cometadata/datacite-rtg-text-other-reclassification-records huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Individuals with Muscular Dystrophy from the Muscular Dystrophy Surveillance, Tracking, and Research Network (MD STARnet) Pilot in the United States
Creators: name: Hill, Bailey
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2018

description: Introduction: Because of the variability in muscular dystrophy (MD) in terms of clinical manifestations, affected demographic, and health trajectories, it is important to study the distribution of characteristics by MD type; however, few U.S. population-based studies have examined the distributions of sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors across MD types. MD STARnet is the only U.S. population-based surveillance system for MD. To assess the feasibility of expanding the original surveillance methodology to other forms of MD, MDS conducted a pilot study, which was carried out in four sites (Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, and 12 counties in Western New York).
Aims: We aim to describe the demographic, sociodemographic, and clinical characteristics of individuals within the MD STARnet pilot cohort by MD type.
Methods: Potential MD cases were identified through searches of clinical and administrative data sources using ICD-9-CM codes, ICD-10 codes, and prior MDS surveillance data. Data sources included medical records from inpatient and outpatient healthcare facilities, vital records, and hospital discharge data. Medical record abstraction of eligible cases was performed by trained abstractors. A total of 2,862 eligible MD cases who resided in an MDS site during the study period and had a health encounter were included in the pilot study.
Results: The MD STARnet pilot cohort were primarily male, white and non-Hispanic. Approximately half of DBMD and DM cases had public insurance, 30-35% had private insurance and 8-15% had both public and private. Most MD cases were not in congregate care or assisted living. 27.9% of CMD patients and 22.8% of DM patients were on NIPPV. EDMD, DM and LGMD patients had the most frequent use of pacemakers; heart transplants were most frequently documented in DD, EDMD and LGMD patients. The most common medications listed in the health records of MD patients were Lisinopril, Furosemide, Albuterol, Omeprazole, and Prednisone.
The Prevalence of Increasing Physical Activity among Female Cancer Survivors in the United States, 2016 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS)
Creators: name: Bulsara, Purva
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2018

description: Introduction: Cancer is one of the most common diseases in US. Physical Activity (PA) is associated with lower risk of second malignancy among cancer survivors. Improved cancer treatment led to increase in cancer survivors’ cohort, a population at high risk of a second malignancy. Engaging in PA may reduce this risk, and behavioral interventions may use cancer diagnosis as a “teaching opportunity.”
Aim: We examined prevalence of the intent to increase PA among female cancer survivors to inform future policy regarding possible behavioral interventions.
Methods: Data were collected by the 2016 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a cross-sectional study. Female cancer survivors, age ?20, and diagnosed with the most prevalent malignancies among survivors (Melanoma, Breast, Colorectal, Thyroid and Uterine) were included.
Results: Among various characteristics, older age (>74 vs. <=74, OR=0.58, 95% CI:0.35-0.96) and reduction of dietary fat/calories (Yes vs No, OR=8.31, 95% CI: 5.44-12.69) were associated with PA increase. Examining interactions among various characteristics, we found that the association between increase in PA and recommendation from the doctor was the strongest among Colorectal Cancer survivors.
Discussion: Certain comorbidities, demographics, health behavior risk factors and characteristics were not associated with PA increase as found in other studies. This may be due to relatively limited sample size. However, age and reducing fat/calories in diets demonstrated correlation among those who were currently increasing PA.
title: In the Blood
Creators: name: Girtley, Herbert K. Jr.
Publisher: name: University of Kentucky Libraries
Year: 2025
Subjects: classificationCode: 6
subject: FOS: Humanities

description: This is a collection of prose that is concerned with the toils of family—biological or chosen. These works examine the themes of personal memory, ancestral memory, manhood, womanhood, Southerness, and love in southern Mississippi.
description: © 2025 Herbert K. Girtley Jr
An Analysis of Prenatal Care in Georgia
Creators: name: Stephens, Joncel
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2018

description: OBJECTIVE: The present study characterizes the population of women residing in the state of Georgia who did not receive prenatal care before giving birth to a live infant between 2015-2016. In addition, the association between mother’s place of residence (rural/non-rural) and pre-term delivery was also examined.
METHODS: Natality data were obtained from Georgia Department of Public Health and included a total of 7,062 women who did not receive prenatal care and gave live birth in Georgia from 2015-2016. Descriptive analyses used to characterize mothers not receiving prenatal care included: mother’s age, race, ethnicity, education level, county of residence in Georgia, parity, funding source for her birth. Multivariable logistic regression examined the association between place of residence in Georgia with pre-term delivery, controlling for sociodemographic variables.
RESULTS: 2.91% of all births in Georgia from 2015 to 2016 were from mothers who received no prenatal care. For the infants of these births, 21.53% were born preterm, 12.12% born low birth weight and 5.34% born very low birth weight. Most of the mothers were African American, had less than 2 previous pregnancies, had a high school diploma or GED, and used Medicaid as the funding source for the delivery of their infant. Although [SRD1] rates of preterm birth were the same for rural and non-rural mothers who did not receive prenatal care (OR = 1.163, 0.985-1.372, p= .0754), five significant predictors for preterm birth were identified and included.
CONCLUSION: Continued monitoring of women not receiving prenatal care is needed. The findings from this study can assist the state of Georgia to tailor healthcare outreach efforts and formulate population-specific intervention strategies that aim to improve access and allocation of prenatal care resources throughout the state of Georgia.
Supplementary document for Weak Thermal State Quadrature-Noise Shadow Imaging - 5953746.pdf
Creators: name: Barge, Pratik
name: Niu, Ziqi
name: Cuozzo, Savannah
name: Mikhailov, Eugeniy
name: Novikova, Irina
name: Lee, Hwang
name: Cohen, Lior
Publisher: name: Optica Publishing Group
Year: 2025
Subjects: Uncategorized

