cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Constraints on the sources of tropospheric ozone from 210Pb-7Be-O3 correlations

The 210 Pb- 7 Be-O 3 relationships observed in three aircraft missions over the western Pacific (PEM-West A and B, TRACE-P) are simulated with a global three-dimensional chemical tracer model (GEOS-CHEM) driven by assimilated meteorological observations. Results are interpreted in terms of the constraints that they offer on sources of tropospheric ozone (O 3 ). Aircraft observations of fresh Asian outflow show strong 210 Pb-O 3 correlations in September-October, but such correlations are only seen at low latitudes in February-March. Observations further downwind over the Pacific show stronger 210 Pb-O 3 correlations in February-March than in September-October. The model reproduces these results and attributes the seasonal contrast to strong O 3 production and vertical mixing over east Asia in September-October, seasonal shift of convection from China in September-October to Southeast Asia in February-March, and slow but sustained net O 3 production in Asian outflow over the western Pacific in February-March. Seasonal biomass burning over Southeast Asia in February-March is responsible for the positive 210 Pb-O 3 correlations observed at low latitudes. The model reproduces the observed absence of 7 Be-O 3 correlations over the western Pacific during September-October, implying strong convective and weak stratospheric influence on O 3 . Comparison of observed and simulated 7 Be-O 3 correlations indicates that the stratosphere contributes less than 20-30% of O 3 in the middle troposphere at northern midlatitudes even during spring.
Design and implementation of an agent-based intermediary infrastructure for electronic markets

paper describes MARI (Multi-Attribute Resource Intermediary), a project which proposes to improve online marketplaces, specifically those that involve the buying and selling of non-tangible goods and services. MARI is an intermediary architecture intended as a generalized platform for the specification and brokering of heterogeneous goods and services. MARI makes it possible for both buyers and sellers alike to more holistically and comprehensively specify relative preferences for the transaction partner, as well as for the attributes of the product in question, making price just one of a multitude of possible factors influencing the decision to trade. Ultimately, we expect that the ability to make such specifications will result in a more efficient, richer, and integrative transaction experience.
A simple formula for the estimation of the capacitance of two-dimensional interconnects in VLSI circuits

A simple formula for the estimation of the capacitance of a single interconnection line in VLSI circuits is presented. It is shown that the approximation agrees favorably with the results obtained from much more costly two-dimensional simulations. The approximation is also simpler and more accurate than other approximations that have been proposed.
Predictors of survival after laparoscopic radiofrequency thermal ablation of hepatocellular cancer: a prospective study.

Background: Most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are not candidates for hepatic resection or liver transplantation. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) provides local control for unresectable HCC with minimal morbidity. The aim of this prospective study is to determine factors predicting survival in patients with HCC undergoing RFA. Methods: Sixty-six consecutive patients with HCC who were not candidates for a curative liver resection and were free of extrahepatic disease underwent laparoscopic RFA. The relationship between demographic, clinical, laboratory, and surgical parameters and survival was assessed using univariate Kaplan-Meier survival and multivariate Cox proportional hazards model. Results: The median Kaplan-Meier survival for all patients was 25.3 months after RFA. Although alfa fetal protein (AFP), bilirubin, ascites, and Child class were statistically significant predictors of survival by univariate analysis, only the Child class and AFP were independent predictors by multivariate analysis. Conclusions: This study determines which patients do best after RFA and shows that RFA can provide significant survival for patients with unresectable HCC while also forming a bridge to liver transplantation. RFA has become the first line of treatment in the management of these patients.
The Mass Media as Discursive Network: Building on the Implications of Libertarian and Communitarian Claims for News Media Ethics Theory

Media theorists have created competing normative ethical frameworks based on libertarian and communitarian philosophies, but because each approach essentially promotes different moral principles, they do not merely offer competing alternatives that essentially serve the same purpose, as some scholars have presumed. This analysis suggests that the two dominant theoretical approaches of libertarianism and communitarianism require further clarification and elaboration. The article seeks to clarify why the libertarian approach is insufficient as a basis for a news media ethic. Instead, it suggests a modified communitarian approach that advances media ethics theory by resisting a moralizing ethic, foregrounding the epistemic nature of moral philosophy as it relates to the communicative enterprise, and reconceptualizing the public sphere being served by the mass media as a population predicated on moral agency.
Essential Commitments: Identity and the Politics of Cofán Conservation

