cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Exploration of affordances of visuo-haptic simulations to learn the concept of friction

We explored the affordances of using visuo-haptic simulations to improve conceptual understanding and representational competence of the concept of friction. Visuohaptic simulations are computer-based simulations that encode mathematical and physical models of certain phenomena and provide visual and tactile feedback. Users can see the simulation and feel the friction with their hand by using a special device connected to a computer. We hypothesized that visual and haptic feedback together can help students to improve learning of friction. We recruited 24 engineering technology students with a previous experience in at least one physics course, and we examined their reasoning and understanding about statics concepts before and after engaging with visuo-haptic simulations. Our instructional approach included four steps: 1) lecture about friction, 2) pretest, 3) laboratory session, and 4) posttest. The laboratory session consisted of a pre-training session, guided learning materials based on a constructivist framework, and use of the friction visuo-haptic simulation. We report students' prior conceptions of statics concepts, ways in which they interacted and reasoned with each of the different pedagogical tools, and compared reasoning processes, explanations and learning gains. Our results suggest that the visuo-haptic simulation helped students refine their explanations and increased the coherence between their verbal explanation and mathematical representation.
Controlling Data Base Access

Data base security can be defined as the protection of the data base from unauthorized access and/or modification.(1) This protection is not completely provided by procedures that ensure data base integrity since security violations do not necessarily compromise data base integrity. For example, the dba may wish to restrict the operation of retrieving a record from the Employee data base to individuals who hold managerial positions. If an individual who is not a manager does manage to retrieve an Employee record, this act is a security violation but does not impair the integrity of the data base. Thus a comprehensive plan for data base security must include but also go beyond integrity measures.
Marketing your university on social media: a content analysis of Facebook post types and formats

Many schools put a great deal of emphasis on their social media marketing strategies – updating and maintaining their social media channels with the purpose of building identity by connecting with ...
Green Mind Gray Yard: Micro Scale Assessment of Ecosystem Services

There is a spatial mismatch between the size of the area where people are living and the extent of land needed to ecologically support developed areas. More people are living in urban areas than any time in history, and the resources need to support cities have had to expand to try and meet the demands of increasing urban populations. However, areas of opportunity exist for urban areas to begin to positively contribute towards the available resources in a region. Because a large portion of urban areas is within private control, gaining a baseline understanding of how residents interact with ecosystem services served as basis of this study. Using a survey of residents in the Portland, OR area, correlations between demographic groups and questions regarding their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors as they relate to vegetation proved that the knowledge of environmental relationships is an important first step in creating proenvironmental behavior. Those reporting a high level of knowledge for ecological system and processes were more likely to value the benefits of vegetation for other associated reasons, such as for recreational activities, aesthetic purposes, and air or water quality. Additionally, survey responses were mapped to spatial data to gain an understanding of the spatial characteristics of neighborhoods in the survey area and how they have changed over time. Overall, the results in the study display trends that can help outreach organizations and municipalities to determine plans to strategically engage the public in a way that could create a net gain in urban ecosystem services.
Managerial Compensation and Private Foundation Performance

We investigate the relationship between private foundation performance and managerial pay. Private foundations are an unusual organizational form in that after the death of the founder, there are no donors or other external constituencies with the power and incentives to discipline management. Therefore, we expect that the pay-performance relationship may be negative. Because the purpose of a private foundation is to generate investment returns to be distributed to charities, we examine investment performance as well as administrative efficiency. Using a large sample of U.S. foundations over the period 1997-2005, we document that the relationship between pay and performance is negative in both levels and changes models and for both administrative and investment performance. Our findings contrast with studies investigating public charities and for-profit organizations which have generally found a positive pay-performance relationship. Our evidence suggests that foundations are often poorly monitored and foundation managers are often rewarded for poor performance. We discuss potential implications for policy makers concerned about foundation governance.
The Brownian Motion, and Other Processes in Continuous Time

As we have seen, a sequence of random variables can describe how some process evolves in time. For example, the gambler’s accumulated winnings at time n, that is, after the nth play of a game of chance, is given by the random variable Sn = Xl +...Xn, where the X’s are independent random variables representing the gambler’s winnings at each play of the game. For convenience, we can think of the subscript n of any such sequence of random variables as denoting the nth moment of time, and the value of the random variable Sn as the measurement made at that moment. The sequence therefore represents a “picture” of the evolution of the process at the times 1, 2 ,... .
Ontogenetic changes in cutaneous and branchial ionocytes and morphology in yellowfin tuna ( Thunnus albacares ) larvae

