bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond poor
Authors:   , Striepe Meg I. , Graham Julie Landel
Published: July 2024

The current study applied McCubbin and Patterson's (1983) Double ABCX model of family adaptation to 183 impoverished African American women who were at risk for having their newborn placed outside the home (Marcenko & Spence, 1983). The study provides a shift from viewing African American women as being pathological by identifying the resources they utilize to offset the effects of stressors. Quantitative analyses were performed cross-sectionally to assess the effects of stressors and resources on psychological adaptation. The results indicate that impoverished African American women were within a normal range of psychological adaptation. In addition, most of the women reported having positive feelings of self-worth and self-acceptance. Multiple regression analyses revealed that 34% of the variance in psychological adaptation was accounted for by the resource of self-esteem and the stressor of abuse. Another unique aspect of this investigation was the completion of a qualitative analysis. The purpose of this analysis was to identify and describe the resources and stressors which emerged from the ethnographic interviews of a subset of the sample (n=10) who had completed reunification with their children. The findings of the qualitative interviews provide valuable insight into the complexity and range of stressors and resources in a group of impoverished African American women who demonstrate resiliency. Together, the findings highlight the salient factors and mechanisms which contribute to resiliency in impoverished African American women. The application of the findings expands the current understanding of psychological adaptation in impoverished African American women and offers a framework to guide future research and measurement decisions. In addition, implications of results for clinicians, researchers, and program development are discussed.
Stable reintroduction of wild-type P53 causes the induction of growth arrest, apoptosis and an islet-like differentiation in a human pancreatic ductal carcinoma cell line
Authors:   , Lang Deborah , Ruggeri Bruce A.
Published: July 2024

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a major cause of cancer death in the industrialized world, and has among the poorest prognosis of any malignancy. Mutations or alterations in the p53 tumor suppressor gene/protein are observed in 50% to 70% of these cancers, yet little information is available regarding the phenotypic effects of restoration of wild-type (wt) p53 function in pancreatic ductal carcinoma cells. The consequences of stable reintroduction of wtp53 on apoptosis and differentiation were examined in a poorly differentiated pancreatic carcinoma cell line (Panc-1), possessing only mutant (mt) p53 (codon 273 mutation. Stable expression of wt p53 caused G1 growth arrest (as shown by flow cytometry and BrdU labeling), and induced either apoptosis or a surviving population with an altered phenotype. The percentage of p53-induced cells to undergo apoptosis could be directly correlated to the levels of zinc used to induce the Mtmp53ts clones. The higher the level of wtp53 protein, the higher the levels of apoptotic cell death, as shown by immunoprecipitation and Western analysis. Electron microscopy revealed a presumptive altered secretory pattern with both an increased number and polarization of secretory vesicles, as well as the presence of extensive vacuoles that may be neurosecretory in nature. A panel of neuroendocrine/islet, ductal, and acinar differentiation markers were examined by RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. These ultrastructural and expression data provide evidence of a wtp53-induced neuroendocrine differentiation which may lead to an islet-like phenotype. This cell system may aid in the study of gene therapy for cancer, as well as provide a model for pancreatic islet cell differentiation. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).
In situ stress determination in rock using the acoustic emission technique
Authors:   , McElroy John Joseph
Published: July 2024

The acoustic emission technique was used in a three phase investigation of the determination of the in situ state of stress in rock masses. A laboratory phase was performed to establish the time dependency of the Kaiser Effect. Cyclic stress tests were performed where a delay time was introduced between cycles. These tests were performed for seven delay times (0.01, 0.1, 1, 10, 100, 1000, and 10,000 hours), in both unconfined compression and indirect tension (double punch), for six rock types (gneiss, mica schist, carbonate, mudstone, limestone, and sandstone). The Kaiser Effect existed in all rock types in both loading modes for delay times below 10 hrs. Beyond 10 hrs less than perfect prestress indication occurred, which was quantified by the Felicity Ratio. The Felicity Ratio decreased with increasing delay time until little prestress predictability was obtained for a 10,000 hour delay time. A pre-field or quarry phase was performed to initially apply the Kaiser Effect phenomenon to in situ rock stress measurement. An Acoustic Rock Jack was developed to stress an NX borehole and monitor its diametrical deformation and acoustic emission response. This equipment was employed in testing of five large gneiss masses. A cyclic stress test verified the Kaiser Effect in situ. Also the in situ stress was estimated in the range of 450 to 625 psi in three of four constant stress rate tests. The field phase applied the acoustic rock jack to actual in situ testing of rock. Twenty-five tests were performed in shallow NX boreholes in rock at six field sites (gneiss, mica schist, sandstone, argillite and two shales). Pressure, borehole deformation and AE activity were monitored. The deformation response did not exhibit indications of in situ stress levels. Anomalous behavior occurred in the acoustic emission response which could be due to the Kaiser Effect predicting in situ stress levels. Anomalies were noted in the AE response of all rock types and estimations of the in situ stress levels were made based upon the frequently occurring stress indications neglecting those that were obviously deformation related. Thus a simple, easily used, and inexpensive method was developed which can estimate in situ stress levels using the Kaiser Effect phenomenon and acoustic emission monitoring techniques.
Flow field and heat transfer associated with a forward facing step
Authors:   , Baron Amichai
Published: July 2024

