cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
PHYCOERYTHROCYANIN: ITS SPECTROSCOPIC BEHAVIOR AND PROPERTIES

— Phycoerythrocyanin is a biliprotein found in very few blue-green algae. Its properties have been examined under three conditions: in whole cells, in light-harvesting organelles (the phycobilisomes). and as an isolated protein. Absorption and fluorescence bands characteristic of the isolated protein are essentially the same as those in intact cells of the blue-green alga Anabaena variabilis. The same spectroscopic hallmarks are observed in purified phycobilisomes. Dissociation of these physobilisomes at low-phosphate concentrations resulted in increased phycoerythrocyanin fluorescence. This time-dependent increase in fluorescence demonstrates the function of this biliprotein in excitation-energy transfer to the other biliproteins when the organelles are intact. The relative stabilities of the various heteroprotein bonds within the phycobilisomes are shown to possess differing phosphate ion dependencies. Studies on the isolated protein from Mastigocladus laminosus include fluorescence measurements at both 23 and-196°C, as is generally observed with biliproteins, although phycoerythrocyanin has complex visible absorption and excitation spectra, only a single emission band is observed.
Risk and Return in Small Business Lending: The Case of Commercial Banks

The paper proposes a framework for modeling the risk-return tradeoff faced by institutions lending to small firms. A loan contract is viewed as a vector of several negotiable attributes including the interest rate to be paid, the term of loan, the size of both the loan and collateral, and the rate at which the loan to be repaid. A model of the loan contracting process is outlined. Then some “stylized” facts about the relation between small businesses and their banks are presented. Empirical models of the loan granting decision and of the determinants of the interest margin paid by small firms is estimated.
A remote over-internet hands-on laboratory

Information technology over the last few years has made tremendous leaps, reaching out to every aspect of modern society mainly business, entertainment and education. At the core of this information technology revolution has been the Internet with its vast reach into homes, offices, and classrooms making it a ready, easy and reliable tool for self-learning and technical resources. This has helped students pursue their academic interests, honing their skills from basic to advanced levels in an efficient and concise manner. Traditionally, the standard procedure for electrical engineering students to strengthen their theoretical concepts has been to attend various lab classes to gain valuable experience in design and implementation of classroom theories. However, there may be unavoidable circumstances in any engineering student's life arising from social, professional or medical obligations that may prevent him from attending a theory or practical class. The idea of having a virtual laboratory that can be accessed over the Internet is a practical approach to solving this problem and help students to cope up and sharpen their practical skills. This paper throws light upon an on-going virtual laboratory program at the University of Texas at San Antonio that enables students to access and operate hardware and software based experiments physically connected to a web-server using remote desktop technologies conveniently from their PCs.
Intraoperative consultation in ovarian lesions : A comparison between cytology and frozen section

Little information is available on the relative value of intraoperative cytology (IOC) and frozen section (FS) in evaluation of ovarian lesions. We compared the two methods in 63 histologically proven cases of resected ovaries studied by imprints (40 cases), FNAs (38 cases), and scrapes (5 cases). Diagnoses were: 10 non-neoplastic cysts, 46 neoplasms (benign, 19; borderline, 8; and malignant, 19) and 7 tumors comprised of small blue cells (SBC): granulosa cell (3), lymphoma (1), small cell carcinoma (1), and sarcoma (2). There were no false-positive diagnoses by IOC or FS among the benign and borderline conditions. Five benign lesions, however, had FS deferred because of architectural complexity, this in contrast to only one case reported as atypical by IOC. Borderline tumors were recognized as such in 3 cases examined by FS, but no such diagnosis was possible by IOC due to the inability to assess invasion. The diagnosis in borderline neoplasms of surface epithelial origin was deferred in 4 cases by FS and reported as atypical in 5 cases examined by IOC due to the spectrum of architectural and nuclear atypia in borderline tumors. Of the 19 malignant cases, five were deferred because of uncertainty of invasion by FS, whereas two were called atypical by IOC. Five of 7 SBC tumors were recognized as such by FS and 6 of 7 by IOC, but none could be unequivocally subclassified by either method. Intraoperative FNAs and scrapes were superior to imprints, which tended to be bloodier and thicker. In contrast to FNAs, scrapes were easier to direct and yielded greater cellularity, although both methods were comparable in diagnostic accuracy. Even though the diagnostic yield of IOC was only slightly better than that of FS, it provided much better cytologic detail, and afforded a more representative sampling.
Evolving interfaces via gradients of geometry-dependent interior Poisson problems: application to tumor growth

