bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High temperature hybrid elastomers
Authors:   , Drake Kerry Anthony , Wei Yen
Published: July 2021

Conventional high temperature elastomers are produced by chain polymerization of olefinic or fluorinated olefinic monomers. Ultimate thermal stabilities are limited bybackbone bond strengths, lower thermal stability of cross-link sites relative to backbone bonds, and depolymerization or "unzipping" at high temperatures. In order to develop elastomers with enhanced thermal stability, hybrid thermally cross-linkable polymers that consisted only of organic-inorganic and aromatic bonds were synthesized and evaluated. The addition of phenylethynyl or phenylacetylinic functional groups to these polymers resulted in conversion of the polymers into high temperature elastomers when crosslinked by thermal curing. Polyphenyoxydiphenylsilanes were synthesized via several different condensation reactions. Results of these synthetic reactions, which utilized both hydroquinone and biphenol as monomers, were systematically evaluated to determine the optimal synthetic conditions for subsequent endcapping reactions. It was determined thatdichlorodiphenylsilane condensations with biphenol in toluene or THF were best suited for this work. Use of excess dichlorodiphenylsilane yielded polymers of appropriate molecular weights with terminal reactive chlorosilane groups that could be utilized for coupling with phenylethynyl reagents in a subsequent reaction. Two new synthetic routes were developed to endcap biphenoxysilanes with ethynyl containing substituents, to yield polymers with cross-linkable end groups. Endcapping by lithiumphenylacetylide and 4[(4-fluorophenylethynyl)]phenol yielded two new polymers that could be thermally cross-linked on heating above 300 °C. Successful endcapping was verified chemically by 13C NMR, FTIR and Raman analysis. Exothermic peaks consistent with ethynyl curing reactions were observed in endcapped polymers by DSC. A new diacetylinic polymer was prepared through reaction of 4,4'-buta-1,3-diyne-1,4-diyldiphenol and dichlorodiphenylsilane. This aromatically substituted siloxanepolymer contained thermally cross-linkable diacetylene links in the backbone. FTIR, Raman, and 13C NMR analysis confirmed the diethynyl group was present in thepolymer. DSC analysis showed the polymer had a Tg of 130 °C, and a strong exothermic cure peak at 260 °C. TGA analysis in nitrogen showed a 5% weight loss temperature of 541 °C and a pyrolysis yield of 82% at 800°C. Parallel plate rheological testing confirmed the polymer cross-linked through monitoring of changes in viscosity during heating. After curing above 260 °C, the polymer vitrified, with no detectable Tg observed on subsequent DSC analyses. Curing at 210 °C for 30 minutes in nitrogen resulted in a partially cross-linked material that exhibited elastomeric properties above Tg. Curing under these conditions resulted in an estimated 25% degree of cross linking, and an increase in Tg to 146 °C. The activation energy of thermally initiated curing of the diacetylene groups was estimated to be 100 kJ/mol from DSC data using the Ozawa method.
Co-electrospun blends of PLGA, gelatin and elastin as nonthrombogenic scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering
Authors:   , Han Jingjia , Lelkes Peter I.
Published: July 2021

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death amongst the cardiovascular diseases (~51%), which requires off-the-shelf available, nonthrombogenic small diameter grafts. We hypothesize that co-electrospun suitable blends of natural and synthetic polymers might yield a nonthrombogenic scaffold for application in vascular tissue engineering. In this study, we evaluated the physical and biological properties of nine co-electrospun blends of PLGA, gelatin and elastin blend (PGE) fibers by systematically varying the relative ratios of poly(lactide-coglycolide) (PLGA) and gelatin. The suitability of the composites as vascular scaffolds was assessed in vitro by evaluating their interactions with 2 different human endothelial cells (EA.hy926, EC and human aortic endothelial cells), and bovine aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs). PGE blend fibers supported ECs and SMCs initial attachment and proliferation with small variances in EC morphology and cytoskeletal spreading for different PGE compositions, but did not show differences upon confluence. In addition, PGE scaffolds uniquely supported EC monolayer formation on the surface while concomitantly fostering penetration of SMC cells into the PGE scaffolds. To investigate differential gene expression under the influence of underlying extracellular matrix, we used a focused adhesion/matrix remodeling-specific PCR array to study human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) cultured on PGE321, the blend with mechanical properties most favorable for vascular applications, in comparison to those on gelatin-coated coverslips. In addition, we compared tissue factor (TF) mRNA and protein activity levels of confluent HAEC monolayers cultured on PGE321 with those on various natural proteins. Our results indicate that HAECs seeded on PGE321 and gelatin shared a similar expression pattern of ECM and adhesion molecules within 24 hours. Comparable TF mRNA and activity levels of HAEC monolayers (24 h post-seeding) at basal and stimulated conditions were also observed on PGE321 in comparison to those on gelatin-coated coverslips. Our data demonstrate that PGE321 is a suitable scaffold for application in vascular tissue engineering by supporting a nonthrombogenic and physiologically competent endothelium.
Characterization of in-situ curing PVA-PEG hydrogels for nucleus pulposus replacement
Authors:   , Kita Kristin Benjamin , Lowman Anthony M.
Published: July 2021

