cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SF-6D utility scores for alcohol use disorder status and alcohol consumption risk levels in the US population.

AIMS To estimate US population health utilities for subgroups defined by alcohol use disorder (AUD) status and consumption level. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING Community settings in the United States (i.e. excluding institutional settings). PARTICIPANTS A total of 36,042 adults (age 18+) in non-institutional settings in the United States. MEASUREMENTS We used 12-item Short Form Survey (SF-12) data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III to calculate mean Short Form-6 dimension (SF-6D) utility scores across World Health Organization alcohol consumption risk levels-very high risk, high risk, medium risk, low risk and an additional abstinent level-for three groups: (1) the general population (n = 36,042), (2) individuals with life-time AUD (n = 9925) and (3) individuals with current AUD (n = 5083), and assessed minimally important differences (MIDs) between consumption levels. Each group is a subset of the previous group. FINDINGS The general population's mean SF-6D utility was higher than that of individuals with life-time or current AUD across all consumption risk levels (0.79 versus 0.76 for both AUD groups). For all groups, SF-6D utilities increased as consumption risk level decreased to non-abstinent levels, and reducing consumption from very high risk to any lower level was associated with a statistically significant and meaningful improvement in utility. For individuals with life-time or current AUD, becoming abstinent from high-, medium- and low-risk levels was associated with significantly and meaningfully worse utilities. CONCLUSIONS Higher alcohol consumption risk levels appear to be associated with lower health index scores for the general population and individuals with a history of alcohol use disorder, meaning that higher alcohol consumption is associated with worse health-related quality of life.
Surgical Management of Idiopathic Partial Thrombosis of the Corpus Cavernosum.

Abstract A 36-year-old African American man presented to the emergency department with 2 days of left-sided perineal pain after sexual activity. He was found to have induration in the left perineum overlying the proximal left corporal body. Clinical picture was suspicious for traumatic corporal rupture; however, advanced imaging showed a proximal segmental thrombosis of the left corpus cavernosum. The patient underwent perineal exploration with evacuation of an intracorporal penile hematoma. In spite of disrupting a fibrous membrane in the proximal corpora and drainage of the corpora, we observed repeat tumescence during the procedure because of an observed arterial high-flow state in the corpora cavernosum. This was resolved with administration of phenylephrine into the cavernosum. The patient had return of normal erectile function 2 days after the procedure with resolution of pain at the site. Singh D, Larson T, Campbell K, et al. Surgical Management of Idiopathic Partial Thrombosis of the Corpus Cavernosum. Sex Med 2021;9:100273.
Management of Anorectal Fistulae in Crohn’s Disease

Perianal Crohn’s fistulas are generally associated with a more aggressive disease course. There is no uniform classification, although it is widely recognized that high fistulas, multiple external openings, coexisting perianal abscess, anorectal stricture, rectovaginal fistula, and active lumenal disease are associated with increased disease severity. The diagnosis and anatomic assessment are largely based on physical examination, often requiring general anesthesia, although preoperative imaging with magnetic resonance can be helpful. The treatment of perianal Crohn’s fistulas ranges from observation for the simpler cases, to antibiotics, immunosuppressants, and biologic medications, most commonly in combination with local surgery. Surgical options include seton placement, mucosal advancement flap, and in selected cases fistulotomy or ligation of the intersphincteric tract. Fibrin glue injection and fistula plug have been associated with poor long-term outcomes. Mesenchymal stem cell injection is an evolving treatment option which might become a viable sphincter-sparing alternative management option. When medical and local surgical options have failed, stoma diversion or proctectomy can become necessary.
Using Event Log Timing Information to Assist Process Scenario Discoveries

Event logs contain abundant information, such as activity names, time stamps, activity executors, etc. However, much of existing trace clustering research has been focused on applying activity names to assist process scenarios discovery. In addition, many existing trace clustering algorithms commonly used in the literature, such as k-means clustering approach, require prior knowledge about the number of process scenarios existed in the log, which sometimes are not known aprior. This paper presents a two-phase approach that obtains timing information from event logs and uses the information to assist process scenario discoveries without requiring any prior knowledge about process scenarios. We use five real-life event logs to compare the performance of the proposed two-phase approach for process scenario discoveries with the commonly used k-means clustering approach in terms of model’s harmonic mean of the weighted average fitness and precision, i.e., the F1 score. The experiment data shows that (1) the process scenario models obtained with the additional timing information have both higher fitness and precision scores than the models obtained without the timing information; (2) the two-phase approach not only removes the need for prior information related to k, but also results in a comparable F1 score compared to the optimal k-means approach with the optimal k obtained through exhaustive search.
Infrared chemical imaging with a silicon-based camera using non-degenerate two photon absorption

