cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trumpeter Swan Abundance and Growth Rates in Yellowstone National Park

Abstract Decreasing abundance of resident, nonmigratory trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinator) in Yellowstone National Park (YNP), USA, raised concern that this population, which helped facilitate the restoration of the species across North America, may disappear. We quantified trends in abundance of resident and migratory trumpeter swans in YNP from 1967 to 2007 and investigated the potential mechanisms for declining population trends, including cessation of the supplemental feeding program and relocation programs outside of YNP, density dependence, and annual variations in environmental conditions. Estimated abundance of resident trumpeter swans in YNP ranged from 59 individuals in 1968 to 10 individuals in 2007. Using log-linear modeling, the best approximating model chosen from an a priori set of competing models estimated the annual growth rate (r) of resident swans from 1967 to 2007 was −0.036 (95% CI = −0.042 to −0.030, Akaike wt [wi] = 0.44). A competing model provided evidence that decreases in abun...
Endoscopic full-thickness plication for the treatment of GERD: a multicenter trial

Abstract Background A novel endoscopic full-thickness plication device has been designed to inhibit gastroesophageal reflux by placing a transmural plication near the gastroesophageal junction under direct endoscopic visualization. This study assessed the safety and efficacy of endoscopic full-thickness plication in the treatment of patients with symptoms caused by GERD. Methods Patients with chronic heartburn requiring maintenance therapy with antisecretory medication were recruited. Exclusion criteria were the following: hiatal hernia (>2 cm), grade III and IV esophagitis, and Barrett's esophagus. The following were assessed over a follow-up period of 6 months: GERD–Health-Related Quality of Life, Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, and SF-36 Health Survey, medication use, 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring and esophageal manometry. Patients underwent a single, full-thickness plication in the gastric cardia just distal to the gastroesophageal junction. Re-treatment was not permitted. Results A total of 64 patients (mean age 46.3 years, range 23-71 years) underwent endoscopic full-thickness plication (mean procedure time 17.2 minutes). At 6 months after plication, proton pump inhibitor therapy had been eliminated in 74% of previously medication-dependent patients. Median GERD–Health-Related Quality of Life scores improved 67% (19.0 vs. 5.0; p p Conclusions In this study, a single full-thickness plication placed at the gastroesophageal junction reduced symptoms, medication use, and esophageal acid exposure associated with GERD.
Broadband vertical interconnects using slot-coupled shielded microstrip lines

A full-wave space-domain integral equation analysis of aperture coupled shielded microstrip lines is presented based on the Equivalence Principle. The formulation includes the capability to model multilayered substrates through the derivation of the associated dyadic Green's functions which represent the layers through impedance boundary conditions. The method of moments, is used to solve for the line currents and slot voltage with even and odd mode excitations which are then interpreted through transmission line analysis to determine the two-port scattering parameters. A parametric study together with experimental data is presented which demonstrates the behavior of the coupler and the accuracy of the technique. >
From values to metrics: implementation of the balanced scorecard at a university library

As part of an effort to develop a culture of assessment, the University of Virginia Library implemented the balanced scorecard in 2001. The adoption of the scorecard has forced the library to focus its assessment and statistical activities, and to identify and develop those measurements that actually make a difference. This article describes the implementation process and stresses the importance of coordinating the scorecard metrics, or measurements, with the organizational values of the library.
A Synergistic Process Approach to the Study of Prenatal Malnutrition

The multifactorial relationship between nutrition and other intrauterine influences seems to exert a combined effect on birthweight, particularly during the third trimester. Full-term infants who may have suffered fetal malnutrition, as indicated by the weight for-length ratio of the ponderal index, were compared with full weight controls on the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale and on acoustic features of the infant's pain cry. The underweight infants showed poorer performance than the controls on the four Brazelton scale dimension scores of social interaction, motor processes, organization of state, and physiological organization. The cry of the underweight infants had a shorter fist cry length, longer expiratory period, fewer harmonics, and a higher fundamental frequency than the full weight infants. It was suggested that the Brazelton scale and cry analysis may be useful in the assessment of pediatrically healthy infants who may be at risk. A synergistic model was proposed in which nutrit...
Changes in Federal Aid and City Finances: A Case Study of Oregon Cities

Federal aid was not found to stimulate spending for cities in Oregon during 1984-1989. Oregon cities relied primarily on their own-source revenues to finance spending increases. The exception was capital spending, where receipt offederal aid in 1989positively influenced the rate ofspending change. This most likely reflected lower spending by those cities that did not receive competitivefederal grants. The amount offederal aid received is greatly influenced by the grants skill available to the community. Growth in total direct current spending was significantly associated with increases in user fees and charges. A closer look at specific spending categories revealed a hierarchy of reliance on cities' ownsource revenues. Cities increased user fees and other benefit charges where possible, and seemingly only resorted to property-tax increases when these other revenues were inappropriate.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Management of the Aging Voice

