cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
MetaCRAM: an integrated pipeline for metagenomic taxonomy identification and compression

Metagenomics is a genomics research discipline devoted to the study of microbial communities in environmental samples and human and animal organs and tissues. Sequenced metagenomic samples usually comprise reads from a large number of different bacterial communities and hence tend to result in large file sizes, typically ranging between 1–10 GB. This leads to challenges in analyzing, transferring and storing metagenomic data. In order to overcome these data processing issues, we introduce MetaCRAM, the first de novo, parallelized software suite specialized for FASTA and FASTQ format metagenomic read processing and lossless compression. MetaCRAM integrates algorithms for taxonomy identification and assembly, and introduces parallel execution methods; furthermore, it enables genome reference selection and CRAM based compression. MetaCRAM also uses novel reference-based compression methods designed through extensive studies of integer compression techniques and through fitting of empirical distributions of metagenomic read-reference positions. MetaCRAM is a lossless method compatible with standard CRAM formats, and it allows for fast selection of relevant files in the compressed domain via maintenance of taxonomy information. The performance of MetaCRAM as a stand-alone compression platform was evaluated on various metagenomic samples from the NCBI Sequence Read Archive, suggesting 2- to 4-fold compression ratio improvements compared to gzip. On average, the compressed file sizes were 2-13 percent of the original raw metagenomic file sizes. We described the first architecture for reference-based, lossless compression of metagenomic data. The compression scheme proposed offers significantly improved compression ratios as compared to off-the-shelf methods such as zip programs. Furthermore, it enables running different components in parallel and it provides the user with taxonomic and assembly information generated during execution of the compression pipeline. The MetaCRAM software is freely available at http://web.engr.illinois.edu/~mkim158/metacram.html . The website also contains a README file and other relevant instructions for running the code. Note that to run the code one needs a minimum of 16 GB of RAM. In addition, virtual box is set up on a 4GB RAM machine for users to run a simple demonstration.
Enhanced flagellar swimming through a compliant viscoelastic network in Stokes flow

In many physiological settings, microorganisms must swim through viscous fluids with suspended polymeric networks whose length scales are comparable to that of the organism. Here we present a model of a flagellar swimmer moving through a compliant viscoelastic network immersed in a three-dimensional viscous fluid. The swimmer moves with a prescribed gait, exerting forces on the fluid and the heterogeneous network. The viscoelastic structural links of this network are stretched or compressed in response to the fluid flow caused by these forces, and these elastic deformations also generate forces on the viscous fluid. Here we track the swimmer as it leaves a region of Newtonian fluid, enters and moves through a heterogeneous network and finally enters a Newtonian region again. We find that stiffer networks give a boost to the velocity of the swimmer. In addition, we find that the efficiency of swimming is dependent upon the evolution of the compliant network as the swimmer progresses through it.
Deconvolution as a technique to improve measurement-system data integrity

Measurement is defined as the determination of a system input based on a knowledge of the system output and a characterization of the sytem. The frequency-response function of a measurement system can be defined as the rati of the Fourier transform of the system output to the Fourier transform of the system input which causes that output. This paper deals with the application of time-domain deconvoltuuion techniques to reduce signal distortion attributable to liminations in the measurement-system frequency-response function. The generality of time-domain deconvolution is increased by extending its application to ban-pass, band-reject and low-pass systems in addition to high-pass system. A procedure is described to verity the adequacy of the system characterization used in time-doman deconvolutuion, and application examples are provided.
Escape from punishment by omission of responding

The elimination of punishment following each response on a fixed-ratio schedule of positive reinforcement occurred whenever pigeons faded to respond on the fixed-ratio operandum for predetermined time intervals. Both increases in the time interval required for escape from punishment and repeated exposure to each escape requirement interval resulted in reductions in the occurrence of escape behavior.
On the nature of the union of alexin with specific precipitates

In continuing studies on the nature of alexin fixation by mixtures of unformed proteins and their antisera, it occurred to the writer to examine whether the alexin fixation which is exerted by specific precipitates was subject to the same conditions that prevail in the case of sensitized cell complexes in their relations to the alexin fractions as first obtained by Ferrata. It is well-known, of course, that by dialysis, by dilution with weak acid in distilled water and by a number of other methods of globulin precipitation, the alexin or complement can be divided into two functional parts, one which comes down with the globulins, the so-called “midpiece” and the other which remains in the albumin fraction, the so-called “endpiece.” Neither of these can produce hemolysis of sensitized cells alone. Together they functionate. The globulin fraction can be bound to sensitized cells, forming the so-called “persensitized cells” which are now hemolyzable by the endpiece alone. The albumen fraction does not become...
Clostridium Difficile-Associated Disease in Allogeneic Transplant Patients.