We develop an algorithm for the evolution of interfaces whose normal velocity is given by the normal derivative of a solution to an interior Poisson equation with curvature-dependent boundary conditions. We improve upon existing techniques and develop new finite difference, ghost fluid/level set methods to attain full second-order accuracy for the first time in the context of a fully coupled, nonlinear moving boundary problem with geometric boundary conditions (curvature). The algorithm is capable of describing complex morphologies, including pinchoff and merger of interfaces. Our new methods include a robust, high-order boundary condition-capturing Poisson solver tailored to the interior problem, improved discretizations of the normal vector and curvature, a new technique for extending variables beyond the zero level set, a new orthogonal velocity extension technique that is both faster and more accurate than traditional PDE-based approaches, and a new application of Gaussian filter technology ordinarily associated with image processing. While our discussion focuses on two-dimensional problems, the techniques presented can be readily extended to three dimensions. We apply our techniques to a model for tumor growth and present several 2D simulations. Our algorithm is validated by comparison to an exact solution, by resolution studies, and by comparison to the results of a spectrally accurate method boundary integral method (BIM). We go beyond morphologies that can be described by the BIM and present accurate simulations of complex, evolving tumor morphologies that demonstrate the repeated encapsulation of healthy tissue in the primary tumor domain - an effect seen in the growth of real tumors.
Late Cenozoic Uplift and Exhumed Rocky Mountains of Central Western Montana

The geomorphic history of the Rocky Mountains of central western Montana is reconstructed as follows: (1) Late Cretaceous-Paleocene: Laramide revolution produced a region of mountains and inter-montane basins. (2) Eocene: lateritic weathering and erosion reduced the region to maturely dissected topography of moderate relief. (3) Oligocene and Miocene: fluvial and aeolian volcanic ash deposition almost completely buried the pre-Oligocene landsurface; structural deformation dammed the outlet of the valley, forming a closed trough which preserved sedimentary fill from extensive erosion. At close of Miocene Rocky Mountains of central western Montana were an area of low relief in which low ridges of former mountains protruded as inselberge through the alluvial and aeolian volcanic ash cover. (4) Pliocene: deformation tilted and folded Oligocene and Miocene sediments; subsequent erosion produced a surface of low relief on ash-filled basin and surrounding ranges forming accordant surfaces on or just below the present mountain summits (Pliocene subsummit peneplain). (5) Late Pliocene: uplift initiated vigorous cycle of erosion with diversion of rivers, superposition of streams, exhumation of buried pre-Oligocene topography, and formation of extensive pedimentary surfaces or No. 1 benches. Exhumation followed dendritic drainage pattern established on pre-Oligocene landsurface except for minor adjustments, stream capture, and superposition. (6) Early Pleistocene (Kansan?): Alpine glaciation deposited glacial drift in mountain valleys and on pedimentary surfaces (No. 1 benches); uplift and erosion produced No. 2 benches. (7) Late Pleistocene (Wisconsin): Alpine glaciation carved mountain ranges and deposited moraines and outwash in valley heads and on No. 2 benches. Most trenching of No. 1 benches and development and trenching of No. 2 benches took place between these glacial stages. The No. 3 benches and minor lower stream terraces were formed by recurrent uplifting and lateral stream planation in late Wisconsin and Recent time.
Bacteria-powered battery on paper

Paper-based devices have recently emerged as simple and low-cost paradigms for fluid manipulation and analytical/clinical testing. However, there are significant challenges in developing paper-based devices at the system level, which contain integrated paper-based power sources. Here, we report a microfabricated paper-based bacteria-powered battery that is capable of generating power from microbial metabolism. The battery on paper showed a very short start-up time relative to conventional microbial fuel cells (MFCs); paper substrates eliminated the time traditional MFCs required to accumulate and acclimate bacteria on the anode. Only four batteries connected in series provided desired values of current and potential to power an LED for more than 30 minutes. The battery featured (i) a low-cost paper-based proton exchange membrane directly patterned on commercially available parchment paper and (ii) paper reservoirs for holding the anolyte and the catholyte for an extended period of time. Based on this concept, we also demonstrate the use of paper-based test platforms for the rapid characterization of electricity-generating bacteria. This paper-based microbial screening tool does not require external pumps/tubings and represents the most rapid test platform (<50 min) compared with the time needed by using traditional screening tools (up to 103 days) and even recently proposed MEMS arrays (< 2 days).
A novel alternative placement site and technique for totally implantable vascular access ports in non-human primates.

Background Two novel approaches to implanting a central venous catheter port in non-human primates (NHPs) using peripheral insertion are presented and compared. Methods Sixty vascular access ports (VAPs) implants were attempted in 52 NHPs by saphenous vein puncture (n = 20) or saphenous vein cutdown (n = 40). Results Fifty eight procedures were successful. Eighteen of 20 VAPs were successfully placed using saphenous vein puncture, and 40 of 40 using saphenous vein cutdown. There were no significant differences between procedures. Mean implantation times were similar between groups. At explant or study endpoint, all 58 VAPs were patent. Conclusions Vascular access port implantation by saphenous vein puncture or saphenous vein cutdown is safe and effective in NHPs. It is less invasive than conventional procedures, has fewer complications, provides outstanding patency, and reduces surgery time. Furthermore, it allows for cooperative in-homecage VAP use, minimizing handling stress. We recommend these refined methods for long-term vascular access in NHPs.
Redundancy management and synchronization in avionics communication products