The development of osmoregulatory and gas exchange organs was studied in larval yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) from 2 to 25 days post-hatching (2.9-24.5 mm standard length, SL). Cutaneous and branchial ionocytes were identified using Na+/K+-ATPase immunostaining and scanning electron microscopy. Cutaneous ionocyte abundance significantly increased with SL, but a reduction in ionocyte size and density resulted in a significant decrease in relative ionocyte area. Cutaneous ionocytes in preflexion larvae had a wide apical opening with extended microvilli; however, microvilli retracted into an apical pit from flexion onward. Lamellae in the gill and pseudobranch were first detected ~ 3.3 mm SL. Ionocytes were always present on the gill arch, first appeared in the filaments and lamellae of the pseudobranch at 3.4 mm SL, and later in gill filaments at 4.2 mm SL, but were never observed in the gill lamellae. Unlike the cutaneous ionocytes, gill and pseudobranch ionocytes had a wide apical opening with extended microvilli throughout larval development. The interlamellar fusion, a specialized gill structure binding the lamellae of ram-ventilating fish, began forming by ~ 24.5 mm SL and contained ionocytes, a localization never before reported. Ionocytes were retained on the lamellar fusions and also found on the filament fusions of larger sub-adult yellowfin tuna; however, sub-adult gill ionocytes had apical pits. These results indicate a shift in gas exchange and NaCl secretion from the skin to branchial organs around the flexion stage, and reveal novel aspects of ionocyte localization and morphology in ram-ventilating fishes.
Niobium Doping in BiVO4: Interplay Between Effective Mass, Stability, and Pressure

We have applied density functional theory to study the electronic structure changes caused by Nb incorporation in BiVO4 and the application of external pressure. The overall solubility of Nb in BiVO4 is usually high, and the presence of oxygen vacancies affect the dopability of Nb in BiVO4 . Through the analyses of the chemical-potential landscape, we have determined the single-phase stability zone of BiVO4 with the Nb doping. The most favorable Nb doping is simultaneous substitutions at both V- and Bi-sites. Even though Nb substitution at only V-site is next favorable, the band gap change is not very significant which agrees with an earlier experiment. However, it does change the electron effective mass by 20 % owing to the presence of Nb 4d bands in the conduction bands, which explains better catalytic activity by Nb-doped BiVO4 . In addition, application of external pressure the single-phase stability zone in the chemical-potential landscape. We have also focused on the local structural distortions near the Nb doping site, especially on the BiO8 octahedra. We have shown here that pressure-induced symmetrization of BiO8 dodecahedron lowers the electron's effective mass further and therefore can help to improve the photoconduction property of BiVO4 .
Human Urine as a Fertilizer in the Cultivation of Snap Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and Turnips (Brassica rapa)

The main reason for implementing human urine diversion is to produce a local and renewable source of fertilizer for agriculture. Accordingly, the goal of this research was to compare human urine fe...
Differentiating spatial from environmental effects on foliar fungal communities of Populus trichocarpa

AIM: Foliar fungi – pathogens, endophytes, epiphytes – form taxonomically diverse communities that affect plant health and productivity. The composition of foliar fungal communities is variable at spatial scales both small (e.g. individual plants) and large (e.g. continents), yet few studies have attempted to tease apart spatial from climatic factors influencing these communities. Moreover, few studies have sampled in more than 1 year to gauge interannual variation in community structure. LOCATION: The Pacific Northwest of western North America. TAXON: Foliar fungi associated with the deciduous tree Populus trichocarpa. METHODS: In two consecutive years, we used DNA metabarcoding to characterize foliar fungal communities of Populus trichocarpa across its geographic range, which encompasses a sharp climatic transition as it crosses the Cascade Mountain Range. We used multivariate analyses to (a) test for and differentiate spatial and environmental factors affecting community composition and (b) test for temporal variation in community composition across spatial and environmental gradients. RESULTS: In both study years, we found that foliar fungal community composition varied among sites and between regions (east vs. west of the Cascades). We found that climate explained more variation in community composition than geographic distance, although the majority of variation explained by each was shared. We also found that interannual variation in community composition depended on environmental context: communities located in the dry, eastern portion of the tree's geographic range varied more between study years than those located in the wet, western portion of the tree's range. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the environment plays a greater role in structuring foliar fungal communities than dispersal limitation.
Calvarial Bone Graft Harvesting Techniques

As reconstruction of the craniomaxillofacial (CMF) skeleton has evolved in the treatment of traumatic, oncologic, congenital, and esthetic deformities, so have the requirements for various restorative materials. The hardware for rigid internal fixation now permits the necessary structural support in such reconstructive situations, often in conjunction with bone grafts. While iliac crest remains the principal source used for free bone grafting in the mandible, calvarial bone grafts have become the material of choice for bony reconstruction of all other craniomaxillofacial defects (where nonvascularized bone is adequate).
Post-Exercise Recovery Following 30-Day Supplementation of Trans-Resveratrol and Polyphenol-Enriched Extracts