Allogeneic transplant (allo) patients (pts) are at high risk for Clostridium difficile-associated disease (CDAD), yet there are few studies evaluating CDAD in allo pts. We carried out a retrospective chart review of all allo pts who had CDAD on a transplant (tx) unit between 8/01 and 7/03. 37 pts were identified who had CDAD during tx hospitalization (hosp) or after tx during the study period. 17 (46%) were admitted for initial tx, 13 (35%) for infection, and 7 (19%) for other reasons. 15 (40%) had acute leukemia, 6 (16%) lymphoma, 4 (11%) myelodisplastic syndrome, and 12 (32%) other underlying diseases. On admission, 17 (46%) pts were in complete remission, 4 (11%) in partial remission, 7 (19%) in relapse, and 9 (24%) presented with refractory disease. 5 pts (14%) had CDAD before day 0 (median d-2, range d-9 to d-1) and 32 pts (86%) had CDAD after tx (median d+49, d0 to d+3185). In the 60 days prior to CDAD, pts had median 1 (0–4) prior hosp and 15 days (1–50) hospitalized; 36 pts (97%) received antibiotics, 35 (95%) immunosuppressants, 33 (89%) antimotility/narcotic agents, 31 (84%) gastric acid suppression, 23 (62%) chemo, and 14 (38%) TBI. Within 48 hours of CDAD, 31 (86%) pts had diarrhea, 12 (33%) fever, 10 (28%) abdominal tenderness, 7 (19%) abdominal distention, and 7 (19%) hypothermia. 22 pts (59%) had either moderate or severe CDAD. 25 (68%) pts were treated for their primary episode of CDAD with metronizadole (met), 2 (5%) with vancomycin (vanc), 8 (22%) with met and vanc, and 2 (5%) were not treated for CDAD. 32 (86%) pts responded to therapy (median 2 days, range 0–25 days). Of the 32 pts who had CDAD post allo, 3 (9%) had gut graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) before CDAD and 8/29 (28%) developed gut GVHD after CDAD. Those 8 pts developed CDAD median d+114 (range +1 to +278) and gut GVHD d+131 (+1 to +454), with gut GVHD coming median 11 days (0 to 176) after CDAD. 7 pts (19%) died before discharge. The median survival time for all pts was 79 days after CDAD and 205 days after tx. Of the 30 (81%) pts discharged alive, 10 (33%) had recurrent CDAD episodes (median 1, range 1–3). When compared to mild CDAD, patients with severe CDAD had an increased risk of death at one year after CDAD (OR 3.3; CI 1.4–7.6). CDAD in allo pts may be associated with an increased risk of gut GVHD, death, and other adverse outcomes.
Self-construal and gender interact to cause social evaluative concerns

Abstract Prior correlational research suggests an interaction between self-construal and gender is important for understanding social evaluative concerns. We examined if experimentally manipulating independent versus interdependent self-construals differentially caused social evaluative concerns among men and women. United States community adults recruited through the internet were randomly assigned to complete an independence (n = 71) or interdependence (n = 74) priming task. Social evaluative concerns were assessed following the manipulation using a self-report measure. Among men, priming an interdependent self-construal caused greater egocentric (i.e., fear of self-embarrassment) and allocentric (i.e., fear of discomforting others) social evaluative concerns compared to an independent self-construal. Among women, priming an independent self-construal caused greater allocentric (i.e., fear of discomforting others) social evaluative concerns and a trend for greater egocentric (i.e., fear of self-embarrassment) social evaluative concerns compared to an interdependent self-construal. Results extend prior correlational research suggesting that self-construal is important for understanding social evaluative concerns, with the impact of self-construal seeming to depend upon gender.
Lithium increases hippocampal SNARE protein abundance after traumatic brain injury.

Rodent models of traumatic brain injury (TBI) reproduce secondary injury sequela and cognitive impairments observed in patients afflicted by a TBI. Impaired neurotransmission has been reported in the weeks following experimental TBI, and may be a contributor to behavioral dysfunction. The soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) complex, the machinery facilitating vesicular docking and fusion, is a highly-conserved mechanism important for neurotransmission. Following TBI, there is a reduction in both the formation of the SNARE complex and the abundance of multiple SNARE proteins, including the chaperone protein cysteine string protein α (CSPα). Treatment with lithium in naive rats reportedly increases the expression of CSPα. In the context of TBI, brain-injured rats treated with lithium exhibit improved outcome in published reports, but the mechanisms underlying the improvement are poorly understood. The current study evaluated the effect of lithium administration on the abundance of SNARE proteins and SNARE complex formation, hemispheric tissue loss, and neurobehavioral performance following controlled cortical impact (CCI). Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to CCI or sham injury, and treated daily with lithium chloride or vehicle for up to 14days. Administration of lithium after TBI modestly improved spatial memory at 14days post-injury. Semi-quantitative immunoblot analysis of hippocampal lysates revealed that treatment with lithium attenuated reductions in key SNARE proteins and SNARE complex formation at multiple time points post-injury. These findings highlight that treatment with lithium increased the abundance of synaptic proteins that facilitate neurotransmission and may contribute to improved cognitive function after TBI.
From Family Engagement to Equitable Collaboration

