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The biological adaptation of the human lineage to its environment is a recurring question in paleoanthropology. Particularly, how eco‐geographic factors (e.g., environmental temperature and humidity) have shaped upper airway morphology in hominins have been subject to continuing debate. Nasal shape is the result of many intertwined factors that include, but are not limited to, genetic drift, sexual selection, or adaptation to climate. A quantification of nasal airway (NA) morphological variation in modern human populations is crucial to better understand these multiple factors. In the present research, we study 195 in vivo CT scans of adult individuals collected in five different geographic areas (Chile, France, Cambodia, Russia, and South Africa). After segmentation of the nasal airway, we reconstruct 3D meshes that are analyzed with a landmark‐free geometric morphometrics method based on surface deformation. Our results highlight subtle but statistically significant morphological differences between our five samples. The two morphologically closest groups are France and Russia, whose NAs are longer and narrower, with an important protrusion of the supero‐anterior part. The Cambodian sample is the most morphologically distinct and clustered sample, with a mean NA that is wider and shorter. On the contrary, the Chilean sample form the most scattered cluster with the greatest intra‐population variation. The South African sample is morphologically close to the Cambodian sample, but also partially overlaps the French and Russian variation. Interestingly, we record no correlation between NA volume and geographic groups, which raises the question of climate‐related metabolic demands for oxygen consumption. The other factors of variation (sex and age) have no influence on the NA shape in our samples. However, NA volume varies significantly according both to sex and age: it is higher in males than in females and tends to increase with age. In contrast, we observe no effect of temperature or humidity on NA volume. Finally, we highlight the important influence of asymmetries related to nasal septum deviations in NA shape variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Iliocapsularis (IC) overlies the anteromedial hip capsule and is an important landmark in anterior approaches to hip arthroplasty. Previously believed to be part of iliacus, few publications describe the prevalence, attachments, fibre direction, blood supply, innervation, and size of IC. This study was aimed to determine these anatomical features using embalmed bodies and whether they vary between sides, sex, and age. Methods: Thirty-eight formalin-fixed adult bodies were dissected and the prevalence, presence of a connective tissue raphe, attachments, fibre direction, blood supply, and innervation, were documented. Length and width were measured, and significant differences were investigated with t tests. Results: Iliocapsularis was present in all bodies examined, originating from the inferior border of the anterior inferior iliac spine, and inserting 20 mm distal to the lesser trochanter in 54 muscles (71%). Iliocapsularis was supplied by a thin branch from the femoral nerve and by branches of the lateral circumflex femoral and deep femoral arteries and veins. Muscle fibre direction was from superolateral to inferomedial. Mean length was 116.8 ± 11.2 mm and width was 12.8 ± 3.1 mm, with no significant differences between sides, sex, and age. Conclusion: This was the first study to document the venous drainage and compare the dimensions with sides, sex, and age, using adult bodies. However, the true function of IC is still unknown. Iliocapsularis is a constant muscle, distinct from iliacus, which is relevant to orthopaedic surgeons and physical rehabilitation specialists, particularly for postoperative patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that the connection used by Bordemann, Neumaier and Waldmann to construct the Fedosov standard ordered star product on the cotangent bundle of a Riemannian manifold is obtained by symplectification of the complete lift of the corresponding Levi-Civitá connection, in the sense of Yano and Patterson. In terms of local coordinates, this was already shown earlier by Plebanski, Przanowski and Turrubiates. In the final part, we comment on the usefulness of this connection in the context of homological reduction of deformation quantized models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For a compact Lie group G we consider a lattice gauge model given by the G-Hamiltonian system which consists of the cotangent bundle of a power of G with its canonical symplectic structure and standard moment map. We explicitly construct a Fedosov quantization of the underlying symplectic manifold using the Levi–Civita connection of the Killing metric on G. We then explain and refine quantized homological reduction for the construction of a star product on the symplectically reduced space in the singular case. Afterwards we show that for G = SU (2) the main hypotheses ensuring the method of