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 30-day consumption of trans-resveratrol and polyphenol-enriched extracts on indices of exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) and performance following eccentric-loaded resistance exercise (ECRE). Methods: Following 30 days of resveratrol-polyphenol (RES) (n = 10) or placebo control (CTL) (n = 12) supplementation, subjects performed a bout of ECRE to induce EIMD. EIMD biomarkers, perceived soreness, pain threshold and tolerance, range of motion, and performance were measured before and 24 and 48 h after ECRE. Results: CTL subjects demonstrated increased soreness at 24 (p = 0.02) and 48 h (p = 0.03) post-ECRE, while RES subjects reported increased soreness at 24 h post-ECRE (p = 0.0003). CTL subjects exhibited decreased pain threshold in the vastus lateralis at 24 h post-ECRE (p = 0.03). CTL subjects also displayed decreased pain tolerance in the vastus intermedius at 24 h post-ECRE (p = 0.03) and the vastus lateralis at 24 (p = 0.003) and 48 h (p = 0.003). RES participants showed no change in pain threshold or tolerance from baseline. CTL subjects showed a decrease in mean (p = 0.04) and peak power (p = 0.04) at 24 h post-ECRE, while RES participants demonstrated no changes from baseline. No between-group differences were observed for the changes in serum creatine kinase. Serum C-reactive protein increased similarly in both groups at 24 h post-ECRE (p < 0.002), remaining elevated in CTL subjects while RES participants demonstrated a decline from 24 to 48 h (p = 0.04). Serum interleukin 6 increased at 24 h post-ECRE in both groups (p < 0.003) followed by a decrease from 24 to 48 h, returning to baseline levels only for RES subjects. Conclusion: Trans-resveratrol and polyphenol-enriched extract supplementation may support the attenuation of soreness and inflammation and improve performance recovery following ECRE without modulation of indirect biomarkers of EIMD.
Hepatic Resection (Right/Left Hepatectomy; Extended Right/Left Hepatectomy; Wedge Resection)

This chapter describes the surgical procedure for hepatic resection (right/left hepatectomy; extended right/left hepatectomy; wedge resection). The text includes an introduction that outlines the indications, risks, alternatives, essential steps, needed equipment, and variations in technique for the procedure in question. This is followed by a template operative dictation, which provides the reader with an operative report, such as is found in a patient chart or electronic medical record. Because liver tumors can arise in multiple anatomic locations, the surgical approach and technique will vary based on the primary tumor.
Parenting Far from the Tree: Supportive Parents of Young Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Children in the United States

This chapter focuses on data from ongoing ethnographic research with young (age 3–11) transgender children and their supportive families in the United States. For the parents in the study, who are without exception cisgender, parenting trans children has been complicated by the experience of difference, questions of safety, and what Solomon (Far from the tree: Parents, children and the search for identity. Scribner, New York, NY, 2012) calls “horizontal identity,” in a culture that so obviously values affinity, conformity, and assimilation. For many middle-class American parents, this has created a difficult confrontation with their cultural beliefs and practices about protective parenting strategies, contamination narratives, and dangerous unknowns. Many US parents believe that they can protect and advantage their children via preparatory knowledge of the terrain of adulthood, but in the instance of the transgender child, this is, quite literally, an unknown country. Many parents struggle with cultural expectations and shifts in parenting beliefs, particularly around parental power and the role and place of the child.
More on "The Role and Responsibilities of Psychiatry in 21st Century Warfare".

The Journal published my lecture on “The Role and Responsibilities of Psychiatry in 21st Century Warfare” in 2014.[1][1] I noted that psychiatrists, other mental health professionals, and physicians have been drawn into the epicenter of the war on terrorism, particularly in confronting torture
Cerebral Malaria in a Patient with Recent Travel to the Congo Presenting with Delirium: A Case Report.

Author(s): Roberson, Megan T.; Smith, Austin T. | Abstract: Introduction: Cerebral malaria, a syndrome of altered consciousness, is a rare and severe neurologic complication resulting from Plasmodium falciparum.1 Historically, cerebral malaria has been seen more frequently in children rather than adults. To complicate the diagnosis, cerebral malaria has few specific symptoms and neurologic findings can vary with each case.Case Report: We describe a case of a 61-year-old male who returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo and presented to the emergency department with dehydration, fatigue, and intermittent confusion. He was ultimately diagnosed with cerebral malaria caused by P falciparum.Conclusion: Even with close monitoring and appropriate treatment, cerebral malaria carries a severe risk of long-term neurocognitive deficits and a high mortality rate.
Language Is a Unique Context for Emotion Perception

Access to words used to label emotion concepts (e.g., “disgust”) facilitates perceptions of facial muscle movements as instances of specific emotions (see Lindquist & Gendron, 2013). However, it remains unclear whether the effect of language on emotion perception is unique or whether it is driven by language’s tendency to evoke situational context. In two studies, we used a priming and perceptual matching task to test the hypothesis that the effect of language on emotion perception is unique to that of situational context. We found that participants were more accurate to perceptually match facial portrayals of emotion after being primed with emotion labels as compared to situational context or control stimuli. These findings add to growing evidence that language serves as context for emotion perception and demonstrates for the first time that the effect of language on emotion perception is not merely a consequence of evoked situational context.
Nature Shock: Getting Lost in America: By Jon T. Coleman, New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2020, 360 pp., $30.00 (hardcover). ISBN: 9780300227147