Policy makers have long seen parents and families as key levers for improving U.S. student outcomes and success, and new cross-sector collaborative policy and initiatives provide a promising contex...
On-chip Microring Resonator Based Electro-optic Full Adder for Optical Computing

We propose a ripple-carry electro-optic full adder using microring resonators, taking advantage of unique properties of light on chip. This proposed design with larger bandwidth and lower power consumption paves the way to future optical computing.
Methylotrophic methanogenesis in Sphagnum-dominated peatland soils

Abstract Although it is generally assumed that CH4 production in peatlands is dominated by the acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenic pathways, we found evidence that methylated substrates (including methanol, methylamines, and dimethylsulfide) support methanogenesis in these organic-rich environments. The role of methylotrophic methanogenesis was investigated in three northern Minnesota peatlands by amending surface soils with 13C-labeled substrates. Labeled methanol was converted to enriched δ 13C-CH4 at all three sites. Additionally, dimethylsulfide and monomethylamine were processed through methanogenic pathways, although this was not evident at every site. The addition of 13C labeled methanol and monomethylamine also resulted in the enrichment of δ 13C-CO2, further suggesting that either methanogens or non-methanogenic microbes were processing methylated substrates. Results demonstrate the potential for methylotrophic methanogenesis in northern peatlands and suggest that further studies are warranted to quantify the amount of CH4 produced by this process in comparison to traditional pathways of methanogenesis.
A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 17 Alpha-hydroxyprogesterone Caproate in the Management of Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate whether weekly administration of 17 α-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) increases the number of women who achieve 34 weeks of gestation after preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Study Design We conducted a multicenter double-blind, randomized controlled trial of 17-OHPC versus placebo among women with PPROM. Women with singleton pregnancy, clinically confirmed PPROM, and without evidence of active infection or major fetal malformation between 240/7 and 320/7 weeks of pregnancy were offered enrollment. Women received weekly injections of 17-OHPC versus placebo until 340/7 weeks of gestation or delivery. The remainder of care was per hospital protocol. The primary outcome was achievement of 34 weeks of gestation. Secondary outcomes included length of latency and maternal and fetal outcomes. Results In this study, 21 women were enrolled. Eleven women received placebo and 10 received 17-OHPC. The study was closed prematurely secondary to poor enrollment. None of the women remained pregnant until 34 weeks of gestation. The median latency periods were 8 and 14.5 days for the placebo and 17-OHPC groups, respectively (p = 0.14). There were no differences in maternal or neonatal outcomes. Conclusion We did not identify any benefit from administration of 17-OHPC in pregnancies complicated by PPROM.
Acute Abdominal Pain

1. Robert D. Baker, MD, PhD* 1. *Department of Pediatrics, Digestive Disease and Nutrition Center, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY * Abbreviations: CRP: : C-reactive protein CT: : computed tomography DRE: : digital rectal examination ERCP: : endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography GI: : gastrointestinal HIDA: : hydroxyiminodiacetic acid IV: : intravenous MRI: : magnetic resonance imaging TPN: : total parenteral nutrition WBC: : white blood cell Children frequently have acute abdominal pain. The physician must identify which child has a potentially catastrophic condition (<2%). Because the number of patients requiring immediate action is low, the physician can be lulled into a sense of safety. Infrequently, acute abdominal pain can be catastrophic, so the physician needs to be cognizant of conditions requiring action. Knowledge and judgment are key. After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Understand the causes and frequency of acute abdominal pain in childhood. 2. Develop a differential diagnosis based on age and symptoms. 3. Formulate a plan for evaluation and management of acute abdominal pain. 4. Choose the appropriate imaging study for various diagnoses. Acute abdominal pain is a frequent and challenging problem facing pediatricians. The cause of acute abdominal pain can range from John Apley’s “little bellyacher” (1) to an emergency requiring immediate action. Assessing acute abdominal pain is a situation that requires excellent clinical acumen, an area where pediatricians should “prove their worth” by outperforming other primary caregivers. Making the correct diagnosis may earn the pediatrician accolades for saving a life (as in the case of intussusception or midgut volvulus) but may also not win friends (as when a mother is informed that the reason for her child’s excruciating pain is constipation). A mistaken diagnosis can have devastating results, either by not acting when action is called for or by performing unnecessary tests and procedures. Because the differential diagnosis list for acute abdominal pain is long, a logical approach is to consider diagnoses by age group. Convenient age divisions …
Seismic Evidence for Discrete Glacier Motion at the Rock–Ice Interface

