cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology of Persistent Postsurgical Pain Manifesting as Dry Eye-Like Symptoms After Cataract Surgery.

PURPOSE To evaluate the epidemiology of persistent postsurgical pain (PPP) manifesting as dry eye (DE)-like symptoms 6 months after surgery. METHODS This single-center study included 119 individuals whose cataract surgeries were performed by a single surgeon at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and who agreed to participate in a phone survey 6 months after surgery. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the PPP group was defined as those with a Dry Eye Questionnaire-5 score ≥6 and without PPP as those with a Dry Eye Questionnaire-5 score <6 at 6 months after cataract surgery. RESULTS Mean age of the study population was 73 ± 8.0 years; 55% (n = 66) were female. PPP was present in 34% (n = 41) of individuals 6 months after surgery. Factors associated with an increased risk of PPP were female sex [odds ratio (OR) = 2.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.20-6.00, P = 0.01], autoimmune disorder (OR = 13.2, CI = 1.53-114, P = 0.007), nonocular chronic pain disorder (OR = 4.29, CI = 1.01-18.1, P = 0.06), antihistamine use (OR = 6.22, CI = 2.17-17.8, P = 0.0003), antireflux medication use (OR = 2.42, CI = 1.04-5.66, P = 0.04), antidepressant use (OR = 3.17, CI = 1.31-7.68, P = 0.01), anxiolytic use (OR = 3.38, CI = 1.11-10.3, P = 0.03), and antiinsomnia medication use (OR = 5.28, CI = 0.98-28.5, P = 0.047). PPP patients also reported more frequent use of artificial tears (P < 0.0001), higher ocular pain levels (P < 0.0001), and greater neuropathic ocular pain symptoms, including burning (P = 0.001), wind sensitivity (P = 0.001), and light sensitivity (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS PPP in the form of persistent DE-like symptoms is present in approximately 34% of individuals 6 months after cataract surgery. The frequency of PPP after cataract surgery is comparable to that of other surgeries including laser refractive surgery, dental implants, and genitourinary procedures.
From learner to teacher assistant: Community‐based service‐learning in a dual‐language classroom

The growth of Latinx populations in the United States has resulted in an increasing number of community‐based service‐learning (CBSL) opportunities. In particular, the steady growth in Spanish‐English dual‐language schools and the accompanying staff shortages position elementary classrooms as meaningful settings in which to develop relationships between postsecondary L2 Spanish learners and Spanish–speaking children and adults. This qualitative study investigated a CBSL program in which L2 Spanish learners at an urban university served as weekly teaching assistants at a local dual‐language elementary school. Data were collected from 55 reflective blog entries, two focus group sessions, and interviews with four teaching assistants. The L2 Spanish learners reported that the experience supported their language acquisition by (1) providing oral language practice outside of class, (2) facilitating linguistic self‐confidence, (3) fostering metacognitive reflection, and (4) transforming motivation and attitudes. Implications are provided regarding ways that the dual‐language classroom setting holds promise for engaging L2 Spanish learners at various levels in CBSL.
Great Plains Geology: By R.F. Diffendal, Jr. xxii + 210 pp. University of Nebraska Press, Lincoln. 2017. $14.95 (paper). ISBN: 978-0-8032-4951-6

Great Plains Geology is one of two books published so far in the Discover the Great Plains Series; the other is Great Plains Indians by David J. Wishart. Robert Diffendal’s intended audience for th...
The Quest for Increased Learning: Systematically Aligning and Assessing Learning Outcomes

Faculty at large research universities are generally more focused on research than on careful assessment of student learning. When faced with the task of assessing student learning, faculty initially have little interest and view the effort as only valuable to satisfy accreditors or other external pressures. Researchers at a large US based university have worked for over a decade to improve faculty motivation for creating and using learning outcomes. During this decade the researchers have examined which factors are most important in helping faculty understand and own this process. Most U.S. colleges and universities are being asked to: 1) publish expected learning outcomes for each of their programs, 2) provide evidence that the expected learning outcomes are realized by students, and 3) demonstrate how such data collection and analyses leads to continuous improvement of student learning, the curriculum, and the university. This is a significant challenge, especially for large schools with many students. This paper illustrates 1) obstacles and challenges, 2) innovative strategies—some technological—employed to address the obstacles and challenges, and 3) current and future strategies for improved success. Institutional, college-wide, discipline-specific, and individual faculty perspectives to a systems approach of bridging assessment, learning outcomes, and accreditation will be presented. The importance of student involvement and public scrutiny throughout the process is highlighted.
Lymphoepithelial cyst of the pancreas: A challenging diagnosis on fine needle aspiration.

