bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The distribution of Cuban Brown Anoles, Anolis sagrei (Squamata: Dactyloidae), in Mexico, with new records and comments on ecological interactions
Authors: Vásquez-Cruz Víctor , Reynoso-Martínez Arleth , Fuentes-Moreno Axel , Canseco-Márquez Luis
Published: July 2021

The Cuban Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei) is native to the Bahamas, the Cuba Archipelago, and Little Cayman, but is now among the world’s most widely distributed invasive lizards. In Mexico, the species has been reported from the states of Campeche, Chiapas, Jalisco, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Tamaulipas, Veracruz, and Yucatán. However, no complete compendium exists summarizing the locality-level distribution of A. sagrei in Mexico. Herein we provide an exhaustive compilation of vouchered Mexican specimens based on museum records and the literature. Supplementing this review are reports of five new localities for A. sagrei in Veracruz and Tabasco. We conclude with brief comments on the potential ecological effects of this species in Mexico.
Fibronectin IP for MS v1
Authors: Lloyd-Jones Cameron , Drown Bryon , Kelleher Neil
Published: July 2021

Immunoprecipitation of fibronectin for mass spectrometry.
Na+/K+ ATPaseIP for MS v1
Authors: Lloyd-Jones Cameron , Drown Bryon , Kelleher Neil
Published: July 2021

Immunoprecipitation of Na+/K+ ATPase for mass spectrometry.
ANALYSIS OF AMINE HARDENERS FOR ADHESIVE USING pH-METRIC TITRATION IN MICELLAR MEDIA OF SODIUM DODECYLSULFATE
Authors: Starova V.
Published: July 2021

One of the primary tasks in the development of amine hardeners for adhesive and epoxy resins is the control of amino group quantities in their composition. The main parameter that indicates the rate of the polymerization reaction and characterizes the quality of the hardener is the amine number. It is determined by the number of primary and secondary amino groups contained in the hardener molecule, because these functional groups are involved in reactions with epoxy resins. The most common methods of analysis of amine hardeners are mainly based on titration in organic solvents and require a procedure of derivatization of primary and secondary amino groups using formaldehyde and acetic anhydride. The search for a simple, cheap and environmentally friendly alternative to such titrimetric methods is still ongoing.

In this paper on the example of industrial samples of polyamide PO-300, polyethylene polyamine (PEPA) and diethylenetriamine (DETA) shows the prospects of using the method of pH-metric titration in water-micellar medium of sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) to determine the content of primary and secondary amino groups in the adhesive hardeners. According to the developed techniques, working solutions of PO-300, PEPA and DETA were prepared by dissolving their exact mass in 20 ml of 2.0 M SDS solution. The values of PO-300, PEPA and DETA samples were 0.1040 g, 0.0225 g and 0,0200 g, respectively. Titration of the obtained solutions was performed with 0.05 M HCl solution. The percentage of primary amino groups, calculated on the basis of the obtained differential titration curves, is equal to 5,56% for PO-300, 23,6% for PEPA and 31,6% for DETA. The content of secondary amino groups in PO-300, PEPA and DETA samples is 3,03%, 15,0% and 19,6%. Founded amine number for PO-300, PEPA and DETA is well correlated with data declared by the manufacturer and equals to 302, 1381 and 1890, respectively. Unfortunately, it was not possible to establish the presence and quantity of tertiary amino groups in the samples of adhesive hardeners by this technique.

The effect of cationic surfactant cetylpyridinium chloride, nonionic Triton X-100 and anionic surfactant SDS on the value of the pH jump of diethylenetriamine (DETA) was also studied. It was found that anionic SDS has the greatest differentiating effect on the acid-base properties of amino groups DETA in comparison with other studied surfactants. At that, the primary amino groups are titrated in the first place.
The lady and the letter: Two ecclesiastical analogies in the Old English Soliloquies
Authors: Jones Jasmine
Published: July 2021

This article analyses two ecclesiastical analogies in the Old English Soliloquies: the analogy of the lady and the analogy of the letter. It argues for a more nuanced and practical interpretation of Alfred’s analogies in the Old English Soliloquies than has previously been put forward. The analogies original to Alfred as well as those derived from Augustine’s Soliloquia, which he manipulates and omits, are designed to be useful, with practical implications for Anglo-Saxon society. Since his prose preface to Pastoral Care suggests that the demise of the Angelcynn is contingent on the demise of the English Church, Alfred’s analogies in Soliloquies prompt the reintegration of these two infrastructures, Church and state, to reconsolidate the Angelcynn and recover its sacred and secular ar (‘favour with God’ and ‘cultural capital’). By encouraging responses in the individual reader —recourse to the sacramental Church and renewed commitment to reading and prayer— Alfred’s analogies, particularly of the lady and the letter, seek to cultivate the Gregorian “mixed life”. Alfred thus aims to revive the terrestrial and celestial favour of the Angelcynn by fusing the concerns of Ecclesia and state, heaven and earth, contemplative, and active.
Beowulf (2013 [2020]) as a graphic novel: An interview with Santiago García and David Rubín
Authors: Bueno Alonso Jorge L.
Published: July 2021