Numerical studies of the flow field and heat transfer associated with a forward facing step are carried out. A two dimensional incompressible flow is considered and the fluid is of constant properties. Both laminar and turbulent flows are studied. In addition, measurements of the heat transfer over the leading and top plates are conducted in a Ludwieg tube. The power-law numerical scheme, combined with a false transient technique, is applied in a vorticity stream-function approach. In order to overcome numerical difficulties due to the steep gradient of vorticity at the wall, a new approach to the wall vorticity boundary condition is introduced. An algebraic stress model is applied in order to modify the k - (epsilon) model which is employed in the computations for turbulent flow. The flow field may have one or two recirculating regions, depending upon the boundary layer thickness of the approaching flow. The size of the recirculating regions in laminar flow depends on the Reynolds number of the flow. Special attention is given to the configuration of the blunt plate as a particular case of a forward facing step with no leading plate. The heat transfer is enhanced over the top wall and most of the front facing surface. In the turbulent case, enhancement of heat transfer is observed on the leading plate in a limited region near the step. Results of the computational phase are in reasonable to good agreement with the available experimental data. Computed rates of heat transfer are in good agreement with measured data far downstream of the step. Measured data in the neighborhood of the step suggest dependency of the size of the recirculating regions on the Reynolds number. Such a trend is not a characteristic of recirculating regions in turbulent flows and is not detected by the present computations.
Contrasting effects of triggering Toll-Like Receptors 2, 3, 4, and 7 in the macrophage susceptibility to murine coronavirus infections
Authors:   , Mazaleuskaya Liudmila , Navas-Martin Sonia
Published: July 2024

Infection of mice with neurotropic murine coronaviruses (CoVs) Mouse Hepatitis Virus (MHV)-A59 and MHV-JHM provide animal models of virus-induced chronic demyelination and viral encephalitis, respectively. Within the first days post-inoculation, a strong innate immune response is generated that protects from virus spread and replication but at the same time, contributes to the immunopathological disease. Macrophages are productively infected by murine CoVs and represent the largest group of the innate immune cells infiltrating the CNS after infection with neurotropic MHVs. Macrophages express Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) that sense invading pathogens and activate an innate immune response and prime adaptive immunity to protect the host. The role of TLRs in CoV recognition and pathogenesis is poorly characterized and the use of TLR agonists during MHV infection of macrophages as a potential antiviral therapy has not been assessed. We have investigated the effect of ligand-mediated TLR2, 3, 4, and 7 triggering of macrophages on their susceptibility to MHV infection. Using J774A.1 murine macrophages, we observed a strong, type I IFN-dependent antiviral response upon TLR3 activation with a synthetic analog of dsRNA poly I:C. Stimulation of TLR2 (HKLM, Heat-Killed Listeria Monocytogenes), TLR4 (LPS, ultrapure lipopolysaccharide from E. Coli) or TLR7 (R837, imiquimod) had no effect on MHV production but triggered a profound increase in virus-induced cell-to-cell fusion in TLR2- and TLR7-activated macrophages. The TLR7 agonist imiquimod-driven increase in MHV-induced cytopathic effect was ubiquitously observed in primary BMDM, immortalized macrophages and microglia, and HEK293 cells stably expressing murine TLR7. Mechanistically, the imiquimod effect was mediated by the TLR7-MyD88 pathway and depended on the furin protease and the cleavability of MHV Spike glycoprotein. Importantly, stimulation with imiquimod upregulated total and cleaved Spike protein levels as well as furin protein expression that correlated with a time-dependent accumulation of Spike cleavage products. Using BMDM from TLR7-/- and WT C57BL/6J mice, we further observed that macrophage TLR7 recognized MHV-A59 and mediated IL-6 and TNF-[alpha] production strictly through TLR7. Collectively, our findings demonstrate an antiviral potential of TLR3 ligand poly I:C against MHV infection, and a novel role of TLR7 in: 1) sensing CoV infection and mediating a proinflammatory response; and 2) triggering an increase in MHV-induced cell-to-cell fusion through furin upregulation in TLR7 agonist-activated macrophages.
Measurement of three-dimensional temperature fields using multidirectional holographic interferometry
Authors:   , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2024

