cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Using Remotely Sensed Data To Identify Areas at Risk For Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome

The 1993 U.S. hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) outbreak was attributed to environmental conditions and increased rodent populations caused by unusual weather in 1991- 92. In a case-control study to test this hypothesis, we estimated precipitation at 28 HPS and 170 control sites during the springs of 1992 and 1993 and compared it with precipitation during the previous 6 years by using rainfall patterns at 196 weather stations. We also used elevation data and Landsat Thematic Mapper satellite imagery collected the year before the outbreak to estimate HPS risk by logistic regression analysis. Rainfall at case sites was not higher during 1992-93 than in previous years. However, elevation, as well as satellite data, showed association between environmental conditions and HPS risk the following year. Repeated analysis using satellite imagery from 1995 showed substantial decrease in medium- to high-risk areas. Only one case of HPS was identified in 1996.
A CMOS imager with digital phase readout for fluorescence lifetime imaging

This paper presents a novel CMOS image sensor with direct digital phase output for fluorescence lifetime imaging applications. The phase-shift between intensity modulated excitation signal and emitted fluorescence is extracted utilizing a zero-crossing detection algorithm as a time-domain delay signal. A Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) is subsequently used to quantize the time delay into digital output. A prototype sensor chip consisting of 32×32 passive pixel array, row-parallel phase extraction circuitry, and a global TDC is fabricated in 65nm low-power CMOS technology. The chip occupies 4mm×4mm silicon area with 1.2mW power consumption. Extensive characterization and phase image reconstruction results demonstrate both high sensitivity and good linearity performance of the digital phase readout. The TDC features 110ps temporal resolution over 414μs dynamic range. The proposed imager architecture offers an attractive solution for developing low-cost, low-power, and highly-integrated fluorescence lifetime imaging devices.
Positional central apnea and vascular medullary compression

A 66-year-old man with hypertension presented with complaints of excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Score 14/24), dyspnea upon exertion, and episodes of noninjurious dream-enacting behavior. He reported tongue biting when sleeping in the right lateral decubitus position. Medications included atenolol 12.5 mg, lovastatin 20 mg, doxazosin 2 mg, amlodipine 5 mg, isosorbide mononitrate 60 mg, and aspirin 81 mg. He denied headaches, visual changes, dysarthria, dysphagia, or localized weakness. He denied use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.
In-line broadband 270 degrees (3lambda/4) chevron four-reflection wave retarders.

The net differential phase shift Δt introduced between the orthogonal p and s linear polarizations after four successive total internal reflections inside an in-line chevron dual-Fresnel-rhomb retarder is a function of the first internal angle of incidence φ and prism refractive index n. Retardance of 3λ/4 (i.e., Δt=270°) is achieved with minimum angular sensitivity when φ=45° and n=1.900822. Several optical glasses with this refractive index are identified. For Schott glass SF66 the deviation of Δt from 270° is ≤4° over a wavelength range of 0.55≤λ≤1.1 μm in the visible and near-IR spectrum. For a SiC prism, whose totally reflecting surfaces are coated with an optically thick MgF2 film, Δt=270° at two wavelengths: λ1=0.707 μm and λ2=4.129 μm. This coated prism has a maximum retardance error of ≈5°over>three octaves (0.5 to 4.5 μm) in the visible, near-, and mid-IR spectral range. Another mid-IR 3λ/4 retarder uses a Si prism, which is coated by an optically thick silicon oxynitride film of the proper composition, to achieve retardance that differs from 270° by <0.5° over the 3-5 μm spectral range.
Differential Modulation and Subsequent Blockade of Mitogenic Signaling and Cell Cycle Progression by Pasteurella multocida Toxin

The intracellularly acting protein toxin of Pasteurella multocida (PMT) causes numerous effects in cells, including activation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) signaling, Ca(2+) mobilization, protein phosphorylation, morphological changes, and DNA synthesis. The direct intracellular target of PMT responsible for activation of the IP(3) pathway is the G(q/11)alpha-protein, which stimulates phospholipase C (PLC) beta1. The relationship between PMT-mediated activation of the G(q/11)-PLC-IP(3) pathway and its ability to promote mitogenesis and cellular proliferation is not clear. PMT stimulation of p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase occurs upstream via G(q/11)-dependent transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor. We have further characterized the effects of PMT on the downstream mitogenic response and cell cycle progression in Swiss 3T3 and Vero cells. PMT treatment caused dramatic morphological changes in both cell lines. In Vero cells, limited multinucleation, nuclear fragmentation, and disruption of cytokinesis were also observed; however, a strong mitogenic response occurred only with Swiss 3T3 cells. Significantly, this mitogenic response was not sustained. Cell cycle analysis revealed that after the initial mitogenic response to PMT, both cell types subsequently arrested primarily in G(1) and became unresponsive to further PMT treatment. In Swiss 3T3 cells, PMT induced up-regulation of c-Myc; cyclins D1, D2, D3, and E; p21; PCNA; and the Rb proteins, p107 and p130. In Vero cells, PMT failed to up-regulate PCNA and cyclins D3 and E. We also found that the initial PMT-mediated up-regulation of several of these signaling proteins was not sustained, supporting the subsequent cell cycle arrest. The consequences of PMT entry thus depend on the differential regulation of signaling pathways within different cell types.
Composite Polyphase Electrochemical Cell Components

