Search Results (5)

To meet current and expected future demand for genome sequencing in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), adjustments to traditional service delivery models are necessary. Effective programs for the training of non-genetics providers (NGPs) may address the known barriers to providing genetic services including limited genetics knowledge and lack of confidence. The SouthSeq project aims to use genome sequencing to make genomic diagnoses in the neonatal period and evaluate a scalable approach to delivering genome sequencing results to populations with limited access to genetics professionals. Thirty-three SouthSeq NGPs participated in a live, interactive training intervention and completed surveys before and after participation. Here, we describe the protocol for the provider training intervention utilized in the SouthSeq study and the associated impact on NGP knowledge and confidence in reviewing, interpreting, and using genome sequencing results. Participation in the live training intervention led to an increased level of confidence in critical skills needed for real-world implementation of genome sequencing. Providers reported a significant increase in confidence level in their ability to review, understand, and use genome sequencing result reports to guide patient care. Reported barriers to implementation of genome sequencing in a NICU setting included test cost, lack of insurance coverage, and turn around time. As implementation of genome sequencing in this setting progresses, effective education of NGPs is critical to provide access to high-quality and timely genomic medicine care. Full article

This paper investigates the behavior of rotating binaries. A rotation by r digits to the left of a binary number B exhibits in particular cases the divisibility $l\mid N_1\left(B\right)·r+1$, where l is the bit-length of B and $N_1\left(B\right)$ is the Hamming weight of B, that is the number of ones in B. The integer r is called the left-rotational distance. We investigate the connection between this rotational distance, the length, and the Hamming weight of binary numbers. Moreover, we follow the question under which circumstances the above-mentioned divisibility is true. We have found out and will demonstrate that this divisibility occurs for $kn+c$ cycles. Full article

Two series of stable aqueous colloidal solutions of Nd³⁺: LaF₃ single-phase well-crystallized nanoparticles (NPs), possessing a fluorcerite structure with different activator concentrations in each series, were synthesized. A hydrothermal method involving microwave-assisted heating (HTMW) in two Berghof speedwave devices equipped with one magnetron (type I) or two magnetrons (type II) was used. The average sizes of NPs are 15.4 ± 6 nm (type I) and 21 ± 7 nm (type II). Both types of NPs have a size distribution that is well described by a double Gaussian function. The fluorescence kinetics of the ⁴F_3/2 level of the Nd³⁺ ion for NPs of both types, in contrast to a similar bulk crystal, demonstrates a luminescence quenching associated not only with Nd–Nd self-quenching, but also with an additional Nd–OH quenching. A method has been developed for determining the spontaneous radiative lifetime of the excited state of a dopant ion, with the significant contribution of the luminescence quenching caused by the presence of the impurity OH– acceptors located in the bulk of NPs. The relative quantum yield of fluorescence and the fluorescence brightness of an aqueous colloidal solution of type II NPs with an optimal concentration of Nd³⁺ are only 2.5 times lower than those of analogous Nd³⁺: LaF₃ single crystals. Full article

The Collatz dynamic is known to generate a complex quiver of sequences over natural numbers for which the inflation propensity remains so unpredictable it could be used to generate reliable proof-of-work algorithms for the cryptocurrency industry; it has so far resisted every attempt at linearizing its behavior. Here, we establish an ad hoc equivalent of modular arithmetics for Collatz sequences based on five arithmetic rules that we prove apply to the entire Collatz dynamical system and for which the iterations exactly define the full basin of attractions leading to any odd number. We further simulate these rules to gain insight into their quiver geometry and computational properties and observe that they linearize the proof of convergence of the full rows of the binary tree over odd numbers in their natural order, a result which, along with the full description of the basin of any odd number, has never been achieved before. We then provide two theoretical programs to explain why the five rules linearize Collatz convergence, one specifically dependent upon the Axiom of Choice and one on Peano arithmetic. Full article

Osmotic adaptation and accumulation of compatible solutes is a key process for life at high osmotic pressure and elevated salt concentrations. Most important solutes that can protect cell structures and metabolic processes at high salt concentrations are glycine betaine and ectoine. The genome analysis of more than 130 phototrophic bacteria shows that biosynthesis of glycine betaine is common among marine and halophilic phototrophic Proteobacteria and their chemotrophic relatives, as well as in representatives of Pirellulaceae and Actinobacteria, but are also found in halophilic Cyanobacteria and Chloroherpeton thalassium. This ability correlates well with the successful toleration of extreme salt concentrations. Freshwater bacteria in general lack the possibilities to synthesize and often also to take up these compounds. The biosynthesis of ectoine is found in the phylogenetic lines of phototrophic Alpha- and Gammaproteobacteria, most prominent in the Halorhodospira species and a number of Rhodobacteraceae. It is also common among Streptomycetes and Bacilli. The phylogeny of glycine-sarcosine methyltransferase (GMT) and diaminobutyrate-pyruvate aminotransferase (EctB) sequences correlate well with otherwise established phylogenetic groups. Most significantly, GMT sequences of cyanobacteria form two major phylogenetic branches and the branch of Halorhodospira species is distinct from all other Ectothiorhodospiraceae. A variety of transport systems for osmolytes are present in the studied bacteria. Full article