bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health care utilization among Latino and non-Latino parents
Authors:   , Mazzuca Laurie B. , Herbert James D.
Published: July 2021

Low-income Latino parents face many barriers to care when attempting to access health care services for their children. This study investigated the relationship between psychosocial variables that may be potential cultural barriers to care, such as parent health locus of control, health beliefs, self-efficacy, and acculturation, and health care utilization by low-income Latino and non-Latino parents of school age children. Participants completed several measures related to these variables. Regression analyses were performed to evaluate whether rates of health care utilization can be predicted from these psychosocial variables. Group differences were assessed using ANCOVA and MANCOVA procedures. In general, results indicated that the psychosocial variables did not predict rates of health care utilization among low-income parents, although self-efficacy accounted for a small amount (8.6%) of the variance in rates of health care use among non-Latino White parents. Results also indicated that Latino parents had greater rates of health care utilization than non-Latino White parents, a trend which contradicts the findings of previous research studies. As expected, Latino parents were found to be less acculturated and endorsed more culturally-based causal attributions for illness than non-Latino White parents. Limitations of the study and implications for future research are discussed.
Predictors of depressive symptoms in persons with deafness and hearing loss
Authors:   , Friedman Jill , Nezu Arthur M.
Published: July 2021

To date, there are very few studies that that have assessed predictors of depression in persons with deafness and hearing loss. The present study addressed this fundamental gap in the literature by predicting depressive symptoms with the following two constructs: loneliness and problem-solving coping. Just as loneliness and problem solving are thought to be important in predicting depressive symptoms in the hearing, it was hypothesized that these constructs would also be important predictors of depressive symptoms in the deaf and hard-of-hearing. The literature, while inconsistent, suggests that objective severity of one's disability, speech discrimination, and the number of years one is deaf or hard-of-hearing, is related to psychopathology. This study included these factors as covariates. One hundred and twenty six women from the Drexel University Department of Otolaryngology completed a series of self-report questionnaires. The results indicated that loneliness was a significant, positive predictor of depressive symptoms. Additionally, the results indicated that problem solving was a significant, inverse predictor of depressive symptoms. A series of correlations designed to deconstruct the relationship between problem-solving and depression revealed a significant relationship between depressive symptoms and negative problem orientation, impulsiveness/carelessness style, and avoidance style. A multiple linear regression, in which components of problem solving were regressed on depressive symptoms, revealed a significant relationship between negative problem orientation and depressive symptoms and avoidance style and depressive symptoms. A hierarchical linear regression, which was employed to test the hypothesis that loneliness and problem solving predict depressive symptoms above and beyond objective severity of deafness and hearing loss, speech discrimination, and number of years deaf and/or hard-of-hearing, indicated that these covariates did not significantly predict depressive symptoms and do not account for the relationship between loneliness, problem-solving and depressive symptoms. Finally, a mediator analysis was conducted to test the hypothesis that problem-solving would mediate the relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms. This analysis demonstrated that problem-solving partially mediated the relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms. This finding conveyed that there may be a direct contribution from loneliness to depressive symptoms. Furthermore, this finding conveyed that there may be an indirect path from loneliness to depressive symptoms through problem solving, but that the indirect path accounted for only a portion of the effect of loneliness on depressive symptoms. Clinical and research implications of the study, along with recommendations for future research, are discussed.
In situ Raman spectroscopy study of oxidation of nanostructured carbons
Authors:   , Osswald Sebastian , Gogotsi Yury , Scharff Peter
Published: July 2021

The ability to synthesize carbon nanostructures, such as fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, nanodiamond, and mesoporous carbon; functionalize their surface; or assemble them into three-dimensional networks has opened new avenues for material design. Carbon nanostructures possess tunable optical, electrical or mechanical properties, making them ideal candidates for numerous applications ranging from composite structures and chemical sensors to electronic devices and medical implants. Unfortunately, current synthesis techniques typically lead to a mixture of different types of carbon rather than a particular nanostructure with defined size and properties. In order to fully exploit the great potential of carbon nanostructures, one needs to provide purification procedures that allow a selective separation of carbon nanostructures, and methods which enable a control of size and surface functionalization. Oxidation is a frequently used method for purification of carbon materials, but it can also damage or destroy the sample. In situ Raman spectroscopy during heating in a controlled environment allows a time-resolved investigation of the oxidation kinetics and can identify the changes in material structure and composition, thus helping to accurately determine optimal purification conditions. However, while carbon allotropes such as graphite and diamond show unique Raman signals and allow a fast and straightforward identification, the interpretation of Raman spectra recorded from nanostructures containing mixtures of sp, sp2 and sp3 bonded carbon is more complex and the origin of some peaks in Raman spectra of nanocarbons is not yet fully understood. In this study we applied in situ Raman spectroscopy to determine conditions for selective oxidation of carbon nanostructures, such as nanodiamond, nanotubes, carbidederived carbon and carbon onions; accurately measure and control the crystal size; and improve the fundamental understanding of effects of temperature, quantum confinement and surface chemistry on Raman spectra of nanocrystalline materials. Thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy were used to complement Raman spectroscopy in order to facilitate the analysis and the interpretation of the results. This work has improved our understanding of oxidation of carbon materials, especially selectivity of the oxidation process to different carbon structures in a broad temperature range. The results of this study have been used to develop simple and environmentally friendly procedures for purification and surface functionalization of carbon nanoparticles and nanoporous materials.
Constructing Motherhood
Authors:   , Litzke Cheryl H. , Lawless John
Published: July 2021