Seismic monitoring on three Cascade volcanoes in Washington State, U.S.A., has shown that small seismic events are generated by the active glaciers found on each mountain. Detailed seismic experiments have been conducted to investigate the sources for these icequakes. Considerable evidence indicates that the events are the result of a stick–slip type of motion taking place at the bed of the glaciers. The few events we have been able to locate had depths comparable with the glaciers’ thickness. The similarity of wave form from an explosion at the bottom of a glacier and natural icequakes suggests that the complexity of the seismic wave form is due to the path and not the source. The events exhibit an annual trend with more events being recorded in the summer than during the winter. A ten-fold increase in the number of events preceded a large ice avalanche that involved the entire glacier thickness, suggesting that seismic monitoring may be useful in predicting catastrophic ice movements.
Vapor-liquid equilibrium of metal dialkyldithiophosphates: An analysis with the statistical associating fluid theory

Abstract The vapor pressure osmometry (VPO) of metal dialkyldithiophospate (MDDPs) association in simple hydrocarbon solvents [1] has been analyzed using the Perturbed-Chain Statistical Associating Fluid Theory (PC-SAFT) [2]. From this analysis, we obtain a fluid-state free energy theory of MDDPs, including zinc dialkyldithiophosphates (ZnDDPs), an important class of multifunctional lubricant additives present in most automotive and commercial vehicle formulations marketed worldwide [3]. As expected, the PC-SAFT parameters of the MDDP compounds are found to vary smoothly with molecular size, metal atom type (Zn, Cd, Hg, Pb), and alkyl chain structure. Analysis of benzene/MDDP VPO isotherms with PC-SAFT suggests that selected MDDP compounds cross-associate with benzene.
NANOG Is Required for the Long-Term Establishment of Avian Somatic Reprogrammed Cells

Somatic reprogramming, which was first identified in rodents, remains poorly described in non-mammalian species. Here, we generated avian reprogrammed cells by reprogramming of chicken and duck primary embryonic fibroblasts. The efficient generation of long-term proliferating cells depends on the method of delivery of reprogramming factors and the addition of NANOG and LIN28 to the canonical OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and c-MYC gene combination. The reprogrammed cells were positive for several key pluripotency-associated markers including alkaline phosphatase activity, telomerase activity, SSEA1 expression, and specific cell cycle and epigenetic markers. Upregulated endogenous pluripotency-associated genes included POU5F3 (POUV) and KLF4, whereas cells failed to upregulate NANOG and LIN28A. However, cells showed a tumorigenic propensity when injected into recipient embryos. In conclusion, although the somatic reprogramming process is active in avian primary cells, it needs to be optimized to obtain fully reprogrammed cells with similar properties to those of chicken embryonic stem cells.
Economic Development Tax Incentives: A Review of the Perverse, Ineffective, and Unintended Consequences

Did you know that some lucky companies have agreements with state and local governments to pay less in taxes than their competitors? These deals are called “economic development tax incentives,” and they are all justified in the name of creating jobs. But do they? Is it the job of the government to decide which businesses succeed and which ones fail? How do these deals affect political contributions? This chapter reviews the consequences of such targeted tax incentives, showing how these deals hurt taxpayers and providing policy recommendations that would treat all businesses equally. Key takeaways: (1) Governments sometimes take taxpayers’ money and give it to a few favored corporations. (2) If states are going to use targeted economic development tax incentives, disclosing their costs would improve transparency.
Teachers’ perception of STEM integration and education: a systematic literature review

For schools to include quality STEM education, it is important to understand teachers’ beliefs and perceptions related to STEM talent development. Teachers, as important persons within a student’s talent development, hold prior views and experiences that will influence their STEM instruction. This study attempts to understand what is known about teachers’ perceptions of STEM education by examining existing literature. Study inclusion criteria consisted of empirical articles, which aligned with research questions, published in a scholarly journal between 2000 and 2016 in English. Participants included in primary studies were preK-12 teachers. After quality assessment, 25 articles were included in the analysis. Thematic analysis was used to find themes within the data. Findings indicate that while teachers value STEM education, they reported barriers such as pedagogical challenges, curriculum challenges, structural challenges, concerns about students, concerns about assessments, and lack of teacher support. Teachers felt supports that would improve their effort to implement STEM education included collaboration with peers, quality curriculum, district support, prior experiences, and effective professional development. Recommendations for practice include quality in-service instruction over STEM pedagogy best practices and district support of collaboration time with peer teachers. Recommendations for future research are given.
Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome: Cardiovascular Pathologies and Potential Therapies.

Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is an ultrarare and fatal disease with features of premature aging and cardiovascular diseases (atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and stroke). Several landmark studies in 2018–2019 have revealed novel mechanisms underlying cardiovascular pathologies in HGPS, and implicate future potential therapies for HGPS, and possibly physiological aging.
Bringing Sunshine Children Out of Hiding: Exploring a Community-Based Role for OT in Kyrgyzstan

OT research is virtually nonexistent in many lower-middle-income countries. In this study, researchers partnered with a community organization to explore a culturally grounded and relevant role for OT with families of children with Down syndrome in Kyrgyzstan. Primary Author and Speaker: Allison Burns Contributing Authors: Parul Bakhshi, Kathy Kniepmann, Lauren Milton
Regulatory, Business, and Payer Environment