A number of composite polyphase electrode systems employing the mixed-conducting matrix principle have been proposed in this laboratory as alternatives to single lithium alloy systems for use as negative electrodes in both room and intermediate temperature lithium-based cells. Further, a composite hydroxide ion conducting electrolyte has been considered for use at intermediate temperatures which utilises liquid lithium hydroxide formed in situ and contained within a lithium aluminium oxide ceramic matrix. Both these, and other, composite electrochemical cell component systems serve to overcome certain disadvantages found in simpler, non-composite designs. In order to operate effectively, the electrode and electrolyte systems described here must satisfy certain thermodynamic, kinetic and mechanical criteria. In this work, these criteria are discussed, using, among others, the examples given above, with particular emphasis on the thermodynamic phase stability conditions which must be satisfied by a viable composite electrode or electrolyte system.
High-Resolution Single-Copy Gene Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization and Its Use in the Construction of a Cytogenetic Map of Maize Chromosome 9

High-resolution cytogenetic maps provide important biological information on genome organization and function, as they correlate genetic distance with cytological structures, and are an invaluable complement to physical sequence data. The most direct way to generate a cytogenetic map is to localize genetically mapped genes onto chromosomes by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Detection of single-copy genes on plant chromosomes has been difficult. In this study, we developed a squash FISH procedure allowing successful detection of single-copy genes on maize (Zea mays) pachytene chromosomes. Using this method, the shortest probe that can be detected is 3.1 kb, and two sequences separated by ∼100 kb can be resolved. To show the robust nature of this protocol, we localized nine genetically mapped single-copy genes on chromosome 9 in one FISH experiment. Integration of existing information from genetic maps and the BAC contig-based physical map with the cytological structure of chromosome 9 provides a comprehensive cross-referenced cytogenetic map and shows the dramatic reduction of recombination in the pericentromeric heterochromatic region. To establish a feasible mapping system for maize, we also developed a probe cocktail for unambiguous identification of the 10 maize pachytene chromosomes. These results provide a starting point toward constructing a high-resolution integrated cytogenetic map of maize.
Design, Implementation and Validation of a Quality Assurance process for Medical Displays.

The purpose of this project was to design a Quality Assurance (Q.A.) process for medical displays, implement it in the Chilean Army Hospital Teleradiology System and validate the results in the healthcare system. It was designed to meet the specific needs of this military program which since 2004 has supported both, the military needs throughout the country and civilian healthcare system in remote and inhospitable areas. This software-based process follows the procedure proposed by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (A.A.P.M.) [1], Task Group 18.
The spatial distribution of moving macromolecules undergoing isomerization

In this paper we use probabilistic arguments to derive and discuss the spatial distribution of molecules which are undergoing electrophoresis or centrifugation while at the same time they are switching back and forth between two configurational states. An exact solution is obtained for arbitrary values of the diffusion coefficients of the two isomerizing states. The traditional analytic method of solving this problem, namely, by use of “master equations,” is not completely satisfactory because one can find only the Fourier transform of the solution rather than the solution itself. Our treatment yields the answer one would get if it were feasible to perform the inversion of the Fourier transform.
Data-objects: Re-designing everyday objects as tactile affective interfaces

Data-Objects introduces the idea of re-designing physical objects that a person uses every day to act as tactile affective interfaces. Data-Objects are a means to provide users information about their use of different everyday objects and how it affects them. We do this by re-designing the objects to embed information in the physical body of the object itself without hampering its original functional capability. By 3D printing the body in a set period of time, differences in the information represented on the physical body over the time are aimed at highlighting patterns of how the usage of that object has been affecting the user. The overwhelming digital information that we are exposed to and the disconnect that it has from what it is representing makes the relation of the information to the different aspects of our life not effective. We think that using physical forms of objects to provide information can make the data more meaningful, enhancing the value of the object beyond its intended function. Physical forms can provide subliminal and tactile feedback to the users as they use the objects throughout the day, without specific visual attention. Being present physically ensures that people are more conscious of the data and patterns, and makes the data visible to other people as well.
Pathophysiology of bacterial cystitis.