Nondegenerate two-photon absorption (NTA) is a method for detecting infrared (IR) radiation with wide bandgap photodetectors. We use NTA to detect mid IR (MIR) light on a Si-based detector with the aid of a near-IR (NIR) pump beam. This enables the use of mature, robust Si technologies to detect IR light at room temperature. We show that NTA facilitates MIR spectroscopy in both a single pixel photodiode and a high-resolution CCD, allowing for chemically selective MIR imaging. We demonstrate the utility of NTA by including MIR images and videos of moving targets.
Wrong Turn; Agricultural Policy in Iran

Food security is a global concern. Iranian farmers have the obligation to provide food but they don’t have the right to food. International restrictions combined with incorrect national schematization put them in a situation that they can’t afford to buy their own products just to endure to the next harvest season. With socioeconomic analysis of legal instruments, this article aims: to unveil misguided policies and their effects on agricultural activities in Iran and to provide a customized solution based on the idea of family farming.
Coronavirus-19 Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C): A Pediatric Simulation Case for Residents, Fellows, and Advanced Practice Providers.

Introduction A rare but serious condition often requiring intensive care, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is characterized by hyperinflammatory shock related to the SARS-CoV-2...
Changing clonal patterns of Salmonella enteritidis in Maryland: evaluation of strains isolated between 1985 and 1990.

We examined isolates from 203 sporadic and outbreak-associated Salmonella enteritidis cases occurring in Maryland between 1985 and 1990. Plasmid profiles were determined for all isolates; 52 isolates were phage typed. Ten plasmid profiles were identified. A single profile (consisting of a single ca. 55-kb plasmid) emerged as the predominant profile in Maryland during the study period. This profile (which was closely associated with phage type 8) accounted for 86% of a group of isolates from sporadic cases in 1988 and 1989, compared with 43% of the 1985 isolates. Strains with this profile were identified in four of nine outbreaks, including one of three outbreaks in which eggs were implicated as a vehicle. While plasmid profiles and phage typing appear to provide complementary means of identifying specific strains of S. enteritidis, the emergence of what appears to be a single predominant clone has reduced the discriminant ability of both typing systems. The factors be a single predominant clone has reduced the discriminant ability of both typing systems. The factors contributing to the emergence of this one clone are still not well understood. Images
ORGANIZATION AND EXPRESSION OF TWO TANDEMLY ORIENTED GENES ENCODING RIBULOSEBISPHOSPHATE CARBOXYLASE/OXYGENASE ACTIVASE IN BARLEY

We have isolated and structurally characterized genomic DNA and cDNA sequences encoding ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rbu-P2 carboxylase) activase from barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Three Rbu-P2 carboxylase activase (Rca) polypeptides are encoded in the barley genome by two closely linked, tandemly oriented nuclear genes (RcaA and RcaB); cDNAs encoding each of the three Rbu-P2 carboxylase activase polypeptides were isolated from cDNA libraries of barley leaf mRNA. RcaA produces two mRNAs, which encode polypeptides of 42 and 46 kDa, by an alternative splicing mechanism identical to that previously reported for spinach and Arabidopsis Rca genes (Werneke, J.M., Chatfield, J.M., and Ogren, W. L. (1989) Plant Cell 1, 815-825). RcaB is transcribed to produce a single mRNA, which encodes a mature peptide of 42 kDa. Genomic Southern blots indicate that RcaA and RcaB represent the entire Rbu-P2 carboxylase activase gene family in barley. The genes share 80% nucleotide sequence identity, and the 42-kDa polypeptides encoded by RcaA and RcaB share 87% amino acid sequence identity. Coding regions of the two barley Rca genes are separated by 1 kilobase pair of flanking DNA. DNA sequence motifs similar to those thought to control light-regulated gene expression in other nuclear-encoded plastid polypeptide genes are found at the 5' end of both barley Rca genes. Probes specific to three mRNAs were used to determine the relative contribution each species makes to the total Rca mRNA pool.
The Role of Acculturation in the Civic Engagement of Latino Immigrants

Despite continued growth and dispersion of the Latino immigrant population in the United States, the lingering effects of a sluggish national economy and growing anti-immigrant sentiments have contributed to ongoing marginalization and exclusion, further hindering their participation in American civic life. Despite these challenges, Latino immigrants have remained engaged, yet the factors and processes that facilitate participation in American society remain poorly understood. Data from the Latino National Survey and focus groups with Latino immigrants were used to examine how variations in levels of acculturation, demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status (SES), and characteristics of the immigrant experience influence the civic engagement of Latino immigrants in American society. We found that citizenship, length of residence in the United States, and higher SES enhanced civic engagement, while brown skin color, migration for economic reasons, and Mexican ancestry decreased participation. The level of acculturation significantly moderated the effects of these contextual factors.
The molecular weight of cholinesterase from the house fly, Musca domestica L.☆

Abstract A soluble fraction of house fly head cholinesterase (ChE), which did not sediment when centrifuged at 100,000 × g , was found to elute with bovine serum albumin when chromatographed on Sephadex G-200. The sedimentation coefficient as determined by density gradient centrifugation was 7·3. These results indicate a molecular weight of ∼160,000. The existence of ChE in other molecular forms was not ruled out.
The physiological ecology of cyclic adenosine 3′:5′-monophosphate (cAMP) in vascular aquatic plants. I. In situ dynamics and relationship to primary production in a hardwater lake

