cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Depression After Traumatic Brain Injury

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the most common psychiatric illness in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). An estimated 50% of people who sustain a TBI are at risk of developing MDD in the 1st year after injury. Post-TBI MDD is associated with a number of symptoms that can impede recovery from both conditions and impact overall quality of life. Our understanding of post-TBI depression is best understood from a biopsychosocial model; therefore, biological, cognitive, psychosocial, and environmental mechanisms are explored in this chapter. Nevertheless, more research is needed to understand why, how, and in which people MDD develops. There is a lack of research on treatments for post-TBI depression that currently leaves clinicians without evidence-based recommendations to guide their treatment choices. We present a number of clinical considerations and recommendations for practitioners treating adults with depression after TBI, with some discussion about the importance of assessment in this population. We also emphasize the need of adapting or tailoring evidence-based, psychosocial treatments for depression, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for people with the most common cognitive and physiological sequelae of TBI (e.g., impaired cognition, headaches, light sensitivity), and briefly acknowledge the potential role of pharmacotherapy in treatment.
Blood Pressure, HIV, and Cocaine Use Among Ethnically and Racially Diverse Individuals.

Objectives Racial minorities are at greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and CVD is the primary cause of mortality among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals. Cocaine use also has been associated with hypertension. This study examined the contribution of lifestyle factors to systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure (MAP) among people living with HIV and cocaine users from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds. Methods Participants (N = 401: 213 men, 188 women) aged 18 to 50 years with no history of CVD were recruited from South Florida. A total of 200 participants were HIV-cocaine-infected, 100 were HIV-infected individuals with no history of cocaine use, and 101 were HIV-uninfected individuals with cocaine abuse or dependence. Carotid intima-media thickness and plaque, blood pressure (BP), and lifestyle risk were assessed. Results Mean age was 36 years (standard deviation 9.33); the majority (62%) were African American. Carotid plaques were identified in 23% of participants; 42% were obese, 68% engaged in ≥150 minutes of weekly exercise, and 68% were smokers. Sex, body mass index (BMI), and diet were associated with systolic BP. Age, BMI, cannabis use, and diet were associated with diastolic BP and MAP. Conclusions Age, BMI, cannabis use, and diet were associated with increased diastolic BP and MAP. Cocaine did not emerge as a significant predictor of CVD after controlling for cannabis dependence. Cocaine and HIV lacked significant association with CVD, possibly because the majority of the sample was younger than age 40. Lifestyle modifications and substance abuse counseling may be important in preventing CVD among those without a history of CVD.
The Impact of Changes in Health Expenditures Per Capita, Population Growth, and Aging on Ischemic Stroke Deaths by Country, 1995–2014 (S33.002)

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between country-level health care expenditures per capita and ischemic stroke mortality. Background: Low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) carry the majority of the global ischemic stroke burden, but the precise relationship between country-level healthcare expenditures and ischemic stroke mortality is unclear. Design/Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study with country as the unit of analysis based on indicators and burden of disease data abstracted from the World Bank and Global Burden of Disease Study 2015. We compared observed changes in communicable disease and ischemic stroke mortality rates from 1995 to 2014 across 178 countries by quartiles of baseline (1995) health expenditures per capita. We then evaluated the contributions of population growth, aging, and age-specific mortality rates to observed changes in total ischemic stroke deaths among high-, upper-middle, lower-middle, and low-income countries. Results: Globally, age-standardized mortality rates for both communicable disease (−40%) and for ischemic stroke (−31%) decreased from 1995 to 2014. However, countries with lower baseline health expenditures per capita experienced greater relative improvements in age-standardized mortality rates for communicable disease than for ischemic stroke (For communicable disease, −43% in lowest quartile vs. −33% in highest quartile; for ischemic stroke, −8% in lowest quartile vs. −43% in highest quartile; p Conclusions: Population growth and aging have resulted in more ischemic stroke deaths in LMICs despite substantial relative increases in health expenditures per capita. Disclosure: Dr. Hemphill has nothing to disclose. Dr. Kim has nothing to disclose.
What we talk about when we talk about pcap expressions

Pcap expressions are a popular domain-specific language for packet filters, used extensively to capture network traffic during network monitoring or testing. The language is simple but made nontrivial by implicit subformulas and other features that can lead to unexpected and unwanted results.This paper formalises the semantics of pcap expressions by expanding them to disambiguate their meaning, and describes an SMT-based approach to check the equivalence of pcap expressions. This approach can be used to obtain increased confidence in the semantics of a pcap expression, by checking it against other expressions with which it is expected to be equivalent. These semantics are implemented into an open-source practical tool to help users of pcap expressions.
Forging Communities: Food and Representation in Medieval and Early Modern Southwestern Europe

Montserrat Piera’s new edited collection, part of the University of Arkansas Press Series on Food and Foodways, contributes to the growing number of early modern food histories that emphasize the s...
Woman-as-symbol

