cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patient acceptance of universal screening for hepatitis C virus infection

In the United States, about 70% of 2.9-3.7 million people with hepatitis C (HCV) are unaware of their infection. Although universal screening might be a cost-effective way to identify infections, prevent morbidity, and reduce transmission, few efforts have been made to determine patient opinions about new approaches to screening. We surveyed 200 patients in August 2010 at five outpatient clinics of a major public urban medical center in Seattle, WA, with an 85.8% response rate. The sample was 55.3% women, median 47 years of age, and 56.3% white and 32.7% African or African-American; 9.5% and 2.5% reported testing positive for HCV and HIV, respectively. The vast majority of patients supported universal screening for HCV. When presented with three options for screening, 48% preferred universal testing without being informed that they were being tested or provided with negative results, 37% preferred testing with the chance to "opt-out" of being tested and without being provided with negative results, and 15% preferred testing based on clinician judgment. Results were similar for HIV screening. Patients support universal screening for HCV, even if that screening involves testing without prior consent or the routine provision of negative test results. Current screening guidelines and procedures should be reconsidered in light of patient priorities.
Two Parties, Two Types of Nominees, Two Paths to Winning a Presidential Nomination, 1972‐2004

Contrary to findings that show the contemporary nomination process, regardless of party, favoring early frontrunners, this article shows that the eventual Democratic nominee is typically different from and often travels a different path to victory than the eventual Republican nominee. Since 1972, the eventual Democratic winners began as relatively unknown candidates with single-digit support who emerge as the frontrunner late in the process, sometimes just before the voting begins in Iowa and New Hampshire and sometimes just after the first votes are cast. John Kerry is only the latest Democratic example. In contrast, Republican winners have been national figures and have consistently been the early favorites a year before any votes were cast or large sums of money raised. To date, the accuracy of partyless models is driven largely by Republican successes. These models may be better at predicting Republican nominees than predicting Democratic nominees.
Horizontal Integration of the Basic Sciences in the Chiropractic Curriculum

Basic science curricula at most chiropractic colleges consist of courses (eg, general anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, etc) that are taught as stand-alone content domains. The lack of integration between basic science disciplines causes difficulties for students who need to understand how the parts function together as an integrated whole and apply this understanding to solving clinical problems. More horizontally integrated basic science curricula could be achieved by several means: integrated Part I National Board of Chiropractic Examiners questions, a broader education for future professors, an increased emphasis on integration within the current model, linked courses, and an integrated, thematic basic science curriculum. Horizontally integrating basic science curricula would require significant efforts from administrators, curriculum committees, and instructional faculty. Once in place this curriculum would promote more clinically relevant learning, improved learning outcomes, and superior vertical integration.
GaAs fiber-optic modules for optical data processing networks

A high-speed, highly integrated fiber-optic data communications link is described. It consists of a transmitter module containing a GaAs integrated circuit and a laser array with fiber array pigtail, and a receiver module containing a GaAs OEIC with a fiber array pigtail. The performance of the link at 1 Gb/s is presented with emphasis on the crosstalk and noise issues with those high levels of integration. Measured error rates as low as 10/sup -15/ confirm that these highly integrated link adapters are suitable for use in data processing networks. >
A power supply ramping and current measurement based technique for analog fault diagnosis

Presents a methodology for fault diagnosis of analog circuits based on the observation of power supply currents. In the proposed technique, fault signature dictionaries are generated from the currents in the power supply bus. To obtain signatures rich in information for efficient diagnosis, the transistors in the circuit are forced to operate in all regions of operation by using a ramp signal at the supply instead of the conventional constant dc signal. The signatures are then clustered into different groups using a Kohonen neural network classifier. This technique has the potential to detect and diagnose single and multiple shorts as well as open circuits. The theoretical and experimental results of the proposed technique are verified using a CMOS Operational Transconductance Amplifier (OTA) circuit. >
Information Technology Strategies for the Production of Solar Cells

Solar cells are photovoltaic devices made up of different layers of materials: substrates, semiconductors, dielectrics, metals, transparent conducting oxides (TCOs), anti-reflection coatings, encapsulants, etc. Each layer serves a particular role in the overall functioning of the device. In these structures, the semiconductor layers serve the purpose of converting solar photons to electron-hole pairs and establishing the electric field necessary to separate charge and generate external power. Different cell technologies are known primarily by which semiconductor(s) performs this task. As with most manufacturing processes, information technology is playing an ever-increasing role in the production of solar cells. Currently, NREL's polycrystalline thin film group uses a client-server architecture for collecting data from both measurement-test apparatus and prototype manufacturing equipment. Data from these machines is transferred to a central data warehouse where analytical and data mining techniques are used to study both existing and yet unknown correlations between solar cell fabrication and performance/stability metrics. In an effort to facilitate data exchange with future systems we are developing oping an information technology strategy based upon the CAMX (Computer Aided Manufacturing using XML) standards to facilitate the efficient transfer of data between data publishers and consumers. By making use of CAMX, we feel that it can greatly reduce the cost and effort of exchanging information and will allow us to focus more resources on our core mission.
Representing Clinical Diagnostic Criteria in Quality Data Model Using Natural Language Processing