Visualizing Beowulf has always been problematic, which is a paradox in itself taking into account the highly visual power the Old English epic poem holds. As far as films are concerned, we are still waiting for “a full-length Beowulf film that actually sticks pretty closely to the poem” (Haydock & Risden 2013: 186).
‘The wickede secte of Saracenys’ – Lexico-semantic means of strengthening the English Christian Self in texts from the Middle English period
Authors: Kirner-Ludwig Monika
Published: July 2021

This paper focuses on the conceptual category of the Saracen as portrayed in medieval English texts, and the semantic potentials of lexical units used to refer to this ethnic and religious out-group. On the basis of references gathered from broader contexts provided by the Corpus of Middle English Prose and Verse, both the frequency of usage of relevant referring expressions will be looked into. From a historio-pragmatic perspective, it shall be shown that the selected samples present one of many strategies used to strengthen the image of the Christian self by systematically decomposing the image of the ‘misbelieving’ other by means of lexical choice.
Experimental analysis of crack resistance indicators of demineralized tooth enamel after combined infiltration treatment
Authors: Gileva O. S. , Levitskaya A. D.
Published: July 2021

Objective. To study the indicators of crack resistance of the demineralized enamel treated with combined infiltration method using the method of scratch testing. Materials and methods. To study the elastic-strength properties of the enamel in vitro, 24 intact teeth removed by orthodontic indications were used, on the vestibular surface of the crown of which, there was modelled an artificial caries of the enamel by the patented technology. A number of multilevel studies confirmed the formation of caries. Scratch testing was performed on the sections of the intact enamel; demineralized enamel infiltrated by light composite using the modified method with a four-minute regime of conditioning; enamel laminated with bioactive hybrid glass ionomer. Results. The developed model of artificial caries corresponded to the enamel in vivo. The critical load of the start of formation of the intact enamel microcracks (Lc1) was 9.82 0.81 N; demineralized enamel 6.34 0.92 N; infiltrated by modified method 8.23 0.61 N; bioactive glass ionomer 0.82 0.17 N. The critical load of formation of the chevron cracks (Lc2) of the intact enamel was 18.21 0.68 N; demineralized 14.21 1.35 N; after infiltration 10.1 0.30 N; in bioactive glass ionomer, no parameters were registered on all the tested samples. The critical load of formation of the intact enamel chips (Lc3) was 15.73 0.73 N; demineralized enamel 5.02 0.64 N; after infiltration 22.43 0.44 N; bioactive covering 2.21 0.12 N. Conclusions. A comparative analysis of the results of scratch testing of the enamel permitted to characterize the biomaterial from the position of physical material science, determine the critical loads of the start of forming microcracks, double-helical cracks, chips.
Questions of ethical regulation of immunobiological therapy of some occupational lung diseases
Authors: Shpagina L. A. , Panacheva L. A. , Zolotukhina E. V.
Published: July 2021

Objective. Taking into account a high prevalence of occupational pathology associated with the exposure of industrial aerosols, to analyze the principles of therapy used for patients with these diseases.

Materials and methods. The regulating medical documents, the data of preventive medical examinations as well as the principles of therapy applied for patients with occupational diseases, which are presented in scientific literarure, are analyzed.

Results. The role of harmful production factors in the formation of pneumoconiosis and alveolitis, which join the group of interstitial lung diseases (ILD), has been proved. The outcome of these occupational diseases is fibrosing alveolitis with the development of diffuse pulmonary fibrosis. In the treatment of ILD, immunobiological drugs (IBD) are used to suppress the immune processes selectively affecting the monoclonal antibodies, blocking of which interrupts inflammation and in 90 % of cases stops the further development of the disease.

Conclusions. The use of immunobiological drugs in clinical practice should be carried out within the framework of ethical and legal regulation between the patient and the doctor.
Analysis of changes in regulatory framework of the russian federation on examination of relationship between diseases and profession for 40 years
Authors: Boiko I. V. , Grebenkov S. V. , Andreenko O. N. , Loginova N. N.
Published: July 2021

The evolution of the national regulatory framework in the field of examination of connection between the disease and the profession for the period from the 80s of the twentieth century to the present is analyzed.

Materials and methods. The regulatory framework of domestic professional pathology regarding examination of relationship between diseases and profession is evaluated

Results. It was noted that for the specified period, in the normative acts the organizational issues of the examination of the connection between the disease and the profession did not have a satisfactory solution. A feature of most regulatory documents in the field under consideration, issued recently, is a certain logical inconsistency.