This study examines the group conversations of seven mothers in recovery fromdrug abuse and dependence. The methodological approach, discourse analysis, is basedon the investigation of speech in action, how speech is produced in the social world. Feminist theory provides the foundational premise that mothers in treatment for drug andalcohol abuse have the right to represent and constitute their own identities in a societywhich has historically demonized and criminalized them merely for being mothers. Theanalysis of the mothers' conversations revealed the following: a) the mothers'constructions of motherhood included an identity of a mother as one who is "there" forher children, b) the mothers experienced a connection or bond with their children in spiteof separations from them, and c) the mothers' discourse revealed both resistance andacceptance of the public discourse about them.
Simulation of hydrodynamics and sediment transport patterns in Delaware Bay
Authors:   , Çelebioğlu Tevfik Kutay , Piasecki Michael
Published: July 2021

This research seeks to increase understanding of hydrodynamic processes influencing the salinity intrusion and sediment transport patterns by simulating the complex flows in Delaware Estuary. For this purpose, a three-dimensional numerical model is developed for the tidal portion of the Delaware Estuary using the UnTRIM hydrodynamic kernel. The model extends from Trenton, NJ south past the inlet at Cape May, NJ and incorporates a large portion of the continental shelf. The simulation efforts are focused on summer 2003. A variable, harmonically decomposed, water level boundary condition of three diurnal (K1, Q1, O1) and four semidiurnal (K2, S2, N2, M2) components are used to regenerate the observed tidal signals in the bay. The effect of forcing by the Chesapeake Bay through the Chesapeake-Delaware canal is also modeled. The major forcings such as inflow and wind is used to better reproduce the observed characteristics. Various turbulence closure models are compared for use in Delaware Estuary to best represent the salinity intrusion patterns. In particular, seven different turbulence closures, five of which are two-equation closure models, are used for comparison. Four of these models are implemented in the UnTRIM hydrodynamic code using Generic Length Scale (GLS) approach that mimics the models through its parameter combinations. The original Yamada Mellor level 2.5 code is used as the fifth one. The water levels are compared with data available from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration observation stations. Harmonic analysis to observations and simulations are performed. All turbulence models perform similar in performance representing the tidal conditions. Salinity time series data is available at Ship John Shoal Light Station for the 62 day simulation period. In addition to the time series data, a survey performed by University of Delaware along the main shipping channel in June 2003 is available. Simulation with different turbulence closures yielded substantially different results. Among the seven closures compared, the k -[epsilon] parameterization of GLS is found to best represent the observed salinity characteristics. The k -[epsilon] model is used in the sediment transport modeling. The model results are compared to the available sediment data from a survey performed in spring 2003. The location of turbidity maximum is accurately identified by k -[epsilon] model.
Covalent and ionic modification of biopolymers for design properties
Authors:   , Szewczyk Janah Cecelia , Schauer Caroline L.
Published: July 2021