Abstract An in situ investigation on cyclic adenosine 3′:5′-monophosphate (cAMP) dynamics in aquatic vascular plant tissues and in lakewater was conducted in the littoral zone of an oligotrophic hardwater lake. Marked diurnal variations in tissue cAMP content and extracellular cAMP release rates were found in the submersed aquatic angiosperm Scirpus subterminalis Torr. Dissolved cAMP concentrations in littoral lakewater exhibited similarly marked diel fluctuations. In contrast, Najas flexilis (Willd.) Rostk. and Schmidt, a co-occurring submersed species, exhibited little diel periodicity in tissue cAMP or cAMP release rates. The ratio of cAMP release to the generalized release of excreted organic carbon varied greatly on a diel cycle in Scirpus . Tissue cAMP dynamics in Scirpus and lakewater dissolved cAMP concentrations were exponentially correlated with rates of in situ inorganic carbon assimilation in Scirpus .
Agents, Patients, and Obligatory Self-Benefit

Consequentialism is often criticized for rendering morality too pervasive. One somewhat neglected manifestation of this pervasiveness is the obligatory self-benefit objection. According to this objection, act-consequentialism has the counterintuitive result that certain self-benefitting actions (e.g., investing one’s money for maximal expected return) turn out, ceteris paribus, to be morally obligatory rather than morally optional. The purposes of this paper are twofold. First, I consider and reject four strategies with which consequentialists might answer the obligatory self-benefit objection. Despite the apparent consequentialist credentials of these answers, none of these strategies is adequate because each fails to justify agents failing to benefit themselves when benefiting themselves would be otherwise required by the imperative that overall good meet a certain threshold. Second, I argue that no plausible consequentialist response to this objection is forthcoming because consequentialism denies the central axiological fact propelling this objection, namely, that the self possesses a normative architecture relating the self as agent and self as patient. This architecture, I propose, justifies the option not to benefit oneself.
Fluid resuscitation based on dynamic predictors of fluid responsiveness: closed loop algorithm versus anesthesiologists

Closed-loop management of fluid resuscitation has historically been difficult. Given the dynamic predictors of fluid responsiveness, automated management is now feasible. We present simulation data for a novel patient-adaptive closed-loop fluid management algorithm using pulse pressure variation (PPV) as the input variable.
Dopamine-mediated regulation of striatal neuronal and network interactions.

The dopaminergic system exerts dynamic modulation of glutamatergic afferent drive that is dependent on the temporal pattern of the dopaminergic input and the subtypes of striatal neurons affected. The differences in feedforward inhibition between striatal neurons comprising the direct and indirect output pathway confer distinct response-pattern differences in their respective targets, supporting brief bursts of activity in Type-I neurons but attenuating repetitive activity in Type-II cells. This temporal patterning is further modulated by NO-mediated signaling, and by tonic and phasic dopamine-mediated stimulation, which exerts preferential actions on indirect and direct output neurons, respectively. As a result, the striatal network is forced into state-dependent patterns of activity that differentially regulate muscle tone and voluntary motor activity via distinct output projections from the striatum.
Economic considerations in primary total hip arthroplasty

Abstract The recent economic changes in health care and their impact on primary total hip arthroplasty are discussed.The process of change that occurred at one Southern California institution is reviewed in detail regarding management technique, the establishment of a critical pathway, prosthesis and patient matching, and other treatment variables. In addition, the economic impact of education on both the clinical staff, administration, and the patient is reviewed. The process proved to be beneficial for both orthopaedic surgeons and the institution involved. The total surgical volume increased by more than 100%, and the cost per case decreased dramatically.
Cloning, isolation and characterization of the Thermotoga maritima KDPG aldolase

The Thermotoga maritima aldolase gene has been cloned into a T7 expression vector and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The preparation yields 470 UL(-1) of enzyme at a specific activity of 9.4 U mg(-1). During retroaldol cleavage of KDPG, the enzyme shows a k(cat) that decreases with decreasing temperature. A more than offsetting decrease in K(m) yields an enzyme that is more efficient at 40 degrees C than at 70 degrees C. The substrate specificity of the enzyme was evaluated in the synthetic direction with a range of aldehyde substrates. Although the protein shows considerable structural homology to KDPG aldolases from mesophilic sources, significant differences in substrate specificity exist. A preparative scale reaction between 2-pyridine carboxaldehyde and pyruvate provided product of the same absolute configuration as mesophilic enzymes, but with diminished stereoselectivity.
Development of the interpeduncular nucleus in the midbrain of Rhesus monkey and human.