There has never been a more important time for surgeons to understand how legislative and regulatory actions affect their patient care spending and fiscal decisions, however, the complexity of systems influencing the ‘business of surgery’, and the speed at which they change, can be very intimidating for the average surgeon. It is imperative that surgeons are involved in regulatory changes to prevent development of policies that hinder their ability to care for patients and contribute to rampant professional burnout. The goal of this chapter is to outline at a high level the current evidence describing how the regulatory, business, and payer aspects of a surgeon’s practice contribute to their overall wellness. Additionally, ways in which the reader can get involved with advocacy action and ongoing conciliatory efforts are highlighted.
Wilfrid Sellars and the task of philosophy

Critical attention to Wilfrid Sellars’s “Philosophy and the Scientific Image of Man” (PSIM) has focused on the dubious Peircean optimism about scientific convergence that underwrites Sellars’s talk of “the” scientific image. Sellars’s ultimate Peircean ontology has led Willem deVries, for instance, to accuse him of being a naturalistic “monistic visionary.” But this complaint of monism misplays the status of the ideal end of science in Sellars’s thinking. I propose a novel reading of PSIM, foregrounding its opening methodological re ections. On this reading, the central point of the paper is to accuse figures like Wittgenstein and Strawson, whom I call “analytical quietists,” of taking the unity of intellectual endeavor as somehow given. Such unity as is forthcoming is, Sellars tells us, a task. I conclude by noting that a structurally similar accusation of too easily presumed unity emerges at the end of the paper, against a familiar sort of anti-relativistic moral theorizing. Thus, Sellars’s conception of the task of philosophy is, at least potentially, a point of surprising ethico-political significance as well.
Inertial space-based orbit estimation: A new measurement model for multiple observers

Abstract Presented within this work is a new method for inertial orbit estimation of an object, either known or unknown, adaptable to a network of low-cost observation satellites. The observation satellites would only require a monocular camera for line of sight measurements. Using the line of sight measurements of each observer, a pair of orthogonal geometric planes that intersect both the observation satellite and the target are created. The intersection of the two planes in the inertial frame defines the new measurement model that is implemented with multiple observation nodes. Total system observability is analyzed and the instantaneous observability (per node) is used to remove “bad” measurements from the system. The measurement model is used in an extended Kalman filter framework and the measurement noise nonlinear transformation is addressed. Two cases are presented: first, a small number of observation nodes is analyzed to highlight the use of the instantaneous observability and its deleterious effect on the filter performance. Then, the method is expanded out to multiple observation satellites in a constellation. For both cases, the results show that this method is capable of producing accurate orbit estimation that converges in a short time.
Mindfulness as a way to cope with COVID-19-related stress and anxiety

Abstract COVID-19 brought significant challenges to college students in Spring 2020 Mindfulness-based interventions might help students cope with COVID-19-related stressors in at least three ways: by cultivating attention that is self-directed rather than reactive to a rapidly changing situation;by teaching the acceptance and regulation of negative thoughts and feelings;and by encouraging individuals to view adverse events non-judgementally and as opportunities for growth The purpose of our study was to determine whether Koru Mindfulness (KM), a four-week, mindfulness-based group therapy designed for emerging adults, could help students cope with COVID-19-related stress and anxiety Students were assigned to either KM or waitlist at the beginning of the 2020 Spring semester Assessment of students? functioning occurred at baseline before the onset of COVID-19, mid-semester at the height of the COVID-19 crisis on campus, and the end of the semester after students had returned home and transitioned to remote learning After treatment, KM participants reported greater mindfulness and self-compassion and less stress, anxiety and sleep problems than controls KM participants also showed superior functioning on performance-based measures of attention Most gains were maintained over time Increased mindfulness mediated the relationship between KM and reductions in stress and anxiety KM can help students cope with academic and COVID-19-related stressors by improving mindfulness
Identification of Genetic Causes of Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Increases With Proper Patient Selection

Abstract Objective To increase the likelihood of finding a causative genetic variant in patients with a focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) lesion, clinical and histologic characteristics were analyzed. Patients and Methods Individuals 18 years and older with an FSGS lesion on kidney biopsy evaluated at Mayo Clinic from November 1, 1999, through October 31, 2019, were divided into 4 groups based on clinical and histologic characteristics: primary FSGS, secondary FSGS with known cause, secondary FSGS without known cause, and undetermined FSGS. A targeted gene panel and a customized gene panel retrieved from exome sequencing were performed. Results The overall rate of detection of a monogenic cause was 42.9% (21/49). Individuals with undetermined FSGS had the highest rate of positivity (87.5%; 7/8) followed by secondary FSGS without an identifiable cause (61.5%; 8/13) and secondary FSGS with known cause (33.3%; 5/15). Four of 5 (80%) individuals in the latter group who had positive genetic testing results also had a family history of kidney disease. Univariate analysis showed that family history of kidney disease (odds ratio [OR], 13.8; 95% CI, 3.7 to 62.4; P Conclusion In adults with FSGS lesions, proper selection of patients increases the rate of positive genetic testing significantly. The majority of individuals with undetermined FSGS in whom the clinical presentation and histologic parameters are discordant had a genetic diagnosis.
A Qualitative Study: Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Nutrition Standard Adherence by In-home Childcare Providers.

