Using Polymerase Chain Reaction to Detect nifH and vnfDGK in a Novel Acidophilic Microbial Community

Acidophiles are widely known for their ability to exploit harsh environments, typically consisting of high temperatures, dissolved metal concentrations, and acidic conditions. Consequently, different acidophilic species are employed industrially in applications such as biomining and bioleaching. However, their full potential in bioremediation, and in industrial practices, has yet to be fully explored because many of these acidophiles are difficult to culture in laboratory conditions or have yet to be properly identified. This investigation focuses on a novel community sampled from the Richmond Mine site in Iron Mountain, California, consisting of a filamentous fungus and prokaryotes. This consortium can be cultured in laboratory conditions without the presence of organic nitrogen sources. Previous data has also revealed that the community has a nutritional requirement for vanadium ions. Therefore, I predicted that this bacterium is able to fix atmospheric nitrogen via the nitrogenase enzyme, and might do so using a rare variant that requires vanadium as a cofactor. My investigation will employ PCR amplification, ligation, and transformation as well as bioinformatics tools in attempts to isolate conserved nifH and vnfDGK gene fragments, that are found in standard nitrogenases and vanadium-dependent nitrogenases, respectively. Results from this investigation can be used not only to further understand the dynamics of the community found in these mine waters, but also to shed light on the process of nitrogen fixation in such a harsh environment

Development and implementation of an Internet-based survivorship care program for cancer survivors treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

The Internet provides a widely accessible modality for meeting survivorship care needs of cancer survivors. In this paper, we describe the development and implementation of an Internet site designed as a base from which to conduct a randomized controlled trial to meet psycho-educational needs of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) survivors

Frontline experiences of delivering remote mental health supports during the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland : innovations, insights and lessons learned from mental health workers

COVID-19 restrictions drove rapid adaptations to service delivery and new ways of working within Scotland’s mental health sector. This study explores mental health workers’ (MHWs’) experiences of delivering their services remotely. Twenty participants, who had worked in mental health professions in the National Health Service (NHS) in Scotland throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, took part in online semi-structured interviews. Data was transcribed then analysed using an inductive thematic analysis. Two major themes are reported: (1) ‘Improved Flexibility for both MHWs and Service Users’ and (2) ‘Teletherapies Challenge Therapeutic Boundaries’. In relation to (1) virtual platforms were seen as vital in maintaining patient care throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and a valuable resource for service users (SUs) who had previously struggled with mobility or social anxieties when accessing face-to-face services. Some MHWs’ also noted benefits for their productivity and comfort. Regarding (2) MHWs highlighted that whilst conducting teletherapies from home, work-life boundaries became blurred and, in some instances, typically comforting spaces became associated with the traumatic content discussed by SUs. These stressors seemed to be compounded by MHWs’ isolation, as they were less able to draw upon their colleagues for support. Further, confidentiality could not be assured, as MHWs and SUs alike had to accommodate their family members. These findings highlight important insights from MHWs in adapting to rapid changes in mental health working practices, particularly in relation to the challenges of delivering quality, safe and equitable services and the increased use of teletherapies. Such insights are vital in informing service developments and supporting future pandemic preparedness across a range of healthcare contexts and countries seeking to adopt hybrid models of mental health service delivery

What have we learned about what works in sustaining mental health care and support services during a pandemic? Transferable insights from the COVID-19 response

Efforts have been made to adapt the delivery of mental health care and support services to the demands of COVID-19. Here we detail the perspectives and experiences of mental health workers (MHWs), in relation to what they found helpful when adapting mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic and responding to its demands. We were interested in exploring what has helped to support MHWs' own health and wellbeing given that staff wellbeing is central to sustaining the delivery of quality mental health services moving forward. Individual interviews were conducted with MHWs (n = 30) during the third COVID-19 lockdown. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed and managed using NVIVO. Qualitative data was analyzed using an inductive thematic approach. Three major themes were created, which emphasized the importance of: (1) 'self-care and peer support (checking in with each other)', (2) 'team cohesion and collaboration' and (3) 'visible and supportive management and leadership (new ways of working)'. Our findings emphasize the importance of individual, team and systems-based support in helping MHWs maintain their own wellbeing, whilst adapting and responding to the challenges in providing mental health care and support during this pandemic. Guidance and direction from management, with adaptive leadership in providing sustained, efficient, and equitable delivery of mental healthcare, is essential. Our findings support future policy, research and mental health practice developments through sharing important salutogenic lessons learned and transferable insights which may help with preparedness for future pandemic

