bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mn-single-atom nano-multizyme enabled NIR-II photoacoustically monitored, photothermally enhanced ROS storm for combined cancer therapy
Authors: Wang Xiaozhe , Ren Xiaofeng , Yang Jie , Zhao Zican , Zhang Xiaoyu , Yang Fan , Zhang Zheye , Chen Peng , Li Liping , Zhang Ruiping
Published: December 2023

Rationale

To realize imaging-guided multi-modality cancer therapy with minimal side effects remains highly challenging.

Methods

We devised a bioinspired hollow nitrogen-doped carbon sphere anchored with individually dispersed Mn atoms (Mn/N-HCN) via oxidation polymerization with triton micelle as a soft template, followed by carbonization and annealing. Enzyme kinetic analysis and optical properties were performed to evaluate the imaging-guided photothermally synergized nanocatalytic therapy.

Results

Simultaneously mimicking several natural enzymes, namely peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), oxidase (OXD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), this nano-multizyme is able to produce highly cytotoxic hydroxyl radical (•OH) and singlet oxygen (
1
O
2
) without external energy input through parallel and series catalytic reactions and suppress the upregulated antioxidant (glutathione) in tumor. Furthermore, NIR-II absorbing Mn/N-HCN permits photothermal therapy (PTT), enhancement of CAT activity, and photoacoustic (PA) imaging to monitor the accumulation kinetics of the nanozyme and catalytic process in situ. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that near-infrared-II (NIR-II) PA-imaging guided, photothermally enhanced and synergized nanocatalytic therapy is efficient to induce apoptosis of cancerous cells and eradicate tumor tissue.

Conclusions

This study not only demonstrates a new method for effective cancer diagnosis and therapy but also provides new insights into designing multi-functional nanozymes.

Graphical Abstract
Prevalence, knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards dietary supplements among Bahraini adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Allehdan Sabika , Hasan Mariam , Perna Simone , Al-Mannai Mariam , Alalwan Tariq , Mohammed Duha , Almosawi Mohamed , Hoteit Maha , Tayyem Reema
Published: December 2023

The usage of dietary supplements (DS) is a global trend that is likely influenced by sociodemographic variables and body weight status. Some individuals utilize supplements in the hopes that they may enhance their health and prevent illness. Main objective of this study is to assess knowledge and awareness about using DS among Bahraini adults. This cross-sectional study was conducted using snowball sampling method, in which an electronic self-administrative questionnaire was used to collect information from 582 eligible participants. Data about socio-demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, knowledge, awareness, and attitudes toward using DS was collected from each participant. Prevalence of DS use was high (59.3%) and most of users were females. Most DS users (87.5%) thought that DS are safe (P < 0.001). The DS users were significantly more likely than non-users to believe that DS can prevent and treat chronic and communicable diseases, as well as the DS having side effects (P < 0.05). The most frequently consumed DS were vitamin D (29.5%) and vitamin C (26.4%). The main purpose of using DS among the DS users was to treat nutrient deficiency and around 60% of them used DS based on physician’s prescription. In conclusion, the using of DS was highly prevalent among younger adult females with normal body weight. The findings of this study emphasize the need for implementing public educational programs about safe and proper use of DS.

Graphical Abstract
Polymers of low concern? Assessment of microplastic particles used in 3D printing regarding their toxicity on Raphidocelis subcapitata and Daphnia magna
Authors: Kühnel Dana , Steska Tim , Schlich Karsten , Wolf Carmen , Wohlleben Wendel , Hund-Rinke Kerstin
Published: December 2023

The potential effects of microplastic particle exposure on environmental organisms has sparked intense research activities. Various studies have been conducted, however on a limited set of mostly pristine polymer materials. In parallel to the ongoing research activities, it is discussed to include non-natural polymers into the registration process under REACH. Currently, non-natural polymers are exempted from registration, based on the general assumption of being non-hazardous due to their high molecular weight. In addition, the extensive number of polymers exceeding the registration capacities was mentioned as a reason for exemption. Hence, relevant polymers requiring a registration shall be selected according to specific criteria that help to identify those with a concern for hazardous effects. In the line of these developments we here present the results of a systematic ecotoxicity testing of 16 microplastic particles of different polymer composition, part of which are micronized polymer powders used in 3D printing (intentionally produced primary microplastic, losing particle shape by the 3D printing). All polymer materials were systematically varied and extensively characterised with regard to their properties (e.g. particle size, cross-linking, molar mass distribution, end groups, reactivity). Most of the polymers exerted toxicity in 48 h acute Daphnia magna immobilisation assay and 72 h chronic Raphidocelis subcapitata growth inhibition assay, except one PA and one HDPE material showing toxicity in D. magna, and one HDPE material showing toxicity in green algae. From these results we conclude that none of the microplastic particles studied here, independent of their polymer properties, give raise to concern for hazardous effects.
Treatment with psychostimulants and atomoxetine in people with psychotic disorders: reassessing the risk of clinical deterioration in a real-world setting
Authors: Corbeil Olivier , Brodeur Sébastien , Courteau Josiane , Béchard Laurent , Huot-Lavoie Maxime , Angelopoulos Elaine , Di Stefano Samanta , Marrone Erica , Vanasse Alain , Fleury Marie-Josée , Stip Emmanuel , Lesage Alain , Joober Ridha , Demers Marie-France , Roy Marc-André
Published: December 2023

Background

Although attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often comorbid with schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders (SZSPD), concerns about an increased risk of psychotic events have limited its treatment with either psychostimulants or atomoxetine.