Abstract The purpose of this article is to explore the connection between Indian nationalism and gender identity. I provide a critique of Radhakrishnan and Chatterjee's notion of the outer/inner dichotomy of Indian nationalism by stating that religion, in postcolonial India, has emerged as a discursive totality that has subsumed the politics of indigenous or inner identity more so than other rhetoric of caste, tribal, gender, and class. I provide a groundwork for this debate via the writings of Nehru and Gandhi. I conclude, through an analysis of the practices of amniocentesis and Sati, that women and their bodies have been used as representations of the conflicts surrounding national subjectivity.
Application of Acoustical Holography to Flaw Detection

An experimental investigation has been made to determine the feasibility of applying the holographic ultrasonic imaging method to flaw detection in aerospace-type materials and structures. The instrument which has been employed to image the test specimens is the Ultrasonic Imager developed by the Holotron Corporation using the principles of liquid surface holography. Laser light is used to illuminate the acoustic hologram in order to form a visual representation of the ultrasonic image. Several readout systems have been used, namely, direct viewing, photography, and television with a video- and audio-tape recorder. The operation of this acoustical imager in a relatively high vibrational environment has been investigated, and the results will be discussed. Some of the defects that have been observed include delaminations and inclusions in graphite- and boron-epoxy lamina; debonds in metal-nonmetal and metal-metal structures including honeycomb sandwich panels; voids in diffusion bonded structures; and fatigue cracks in steel.
The Eigenvectors of the S Matrix and Their Relations with Line Dislocations and Forces in Anisotropic Elastic Solids

The three real matrices S, H, L of Barnett and Lothe appear very often in the solutions to two-dimensional anisotropic elasticity problems. Of the three right eigenvectors of S, the first two are not unique. They form an ellipse on a plane called the Γb plane. The third right eigenvector is e 3 . The reciprocals, or the left eigenvectors, also have an ellipse formed by the first two left eigenvectors on a generally different plane called the Γ f plane. The third left eigenvector is e 3 . For a straight line dislocation with the Burgers vector b and a straight line force f applied on the x 3 axis of the infinite anisotropic elastic medium, it is shown that if b is in the e 3 direction and f in the e 3 direction, the direction h of the infinite displacement at the origin is in the e 3 direction, while the direction g of the surface traction on a radial plane (which is a constant vector independent of the choice of the radial plane) is in the e 3 direction. On the other hand, if b is on the Γb plane while f is on the Γ f plane, then h is on the Γb plane and g is on the Γ f plane. There are essentially three types of geometry for the (Γb ellipse, e 3) and the (Γ f ellipse, e 3 ) system. The monoclinic materials with the plane of symmetry at x 3 = 0 belong to Type 1 for which the Γb, plane and the Γ f plane coincide with the x 3 = 0 plane. Type 1 can also be identified by the fact that S2 is a symmetric matrix. The monoclinic materials with the plane of symmetry at x l = 0 or x 2 = 0 belong to Type 2 which has different Γb and Γ f planes.
The Effect of Local Anesthetics on Platelet Aggregation

A variety of drugs affecting the central nervous system have the ability to inhibit platelet aggregation, presumably by stabilizing the platelet membrane and preventing transmembrane flux of adenosine diphosphate and calcium ion. Low concentrations of local anesthetics stabilize red blood cell membranes and prevent hemolysis, while higher concentrations actually induce hemolysis. We studied the effect of lidocaine, bupivacaine, tetracaine, and chloroprocaine on platelet aggregation. Low concentrations in pharmacologic range, had little effect, while higher concentrations significantly inhibit aggregation. The first detectable alteration in the platelet aggregation curve was a prolongation of the lag period in the collagen-induced curve which is interpreted as indicating decreased platelet membrane permeability. While significant abnormalities in platelet aggregation do not occur with clinically-obtained blood levels of local anesthetics, the platelet may represent a readily available, easily replaced human model for studying the effects of local anesthetics on cell membranes.
Consensus of Multiagent Systems Via Asynchronous Cloud Communication