Conclusions. To radically improve the current situation, it is necessary to immediately adopt for practical application the mandatory criteria, which prove the occupational origin of health disorders in workers.
Successful case of Benthal de Bono surgery in Cabrol modification with one-step aortic arch prosthesis and repeat coronary artery bypass surgery in a patient with de Bakey type 1 acute aortic dissection
Authors: Kadyraliev B. K. , Arutyunyan V. B. , Kucherenko S. V. , Pavlova V. N. , Spekhova E. S. , Enginoev S. T.
Published: July 2021

The ascending aortic aneurysm occurs in 45 % of cases from the total number of aortic aneurysms of various localization. The incidence rate of combination of the aortic disease with aneurysm per 100 000 of the population is 5.9. The problem of prosthetics of the aortic root and aortic valve due to aneurysm and the changed AV is rather actual. The main principle of aneurysm surgery is the prevention of the risk of dissection and rupture with reconstruction of normal dimensions of the ascending aorta. Currently, there are different techniques for the treatment of root aneurysms and ascending aorta. The standard techniques are aortic root replacement, aortic valve reconstruction with replacement of aortic root or ascending aorta and partial or full replacement of aortic arch depending on the situation.

The Bentall De Bono operation at present remains a golden standard of surgical treatment of the aneurysms of the root and ascending aorta with changed aortic valve. This surgery can have the following complications: thrombotic, thromboembolic followed by conduit dysfunction, formation of false anastomosis aneurysms, hemorrhage, compression of coronary artery orifices due to tension in the zone of coronary anastomoses.
Prediction of developing temporomandibular joint dysfunction in patients with maxillary dental anomalies
Authors: Danilova M. A. , Ishmurzin P. V.
Published: July 2021

Objective. To describe the basic predictors of developing dysfunction of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in patients with maxillary dental anomalies.

Materials and methods. An open, prospective, controlled clinical experimental study was carried out; 250 patients aged 18 to 35 (mean age 23.5 2.6 years) with maxillary dental anomalies including 134 persons with temporomandibular joint dysfunction and 116 with normal articular function were examined.

Results. A multidimensional disperse analysis permitted to conclude that an extremely high (95100 %) probability of occurring temporomandibular joint dysfunction is determined with the presence of combination of two and more functional disorders with a complex of other (occlusive and cephalometric) preclinical markers of dysfunction; a high (7595 %) probability of development when one functional disorder is associated with a gnathic form of dentition occlusion anomaly; a medium degree (4575 %) of probability of occurring dysfunction with the presence of gnathic form of dentition occlusion anomaly with roentgenological changes in TMJ and the absence of functional signs; a low (1545 %) probability when detecting a dentoalveolar form of occlusion anomaly or dentition anomaly combined with roengenological changes in the joint and the absence of functional disorders; a very low (015 %) probability of dysfunction development with the presence of congested position of incisors, anomalies of separate teeth position in the sagittal plane in the frontal part and the absence of functional disorders.

Conclusions. The knowledge of the above-mentioned predisposing factors (signs) of the disturbance of the joint function can be used as an instrument for prediction of the probability of developing the temporomandibular joint dysfunction in patients with maxillary dental anomalies.
Semi-Supervised Machine Learning Based RF Node Authentication Using Properties of the Wireless Channel
Authors:   , Kraus Martin , Dandekar Kapil R
Published: July 2021

Wireless authentication of devices on local networks have relied on the use of unique identifiers, such as MAC and IP addresses, in order to validate devices. These methods of authentication in particular are weak as the addresses are easily attainable and can be changed. Unique identifiers must be resistant to tampering and either impossible or impractical to spoof to be effective authentication methods. Recently there has been a surge in research involving the usage of wireless channel properties as a fingerprint for devices. Node identification based on the wireless channel is of great interest to the research community, due to the unique and complex channel characteristics which vary between devices.
The Integration of Music Therapy and Narrative Therapy in Treating Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Women
Authors:   , Hermiz Esther Anna , Ierardi Florence M
Published: July 2021

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) impacts approximately 7 or 8 out of 100 people in the United States (National Center for PTSD, 2019). Women are statistically more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD, in that 10 out of 100 will be diagnosed at some point in their lifetime (National Center for PTSD, 2019). This can be a result of domestic abuse and/or neglect, sexual assault, human trafficking, slave labor, etc. (Stein et al., 2016). Symptoms include but are not limited to the following: flashbacks, dissociation, nightmares/insomnia, hypervigilance, etc. (NIMH, 2019). Literature indicates that while current treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy, can be effective, emerging treatments of narrative therapy (NT) and music therapy (MT) have shown promise as well. The writer sought to explore the theoretical and experiential intersections of NT and MT through an immersive and performative creative experience in musical composition in order to increase reflexivity, empathy, and critical awareness. This is in effort to utilize the combined treatment modes in processing traumatic memory, and thus, promoting resilience within creative and relational cultural contexts. Based upon an exhaustive literature review and summative description, the arts-based project will have the potential to inform a trauma-focused curriculum for an integrated narrative therapy and music therapy intervention for women diagnosed with PTSD.
Music Therapy and Counseling in Rural America
Authors:   , Rounsville Brent , Ierardi Florence M
Published: July 2021