Abstract Lymphoepithelial cysts (LECs) of the pancreas are rare, benign pancreatic cysts comprising approximately 0.5% of all pancreatic cysts. They occur predominantly in men in the 5th and 6th decades of life. LECs are true cysts lined by stratified squamous epithelium with adjacent subepithelial lymphoid tissue. They range in size from 1.2 to 17 cm (mean size 4.6 cm) and can arise in any part of the pancreas. 1 LEC resembles other benign and malignant pancreatic cysts clinically and radiologically. The cytomorphologic features of LECs have been described in a small number of case reports and it has been indicated that features may overlap with other benign and malignant pancreatic lesions. Herein, we report clinical, radiological, cytological and histopathological features of a pancreatic LEC in a 62-year-old male.
Spike Train Coactivity Encodes Learned Natural Stimulus Invariances in Songbird Auditory Cortex.

The capacity for sensory systems to encode relevant information that is invariant to many stimulus changes is central to normal, real-world, cognitive function. This invariance is thought to be reflected in the complex spatiotemporal activity patterns of neural populations, but our understanding of population-level representational invariance remains coarse. Applied topology is a promising tool to discover invariant structure in large datasets. Here, we use topological techniques to characterize and compare the spatiotemporal pattern of coactive spiking within populations of simultaneously recorded neurons in the secondary auditory region caudal medial neostriatum of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). We show that the pattern of population spike train coactivity carries stimulus-specific structure that is not reducible to that of individual neurons. We then introduce a topology-based similarity measure for population coactivity that is sensitive to invariant stimulus structure and show that this measure captures invariant neural representations tied to the learned relationships between natural vocalizations. This demonstrates one mechanism whereby emergent stimulus properties can be encoded in population activity, and shows the potential of applied topology for understanding invariant representations in neural populations. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Information in neural populations is carried by the temporal patterns of spikes. We applied novel mathematical tools from the field of algebraic topology to quantify the structure of these temporal patterns. We found that, in a secondary auditory region of a songbird, these patterns reflected invariant information about a learned stimulus relationship. These results demonstrate that topology provides a novel approach for characterizing neural responses that is sensitive to invariant relationships that are critical for the perception of natural stimuli.
A Probabilistic Derivation of the Formula for the Sum of a Geometric Series

The usual derivation for the sum of a geometric series involves taking limits of both sides of the algebraic identity 1+x+x2+⋯+xn=(1−xn+1)/(1−x). In this note, we provide a derivation that uses alm...
Heterotrimetallic carbon dioxide copolymerization and switchable catalysts: sodium is the key to high activity and unusual selectivity

A challenge in polymer synthesis using CO2 is to precisely control CO2 placement in the backbone and chain end groups. Here, a new catalyst class delivers unusual selectivity and is self-switched between different polymerization cycles to construct specific sequences and desirable chain-end chemistries. The best catalyst is a trinuclear dizinc(II)sodium(I) complex and it functions without additives or co-catalysts. It shows excellent rates across different ring-opening (co)polymerization catalytic cycles and allows precise control of CO2 incorporation within polyesters and polyethers, thereby allowing access to new polymer chemistries without requiring esoteric monomers, multi-reactor processes or complex post-polymerization procedures. The structures, kinetics and mechanisms of the catalysts are investigated, providing evidence for intermediate speciation and uncovering the factors governing structure and composition and thereby guiding future catalyst design.
Eco-friendly x-ray scintillators based on organic metal halide hybrids

X-ray scintillators are scintillation-based detectors, which absorb and down convert high-energy ionizing radiation into ultraviolet-visible light for detection of X-rays. They are actively used in many areas, including medical imaging, non-invasive inspection, radiation monitoring, and so on. Most of commercially available X-ray scintillators are based on inorganic single crystals, which are prepared via energy-consuming high temperature processes. To reduce energy consumption for material preparation, many organic scintillators have been developed via low temperature processes, which however have inferior performance than inorganic ones with low scintillation light yields and resolutions. Another issue of inorganic single crystal X-ray scintillators is the lack of flexibility, which could limit their applications in many areas where curved surfaces are present. It is there of great interest to develop new generation high performance X-ray scintillators that could be facilely prepared, flexible, and eco-friendly. In this talk, I will present our recent efforts on the development and study of highly efficient eco-friendly X-ray scintillation materials based on organic metal halide hybrids, which exhibit many advantages over conventional X-ray scintillation materials, e.g. (i) facile preparation via wet chemistry at room temperature using low cost rare-earth free raw materials, (ii) tunable visible emissions with near-unity photoluminescence quantum efficiencies, and (iii) higher light yields than most of conventional commercially available scintillators. X-ray imaging tests have shown that these new scintillators provide an excellent visualization tool for X-ray radiography, and high resolution flexible scintillators can be fabricated by blending these materials with appropriate polymers.
Development and Evaluation of a Research-Driven Health Communication Campaign to Increase Fruit and Vegetable Consumption Among SNAP-Eligible Ohio Adults:

Background:Despite evidence of the protective effects of a diet high in fruits and vegetables, intake among Ohio adults remains low. A health communication campaign is an attractive behavior change...
Piloting a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Needs Assessment to Explore Patron Perceptions at a University Health Science Library