quantized homological reduction to be applicable hold in the case of our lattice gauge model. For that case, this implies that the—in general singular—symplectically reduced phase space of the corresponding lattice gauge model carries a star product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the algebra R of G-invariant representative functions over the N-fold Cartesian product of copies of a compact Lie group G modulo the action of conjugation by the diagonal subgroup. Using the representation theory of G on the Hilbert space H = L 2 ( G N ) G , we construct a subset of G-invariant representative functions, which, by standard theorems, span H and thus generate R. The elements of this basis will be referred to as quasicharacters. For N = 1, they coincide with the ordinary irreducible group characters of G. The form of the quasicharacters depends on the choice of a certain unitary G-representation isomorphism, or reduction scheme, for every isomorphism class of irreps of G. We determine the multiplication law of R in terms of the quasicharacters with structure constants. Next, we use the one-to-one correspondence between complete bracketing schemes for the reduction of multiple tensor products of G-representations and rooted binary trees. This provides a link to the recoupling theory for G-representations. Using these tools, we prove that the structure constants of the algebra R are given by a certain type of recoupling coefficients of G-representations. For these recouplings, we derive a reduction law in terms of a product over primitive elements of 9j symbol type. The latter may be further expressed in terms of sums over products of Clebsch–Gordan coefficients of G. For G = SU(2), everything boils down to combinatorics of angular momentum theory. In the final part, we show that the above calculus enables us to calculate the matrix elements of bi-invariant operators occurring in quantum lattice gauge theory. In particular, both the quantum Hamiltonian and the orbit type relations may be dealt with in this way, thus reducing both the construction of the costratification and the study of the spectral problem to numerical problems in linear algebra. We spell out the spectral problem for G = SU(2), and we present sample calculations of matrix elements of orbit type relations for the gauge groups SU(2) and SU(3). The methods developed in this paper may be useful in the study of virtually any quantum model with polynomial constraints related to some symmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a primer coating system used in aerospace applications to protect aluminum alloy substrate, praseodymium is added as corrosion inhibitors while CaSO4 is primarily added as filler materials. The interaction of Pr and CaSO4 is unknown. The goal of this study is to characterize any cooperative or synergistic inhibition between these two. Cooperative inhibition can be defined when one inhibitor enhances inhibiting effect of the other that already has inhibiting ability. Synergistic inhibition can be defined when one inhibitor activates the inhibiting effect of the other that originally does not inhibit. Optical profilometry, electrochemical techniques and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize corrosion results. The results showed that several pit parameters will affirm the inhibition effect. Electrochemical results cannot always detect modest corrosion inhibitors. Cooperative inhibition was detected in pH 5 while synergistic inhibition was observed in pH 8. Synergistic inhibition occurs because SO42− helps with gelation of Pr to passivate the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Ophthalmologe is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to accurately establish the anatomical variability of the third metacarpal, its medullary canal, and the relationship with the capitate in the context of high rates of component loosening still seen in total wrist arthroplasty. Methods: CT scans of a 100 hands (age: 41 ± 14 years (range: 16–71 years); male/female ratio: 53/47) were studied to establish the detailed anatomy of the third metacarpal and the capitate. Results: Although the shape of the third metacarpal and the angles formed with the capitate were highly variable, the third metacarpal length was longer in males (p < 0.001), the proximal cortical bone was thicker (p < 0.001) and the sagittal metacarpal-capitate axis offset was greater (p = 0.01). A relationship was found between the total length of the metacarpal and the distance to the isthmus from the base (r = 0.63; p < 0.0001) which was unaffected by gender. No age-related relationships were significant. Conclusion: The anatomy of the third metacarpal and capitate varies considerably more than has been alluded to in current wrist arthroplasty literature. Differences between males and females can likely be attributed to hand size. The distance of the isthmus from the base can be predicted from the total length of the metacarpal with a standard error of 1.9 mm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic pig husbandry systems in Europe are diverse – ranging