Most bacterial urinary tract infections (UTI) occur by the ascending route and are due to bacteria that normally colonize the patient’s gastrointestinal tract. While 80 to 90% of UTI are due to Escherichia coli 1, in young women a gram positive organism, Staphylococcus saprophyticus may cause up to 20% of the cases of acute cystitis.2 Hospital-acquired infections associated with catheters or instrumentation, however, are more frequently due to bacterial species such as Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Proteus, or Pseudomonas. Colonization of both squamous and urothelial cells due to bacterial adhesion is necessary to initiate an ascending infection. After colonization of the perineum for various periods of time, colonization of the urethra, then bladder occurs by means of bacterial adherence. In this review I will concentrate on the pathogenesisof E. coli cystitis. Adherence by E. coli is due to P, X or type 1 fimbriae as well as non-fimbrial adhesins.3,4 Cystitis may ensue once colonization of the bladder occurs and the bacteria remain for a time sufficient enough to reach a critical concentration necessary to cause disease. Twenty percent of females will have a urinary tract infection at some time during their lives, while twenty per cent of those who develop one infection will have a recurrence. Women may be susceptible due to genetic factors since it has been shown that those who do not have blood group antigens in their secretions (which may interfere with bacterial adhesion) more frequently have urinary tract infections.5
Effect of pregnancy on liver tumor associated with oral contraceptives.

4 cases of women who became pregnant after exhibiting signs of liver tumor associated with oral contraceptives (OCs) are reported from the registry established at the University of California Irvine. Severe symptoms appeared in all 4 women between 30 weeks of gestation and labor. 2 were admitted to the hospital with rupture of the adenoma and 1 of these subsequently died. Histological findings are discussed in detail. Pregnancy appears to increase the potential for growth and vascularity of the adenoma with risk of hemorrhage and rupture. Patients with a diagnosed liver tumor after taking OCs would be well advised to postpone childbearing until the residual lesions are resolved. It is presently not known how long the regenerative process takes once OCs are discontinued.
Towards Closed -Loop Feedback Control of the Flow over NACA -4412 Airfoil

We are developing methods to predict the dynamics of the flow field above a NACA -4412 airfoil using real -time measurements of the pressure from the surface of the airfoil only. Through Proper Orthogonal Decomposition ( POD) and modified Linear Stochastic Estimation ( mLSE) low -dimensional techniques, these pressure measurements are coupled to Particle Image Ve locimetry ( PIV) data of the flow to estimate the time dependent coefficients describing the flow. By solving a system of ODEs based on these coefficients, we are able to obtain an estimate of the evolution equation of the flow. This low -dimensional estimat ed plant will be used to explore different Proportional Integral & Derivative (PID) control parameters and will enable us to implement a controller of the flow state above the airfoil using leading edge zero net -mass flow actuators. In an open -loop investi gation, we were able, with the actuation, to keep the flow attached or in an incipient state, well over the stall angle of the uncontrolled airfoil. Furthermore, the experimental set up has been specifically designed to conduct closed -loop control while in cluding dynamic pitching motion of the airfoil. Results of the open -loop control, the application of the POD/mLSE estimation procedure and the prediction capability of the model ODEs will be presented. In addition, we will discuss the use of these tools fo r feedback control.
Differentiating homogeneous and heterogeneous water oxidation catalysis: confirmation that [Co4(H2O)2(α-PW9O34)2]10- is a molecular water oxidation catalyst.

Distinguishing between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis is not straightforward. In the case of the water oxidation catalyst (WOC) [Co4(H2O)2(PW9O34)2]10– (Co4POM), initial reports of an efficient, molecular catalyst have been challenged by studies suggesting that formation of cobalt oxide (CoOx) or other byproducts are responsible for the catalytic activity. Thus, we describe a series of experiments for thorough examination of active species under catalytic conditions and apply them to Co4POM. These provide strong evidence that under the conditions initially reported for water oxidation using Co4POM (Yin et al. Science, 2010, 328, 342), this POM anion functions as a molecular catalyst, not a precursor for CoOx. Specifically, we quantify the amount of Co2+(aq) released from Co4POM by two methods (cathodic adsorptive stripping voltammetry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) and show that this amount of cobalt, whatever speciation state it may exist in, cannot account for the observed wa...
An outline of basic policies for a research program on problems of alcohol

This memorandum submits to the Scientific Committee of the Research Council on Problems of Alcohol certain conclusions emanating from the review of the alcohol literature sponsored by the Research Council under the title Study of the Effects of Alcohol on the Individual. These conclusions concern gaps in research, controversial issues and pseudo-problems, i.e., matters which largely determine the path of future research.The object here is not so much to give an actual list of projects as to designate those aspects of the problems of alcohol which appear to be most in need of research. “Most in need” is a relative term. To a police court justice the most urgent problem of alcohol may seem to be a 100 per cent valid criterion of intoxication. The physician engaged in treating alcoholic polyneuropathy will regard as most urgent some aspect of the pathogenesis of this disease. “Most in need” is used here in relation to the interests of the Research Council, which naturally has a much broader viewpoint than an...
A Stusy on the Relationshipbetween Nutritional Knowledge and Eating Behavior in 898 Medical Students at University