This paper describes how avionics communication product is being managed in a redundant configuration while performing flight operations. The description covers the architecture of the communication products like CMU (Communication Management Unit), in connection with associated redundancy design requirements; methods for data exchange / synchronization between redundant computers, technique used to identify a failed computer / CMU, notify this failure on-board to the crew, changing the mastership of the computer, methods for recovery of the failed computer. In addition this describes about the number of redundant computers that are required to fulfill the criticality / safety levels of the aircraft operations; how dissimilar architecture concepts could be leveraged to provide protection against common mode failure triggers. Non-failure situations like performance degradation of a computer (operating closer to failure ranges), degradation of redundancy management / synchronization capabilities of a computer should also be considered as factors necessitating the change of mastership. The debugging / built-in testability features would also depend up on the redundancy management architecture used to build the final product. There is a lot of challenge involved is testing the redundancy management, since we require a core functionality (decision of core functionality to be used) to test redundancy.
Integrating Colloidal Quantum Dots with Porous Silicon for High Sensitivity Biosensing

We aim to utilize the high surface area of a porous silicon (PSi) matrix coupled with semiconductor quantum dot (QD) amplifiers for ultrasensitive optical detection of small biomolecules using a dual-mode detection scheme. In our system, QDs attached to the target biomolecule serve as signal amplifiers by providing an additional refractive index increase beyond that of the smaller target molecules. The strong photoluminescence (PL) from the QDs serves as a secondary indication of target molecule attachment in the pores. A resulting increase in optical thickness of ∼190 nm and detection sensitivity of ∼700 nm/RIU have been demonstrated for attachment of glutathione capped CdTe QDs in the porous silicon matrix. Reflectance and PL measurements, combined with simulations, have been used to characterize the surface area coverage of the QDs within the porous framework, which is estimated at 10% for glutathione capped CdTe QDs.
A circular dichroic investigation of the binding of fenoprofen, 2(3-phenoxyphenyl)-propionic acid, to human serum albumin.

The extrinsic Cotton effects found on the binding of fenoprofen and some of its analogues to human serum albumin have been investigated. The fenoprofen appears to bind hydrophobically to the albumin via the phenyl rings and after dipole interactions of the carbonyl group and the ether oxygen. This binding is non-stereospecific.
Statistics and system performance metrics for the Two Wave with Diffuse Power fading model

The Two Wave with Diffuse Power (TWDP) fading model was proposed by Durgin, Rappaport and de Wolf as a generalization of the Rayleigh and Rician fading models. This model can characterize a large range of fading behavior and has a geometric justification in terms of two dominant line of sight components in the presence of a diffuse component. The fact that the pdf of the TWDP model is not in closed-form has hindered the analytical characterization of this otherwise intuitive model. We show that any metric which is a linear function of the envelope statistics of the TWDP fading model can be computed as a finite integral of the corresponding metric for the Rice model. Employing this approach, we obtain simple expressions for some performance metrics for this fading model hitherto not found in the literature, such as the Amount of Fading, the Level Crossing Rate and the Moment Generating Function, by leveraging existing results for Rician fading.
Effects of sensor locations on air-coupled surface wave transmission measurements across a surface-breaking crack

Previous studies show that the surface wave transmission (SWT) method is effective to determine the depth of a surface-breaking crack in solid materials. However, nearfield wave scattering caused by the crack affects the reliability and consistency of surface wave transmission measurements. Prior studies on near-field scattering have focused on the case where crack depth h is greater than wavelength λ of surface waves (i.e., h/λ >; 1). Near-field scattering of surface waves remains not completely understood in the range of h/λ for the SWT method (i.e., 0 ≤ h/λ ≤ 1/3), where the transmission coefficient is sensitive to crack depth change and monotonically decreases with increasing h/λ. In this study, the authors thoroughly investigated the near-field scattering of surface waves caused by a surface-breaking crack using experimental tests and numerical simulations for 0 ≤ h/λ ≤ 1/3. First, the effects of sensor locations on surface wave transmission coefficients across a surface-breaking crack are studied experimentally. Data are collected from Plexiglas and concrete specimens using air-coupled sensors. As a result, the variation of transmission coefficients is expressed in terms of the normalized crack depth (h/λ) as well as the normalized sensor location (x/λ). The validity of finite element models is also verified by comparing experimental results with numerical simulations (finite element method). Second, a series of parametric studies is performed using the verified finite element model to obtain more complete understanding of near-field scattering of surface waves propagating in various solid materials with different mechanical properties and geometric conditions. Finally, a guideline for selecting appropriate sensor arrangements to reliably obtain the crack depth using the SWT method is suggested.
Women Have Found Respect: Gender Quotas, Symbolic Representation, and Female Empowerment in Rwanda

Building on previous studies of women's formal, descriptive, and substantive representation in Rwanda, this article examines women's symbolic representation, defined as the broader social and cultural impact of the greater representation of women in the Rwandan political system. It explores the cultural meanings of gender quotas by analyzing popular perceptions of women, of women's roles in politics and society more broadly, and of changing cultural practices vis-a-vis gender. Data were gathered over 24 months of ethnographic research conducted between 1997 and 2009 and by ongoing documentary research. The study finds that although Rwandan women have made few legislative gains, they have reaped other benefits, including increased respect from family and community members, enhanced capacity to speak and be heard in public forums, greater autonomy in decision making in the family, and increased access to education. Yet there have also been some unexpected negative consequences, such as increased friction with male siblings, male withdrawal from politics, increased marital discord, and a perception that marriage as an institution has been disrupted by the so-called upheaval of gender roles. Most significantly, increased formal representation of women has not led to increased democratic legitimacy for the government.
Organoleptic and Cooked Meat Characteristics of Naked Neck Broilers Raised in Two Temperatures