Constructing standard and computable clinical diagnostic criteria is an important and challenging research area in clinical informatics community. In this study, we present our framework and methods for representing clinical diagnostic criteria in Quality Data Model (QDM) using natural language processing (NLP) technologies. We used a clinical NLP tool known as cTAKES for preprocessing of textual diagnostic criteria. We created mappings between cTAKES type system and QDM elements in both datatype and data levels. We evaluated the performance of our NLP-based approach by annotating 218 individual diagnostic criteria in the categories of Symptom and Laboratory Test. In conclusion, our NLP-based approach is a feasible solution in developing diagnostic criteria representation and computerization.
The New Role and Politics of State Regulation

A good argument can be made that state regulation has become relatively more important compared to federal regulation in recent years, as the federal government has deregulated more and "de-enforced" in a number of areas. States have gained ground in relative terms, even as the larger arena of regulation has been reduced somewhat. In the future, will states continue to add "balance" to the national regulatory system, or will they provide additional "checks" on regulatory growth in a nation in which voters seem almost evenly divided on the desirability of government intervention in market choices? The answer probably depends upon both federal regulatory choices and general perceptions about the advantages and disadvantages of regulating emerging technologies and continuing economic problems.
Crime Theory Evaluation Using Simulation Models of Residential Burglary

This paper provides new insights on the study of crime modeling through the development of a hybrid cellular automaton (CA) and Multi-agent System (MAS) simulation model that is able to combine components of multiple criminological theories to forecast the locations of residential burglary targets: journey to crime (JTC), social disorganization (SD) theory, and routine activity (RA) theory. In order to combine individual factors from each theory into a unified model, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed for hierarchical parameter selection. The model is then evaluated using data on offenders obtained from the Dallas Police Department to examine how different crime theories perform in the prediction of residential burglary. Compared to the SD- and RA-weighted models, the JTC-weighted model performed the best when comparisons were made to actual burglary locations. The findings demonstrate that the simulation models of crime provide test beds for research into the explanatory power of various crime theories.
Development, validation, and application of a rapid method for detection of ovulation in great apes and in women

A rapid hemagglutination inhibition test for detection of pregnancy in nonhuman primates has been modified to permit detection of the midcycle luteinizing hormone (LH) peak in hominid species. The test has been validated by correlation with immunoassayable LH activity in serum and urine. It has been used by the authors and others for prediction of ovulation in the gorilla, orangutan, chimpanzee, and human. This predictive capacity has been of value to experiments in natural breeding, artificial breeding, and ovum recovery. The test has potential value for monitoring of the normal menstrual cycle, enhancement of breeding efficiency, and identification of anovulatory cycles.
Measurements of the Interaction of an Upstream Laser Perturbation with a Forward-Facing Cavity

The laser perturber is a tool to be used for receptivity studies in the Boeing/AFOSR Mach-6 Quiet Tunnel. To demonstrate that the laser perturber is functioning correctly, it is tested with a forward-facing cavity. Results are similar to previous studies by Ladoon and Segura in a Mach-4 quiet tunnel. The cavity base pressure uctuations are nearly quiescent at shallow cavity depths. When a freestream perturbation interacts with the forward facing cavity, the cavity base pressure experiences oscillations that decay exponentially. The measured cavity resonance frequency matches the theoretical cavity resonance frequency to within 6%. The measured cavity response appears to be initiated by the acoustic disturbance that results from the laser-generated perturbation. The damping characteristics of the forward-facing cavity are also examined. For cavities with similar resonant frequencies, the damping constants can di er by almost an order of magnitude. However, cavities with similar non-dimensional depths have similar damping constants.
Historical archaeology in the next millenium: A forum

Historical archaeologists should focus their future research efforts on a set of central problems surrounding the emergence of the modern world. Such problems include environmental change, technological change, ethnogenesis, and distinctive patterns of social interaction. Professionalism is an additional issue discussed.
288 DEVELOPMENTAL MURINE INTESTINAL TOLL-LIKE RECEPTOR EXPRESSION.