Objective: To find out 898 medical students' nutritional knowledge at university and their eating behavior,explore the relationship between nutritional knowledge and eating behavior,and to seek for the way fit fot the nutritional education of these students in the future.Methods: With stratified cluster sampling method,a questionnaire survey was carried out among 898 medical students at university.Results: Most students were lacking in comprehensive understanding of nutrition,with common irrational dietary behaviors.There was significant difference in the scores between the students of nutrition education and those of no such education(P0.05).There was no marked difference in the average score of eating behavior among those at three layers(P0.05).The survey also showed thyat there existed linear correlation between nutrition knowledge and eating behavior(P0.05).Conclusion: It is necessary to formulate and implementate effective nutritional education plans and to imrove nutrition education by multi-channels so as to enrich the students' nutrition knowledge.Nutrition intervention measures need to be emphatically strengthened in order to help students establish good eating behavior.
HEMODYNAMIC STUDIES BEFORE AND AFTER CARDIOVERSION

E nthusiasm for conversion of atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm has been dampened by the poor conversion rate with quinidine. In addition, atrial conversion with quinidine is not entirely a benign procedure; it requires several days of hospitalization and incurs a certain morbidity and mortality.1 Recently Lown2 has demonstrated that the hearts of 90 per cent of patients with atrial fibrillation can be converted to a normal sinus rhythm by synchronized DC shock. To assess the value of normal sinus rhythm for patients, particularly after mitral valve surgery, the hemodynamic changes which occur with conversion from atrial fibrillation to normal sinus rhythm were studied. We also studied the hemodynamic differences after conversion between patients who had a mitral valvuloplasty and patients who had a mitral prosthesis inserted.
Prognosis for patients undergoing coronary angioplasty.

Percutaneous coronary interventions, such as balloon angioplasty, with or without stent placement, are important in the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease.
Standardizing Productivity Measurements For Nuclear Medicine

We present a productivity measurement method that can be implemented in any nuclear medicine department and will provide significant benefits to the nuclear medicine manager. These include a comparable and consistent method of calculating productivity information and accumulating data that can be used as a basis for calculating fiscal reports, including revenue generation, projecting future workloads, staffing requirements, etc. Measuring the productivity of a nuclear medicine facility is a difficult task. According to several national surveys, there is great variation in the way patient care workload is reported. Establishment of standards of productivity measurement in nuclear medicine departments should be developed. Productivity values or related measurements should be as complete and accurate as possible. Nuclear medicine managers and hospital administrators may wish to compare their current productivity measurements to hospitals of comparable sizes and staffing, but all the variables used to generate the figures should be calculated or derived by the same method or techniques. We base our productivity calculations on a procedure accounting method derived from the Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) Code Book, an established and accepted reference, by which many major health insurance companies determine reimbursement.
Pseudolipomatosis in Endometrial Specimens Does Not Represent Uterine Perforation.

Background: Specimens of endometrial biopsies can sometimes present with an artifact within blood, composed of optically clear vacuoles mimicking adipose tissue, pseudolipomatosis. This artifact ca...
Vertical cavity lasers for telecommunications networks: prospects and challenges

Recent advances in long wavelength VCSEL technology have enabled high performance devices based on a number of different approaches. Continued improvements in operating temperature and single-mode output power have made these devices commercially viable. Multiple wavelength VCSEL arrays and tunable VCSELs will add functionality. These sources are expected to dramatically reduce costs and improve performance in local and metropolitan area networks.
A Segmentation Technique Based on Standard Deviation in Body Sensor Networks

Pervasive health monitoring utilizing wearable wireless sensor nodes can greatly enhance the quality of care individuals receive. Such systems, while in terms of signal processing mostly depend on pattern recognition schemes, must operate independently of human interaction for extended periods. The lack of a general-purpose computationally inexpensive algorithm capable of segmenting sensor readings into discrete actions and nonactions has hindered the development of these systems. We examine a segmentation scheme based on standard deviation metric. We provide experimental verification of the method.
Software-defined Wireless Charging of Internet of Things using Distributed Beamforming: Demo Abstract

Smart homes will compose of multiple sensors that will sense, compute and transmit information to a central cloud, all of which are energy consuming tasks. We propose to demonstrate a software-defined solution for wirelessly charging these sensors using RF energy, thereby extending their lifetimes. In our demo, the actions of more than one energy transmitter (ET) are synchronized in phase and frequency in real time using periodic feedback from the target sensor, but without any common clock reference. The controller selects the optimal subset of ETs to satisfy the energy request from a given sensor, which cooperatively beamform RF energy towards that sensor. Our software-defined framework, implemented in Python, allows the central controller to automatically discover the installed sensors, obtain energy needs, and schedule charging tasks in an asynchronous and non-blocking manner that allows the network to scale. The demonstration includes advancements in design and fabrication of RF energy harvesting circuits that interface with the TI EZ430 sensors, implementation of a software-defined control and data plane, as well as a real-time distributed beamforming algorithm on USRP radios that results in a battery-free network of sensors.
A Revised Checklist of the Caddisflies (Insecta: Trichoptera) of West Virginia