Objective: A pilot diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) needs assessment was conducted at a health sciences library. The objectives were to 1) quantitatively assess patrons’ attitudes towards the existing DEI climate in the library and 2) qualitatively identify contextual factors influencing patrons’ perceptions. Population: The assessment was led by a DEI Team at the University of Florida’s Health Science Center Libraries (HSCL). HSCL serves the university’s six health science colleges from two sites, Gainesville and Jacksonville. HSCL Gainesville was selected as the study location, due to higher annual footfall within the physical library. Methods: Two “HappyOrNot” customer satisfaction machines were placed by library exits. Twelve DEI-related questions were displayed on the machines, one question per week, for the duration of 12 weeks total. Additionally, a box for open-ended comments was placed by each machine. Findings: The total number of responses was 3,445, with 7 written comments. Overall, respondents felt happiest with the library’s welcoming and home-like environment. The library was perceived by many as a physically safe space. Most also felt that the library demonstrates a commitment to DEI and that they are treated fairly, equitably, and with respect by library staff. Areas of concern were a perceived lack of respect from other library visitors, as well as library services for patrons with disabilities and non-native English language speakers. Conclusions: The project enabled the HSCL to gather important information concerning patrons’ perceptions of the library’s DEI climate and their associated needs. The HappyOrNot machines provided a straightforward and convenient method for patron feedback, resulting in an impressive number of responses. However, limitations of the pilot included the inability to obtain participants’ demographic information, as well as the anecdotal evidence indicating that some respondents did not read the questions. Future plans therefore involve a follow-up online survey with detailed demographic questions.
Burton's Tyrosine Kinase Inhibition by Ibrutinib: Current Status

Burton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a nonreceptor/cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase that modulates the downstream signaling pathway of B-cell receptor (BCR) [1]. Aberrant BCR signaling including upregulation of tyrosine kinases i.e. Lyn, Syk and Btk is a common feature in lymphoid malignancies such as Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL) and other Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) [2]. Therefore, inhibition of tyrosine kinases is an attractive treatment option in these lymphoid malignancies. Ibrutinib (formerly PCI-32765) is a first-in-human, orally bioavailable small molecule inhibitor of BTK that has shown potent clinical activity in majority of CD20 positive B-cell malignancies. Based on high response rate, tolerability and safety data, Imbruvica/Ibrutinib has recently been approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of MCL (in November 2013) and CLL (in February 2014) with at least one prior therapy. It is now under evaluation as front line therapy in other subtypes of NHL and is explored for combination with other drugs.
Neurospora crassa Cytochrome c: II. CHYMOTRYPTIC PEPTIDES, TRYPTIC PEPTIDES, CYANOGEN BROMIDE PEPTIDES, AND THE COMPLETE AMINO ACID SEQUENCE

Abstract The complete amino acid sequence of Neurospora crassa cytochrome c has been determined. The molecule consists of a single polypeptide chain containing 107 residues. The NH2-terminal residue is glycine, and the COOH-terminal residue is alanine. There are 39 amino acid differences between the cytochromes of N. crassa and those of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, whereas there are 43 amino acid differences between the cytochromes c of Neurospora and human heart. For all of the presently known cytochromes c, the number of amino acids which occupy the same position is reduced to 39. N. crassa cytochrome c has only 2 histidine residues in positions 18 and 33, whereas tuna fish cytochrome has 2 histidine residues in positions 18 and 26. It is suggested that the histidine residue in position 18 contributes the fifth ligand to the heme iron, and that the sixth ligand in cytochrome c is not formed with histidine or with another nitrogenous group, but with an unknown ligand.
Gender Jeopardy: What is the Impact of Gender Differences in Political Knowledge on Political Participation?*

Objective. We explore whether observed sex-based differences in political knowledge have an impact on men's and women's participation in six different political activities. Methods. Utilizing ANES data from the five presidential elections between 1984 and 2000, we employ logistic regression to estimate the likelihood of voting, influencing a vote, attending a political meeting, working on a political campaign, wearing a political button, and making a campaign donation. Results. At lower levels of political knowledge, women's lower political knowledge depresses their participation in politics. The participation gap disappears at higher levels of political knowledge for three participatory acts: attempting to influence a vote, attending a political meeting, and donating to a political campaign. Furthermore, at higher levels of political knowledge, women are more likely than men to vote, wear a political button, or work for political campaigns. Conclusion. Our analysis reveals that political knowledge differentially affects men's and women's political participation. These findings complement existing scholarship that finds women hold themselves to a higher standard before engaging in political activities such as running for elected office.
Integrating CNF and BDD based SAT solvers