Polysaccharides are abundant in availability, bioderived and intrinsically biocompatible. Chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate have seen a significant breadth of research in recent years. In their native form these natural polymers are used in unique applications such as metal ion absorption, rheological, drug delivery, and wound healing among others. The modification of polysaccharides has the ability to alter the properties that define these applications, such as the manner in which the polymer acts in solution, the pH and temperature response of the modified polymer, and its propensity for binding to specific metal ions. Two types of modifications are investigated. The use of carbodiimide chemistry to covalently attach small molecules and peptides to chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate is described. The characterization, analysis, and methodology via FTIR and UV/Vis among other techniques are explained. Due to the characterization techniques chosen confirmatio of the individual reactions was easier and done with more confidence if the modifier contained thiol functionality. Hyaluronic acid was ionically modified with glycerol phosphate and tripolyphosphate. The resulting rheological performance is presented. The reaction to the phosphate modified polymer to varying temperature and pH environments is described and compared to published results for chitosan variants.
Relationship marketing and the college student
Authors:   , Fumai Dietrich Maria Julia , Brody Jean
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study is to better understand the relationship of institutions of higher education and their subsidiary non-profit performing arts centers, focusing primarily on their audience development of college students. It is currently difficult to explore the practices of organizations of this kind with the small amount of well-supported literature available, making this study even more valuable to the community of universities, colleges and campus performing arts centers. It is valuable to this community because of the responsibility university organizations have toward students; the better students are understood, the better they will be served by university organizations. Combined with an extensive review of marketing resources and a city-wide survey of college students, conversations with administrative staff of college performing art centers offer insight to various marketing practices, thus leading to general advice for college performing arts centers in regards to cultivating a long-lasting relationship with the college student demographic.
Cancer specific stress and insomnia severity among breast cancer patients
Authors:   , Wolfman Jessica Heather , Kloss Jacqueline D.
Published: July 2021

Objective: Living with cancer can lead to significant stress that impacts multiple dimensions of an individual's life (Dunn et al., 2006). Insomnia symptoms are one such adverse consequence of stress related to cancer (Palesh et al., 2006). This is particularly apparent among individuals with breast cancer, with an estimated 37% to 63% endorsing symptoms of insomnia (Davidson, MacLean, Brundage, & Schulze, 2002, Fortner, Stepanski, Wang, Kasprowicz, & Durrence, 2002; Koopman, Nouriani, Erickson, Anupindi, Butler, Bachmann, et al., 2002; Savard, Simard, Blanchet, Ivers, & Morin, 2001). Many predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factors are likely to contribute to insomnia among individuals with breast cancer (Savard & Morin, 2001). Additionally, mindfulness has been proposed as having an association with insomnia and related factors (Lundh, 2000). In an attempt to develop a more in depth understanding of specific predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factors associated with insomnia among breast cancer patients, a survey study was conducted. Methods: Fifty six breast cancer patients receiving treatment at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey at Cooper University Hospital were recruited to participate in this survey study. Results: Forty eight percent of breast cancer patients reported a clinically significant level of insomnia symptoms. A history of sleep difficulties was the only predisposing factor that accounted for a significant amount of variance in insomnia symptoms. In reference to precipitating factors, cancer specific stress contributed to the variance in insomnia symptoms above and beyond a history of sleep difficulties. Dysfunctional beliefs and attitudes about sleep did not emerge as a significant perpetuating factor. Mindfulness was not found tomoderate relationships involving insomnia symptoms among breast cancer patients. Discussion: Findings from the present study suggest that insomnia symptoms are prevalent among individuals with breast cancer. In addition, specific predisposing (history of sleep difficulties) and precipitating (cancer specific stress) factors were found to predict insomnia symptoms among our sample. Given that the relationship between cancer specific stress and insomnia symptoms among individuals with breast cancer is a novel finding, research should aim to confirm results and explore this unique relationship.
Essays on financial contagion and regime shifts
Authors:   , Li Huimin , Jeon Bang Nam , Chiang Thomas Chi-Nan
Published: July 2021

This study reexamines the Asian stock market contagion by employing a dynamic multivariate GARCH model. Based on a commonly held definition, contagion is defined as a significant increase in comovements between asset returns across markets. By analyzing the correlation coefficient series, this paper identifies two phases of the Asian crisis. The first phase shows an increase in correlation (contagion) and the second phase shows continued high correlation (herding). Statistical analysis of correlation coefficients shows both the level and the variance shifts, providing evidence of contagion effect and casting some doubt on the benefit of international portfolio diversifications during the crises. This study further explores the contagion effects through sovereign rating changes during the crisis, i.e. how the sovereign rating changes in one country affected its own stock markets and stock markets in other Asian crisis countries. Using the sovereign rating changes announced by Standard & Poor's during the period from 1990 to 2003, the panel estimation finds that overall, rating changes do not show strong evidence of a pro-cyclical tendency during the crisis period. However, the contagion effect was found to exist in the sense that rating changes in one country affect the stock markets in other crisis countries. During the crisis, the contagion effect was coming from the instances of upgrades; no comparable evidence has been found in the cases of downgrades. One possible explanation is the market expectations in the downside of the market. Event study further confirms the contagion effects during the crisis period. Lastly, this study contributes to the literature by studying the contagion effects from the currency markets to the stock markets. The non-linear relationship between exchange rate changes and stock returns is examined by using various specifications of Markov regime-switching models. The models endogenously distinguish two different regimes. The exchange rate exposure of the national stock returns is mainly through the real channel in tranquil period and through financial channel in volatile periods.
Topological aspects of the structure of chaotic attractors in R³
Authors:   , Tsankov Tsvetelin Draganov , Gilmore Robert
Published: July 2021