Based on recent collection efforts, examination of new material, and review of published records, the caddisfly fauna of West Virginia is updated to include 235 species. A revised, annotated checklist is presented, with distributional information for 26 new records from West Virginia. Significant range extensions are noted for Arctopsyche irrorata Banks and Hydropsyche carolina Banks.
Renal consults from the oncology floor

Onco-nephrology is a rapidly growing subspecialty area, which was born of the unique kidney disease and cancer connection that exists. In reality, this area of subspecialization combines the knowle...
A Glowing Recommendation: A Project-Based Cooperative Laboratory Activity To Promote Use of the Scientific and Engineering Practices

One of the most mystifying products on the market for people at any age is the glow stick: a plastic tube that, when snapped, creates a flood of bright, brilliantly colored light without the use of electricity or significant production of heat. In this case, the chemiluminescence reaction also provides an exciting phenomenon through which we can engage students in the Scientific and Engineering Practices. This laboratory project has been developed both to pique students’ interest about the task at hand and to have them practice science in a more authentic way than a traditional “cookbook” experiment. In completing this project, students will not only gain an understanding of the factors affecting the rate of the chemiluminescence reaction but also be able to create their own procedures, analyze and interpret their data, and construct an evidence-based argument from their results.
itFISH: Enhanced Staining by Iterative Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization

Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) is an important tool for zebrafish research, particularly when observing the expression of two different genes in the same embryo. Peroxidase-catalyzed deposition of tyramide-conjugated dyes is a widely used and cost-effective approach to performing FISH. A major limitation of the technique is that it does not work well for weakly expressed genes. Here we present a method adapted from planarian research for use in zebrafish that provides a dramatic enhancement of weak staining. By iterating the antibody staining and development steps, a strong signal can be obtained from probes that were previously too weak to detect.
From co-optation to commission: A diachronic perspective on the development of fannish literacy through Teen Wolf 's Tumblr promotional campaigns

Historically, fan scholars have focused on conducting deep dives into singular cases and revealing trends by comparing cross sections of those cases. While there is undeniable value in conducting close analyses of such instances, the reliance on this method can limit our assessment of long-running trends. By supplementing—or, more productively, combining—specific case studies with diachronic perspectives, we can better situate, contextualize, and trace emerging trends like the evolution of fan/producer dynamics. To model this approach, I analyze 4 years' worth of fan-targeted promotional campaigns on the official Teen Wolf (2011–) Tumblr. The activities—fannish and/or promotional—of all participants in a shared ecological system like Tumblr are significant. They continuously construct, deconstruct, nuance, and challenge the ever-evolving context of fandom and fan/producer dynamics. Supplementing a close analysis of one of Teen Wolf 's recent promotional campaigns—the commissioned #TeenWolfExhibit—with a diachronic perspective addresses the ever-evolving ecology of media fandom and traces the evolution of MTV's fannish literacy from 2011 to 2015. The #TeenWolfExhibit reproduces and reflects all the promotional successes, failures, and course corrections that predate it.
Lawyering from the Inside Out: Learning Professional Development through Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence

Law is a varied, powerful, and highly rewarding profession. Studies show, however, that lawyers have higher rates of alcoholism, divorce, and even suicide than the general population. Stress creates these poor outcomes, including the stress of dealing with other people's problems all day, the stress of spending excessive amounts of time at work, and the stress of being disconnected to what is most meaningful in life. Through mindfulness and emotional intelligence training, lawyers can improve focus, get more work done in less time, improve their interpersonal skills, and seek and find work that will make their lives more meaningful. This book is designed to help law students and lawyers of all experience levels find a sustainable and meaningful life in the field of law. This book includes journaling and other interactive exercises that can help lawyers find peace, focus, meaning, and happiness over a lifetime of practicing law.
HealthVisor: A look into data-rich bio-monitoring

The rapid development of technology has made realtime telemedicine possible, yet about 735,000 Americans have heart attacks annually and 43% of sudden cardiac deaths occurred outside hospitals. Survivors often suffer from anxiety and depression, which makes the prognosis worse. In this paper, we propose a new system, HealthVisor, to address this issue. The goal of this research is to develop a real-time, low-cost health monitoring system to provide the patients' electrocardiography (ECG) and stress level data to medical professionals. HealthVisor consists of four parts: (1) Careband Wearable Device (CWD) — a custom wearable device to collect heart data from the patients; (2) Careband Android Application (CAA) — an Android application to receive data from CWD and pass it to the back-end Web service; (3) HealthVisor Web Server (HVS) — a back-end Web service to process, analyze and store the patient's health data, and; (4) HealthVisor Front-end (HVF) — a Web interface to present analyzed data from HVS. The prototype system was evaluated on three subjects, and the results indicated that the collected data are reliable and the system is promising for further clinical study.
High quality draft genome sequence of Mycoplasma testudineum strain BH29 T , isolated from the respiratory tract of a desert tortoise