Background The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) nutrition standards may present food purchasing, preparation, and feeding challenges for caregivers of young children. Objective To elucidate perceived barriers and facilitators faced by in-home childcare providers to following the CACFP food and beverage nutrition standards. Design Virtual, semistructured individual interviews elicited perceptions from a cross section of low-income, in-home childcare providers in Michigan. Participants/settings Twenty childcare providers of various races, ethnicity, urban and rural residence, and licensure status. Analysis Thematic coding analysis with NVivo (ver12.0) to organize and interpret data. Results Four primary barriers to adhering to the CACFP nutrition standards emerged including (1) noncompliant food preferences of children and providers; (2) higher cost and lower availability of CACFP-approved items; (3) celebrations and food rewards; (4) excessive time and effort needed to prepare foods and beverages, especially with dietary restrictions for some children. Ten perceived facilitators included (1) using nutrition education available through community organizations; (2) finding convenient and easy ways to prepare foods and beverages; (3) using CACFP and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children guidelines and funding; (4) increasing variety of foods and beverages by using a menu or recalling items recently served; (5) modeling eating healthful foods and encouraging sampling of new foods and beverages; (6) mixing preferred foods/beverages with less preferred; (7) using nutrition information available from social media and from peers; (8) allowing children to choose foods and beverages; (9) serving the same eligible food and beverages to all children; and (10) provider concern about impact of foods and beverages on children's health and behavior. Conclusions Results from this study can inform nutrition education from community organizations that occurs in tandem with CACFP sponsor organizations. In addition, they can be utilized to address state-level licensure regulations and quality improvement rating systems that include nutrition standards childcare providers are encouraged or required to follow.
Phenotyping respiratory decompensation following definitive closure of the patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants.

To identify risk factors associated with high-frequency ventilation (HFV) following definitive closure of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). We performed a retrospective study of premature infants (<37 weeks) who were mechanically ventilated before and after surgical or transcatheter PDA closure. Primary outcome was HFV requirement within 24 h of procedure. Logistic regression was used to estimate clinical associations with post procedure HFV requirement. We identified 110 infants who were mechanically ventilated before PDA closure, of which 48 (44%) escalated to HFV within 24 h after closure. In the multivariable model, surgical ligation (OR 21.5, 95% CI 1.6–284), elevated Respiratory Severity Score (RSS) 1 h post-procedure (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.07–2.99) and 12 h post-procedure (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.37–3.26) were independent predictors of HFV. Surgical ligation and elevated RSS values over the first 12 h after PDA closure are risk factors for HFV.
Models and Mechanisms

The purpose of this chapter is to disentangle the various theories (or more appropriately, sub-theories) that have been described in previous chapters concerning the viral hypothesis for schizophrenia. In addition, the contribution of various animal models toward understanding the mechanisms proposed in these theories will be elucidated. This section is necessarily speculatively and is based on the overarching believe that both genetic and environmental factors contribute to schizophrenia. For most of the theories described, a schematic timeline depicts how environmental, genetic, and neurodevelopmental events could act in parallel, or in concert, to lead to psychopathology.
With Ripley at the Grave of Albert Parenteau

He is twice blessed, the old one buried here beneath two names and a plastic bouquet from Choteau. He lived his grief out full. From this hill where Crees bury their dead to give them a view, he can study the meadow, the mountains back of mountains, the Teton canyon winding into stone. I want to say something wrong, say, this afternoon they are together again, he and the wife he killed by mistake in the dark and she forgives him. I don't want to admit it's cold alone in the ground and a cold run from Canada with a dog and two bottles of rye.
Seryl Transfer Ribonucleic Acid Synthetase from Escherichia coli SUBSTRATE BINDING AND CHEMICAL MODIFICATION OF CYSTEINYL RESIDUES

Abstract The binding of l-serine and ATP to seryl-tRNA synthetase from Escherichia coli was examined by equilibrium dialysis. The gel filtration method of Hummel and Dryer ((1962) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 63, 530) was used to estimate the binding of the enzyme to tRNAser. The molar ratio of substrate bound to the enzyme in each instance was approximately 2:1, suggesting that each subunit has one binding site for each of the substrates. Several sulfhydryl reagents were employed to evaluate the role of the thiol groups in the synthetase. When the enzyme was treated with high concentrations of 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoate) or [14C]iodoacetamide, only 1 of the 10 cysteinyl residues per subunit was modified and the enzyme retained full aminoacylation activity. On the other hand, reaction with equivalent concentrations of [14C]iodoacetate appeared to be a two-step process. The initial rate of carboxymethylation was characterized by a hyberbolic curve which slowly progressed to a point where 0.75 to 0.9 carboxymethyl groups were incorporated per subunit, with no detectable inactivation. At this point, the reaction rate increased in an exponential fashion and was accompanied by a nonlinear loss of enzyme activity. Similarly, titration of seryl-tRNA synthetase with p-mercuribenzoate (PMB) was characterized by a linear inactivation-inhibitor concentration relationship which required 20 moles of PMB per mole of enzyme for complete inactivation, suggesting that sulfhydryl group modification with PMB is an all-or-none event. It is proposed that the thiol groups of the seryl-tRNA synthetase possess a structural rather than a catalytic role. Seryl-tRNA synthetase was covalently linked to cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose and this material was used for chromatography of tRNA from E. coli. A one-step purification of serine transfer RNA was achieved. The stable Sepharose-synthetase conjugate has also been used to study the effects of reagents such as urea on the dissociation of the enzyme.
GESIA: uncertainty-based reasoning for a generic expert system intelligent user interface