We extend the methods for topological analysis of chaotic dynamical systems in R³ by introducing two new concepts - embedding manifolds and their canonical forms. These are used to specify in topological terms the large scale global structure of chaotic attracting sets. We show how these ideas help us put the finishing touch on the third coarsest level in a classification scheme for strange attractors in R³, for which the two lower levels have been constructed about a decade ago. In addition we present a guide on how to construct a Poincare surface of section for strange attractors with Lyapunov dimension d_L<3. We show how to extract information about the canonical form from scalar time series. In addition we discuss what possible changes occur to the topological properties of the unstable periodic orbits in the strange attractor, as we use different embedding mappings into R³.
Three essays in corporate governance
Authors:   , Yore Adam , Walkling Ralph A.
Published: July 2021

Abstract - Shleifer and Vishny (1997) define corporate governance as "the ways in which suppliers of finance to corporations assure themselves of getting a return on their investment." The implementation of adequate internal and external controls, a corporate governance system, is central to assuring an investor's return. This dissertation focuses on these internal and external control mechanisms and tests their effectiveness in ensuring that management acts in shareholders' interests. The three essays contained herein document substantial costs to shareholders when these controls fail to restrain management from engaging in self-dealing, yielding substantial agency costs. However, the internal and external controls studied play an important and effective role in curtailing these costs.
Examining the Effects of Including the Public in Emergency Preparedness Drills in Building Trust in Local Emergency Plans
Authors:   , Allen Meredith Gaskins , Villanueva Augusta M.
Published: July 2021

This dissertation examined the effects of participation in a local preparedness drill in Bucks County, Pennsylvania (The Drill) on participants' level of trust and confidence in government preparedness activities. Mayer, Davis, and Schoorman's (1995) model of trust provides the study's theoretical framework. In addition, in response to the Department of Homeland Security's call to include vulnerable populations (e.g., racial minorities) in emergency preparedness planning, this dissertation examined the emergency preparedness needs of African American and Latino communities in Bucks County through individual interviews with community leaders from African American and Latino communities. A secondary analysis of a telephone survey of 316 Drill participants and 17 individual interviews with members of African American and Latino communities was conducted. This dissertation tested whether Drill participants who reported that government had the ability to run it properly were more likely to become confident in government planning activities than those who did not. A secondary aim of this dissertation was designed to help identify those Bucks County subpopulations not participating in preparedness activities. This dissertation also aimed to incorporate information reported by local community leaders who did not find that current outreach and advertisement methods are reaching their communities. Results suggested that those who reported that the government had the ability to run the mass clinic during The Drill were more likely to become confident in the role of the publicsector than those who did not think the clinic was run properly. In addition, results showed the importance of relationship building between local government and community members as a means of adequately preparing for an emergency.
The Development of a Grounded Theory of The Meanings Associated to the Bridge Drawing Assessment in a Normal Population
Authors:   , Bania Stacy Anne , Gerber Nancy E.
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to explore responses from a normal population toaspects of the Bridge Drawing Art Therapy Assessment and generate a grounded theorythrough systematic exploration of the data. The research design was chosen todifferentiate from methods used in past Bridge Drawing Assessment research, whichhave included assumptions about meaning of aspects of the bridge drawing made bysubjects. Instead of coding the artwork alone, the actual verbal responses of subjects werethe focal point of study to better understand the meanings which were used in context tothe graphic representations. Six healthy adults (2 females, 4 males) who met inclusioncriteria for a normal population participated in the data collection phase of this studywhich included creating bridge drawing artwork and giving verbal associations to aspectsof their drawing during the semi-structured interview. Three central phenomena were identified through the constant comparativemethod of data analysis and selection: 1) The gestalt view of life transitions,relationships evoked through memory and feeling states; 2) The gestalt view ofhorizontal, vertical, and diagonal planes of bridge axis symbolic of social and cognitivedevelopment; and 3) The gestalt view of feelings of progress and status evaluatedthrough the use of the bridge, the arrow, and the dot in symbolic context. All of these phenomena were seen as being unified by the concept of the gestaltor examination of the whole. This multidimensional approach commonly used in arttherapy incorporates not only the artwork in assessment analysis but the whole dynamicwithin which the art is made, including the verbal associations to the artwork and thecontext in which the art is created. Suggestions for future research were an important component of the discussionsection, as a goal of this research project was to provide a baseline of data for futureresearchers in this area of study. The suggestions included: exploring how the Bridge Drawing Assessment data may be similar or different across lifespan and cultures;expanding on the tentative link found between Silver's (1989) cognitive developmentframework and the horizontal, vertical and diagonal planes used in subject's BridgeDrawing Assessment; and examining reliability and validity issues of Bridge DrawingAssessment analysis through the development of a standardized post-analysis frameworkusing a grid structure to evaluate artwork.
Biofabrication of three-dimensional liver cell-embedded tissue constructs for in vitro drug metabolism models
Authors:   , Chang Robert Chao , Sun Wei
Published: July 2021