Poly(vinyl alcohol) / poly(ethylene glycol) blend formulations are evaluated as an in situ forming gel system. The system will provide a minimally invasive approach tonucleus replacement, whereby a cavity formed in the intervertebral disc postdenucleation is filled via an injectable solution that solidifies to function as prostheticnucleus pulposus tissue, restoring height, and hydration to the disc, as well as correcting the biomechanics of the spine. PVA/PEG gels have an inherent system incompatibility that results in the formation of a two phase region, where a water rich supernatant and a polymer rich gel phaseform. Systems of dense gels have previously had no simple analytical means for separation of the two similar polymers, particularly at the high viscosities required forthis specific application. 1H-NMR analytical techniques are developed for preparation of a %w/w phase diagram. Understanding of possible compositional space enables definition of swelling and stability characteristics for the final gel as it relates to composition. Changes in PEG molecular weight are shown to affect swelling and stability in gels. Upon rheological analysis, a change in the resulting system network with the incorporation of varying types of PVA and PEG is evident. Concentrated gels are shown to display a high temperature reduction in viscosity. This effect is shown to be dependent on molecular weight of the PEG component and gel composition. Similarly, there is a requirement that the system have a low viscosity during the sol stage that shown to be satisfied due to system incompatibilityand plasticization effects.
Therapeutic and diagnostic applications of ultrasound contrast media for breast, ovarian and skin cancers
Authors:   , Oum Kelleny , Wheatley Margaret A.
Published: July 2021

Using contrast enhanced ultrasound, molecular markers of disease can be noninvasively imaged. This method is dependent on the administration of a microbubble contrast agent (CA) made site-targeted by the surface attachment of engineered peptides or antibodies that bind to the disease related receptor molecules. The microbubbles selectively retained by the tissues can then be detected using ultrasound. The overall objective of this research is to engineer the surface poly (DL-lactic acid) (PLA) and poly (DL-lactic-co- glycolic acid) (PLGA) based microbubble CAs to facilitate efficient targeting of molecular markers in vitro that can potentially enable the early detection and treatment of breast, skin and ovarian cancers. To enhance the diagnostic application of CAs, this research demonstrated that: (1) echogenic microbubbles can be created with a carboxyl containing surfactant (PEMA) which allowed more targeting ligand to be conjugated to its surface than that of microbubbles made with a hydroxyl containing surfactant (PVA) (p<0.05), although it did not improve cellular targeting ability (p>0.05); (2) a method of physically incorporating a lipid-ligand conjugate (DSPE-PEG-biotin) can be achieved for attaching a variety of targeting ligands; (3) rough-surfaced PLGA 50:50 based microbubbles have a significantly greater cellular attachment than smooth surface microbubbles once ligated with GRGDS (p<0.05); (4) an ultrasound CA targeting CA-125 receptors using anti-CA-125 antibodies bound to the surface of the microbubbles created significant CA attachment (p<0.05) to OVCAR-3 cells. To explore the potential for therapeutic applications a novel ultrasound CA that acts via signal transduction was examined. A TRAIL-modified CA induced a signaling cascade resulting in apoptosis in breast, ovarian and skin cancer cells. Furthermore, TRAIL-modified CA exhibited significantly greater apoptotic effects when combined with a proteasome inhibitor Velcade in melanoma cells (p<0.05). The various aspects of this research were conducted with the intent of combining them with drug delivery in future applications. This would bring together the advantages of site-targeting, drug delivery, and signal transduction with the benefits of ultrasound imaging to effect a significant improvement in cancer detection and treatment.
Efficient signal processing techniques for future wireless communications systems
Authors:   , Yatawatta Sarod , Petropulu Athina P.
Published: July 2021

Wireless communications systems are evolving to be more diverse in use and more ubiquitous in nature. It is of fundamental importance that we consume the resources available in such systems, i.e., bandwidth and energy, to preserve room for more users and to preserve longevity. Signal processing can greatly help us achieve this. In this thesis we consider improving the utility of resources available in wireless communications systems. The basic obstacle for most wireless communications systems is the multipath channel that causes intersymbol interference. Channel estimation is a crucial step for recovering the transmitted symbols. Moreover, as more devices are equipped with wireless capabilities, the bandwidth becomes scarce and it is important to allow more than one device or more than one user to use the same frequency range or the same channel. However, this introduces multiuser interference, which is again eliminated only if the channel is known. Furthermore, most wireless systems are battery powered, at least at the transmitter end. Hence it is crucial that energy consumption is minimized to preserve the longevity of the system. The contribution of this thesis is three fold: (i) We propose novel bandwidth efficient blind channel estimation algorithms for single input multiple output systems, and for multiuser OFDM systems. The former exploits cyclostationarity inherent in communications signals. The latter exploits the structure introduced to the transmitted signal via precoding. We consider design of such precoders by optimizing performance metrics such as the bit error rate and signal to interference plus noise ratio. (ii) In the multiuser systems case, we propose a novel cooperative OFDM system and show that, when users face significantly different channel conditions, cooperation can improve the performance of all the cooperating users. (iii) We consider energy efficient training based system estimation in large MIMO systems. The goal there is to minimize energy consumption both in transmission of training symbols and in performing computations. We show that by using a divide and conquer strategy in selecting the active set of transmitters and receivers, it is possible to minimize energy consumption without degrading the accuracy of the channel estimate.
Nanoparticle protein delivery systems for nervous tissue repair
Authors:   , Coleman Jason James , Lowman Anthony M.
Published: July 2021