As we navigate space in the twenty-first century, we often rely on smart devices to direct every turn and even alert us upon arrival. Scary times might arise when our immediate surroundings appear ...
Harnessing Tolerogenic Histone Peptide Epitopes From Nucleosomes for Selective Down-Regulation of Pathogenic Autoimmune Response in Lupus (Past, Present, and Future)

Autoantigen-directed tolerance can be induced by certain nucleosomal histone peptide epitope/s in nanomolar dosage leading to sustained remission of disease in mice with spontaneous SLE. By contrast, lupus is accelerated by administration of intact (whole) histones, or whole nucleosomes in microparticles from apoptotic cells, or by post-translationally acetylated histone-peptides. Low-dose therapy with the histone-peptide epitopes simultaneously induces TGFβ and inhibits IL-6 production by DC in vivo, especially pDC, which then induce CD4+CD25+ Treg and CD8+ Treg cells that suppress pathogenic autoimmune response. Both types of induced Treg cells are FoxP3+ and act by producing TGFβ at close cell-to-cell range. No anaphylactic adverse reactions, or generalized immunosuppression have been detected in mice injected with the peptides, because the epitopes are derived from evolutionarily conserved histones in the chromatin; and the peptides are expressed in the thymus during ontogeny, and their native sequences have not been altered. The peptide-induced Treg cells can block severe lupus on adoptive transfer reducing inflammatory cell reaction and infiltration in the kidney. In Humans, similar potent Treg cells are generated by the histone peptide epitopes in vitro in lupus patients' PBMC, inhibiting anti-dsDNA autoantibody and interferon production. Furthermore, the same types of Treg cells are generated in lupus patients who are in very long-term remission (2-8 years) after undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. These Treg cells are not found in lupus patients treated conventionally into clinical remission (SLEDAI of 0); and consequently they still harbor pathogenic autoimmune cells, causing subclinical damage. Although antigen-specific therapy with pinpoint accuracy is suitable for straight-forward organ-specific autoimmune diseases, Systemic Lupus is much more complex. The histone peptide epitopes have unique tolerogenic properties for inhibiting Innate immune cells (DC), T cells and B cell populations that are both antigen-specifically and cross-reactively involved in the pathogenic autoimmune response in lupus. The histone peptide tolerance is a natural and non-toxic therapy suitable for treating early lupus, and also maintaining lupus patients after toxic drug therapy. The experimental steps, challenges and possible solutions for successful therapy with these peptide epitopes are discussed in this highly focused review on Systemic Lupus.
Incorporating Decision Simulation Technology in a Skin Cancer Prevention E-Training for Massage Therapists.

Decision simulation technology is known to augment health practitioner education and training; little is known about its use for educating lay health practitioners about cancer prevention. We report the development and evaluation of a decision simulation component of a skin cancer risk reduction electronic training (e-training) for massage therapists (MTs). Simulation facilitated tracking and analysis of MTs’ selected dialog options leading to client-focused helping conversations (MT conversations intended to encourage client pro-health behavior) regarding skin cancer risk reduction. The tracking also enabled further assessment of the e-training competencies. We constructed five decision simulation cases in the DecisionSim™ online platform, mimicking MT-client encounters pertaining to skin cancer risk reduction, allowing MTs to apply training knowledge to initiate a helping conversation. We scored each simulation by tracking conversation pathways via selected dialog options (optimal, feedback required, suboptimal), analyzing total scores and real time spent on each case. MTs rated satisfaction with the simulations on a 5-point Likert scale. Eighty-one MTs completed the simulations in an average of 2.7 min. Most (91%) MTs selected feedback required or suboptimal dialog options for at least one of the five cases, often incorrectly choosing conversation statements reflecting their own feelings. The majority (86%) agreed/strongly agreed that they enjoyed the simulations (mean score 4.31); 92% found the simulations helpful to include in the training (mean score 4.36). Decision simulations integrated into e-training are useful for assessing lay practitioners’ practical application of cancer risk reduction knowledge and skills and use of appropriate helping conversations.
Big Data in Engineering: A Primer

With the world witnessing a digital revolution, data is now the fuel that drives forward the 21st century. Big data is a collection of data that traditional software options cannot handle. Big data is everywhere and the big data revolution is upon us. Big data engineering is a demanding specialization that trains engineers to understand real-time data processing and build massive big data reservoirs. This paper is a primer on the various uses of big data in engineering.
The association of mild external hydrocephalus with death in the early days of life

Abstract Among infants who die early in the newborn period of apparently unknown causes, menigeal edema (external hydrocephalus) must be considered as a possible cause. It is most commonly found following delivery by cesarean section. The maternal complications necessitating this method of delivery do not seem to be causative factors. Slightly premature infants are more often affected than those born at term.
Quality of life as an outcome measure for epilepsy clinical trials.