Generic expert systems are reasoning systems that can be used in many application domains, thus requiring domain independence. The user interface for a generic expert system must contain intelligence in order to maintain this domain independence and manage the complex interactions between the user and the expert system. This paper explores the uncertainty-based reasoning contained in an intelligent user interface called GESIA. GESIA's interface architecture and dynamically constructed Bayesian network are examined in detail to show how uncertainty-based reasoning enhances the capabilities of this user interface.
Implementation of the Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative Vascular Access Guidelines

To better care for patients with chronic renal failure and end-stage renal disease, the National Kidney Foundation has published a set of Clinical Guidelines, the Dialysis Outcomes Quality Initiative, based on current available evidence and, where such evidence is lacking, the expert opinions of current leaders in vascular access research. These Guidelines were developed to standardize the care of chronic renal failure and end-stage renal disease patients. This report describes some of the more important aspects of these recommendations and the authors' implementation strategies.
Characterization of pharmacodynamic recession slopes for direct and indirect response models

Direct pharmacologic effects are known to recede over time with largely linear slopes (Levy's k · m product, J. Pharm. Sci. 53: 342, 1964) and indirect responses have similar behavior. Pharmacodynamic slope properties were examined mathematically for the Hill function with monoexponential drug disposition and simulations were carried out for other pharmacokinetic functions. Both types of pharmacodynamic profiles exhibit a single terminal inflection point (fp) when drug concentrations exceed the EC50 (that concentration causing one-half maximum effect, Emax ). For direct effects it was found that Cfp (the drug concentration at fp) =EC50 , the determinants of inflection time were identified, and Slopefp = −λzγEmax /4 where λz is the terminal disposition slope and γ is the Hill coefficient. These characteristics were explored for the four basic indirect response models which also exhibit recession profiles with slight sigmoidity and a single terminal inflection point at higher doses. The drug concentration at inflection Cfp is ≤IC50 or SC50 (drug concentrations causing half-maximal inhibition or stimulation), while the inflection response (Rfp ) attains constant values at larger doses. Indirect Response Models I, III, and IV have nearly linear return slopes for a wide range of doses which are governed by the disposition slope λz of the drug, loss constant kout of the response, maximum inhibition (Imax ) or stimulation (Smax ) factors, and a unique fractional constant (0<G≤1). Model II exhibits more complex behavior with recession slopes which are less likely to be parallel for various doses. Most indirect responses are expected to show nearly linear recession slopes which are parallel for moderate to large doses and mainly governed by an identical combination of pharmacokinetic (λz ), system (kout ), and dynamic capacity factors (Imax or Smax ).
Traffic grooming in flexible optical WDM (FWDM) networks

We propose an algorithm for the traffic grooming, routing, wavelength assignment, and spectrum allocation problem in FWDM networks for the first time. We show that traffic grooming improves spectral efficiency of FWDM networks.
Abstract 18899: Isoproterenol Challenge Predicts Symptomatic Response to Myectomy in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy With Occult Obstruction

Background: Septal myectomy is the gold standard for medically-refractory patients with hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HCM). There is a subset of patients who have severe exertional symptoms without a resting or provocable left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) gradient on noninvasive testing. These patients may demonstrate obstruction on hemodynamic catheterization with isoproterenol challenge but is has remained unclear how they respond to septal reduction therapy. We aimed to assess the ability of isoproterenol challenge to predict symptom resolution with myectomy in a selected HCM population. Methods: Between February 2003 and April 2009, 18 symptomatic HCM patients (NYHA class III or IV) with labile obstruction on isoproterenol challenge underwent surgical myectomy and were reassessed for symptom resolution after a median of 4 (IQR 3-7) years. Results: Post-myectomy, 13 patients (72.2%) had complete symptom resolution, while 5 (27.8%) had improved but persistent symptoms. Patients with complete symptom resolution had a greater increase in left atrial pressure (LAP) and tau with isoproterenol [3 (IQR -2-8) mmHg vs. -5 (IQR -8.5--1) mmHg; p=0.01] and [-0.7 (IQR -13-22) ms vs. -44 (IQR -48--0.2) ms; p=0.03] (Figure 1). The mean change in LVOT gradient with peak isoproterenol was significantly greater among patients with complete symptom resolution compared to patients with improved but persistent symptoms [(104 (IQR 66-123) mmHg vs. 55 (IQR 38-74) mmHg; p=0.01). All patients with increase in LAP with isoproterenol and LVOT gradient >100 mmHg achieved complete symptom resolution. Discussion: Patients with residual symptoms post-myectomy had less increase in LAP and tau with isoproterenol indicating a “fixed” component to diastolic filling, as opposed to patients with symptom resolution whose response was indicative of elevation in filling pressures secondary to dynamic obstruction.
The World by Religion