Nerve regeneration following spinal injury remains one of the most difficult to solve medical problems mainly because the spinal tissue environment is not conducive to nerve growth. PLGA nanoparticles offer great potential as a sustained delivery system for proteins that promote nerve regeneration. However, in order for PLGA-particle protein delivery in injured spinal tissue to be clinically relevant, various drawbacks including: low encapsulation efficiency, protein instability, incomplete protein release and particle biocompatibility have to be addressed and overcome. This research focuses on developing the water/oil/water (W/O/W) double emulsion procedure to physically entrap protein within PLGA particles and systematically analyzing the effects on particle morphology, protein loading, protein activity and sustained active protein release. Variables evaluated include solvent miscibility, energy input, PLGA concentration, and various additives. Adjustments to formulation parameters had significant advantages on size distribution, loading efficiency, protein stability, and increased active protein released. Most particles demonstrated sustained release of active protein over 60 days and a mathematical model was developed to illustrate a tri-phasic release profile. Because of direct injection into spinal tissue, biocompatibility concerns are directly related to particle sterility, surface characteristics and cytotoxicity. A plasma sterilization method was developed that can completely inactivate an E. coli bacteria load of 103 CFU/ml while maintaining particle integrity and protein stability. Surface characteristics were modified by altering the preparation conditions to eliminate residual surfactant. Other surface modification methods included ways to increase surface hydrophilicity and these methods involved both PEGylation and plasma treatment. All modification methods resulted in no measurable amount of protein (IgG) adsorbed to the particle surface. Fabrication methods were modified to eliminate particle cytotoxicity. Plasma treatment showed no cytotoxic effects, while mPEG-PLGA showed minimum cytotoxicity. PLGA particle degradation showed no impact on cytotoxicity. Overall, this research advanced the clinical relevance of a PLGA protein delivery system for a multitude of applications. The drawbacks preventing such a delivery system from in vivo use were addressed.
Electrospun hydroxyapatite-containing chitosan nanofibers crosslinked with genipin for bone tissue engineering applications
Authors:   , Frohbergh Michael E. , Lelkes Peter I.
Published: July 2021

Reconstruction of large bone defects remains problematic in orthopedic and craniofacial clinical practice. Engineering a functional scaffold mimicking the architectural structure of bone and the regenerative capacity of periosteum offers a potential solution. Electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds are superior in surface area, biomimetic properties, and architecture for the proliferation, and differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells. Chitosan (CTS), the deacetylated form of chitin found in the exoskeleton of crustaceans, is a versatile biomaterial with structural similarity to the extracellular matrix (ECM) of bone. In this thesis, the need of fabricating a regenerative material for bone tissue engineering is addressed by demonstrating the ability of genipin crosslinked electrospun chitosan (CTS-GP) nanofibers mineralized with hydroxyapatite (CTS-HA-GP) to act as osteogenic templates capable of supporting osteoblast adhesion and differentiation with the potential to induce mesenchymal stem cell differentiation and craniofacial regeneration in vivo. Fibrous scaffolds with average fiber diameters of 227±154 nm as spun and 335±119 nm after crosslinking with genipin were generated. Physical, chemical and mechanical analyses were performed for scaffold characterization as well as cytocompatability and osteogenic expression of 7F2 mouse osteoblasts to demonstrate the ability of these scaffolds to support functional osteoblasts. Induction was also observed by the capacity of these scaffolds to induce osteogenic differentiation of human bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. Finally, the osseointegrative capacity of these scaffolds was observed by in vivo implantation into a murine calvarial defect model, demonstrating no immunorejection and the early presence of calcified tissue formation. Furthermore the need for enhanced porosity in electrospun scaffolds to induce proper cell infiltration into the scaffold using mesenchymal stem cells on PLGA scaffolds with sacrificed gelatin fibers was also explored. PLGA was used to look into optimizing an appropriate scaffold for bone regeneration due to its ease in fabrication and manipulation by observing mechanical properties and porosity at different ratios compared with cell infiltration. However, it was observed that the gelatin was not being removed as hypothesized and was rather modifying the physical properties of the scaffold. A mathematical model was developed to describe cell proliferation across the scaffolds and cell infiltration into the scaffold.
In vitro engineering and in vivo engraftment of vascularized fetal distal lung tissue constructs
Authors:   , Mondrinos Mark J. , Lelkes Peter I.
Published: July 2021