The study of three-dimensional flow phenomena is applicable to a large number of thermal engineering systems. Optical tomography using multidirectional interferometric data holds great promise to quantitatively investigate three-dimensional flow and heat transfer phenomena. In this study, multiview holographic interferometry is coupled with optical tomographic techniques to measure the three-dimensional temperature fields in a differentially-heated cubic enclosure. The experimental apparatus, test procedures, and tomographic reconstruction techniques are described herein, highlighting the specific challenges that were overcome to apply these techniques to enclosure flows. Additional experimental and computational investigations to verify the reconstruction results, such as flow visualization, independent temperature measurements, and numerical computations performed, are also described. In addition to developing the experimental apparatus to perform the measurements and adapting existing phase extraction methods to the peculiarities of our experiment, two notable contributions were made to the field of optical tomography. First, the lack of a visible reference in the interferograms obtained from the enclosure required the development of the modified complementary field method, which allows quantitative reconstruction of the object fields using only relative fringe data. High spatial resolution in the boundary layers and thermal plume region is critical for the study of heat transfer but is problematical using existing reconstruction methods. A newly developed finite element reconstruction method significantly improved the spatial resolution by placing arbitrarily shaped reconstruction elements within the domain. These methods were demonstrated to allow more accurate reconstruction of complex refractive index fields. By applying these new techniques, an interesting three-dimensional temperature field inside the enclosure was observed and quantified. The results of the tomographic reconstructions are verified by comparison with the flow visualization, independent temperature measurements, and computational analysis. The present results indicate that this experimental technique can yield three-dimensional perspectives of complex flows with sufficient spatial resolution to verify direct three-dimensional numerical simulations. The completion of this research lays the groundwork for development of a three-dimensional, time-dependent diagnostic for the measurement of complex flow fields.
Stress determination in silicon wafers and a micromechanical study of compression failure in graphite reinforced epoxy using micro-Raman Spectroscopy
Authors:   , Narayanan Sundararaman
Published: July 2024

The determination of stress states in silicon wafers and the micromechanics of compression failure in graphite/epoxy composites are two diverse problems which can be addressed using micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS). Previous use of MRS to determine stresses in silicon was limited to stress magnitudes by assuming the stress state. A new technique has been developed to predict the unknown in-plane stress state and the magnitude of the stress components in (111) silicon wafers using MRS. The approach is based on analyzing the combined signal from the initially degenerate peaks of the F2g mode in silicon as a function of the angle between the incident laser polarization and the polarization selected from the scattered beam using an analyzer. The peak position of the combined signal when plotted as a function of the angle was found to contain the information required to estimate the magnitude of the individual stress components in the plane-stress condition. The technique can also be extended to study graphite fibers with certain limitations. MRS was also used to study the compression failure of graphite/epoxy composites by kink band formation. Graphite fibers in an epoxy matrix with different interfaces were studied at a micro and macro level using MRS, scanning electron microscopy, mechanical testing and optical microscopy. The results showed that kink bands are initiated by a damage zone comprised of a few crushed and broken fibers which caused a local matrix shear instability. The damage zone angle was found to be different from the kink band angle and changed with the nature of the interface. The damage angle was used instead of the fiber misorientation angle in the simple composite mechanics approach to predict composite compression strength. Different failure mechanisms in these composites were predicted, for different damage angles. A simple geometric model was developed to explain the damage angle in terms of the fiber volume fraction and the interface properties and the model agreed well with previous work on the role of the interface in kink band formation.
Foot type biomechanics and diabetic neuropathic foot function
Authors:   , Song Jinsup , Freedman William , Hillstrom Howard J.
Published: July 2024

Diabetic foot ulcers and lower extremity amputations (LEAs) are an important and costly problem. Diabetes accounts for about 67,000 cases or half the annual non-traumatic LEAs in the United States. Diabetic neuropathic ulcerations (DNUs) typically precede LEAs and tend to occur at the areas of high peak pressure in an insensate foot. However, the pathophysiology of aberrant plantar pressures and its relationship to foot biomechanics are poorly understood. It is hypothesized that malalignment of the foot and ankle complex yield aberrant foot function and may represent a risk factor for DNUs and subsequent amputation. New reliable techniques were developed to objectively evaluate the concept of foot type biomechanics. These included the malleolar valgus and center of pressure excursion indices (MVI and CPEI) which assess static alignment and dynamic foot function, respectively. Using standardized biomechanical measurements and these techniques, 11 healthy young subjects (mean age, 25.7 years) with a rectus foot type (HRY) and 10 age-matched subjects with a planus (HPY) foot type were studied. Results of unpaired t-tests and a discriminant analysis based on MVI and CPEI demonstrated a significant difference between these groups and provided the first objective evidence supporting the concept of foot type biomechanics. To study the effects of foot type and diabetic peripheral neuropathy on foot function, three age-matched elderly groups (mean age, 61.9 years) were studied: 14 healthy rectus feet (HR), 18 healthy planus feet (HP), and 15 diabetic neuropathic planus feet without a history of ulceration (DNP). Results demonstrated a significant difference between HR and HP groups and between HR and DNP groups in MVI and CPEI. However, the two planus groups (HP and DNP) demonstrated similar pronatory function. There was a general trend toward increased peak pressures from HR to HP to DNP groups, with a significant difference between the HR and DNP groups. These results support the concept that foot type may be a significant determinant of foot function, even in individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and may represent an independent risk factor for DNUs. Further studies are needed to fully elucidate the relationship between foot type, foot function, and specific foot pathologies.
Role of somatostatin receptor subtypes in antiepileptic actions of somatostatin
Authors:   , Qiu Cuie , Tallent Melanie
Published: July 2024

