cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Current Status of Nocardia Taxonomy and Recommended Identification Methods

Abstract The genus Nocardia has had a long and complex history with an equally complex taxonomy. Recent advances in molecular identification methods have vastly expanded the number of recognized Nocardia species, further complicating the taxonomy of the genus. Because of the increasing number of clinically relevant species, biochemical identification methods are no longer adequate to allow discrimination among species. Molecular methodologies, specifically gene sequencing, has now become the gold standard for nocardial identification. We present a summary of the history of the genus Nocardia and provide information on methods for the detection and identification of suspected Nocardia isolates that may be present in patient specimens.
Strategies for Training Adult Counselors

Adult counselors can benefit from applied skill training to increase their effectiveness as helpers. This article outlines the eclectic training model developed to train paraprofessional counselors at the Continuum Center for Adult Counseling and Leadership Training. It then describes three major training approaches in use today: Carkhuff's Systematic Human Relations Training, Ivey's Microcounseling, and Kagan's Interpersonal Process Recall; and makes some comparisons among the four training models. The authors conclude that training for adult counselors must be designed so that trainees can identify their own strengths and add new skills to their existing repertoire.
Molecular and phenotypic diversity in Chionactis occipitalis (Western Shovel-nosed Snake), with emphasis on the status of C. o. klauberi (Tucson Shovel-nosed Snake).

Chionactis occipitalis (Western Shovel-nosed Snake) is a small colubrid snake inhabiting the arid regions of the Mojave, Sonoran, and Colorado deserts. Morphological assessments of taxonomy currently recognize four subspecies. However, these taxonomic proposals were largely based on weak morphological differentiation and inadequate geographic sampling. Our goal was to explore evolutionary relationships and boundaries among subspecies of C. occipitalis, with particular focus on individuals within the known range of C. o. klauberi (Tucson Shovel-nosed snake). Population sizes and range for C. o. klauberi have declined over the last 25 years due to habitat alteration and loss prompting a petition to list this subspecies as endangered. We examined the phylogeography, population structure, and subspecific taxonomy of C. occipitalis across its geographic range with genetic analysis of 1100 bases of mitochondrial DNA sequence and reanalysis of 14 morphological characters from 1543 museum specimens. We estimated the species gene phylogeny from 81 snakes using Bayesian inference and explored possible factors influencing genetic variation using landscape genetic analyses. Phylogenetic and population genetic analyses reveal genetic isolation and independent evolutionary trajectories for two primary clades. Our data indicate that diversification between these clades has developed as a result of both historical vicariance and environmental isolating mechanisms. Thus these two clades likely comprise ‘evolutionary significant units’ (ESUs). Neither molecular nor morphological data are concordant with the traditional C. occipitalis subspecies taxonomy. Mitochondrial sequences suggest specimens recognized as C. o. klauberi are embedded in a larger geographic clade whose range has expanded from western Arizona populations, and these data are concordant with clinal longitudinal variation in morphology.
Glioma extent of resection and its impact on patient outcome.

OBJECTIVE: There is still no general consensus in the literature regarding the role of extent of glioma resection in improving patient outcome. Although the importance of resection in obtaining tissue diagnosis and alleviating symptoms is clear, a lack of Class I evidence prevents similar certainty in assessing the influence of extent of resection. METHODS: We reviewed every major clinical publication since 1990 on the role of extent of resection in glioma outcome. RESULTS: Twenty-eight high-grade glioma articles and 10 low-grade glioma articles were examined in terms of quality of evidence, expected extent of resection, and survival benefit. CONCLUSION: Despite persistent limitations in the quality of data, mounting evidence suggests that more extensive surgical resection is associated with longer life expectancy for both low- and high-grade gliomas.
Criteria For Excellence In Organization Development: Perceptions and Actualities

This article presents a comparative survey of organization evaluations of criteria for management excellence and their relevance to developing business organizations. The relationship between managers’ ranking of criteria, their perceptions of the best well‐managed corporations’ rankings of the same criteria, and what excellent organizations actually value, discloses critical areas of agreement among managers and discrepant perceptions of excellent organizations’ evaluation of priorities for achieving excellence. Findings demonstrate descriptive insight of developing organizations’ extrinsic views and the best well‐managed business corporations intrinsic evaluations concerning organization development efforts to achieve management excellence. Survey results highlight, with respect to criteria for management excellence, how removed developing business organizations are in crucial areas affecting preparation of management for seeking corporate excellence. Concomitant requirements for establishing better understanding of dialectics and more effective dialogue between theorists, consultants, and practitioners in important areas are reviewed.
Pharmaceuticals: The Effectiveness and Efficiency of Alternative Promotional Strategies