RESUMEN En este articulo, exploro las implicaciones de los discursos ambientalistas indigenas a partir de una investigacion sobre el papel del ambientalismo en la vida cotidiana y proyectos politicos del pueblo Cofan de la Amazonia Ecuatoriana. En mi analisis de los discursos y practicas Cofanes, me pregunto sobre el valor de una perspectiva “anti-esencialista”, en la retorica ambientalista de los pueblos indigenas como producto instrumental de la politica transnacional de identidad. En este sentido, trato de superar las falencias del anti-esencialismo con una presentacion etnografica del sistema de valorizaciones propias de la gente de Cofan frente al ambiente Amazonico. Sostengo que la apreciacion de las conexiones substantivas entre su cultura, identidad, y territorio tradicional determinan la orientacion de su participacion politica en un proceso de auto-determinacion y que consideran compromisos de conservacion en base a derechos politicos. En conclusion, las implicaciones mas amplias de las propuestas politicas Cofan se encuentran asociadas a una nueva forma de relacion entre la gente indigena, el estado, y los movimientos globales de conservacion ambiental. In this paper, I explore the meaning of indigenous environmental discourses by investigating the role of conservationism in the everyday lives and political projects of the Cofan people of Amazonian Ecuador. In my analysis of Cofan discourse and practice, I question the productivity of “antiessentialist” approaches, which portray indigenous peoples' environmentalist rhetoric as an instrumental product of transnational identity politics. I seek to move past the blind spots of antiessentialism by constructing an ethnographic account of Cofan people's shifting valorizations of the Amazonian environment. I argue that Cofan actors' appreciation of the substantive connections between their culture, their identity, and their traditional territory orients their participation in a process of self-determination that bases political rights on conservationist commitments. I conclude by considering the broader lessons of Cofan political proposals, which envision a novel form of interaction between indigenous peoples, nation-states, and global environmental movements.
The WISC-R and WRAT as indicators of arithmetic achievement in juvenile delinquents.

The relationship of the WISC-R Arithmetic and WRAT Arithmetic scales to grades was determined for a sample of 8 female and 14 male juvenile delinquents. The WISC-R correlated .538 with grades and .302 with the WRAT, while the WRAT correlated .289 with grades. The WISC-R also correlated .508 with sex (females scoring higher). While WRAT Arithmetic is questioned as an indicator of academic achievement, WISC-R accounts for 29% of grades variance and may be a useful correlate.
Observations of the Continental Crust Through Drilling I

This book is the product of an international symposium held in Tarrytown, N.Y., May 20–25, 1984. The individual contributions are summaries of scientific investigations planned or in progress at the time. Because continental drilling is a fast-developing field, the compendium is, in places, out of date; nevertheless, it provides perspective for the efforts that were then envisioned or underway. The book is divided into seven sections: Review of National Drilling Programs Thermal Regimes Geochemistry and Mineral Resources In Situ Borehole Measurements Advances in Drilling and Logging Technology Recent Results From Scientific Drilling Deep Structures of Continents
Sensory attributes and storage life of reduced fat ice cream as related to Inulin content

Effects of substitution of inulin for 42DE (dextrose equivalent) corn syrup in reduced fat ice cream were studied using sensory analysis. Three combinations of inulin and corn syrup were evaluated for iciness, chewiness, sweetness and vanilla flavor intensity. Replacing 50% or 100% of 42DE corn syrup with inulin increased chewiness. However, sweetness and vanilla flavor intensity perception of the ice cream were reduced. Storage stability data showed that partial or full replacement of 42DE corn syrup with inulin inhibited ice crystal formation over a 6-wk thermal abuse period.
The ethics of incentives: historical origins and contemporary understandings

Increasingly in the modern world, incentives are becoming the tool we reach for when we wish to bring about change. In government, in education, in health care, between and within institutions of all sorts, incentives are offered to steer people's choices in certain directions. But despite the increasing interest in ethics and economics, the ethics of the use of incentives has raised very little concern. From a certain point of view, this is not surprising. When incentives are viewed from the perspective of market economics, they appear to be entirely unproblematic. An incentive is an offer of something of value, sometimes with a cash equivalent and sometimes not, meant to influence the payoff structure of a utility calculation so as to alter a person's course of action. In other words, the person offering the incentive means to make one choice more attractive to the person responding to the incentive than any other alternative. Both parties stand to gain from the resulting choice. In effect, it is a form of trade, and as such, it meets certain ethical requirements by definition. A trade involves voluntary action by all parties concerned to bring about a result that is beneficial to all parties concerned. If these conditions were not met, the trade would simply not occur. And as inducements in a voluntary transaction, incentives certainly have the moral high ground over coercion as an alternative.
Comparison of Methodologies for Quantification of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) RNA in Patients Coinfected with HCV and Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Quantification of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA is important in the assessment of HCV-associated liver disease in patients coinfected with HCV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). To investigate whether the standard integrity of competing test methodologies might be compromised by higher HCV titers in coinfected patients, 2 technologies (a polymerase chain reaction-based assay [COBAS Amplicor 2.0 assay; Roche Diagnostics] and a branched-chain DNA assay [Versant 3.0; Bayer]) were evaluated by testing paired serum samples from 68 coinfected patients and 137 HCV-monoinfected patients. Although the correlation was highly significant (r=0.81; P<.001), HCV RNA titers expressed in international units per milliliter could not be standardized; statistically significant differences were observed in all quartiles. Significant variability (P<.0007) was observed in the classification of patients as having a high versus a low virus titer (cutoff, 800,000 IU/mL), which suggests that standardization in international units has low efficacy among coinfected patients. Clinicians should note that test variability precludes direct comparability of HCV RNA titers, particularly in coinfected patients with high titers.
A NEW SPECIES OF TODY-TYRANT (TYRANNIDAE: POECILOTRICCUS) FROM NORTHERN PERU