Assessment of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has been developed to the point where well‐validated instruments are being used in clinical trials. Data on the impact of new treatments can be used for formulary and regulatory decisions if the clinical trials are designed with appropriate instruments and sample sizes. However, more information is needed about the clinical significance of small differences in total or scale scores. Similarly, pharmacoeconomic studies should be prospective assessments that include evaluation of HRQOL as well as cost. In the future, these new aspects of outcome assessment are expected to be used as an adjunct to traditional seizure frequency and adverse effect reports in the selection of antiepileptic drugs.
The New Case for Functional Separation in Wholesale Financial Services

This paper reexamines the separation of commercial and investment banking in the context of modern wholesale financial environment, dominated by a small cohort of “systemic” institutions. The paper traces the pathology of regulation and deregulation from the watershed events of the 1930s to the systemic financial failures of the recent past. It then considers the structure, conduct and performance of the wholesale financial industry and how firms that cannot be allowed to collapse get that way. Based on the industrial organization of global wholesale finance, the paper then examines the available regulatory techniques, and makes some judgments as to their relative promise in promoting future financial stability with least possible dislocation of financial efficiency, proposing benchmarks for the calibration of proposals for regulatory reform. The paper then evaluates functional separation and carve-outs of high-risk activities that cannot defensibly be conducted within systemic financial firms in the real world of power politics and regulatory capture. The paper concludes that blanket condemnation of the functional-separation features of the 1930s financial reforms is unwarranted in the light of history or recent experience, and that virtually all defensible reform options are likely to lead to favor financial specialists at the expense of financial conglomerates.
Isolating Risk Factors for Crash Frequency among Older Drivers

By the year 2024, 25% of drivers in the U.S. will be over the age of 65. Older drivers have more crashes and fatalities per mile driven than any other adult age group. Although driving is a highly visual task and vision impairment is more prevalent in the elderly, previous research has failed to identify visual factors which are strongly associated with increased crashes in the elderly. Using a comprehensive approach to assess several aspects of visual processing in a large sample of older drivers, this study has identified a measure of visual attention that had high sensitivity (89%) and specificity (85%) in predicting which older drivers had a history of crash problems, a level of predictability unprecedented in research on crash risk in older drivers. The “useful field of view”, as it is called, measures the spatial area within which an individual can be rapidly alerted to visual stimuli. Older adults with substantial shrinkage in the useful field of view were six times more likely to have incurred one...
Effects of Smoking, Alcohol, and Exercise on Prostate Cancer

Abstract Multiple studies have been undertaken to examine the causes and risk factors of developing prostate cancer. Smoking, alcohol, and physical activity are three lifestyle behaviors that have been extensively examined as potentially modifiable risk factors. The results of studies on smoking and overall prostate cancer risk are conflicting, with no clear association identified. However, the data more strongly support an association between smokers and former smokers and the increased risk of developing advanced or fatal prostate cancer. As with smoking, the results of alcohol consumption on the subsequent development of incident and advanced/fatal prostate cancer are mixed. Interestingly, both the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial and the REDUCE trial were analyzed and there appears to be an interaction with increased alcohol intake and the chemopreventative effect of finasteride and dutasteride. Physical activity on the other hand does appear to have a relationship with prostate cancer risk. The majority of studies have identified an inverse relationship between physical activity, either recreational or occupational, and the risk of developing incident and advanced/fatal prostate cancer.
Diagnosis of infected total hip arthroplasty

Despite the battery of available tests, the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a challenge. A comprehensive medical history and physical examination with appropriate radiographs followed by erythrocyte sedimentation rate and serum C-reactive protein are the first-line screening test for patients with suspected hip PJI. The second line of investigation of patients with abnormal serology or a strong suspicion for PJI, is joint aspiration. Aspirates should be sent for assessment of white blood cell count, polymorphonuclear percentage, leukocyte esterase strip test, and microbiology. If the first attempt fails, the joint should be re-aspirated at a different time. The International Consensus recommends against infiltration of saline or other fluids into a "dry" joint. In patients not planned for surgery but need further evaluation for PJI, a nuclear imaging study may help. In others with a planned revision surgery, intraoperative samples for frozen section and culture study are the best measures available. Treatment strategies for PJI are well established in the literature. Poor surgical candidates receive oral suppressive antibiotic therapy alone. Acute PJI, presenting within 4 weeks of the index surgery, or as a result of bacteraemia, may be treated with irrigation and debridement and implant retention. Chronic PJI, occurring more than 4 weeks after initial surgery, is treated with 1-stage or 2-stage revision arthroplasty. In some persistent infections or patients who refuse to undergo revision surgery, salvage procedures may be needed.
Building the evidence base for early childhood mental health consultation: Where we've been, where we are, and where we are going†

This article forms the introduction to a special issue of the Infant Mental Health Journal: Current issues and practices in early childhood mental health consultation.
Solving the Convergence Problem in the Synthesis of Triantennary N-Glycan Relevant to Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA)