ABSTRACTThe pharmaceutical industry is a critical portion of the domestic economy. In addition to its economic impact, the activities in the pharmaceutical industry have many societal implications. Perhaps the most widely scrutinized activity in the pharmaceutical industry is the industry's promotional strategies. This research is designed to evaluate issues that relate to the promotional strategies of the pharmaceutical industry. Specifically, this study evaluates the sales representative's perceptions of three critical aspects of pharmaceutical drug promotions: direct-to-consumer advertising, the ethics of salesperson promotional activities, and the influence that these promotional activities have on the physician's prescriptive behaviors. The results indicate that the sales representatives have rather pronounced perceptions of the legitimacy, effectiveness, and efficiency of the alternative promotional strategies found in the pharmaceutical industry.
The Relationship of Basic Decoding Skills to Managerial Effectiveness

The relationship of basic decoding skills to managerial effectiveness has largely been ignored by organizational and communication researchers. This is despite regular pronouncements by employers that they need individuals who can speak and write clearly. This study examined the relationship between basic decoding (listening, nonverbal sensitivity, and reading) skills and managerial effectiveness in a bank environment. Aspects of listening, nonverbal sensitivity, and reading were found to be related to managerial effectiveness.
A First Step Towards Dynamic Profiling of Sensor-Based Systems

Application specific tuning has been shown to be beneficial for a variety of platforms, sensor-based systems are no exception. However, accurately capturing external stimuli or modeling application specific stimuli remains a challenge. Tuning a sensor-based system to erroneous or incomplete application information can limit the optimization achieved or even negatively impact the resulting system performance. We propose to obtain accurate application stimuli by dynamically observing the sensor-based system in the intended deployment location, storing application characteristics for later analysis or optimization.
Electro-assembly of a chromophore-catalyst bilayer for water oxidation and photocatalytic water splitting.

The use of electropolymerization to prepare electrocatalytically and photocatalytically active electrodes for water oxidation is described. Electropolymerization of the catalyst RuII(bda)(4-vinylpyridine)2 (bda=2,2′-bipyridine-6,6′-dicarboxylate) on planar electrodes results in films containing semirigid polymer networks. In these films there is a change in the water oxidation mechanism compared to the solution analogue from bimolecular to single-site. Electro-assembly construction of a chromophore–catalyst structure on mesoporous, nanoparticle TiO2 films provides the basis for a dye-sensitized photoelectrosynthesis cell (DSPEC) for sustained water splitting in a pH 7 phosphate buffer solution. Photogenerated oxygen was measured in real-time by use of a two-electrode cell design.
Evaluation of a Nonprobabilistic Weather Forecasting Experiment

Abstract The results of experimental real-time nonprobabilistic weather forecasting at the University of Virginia during the period 1983–1988 are described. During the fall (September to December) and spring (January to May) semesters, daily forecasts of surface maximum and minimum temperatures and precipitation amount out to two days in advance were prepared. Departure from normal temperature average and precipitation amount during the period three to five days in advance were also predicted. All these forecasts were valid for Charlottesville, Virginia (CHO). Skill relative to climatological control forecasts is demonstrated by consensus (average of all forecasts) for predictions of maximum and minimum temperatures and (on days with measurable precipitation) of precipitation amount. The precipitation-amount forecasts were also skillful at categorically predicting precipitation occurrence, that is, distinguishing wet days from dry days. All these skills decreased with increasing forecast range. The three-...
Sensing for Mobile Objects

Recent advances in affordable positioning hardware and software have made the availability of location data ubiquitous. Personal devices such as tablet PCs, smart phones and even sport watches are all able to collect and store a user’s location over time, providing an ever-growing supply of spatiotemporal data. Managing this plethora of data is a relatively new challenge and there has been a great deal of research in the recent years devoted to the problems that arise from spatiotemporal data. This book chapter surveys recent developments in the techniques used for the management and mining of spatiotemporal data. We focus our survey on three main areas: (i) data management, which includes indexing and querying mobile objects, (ii) tracking, making use of noisy location observations to infer an object’s actual or future position, and (iii) mining, extracting interesting patterns from spatiotemporal data. First, we cover recent advances in database systems for managing spatiotemporal data, including index structures and efficient algorithms for processing queries. Next, we review the problem of tracking for mobile objects to estimate an object’s location given a sequence of noisy observations. We discuss some of the common approaches used for tracking and examine some recent work which focuses specifically on tracking vehicles using a road network. Then we review the recent literature on mining spatiotemporal data. We conclude by discussing some interesting areas of future research.
Invaders do not require high resource levels to maintain physiological advantages in a temperate deciduous forest