Abstract We describe a new species of tody-tyrant of the genus Poecilotriccus, isolated in midelevation forests of the Cordillera de Colan and nearby mountains to the east in the northeastern Andes of Peru. The new species is allopatric from, and forms a probable superspecies with, the Rufous-crowned Tody-Tyrant (P. ruficeps), the nearest known populations of which inhabit the Cerro Chinguela of northern Peru. The geographic ranges of those sister taxa are divided by the North Peruvian Low, occupied by the Rio Maranon, the major break in east-slope Andean forest between Venezuela and Bolivia. The new species and its allospecies, P. ruficeps are identical in color of the back and in lightness and hue of the crown, but are 100% separable in lightness, chroma, and hue of the belly; in color and pattern of the face; and in song. We infer that differences in vocalizations and facial markings would serve as premating reproductive isolating mechanisms should the two forms become sympatric.
On Teaching, Without Disciplines

Processes of becoming know no disciplines. And yet professors cannot teach without first absorbing the priorities and protocols of a discipline. This means that we have to be attuned to the ways in which our teaching of persons gets usurped by the teaching of a body of knowledge or a method of knowing that is only tangentially connected to where students are. K-12 teachers understand this better than university and college professors. This article suggests professors experiment with the idea of a "defense of teaching," which would be a moment to articulate one's teaching aims apart from one's disciplinary and career goals.
Impact of social media on small businesses

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the role and economic impact that the internet, specifically websites and social media, have on small businesses. It aims to investigate the benefits available from the use of the internet and social media sites for small businesses that operate in underserved regions. Design/methodology/approach – The research utilizes a case study methodology based on two surveys and semi-structured interviews with the owners or managers of five small companies in the western mountain region of Maine, a region described as underserved by the state departments of tourism and economic development – generally economically depressed, where the businesses are often struggling to survive. Findings – Benefits from the use of websites and social media sites include an increase in awareness and inquiries, enhanced relationships with customers, an increase in the number of new customers, enhanced ability to reach customers on a global scale, and co-promotion of local businesses th...
The increased incidence of fetal abnormalities in cases of placenta previa

Summary In this paper I have attempted to show that fetal monsters and deformities occur more frequently in cases of placenta previa than otherwise. Evidence has been presented from embryologists and others to show the great role played by environment in the etiology of monsters. Clinical data to support this are obtained from the very high incidence of malformed embryos and twins in eases of tubal pregnancy where the decidual reaction is only slightly developed. Likewise, it is pointed out that the decidual reaction in the isthmus of the uterus is poorly developed and that this plays a role in the causation of abnormal fetuses in cases of placenta previa. I collected data covering 369,597 labor cases and found that whereas the incidence of fetal monsters was 0.94 per cent for the entire group, the frequency of fetal deformities in the 3,423 cases of placenta previa in essentially the same group was 2.75 per cent. If to these 3,423 cases are added 1,023 cases of placenta previa which I collected from the literature, the incidence of fetal monsters and deformities for the entire group of 4,446 cases of placenta previa (representing approximately 4 million obstetric cases) was 2.5 per cent as contrasted with 0.94 per cent for all obstetric cases. In approximately half of all the abnormal fetuses associated with placenta previa, the deformity consisted of defects which can easily be recognized by means of x-ray pictures. Hence, in every case of placenta previa an x-ray picture should be taken. The detection of fetal monsters will usually lead to conservative treatment although cesarean section will have to be employed in some cases in spite of the fetal abnormality.
Ocean Circulation and Marine Life

The geostrophic nature of the gross patterns of ocean circulation, with the wind-driven convergences within the anticyclonic gyres and the divergences within the cyclonic gyres, along the equator and the eastern boundaries, provides a set of quite different biological provinces. Because of their several climates and differences in vertical circulation, the various gyres contain different sets of nutrient and temperature characteristics, and these provide separate oceanic habitats. The principal cyclonic gyres are in the subarctic and subantarctic latitudes and have equatorward extensions along the eastern boundaries. They are cold, high in nutrients, and undergo large seasonal changes: a relatively small number of species is indigenous to these gyres, but the biomass is relatively large.
An evaluation of clade-shape statistics using simulations and extinct families of mammals