Abstract Samples of 8-week-old broilers of the three genotypes, normally feathered (na+/na +), heterozygous naked neck (Na/na+), and homozygous naked neck (Na/Na), were raised at either 21.1 or 37.7 C and compared for cooked meat characteristics and organoleptic measurements. Cooked measurements included carcass cooking loss, shear pressure (tenderness) of breast muscle and thigh skin, and moisture and lipid content of breast and thigh muscle. Significant differences were evident only for cooking loss and lipid content of thigh muscle. Cool room birds and males lost the least amount during cooking. However, cool room females lost less than hot room females whereas the opposite appears to be the case for males. Na/Na birds contained 22 and 18% less lipid than na+/na+ and Na/na+ birds, respectively. A genotype X temperature interaction was also evident. In the cool room, Na/Na had 17% less lipid than na+/na+ and 7% less than Na/na+, whereas in the hot room, Na/Na contained 27% less fat than na+/na+ and 28% less than Na/na+. A scoring difference test using 51 tasters, was used for organoleptic measurements of 12 female hot room birds. Thigh meat from Na/Na birds was considered “very tender”, “very flavorful”, and “strongly preferred” over thigh meat from na+/na+ and Na/na+ birds. No significant differences were reported for breast meat.
Über eine kristalline Dimannuronsäure

Durch partielle Hydrolyse von Alginsaure mit Oxalsaure und Trennung der entstehenden Oligomannuronsauren mit Hilfe kontinuierlicher Elektrophorese konnte kristallisierte α-Mannopyranosidurono-β-1.4-mannopyranosiduronsaure isoliert werden.
Self-Concept, Gender, And Product Type: An Investigation Of Brand Loyalty

Numerous studies have investigated the impact of self-concept brand image congruity on brand loyalty. However, there is a dearth of literature which has assessed this relationship across different product types. Furthermore, there is a lack of understanding regarding the role that gender may play in the creation of such brand loyalty. This study investigates the effects of self-concept brand image congruity on consumer attitude formation and resulting brand loyalty across two different types of products (i.e., hedonic and utilitarian products) and assesses the moderating role of gender within each product type setting. Results reveal that the proposed model is sufficiently robust to explain the effects of self-concept brand image congruities across different product types. Furthermore, this study indicates that gender serves as a moderator in both product type settings, however, in theoretically important different manners.
Mössbauer Spectroscopy – A Local Probe of Short and Medium Range Order in Network Glasses

The principal defects in the stoichiametric chalcogenide glass GeSe 2 are identified as hcapolar bonds which break the chemical order of the network. Glass compositional variation of this broken symmetry indicates that the hcmopolar bonds are not randcmly distributed in the network but dress edges of characteristic clusters. The cluster morphology is based on the layered structure of the stoichiametric crystalline ccmpound. The size of molecular clusters in the glass is found to be 50–75 A
The Scientist, Philosopher, and Rhetorician: The Three Dimensions of Technical Communication and Technology

Technical communication's attempt to prioritize theories of scholarship and pedagogy has resulted in several authors contributing a three-dimensional framework to approach technology: the instrumental perspective, the critical humanist perspective, and the user-centered perspective [1–3]. This article traces connections between this framework for technical communication and the philosophies of Michel de Certeau [4] and Andrew Feenberg [5], suggesting that the primary connection is a turn toward “rhetoric” as a mediator between scientific and philosophical communication. The article concludes that the current paradigm for understanding technology can be best understood by exploring three conjoined, yet competing, mentalities between a scientific, philosophical, and rhetorical worldview. While this three-dimensional approach provides a strong foundation for technical communication pedagogy and scholarship, it should continue to be re-examined for potential anomalies as the field continues to develop an iden...
Influence of MOA-based FCL on power system transient stability

The operating principle and analytical model of MOA(Metal Oxide Arrester)-based FCL(Fault Current Limiter)are presented.For the typical one-machine infinite-bus system with FCL,the power-angle characteristics of generator are studied in various operation conditions,and its transient physical process is analyzed in detail using Equal Area Criterion,based on which a series of indexes are defined to describe transient stability quantificationally.Simulation models of one-machine and multi-machine systems with and without FCL are constructed with Matlab,based on which the transient stability characteristics of power systems are studied for different current-limiting factors,fault types and fault clearance times.Both theoretical analysis and simulative results show that,the installation of MOA-based FCL can effectively suppress the oscillatory amplitudes of swing curves,reduce the decaying period,extend the critical clearance time and hence improve the transient stability of power system.
Effect analysis of TB-Suspect referral by village doctor

