Lone Star College

Purpose Plasma-based liquid biopsy tests can detect tumor-specific genetic alterations and offer many advantages that complement tissue-based comprehensive genomic profiling. However, age-related clonal hematopoiesis (CH) mutations can confound liquid biopsy results and potentially lead to incorrect therapy choice. Experimental Design We assessed the landscape of 16,812 liquid profiles across 49 cancer types using the Caris Assure assay, a whole-exome and whole-transcriptome next-generation sequencing workflow that independently sequences both plasma-derived cell-free total nucleic acids and the white blood cell DNA and RNA from the buffy coat. The variant source was identified algorithmically by comparing plasma and buffy coat variant frequency and read quality metrics. Results Of 16,812 patients, 42.3% presented at least one CH variant among reportable clinical genes. We found 39% of BRCA2 variants to be of CH origin, as well as 37.9% of CHEK2, 27.4% of BRCA1, 20.1% of ATM, 7.3% of NRAS, 5.8% of BRAF, 2.1% of EGFR, 2.1% of KRAS, and 18.5% of TP53. For patients aged 65 to 69 years, the median proportion of CH variant classification was 20%, whereas it was 33% for patients aged 70 to 74 years, 33% for ages 75 to 79 years, and 50% for ages 80+ years. We found high rates of CH detected in what would be otherwise druggable targets in many cancer types typically treated with PARP inhibitors, including breast, female genital tract, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, and endometrial cancers. Conclusions This large study highlights the need for thorough CH classification during liquid biopsy to appropriately recommend therapies, especially PARP inhibitors.

This chapter will study the characteristics and techniques of sketching rational functions. While rational functions exhibit different properties than polynomial functions, they are considered combinations of polynomial functions. Therefore, to some extent, previous chapters’ concepts will interfere with the ones studied in this chapter. The chapter will begin from describing the rational functions’ long-run behaviors, followed by the short-run behavior. In addition to finding functions’ intercepts, SR behavior will include the technique of assessing function’s one-sided limits and discontinuity. Combining these behaviors into one general technique of analyzing and sketching rational functions will culminate in the first sections of this chapter. Rational functions with their characteristic asymptotic behavior have many applications. Modeling with rational functions supported by covariational reasoning with real contexts will conclude this chapter.

In this chapter, we will discuss the laws of logarithms, the techniques for solving logarithmic equations, sketching logarithmic functions, and applications. Logarithmic functions are derived from exponential functions by finding inverses thus a linkage between exponential and logarithmic functions will be emphasized. The methods of sketching logarithmic functions using short- and long-run behaviors, including limits to justify these behaviors, will parallel with general techniques applied in prior chapters. Monotonicity and concavity of logarithmic functions will also be discussed and reasoning with logarithmic functions will conclude this chapter.

This chapter introduces the concept of function as a bivariate relation and general techniques for analyzing it. It provides ways of transitioning between various function representations and pinpoints parallelism between methods of their analyses. Functions are built of variables and parameters that affect the functions’ shape and locations in the XY coordinates. Therefore, attention is given to differentiating between these entities. Structures of formulas as seen through the prism of functions and their roles in mathematics and natural sciences will also be discussed. An emphasis will be given to transitioning from formulas to bivariate functions. Such links enrich students’ mathematical reasoning to quantify natural phenomena and advance their scientific knowledge. This chapter also introduces the function average and instantaneous rates of change in the contexts of monotonicity and concavity. Presented detailed solutions to stated problems within the topics are signify the universality of mathematics operations and encourage learners’ investigations.

This chapter discusses attributes of linear and quadratic functions, focusing on their behavior, sketching, and modeling. Based on these functions, several fundamental concepts will be introduced to extend their applications to higher-degree polynomial functions. One of the concepts introduced in this chapter is function limits. Limits will be introduced to support the description of functions’ long-run behavior. Their interpretations will be initiated from graphs, and they will extend to algebraic forms. Polynomial functions encompass linear, quadratic, and other degree functions that are fundamental in understanding rational, composite, piecewise, exponential, or logarithmic functions. Thus, being versed in e.g., solving quadratic equations will project on the skills of solving other types of equations, such as trigonometric or logarithmic. Modeling with linear and quadratic functions will conclude this chapter.

This chapter will discuss the attributes and characteristics of higher-degree polynomial functions. References will be made to Chaps. 1 and 2 to enhance parallelism of applied methods. Finding functions’ long and short-run behaviors using limits, calculating zeros, and merging short and long-run behaviors will be emphasized. Formulating polynomial functions’ equations based on given functions’ attributes and modeling with polynomial functions will also be examined. Emphasis will also be placed on using limits to develop general tests to determine the polynomial functions’ absolute extreme values. Differentiating between local and absolute extreme values and average rates of change will also be examined.