Background The intestinal innate mucosal immune function is important in health and disease. Specifically, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are cell surface molecules that recognize distinct molecular patterns with a resultant inflammatory response. It is generally accepted that the acquisition of the intestinal microbiota occurs within the first few days of life. The role of this colonization on the expression of TLR in the developing intestine is not well understood. We hypothesized that the acquisition of commensal bacteria would result in increased expression of gastrointestinal TLR and the associated inflammatory response. Methods Conventionally housed C57BL/6 mice were sacrificed at different time points (E 20.5, 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks). The gastrointestinal tract was divided into stomach, small intestine, and cecum/colon. RNA was isolated using the Trizol® method (Invitrogen, Inc) and cDNA was synthesized using the First Stand Transcriptor Kit® (Roche, Inc). Real-time PCR was performed to measure the expression of TLR2, TLR4, TLR5, TLR9, and MIP-2 (murine IL-8) using Assay on Demand® (Applied Biosystems). The crossing threshold of each TLR was normalized to 18S ribosomal expression. Fold change in expression was compared to the 6-week-old animal levels. Statistical significance was set at > 4-fold change or Results TLR levels at E 20.5, 1 day, 3 days, and 1 week were not different than 6-week-old expression. In contrast, expression of gastric and colonic TLR2, -4, -5, and -9 were significantly greater in the 2-week-old mice. Intestinal TLR4 and -5 were also greater at 2 weeks. This increased expression was dampened by 3 weeks of age. Mirroring the TLR expression, MIP-2 was also significantly greater at 2 weeks. Conclusions TLR expression is greatest in the time period associated with the acquisition of commensal mirobiota. Additionally, there is a local inflammatory response as measured by MIP-2 levels. This peak in expression is not maintained and diminishes by 6 weeks of age. Implications: The transient increase in TLR expression, coinciding with bacterial colonization, likely recruits effector cells into the mucosal immune system. This process may also play a role in the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a disease of premature infants. Since the median age of onset of NEC is approximately 3 weeks, the inflammatory response to the colonization of intestinal commensal microbiota could be an initiating factor in the disease.
Problem Gambling: “Behind the Eight Ball”

Problem gambling, which directly affects 6 to 9 million Americans, too often results in devastating outcomes. Despite its prevalence it does not appear to get the same amount of attention as other addictions. In fact, despite evidence suggesting that treatment can reduce problem gambling, little research has been conducted on community capacity to address problem gambling. Therefore, this study assessed how well prepared human service organizations in a rural county, with a small urban center, were to screen for, assess, and treat problem gambling. The results indicate that agency preparedness to address the negative consequences of problem gambling is lacking, and it is an ongoing public health concern. Two key issues identified are the need for increased training of human service professionals and improved communication between providers to ensure appropriate coordination of services related to problem gambling.
Landscaping a chromatin response to MEK inhibition.

The promise of targeted therapeutics for a defined oncogenic molecular lesion is always tempered by the likelihood of acquired resistance to the pharmacological or biologic agent. A prominent mode ...
Ends, principles, and causal explanation in educational justice

AbstractMany principles characterize educational justice in terms of the relationship between educational inputs, outputs and distributive standards. Such principles depend upon the causal pathway view of education. It is implicit in this view that the causally effective aspects of education can be understood as separate from the normative aspects of education. Yet this view relies on an impossible division of labor between empirical and normative work in educational research: it treats the causal roles that are understood and explained objectively through empirical research as separate from the normative theorizing that informs the assessment of particular policies and practices. Such principles therefore rely on unreliable causal claims and are unable to make prescriptions about practices even according to their own conceptions of justice. Furthermore, such principles obscure other relevant considerations of justice that pertain to the internal processes of education and the structural relation of educa...
A physiologically based pharmacokinetic modelling approach to predict buprenorphine pharmacokinetics following intravenous and sublingual administration.

Aims Opioid dependence is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Buprenorphine (BUP) is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat opioid dependence. There is a lack of clear consensus on the appropriate dosing of BUP due to interpatient physiological differences in absorption/disposition, subjective response assessment and other patient comorbidities. The objective of the present study was to build and validate robust physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models for intravenous (IV) and sublingual (SL) BUP as a first step to optimizing BUP pharmacotherapy. Methods BUP-PBPK modelling and simulations were performed using SimCyp® by incorporating the physiochemical properties of BUP, establishing intersystem extrapolation factors-based in vitro–in-vivo extrapolation (IVIVE) methods to extrapolate in vitro enzyme activity data, and using tissue-specific plasma partition coefficient estimations. Published data on IV and SL-BUP in opioid-dependent and non-opioid-dependent patients were used to build the models. Fourteen model-naive BUP-PK datasets were used for inter- and intrastudy validations. Results The IV and SL-BUP-PBPK models developed were robust in predicting the multicompartment disposition of BUP over a dosing range of 0.3–32 mg. Predicted plasma concentration–time profiles in virtual patients were consistent with reported data across five single-dose IV, five single-dose SL and four multiple dose SL studies. All PK parameter predictions were within 75–137% of the corresponding observed data. The model developed predicted the brain exposure of BUP to be about four times higher than that of BUP in plasma. Conclusion The validated PBPK models will be used in future studies to predict BUP plasma and brain concentrations based on the varying demographic, physiological and pathological characteristics of patients.
Novel 3D-Printed Hybrid Auxetic Mechanical Metamaterial with Chirality-Induced Sequential Cell Opening Mechanisms