Rural communities are faced with decreased employment opportunities and rates of mental illness that are comparable, or even greater than, their urban counterparts. This includes depression, substance use, and suicidality, often exacerbated by stoicism, stigma, and distrust within rural culture. Despite these known struggles, there remains a lack of access to mental health resources in rural America. With a shortage of mental health professionals in these communities, clinicians may develop burnout trying to service the needs of their clientele. When taking rural culture into account, there may also be a need for clinicians to battle ethical conundrums relating to dual-relationships and confidentiality while practicing in small towns. To explore some opportunities that may be present in these communities, including home-based services and community music therapy, this writer created a mock case conceptualization and music therapy interventions based on an individual discussed in a popular memoir by J. D. Vance, Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis. This mock case conceptualization unearthed themes of resiliency and strength in these communities, with a strong sense of dedication, hard work, and a devotion to family.
Relationships Among Chronic Pain, Obesity, and Participation Intensity
Authors:   , Brilmyer Jennifer , Palisano Robert J
Published: July 2021

Aims: To determine: (1) if intensity (metabolic equivalents (MET) levels) of leisure and recreational physical activities performed by youth with chronic pain who are obese/overweight differs compared with youth with chronic pain and healthy weight, (2) the relationship between perceived limitations in daily function due to pain and physical activity intensity, and (3) to describe activities youth with chronic pain enjoy and their perceptions of what limits them from doing these activities. Methods: A convenience sample of 30 youth with chronic pain, 11-19 years-old, completed the Children's Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE), Functional Disability Inventory (FDI), and a questionnaire. MET values for CAPE activities were estimated. Results: Youth in both groups reported participating in and enjoying low intensity activities. Participation in low, moderate, and high intensity leisure and recreational physical activities did not differ between the two groups (youth with chronic pain who are overweight/obese verses youth with chronic pain and healthy weight). There was no relationship between perceived impairment in daily function due to pain and intensity of physical activity. Conclusion: Participation in physical activity is complex and multi-factorial and can be influenced by pain and anxiety/stress, among other factors. Clinicians may use the CAPE to identify preferred activities and integrate them into physical therapy strategies to promote moderate to high MET activity during interventions.
Information Technology Professionals
Authors:   , Idell Kelly , Gefen David
Published: July 2021

Although turnover has been a heavily researched topic, it continues to be problematic and one of the top concerns for CEOs in the information technology industry. While previous research has focused on topics such as compensation, leadership styles, and organizational styles, this study focuses on trust, which has been described as one of the most significant variables in any relationship. In the extant literature, the term manager and organization are often used interchangeably, however the research has shown employees can distinguish multiple foci. Therefore, this research broke trust into three different areas: manager, team and organization. The study examined how Boundary Spanning Activities, Team Identification, Interpersonal Treatment, and Informational Justice influenced Trust in Organization, Trust in Team and Trust in Direct Manager respectively. A total of 258 responses were collected from IT professionals across the United States (US) via an anonymous online survey. Through regression and general linear model analysis, the results revealed that Distrust in Team had the most impact on an IT professional's Turnover Intention.
Kinetic Analysis of Small Molecule Inhibitors Targeting Protein Arginine Methyltransferase-5 (PRMT5) using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR)
Authors:   , Baker Lynn Kim , Eells Rebecca
Published: July 2021

Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) is a biophysical technique that is able to measure molecular binding interactions in real time. Utilizing a Biacore 8K SPR instrument and Insight Evaluation Software (GE Healthcare), it is possible to analyze the dynamics of the molecular interactions between small molecule inhibitors to protein arginine methyltransferase-5 (PRMT5); an enzyme responsible for the symmetric dimethylation of arginine residues of both histone and non-histone proteins. PRMT5 has been implicated in a wide variety of cancers including ovarian, lung, and lymphoid cancers. Studies have also linked the overexpression of PRMT5 with poorer prognosis and survival. PRMT5's methyltransferase function has attracted interest in developing selective inhibitors targeting the SAM-binding pocket and the substrate-binding pocket of PRMT5 in developing drugs to treat certain cancers. Reaction Biology Corp. has produced three small molecule inhibitors,VY-5-173, VY-5-177, and VY-5-178, designed to target the substrate-binding pocket of PRMT5 in developing proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) molecules. PROTACs are an emerging platform that mediates the selective degradation of target proteins. In this work, the binding behaviors and kinetics of VY-5-173, VY-5-177, and VY-5-178 were compared to known small molecule inhibitors, EPZ015666, LLY-283, and JNJ-64619178, against PRMT5 using distinct binding modes in four different conditions. Measurements were conducted on the Biacore 8K in the absence and presence of cofactors MTA, SAH, and SAM to probe for competition and/or cooperativity that would provide insight into the binding modes of the small molecule inhibitors. Based on the SPR data, VY-5-173, VY-5-177, and VY-5-178 bind preferentially to cofactor bound PRMT5 with a difference of 100-fold: low- micromolar KD in MTA-bound PRMT5, mid-nanomolar KD in SAH-bound PRMT5, and high-picomolar KD in SAM-bound PRMT5. Among all of the buffer conditions assayed using SPR, the results demonstrate that compounds VY-5-173, VY-5-177, and VY-5-178 each bind SAM-bound PRMT5 with the highest affinity denoted by picomolar KDs, slow off-rates, and nanomolar highest starting concentrations. The kinetics and binding behaviors of VY-5-173, VY-5-177, and VY-5-178 closely resemble the binding modes of EPZ015666 as SAM-cooperative compounds; an analogue of EPZ015666 is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of solid tumors and non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
Let's "Talk" About the Police
Authors:   , April Keisha , Goldstein Naomi E
Published: July 2021