Presbyphonia, or age-related dysphonia, is a diagnosis of exclusion, and other comorbidities must be considered in a complete evaluation of elderly patients with dysphonia. The aging voice can have a significant effect on the quality of life of the patient. In addition to the molecular effects of aging on the laryngeal tissues, the etiology of presbyphonia is often multifactorial because of comorbidities in the other organ systems involved in phonation. After a comprehensive evaluation, presbyphonia may be treated conservatively with voice therapy or with a range of interventions. Research into tissue engineering and electrical reanimation offers future options for treatment of presbyphonia. Currently, a multidisciplinary approach offers the most complete improvement in the vocal quality of life in this patient population.
As If Biomarker Discovery Isn't Hard Enough: The Consequences of Poorly Characterized Reagents

The advent of high-throughput “-omic” technologies over the past 2 decades has driven a vast expansion in the search for clinical biomarkers, as manifested by the plethora of publications on biomarker discovery (over 8600) listed on PubMed since 2000. Unfortunately, the same time period has seen a relative dearth of clinically validated biomarkers that have received Food and Drug Administration clearance; only 10 new cancer biomarkers have been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration in the same time period (1). Although it is technically fairly straightforward to identify differentially expressed genes and gene products that are statistically associated with various clinical conditions, it is much more difficult to convert statistical associations into clinically useful biomarkers that meet the required performance characteristics of specificity, sensitivity, and reliability that are required for most clinical applications. This problem is particularly acute in the case of biomarkers for early detection of cancer, given the relatively low prevalence of many cancers and the substantial consequences of both false-negative and false-positive results. Early detection of ovarian cancer is a particularly illustrative example. The discrepancy in clinical outcome between stage I/II ovarian cancer and stage III/IV is compelling, with >85% survival for stage I ovarian cancer, but <20% survival at 5 years for stage III/IV. However, almost 85% of all ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed at stage III/IV (2, 3). With the prevalence of ovarian cancer being only about 1 in 10 000, biomarkers for its early …
Some help on the way: opportunistic routing under uncertainty

We investigate opportunistic routing, centering on the recommendation of ideal diversions on trips to a primary destination when an unplanned waypoint, such as a rest stop or a refueling station, is desired. In the general case, an automated routing assistant may not know the driver's final destination and may need to consider probabilities over destinations in identifying the ideal waypoint along with the revised route that includes the waypoint. We consider general principles of opportunistic routing and present the results of several studies with a corpus of real-world trips. Then, we describe how we can compute the expected value of asking a user about the primary destination so as to remove uncertainly about the goal and show how this measure can guide an automated system's engagements with users when making recommendations for navigation and analogous settings in ubiquitous computing.
Transduction of resistance to chlortetracycline and novobiocin in Staphylococcus aureus.

Pattee, P. A. (Ohio State University, Columbus) and J. N. Baldwin. Transduction of resistance to chlortetracycline and novobiocin in Staphylococcus aureus. J. Bacteriol. 82: 875–881. 1961.—Using phage 80 of the International Typing Series propagated on appropriate strains of Staphylococcus aureus, resistance to chlortetracycline and novobiocin and the capacity to produce penicillinase were transduced to a number of antibiotic-sensitive recipient strains of S. aureus. The frequency of transduction varied from 1 to 10 transductants per 107 phage particles employed. Lysogenization of the transductants by the transducing phage did not occur. Phages 29, 52A, 79, and 53 of the International Typing Series were also capable of transduction, while phages 42B and 81 were unable to participate under the conditions used. The recipient strains were either resistant or susceptible to lysis by the transducing phages, but this did not influence the transduction frequencies. Lysis of transductants susceptible to the transducing phages was inhibited by preparing the selective medium with brain heart infusion agar. Linked transductions were not detected. With few exceptions, all of the recipient strains were susceptible to lysis by phages of group I or phage 81 or both. Strains susceptible to lysis by phages of groups II and III, but resistant to lysis by phages of group I or phage 81, were not transduced.
Revisiting the case for a minimalist approach for network flow monitoring

Network management applications require accurate estimates of a wide range of flow-level traffic metrics. Given the inadequacy of current packet-sampling-based solutions, several application-specific monitoring algorithms have emerged. While these provide better accuracy for the specific applications they target, they increase router complexity and require vendors to commit to hardware primitives without knowing how useful they will be to meet the needs of future applications. In this paper, we show using trace-driven evaluations that such complexity and early commitment may not be necessary. We revisit the case for a "minimalist" approach in which a small number of simple yet generic router primitives collect flow-level data from which different traffic metrics can be estimated. We demonstrate the feasibility and promise of such a minimalist approach using flow sampling and sample-and-hold as sampling primitives and configuring these in a network-wide coordinated fashion using cSamp. We show that this proposal yields better accuracy across a collection of application-level metrics than dividing the same memory resources across metric-specific algorithms. Moreover, because a minimalist approach enables late binding to what application level metrics are important, it better insulates router implementations and deployments from changing monitoring needs.
Absolute absorption coefficients of nitrogen in the vacuum ultraviolet.