Somatostatin (SST) is an inhibitory neuropeptides extensively distributed in the brain and peripheral tissues. It has been shown to have robust antiepileptic actions in rat. However, the cellular mechanisms for its antiepileptic effect are unclear. This thesis work aims to determine which SST receptor subtype(s) mediates its antiepileptic effect and to explore the cellular mechanisms pertinent to its antiepileptic actions. Behavioral animal models and eletrophysiological techniques are used to achieve the goal. We show here that SST2, SST3 and SST4 receptor subtypes are all involved in seizure control after systemic injection of PTZ and kainic acid, although SST4 plays the most prominent role. We also show that SST 2 and SST4 are the major receptors in mediating the inhibitory effect of SST on epileptiform spontaneous bursting in the CA1 region of mouse hippocampus. Further, SST enhances M-currents (IM) in CA1 pyramidal neurons of mouse hippocampus, although it does not affect leak currents (IK(L)) and excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs), as has been reported for this peptide in rat. SST4 is the receptor through which SST increases IM. In addition, blockade of M-channels significantly reduces the inhibitory effect of SST in the epileptiform spontaneous bursting in the CA1 region. Therefore, these results show that SST and its receptors are important in controlling seizure activity in mice, and in the CA1 region, SST4-mediated increase in M-currents apparently plays an important role in SST antiepileptic effects.
Fractal concepts in the analysis of dispersion/relaxation processes
Authors:   , Tsao Yuan Ying
Published: July 2024

The frequency spectra of randomly structured dispersion/relaxation systems often exhibit a fractional power function dependence on frequency, i.e. a fractional slope on the log-log scale. In this thesis, such systems are identified as 'fractal systems' and a new formalism based on fractal concepts is proposed to model their phenomenological behavior in terms of both the global and local properties. The transient response of dispersion/relaxation systems consists of a collection of decaying real exponentials indicating a distributed relaxation process. The 'singularity structure' analysis is introduced to model the corresponding singularity structure; the pattern of singularities exhibits the statistical properties which can be equivalently studied by the corresponding distribution of relaxation times. The method emphasizes, therefore, the relationship between the underlying processes as opposed to techniques which fit the model to the actual physical behavior by minimizing an error function. The singularity structure of a fractal system is self-similarly constructed, thus the system can be modeled using a proper 'structure base' according to the 'view base' chosen for observation. Finally, the study is extended to the onset of the nonlinear behavior, i.e. within the region of reversibility; the change in the singularity structure as a function of perturbations is advanced as a possible analysis technique. Algorithms to implement the theory of singularity structure analysis are introduced and the experimental results are discussed.
Enhancement of tumor vaccine immunogenicity by the natural anti-gal antibody
Authors:   , LaTemple Denise C. , Galili Uri
Published: July 2024

Enhancing the immunogenicity of tumor vaccines is an important step for the stimulation of an antitumor immune response. This can be achieved by targeting tumor vaccines for uptake by host antigen-presenting cells (APCs). APCs are capable of processing and presenting tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) to T-cells in the context of the appropriate MHC molecule and with costimulation resulting in effective T-cell activation. One way to increase the uptake of tumor vaccines by APCs is to complex vaccines with IgG antibodies such that the resulting immune complexes are internalized by APCs through an Fc[gamma] receptor-mediated mechanism. In this study, the natural anti-Gal antibody was investigated as a potential opsonizing antibody for targeting tumor vaccines to APCs. Anti-Gal constitutes 1% of circulating IgC in humans and specifically interacts with a carbohydrate epitope, the [alpha]-gal epitope, which is not normally present on human cells. This epitope is abundantly produced in nonprimate mammals by the glycosylation enzyme [alpha]1,3galactosyltransferase ([alpha]1,3GT). Synthesis of [alpha]-gal epitopes on human tumor cells and cell membranes from primary tumor homogenates was demonstrated using recombinant [alpha]1,3GT in vitro. The newly synthesized [alpha]-gal epitopes were accessible for anti-Gal binding and this interaction facilitated the internalization of tumor cells by human macrophages in vitro. Finally, the efficacy of [alpha]-gal epitope-expressing tumor vaccines was assessed using [alpha]1,3GT knockout mice which lack [alpha]-gal epitope expression and produce anti-Gal in amounts similar to humans. B16-BL6 melanoma cells, which normally lack [alpha]-gal epitopes, were stably transfected with [alpha]1,3GT cDNA to express [alpha]-gal epitopes (i.e., BL6[alpha]GT). KO mice vaccinated with irradiated BL6[alpha]GT cells were significantly protected against a challenge with live wildtype BL6 cells, whereas all KO mice vaccinated with irradiated wildtype BL6 cells developed tumors. Histological analysis of the tumors developing in BL6[alpha]GT-vaccinated mice revealed infiltrating lymphocytes and macrophages surrounding the tumors, whereas no cellular infiltrate was observed in tumors from BL6-vaccinated mice. These findings suggest that the in situ complexing of anti-Gal with [alpha]-gal epitope-expressing tumor cells administered as vaccines can augment the immunogenicity of such vaccines and thereby elicit a protective immune response against tumor challenge. The implications of these findings indicate a potential universal use of such vaccines for all cancer patients.
Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in human monocytes and brain endothelial cell
Authors:   , MacIntyre Angela , Tuszynski George P.
Published: July 2024