In their normal in vivo matrix milieu, tissues assume complex well-organized threedimensional architectures. Therefore, a primary aim in the tissue engineering design process is to fabricate an optimal analog of the in vivo scenario. This challenge can be addressed by applying emerging layered biofabrication approaches in which the precise configuration and composition of cells and bioactive matrix components can recapitulate the well-defined three-dimensional biomimetic microenvironments that promote cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. Furthermore, the advent of and refinements in microfabricated systems can present physical and chemical cues to cells in a controllable and reproducible fashion unrealizable with conventional tissue culture, resulting in highfidelity, high-throughput in vitro models. As such, the convergence of layered solid freeform fabrication (SFF) technologies along with microfabrication techniques, a threedimensional micro-organ device can serve as an in vitro platform for cell culture, drug screening, or to elicit further biological insights, particularly for NASA's interest of a flight-suitable high-fidelity microscale platform to study drug metabolism in space and planetary environments. A proposed model in this thesis involves the combinatorial setup of an automated syringe-based, layered direct cell writing bioprinting process with micropatterning techniques to fabricate a microscale in vitro device housing a chamber of bioprinted three-dimensional cell-encapsulated hydrogel-based tissue constructs in defined design patterns that biomimics the cell's natural microenvironment for enhanced performance and functionality. In order to assess the structural formability and biological feasibility of such a micro-organ, reproducibly fabricated tissue constructs arebiologically characterized for both viability and cell-specific function. Another key facet of the in vivo microenvironment that is recapitulated with the in vitro system is the necessary dynamic perfusion of the three-dimensional microscale liver analog with cells probed for their collective drug metabolic function and suitability as a drug metabolism model. This thesis details the principles, methods, and engineering science basis that undergird the direct cell writing fabrication process development and adaptation of microfluidic devices for the creation of a drug screening model, thereby establishing a novel drug metabolism study platform for NASA's interest to adopt a microfluidic microanalytical device with an embedded three-dimensional microscale liver tissue analog to assess drug pharmacokinetic profiles in planetary environments.
Metaphyton mat conditions and their effects on filamentous algal communities and their diatom epiphytes
Authors:   , Saunders Lynnette Lavery , Kilham Susan Soltau
Published: July 2021

Floating filamentous algal mats known as metaphyton form nuisance blooms in lentic waters and affect the use of these waters as well as nutrient cycling and food webs. Metaphyton initially form as benthic mats when water clarity and solar radiation are sufficient to produce buoyant oxygen bubbles that float the algae to the surface. At the surface the floating mats may experience high solar radiation, temperature, and water loss, but lower nutrients. I investigated the conditions and changes over 57 days within layers of floating filamentous mats by making measurements, with micoprobes every 2, 4, and 6 cm down through mats held in floating nets. Mats were then collected, filamentous algae and their diatom epiphytes were identified, enumerated, and analyzed for N, P, C, Si, AFDM and chlorophyll-a. Light intensity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, dry mass, and AFDM all dropped significantly with increasing depth in the mat. The dominant filament, Pithophora did not change over the sampling period, and there was almost no difference in dominance in the different layers, or at the center versus the edge of the mats. There was a decline in the condition of the filaments over time with the 2 cm layer showing the greatest decline. The 6 cm layer had the lowest biomass and concentrations of N, P, C, and Si over the sampling period but the highest chlorophyll-a:AFDM ratio. The diatom coverage per filament was significantly higher at the edge versus the center of the mat. The 2 cm layer showed the greatest downward trend in diatom coverage over the sampling period. The density of the diatoms Gomphonema, Cocconeis, and Fragilaria were significantly correlated with lower light intensity and layers of the mat. Cymbella/Encyonema density was significantly correlated with higher light intensity. Gomphonema, Cocconeis, and Nitzschia were positively correlated with filaments with higher chlorophyll-a content. Achnanthidium, Cymbella/Encyonema, and Nitzschia required higher levels of Si. Diatoms with different growth habits responded similarly to measured variables. Stalk-forming Gomphonema and adnate Cocconeis both occurred in lower light areas and grew well under low N and P conditions. Location within a mat affected filament condition and epiphyte genera.
Tackling the Challenges of Antimalarial Drug Resistance in Nigeria
Authors:   , Onwueme Bundo , Rich John A.
Published: July 2021