This paper presents an integrated infrastructure of CNF and BDD based tools to solve the Boolean Satisfiability problem. We use both CNF and BDDs not only as a means of representation, but also to efficiently analyze, prune and guide the search. We describe a method to successfully re-orient the decision making strategies of contemporary CNF tools in a manner that enables an efficient integration with BDDs. Keeping in mind that BDDs suffer from memory explosion problems, we describe learning-based search space pruning techniques that augment the already employed conflict analysis procedures of CNF tools. Our infrastructure is targeted towards solving those hard-to-solve instances where contemporary CNF tools invest significant search times. Experiments conducted over a wide range of benchmarks demonstrate the promise of our approach.
Structural consequences of electron-transfer reactions

Phase-selective ac polarography has been used to measure the electron transfer parameters of (η4-cyclooctatetraene)iron tricarbonyl in N,N-dimethylformamide with tetra-n-butylammonium hexafluorophosphate as supporting electrolyte. Uncorrected ks values of 0.24 and 0.15 cm s−1 were measured for the processes (COT)Fe(CO)30/1− and (COT)Fe(CO)31−/2−, respectively. An α of 0.52 was measured for each wave. These results were compared to those previously reported for the free cyclooctatetraene ligand, and it was concluded that no large structural changes accompany the reduction of the COT—metal compound, in either the first or second one-electron step.
Who is the 'I' in "I Love You"?: The Negotiation of Gay and Lesbian Identities in Former East Berlin, Germany

In 1998, I had the incredibly rewarding experience of doing audio-taped, in-depth conversational interviews with 100 people in Berlin, Germany who were in long-term committed same-sex relationships. They had volunteered to help me study the linguistic strategies involved in negotiating family integration for their partners. Central to the construction of such relationships is the positioning of each individual in terms of social identities. I'm going to discuss how a number of discursive patterns participate in what I will call a 'stagnation' in the development ofhomosexual identities, a purposely pejorative term to reflect the anxiety and frustration expressed by interviewees. Although nearly all of these people currently refer to themselves as either lesbisch ('lesbian') or schwul ('gay') and are committed to fluid gay and lesbian, and in some cases queer identities, there are notable differences between the narratives of people socialized on opposite sides of the Wall in the pre-unification Germanies; this is much more pronounced in women, than in men.
Rapid Thermal Annealing Effects in InxGal−xAs/GaAs Strained-Layer Superlattices

The effect of repetitive rapid thermal annealing (RTA) at 800{degrees}C was investigated in the strained-layer superlattices (SLC's) In{sub .2}Ga{sub .8}As/GaAs (80{Angstrom}/80{Angstrom}) and In{sub .3}Ga{sub .7}As/GaAs (80{Angstrom}/80{Angstrom}) using photoluminescence (PL) and the highly sensitive absorption technique photothermal deflection spectroscopy (PDS). The samples were repetitively annealed at 800{degrees}C for 15 second intervals up to a total time of 45 seconds. Between each anneal, PL spectra were taken at 1.4 K. PL measurements show initial red shifts and subsequent blue shifts with increased annealing times. These shifts were accompanied by a decrease in the intensity of the PL peaks. PDS absorption data were measured at room temperature for the as-grown materials and for the 45 seconds RTA. The PDS data measured at room temperature for 0 and 45 seconds RTA were consistent with the PL data. The spectral shifts may indicate a competition between the effects of thermally driven strain relaxation and chemical interdiffusion. 5 refs., 6 figs.
Some Observations and Suggestions Concerning a Misnomer – “Protected” Concerted Activities

Professor Schatzki observes that the National Labor Relations Board and the courts have not adequately protected the rights of individual employees to engage in section 7 concerted activities. He suggests that the National Labor Relations Act should be interpreted to allow employees to participate in 'partial strikes' without being, in the Board's terms, 'permanently replaced.' Indeed, Professor Schatzki argues, employees should never be terminated for engaging in concerted activities unless they know or should know that their conduct is illegal.
Perceived Preparedness to Provide Preventive Counseling: Reports of Graduating Primary Care Residents at Academic Health Centers

OBJECTIVE: To assess the perceived preparedness of residents in adult primary care specialties to counsel patients about preventive care and psychosocial issues. DESIGN: Cross-sectional national mail survey of residents (63% response rate). PARTICIPANTS: Nine hundred twenty-eight final-year primary care residents in Internal Medicine (IM), family practice (FP), and Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN) at 162 U.S. academic health centers. MEASUREMENTS: Residents self-rated preparedness to counsel patients about smoking, diet and exercise, substance abuse, domestic violence, and depression. RESULTS: Residents felt better prepared to counsel about smoking (62%) and diet and exercise (53%) than about depression (37%), substance abuse (36%), or domestic violence (21%). In most areas, females felt better prepared than males. Rates of counseling preparedness varied significantly by specialty after adjustment for gender, race, medical school location, and percent of training spent in ambulatory settings. FP residents felt better prepared than OB/GYN residents to counsel about smoking, diet and exercise, and depression, while OB/GYN residents felt better prepared to address domestic violence than IM or FP residents. IM residents’ perceptions of preparedness were between the other 2 specialties. Proportion of training spent in ambulatory settings was not associated with residents’ perceived preparedness. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians completing residencies in adult primary care did not feel very well prepared to counsel patients about preventive and psychosocial issues. Significant differences exist among specialties, even after adjusting for differences in time spent in ambulatory settings. Increasing residency time in ambulatory settings may not alone be sufficient to ensure that residents emerge with adequate counseling skills.
Robust properties of membrane-embedded connector channel of bacterial virus phi29 DNA packaging motor.