description: Supplemental Document
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine: Understanding Individuals Not Vaccinating in the South Using 2016 National Immunization Survey-Teen Data (NIS-Teen)
Creators: name: Ephraim, Saron
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2018

description: INTRODUCTION:  Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is a highly contagious virus known to cause many cancers in men and women. Vaccination for HPV has been available since 2006 but coverage levels remain low with initiation rates at 60% and only 43% completion. The lowest vaccination rates are found in the South.
 
AIM:  This study aims to use data from the 2016 National Immunization Survey-Teen to evaluate parental reasons for not vaccinating their teen for HPV among respondents in the South. The study evaluated the demographic correlations of the top four reasons reported for not vaccinating against HPV.  
 
METHODS: Mantel-Haenszel ?2 test was done to assess possible differences for individuals initiating HPV vaccination and those who had not by sociodemographic factors. Logistic regression done evaluated several sociodemographic factors for top reasons for not vaccinating. Analysis of the data was done using Statistical Analysis Systems 9.4.   
 
RESULTS:  The top four reasons given for not vaccinating for HPV were: 1) vaccine is not needed/not necessary; 2) vaccine was not recommended; 3) concerns about vaccine safety/side effects and 4) lack of knowledge about vaccine. Mother’s education, mother’s age, race of teen, and gender were significantly associated with the top four reasons.
 
DISCUSSION: The results of this study imply specific sociodemographic factors are associated with the top four reasons for declining HPV vaccine. Highly educated mothers were significantly associated with the top four reasons for declining vaccine.
Depression in Contemporary Times: A Study of Its Determinants Among Middle-Aged Adults in the United States
Creators: name: Johnson, Takiyah
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2018

description: BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder (major depression) is a disabling mental illness that impairs mood, reduces physical functioning, and causes emotional distress. Depression studies often focus on adolescents and young adults or older adults, but evidence suggests that the most severe consequences of this illness increasingly affect those in the middle (ages 40-64).
OBJECTIVE: This study examines the individual association between three health determinants (social support systems, health status, and access to health insurance) and major depressive symptoms among middle-aged adults. Also, factors such as demographic factors, socioeconomic status, military service, risky behaviors, and health-promoting behaviors were evaluated for their associations with depression.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilizes secondary data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) from the 2007-2008 and 2013-14 cycles. The statistical analysis was performed using SAS. Univariate logistic regression was used to determine the association between social support, health status, and health insurance and five depressive symptoms. Then logistic regression analyses were performed between each determinant, two depressive symptoms (feeling bad and suicidality), and adjusted for the
RESULTS: The sample included 3782 adults over 40 years old in 2007-2008 and 3627 in 2013-2014. The population was subset into young middle age, older middle age, and older adults to better characterize the age groups. The univariate logistic regression analyses indicate a statistically significant relationship between each determinant and the five depressive symptoms except among one factor in 2007-2008 and two in 2013-14. The adjusted logistic regression results are mixed. In reviewing the odds ratio results, health status has a strong statistically significant association with each depressive symptom. Health insurance generally does not show statistically significant associations. Social support is statistically associated with feeling bad, but not suicidality when the covariates are included. These findings are consistent with both cycles of data.
CONCLUSION: This study finds that lack of social support and poor health status predict higher levels of low mood in a national sample of adults over 40, particularly those in middle age. Health status also associates strongly with suicidal thoughts. Although health insurance is not shown to be associated with clinical depression symptoms in this study, additional research is warranted considering the recent changes in national health insurance coverage.
Analyzing Multimodal Features of Spontaneous Voice Assistant Commands for Mild Cognitive Impairment Detection
Creators: name: Lin, Nana
name: Zhu, Youxiang
name: Liang, Xiaohui
name: Batsis, John A.
name: Summerour, Caroline
Publisher: name: arXiv
Year: 2024
Subjects: subject: Audio and Speech Processing (eess.AS)
subject: Computation and Language (cs.CL)
subject: Machine Learning (cs.LG)
subject: Sound (cs.SD)
subject: FOS: Electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering
subject: FOS: Computer and information sciences