Absorption in nitrogen at wavelengths longer than 796A, the Worley-Jenkins Rydberg series limit 2∑g+, was found to be principally the result of band spectra, whereas below this limit continuous absorption set in, very rapidly reaching a first maximum of k=680 cm−1 near 760A and a second one near the limit of the Hopfield Rydberg series 2∑u+. From the appearance of the contour of the absorption continuum and from the intensity distribution of the preceding bands, one is led to believe that it was a composite one consisting of two ionization continua adjoining the two Rydberg series limits. The integrated absorption coefficient gave an f-value of 3.3 which was in agreement with the predicted value of 3.27 from classical electron theory. Between 796A and 661A some very large absorption coefficients were found with k=2.76×103 cm−1 because of the strong, diffuse bands in this region. Experimental results were internally consistent to about ten percent and Beer’s law was shown to be obeyed.
Optical Modes of Vibration in an Ionic Crystal Sphere

The long-wave optical modes of vibration in an ionic crystal sphere have been determined, including retardation of the Coulomb forces. These modes, which correspond to coupled excitations of phonons and photons, are also known as polaritons. Their frequencies are complex, the imaginary parts arising from both anharmonic and radiative damping; hence they are virtual modes. It is found that the mode frequencies depend on the radius of the sphere only if retardation is included. The absorption and extinction cross sections for spheres of various sizes are calculated as a function of the frequency of the incident light, and it is shown how the structure in the cross sections is related to the properties of the virtual modes. The theory is used to explain the position and width of an optical absorption peak measured in a polyethylene film containing UO2 particles.
Cat Cafés, Affective Labor, and the Healing Boom in Japan

This article examines the Japanese cat cafe boom, which peaked in 2009 yet remains a significant retail phenomenon throughout Japan, and in particular Tokyo. How do humans encounter animals in contemporary Japan, not as private owners and companions, but as consumers seeking direct, sensory engagement with cats at a moment of profound social and economic anxieties? Drawing on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in Tokyo, this article examines how cats have become a newly emergent commodity within the ‘healing boom’ that first emerged in recessionary-era 1990s Japan. Such healing commodities – therapeutic music, aromatherapy, robot interaction, among others – are designed to invoke an affective engagement with the consumer in order to cope with the uncertain and stressful conditions of life in still recessionary, and now post 3/11, Japan. I situate cat cafes within the increasing immaterialization of the economy in post-bubble Japan during which social relationships have become commodified and marketed to tho...
Detection of multiple faults in CMOS circuits using a behavioral approach

Presents an approach for the detection of multiple stuck-open (SOP) and stuck-on (SON) faults in CMOS combinational logic circuits. It is proved that multiple SON and SOP faults do not mask each other. This is achieved using a behavioral analysis in which the maskable fault patterns are proved to be impossible. New testing approaches are proposed. Testing is implemented using a combination of two-pattern test sequences as well as universal test sets, as proposed in previous papers by different authors. >
Serial Electrophysiologic Testing with a Permanent Pacemaker after Acute Myocardial Infarction

Electrophysiologic testing in patients after acute myocardial infarction may predict subsequent sudden death. We used a permanent pacemaker for repetitive electrophysiologic testing in a patient after acute infarction. Programmed, twice-threshold ventricular extrastimulation at two weeks after anteroseptal infarction failed to induce ventricular tachycardia. Subsequent programmed extrastimulation induced sustained ventricular tachycardia on four occasions (6, 16, 29 and 65 weeks) after infarction. As yet (20 months), spontaneous ventricular tachycardia has not occurred. Firm conclusions cannot be drawn from a single case. However, our patient developed a stable ventricular tachycardia circuit which was not apparent at two weeks. Thus, a single electrophysiologic study performed acutely after infarction may not accurately describe the potential for ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Serial electrophysiologic testing with an implantable externally triggered pacemaker may more accurately describe the potential for sudden death post-infarction in a few high-risk patients. This report shows that induction of ventricular tachycardia after acute infarction may not predict outcome.
Correlation Between Anticonvulsant Activity and Plasma Concentration of Ethanol

Ethanol was found to exhibit anticonvulsant activity in nontoxic doses as measured by four of six well-standardized methods. The effective dose of ethanol, as determined by the various tests, was found to be linearly related to its plasma concentration. The initial increase in low-frequency electroshock seizure threshold, induced by a single large dose of ethanol, was followed by a significant decrease. The central nervous system tends rapidly to accommodate to the ethanol milieu so that the electroshock seizure threshold does not exactly parallel the plasma ethanol concentration. The significance of these observations is discussed.
Asperger's syndrome: To be or not to be?