Objective To analyze the effect of increasing TB-suspect consulting rate and NSPTB(new smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis) notification rate through TB-suspect referral by village doctor for further diagnosis.Methods Village doctors were first trained to make preliminary diagnosis for the TB-suspects in 30 counties,the suspects were referred to the county TB dispensary or nearby microscopy center of the township/general hospital for confirmation.Every confirmed-NSPTB patient would have 8 Renminbi yuan as transportation subsidy,while every village doctor referring 1 NSPTB patient would have 24 Renminbi yuan as allowance.All the data were analyzed by SAS8.1.Results In the year of the project period the suspect-consulting rate increased from 1.4‰ to 1.8‰,and the suspect-consulting rate referred by village doctor increased from 0.2‰ to 0.6‰.The NSP registering rate increased from 36.2/105 to 49.9/105,and the notification rate increased from 64.6% to 86.0%,The smear positive detection rate of referral and self-consultation were 50.3% and 45.6% respectively.Among them,NSP was 86.3% and 80.3% respectively.Conclusions The implementation of the system of TB-suspect referral by village doctor,and the incentive given to village doctor could effectively increase the suspect-TB consulting rate and NSP notification rate.
Steady-state droplet evaporation: Contact angle influence on the evaporation efficiency

Abstract Steady-state water droplet evaporation on a heated substrate is investigated to systematically correlate the effects of a droplet’s contact angle on the evaporation rate. Experiments are performed on laser-patterned polymer substrates, using a syringe-pump fluid supply methodology – in combination with in situ infrared thermography and visible-image microscopy – to pin/fix the contact line and facilitate steady-state operation with controlled substrate surface temperatures and contact angles ranging between 22 °C ≲ T S ≲ 70 °C and 80° ≲ θ ≲ 110° respectively. The results affirm that (1) the effects of substrate cooling (also referred to as evaporative cooling) cannot be neglected for evaporation on low thermal conductivity polymer surfaces and (2) the evaporative mass flux ( φ LG ) scales inversely with contact angle (i.e., φ LG ∝ θ −1 ) with maximum values of φ LG near the triple-line. We also find – via mass transfer calculations based on the kinetic theory of gases – that the evaporation coefficient ( ∊ e , also referred to as the evaporation efficiency or the accommodation coefficient for evaporation) scales inversely with contact angle (i.e., ∊ e ∝ θ −1 ); yielding values for ∊ e within 0.52 × 10 −3 ≳ ∊ e ≳ 0.18 × 10 −3 for 80° ≲ θ ≲ 110°, respectively.
Why does prosody accompany fluency? Re-conceptualizing the role of phonology in reading

This chapter addresses the observation that reading speed and reading intonation tend to develop together in typical readers, yet current theories of phonological processing do not explain this developmental relationship. To explore the connection between prosody and fluency, I first discuss skilled reading processes and then turn to the development of reading fluency in children. Recent eye movement data from skilled readers indicate that automatically processing prosodic phonological information speeds word recognition during silent reading. After differentiating between intentional decoding processes and automatic phonological precoding, I propose how precoding could shorten skilled word recognition time through a process termed prosodic constraint. A focused review of brain imaging studies discusses data consistent with prosodic constraint, and indicates the neural networks that could support it. Finally, I discuss the roles that several phonological processes could play in developing reading fluency.
BigDebug: interactive debugger for big data analytics in Apache Spark

To process massive quantities of data, developers leverage data-intensive scalable computing (DISC) systems in the cloud, such as Google's MapReduce, Apache Hadoop, and Apache Spark. In terms of debugging, DISC systems support post-mortem log analysis but do not provide interactive debugging features in realtime. This tool demonstration paper showcases a set of concrete usecases on how BigDebug can help debug Big Data Applications by providing interactive, realtime debug primitives. To emulate interactive step-wise debugging without reducing throughput, BigDebug provides simulated breakpoints to enable a user to inspect a program without actually pausing the entire computation. To minimize unnecessary communication and data transfer, BigDebug provides on-demand watchpoints that enable a user to retrieve intermediate data using a guard and transfer the selected data on demand. To support systematic and efficient trial-and-error debugging, BigDebug also enables users to change program logic in response to an error at runtime and replay the execution from that step. BigDebug is available for download at http://web.cs.ucla.edu/~miryung/software.html
Kritische Theorie der Technik

Kritische Theorie ist zuallererst Gesellschaftstheorie. Auch eine Kritische Theorie der Technik hatte diesem Diktum zu genugen. Darin liegen ihre Besonderheit und auch ihre Starke als Basis fur eine ethische Bewertung gesellschaftlicher Technisierungsprozesse. Um zu verstehen, was diese Starke ausmacht, ist zunachst zu fragen, vor welche gesellschaftlichen und wissenschaftlichen Probleme sich Technikethik heute gestellt sieht, auf die die Kritische Theorie eine angemessenere Antwort hatte, als andere theoretische Ansatze. Darauf aufbauend lassen sich in einem zweiten Schritt Grundpramissen der Kritischen Theorie benennen, die fur eine Bearbeitung der genannten Problemstellungen als sinnvoll erscheinen. Im dritten und vierten Abschnitt werden zentrale Positionen Kritischer Theorie daraufhin befragt, wie sie sich mit Wissenschaft, Technik und Gesellschaft auseinandergesetzt haben. Auf dieser Basis lasst sich dann abschliesend fragen, welchen Stellenwert Kritische Theorie heute — angesichts der Aporien postmoderner Kritik — hat.
Computational fluid dynamics and trigeminal sensory examinations of empty nose syndrome patients.