Engineered lung tissue could potentially facilitate tissue augmentation strategies in pediatric and adult pulmonary medicine. In addition, engineered lung tissue could provide models for in vitro studies on pulmonary cell/developmental biology, pathobiology and pharmacology. This thesis describes in vitro engineering of organotypic fetal lung tissue by harnessing specific effects of exogenously supplemented fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) on embryonic day 17.5 murine fetal pulmonary cells (FPC) cultured in 3-D collagen gels. FGF10 and FGF7 promoted epithelial proliferation and branching responses, while FGF2 induced mesenchymal proliferation and vascular network formation. The cocktail of FGF10/7/2 synergistically combined these effects to produce constructs with optimal epithelial growth/branching, controlled mesenchymal proliferation, vascular network formation and epithelialendothelial interfacing. Loss-of-function studies using a soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (sVEGFR) revealed that endogenous VEGF-A is required for vascular network formation. Loss-of-function studies were performed targeting 2 additional molecules known to play key roles in lung development in vivo, the extracellular matrix protein tenascin-C (TN-C) and the morphogen sonic hedgehog (SHH). Treatment with TN-C neutralizing antibodies, as well as inhibition of SHH signaling with cyclopamine, decreased endothelial elongation and interconnectivity, but did not completely ablate network formation, as was the case with sVEGFR treatment. Interestingly, it was found that exogenous SHH alone induces vascular network formation; however, the morphology and secondary sprouting behavior of SHH-induced vessels was markedly different than for FGF-induced vessels. These findings demonstrate the ability of the tissue engineer to "fine tune" vascular formation in engineered tissues in vitro by manipulating multiple morphogenic signaling pathways and extracellular matrix. The functionality of nascent vascular structures within engineered fetal lung tissue was tested in 2 in vivo models: the Matrigel plug model using freshly isolated FPC, and the renal capsule model using constructs cultured in vitro for 1 week. Both studies showed that epithelial structures maintain differentiation in vivo, and that donor-derived vascular structures contribute to the establishment of a perfused vasculature in vivo. Taken together, the findings of this thesis suggest that in vitro engineered lung tissue will provide novel venues for lung biology research and with further advances revolutionize pulmonary regenerative medicine.
ZnO Nanoparticle Immunotoxicity
Authors:   , Johnson Brandon Mark , Katsikis Peter D. , Wheatley Margaret A.
Published: July 2021

The advent of nanotechnology has revolutionized many commercial and industrial fields. Mass production of these materials warrants concerns of incidental exposure to environmental and human health alike. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are one of the most highly produced nanoparticles and have been determined to be toxic to many cell types in vitro. The mechanism responsible for the cell death they induce and their effect on functional immunity however is largely unknown. Our preliminary findings show that ZnO NPs have a cytotoxic effect on immune cells in in vitro cultures, implicating immunotoxic potential. In this thesis, we determine the effect, and extent of the immunocompromising effect through a systematic approach. We formulate consistent ZnO NPs and characterize their capacity for inducing toxicity and elucidating the mechanism. Using a modified FluoZin-3 assay, we determine that high concentrations of zinc ions release from the surface of ZnO NPs and Zn²⁺ can directly induce cell death and this is Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) dependent. We find that EDTA and Ca ions effectively prevent ZnO NPs from inducing death of the immune cells while glutathione (GSH) protects the cell downstream. Finally, the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA eliminates ZnO NP death at the level of cell signaling. The mode of cell death induced by ZnO NPs was found to be autophagy-related and not apoptosis, necrosis, pyroptosis, or necroptosis. Importantly, ROS were required for ZnO NP induction of autophagy. Our in vivo studies indicate ZnO NPs cause morbidity and deplete immune cell populations in the spleens of mice. Chronic exposure on the other hand, allows the mice to develop ZnO NP tolerance. Mice exhibited normal viral clearance, however distinct changes in the immune response were observed. We conclude that zinc ion release is the primary mediators of ZnO NP induced death of immune cells, initiating excessive ROS production which in turn induce autophagic death. The effect of this in vivo exposure is a much more complex, and appears to be finely balanced between detrimental and possibly beneficial to immunity due to increased inflammation.
Ion Dynamics in Electrochemical Capacitors Using Infrared Spectroelectrochemistry
Authors:   , Richey Francis W. , Elabd Yossef A.
Published: July 2021