In the wake of highly publicized police shootings of unarmed Black individuals, there has been a rise in national conversations about police legitimacy. Black individuals-particularly Black youth-are less likely to trust and cooperate with the police than White individuals. The mechanism through which youth develop their attitudes toward the police is not well understood and parents may play a role in socializing their children toward the police. Research suggests that Black individuals may engage in a cultural practice called "the Talk," in which caregivers equip Black youth with knowledge to help them successfully navigate police encounters. Extant research has not established the content of these conversations, whether these conversations are unique to Black families, or whether parents' police legitimacy attitudes may play a role in the content of messages transmitted about the police. This study sought to examine: 1) latent constructs inherent in the messages parents deem important to communicate to children about the police and 2) police legitimacy attitudes as a mediator in the pathway between parent race and communications to children about police. Using data from 1056 parents in a national sample, an exploratory factor analysis revealed that parents' messages loaded on four distinct factors: Police Role, Compliance, Police Behavior, and Safety Behaviors. Using data from 948 participants who identified as White or Black, five simple mediation analyses revealed that parent race was significantly related-both directly and indirectly, through legitimacy attitudes-to the importance parents placed on communicating specific types of messages about the police. Black parents had weaker trust in the police and reported they would place greater importance on communicating messages related to distrust of the police than White parents, but parent race did not fully account for the variance in these relationships. Implications and future directions are discussed.
Evaluating the Adoption of an Embedded Telemedicine Support Service in a School Setting Using the Theory of Planned Behavior and Trust Scales
Authors:   , Gantz Christopher , Stehr Mark , Gefen David
Published: July 2021

The lack of access to pediatric services remains a significant barrier to improving the health status of children across the country. Pediatric institutions, including the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), have started to implement embedded telemedicine services in the school setting to increase access to healthcare. However, CHOP's initial pilot showed that parents might choose not to enroll their children, which may reduce support for continuing and expanding the program. To address this challenge, this research tested a model to investigate how the theory of planned behavior (TPB), combined with the trust model and a sense of duty, play a role in determining a parent's intention to enroll his or her child in a school-based telemedicine program. Findings from a survey of 207 parents with a child in grades K-12 in either a Norristown area or Philadelphia school district suggest the TPB variables of subjective norms and normative beliefs were statistically significant at predicting intent to adopt a school-based telemedicine service. Additionally, an interaction effect between subjective norms and parents' trust in the school district was identified. The interaction effect is a new contribution to research that allows us to further understand what influences parents' intention to adopt a telemedicine service if offered. By understanding the role of TPB and trust in decision making, this model can assist schools and healthcare institutions in their efforts to increase access to healthcare for students via telemedicine.
Maximizing the Residual Surplus in Position Auctions
Authors:   , Aman Safa T. , Gkatzelis Vasilis
Published: July 2021

Mechanism design focuses on designing algorithms to allocate a finite set of resources to a set of strategic agents while maximizing some objective function. This thesis studies mechanisms which maximize residual surplus, which is given as the total value of the allocation chosen minus the payments charged to agents. Specifically, this work describes the design of an optimal mechanism for position auctions, where each agent has a valuation for receiving some service, and agents are allocated some probability of receiving that service. Position auctions most commonly model sponsored search auctions, where the agents are allocated advertisement slots for a web search result and the service provided is a click on the agent's ad. This work defines the truthful Bayesian optimal mechanism for position auctions as a multi-price lottery. It then explores how this could be used to design a prior-free mechanism for position auctions that performs well without the need for the Bayesian assumption by relaxing the more complex lottery to a single-price lottery, and suggests limitations of this approach.
Characterizing physical properties of lightweight aggregate made from waste coal ash using X-ray computed tomography
Authors:   , Balapour Mohammad , Farnam Yaghoob A
Published: July 2021