This chapter presents tables that represent the results of analysis of data on religion appearing in the World Religion Database . These data are collected from a number of sources including censuses, surveys, polls, religious communities, scholars, and others. After data collection and analysis, discrepancies are worked out and best estimates are made for each religion across a number of years. Results are presented for religionists and nonreligionists as a whole as well as for each religious and non-religious category. One of the tables lists the world's population in 1970, 2000, 2013, and 2030 with two separate 30-year growth rates (1970-2000 and 2000-2030) for comparison with data presented in the religion and nonreligion tables. Keywords: religion; World Religion Database; world's population
TGF-β and IL-10 regulation of IFN-γ produced in Th2-type schistosome granulomas requires IL-12

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) regulate CD4+ T cell interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) secretion in schistosome granulomas. The role of IL-12 was determined using C57BL/6 and CBA mice. C57BL/6 IL-4-/- granuloma cells were stimulated to produce IFN-gamma when cultured with IL-10 or TGF-beta neutralizing monoclonal antibody. In comparison, C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) control granuloma cells produced less IFN-gamma. IL-12, IL-18, and soluble egg antigen stimulated IFN-gamma release from C57BL/6 IL-4-/- and WT mice. IFN-gamma production in C57 IL-4-/- and WT granulomas was IL-12 dependent, because IL-12 blockade partly abrogated IFN-gamma secretion after stimulation. All granuloma cells released IL-12 (p70 and p40), and IL-12 production remained constant after anti-TGF-beta, anti-IL-10, recombinant IL-18, or antigen stimulation. C57 WT and IL-4-/- mouse granuloma cells expressed IL-12 receptor (IL-12R) beta1-subunit mRNA but little beta2 mRNA. TGF-beta or IL-10 blockade did not influence beta1 or beta2 mRNA expression. CBA mouse dispersed granuloma cells released no measurable IFN-gamma, produced IL-12 p70 and little p40, and expressed IL-12R beta2 and little beta1 mRNA. In T helper 2 (Th2) granulomas of C57BL/6 WT and IL-4-/- mice, cells produce IL-12 (for IFN-gamma production) and IL-10 and TGF-beta modulate IFN-gamma secretion via mechanisms independent of IL-12 and IL-12R mRNA regulation. We found substantial differences in control of granuloma IFN-gamma production and IL-12 circuitry in C57BL/6 and CBA mice.
A perceptual-confusion account of the WSE in the target search paradigm

Subjects were required to search through four-letter displays for one member from the target set M, N, P, or R. The displays were words, pseudowords, or consonant strings. The results show that significant word superiority effects occur when target location is unknown, but that a location precue can eliminate these benefits of lexical context. Analysis of the types of errors that occur with and without a location precue indicates that the precue reduces the likelihood that the context letters of nonwords will be confused with the incorrect targets. These findings are consistent with a perceptual-confusion model that predicts that the context letters of words will be perceived more accurately than those of nonwords.
A speckle-shearing interferometer: A tool for measuring derivatives of surface displacements

Abstract A speckle-shearing interferometer is developed using a sheared Michelson interferometer. The tool, like speckle interferometry, utilizes the speckle effect of coherent light. However, while speckle interferometry measures surface displacements, the speckle-shearing interferometer determines the derivatives of the surface displacements. Hence, it eliminates the necessity of differentiating the measured displacements to obtain strain.
William Holman Hunt’s Holy War in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem

Abstract This essay is concerned to interpret the background, meaning, and reception of a late painting by the British Pre-Raphaelite painter William Holman Hunt entitled The Miracle of the Sacred Fire in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (1899). The painting illustrates and critiques an annual Easter Saturday miracle reported to have been experienced by believers and nonbelievers since the third century CE. During this miracle, fire descends from the oculus of the dome in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem onto the site believed to be the tomb of Christ, and impassioned pilgrims by the hundreds seek to light their candles with its flame. The painting, not well received when first exhibited at the New Gallery in London, remained in Hunt’s studio until his death in 1910. The history of the church in Jerusalem, the conflicts between the different Christian sects who guarded it, the attitude of one Victorian ecumenical Protestant traveler to Jerusalem toward these conflicts, and their resolution in his painting are the subjects used to explore this strangely overwrought and little known image.