Electrochemical capacitors are electrical energy storage devices that are capable of providing large power densities (fast charging and discharging) and extremely long lifetimes (1 million charge-discharge cycles). Room-temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) electrolytes can broaden the operating voltage window and increase the energy density of electrochemical capacitors. However, a fundamental understanding of RTIL dynamics in capacitors is desired for their future commercial success. Herein, we have designed a new experimental technique, in situ infrared spectroelectrochemistry, that provides direct molecular-level measurements of the ion dynamics of RTILs in operating electrochemical capacitors with electrodes composed of RuO2 particles, porous nanosized carbide-derived carbons (CDCs), non-porous onion-like carbons (OLCs), and nanoporous carbon nanofibers. Results for RuO2 pseudocapacitors show that the cations and anions transport as aggregates and the cation dominates and dictates the direction of ion transport in these devices. Establishing an optimal proton (Nafion) / RTIL content in the electrode that allows for fast charging and high capacitance should allow these devices to function at high voltages and high temperatures, something that is not currently possible with aqueous electrolytes. For CDC electrodes, RTIL ions (both cations and anions) were directly observed entering and exiting CDC nanopores during charging and discharging of the EDLC. Conversely, for OLC electrodes, RTIL ions were observed in close proximity to the OLC surface without any change in the bulk electrolyte concentration during charging and discharging of the EDLC. For nanoporous carbon nanofibers with oxygen-rich surfaces, during charging and discharging, cations are expelled from pores before anions enter the pores; a significantly different phenomena compared to other nanoporous carbons. This work provides direct experimental confirmation of electrochemical capacitor charging/discharging mechanisms that previously were restricted to computational simulations and theories. The experimental measurements presented here also provide deep insights into the molecular level transport, migration, and adsorption of RTIL ions in electrochemical capacitor electrodes that can impact the design of the future electrode materials for electrical energy storage.
Lumbar spinal interneuron activity as it relates to rhythmic motor output in the adult, spinal, air-stepping cat
Authors:   , McMahon Chantal Marie , Lemay Michel A.
Published: July 2021

Interneurons of the lumbar spinal cord inherently maintain and modulate stepping. In order to advance therapeutic interventions for spinal cord injury, it is necessary to clearly understand both the localized locomotor spinal circuitry as well as the activation patterns within the spinal cord. In this study, the structural organization of interneurons regulating antagonistic motor pools and the neural activation patterns driving behavior were investigated. In-vivo extracellularly recorded neurons of the intermediate zone and ventral horn of the lumbar spinal cord were concurrently measured with hindlimb EMGs in the adult, air-stepping, spinal cat. Our results demonstrate that spinal interneurons participate in one of two ensembles which are highly correlated to opposing muscle bursts during stepping. Furthermore, the interneurons' firing phases were independent of their rostrocaudal locations. These findings suggest that spinal interneurons act within networks tuned to opposing phases of stepping which are heterogeneously mixed throughout the lumbar enlargement. Spectral power of extracellularly recorded continuous multiunit signals was found to be greater in mid-lumbar segments L3-L5 during stepping, supportive of previous lesioning studies isolating lumbar rhythmic generating centers to these segments in the cat. There was also greater multiunit power during the flexion phase of stepping than the extension phase of stepping in all lumbar segments. Finally, the multiunit power showed no phase lag at coherent frequencies throughout the lumbar enlargement indicative of a longitudinal standing wave of neural activation. Together, these results support that the spinal multiunit activity behaves as a synchronously active distributed network of caudally decreasing rhythmogenic potential, with greater power during the flexion phase of stepping. Furthermore, the results are unique in that it verifies and extends previous findings from the isolated, neonatal spinal cord to the in-vivo, mature and behaving system.
Using Social Media and Internet Technologies as New Marketing Strategies, and Their Effectiveness for the Modern American Orcestra
Authors:   , Shore Karen , Hernandez Cathy
Published: July 2021