Mycoplasma testudineum is one of the pathogens that can cause upper respiratory tract disease in desert tortoises, Gopherus agassizii. We sequenced the genome of M. testudineum BH29T (ATCC 700618T = MCCM 03231T), isolated from the upper respiratory tract of a Mojave desert tortoise with upper respiratory tract disease. The sequenced draft genome, organized in 25 scaffolds, has a length of 960,895 bp and a G + C content of 27.54%. A total of 788 protein-coding sequences, six pseudogenes and 35 RNA genes were identified. The potential presence of cytadhesin-encoding genes is investigated. This genome will enable comparative genomic studies to help understand the molecular bases of the pathogenicity of this and other Mycoplasma species.
Amniotic Fluid-Derived Pluripotential Cells

Publisher Summary The pluripotent progenitor cells isolated from amniotic fluid present an exciting possible contribution to the field of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine, and may be an excellent source for research and therapeutic applications. The embryonic and fetal progenitor cells have better potential for expansion than adult stem cells, which is why they could represent a better source for therapeutic applications in which large numbers of cells are needed. This chapter describes the experiments that led to the isolation and characterization of amniotic fluid stem cells (AFSCs). The various lineages that these cells have been differentiated into thus far are also described, and the future of these promising new stem cells is discussed. The ability to isolate the progenitor cells during gestation may also be advantageous for babies born with congenital malformations. When compared with embryonic stem cells, the progenitor cells isolated from amniotic fluid have many similarities: they can differentiate into all three germ layers, they express common markers, and they preserve their telomere length. The progenitor cells isolated from amniotic fluid differentiate easily into specific cell lineages, and they do not need feeder layers to grow, neither do they require the sacrifice of human embryos for their isolation.
Church and Leadership Education in China

This chapter focuses on two types of church and their leadership education courses in China. The official education program is provided by the Three-Self church of the government, and the other track emerged from the fertile ground of unregistered house churches. The primary goal of the government-approved programs is to restore spiritual, cultural, and scholarly motives and discourses, once abolished during the Cultural Revolution. Therefore, the religious studies institutes and theological education programs that the government approved have produced academics and public officials in Three-Self churches. Because of the required commitment to their atheist authority, academics and church officials sometimes need to hold politically negotiated positions in their professions. In contrast to such compromises, the unregistered theological education program introduced was founded solely for evangelical purposes by raising committed Protestant workers. Since the demand for qualified church workers has been far greater than the supply from the limited number of official training institutions, propagation of such unofficial training is a natural phenomenon. Professional training of church workers is becoming more important, given that the congregations of the house churches are getting more diverse.
Disorders of Scrotal Contents: Orchitis, Epididymitis, Testicular Torsion, Torsion of the Appendages, and Fournier’s Gangrene

Orchitis is defined as inflammation of the testicle.1 The most common etiology of acute orchitis, and epididymitis, is infection with the sexually transmitted pathogens C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhea in young men below the age of 35.2 Epididymorchitis is also the most common cause of the “acute scrotum” in this age-group.3 The most common organisms to cause orchitis and epididymitis in men over the age of 35 and in prepubertal boys are E. coli and P. mirabilis. 4
Nanocalorimetric evidence for nematic superconductivity in the doped topological insulator Sr 0.1 Bi 2 Se 3

Spontaneous rotational-symmetry breaking in the superconducting state of doped ${\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$ has attracted significant attention as an indicator for topological superconductivity. In this paper, high-resolution calorimetry of the single-crystal ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{0.1}{\mathrm{Bi}}_{2}{\mathrm{Se}}_{3}$ provides unequivocal evidence of a twofold rotational symmetry in the superconducting gap by a bulk thermodynamic probe, a fingerprint of nematic superconductivity. The extremely small specific heat anomaly resolved with our high-sensitivity technique is consistent with the material's low carrier concentration proving bulk superconductivity. The large basal-plane anisotropy of ${H}_{c2}$ (${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}}_{\mathrm{exp}}=3.5$) is attributed to a nematic phase of a two-component topological gap structure $\mathbf{\ensuremath{\eta}}=({\ensuremath{\eta}}_{1},{\ensuremath{\eta}}_{2})$ and caused by a symmetry-breaking energy term $\ensuremath{\delta}(|{\ensuremath{\eta}}_{1}{|}^{2}\ensuremath{-}|{\ensuremath{\eta}}_{2}{|}^{2}){T}_{c}$. A quantitative analysis of our data excludes more conventional sources of this twofold anisotropy and provides an estimate for the symmetry-breaking strength $\ensuremath{\delta}\ensuremath{\approx}0.1$, a value that points to an onset transition of the second order parameter component below 2 K.
The mitochondrial genome of Chlamydomonas. II. Genetic analysis of non-mendelian obligate photautotrophic mutants.

