via interaction with CONSTANS, possibly as integrators of light signals sensed through the phytochrome system.
Effect of a treatment protocol on the efficiency of care of the adult acute asthmatic

A treatment protocol for patients with acute bronchospasm was introduced to an adult emergency department in an attempt to decrease treatment time and potentially decrease need for admission. The charts of all patients seen in a control year (before any protocol was in place) and the first three years of the protocol were reviewed. All care was given by medical housestaff. The first year after the protocol was introduced showed no change in either admission rate or stay in the ED. During this time, however, the protocol was used only 33% of the time. In the following two years, the protocol was used 93% of the time, and the admission rate decreased from 36.4% to 23.3% (P
Ultrasonic assessment of subsequent unexplained infertility after ovulation induction.

Summary. The development of ovarian follicles was studied ultra-sonographically in 21 cycles in eight infertile patients with the diagnosis of ovulatory dysfunction in whom conception did not occur after the defect had apparently been corrected. Pelvic ultrasound demonstrated three patterns in 20 of the 21 cycles studied: ovarian hyperstimulation in seven cycles; follicular atresia before ovulation in three cycles; persistent unruptured follicular cysts in 10 cycles. Recognition of these patterns has been helpful in modifying therapy in infertile patients.
Isolation of sperm storage tubules from the uterovaginal junction mucosa of the turkey

Abstract This study was performed to determine whether intact sperm storage tubules (SST) could be successfully isolated from the uterovaginal junction (UVJ) mucosa of the turkey. Large White BUTA hens were inseminated and euthanatized 24 to 48 h later. Oviducts were excised, UVJ tissue removed, and SST were procured by enzymatic digestion. Recovered SST were intact and contained motile sperm. The sperm were oriented with their acrosomes pointed towards the distal end of the SST, and their long axes in parallel with the long axis of the tubule's lumen. This method for the isolation of intact SST can be readily applied for in vitro culture studies as well as for the extraction of DNA and RNA from the SST epithelium.
Functional Groups of Ecosystem Engineers: A Proposed Classification with Comments on Current Issues

Ecologists have long known that certain organisms fundamentally modify, create, or define habitats by altering the habitat's physical properties. In the past 15 years, these processes have been formally defined as "ecosystem engineering", reflecting a growing consensus that environmental structuring by organisms represents a fundamental class of ecological interactions occurring in most, if not all, ecosystems. Yet, the precise definition and scope of ecosystem engineering remains debated, as one should expect given the complexity, enormity, and variability of ecological systems. Here I briefly comment on a few specific current points of contention in the ecosystem engineering concept. I then suggest that ecosystem engineering can be profitably subdivided into four narrower functional categories reflecting four broad mechanisms by which ecosystem engineering occurs: structural engineers, bioturbators, chemical engineers, and light engineers. Finally, I suggest some conceptual model frameworks that could apply broadly within these functional groups.
India's "Strategic Enclave": Civilian Scientists and Military Technologies

The Indian security complex has become a diversified set of establishments, which have grown up around two models. The first model is based on a top-down system, less suited to technological innova...