As our society's culture and conditions change in the dawn of the 21st century, so must the perspectives and strategies of American orchestras also change when considering what is most beneficial for - and desired by - the orchestra patron. The intent of this study and its findings is to demonstrate to arts researchers and professionals that adaptability to such change is possible, whether their organization focuses on music, theatre, dance, or some other form of art. By testing these new tools and techniques in real-world applications, orchestras around the country can see what works best with their own audiences, and share their successes and limitations with other arts organizations. This study explores the use of social media and other Internet technologies by orchestras and their effectiveness as new marketing and audience development tools. To complete this study, data was collected from observations and collaborative research with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra and compared to my own independent research. This paper speculates that orchestras such as the HSO have already taken into consideration many of the concepts and ideas as outlined in the literature review, and are attempting to use practical applications of these ideas in the hopes that audience participation will grow within their communities.
Integration of Mental Health Services by an Advanced Practice Psychiatric Nurse in a Primary Care Setting
Authors:   , Rodriguez-Marzec Rachel , Lorman William J.
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose: The burden of depression, from an economic and individual perspective, has significant implications for our society. Currently two-thirds of those diagnosed with depression receive treatment in primary care settings. Previous treatment models for depression have considered onsite mental health clinicians; however, numerous studies demonstrate the role of an advanced practice psychiatric nurse (APPN) in primary care settings. The purpose of this project was to examine and compare differences in patient satisfaction and level of depression in patients with major depression managed by primary care clinicians with those managed by an advanced practice nurse in the primary care setting. Methods: This study is a prospective cohort design that took place at El Pueblo Health Services, a Federally Qualified Health Center Look-Alike in Bernalillo, New Mexico. Twenty-four adults who self-reported with symptoms of major depressive disorder participated in an intervention that consisted of a psychosocial intake followed by a psychiatric evaluation and administration of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8). The intervention included pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment over a 3-month period for a minimum of four, or twice monthly, sessions for up to 3 months. A comparison group of 14 adults with major depression participated in care as usual with their primary care providers. Patients in both groups were administered the BDI-II and CSQ-8 at baseline and 3 months. Evaluation: Differences in the mean scores on the BDI-II and CSQ-8 between pre- and post-test in the intervention group were statistically significant compared with the comparison group that only demonstrated statistical significance on the CSQ-8 scores. In addition, preintervention and postintervention change scores on the BDI-II were statistically significant. However, there was a lack of statistical significance in the change scores on the CSQ-8. Clinical Implications and Recommendations: Results from this project highlight the effectiveness of an intervention consisting of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic services provided by a psychiatric nurse practitioner in a sample of adults with major depression in a primary care setting.
Effect of Family Support on Glycemic Control for Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors:   , Sorkin Craig , Patton Carol M.
Published: July 2021

Background and Purpose: Research indicates a positive relationship between family support and glycemic control for individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) final project was to evaluate the effect of family support on the management of T2DM and associated improvement in glycemic control. Methods: In this prospective cohort design based on a computed power analysis, 20 participants were recruited: 10 in the intervention group and 10 in the control group. A total of nine participants completed the study. The intervention group received tailored education on family interaction based on the work of Satir (1967) to encourage their support and enhance communication. The control group received standard education based on current diabetic education protocols for Riverside Medical Group. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was set at a level of significance of p [less than or equal to] 0.01 for this final DNP project. Evaluation: The participants' pre and post-intervention hemoglobin-A1c levels were evaluated. It was hypothesized that tailored education focused on positive family support would correspond to increased glycemic control in patients with T2DM. Findings indicate no statistical significance between the tailored education to enhance family support and glycemic control. Clinical Implications and Recommendations: T2DM is a highly variable disease, and no specific educational or social intervention or medication will independently increase glycemic control for all patients.
Indirect Plasma Sterilization of Ultrasound Contrast Agent
Authors:   , Albala Lorenzo , Wheatley Margaret A.
Published: July 2021

The ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) SE61 is composed of a sonicated mixture of non-ionic surfactants entrapping perfluorocarbon gas. Formulated with Span60 and water-soluble vitamin E, the microbubbles are a promising UCA, but they require a sterilization method that is unachievable by current solutions. The SE61 manufacturing process was improved in order to achieve safe and effective sterilization by introducing dielectric-barrier discharge non-thermal plasma. Plasma-treating phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) generates ions and reactive oxygen species within the liquid that disrupt microorganismal metabolism. This is currently the only method to obtain a sterilant solution while avoiding direct heat, pressure, chemicals, and radiation, or the expense of aseptic manufacturing methods. 3 minutes plasma treatment of PBS was chosen after preliminary testing, and it effectively sterilized both native and (gramnegative and gram-positive) bacteria-inoculated samples (p = 0.0022). The treated and untreated samples showed no statistical significance in acoustic response (p >0.05 for dose-response and for half-life). Moreover, treated UCA retained appropriate bubble diameter (mean ± SEM: 2.52 ± 0.31[mu]m) with no significant difference compared to untreated (p >0.05). Nile red was used to model the intercalation of drug into the hydrophobic portion of the microbubble shell; this hydrophobic fluorescent solvatochromic probe intercalated successfully into SE61, and was unaffected by plasma treatment. The indirect plasma technique enters the healthcare and device industry as a novel sterilizing option and one that is crucial for SE61 production. Refining the SE61 manufacturing process can lead to enhanced diagnostic US and a potential drug-delivery vehicle, and it paves the way for future experiments and the FDA pipeline.
Path to Presence
Authors:   , Henderer Anna , Epstein Nancy
Published: July 2021