-The use of clade-shape statistics, particularly center of gravity, on paraphyletic groups has been questioned since the introduction of these descriptive statistics. In addition, previous studies have found that early-arising groups of organisms are bottom-heavy in center of gravity relative to later-arising groups, leading to macroevolutionary hypotheses about the nature of diversification. Paraphyletic groups have been asserted to be inherently bottom-heavy because of preconceived ideas as to how paraphyletic group formation affects center of gravity. In turn, earlyarising groups of organisms have been asserted to be bottom-heavy because they also tend to be paraphyletic, thus calling into question the biological significance of the bottom-heaviness of earlyarising groups. In this study, both computer simulations and the evolutionary history of families of mammals show that paraphyletic groups are inherently top-heavy. Simulated monophyletic clades and monophyletic families of mammals have centers of gravity near their expected positions at the midpoint of clade duration, while paraphyletic groups are significantly top-heavy. Early-arising families of mammals are found to be inherently top-heavy, rather than bottomheavy as found by earlier studies. This new result is likely to be due to the use of updated stratigraphic range data and different taxonomic assignments rather than to bias due to inclusion of paraphyletic groups or bias due to unequal time-unit lengths in the Cenozoic time scale. Mark D. Uhen. Museum of Paleontology, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 Accepted: September 18, 1995
Counting Bones: Environmental Cues of Consumed Food Decreases Food Intake

A field experiment tested the hypothesis that evidence of the amount one has eaten may lead people to eat less. Male (n=16) and female (n=34) graduate students (mean age=24.1) at a party were seated at 21 tables that were randomly assigned to be bussed (leftover wings removed and new wings served) or unbussed (wings left on table). Overall, students at the bussed tables ate more than those at the unbussed tables (7 wings versus 5.5 wings). This effect was stronger for men than women. Interestingly, when their table was bussed, students estimated that they ate less than they actually did. In distracting eating environments, environmental cues may provide an effective means of reducing consumption.
A comparative evaluation of Poloxamer 407* and oxidized regenerated cellulose (Interceed [TC7]*) to reduce postoperative adhesion formation in the rat uterine horn model†‡

Objectives To determine if Poloxamer 407 (poloxamer, Pluronic F-127; BASF Wyandotte Corp., Parsippany, NJ) is as effective as Interceed(TC7) (Ethicon, a Johnson and Johnson company, Sommerville, NJ) in preventing postoperative adhesion formation using the rat uterine horn model and to determine if the presence of blood or lactated Ringer's solution affects the effectiveness of Poloxamer 407. Design, Setting, Participants Sprague-Dawley white rats, weighing 225 to 250g in a conventional laboratory setting. The left or right sidewall was randomly assigned to receive no treatment (control), Interceed(TC7), or poloxamer. Interventions Each uterine horn and ipsilateral sidewall was subjected to a standardized lesion of denudation. To evaluate the barrier agents in the presence of blood, a sidewall vessel was ligated and a thrombus allowed to form. To evaluate the effectiveness of lactated Ringer's solution, 10mL was injected intraperitoneally after abdominal closure. Main Outcome Measures Degree of adhesion formation was evaluated 14 days after surgery. Results The adhesion score for the poloxamer-treated animals was significantly lower than its control. Interceed(TC7) did not reduce adhesion formation as compared with its control. In animals that received both poloxamer and Interceed(TC7) on either side, the poloxamer-treated sides had a significantly lower adhesion score than Interceed(TC7)-treated sides. The presence of blood and lactated Ringer's reduced the adhesion-reducing properties of poloxamer. Conclusion In this model, poloxamer is more effective than Interceed(TC7) in the prevention of postoperative adhesion formation. These findings also suggest that the presence of blood compromises the effectiveness of poloxamer to prevent postoperative adhesion formation, therefore requiring complete hemostasis before poloxamer's application. Lactated Ringer's instillation was ineffective in reducing adhesion formation on the control or poloxamer-treated sidewall.
Behaviour in emergence and open-field tests of normal and scrapie mice.

Summary A description is given of the application of a simple emergence test for the early diagnosis of scrapie in mice. The scrapie-affected mice showed increasing emergence times as the disease progressed and significant differences over normal controls were observed approximately 6 weeks after inoculation. The clinical symptoms were not observed until 16 weeks after inoculation. An open-field test could not be used for scrapie diagnosis, there being no significant difference between the behaviour of the normal and scrapie mice at 12 or 16 weeks after inoculation.
Positron emission tomography. The technique and its applications to the study of the cardiovascular system.

The technical features of positron computed tomography are reviewed, and the positron emitting tracers of flow and metabolism and their relation to physiologic processes are described. The authors report some of their clinical experience with this new modality and emphasize areas of pediatric disorders of the heart that are likely to benefit from positron computed tomography.
L-alphacetylmethadol (LAAM) effects on cardiac muscarinic receptors

Chronic treatment with l-alphacetylmethadol (LAAM) reduced the number of myocardial muscarinic receptors measured by either antagonist binding with [3H]-quinuclidinyl benzilate ([3H]QNB) or agonist binding with [3H]-oxotremorine ([3H]OXO). The affinities of these binding sites for either [3H]QNB or [3H]OXO were unchanged by LAAM treatment. The ability of LAAM to antagonize the binding of [3H]QNB (125 pM) or [3H]OXO (8 nM) to myocardial membranes was tested. The measured affinity constant for LAAM was more than 200 times higher than atropine and 6 times lower than pilocarpine vs [3H]OXO binding, while the affinity constant for LAAM vs [3H]OXO was 1500 times higher than atropine, 30 times higher than methacholine but only 1.5 times higher than pilocarpine vs [3H]OXO binding. In isolated rat hearts, LAAM produced a concentration-dependent decrease in resting heart rate which was partially sensitive to inhibition by atropine. These data indicate that LAAM may act as a weak or partial agonist at myocardial muscarinic receptor sites.
The Le Chatelier Principle in dynamic models of the firm