Learning from Transmasculine Experiences with Health Care: Tangible Inlets for Reducing Health Disparities through Patient-Provider Relationships

Purpose: We examined health care experiences of transmasculine young adults to clarify factors contributing to mistrust in the health care system and identify tangible and modifiable means to address health disparities through improved patient-provider interactions. Thematic analysis highlights patterns within historical relationships between medical models and transmasculine embodiment, and provides guidance for health care clinicians, researchers, and policy makers to deliver competent services for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals. Methods: The study team used qualitative methodology guided by interpretive phenomenological analysis. Semistructured interviews with 12 participants who self-identified as transmasculine were conducted, transcribed, and coded thematically. Results: Participants were a community sample of 12 young adults 18-35 years of age (M=23, standard deviation=3.74), who self-identified as transmasculine. Three participants identified as a racial/ethnic minority. Participants were highly educated, with most completing at least some college. The superordinate thematic domain Perspectives on Health Care emerged, under which three subthemes were nested: (1) an essentialist, binary medical model is inaccurate and oppressive, (2) consequences of medicalizing gender (i.e., gender as a diagnosis), and (3) recommendations to improve health care. Conclusions: Qualitative analysis revealed specific ways in which the relationship between transmasculine individuals and current health care systems are fraught with difficulties, including the impact of stigma, gatekeeping, and inaccuracies, in current diagnostic criteria. Participants shared lived experiences and offered innovative ideas to improve health care delivery, such as challenging socialized biases, increased education, and immersion in TGD communities to advocate for change in research, practice, and policy

A Randomized Phase II Crossover Study of Imatinib or Rituximab for Cutaneous Sclerosis after Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Cutaneous sclerosis (CS) occurs in 20% of patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and can compromise mobility and quality of life

The Vehicle, Fall 2009

Table of Contents Poetry AliveRashelle McNairpage 3 Train of ThoughtsJeanette Saribekianpage 4 Biding the TideMarlee Lutzpage 5 Rotten HarvestJessyca Revillapage 15 Nostalgia ODJustine Fittonpage 16 Beyond WordsAshley Wrightpage 26 Don\u27tMelinda Knightpage 27 Happy HourStephen Garciapage 35 UntitledDaniel Paquinpage 37 Vibrant SensationsAshton Tembypage 38 Scarecrow Sally on a Saturday NightDaniel Davispage 45 The FarmAshley Wrightpage 49 Anything ButJustine Fittonpage 51 CrashDanielle Shirtinopage 53 Weathering SatisfactionRashelle McNairpage 54 SeminarDaniel Davispage 71 Nature\u27s Mood SwingsJeanette Saribekianpage 72 The PerformanceMelinda Knightpage 68 AmaterasuMarlee Lutzpage 82 Prose AirLauren Davidsonpage 6 The Twang of OrangesJ.T. Dawsonpage 18 ListenStephani Pescitellipage 29 The Rise and Fall of NickNickolas Alexanderpage 30 LossSimyona Deanovapage 39 Like DiamondsMark Rheaumepage 42 Moral FixationBryan Rolfsenpage 47 Reflections in College AlgebraNicole Reichertpage 52 LeashDaniel Paquinpage 56 I Lost My KeysJustine Fittonpage 75 A Third Grade EssayMark Rheaumepage 69 Be Careful, They BiteDaniel Davispage 84 Art Limb BurgAlycia Rockeycover AvesSamantha Flowerspage 14 Life-LuminescenceStephani Pescitellipage 25 MonopolyMegan Mathypage 28 Carousel NostalgiaAlycia Rockeypage 36 ShoesSarah Olsonpage 41 Waimea BayJarrod Taylorpage 50 Peacock Plumage Alycia Rockeypage 55 Building a HouseStephani Pescitellipage 70 ShellMegan Mathypage 74 From the VacationSamantha Flowerspage 73 Chicago CanopyAlycia Rockeypage 83 Features Editor\u27s NoteLindsey Durbinpage 1 LazarusDr. David Radavichpage 2 James K. Johnson Creative Writing Awardpage 88 Winning Entries (Poetry)Matthew J. Schumakepage 89 Winning Entry (Nonfiction)Jennifer O\u27Neilpage 92 Interview, 2009 Chapbook WinnerDaniel Davispage 95 Contributorspage 99https://thekeep.eiu.edu/vehicle/1090/thumbnail.jp