This manuscript investigates the host-pathogen relationship leading to the entry of Chlamydia pneumoniae into the central nervous system through the blood-brain barrier. The endothelia of the blood-brain barrier and peripheral blood monocytes may be key components in controlling the entry of Chlamydia pneumoniae into the mammalian central nervous system. The purpose of this manuscript was to determine the effects of infection with Chlamydia pneumoniae on the endothelia surface adhesion molecules and junctional complexes important to the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. This study also has examined how infection of monocytes and endothelial cells affect [beta]-amyloid production and processing, possibly contributing to the angiopathy often associated with Alzheimer's disease. Infection of endothelial cells with Chlamydia pneumoniae stimulated changes in the expression of surface adhesion molecules, the release of substances affecting barrier permeability, and the production and processing of [beta]-amyloid. Likewise, infected monocytes have demonstrated increases in activation, expression of surface adhesion molecules, transmigration, and [beta]-amyloid processing and production. Our results have indicated that Chlamydia pneumoniae stimulated transendothelial migration of monocytes through the blood-brain barrier by increasing the expression of the surface molecules VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 on the endothelia, as well as LFA-1, VLA-4, and MAC-1 on monocytes. Infection of the blood-brain barrier resulted in changes in the tight junctional proteins occludin, and upregulation of [beta]-catenin, N-cadherin, and VE-cadherin in the zonula adherens. RT-PCR demonstrated an upregulation in the processing of [beta]-amyloid precursor protein mRNA in infected monocytes. SDS-PAGE/Western blot analyses, immunocytochemistry, and FACS analyses demonstrated upregulation of [beta]APP, [beta]1-40 and [beta]1-42 in monocytes and brain endothelial cells. These data suggest that infected endothelial cells facilitate trafficking of monocytes through the blood-brain barrier and contribute to local and systemic [beta]-amyloid processing associated with the angiopathy and pathology of Alzheimer's disease. In this way, infection at the level of the vasculature may play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
Amphetamine enhanced motor training following cervical contusion injury
Authors:   , Krisa Laura , Murray Marion
Published: July 2024

In the United States, 55% of reported spinal cord injuries (SCIs) involve the cervical spinal cord. While cervical (C) level injuries can impair both upper and lower extremity function, it is the impaired function of the upper limb(s) that significantly limits the individual's ability to carry out daily tasks. Damage to the spinal cord results in sensory and motor deficits. A spinal contusion causing bruising of the spinal cord is a clinically relevant surgical model. Because rats use their forelimbs actively within their environment and exhibit fine sensorimotor abilities similar to humans, our experimental model is a mild cervical contusion injury in rats. Animals were trained preoperatively on a skilled reaching task and then received a C3/C4 right side dorsolateral contusion injury (175 Kdyne) using the Infinite Horizon impactor. We identified changes in forelimb motor function resulting from the injury and the effects of pairing skilled motor training and amphetamine (AMPH) administration. AMPH may enhance recovery by temporary activation of circuitry involved in descending motor drive and/or enhancement of attention during a period necessary to solidify the effects of motor training. A battery of behavioral tests was used to assess forelimb motor function. Individual treatments (AMPH and motor training) did not lead to beneficial effects over control animals. The combination treatment increased the qualitative components of skilled reaching in the Whishaw single pellet reaching box, suggesting that the two treatments acted synergistically. We then tested whether the beneficial effects of housing animals in an enriched environment (EE) would further benefit forelimb function in animals given the combination of training and AMPH. An EE in which several animals share a larger environment with items, (tubes, ramps, ladders, running wheels, etc.) increases spontaneous motor activity, provides sensory feedback, encourages social interaction and has been reported to improve function. Surprisingly, housing animals in an EE in combination with daily skilled motor training sessions and AMPH administration decreased their success in skilled behavioral tests. These results suggest a possible treatment strategy for improved motor function following a partial SCI that can be directly translated to the clinic.
The Role of Tablet Shape in the Structural Integrity of Bilayer Tablets during Compaction and Ejection
Authors:   , Snyder Carly Lynn , Zavaliangos Antonios
Published: July 2024