It has been questioned whether Asperger's syndrome (AS) is in fact a specific (high functioning) subgroup of autism, rather than a distinct entity. Thirteen AS patients were compared with 13 autistic patients and 13 developmentally disordered controls. While there was symptom overlap between AS and autism, patients could be separated into one or other group. However, current criteria are based on symptoms, and it is argued that studies of genetics and treatment response are needed to elucidate the relationship between these developmental disorders.
Queries on the Human Use of the Earth

▪ Abstract The central question of my scientific work has been, what is and ought to be the human use of the earth? It has been pursued collectively, with mentor, colleagues, students, and friends as a set of research questions related to hazards, hunger, and sustainable development. Regarding hazard, I tried to understand why people persist in occupying areas subject to natural and technological hazards and how adaptation made this possible. An extended stay in Africa to research both environment and development led to new queries. Why does hunger persist amid a world of plenty, and what can be done to end it? Can there be a transition to sustainability that over the next two generations would meet human needs and reduce hunger and poverty while maintaining the essential life support systems of the planet? All three themes and the research methods used to pursue them come together in an emerging sustainability science.
Automated measurement of highway retaining wall displacements using terrestrial laser scanners

Abstract Highway retaining walls are continuously monitored during their construction to ensure the required performance criteria are met. Currently, inspection data are obtained manually by using geotechnical field instrumentations and surveying equipment. The data collection practice is often time-consuming, and erroneous. High precision and accuracy of laser scanners have made them valuable in construction, especially for structural health monitoring and change detection. This paper proposes a new method to (1) extract geometric features of highway retaining walls from the laser-scan data; and (2) use the extracted features as benchmarks for detecting wall displacements. The method is evaluated using Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls, which are one of the most widely used highway retaining walls in the United States. Specifically, we investigated the hypothesis that the horizontal joints between the panels of an MSE wall could be used in point clouds to detect the wall's displacement with the required accuracy for condition assessment purposes. First, the proposed methodology was tested using the actual point cloud data of an MSE wall. The proposed feature extraction method was able to extract the horizontal joints with 94.26% accuracy. Then to test the generalizability of the method, we created 3D models of an MSE wall by using the wall's actual dimensions and geometric parameters. These models were used to examine the validity of the hypothesis for 36 laser scanner settings and 15 wall displacement scenarios. Laser scanner sensor parameters along with the 3D models were imported into a simulation environment to generate synthetic data to evaluate accuracy of the proposed method. The method was also tested with 3D models of two more types of MSE walls for a selected number of simulation scenarios. The results demonstrated that the proposed method is capable of measuring wall displacements with an average error of 0.9 mm.
Autologous Limbal Stem Cell Transplantation: The Progression of Diagnosis and Treatment

Though the corneoscleral limbus has been studied for more than 150 years, our ability to successfully treat those with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is still a work in progress. Today, the only definitive cure for LSCD is stem cell transplantation. This review briefly discusses the evolution of our understanding of limbal stem cell function, provides an outline of the history of autologous limbal stem cell (LSC) transplantation, and discusses current techniques and future strategies for LSCD treatment.
Influence of many-body interactions during the ionization of gases by short intense optical pulses

The excitation of atomic gases by short high-intensity optical pulses leads to significant electron ionization. In dilute systems, the generated distribution of ionized electrons is highly anisotropic, reflecting the quantum mechanical properties of the atomic states involved in the many photon transitions. For higher atomic densities, the Coulomb interaction in the electron-ion system leads to the development of an isotropic electron plasma. To study the ionization process in the presence of the many-body interaction, a fully microscopic model is developed that combines a generalized version of the optical Bloch equations describing the optical excitation with a microscopic description of the many-body interactions. The numerical evaluation shows that the Coulomb interaction significantly modifies the distribution anisotropy already during the excitation process. Whereas a reduced anisotropy is still present after the pulse for low ionization degrees and pressures, it is completely absent for elevated gas densities. An ionization degree is predicted that is significantly enhanced by the many-body interactions.
Low-energy input continuous flow rapid pre-concentration of microalgae through electro-coagulation–flocculation