Aims

To examine whether the risk of hospital admission for psychosis in people with SZSPD was increased during the year following the introduction of such medications compared with the year before.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study using Quebec (Canada) administrative health registries, including all Quebec residents with a public prescription drug insurance plan and a diagnosis of psychotic disorder, defined by relevant ICD-9 or ICD-10 codes, who initiated either methylphenidate, amphetamines or atomoxetine, between January 2010 and December 2016, in combination with antipsychotic medication. The primary outcome was time to hospital admission for psychosis within 1 year of initiation. State sequence analysis was also used to visualise admission trajectories for psychosis in the year following initiation of these medications, compared with the previous year.

Results

Out of 2219 individuals, 1589 (71.6%) initiated methylphenidate, 339 (15.3%) amphetamines and 291 (13.1%) atomoxetine during the study period. After adjustment, the risk of hospital admission for psychosis was decreased during the 12 months following the introduction of these medications when used in combination with antipsychotics (adjusted HR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.24–0.54; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that, in a real-world setting, when used concurrently with antipsychotic medication, methylphenidate, amphetamines and atomoxetine may be safer than generally believed in individuals with psychotic disorders.
Stratification of Atherosclerosis based on Plasma Metabolic States
Authors: Menaker Yuval , van den Munckhof Inge , Scarpa Alice , Placek Katarzyna , Brandes-Leibovitz Rachel , Glantzspiegel Yossef , Joosten Leo A B , Rutten Joost H W , Netea Mihai G , Gat-Viks Irit , Riksen Niels P
Published: December 2023

Context

Atherosclerosis is a dominant cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including myocardial infarction and stroke.

Objective

To investigate metabolic states that are associated with the development of atherosclerosis.

Methods

Cross-sectional cohort study at a university hospital in the Netherlands. A total of 302 adult subjects with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 kg/m2 were included. We integrated plasma metabolomics with clinical metadata to quantify the “atherogenic state” of each individual, providing a continuous spectrum of atherogenic states that ranges between nonatherogenic states to highly atherogenic states.

Results

Analysis of groups of individuals with different clinical conditions—such as metabolically healthy individuals with obesity, and individuals with metabolic syndrome—confirmed the generalizability of this spectrum; revealed a wide variation of atherogenic states within each condition; and allowed identification of metabolites that are associated with the atherogenic state regardless of the particular condition, such as gamma-glutamyl-glutamic acid and homovanillic acid sulfate. The analysis further highlighted metabolic pathways such as catabolism of phenylalanine and tyrosine and biosynthesis of estrogens and phenylpropanoids. Using validation cohorts, we confirmed variation in atherogenic states in healthy subjects (before atherosclerosis plaques become visible), and showed that metabolites associated with the atherogenic state were also associated with future CVD.

Conclusion

Our results provide a global view of atherosclerosis risk states using plasma metabolomics.
The Influence of Maternal High Fat Diet During Lactation on Offspring Hematopoietic Priming
Authors: Kim Katherine , Varghese Mita , Sun Haijing , Abrishami Simin , Bowers Emily , Bridges Dave , Meijer Jennifer L , Singer Kanakadurga , Gregg Brigid
Published: December 2023

Obesity and metabolic diseases are rising among women of reproductive age, increasing offspring metabolic risk. Maternal nutritional interventions during lactation present an opportunity to modify offspring outcomes. We previously demonstrated in mice that adult male offspring have metabolic impairments and increased adipose tissue macrophages (ATM) when dams are fed high fat diet (HFD) during the postnatal lactation window (HFD PN). We sought to understand the effect of HFD during lactation on early-life inflammation.

HFD PN offspring were evaluated at postnatal day 16 to 19 for tissue weight and gene expression. Profiling of adipose tissue and bone marrow immune cells was conducted through lipidomics, in vitro myeloid colony forming unit assays, and flow cytometry.

