Design and Approach of a Storm Runoff Investigation at Selected South Carolina Department of Transportation Maintenance Yards

2010 S.C. Water Resources Conference - Science and Policy Challenges for a Sustainable Futur

The Health Information Seeking Behavior of IFC Fraternity Men at Two Universities

There is a long history of research within information science dedicated to Information Seeking Behavior. Within Information Seeking Behavior, the subset of Health Information Seeking Behavior (HISB) has become increasingly relevant. In order to investigate the HISB of male fraternity members, a survey was sent out to two specific populations of male students at two different universities. This study found that fraternity members had higher than average access to health resources. Fraternity members accessed and trusted digital health resources at similar levels as non-affiliated male students, and had similar HISB behavior as non-affiliated male students. Future research should consider whether health care access has an impact on HISB.Master of Science in Library Scienc

An update on peptide-based therapies for type 2 diabetes and obesity

Long-acting analogues of the naturally occurring incretin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and those modified to interact also with receptors for glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) have shown high glucose-lowering and weight-lowering efficacy when administered by once-weekly subcutaneous injection. These analogues herald an exciting new era in peptide-based therapy for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity. Of note is the GLP-1R agonist semaglutide, available in oral and injectable formulations and in clinical trials combined with the long-acting amylin analogue, cagrilintide. Particularly high efficacy in both glucose- and weight lowering capacities has also been observed with the GLP-1R/GIP-R unimolecular dual agonist, tirzepatide. In addition, a number of long-acting unimolecular GLP-1R/GCGR dual agonist peptides and GLP-1R/GCGR/GIPR triagonist peptides have entered clinical trials. Other pharmacological approaches to chronic weight management include the human monoclonal antibody, bimagrumab which blocks activin type II receptors and is associated with growth of skeletal muscle, an antibody blocking activation of GIPR to which are conjugated GLP-1R peptide agonists (AMG-133), and the melanocortin-4 receptor agonist, setmelanotide for use in certain inherited obesity conditions. The high global demand for the GLP-1R agonists liraglutide and semaglutide as anti-obesity agents has led to shortage so that their use in T2D therapy is currently being prioritized. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Constraining 3D Magnetic Field Extrapolations Using The Twin Perspectives of STEREO

The 3D magnetic topology of a solar active region (NOAA 10956) was reconstructed using a linear force-free field extrapolation constrained using the twin perspectives of \emph{STEREO}. A set of coronal field configurations was initially generated from extrapolations of the photospheric magnetic field observed by the Michelson Doppler Imager (MDI) on \emph{SOHO}. Using an EUV intensity-based cost function, the extrapolated field lines that were most consistent with 171\AA\ passband images from the Extreme UltraViolet Imager (EUVI) on \emph{STEREO} were identified. This facilitated quantitative constraints to be placed on the twist ($\alpha$) of the extrapolated field lines, where $\nabla \times {\bf B} = \alpha {\bf B}$. Using the constrained values of $\alpha$, the evolution in time of twist, connectivity, and magnetic energy were then studied. A flux emergence event was found to result in significant changes in the magnetic topology and total magnetic energy of the region

A Risk Driven Framework for Open Source Information Systems Development

This paper attempts to justify the need for a framework to address concerns with the use of open source software for information systems development (ISD). The premise of this argument is that the open source paradigm primarily addresses technical concerns while IS failures tend to be multifaceted in nature. OSS may improve but will not ultimately solve the problems of ISD due to its inherent sociotechnical complexities. Issues of concern for open source ISD are identified in this paper and a theoretical framework is outlined allowing organisations to take a more balanced approach to open source ISD. The framework is predicated upon risk management and a lifecycle that addresses social and organisational concerns throughout the ISD process. The objective of this framework is to aid in avoidance of the social and organisational pitfalls of ISD while leveraging the ability of the OSS paradigm to address software crisis issues. Finally, the implications of this framework and future directions for research are discussed

Lactobacillus fermentum (PCC®) supplementation and gastrointestinal and respiratory-tract illness symptoms: a randomised control trial in athletes