Objective The precise pathogenesis of empty nose syndrome (ENS) remains unclear. Various factors such as nasal aerodynamics and sensorineural dysfunction have been suspected, although evidence is limited. This study reported the first examination of both nasal aerodynamics and trigeminal sensory factors in actual ENS patients. Study Design Prospective case control. Methods We enrolled six patients diagnosed with ENS. Three patients had pre- and post-inferior turbinate (IT) reduction computed tomography scans, which allowed comparison of their nasal aerodynamics changes through computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulation. Their symptoms were confirmed through Sino-nasal Outcome Test-22, ENS 6-item Questionnaire, acoustic rhinometry, and rhinomanometry findings. Nasal trigeminal sensitivity that potentially mediates their perception of airflow was assessed via menthol lateralization detection thresholds (LDT) and compared with 14 healthy controls. Results Post-surgical reductions in nasal resistance were observed and significantly lower than normal (P < 0.05). Computational fluid dynamic analysis showed that, paradoxically for all ENS patients, IT reduction did not draw more airflow to the airway surrounding the ITs, but rather resulted in nasal airflow forming into a narrow jet toward the middle meatus region, leaving the airway surrounding the IT with significantly reduced airflow intensity and air–mucosal interactions (inferior region flow percentage reduced from 35.7% ± 15.9% to post-surgery 17.7% ± 15.7%, P < 0.05; inferior wall-shear-stress reduced from 7.5 ± 4.2 × 10−2 Pa to 3.4 ± 3.1 × 10−2 Pa, P < 0.01). Empty nose syndrome patients also had significantly impaired menthol LDT compared to healthy controls (P < 0.005). Conclusion The results indicated that a combinatory of factors, including paradoxically distorted nasal aerodynamic, impaired sensorineural sensitivity, and potential predisposing conditions, may contribute to the development of ENS. Level of Evidence 3b. Laryngoscope, 127:E176–E184, 2017
Trace mineral supplementation of yearling horses.

Thirty-three Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse yearlings were used in two experiments (18 in Exp. 1 and 15 in Exp. 2) to determine the influence of trace mineral (TM) supplementation on growth and bone mineral content in young growing horses from 340 to 452 d of age. In each experiment the yearlings were assigned at random within breed and sex outcome groups to one of three treatments. Horses were fed assigned concentrates individually to appetite for two 1.5-h feeding periods, daily and group-fed Coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hay in drylot paddocks at a rate of 1.0 kg/100 kg BW daily. In Exp. 1, the concentrates were A) basal, B) basal + complete TM premix, and C) basal + Cu. In Exp. 2, the concentrates were D) basal, E) basal + complete TM premix, and F) basal + Cu + Zn. The basal diet in both experiments provided Cu and Zn intakes below NRC (1989) recommendations. Trace mineral supplementation had no effect on growth and development of the yearlings in either experiment. Weight gains equaled or exceeded gains specified as rapid (NRC, 1989) for yearlings of the age and expected mature weight used in these two experiments. No gross skeletal abnormalities were detected. Bone mineral deposition was increased by supplementation of the diet with a complete TM premix (P .10). Results suggest that other trace minerals (Fe, Mn, Co, or I) are critical for bone mineralization.
Neutrophil exocytosis induces podocyte cytoskeletal reorganization and proteinuria in experimental glomerulonephritis

Acute glomerulonephritis is characterized by rapid glomerular neutrophil recruitment, proteinuria, and glomerular hypercellularity. The current study tested the hypothesis that the release of neutr...
Economic Conditions, Economic Perceptions, and Public Support for European Integration

Public attitudes play an important-sometimes crucial-role in the process of European integration. This is evident from the two most recent attempts at institutional and geographical reform of the European Union (EU). In a June 1992 referendum, the Danish public effectively halted the further institutional and economic integration of Europe by rejecting the Treaty on European Union. Two years later, Norwegian voters chose to reject membership in the EU. Less obviously, but more regularly, public attitudes influence EU policymaking through traditional political channels such as elections and lobbying. How do Europeans structure their attitudes toward integration? Given that economic growth and development are both central motivations for integration and among the predominant responsibilities of the European Union (EU), it seems reasonable that the EU public would evaluate integration based upon economic criteria. Previous studies have investigated this hypothesis in two ways. First, Gabel and Palmer (1995) investigated how the differential economic benefits of integrative policy relate to individual-level differences in public support for integration. They found that EU citizens' support for integration varies consistently with the differential benefits associated with occupational skills, education, wealth, and intra-EU trade. Eichenberg and Dalton (1993) investigated how objective national economic conditions and national net return from the EU budget related to national-level variation in
The Sheaf of Germs of Holomorphic Functions

Let X be a Riemann surface, and let a ∈ X. We consider pairs (U, f), where U is an open neighbourhood of a and f is a holomorphic function on U. Two such pairs (U, f) and (V, g) are said to be equivalent, and define the same germ of holomorphic function at a, if there exists an open neighbourhood W of a, W ⊂ U ∩ V, such that f|W = g|W. An equivalence class is called a germ of holomorphic function at a; the class of a pair (U, f) is called the germ of f at a and denoted by f a. The value at a of f a is defined by f a(a) = f(a) for any pair (U, f) defining f a.
Major gene analysis of quantitative variation in blood clotting factor X levels.