Biological systems contain highly-ordered macromolecular structures with diverse functions, inspiring their utilization in nanotechnology. A motor allows linear dsDNA viruses to package their genome into a preformed procapsid. The central component of the motor is the portal connector that acts as a pathway for the translocation of dsDNA. The elegant design of the connector and its channel motivates its application as an artificial nanopore (Nature Nanotechnology, 4, 765–772). Herein, we demonstrate the robust characteristics of the connector of the bacteriophage phi29 DNA packaging motor by single pore electrophysiological assays. The conductance of each pore is almost identical and is perfectly linear with respect to the applied voltage. Numerous transient current blockade events induced by dsDNA are consistent with the dimensions of the channel and dsDNA. Furthermore, the connector channel is stable under a wide range of experimental conditions including high salt and pH 2–12. The robust properties of the connector nanopore made it possible to develop a simple reproducible approach for connector quantification. The precise number of connectors in each sheet of the membrane was simply derived from the slopes of the plot of voltage against current. Such quantifications led to a reliable real time counting of DNA passing through the channel. The fingerprint of DNA translocation in this system has provided a new tool for future biophysical and physicochemical characterizations of DNA transportation, motion, and packaging.
Chemical Toxicants Activate Murine Ovarian Ascitic Tumor Cells for In Situ Lipofection

Cisplatin-induced enhancement of lipofection was tested for the involvement of cell death via reactive oxygen species (ROS).A direct injection of exogenous ROS into tumor-bearing mice significantly sensitized tumor cells for in situ lipofection. Chemotherapeutic drugs, independent of ROS production, also significantly facilitated transduction, which was maximum at nontoxic or subtoxic doses and was host independent. Transplatin and pro-oxidants, having no antitumor activity, significantly facilitated transduction, while antioxidants had little effect. These results suggest that cisplatinfacilitated lipofection in tumor cells may be a general phenomenon of toxic chemicals inducing cell death in a mammalian system.
Comparison of self-thinning models: an exercise in reasoning

Self-thinning of forest stands is one of the clearest and best-documented examples of natural selection. Besides their theoretical interest, understanding of self-thinning is important for forest practice because it produces estimates of stand density and stocking. There is a considerable diversity of views on the processes causing self-thinning, predicting variables, and analytical form of models. The most popular model was proposed by Reineke (J Agric Res 46(7):627–638, 1933) over 70 years ago. This study compares existing models of self-thinning and provides evidence that the virtually unknown model developed by Artur Nilson describes self-thinning more realistically than Reineke’s. While in the Reineke model the rate of mortality (the slope of self-thinning line) is assumed to be constant, it changes from 0 to −2 in Nilson’s model. As a result, Nilson’s model is slightly but consistently more accurate than Reineke’s. Although both models are empirical, their analysis suggests several general conclusions about self-thinning.
Cardiac Doppler: A Review

Doppler echocardiography, when used alone and in conjunction with two-dimensional echocardiography, provides information pertaining to intracardiac blood flow dynamics. Pulsed Doppler techniques have the ability to localize intracardiac blood flow velocity patterns. This allows for the interrogation of specific cardiac chambers for both normal and abnormal flow. Disorders such as intracardiac shunts, valvular regurgitation, and stenotic lesions can be detected and evaluated with this technique. The location, duration, and timing of flow velocity information can be assessed, allowing diagnoses to be made with this technique that could not be made with imaging alone. Continuous-wave Doppler allows for evaluation of maximal velocity information, which can be used to quantitate intracardiac pressure information such as the gradient across a stenotic valve or the pressure drop across a regurgitant valve. A new twodimensional color flow mapping system provides a noninvasive method for evaluating intracardiac bl...
Abnormalities of thyroid function and glucose control in subjects with Rett syndrome

We have identified subtle abnormalities of thyroid function and glucose control in patients with Rett syndrome. The mean serum total thyroxine (T4) concentration was significantly lower in
Evolving soft robotic locomotion in PhysX

Given the complexity of the problem, genetic algorithms are one of the more promising methods of discovering control schemes for soft robotics. Since physically embodied evolution is time consuming and expensive, an outstanding challenge lies in developing fast and suitably realistic simulations in which to evolve soft robot gaits. We describe two parallel methods of using NVidia's PhysX, a hardware-accelerated (GPGPU) physics engine, in order to evolve and optimize soft bodied gaits. The first method involves the evolution of open-loop gaits using a reduced-order lumped parameter model. The second method involves harnessing PhysX's soft-bodied material simulation capabilites. In each case we discuss the the challenges and possibilities involved in using the PhysX for evolutionary soft robotics.
Fungal diseases of amphibians: an overview