Abstract This study demonstrates that Nannochloropsis sp. can be effectively pre-concentrated by separation from its growth medium (0.28–0.36 g/L) using electro-coagulation–flocculation (ECF) in a continuous flow reactor with both nickel and aluminum electrodes spaced 6.35 mm apart. Flow rates studied range between 0.4 and 3.9 L/min. Treatment uses energy inputs between 0.08 and 6.43 kWh/m3 and voltages between 4 and 20 V. This paper describes a novel method that subjects flowing fluid to direct current for a very short time (between 0.8 and 7.5 s), upon which algae rapidly separate, approximately 30 min after ECF treatment. Fluid flow rate decreases ECF Efficiency as compared to batch tests. Maximum ECF Efficiency recorded in this study was 92% at 0.4 L/min and 7 V with nickel electrodes. Higher voltage inputs and lower flow rates result in higher ECF Efficiencies. However, the ratio of ECF Efficiency to energy input is the highest for the lowest voltage inputs and highest flow rates. Treatments of 3.9 L/min flow rate and 6 V resulted in the highest ratio of ECF Efficiency to energy input (151 and 406%/(kWh/m3) for nickel and aluminum electrodes respectively). The ECF processing leaves a large number of viable algal cells that are separated from their growth medium, 40–60% under conditions studied. Metals analysis shows the microalgae, after ECF treatment with nickel and aluminum electrodes at 8 V and flow rate of 0.8 L/min, sorbs a significant amount of metal, 348.6 ± 66.7 mgNi/gdry biomass and 125.2 ± 15.2 mgAl/gdry biomass.
Equity and Access: All Students are Mathematical Problem Solvers

ABSTRACTOften mathematical instruction for students with disabilities, especially those with learning disabilities, includes an overabundance of instruction on mathematical computation and does not include high-quality instruction on mathematical reasoning and problem solving. In fact, it is a common misconception that students with learning disabilities are not strong problem solvers in general. This article highlights the inherent problem solving strengths that students with learning disabilities possess; how they use those skills to address everyday barriers and challenges, and how teachers can relate these skills to academic mathematical instruction. Additionally, practical classroom examples, suggested teaching strategies, and questions for further examinations are discussed.
Feminization of labour and profit rates: evidence from OECD countries

ABSTRACTThe article examines the effect of the feminization of labour on profit rates and capacity utilization by employing an indirect and two-stage least squares models for 21 OECD countries during the 1970–2008 period. Findings show that higher women’s labour force participation rates and gender wage gap lead to higher profit rates.
Charles-Louis de Secondat Baron de Montesquieu

Erzogen im Oratorianerkolleg von Juilly; 1714 Parlamentsrat; 1716–1726 Senatsprasident in Bordeaux; seit 1721 Zugang zu literarischen Salons; seit 1728 Mitglied der Academie francaise; 1728–1731 Studienreisen durch Europa; in spaten Lebensjahren erblindet auf dem Stammsitz La Brede; als Staatstheoretiker geistiger Vater der neuzeitlichen Demokratien; bedeutender Erzahler und Philosoph der Aufk larung.
Metabolism of Carbohydrates in Soybean (GlycineMax (L) Merr) Nodules

Carbohydrates previously identified in soybean nodules include sucrose, α,α-trehalose, maltose, glucose, fructose and 3 cylitols: D-pinitol, D-chiro-inositol, and myo-inositol. The concentrations of all of these compounds in nodules increase rapidly during the onset of N2 fixation (Streeter, 1980). We assumed that sucrose is the major carbohydrate entering nodules because sucrose is the major compound exported from soybean leaves (Vernon, Aronoff, 1952). The objective was to begin elucidation of the principal routes for utilization of carbohydrates by studying the distribution of 14C-photosynthate and the distribution of enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism.
Relative formaldehyde resistance among bacterial survivors of biocide-treated metalworking fluid

Abstract Surviving Gram-negative bacterial populations of a metalworking fluid, soluble-oil emulsion, exposed to a formaldehyde (FA)-based industrial biocide were isolated and identified. Resistance of isolates to FA and FA-based biocides was determined and significant differences were noted. The most resistant strain survived 25 mM FA when tested in tryptic soy broth. Attempts to induce greater resistance in less resistant isolates yielded mixed results. The FA-resistant isolates were shown to be cross-resistant to a number of FA-based biocides. Detoxification (removal) of FA by mixtures of FA-resistant and FA-sensitive organisms was a function of the level of resistant organism present. This may explain the varied resistance levels among isolates from a single system to FA. The results suggest that protection of susceptible strains by resistant organisms may occur under field conditions.
Pulmonary cavitary lesion and haemoptysis: rare aetiology on biopsy

Pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung is a rare form of malignancy that can present similarly to other necrotising cavitary lung diseases. We present a case of a Caucasian woman who presented with recurrent haemoptysis and a right upper lobe cavitary lesion on CT scan. She underwent selective embolisation of the right bronchial artery by interventional radiology to control her haemoptysis. Positron emission tomography/CT scan was performed which showed significant fluorodeoxyglucose uptake in the right upper lobe cavitary lesion. There was a discussion among her providers about the aetiology of this lesion including infection and malignancy. Cultures from bronchoalveolar lavage and blood were negative for infection as the patient underwent right upper lobectomy which showed invasive sarcomatoid pleomorphic carcinoma with a minor component of acinar adenocarcinoma. She was diagnosed with stage IB (T2aN0M0) sarcomatoid pleomorphic carcinoma and underwent adjuvant chemotherapy after her lobectomy with recurrence and metastasis to her stomach and pancreas.
Valorization of Triticale Straw Biomass as Reinforcement in Proficient Polypropylene Biocomposites