description: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a major public health concern due to its high risk of progressing to dementia. This study investigates the potential of detecting MCI with spontaneous voice assistant (VA) commands from 35 older adults in a controlled setting. Specifically, a command-generation task is designed with pre-defined intents for participants to freely generate commands that are more associated with cognitive ability than read commands. We develop MCI classification and regression models with audio, textual, intent, and multimodal fusion features. We find the command-generation task outperforms the command-reading task with an average classification accuracy of 82%, achieved by leveraging multimodal fusion features. In addition, generated commands correlate more strongly with memory and attention subdomains than read commands. Our results confirm the effectiveness of the command-generation task and imply the promise of using longitudinal in-home commands for MCI detection.
Supplementary document for Weak Thermal State Quadrature-Noise Shadow Imaging - 5953746.pdf
Creators: name: Barge, Pratik
name: Niu, Ziqi
name: Cuozzo, Savannah
name: Mikhailov, Eugeniy
name: Novikova, Irina
name: Lee, Hwang
name: Cohen, Lior
Publisher: name: Optica Publishing Group
Year: 2022
Subjects: Uncategorized

description: Supplemental Document
Examining the Predictive Validity of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Using Office Discipline Referrals
Creators: name: Salmon, Ashley
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2018

description: INTRODUCTION: There has been a demand for processes and appropriate tools to identify and route students with challenging behavior to the proper school-based supports. However, there is also a need for intuitive outcome measures that are feasible to be used in school settings.

AIM:In this study, we aim to assess the predictive validity of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) using office discipline referrals (ODRs), a valid metric of student behavior.

METHODS:A series of non-parametric count models were used for analysis including Poisson (P), Negative Binomial (NB), Zero-Inflated Poisson (ZIP), and Zero-Inflated Negative Binomial (ZINB) models. These approaches were used to examine whether the internalizing and externalizing scales from the SDQ, administered at the beginning of the year, predicts total ODRs by the end of the year, even when controlling for the first 3 months of ODRs.

RESULTS: The ZINB model was chosen as the final model, as it had the best model fit (AIC). Our findings indicate that the SDQ’s internalizing and externalizing subscales are significant predictors of ODRs. Specifically, the internalizing scale was a significant negative predictor of total ODRs, while the externalizing scale was a significant positive predictor of total ODRs. Additionally, the externalizing scale is a significant negative predictor of excess zeros in ODRs.

DISCUSSION:Findings from our study suggest that the SDQ is a psychometrically valid tool with predictive utility in relationship to an outcome of interest in schools across an array of statistical approaches. Future studies should validate the SDQ with other samples.
MAUVE: An Ultraviolet Astrophysics Probe Mission Concept
Creators: name: Balakrishnan, Mayura
name: Bowens, Rory
name: Aguirre, Fernando Cruz
name: Hughes, Kaeli
name: Jayaraman, Rahul
name: Kuhn, Emily
name: Louden, Emma
name: Louie, Dana R.
name: McBride, Keith
name: McGrath, Casey
name: Payne, Jacob
name: Presser, Tyler
name: Reding, Joshua S.
name: Rickman, Emily
name: Scrandis, Rachel
name: Symons, Teresa
name: Wiser, Lindsey
name: Jahoda, Keith
name: Kataria, Tiffany
name: Nash, Alfred
name: X, Team
Publisher: name: arXiv
Year: 2024
Subjects: subject: Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics (astro-ph.IM)
subject: Earth and Planetary Astrophysics (astro-ph.EP)
subject: Astrophysics of Galaxies (astro-ph.GA)
subject: High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena (astro-ph.HE)
subject: FOS: Physical sciences

description: We present the mission concept "Mission to Analyze the UltraViolet universE" (MAUVE), a wide-field spectrometer and imager conceived during the inaugural NASA Astrophysics Mission Design School. MAUVE responds to the 2023 Announcement of Opportunity for Probe-class missions, with a budget cap of \$1 billion, and would hypothetically launch in 2031. However, the formulation of MAUVE was an educational exercise and the mission is not being developed further. The Principal Investigator-led science of MAUVE aligns with the priorities outlined in the 2020 Astrophysics Decadal Survey, enabling new characterizations of exoplanet atmospheres, the early-time light curves of some of the universe's most explosive transients, and the poorly-understood extragalactic background light. Because the Principal Investigator science occupies 30% of the observing time available during the mission's 5 yr lifespan, we provide an observing plan that would allow for 70% of the observing time to be used for General Observer programs, with community-solicited proposals. The onboard detector (THISTLE) claims significant heritage from the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on Hubble, but extends its wavelength range down to the extreme UV. We note that MAUVE would be the first satellite in decades with the ability to access this regime of the electromagnetic spectrum. MAUVE has a field of view of 900" x 900" a photometric sensitivity extending to $m_{UV}\leq 24$, and a resolving power of $R\sim1000$. This paper provides full science and mission traceability matrices for this concept, and also outlines cost and scheduling timelines aimed at enabling a within-budget mission and an on-time launch.
description: 21 pages, 15 figures. Published by the Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific
The Effect of Sensor Resolution on Detection of Vegetation in the City of Atlanta, Georgia in June 2011
Creators: name: Vinson, Daniel
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2018