Non-native, invasive plants are commonly typified by trait strategies associated with high resource demands and plant invasions are often thought to be dependent upon site resource availability or disturbance. However, the invasion of shade-tolerant woody species into deciduous forests of the Eastern United States seems to contradict such generalization, as growth in this ecosystem is strongly constrained by light and, secondarily, nutrient stress. In a factorial manipulation of light and soil nitrogen availability, we established an experimental resource gradient in a secondary deciduous forest to test whether three common, woody, invasive species displayed increased metabolic performance and biomass production compared to six co-occurring woody native species, and whether these predicted differences depend upon resource supply. Using hierarchical Bayesian models of photosynthesis that included leaf trait effects, we found that invasive species exhibited functional strategies associated with higher rates of carbon gain. Further, invader metabolic and growth-related attributes were more responsive to increasing light availability than those of natives, but did not fall below average native responses even in low light. Surprisingly, neither group showed direct trait or growth responses to soil N additions. However, invasive species showed increased photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiencies with decreasing N availability, while that of natives remained constant. Although invader advantage over natives was amplified in higher resource conditions in this forest, our results indicate that some invasive species can maintain physiological advantages over co-occurring natives regardless of resource conditions.
Tempered Distributions and Fourier Transforms

Tempered distributions, as functionals, are continuous with respect to a slightly weaker mode of convergence than that described in Section 2.4, hence are slightly milder, as a class, than the class of all Schwartzian distributions. The mildness is not a local matter (the 03B4 function and all its derivatives are tempered distributions), but has to do with the behavior as ∥x∥ → ∞. The Fourier transform of a tempered distribution is easily defined; it is also a tempered distribution.
Capacity Maximization with Polarization-Agile Antennas in the MIMO Communication System

Polarization diversity is an important candidate for improving the channel capacity in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication systems. The use of polarization-agile antennas enables to reap important benefits of polarization diversity without the need for additional up/down-conversion chains and their associated cost and energy consumption. In this paper we propose a novel scheme of polarization pre-post coding based on the theoretical (approximate) closed-form derivation of optimal transmit/receive polarization vectors to maximize channel capacity when polarization agility is available only at one link end. We use those as basis for an iterative joint polarization prepost coding for polarization agility at both link ends. Simulations validate that the obtained capacity is in a close agreement with that obtained by exhaustive numerical search for optimal transmit/receive polarization orientation. Utilizing our scheme of joint polarization pre-post coding improves system performance by 3 dB to 5 dB in terms of the SNR.
In vitro and in vivo evaluation of latex condoms using a two-phase nonoxynol 9 system

In vitro studies were carried out that indicated that a lubricant system consisting of 0.45 ± 0.1 ml of silicon fluid containing 6.6% ± 0.5% by volume of nonoxynol 9 and a spermicidal cream consisting of 0.45 ± 0.1 ml made up of 63.4% polyethylene glycol 400 and 30.0% polyethylene glycol 3350 containing 6.6% ± 0.5% nonoxynol 9 was effective in reducing sperm motility and viability. This system was tested in vivo with the use of simulated rupture techniques and was found to be equally as effective. Double-blind preference studies were carried out in vivo which showed that the condom system is convenient and comfortable to use, nonirritating to the vagina or urethral mucosa, and esthetically pleasing to the young, reproductive-age population.
Ultrasound Measurements of Temperature Profile Across Gasifier Refractories: Method and Initial Validation

A gasifier’s performance and the longevity of its refractory are directly affected by the temperature of its reaction zone. One of the key technological challenges impacting the reliability and economics of coal and biomass gasification is the lack of temperature sensors capable of reliably performing in a harsh gasification environment over extended periods of operation. In this paper, we describe and experimentally validate a novel approach that uses noninvasive ultrasound to measure the temperature distribution across the refractory or other containments, including the temperature of the hot side of the refractory. This method uses an ultrasound propagation path across a refractory that has been engineered to contain multiple internal partial reflectors. Beginning with an ultrasound excitation pulse introduced on the cold side of the refectory, a train of echoes created by partial reflectors is acquired and used to determine the speed of sound in the corresponding segments of the refractory. By using a...
Iraq's stunted growth: human and economic development in perspective

ABSTRACTThis article studies Iraq's recent economic development. It views development as a process mediated by institutions and driven by the attainment of human capabilities and capacities, including state capacity. This approach departs from the two prevalent sets of models that have been used to explain Iraq's lacklustre economic performance: theories that highlight the negative effects of oil on economic outcomes as well as those that stress the importance of the, often formulaic, application of policies that advocate economic liberalization and marketization. This study posits that many of Iraq's economic difficulties, including those of the provision of public services and realizing investment, are best comprehended as the result of prolonged institutional decline and decay in human capabilities, especially since 1990. What is more, the article contests some basic maxims concerning Iraq's recent economic history. For example, the post-2003 era is viewed primarily as a continuation of the sanctions p...
Development of a Wireless Monitoring System for Microwave-Based Comprehensive Vital Sign Measurement