This study examines the Le Chatelier Principle in intertemporal models of the firm with a delivery lag for capital. Adjustment costs are attached to labor and capital. Dynamic demands for labor and capital investment obey the principle when short-run and delivery-period factor price responses are compared. If own-adjustment parameters for quasi-fixed inputs are between zero and minus unity, a form of the principle holds when comparing delivery-period and steady-state factor price responses. Adding variable factors, the principle arises for quasi-fixed and variable factors in response to quasi-fixed factor prices but not to variable factor demands and variable factor input prices.
Challenges in Identification of Potential Phytotherapies from Contemporary Biomedical Literature

Abstract Biomedical literature represents a significant source for the identification of potential new therapeutic knowledge. Medicinal applications based on plant-based therapies are likely contained within biomedical literature, such as cataloged by the MEDLINE system from the United States National Library of Medicine. To date, this corpus of sequestered knowledge has been a relatively underutilized resource for the discovery of potential phytotherapies. While still nascent, there is significant existing infrastructure that might provide a foundation for a new era of phytotherapy discovery from biomedical literature. This chapter aims to provide an introduction to biomedical literature and describe computational approaches that may be used for the identification of phytotherapies.
A fast effective multi-channeled tag recommender

Collaborative tagging applications allow users to annotate online resources, resulting in a complex three dimensional network of interrelated users, resources and tags often called a folksonom A pivotal challenge of these systems remains the inclusion of the varied information channels introduced by the multi-dimensional folksonomy into recommendation techniques. In this paper we propose a composite tag recommender based upon popularity and collaborative filtering. These recommenders were chosen based on their speed, memory requirements and ability to cover complimentary channels of the folksonomy. Alone these recommenders perform poorly; together they achieve a synergy which proves to be as effective as state of the art tag recommenders.
Web Based Interactive Learning: A Novel Method for Achieving Neurology Milestones (P04.262)

OBJECTIVE: To develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a web based interactive method for achieving Neurology Milestones. BACKGROUND: Milestones describe performance levels residents are expected to demonstrate in the six competencies: patient care, medical knowledge, professionalism, interpersonal and communication skills, practice-based learning and improvement and systems-based practice. Through Milestones, a resident progresses through different levels of development in each of these competencies. DESIGN/METHODS: We developed a novel web-based approach to implement resident progress through Milestones. Educational modules in clinical neurology topics including stroke, epilepsy, neuromuscular disease, neurophysiology and basic neuroscience, neuroradiology, and neuropathology are created and consist of an online repository of instruction material, didactic materials pertaining to each subject area, pre-recorded lectures, self-test tools, along with suggested readings list that a resident can move through to completion. Subsequent modules are unlocked upon completion of pre-requisites. In addition, attainment of skill sets is tracked through self-reported case-logs, professionalism and communication skills are tracked through role-playing sessions and mentorships with faculty, and resident and faculty surveys are conducted for feedback and system change. RESULTS: Three months after initiation of this novel web based method, resident attendance and participation had significantly increased. Further assessment of this approach using confidence scales and ability to implement Milestones successfully will be performed with results to follow. CONCLUSIONS: Web-based interactive Milestones can curtail the challenges faced by time constraints and varying resident schedules. It can clearly define educational and clinical goals that residents can use as a framework to develop into independent physicians. Disclosure: Dr. Sivakumar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Khalid has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dhakar has nothing to disclose. Dr. Alqallaf has nothing to disclose. Dr. Seraji-Bozorgzad has nothing to disclose. Dr. Madhavan has received research support from Genentech. Dr. Basha has nothing to disclose. Wednesday, March 20 2013, 7:30 am-12:00 pm
Examining the Role of Web 2.0 Tools in Supporting Problem Solving during Case-Based Instruction.

AbstractAs learners solve complex problems, such as the ones present in case narratives, they need instructional support. Potentially, Web 2.0 applications can be useful to learners during case-based instruction (CBI), as their affordances offer creative and collaborative opportunities. However, there is limited research available on how the affordances of Web 2.0 technologies can be used specifically to support learners as they navigate the problem context presented during CBI. An exploratory descriptive case study approach was utilized to investigate how preservice teachers, participating in CBI, used the educational affordances of Web 2.0 technologies to navigate real-world problems. Findings indicate that while Web 2.0 tools have the potential to facilitate learning during CBI, learners did not always use these tools in the most effective ways. Implications for research and practice are discussed. (Keywords: Web 2.0 tools, case-based instruction, problem solving, preservice teachers)
Foreign body aspiration in adult airways: therapeutic approach