In this paper, we study a multiagent consensus problem in which agents are only able to communicate with each other intermittently through a cloud server. To reduce the amount of required communication, we develop a self-triggered algorithm that allows agents to communicate with the cloud only when necessary rather than at a fixed period. Unlike the vast majority of similar works that propose distributed event- and/or self-triggered control laws, this paper does not assume agents can be “listening” continuously. In other words, when an event is triggered by one agent, neighboring agents will not be aware of this until the next time they establish communication with the cloud themselves. Using a notion of “promises” about future control inputs, agents are able to keep track of higher quality estimates about their neighbors allowing them to stay disconnected from the cloud for longer periods of time while still guaranteeing a positive contribution to the global task. We prove that our self-triggered coordination algorithm guarantees that the system asymptotically reaches the set of desired states. Simulations illustrate our results.
Evolving Management of Distal Anastomotic Technical Issues During Open Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Background Thrombosis of the iliac anastomosis is an important complication of open aortic aneurysm repair. We evaluated our evolving management of this complication to an endovascular approach and compared it with open revision to the common femoral artery. Methods Consecutive patients undergoing open aortic aneurysm repair from January 2009 through November 2016 at our institution were reviewed. Patients who developed iliac limb flow issues or thrombosis intraoperatively or within 48 hrs postoperatively were identified. Patients were grouped by management strategies of either 1) an endovascular approach including iliac angiography, thrombectomy if needed, and stenting or 2) open surgical revision of the iliac anastomosis with or without bypass to the common femoral artery. Demographics, comorbidities, operative variables, and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed between groups. Primary patency and mortality were assessed by Kaplan-Meier estimates. Results There were 711 patients who underwent aortoiliac aneurysm repair during the study period. 43/711 patients (6.0%) developed early perioperative iliac limb flow issues including thrombosis. Twenty-nine patients (31 limbs) were managed by an endovascular approach, and 14 patients (15 limbs) were managed by open surgical revision. The mean age of the cohort was 69 years, and 27 patients (62.8%) were male. Preoperative creatinine and diabetes frequency were higher in patients managed by an endovascular approach, although no other differences existed between preoperative comorbidities. Thrombosis or limb flow issues presented intraoperatively more commonly in the open surgical group and in the first 24 hrs postoperatively in the endovascular group. All patients had complete restoration of outflow as a result of the rescue procedure. Transfusion requirements and crystalloid replacement were significantly higher in the open surgical group. Length of stay, perioperative complications, and mortality were similar between groups. Overall, 21/31 limbs in the endovascular group and 9/15 limbs in the open surgical group had postoperative imaging, with mean follow-up of 35.0 and 55.6 months, respectively. Only one patient in the cohort lost patency: an iliofemoral jump graft that presented with late infection after postoperative wound infection, requiring staged extra-anatomic bypass and explant at 12 months. Three-year primary patency was 100% for the endovascular group and 85.7% for the surgical group by Kaplan-Meier method (P = 0.32). Endovascular management became our institution's primary salvage approach during the study. Whereas 8/15 limbs (53.3%) were managed by an endovascular approach from 2009–2011, 23/31 (74%) were managed by iliac stenting from 2012–2016. Conclusions Endovascular management of iliac limb flow issues or thrombosis after open aneurysm repair is potentially a viable alternative to open surgical revision in the early postoperative period.
Agile digitale Transformation eines modernen europäischen Immobilien-Investment-Managers

Wahrend viele Branchen bereits durch tiefgreifende Erneuerungsprozesse gegangen sind, steht der Immobilienwirtschaft ihre umfassende Digitalisierung noch bevor. In diesem Beitrag werden die Grundzuge der Transformation zu einem perspektivisch vollstandig digitalisierten Geschaftsmodell skizziert. Aufbauend auf einer digitalisierten System- und Prozesslandschaft werden zunachst der regulatorische Rahmen und die Wertschopfungskette eines Immobilien-Investment-Managers erlautert. Dabei werden die kontinuierlich steigenden Anforderungen an Qualitat und Effizienz von Asset-Management und Immobilienbewertung uber die Fondsbuchhaltung und das Risikomanagement bis zum Portfolio-Management und Reporting aus der taglichen Praxis dargestellt. Ferner werden Vorgehensweisen skizziert, wie sich eine digitalisierte Architektur ganzheitlich im Unternehmen implementieren lasst. Zum Abschluss des Beitrags wird dargelegt, wie Projekte nachhaltig realisiert werden und welche Schlusselfaktoren fur eine erfolgreiche digitale Transformation elementar sind.
Sentinel p16INK4a+ cells in the basement membrane form a reparative niche in the lung

Abstract Senescent cells are recognized drivers of aging-related decline in organ function, but deciphering the biology of senescence in vivo has been hindered by the paucity of tools to track and isolate senescent cells in tissues1–4. Deleting senescent cells from transgenic murine models have demonstrated therapeutic benefits in numerous age-related diseases5–11, but the identity, behavior, and function of the senescent cells deleted in vivo remain elusive. We engineered an ultra-sensitive reporter of p16INK4a, a biomarker of senescence12, to isolate and track p16INK4a+ cells in vivo. Surprisingly, p16INK4a+ mesenchymal cells appear in the basement membrane adjacent to epithelial progenitors in the lung shortly after birth, and these cells demonstrate senescent characteristics in vivo and ex vivo. Transcriptomic analysis of p16INK4a+ mesenchymal cells from non-aged lungs demonstrates a transition to a secretory phenotype upon airway epithelial injury. Heterotypic 3D organoid assays show that injured p16INK4a+ mesenchymal cells enhance epithelial progenitor proliferation, and we identified EREG as a novel airway progenitor mitogen produced by the secretory p16INK4a+ mesenchymal cells. Mesenchymal-specific deletion of the p16INK4a gene abrogates features of senescence in vivo, but also attenuates normal epithelial repair. Thus, p16INK4a+ mesenchymal cells can act as sentinels for the airway epithelial stem cell niche, poised to transition to a senescence-associated secretory phenotype to support barrier repair. Our data identify possible cellular targets in vivo for a rapidly growing list of senolytic therapies, but also raises important questions about the hidden cost of targeting senescent cells present in normal organs.
Security definitions, entropy measures and constructions for implicitly detecting data corruption