A wireless microwave-based antenna monitoring system has been developed for measurement of comprehensive vital signs. The system employs a unique electromagnetic energy coupling sensor/antenna and is also equipped with a mobile app to display the processed values in real time, which facilitates use by mobile users. New RF components have been used, which has eliminated the need for a costly and bulky network analyzer. The developed system is more suitable for clinical use and monitoring of remote patients. Accuracy of the developed wireless system has been validated by comparing results to traditional network analyzer measurements as well as an FDA approved vital sign monitoring device where excellent agreement was observed. Specifically, an average difference of 0.7% in the measured phase and 1.4% in the magnitude of the reflection/transmission coefficients, 4.8% in measured heart rates, and 8.1% in measured respiration rates were observed.
Commentary on Transmission Availability Data Collection and Analysis in USA

It is hard for the dispatcher to ensure the power grid which is not sufficient reliable.This paper makes a commentary on the process,analysis method and effect of transmission availability data collection in USA.The related experience of USA introduced in this paper is meaningful for the power company in China to improve the collection and management methods,to develop reliability database and to enhance its ability of availability data analysis.
Inspection and repair of the sill of bulkhead gate for sand bottom outlet of Gezhouba Hydropower Plant

This paper introduces underwater inspection technology and disaster treatment craft,underwater inspection and survey,underwater cutting and chiseling work,underwater erection of anchor rod,underwater welding and concrete pouring.It also presents the implementation and operation of underwater inspection for the maintenance and repairing so as to prevent and control the underwater structure disasters,which has provided the scientific and reliable technology and craft.
"Managing" demand: the wrong paradigm.

The "Managing" of demand practiced by managed care organizations has had some success in controlling health care expenditures, but only at great cost in terms of irate consumers, physicians, employers, media, lawyers and legislators. The spate of "HMO Bashing" can be attributed to the use of the wrong paradigm for dealing with consumer, i.e., management. Initiatives intended to avoid, replace and reform demand should use a marketing paradigm, emphasizing the delivering of value to customers. This article provides examples of the wide range of value-adding benefits that well-designed and implemented demand improvement efforts can have for the wide range of customers affected.
Zones in Arrangements

In this chapter, we investigate the complexity of the boundary of a certain collection of cells in an arrangement of hyperplanes. We formalize the problem by introducing the notion of a so-called zone which is defined relative to some chosen hyperplane in the arrangement. Intuitively, the zone of a hyperplane h contains all faces in the boundaries of those cells which are supported by h. The introduction of this concept is motivated by an algorithm that constructs an arrangement incrementally, that is, the hyperplanes are inserted one after another (see Chapter 7). A more formal definition of the zone of a hyper plane in terms of visibility is as follows.
Johnson’s Island US Civil War Military Prison

Throughout the United States’ Civil War, the treatment of prisoners of war varied. Confederate and Union soldiers captured early in the war had a preconceived notion of how they were to be treated. As the war progressed, the Union changed their policies of treatment toward POWs. From Lincoln on down, those in charge struggled with this newly defined class of formerly recognized the US citizen. Johnson’s Island prison, as the only stand-alone facility constructed by the Union, encapsulated their early commitment to the “humane treatment” of prisoners. As the Union’s treatment policies changed, so did the physical landscape of Johnson’s Island. The long-term archaeological exploration of Johnson’s Island addresses changing prisoner treatment through this altered landscape.
Efficacy of an anti-CD22 antibody-monomethyl auristatin E conjugate in a preclinical xenograft model of precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (preB ALL) is the most common childhood cancer.[1,2] Despite improved overall progress in the treatment, patients with certain types of preB ALL have a...
A medida do efeito Bohr em hemoglobinas de peixe por focalização elétrica em gel

Resumo Hemolisados de 16 especies de peixes amazonicos foram analisados por focalizacao eletrica em gel. A mudanca do ponto isoeletrico sob desoxigenacao proporcionou uma avaliacao segura do efeito Bohr. Certas especies de peixe tem componentes de hemoglobina simples cujo pl aumenta significantemente sob desoxigenacao, de modo similar a do homem. Outros peixes tinham hemoglobinas, cujos pontos isoeletricos nao eram atingidos pela desoxigenacao. Seis especies de peixe tinham, pelo menos, dois componentes na hemoglobina um dos quais tinha um ponto isoeletrico reduzido sob desoxigenacao indicando um efeito Bohr reverso enquanto que outro (s) tinha um ponto isoeletrico aumentado sob desoxigeracao como ocorre com o efeito Bohr alcalino normal. Uma correlacao estreita foi encontrada entre a mudanca do ponto isoeletrico com desoxigenacao e o efeito Bohr determinado pelas medidas de equilibrio do oxigenio
Tobacco and nicotine delivery product use in a national sample of pregnant women.