Among a collection of obligate photoautotrophic (dark-dier,dk) mutants isolated inChlamydomonas reinhardtii, two have been found which are inherited in crosses to wild type in a non-Mendelian, biparental and apparently random fashion. F1 progeny include not only cells which show thedk and wildtype parental phenotypes but also many which possess intermediate phenotypes between wild type anddk. When F1 progeny withdk, intermediate or wild-type phenotype were backcrossed to wild type, thedk phenotype continued to be inherited in a biparental and random fashion. Upon selection, neither mutant formed stable clones producing onlydk progeny, suggesting that the two mutants segregatedk and wild-type progeny somatically and that the homozygousdk condition may be lethal. The biparental transmission of these two non-Mendeliandk mutations resembles the transmission of acriflavin-inducedminute mutations ofChlamydomonas and is distinct from the uniparentally inherited chloroplast mutations of this alga. Both thedk andminute mutations may alter mitochondrial DNA and thereby alter mitochondrial functions.
STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS OF SYNCHRONOUS SESSIONS WITHIN ONLINE COURSES IN HIGHER EDUCATION

The number of students taking online courses has increased significantly. Helping students be successful in this format is very important. Previous studies have attempted to identify the difficulties that have hindered student academic progress the online environment. Adding a synchronous component to an online course is one method that has been discussed as a way to help students be more successful in online courses. This study sought to answer two research questions: 1. How important do students feel synchronous sessions are to their mastery of online content? and 2. What activities within the synchronous sessions do students feel are the most beneficial? Through email, 200 graduate students in 6 different education programs from a Catholic, Liberal Arts University were invited to participate in an online survey. Participants were asked to rate the importance of online synchronous sessions and their various possible characteristics. Results indicated graduate students found the synchronous online sessions are an important addition to the online course. They also indicated that the content of the sessions was the most important consideration. When structuring synchronous sessions, the participants indicated that instructors should focus on explaining assignments, simplifying content, adding additional content, and supporting group work.
Concurrent validity of the GAITRite electronic walkway and the 10-m walk test for measurement of walking speed after stroke.

Abstract Background: Walking speed is used to assess functional status, predict recovery, prescribe exercise, and track functional progress after stroke. Determining concurrent validity ensures that results from different tests of walking speed can be compared or used interchangeably. The GAITRite electronic walkway and the 10-m walk test (10MWT) are popular measurement tools of walking speed in the laboratory and in clinical settings, respectively. Research question: Do walking speeds in chronic stroke survivors measured with the 10-m walk test and GAITRite electronic walkway demonstrate concurrent validity? Methods: 77 participants with chronic stroke performed four trials of 10MWT and four trials of GAITRite—two trials at comfortable walking speed and two trials at maximal walking speed. Intraclass correlations [ICC (3,1), absolute agreement] and Bland-Altman plots were used to assess the relationship between gait speed from these two measures. Results: Walking speed showed poor to good absolute agreement between 10MWT and GAITRite for comfortable walking speed [ICC: 0.77 (95% CI: 0.46, 0.89; P Significance: Systematic bias, proportional bias, and broad limits of agreement suggest that caution should be used when comparing walking speeds from 10MWT and GAITRite. It may not be appropriate to use them interchangeably. Conducting 10MWT and GAITRite tests at maximal walking speeds may allow more accurate comparisons between measures.
Nested Dolls: Towards Unsupervised Clustering of Web Tables

Here we discuss our initial efforts towards unsupervised clustering of a large-scale Web tables dataset. We improve our previous approach of weakly-supervised clustering, where an operator would provide a few descriptive keywords to generate an entity-identifying classifier, which is applied to the corpora to form a cohesive entity-centric cluster [1]. Here, we make a next step towards fully unsupervised algorithm by automatically generating these descriptive keywords. These keywords then can be used to generate high-precision training data and train a classifier to form a cluster. Here, we describe and evaluate this new unsupervised keyword generation algorithm and apply it to a large-scale Web tables corpus to form initial small high-precision clusters.
Associations of insulin resistance with cognition in individuals without diagnosed diabetes: Results from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos.

Abstract Aims Insulin resistance (IR) adversely impacts memory and executive functioning in non-Hispanic whites without diabetes. Less is known in Hispanics/Latinos, despite the fact that Hispanics/Latinos have higher rates of insulin resistance than non-Hispanic whites. We investigated the association between IR and cognition and its variation by age. Methods Data from 5987 participants 45–74 years old without diabetes from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. IR was considered continuously using homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and also dichotomized based on clinically relevant thresholds for hyperinsulinemia (fasting insulin > 84.73 pmol/L or HOMA-IR > 2.6) and sample-based norms (75th percentile of fasting insulin or HOMA-IR). Cognitive testing included the Brief Spanish English Verbal Learning Test (B-SEVLT), Verbal Fluency, and Digit Symbol Substitution. Results There was 90% overlap in participant categorization comparing clinically relevant and sample-based thresholds. In separate fully-adjusted linear regression models, age modified the association between HOMA-IR and Digit Symbol Substitution (p = 0.02); advancing age combined with higher HOMA-IR levels resulted in higher scores. Age also modified the association between clinically relevant hyperinsulinemia and B-SEVLT recall (p = 0.03); with increasing age came worse performance for individuals with hyperinsulinemia. Conclusion The relationship of IR with cognition in Hispanics/Latinos without diabetes may reflect an age- and test-dependent state.
Worth working for: The influence of effort costs on teens' choices during a novel decision making game.