Clinicians should be familiar with the most common fungal diseases of amphibians. Because lesions in mycotic diseases are nonspecific, a diagnosis cannot be established solely on the basis of clinical presentation. Bacterial, mycobacterial, chlamydial, and parasitic infections, and toxic or environmental conditions may mimic mycotic disease to various extents. Furthermore, mycoses may be masked by overwhelming secondary bacterial infection and therefore remain undiagnosed. Skin scrapings, impression smears, biopsies, and fungal culture are all useful tools in confirming or dismissing a diagnosis of mycosis. Whenever possible, an effort should be made to forward samples and biopsies for culture to appropriate laboratories. Providing the laboratory with a tentative etiologic diagnosis may allow for specific selection of more specific agars and culture conditions and maximize the chances of recovering the fungus from lesions. Identification to species level should also be encouraged, if progress is to be made in the understanding of mycoses in amphibians. The morphology of an isolate should be consistent with the microscopic features of the fungus in histological sections of affected tissues, if it is to be firmly incriminated as the cause of disease. A complete necropsy should be conducted on animals that die or are found dead, and, ideally, isolates from confirmed cases of fungal infection should be deposited in scientific collections, so that they are available for later studies. In addendum, readers should be aware that there is recent evidence to suggest that at least some published cases of amphibian basidiobolomycosis were in fact cases of chytridiomycosis [38], and therefore the validity of basidiobolomycosis as a disease entity in amphibians may be revisited in the years to come.
An analysis of allegations of sexual abuse in a multi-victim day-care center case.

Sexual abuse in day-care centers is a phenomenon of increasing concern, both in terms of its prevalence and its serious effects on child victims. Legal intervention in this area is problematic because criminal investigations are usually beset with difficulties: Characteristics of children and of the abuse situation affect disclosure rates and credibility. Research on children as witnesses is amassing; however, so far, little systematic analysis has been conducted on multi-victim child sexual abuse cases. The present study concerns a case of sexual abuse in a day-care center with over 100 alleged victims. Criteria derived from Statement Validity Analysis (SVA) protocols were applied to aggregate record review data to assess the veritability of the abuse allegations. Individual children's abuse disclosures were also analyzed, vis-a-vis characteristics of the children (age, gender, recency of attendance) and of the investigation (agency doing the interview, number of interviews, use of anatomically detailed dolls). The use of SVA criteria supported the veritability of allegations in this day-care abuse case. Even acknowledging the limitations of archival data collected for other purposes, the aggregate data analysis reflected consistency, logical structure, and spontaneity; however, little evidence of accommodation was found. Multivariate comparison of disclosing and nondisclosing children found an unexpected inverse relationship of disclosure with age, as well as positive associations with number of interviews and use of dolls. Alternative interpretations of these results are discussed.
Review of computer-mediated collaborative concept mapping: implication for future research

In this paper we critically review and analyze previous research on collaborative concept mapping in both face-to-face and networked environments. Although research has shown the positive effects of collaborative concept mapping on learning in face-to-face learning environments, there is a dearth of research which specifically focuses on the potential value of adopting collaborative concept mapping in online learning environments. Newly developed concept mapping software which operates via the Internet makes it possible for distance learners to implement concept mapping as a learning tool for co-constructing knowledge. Using our analysis of current research we provide some directions for future research in the use of concept mapping for online learning.
A tool kit for practice-based research.

Clinicians must not only be consumers of research but must contribute to the body of evidence supporting the care that they provide to patients. Pharmacists in practice have a particularly important vantage point from which they can identify important research questions and observe whether new
Distribution of Helicobacter pylori organisms in the stomachs of children with H. pylori infection

Histology has been recognized as the gold standard for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in children. For ethical reasons, the number of mucosal biopsies obtained during endoscopic procedures is limited in the pediatric population. The aim of this study was to identify the optimal location where Hp organisms are colonized. Children who were scheduled for upper endoscopic procedures were prospectively recruited for the study. At least 2 mucosal biopsy samples were obtained from the following anatomic locations: greater curvature (mid-fundus [B3], mid-body [B1], and mid-antrum [A1] and lesser curvature mid-body [B2], incisura angularis [A3], and mid-antrum [A2]). In addition, a biopsy sample for a rapid urease test was obtained. The biopsy samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Giemsa for the detection of inflammation and Hp colonization. The degree of mucosal inflammation and Hp colonization was assessed. The study group comprised 206 children, of whom 16 (8%) were positive for Hp infection. Hp colonization was significantly greater in the antral locations (A1, A2, and A3) than the body locations (B1, B2, and B3) (P <.001). The degree of mucosal inflammation correlated with the presence of Hp organisms, Hp density, and antral location. The mid-antrum location (A2) was superior for the detection of Hp organisms. The antrum, especially mid-antrum, at the lesser curvature is the best location in which to detect Hp organisms in children who have not recently used antibiotics or proton pump inhibitor medications.
Genomic Biomarkers for Molecular Imaging: Predicting the Future