Monitoring use of tobacco products among pregnant women is a public health priority, yet few studies in U.S. national samples have been reported on this topic. We examined prevalence and correlates of using cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and other tobacco/nicotine delivery products in a U.S. national sample of pregnant women. Data were obtained from all pregnant women (≥ 18 years) in the first wave of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH, 2013–2014) Study (N = 388). Prevalence of current and prior use of tobacco/nicotine products was examined overall and among current cigarette smokers. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine correlates of use of cigarettes, e-cigarettes, hookah and cigars. Overall prevalence was highest for cigarettes (13.8%), followed by e-cigarettes (4.9%), hookah (2.5%) and cigars (2.3%), and below 1% for all other products. Prevalence of using other tobacco products is much higher among current smokers than the general population, with e-cigarettes (28.5%) most prevalent followed by cigars (14.0%), hookah (12.4%), smokeless (4.7%), snus (4.6%), and pipes (2.1%). Sociodemographic characteristics (poverty, low educational attainment, White race) and past-year externalizing psychiatric symptoms were correlated with current cigarette smoking. In turn, current cigarette smoking and past year illicit drug use were correlated with using e-cigarettes, hookah, and cigars. These results underscore that tobacco/nicotine use during pregnancy extends beyond cigarettes. The results also suggest that use of these other products should be included in routine clinical screening on tobacco use, and the need for more intensive tobacco control and regulatory strategies targeting pregnant women.
Micro- and Nanoscale Topographies on Silk Regulate Gene Expression of Human Corneal Epithelial Cells

Purpose Corneal basement membrane has topographical features that provide biophysical cues to direct cell adherence, migration, and proliferation. In this study, we hypothesize that varying topographic pitch created on silk films can alter epithelial cell morphology, adhesion, and the genetic expression involved in cytoskeletal dynamics-related pathways. Methods Silicon wafers with parallel ridge widths of 2000, 1000, and 800 nm were produced and used to pattern silk films via soft lithography. Human corneal epithelial cells were cultured onto silk. After 72 hours of incubation, images were taken to study cell morphology and alignment. Cytoskeletal structures were studied by immunofluorescent staining. RNA was collected from cultured cells to perform RNA-Seq transcriptome analysis using the Illumina Hiseq 2500 sequencing system. Differentially expressed genes were identified using DNAstar Qseq then verified using quantitative real-time PCR. These genes were used to perform pathway analyses using Ingenuity Pathways Analysis. Results Primary human corneal epithelial cell alignment to the surface pattern was the greatest on 1000-nm features. Fluorescent microscopy of f-actin staining showed cell cytoskeleton alignment either in parallel (2000 nm) or perpendicular (1000 and 800 nm) to the long feature axis. Z-stack projection of vinculin staining indicated increased focal adhesion formation localized on the cellular basal surface. RNA-seq analysis revealed differentially expressed genes involved in actin organization, integrin signaling, and focal adhesion kinase signaling (-log (P)>5). Conclusions Patterned silk film substrates may serve as a scaffold and provide biophysical cues to corneal epithelial cells that change their gene expression, alter cellular adherence, morphology, and may offer a promising customizable material for use in ocular surface repair.
Putting Choosing Wisely into Practice.

It is our responsibility as physicians to help our patients avoid interventions that are not helpful or, worse, potentially harmful.
Abstract 17452: Inadequate HIV Suppression is Associated With Progression of Coronary Stenosis: The Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS) Longitudinal Coronary CT Angiography Study

Introduction: HIV infected (HIV+) persons are surviving longer due to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). CVD has emerged as a leading cause of non-AIDS related events. The purpose of this stud...
circRNA meets gene amplification.

Lung cancer remains the most common cause of cancer related death among both males and females globally accounting for 1.69 million deaths in 2015 (1). Of the different types of lung cancer, lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) is the most common (2). Given the prevalence and lethality of lung cancer the need to elucidate the mechanisms of this disease and to develop novel therapeutic targets remains paramount. The understanding of the biology and genetics of LAC is essential to learning more about this disease.
Overview and Directions for the Future

A brief summary of the lectures and discussions is given, with some questions for the future.
Continuity of Information Between Mental Health and Primary Care Providers After a Mental Health Consultation.