This Community Based Master's Project for the Degree of Master of Public Health is a comprehensive work aimed to outline the relationship with antimalarial drug resistance and policies in Nigeria. The purpose of this research is to develop and evaluate the impact of antimalarial drug policies on the social welfare and public health needs of the Nigerian people.
The Experience of Adolescents Who Have Lost a Parent as Expressed Through the Metaphoric Art Processes
Authors:   , Klotz Jessica L. , Gerber Nancy E.
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study is to explore the experience of individuals who have lost a parent in their adolescence as expressed through metaphoric art processes. This study used phenomenological methodology as a means of collecting and analyzing the data. A review of the literature included information on the process of bereavement and outcomes of bereavement, the developmental goals of normal adolescence, the effect of general bereavement and parental bereavement on adolescent development, psychological interventions with bereaved adolescents, art therapy theory, and the use of art therapy and metaphor with this population. Three healthy participants, two female and one male, of different ethnicities participated in this study. They were asked to respond to a demographic questionnaire, create four pieces of artwork, and participate in an open-ended responsive interview in order to capture an in-depth description of their experience of losing a parent in their adolescence as expressed through the metaphoric art process. A phenomenological data analysis process yielded composite essential structures that seem to suggest that that all three participants have similar experiences in six key areas. All three participants indicated that they felt a pervasive sense of loss and a sense of missing something in their lives. They also reported having difficulty communicating their experience at the time of their respective parent's death, describing this experience as feeling jumbled, mixed, and chaotic. Similarly, they had difficulty choosing images inthe art making process that represented the complexity of their feelings at the time of the death. Each of the participants also reported efforts to move past the feelings and thoughts they had at the time of the death, as well as the influence that time has on their ability to express these thoughts and feelings. Finally, the data for all three participants seems to suggest that the process of creating the artwork about the death recreated the cognitive and emotional experience of their parent's death. In this way, the artwork can be used to help individuals process their bereavement, thus lending itself to application in the clinical art therapy field.
Systematic data-driven modeling of cellular systems for experimental design and hypothesis evaluation
Authors:   , Zhao He , Sokhansanj Bahrad Ali
Published: July 2021

Despite the rapid growth in biological information, drug development is still limited by our ability to understand complex cell systems that are involved in diseases. The need to model complex cell processes at many different scales requires (a) quantitative measurements from experimental techniques in cell biology and (b) mathematical modeling approaches to organize and structure information, test and validate hypotheses for the new phenomena. The goal of my thesis work was to maximally obtain and interpret information on the dynamic behavior of cellular systems using an optimal combination of computer simulations and experimental observations. I focused on two realistic biological problems to develop and demonstrate methods to generate high quality hypotheses through mathematical modeling to define the optimal next step for experimental and clinical trial design: (1) I developed a hybrid stochastic model tosimulate microtubule dynamics and anti-cancer drug effects on microtubules. Model parameters were taken directly from experimental observations, and model validation was conducted against published experimental data. Our work revealed limitations in previous experimental methods to measure microtubule kinetics. (2) I developed a quantitative biological system modeling scheme to interpret flow cytometric data, and I validated this method experimentally. To do so, I designed a novel combination of protocols, assay technologies, and data analysis techniques to obtain plausible flow cytometric data. Multiple mathematical methods and reversed engineering methods, such as parameter estimation, sensitivity analysis, nonlinear regression, Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) were integrated to use a data-driven modeling to distinguish between different biological hypotheses. Our modeling and validation methodology can be generalized to apply to other biological problems with limited data.
Combining holographic patterning and block copolymer self-assembly to fabricate hierarchical volume gratings
Authors:   , Birnkrant Michael J. , Li Christopher Y.
Published: July 2021