Over the past few decades, great strides have been made in anatomical imaging of disease that has led to their diagnosis with minimal invasion. Despite these advances, diseases such as cancer continue to take one human life every minute in the United States. Complimentary approaches that pertain directly to the genesis of the disease might contribute to its early diagnosis and subsequent management. In cancer, an array of molecular abnormalities leading to the modulations in expression of key proteins important in the cellular signaling pathways and cell proliferation has been identified. These specific disease fingerprints, biomarkers, are overexpressed on malignant cell surfaces or within the cytoplasm, and they provide unique targets that are promising for improving cancer diagnosis and therapy. We and others have designed, synthesized, and evaluated some novel probes specific for those oncogenes and oncogene product biomarkers for PET and SPECT molecular imaging of certain types of cancers. This article briefly describes this approach and gives specific examples that depict the ability of molecular imaging to detect occult lesions not detectable by current scintigraphic approaches. The article also outlines a few examples predicting other possible applications of targeting such specific probes not yet used.
The Transformation of American Political Space 1982–2002

The range of acceptable positions about important political issues defines the political space of society. This article presents a model of how political space is transformed over time based upon linear differential equations. Constructable transformations of political space are ones that can be modeled by such equations and thus can result from gradual evolutionary change. A constructable transformation also preserves the distinctness of political positions, which means that distinct political positions remain different throughout the process of change. Non-constructable transformations, on the other hand, cannot be represented in this way because they embody political discontinuities of some kind. A simple typology of constructable transformations is discussed and illustrated. Methods of estimating the political space transformation model are outlined and applied to General Social Survey data for 1982, 1993, and 2002. This leads to an analysis of how American political space transformed from 1982 to 199...
A rate-dependent algebraic stress model for turbulence

Abstract Based on the stress transport model, a rate-dependent algebraic expression for the Reynolds stress tensor is developed. It is shown that the new model includes the normal stress effects and exhibits viscoelastic behavior. Furthermore, it is compatible with recently developed improved models of turbulence. The model is also consistent with the limiting behavior of turbulence in the inertial sublayer and is capable of predicting secondary flows in noncircular ducts. The TEACH code is modified according to the requirements of the rate-dependent model and is used to predict turbulent flow fields in a channel and behind a backward-facing step. The predicted results are compared with the available experimental data and those obtained from the standard k-ϵ and algebraic stress models. It is shown that the predictions of the new model are in better agreements with the experimental data.
Autoantibodies to zona pellucida: a possible cause for infertility in women

Human and pig ovaries were tested by agar gel diffusion and found to contain several cross-reacting (common) antigens. At least one common antigen was located in the zona pellucida as determined by indirect immunofluorescence. Serum samples from 22 infertile women were tested on pig eggs by immunofluorescence, and six of these samples produced strong and nine produced moderate reactions with the zona pellucida. The autoantibodies may be responsible for infertility in these women.
Efficacy of oral potassium chloride administration in treating lactating dairy cows with experimentally induced hypokalemia, hypochloremia, and alkalemia

Hypokalemia occurs commonly in lactating dairy cows. The objectives of this study were to determine (1) whether a 24-h oral KCl dose of 0.4 g/kg of body weight (BW) was effective and safe in hypokalemic cattle; (2) whether potassium was best administered as 2 large doses or multiple smaller doses over a 24-h period; and (3) the effect of oral KCl administration on plasma Mg concentration and urine Mg excretion in fasted lactating dairy cattle. Plasma K and Cl concentrations were decreased, and blood pH increased, in 15 lactating Holstein-Friesian cows by administering 2 intramuscular (i.m.) 10-mg injections of isoflupredone acetate 24h apart followed by 2 i.m. injections of furosemide (1mg/kg of BW) 8h apart and by decreasing feed intake. Cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups with 5 cows/group: untreated control (group C); oral administration of KCl at 0.05 g/kg of BW 8 times at 3-h intervals (group K3); and oral administration of KCl at 0.2g/kg of BW twice at 12-h intervals (group K12). A 24-h KCl dose rate of 0.4 g/kg of BW increased plasma and milk K concentration and plasma Cl concentration, and corrected the metabolic alkalosis and alkalemia, with no clinically significant difference between 2 large doses (group K12) or multiple small doses (group K3) of KCl over 24 h. Oral KCl administration decreased peripheral fat mobilization in cattle with experimentally induced hypokalemia, as measured by changes in plasma nonesterified fatty acid concentration, and slightly augmented the fasting-induced decrease in plasma Mg concentration. Our findings support recommendations for a 24-h oral KCl dose of 0.4 g/kg of BW for treating moderately hypokalemic cattle. Additional Mg may need to be administered to inappetant lactating dairy cattle being treated with oral KCl to minimize K-induced decreases in magnesium absorption.
Protein Acylation Regulates Metabolism