Exponential functions are widespread in natural and social sciences. They are used to model population growth, radioactive decay, or money accumulated at specific interest rates are just a few of their applications. This chapter will discuss the properties of exponents followed by the techniques for analyzing and sketching exponential functions. Exponential functions are substantially different from rational or polynomial functions, which will manifest in their short- and long-run behaviors. However, assessing their long-run behavior accomplished through taking limits will reflect on the earlier developed techniques. The essence of exponential functions which is their constant percentage rate will be explored in contexts of modeling. The underpinnings of the compound and continuous growth percent rates will conclude this chapter.

Importance Diabetes is associated with emotional distress and poor mental health, especially for individuals with low income, hindering patients’ ability to manage their condition. The health care system’s workforce constraints limit its capacity to holistically support patients. Objective To assess the effectiveness of layperson-delivered empathetic engagement over the telephone in helping improve glycemic management for patients with diabetes. Design, Setting, and Participants This parallel-arm randomized clinical trial with blinded outcome assessment was conducted from February 12, 2022, to April 15, 2023, with final measurements on November 18, 2023, among 260 patients with uncontrolled diabetes from a federally qualified health center in Austin, Texas, engaging telephonically from home. Intervention Patients assigned to the intervention group received empathy-oriented telephone calls by community-hired laypeople for 6 months, while those assigned to the control group received usual care. Patients were stratified by baseline score (≥5 vs <5) on the depressive symptom scale of the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was hemoglobin A 1c level at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months, assessed for interaction between time and trial arm. Secondary outcomes were self-perceptions of managing diabetes, diabetes-related behaviors and distress, and mental health symptoms (measured via surveys). Analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis. Results Of 260 participants (mean [SD] age, 49.5 [10.1] years; 163 of 259 women [62.9%]; 176 of 203 [86.7%] with annual income <$40 000) enrolled, 6 withdrew. At 6 months, 204 of 254 (80.3%; intervention, 109 of 127 [85.8%] and control, 95 of 127 [74.8%]) returned for measurements. Participants in the intervention group had statistically significant mean (SD) decreases in hemoglobin A 1c level at 6 months (from 10.0% [1.9%] to 9.3% [2.0%]) compared with those in the control group (from 9.8% [1.6%] to 9.7% [2.3%]) ( P = .004). The within-person change in hemoglobin A 1c level was −0.7% (95% CI, −1.0% to −0.4%) for the intervention group and 0.02% (95% CI, −0.4% to 0.4%) for the control group. For the subgroup with a PHQ-9 score of 5 or more at baseline (38.1% [99 of 260]), the within-person change in hemoglobin A 1c was −1.1% (95% CI, −1.8% to −0.5%) for the intervention group and 0.1% (95% CI, −0.7% to 0.8%; P = .004) for the control group. For the subgroup with a PHQ-9 score less than 5, the within-person change in hemoglobin A 1c was −0.4% (95% CI, −0.8% to −0.1%) for the intervention group and −0.02% (95% CI, −0.5% to 0.5%; P = .21) for the control group. At 6 months, 91.7% of the participants (99 of 108) responded that the program was very or extremely beneficial. Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial of telephone-based layperson-delivered empathetic engagement, patients with diabetes and low income achieved clinically meaningful improvements in glycemic control. With workforce constraints, layperson-delivered programs for diabetes show promise. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05173675

The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in our daily lives through various applications, services, and products highlights the significance of trust and distrust in AI from a user perspective. AI-driven systems have significantly diffused into various aspects of our lives, serving as beneficial “tools” used by human agents. These systems are also evolving to act as co-assistants or semi-agents in specific domains, potentially influencing human thought, decision-making, and agency. Trust and distrust in AI serve as regulators and could significantly control the level of this diffusion, as trust can increase, and distrust may reduce the rate of adoption of AI. Recently, a variety of studies focused on the different dimensions of trust and distrust in AI and its relevant considerations. In this systematic literature review, after conceptualizing trust in the current AI literature, we will investigate trust in different types of human–machine interaction and its impact on technology acceptance in different domains. Additionally, we propose a taxonomy of technical (i.e., safety, accuracy, robustness) and non-technical axiological (i.e., ethical, legal, and mixed) trustworthiness metrics, along with some trustworthy measurements. Moreover, we examine major trust-breakers in AI (e.g., autonomy and dignity threats) and trustmakers; and propose some future directions and probable solutions for the transition to a trustworthy AI.

Problem statement: To define the Oncology Nursing Society Research Agenda for 2024-2027. Design: An iterative, multiple data sources consolidation through the Research Agenda Project Team. Data sources: Previous research priorities, literature review, stakeholder survey, and research priorities from other cancer care organizations and funding agencies. Findings: 10 evergreen statements articulated foundational values for oncology nurse scientists, and 5 topics emerged as research priorities for the upcoming three years: Advance patient-centric, precision symptom science; provide evidence for safe and effective cancer care delivery models and support of the oncology nursing workforce; describe the impact of the environment on cancer care outcomes; integrate patient navigation into cancer care across the trajectory; and advance the use of innovative methodologies in oncology nursing research. Implications for nursing: The Oncology Nursing Society Research Agenda is an effective resource for directing the organization's research vision. This foundational document directs funding awards and requests, mentorship, and policy initiatives.