description: INTRODUCTION: Identifying the amount of vegetation in small geographic plays an important role in understand the contribution of the built environment to Heat Stress Illness (HSI) in urban areas. Vegetation is often identified using remotely sensed satellite imagery, using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). However, it is possible that small areas, such as census tracts or block groups, may be sensitive to the resolution of the sensor used for NDVI classification.
AIM: The aim of this study is to determine if the sensor resolution of remotely sensed data produces significantly different NDVI classifications for census tracts and block groups in the Atlanta area for 2011. In addition, we examined the role of landcover classification in understanding these differences.
METHODS: Using the 2010 geographic designations for census tracts (n=142) and block groups (n=358) in the Atlanta area, mean NDVI values were calculated and compared. The imagery used was from the Landsat5 (30m resolution) and QuickBird (2.44m) satellites taken in June 2011. Proportions of landcover classifications were calculated using the 2011 National Land Cover Database and compared to NDVI mean differences.
RESULTS: QuickBird classifications were significantly higher than the Landsat5 classifications at both the census tract and block group level (p value). We found correlation for NDVI difference with standard deviation of the high resolution NDVI values (r(356)=-0.61, p
DISCUSSION: High-resolution imagery produced higher NDVI values for census tracts and block groups for the city of Atlanta in 2011. Our analysis suggests that High-resolution imagery may be beneficial in improving accuracy of identifying urban neighborhoods at higher risk of HSI.
Characterizing Multiple Spatial Waves of the 1991-1997 Cholera Epidemic in Peru
Creators: name: Sterrett, Natalie
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2018

description: Background: Due to a lack of sanitary infrastructure and a highly susceptible population, Peru experienced a historic outbreak of Vibrio cholerae O1 that began in 1991 and generated multiple waves of disease for several years. Though case-fatality was low, the epidemic put massive strain on healthcare and governmental resources. Here we explore the transmission dynamics and spatiotemporal variation of cholera in Peru using mathematical models and statistical analyses that account for environmental conditions favoring the persistence of bacteria in the environment.
Methods
The authors use dynamic transmission models that incorporate seasonal variation in temperature, concentration of vibrios in the environment, as well as separate human and environmental transmission pathways. The model is fit to weekly department level data obtained from the cholera surveillance system in Peru. The authors also assess the spatial patterns of cholera transmission and correlations between case incidence, time of epidemic onset, and department level variables. Reproductive numbers are compared across departments.
Results
Our findings indicate that the epidemic first hit the coastal departments of Peru and later spread through the highlands and jungle regions. There was high seasonal variation in case incidence, with three clear waves of transmission corresponding to the warm seasons in Peru. Department level variables such as population size and elevation also played a role in transmission patterns. Finally, basic reproductive numbers most often ranged from one to eleven depending on department and time of year. Lima had the largest reproductive number, likely due to its population density and proximity to the coast.
Conclusions
Incorporating environmental variables into an epidemic model predicts the multiple waves of transmission characteristic of \textit{V. cholerae}, and effectively differentiates transmission patterns by geographic region even in the absence of unique parameter estimates. Mathematical models can provide valuable information about transmission patterns and should continue to be used to inform public health decision making.
Observations of Uranus at High Phase Angle as Seen by New Horizons
Creators: name: Hasler, Samantha N.
name: Mayorga, L. C.
name: Grundy, William M.
name: Simon, Amy A.
name: Benecchi, Susan D.
name: Howett, Carly J. A.
name: Protopapa, Silvia
name: Hammel, Heidi B.
name: Wenkert, Daniel D.
name: Stern, S. Alan
name: Singer, Kelsi N.
name: Porter, Simon B.
name: Brandt, Pontus C.
name: Parker, Joel W.
name: Verbiscer, Anne J.
name: Spencer, John R.
name: Team, the New Horizons Planetary Science Theme
Publisher: name: arXiv
Year: 2024
Subjects: subject: Earth and Planetary Astrophysics (astro-ph.EP)
subject: FOS: Physical sciences