Tracheobronchial foreign body (FB) aspiration is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening event in adults. Symptoms typically consist of a choking event followed by cough and dyspnea, however, these findings are inconsistent and symptoms may mimic more chronic lung diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Chest radiography and computed tomography can provide information regarding the location and characteristics of foreign bodies and aid in diagnosis. Bronchoscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosis and management of FB aspiration. The authors describe the typical clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, and bronchoscopic management of foreign bodies in adult airways with a focus on bronchoscopic techniques and potential complications of FB extraction.
Elucidating the biophysical mechanisms of ultrasonic neuromodulation

Ultrasonic neuromodulation is a promising technology in the field of basic and translational neuroscience because it can control neural activity within the skull without invasive surgery. In particular, low frequency ultrasound has been widely reported to elicit neural excitation and behavior in a number of animal models and humans. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of ultrasonic neuromodulation are not yet elucidated, impeding their use in neuroscience and potential clinical translation. To bridge this gap, we investigated the mechanisms of ultrasonic neuromodulation at the levels of single cells and intact organisms.
Durability and Accelerated Characterization of Fuel Cells

Durability, in the present context, is a concept that relates how fuel cells and fuel cell systems are made and operated to how long they last. The science and methodology of this concept are the subject of this chapter. The approach we will discuss has its roots in the history of technical development of such concepts for composite material systems in general [1]. It is appropriate as a starting point for fuel cells, since fuel cells are functional composite material systems.
Radiologische Aspekte bei Morbus Crohn

Das grobe Zottenmuster. Ein granulares Muster, grober als bei normalen Villi, wurde bei 39 von 46 Patienten mit M. Crohn beobachtet [1]. Es ist vermutlich die fruheste rontgenologisch nachweisbare Veranderung. Ahnliche Beobachtungen sind allerdings bei anderen entzundlichen Dunndarmerkrankungen gemacht worden (z. B. Ischamie oder radiogene Enteritis). Histologisch findet sich ein entzundliches Zellinfiltrat mit geschwollenen, aufgetriebenen Villi.
Distribution and Metabolism of Citrinin: A Review

Citrinin was first isolated by Hetherington and Raistrick in 1931 from a culture filtrate of Penicillium Thom. Other species of Penicillium as well as several species of Aspergillius also produce citrinin (Timonin and Rouatt, 1944; Krogh et al., 1970; Mislivec and Tuite, 1970; Ito et al., 1973; Pohland and Mislivec, 1976; Stoloff, 1976; Nelson et al., 1980; Mislivec, 1981). It is a potentially important mycotoxin; it had been found as a natural contaminant of peanuts (Diener, 1960), corn (Mislivec and Tuite, 1970), rice (Saito et al., 1971); wheat, rye, barley, and oats in Canada (Scott et al., 1972); barley and oats in Denmark (Krogh et al., 1973); naturally rotted apples containing Penicillium expansum (Harwig et al., 1973); and Indian groundnuts infected with A. flavus. P. citrinum and A. terreus (Subrahmanyam and Rao, 1974).
An artist's defense against the fear of loss of creativity toward the end of life.

A creative artist in his mid-sixties had a strong desire to own and carry with him a drawing by Picasso - a self-portrait done three days before his death. The drawing created a sense of calm in the patient, such as had never occurred before with the possession of an object. An apparent preoccupation with death might have obscured the primary concern of the artist, which was about the loss of creative power, and it was for this reason that he wanted to possess the drawing. The idea that this might be viewed as a transitional object at the end of life is discussed.
The anatomy and motor nerve distribution of the eye muscles in the crayfish

The gross anatomy of the muscles in the crayfish compound eye and the distribution of brain oculomotor neurons were studied by a variety of anatomical and physiological techniques. There are 11 major muscles in each eye. These vary considerably in size and influence upon eye movements and in their source of motor innervation. Muscles that cause defensive eyestalk withdrawal are controlled by axons of a giant motor neuron cluster. Muscles that move the eyecup in vertical planes are innervated by cells of an anterior motor cluster, as well as by cells in the medulla terminalis. Muscles which move the eyecup horizontally are supplied by neurons of the lateral motor cluster. The separation of the oculomotor system into different neuronal groups that supply different sets of muscles thus reflects functional specializations of the component divisions.
Coronary perfusion pressure and left ventricular hemodynamics as predictors of cardiovascular collapse following percutaneous coronary intervention.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Appropriate patient selection for mechanical circulatory support following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains a challenge. This study aims to evaluate the role of coronary perfusion pressure and other left ventricular hemodynamics to predict cardiovascular collapse following PCI. METHODS/MATERIALS We retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent PCI for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) from 2003 to 2016. Coronary perfusion pressure was calculated for each patient and defined as the difference in mean arterial pressure and left ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP). Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine predictor of composite outcome of in-hospital mortality, myocardial infarction (MI), congestive heart failure (CHF), and cardiogenic shock. RESULTS Nine hundred twenty-two patients were analyzed. Two-hundred twenty-eight (25%) presented with ST-elevation MI (STEMI) while 694 (75%) underwent PCI for unstable angina or non-Q-wave MI. The mean LVEDP was significantly higher in the STEMI patients (24 ± 9 vs. 19 ± 8 mm Hg, p < 0.05) and perfusion pressure significantly lower (68 ± 24 vs. 74 ± 18 mm Hg, p < 0.05). Eighty-seven (9.4%) reached the composite endpoint, and there was no difference between the STEMI and Not-STEMI groups. Neither LVEDP nor coronary perfusion pressure was a predictor of the composite outcome following multivariable logistic regression analysis for either STEMI or Not-STEMI patients. Increasing age, chronic renal insufficiency (CRI), CHF, and low left ventricular ejection fraction were predictors of the composite outcome for Not-STEMI patients, whereas only history of cerebrovascular accident and CRI were predictors for STEMI patients. CONCLUSIONS In hemodynamically stable patients presenting with ACS, LVEDP and coronary perfusion pressure are not predictive of in-hospital cardiovascular collapse. SUMMARY The authors retrospectively analyzed 922 patients from a single center who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndromes to evaluate the role of coronary perfusion pressure and other left ventricular hemodynamics to predict cardiovascular collapse following PCI. They found that neither coronary perfusion pressure nor left ventricular end diastolic pressure was predictive of in-hospital cardiovascular collapse.
Alemseged Tesfai’s trilogy of books in the Tigrinya language