The Vehicle, Fall 2009

Table of Contents Poetry AliveRashelle McNairpage 3 Train of ThoughtsJeanette Saribekianpage 4 Biding the TideMarlee Lutzpage 5 Rotten HarvestJessyca Revillapage 15 Nostalgia ODJustine Fittonpage 16 Beyond WordsAshley Wrightpage 26 Don\u27tMelinda Knightpage 27 Happy HourStephen Garciapage 35 UntitledDaniel Paquinpage 37 Vibrant SensationsAshton Tembypage 38 Scarecrow Sally on a Saturday NightDaniel Davispage 45 The FarmAshley Wrightpage 49 Anything ButJustine Fittonpage 51 CrashDanielle Shirtinopage 53 Weathering SatisfactionRashelle McNairpage 54 SeminarDaniel Davispage 71 Nature\u27s Mood SwingsJeanette Saribekianpage 72 The PerformanceMelinda Knightpage 68 AmaterasuMarlee Lutzpage 82 Prose AirLauren Davidsonpage 6 The Twang of OrangesJ.T. Dawsonpage 18 ListenStephani Pescitellipage 29 The Rise and Fall of NickNickolas Alexanderpage 30 LossSimyona Deanovapage 39 Like DiamondsMark Rheaumepage 42 Moral FixationBryan Rolfsenpage 47 Reflections in College AlgebraNicole Reichertpage 52 LeashDaniel Paquinpage 56 I Lost My KeysJustine Fittonpage 75 A Third Grade EssayMark Rheaumepage 69 Be Careful, They BiteDaniel Davispage 84 Art Limb BurgAlycia Rockeycover AvesSamantha Flowerspage 14 Life-LuminescenceStephani Pescitellipage 25 MonopolyMegan Mathypage 28 Carousel NostalgiaAlycia Rockeypage 36 ShoesSarah Olsonpage 41 Waimea BayJarrod Taylorpage 50 Peacock Plumage Alycia Rockeypage 55 Building a HouseStephani Pescitellipage 70 ShellMegan Mathypage 74 From the VacationSamantha Flowerspage 73 Chicago CanopyAlycia Rockeypage 83 Features Editor\u27s NoteLindsey Durbinpage 1 LazarusDr. David Radavichpage 2 James K. Johnson Creative Writing Awardpage 88 Winning Entries (Poetry)Matthew J. Schumakepage 89 Winning Entry (Nonfiction)Jennifer O\u27Neilpage 92 Interview, 2009 Chapbook WinnerDaniel Davispage 95 Contributorspage 99https://thekeep.eiu.edu/vehicle/1090/thumbnail.jp

Differential cross section measurements for the production of a W boson in association with jets in proton–proton collisions at √s = 7 TeV

Measurements are reported of differential cross sections for the production of a W boson, which decays into a muon and a neutrino, in association with jets, as a function of several variables, including the transverse momenta (pT) and pseudorapidities of the four leading jets, the scalar sum of jet transverse momenta (HT), and the difference in azimuthal angle between the directions of each jet and the muon. The data sample of pp collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV was collected with the CMS detector at the LHC and corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 5.0 fb[superscript −1]. The measured cross sections are compared to predictions from Monte Carlo generators, MadGraph + pythia and sherpa, and to next-to-leading-order calculations from BlackHat + sherpa. The differential cross sections are found to be in agreement with the predictions, apart from the pT distributions of the leading jets at high pT values, the distributions of the HT at high-HT and low jet multiplicity, and the distribution of the difference in azimuthal angle between the leading jet and the muon at low values.United States. Dept. of EnergyNational Science Foundation (U.S.)Alfred P. Sloan Foundatio