New hybrid auxetic chiral mechanical metamaterial are designed and fabricated via multi-material 3D printing. Due to the chirality-induced rotation, the material have unique sequential cell-opening mechanisms. Mechanical experiments on the 3D printed prototypes and systematic FE simulations show that the effective stiffness, the Poisson's ratio and the cell-opening mechanisms of the new design can be tuned in a very wide range by tailoring two non-dimensional parameters: the cell size ratio and stiffness ratio of component materials. As example applications, sequential particle release mechanisms and color changing mechanisms of the new designs are also systematically explored. The present new design concepts can be used to develop new multi-functional smart composites, sensors and/or actuators which are responsive to external load and/or environmental conditions for applications in drug delivery and color changing for camouflage.
X-Point PUF: Exploiting Sneak Paths for a Strong Physical Unclonable Function Design

This paper presents a design of strong physical unclonable function (PUF) exploiting the sneak paths in the resistive X-point array. The entanglement of the sneak paths in the X-point array greatly enhances the entropy of the physical system, thereby increasing the space of challenge-response pairs. To eliminate the undesired collision or diffuseness in X-point PUF with “analog” resistance distribution and “digital” resistance distribution is employed in this paper. The effect of design parameters and non-ideal properties in X-point array on the performance of X-point PUF is systematically investigated by Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE) simulation. The simulation results show that—1) the PUF’s performance presents strong dependence on the percent of cells in the on-state, thus should be carefully optimized for the robustness against the reference current variation of the sense amplifier; 2) the interconnect resistance decreases the column current thus the reference current should scale down with the scaling of technology node; 3) larger on/off ratio is desired to achieve low power consumption and high robustness against reference current variation; and 4) the device-to-device variation might degrade the performance of X-point PUF, which can be mitigated with write-verify programming scheme in the PUF construction phase. In addition, the proposed X-point PUF presents no correlation between challenges and responses, and strong security against the possible SPICE modeling attack and machine learning attack. Compared with the conventional Arbiter PUF, the X-point PUF has benefits in smaller area, lower energy, and enhanced security.
Of loans and livelihoods: Gendered “social work” in urban India

Through an ethnographic study of commercial microlending in urban India, this article examines how â€œeverydayâ€ financialization reinscribes class and gender hierarchies in workingâ€ class communities at global finance's outer edges. Relatively privileged women deploy their knowledge of their communities to organize women, sometimes coercively, into precise formations that meet the exacting requirements of corporate microfinance institutions (MFIs). Through â€œsocial work,â€ powerful volunteers can convert intimate financial knowledge of households in their neighborhoods into social and cultural power. Concomitantly, MFIs aiming to funnel global capital into marginal neighborhoods achieve financial sustainability.
Implications of dosing tricyclic antidepressants and benzodiazepines in geriatrics

It is important to understand both the kinetic and the dynamic implications of dosing TCAs and BZs in the elderly, for whom these drugs are frequently prescribed. The TCAs are used to treat responsive signs and symptoms including such somatic complaints as chest pain, dizziness, and arthralgias, as well as the endogenous signs such as loss of appetite with associated weight loss, psychomotor retardation, loss of libido, and insomnia. The pharmacokinetic studies of TCAs such as desipramine and nortriptyline have shown few, if any, age-related changes. The dose required for responsivity is significantly reduced for both TCAs (desipramine and nortriptyline) in the elderly, which may suggest increased end-organ responsiveness. The major recommendations for treatment of depression with nortriptyline in the elderly are (1) to administer small doses in order to avoid side effects, and (2) to expect a longer response time for the antidepressant effect than in young and middle-aged depressed patients. Although the BZs are extensively prescribed in the elderly, primarily for insomnia and anxiety, the physiologic and biochemical changes of aging alter the kinetics and dynamics of these extensively metabolized and slowly eliminated drugs. Based on the kinetic data and information in Tables 1 and 2, the relatively sensitive elderly population should receive a reduced dosage. Careful evaluation of the patient and the kinetic profile of the agent employed will ensure safe use of these drugs. A clear understanding of anxiety and respect for the alterations in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of these agents in the elderly will allow the physician to prescribe the BZs wisely. As with the TCAs, remember to administer doses of BZs that are reduced by 50 to 75 per cent of the usual recommended doses for young and middle-aged individuals and to increase dosage in small increments. Ultimately, sound, scientifically based, clinical judgment that considers the needs of the patient is the best guide for the selection of an appropriate BZ.
Cardiovascular conditions in persons with multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica and transverse myelitis.