X-ray computed tomography (XCT) is a powerful nondestructive technique that can provide valuable information about the physical properties of materials. This thesis uses XCT to evaluate the physical properties of a new type of lightweight aggregate (LWA) from low- and high-calcium waste coal combustion ashes (CCAs), i.e., spherical porous reactive lightweight aggregate (SPoRA). Raw data acquisition audition and image processing methodology are introduced in this study to evaluate the physical properties of SPoRA. The pore-solid structure of SPoRA is qualitatively analyzed using the 2D reconstructed XCT images. The physical properties of the LWAs including total porosity, closed porosity, pore volume and sphericity are characterized. Analysis of 2D images indicates that the SPoRA possesses a core-shell structure, where large pores are accumulated in the shell while core embeds small interconnected pores. Moreover, it is observed that increasing the fluxing agent (i.e., NaOH) concentration for preparation of SPoRA leads to a reduction of the core size and an increase in the shell thickness.
Three Problems in the Asymptotic Order of Group Elements
Authors:   , Thomas James , Schmutz Eric Jonathan
Published: July 2021

This thesis investigates three distinct questions concerning the asymptotic average order of certain group theoretic objects. The three main chapters can be read independently. In chapter zero, we give a high level overview of our results. For a polynomial f [is an element of] [finite field]q[x] with nonzero constant term, define the order of f to be the order of x in the quotient ring [finite field]q[x]/(f). In Chapter 1, we consider the average order of several classes of polynomials as the degree n [right arrow] [infinity]. We show that the average order of an irreducible polynomial is asymptotically [theta]([phi](q^n - 1)) with [phi] the Euler Totient function. Building on work of Stong [32], we show that the asymptotic average order of both squarefree and nonsquarefree polynomials is q^n / n^(1+o(1)). As an application we relate this to the expected orbit size of a vector under iteration by a random invertible matrix. In chapter two, we count the number of compositions of n with k parts whose pairwise gcds are coprime to a given finite set P of primes. We obtain asymptotic results when n [right arrow] [infinity], showing that the number of such compositions is ([product](p[is an element of]P|(n)) h[k](p) + (-1)^(k-1)(k-1)/p^(k-1) (1-1/p)) x ([product](p[is an element of P[crossed pipe](n)) h[k](p) + (-1)^k(k-1)/p^k) n^(k-1)/(k-1)! + O(n^(k-2)) where h[k](p) := (1-1/p)^(k-1)(1+(k-1)/p). Building on work of Bubbolini, Luca and Spiga [6], we also consider the set of compositions whose parts are pairwise coprime. We use a geometric argument to strengthen their result when k = 3. We apply their results to obtain bounds on the average order of a permutation with a given number of cycles. Chapter three is joint work with Huseyin Acan, Charles Burnette, Sean Eberhard, and Eric Schmutz. Motivated by a question of Thibault Godin [17], we show that the probability P₁ that two random permutations in the symmetric group S[n] have the same order is asymptotically n^(-2+o(1)). We compare this to the probability P₂ that two permutations are conjugate, showing by construction that lim sup(n) P₁/P₂ = [infinity]. Additionally, we show by more direct methods that with probability O(log log n / log n) there exists some prime dividing the order of one of the permutations but not the other.
Demographic Trends of Opinions About Brain Stimulation
Authors:   , Dougher Caitlin C. , Medaglia John D
Published: July 2021

Of many emerging technologies that improve clinical practice, brain stimulation devices have the capacity to repair and enhance cognitive and behavioral functioning in humans. It has demonstrated utility in enhancing motor learning and improving working memory in elderly adults. Dating back to the days of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), brain stimulation has presented ethical challenges due to its ability to change brain and behavioral states. Some aspects of early stigmas surrounding brain stimulation have transferred to modern day brain stimulation technologies, with the public expressing misunderstanding about the science behind it and concern for its use. However, despite the stigma, brain stimulation holds promise to enhance healthy individuals and remediate dysfunction in those with debilitating disorders. Numerous approaches in healthy cognition and disorders such as stroke, ADHD, OCD, traumatic brain injury, and schizophrenia are being explored. Despite the recent proliferation of these techniques, we know relatively little about the perspectives of the public. Because the public constitutes one of the key funders and stakeholders in the outcomes of brain stimulation research, it is important to understand how they view ongoing trends and judge the appropriateness of stimulation. While recent data suggest that the public is reluctant about some emerging brain stimulation techniques, the political, ideological, and personal variables that predict attitudes toward brain stimulation are unknown. In the current study, we evaluated previously unexamined data from Medaglia et al, to analyze public attitudes towards the moral acceptability and willingness to use brain stimulation on others (Medaglia et al., 2019). We analyzed personal factors such as gender, age, level of income, level of education, personality traits, religious ideology, and political ideology and its effect on both willingness to use brain stimulation and moral acceptability of such technology in the context of both enhance and repair. By examining public trends, we could identify areas in which to learn about the public's priorities and educate them. Additionally, through the study of public perception of brain stimulation, we are able to understand ways to educate the public to increase knowledge and eliminate the potential misunderstanding of the risks and benefits through exploration of the technology and science itself.
The Effects of Copper Modulation on CK2 Kinase Activity
Authors:   , Alfaran Fatimah , Strochlic Todd I
Published: July 2021