HFD PN mice had more visceral gonadal white adipose tissue (GWAT) and subcutaneous fat. Adipose tissue RNA sequencing demonstrated enrichment of inflammation, chemotaxis, and fatty acid metabolism and concordant changes in GWAT lipidomics. Bone marrow (BM) of both HFD PN male and female offspring had increased monocytes (CD45+Ly6G−CD11b+CD115+) and B cells (CD45+Ly6G−CD11b−CD19+). Similarly, serum from HFD PN offspring enhanced in vitro BM myeloid colonies in a toll-like receptor 4-dependent manner. We identified that male HFD PN offspring had increased GWAT pro-inflammatory CD11c+ ATMs (CD45+CD64+).

Maternal exposure to HFD alters milk lipids enhancing adiposity and myeloid inflammation even in early life. Future studies are needed to understand the mechanisms driving this pro-inflammatory state of both BM and ATMs, the causes of the sexually dimorphic phenotypes, and the feasibility of intervening in this window to improve metabolic health.
A Paradoxical Convergence: French Economists and the Policy toward Cartels from the 1870s to the Eve of the Great Depression
Authors: Spector David
Published: December 2023

As in other industrialized countries, cartelization was widespread in France after the 1870s. Cartels, and the public policy toward them, were frequently addressed in the public debate. This article deals with the stance taken by French economists on this subject until the Great Depression. Although they were divided into several groups that were in sharp disagreement on most scientific and policy issues, French economists were almost united in their lack of support for anticartel policy. The liberal economists' opposition stemmed from their general hostility to government intervention. Unlike in the English-speaking world, where many economists otherwise critical of government gradually became supportive of antitrust after mounting evidence had revealed the scope of certain kinds of exclusionary behavior, the French liberal economists remained constant in their opposition. The more reform-minded university professors, as well as the sociologists- economists of the Durkheimian school, were unenthusiastic about policies meant to safeguard competition because they viewed “excessive” market competition as destabilizing and wasteful. Finally, the most prominent experts in industrial economics, who were employed by large companies or professional organizations, also advocated a hands-off approach, in accordance with their employers' preferences.
Was It a “Fatal Error”? Sraffa and Samuelson on Marshall's Partial Equilibria Method
Authors: Salvadori Neri , Signorino Rodolfo
Published: December 2023

Sraffa's “On the Relations between Cost and Quantity Produced” (1925) and Samuelson's “An Exact Hume-Ricardo-Marshall Model of International Trade” (1971) presented a strikingly similar analytical argument regarding the theoretical domain of Marshallian partial equilibrium models. Yet they reached radically different conclusions from their analyses. This article addresses this theoretical puzzle and proposes a plausible solution. To this end, the article reconstructs the evolution of Sraffa's and Samuelson's thinking on Marshallian partial equilibrium analysis and the evolution of Samuelson's thinking regarding Sraffa's 1926 critique of Marshallian economics. Sraffa's unpublished manuscripts to which Samuelson did not have access during his lifetime are carefully examined. A change in Sraffa's assessment of Marshallian partial equilibrium methodology that occurred in the second half of the 1920s is highlighted. This leads to new insights into Sraffa's thinking on the role and significance of the case of constant costs within Marshallian economics.
Sarcolipin relates to fattening, but not sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase uncoupling, in captive migratory gray catbirds
Authors: Elowe Cory R. , Stager Maria , Gerson Alexander R.
Published: December 2023

In order to complete their energetically demanding journeys, migratory birds undergo a suite of physiological changes to prepare for long-duration endurance flight, including hyperphagia, fat deposition, reliance on fat as a fuel source, and flight muscle hypertrophy. In mammalian muscle, SLN is a small regulatory protein which binds to sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) and uncouples Ca2+ transport from ATP hydrolysis, increasing energy consumption, heat production, and cytosolic Ca2+ transients that signal for mitochondrial biogenesis, fatigue resistance and a shift to fatty acid oxidation. Using a photoperiod manipulation of captive gray catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis), we investigated whether SLN may play a role in coordinating the development of the migratory phenotype. In response to long-day photostimulation, catbirds demonstrated migratory restlessness and significant body fat stores, alongside higher SLN transcription while SERCA2 remained constant. SLN transcription was strongly correlated with h-FABP and PGC1α transcription, as well as fat mass. However, SLN was not significantly correlated with HOAD or CD36 transcripts or measurements of SERCA activity, SR membrane Ca2+ leak, Ca2+ uptake rates, pumping efficiency or mitochondrial biogenesis. Therefore, SLN may be involved in the process of storing fat and shifting to fat as a fuel, but the mechanism of its involvement remains unclear.
Impact of rainfall intensity on soil erosion based on experimental research
Authors: Majewski Mikołaj , Czuchaj Aleksandra , Marciniak Marek
Published: December 2023