Bilayer tablet production faces many challenges dviring the tablet manufacturing process (compaction, unloading, and ejection). The main physical failure is delamination, but even micro cracking will have a significant effect on the integrity of the tablet after the maniffacturing process or on the consumer perception of quality. Prior work on flat tablets has highlighted some of the important issues that affect the mechanical performance of bilayer tablets. The majority of tablets are manufactured with a cvirvature to allow for ease of swallowing and meet production standards such as minimum strength. The use of concave punches changes the mechanics of compaction and alters the local stress state during imloading and ejection. Extensive tablet experiments were used to evaluate standard concave bilayer tablets made of a model pair of pharmaceutical excipients: microciystalline cellulose (MCC) and bibasic calcium phosphate (DCP). The tablets were evaluated by visual inspection, x-ray tomography, scanning electron microscopy, and optical microscopy. Visual inspection clearly showed that results from flat tablets cannot be transferred to curved tablets. The transition to a bilayer tablet produced a weaker or stronger tablet depending on tablet sequence. X-ray tomography provided information on surface and internal cracks where samples with no visible cracks were found to have cracks along the interface near the free surface. SEM imaging also provided rich surface detail, but drying of the samples within the sample chamber yielded biased results. Optical microscopy experiments with an extended field of view were promising but the results were very sensitive to lighting. The traditional models used for tableting simulations carmot predict the unloading behavior of powder compacts nor can they achieve numerical convergence due to difference in material parameters between layers. A rough model which attempted to estimate the effect of differential expansion of the two layers was pursued with mixed results. These results are the first step toward obtaining an in depth understanding of the design and optimization of bilayer tablets.
Examining Frontal Asymmetry Using Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors:   , Tuscan Lori-Ann M. , Herbert James D
Published: July 2024

Social anxiety is a common phenomenon, which at excessive levels is the core constituent of social anxiety disorder (SAD), a chronic and debilitating condition associated with significant distress and functional impairment. Preliminary research suggests the possibility of right-sided prefrontal activation. Although existing neuroimaging techniques preclude participants from engaging in ecologically valid social tasks during assessment, functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a promising new technique that permits such assessment. The present study investigated the ecological utility of the fNIRS procedure and explored frontal asymmetry during in vivo social challenge tasks among female undergraduate students who scored in top and bottom percentiles on a social anxiety screening measure. Results revealed that participants in both groups experienced a significant increase in concentration of blood volume and oxygenated hemoglobin in the right hemisphere compared to the left hemisphere while giving a speech. Non-hemispheric effects were also observed. In addition, the high anxiety group showed a trend toward greater right frontal activity than the low anxiety group. This study highlights the utility of the fNIRS device in successfully assessing real-time changes in cerebrovascular response as a function of naturalistic social behavior, supports the potential utility of this technology in the study of the neurophysiology of social anxiety, and lends further support to the involvement of rightsided prefrontal activation in tasks that precipitate social anxiety.
Estudio previo en el diseño y validación de un instrumento para identificar el conocimiento sobre Naturaleza de STEM
Authors: Martínez-Martínez Víctor , Ortiz-Revilla Jairo , Greca Dufranc Ileana María
Published: July 2024

Desde hace algunos años la educación STEM se ha propuesto en varios países para potenciar el desarrollo competencial del alumnado. Por otro lado, la inclusión de la historia, la filosofía y la sociología en la enseñanza de las ciencias resulta esencial para alcanzar una adecuada alfabetización científica de la ciudadanía. En este sentido, se ha comenzado a discutir recientemente sobre la Naturaleza de STEM, sin embargo, no existen herramientas que permitan evaluar su conocimiento por parte del alumnado. Por ello, el principal objetivo de este trabajo es diseñar y validar un instrumento para identificar el conocimiento sobre Naturaleza de STEM en estudiantes de Educación Secundaria, Bachillerato y Universidad. De esta manera, se espera hacer una contribución relevante a la enseñanza integrada de las ciencias y, así, democratizar el conocimiento tecnocientífico, alineando a la comunidad científica con los intereses y necesidades de la sociedad.
Perceções dos estudantes do ensino secundário sobre o modelo flipped classroom em contexto online
Authors: Ribeirinha Teresa , Correia Marisa , Silva Bento
Published: July 2024

Durante a pandemia, o modelo flipped classroom (MFC) totalmente online constituiu-se como uma alternativa ao MFC híbrido. Para avaliar a adequação do MFC ao contexto online, desenvolveu-se um ciclo de investigação-ação com estudantes do ensino secundário português que conjugou aulas assíncronas com aulas síncronas. A configuração das aulas teve por base o modelo dos 5E: Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate e Evaluate. Os dados foram recolhidos através de um questionário e das interações dos estudantes nas atividades síncronas. Os resultados mostram que as aulas assíncronas despertaram o interesse dos estudantes pelo tema (Engage), permitindo-lhes adquirir uma compreensão inicial do tema (Explore) e demonstrar a aprendizagem adquirida (Explain). As aulas síncronas destacaram o papel ativo dos estudantes na resolução de problemas complexos em grupo e a ampliação das aprendizagens autónomas (Elaborate e Evaluate). Porém, no processo de ampliação das aprendizagens os estudantes apoiaram-se mais no feedback imediato do docente do que propriamente nos colegas de grupo. Os resultados do estudo confirmam que o MFC se adequa ao contexto online, promove a personalização das aprendizagens e o desenvolvimento da autonomia dos estudantes.
Avaliação da comunicação expressiva em crianças em idades precoces com o Early Communication Indicator-Portugal
Authors: Ferreira Sandra Cristina Araújo , Cruz-Santos Anabela , Almeida Leandro
Published: July 2024