Abstract We discuss security definitions, entropy measures and cryptographic constructions associated with the recently proposed implicit data integrity methodology. Such methodology is applied in order to detect data corruption without producing, storing or verifying mathematical summaries of the content such as Message Authentication Codes (MACs) or checksums. The main idea is that, whereas typical user data demonstrate patterns such as repeated bytes or words, decrypted data resulting from corrupted ciphertexts no longer demonstrate such patterns. Thus, by checking the entropy of decrypted ciphertexts, corruption can be possibly detected. The paper expands on earlier contributions, arguing for the need of a new notion of security based on the assumption that it is computationally difficult for an adversary to corrupt some ciphertext so that the resulting plaintext demonstrates specific patterns. A second contribution of the paper is a proposal for a new entropy measure that is applicable to short messages. The entropy measure we propose is called “pattern entropy index” and can be efficiently computed for messages that can be as small as 64 bytes. Third, we extend the security analysis of the known cryptographic construction called IVP (Integrity Via Preprocessing). We show that IVP supports implicit data integrity and is secure in input perturbing and oracle replacing adversary models. The cryptographic strength of IVP is 32.169 bits, which is sufficient for defending against online data corruption and content replay attacks. Computationally, IVP is much lighter than other authenticated encryption approaches requiring only two additional encryption rounds in the critical path of a 128-bit block cipher such as AES.
Human Factors in Military Surgery

Military surgery requires extensive rehearsals and preparation with a focus on training in damage control resuscitation and damage control surgery. The communication between successive echelons of medical care and seamless patient handoffs that offer opportunities for improvement were developed and adopted based on real-time experience and lessons learned from deployed providers and medical/surgical units. The Joint Trauma System provides combat casualty care epidemiology, treatments, and outcomes for system-wide quality and process improvement efforts and is one of the most important human factors intervention to have occurred in modern battlefield medical care. The Clinical Practice Guidelines, the backbone of the Joint Trauma System Performance Improvement (PI) program, provide best practice guidance to remove variation in care and prevent needless deaths.
Lumos5G: Mapping and Predicting Commercial mmWave 5G Throughput

The emerging 5G services offer numerous new opportunities for networked applications. In this study, we seek to answer two key questions: i) is the throughput of mmWave 5G predictable, and ii) can we build "good" machine learning models for 5G throughput prediction? To this end, we conduct a measurement study of commercial mmWave 5G services in a major U.S. city, focusing on the throughput as perceived by applications running on user equipment (UE). Through extensive experiments and statistical analysis, we identify key UE-side factors that affect 5G performance and quantify to what extent the 5G throughput can be predicted. We then propose Lumos5G -- a composable machine learning (ML) framework that judiciously considers features and their combinations, and apply state-of-the-art ML techniques for making context-aware 5G throughput predictions. We demonstrate that our framework is able to achieve 1.37X to 4.84X reduction in prediction error compared to existing models. Our work can be viewed as a feasibility study for building what we envisage as a dynamic 5G throughput map (akin to Google traffic map). We believe this approach provides opportunities and challenges in building future 5G-aware apps.
Does Racial Disparity Exist Among Inpatient Admissions for Heart Attacks in Wisconsin

OBJECTIVE Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), or heart attack, carries a high inpatient death risk. Few national studies suggest race affects the outcomes of inpatients with AMI. In Wisconsin, an assessment of racial disparity among admissions for AMI is lacking. METHODS Using the Wisconsin State Inpatient Database from 2016, demographics and outcomes for AMI admissions were analyzed. The goal was to compare demographic and hospitalization characteristics between non-Hispanic White patients and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). RESULTS A total of 6,002 non-Hispanic Whites and 546 BIPOC cases were identified. BIPOC were younger than non-Hispanic White inpatients (median age, 59 years vs 68 years, respectively; P < 0.001). Median length of stay was shorter in non-Hispanic White versus BIPOC (2 days vs 3 days; P = 0.021), and mean total charges were higher for BIPOC than non-Hispanic Whites ($74,716 vs $65,384, respectively; P = 0.002). Using a risk-adjusted model, inpatient mortality was increased for patients over 55 years of age (odds ratio [OR] 2.166; 95% CI, 1-3; P = 0.001) and women (OR 1.319; 95% CI, 1-1.6; PP = 0.03). Race (BIPOC vs non-Hispanic White) was not predictive of inpatient death on univariable analysis (OR 0.771; 95% CI, 0.4-1.2; P = 0.283). CONCLUSION It appears BIPOC have longer hospital stays and incur higher charges than non-Hispanic White patients, though race does not affect mortality risk. Among Wisconsin counties with higher proportions of AMI, these data may enable strategic recommendation of hospitalized patients or permit risk stratification to identify disparity and encourage equitable care.
Pilot randomized controlled trial of a hypnosis intervention for women with bladder pain syndrome.