description: We present flux measurements of Uranus observed at phase angles of 43.9°, 44.0°, and 52.4° by the Multispectral Visible Imaging Camera (MVIC) on the New Horizons spacecraft during 2023, 2010, and 2019, respectively. New Horizons imaged Uranus at a distance of about 24-70 AU (2023) in four color filters, with bandpasses of 400-550 nm, 540-700 nm, 780-975 nm, and 860-910 nm. High-phase-angle observations are of interest for studying the energy balance of Uranus, constraining the atmospheric scattering behavior, and understanding the planet as an analog for ice giant exoplanets. The new observations from New Horizons provide access to a wider wavelength range and different season compared to previous observations from both Voyager spacecraft. We performed aperture photometry on the New Horizons observations of Uranus to obtain its brightness in each photometric band. The photometry suggests that Uranus may be darker than predicted by a Lambertian phase curve in the Blue and Red filters. Comparison to simultaneous low-phase Hubble WFC3 and ground-based community-led observations indicates a lack of large-scale features at full-phase that would introduce variation in the rotational light curve. The New Horizons reflectance in the Blue (492 nm) and Red (624 nm) filters does not exhibit statistically significant variation and is consistent with the expected error bars. These results place new constraints on the atmospheric model of Uranus and its reflectivity. The observations are analogous to those from future exoplanet direct-imaging missions, which will capture unresolved images of exoplanets at partial phases. These results will serve as a "ground-truth" with which to interpret exo-ice giant data.
description: Accepted for publication in the Planetary Science Journal, 11 pages, 6 figures
CAREX Toolbox Handout 4 - Nutrients (nitrate)
Creators: name: Goeller, Brandon C.
name: Hogsden, Kristy
name: Febria, Catherine M.
name: Devlin, Hayley S.
name: Collins, Katie
name: Harding, Jon S.
name: McIntosh, Angus R.
Publisher: name: figshare
Year: 2024
Subjects: classificationCode: 310304
subject: Freshwater ecology

description: Through the CAREX project, we have tested a series of
practical tools, and developed solutions and approaches to address aquatic
weed, sediment, and nutrient management issues in agricultural waterways in
lowland Canterbury.

We have developed a set of steps and toolboxes, underpinned
by science, which can be applied by farmers, landowners and stakeholders to
facilitate rehabilitation and improve agricultural waterway health.This handout is the fourth a series, which focuses on an edge-of-field tool to manage nutrients (nitrate).

Suggested citation: Goeller, B.C, Hogsden,
K.L., Febria, C.M., Devlin, H.S., Collins, K.E., Harding, J.S., and A.M. McIntosh.
2018. Nutrients – Edge-of-field nitrate reduction with woodchip bioreactors,
CAREX Toolbox Handout 4, University of Canterbury, Christchurch.
Student Risk Screening Scale for Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors (SRSS-IE): Examining the Predictive Validity using Office Discipline Referral Data
Creators: name: Gregory, Camara
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2018

description: Despite advances in public awareness of mental disorders in youth, there is still a significant issue of under identification of students that may need mental health services. Schools have become the most common setting for children to receive mental health services and can serve as an entry point for screening and provision of services. Universal mental health screening is a systematic, quick and inexpensive method for identifying students who may benefit from mental health services. Currently, schools rely on office discipline referral data or suspension data to identify students who may need additional social/emotional/behavioral support. These discipline data may be effective at identifying students with externalizing behaviors but there is concern that students who internalize their frustration may not incur a discipline infraction and therefore may “fall through the cracks,” or not receive needed supports. This study explores whether a universal screener for mental health identifies students at risk for mental health concerns who may not be identified through school office discipline referral data. In other words, do scores from a mental health screener predict office discipline referrals (ODR). The Student Risk Screening Scale, Internalizing/Externalizing (SRSS-IE) was administered to 1,201 elementary students in 3 elementary schools. ODR data for those students were matched to the SRSS-IE data. Results showed the externalizing scale to be predective of year-end ODRs with higher total scores being associated with more ODRs. However, the internalizing scale was found to negatively predict ODRs, in other words students with internalizing behaviors were likely to receive fewer or no ODRs. This data provides support for the use of screener data in schools to predict and prevent problem behaviors opposed to relying solely on the use of more reactive data such as ODRs. Relying on ODR data alone for data-based decision making in school, may be ineffective as it may not capture students with internalizing behaviors.
CAREX Toolbox Handout 4 - Nutrients (nitrate)
Creators: name: Goeller, Brandon C.
name: Hogsden, Kristy
name: Febria, Catherine M.
name: Devlin, Hayley S.
name: Collins, Katie
name: Harding, Jon S.
name: McIntosh, Angus
Publisher: name: figshare
Year: 2018
Subjects: classificationCode: 310304
subject: Freshwater ecology

description: Through the CAREX project, we have tested a series of
practical tools, and developed solutions and approaches to address aquatic
weed, sediment, and nutrient management issues in agricultural waterways in
lowland Canterbury.

We have developed a set of steps and toolboxes, underpinned
by science, which can be applied by farmers, landowners and stakeholders to
facilitate rehabilitation and improve agricultural waterway health.This handout is the fourth a series, which focuses on an edge-of-field tool to manage nutrients (nitrate).