Face à elevada prevalência de crianças portuguesas com perturbações da comunicação, são necessários instrumentos válidos para a deteção precoce destas perturbações. Neste sentido, o objetivo deste estudo é determinar a eficácia do Early Communication Indicator-Portugal (ECI-Portugal) na identificação do risco de crianças portuguesas desenvolverem uma perturbação da comunicação. A amostra do estudo foi constituída por 480 crianças de todo o país, com idades compreendidas entre os 6 e os 42 meses, 40 das quais foram identificadas como tendo perturbações da comunicação. Os resultados revelaram que as crianças com perturbações da comunicação apresentam um desenvolvimento comunicativo expressivo significativamente mais lento do que as crianças com desenvolvimento típico, incluindo o uso mais prolongado de vocalizações e o aparecimento mais tardio de palavras e frases. Estes resultados demonstram a utilidade da ECI-Portugal na identificação de diferenças entre crianças com e sem perturbações da comunicação desde tenra idade, e a sua potencial importância como instrumento de avaliação e monitorização de problemas relacionados com a comunicação em crianças portuguesas desde tenra idade.
Exodoncia de premolar inferior supernumerario con posterior colocación de Fibrina Rica en Plaquetas y Leucocitos (L-PRF)
Authors: Zelada Angeles , Benitez Diego , Kang Jessica , Sanabria Melissa , Cabrera Patricia , Invernizzi-Mendoza Carlos Rafael
Published: July 2024

Los dientes supernumerarios son una anomalía odontogénica, consiste en aumento del número dentario con respecto a la cantidad normal. La Fibrina rica en Plaquetas y Leucocitos (L-PRF) es una matriz rica en plaquetas y glóbulos blancos, que promueve la curación y regeneración de los tejidos. La exodoncia de un tercer premolar inferior supernumerario con posterior colocación de membrana de L-PRF. Paciente de sexo masculino de 27 años de edad con un probable premolar supernumerario por lingual. Se programó la cirugía incluyendo L-PRF. Se realizó extracción de sangre para preparar la membrana de L-PRF, anestesia, incisión lineal, despegamiento mucoperióstico, osteotomía, exodoncia, tratamiento del lecho quirúrgico colocando la membrana de L-PRF y sutura interdental. Se prescribió medicación antibiótica, antiinflamatoria y analgésica. La técnica con L-PRF es sencilla y económica. Los resultados postoperatorios fueron favorables, observándose una buena cicatrización, ausencia de dolor, edema o infección.
The Effect of Biological Secondary Treated Domestic Wastewater on Agronomic Properties and Element Content of Some Forage Plants
Authors: Arvas Ösmetullah , Taslı İhsan
Published: July 2024

This study was carried out to determine the effect of advanced biological treated domestic wastewater on the agronomic properties and nutritional content of some forage crops, as a result of the increasing interest in using treated wastewater in agriculture. The study of diluting biologically treated domestic wastewater with varying amounts of pure water 25%, 50%, and 75% pure water, and applied to crested wheatgrass (Agropyron cristatum Geartn), orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) at field capacity. The trial plants used were alfalfa, orchard grass, and crested wheatgrass. The application of the diluted wastewater influenced the height of all three plants. After the first cutting, both alfalfa and orchard grass had increased green and dry weights per pot, with the most significant increase observed in alfalfa. The application of wastewater resulted in an increase in nutrient and metal concentrations in all three plants. Additionally, the concentration of selenium decreased in alfalfa and crested wheatgrass. The diluted wastewater did not affect the calcium concentration in alfalfa. However, it had a positive effect on the relationship between orchard grass and all elements, except for selenium which had a negative effect. Moreover, the application of wastewater led to an increase in soil organic matter and electrical conductivity, while decreasing the pH with increasing wastewater ratio. Moreover, the application of wastewater led to an increase in soil organic matter and electrical conductivity, while decreasing the pH with increasing wastewater ratio. The concentration of nutrients and metals was significantly affected by the application of diluted domestic water. This was due to the increased uptake of plant elements, which in turn was associated with responses in soil organic matter and electrical conductivity. It may be advisable to conduct long-term field studies to determine the dilution rate at which the salinity risk threshold can be established.
Application of The Healthy Migrant Theory to Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Data in Ohio
Authors: Reisinger-Kindle Keith , Hughes-Lubanski Cassidy , Hodges Fiona , Crawford Timothy , Paton Sara , Dhanraj David
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: The Healthy Migrant Theory is a phenomenon describing a protective effect regarding specific health outcomes when a person of color is born outside of the U.S. Previous literature has focused on the application of this theory to infant outcomes, leaving its application to maternal outcomes mostly unstudied. The objective of this research is to determine whether the Healthy Migrant Theory holds true to maternal morbidity in the Ohio population.
METHODS: Birth record data from the Ohio Department of Health was analyzed from 2015-2020 that included mothers identifying as White or Black and data where country of birth was available (n=717,300). Mothers were grouped by race and nationality. Maternal morbidity and socioeconomic status (SES) were analyzed. One-way ANOVA was used to examine associations between SES and number of maternal morbidity events. Binary logistic regression models were developed to examine the relationships among race, nationality, and occurrence of maternal morbidity events. Interaction between race and nationality was also evaluated.
RESULTS: Among black mothers, nationality was significantly associated with the likelihood of any maternal morbidity event occurring (OR= 1.659; 95% CI= 1.534, 1.795; p< 0.001), with foreign-born mothers having about 1.66 times greater odds of having a maternal morbidity event. This relationship persisted after adjusting for SES. No statistical difference in low SES indicators was found between foreign-born Black mothers and US-born Black mothers (p= 0.349, 95% CI= -0.007, 0.030).
DISCUSSION: Our findings appear to contradict the Healthy Migrant Theory. More research regarding treatment and outcomes of foreign-born Black mothers must be implemented to better understand the nuances of the application of this theory to maternal outcomes. Caution should be taken when comparing infant and maternal outcomes and interventions since they may not be as closely connected as previously thought. Limitations of this project include inaccuracies in data collection from birth certificates, limited morbidity variables, and lack of stratification based on country of origin.
Hormone therapy adherence in breast cancer: Predictive factors in Uruguay
Authors: Camejo Natalia , Castillo Cecilia , Argenzio Lucía , Santana Diego , Amarillo Dahiana , Herrera Guadalupe , Guerrina María , Dörner Carolina , Krygier Gabriel
Published: July 2024