Soil erosion by water is influenced by a major morphogenetic factor – precipitation. Surface runoff, initiated by rainfall, plays a key role in this process. This article addresses the effects of rainfall intensity and soil moisture on soil erosion through a series of rainfall simulations of different intensity and duration. The implementation of measurements at a research station located in the Różany Stream catchment in Poznań made it possible to study the entire water balance within the slope, including precipitation, evaporation, surface runoff and infiltration. The study included various rainfall intensities, with a focus on extreme events reflecting ongoing climate change and increasing anthropopressure. Rainfall simulations were conducted on both dry and wet ground. The results showed that increasing rainfall intensity led to greater surface runoff and soil loss. Moreover, soil moisture was identified as a critical factor affecting soil erosion, with wetter conditions reducing soil loss while increasing surface runoff.
PM2.5 Particle Sensing and Fit Factor Test of a Respirator with SAW-Based Sensor
Authors:   , Desai Mitali Hardik
Published: December 2023

PM2.5 particle sensing has been done using surface acoustic wave based sensor for two different frequencies. Due to mass loading and elasticity loading on the sensor's surface, the center frequency of the sensor shifts. The particle concentration can be tracked based on that frequency shift. The fit factor test has been conducted using higher frequency SAW sensor. The consist results has been achieved for particle sensing and fit factor test with SAW based sensor.
Greater, Lesser, Guessers: A Look into the Hybridization of Greater and Lesser Prairie-Chickens
Authors:   , Stein Carleigh M.
Published: December 2023

My thesis focuses on the conservation consequences of the hybridization of Lesser Prairie-Chickens in Kansas. Specifically, examining how past land management practices altering the species ranges impact the distinctiveness of Lesser Prairie-Chickens. Each chapter is an individual publication that addresses if the Greater and Lesser Prairie-Chicken are distinct when applying the morphological and biological species concepts. Chapter 2 compares the evolutionary history and morphological construct of Lesser Prairie-Chickens and other Galliformes using morphometric analysis. Chapter 3 uses low-resolution microsatellite data to reflect recent changes at the population level. This study aims to observe the Greater and Lesser Prairie-Chicken using the morphological and biological species concepts, two of the many species concepts, to determine the distinctiveness and rate of hybridization for these closely related species.
Lowell Liebermann's "Four Etudes on Songs of Brahms," Op. 88 (2004) and "Four Etudes on Songs of Robert Franz," Op. 91 (2005): A Pedagogical Guide
Authors:   , Lee Jieun
Published: December 2023

The purpose of this dissertation is to introduce and provide a pedagogical guide for two etude works by Lowell Liebermann (b. 1961): Four Etudes on Songs of Brahms, Op. 88 (2004) and Four Etudes on Songs of Robert Franz, Op. 91 (2005). It includes a brief biography and observations on the compositional style of the composer; a history and development of the etude from the eighteenth century to Liebermann's time; research on Liebermann's works based on songs of other composers; and a pedagogical guide on how to approach each piece, covering four types of technical issues: articulation, phrasing, voicing of the melodic lines, and fingerings.
Red Hat Recruits
Authors:   , Forno Gamonal Florencia
Published: December 2023

This study was conducted to understand the motivations that drive participants to join user experience (UX) research studies at Red Hat (software company). Mixed methods of qualitative and quantitative nature were used to gather data and determine key insights that were supported by multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks. The findings were used to inform the client (Red Hat) on how to improve their UX research recruitment practices.
The Netflix Strategy in France: Local Language Productions, Teen Audiences, and Instagram Marketing
Authors:   , Kite Rachel
Published: December 2023

The relationship between France and Hollywood is rooted in a deep history that dates to the late 1800s. French Cultural elites and policymakers have regulated Hollywood to prevent the American ideals that are depicted in Hollywood movies from infringing on French culture, restricting free trade distribution practices to limit audiences' accessibility of imported, non-French media. These import regulations have strengthened French exceptionalism, which is an ideal that recognizes France as being superior to any other culture, region, or market. Yet, the impacts of globalization and the rise of technology have shifted media consumption habits and forced France to regulate new modes of distribution, like digital streaming platforms, to continue to protect the French culture, film industry, and commerce. In 2014, when Silicon Valley-based streaming platform Netflix, entered France, the principles of French exceptionalism impacted the reception of the Hollywood-focused platform. Policymakers imposed a tax system which requires internationally based streamers to invest in the French media industry. Netflix invested their tax into local language, teen productions to target a demographic whose ideals were less rooted in French exceptionalism. Additionally, Netflix utilized the affordances of Instagram to visually appeal to teen users when marketing the local language productions Mortel (2019-2021) and Vampires (2020-). Netflix capitalized on the French teen audience in order to gain a foothold within this culturally and economically protected market.
Interplay of Race, Gender, Competition Level, Athletic Identity, and Psychological Distress: The Moderating Roles of Social Support and Self-Compassion
Authors:   , Hayes Carmyn J.
Published: December 2023