Trauma affects a whole person - mind, body and soul. Yet, the predominant treatments for traumatic stress disorders tend to address only psychological symptoms. Trauma-informed yoga is an innovative mind-body therapy developed to help trauma survivors regain a sense of control over their body and emotions. As trauma is a well-recognized and complex public health problem, community-based organizations are increasingly interested in offering trauma-informed yoga programs in places such as: schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and correctional facilities. Research on trauma-informed yoga is in its infancy. There is still no consensus on the appropriate way to evaluate the effects of yoga on the symptoms of trauma. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to provide community-based trauma-informed yoga programs with assessment and evaluation information and tools particularly for populations that share a disproportionate burden of trauma, including at-risk youth, women, and the incarcerated. An in-depth literature analysis of studies that evaluated yoga and trauma was conducted and experts in the field were interviewed. The research gained informed the development of several working evaluation tools and recommendations. These tools can be used for the design, implementation, monitoring and review of trauma-informed yoga programs.
How Technological Innovation in Media Provokes Industry and Regulatory Change
Authors:   , Fletcher Chelsea , Salas Philip W.
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this thesis was to gain insight into the technology and regulation that is deeply ingrained in the television and media industries. Through two interviews conducted in Philadelphia, two industry professionals provided opinion and insight into the current landscape of television and media. Their deep understanding of the media industry landscape and the technological influences within this industry added support to trends already being documented. The key stakeholders that make up the television and media industry are evolving as is the technology that supports the industry and the stakeholders alike. Regulation of an industry that is evolving presents challenges for current legislation and in implementing new legislation. This thesis provides insights to understand past roles and decisions, present issues and direction for possible future changes.
Algebra on Demand
Authors:   , Sandt Jude Thaddeus , Phillips Joy C.
Published: July 2021

School districts nationwide have yet to agree upon a standardized method for student achievement in algebra at the middle school level. This comparative case study, with a phenomenological approach, was designed to evaluate the implementation of a middle school algebra preparedness program, referred to as Algebra on Demand, in a Southeastern Pennsylvania (PA) School District. This program provided middle school students, grades 6-8, the opportunity to study algebra when they were deemed "ready" at the earliest grade level in their middle school education. Specifically, the study examined the perceptions of middle school mathematics teachers about how students are identified and selected to participate in the Algebra on Demand program, how middle school algebra teachers worked with students of varying abilities once they became part of the program, and to what extent the program prepared middle school Algebra 1 students to achieve proficiency on the PA Keystone Algebra 1 Exam. Through the frameworks of the Zone of Proximal Development (Vygotsky, 1978) and Change Theory (Heifetz, Grashow, & Linsky, 2009; Senge, Smith, Kruschwitz, Laur, & Schley, 2010; Kotter, 2012), the development and delivery of the program were explored. Key components of this study were to investigate how students were selected for the Algebra on Demand program, how student progress was monitored throughout participation, and what constituted successful completion of the program. Utilizing both qualitative and archival data collection processes for this study allowed these issues to be assessed from a variety of stakeholder viewpoints. These methods allowed the researcher to evaluate if the Algebra on Demand program model was a viable option for improving student achievement in algebra at the middle school level.
Impulsive self-similar processes, with applications in broadband communication system modeling
Authors:   , Yang Xueshi , Petropulu Athina P.
Published: July 2021

In broadband networks, bandwidth requirements of multimedia applications and size of the associated files deviate frequently and significantly from their average value and result in impulsive and self-similar traffic. Impulsiveness implies that the second- or higher-order statistics of the process are infinite. On the other hand, self-similarity translates to strong correlation between the process samples. Self-similarity has been traditionally defined based on second-order statistics, e.g. a power-law decaying autocorrelation. Thus, it is difficult to integrate self-similarity with impulsiveness, despite the fact that in the case of network traffic they emerge simultaneously. In this dissertation, we develop a general mathematical framework for dealing with impulsive and self-similar processes. We extend the conventional definition of self-similarity to a more generalized sense, based on a proposed quantity called the generalized codifference. Under this framework, we propose a parsimonious constructive model for broadband network traffic, namely the Extended Alternating Fractal Renewal Process (EAFRP). The EAFRP can model individual sessions in network traffic and can capture both traffic impulsiveness and self-similarity. The proposed model enabled us to show, that, despite the existing view that self-similarity is the dominant factor in shaping the principles of high-speed network engineering, impulsiveness is at least as important as self-similarity, most often being more dominant. Assuming seamless connectivity between wireless and wired networks, traffic in wireless networks will have similar characteristics as that of wired networks. High-speed wireless data networks are mostly based on spread spectrum principles, where users share the same frequency range. Interference from other concurrent users is the main factor that affects system performance and limits system capacity. We propose a statistical-physical model to describe the interference generation mechanism, and subsequently obtain the instantaneous and joint statistics of the interference. We show that the interference is impulsive, and furthermore, due to the characteristics of the multimedia traffic, it is self-similar. In the past, the dependence structure of the interference has been overlooked. However, our analysis shows that the consequences of self-similarity can be very severe, and overlooking them can lead to unexpected performance degradation in the receiver.
The Role of GSK3[beta] in the Parvalbumin-Pyramidal Prefrontal Cortex Microcircuit
Authors:   , Monaco Sarah Angela , Gao Wen-Jun , Dougherty Kimberly J.
Published: July 2021