Suggested citation: Goeller, B.C, Hogsden,
K.L., Febria, C.M., Devlin, H.S., Collins, K.E., Harding, J.S., and A.M. McIntosh.
2018. Nutrients – Edge-of-field nitrate reduction with woodchip bioreactors,
CAREX Toolbox Handout 4, University of Canterbury, Christchurch.
Evaluating a Measles and Rubella Multiplex Bead Assay for Countries in the WHO Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network
Creators: name: Mitchell, Alexandria
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2018

description: INTRODUCTION: Measles and rubella are highly contagious viral diseases. Measles remains one of the leading causes of vaccine-preventable deaths, and rubella during pregnancy can cause congenital rubella syndrome. The enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is most frequently used to determine antibody responses to measles and rubella, and the plaque reduction neutralization assay (PRN) is considered the gold standard for determining measles immunity. A measles and rubella multiplex bead assay (MBA) is currently being evaluated at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for its utility in serosurveillance within the World Health Organization Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network, and the MBA has several benefits over these assays. The MBA requires a smaller sample volume, measures several diseases simultaneously, is faster, and has less technician-dependency than the PRN.
AIM: Study objectives are to compare accuracy of measles serological status from both the MBA and EIA when compared with the PRN, and to evaluate whether country or participant age are associated with test accuracy.
METHODS: Samples for participants of varying ages from the United States, Tajikistan, and Bangladesh (n=300) that had been tested by each assay were used. Results were dichotomized as positive or negative according to respective assay cutoff values. Logistic regression models were applied to estimate point estimates and confidence intervals for sensitivity and specificity of the MBA and EIA with relation to the PRN gold standard.
RESULTS: Across the three age groups and countries, EIA has higher median values (mIU/ml) compared with MBA and PRN (582.55, 399.28, and 378.95, respectively, for Tajikistan participants aged 13 and older). McNemar’s Test of Agreement comparing MBA and PRN suggests disagreement (p
DISCUSSION: When compared with the PRN, the MBA has similar accuracy to the EIA with regards to sensitivity and specificity, and in several groupings of country and age, these percentages are higher for the MBA. Many of the benefits of the MBA over conventional assays have led to its increased application in research, and these results suggest the MBA can be used in settings where the EIA is currently used.
Sex, Sexual Orientation, and Sexual Victimization as Predictors of Suicidality among U.S. High School Students: Results from the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey
Creators: name: Barnes, Anna
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2018

description: Introduction: In 2015, suicide was the second leading cause of death among youth aged 15-24 years old in the United States. In the U.S., data shows substantial gender differences in suicidality reporting. Yet, it is unknown if these gender differences in suicidality reporting remain among certain high-risk groups.
Aim: The purpose of this study is to 1) examine if there are gender differences in reported suicidal ideation and behaviors among U.S. high school students; 2) assess if any initially observed gender differences remain across sexual orientations and among those with previous history of sexual victimization among a nationally representative sample of U.S. high school students using results from the 2015 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS).
Methods: Data from the 2015 YRBS was used to conduct secondary analyses (N = 15,624). Bivariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed using SAS 9.4 statistical software to determine if there were significant gender differences in reported suicidal ideation and behaviors (consideration, planning, attempt, injurious attempt).
Results: Sex, sexual orientation and sexual victimization were significantly associated with all four suicide outcomes of interest. Compared to males, heterosexual/straight and gay or lesbian females had significantly increased odds of suicide consideration. Moreover, when compared to males, females that had ever experienced sexual victimization had significantly increased odds of suicide consideration and planning compared to male peers.
Conclusion: There were significant gender differences observed for suicidality when sex alone was considered. Hence, more targeted messaging is necessary to ensure all sub-populations at risk are being effectively reached.
Examining Variations of Patient Visit Characteristics on Lifestyle Counseling Among Diabetic Patients
Creators: name: McCook, Ashley
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2018