Objective:Information sharing between mental health providers (MHPs) and primary care providers (PCPs) is important for persons with mental illnesses. The authors determined the level of informatio...
Designing and creating a self-help, bifurcated childrenswear ensemble using experimental patternmaking and digital technologies

There is a gap in the market for childrenswear garments that merge multi-sizing and experimental patternmaking in self-help apparel. A gap in the market was also discovered for childrenswear inspired by the Celtic selkie myth. Pattern development for this ensemble was derived during the practice of experimental patternmaking methods: subtraction cutting. It was found subtraction cutting does not always translate proportionally for childrenswear but is successful for bifurcated garments. Multi-sizing for longer wear was successfully incorporated. Subtraction cutting did not impact fabric waste but increased fabric consumption. The amount of time and labor did not differ much from past projects. Self-help childrenswear was created with a zip-front opening for the blouse and the elasticized waist in the culottes. The Celtic selkie legend was effectively incorporated into the patterns. Digital printing provided further originality to the garment designs. The construction methods successfully contributed to the durability and quality of the garments.
The influence of medical school on career choice: A longitudinal study of students’ attitudes toward a career in general surgery

Abstract Background Less than 80% of general surgery (GS) residency positions are filled by graduates from allopathic, U.S. medical schools. The aim of this study was to gauge students' interest in pursuing GS throughout their medical school matriculation and explore students’ changing perceptions of the specialty. Methods Students at two medical schools were surveyed annually for 4 years. Survey responses regarding interest were compared to actual NRMP match results. Results Interest in a GS career was highest at the outset of medical school and declined steadily during the program, which was similar at both schools, including a positive effect on interest from the surgical clerkship. Conclusions Our findings suggest that experiences during medical school impact students' perceptions of GS; specifically, lifestyle, work environment, and the length of training discouraged pursuit of GS. Perception of a GS's lifestyle and the educational environment are both highly modifiable factors that could increase interest in general surgery amongst graduates.
Diagnosis of atypical HUS using Genetic Testing

The patient is a 33 year old woman at 31 weeks gestation with twins who presented to the ER complaining of shortness of breath, headache, and blurry vision. The patient’s preliminary complete blood count (CBC), RBC morphology, coagulation testing, and certain metabolic indicators were characteristic of a hemolytic process caused by microcirculatory lesions known as thrombotic microangiopathies. The major pathologies of this hemolytic process are Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP), Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC), and Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, Low Platelets (HELLP). Additional coagulation and biochemical testing indicated that the patient probably was experiencing HELLP syndrome, but atypical HUS (aHUS) could not be ruled out. Consequently an aHUS genetic susceptibility panel was also ordered on this patient. The results of the genetic testing revealed that the patient did indeed have aHUS. Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome is a disease of complement dysregulation. In approximately 50% of patients, mutations have been described in the genes that encode complement regulator factors. With an accurate diagnosis established, the patient was able to receive treatment utilizing an anti C5 monoclonal antibody aimed specifically at controlling the dysregulated complement protein C5.
Impact of race/ethnicity on insulin resistance and hypertriglyceridaemia.

Objective:Insulin sensitivity affects plasma triglyceride concentration and both differ by race/ethnicity. The purpose of this study was to provide a comprehensive assessment of the variation in in...
The Lived Experiences of Mothers of Children with Disabilities

The purpose of this research study was to explore the lived experiences of parents of children with disabilities. More specifically, this study aimed to give voice to these parents by encouraging t...
Biomarker Testing for Patients With Advanced Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer: Real-World Issues and Tough Choices

Over the last decade, the treatment of patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has become reliant on tissue and/or blood biomarkers to help guide treatment decisions. There are now multiple biomarker-defined patient subgroups, with evidence showing that treatment with targeted therapies has superior clinical outcomes when compared with traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy. However, rapid change in the field of precision oncology brings with it the challenge of translating recommendations into clinical practice. In this review, we discuss the major guidelines recommending biomarker testing in NSCLC, as well the logistical challenges to applying these guidelines to patients with NSCLC both in the United States and worldwide. The techniques commonly used for biomarker testing will be discussed, both for tissue- and blood-based biomarkers. Finally, we discuss the challenge of interpreting the results of biomarker testing and using these results to guide treatment decisions.
Group work around the globe: creating transformative connections in challenging times

The chapter offerings in the book Group Work Around the Globe: Creating Transformative Connections in Challenging Times, take the reader on an evocative journey through the diversity of social grou...
Rapid keratitis and perforation after corneal collagen cross-linking.

Abstract Purpose To describe a case of rapid keratitis and corneal perforation after epithelium off collagen cross-linking. Observations We report a case of a 17-year-old male who underwent collagen cross-linking with the protocol and device approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that developed a corneal infiltrate 3 days after the procedure. He later developed corneal thinning and perforation on day 5 requiring the use of cyanoacrylate glue and a Kontur lens. Despite initial improvement in the infiltrate with fortified antibiotics he later had leakage of aqueous around the glue and a flat chamber requiring an emergent penetrating keratoplasty on postoperative day 16. Conclusion and importance While collagen cross-linking has been very effective for treating keratoconus and is being recommended more frequently since FDA approval in the United States, severe complications such as corneal perforation requiring early transplant can still occur.
Perspectives on the model-based approach to proton therapy trials: A retrospective study of a lung cancer randomized trial