BACKGROUND Probiotics purportedly reduce symptoms of gastrointestinal and upper respiratory-tract illness by modulating commensal microflora. Preventing and reducing symptoms of respiratory and gastrointestinal illness are the primary reason that dietary supplementation with probiotics are becoming increasingly popular with healthy active individuals. There is a paucity of data regarding the effectiveness of probiotics in this cohort. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a probiotic on faecal microbiology, self-reported illness symptoms and immunity in healthy well trained individuals. METHODS Competitive cyclists (64 males and 35 females; age 35 ± 9 and 36 ± 9 y, VO2max 56 ± 6 and 52 ± 6 ml.kg-1.min-1, mean ± SD) were randomised to either probiotic (minimum 1 × 109 Lactobacillus fermentum (PCC®) per day) or placebo treatment for 11 weeks in a double-blind, randomised, controlled trial. The outcome measures were faecal L. fermentum counts, self-reported symptoms of illness and serum cytokines. RESULTS Lactobacillus numbers increased 7.7-fold (90% confidence limits 2.1- to 28-fold) more in males on the probiotic, while there was an unclear 2.2-fold (0.2- to 18-fold) increase in females taking the probiotic. The number and duration of mild gastrointestinal symptoms were ~2-fold greater in the probiotic group. However, there was a substantial 0.7 (0.2 to 1.2) of a scale step reduction in the severity of gastrointestinal illness at the mean training load in males, which became more pronounced as training load increased. The load (duration×severity) of lower respiratory illness symptoms was less by a factor of 0.31 (99%CI; 0.07 to 0.96) in males taking the probiotic compared with placebo but increased by a factor of 2.2 (0.41 to 27) in females. Differences in use of cold and flu medication mirrored these symptoms. The observed effects on URTI had too much uncertainty for a decisive outcome. There were clear reductions in the magnitude of acute exercise-induced changes in some cytokines. CONCLUSION L. fermentum may be a useful nutritional adjunct for healthy exercising males. However, uncertainty in the effects of supplementation on URTI and on symptoms in females needs to be resolved. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was registered in the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12611000006943).The study was funded by Christian Hansen A/S, Probiomics and the Australian Institute of Sport

Interpersonal dynamics in assessment center exercises: Effects of role player portrayed disposition

Although interpersonal interactions are the mainstay of many assessment center exercises, little is known about how these interactions unfold and affect participant behavior and performance. More specifically, participants interact with role players who have been instructed to demonstrate behavior reflecting specific dispositions as part of the exercise. This study focuses on role player portrayed disposition as a potentially important social demand relevant to participant behavior and performance in interpersonal simulations. We integrate interpersonal theory and trait activation theory to formulate hypotheses about the effects of role player portrayed disposition on participant behavior and performance in 184 interpersonal simulations. A significant effect of portrayed disposition was found for participant relationship building and directive communication behavior. Furthermore, portrayed disposition moderated the relationship between participant use of these behaviors and performance ratings. Conceptually, this study sheds light on the complementary mechanisms and social demands that produce participant performance differences across exercises. At a practical level, this study provides valuable evidence-based guidance for developing interpersonal simulations

Incidence and outcome of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in hemodialysis patients

Incidence and outcome of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in hemodialysis patients.Background. Staphylococcus aureusbacteremia is frequently associated with metastatic complications and infective endocarditis (IE). The Duke criteria for the diagnosis of IE utilize echocardiographic techniques and are more sensitive than previous criteria. The documentation of IE in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) has become increasingly important in order to avoid the overuse of empiric vancomycin and the emergence of antibiotic resistance.MethodsPatients who developed S. aureus bacteremia while undergoing HD at a tertiary medical center or one of four affiliated outpatient HD units were identified. Clinical outcome (death, metastatic complications, IE, and microbiologic recurrence) was assessed during hospitalization and at three months after discharge. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiograms were performed and the Duke criteria were used to diagnose IE. Pulse field gel electrophoresis was performed to confirm genetic similarity of recurrent isolates.ResultsFour hundred and forty-five patients underwent hemodialysis for 5431.8 patient-months. Sixty-two developed 65 episodes of S. aureus bacteremia (1.2 episodes/100 patient-months). Complications occurred in 27 (44%) patients. Bacteremia recurred in patients who dialyzed through polytetrafluorethylene grafts (44.4% vs. 7.1%, P = 0.0.01), and there was a trend to increased recurrence in patients who received only vancomycin (19.5% vs. 7.1%, P = 0.4). IE was diagnosed in 8 patients (12%), six of whom had normal transthoracic echocardiograms.ConclusionsSensitive echocardiographic techniques and the Duke criteria for the diagnosis of IE should be used to determine the proper duration of antibiotic therapy in hemodialysis patients with S. aureus bacteremia. This diagnostic approach, coupled with early removal of hardware, may assist in improving outcomes