The first total synthesis of triantennary, fully sialylated N-glycan of complex type is described. Two strategies for installation of sialylated antennae are explored, and both approaches converge on a global glycosylation step that delivers the desired tetradecasaccharide in good yields.
Development of a Microbiology Course for Diverse Majors; Longitudinal Survey of the Use of Various Active, Problem-Based Learning Assignments

Educators are increasingly being encouraged to use more active- and problem-based-learning techniques and assignments in the classroom to improve critical and analytical thinking skills. Active learning-based courses have been purported to be more time consuming than traditional lecture methods and for many instructors have therefore proven difficult to include in many one-semester science courses. To address this problem, a series of assignments was developed for use in a basic microbiology course involving sophomore-, junior-, and senior-level students from five different biology majors (environmental science, biology, biochemistry, premedicine, and physician assistant). Writing assignments included global, historical, and social themes for which a standardized grading format was established. Students also participated in a class debate in which the merits of the living microbial kingdoms were discussed, with only one kingdom being saved from an imaginary global catastrophe. Traditional lectures were facilitated by the use of a dedicated note packet developed by the instructor and specific for course content. Laboratories involved group analysis of mini-case history studies involving pathogenic microbes. Students’ perceptions of the subject were assessed using an exit questionnaire sent to 100 of the 174 students who had taken the course during the 5-year time period. The majority of the 64 students who responded were sophomores (78%), in keeping with the target audience, and their perception of the course’s challenge level was significantly higher (p < 0.03, 8.7) than their junior and senior counterparts (7.9). Students rated the most useful learning tools as case history studies (9.4) and the class debate (9.1), with the introduction of a dedicated microbiology links web page to the University website representing the sole component resulting in a statistically significant increase in students’ perceptions of the importance of the course (p < 0.03).
Cold- and Cryopreservation of Human Liver and Kidney Slices

Tissue slices may provide a rapid and economical way of determining cold ischemic effects on human liver and kidney cell viability and metabolism. In contrast to isolated hepatocyte cultures, tissue slices offer an in vitro system which more closely resembles the in vivo situation because of the differentiation and functional heterogeneity of the slice. In this study, human liver and kidney slices were cold stored for 10 days in Belzers University of Wisconsin (UW), Euro-Collins, and Modified Sacks solutions. Another set of slices was cryopreserved at 1 degree C/min for liver and 12 degrees C/min for kidney using a 10% dimethyl sulfoxide/fetal calf serum (FCS) cryoprotectant solution. The cold- and cryopreserved slices were incubated in roller culture for 4 h using FCS as the media. Liver slice viability was assessed by K+ content, protein synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and urea synthesis. Kidney slice viability was assessed using K+ content, protein synthesis, and organic ion transport (PAH and TEA). Human kidney slices were cold preserved in UW for 4-6 days, while the human liver slices were preserved for 12-24 h depending on the viability parameter. Following cryopreservation, human liver slice viability was retained at between 65 and 90% of control values, while kidney slice viability was maintained between 70 and 90% of control values depending on the viability parameter. These results indicate that this human in vitro tissue slice system can be used to optimize preservation solutions and methods. The ability to cold- and cryopreserve human slices could facilitate the more efficient utilization of human tissue.
Metamaterial blazed gratings

We design, fabricate, and test a graded index diffractive structure based on non-resonant I-beam metamaterials. The measured diffraction spectrum is in good agreement with simulation, and suggests a path toward metamaterial based diffractive optics.
92 DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS: DEVELOPMENTAL RESPONSE TO O 2 AND INDOMETHACIN

It has been suggested that ineffective constriection in response to an increase in PO2 is the primary cause for delayed closure of the ductus arteriosus in preterm infants. We studied the isometric contractile effects of increased PO2 and indomethacin on isolated rings of lamb ductus arteriosus from animals of different gestational ages (87-150 days, term 150 days). Only rings from animals <110 days have a significantly smaller O2-induced contraction (2.53±.3 g/mm2, n=16) when compared with rings from animals near term (4.59±.69 g/mm2, n=9). O2-contracted rings from all gestational ages contract further upon addition of 1 μg/m1 indomethacin. Rings from animals <110 days have a significantly larger indomethacin-induced contraction (110±.17 g/mm2 , n=16) than vessels near term (0.52±.12 g/mm2, n=9). Vessels <110 days have a significantly reduced response to O2 in comparison with those from older animals; however, inhibition of prostaglandin production in rings <110 days resulted in a total combined O2 and indomethacin induced tension that is not significantly different from the O2 or combined O2 and indomethacin-induced tension developed in rings from animals near term. This is consistent with the hypothesis that, early during gestation, endogenous prostaglandins inhibit the vessel's ability to contract in response to O2. These observations are also consistent with the ability of indomethacin to constrict the patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants.
Zoysiagrass water relations