Abstract Background Cardiovascular conditions are associated with poorer outcomes in multiple sclerosis (MS). Whether the burden of cardiovascular conditions differs between those with demyelinating disease and unaffected controls is not clear. The objective of this study is to investigate the burden and age of onset of cardiovascular conditions in a US population with MS, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), or transverse myelitis (TM) to unaffected controls adjusting for likely confounders. Methods Using a case-control study design, we compared the burden of self-reported diabetes mellitus type 2, heart disease, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension in cases with MS (N = 1,548), NMOSD (N = 306), and TM (N = 145) to controls (N = 677), adjusting for demographics, smoking history, obesity, family history of individual cardiovascular conditions, and presence of other cardiovascular conditions. The age of onset for individual cardiovascular conditions were also compared between cases and controls. Results MS cases were 48% more likely to have ever had hypertension than controls (p = 0.01). The prevalence of other cardiovascular conditions did not differ across cases and controls. There were also no differences in the age of cardiovascular disease onset between cases and controls. Conclusion Cardiovascular conditions are as common in those with demyelinating diseases compared to unaffected individuals, with hypertension being more common among those with MS.
Otis-Lennon School Ability Test

(1985). Otis-Lennon School Ability Test. Measurement and Evaluation in Counseling and Development: Vol. 17, No. 4, pp. 226-229.
Case 21: Zone I Open Globe Injury with Anterior Foreign Body from a Pencil Tip

An 11-year-old boy presented with a Zone I open-globe injury of the right eye with a piece of pencil graphite embedded in the wound. The patient underwent repair of the open-globe injury with removal of the pencil graphite piece, scraping of the corneal wound edges, and tight wound apposition with 10-0 nylon sutures to promote optimal healing of the round corneal wound. Four weeks following the injury, the corneal sutures were removed in the operating room due to the patient’s age. The patient had a final visual acuity of 20/20 in the injured eye.
Does public entrepreneurial financing contribute to territorial servitization in manufacturing and KIBS in the United States

This study uses territorial innovation theory and research advances on territorial servitization to examine the effect of public financing on firm survival and performance in two critical sectors i...
Abstract P137: Impaired Microvascular and Endothelial Function Among African-Americans With Coronary Artery Disease

Background: African-Americans have disproportionately higher burden of mortality from coronary artery disease (CAD) compared to Caucasians even after adjusting for socioeconomic and cardiovascular ...
The Log-Structured Merge-Bush & the Wacky Continuum

Data-intensive key-value stores based on the Log-Structured Merge-Tree are used in numerous modern applications ranging from social media and data science to cloud infrastructure. We show that such designs exhibit an intrinsic contention between the costs of point reads, writes and memory, and that this trade-off deteriorates as the data size grows. The root of the problem is that in all existing designs, the capacity ratio between any pair of levels is fixed. This causes write cost to increase with the data size while yielding exponentially diminishing returns for point reads and memory. We introduce the Log-Structured Merge-Bush (LSM-Bush), a new data structure that sets increasing capacity ratios between adjacent pairs of smaller levels. As a result, smaller levels get lazier by gathering more runs before merging them. By using a doubly-exponential ratio growth rate, LSM-bush brings write cost down from \small$O(log N)$ to \small$O(loglog N)$, and it can trade this gain to either improve point reads or memory. Thus, it enables more scalable trade-offs all around. We further introduce Wacky, a design continuum that includes LSM-Bush as well as all state-of-the-art merge policies, from laziest to greediest, and can assume any of them within a single implementation. Wacky encompasses a vast space of performance properties, including ones that favor range reads, and it can be searched analytically to find the design that performs best for a given workload in practice.
A synthesis of functionalized indoline 2,2-biscarboxylates

Abstract A synthetic approach to a structurally novel series of indoline 2,2-biscarboxylates is described that employs a tandem bis-alkylation strategy to cyclize the indoline heteroring from the bromide 7 and diethyl bromomalonate. The indolines thus prepared may be N-deprotected and further functionalized on the indoline nitrogen.
Effects of Rapid Urbanization on the Quality of Life

This is a literature-based study on quality of life (QoL) that evaluates the environmental, physical, psychological, social, economic and political dimensions influencing the quality of life. QoL is also influenced by poverty, education, health, investment in various industries, social disruptions, psychology, urban greenery, and urban infrastructure. In the case of Nepal, rapidly growing municipalities are facing sustainability issues due to the lack of resources and essential infrastructure. Rural-to-urban migration and emigration to other countries have contributed to the separation of family members. Divided families have contributed to various serious social disruptions. Findings suggest that in order to improve the QoL, small and medium-sized cities need investment in infrastructure and basic services, while metropolitan cities require competitive development strategies, efficient policy-making, urban and regional planning, and environmental management. In rural areas, access to essential services can help improve the QoL.
Buffalo Bill's Wild West: Celebrity, Memory, and Popular History. By Joy S. Kasson. New York: Hill & Wang, 2000; pp. 319. $26.00 hardcover.