AIMS To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a randomized controlled trial of a hypnosis intervention for the treatment of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis (BPS/IC) in women. METHODS We conducted a parallel arm, non-blinded, pilot randomized controlled trial of standardized hypnosis sessions including a hypnosis web tool versus usual care in adult women with BPS/IC. Pilot study outcomes included feasibility domains: process, resources and management, safety, and acceptability. Clinical outcomes of lower urinary tract symptoms and quality of life were measured using validated questionnaires at baseline and at the end of the 4-week intervention. RESULTS We randomized 29 out of 30 (96.7%) eligible women. In the hypnosis group, 12 of 15 (80.0%) subjects completed the 4-week intervention and follow up, and 13 of 14 (92.9%) in the usual care group. In the hypnosis group, adherence to the standardized sessions was 80% and participants used the web-based tool for an average of 5.6 ± 2.7 times per week. Scores for emotional distress, relaxation, pain severity and expected bladder symptoms significantly improved during the first two of three planned hypnosis sessions (all p < 0.05). Improvement in quality of life scores was greater in the hypnosis group than the usual care group (-2.6 ± 2.3 vs. -0.9 ± 1.1, p = 0.04). There were no significant between-group differences in urinary symptoms or bladder pain. No adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS A hypnosis intervention for the treatment of bladder pain syndrome/interstitial cystitis is feasible, acceptable, safe, and may improve quality of life.
M. Fahim Khan, Macro Consumption Function in an Islamic Framework

Prof. M. Fahim Khan's paper suffers from a number of deficiencies which may be grouped under the following categories: 1. Inaccuracies in the description of positions relating to modern secular economics. 2. Questionable interpretation of Islamic positions. 3. Technical and logical errors in model construction.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunction in a Urological Setting: Outcomes of 18 Consecutive Patients

The diagnostic criteria and treatment outcomes of 18 consecutive patients with psychogenic erectile dysfunction were examined. Average patient age was 38 years, and all patients had either awakening penile or masturbatory rigidity. Each patient was studied with home monitoring (ART-1000) on 2 consecutive nights. The average number of maximum erectile episodes, the event during which the maximum rigidity was maintained for at least 5 minutes, was 1.6. The maximum sleep erectile episodes averaged 11.2 minutes during which penile rigidity averaged 572 gm. The main predictor for remission of erectile dysfunction in this study was whether the dysfunction was primary or secondary. Of 14 patients with secondary psychogenic erectile dysfunction, that is history of being able to achieve and maintain penile rigidity sufficient for at least 5 minutes of vaginal intercourse, 10 (71%) experienced remission. Three patients noticed spontaneous remission during the initial evaluation and another 3 experienced remission within 3 months of completion of the evaluation and reassurance that they had normal erectile capacity. Two patients had remission while considering penile vascular surgery and in 2 normal erectile function returned during injection therapy. Only 2 of 3 patients referred for sex therapy actually received it (Freudian theory), and neither noticed improvement in erectile function. One patient received yohimbine without benefit. None of the patients elected treatment with the vacuum constriction device. All 4 patients with primary psychogenic erectile dysfunction, that is never able to achieve and/or maintain penile rigidity sufficient to achieve vaginal intercourse, failed to respond to physician reassurance and time. Of 2 patients who received sex therapy (1 Freudian and 1 behavioral) without improvement in erectile function 1 has entered the pharmacological erection program and has achieved vaginal penetration, and the other is considering the pharmacological erection program. The remaining 2 patients have deferred all therapy. Based on this experience, we currently reassure patients with secondary psychogenic erectile dysfunction that they have erectile capacity for sustained vaginal intercourse and schedule a followup visit in 3 months. Additional individualized therapy (pharmacological erection program, vacuum constriction device, sensate focus/psychodynamic specific therapy or penile prosthesis) is offered as needed and requested. Patients with primary psychogenic erectile dysfunction are initially offered the pharmacological erection program or the vacuum constriction device and sex sensate focus/psychodynamic specific therapy. The penile prosthesis is considered for treatment failures.
Changes in the dendritic geometry of mouse superior cervical ganglion cells following postganglionic axotomy

The dendritic geometry of mouse superior cervical ganglion cells was studied over periods of up to 3 months after postganglionic axotomy. Intracellular injection of HRP showed that total dendritic length and complexity were reduced by 60–70%, on average, among cells whose postganglionic axons had been crushed 2 weeks before. Both parameters gradually recovered in parallel with ganglion cell reinnervation of the periphery. These results indicate that neuronal interactions with peripheral targets influence the configuration of ganglion cell dendrites throughout life. The implications of this conclusion are discussed.
Laparoscopic sterilization under local anesthesia