The current study consisted of 4,116 student-athletes (Mage = 19.84; women = 66.9%; White = 78.2%) to achieve two purposes when considering the disrupting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancellation of collegiate sports. First, I examined the relationship between gender, race/ethnicity, competition level, and athletic identity. Though there were no significant differences across NCAA Divisional levels, I found a significant gender by race interaction with Black male athletes reporting stronger athletic identities compared to White male and female athletes as revealed by post-hoc analyses. Second, I examined the relationship between athletic identity and psychological distress and found that when social support and self-compassion are both low, there is a moderate, positive relationship between athletic identity and psychological distress for the White female athletes. Additionally, there were main effects for self-compassion and social support where higher levels were related to lower psychological distress among the White female athletes and Latino/a athletes. For the Black male athletes, there was a main effect for only self-compassion. There was a significant self-compassion by social support interaction for the Black female athletes and White male athletes, suggesting that when self-compassion is low, or high, there are higher levels of psychological distress experienced when social support is low. Implications of the findings, limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Understanding Sociotechnical Factors Impacting Cybersecurity Controls on Mobile Devices and Smartphones at the Individual Level
Authors:   , Gadi Abdullah Mohamed Y.
Published: December 2023

Technological advances such as mobile technology, big data, and machine learning allow businesses to associate advertisements with consumer behaviors to maximize sales. Thus, information about consumer behavior became the central resource of businesses. Recent discussions and concerns about the emerging economic order centered around capturing consumers' data suggest that more research efforts be allocated to address new challenges in different domains, such as health, education, smart cities, and communication. Research on individual cybersecurity behavior is relatively new and requires more attention in academic research. This study has proposed and validated a cybersecurity behavioral model to enrich our understanding of users' behavioral intention (BI) to use cybersecurity controls. An online survey was used to collect information from University of North Texas (UNT) students to explore various technology usage determinants and specific computer security practices. The instrument measured the actual cybersecurity controls behaviors (ACB) by incorporating technical and social factors. Accordingly, the construct of ACB was created and validated to test how it relates to the participants' behavioral intentions. The findings confirm a large number of the proposed relationships. Additionally, the results show that the model explained a significant amount of variance in the proposed dependent variables BI and ACB. Within the context of information control behavior, the relationships between the study's constructs suggest adequate generalizability and robustness of the study's theoretical framework.
Conservation, Connectivity, and Coexistence: Understanding Corridor Efficacy in Fragmented Landscapes
Authors:   , Long Amanda M.
Published: December 2023

Conservation corridors, areas of land connecting patches of natural land cover, are frequently cited and implemented as a restorative strategy to counteract fragmentation. Current corridor ecology focuses on experimental corridor systems or designed and built conservation corridors to assess functionality. Such systems and designs are typically short, straight swaths of homogenous land cover with unambiguous transitions between patches. Quantifying the degree to which amorphous landscape configurations, tortuosity, and heterogeneity of land cover and land uses within the corridor has on functional connectedness is a crucial yet overlooked component of corridor efficacy studies. Corridor literature lacks a robust and repeatable methodology for delineating existing landscape elements, recognizing arbitrary edges, and identifying the start and end of ambiguous transitions between the patches and corridor. Using a set of landscapes being studied as part of a global assessment of corridor efficacy, I designed a workflow that standardizes the boundary of corridor-patch interfaces. The proposed method is a quantitative and repeatable approach that minimizes the subjectivity in corridor delineations. This research investigates the degree to which the existence of a corridor modifies the structural and functional connectivity between patches connected by a corridor compared to an intact reference area.
Testing Family Functioning and Psychosis Risk Across Race and Ethnicity
Authors:   , Su Charlie C.
Published: December 2023

Family functioning has long been a focus of research in psychopathology. Decades of research has shown that family factors are associated with symptom severity, relapse, functional outcomes, and conversion to psychosis among at-risk individuals. Previous studies suggest family functioning varies across cultures, which raises the possibility that associations between family factors and psychopathology may also differ by culture. Furthermore, family functioning assessment generally involves instruments that have not been systematically validated for use with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. The current study used data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study (N = 11,138) to: (1) evaluate three family functioning scales (i.e., Family Environment Scale, Child's Report of Parental Behavior Inventory, Parental Monitoring Survey) and the Prodromal Questionnaire – Brief Child version for measurement invariance across racial/ethnic groups; (2) investigate the relations between family factors and psychosis; and (3) compare relations derived from Step 2 between racial/ethnic groups. Full scalar invariance was tenable for the CRPBI and the PQ-BC, providing statistical support for mean comparisons across groups. The FES and the PMQ lacked scalar invariance, which suggests mean comparisons across groups may not be appropriate. The CRPBI and the PMQ are significantly associated with the PQ-BC, and all three family scales had equivalent relations with the PQ-BC across groups. The current study highlights the importance of evaluating assessment instruments for measurement invariance across racial/ethnic groups. Results also help to connect specific family factors to the etiology of psychotic disorders among US children and adolescents.
Transdisciplinary Information Flow and Key Challenges of Effective Knowledge Transfer between Expert and Novice
Authors:   , Upchurch Eric Conrad
Published: December 2023