Blood clotting factor ten (X) levels measured in 149 people in six pedigrees were found to fit a mixture of normal distributions. No environmental effect could be identified to account for the wide separation in the means of these distributions. Pedigree analysis reveals that the data are compatible with an autosomal, one locus, two allele genetic model affecting factor X activity. Goodness of fit tests suggest that the allele for low levels of factor X is dominant, though on the basis of likelihood tests, mean heterozygote levels are different from mean homozygote levels. A similar bimodal distribution for factor X levels observed previously in a separate sample of 207 young men, indicated that the proposed dominant allele has an estimated population gene frequency of .53. The earlier estimate is remarkably similar to that obtained with the currently ascertained pedigrees. The postulated major gene accounts for more than half of the variation in factor X levels.
Laboratory Approach to an Outbreak of Nosocomial Infection: Systems and Techniques for Investigation

Dealing effectively with an outbreak of nosocomial infection requires confirmation of the identity of the outbreak, complete case-finding, comparison of current attack rates with usual baseline, characterization of epidemiologic features, development and implementation of control measures, and continuing surveillance to determine if control measures were successful in ending the episode.
Characterization of Thromboxane A2/Prostaglandin H2 Receptors

In 1969, Piper and Vane reported the discovery of a labile substance capable of stimulating contraction of rabbit aorta (rabbit aorta contracting substance, RCS). RCS was later demonstrated to be cyclooxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid (Vargaftig and Dao, 1971; Vargaftig and Zirinis, 1973), with a half-life of approximately 30 s under physiological conditions (Svensson et al., 1975). Soon after the discovery of RCS, the production of a labile aggregation-stimulating substance (LASS) by platelets was reported (Willis, 1974). Like RCS, LASS was produced by the cyclooxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid metabolism; however, LASS had a longer half-life, suggesting that it was different from RCS.
CD44: expanding the toolKIT

Expanding the universe of mast cell diseases beyond tyrosine kinase inhibitors, in this issue of Blood, Mueller et al find that the invasion receptor CD44 is both a biomarker of and potential therapeutic target for mast cell neoplasms.1
Evaluation of Cord Blood (CB) TNC & CD34+ Cell Content, Cell Dose & Donor-Recipient 8-Allele HLA-Match By Patient Ancestry: An Analysis of 544 Units in a Racially & Ethnically Diverse Patient Population

Introduction Optimal CB unit selection incorporates TNC & CD34+ cell dose & 8-allele donor-recipient HLA-match. How graft characteristics for these parameters vary by patient (pt) race/ ethnicity, however, is unknown. Methods We analyzed cryopreserved TNC & CD34+ cell content, the cell dose incorporating pt weight, & HLA-match of infused & backup (reserved but not shipped) units by pt ancestry in CB transplant (CBT) recipients transplanted 7/2013-6/2018. Units were chosen based on banking practices, TNC & CD34+ dose & 4-6/6 & 8-allele HLA-match. Patient (pt) racial/ ethnic origins were prospectively obtained & grouped per Barker J. et al, BBMT 2010. Results The characteristics of 544 units chosen for 144 diverse CBT recipients by pt ancestry are shown (Table 1). 286 units were infused (142 doubles, 2 singles) & pts had a total of 258 backup units (0-2/pt). The median TNC content of units for Europeans was higher than for Non-Europeans (216 vs 197, p = 0.002). Units for NW Europeans had the highest median TNC content with lowest in units for Africans & White Hispanics. Units chosen for Europeans also had a higher median CD34+ cell content than Non-Europeans (160 vs 132, p = 0.007). Units for NW Europeans had the highest & units for Africans the lowest median CD34+ content. Median TNC/kg was similar in units for European & Non-European pts (2.7 vs 2.5, p = 0.11) & differences between groups were not marked. However, there was a trend for units for Europeans having a higher median CD34+ dose than units for Non-Europeans (1.9 vs 1.7, p = 0.057) with disparity between groups. Although the median 8 allele HLA-match was 5/8 for units chosen for both European & Non-European pts, units identified for non-Europeans were more mismatched (p = 0.017). When the 286 transplanted units (considered the best) were analyzed, the median TNC & CD34+ contents of units were higher for Europeans than non-Europeans (232 vs 216, p = 0.022, & 181 vs 152, p = 0.009). As shown in Table 2, while there were no overall differences in the median TNC & CD34+ doses of units for Europeans & non-Europeans, differences in cell content combined with differences in weights resulted in TNC & CD34+ dose disparities within ancestry groups. For example, NW Europeans (high weight, high CD34+ content) had the highest CD34+ doses; lower content in Asian pts was partially compensated for by low weight; African pts (high weight, low content) had the lowest doses. Finally, there was marked differences in HLA-match distribution by ancestry group: eg only 23% of units for NW Europeans were 3-4/8 vs 40% for S. Europeans, 46% for white Hispanics & 51% for Africans. Conclusions CB extends transplant access to minorities but differences in cellular content translates to many ancestry groups pts having access to only lower dosed units. There are also marked racial/ ethnic disparities in HLA-match. This data supports continued funding of banks to further increase the CB inventory.
Iteratively reweighted least square for asymmetric L2-Loss support vector regression