Abstract A laparoscopic sterilization service has been established in Syracuse, New York, both in an office surgery and in a free-standing clinic. Each location has a nearby back-up hospital facility. From June 1, 1972, to December 1, 1973, 340 patients have had bilateral tubal fulgurations under local anesthesia, through a single infraumbilical incision. For this technique the Wolf operating laparoscope has been used. The procedure has been well received by the patients and there have been no operative accidents.
Effects of Positive and Negative Illusory Biases: Comparisons Across Social and Academic Self-Concept Domains

Abstract Groups of third-grade children who had high or low social and academic self-concepts that were either consistent with or discrepant from external indices of social and academic competence were contrasted on a variety of measures in social and academic domains using multiple assessment methods. Children whose social or academic self-concepts that exceeded external indices of social or academic competence were said to have a positive illusory bias and were rated lower by their teachers in social skills, had more problem behaviors, and had lower academic competence than children in two of the three other groups. Another group of children whose social self-concept was substantially lower than external indices of social competence were said to have a negative illusory bias, and did not differ from children having high social self-concepts that were consistent with external indices of social competence. The current findings appear to suggest that the relation between self-concept and adjustment is not best described by a simple linear relation between these variables, but may be better explained by the consistency or discrepancy between self and external appraisals.
Use of hoechst dyes 33258 and 33342 for enumeration of attached and planktonic bacteria.

The DNA-specific fluorochromes Hoechst 33258 and 33342 were used to enumerate aquatic bacteria by epifluorescent direct counts. Cultures of estuarine bacteria gave identical counts when stained with Hoechst 33258 or acridine orange, whereas natural populations of aquatic bacteria gave 92 to 98.5% of the acridine orange counts. The technique had distinct advantages over acridine orange when enumerating bacteria on surfaces which bind acridine orange, such as polystyrene. Images
Magnetic field distribution in polar cap models of gamma-ray bursters

The high-energy spectral cutoffs are discussed as a function of angle predicted by magnetized polar cap models of gamma-ray bursters, in the presence of magnetic pair production and general relativistic effects. The effect of the photon escape beam shape on the relative probability of detection as a function of energy is calculated for a range of model parameters. These predictions are compared to the burster cutoff upper limits observed with SMM and are used to derive constraints on the detectable magnetic field strength distribution among bursters from future observations. A method for determining the intrinsic magnetic field distribution among gamma-ray bursting neutron stars is discussed.
The pathological spectrum of CNS inflammatory demyelinating diseases

Inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) occur throughout the world and are the leading cause of nontraumatic neurological disability in young adults. They represent a broad spectrum of disorders that vary in their clinical course, regional distribution, and pathology. However, there can be a considerable overlap between at least some of these disorders, leading to misdiagnoses or diagnostic uncertainty. Multiple sclerosis (MS), the most common inflammatory demyelinating CNS disease affecting approximately one million adults, shares the basic pathological hallmark of CNS inflammatory demyelination. Advances based on recent systematic clinicopathologic-serologic correlative approaches have led to novel insights with respect to the classification of this disorder, the pathologic substrate of disability, a better understanding of the underlying pathogenic mechanisms involved in lesion formation, as well as the clinical relevance of cortical demyelination and normal appearing white matter pathology. In addition to prototypic MS, these diseases include Marburg variant of acute MS, Balo’s concentric sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, and tumefactive MS. The last decade has seen a resurgence of interest in examining the lesions of these inflammatory demyelinating CNS disorders with newer and more sophisticated immunological and molecular tools. Herein, we review the clinicopathologic features of these CNS inflammatory demyelinating disorders and discuss recent advances in understanding their immunopathogenesis.
50 years of breast, endocrine, and oncologic surgery at the Southwestern Surgical Congress: earlier diagnosis and improved outcomes.

The proceedings of the Southwestern Surgical Congress (SWSC) over the last 50 years have contained .200 presentations related to the field of breast, endocrine, and oncologic surgery. Of these, I have selected 62 for review. A review of the proceedings revealed that in most areas the papers mirrored the evolution of American surgery over the last half century. The breast presentations, beginning in the early 1960s, challenged the rationale of the Halstedian approach to breast cancer and reported comparable results with less disfiguring procedures. In the field of endocrine surgery, as surgeons began embracing newer techniques in diagnosis (fine needle aspiration [FNA], abdominal computed tomography [CT], and flow cytometry), earlier diagnoses and more information on prognosis became available. The papers related to melanoma presented a persuasive argument away from wider radical resections and amputation to operations with smaller margins, with no discernible effect on survival figures. In the area of abdominal oncologic surgery, the most striking trend seemed to be an increasingly aggressive operative approach to pancreatic cancer at the same time as operative mortality rates fell from .30% to ,5%.
Asymptotic crack-tip fields for perfectly plastic solids under plane-stress and mixed-mode loading conditions

We discuss some of the properties of the crack-tip sectors for perfectly plastic materials under plane-stress conditions
From Process to Modules: End-to-End Modeling of CSS-Deposited CdTe Solar Cells