Development of drought resistant, water-conserving cultivars continues to be an objective of turfgrass breeding programs. This study was conducted to determine for 15 zoysiagrasses [Zoysia japonica Steud., Z. matrella (L.) Merr., and Z. japonica Steud. x Z. tenuifolia Willd.] under greenhouse conditions (i) water relations characteristics, (ii) survival and recovery from extreme water stress, and (iii) the relationship of water relations characteristics to supplemental irrigation requirement determined in field studies. Leaf water potential at zero turgor (Ψ L0 ) ranged from -1.76 MPa to -2.52 MPa before, and from -2.18 MPa to -2.59 MPa after water stress. Though Ψ L0 of genotypes such as Cavalier, El Toro, and Emerald decreased after stress, Ψ L0 of genotypes such as Korean Common and DALZ85t5 did not change. Osmotic potential at full turgor (Ψ π100 ) of genotypes such as DALZ8501 and DALZ8506 was similar or increased after water stress but decreased for genotypes such as Crowne and Korean Common. The Ψ L0 and Ψ π100 after stress were negatively correlated with recovery from stress and positively correlated with irrigation requirement. Zoysia genotypes with low relative water content at zero turgor (RWC 0 ), bulk modulus of tissue elasticity (E), and apoplastic water fraction (β) demonstrated poor recovery from stress and required more supplemental irrigation. Cultivars such as Crowne, El Toro, and Palisades had the greatest recovery from stress, the least irrigation requirement, more negative Ψ L0 and Ψ π100 , and positive RWC 0 , e, and β. This study demonstrates that improvements in biophysical as well as morphological traits should contribute to development of water-conserving Zoysiagrass germplasm.
Ecap IIߞAn electronic circuit analysis program

Ecap II, a nonlinear dc and transient circuit analysis program, uses a free-format, problem-oriented language for describing circuit parameters and topology. Its computation speed is high enough to make the transient analysis of kilobranch nonlinear circuits feasible. The program includes a nested model feature that permits the user to store circuit descriptions of devices and subcircuits for subsequent recall and insertion into larger circuits. Nonlinearities can be specified by means of tables, built-in functions such as the diode equation, and Fortran subroutines. A diagnostic feature pinpoints errors in the input format or inconsistencies in the circuit description.
Encainide for refractory supraventricular tachycardia in children

Fifteen children, aged 5 days to 19 years (mean 4.7 years), with medically refractory supraventricular tachycardia were given oral encainide. In 10 of 15 children with "incessant" tachycardia (greater than 10% of the day), encainide alone controlled supraventricular tachycardia in 5 children; in combination with other antiarrhythmic agents, it partially controlled supraventricular tachycardia in 4 and was ineffective in 1. In 5 children with accessory atrioventricular connections, encainide eliminated supraventricular tachycardia in 3 and was ineffective in 2. Therapeutic encainide dosages ranged from 60 to 120 mg/m2/day (mean 90) (2.0 to 5.7 mg/kg/day). Encainide caused prolongation of the PR interval by 35%, RP interval by 17%, QRS interval by 44% and corrected QT interval by 10%. In 5 children with depressed left ventricular function administration of encainide, by controlling the arrhythmia, increased echocardiographic left ventricular shortening fraction from a mean of 24% to a mean of 36%. Three patients developed excessive QRS aberrancy, which was associated with wide QRS tachycardia in 2. No adverse reactions were noted in the absence of QRS aberration. Side effects were minor and noted in only 1 of 9 patients continuing to take the drug in 9 months of follow-up. Encainide was effective, or partially effective, in the control of resistant or incessant supraventricular tachycardia in 80% of children treated. Encainide allowed rapid resolution of arrhythmia-induced cardiomyopathy by controlling chronic supraventricular tachycardia.
Synthesis of N-Benzoyl-4-oxo-1,2,3,4-Tetrahydropyridine and its Ethylene Ketal

Abstract Recently we had need for large quantities of N-benzoyl-4-oxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyridine (1), its ethylene ketal derivative 7, and potentially other N-acyl derivatives. Prior to our initial studies, the N-carboethoxy derivative 2 had been prepared by sodium borohydride reduction of N-carboethoxy-4-pyridone.1.
A Micromechanical Model for Textile Composite Plates

A novel finite element based micromechanical method is developed for computing the plate stiffness coefficients (A, B, D matrices) and coefficients of thermal expansion (α's and β's) of a textile composite modeled as a homogeneous plate. Periodic boundary conditions for the plate model, which are different from those for the continuum model, have been derived. The micromechanics methods for computing the coefficients of thermal expansion are readily extended to compute the thermal residual stresses due to curing. The methods are first verified by applying to several examples for which solutions are known, and then applied to the case of woven composites. The plate stiffness coefficients computed from direct micromechanics are compared with those derived from the homogenized elastic constants in conjunction with the classical plate theory. It is found that the plate stiffness coefficients of textile composites, especially the B and D matrices, cannot be predicted from the homogenized elastic constants and ...
Collagen Cross-Linking in Sun-Exposed and Unexposed Sites of Aged Human Skin