description: INTRODUCTION: Hyperglycemia is associated with increased risk of diabetic complications; however, this can be reduced by the maintenance of healthy blood glucose levels. Substantial evidence suggests that glycemic control can improve health outcomes in diabetic patients; however, a lack of translation to practice of interventions' effectiveness. Several barriers to providing counseling may exist. The likelihood of counseling has been hypothesized to be associated with patient, physician and system characteristics.
AIM: Explore variations in lifestyle counseling for US adult diabetic patients along with patient, physician, and system characteristics during clinical visit using the NAMCS dataset.
METHODS: Clinical patient visit data was obtained from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey [NAMCS] 2012-2015 for analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to calculate estimates and adjusted odds ratios for characteristics associated with the likelihood of intervention for diabetic patients.
RESULTS: Among the characteristics included in the statistical models for counseling, were found to be significantly associated with the likelihood of being offered diet and exercise counseling in the logistic model. These include HbA1c testing [OR=1.615]; Shift, hourly physicians [OR=5.370]; EMR meeting DHHS criteria [OR=6.529]; patient race [Hispanic OR=2.074, Black OR=1.337]; physician specialty [cardiology OR=1.402]; patient’s history of chronic conditions [obesity OR=2.524, OR=4.264].
DISCUSSION: More than patient level characteristics are associated with the likelihood of counseling. Physician and system-level characteristics are also significantly associated with the likelihood intervention. Identifying the sources of variations could not only better understand barriers to executing counseling but also effectively reducing the burden of diabetes and other co-morbidities.
The secret residents of the reef: pea crabs (Brachyura: Pinnotheridae) of the mexican Atlantic
Creators: name: Martínez-García, Maritza
name: Simoes, Nuno
name: Campos, Ernesto
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2013
Subjects: subject: Reef
subject: Coral reef
subject: Coral Reefs
subject: Brachyura
subject: Brachyura/classification
subject: Marine biology
subject: Marine ecosystem
subject: Marine fauna
subject: Marine biota
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Marine biodiversity
subject: Marine monitoring
subject: Marine biology
subject: Marine organism
subject: Ecology
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Ecology
subject: Ecosystem
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Biodiversity conservation
subject: Symbiotic relationships
subject: GBIF: 11132538

description: Descubre más información sobre datos, investigaciones científicas, colecciones científicas y grupos de trabajo dedicados al estudio y conservación de la biodiversidad marina en https://www.bdmy.org.mx/

Discover more information about data, scientific research, scientific collections and working groups dedicated to the study and conservation of marine biodiversity at https://www.bdmy.org.mx/

Designed and illustrated by: naturae.art@gmail.com
Introduction of FDA BCR-SEQC initiative
Creators: name: Xiao, Wenming
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2025

description: With the rapid emergence and adaptation of next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, we have the unprecedented opportunity to interrogate many fundamental and transformative questions surrounding the adaptive immune system and human disease. The convergence of high-depth sequencing, novel analysis methods and tools, and advancements in immunotherapy and drug development has set the stage for standardizing the quantitative study of human immune cell receptor repertoire composition and diversity. With this prodigious opportunity comes many technical challenges. The overarching study objectives of this research proposal are to elucidate current limitations, address fundamental technical needs, provide reference samples and data sets, and establish best practices for reconstructing B cell receptor repertoires from NGS data. Specifically, with simulated reads and contrived samples using short and long-read sequencing technologies, we will critically evaluate and compare sequencing platforms and technologies, BCR gene mapping/alignment, clonotype classification, diversity, and convergence methods and tools to provide best-practice standards and a state-of-the-art analysis framework for B cell profiling. We will accurately measure clonotype detection sensitivity by spiking-in linear mixtures of simulated reads and B cells from banked samples. In doing so, we will establish the technical standards (reference samples and data sets) and protocols for reliable, accurate, and cost-effective B cell receptor profiling. This work is necessary to advance our technical understanding of B cell receptor profiling and thus immune cell function and adaptive immunity. In accordance with the FDA regulatory mission, this work will advance our ability to provide orthogonal, functional cellular and genetic evidence for the efficacy of cancer drugs and immunotherapies. Finally, our analytical framework will allow for the comprehensive examination and evaluation of immunological disorders, cancer treatments, pathogenic response, germline-targeted vaccine design, immunotherapies, and drug efficacy.
Negentropic Reciprocity Dynamics (NRD)
Creators: name: Smith, William Alexander
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2025
Subjects: subject: Physics
subject: Philosophy
subject: FOS: Philosophy, ethics and religion

description: This short theoretical note introduces Negentropic Reciprocity Dynamics (NRD), a minimal, multiscale framework for interpreting physical and information-theoretic process. 

This work is intended as a conceptual bridge between physics, biology, information theory, and philosophy of mind. No new data were generated. The author declares no conflicts of interest.
Quantitative Analysis of Traffic Related Air Pollution Along the Atlanta BeltLine East Side Trail
Creators: name: Fischer, Adam
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2018

description: INTRODUCTION:  Air pollution in urban areas has been a growing concern in the public health sector, especially with regards to negative health effects from traffic-related air pollution. 
AIM: The aim of this study is to quantify air pollution levels along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail, a popular urban trail located in Downtown Atlanta, and compare the pollution levels to measurements taken along a nearby roadway.  The goal is to ultimately determine if there are any significant differences between air quality along the BeltLine and air quality along nearby roadways.  No statistical significance in the data would suggest that individuals utilizing the BeltLine are exposed to the same levels of traffic-related air pollutants that are present on nearby roadways.
METHODS: Samples were collected along the Eastside Trail of the BeltLine and along neighboring roads over the course of 11 days using a mobile monitoring platform.  Four parameters of air quality were measured- Optical Particle Counter (OPC) volume concentration, particle number concentration, median particle diameter, and black carbon levels.  A paired t-test was conducted to assess any statistical significance between samples taken along the BeltLine versus samples taken along nearby roadways.
RESULTS:  While there was some statistical significance between recorded air pollution levels for individual days, the overall results showed no statistical significance for any of the air quality parameters that were examined.
DISCUSSION: The findings of this study indicate that individuals utilizing the BeltLine have the potential to be exposed to the same levels of air pollutants found along roadways.
Hepatitis C and Risk of Adverse Treatment Outcomes among Patients with HIV and Multidrug-resistant Tuberculosis
Creators: name: Aung, Aung
Publisher: name: Georgia State University
Year: 2018