The top-down nanomanufacturing technique is approaching its theoretic limits and processes such as e-beam lithography are extremely costly. In contrast, the bottomup method such as self-assembly can easily reach nanometer (even sub-nanometer) feature sizes. One drawback of self assembly, however, is the difficulty to achieve large scale, defect-free structures. Combining the top-down and bottom-up methods in one system can lead to novel hierarchical nanostructures with tailored properties and this approach is generally referred to as "top-down helps bottom-up." While most of the existing systems deal with (quasi) two-dimensional patterning, partly due to the demands from semiconductor industry, in this dissertation, we demonstrate that three-dimensional, dynamic tunable, optical volume gratings can be manufactured via combining holographic patterning (HP) and block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly into one system. A number of semicrystalline homopolymers and BCP have been successfully patterned into one-dimensional and two-dimensional optical structures. In the one-dimensional homopolymer case, a Bragg reflector structure with continuous alternating layers of patterned polymer and the crosslinked resin were formed. The result of combining HP and BCP was a hierarchical structure fabricated from a homogenous solution in one step. HP formed 200 nm periodic lamellar structures, confining a BCP to 100 nm domains. Subsequently, the BCP self-assembles into a lamellar structure with a period of 21 nm. This system provides an interesting basis for studying the thermo-optic behavior of the hierarchical volume grating formed by combining top-down manufacturing and bottom-up self-assembly. Upon heating and cooling a unique thermal switching occurred that can be attributed to the melting/phase separation that the BCP undergoes within the confined region of the volume grating. There are at least five advantages of this novel nanomanufacturing approach. First, two different nanomanufacturing techniques are seamlessly combined together and the resulting hierarchical structures span from a few nm to the 200 nm scale. Second, by combining these two techniques, the shortcomings of each method can be overcome. Third, this hierarchical structure can be fabricated in a few seconds. Fourth, the HP method enables the fabrication of a multiple layered structure, which is critical for three-dimensional nanodevice applications. Fifth, a variety of two-dimensional and three-dimensional nanostructures can be readily achieved by changing the HP laser set-up and BCP structures.
Rate of body dysmorphic disorder among patients seeking facial cosmetic procedures
Authors:   , Crerand Canice Ellen , Sarwer David B. , Lowe Michael R.
Published: July 2021

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is defined as a preoccupation with an imaginedor slight defect in appearance resulting in significant distress or impairment in important areas of functioning (APA, 2000). BDD patients are often concerned with facial features and are also likely to present to cosmetic surgery settings for treatment of their perceived defect (Phillips & Diaz, 1997). Studies have reported rates of BDD of 7-12 % in patients from cosmetic surgery and dermatology settings (Sarwer, Wadden, Pertschuk, &Whitaker, 1998; Phillips, Dufresne, Wilkel, & Vittorio, 2000). Methodological weaknesses, including lack of control groups, reliance on surgeons' judgments of slight or minimal deformity, and the use of different measures to assess for BDD, necessitatefurther study of the rate of BDD in patients seeking cosmetic procedures. This study was designed to further establish the rate of BDD among patientsseeking cosmetic procedures. Ninety-one patients seeking facial cosmetic surgery and 50 patients seeking non-cosmetic facial procedures were recruited from a university cosmetic surgery practice, a university otorhinolaryngology practice, and a private cosmetic surgery practice. Prior to their initial visit, patients completed packets of questionnaires, including demographic questions and measures to assess body image dissatisfaction, BDD symptoms, and depression. Surgeons and nurses rated the severity of patient appearance concerns using a rating scale. Surgeons, nurses, and laypersons also rated a sample of patient photographs. Percentages of patients who screened positive for BDD on a self-report measure in combination with a surgeon rating of minimal or no deformity were calculated. Eight percent of the cosmetic group and 7% of the noncosmeticgroup met criteria for BDD. Patients with BDD symptoms reported greater depression and body image dissatisfaction as compared to patients without BDDsymptoms. There was poor diagnostic correspondence between the two self-reportmeasures of BDD. Nurses and surgeons rated defects similarly. Surgeons ratedappearance concerns as more noticeable as compared to laypersons. These resultssuggest that BDD is not uncommon among patients seeking facial cosmetic procedures.
The Effect of Dance/Movement Therapy on Incidences of Aggression and Levels of Empathy in a Private School for Children with Emotional and Behavioral Problems
Authors:   , Lanzillo Alexis Anne , Goodill Sherry W.
Published: July 2021