Alemseged Tesfai, a renowned Eritrean writer, has authored three history books in the Tigrinya language. In this review, I refer to the three publications collectively as his trilogy in the sense t...
Ultrastructure of thermophilic fungi

Ascocarps of Thermoascus aurantiacus consisted of well-defined cleistothecia with a definite two-layered peridium typical of the family Thermoascaceae. Numerous evanescent asci were borne at all levels from ascogenous hyphae which ramified irregularly throughout the central cleistothecial cavity.
Die Dreipunktabstützung mittels Fixateur interne zur minimalinvasiven Stabilisierung des vorderen Beckenrings

Die Veranderung der Altersstruktur in unserer Gesellschaft fuhrt zwangslaufig neben einem Anstieg des prozentualen Anteils an osteoporotischen Frakturen und Ermudungsfrakturen auch zu einem Anstieg der absoluten Zahl der Insuffizienzfrakturen des Beckenrings. Aufgrund von Schmerzen fuhren diese Frakturen zu einem Verlust an Mobilitat und Selbststandigkeit. Um diese Folgen zu vermeiden, wird zunehmend eine operative Therapie durchgefuhrt. Es wird eine neue minimalinvasive Fixateur-interne-Konfiguration am vorderen Beckenring vorgestellt, welche auf dem Prinzip einer Dreipunktabstutzung beruht. Neben der ausfuhrlichen Beschreibung der Fixateur-interne-Konstruktion und der Operationstechnik prasentieren wir die Ergebnisse nach den ersten 23 Anwendungen. Die ersten Ergebnisse nach Anwendung des neuen Fixateur interne am vorderen Beckenring bei Fragilitatsfrakturen (FFP, Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis) zeigen eine risikoarme, suffiziente und minimalinvasive Stabilisierung mit einem ermutigenden radiologischen und klinischen Outcome. Ausstehende Langzeitergebnisse, auch unter Berucksichtigung einer hoheren Fallzahl, sowie die biomechanische Aufarbeitung der vorgestellten Fixateurkonfiguration mussen noch evaluiert werden.
Overcoming Barriers to Restaurant Food Safety

Food safety is critical to the success of restaurants. Yet current methods of controling foodborne illness are inadequate, including time and temperature control, safe food handling procedures, good employee hygiene, cleaning and sanitizing techniques, and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) plan. Several barriers to food safety in restaurants are identified and recommendations for management are suggested.
Increased Risk of Velopharyngeal Insufficiency in Patients Undergoing Staged Palate Repair.

Objective:To evaluate the association of 2-stage cleft palate (CP) surgery on velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) incidence, speech surgeries, and cleft-related surgical burden.Design:Retrospective ...
Multi-Band MEMS Resonant Microphone Array for Continuous Lung-Sound Monitoring and Classification

This paper reports a piezoelectric MEMS resonant microphone array for wheezing detection in lung sounds. The microphone array is composed of resonant cantilevers with serpentine support beams, and each of the resonant microphones has an unamplified sensitivity between 34.6 and 131.4 mV/Pa at the resonant frequencies, over a frequency range of 150 - 700 Hz (where wheezing spectral density is most prominent). With the high sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio, wheezing is distinguished in both frequency domain and time domain, and as high as 97.73% identification accuracy is achieved on automatic classification through deep machine learning, when the resonant microphone array is used to record lung sounds.
GameBot: A Visualization-augmented Chatbot for Sports Game

The major sports leagues, including The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the EPL (the English Premier League), are adopting conversational systems (chatbots) as an innovative outlet to deliver game information and engage fans. However, current sports chatbots only provide scores and game highlight videos, which are often inadequate for statistical data related requests. We present GameBot, an interactive chatbot for sports fans to explore game statistical data. GameBot features (1) the direct answers to user's stats-related questions, and (2) the use of data visualizations as supporting context for sports fans' stats-related questions.
C3PE: counter-current continuous phase extraction for improved precision of in-droplet chemical reactions

