Order-Disorder Phase Transition in Black-Hole Star Clusters.

The centers of most galaxies contain massive black holes surrounded by dense star clusters. The structure of these clusters determines the rate and properties of observable transient events, such as flares from tidally disrupted stars and gravitational-wave signals from stars spiraling into the black hole. Most estimates of these rates enforce spherical symmetry on the cluster.

Rotational Excitation of HD by Hydrogen Revisited.

The HD molecules are key species for the cooling of pristine gas at temperatures below 100 K. They are also known to be key tracers of H in protoplanetary disks and thus, they can be used as a measure of protoplanetary disks mass. Accurate modeling of the cooling mechanism and of HD abundance in astrophysical media requires a proper modeling for its excitation by both radiative and collisional processes.

Verbal communication for the ventilator-dependent patient requiring an inflated tracheotomy tube cuff: A prospective, multicenter study on the Blom tracheotomy tube with speech inner cannula.

Background: The purpose of this study was to present our findings on the impact of the Blom tracheotomy tube with speech inner cannula on voice production abilities and speech intelligibility scores of ventilator-dependent patients requiring a fully inflated tracheotomy tube cuff.

Methods: Prospective single group case-series design permitted consecutive accrual of 23 adult inpatients from acute care and rehabilitation settings. Maximum ambient room noise, voice intensity, phonation duration of vowel /a/, and speech intelligibility scores were determined over 3 sessions.

Comparison of 2 interventions for liquid aspiration on pneumonia incidence: a randomized trial.

Background: Aspiration pneumonia is common among frail elderly persons with dysphagia. Although interventions to prevent aspiration are routinely used in these patients, little is known about the effectiveness of those interventions.

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of chin-down posture and 2 consistencies (nectar or honey) of thickened liquids on the 3-month cumulative incidence of pneumonia in patients with dementia or Parkinson disease.