The development of the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN) in primates was studied in rhesus monkey with 3H-thymidine autoradiographic, Nissl and Golgi methods and in humans in histological preparations from embryos and fetuses of different ages. Autoradiographic analysis demonstrated that the neurons of the monkey IPN underwent their final cell division between postconception day 36 (E36) and E42, which corresponds to Stages 17 through 21 of Hendrickx and Sawyer. Autoradiograms of monkeys sacrificed at various short intervals following exposure to a pulse of 3H-thymidine showed that IPN neurons were generated in the proximity of the ventricular surface near the confluence of the 3rd ventricle and cerebral aqueduct, migrated ventrally along the midline and then spread laterally after reaching the ventral midbrain, where IPN was first recognized at E45 (Stage 23). The distribution of successively generated neurons in autoradiograms revealed caudal to rostral and lateral to medial spatio-temporal gradients. Differentiation of IPN neuronal size and development of Nissl substance began in rhesus monkey only after postmitotic cells had reached their destination and seemed to be pronounced mainly through E104. However, growth of the dendrites and elaboration of their side branches as seen in Golgi impregnations progressed gradually from E81 to birth (E165) and perhaps even later.
Single Two-Electron Transfers vs Successive One-Electron Transfers in Polyconjugated Systems Illustrated by the Electrochemical Oxidation and Reduction of Carotenoids

Examination of cyclic voltammetric responses reveals that inversion of the standard potentials of the first and second electron transfers occurs in the oxidation of beta-carotene and 15,15'-didehydro-beta-carotene (but not in their reduction) as well as in the reduction of canthaxanthin (but not in its oxidation). The factors that control potential inversion in these systems, and more generally in symmetrical molecules containing conjugated long chains, are investigated by quantum chemical calculations. Two main interconnected effects emerge. One is the localization of the charges in the di-ion toward the ends of the molecule at a large distance from one another, thus minimizing Coulombic repulsion. The same effect favors the solvation of the di-ion providing additional stabilization. In contrast, the charge in the ion radical is delocalized over the whole molecular framework, thus disfavoring its stabilization by interaction with the solvent. The combination of the two solvation effects allows potential inversion to occur as opposed to the case where the two electrophores are linked by a saturated bridge where potential inversion cannot occur. Localization of the charges in the di-ion, and thus potential inversion, is favored by the presence of electron-accepting terminal groups for reductions (as the two carbonyl groups in canthaxanthin) and of hole-accepting terminal groups for oxidations (as in beta-carotene).
Production of the Long-Chain Alcohols Octanol, Decanol, and Dodecanol by Escherichia coli

As a follow-up to earlier studies on the emission of long-chain alcohols from broth cultures of Gram-negative enteric bacteria, E. coli was examined for the production of 1-octanol, 1-decanol, and 1-dodecanol. Ten strains of E. coli cultured in tryptic soy broth were assayed for volatile metabolites using solid-phase microextraction. Long-chain alcohols were produced by all strains with 1-decanol predominating with production ranging from 23.6 ng mL−1 to 148 ng mL−1. The production of long-chain alcohols followed the onset of the exponential growth phase of the broth culture. Doubling the concentration of glucose (5 g L−1) in the broth had no effect on the concentration of long-chain alcohols produced. Addition of octanoic, decanoic, or dodecanoic acids (as K+ salts) to the broth (100 mg L−1) markedly increased the production of the corresponding alcohols by E. coli, ranging from a 13-fold increase for decanol to a 51-fold increase for dodecanol. However, decanol remained the predominant alcohol detected in all assays. These neutral volatile alcohols may have application as vapor-phase indicators for certain classes of bacteria, particularly, Gram-negative enteric bacteria.
Origin of Bilaterian Body Plans: Evolution of Developmental Regulatory Mechanisms

An argument is proposed to explain the origin of large metazoans, based on the regulatory processes that underlie the morphogenetic organization of pattern in modern animals. Genetic regulatory systems similar to those used in modern, indirectly developing marine invertebrates are considered to indicate the Precambrian regulatory platform on which were erected innovations that underlie the development of macroscopic body plans. Those systems are genetic regulatory programs that produce groups of unspecified "set-aside cells" and hierarchical regulatory programs that initially define regions of morphogenetic space in terms of domains of transcription factor expression. These ideas affect interpretation of the development of arthropods and chordates as well as interpretation of the role of the genes of the homeotic complex in embryogenesis.
Abstract 3621: Dietary zinc and prostate cancer: a case-control study in African Americans men.