A recently described nonreducible, acid-heat stable compound, histidinohydroxylysinonorleucine (HHL), is a collagen cross-link isolated from mature skin tissue. Its abundance is related to chronologic aging of skin. The present communication describes the quantity of HHL from aged human skin of the same individuals in sun-exposed (wrist) and unexposed (buttock) sites. Punch biopsies were obtained from these sites from nine people of age 60 or older. HHL contents (moles/mole of collagen) at these sites were for wrist 0.13 +/- 0.07 and for buttock 0.69 +/- 0.17 (mean +/- SD, p less than 0.001). In addition, it was found that acute irradiation of the cross-linked peptides with UVA (up to 250 J/cm2) and UVB (up to 1 J/cm2) had no effect on HHL structure. The same treatment significantly degraded another nonreducible, stable collagen cross-link, pyridinoline. The results suggest that chronic sunlight exposure may be associated with an impediment to normal maturation of human dermal collagen resulting in tenuous amount of HHL. Thus, the process of photoaging in dermal collagen is different from that of chronologic aging in human skin.
Phase transformations in xerogels of mullite composition

Monophasic and diphasic xerogels have been prepared as precursors for mullite (3Al2O3-2SiO2). Monophasic xerogel was synthesized from tetraethyl orthosilicate and aluminium nitrate nanohydrate and the diphasic xerogel from colloidal suspension of silica and boehmite. The chemical and structural evolutions, as a function of thermal treatment in these two types of sol-gel-derived mullite precursor powders, have been characterized by differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and infrared spectroscopy (IRS). Monophasic xerogel transforms to an aluminium-silicon spinel from an amorphous structure at ∼980 ° C. The spinel then changes into mullite on further heating. Diphasic xerogel forms mullite at ∼1360 ° C. The components of the diphasic powder react independently up to the point of mullite formation. The transformation in the monophasic powder occurs rapidly and yields strongly crystalline mullite with no other phases present. The diphasic powder, however, transforms rather slowly and contains remnants of the starting materials (α-Al2O3, cristobalite) even after heating at high temperatures for long periods (1600 ° C, 6 h). The diphasic powder could be sintered to high density but not the monophasic powder, in spite of its molecular-level homogeneity.
Omission training: Effects of gradual introduction

Pigeons were initially trained on a VI 30-sec reinforcement schedule and then either gradually or immediately switched to the final and maximum parameter values of an omission training schedule. Results indicated that the gradual introduction procedure was more efficient since it produced significantly faster elimination of the pecking response.
Evidence for a Ligand CO That Is Required for Catalytic Activity of CO Dehydrogenase from Rhodospirillum rubrum

Radiolabeling studies support the existence of a nonsubstrate CO ligand (COL) to the Fe atom of the proposed [FeNi] cluster of carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CODH) from Rhodospirillum rubrum. Purified CODH has variable amounts of COL dissociated depending on the extent of handling of the proteins. This dissociated COL can be restored by incubation of CODH with CO, resulting in a 30−40% increase in initial activity relative to as-isolated purified CODH. A similar amount of COL binding is observed when as-isolated purified CODH is incubated with 14CO: approximately 0.33 mol of CO binds per 1 mol of CODH. Approximately 1 mol of CO was released from CO-preincubated CODH upon denaturation of the protein. No CO could be detected upon denaturation of CODH that had been incubated with cyanide. COL binds to both Ni-containing and Ni-deficient CODH, indicating that COL is liganded to the Fe atom of the proposed [FeNi] center. Furthermore, the Ni in the COL-deficient CODH can be removed by treatment with a Ni-speci...
The Emergence of Culture: The Evolution of a Uniquely Human Way of Life

The Emergence of Culture: The Evolution of. Uniquely Human Way of Life. Philip G. Chase. New York: Springer Press, 2006. 227 pp.
Engaging pharmacy students with diverse patient populations to improve cultural competence.

Objective. To develop and implement learning activities within an advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) to improve students' cultural competence. Design. During their AAPE at Community Acces...
Ultraviolet-visible detection for capillary gas chromatography and combined ultraviolet-mass spectrometry using a remote flow cell

Abstract A scanning UV-Vis detector, linked by fiber optics to a heated remote flow cell, was interfaced to a gas chromatograph and gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer equipped with conventional split/splitless injectors and a 30 m × 0.32 mm, 0.25 μm capillary column. Gas-phase UV spectra with a 3 nm effective bandpass are shown for benzene, biphenyl, anthracene, phenanthrene, benzo-α-pyrene, methyllanisoles and polychlorinated biphenyls. Chromatograms at a single wavelength are presented for Aroclors 1254 and 1221. A dual mass-UV chromatogram is shown for unleaded gasoline. Calibration curves generated for aromatic hydrocarbons suggest linearity of detector response over a range of about 104. A total absorbance chromatogram is shown for four components of a text mixture. Detection limits for a moderate UV absorber, biphenyl, were 1.0 ng in summed scanning mode and 750 pg in single-wavelength mode, using a criterion of three standard deviations of the baseline noise. The single-wavelength detection limit for naphthalene, a stronger UV absorber, was 90 pg.