Protein kinases facilitate the phosphorylation of target substrates involved in a number of critical signaling pathways. Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is a highly conserved acidophilic serine/threonine kinase that is ubiquitously expressed and has hundreds of confirmed and predicted substrates. A significant percentage of these substrates plays important roles in cell growth and proliferation, implicating this kinase in the progression of cancer. Indeed, overexpression of CK2 has been detected across multiple cancer types and is generally associated with poor patient outcomes. With regard to enzymatic activity, CK2 is an unusual kinase that exhibits apparent constitutive activity. While CK2 is active in the absence of most extracellular stimuli and intracellular signals, it is hypothesized that a mechanism of regulation likely exists and has yet to be identified. In the present study, we show that CK2 binds directly to the transition metal copper and that this binding enhances CK2 kinase activity in vitro. We additionally demonstrate that this enhanced activity is specific for copper and does not occur in the presence of other metals. Moreover, via overexpression of the primary mammalian copper importer Ctr1, we show that CK2 activity is enhanced when intracellular copper levels are elevated. Together our data suggest that CK2 activity is regulated by copper availability, findings that may have clinical relevance in treating cancers driven by aberrant CK2 signaling.
Research materiality in citation contexts
Authors:   , Li Kai , Yan Erjia
Published: July 2021

Quantitative science studies have developed unbalanced interests in the impact of scientific outputs and distribution of knowledge products, comparing to the processes in which knowledge and its representations are produced. The lack of research in the latter aspect is an important gap between the quantitative and qualitative communities of science studies, which prevents quantitative researchers from developing deeper insights into the nature of scientific knowledge and communication.
Theatre for Social Change Programming in the High School Theatre Classroom
Authors:   , Filippone Mary Leigh , Yau Pamela
Published: July 2021

This case study seeks to discover the ways in which theatre educators are incorporating theatre for social change programming into their high school theatre classrooms. High school theatre programs in La Jolla, California and Wilmington, Delaware were examined. Included are samples of theatre education curriculum and programming, taught and presented through the lens of social change and social justice. Interviews were conducted with theatre educators at both institutions prior to the national school shutdown due to COVID-19. Interview participants were asked to share their methods for incorporating theatre for social change programming into their classrooms as well as identify its effects (if any) on student participation, administrative support and community response. A practical application case study was investigated as two high schools in Middletown, Delaware collaborated with New York University's Program in Educational Theatre Verbatim Performance Lab via virtual residency in the wake of national school closures. The outcome of the research shows that methods for incorporation of social change programming into theatre classrooms are numerous and can be integrated regardless of the variables surrounding the educational situation or setting. The purpose of this study was to highlight the instrumental role theatre for social change programming can play in cultivating civic engagement, promoting tolerance and developing students into culturally competent citizens.
The Effects of Macromolecular Crowding and System Volume on Protein Aggregation
Authors:   , Bridstrup John Erik , Yuan Jian-Min
Published: July 2021

Proteins in living cells perform an enormous variety of processes, among these is protein self-assembly or aggregation. While many proteins self-assemble as part of healthy biological function, malfunctioning proteins which pathologically self-assemble have been linked to numerous neurodegenerative diseases like Huntington's, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. We investigate the role of macromolecular crowders and system volume in the process of protein self-assembly. We present three major studies in this thesis: two on the role of macromolecular crowders in the self-assembly of actin and amyloid proteins using differential rate equations, and one utilizing a stochastic approach to study the effects of system volume and particle number on protein aggregation, as well as how crowders can change the microscopic details of reaction dynamics. We develop a model for the inclusion of crowding effects in kinetic rate constants and show remarkable fits to existing data for actin and nine amyloid-forming proteins in the presence of macromolecular crowders. We also show how fluctuations and overall dynamics change with system size and in the presence of crowders, and develop a stochastic method for determining the prevalence of individual reaction mechanisms and how they evolve over time. This reaction frequency method provides unique insight into the dynamics of the system and can be used to explain why certain aggregating systems behave as they do, and why their behavior changes in various conditions. Stochastic approaches, such as Gillespie's algorithm, may be necessary for studying the behavior of proteins in cells, as volumes of micelles and cellular compartments can be as small as 1pL, thus fluctuations in particle number become relevant and continuous rate approaches become less accurate. We also present a tool for user-friendly simulation and visualization of stochastic models of protein aggregation.
Investigating SQOR-catalyzed H₂S Metabolism and its Therapeutic Potential in Heart Failure
Authors:   , Cox Kristie Dawn , Jorns Marilyn S
Published: July 2021