Introduction: Prostate cancer is a solid malignancy that disproportionately affects men of African descent. Zinc, an essential dietary trace mineral, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer. Total zinc intake is lower in older African American men compared to European Americans (NHANES III). Despite the high prevalence of prostate cancer and decreased levels of zinc intake among African Americans, very little is known about the relationship between zinc intake and prostate cancer in this group. This is significant because dietary factors such as zinc intake are potentially modifiable risk factors. Here, we examine the association between self-reported zinc intake and prostate cancer in a hospital-based case-control study. Methods: Newly diagnosed African American men with histologically confirmed prostate cancer (n=141) were recruited from an urban academic urology clinic in Washington, DC. Controls (n=109) were unaffected volunteers. Usual dietary intake was assessed at the time of recruitment (2000 to 2004) with the use of a food-frequency questionnaire. Two tailed T-Test was used to compare characteristic means between cases and controls. Unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate the unadjusted and adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). Results: In this population, cases were older and had higher levels of PSA. Controls had higher zinc intake, with a mean of 13.23 mg/day (SD±13.9) versus 10.67 mg/day (SD±7.3) for cases. An increase of 1 mg/day of zinc decreased the odds of prostate cancer by 3% (OR=0.97 and 95% CI: 0.95-1.002). Controlling for age, body mass index (BMI), PSA and total food energy intake did not affect the observed association. Conclusions: Overall, these results suggest that zinc intake may have slight protective effect on prostate cancer. These analyses should be repeated in large studies to confirm these findings. Citation Format: Firas Dabbous, Umaima Al-alem, Sparkle Springfield, Abeer M. Mahmoud, Ken Batai, Ebony Shah, Chiledum Ahaghotu, Rick A. Kittles. Dietary zinc and prostate cancer: a case-control study in African Americans men. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3621. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-3621
Revisiting Regional Security in the Western Balkans

Since the 1990s, the threats posed by the Western Balkans to European security have greatly diminished. While the Balkans no longer represents a serious security threat to Europe or to each other, the region has not been able to form an integrated regional partnership. The process of integration initiated more than a decade ago with the cooperation of the United States, NATO, and EU has reached an impasse. It is necessary for the international partners and the regional governments to reinvigorate the integration process and to help bind the region more closely as a cohesive unit within the European collective security framework.
Strongly radiating hypersonic flow over a sphere - An asymptotic sketch.

14 Pridmore Brown, B. N. and Franks, W. J., "A method of characteristics solution in three independent variables/' Northrop Norair Rept NOR 65-42 (1965); also Aerospace Research Laboratories Rept. ARL 65-124 (1965). 15 Sauerwein, H. and Sussman, M., "Numerical stability of three-dimensional method of characteristics," AIAA J. 2, 387389 (1964). 16 Heie, H. and Leigh, D. C., "Numerical stability of hyperbolic equations in three independent variables," AIAA J. 3, 10991103 (1965). 17 Heaslet, N. A. and Lomax, H., "Supersonic and transonic small perturbation theory," General Theory of High Speed Aerodynamics, edited by W. R. Sears (Princeton University Press, Princeton, N. J., 1954), p. 330. 18 Der, J., Jr., Niemann, A. F., Jr., Powers, S. A., and Pridmore Brown, B. N., "The determination of combined viscid-inviscid flow fields over hypersonic lifting reentry configurations," Wright Patterson Air Force Base RTD-TDR-64 (1964). 19 Chu, C. W., "Numerical integration by modified spline fit," Northrop Norair Rept. NOR 65-316 (1965).
Computer determination of passivity, &#969; max and &#963; max

A practical test for passivity of a linear time-invariant n-port is presented. The test can easily be applied using available general circuit analysis programs.
Legislation analysis according to WHO and INCB criteria on opioid availability: a comparative study of 5 countries and the state of Texas

Opioids are not always available in many developing countries, including those in Latin America. In this study we analyzed the national laws on opioids and other controlled substances from Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Peru, Mexico, and the state of Texas, according to the principles set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), as well as to the presence of over-regulations regarding their medical and scientific use. The six main principles outlined by WHO and INCB for opioid availability were analyzed by using a total of 17 criteria as shown in Table 3. The result scores ranged from 17/17 (full compliance with all criteria) to 0/17 (non-compliance). Results showed that with the exception of the state of Texas 16/17 (94%), the countries failed to adequately meet the INCB and WHO criteria: Argentina: 7/17 (41%); Colombia: 9 /17 (53%); Costa Rica: 9/17 (53%); Mexico: 4/17 (24%); and Peru: 7/17 (41%). In all 5 Latin American countries, national laws and regulations imposed limits on the number of days allowed for prescription, the potency of the dosage, and the number of doses allowed per day. In all cases, including Texas, there was confusion on the meaning and utilization of the terms physical dependence, psychological dependence, addiction, tolerance and abuse. In total, combining all cases, only 51% of the criteria were met. Additionally, all laws and regulations, especially in Argentina, include over regulations and statements that may further interfere with patient access to opioids. The prescription criteria were fully met by the state of Texas and all five countries. These results indicate that there is need to revise the existing laws and regulations in countries with opioid availability problems, and identify the potential barriers, which may be playing a significant role in the access to adequate treatment. Such review seeks to carefully consider all possible criteria, since partial resolution of legislative articles will not result in increased opioid availability.
An analytical model for multidimensional transport of a decaying contaminant species