from indoor systems with concrete outside run (IN) to outdoor systems all year round (OUT) and combinations of both on one farm (POUT). As this diversity has rarely been taken into account in research projects on organic pig production, the aim of this study was to assess and compare pig health, welfare and productivity in these three systems. Animal health and welfare were assessed using direct observation and records of 22 animal-based measures, comprising 17 health-, 3 productivity- and 2 behavioural measures. These were collected in pregnant sows, weaners and fattening pigs during direct observations and from records within a cross-sectional study on 74 farms (IN: n = 34, POUT: n = 28, OUT: n = 12) in eight countries. Overall, prevalence of several animal health and welfare issues was low (e.g. median 0% for pigs needing hospitalisation, shoulder lesions, ectoparasites; <5% for runts, tail lesions, conjunctivitis). Exceptions in particular systems were respiratory problems in weaners and fatteners (IN: 60.0%, 66.7%; POUT: 66.7%, 60.0%), weaning diarrhoea (IN: 25.0%), and short tails in fatteners (IN: 6.5%, POUT: 2.3%). Total suckling piglet losses (recorded over a period of 12 months per farm) were high in all three systems (IN: 21.3%; POUT: 21.6; OUT: 19.2%). OUT had lower prevalences of respiratory problems, diarrhoea and lameness of sows. POUT farms in most cases kept sows outdoors and weaners and fatteners similar to IN farms, which was reflected in the results regarding several health and welfare parameters. It can be concluded, that European organic pigs kept in all three types of husbandry system showed a low prevalence of health and welfare problems as assessed by our methodology, but respiratory health and diarrhoea should be improved in weaners and fatteners kept indoors and total piglet mortality in all systems. The results provide benchmarks for organic pig producers and organisations which can be used in strategies to promote health and welfare improvement. Furthermore, in future research, the identified health and welfare issues (e.g. suckling piglet mortality, weaning diarrhoea) should be addressed, specifically considering effects of husbandry systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of solution pH on layered double hydroxide (LDH) formation on electrogalvanized steel sheets (EG steel) was investigated in this study. EG steel with a Zn coating weight of 64 g/m2 was used as a substrate and was immersed in a 0.25 M Na2Al2O4-based solution having several pH values to form a Zn-Al-based LDH conversion coating. After rinsing and drying, corrosion resistance was evaluated by EIS. It was found that corrosion resistance increased with increasing pH up to pH 12.6. However, above this pH, corrosion resistance tended to display a sharp decrease. To understand this trend, the conversion coating was characterized by FT-IR, XRD and GDOES. The conversion coating was found to consist mainly of Zn2Al(OH)6(CO3)0.5·xH2O crystals (an LDH). The thickness of the conversion coating layer increased with increasing pH up to pH 12.4, but above this pH, its thickness tended to decrease due to the formation of ZnO. The reason for the dependence of corrosion resistance on solution pH is discussed from the viewpoints of the thickness and changes in the microstructure of the conversion coating layer, including its crystal size, density and uniformity, which could vary during the initial formation of ZnO at pH values above 12.6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We construct the Hilbert space costratification of G = SU(2)-quantum gauge theory on a finite spatial lattice in the Hamiltonian approach. We build on previous work [F. Fürstenberg, G. Rudolph, and M. Schmidt, J. Geom. Phys. 119, 66–81 (2017)], where we have implemented the classical gauge orbit strata on the quantum level within a suitable holomorphic picture. In this picture, each element τ of the classical stratification corresponds to the zero locus of a finite subset {pi} of the algebra R of G-invariant representative functions on G C N . Viewing the invariants as multiplication operators p ^ i on the Hilbert space H , the union of their images defines a subspace of H whose orthogonal complement H τ is the element of the costratification corresponding to τ. To construct H τ , one has to determine the images of the p ^ i explicitly. To accomplish this goal, we construct an orthonormal basis in H and determine the multiplication law for the basis elements; that is, we determine the structure constants of R in this basis. This part of our analysis applies to any compact Lie group G. For G = SU(2), the above procedure boils down to a problem in combinatorics of angular momentum theory. Using this theory, we obtain the union of the images of the operators p ^ i as a subspace generated by vectors whose coefficients with respect to our basis are given in terms of Wigner’s 3nj symbols. The latter are further expressed in terms of 9j symbols. Using these techniques, we are also able to reduce the eigenvalue problem for the Hamiltonian of this theory to a problem in linear