States have introduced a range of strategies and legislative policies aimed at increasing college matriculation through readiness strategies and initiatives that offer strong collaboration between secondary and postsecondary education. Early college high school (ECHS) models are one‐way that colleges, primarily community colleges, can serve underrepresented students in their journey to postsecondary opportunities. Additionally, pathways in technology (P‐TECH) models further connect students' academic experience to workforce opportunities and the acquisition of relevant skills. This article highlights the benefits connected to dual enrollment, the design of ECHS and P‐TECH models, and provides recommendations for strategy considerations when implementing these opportunities for students.

This article examines how personal characteristics contribute to the success of homeschooled students in dual enrollment programs and their transition to higher education, the workforce, or the military. It emphasizes the effectiveness of metacognitive strategies in improving academic achievement and challenges misconceptions about socialization outcomes. The review also acknowledges diverse motivations, methods, and approaches used by homeschooling families. Empirical evidence reveals that homeschooled students excel academically, exceeding national averages in tests and college performance. Interviews with three homeschooled students in dual enrollment programs highlight the significance of parental involvement, self‐knowledge, time management, collaboration, seeking support, and personal growth through social interactions. The findings emphasize the unique benefits of homeschooling, including flexibility, self‐direction, and skill development. The article concludes by discussing the implications for educational practitioners, urging them to utilize the experiences of homeschooled students to adapt their programs to better support dual credit students as a whole.

This review demonstrates 4 techniques for establishing limb-length equality following fixation of femoral shaft fractures and describes the pearls and pitfalls of each technique. Video available at https://ota.org/education/ota-online-resources/video-library-procedures-techniques/achievinglimb-length-equality

This study aimed to characterize the network structure of pandemic grief symptoms and suicidal ideation in 2174 people from eight Latin American countries. Pandemic grief and suicidal ideation were measured using the Pandemic Grief Scale and a single item, respectively. Network analysis provides an in-depth characterization of symptom-symptom interactions within mental disorders. The results indicated that, “desire to die,” “apathy” and “absence of sense of life” are the most central symptoms in a pandemic grief symptom network; therefore, these symptoms could be focal elements for preventive and treatment efforts. Suicidal ideation, the wish to die, and the absence of meaning in life had the strongest relationship. In general, the network structure did not differ among the participating countries. It identifies specific symptoms within the network that may increase the likelihood of their co occurrence and is useful at the therapeutic level.

Genres inform our appreciative practices. What it takes for a work to be a good work of comedy is different than what it takes for a work to be a good work of horror, and a failure to recognize this will lead to a failure to appreciate comedies or works of horror particularly well. Likewise, it is not uncommon to hear people say that a film or novel is a good work, but not a good work of x (where x is the genre of that work). A work can be good all things considered, but genre membership provides us with an additional set of evaluative criteria over and above those of the medium, which colors how we interpret and appreciate the work. Given this importance, it is not surprising that philosophers of art have been interested in providing an account of what, exactly, a genre is. Despite this interest, there is not widespread agreement about what it takes for something to be a genre, nor what kinds of considerations are relevant in determining whether a work is a member of that genre. Beyond this, we might also want to know to what degree we ought to consider genre in evaluating a work of art and why it should matter at all. Here, I explore the variety of recent theories that philosophers have taken up on the topic of genre and why we should ultimately think of genres as artistic practices rather than the alternatives.

Objectives The present study aimed to evaluate the measurement invariance of a general measure of the perception of governmental responses to COVID-|19 (COVID-SCORE-10) in the general population of 13 Latin American countries. Methods A total of 5780 individuals from 13 Latin American and Caribbean countries selected by non-probabilistic snowball sampling participated. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed and the alignment method was used to evaluate invariance. Additionally, a graded response model was used for the assessment of item characteristics. Results The results indicate that there is approximate measurement invariance of the COVID-SCORE-10 among the participating countries. Furthermore, IRT results suggest that the COVID-SCORE-10 measures with good psychometric ability a broad spectrum of the construct assessed, especially around average levels. Comparison of COVID-SCORE-10 scores indicated that participants from Cuba, Uruguay and El Salvador had the most positive perceptions of government actions to address the pandemic. Thus, the underlying construct of perception of government actions was equivalent in all countries. Conclusion The results show the importance of initially establishing the fundamental measurement properties and MI before inferring the cross-cultural universality of the construct to be measured. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41155-023-00277-9.