In this paper, we develop an end-to-end modeling framework to explore how various multiscale phenomena in solar cells translate from materials to module level. Specifically, the model captures the physics related to 1) the pressure-dependent grain growth of polycrystalline thin films (nanometers to micrometers), 2) averaging of the effects of grain-size distribution at the centimeter scale, and 3) effects of parasitic series and shunt resistance distributions on the efficiency of thin-film solar cell modules (centimeter to meter scale). As an idealized illustrative example, we consider a number of puzzling features that are associated with close space sublimated CdTe solar cells. The model explains both the increase in the grain size with deposition pressure, as well as the saturation of cell efficiency beyond a critical grain size. The analysis shows that grain geometry and grain-size distribution are unimportant for average grain sizes larger than 1 μm. The model attributes the significant efficiency loss at the module level to the series resistance and the operating point inhomogeneity caused by parasitic shunts. Overall, the model identifies opportunities for significant improvement at all length scales of thin-film solar cell technologies.
Contra Boldizzoni: Bringing “Pseudohistory” Back In

This response argues that though one may share Boldizzoni’s critique of conventional economics, he mischaracterizes many of those he criticizes. The pejorative label of “pseudohistory” that he applies to others, is self-defeating. As a description it might be applied to many of the more interesting facets of his own work. What cannot be conceded is the position of the innocent and detached observer he claims for the historian.
Ritualistic, Theistic, and Existential Spirituality: Initial Psychometric Qualities of the RiTE Measure of Spirituality

An expanded model to conceptualize sacred human experiences is discussed wherein the term Spirituality is broadened to include: (1) Ritualistic Spirituality, (2) Theistic Spirituality, and (3) Existential Spirituality. However, a measure incorporating this expanded model does not yet exist. A 67-item self-report questionnaire was developed and data were collected from 1,301 undergraduate students. A series of factor analytic procedures yielded a three-factor structure consistent with the guiding theoretical model and refinement produced three 10-item subscales. Evidence for construct validity and sound psychometric properties was indicative of a reliable, valid, and unique tool to assess the multidimensional nature of spirituality.
Acid and alkali denaturation of Rhodospirillum haem protein.

Abstract 1. 1. Exposure of Rhodospirillum haem protein to pH 12.5 for 15 min results in the irreversible denaturation of some of the protein. This denaturation is more pronounced witn an increase in exposure time; after 5 h the protein cannot be “regenerated”. 2. 2. The only detectable effect consequent on exposure of the protein to pH 1.9 for 15 min is the formation of aggregates.
Compression failure mechanisms of uni-ply composite plates with a circular cutout

The effect of circular-hole size on the failure mode of uniply graphite-epoxy composite plates is investigated experimentally and analytically for uniaxial compressive loading. The test specimens are sandwiched between polyetherimide plastic for nondestructive evaluations of the uniply failure mechanisms associated with a range of hole sizes. Finite-element modeling based on classical lamination theory is conducted for the corresponding materials and geometries to reproduce the experimental results analytically. The type of compressive failure is found to be a function of hole size, with fiber buckling/kinking at the hole being the dominant failure mechanism for hole diam/plate width ratios exceeding 0.062. The results of the finite-element analysis supported the experimental data for these failure mechanisms and for those corresponding to smaller hole sizes.
Pneumonitis as a complication of hexamethonium therapy

Abstract A diffuse, progressive, organizing intra-alveolar and interstitial pneumonitis was found at autopsy to be the cause of death in a hypertensive patient with chronic glomerulonephritis treated with hexamethonium. A striking degeneration of the pulmonary parenchymal and vascular elastic tissue was observed.
GIS identifies trends in heart disease, cancer, and diet in the US

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to explore relationships between cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer (CA), and diet using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping techniques to investigate spatial trends.Design/methodology/approach – Databases containing CVD and CA deaths are listed by state in the USA; databases containing state food consumption statistics, therefore, were sought. Available databases indicating dietary patterns were used to create spatial maps of the USA using ArcGIS (ESRI, Redlands, CA, version 9.2), to visually show trends in relationships among CVD, CA, and diet. Correlations and linear regression were used to determine statistical relationships among variables.Findings – Maps show visual relationships between CVD and CA death rates, and a statistically significant positive correlation (r=0.765; p=0.0005) was also found. Southeastern states have the highest death rates for both diseases. Negative correlations were found between CVD and CA deaths and household expenditure f...
‘Thy Kingdom Come’: The Impact of Colonization and Proselytization on Religion among the Nagas

Does socio-political circumstance have an impact on religion, religious conversion or religious beliefs? Assuming it does, how does such circumstance shape the theology and beliefs of a people who exist amid a turbulent socio-political situation? In this paper I will analyze the impact of socio-political turbulence on Nagas and assert that among the Nagas there is a correlation between the height of political violence and the rapid conversion to Christianity. The long history of colonial violence and suppression coupled with the undermining of Naga cultural values and practices by the process of proselytization created an atmosphere conducive for conversion to Christianity and shaped the Nagas’ theological choices.
A yeast actin-related protein homologous to that in vertebrate dynactin complex is important for spindle orientation and nuclear migration