This paper presents the relationship between processing, formulation and properties of polypropylene (PP)/triticale straw biocomposites. The effects of triticale content, the presence of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MA) as coupling agent and of calcium oxide (CaO) as reactive additive on biocomposite properties are discussed. Biocomposites were prepared by twin-screw extrusion process and injection molding. The compounded biocomposites were characterized in terms of morphology, rheology, thermal and mechanical properties, recycling behavior and fire resistance. The morphological observation shows that a good dispersion of triticale straw in PP can be achieved during the compounding step for all the formulations. Biocomposite viscosity and mechanical properties were increased when triticale straw content increased up to 40 vol%. Mechanical properties were further improved in the presence of PP-g-MA and CaO. The reactive additive, CaO, provides superior strength, modulus as well as fire resistance, and upgrades the triticale straw classification from regular filler to reinforcement category. All biocomposites formulated exhibit a good recycling ability. The results demonstrate that triticale straw acts as a good reinforcement and has a great potential in thermoplastic composites field if the processing technique and formulation are appropriate.
Evaluation of physics-based numerical modelling for diverse design architecture of perovskite solar cells

Solution processed organic–inorganic metal halide perovskite based solar cells are emerging as a new cost effective photovoltaic technology. In the context of increasing the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and sustainability of perovskite solar cells (PSC) devices, we comprehensively analyzed a physics-based numerical modelling for doped and un-doped PSC devices. Our analytics emphasized the role of different charge carrier layers from the view point of interfacial adhesion and its influence on charge extraction rate and charge recombination mechanism. Morphological and charge transport properties of perovskite thin film as a function of device architecture are also considered to investigate the photovoltaic properties of PSC. We observed that photocurrent is dominantly influenced by interfacial recombination process and photovoltage has functional relationship with defect density of perovskite absorption layer. A novel contour mapping method to understand the characteristics of current density–voltage (J–V) curves for each device as a function of perovskite layer thickness provide an important insight about the distribution spectrum of photovoltaic properties. Functional relationship of device efficiency and fill factor with absorption layer thickness are also discussed.
Encoding the building blocks of communication

Distributed systems are often built from the simplest building blocks such as message sends and RPCs. Since many communication patterns have to be reinvented every time a distributed system is created, implementing a high-level system is usually expensive. The recently proposed reactor model alleviates this cost by expressing distributed computations as reusable components, however, encodings for various communications patterns in this model are missing. This paper investigates how to encode the router, client-server, scatter-gather, rendezvous, two-way communication, reliable communication and the backpressure protocol in the reactor model. These protocols are used to implement the core of a distributed streaming framework, and the performance of these implementations is evaluated.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities in an Entrepreneurial Firm: A Structural Approach:

Entrepreneurship has come into its own as an area to study. One only has to look at the legitimizing symbols of status in the field of organizations to see that this is true. Entrepreneurship has i...
Using Student Consulting Team Assignments as a Vehicle to Teach a Systems Development Course

In 1925, Henri Fayol (as cited in Donnely et al., 1981) introduced principles of management that would determine the effectiveness of an organization. His concern was finding principles that were flexible and adaptable to the circumstances and events at the time. His chief desire was to elevate the status of management practices by supplying a framework for analysis. His framework included a statement of principles and functions. His list of principles included 14 that were designed to guide the thinking of managers in resolving concrete problems or the day-to-day activities under review. His five functions, however, were the ones that he felt managers should engage in and which he elaborated upon the most. These principles were: Planning — includes all those activities of a manager which result in a course of action. The manager should make the best possible forecast of future events that affect the firm and draw up an operating plan that guides future decisions. Organizing — includes all activities which result in a structure of tasks and authority. This managerial function determines the appropriate machines, material and human mix which are necessary to accomplish the task. Commanding — directing the activities of subordinates. The manager should set a good example and know thoroughly the personnel and the agreements made between the personnel and the organization. The managers should have direct, two-way communication with subordinates. Furthermore, managers should continually evaluate the organizational structure and subordinates and they should not hesitate to change the structure if they consider it faulty or to fire subordinates if they are incompetent. Coordinating — activities which bind together all individual efforts and direct them toward a common objective. Controlling — assuring that actual activities are consistent with planned activities (Donnelly, Gibson & Ivancevich, 1981).
Motion Compensated Catheter Ablation of the Beating Heart Using Image Guidance and Force Control