Abstract A mathematical model is developed for a finite source that incorporates one-dimensional groundwater velocity, longitudinal and transverse dispersion, and some form of decay for either radionuclides or biodegradable organics. The model is employed in a calibration procedure that permits the determination of up to seven parameters from a known spatial distribution of concentrations. The determined parameters include the velocity of the contaminant, source size and concentration, and up to three dispersivities for a three dimensional problem. For a biodegradable organic, a combined parameter incorporates the ratio of velocity to a degradation half-life and is readily determined from the field data.
Public sector banking, efficiency and economic growth in India

Abstract This paper develops a framework that integrates Harrod-Domar growth model and McKinnon-Shaw Hypothesis via Molho's dynamic adjustment mechanism. The model is used to determine the impact of bank nationalization through aggressive bank branch expansion programs and priority sector credit allocation on India's financial savings, investment, productivity and GDP. The empirical findings indicate that the bank nationalization policy has been a mixed blessing. The aggressive bank branch program since 1969 resulted in an increased in savings, investment, productivity of capital and GDP, however, the priority sector credit allocation policy did not fully achieve its desired goals.
Electrostriction measurements on low permittivity dielectric materials

Abstract To measure the electrostrictive effects in low permittivity materials, extremely sensitive instrumentation is required. A modified compressometer for resolving fractional changes in capacitance on the order of 10−6 is used in this work, along with a modified single beam interferometer capable of sub-angstrom resolution in displacement. For the compressometric method, a high sensitivity capacitance bridge, GenRad 1615, is coupled with two lock-in amplifiers to detect attofarad (10−18F) level capacitance changes caused by in-phase cyclic uniaxial stresses on samples. The interferometer is a Michelson –Morley type instrument modified to detect changes in interference fringe intensity for very small changes in path length. The measurements confirmed by both techniques are used to establish a set of reliable and accurate data of electrostriction coefficients for low permittivity materials. Using these recent data, along with widely accepted data on ferroelectric materials and soft polymers, the linear relationship between electrostriction coefficient (Q) and the ratio of elastic compliance over dielectric permittivity (s/e0er) is obtained. This leads to an effective way to predict the electrostriction coefficient in dielectric materials.
Biometric recognition via fixation density maps

This work introduces and evaluates a novel eye movement-driven biometric approach that employs eye fixation density maps for person identification. The proposed feature offers a dynamic representation of the biometric identity, storing rich information regarding the behavioral and physical eye movement characteristics of the individuals. The innate ability of fixation density maps to capture the spatial layout of the eye movements in conjunction with their probabilistic nature makes them a particularly suitable option as an eye movement biometrical trait in cases when free-viewing stimuli is presented. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, the method is evaluated on three different datasets containing a wide gamut of stimuli types, such as static images, video and text segments. The obtained results indicate a minimum EER (Equal Error Rate) of 18.3 %, revealing the perspectives on the utilization of fixation density maps as an enhancing biometrical cue during identification scenarios in dynamic visual environments.
Surgical management of prolapse of the anterior vaginal segment: an analysis of support defects, operative morbidity, and anatomic outcome.

Abstract OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to describe a group of women with prolapse of the anterior vaginal segment associated with bilateral paravaginal defects, to report the morbidity associated with the operative repair, and to analyze the results of preoperative and postoperative pelvic support defects in five vaginal sites. STUDY DESIGN: Between June 1, 1988, and Nov. 3, 1993, 62 consecutive women with prolapse of the anterior vaginal segment associated with bilateral periurethral and perivesicle support defects and other coexisting pelvic support defects were treated by paravaginal repair done via the vagina and total pelvic reconstruction. Site-specific analysis of support for the urethra, bladder, cervix or cuff, cul-de-sac, and rectum was performed preoperatively, 6 weeks postoperatively, and longitudinally to assess the anatomic outcome of surgery. Perioperative morbidity was defined as hemorrhage requiring homologous blood transfusion, pelvic nerve injury, deep venous thrombosis, visceral injury, or infection. RESULTS: One hundred percent of the study patients had preoperative evidence of bilateral paravaginal defects, and 87% had a prolapse of the anterior segment that was halfway to completely outside the hymen. Seven patients experienced perioperative morbidity none of which was unique to this procedure. Fifty-six patients have been followed up a mean of 1.6 years postoperatively. In four, anterior segment defects have developed to or through the hymen, although none is as large as the preoperative defect and none has required further surgery to date. In one patient a postoperative defect developed in the cul-de-sac extending to the hymen; she has had the defect repaired and has been followed up 1.7 years with no support defects. CONCLUSION: Paravaginal repair performed is a safe, effective method of management of prolapse of the anterior vagina associated with paravaginal defects. Coexisting support defects that require specific identification and repair can also be managed vaginally.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Functionality of a Dendrimer-based Modular Drug Delivery Platform