algebra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spondyloocular syndrome (SOS) is a rare autosomal recessive, skeletal disorder. Two recent studies have shown that it is the result of biallelic sequence variants in the XYLT2 gene with pleiotropic effects in multiple organs, including retina, heart muscle, inner ear, cartilage, and bone. The XYLT2 gene encodes xylosyltransferase 2, which catalyzes the transfer of xylose (monosaccharide) to the core protein of proteoglycans (PGs) leading to initiating the process of PG assembly. SOS was originally characterized in 2 families A and B of Iraqi and Turkish origin, respectively. Using DNA from affected members of the same 2 families, we performed whole exome sequencing, which revealed 2 novel homozygous missense variants (c.1159C > T, p.Arg387Trp) and (c.2548G > C, p.Asp850His). Our findings extend the body of evidence that SOS is caused by homozygous variants in the XYLT2 gene. In addition, this report has extended the phenotypic description of SOS by adding follow‐up data from 5 affected individuals in one of the two families, presented here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript presents the formulation and application of the Green's discrete transformation method (GDTM) for the meshfree simulation of transient diffusion problems, including those with moving boundaries. The GDTM implements a linear combination of time-dependent Green's basis functions defined on a set of source points to approximate the field in the form of a solution series. A discrete transformation is implemented to evaluate unknown coefficients of this series, which eliminates the need to use time integration schemes. We will study the optimal number and location of the GDTM source points that yield the highest level of accuracy, while maintaining a manageable condition number for the resulting linear system of equations. The optimal values of these parameters, which are inherently independent of the domain geometry, are determined such that the basis functions have appropriate features for approximating the field. A comprehensive convergence study is presented to show the precision and convergence rate of the GDTM for modeling various diffusion problems. We also demonstrate the application of this method for simulating three diffusion problems with complex and evolving morphologies: heat transfer in a turbine blade, thermal response of a porous material, and localized (pitting) corrosion in stainless steel. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although recent performance and the short-term outlook for the U.S. federal budget deficit have been favorable, the good news is not expected to continue. Low interest rates and slowly growing health costs have helped ease the burden of debt, but they are not expected to continue for very long. A likely combination of growing spending on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid and higher interest rates would increase the drag on the American economy. This paper analyzes which expenditures do and do not cause a significant increase in the federal debt and describes how a remedy implies difficult choices that require leaders of both political parties 'to join hands and jump off the cliff together.' [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper looks back to time when budgeting was easier and budget outcomes were superior. Although it is impossible to replicate the past exactly, there are certain characteristics of past budgets that might be emulated. The paper focuses on Eisenhower's battles to balance the 1960 budget. The task was not easy and the result had to be bipartisan since Democrats had significant majorities in the House and Senate. But budgeting was less difficult than it is today, because almost all spending was controlled by annual appropriations, and popular, rapidly growing entitlements for the elderly were very much less important. The president's budget was also much more prestigious and influential. Approaches to gaining more control over entitlements are explored as is the more difficult task of restoring the influence of the president's budget. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider a system with symmetries whose configuration space is a compact Lie group, acted upon by inner automorphisms. The classical reduced phase space of this system decomposes into connected components of orbit type subsets. To investigate hypothetical quantum effects of this decomposition one has to construct the associated costratification of the Hilbert space of the quantum system in the sense of Huebschmann. In the present paper, instead of the decomposition by orbit types, we consider the related decomposition by reflection types (conjugacy classes of reflection subgroups). These two decompositions turn out to coincide, e.g., for the classical groups SU(n) and Sp(n). We derive defining relations for reflection type subsets in terms of irreducible characters and discuss how to obtain from that the corresponding costratification of the Hilbert space of the system. To illustrate the method, we give explicit