The hypothesis for this thesis is: The Dance/Movement Therapy program "Disarming the Playground, Violence Prevention through Movement and ProSocial Skills" will reduce aggression and increase empathy in children ages 8-12 years among children enrolled at an approved private school for children with emotional and behavioral problems. The effectiveness of this curriculum had not previously been examined in a school for children with emotional and behavioral disturbances. The research design was a quasi-experimental single subject design with 2 children, with an ABA design (Mertens, 2004). Both children were African American males, ages 8 and 9, diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. Child 1 carried a co-morbid diagnosis of Learning Disorder NOS, and Child 2, with Oppositional Defiant Disorder. This study included a two week initial baseline, four week intervention phase, and two one week post-intervention baselines. Quantitative data were collected six times using the Teacher Forms of the Child Behavior Checklist and the Social Skills Rating System. Qualitative data were collected through Green Tree Lower School progress notes. Major quantitative findings showed a decrease in Total Problem Behaviors for both children on both assessments. Total Social Skills scores on the SSRS decreased inboth children. Common themes in qualitative data included engaging in positive, trusting relationships, self-awareness, and group cohesion. Disarming the Playground is a curriculum designed for "normal" and "at-risk" children in public schools, as a preventative measure for violence and aggression. The participants were not able to appropriately function in a public school. As the Disarming the Playground curriculum is designed to be used in total, and sequential order, choosing only specific activities to utilize proved to be a challenge for the participants. If the entire curriculum was to be implemented, there may have been an increase in social skills and empathy levels, and a lasting impact on both variables of aggression and empathy.
Effect of Social Support on Functional Recovery and Well-Being in Post Joint Arthroplasty Older Adults
Authors:   , Kiefer Ruth Ann , Wilson Linda
Published: July 2021

Projections by the United States Census Bureau indicate a continual rise in the population of older adults. As the number of older Americans increases at an unprecedented rate, there is concern that the proportion of those who are disabled may also be increasing. Increased dependency from chronic illness and aging may bring with it social and personal concerns in the areas of health care, community health services, and quality of life. For example, osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent diseases in the United States today and its prevalence is expected to increase as the population ages. Direct and indirect costs of osteoarthritis are 120 billion dollars per year in medical treatment and lost wages secondary to functional disability. Surgical intervention for this disease process, such as joint replacement or arthroplasty, is rapidly becoming the treatment of choice for degenerative joint disease. Today, over 300,000 knee replacements and 120,000 hip replacements are performed annually in the United States. Additionally, managed health care criteria and changes in Medicare and private insurance reimbursement have greatly affected the way care is delivered to the older adult population following joint arthroplasty. A large percentage of joint replacement patients have now assumed responsibility for their recovery process. A shortened hospital stay with discharge to home requires a social support system in place to provide both the personal and professional assistance that these patients will require in the early stages of their recovery. This subjective, exploratory study assessed and measured social support and evaluated its impact on functional recovery and well-being in older adults post jointarthroplasty. The central hypothesis of this study is that the presence of social support will positively impact functional recovery and well-being of older adults after joint arthroplasty. While social support, associated with the covariates of "living arrangements" and "age", demonstrated a positive relationship with perceived well-being, no relationship was demonstrated with high or low levels of social support and functional recovery.
High glucose and glycated substrates alter endothelial cell shape change response to shear stress
Authors:   , Kemeny Steven Frank , Clyne Alisa Morss
Published: July 2021

Endothelial cells line the walls of all blood vessels, where they maintain homeostasis through control of vascular tone, permeability, inflammation, and growth and regression of blood vessels. Endothelial cells are mechanosensitive to fluid shear stress, and hyperglycemia, a hallmark of diabetes, affects endothelial cell function. Clinical evidence suggests interaction between mechanics and high glucose, since diabetic patients have accelerated atherosclerosis at locations of disturbed blood flow. The central hypothesis of this thesis is that high glucose conditions alter endothelial cell adhesion strength and response to fluid shear stress. Two systems were developed to study endothelial cells under shear stress: microfluidic channels and parallel plate system. These systems were successfully designed to apply constant laminar stress onto endothelial cells. However due to inconsistencies and challenges with access to cells inside microchannels, the parallel plate system was used for experimentation. Endothelial cell adhesion strength was tested and cells cultured in high glucose were found to have a response dependent with attachment time. The initial adhesion strength after 6 hours of attachment was higher than low glucose but after 48 hours high glucose adhesion strength was less than low glucose. Separately it was found that substrate glycation had no effect on endothelial cell adhesion strength after 48 hours of attachment. Endothelial cell elongation and alignment was reduced in high glucose and prevented when the cells were grown on glycated collagen substrates. The native collagen and low glucose condition showed the most actin fiber alignment. High glucose reduced alignment only slightly, whereas glycated collagen prevented alignment. This research furthers our understanding of the combine effects of hyperglycemia and shear stress on endothelial cells. Futures studies into the mechanisms of endothelial cell shape change will help elucidate the causes. By understanding the affected pathways, atherosclerosis treatments for people with diabetes can be directly tailored, which would increase efficacy and reduce side effects.