William F. “Buffalo Bill” Cody and his Wild West show have not wanted for ink. There are Cody's own autobiographical accounts of his frontier and his theatrical adventures, Don Russell's well-researched standards on Cody's life and the Wild West shows, Sarah Blackstone's examination of the economic basis of the Wild West show in general, Joseph G. Rosa and Robin May's pictorial biography of Cody, Paul Reddin's overview of Wild West images, and a host of other, related books. In fact, there have been so many books written about “Buffalo Bill” Cody and Wild West shows, it is somewhat remarkable that Joy Kasson has found such a productive new angle on the western hero and his dramatic presentations.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Regardless of an academic library’s size or type (e.g., public, private, etc.), diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts are at the forefront of many strategic plans and library programing. T...
Temporal patterns of dispersal-induced synchronization in population dynamics.

Abstract The mechanisms and properties of synchronization of oscillating ecological populations attract attention because it is a fairly common phenomenon and because spatial synchrony may elevate a risk of extinction and may lead to other environmental impacts. Conditions for stable synchronization in a system of linearly coupled predator-prey oscillators have been considered in the past. However, the spatial dispersal coupling may be relatively weak and may not necessarily lead to a stable, complete synchrony. If the coupling between oscillators is too weak to induce a stable synchrony, oscillators may be engaged into intermittent synchrony, when episodes of synchronized dynamics are interspersed with the episodes of desynchronized dynamics. In the present study we consider the temporal patterning of this kind of intermittent synchronized dynamics in a system of two dispersal-coupled Rosenzweig-MacArthur predator-prey oscillators. We consider the properties of the distributions of durations of desynchronized intervals and their dependence on the model parameters. We show that the temporal patterning of synchronous dynamics (an ecological network phenomenon) may depend on the properties of individual predator-prey patch (individual oscillator) and may vary independently of the strength of dispersal. We also show that if the dynamics of predator is slow relative to the dynamics of the prey (a situation that may promote brief but large outbreaks), dispersal-coupled predator-prey oscillating populations exhibit numerous short desynchronizations (as opposed to few long desynchronizations) and may require weaker dispersal in order to reach strong synchrony.
Scenario Based Active Learning Programming with Unity 3D

To meet the ever-increasing demand for information technology (IT) workforce, we must educate and produce high-quality graduates. It is crucial to balance fundamental programming concepts and coding skills to develop skilled IT work forces who solve a complicated real-life problem using technology. In this project, we created scenario-based active learning modules by using a visual platform to improve student learning on programming concepts and skills.
Sub-nanowatt resolution direct calorimetry for probing real-time metabolic activity of individual C. elegans worms.

Calorimetry has been widely used in metabolic studies, but direct measurements from individual small biological model organisms such as C. elegans or isolated single cells have been limited by poor sensitivity of existing techniques and difficulties in resolving very small heat outputs. Here, by careful thermal engineering, we developed a robust, highly sensitive and bio-compatible calorimetric platform that features a resolution of ~270 pW—more than a 500-fold improvement over the most sensitive calorimeter previously used for measuring the metabolic heat output of C. elegans. Using this calorimeter, we demonstrate time-resolved metabolic measurements of single C. elegans worms from larval to adult stages. Further, we show that the metabolic output is significantly lower in long-lived C. elegans daf-2 mutants. These demonstrations clearly highlight the broad potential of this tool for studying the role of metabolism in disease, development and aging of small model organisms and single cells. Calorimetry is widely used for metabolic studies, but measurements of single cells and small organisms are limited by the sensitivity of current techniques. Here the authors develop a sensitive platform for performing time-resolved metabolic measurements of single C. elegans worms from larval to adult stages.
Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived lung organoids in an ex vivo model of the congenital diaphragmatic hernia fetal lung.

Three-dimensional lung organoids (LOs) derived from pluripotent stem cells have the potential to enhance our understanding of disease mechanisms and to enable novel therapeutic approaches in neonates with pulmonary disorders. We established a reproducible ex vivo model of lung development using transgene-free human induced pluripotent stem cells generated from fetuses and infants with Bochdalek congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), a polygenic disorder associated with fetal lung compression and pulmonary hypoplasia at birth. Molecular and cellular comparisons of CDH LOs revealed impaired generation of NKX2.1+ progenitors, type II alveolar epithelial cells, and PDGFRα+ myofibroblasts. We then subjected these LOs to disease relevant mechanical cues through ex vivo compression and observed significant changes in genes associated with pulmonary progenitors, alveolar epithelial cells, and mesenchymal fibroblasts. Collectively, these data suggest both primary cell-intrinsic and secondary mechanical causes of CDH lung hypoplasia and support the use of this stem cell-based approach for disease modeling in CDH.
Antagonistic Inhibitory Circuits Integrate Gravitactic and Visual Behaviors