results for some low rank classical groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the current fiscal problems of the United States showing that without significant changes in revenue and spending policies, the country is headed for a sovereign debt crisis similar to that afflicting countries in Southern Europe. Numerous committees and commissions have offered policy options that would stabilize the debt-GDP ratio in the long run. The proposals of the President's National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform and the Bipartisan Policy Center's Deficit Reduction Task Force are described in detail. Elected politicians have not been enthusiastic about the work of these bodies. Only the House has passed a budget that would stabilize the debt and that proposal is analyzed as is the president's response. The paper goes on to describe the Budget Control Act that was passed after the debt limit debate in the summer of 2011. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For assessment of bone remodelling around total hip arthroplasty using dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), a variety of different systems to identify regions of interest (ROI) have been used, making comparisons between stem designs difficult. The Gruen zones are now widely used for this purpose. We present the results of a randomised clinical trial comparing 2 uncemented stem designs with proximal coating, using a modification of the Gruen zones to allow improved representation of the effect of the implant on bone mineral density (BMD) over time. DEXA-data were used in a randomised trial with 2 years follow up, comparing the uncemented Symax™ (n=25) and Omnifit® (n=24) stems. The effect on BMD was determined using the 'standard' adapted Gruen zones, and a modification which studied an equal length and position for zones 1 and 7 around both stems, assuring that the same regions in terms of cancellous and cortical bone were compared. The 'modified' regions of interest give lower BMD values around the Omnifit® than using the 'standard' Gruen zones (3.6 % in zone 7, p<0.05). The difference with the Symax™ BMD values, which had been concealed using the standard Gruen zones, became statistically significant in favour of the Symax™ implant. This adaptation can detect a statistically significant difference in bone preservation in zone 7 between stems that would otherwise not have been revealed. We recommend the use of 'modified' Gruen zones for more valid comparison of remodelling caused by different implant designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with PSC and IBD have a high incidence of colonic carcinomas (CRC), and the annual incidence of CRC increases with duration of disease. UDCA treatment has been suggested to reduce colonic dysplasias and carcinomas.Aims: The annual incidence of colorectal carcinomas after long-term UDCA treatment was studied.Methods: Patients included in a prospective study on the outcome after ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment were evaluated.Results: A total of 120 of 171 PSC patients included had IBD (108 UC and 12 CD). All patients were treated with UDCA for a median time of 6.7 years. Seven patients with PSC and IBD developed a CRC yielding a prevalence of 5.8%. In years 0-3 (n = 120) after the start of UDCA, the annual incidence rate of CRC was 0.62/100 patient years; in years 3-6 (n = 93) it increased to 1.28 and decreased thereafter in years 6-9 (n = 67) to 1.17, then in years 9-12 (n = 42) to 0 and after >12 years (n = 24) it remained 0. In PSC with IBD, Kaplan-Meier estimate of CRC formation increased with time in the first years of treatment and reached a plateau after 9 years; after treatment for ≥ 9 years, no further CRC were observed.Conclusion: After the start of UDCA, the annual incidence of CRC increased up to 6 years and subsequently decreased. In PSC with IBD treated with UDCA, most colonic carcinomas develop in the first years after the start of treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Ophthalmologe is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The U.S. national debt is on a trajectory to reach 185 percent of gross domestic product by 2035 unless there is a drastic change in federal fiscal policy. The main drivers of this situation are Social Security and health care programs, whose growth is amplified by an aging population and increasing medical costs, a dysfunctional Congress and an unwillingness to tackle the increasing burden of Social Security and the medical programs. The National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform and the Bipartisan Policy Center's Debt Reduction Task Force have produced thoughtful and sound plans for debt reduction but have produced little political traction. Reluctance to come to grips to the U.S. federal debt problem has increased the risks of a sovereign debt crisis, and the paper spells out potential responses, should one occur. Given the obstacles to a major overhaul of fiscal policy, it is difficult to see how it will be avoided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]