When the need arises to transmute complex and theoretical ideas into practice or communicate them to the uninitiated, there often exists a gap in the levels of understanding between the parties involved. This research examined knowledge transfer between practitioners within the information technology (IT) domain of interest by asking the following questions: what is the relationship between knowledge spaces for IT experts and novices; and what factors impact knowledge transfer among knowledge spaces for IT experts and novices? This study conducted interviews with a range of IT professionals to identify knowledge states that resulted in knowledge spaces for both experts and novice practitioners. A conceptual model was developed to examine the knowledge transfer process between expert and novice practitioners and identify factors affecting both the knowledge space and the knowledge states. The model also takes in consideration external factors such as organization and culture and organizational environment. The results from the study show that leadership and executive skillsets play a major role in characterizing the expert knowledge state. The results also show that knowledge transfer between and among groups was primarily impacted by interest and awareness factors among experts. Among novices, the largest barriers were cultural in nature (e.g., no management support or requirement) and environmental, such as the lack of aptitude for learning, lack of job/role experience from a new staff member, or existing staff with a hostile attitude.
Role of MicroRNAs and Their Downstream Targets in Zebrafish Thrombopoiesis
Authors:   , Al Qaryoute Ayah
Published: December 2023

Previous studies have shown that human platelets and megakaryocytes carry microRNAs suggesting their role in platelet function and megakaryocyte development, respectively. However, there is limited information on microRNAs' role in zebrafish thrombopoiesis. Zebrafish thrombocytes could be used as a model to study their role in megakaryocyte maturation and platelet function because thrombocytes have both megakaryocyte features and platelet properties. In our laboratory, I identified 15 microRNAs in thrombocytes using single-cell RNA sequencing. Knockdown of three microRNAs, mir-7148, let-7b, and mir-223, by the piggyback method in zebrafish led to an increase in the percentage of thrombocytes. Functional thrombocyte analysis using plate tilt assay showed no modulatory effect of the three microRNAs on thrombocyte aggregation/agglutination. I then verified these findings in zebrafish larvae after the knockdown of the above microRNAs followed by an arterial laser thrombosis assay. I concluded mir-7148, let-7b, and mir-223 are repressors for thrombocyte production. Furthermore, I explored let-7b downstream genes in thrombocytes detected by RNA-seq analysis and chose 14 targets based on their role in cell differentiation (rorca, tgif1, rfx1a, deaf1, zbtb18, mafba, cebpa, spi1a, spi1b, fhl3b, ikzf1, irf5, irf8, and lbx1b) that are transcriptional regulators. The qRT-PCR analysis of expression levels the above genes following let-7b knockdown showed significant changes in the expression of 13 targets. I then studied the effect of the 14 targets on thrombocytes production and identified 5 genes (irf5, tgif1, irf8, cebpa, and rorca) that showed thrombocytosis and one gene ikzf1 that showed thrombocytopenia. Furthermore, I tested whether mir-223 regulates any of the above 13 transcription factors after mir-223 knockdown using qRT-PCR. Six of the 13 genes showed similar gene expression as observed with let-7b knockdown and 7 genes showed opposing results. Thus, our results suggested a possible regulatory network in common with both let-7b and mir-223. I also identified that tgif1, cebpa, ikzf1, irf5, irf8, and ikzf1 play a role in thrombopoiesis. Since the ikzf1 gene showed a opposite expression profiles following let-7b and mir-223 knockdowns (decreased and increased expression, respectively) and knockdown of ikzf1 resulted in thrombocytopenia I confirmed a definitive role for ikzf1 using an ikzf1 mutant obtained from the Zebrafish International Resource Center (ZIRC). The arterial laser thrombosis assay of ikzf1 mutant progeny confirmed our piggyback hybrid knockdown results. Taken together, these studies shed light on understanding the role and the regulatory effects of zebrafish microRNA on thrombopoiesis and identified novel downstream target transcription factors for let-7b and mir-223.
Study of Information Behavior of Opportunistic Insiders with Malicious Intent
Authors:   , Sinha Vikas
Published: December 2023

Enterprises have focused on mechanisms to track insiders who may intentionally exceed and misuse their authorized access. However, there is an opportunity to understand why a trusted individual would want to exploit the trust and seek information with the intent of a malicious outcome. The detection of insider rogue or nefarious activities with information to which a user is already authorized is extremely difficult. Such insider threats require more deliberation than just considering it to be a problem that can be mitigated only by software or hardware enhancements. This research expects to help gain an early understanding of antecedents to such information behavior and provide an opportunity to develop approaches to address relevant character traits which could lead to a higher propensity of information misuse. This research proposes a theoretical framework and a conceptual research model to understand the antecedent factors to opportunistic information-seeking behavior of individuals. The study follows the three-essay format. Essay 1 explores the scholarly literature published about insider behavior to understand information behavior and proposes the theoretical framework for the study. PRISMA methodology was used for the thematic literature review. Essay 2 is a quantitative study of 424 university students surveyed using an online instrument for their responses to various scenarios in the context of academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty is proposed as a proxy for information misuse. Essay 3 is a qualitative study engaging senior executives from various industries to understand their perspectives on the behavioral characteristics of individuals as they try to protect their corporate information from being misused and protect their reputation and liability from malicious use of their information.
The View and Understanding of 60x30TX at a Rural Community College
Authors:   , Daley Christine Marie
Published: December 2023