Larvae of the tunicate Ciona intestinalis possess a central nervous system of 177 neurons. This simplicity has facilitated the generation of a complete synaptic connectome. As chordates and the closest relatives of vertebrates, tunicates promise insight into the organization and evolution of vertebrate nervous systems. Ciona larvae have several sensory systems, including the ocellus and otolith, which are sensitive to light and gravity, respectively. Here we describe circuitry by which these two are integrated into a complex behavior: the rapid reorientation of the body followed by upward swimming in response to diming. Significantly, the gravity response causes an orienting behavior consisting of curved swims in downward-facing larvae, but only when triggered by dimming. In contrast, the majority of larvae facing upward do not respond to dimming with orientation swims – but instead swim directly upward. Under constant light conditions, the gravity circuit appears to be inoperable, and both upward and downward swims were observed. Using connectomic and neurotransmitter data we propose a circuit model that can account for these behaviors. The otolith consists of a statocyst cell and projecting excitatory sensory neurons (antenna cells). Postsynaptic to the antenna cells are a group of inhibitory primary interneurons, the antenna relay neurons (antRNs), which then project asymmetrically to the right and left motor units, thereby mediating curved orientation swims. Also projecting to the antRNs are inhibitory photoreceptor relay interneurons. These interneurons appear to antagonize the otolith circuit until they themselves are inhibited by photoreceptors in response to dimming, thus providing a triggering circuit.
Autophagy of mucin granules contributes to resolution of airway mucous metaplasia

Exacerbations of muco-obstructive airway diseases such as COPD and asthma are associated with epithelial changes termed mucous metaplasia (MM). Many molecular pathways triggering MM have been identified; however, the factors that regulate resolution are less well understood. We hypothesized that the autophagy pathway is required for resolution of MM by eliminating excess non-secreted intracellular mucin granules. We found increased intracellular levels of mucins Muc5ac and Muc5b in mice deficient in autophagy regulatory protein, Atg16L1, and that this difference was not due to defects in the known baseline or stimulated mucin secretion pathways. Instead, we found that, in mucous secretory cells, Lc3/Lamp1 vesicles colocalized with mucin granules particularly adjacent to the nucleus, suggesting that some granules were being eliminated in the autophagy pathway rather than secreted. Using a mouse model of MM resolution, we found increased lysosomal proteolytic activity that peaked in the days after mucin production began to decline. In purified lysosomal fractions, Atg16L1-deficient mice had reduced proteolytic degradation of Lc3 and Sqstm1 and persistent accumulation of mucin granules associated with impaired resolution of mucous metaplasia. In normal and COPD derived human airway epithelial cells (AECs), activation of autophagy by mTOR inhibition led to a reduction of intracellular mucin granules in AECs. Our findings indicate that during peak and resolution phases of MM, autophagy activity rather than secretion is required for elimination of some remaining mucin granules. Manipulation of autophagy activation offers a therapeutic target to speed resolution of MM in airway disease exacerbations.
P43 Conceptual Model to Assess the Resilience Capacity of School Meal Programs: A Systematic Review and Thematic Analysis

Background Unprecedented school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic brought into question the resilience capacity of school meal programs. Resilience capacity is defined as the capacity to endure shocks and stressors including absorptive capacity (persistence), adaptive capacity (incremental adjustment), and transformative capacity (change). Resilience Capacity Model assesses the resilience capacity of a system based on the actors and corresponding components of that system. Resilience capacity has been explored in school nutrition setting but a Resiliency Capacity Model addressing school meal provision is lacking. Objective Qualitative exploration of a Resilience Capacity Model to assess the resilience capacity of school meal programs. Study Design, Settings, Participants Assisted by PRISMA, a systematic evaluation of peer-reviewed full-text articles published between 2005-2020 was performed. Measurable Outcome/Analysis Qualitative and quantitative studies explored the effect of school meal programs or in-school interventions on child food security that accounts for resilience capacity of school meal programs. Thematic analysis was used to identify factors associated with strategies for building resilience capacity. Results Of 406 articles identified via online search, 32 full-text articles met inclusion criteria. Based on the systematic review and thematic analysis, it was found that strategies to build resilience include food availability, food accessibility, food quality, education, training, parent/teacher support, and administrative response. The Resilience Capacity Model to assess resilience capacity of school meal programs fits well in the context of school nutrition. This model can be used to assess whether the strategies adopted during unprecedented circumstances lead to a resilience or a vulnerability pathway. Conclusion The findings of the systematic review of literature support that Resilience Capacity Model that accounts for identified factors can be used to assess the resilience capacity of school meal programs. A systematic assessment of resilience capacity can help to improve school meal program operations in times of crisis or during/after disasters.
Traumatic chiasmopathy following mild trauma in a patient with thyroid orbitopathy.