A modular dendrimer-based drug delivery platform was designed to improve upon existing limitations in single dendrimer systems. Using this modular strategy, a biologically active platform containing receptor mediated targeting and fluorescence imaging modules was synthesized by coupling a folic acid (FA) conjugated dendrimer with a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugated dendrimer. The two different dendrimer modules were coupled via the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction (“click” chemistry) between an alkyne moiety on the surface of the first dendrimer and an azide moiety on the second dendrimer. Two simplified model systems were also synthesized to develop appropriate “click” reaction conditions and aid in spectroscopic assignments. Conjugates were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and NOESY. The FA-FITC modular platform was evaluated in vitro with a human epithelial cancer cell line (KB) and found to specifically target the overexpressed folic acid receptor.
Life at Home: Same Time, Different Places — An Examination of the HOME Inventory in Different Cultures

In this paper we review literature on the use of the HOME Inventory across cultures. We address issues pertaining to measurement equivalence and validity. Specifically, we focus on: (a) changes in the content of HOME made by researchers, (b) distributional properties of HOME scores, (c) the factor structure of HOME, and (d) correlations between HOME, family characteristics, child characteristics and environmental conditions. In most affluent, western countries, with their individualist orientations, HOME was used essentially as it was originally constructed. Researchers in less industrialized, more collectivist countries tended to express greater scepticism about the appropriateness of some HOME items, and several teams of researchers made modifications in the instrument. The HOME total score showed theoretically meaningful (and similar) correlations with family structure, family status and child outcome measures across many cultures. Evidence attesting to the cultural equivalence (and validity) of HOME subscales was far less plentiful and compelling. In general, there seemed greater cross-cultural equivalence for items assessing cognitively stimulating aspects of the environment than for items assessing socioemotional support. The usefulness of the Inventory in other cultures and for cross-cultural comparisons depends on the purposes one has for using a measure of the home environment. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can PAC learning algorithms tolerate random attribute noise

This paper studies the robustness of PAC learning algorithms when the instance space is {0,1}n, and the examples are corrupted by purely random noise affecting only the attributes (and not the labels). Foruniform attribute noise, in which each attribute is flipped independently at random with the same probability, we present an algorithm that PAC learns monomials for any (unknown) noise rate less than21. Contrasting this positive result, we show thatproduct random attribute noise, where each attributei is flipped randomly and independently with its own probability pi, is nearly as harmful as malicious noise-no algorithm can tolerate more than a very small amount of such noise.
Treatment of digital myxoid cysts with carbon dioxide laser vaporization.

. Digital myxoid cysts represent a relatively uncommon cutaneous disorder which have often proven refractory to conservative management. We report a series of ten patients with this condition who were effectively treated with carbon dioxide (CO2) laser vaporization. There has been no recurrence of cysts during a follow-up period ranging from 14 to 44 months.
Low-density lipoprotein stimulates the expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor in glomerular mesangial cells

Low-density lipoprotein stimulates the expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor in glomerular mesangial cells. Disordered lipoprotein metabolism and the enhanced influx and accumulation of circulating mononuclear leukocytes into vascular tissue are common pathobiological phenomena associated with both atherosclerosis and glomerulosclerosis. Since atherogenic lipoproteins (such as low density lipoprotein, LDL) have been implicated in monocyte migration and proliferation into the glomerular mesangium, we examined the effect of LDL on mesangial cell expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF), a cytoregulatory peptide associated with monocyte chemoattraction, differentiation and proliferation. Mesangial cell M-CSF gene expression, protein synthesis and secretion, and its biological activity to induce progenitor colony formation and monocyte proliferation were studied in murine mesangial cells. Incubation of either primary cultures or SV-40 transformed murine mesangial cells with LDL (0 to 200 µg/ml) induced M-CSF steady-state mRNA expression, in a dose-dependent manner (52 to 183% of control) when Northern blots were analyzed quantitatively by densitometric scanning. Similarly, Western blot analysis showed that LDL-activated SV-40 transformed mesangial cells increased M-CSF protein synthesis and secretion in a dose-dependent manner. The conditioned media obtained by incubating mesangial cells with LDL induced bone marrow progenitor colony formation that could be inhibited by specific neutralizing antibodies against murine M-CSF. Finally, the biological activity of M-CSF secreted by LDL-activated mesangial cells was further confirmed by its enhanced ability to induce monocyte proliferation. These data indicate that LDL, by activating mesangial cells to induce M-CSF and possibly other monocyte chemoattractants, may regulate the migration and proliferation of cells of mononuclear leukocytic origin into the mesangium supporting a pathobiological role for LDL in glomerular injury.
Optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy of the metabolic rate of oxygen in a mouse renal tumor model

We propose using noninvasive longitudinal optical-resolution photoacoustic microscopy (L-ORPAM) to quantify blood flow flux, oxygen saturation (sO2), and thereby the metabolic rate of oxygen (MRO2), for a renal tumor model in the same mouse over weeks to months. Experiments showed that the sO2 difference between the artery and vein decreased greatly due to the arteriovenous shunting effect during tumor growth. Moreover, hypermetabolism was exhibited by an increase in MRO2.
Reassessing public support for public access cablevision: a faded passion?