description: BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) is a public health emergency that causes substantial morbidity and mortality. Treatment of MDR-TB requires 9-24 months of second-line regimens, has poor success rates, and frequently results in harmful side effects. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection is a common comorbidity among patients with MDR-TB/HIV and contributes to acute and chronic liver conditions, potentially increasing the risk of hepatotoxicity and adverse treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to estimate the association between HCV co-infection and adverse MDR-TB treatment outcomes among patients with MDR-TB and HIV.

METHODS
We conducted a retrospective cohort study among MDR-TB patients co-infected with HIV receiving clinical care from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Yangon, Myanmar during 2009-2017. Eligible patients included adults aged ?18 years who had final MDR-TB treatment outcome and HCV status documented. HCV status was determined by OraQuick® antibody test. Treatment outcome was classified as favorable (cured and treatment completed) or adverse (default, failed, died, not evaluated).

RESULTS
Among patients with MDR-TB and HIV (n=220), the overall treatment success rate was 65% (95%CI 59 – 71%) and 8% (95%CI 5-12%) had HCV. Co-infection with HCV was not significantly associated with adverse treatment outcome in unadjusted (OR 1.33, 95%CI 0.49 – 3.65) or adjusted analyses (aOR 1.43, 95%CI 0.50 – 4.03).

CONCLUSION
Whether patients with HIV/HCV co-infection require altered MDR-TB treatment regimens remains an important gap in knowledge. Additional research is needed to determine the relationship between the extent of hepatotoxicity due to HCV co-infection, interaction with second-line TB medications, and risk of poor MDR-TB treatment outcomes among patients with and without HIV.
Mechanisms of tigecycline resistance in Acinetobacter spp.
Creators: name: Hornsey, Michael
Publisher: name: F1000Research
Year: 2016

description: Tigecycline (the first glycylcycline to enter clinical use) is often one of the only antimicrobial agents to remain active against commonly encountered, multidrug-resistant lineages of the nosocomial pathogen, Acinetobacter baumannii. Efflux was investigated as a possible mechanism of tigecycline resistance using pre- and post-therapy pairs of clinical isolates and laboratory-selected, tigecycline-resistant mutants of A. baumannii.
Nephele: A cloud-based scientific computing platform for improved efficiency, standardization, and collaboration in microbiome data analysis
Creators: name: Misner, Ian
name: Dommer, Jennifer
name: Ezeji, Samuel
name: Kim, Lewis
name: Liou, David
name: Macmenamin, Philip
name: Karlynn Noble
name: Oler, Andrew
name: Quiñones, Mariam
name: Shyu, Conrad
name: Weber, Nick
name: Hurt, Darrell
Publisher: name: F1000Research
Year: 2016

description: Nephele is a cloud computing platform for microbiome research, aimed at providing scientists with a consistent, centralized, and collaborative environment for high-throughput metagenomics data analysis.

Growing evidence supports a critical role for microbiota in human health and disease; 16S and whole genome sequence (WGS) analyses are critical to understanding this relationship, but analysis of large and complex datasets requires advanced computing infrastructure and sophisticated software that are inaccessible to many researchers. Nephele bridges this gap as an all-in-one portal to essential microbiome data and tools.

The user-friendly, web-based interface directly links commonly-used metagenomics applications (QIIME, Mothur, BioBakery) to the Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud. Preconfigured (but also customizable) pipelines lower the knowledge barrier for users who may be less familiar with command-line applications. Researchers can also seamlessly integrate public datasets into their analyses, including Human Microbiome Project (HMP) data, to compare against their own experimental sequence data.

The on-demand, pay-per-use nature of cloud computing spares valuable funding and administrative resources for individual investigators and institutions by significantly reducing the cost of infrastructure procurement and maintenance. Open-source access to these tools and datasets encourages standardization of tools and methods, reproducibility of results, and extension of capabilities by the research community.

By supporting greater adoption and improved efficiency in microbiome research, resources like Nephele can facilitate new discoveries that have the potential to transform medicine.
NRD Predicted Mediator Set
Creators: name: Smith, William Alexander
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2025
Subjects: subject: Physics
subject: Philosophy
subject: FOS: Philosophy, ethics and religion

description: This short theoretical note introduces the particles that are predicted by Negentropic Reciprocity Dynamics (NRD).

This work is intended as a conceptual bridge between physics, biology, information theory, and philosophy of mind. No new data were generated. The author declares no conflicts of interest.