To improve tools for controlling and optimizing miniaturized chemistry, a novel oil extraction architecture, designated as the Counter-Current Continuous Phase Extraction (C3PE) module, was developed to enable precise control over reaction incubation in water-in-oil droplet microfluidic reactors. Using a symmetric pillar array coupled to adjustable oil flows prevented sample loss and droplet breakup, even at high final volume fractions, and cross-flow added novel stabilization of oil extraction against instability in control pressures. By integrating this dynamic functionality, C3PE enabled rational selection of the oil extraction magnitude across a range of achievable final droplet volume fractions (up to 85%) when processing droplets at 40–200 Hz. Further, this versatile device handled many droplet sizes (70–500 pL demonstrated here). Next, this approach to controlling droplet volume fraction enabled incubation time monitoring and optimization when coupled to a K-channel direct injection feature to label selected droplets. In profiling system characteristics like volume fraction, channel geometry, and continuous phase viscosity, this technique provided a powerful tool to control, measure, and improve incubation performance. Finally, applying C3PE principles to an in-droplet β-galactosidase enzyme reaction (useful in immunoassay systems) increased product formation while significantly decreasing variance in product yield among droplets relative to a non-extracted comparison. We envision that this method will inform future design and implementation of high precision in-droplet chemistry while being of general interest in the study of emulsion fluid dynamics.
Preliminary Assessment of Microbial Community Structure of Wind-Tidal Flats in the Laguna Madre, Texas, USA.

Aside from two samples collected nearly 50 years ago, little is known about the microbial composition of wind tidal flats in the hypersaline Laguna Madre, Texas. These mats account for ~42% of the lagoon’s area. These microbial communities were sampled at four locations that historically had mats in the Laguna Madre, including Laguna Madre Field Station (LMFS), Nighthawk Bay (NH), and two locations in Kenedy Ranch (KRN and KRS). Amplicon sequencing of 16S genes determined the presence of 51 prokaryotic phyla dominated by Bacteroidota, Chloroflexi, Cyanobacteria, Desulfobacteria, Firmicutes, Halobacteria, and Proteobacteria. The microbial community structure of NH and KR is significantly different to LMFS, in which Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria were most abundant. Twenty-three cyanobacterial taxa were identified via genomic analysis, whereas 45 cyanobacterial taxa were identified using morphological analysis, containing large filamentous forms on the surface, and smaller, motile filamentous and coccoid forms in subsurface mat layers. Sample sites were dominated by species in Oscillatoriaceae (i.e., Lyngbya) and Coleofasciculaceae (i.e., Coleofasciculus). Most cyanobacterial sequences (~35%) could not be assigned to any established taxa at the family/genus level, given the limited knowledge of hypersaline cyanobacteria. A total of 73 cyanobacterial bioactive metabolites were identified using ultra performance liquid chromatography-Orbitrap MS analysis from these commu nities. Laguna Madre seems unique compared to other sabkhas in terms of its microbiology.
Gravitational Waves from Gravitational Collapse

Gravitational wave emission from the gravitational collapse of massive stars has been studied for more than three decades. Current state of the art numerical investigations of collapse include those that use progenitors with realistic angular momentum profiles, properly treat microphysics issues, account for general relativity, and examine non--axisymmetric effects in three dimensions. Such simulations predict that gravitational waves from various phenomena associated with gravitational collapse could be detectable with advanced ground--based and future space--based interferometric observatories.
Understanding the Stakeholders’ Interaction in Complex Energy System: A Systems Viewpoint

This research is an effort to develop holistic analysis from the systems viewpoint to demonstrate the interaction and complexity in the urban energy system focusing on the concept of nearly net-zero energy building. While developing a systematic process for identifying the key shaping forces and stakeholders that may affect the dynamic and complexity of the energy system, the systems thinking approach is applied to show the interaction and interrelationships among technology, policymaking, constructor and occupants’ behavior with highlighting the barriers problems in the urban energy system. Challenges related to communication, time effect, technology regulation, and ethical issue that occur in the current technology-led urban energy system are discussed. As well as explain the causality and intricacy of multiple stakeholders impacted the energy system from various dimensions and values. Moreover, a qualitative system dynamics (SD) model is developed to represent the interactive and interdependent relationship, changing trend, time delay and cause-effect loops to support the goal of nearly net-zero energy building, occupants’ satisfaction and wellbeing, and energy sustainability.
Avoiding a lost decade-sovereign debt workouts in the post-Covid era

In the late summer of 2020, Ecuador and Argentina each concluded restructurings of their foreign currency bonds These were not the first post-Covid era sovereign debt workouts;they were the last pre-Covid sovereign debt restructurings Both countries had been in debt distress before the pandemic began and, somewhat ominously, the financial terms of the two debt restructurings may have been framed without regard to the longer-term consequences of the Covid crisis © The Author(s) (2020) Published by Oxford University Press All rights reserved