Proteins are decorated with a suite of chemical modifications, which regulate their activity and overall metabolic homeostasis. The most well-studied lysine modification is acetylation, and hyperacetylation of several proteins leads to metabolic dysfunction and potentially contributes to human disease. More recently, new chemical modifications that regulate protein activity have emerged, including succinylation and malonylation, however little is known about the biology regulated by these modifications. The suite of acyl-based chemical modifications of mitochondrial proteins is regulated by a family of NAD+-dependent deacetylase enzymes call the sirtuins (SIRT1-7), which have also been termed “deacylases” for their new enzymatic activities. We recently discovered new protein modifications present on cellular proteins, which provides important insight into the regulatory role of the sirtuins.
The dynamics, transmission, and population impacts of avian malaria in native Hawaiian birds: a modeling approach

We developed an epidemiological model of avian malaria (Plasmodium relictum) across an altitudinal gradient on the island of Hawaii that includes the dynamics of the host, vector, and parasite. This introduced mosquito-borne disease is hypothesized to have contributed to extinctions and major shifts in the altitudinal distribution of highly susceptible native forest birds. Our goal was to better understand how biotic and abiotic factors influence the intensity of malaria transmission and impact on susceptible populations of native Hawaiian forest birds. Our model illustrates key patterns in the malaria-forest bird system: high malaria transmission in low-elevation forests with minor seasonal or annual variation in infection; episodic transmission in mid-elevation forests with site-to-site, seasonal, and annual variation depending on mosquito dynamics; and disease refugia in high-elevation forests with only slight risk of infection during summer. These infection patterns are driven by temperature and rainfall effects on parasite incubation period and mosquito dynamics across an elevational gradient and the availability of larval habitat, especially in mid-elevation forests. The results from our model suggest that disease is likely a key factor in causing population decline or restricting the distribution of many susceptible Hawaiian species and preventing the recovery of other vulnerable species. The model also provides a framework for the evaluation of factors influencing disease transmission and alternative disease control programs, and to evaluate the impact of climate change on disease cycles and bird populations.
The behavioral hierarchy of the molluskPleurobranchaea

Feeding behavior and the effect of its occurrence on other, unrelated behaviors were studied in the carnivorous marine gastropodPleurobranchaea calif arnica. The threshold of the feeding response is low and stable: it does not change in a circadian fashion (Fig. 1); it does not change during different behavioral states such as mating (Table 4) and quiescence (“sleep” Table 5); the threshold does not change following aversive electric shock to the oral veil (Table 1); and it does not change with repeated application of food stimuli (Fig. 2). In the present paper only two physiological variables were found to elevate the feeding response threshold; excessive mechanical stimulation (Figs. 3, 4) and satiation with food (Fig. 5).
Resonance Scattering of Slow Neutrons on Indium

The scattering of slow neutrons by indium was observed by using a crystal spectrometer as a monoenergetic neutron source. Thin scattering samples were placed in the neutron beam with the plane of the samples at a small angle to the incident beam. The samples therefore appeared thick for the transmitted neutrons but thin for neutrons scattered at right angles to the direction of the incident beam. A measurement of the scattered and the transmitted neutrons gives $\frac{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{s}}{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{t}}$. The total cross section ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{t}$ was also measured in the energy range from 0.3 to 11 ev and the value of ${\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{s}$ then computed. Both the total cross section and $\frac{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{s}}{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{t}}$ results could be well matched to the Breit-Wigner formulas from 0.3 to 3 ev with the same set of parameters, assuming that the spin of the compound state in ${\mathrm{In}}^{116}$ for the 1.456-ev level was 5. No determination of the spin state of the compound nucleus could be made for higher levels.
A Community Engaged Curriculum for Public Service Psychiatry Fellowship Training

Transforming the mental health system into a recovery oriented, integrated system of care requires a psychiatric work force that understands the relationship between recovery processes and community living. Fellowship programs in public and community psychiatry contribute to this transformation by educating psychiatrists about recovery, system dynamics, leadership, effective administration and community involvement. This paper describes a novel approach to fellowship programming that accomplishes these aims through an organizational strategy that emphasizes community engagement. After describing the administrative background for the program, we describe how the content curriculum and teaching process focus on the engagement of community members—both service users and service providers—as participating faculty. The faculty includes over 100 consumers, family members, advocacy group representatives, clinicians, and administrators. We present evaluation data obtained from 45 of the 100 community and university faculty who participated in the first 2 years’ of the fellowship and conclude with a critique and recommendations for further progress in community engaged fellowship training.