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) belongs to a family of endogenously synthesized gasotransmitters, in which H₂S is the only member enzymatically degraded. In the heart, H₂S is mainly synthesized by cystathionine-gamma-lyase and regulated by the mitochondrial membrane enzyme, sulfide:quinone oxidoreductase (SQOR). SQOR catalyzes the first irreversible step in the 2-electron oxidation of H₂S to sulfane sulfur (S0). Two additional substrates, coenzyme Q (CoQ) and S0 acceptor, are required by the SQOR reaction. After the S0 metabolite is released, a final electron transfer from SQOR-bound FAD reduces CoQ and completes catalysis. There are two proposed pathways for H₂S metabolism, which differ in the S0 acceptor used. We propose that sulfite is the major physiological S0 acceptor in the heart and the liver based on measured tissue concentrations of sulfite and alternate acceptors, steady-state kinetics, and simulated SQOR reactions. H₂S signaling has been previously reported to activate cardioprotective mechanisms in experimental models of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). HFrEF patients exhibit reduced H₂S levels. Our lab identified a novel and potent small-molecule inhibitor of SQOR, STI1, designed to increase H₂S levels by slowing its mitochondrial metabolism. We investigated the cardioprotective effect of STI1 and showed it reduces cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in cell-based assays. We further assessed STI1 in murine model of aortic stenosis, which induces hypertrophy and HFrEF. We demonstrated that STI1 prevented systolic dysfunction and progression into HFrEF that is attributed to the reduction of maladaptive remodeling. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that SQOR inhibition is a viable cardiotherapeutic target for HFrEF treatment.
Relationships Between Experiences with Racism, Psychological Homelessness, and Mental Health Outcomes
Authors:   , Rahim Forogh , Krauthamer Ewing Ellen Stephanie
Published: July 2021

Race-based discrimination has negative implications for marginalized populations. In the United States, African Americans have been significantly impacted by racism due to the history and legacy of slavery and on-going oppression. While research shows that discrimination impacts the health and relational quality of Black/African Americans, the specific psychological mechanisms remain understudied. One such mechanism may be psychological homelessness described as a sense of disconnection, detachment, or being an outsider in one's own community/country. While psychological homelessness (PH) may be associated with poor health outcomes, a positive racial identity and a sense of belonging to one's racial/ethnic community has been shown to be a protective factor against discrimination distress. This study examined links between internal processes related to race-related marginalization focusing specifically on feelings of PH. To accomplish this goal, we adapted the only existing quantitative measure of PH, previously used with a Salvadoran population for use with Black/African American respondents. We collected data to test the validity and reliability of this adapted measure in an African American sample. In addition, and as part of exploring the psychometrics of the adapted measure, we explored associations between experiences of PH, perceived racism, mental and relational health, and dimensions of racial identity. Our results showed adequate reliability of the adapted measure and indicated that like racial identity, PH moderates the relationship between perceived racism and mental/relational health outcomes. The results of this study are important in understanding the experiences and impact of marginalization and especially as they are influenced by environmental/community context.
Primary Somatosensory and Anterior Cingulate Single-Unit Activity After Peripheral Nerve Injury and Gabapentin Analgesia
Authors:   , Nothem Mitchell Aloysius David , McGonigle Paul , Barrett James E
Published: July 2021

Chronic Neuropathic Pain is a persistent pain state caused by a lesion or disease in the nervous system and can lead to painful sensory abnormalities, of which the most common is mechanical hypersensitivity. The Primary Somatosensory (S1) and Anterior Cingulate (ACC) cortices are involved in pain perception and have been implicated in chronic pain conditions. S1 processes the sensory discriminative component of pain, while the ACC processes pain affect and motivated behavior. To elucidate adaptive changes that occur in these two brain regions in response to chronic pain, the time course of changes in electrophysiological properties of S1/ACC neurons during the development and maintenance of CNP were studied. We longitudinally recorded S1/ACC single-unit activity and responses to Von Frey stimulation before and up to 1 month after Spared Nerve Injury (SNI) in awake behaving rats. Our experiments revealed increases in spontaneous firing, evoked firing, and bursting activity in S1 and ACC that persisted for up to a month and coincided with the development of mechanical hypersensitivity in the hindpaws. Next, we assessed whether abnormal S1 and ACC hyperactivity would be reduced to pre-injury baselines during administration of gabapentin analgesia. We report that gabapentin reversed spontaneous and synchronized firing in ACC, abnormal bursting in S1, and mechanical hypersensitivity. These results reveal that S1 and ACC neurons exhibit temporally distinct alterations in spiking activity during the development and maintenance phases of CNP. Strategies aimed at reducing S1 and ACC hyperactivity may alleviate sensory and emotional suffering that accompanies neuropathic pain.