In support vector regression (SVR) model, using the squared ϵ-insensitive loss function makes the objective function of the optimization problem strictly convex and yields a more concise solution. ...
Balanced Parallel Exploration of Orthogonal Regions

We consider the use of multiple mobile agents to explore an unknown area. The area is orthogonal, such that all perimeter lines run both vertically and horizontally. The area may consist of unknown rectangular holes which are non-traversable internally. For the sake of analysis, we assume that the area is discretized into N points allowing the agents to move from one point to an adjacent one. Mobile agents communicate through face-to-face communication when in adjacent points. The objective of exploration is to develop an online algorithm that will explore the entire area while reducing the total work of all k agents, where the work is measured as the number of points traversed. We propose splitting the exploration into two alternating tasks, perimeter and room exploration. The agents all begin with the perimeter scan and when a room is found they transition to room scan after which they continue with perimeter scan until the next room is found and so on. Given the total traversable points N, our algorithm completes in total O ( N ) work with each agent performing O ( N / k ) work, namely the work is balanced. If the rooms are hole-free the exploration time is also asymptotically optimal, O ( N / k ) . To our knowledge, this is the first agent coordination algorithm that considers simultaneously work balancing and small exploration time.
Reasons to strike first

De Dreu and Gross predict that attackers will have more difficulty winning conflicts than defenders. As their analysis is presumed to capture the dynamics of decentralized conflict, we consider how their framework compares with ethnographic evidence from small-scale societies, as well as chimpanzee patterns of intergroup conflict. In these contexts, attackers have significantly more success in conflict than predicted by De Dreu and Gross's model. We discuss the possible reasons for this disparity.
A somatic mutation in MEN1 gene detected in periventricular nodular heterotopia tissue obtained from depth electrodes

Periventricular nodular heterotopia (PNH) is a common structural malformation of cortical development. Mutations in the filamin A gene are frequent in familial cases with X-linked PNH. However, many cases with sporadic PNH remain genetically unexplained. Although medically refractory epilepsy often brings attention to the underlying PNH, patients are often not candidates for surgical resection. This limits access to neuronal tissue harboring causal mutations. We evaluated a patient with PNH and medically refractory focal epilepsy who underwent a presurgical evaluation with stereotactically placed electroencephalographic (SEEG) depth electrodes. Following SEEG explantation, we collected trace tissue adherent to the electrodes and extracted the DNA. Whole-exome sequencing performed in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-approved genetic diagnostic laboratory uncovered a de novo heterozygous pathogenic variant in novel candidate PNH gene MEN1 (multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1; c.1546dupC, p.R516PfsX15). The variant was absent in an earlier exome profiling of the venous blood-derived DNA. The MEN1 gene encodes the ubiquitously expressed, nuclear scaffold protein menin, a known tumor suppressor gene with an established role in the regulation of transcription, proliferation, differentiation, and genomic integrity. Our study contributes a novel candidate gene in PNH generation and a novel practical approach that integrates electrophysiological and genetic explorations of epilepsy.
Goals of Care Discussions for the Imminently Dying Trauma Patient.

Abstract Background A structured family meeting (FM) is recommended within 72 h of admission for trauma patients with high risk of mortality or disability. Multidisciplinary FMs (MDFMs) may further facilitate decision-making. We hypothesized that FM within three hospital days (HDs) or MDFM would be associated with increased use of comfort measures. Materials and methods We reviewed all adult trauma deaths at an academic level 1 trauma center from December 2014 to December 2017. Death in the first 24 h or on nonsurgical services were excluded. Demographics, injury characteristics, FM characteristics, and outcomes such as length of stay (LOS) were recorded. Early FM was defined as occurring within three HDs; MDFM required attendance by two or more specialty teams. Results A total of 177 patients were included. Median LOS was 6 d (interquartile range 4-12). FMs were documented in 166 patients (94%), with 57% occurring early. MDFM occurred in 49 (28%), but usually occurred later (median HD 5 and interquartile range 2-8). Early FM was associated with reduced LOS (5 versus 11 d, P Conclusions MDFM is associated with increased comfort care measures, whereas early FM is associated with reduced LOS, ventilator days, death during a code, and earlier comfort care transition.
In Chocolate We Trust: the Hershey company town unwrapped: by Peter Kurie, Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Press, 2018, 209 pp., £27.99/$34.95 (hardback), ISBN: 978-0-81224-987-3

Peter Kurie’s In Chocolate We Trust tells the story of America’s favourite chocolate company and its relationship to the community of the same name, Hershey, Pennsylvania. Kurie, who is trained as ...