Cardiac catheters allow physicians to access the inside of the heart and perform therapeutic interventions without stopping the heart or opening the chest. However, conventional manual and actuated cardiac catheters are currently unable to precisely track and manipulate the intracardiac tissue structures because of the fast tissue motion and potential for applying damaging forces. This paper addresses these challenges by proposing and implementing a robotic catheter system that use 3D ultrasound image guidance and force control to enable constant contact with a moving target surface in order to perform an interventional procedure, in this case tissue ablation. The robotic catheter system, consisting of a catheter module, ablation and force sensing end effector, drive system, and image-guidance and control system, was commanded to apply a constant force against a moving target using a position-modulated force control method. As compared to a manual catheter system, the robotic catheter was able to apply a more consistent force on the target while maintaining ablation electrode contact with 97% less RMS contact resistance variation. These results demonstrate that the 3D ultrasound guidance and force control allow the robotic system to maintain better contact with a moving tissue structure, thus allowing for more accurate and repeatable tissue ablation procedures.
Aluminum in Chronic Renal Failure: A Pediatric Perspective

During the past decade it has been suggested that aluminum may be substantially more toxic to the human body than had previously been thought (1). Much evidence has accumulated implicating aluminum, either directly or indirectly, in the pathogenesis of several forms of progressive central nervous system dysfunction, bone disease, and possibly cardiac and hematologic disturbances. For reasons which will be discussed below patients with renal insufficiency may be at greater risk of developing these sequelae which appear to be associated with an increasingly positive body aluminum balance. Although these problems have been reported almost exclusively in adults, it has become increasingly apparent that pediatric patients may be similarly affected. Consequently, an understanding of the current status of aluminum as a potential toxin is important to those caring for children with chronic renal disease.
Tuning Magnetic Domain Structure in Nanoscale La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 Islands

The realization of spin-based devices requires high density, ordered arrays of magnetic materials with a high degree of spin polarization at surfaces. We have synthesized, for the first time, highly spin polarized complex magnetic oxide nanostructures embedded in a paramagnetic matrix by electron beam lithography and ion implantation. Imaging the magnetic domains with X-ray photoemission electron microscopy and magnetic force microscopy reveals a delicate balance between magnetocrystalline, magnetoelastic, and magnetostatic energies that can be tuned by the choice of SrTiO3 substrate orientation, film thickness, island size, and island shape.
‘Kantian Ethics, Dignity and Perfection’, by Paul Formosa

In Kantian Ethics, Dignity and Perfection, Paul Formosa distinguishes between strict interpretation of Kant’s ethics and the development of an ethical system that is Kantian in spirit. Formosa’s pr...
Blended Learning in English Teaching and Learning: A Review of the Current Literature

This paper provides a review of the research related to the use of blended learning in English as a second/foreign language context. Blended learning is a relatively new field that combines traditional teaching approaches with distance and online learning. The use of blended learning has been emphasized by the recent research that examines the academic and social benefits of this teaching approach. Because it combines traditional and online teaching modes, the promise of blended learning rests on the strengths of both teaching approaches. The present review of the literature revealed that blended learning can be used effectively to develop language skills, enhance the English learning environment, and promote students’ motivation toward learning the language. There is a dearth of literature that examines the challenges that face language teachers when using blended learning. Hence, more research has to be done to identify and deal with these challenges.
Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy

A 19-year-old, right-handed female of mixed Caucasian and Mediterranean decent presented to an epilepsy clinic with a diagnosis of “seizure disorder.” At 14 years of age she experienced her first generalized tonic–clonic seizure. Subsequently, she developed multifocal myoclonus and was diagnosed with the Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME) syndrome. However, she gradually worsened with uncontrolled frequent daily generalized myoclonus and monthly convulsions that were resistant to multiple antiepileptic drugs. Over the years, her grades fell, and dedicated neuropsychological testing demonstrated a slow reduction in full scale IQ into the 60s. She developed difficulty walking with frequent falls and ultimately became wheel-chair dependent. Seizures became refractory to multiple broad-spectrum AEDs. Neurological examination revealed a young female awake and cooperative but with psychomotor slowing, visual inattention, and dysarthria. She relied on single-word answers and hand gestures. Gait revealed an unsteady ataxic gait. Her brain MRI was unrevealing, and an EEG was abnormal (Fig. 19.1).
Dendritic Cells in Autoimmune Disease