This qualitative case study was completed at a rural medium-sized Texas community college and sought to understand how advisors and program coordinators made sense of the 60X30TX policy as it was implemented at their institution. The theoretical framework included community college, the Completion Agenda, structure-agency, and sensemaking. Each community college has its own culture shaped from its history, open access, policies, employees, and students. But the community college is influenced by the state with its mandates and policies, which results in a structure-agency relationship in which the state defines and sets higher education goals, while the community college strives to meet those goals in the way it determines best. The Completion Agenda has influenced state policies shifting the focus of higher education from access to access and completion. The state policy is a catalyst for change at the institution, but change cannot exist without sensemaking. As change occurs, people begin to interpret it based on the environment and their individual and group experiences. Sensemaking becomes central to the theoretical framework with the community college, the structure-agency relationship, and the Completion Agenda. Interviews with 12 people identified four themes: culture of completion, rebuilding advising, dual credit, and Pathways program impact. Participants embraced the completion goal of 60X30TX since it mapped to the college's mission and goals. Advising was reinvented to focus on the student holistically. Dual credit and the Pathways program were strategies of 60X30TX and were reflected at ACC. Both had benefits to the students, but also had consequences.
Lasso Regularization for DIF Detection in Graded Response Models
Authors:   , Avila Alejo Denisse
Published: December 2023

Previous research has tested the lasso method for DIF detection in dichotomous items, but limited research is available on this technique for polytomous items. This simulation study compares the lasso method to hybrid ordinal logistic regression to test performance in terms of TP and FP rates when considering sample size, test length, number of response categories, group balance, DIF proportion, and DIF magnitude. Results showed better Type I error control with the lasso, with smaller sample sizes, unbalanced groups, and weak DIF. The lasso also exhibited more stable Type I error control when DIF was weak, and groups were unbalanced. Lastly, low DIF proportion contributed to better Type I error control and higher TP rates with both methods.
"Her Terrible Splendor"
Authors:   , Pace Aza
Published: December 2023

Her Terrible Splendor is a poetry collection that transports the Greek witch-goddess Circe from her mythical island of Aeaea to modern-day East Texas, where I was raised. By locating Circe in the Piney Woods, I heighten the strangeness that I identify with that setting and open up new contexts for considering Circe as a woman, as an enchanter, and as figure of retelling and revision. Circe appears in an array of roles—friend, lover, mentor, alter-ego, muse—as the poems view her through different lenses, including ekphrastic responses to visual art, rewritings of myths, and "portrait" poems that cast people from the human speaker's life as the goddess herself. A powerful mythic woman who works alone and creates a haven for strange creatures and lost humans, Circe offers a way for the manuscript to consider the complex, multifaceted process of coming of age as a woman, self-making as myth-making.
Subjective Cognitive Decline in Activities of Daily Living among Older Adults with Depressive Symptoms
Authors:   , Komalasari Renata
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to understand subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and functional difficulties in older age cohorts with depressive symptoms, using one scoping review and two empirical studies. We implemented the six steps of Arksey and O'Malley's procedure for the scoping review. We used the population, concept, and context (PCC) inclusion and exclusion criteria in the literature search across MEDLINE via Ebscohost, PubMed, and PsycINFO for articles published on ADL/IADL indicators of SCD in older adults with depressive symptoms and that published in English language journals from January 2011 to November 2021. The two empirical studies used the 2019 wave of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey dataset of older adults aged 65 and ≥ 80 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We used multiple regression and the bias-corrected percentile bootstrap with 5000 samples using standard path-analytic approaches for the moderated mediation for the two empirical studies. Findings supported that instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) presented more difficulties for older adults with SCD than the basic activities of daily living (B-ADLs), given that IADLs require more cognitive capabilities than B-ADLs. Environmental factors like healthcare access and subjective functional difficulties predicted SCD by mentally unhealthy day (MUD) mediation and age cohort moderation. The middle age cohort (70–74) had the most pronounced effects of the MUDs mediation in the relationship between healthcare access and IADLs in older adults with SCD. The younger-old (65–69) showed more substantial MUD mediation effects in the relationship between subjective functional difficulties and SCD. Worse SCD was associated with being Asians, female older adults, and at lower education years and income levels. Findings profiled SCD indicators in daily living activities across age cohorts and the mentally unhealthy days presentation. We extend the chronic stress theory predictions on accentuated emotional vulnerability from increased functional difficulties, compounding SCD.
The Impact of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and Social and Emotional Learning Programs on Black Students
Authors:   , McCowan Alicia E.
Published: December 2023