Abstract Spindle orientation controls nuclear migration and segregation during mitosis. In yeast, defects in dynein and astral microtubules lead to abnormal spindle orientation and nuclear migration. Dynactin complex is necessary for dynein-mediated vesicle motility in vitro. The major polypeptide of dynactin complex is an actin-related protein in the family Arpl. We have identified in S. cerevisiae a novel actin-related gene, ACT5 , In the Arpi family. An act5 null mutant has defects in spindle orientation and nuclear migration, as does overexpression of Act5p. The phenotype of a double mutant lacking dynein and Act5p is similar to that of single mutants. Therefore, dynactin complex is in the same pathway as dynein and may be necessary for the action of dynein in vivo.
The effects of alcohol intoxication on the initial treatment and hospital course of patients with acute brain injury.

The effect of alcohol intoxication at the time of injury on hospital outcome was evaluated in 520 adult patients diagnosed with brain injury who were admitted to the emergency department of Harborview Medical Center. Data were collected for each subject's status from field intervention through hospitalization. Serum alcohol levels were measured from blood drawn in the emergency room, and the subjects were stratified into two groups: intoxicated (<100 mg/dL, n=191) and nonintoxicated (<100 mg/dL, n=329)
Some aspects of prostitution

This article on prostitution is a preliminary report based on a saluple of 175 white prostitutes. The sample is taken from a larger sample of sexual histories contained in the files of the Institute for Sex Research at Indiana University. The present analysis will be concerned with only a selected portion of the background data and activity of the subjects. A more complete analysis of these and other data in the Institute files along with additional data yet to be obtained will comprise a monograph or book. However such a publication is still several years in the future. Because of the complete non-existence of systematic data in this area it was thought that such an article as this one, even with its obvious limitations, might have some value. A description of the method of interviewing used will be found in Chapter Two of Sexual Behavior in the Human Male (Kinsey et al., 1948). The interviewing of prostitutes in prison was carried on in the same fashion as the interviewing of other prison inmates. They were assured of complete confidence and this was rigidly maintained. Their reports were cross-checked wherever possible with police and prison records, social worker reports, and psychiatric records. In those cases where the case histories were secured outside of prison the prostitute was paid for her history. The payment was nominal, consisting of her usual fee for one "trick." As the history taking process took much longer than one customer would take, the payment was not monetarily lewarding to her. Her reward, often verbalized by her, was the opportunity to talk to someone who was knowledgeable in this area and zsrho was not morally judging her.
Back to Black … and Green? Location and policy interventions in contemporary neighborhood housing markets

The post-war flight from US central cities led to widespread decay and devaluation in downtown housing markets. In a reversal of fortunes, distant housing prices soared while the dense urban core lagged. However, over the course of the 2000–2006 housing bubble, we find that the markets in often ignored mid-sized cities shifted back to the downtowns. This research examines the factors influencing neighborhood housing values, including location and public policy interventions. Our analysis period begins with 2000 and has two end points: one at the close of the national housing bubble in 2006 and another in 2008 during the housing market collapse. Based on OLS and spatial regression analyses of percent increases in neighborhood housing values for Louisville, Kentucky, we find that higher downtown property increases are due in large part to historic preservation districts, a university–community partnership, and a HOPE VI site. We confirm that our findings hold even through the 2007–2008 housing crisis. We ul...
Measurement of adolescent smoking behavior: rationale and methods

The initiation of cigarette smoking among adolescents is a health problem which has been the subject of discussion and study for many years. The evaluation of strategies to deter the adoption of smoking has long been hampered by the problems of measuring adolescent smoking behavior. Recently, interest has increased in biochemical measures of smoking under the assumption that they are more objective measures. The validity of this assumption is addressed for several ages of adolescents. This paper presents saliva thiocyanate levels, expired air carbon monoxide levels, and smoking self-reports from a sample of 2200 junior and senior highschool students. Interrelationships among the biochemical and behavioral measures are strong among the total population, ranging from 0.48 to 0.95 (Pearson r)but are much weaker at the younger age levels. Normative levels of carbon monoxide and saliva thiocyanate are presented by age (11–13, 14–15, and 16–17 years old). These data indicate that habitual smoking appears to develop in a gradual fashion and that several years may pass between initial experimentation and adult levels of smoking. Younger students consistently display lower levels of thiocyanate and carbon monoxide than older students of the same self-reported levels of smoking, suggesting that inhalation patterns may vary as a function of age or years smoking.
Three-dimensional Lithography via Digital Holography

We report on a novel maskless-lithography technique to fabricate three-dimensional microstructures via digital holography. The hologram design to generate 3D light field for photoresist exposure is optimized by a modified version of the direct-binary-search algorithm.