Abstract Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen presenting cells that, despite being rare populations, play a central role in many aspects of autoimmune disease pathogenesis. DC in both mouse and human can be generally divided into key subsets with distinct roles, but further specialization also occurs in some tissues. Through presenting self-antigens, DCs are critical both for activating the self-specific T cells that drive autoimmunity and for inducing antigen-specific T-cell tolerance that can mitigate pathogenesis. DC-mediated activation of autoreactive T cells can facilitate the initial break in tolerance, as well as later amplification of the response that ultimately leads to tissue destruction. Conversely, DCs are also needed for maintaining tolerance and may be able to be harnessed for immunotherapy; for example, targeting self-antigen along with tolerogenic signals may restore tolerance without disrupting immunity against pathogens. DCs integrate many signals that inform the immunity/tolerance balance. These signals include cytokines and chemokines from other immune cells as well as environmental signals that bind pattern recognition receptors such as Toll-like receptors. This chapter presents our current understanding of DC subsets, function, and relation to autoimmune disease pathogenesis and treatment.
Local Sourcing of Secretory Proteins in Faraway Places

A recent paper by Carter et al. identifies a novel organelle, the ribosome-associated vesicle (RAV), that might serve as a portable, local factory for producing proteins destined for the secretory pathway. The appearance of RAVs in dendrites suggests they may serve to generate membrane and secreted proteins in distal processes.
English Language Learners, Self-Efficacy, and the Achievement Gap: Understanding the Relationship between Academic and Social-Emotional Growth.

Due in part to the challenges associated with learning a new language, English language learners (ELLs) typically begin school with lower achievement than their non-ELL peers, and those achievement...
Why are grandiose narcissists more effective at organizational politics? Means, motive, and opportunity

Abstract Research over the past decade has shown that grandiose narcissists are often successful at attaining leadership positions in organizations. However, there is no evidence that narcissists lead higher performing firms, and while they see themselves as more competent leaders, there is no evidence for this, either. In fact, research shows that narcissistic leaders have numerous negative effects on the entities they lead. This raises a question: Why are narcissists so successful in attaining leadership positions? We suggest that the defining characteristics of grandiose narcissism (grandiosity, self-confidence, entitlement, and a willingness to exploit others for one's own self-interest) may make them more effective organizational politicians than those who are lower in narcissism. We report the results of three studies that show: (1) those higher in narcissism are more likely than those who are lower to see organizations in political terms (opportunity), (2) they are more willing to engage in organizational politics (motive), and (3) they are more skilled political actors (means). We discuss the implications of these results for organizational dynamics and career processes.
L’agrégation, le programme : la chance de La vie la mort

Cet essai porte sur le seminaire La vie la mort (1975-1976) et sur la notion double de « programme » qui l’informe. Dans ce seminaire, Derrida juxtapose en effet une lecture de la notion de « programme », utilisee par le biologiste francais Francois Jacob dans sa description du fonctionnement de l’ADN, a une reflexion sur le « programme » d’agregation en France qui avait cette annee-la pour theme « Vie et mort ». Cet article commence donc par examiner le role crucial joue par l’examen d’agregation dans la production, voire la reproduction, de la philosophie en tant que discipline en France. Il analyse ensuite la lecture de La logique du vivant que fait Derrida dans ce seminaire a partir de ces deux notions supposement distinctes de « programmes » : un programme soi-disant inflexible et partage par tous les etres vivants, celui de l’ADN, et un programme soi-disant plus libre et plus souple, celui de la culture et des institutions humaines comme celles de l’agregation. En resulte une refonte complete des formes de production et de reproduction en jeu aussi bien du cote de notre comprehension de la genetique que de l’education.
Walking lower extremity biomechanics of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract Although the literature indicates children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) walk at slower speeds and altered kinematics compared to neurotypical controls, no research has examined walking at matched speeds. This study examined biomechanical differences between adolescents with ASD and matched (age, sex, and body mass index) neurotypical controls. Lower extremity biomechanics of seventeen adolescents with ASD and seventeen controls were compared at matched speeds: self-selected and a standardized 1.3 m/s. Controls exhibited greater eversion angles and hip abduction moments compared to those with ASD. This study found adolescents, which may have a more mature gait than young children, walk with a similar pattern in the propulsive plane (i.e. sagittal) as neurotypical controls, but with alterations in the supportive plane (i.e. frontal).
Images: unilateral rhinorrhea in a patient starting autotitrating positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep apnea.

We report a case of a 65-year-old obese female who developed a unilateral nasal cerebrospinal fluid leak after starting autotitrating positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. The cerebrospinal fluid leak was confirmed by β-2 transferrin testing of the nasal fluid, as well as by identification of the leak through the anterior cribriform plate after administration of intrathecal fluorescein. The cerebrospinal fluid leak was successfully repaired endoscopically, and autotitrating positive airway pressure was reinitiated 1 month postoperatively. CITATION Khan O, Craig JR, Begum J, Skiba V. Images: unilateral rhinorrhea in a patient starting autotitrating positive airway pressure therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med. 2021;17(11):2345-2347.