Abstract Decision making requires consideration of both the benefits of a given choice and the costs, which can include risk, delay, and effort. Previous research has examined the developmental trajectory of adolescent decision making regarding risk and delay; however, the effects of effort on adolescent decision making remain largely unexplored. In the present study, we pilot tested a novel, developmentally-appropriate task designed to examine developmental differences in the willingness to expend effort during goal pursuit in adolescents (ages 13–16, n = 23) versus young adults (ages 18–23, n = 25). Self-reported reward responsivity correlated with task-related parameter estimates for effort and reward, providing evidence of task validity. Adolescents exhibited reduced sensitivity to physical effort costs compared to adults, effects which did not appear to be driven by differences in subjective task motivation or awareness of the effort requirements. These findings provide preliminary evidence that adolescence may be a time of increased willingness to expend effort during goal pursuit. Effort-based decision making is an understudied but exciting avenue for developmental research, as the willingness to engage in effortful pursuit of new experiences during adolescence may help to facilitate the path to independence.
Spatiotemporal Patterning of Zygotic Genome Activation in a Model Vertebrate Embryo

A defining feature of early embryogenesis is the transition from maternal to zygotic control. This transition requires embryo-wide zygotic genome activation (ZGA), but the extent of spatiotemporal coordination of ZGA between individual cells is unknown. Multiple interrelated parameters, including elapsed time, completed cycles of cell division, and cell size may impact ZGA onset; however, the principal determinant of ZGA during vertebrate embryogenesis is debated. Here, we perform single-cell imaging of large-scale ZGA in whole-mount Xenopus embryos. We find a striking new spatiotemporal pattern of ZGA whose onset tightly correlates with cell size but not with elapsed time or number of cell divisions. Further, reducing cell size induces premature ZGA, dose dependently. We conclude that large-scale ZGA is not spatially uniform and that its onset is determined at the single-cell level, primarily by cell size. Our study suggests that spatial patterns of ZGA onset may be a common feature of embryonic systems.
Cystic Fibrosis: an Update on Disease Pathophysiology, Management, and Novel Modalities of Therapy

To explain the underlying pathophysiology of cystic fibrosis and to describe current treatment modalities for disease manifestations, including an introduction to novel therapies known as CFTR modulator drugs, which are now available to over 50% of people with cystic fibrosis. CFTR modulator drugs, aimed at restoring CFTR protein function, have been shown to improve lung function and reduce pulmonary exacerbations, improve BMI and QOL, and are a new added treatment to the traditional therapies for cystic fibrosis. With the current modalities of treatment available to patient with cystic fibrosis, the quality of life and the life expectancy continues to improve. Future directions for research include looking at novel anti-inflammatory agents, antimicrobial agents, mucociliary clearance agents, and newer generation CFTR modulator drugs/drugs that restore CFTR function.
Early Real-World Experience with CoreValve Evolut PRO and R Systems for Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of the Evolut PRO to the Evolut R valve in a real-world setting. Background. The next-generation self-expanding transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) system, the CoreValve Evolut PRO was designed with an outer pericardial skirt to improve valve-sealing performance. Safety and efficacy of this valve have not previously been compared to its predecessor, the Evolut R valve. Methods. We retrospectively studied 134 patients who underwent TAVR with the Evolut PRO or Evolut R valve over one year at a tertiary center. Endpoints, defined by the Valve Academic Research Consortium-2 criteria, included device success, paravalvular leak (PVL), and a composite safety endpoint including mortality, stroke, major vascular complications, life-threatening bleeding, acute kidney injury, coronary artery obstruction, and repeat procedure for valve-related dysfunction. Results. 60 Evolut PRO and 56 Evolut R patients met the study criteria. Both groups had similar device success rates (90 vs. 89%, ). Incidence of moderate PVL was similar on discharge (5 vs. 11%, ) and at 30 days (11 vs. 13%, ), with nil incidence of severe PVL. There were no mortalities, and the VARC-2 safety endpoint at 30 days was comparable. Conclusion. Despite the additional pericardial skirt and larger sheath size of Evolut PRO, outcomes were comparable between the two Evolut systems, supporting adoption of the newest generation valve in the management of severe aortic stenosis as well as continued use of the Evolut R in patients with smaller vasculature warranting a lower profile device.