Abstract Purpose Traumatic injury to the optic chiasm is rare and most frequently caused by high-velocity head trauma. It classically results in bitemporal hemianopsia and often presents in conjunction with multiple other traumatic injuries, such as skull fractures and cerebrospinal fluid leaks. We present the case of a 40-year-old woman with pre-existing thyroid orbitopathy who struck her forehead after a fall from standing height. Observations This patient suffered immediate profound unilateral vision loss from traumatic optic neuropathy and possible optic nerve avulsion. The fellow eye manifested a temporal hemianopsia with delayed retinal nerve fiber layer and nasal hemimacular ganglion cell layer thinning on optical coherence tomography, consistent with chiasmal pathology. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no definitive lesions at the optic chiasm or more posteriorly along the afferent visual pathway. Conclusions and importance This patient's severe vision loss suggests that proptosis from thyroid orbitopathy can sensitize the anterior visual pathway to trauma. In this case, we propose that the lack of laxity in the intra-orbital optic nerves allowed transmission of stretching forces to the optic chiasm in the setting of low-velocity blunt trauma.
The possibility of imagining pain

Abstract: In Imagined and delusional pain Jennifer Radden aims to show that experiences of pain – and in particular, the pain associated with depression – cannot be merely delusional. Her reasoning relies crucially on the claim that the feeling of pain is imaginatively beyond our reach. Though she thinks that there are many ways that one can imagine scenarios involving oneself being in pain, she argues that one cannot imagine the feeling of pain itself. In this commentary, I target this claim in an attempt to show that Radden is mistaken. My argument relies on facts about individual differences involving imagination. To my mind, arguments like Radden’s involve an unfortunate slide from an “I can’t imagine…” claim to an “It can’t be imagined claim…” To support my argument, I also call upon empirical findings concerning pain imagination. As I conclude, we have no reason to think that the feeling of pain is something that is, in principle, unimaginable. Keywords: Pain; Imagination; Feeling of Pain; Delusion La possibilita di immaginare il dolore Riassunto: In Imagined and delusional pain Jennifer Radden intende mostrare che le esperienze di dolore – e, in particolare, il dolore associato alla depressione – non possono essere semplicemente illusorie. Il cuore del suo argomento fa leva sull’affermazione per cui provare dolore e immaginativamente al di la della nostra portata. Sebbene ritenga che si possano immaginare scenari nei quali proviamo dolore, Radden afferma che non si possa immaginare l’avvertire dolore di per se. In questo commento mi concentrero su questa affermazione nel tentative di mostrare che Radden si sbaglia. Il mio argomento poggia su fatti relativi alle differenze individuali che riguardano l’immaginazione. Dal mio punto di vista argomenti come quelli di Radden implicano un infelice slittamento da una affermazione come “io non posso immaginare…” a una affermazione come “non si puo immaginare …”. A sostegno della mia tesi portero evidenze empiriche relative all’immaginazione del dolore. Come giungero a sostenere, non abbiamo ragioni per pensare che il provare dolore sia qualcosa in via di principio inimmaginabile. Parole chiave: Dolore; Immaginazione; Sensazioni di dolore; Illusione
Legendre Expansions of Products of Functions with Applications to Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations

Given the Fourier-Legendre expansions of $f$ and $g$, and mild conditions on $f$ and $g$, we derive the Fourier-Legendre expansion of their product in terms of their corresponding Fourier-Legendre coefficients. In this way, expansions of whole number powers of $f$ may be obtained. We establish upper bounds on rates of convergence. We then employ these expansions to solve semi-analytically a class of nonlinear PDEs with a polynomial nonlinearity of degree 2. The obtained numerical results illustrate the efficiency and performance accuracy of this Fourier-Legendre based solution methodology for solving an important class of nonlinear PDEs.
Actin at the Synapse: Contribution to Pre- and Postsynaptic Functions

Synapses are specialized intercellular junctions through which one neuron sends signals to another neuron or a non-neuronal excitable cell. In the central nervous system (CNS), electrical signals can be propagated across neurons via either electrical or chemical synapses. An electrical synapse is a direct electronic coupling between two adjacent cells via a specialized apparatus called gap junction (Bennett and Zukin 2004. The term “synapses” often simply refers to chemical synapses because they are the most common synapses in animals and the term “synapse” was historically introduced to describe chemical synapses (Cowan and Kandel 2001, Boeckers 2006). A typical chemical synapse contains the presynaptic terminus, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic membrane. Electrical signals are transmitted from a presynaptic neuron to a postsynaptic neuron when neurotransmitters released from the presynaptic terminus cause postsynaptic depolarization in excitatory synapses or hyperpolarization in inhibitory synapses. Actin and its binding partners can modulate presynaptic functions by altering the release of neurotransmitters (Doussau and Augustine 2000, Schweizer and Ryan 2006) and can also modulate the strength of postsynaptic responses by altering the morphology and function of dendritic spines (Carlisle and Kennedy 2005, Kopec and Malinow 2006, Tada and Sheng 2006).