Abstract Purpose The goal of this study was to assess whether a model-based approach applied retrospectively to a completed randomized controlled trial (RCT) would have significantly altered the selection of patients of the original trial, using the same selection criteria and endpoint for testing the potential clinical benefit of protons compared to photons. Methods and materials A model-based approach, based on three widely used normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models for radiation pneumonitis (RP), was applied retrospectively to a completed non-small cell lung cancer RCT (NCT00915005). It was assumed that patients were selected by the model-based approach if their expected Δ N T C P value was above a threshold of 5%. The endpoint chosen matched that of the original trial, the first occurrence of severe (grade ≥3) RP. Results Our analysis demonstrates that NTCP differences between proton and photon therapy treatments may be too small to support a model-based trial approach for lung cancer using RP as the normal tissue endpoint. The analyzed lung trial showed that less than 19% (32/165) of patients enrolled in the completed trial would have been enrolled in a model-based trial, prescribing photon therapy to all other patients. The number of patients enrolled was also found to be dependent on the type of NTCP model used for evaluating RP, with the three models enrolling 3%, 13% or 19% of patients. This result does show limitations in NTCP models which would affect the success of a model-based trial approach. No conclusion regarding the development of RP in patients randomized by the model-based approach could statistically be made. Conclusions Uncertainties in the outcome models to predict NTCP are the inherent drawback of a model-based approach to clinical trials. The impact of these uncertainties on enrollment in model-based trials depends on the predicted difference between the two treatment arms and on the set threshold for patient stratification. Our analysis demonstrates that NTCP differences between proton and photon therapy treatments may be too small to support a model-based trial approach for specific treatment sites, such as lung cancer, depending on the chosen normal tissue endpoint.
Poverty Status Moderates the Relationship between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Academic Achievement

Background The purpose of the study was to examine the associations among cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), weight status and academic achievement in youth, and to determine if these relationships are moderated by poverty status. Methods The sample included 5th (N = 27,791) and 8th grade (N = 16,047) South Carolina students. Academic achievement was assessed using a state-wide assessment and classified into 2 categories (ie, does not meet/approaches standards vs meets/exceeds standards). CRF was assessed and expressed as Healthy Fitness Zone (HFZ) or Needs Improvement/Needs-Improvement-Health Risk. Students' demographics and poverty status were reported. Multilevel logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between CRF, weight status and academic achievement. Interaction terms were introduced into the final models. Analyses were performed separately by grade level and academic subject. Results The CRF was significantly associated with the odds of meeting/exceeding academic standards after controlling for covariates and adjusting for weight status. The relationship between CRF and academic achievement varied significantly by poverty status. After adjustment for CRF, weight status was not significantly associated with academic achievement. Conclusions The odds of achieving academic standards were significantly higher among students achieving CRF HFZ regardless of poverty status. CRF may partially mitigate the adverse effect of poverty on academic achievement.
The Relationship Between Muscle Size and Strength Does not Depend on Echo Intensity in Healthy Young Adults.

Abstract Muscle quality is typically defined as muscle strength relative to muscle size. Echo intensity has gained popularity as an index of skeletal muscle quality. There is common agreement that muscle size is related to strength at baseline and echo intensity is purported to impact this relationship. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine whether echo intensity can be used as a physiological marker for muscle quality by investigating the moderating effect of echo intensity on the relationship between muscle size and strength. A sample of 96 participants was used for the upper body analysis and a separate sample of 96 participants was used for the lower body analysis. Echo intensity, muscle thickness, and strength measurements were measured on each limb. For strength, participants performed unilateral elbow flexion (upper body analysis) and knee extension (lower body analysis) to quantify 1-repetition maximum. Muscle thickness and echo intensity were determined from images captured using B-mode ultrasound. Muscle size correlated with muscle strength for all limbs. However, the relationship between muscle size and strength was not significantly moderated by echo intensity for Arm 1 (b = 0.042, p = 0.54) or Arm 2 (b = −0.002, p = 0.97). At the proximal site, no significant moderating effect of echo intensity was found in Leg 1 (b = 0.037, p = 0.67) or Leg 2 (b = −0.085, p = 0.29). Similarly, no significant moderating effect was observed at the distal site for Leg 1 (b = 0.03, p = 0.69) or Leg 2 (b = −0.026, p = 0.75). The results would indicate that the relationship between muscle size and strength does not depend on echo intensity. Therefore, the use of echo intensity as an index of muscle quality in healthy young adults may need to be reconsidered.
Global endpoint Strichartz estimates for Schrödinger equations on the cylinder R×T

Abstract We prove global in time Strichartz estimates on the semi-periodic cylinder with initial data in L 2 . This extends the local results of Takaoka-Tzvetkov [13] and the global estimates with loss of derivatives of Hani-Pausader [9] and Barron [1] .
The Impact of Polyploidization on the Evolution of Weed Species: Historical Understanding and Current Limitations