Glycogen synthase kinase 3[beta] (GSK3[beta]), an enzyme classically focused on in the context of metabolism, has gained interest regarding its involvement in psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders largely due to the beneficial effects of lithium, a direct inhibitor of GSK3[beta], administration in both animal research and clinically. Recently GSK3 inhibitors were highlighted as promising rescuers of cognitive impairments for a gamut of CNS disorders. Complex cognitive behaviors regulated by the prefrontal cortex (PFC) depend on an optimal balance of excitation and inhibition (E/I), which is essential for driving computational activity of cortical circuits. Glutamatergic pyramidal neurons mediate the excitatory component, while GABAergic interneurons facilitate inhibition. Growing evidence supports that fast-spiking parvalbumin (PV) interneurons are critical regulators of the E/I balance, shaping and synchronizing excitatory activity that improves clarity through contrast. Furthermore, disruption of either NMDARs or PV-GABAergic neurotransmission is strongly implicated in disorders with cognitive impairments. Albeit, how excitatory receptors on PV interneurons are regulated and how this affects cognitive function remains unknown. Our previous findings support that GSK3[beta] is a promising therapeutic target, leading us to elucidate its role in PV interneurons. To address these questions, we have generated a novel triple-transgenic conditional mouse with GSK3[beta] genetically deleted from PV interneurons. PV-GSK3[beta]-/- resulted in increased excitability and sensitivity to synaptic inputs, as well as augmented excitatory synaptic strength in PV interneurons. PV-GSK3[beta]-/- also demonstrated augmented NMDA functionality in mPFC pyramidal neurons. More importantly, these synaptic changes are correlated with accelerated learning with no changes in locomotion and sociability. Our study, for the first time, examined how GSK3[beta] activity affects learning capability via regulation of PV interneurons. This study provides novel insight into how GSK3[beta] may contribute to the disorders afflicted by cognitive deficits.
INSPIRE.ME
Authors:   , Marconi Amanda , Dion Genevieve , Nicholas Diana S.
Published: July 2021

Disaster events are becoming ever more frequent due to the instability caused by climate change. These catastrophic events lead to a relief process that needs advocacy and improvement. Many people in the United States treat natural disasters as a singular event, forgetting about the help needed by those affected after the initial shock subsides. Sustained response and recovery in which continued efforts are lacking is causing substantial issues for the populations that are affected by these tragedies. Society is left unprepared in the wake of more frequent and more devastating disaster events. This work will focus on the link between human factors, relief systems and disaster operations. Questions include how, when, and who to target in campaigns for extended help. This design research project will take the form of a digital solution, used to connect users through an application on a smartphone or computer. Exploration into the most effective ways to influence people and promote change on a large scale enforces the social media aspect of the application. This digital platform seeks to create a technological framework for single-family users or organizations to use in order to pair up volunteers and users in need, while giving the project owners full control over their initiatives and yield from each project. Money, supplies, services, and support can all be gained through this network of supporters and those in need. This project will not only create a system to inspire lasting, manageable change, but also hope to become a call-to-action, cause a cultural shift in perception of disasters, and create campaigns on behalf of those affected by disasters.
An Integrative Review of Direct and Indirect Pathways for Development of Spoken Language, Through Dance/Movement Therapy
Authors:   , Trivedi Aditi Vipul , Morningstar Dawn
Published: July 2021

The profession of dance/movement therapy (DMT) has not recognized expressive, spoken language as an independent, viable outcome. The presence of only a single published case study on co-treatment of DMT and speech therapy highlights the glaring gap in the existing literature on this topic. While dance/movement therapists are trained to communicate with clients nonverbally, most individuals rely on spoken communication for everyday interactions. Hence, expanding the scope of practice from nonverbal to verbal expression is essential to facilitate generalization of therapeutic gains to settings beyond a DMT session. The purpose of this thesis was to systematically review and integrate literature from DMT and related fields (i.e., music therapy, speech and language therapy, human development, and special education) to understand how DMT could support the development of spoken language. Expressive aspects of spoken communication and a concentration on childhood were chosen as delimitations. An integrative review was undertaken to answer the research question 'What are the pathways through which dance/movement therapy can contribute to interventions for expressive, spoken language?" Following the organization of data into a literature matrix and a thematic analysis of it, four themes were identified: 1. Physiological basis of speech, 2. Cognitive processes involved in expressive, spoken language, 3. Social factors related to expressive, spoken language, and 4. Techniques for intervention. The first three themes indicated a need for bio-psycho-social goals and interventions. Physiological factors such as posture and breath support were recognized as directly addressing speech sound production. Cognitive and social factors including memory, regulation and expression of emotion, turn-taking, joint attention, and reading social cues were found to indirectly target the outcome. A combination of the factors under these themes affects what, when, and how a person chooses to communicate. The literature behind the fourth theme suggested techniques for interventions. Creativity, rhythm, synchrony, scaffolding, and client-directed approaches were found to be prevalent in interventions across multiple fields. These techniques, inherent in DMT, highlight its capacity to address expressive, spoken language as an outcome. Foundational concepts of dance/movement therapy and case vignettes based on clinical work were used to illustrate this argument.