Abstract This paper examines performance issues concerning local public, educational and government (PEG) access channels. The study is based on a survey of cable subscribers in a major metropolitan market. The findings suggest that community access channels compare favorably with many satellite-delivered channels, though viewership is not strongly related to the use of other media. Open-ended responses suggest that meetings are the most commonly viewed access fare, followed by sports programming.
Biofilm formation in plant–microbe associations

Bacteria adhere to environmental surfaces in multicellular assemblies described as biofilms. Plant-associated bacteria interact with host tissue surfaces during pathogenesis and symbiosis, and in commensal relationships. Observations of bacteria associated with plants increasingly reveal biofilm-type structures that vary from small clusters of cells to extensive biofilms. The surface properties of the plant tissue, nutrient and water availability, and the proclivities of the colonizing bacteria strongly influence the resulting biofilm structure. Recent studies highlight the importance of these structures in initiating and maintaining contact with the host by examining the extent to which biofilm formation is an intrinsic component of plant-microbe interactions.
Cushing's syndrome with nodular adrenalhyperplasia in infancy

A patient with the onset of Cushing's syndrome due to nodular adrenal hyperplasiain early infancy is described. Prominent clinical features were diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, failure to thrive, and inability to lower elevated urinary stroids with dexamethasone administration. The finding of a well developed “fetal zone” of the adrenal cortex correlated well with the presence of certain Δ5,3β-hydroxysteroids in the urine which are thought to be released from this area during fetal life. The high mortality rate during the immediate postoperative period points out the necessity for (1) corticosteroid administration prior to, during, and after surgery, (2) broad spectrum antibiotic coverage, and (3) isolation techniques.
Using soil biomass as an indicator for the biological removal of effluent-derived organic carbon during soil infiltration

This study investigates the relationship between soil biomass and organic carbon removal during the infiltration of conventionally treated effluents used for groundwater recharge during soil-aquifer treatment (SAT). Investigations were conducted on samples collected from full-scale SAT sites, revealing a positive correlation between biodegradable organic carbon (BOC) concentrations in the recharged effluents and total viable soil biomass concentrations in the infiltration zone of soil samples collected from respective recharge basins. Findings of this study suggest that BOC limits soil biomass growth and was able to support a steady-state concentration of viable soil biomass that is characteristic to BOC concentrations introduced with the recharged effluents. All investigated sites indicate that BOC is primarily removed within 30 cm soil depth leading to a significant increase in soil biomass levels (measured as substrate induced respiration (SIR), total viable biomass, and dehydrogenase activity (DHA)). Controlled biological column studies revealed that the primary components of BOC in domestic effluents are organic colloids. Findings of this study support that hydrophobic acids, commonly believed to be recalcitrant, may also be attenuated by biological processes during soil infiltration.
Cumulative effects of minimal cortical stimulations

Abstract Five effects of local cortical faradic stimulation are described: ( a ) afterdischarge; ( b ) a spreading depression of the normal cortical activity; ( c ) a fast, low potential activity during the depression; ( d ) convulsoid activity, an activity resembling that recorded during experimental seizures, which may be present during the spreading depression and may replace it; ( e ) changes in the resting electroencephalogram. Changes in strength and duration of the stimulus affect mainly the afterdischarge. Repetition of a stimulus at 5 to 10 minute intervals enhances the afterdischarge and the fast low potential activity. It is the only way in which the convulsoid activity can be developed. The convulsoid activity has no peripheral motor equivalent.
Searching for medicine in Walker Percy's the Moviegoer.

Walker Percy was trained as a physician, and most of his novels are clearly invested with his concern for the medical profession. At first glance, The Moviegoer (1961) looks like the exception. It is the story of Binx Bolling, who has recently embarked on a “search,” though he cannot name its goal. Yet, the text offers numerous clues that Binx is searching for a life in medical practice. First, he exercises a sophisticated medical vocabulary and habitually assesses others’ health. Furthermore, by becoming a doctor, Binx might achieve the kind of “certification” for which he longs, defeat “the malaise,” reassert his limited respect for science, and better understand his deceased father, who was a surgeon. Finally, in Binx’s relationship with Kate, the text also offers a new model for the physician-patient relationship—one of mutual, existential commitment—thereby mapping one of the heights to which the medical profession might aspire
Occupational therapy: functional assessment of the severity of mental disorders

Note From the Column Editor: Occupational therapist Claudia Allen has developed an OT approach to assessing the psycb tric patient’s I unctioning through observation of the patient’s capacity to carry out basic daily activities. Her work has demonstratedstatistically sign:ficant associations between the patient’s classification on one of six “cognitive levels” and his functioning in the treatment setting, on the job, or at home. This occupational therapy assessment has been used in discharge placement, medication monitoring, and treatmentplanning in numerous treatment settings. Ms. Allen was awarded the 1987 Eleanor Clark Slagle Lectureship, the highest honor the profession can bestow, for her contributions to development of mental health theory.