Whole genome duplication via polyploidization is a major driver of diversification within angiosperms and it appears to confer the most benefit during times of rapid environmental change. Polyploidization offers expanded access to novel phenotypes that facilitate invasion of new environments and increased resistance to stress. These new phenotypes can arise almost immediately through the novel interactions among or between transcription factors of the duplicated genomes leading to transgressive traits, and general heterosis, or they can occur more slowly through processes like neofunctionalization, and subfunctionalization. These processes are characterized by the changes within homologs of the duplicated genomes, homoeologs. It has been proposed that redundant homoeologs are released from selective constraints and serve as an additional source of adaptive genetic variation, particularly in neo and meso-polyploids. Current practices in weed management create rapid environmental change through the use of chemicals, practices that are meant to cause the extirpation of the designated weed, and represent a strong recurrent selective event—a scenario that should favor polyploidy species. Here we ask the question, “Do polyploids make better weeds?”. It is our conclusion that such a question is impossible to answer at this time due to the lack of resources and understanding in weed genomics. The growing contingent of research in weed genomics, however, driven by herbicide resistance evolution is rapidly improving our understanding of weed molecular biology and will aid in improving understanding of the impacts of ploidy levels on weed evolution and adaptation in the future.
The association of alcohol, cigarette, e-cigarette, and marijuana use with disease severity in adolescents and young adults with pediatric chronic kidney disease

We investigated the putative associations of alcohol, cigarette, e-cigarette, and marijuana use with kidney function and proteinuria among adolescents and young adults (AYA) with pediatric-onset chronic kidney disease (CKD) enrolled in the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) study. Participants responded to questions about past year and 30-day substance use. Associations between each substance and kidney function, proteinuria, nephrotic range proteinuria, and high blood pressure were separately estimated using repeated measures regression models, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. Models controlled for covariates at the present visit (contemporaneous) and additionally controlled for disease severity at the year prior to reporting substance use (lagged). A total of 441 participants ≥16 years contributed 1,245 person-visits with 39% reporting alcohol and 16%, 17%, and 15% reporting cigarette, e-cigarette, and marijuana use, respectively, over the previous year. In adjusted lagged models, past year and 30-day cigarette use were significantly associated with higher levels of proteinuria (+18.6%, 95%CI: +2.8%, +36.9%; and +20.0%, 95%CI: +0.7%, +43.1%, respectively). Inferences were similar when controlling for secondhand smoke exposure. In a cohort of AYA with pediatric kidney diseases, substance use was non-trivial, and cigarette use was associated with higher proteinuria, although the prevalence of use was low. Occasional alcohol, e-cigarette, and marijuana use were not associated with proteinuria, disease progression, or elevated blood pressure. Pediatric nephrologists as specialty care providers are well-positioned to discuss substance use and should encourage tobacco prevention/treatment efforts among AYA at high risk for use in order to preserve kidney function and promote well-being.
Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies in health care workers at a tertiary care academic medical center - An assessment of occupational infection risk.

Background The purpose of this study was to assess the occupational SARS-CoV-2 infection risk among health care workers (HCW) at University of Kentucky HealthCare (UKHC) by evaluating the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Methods This is a prospective cohort study of HCW at UKHC. SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody seropositivity was measured in a CLIA-certified laboratory utilizing the Abbott Architect SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody assay. Demographics and work type were self-reported by study participants via an emailed survey. Results The overall antibody positivity rate of HCW was 1.55% (5/322; 95% confidence interval: 0.65%-3.71%) at cohort entry. There were no differences in antibody positivity between those that worked directly with SARS-CoV-2 infected patients and those that did not. The antibody rate of positivity of patients during the same time period was similar, 1.8% (9/499; 95% confidence interval 0.94%-3.45%). Conclusions Antibody positivity was low and similar between HCW and patients tested during a similar time period. HCW positivity rates did not appear to be impacted by caring for known SARS-CoV-2 infected patients suggesting that appropriate use of personal protective equipment is effective in protecting individuals from transmission.
Application of occupant behavior prediction model on residential big data analysis

Occupant behavior is multifaceted, and a systematic approach is required to understand occupant behavior comprehensively. This research aims to define a structure of the relationship between energy consumption, building technology, and occupant behavior, using the Occupant Behavior Prediction Model. The model can predict and explain occupant energy usage-related activities. A machine learning approach is used to develop the model, and datasets from the American Time Use Survey (ATUS) are used to verify the model. The results show that the energy use activities with higher predictive performances are more stable and habitual compared to the ones with lower predictive performances. The prediction accuracy achieved by this model for these habitual activities reached as high as 99%. The findings imply that the building systems and control strategies need to be adjusted to accommodate habitual energy use behaviors, rather than changing the behaviors. In addition, educational interventions seem more effective on the less habitual behaviors, which often change.