Background/Aim: Adjuvant hormone therapy (HT) significantly improves survival in patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, yet adherence to this therapy is critical and tends to decrease over time. This study aims to identify risk factors for suboptimal adherence to adjuvant HT among patients treated at the Hospital de Clínicas and the Hospital Departamental de Soriano, Uruguay, to inform future strategies to improve adherence. Materials and Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted, including 96 breast cancer patients in stages I-III treated with HT for at least three years. Adherence was assessed using the Morisky-Green questionnaire. Statistical analysis was employed to estimate the odds ratios (OR) for non-adherence, with a significance threshold of α=0.05. Results: Out of the 96 patients included, 22.9% demonstrated suboptimal adherence to hormone therapy. Analysis revealed that the use of tamoxifen (adjusted OR of 4.86, p<0.05) and living with others were significant predictors of non-adherence. The aggressiveness of the treatment did not show a statistically significant correlation with adherence. Additionally, the analysis highlighted that sociodemographic characteristics, such as marital status and employment situation, did not directly influence adherence, underscoring the complexity of factors contributing to treatment adherence. Intriguingly, the analysis showed a trend towards greater adherence among postmenopausal patients and those with a history of combined treatment of tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, though these results warrant further exploration. Conclusion: Suboptimal adherence to adjuvant HT in breast cancer patients is significantly influenced by the type of hormone therapy prescribed and the patient's social environment. It is necessary to develop personalized interventions that address these factors to improve adherence.
Provider-Perceived Impacts of Social Vulnerability on Patients’ Access to Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Nyutu Pius , Wall Whitney , Russ Valeria
Published: July 2024

Objective: To study the provider-perceived impacts of social vulnerability on patients’ access to care during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Data Sources and Study Settings: Survey data was collected from healthcare providers in a medium-sized county within a south-eastern state in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic. Study Design: A cross-sectional mixed-method survey design was utilized to collect qualitative and quantitative data from study participants. Data Collection: Healthcare providers were recruited from all major healthcare-related state licensure boards, including nurses, physicians, psychologists, social workers, and mental health counselors. The final study sample consisted of 141 licensed healthcare providers. Principal Findings: Healthcare providers in our study indicated that the social vulnerability factors impacted patients’ access to care. This study provides recommendations for improving access to care among socially vulnerable populations during pandemics as a means to reduce health disparities. The study also identifies areas for future research.
Assessment of Local Chicken Production Base Area in Minahasa Regency: A Location Quotient Approach
Authors: Hasrianti Silondae  , Mujtahidah Anggriani Ummul Muzayyanah  , Endang Sulastri  , Budi Guntoro
Published: July 2024

Local chickens have considerable potential to be developed and are reared as a source of animal protein and income. The production of local chickens is distributed across Minahasa Regency under a traditional free-ranging system. This study aims to assess the base area of local chicken farming and to determine the distribution of the superior commodity through the growth and share of local chicken production. Assessing the base area of the region for local chicken production can serve as the basis for the evaluation and design of policies. This study utilized a location quotient (LQ) approach in the empirical works in the regency and district. This analytical tool was applied to analyze the dynamics of the economic base in the cases of districts in Minahasa Regency, Indonesia. The analysis results denoted that 17 of 25 districts in Minahasa Regency ranked among the top base areas for local chicken development, as indicated by the highest LQ coefficients. Concerning the district potential base area, three districts fell into the superior category, four districts belonged to the static category, and 15 districts were in the potential category. This evidence reflects the potential and prospects of local chicken farming and its development plans as a leading commodity in Minahasa Regency. Encouraging farmers to maintain and develop livestock enterprises could support the provision of animal protein for consumption. There has been hope for the future of the local chicken commodity thanks to its inclusive development in resource-rich base areas.