The study of culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) within a social and emotional learning (SEL) program is timely as it supports the increasing body of literature on narrowing the educational gaps prevalent among Black students. Current research is lacking regarding if and how educators utilize CRP to support the learning of SEL competencies with Black students. For this study, the tenets of cultural relevance, SEL competencies, and the leadership practices of one urban district seeking to increase its overall accountability rating as deemed by the state of Texas were examined. The purpose of this study was to determine the adequacy of the district's response to the needs of Black students in terms of cultural relevance when selecting a SEL program and developing a support plan for the program's implementation at the campus level. A secondary purpose was to examine the extent to which the district embedded CRP practices into their adopted SEL program. A qualitative exploratory research design and case study research approach were utilized. Documents related to the SEL program chosen by the district were analyzed. In addition, semi-structured interviews with district leaders and a focus group with campus administrators were conducted. It was found that there were no direct actions by the district toward ensuring that district's SEL program was culturally relevant nor was there support provided to ensure that SEL was implemented in a way that would be meaningful to Black students. Implications for future practice, recommendations for future research, and a researcher reflection serve as the conclusion.
Older Adults' Age Cohorts Time-Use Behavior and Preferences for Leisure Activities: Moderation by Sex and Mediation by Employment Status
Authors:   , Rivera-Torres Solymar
Published: December 2023

The objectives of the present dissertation were: (1) determine the relationships between time use in physical vs social leisure activities (PLA - SLA), and cognitive vs emotional leisure activities (CLA - ELA) by older adults age cohort (60-69, 70-79 and 80-plus yrs.); (2) ascertain the role of sex in moderating the relationship between time use in PLA-SLA and CLA-ELA by older adults age cohort; and (3) assess how employment status mediates the relationship between time use in PLA-SLA and CLA-ELA by older adults age cohort with moderation by sex. Secondary data was obtained from the 2019 American Time Use Survey database. Applying a cross-sectional design, data were analyzed using a linear regression model in SPSS version 27 and PROCESS Macro with Hayes Model 1 and 59. We identified the extent of the conditional indirect moderation effect of sex and the indirect employment status mediation effect moderated by sex in the relationship between PLA-SLA and CLA-ELA by older adult age cohorts. An index of moderated mediation was used to test the significance of each effect. The 80-plus yrs. cohort SLA time use was greater than in PLA across cohorts. Sex moderation showed a stronger effect in men by substantially decreasing their engagement time in PLA than in women across cohorts. A non-significant moderated mediation effect in SLA and PLA across age cohorts was observed. Women had the lowest minutes of engagement in both ELA and CLA compared to men. Sex moderation showed a more substantial negative effect on ELA and CLA in men than women. Finally, a significant moderated mediation effect in ELA and CLA across age cohorts was observed, where the mediation effect was stronger for males than females. Our findings indicate age cohort and sex effects on time engagement in both SLA-PLA and ELA-CLA, likely tied to sex roles that amplify at an older age. Sex effects in both ELA and CLA by age cohort appear not immutable in the life span and to equate among the oldest old, suggesting compression of leisure use in later years of life. Work participation is important for ELA and CLA among older adults, but not their SLA and PLA, which is likely explained by the loss of workplace social networks with retirement. Our findings suggest a need for aging well-being policies and initiatives to focus on older adults leisure participation variations within cohorts by sex and work life for optimally targeted interventions.
Parenting Highly and Profoundly Gifted Children: Perspectives on Competence, Belonging, and Support within a Sociocultural Context
Authors:   , Johnson Rebecca M.
Published: December 2023

Limited research exists regarding the experiences and perspectives of parents of highly and profoundly gifted children. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the experiences and perspectives of parents of highly and profoundly gifted children in developmental and cultural contexts. Semi-structured interviews were followed by thematic analysis regarding parental efficacy and parents' perceived support in parenting and educational communities to provide rich insights and to illuminate the voices of parents. In seeking academic and/or social emotional support, parents join groups designed to connect parents with experts in the field of gifted education and parent advocates of gifted children. A purposive sample was selected from parents who are members of networks and organizations serving profoundly gifted students. A self-report survey was distributed to parents enrolled in networks and/or organizations serving gifted students and parents of gifted students (e.g., SENG, Davidson Institute). Participant interviews were transcribed and qualitatively analyzed using thematic analysis. A qualitative descriptive analysis identified areas in which parents of highly and profoundly gifted children express the need for support within developmental and cultural contexts. Implications from the study aim to bring attention to the lived experiences of these parents to inform educators, counselors, and communities of parents' need for a sense of support and belonging in parenting trajectories.